Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Learning and Teaching in Medical Education by Dr. Salami Sule, FMCPH, MMEd.","authors":"Simeon Isezuo","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_549_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_549_25","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"156-157"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Priming with Atracurium or Pancuronium on the Onset Time of Pancuronium in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia for Elective Surgery: A Randomised Controlled Trial.","authors":"Thankgod Chukwunnonso Okonkwo, Tinuola Abiodun Adigun, Olusola Kayode Idowu","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_306_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_306_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Suxamethonium, a rapid-acting muscle relaxant, has been conventionally preferred during rapid sequence induction (RSI). The priming principle, which uses non-depolarising muscle relaxants, is an alternative in situations where it is contraindicated. Unfortunately, its efficacy has not been sufficiently documented in Nigerian patients.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>The study aimed to use atracurium and pacuronium to evaluate the efficacy of the priming principle.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this randomised controlled trial, ninety adults undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated into three equal groups. Group A (Atracurium), Group P (Pancuronium) and Group C (control) received 0.05 mg/kg atracurium, 0.01 mg/kg pancuronium and 1 ml saline, respectively, as the priming agent. Three minutes after, anaesthesia was induced with 2 mg/kg propofol and then the intubating dose of pancuronium administered. The onset time of neuromuscular block, intubating condition and occurrence of muscle weakness during the priming interval were noted. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25, and a P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean onset time in Groups A, P and C was 215.7 ± 59.9 s, 237.1 ± 76.5 s and 265.8 ± 72.0 s, respectively, P = 0.024. Post hoc analysis showed that the onset time was only significant between Groups A and C (P = 0.02). The intubating condition was comparable in all groups (P = 0.25). The incidence of muscle weakness during the priming interval was 6.67% in the priming groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In adults, priming with atracurium but not pancuronium shortens the onset time of pancuronium. However, during RSI, where a fast onset is crucial, the shortened onset time with priming is not clinically relevant.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"52-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Predictors of Rapid Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Decline in Patients with Non-albuminuric Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Single-centre Retrospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Priya Rani, Shankar Prasad Nagaraju, Shilna Muttickal Swaminathan, Mohan Varadanayakanahalli Bhojaraja, Attur Ravindra Prabhu, Dharshan Rangaswamy, Indu Ramachandra Rao, Srinivas Vinayak Shenoy","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_341_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_341_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Non-albuminuric diabetic kidney disease (NADKD) is increasingly recognised and strongly associated with heightened cardiovascular risk and rapid decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This single-centre retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the prevalence of NADKD, characterise clinical and laboratory features, assess microvascular and macrovascular complication rates and identify predictors of rapid progression.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study analysed 44 NADKD patients from January 2018 to 2022, excluding chronic kidney disease stage 5, albuminuric DKD and <6 months of follow-up. The primary outcome was the prevalence and profile of rapid progressors (eGFR fall of >5 mL/min/1.73 m2/year) in NADKD and secondary outcomes were the onset of microvascular and macrovascular complications and risk factors for rapid progression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median 1-year follow-up showed rapid eGFR drop in 36.4% of patients, with a median yearly decline of 8.0 mL/min/1.73 m2/year (Interquartile range [IQR]: 6.2-12.1) compared to 1.0 mL/min/1.73 m2/year (IQR: 0.5-1.8) in non-progressors (P < 0.001). Presence of hypertension (P = 0.04), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (P = 0.03), dyslipidaemia (P = 0.02) and acute kidney injury (AKI) incidents (P = 0.01), as well as the incidence of diabetic retinopathy (P = 0.01) and CVD (P = 0.04), were reported to be higher in rapid progressors. Rapid eGFR reduction was independently predicted by hypertension (Odds ratio [OR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-4.8), CVD (OR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.8-4.7, P = 0.01) in multivariate analysis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>One-third of NADKD were rapid progressors, and the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia, CVD, AKI episodes and incidence of diabetic retinopathy was higher in rapid progressors. Hypertension and CVD were found to be strong predictors for rapid eGFR decline.