West African journal of medicine最新文献

{"title":"Long-term Outcomes of Low-Energy Open Tibial Shaft Fractures: A 10-Year Follow-up Study of Infection Rates.","authors":"A Adedire, K S Oluwadiya, A Ajibade, A J Faniyi, E O Folami, O Q Asafa, G A Oyeniyi, O T Ajayeoba, O N Akinyoade, A O Ogungbemi, O Olayemi, T Ejim","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Low-energy open tibial shaft fractures present a clinical challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings. While high-energy injuries have been widely studied, the long-term outcomes of low-energy mechanisms remain underreported. This study assessed the clinical outcomes and long-term complications of cast immobilization following surgical debridement in patients with low-energy open tibial shaft fractures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective study was conducted over ten years at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. Sixty-six patients with Gustilo-Anderson type I or II open tibial shaft fractures caused by low-energy mechanisms were enrolled. Data were collected on demographics, injury characteristics, treatment timelines, and outcomes. Follow-up assessments were performed at 1, 5, and 10 years post-treatment to evaluate bone union, joint stiffness, and chronic osteomyelitis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of patients were male (77.3%) and young adults (57.6%). Most injuries were due to road traffic accidents (78.8%). All patients were managed by surgical debridement followed by plaster cast immobilization. Primary wound closure was delayed in 59.1% of cases. Bone union complications were observed in 16.7% of patients at 1 year, decreasing to 10.6% at 5 years, and 6.1% at 10 years. Joint stiffness was reported in 3.0% at 1 year but resolved by year 5. Chronic osteomyelitis occurred in 7.6% at 1 year and declined to 4.5% at 10 years. Overall, the majority of patients achieved satisfactory wound healing and functional outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Cast immobilization following timely debridement remains a viable treatment for low-energy open tibial shaft fractures in low-resource settings, with a low rate of long-term complications. Early intervention and adequate follow-up are critical to optimizing outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"43 1","pages":"70-76"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148017500","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":"Leveraging mHealth and Digital Innovations for Healthcare Service Delivery.","authors":"G E Erhabor","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"43 1","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148006987","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 a Mobile Health Intervention on Sexual and Reproductive Health Literacy and Service Utilisation among University Students in Southwest Nigeria.","authors":"A O Olajubu, A O Komolafe, T O Olajubu, A E Olowokere","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) literacy influences young people's health behaviours and outcomes. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies are potential tools for the delivery of health education and services, but evidence on their effectiveness in strengthening SRH literacy is limited in the study setting. This study assessed the effect of an mHealth intervention on SRH literacy and service utilisation among in-school young people in Osun State, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quasi-experimental design was employed among undergraduate students aged 18 - 24 years in two tertiary institutions in Osun State. Participants were allocated by institution into intervention (n = 60) and control (n = 60) groups. The intervention group received a six-week mHealth SRH literacy programme delivered through a mobile application. Data was collected at baseline and post-intervention. Paired t-tests, analysis of covariance and regression analyses were done.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Post-intervention, the intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in mean SRH literacy scores compared with baseline (p = 0.018). The post-test SRH literacy scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p = 0.002), with a large effect size (partial η² = 0.84). The mHealth intervention independently increased the odds of good SRH literacy (AOR = 3.69; 95% CI: 1.54 - 8.86), SRH service utilisation (AOR = 6.25; 95% CI: 1.29-30.16), and the intention to use SRH services in the future (AOR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.03 - 7.95).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The mHealth-based intervention significantly improved SRH literacy and service utilisation among young people. The deployment of mHealth interventions to strengthen health literacy competencies in the study setting should be considered.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"43 1","pages":"42-52"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148017548","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":"Psychological and Somatic Challenges Identified in a Menopause Rating Scale Assessment of Women Living with HIV in Lagos, Nigeria.","authors":"A P Okwuraiwe, O Shodipe, M Uwandu, C K Onwuamah, O C Ezechi, L Flowers","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a global health challenge disproportionately affecting women. Women living with HIV (WLWH) may experience earlier and more intense menopausal symptoms than others, which may influence their retention in therapy and treatment response. A standardized life quality assessment scale, the menopause rating scale (MRS), is a health-related quality-of-life tool for symptoms evaluation and is valuable in diagnosing menopause challenges.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the menopausal psychological and somatic challenges of WLWH on antiretroviral therapy using the MRS, and evaluate occurrence of menopausal symptoms, in comparison with women free from the infection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive study was adopted. Adult WLWH (n=344), 35 to 65 years (encompassing the pre-, peri- and post-menopausal stages) on ART for at least two years were surveyed using the MRS questionnaire (psychological, somatic and urogenital) including socio-demographic queries. A control group (n=90) composed of age-matched women were also assessed for the same. Frequency distribution and p-values were calculated using Epi info (version 7).