Background Breast cancer is a major health burden in Nigeria, particularly in Northwestern Nigeria, where it accounts for approximately 25% of all female cancer diagnoses. Beyond its physical effects, breast cancer is associated with substantial psychological distress—including depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)—which negatively impacts quality of life, treatment adherence, and overall outcomes. Social support plays a protective role by buffering psychological distress; however, its influence among breast cancer patients in Northwestern Nigeria remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the impact of social support on depression and GAD among women with breast cancer in this region. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study involved 240 female breast cancer patients attending various oncology clinics. Depression and GAD were evaluated using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), while social support was assessed with the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3). Descriptive statistics were computed, and associations between social support, depression, and GAD were evaluated using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Variables with significant bivariate associations were entered into a binary logistic regression model to identify independent predictors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Participants with poor social support experienced significantly higher rates of depression (p = 0.012) and GAD (p = 0.04). Logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that poor social support was an independent predictor of both conditions, significantly increasing the likelihood of depression and GAD among breast cancer patients. Conclusion Poor social support is strongly associated with increased rates of depression and GAD among women with breast cancer in Northwestern Nigeria. Strengthening social support systems may serve as an important intervention to improve the psychological well-being and overall treatment outcomes of this population.
Context Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) is a highly variable disease in which the steady state is periodically interrupted by crises. Understanding factors associated with the steady state can help early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of SCA patients, especially in resource-poor settings. Aim To identify haematological and biochemical factors associated with steady state in adult SCA patients. Settings and Design A descriptive cross-sectional study involving adult SCA patients in steady state at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). Materials and Methods Clinical information was obtained using structured questionnaires and case files. Haematological parameters: Haematocrit White blood cell (WBC) count Platelet count Foetal haemoglobin (HbF) Biochemical parameters: Total bilirubin Direct bilirubin Indirect bilirubin Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Significance level: P < 0.05. Results Sample size: 100 SCA patients in steady state Age range: 18–43 years Gender distribution: 78 females Male-to-female ratio: 1:3.5 Mean age at diagnosis: 45 months Mean Haematological Values Haematocrit: 23.4 ± 4.5% WBC: 12.1 ± 3.6 × 10⁹/L Platelet count: 366.1 ± 131 × 10⁹/L HbF: 7.5 ± 4.3% Mean Biochemical Values Total bilirubin: 23.7 ± 18.7 µmol/L Direct bilirubin: 9.7 ± 11.3 µmol/L Indirect bilirubin: 14.0 ± 12.2 µmol/L AST: 44.9 ± 19.0 U/L ALT: 28.8 ± 11.6 U/L Significant Differences Only HbF showed significant gender differences (p = 0.003). Conclusion The study identified the following as factors associated with steady state in SCA patients: Moderate anaemia Elevated WBC and platelet counts Raised total bilirubin Increased AST and ALT Elevated HbF Clinicians should consider these findings when evaluating and managing SCA patients.
Background Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity globally, particularly in Africa. Despite clinic attendance and treatment, many hypertensive patients experience suboptimal blood pressure (BP) control. In Nigeria, hypertension is associated with high rates of multi-organ complications. Understanding the profiles of patients with uncontrolled hypertension is crucial for optimizing management strategies. Objective To describe the socio-demographic and clinical profile of hypertensive outpatients with uncontrolled blood pressure despite regular follow-up and instituted treatment. Methods A consecutive sampling of 78 registered hypertensive patients was conducted. Inclusion criteria were: Diagnosed with hypertension ≥6 months prior to recruitment Clinic BP ≥140/90 mmHg on at least two consecutive visits Participants were recruited as part of an ongoing interventional study. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire that incorporated the Hillbone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Scale. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed. Results Gender distribution: 66.7% female (n = 52), 33.3% male (n = 26) Mean age: 54.3 ± 11.48 years Education: 62.3% had post-secondary education, 6.5% had no formal education Marital status: 80% married Income: Most earned above the Nigerian minimum wage Mean initial BP: 143.92/89.21 mmHg (SBP range: 93–185, DBP range: 61.5–136) Obesity: 40.3% of respondents Lifestyle: Low prevalence of alcohol and tobacco use Medication adherence: 71.4% adherent A significant positive correlation was observed between poorer medication adherence and higher diastolic blood pressure (R = 2.57, p = 0.024). Conclusion Even patients with good medication adherence may exhibit suboptimal BP control. Physicians should recognize the patterns of uncontrolled hypertension regardless of favorable sociodemographic or clinical profiles and implement appropriate interventions to optimize management.
Background Assessment of surgical outcomes following unilateral cleft lip repair may be incomplete without comparison with matched non-cleft controls from the same ethno-racial group, as nasal morphology varies across populations. Evaluating nasolabial symmetry in this context provides a more accurate understanding of reconstructive success. Aim To compare the nasolabial symmetry of children with repaired unilateral complete cleft lip—with or without palate involvement—with matched non-cleft controls in Kano, Nigeria. Methods This prospective comparative study assessed nasolabial symmetry in children who had undergone repair of a unilateral complete cleft lip and matched non-cleft children. Nasal parameters measured included nostril width, nostril height, and alar base width. Labial parameters included vertical lip height, vertical philtral height, horizontal lip length, and vermilion height. Data were analyzed using the independent sample t-test. Results Comparison between cleft and non-cleft participants showed that only vermilion height demonstrated no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.184, p = 0.790). All other nasal and labial parameters differed significantly, indicating persistent asymmetry despite surgical repair. Conclusion Following surgical repair of unilateral complete cleft lip in Kano, notable differences remain in several nasolabial parameters when compared with non-cleft peers. Cleft surgeons are encouraged to consider ethnic and regional norms of facial morphology during surgical planning to optimize aesthetic outcomes.
Context Divorce is one of the recognized ways of dissolving marriages. Evidence from existing literature—predominantly from Western settings—indicates that divorced women experience higher rates of psychiatric illnesses compared to their married counterparts. However, the mental health status of divorced women remains under-researched in many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. This study examined the prevalence and pattern of psychiatric illnesses among divorced women in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among divorced and married women in Kano. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to screen for mental ill health. Participants who scored ≥4 on the GHQ-12, as well as 10% of those who scored <4, subsequently underwent assessment using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI 6.0.0). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Chi-square test was used to determine associations between marital status and psychiatric diagnoses. Results A total of 300 women aged 15–60 years participated (150 divorced, 150 married). Psychiatric illness was significantly more prevalent among divorced women (58.7%) than married women (34.7%), p < 0.001, with an odds ratio of 2.7 (1.7–4.3). Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) was the most common diagnosis—25.3% among divorced women and 18.0% among married women—followed by depression (23.3% vs. 10.7%, respectively). Comorbid GAD with depression was also more frequent among divorced women (10.0%) compared to married women (6.0%) (p < 0.001). Conclusion Psychiatric illnesses were significantly more common among divorced women than married women in Kano. GAD was the most prevalent diagnosis, followed by depression and comorbid GAD with depression. Public health interventions are needed to address the mental health needs of divorced women, with emphasis on screening, early diagnosis, and psychosocial support.
