Access to contraceptive services during the COVID-19 pandemic: clients' perspective at primary health care level from India, Nigeria and Tanzania.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the provision of sexual and reproductive health services, including contraceptive and family planning (FP) services. The World Health Organization conducted a multi-country study in India, Nigeria and Tanzania to assess the impact of the pandemic on the health system's capacity to provide contraceptive and FP services. In this paper, we share the results of a qualitative study aimed at understanding clients' perspectives at the primary healthcare level on accessing contraceptive services in COVID-19-affected areas in the three aforementioned countries.

Cystic Echinococcosis and Taenia spp. Infections in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence and Geographical Distribution.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) and Taenia spp. infections are major zoonotic helminthiases with substantial public health and economic burdens, particularly in endemic regions. Despite their classification as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), these tapeworm infections remain understudied in Nigeria.

Alzheimer disease is (sometimes) highly heritable: Drivers of variation in heritability estimates for binary traits, a systematic review.

Estimating heritability has been fundamental in understanding the genetic contributions to complex disorders like late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) and provides a rationale for identifying genetic factors associated with disease susceptibility. While numerous studies have established substantial genetic contribution for LOAD, the interpretation of heritability estimates remains challenging. These challenges are further complicated by the binary nature of LOAD status, where estimation and interpretation require additional considerations.

Correlates of hand grip strength in a cohort of older Nigerian Africans: Findings from the population-based VALIANT project.

Previous evidence suggests there are racial, genetic, and geographic differences in hand grip strength (HGS) underlying the need to define population-specific normative values and their determinants. We determined the normative values of HGS and investigated its correlates in an urban community sample in Nigeria. We assessed 607 participants from the Vascular heAlth, fraiLty, and cognItion in Ageing Nigerians sTudy [VALIANT] - a population-based cohort of 1031 older persons in Ibadan, a city in Southwestern Nigeria.

Sex differences in the prevalence of high-risk oral and anal human papillomavirus infections among heterosexually active populations in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Purpose: To determine sex differences in the prevalence of oral and anal high-risk HPV infections among heterosexually active males and females in Ibadan.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis from the Sexual Behavior and HPV Infections in Nigerians in Ibadan (SHINI) study that involved sexually active males and females aged 18-45 years. After a face-to-face interview, samples were collected from the mouth, cervix, vulva, and anus by a sex-matched trained nurse.

FDA approves Veozah (Fezolinetant) for menopausal symptoms: a new nonhormonal option.

Menopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flashes and night sweats, significantly impact the quality of life for many women. While hormone therapy remains a standard treatment, it is not suitable for all patients due to contraindications, safety concerns, or personal preferences. Fezolinetant (Veozah), a non-hormonal neurokinin-3 receptor (NK3R) antagonist, has emerged as a novel alternative for managing moderate to severe menopausal VMS.

Emphasizing the role of cardiothoracic surgeons within the global health context: a call to action.

Introduction: Worldwide, cardiovascular thoracic diseases (ischemic heart diseases) are the second most common global cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs. Globally, 17 million lives are lost annually, and 80% occur in LMICs as a result of CVD, and 75% of the world lacks access to cardiac surgery with some regions (Sub-Saharan Africa) having 0.07 pediatric cardiac surgeons and 0.

Mental health disorders among people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol.

Background: The mental health of people living with HIV (PLWH) is a growing concern globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where there is limited access to mental healthcare, with evidence showing high levels of depression, anxiety and neurocognitive disorders among this population. While Mental Health Disorders (MHDs) can impede HIV care and promote adverse health outcomes, there is limited literature on MHDs among PLWH. This scoping review will explore the existing literature on the burden and factors associated with MHDs among adults living with HIV in SSA.

Asthma-Related ED Visits Among Children in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Associated Factors Using the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), 2006-2020.

Background Asthma remains a leading cause of ED visits among children in the United States. Despite clinical advancements, disparities in asthma care and control persist, particularly among socioeconomically and racially marginalized populations. Objective This study examines trends and sociodemographic factors associated with asthma-related ED visits in children using data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) from 2006 to 2020.

Association Between Iron Deficiency Without Anemia and Cognitive Impairment in Children.

Background: Iron deficiency without anemia is a potentially serious, under-recognized nutritional problem that may adversely influence children's cognitive and behavioral development. Although the connection is supported globally, there is a lack of localized studies in Pakistan. This research investigates the relationship between iron deficiency without anemia and cognitive-behavioral problems in Pakistani children aged 5-18.

The CHESS Protocol: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of an HPV Screening Intervention for Women Living With HIV in Nigeria.

Objectives: In this protocol, we describe a planned intervention to adapt the Mother Mentor (MoMent) peer support program for women living with HIV (WLWH). WLWH face a six-fold higher risk of cervical cancer, yet screening and treatment rates remain low in Nigeria.

Methods: Using an implementation science approach, we will engage key stakeholders-including ministries of health, NACA, professional bodies, WLWH, Mentor Mothers, healthcare providers, and development partners (e.