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 344 WLWH, 157 (45.6%), 12 (3.4%) and 175 (51%), were pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal, respectively. Median age of menopause onset was 48 (IQR 42-52) and 49.3 (IQR 45-55) years. Somatic and psychological challenges were more experienced by the WLWH, comprising joint/muscle complaints, sleeping disorders, anxiety, depression, irritability and exhaustion at rates of 59.4%, 29.2%, 27.4%, 26.5%, 23.5%, and 22.3% respectively. Controls had somewhat similar levels of challenges, at 52.2%, 31.1%, 27.7%, 23.3%, 21.1%, and 18.8% respectively. Participants with severe symptoms were 3.2%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>WLWH had major psychological and somatic challenges indistinctive from uninfected women, which included joint/muscle complaints, depression and anxiety. Menopausal WLWH experience unique challenges that require thoughtful solutions. To enhance clinical care, it is essential to prioritize these factors that improve their quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"693-700"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782570","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 of Cryptosporidium Species in Well Water in Ife East Local Government Area, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.","authors":"B O Olopade, C O Apata, B W Odetoyin, A O Onipede","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cryptosporidium is a water-borne protozoal parasite that infects humans and causes water-borne diarrhoea outbreaks.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in wells in Ile-Ife, and assessed the risk factors associated with its presence in well water in Ile-Ife.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Water samples were collected from 316 wells in the 10 wards that make up Ife East Local Government Area (LGA). A structured questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information on the wells from users. Modified acid-fast staining was used for the phenotypic identification of Cryptosporidium. Nested Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 18S rRNA gene was carried out on the samples positive by staining. Cryptosporidium was confirmed by PCR and sequenced for species identification. Data was analysed using SPSS (version 21.0). Descriptive and inferential statistics were determined. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that 11 (3.5%) of the 316 sampled wells were positive for Cryptosporidium by acid-fast staining, however only one was positive for Cryptosporidium by Nested PCR and was confirmed as Cryptosporidium parvum by sequencing. However, none of the risk factors investigated were significantly associated with the presence of Cryptosporidium in the well (p>0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study concluded that Cryptosporidium has low prevalence in wells in Ife East LGA. Cryptosporidium parvum was the species identified in the study area.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"718-723"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782589","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":"Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, and Road Traffic Accidents Among Nigerian Truck Drivers.","authors":"A O Adeoti, O O Desalu, J O Fadare, T Elebiyo, A A Faramade","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) are recognized contributors to road traffic accidents (RTAs). However, the association between OSA, EDS, and RTAs remains underexplored among Nigerian truck drivers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 306 adult male long-distance truck drivers in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The Berlin Questionnaire was used to assess the risk of OSA while the Epworth Sleepiness Scale evaluated excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and self-reported previous RTAs were adapted in the questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age (SD) of the truck drivers was 42.3±9.1 years. The prevalence of snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness and dozing off while driving among the participants was 57%, 46.7% and 21% respectively. Overall, 43.5% of truck drivers were identified as having high risk for OSA. The risk factors associated with OSA were advanced age (50 years and above), self-reported systemic hypertension, obesity and increased neck circumference. In the three years preceding the study, approximately one-third of truck drivers reported being involved in RTAs which was associated with the use of stimulants aOR 11.63(95%CI 3.73 to 36.24, p=0.001), sleeping pills aOR 5.26(95%CI 1.50 to 18.40, p=0.001), high OSA risk aOR 2.21 (95%CI 1.60 to 4.80, p=0.03), EDS aOR 2.75(1.60 to 4.80, p=0.001) and extended working hours aOR 1.02(95%CI 1.00 to 1.04, p=0.03). More than 90% of the drivers were unaware that EDS constitutes a medical concern.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The high prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness, and obstructive sleep apnoea among truck drivers highlights the underrecognized contributors to road traffic accidents. This underscores the need for targeted sleep disordered screening and regulatory interventions by policymakers to improve road safety in Nigeria.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"747-754"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147783003","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 Correlates of Depression among Non-Parturient, Pregnant, and Postpartum Women in Ibadan, Nigeria.","authors":"F Omokhodion, A M Adebayo, O O Bello, Y O John-Akinola, T Ilori, T T Bella-Awusah, E O Cadmus, C M Ndikom, O A Ojengbede","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Depression among women of reproductive age (WRA) is a major public health challenge because of its impact on mothers, children, and family members.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The study determined the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among women of reproductive age at the three levels of healthcare in Ibadan, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional facility-based study was conducted to compare the prevalence and correlates of depression among 991 pregnant, 662 postpartum, and 674 non-pregnant women using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and binary logistic regression to determine the factors associated with and predictors of depression at p<0.05%.