Research Articles in Medicine & Surgery

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.nileuniversity.edu.ng/handle/123456789/100

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Start date: 2020

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 26
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    Value of the Brain and Spinal Injury Center Score in Assessment and Prognosis of Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
    (Neurotrauma Reports, 2024-02-02) Temitope, I.B.; Salman, A.Y.; Mahmud, R.J.; Jimoh, O.K.; Duro, C.D.
    The objective was to assess the severity of neurological injury in acute traumatic spinal cord injury (ATSCI) using the BASIC (Brain and Spinal Injury Center) score, to correlate with the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) grade at admission and at 3 months postinjury in patients managed for ATSCI at National Hospital, Abuja, and thereby validate the novel BASIC score. This was a prospective longitudinal hospital-based study involving consecutive patients diagnosed with ATSCI and managed at the National Hospital, Abuja. Sixty-five participants met the inclusion criteria. Each patient was resuscitated along the Advanced Trauma Life Support protocol, followed by history, neurological examination according to the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI), and AIS grades that were recorded. Magnetic resonance imaging scan of the injured spinal cord was done, and BASIC scores were assigned. Further management was as per the standard. Three months after injury, neurological examination was again carried out based on ISNCSCI and AIS grades assigned. Data were collected, analyzed, and correlated using Excel and SPSS version 23. Means, medians, correlation coefficients, and Fisher’s exact t-tests were determined. p-Value from grade B to C (6.2%), which was statistically significant (p = 0.04). BASIC score correlated moderately with admission AIS grade (p = 0.532). BASIC score also correlated moderately with AIS grade at 3 months postinjury (p = 0.546). BASIC score 4 was best at predicting poor outcome in ATSCI. In conclusion, BASIC score has a moderate correlation with AIS grade in ATSCI and can predict poor outcomes in ATSCI. BASIC score of 4 has the best discriminant value in prognosticating and represents severe SCI.
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    Correlates of Socio-Demographic Variables and Attitude to Condom Use in HIV/AIDS Prevention among Students in Some Selected Nigerian Universities
    (Nigerian Medical Journal | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2020-02-02) Duru, F.I.; Yama, O.E.; Duro, C.D.; Odetola, A.A.; Danboyi, O.T.; Avidime, O.M.; Mohammed, K.A.
    Background: Unprotected heterosexual sexual act has been correlated with unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) especially HIV/AIDS, which still has a high endemicity in Africa. This study aimed to determine the association between socio demographic variables(SDVs),sexual experience, and the use of condom. Setting and Design:This was a cross sectionalstudy comprising 542 undergraduate students, randomly selected from three Nigerian universities. Methodology: Well structured open ended questionnaires were administered to respondents. Bivariate analysis was used to determine the association between SDVs and attitude to condom use and between the SDVs, sexual experience and the use of condom. Data were analyzed using Epi6 6.04 and SPSS 10.0 software packages. Pearson’s Chi square (χ2 ) and Fisher’s exact tests were used as applicable. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Approximately 46% of the respondents were sexually active (consisting of about 71% of those 25–29 years old and 58% of the males [P < 0.001]). About 50.4% had a single sexual partner and 86.7% had “ever used” condom. The most common reasons given for use of condom were prevention of pregnancy (91.7%) and STDs (89.1%). All the SDV except religion significantly (P < 0.05) accounted for the disparity in sexual attitudes of the students. Those aged 25 years and above, males and Tiv tribe were more likely to indulge in sexual activities (P < 0.001). More females (98%) compared to males (83%) had ever used condom in their sexual experience (P = 0.010), while there was no significant association between any of the SDVs and use of condom in the last sexual exposure (P > 0.05). Conclusion: SDVs play a role in determining the attitude of students towards condom use and sexual experiences. Programs regarding sexual and reproductive health including safe sex education especially among young Nigerian students should be developed or strengthened.
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    Child Survival Strategy
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Isabella, Damilola Oluwademilade; Osaze-Ogedegbe, Adaora Radiance
    This paper examines child survival strategies, focusing on interventions designed to reduce morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age. It highlights UNICEF’s framework and the GOBIFFFETH approach, which includes growth monitoring, oral rehydration therapy, breastfeeding, immunization, female education, family planning, food fortification, environmental protection, essential drug provision, treatment of common ailments, and health education. The paper discusses national and global policies such as the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) and Integrated Community Case Management (ICCM), as well as the role of health systems, government, and community-based interventions in improving child survival outcomes. Challenges such as inadequate funding, limited healthcare access, socio-economic barriers, and political instability are also analyzed. The conclusion emphasizes that investing in child survival is a moral and developmental imperative, requiring collaboration across governments, health systems, and communities to secure sustainable progress in reducing under-five mortality.
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    Diarrhoeal Disease
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Sule, Alhassan Rakiya; Adamu, Hamida
    Diarrhoea is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by the passage of frequent loose or watery stools, with significant implications for global health. While often self-limiting, severe diarrhoea can result in life-threatening dehydration, malnutrition, and impaired growth, particularly in children under five, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. This review explores the definition, mechanisms, aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of diarrhoeal disease. It highlights infectious and non-infectious causes, including viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens, as well as functional and systemic disorders. Management focuses on fluid and electrolyte replacement, nutritional support, and targeted therapies such as antibiotics, probiotics, and zinc supplementation. Preventive strategies, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, rotavirus and cholera vaccination, breastfeeding, and community education, are emphasized as critical tools to reduce incidence and mortality. Special considerations for vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients, are discussed. Despite advances in prevention and treatment, diarrhoea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, underscoring the need for integrated health strategies to break the cycle of infection, malnutrition, and death.