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"38-43"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating Focal Hepatic Lesions with Triple Phase Contrast Computed Tomography: A Prospective Observational Study.","authors":"Arjun Mittal, Ramchandra Rayappa Kumbhar","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_105_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_105_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Detection and characterisation of focal liver lesions (FLLs) remain challenging. Computed tomography (CT) provides crucial information on lesion number, location, nature and growth dynamics of FLLs over time.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study evaluated the use of contrast-enhanced triple-phase CT (TPCT) amongst patients with suspected FLLs in a tertiary hospital setting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a prospective, observational study. Patients with clinically suspected FLL or prior history of FLLs who underwent contrast-enhanced TPCT scans at the tertiary care centre between June 2022 and November 2023 were enrolled. Descriptive statistics were used for presenting study outcomes. Biopsy was performed selectively, particularly for representative lesions (up to 2 in number) in patients with multiple FLLs. Where histopathology was not feasible, diagnoses were confirmed through a composite reference standard. The accuracy and adequacy of TPCT in the diagnosis of FLLs were also evaluated. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eighty patients were enrolled, the mean age was 54.1 ± 12.14 years and most were males (61.3%). Of the 299 FLLs, 154 were benign, while 145 were malignant. Metastases and haemangiomas were the most commonly identified malignant and benign lesions, respectively. The FLLs were categorised as hypovascular (59%) and hypervascular (41%). TPCT showed 100% sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing abscesses, cysts, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and focal nodular hyperplasia. The specificity for diagnosing all cases was 100%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study further validates the significance of TPCT in assessing FLLs and characterising focal liver abnormalities across various pathological scenarios and stages of the disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"58-63"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Prevalence of Low Back Pain among Female Hospital Staff at Childbearing Age in Kurdistan Region, Iraq.","authors":"Ajeen Kamal Khalid, Mohammed Tahir Rasool","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_132_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_132_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Low back pain (LBP) in low- and middle-income countries has received less attention.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To identify the prevalence of low back pain and associated factors in female hospital staff.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We included 320 female hospital staff in a tertiary medical setting in the Kurdistan Region.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study involved 320 participants aged 18-45 years, included doctors (37.19%), nurses (19.06%), administrative staff (11.88%) and others (31.88%). It found that 75% experienced LBP in the past year, with 60% reporting pain lasting 7-12 months. Pain severity was mostly mild (44.58%) or moderate (35%), and 80.83% experienced occasional pain. LBP interfered with daily activities for 45.42% of participants. Work-related factors contributing to LBP included prolonged standing (61.88%), sitting (39.38%), repetitive bending (22.19%), awkward postures (16.25%), crouching (16.25%) and stooping (16.25%). Those aged 31-35 are more likely to experience LBP than those aged 18-25 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.82; P = 0.0453) along with married individuals (OR: 2.34; P = 0.0136), doctors (OR: 3.06; P = 0.0136) and nurses (OR: 2.29; P = 0.0136), and healthcare workers (HCWs) compared to non-HCWs (81.67% vs. 66.43%; P = 0.0018). Evening or rotating shifts (OR: 8.23; P = 0.002) and awkward postures (OR: 2.41; P = 0.0358) also increased risk. Regular breaks reduced LBP likelihood (OR: 0.36; P = 0.0360), whereas a pregnancy history raised it (OR: 2.03; P = 0.0097).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The female hospital staff had a high prevalence of LBP, linked to increasing age, being an HCW, working evening or rotating shifts and involving inappropriate postures.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"125-133"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145888293","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Determinants of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at a Tertiary Health Facility in Lagos, Nigeria.","authors":"Olayinka Comfort Senbanjo, Fatimat Motunrayo Akinlusi, Kabiru Afolarin Rabiu","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_117_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_117_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major public health concern worldwide.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aimed to determine its current prevalence and identify contributing factors among pregnant women attending a health facility in Lagos, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary health facility in Lagos, Nigeria, involving 400 consenting pregnant women with a gestational age of 24-28 weeks. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and obstetric history were collected. Participants underwent fasting plasma glucose and oral glucose tolerance tests, consuming 75 g of glucose in 300 ml of water. Glucose levels were measured using the oxidase-peroxidase method, and GDM was diagnosed according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups/World Health Organization (IADPSG/WHO 2013) criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 51 years, with a mean age of 31.0 ± 5.3 years. A total of 76 participants met the IADPSG/WHO 2013 criteria, resulting in a GDM prevalence of 19.0%. The identified significant risk factors for GDM included macrosomia (χ2 = 4.33, P = 0.037), family history of diabetes (χ2 = 4.4, P = 0.036), previous miscarriages (χ2 = 15.8, P = 0.001) and congenital anomalies (χ2 = 6.4, P = 0.011). Notably, having previously delivered a macrosomic baby was independently and significantly associated with GDM (odds ratio 4.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.08-16.9, P = 0.039).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The high prevalence of GDM underscores the need to screen all pregnant women, particularly those with a history of macrosomia. Larger and longitudinal studies are encouraged to identify other relevant factors that could aid in effectively screening and identifying all affected pregnant women.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"103-110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sex-specific Anthropometric Variations and the Influence of Central Obesity on Thyroid Hormone Regulation: A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Laimayum Amarnath Sharma, Jeneth Karmakar, Khuraijam Ranendra, Md Ziaul Haque, Loushambam Samananda Singh","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_375_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_375_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Thyroid hormones, namely triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), serve as pivotal regulators of energy metabolism and are subject to variation based on sex and adiposity.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aimed to elucidate the function of thyroid hormones in metabolic regulation and potential for clinical applications.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was performed at the Department of Physiology, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, from September 2023 to June 2024, involving 168 healthy adults aged 20-60 years. Anthropometric parameters such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were assessed. Serum concentrations of TSH, T3 and T4 were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Participants were categorised according to BMI (normal, overweight and obese), WC and WHR thresholds established by World Health Organisation and Asian Indian criteria. Statistical evaluations employed t-tests, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation, with significance established at P < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Males demonstrated larger body size compared to females, with no significant difference observed in BMI and thyroid hormones. Increased BMI, WC and WHR correlated with higher serum levels of TSH and T3 levels, while T4 showed minimal variation. Strong positive correlations were found between BMI and TSH (r = 0.46, P = 0.00) and T3 (r = 0.60, P = 0.00) across the total cohort.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This investigation demonstrates a significant correlation between adiposity markers and higher thyroid hormone concentrations, notably TSH and T3, indicating adaptive mechanisms to increased fat mass. These results highlight the necessity of taking into account for sex-specific anthropometric variations and central obesity metrics such as WHR in assessing thyroid function.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"146-150"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antiphospholipid Antibodies in In vitro Fertilisation: Pathogenesis, Implantation Failure and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies.","authors":"Ananya Parida, Nancy Nair, Rajasi Sengupta, Aarya Lele","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_112_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_112_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Infertility, defined as an inability to get pregnant following 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse, is a significant problem, and 15% is unexplained. Autoimmune conditions such as anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus cause infertility by altering implantation by thrombophilic mechanisms and immune derangement. Despite progress in assisted reproductive technologies, implantation failure continues to be a strong hindrance, determined by maternal health, immune tolerance and endometrial receptivity. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) compromise trophoblast function, enhance thrombosis risk and account for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) failure, recurrent pregnancy loss and pregnancy complications. A review of 45 peer-reviewed articles published over the past 8 years was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. MeSH terms used were 'antiphospholipid syndrome', 'in vitro fertilization', and 'infertility'. Non-English publications, case reports, editorials and conference abstracts were not included. Results suggest that APS and aPL inhibit implantation due to trophoblast malfunction, inflammation and thrombosis, causing infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. In IVF, aPL correlates with reduced rates of implantation and live birth, with various subtypes of antibodies predicting adverse outcomes. Traditional therapies such as low-dose aspirin and low-molecular-weight heparin are routine, whereas novel therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulin, rituximab and eculizumab hold promise for resistant disease. Due to the inconclusive effect of aPL on IVF success, individualised risk stratification and focused anticoagulation regimens are important for maximising reproductive outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"151-155"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Plyometric Training on Neuromuscular Function after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Meta-analysis of Multi-dimensional Outcomes.","authors":"Feng Hao, Izwan Zuhrin Bin Abdul Malek, Mohd Zaidi Bin Saleh, Johan Bin Abdul Kahar","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_348_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_348_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neuromuscular deficits persist after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), limiting functional recovery and increasing re-injury risk. Plyometric training (PLYO) may address these gaps, but its multi-dimensional efficacy remains unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of on neuromuscular function across subjective outcomes, limb symmetry, strength and dynamic balance in ACLR patients. Following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO), 7 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from PubMed/EMBASE/MEDLINE/CENTRAL/Scopus/Web of Science (up to June 2025). Random-effects meta-analyses synthesised standardised mean differences (SMDs) or mean differences (MDs) for the key outcomes. Evidence certainty was assessed using GRADE. A total of 267 patients were included across studies. Plyometric training significantly enhanced quadriceps strength (Peak Torque: 12.06; 3.65-20.57) and overall LSI gains were clinically marginal (8.2%; 0.51-15.89). Subjective function showed inconsistent effects, with benefits linked to longer training duration (β = 0.78) and athletic populations (β = 0.65). Dynamic balance demonstrated no significant overall effect (2.90; -1.88-7.67). Plyometric training enhances strength and complex task symmetry post-ACLR, but effects on subjective function and dynamic balance are task-and population-specific. Rehabilitation programmes should prioritise individualised PLYO protocols targeting advanced neuromuscular demands. Evidence certainty was 'very low' per GRADE, urging higher-quality RCTs.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Environmental Noise on Hearing Threshold in Soundproof and Non Soundproof Booths amongst Mine Workers in Rajasthan India - A Cross sectional Comparative Study.","authors":"Subroto Shambhu Nandi, Nitishkumar Dhirajlal Tank, Shilpa V Ingole, Sarang V Dhatrak","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_182_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_182_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In many industrial dispensaries, audiometric testing is often conducted in small, enclosed rooms, where ambient noise exceeds the maximum permissible ambient noise level (MPANL). This environmental noise can interfere with accurate audiometric testing, leading to overestimated hearing thresholds and false-positive diagnoses of hearing impairments.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study aimed to compare audiometric results obtained in soundproof booths versus field settings with ambient noise and to assess the impact of environmental noise on hearing threshold assessments in the occupational settings.</p><p><strong>Subject and methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 164 mine workers in Rajasthan, India. Audiometric tests were performed using a portable calibrated audiometer across frequencies ranging from 0.5 kHz to 8 kHz. Each participant underwent two audiometric assessments: One in a soundproof booth adhering to standards and the other in a field setting with ambient noise. Background noise levels were measured using a sound-level meter. Hearing impairment was determined based on the average hearing threshold across all the tested frequencies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The soundproof booth maintained acceptable background noise levels (International Organisation for Standardisation 8253-1:2010), while the field noise exceeded the MPANL. The mean hearing threshold differences between the booth and field conditions were statistically significant for all frequencies (P < 0.0001). The largest difference was at 0.5 kHz (21.22 dB) and the smallest at 4 kHz (7.52 dB). In the booth, 41.46% of participants showed hearing impairment, whereas 100% exhibited hearing loss in the field setting.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study found that environmental noise in field conditions significantly increased hearing thresholds, leading to false-positive diagnoses of hearing impairment. These findings emphasise the need for soundproof booths in occupational audiometric testing to ensure accurate hearing assessment and avoid unnecessary diagnostic referrals.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"69-73"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}