Prevalence of African Horse Sickness Virus Antibodies in Horses and Selected Wildlife in Four Geographical Regions of Nigeria.

African horse sickness (AHS) is a severe, infectious arthropod-borne disease of equids caused by the AHS virus (AHSV). It is endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa, and several sporadic outbreaks of the disease have been reported in Nigeria in the past 5 decades. Following a recent outbreak of the disease in Lagos State, this study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of (AHSV) antibodies in apparently healthy horses and some selected wildlife sampled in four geographical regions of Nigeria.

Open defaecation and hygiene practices in relation to Soil-Transmitted Helminths in the advent of Mass Drug Administration in Ona-Ara, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STHs) infections are one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in tropical Africa and have been targeted for possible elimination in the year 2030. This study was conducted between August 2022 and July 2023 in Ona-Ara Local Government Area (LGA), Ibadan, Nigeria, to investigate the effects of Open Defaecation (OD), Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices on STHs status in the advent of mass drug administration in the communities. 450 structured questionnaires covering demographics (age, sex), and WASH practices were given to consenting participants.

Joint analysis of phenotypic and molecular data for genetic diversity assessment in extra-early orange maize (Zea Mays L.).

Background: Maize is one of the most important cereals in the world. To maximize the potential of hybrids from heterosis, knowledge of genetic diversity is crucial. This study aimed to examine the population structure and genetic diversity of new extra-early elite orange maize inbred lines of the IITA-Maize Improvement Program using phenotypic and genome-wide SNP markers.

Cultivating an equity-oriented data sharing culture for African health research initiatives.

We propose a roadmap for promoting a data-sharing culture in African health research governed by data justice and solidarity. This framework integrates dynamic consent, equitable benefit-sharing, reciprocity, data custodianship, controlled access infrastructures, and data sovereignty

Hypertension burden and associated risk factors among people from the slums in a developing country: evidence from the COMBAT-CVD study.

Hypertension remains a public health problem worldwide, particularly in Africa, where the burden is disproportionately high. However, little is known about the burden and factors associated with hypertension among populations living in slums, particularly in Sub-Saharan African countries like Nigeria, where a significant proportion of the population in Africa lives. This study assessed the hypertension burden and risk factors among individuals residing in the slums compared to the overall sample and those from the non-slum areas in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of Ganoderma lucidum against selected bacteria and fungi of medical importance.

Ganoderma lucidum is a rapidly growing mushroom, wood-colonizing fungus belonging to the phylum Basidiomycota. G. lucidum exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial and anticancer activities.

Knowledge and determinants of Mpox and infection prevention and control practices among primary health care workers in Osun State, Nigeria.

Introduction: Mpox is one of the emerging global health challenges in Nigeria. Consequently, this study assessed the knowledge and determinants of Mpox and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices among primary healthcare workers (HCWs) in Osun State, Nigeria.

Methods: A survey of 429 HCWs from 36 PHC facilities in Osun State was conducted between May and August 2023.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Risk Factors for Dehydration and the Development of a Predictive Scoring System.

Dehydration is a prevalent and potentially serious condition, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children and older adults. Prompt recognition and intervention are critical for preventing associated complications. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024594780), to identify key clinical and demographic risk factors associated with dehydration.

Nanopore Sequencing-Driven Mapping of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Selected Isolates from Pigs and Poultry Layers in Nigeria.

Despite the huge burden of deaths associated with or attributable to antimicrobial resistance, studies on sequencing based antimicrobial resistance (AMR) monitoring in Africa are scarce, specifically in the animal sector. Objective and Methods: With a view to deploy rapid AMR monitoring through leveraging advanced technologies, in the current study, nanopore sequencing was performed with 10 strains isolated from rectal swabs of pigs and poultry layers in Nigeria. Two sequence analysis methods including command line, where bacterial genomes were assembled, and subsequently antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were detected through online databases, and EPI2ME, an integrated cloud-based data analysis platform with MinION, was used to detect ARGs.

Lassa fever in West Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of attack rates, case fatality rates and risk factors.

Background: Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease endemic to West Africa, with Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia bearing the greatest burden. Despite repeated outbreaks and rising incidence, a regional synthesis of epidemiologic indicators remains lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate pooled attack rates (proportion of a population affected during an outbreak), case fatality rates (CFRs), and identify consistent risk factors associated with Lassa fever in West Africa.

Exploring global calcimimetics research trends: a systematic and thematic review of Web of Science and Scopus databases from 1997 to 2024.

Background: Calcimimetics are a group of medications that increase the sensitivity of the calcium receptors to extracellular calcium ions and inhibit the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the global trends in the publication of articles on calcimimetics through bibliometric analysis of the Web of Science and Scopus databases, as well as to identify the most highly cited articles from 1997 to 2024.

Methods: Systematic and thematic analyses were performed to provide substantial insights into calcimimetic research.