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    Diphtheria
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Shehu, Ahmad Bala; Lawal, Sakinatu; Uhuo, Emmanuela
    Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially fatal infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets and, less commonly, contaminated fomites or skin contact. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, diphtheria persists as a global health challenge, especially in regions with poor vaccination coverage and disrupted healthcare systems. This review highlights the epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of diphtheria, with a particular focus on recent outbreaks in Nigeria and other conflict-affected regions. The diphtheria toxin plays a central role in disease progression, causing local airway obstruction and systemic complications such as myocarditis, neuritis, and renal failure. Treatment relies on the prompt administration of diphtheria antitoxin, antibiotic therapy, and supportive care. Prevention through immunization remains the cornerstone of control, yet challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, inadequate healthcare access, and limited availability of antitoxin complicate eradication efforts. Strengthening vaccination programs, enhancing surveillance, and addressing systemic barriers are essential for reducing the burden of diphtheria and preventing future outbreaks.
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    Ebola Virus
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Lawal, Sakinatu; Oranwusi, Emmanuel; Ibrahim, Abdul-Azeez O.
    Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a highly lethal infectious disease caused by the Ebola virus, with mortality rates ranging from 25% to 90%. First identified in 1976, EVD has emerged as a major public health threat, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is transmitted through contact with infected animals and humans, with outbreaks often exacerbated by limited healthcare infrastructure. Nigeria experienced a notable outbreak in 2014, which highlighted the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in resource limited settings. This review explores the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of EVD, emphasizing Nigeria’s experience and response. It underscores the importance of surveillance, public awareness, supportive care, vaccination, and international collaboration in mitigating the impact of future outbreaks.
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    A Review of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Nigeria
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Oranwusi, Emmanuel; Ibrahim, Abdul-Azeez O.
    Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a critical global health challenge, with Nigeria bearing one of the heaviest burdens in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prevention strategies, approximately 1.9 million people in Nigeria are living with HIV as of 2020. The virus, transmitted primarily through unprotected sexual contact, mother-to-child transmission, and contaminated needles, progressively impairs the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if untreated. This review examines the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV, with a particular focus on its impact in Nigeria. Persistent challenges such as stigma, limited access to ART, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic barriers continue to undermine effective control. Strengthening surveillance, expanding ART access, promoting public education, and achieving UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets are essential to mitigating the epidemic’s impact and advancing toward ending AIDS as a public health threat.
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    Breastfeeding
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Franklin, Favour; Oranwusi, Emmanuel; Wunti, Maryam Jibrin
    This paper provides a comprehensive overview of breastfeeding, emphasizing its nutritional, emotional, psychological, and socio-economic importance for both mother and child. It highlights various breastfeeding positions, the nutritional and immunological benefits of breast milk, and the long-term health outcomes for infants and mothers. The study explores challenges associated with breastfeeding, including anatomical, physiological, and societal barriers, as well as the role of breast milk substitutes when necessary. Furthermore, it discusses the global perspective and initiatives by the WHO and UNICEF to promote exclusive breastfeeding through the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. The conclusion reinforces breastfeeding as a natural, cost-effective, and vital practice that requires societal support, education, and healthcare policies to ensure its sustainability and universal adoption.
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    A Review of Child Health
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Wunti,Maryam Jibrin; Oranwusi, Emmanuel
    This paper provides an in-depth exploration of child health, highlighting the key determinants that influence physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development from birth through adolescence. It discusses biological, environmental, and socio-economic factors, while also addressing the importance of growth monitoring, nutrition, and developmental milestones. The paper reviews common childhood diseases, both infectious and non-communicable, as well as the role of immunization and preventive care in reducing morbidity and mortality. Further, it emphasizes the significance of mental health, environmental determinants, and child health in emergency situations. National and global health initiatives, including the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), are examined as frameworks for improving child health outcomes. The conclusion underscores the need for investment, policy development, and community involvement to safeguard child health as a foundation for future societal well-being.
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    Cholera
    (NUMSA International Journal of Medicine and Health Education, 2025-02-02) Rakiya, Sule Alhassan; Eniola, Adejumo; Bassey, Imaobong; Agan, Grace Ripeh
    Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, transmitted primarily through contaminated water and food. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cholera, tracing its historical pandemics, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations. It highlights the global and local burden of cholera, with emphasis on recurrent outbreaks in Nigeria, where poor sanitation, flooding, and limited healthcare infrastructure exacerbate transmission and mortality. The discussion explores diagnostic methods, treatment strategies such as oral rehydration therapy, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics, alongside preventive measures including vaccination, improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. The paper further examines global efforts to combat cholera, notably the WHO’s “Ending Cholera: A Global Roadmap to 2030,” and outlines challenges such as climate change, vaccine shortages, and weak healthcare systems. Despite advances in treatment and prevention, cholera remains a major public health threat, necessitating coordinated interventions, strengthened surveillance, and sustained global commitment to reduce mortality and achieve long-term control.