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of respondents was 29.9±6.3 years. Prevalence of depression was highest among pregnant women (38.5%), followed by non-pregnant (32.9%) and postpartum women (29.6%) (X2=14.93; p-value=0.001). Women whose husbands had primary education or below and those with financial problems were twice as likely to be depressed as those who did not. The presence of family problems and money-related issues were the predictors of depression across the groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Depression was common in women across the reproductive age lifespan. There is a need for screening for depression during routine health care to identify the women most at risk and for prompt intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"708-717"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782581","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":"Outcome of the Management of Patients with Tropical Diabetic Hand Syndrome.","authors":"A J Akintayo, S J Yiltok, J D Choji, A Egga, S S Kaffi, S O Akubuko, A Idrisu, F Wodung, J O Edah, G Odoh, F H Puepet","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tropical Diabetic Hand Syndrome (TDHS) is an acute, rapidly progressive hand infection affecting patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), often following trivial trauma. Unlike those with diabetic foot disease, neuropathy and vasculopathy play a minor role, while poor glycaemic control, delayed presentation, and minor injuries are key risk factors. TDHS is often not recognised in Nigeria despite its potential for disability and mortality. This study reviews the management outcomes of patients presenting with TDHS at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A retrospective review was conducted of all patients with DM managed for TDHS at the Jos University Teaching Hospital from 2015 to 2024. Data were extracted on socio-demographics, type and duration of diabetes, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes. Descriptive statistics were applied using SPSS version 25.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirteen patients were included: mean age 45.4 ± 11.2 years, with a female predominance (61.5%). Most (92.3%) had type 2 diabetes of a median duration of 6 years, and poor glycaemic control was observed in 86.6%. Abscesses (53.8%) and ulcers (30.8%) were the commonest presentations, predominantly affecting the digits (61.5%). Incision and drainage with dressings (that included the use of povidone iodine) was the main surgical treatment, while flap cover was rarely required. The mean hospital stay was 26.5 ± 23.9 days. Outcomes were favourable in 86.6% (discharged), with one death (7.7%) and one patient leaving against medical advice.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>TDHS remains a preventable but serious complication of diabetes in Nigeria, predominantly affecting middle-aged women with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Prompt surgical and medical management yielded favourable outcomes, but prolonged hospitalisation and mortality highlight its burden. Strengthening diabetes care, patient education, and clinician awareness are vital to reducing incidence and improving outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"733-738"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782576","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":"Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Integrated Patient-Centred Care: Implications for Clinical Practice and Health Systems.","authors":"G E Erhabor, T O Olajubu","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"689-691"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782583","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":"Zinc Deficiency Among Children Living with HIV on Antiretroviral therapy in Lagos, Nigeria.","authors":"U O Fakile, A M Akinsete, P E Akintan, E E Oyenusi, K S Abdulraheem, E O Temiye","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Zinc is an essential micronutrient vital for immune function and growth. HIV infection commonly leads to zinc deficiency due to increased demand, malabsorption, and reduced intake, potentially worsening disease progression. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves overall health, its specific impact on zinc levels in HIV-positive children, particularly in Nigeria where ART is now widespread, remains under-researched. This study aims to determine the prevalence of zinc deficiency in HIV-positive children on HAART in Lagos, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This study was a subgroup analysis of the HIV arm of a comparative study conducted over 11 months. A total of 170 HIV-positive children were assessed. Although the eligibility criteria spanned 6 months to 18 years, the actual age range of the recruited cohort was 9 months to 18 years, as no eligible children aged 6-8 months were enrolled during the study period. Serum zinc levels were measured using a conventional atomic absorption spectrophotometer, with normal values defined as 70 to 125 µg/dL.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants aged 9 months to 18 years (mean 10.9±3.4 years) had been on ART for an average of 7.8 years, with 60.0% on first-line medication. Zinc deficiency prevalence was 69.4% (118/170). While no associations were found with sociodemographic, anthropometric, or clinical variables (all p>0.05), longer ART duration was significantly associated with normal zinc levels (9.1±3.4 vs 7.3±3.6 years, p=0.002; OR=0.860, 95% CI: 0.770-0.960, p=0.007).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study found high zinc deficiency prevalence among HIV-positive children in Lagos, Nigeria, despite ART participation. Longer HAART duration may protect against zinc deficiency. Routine zinc assessment is needed, and randomized controlled trials should explore zinc supplementation benefits for improving HIV outcomes in this vulnerable population.</p>","PeriodicalId":23680,"journal":{"name":"West African journal of medicine","volume":"42 9","pages":"724-732"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782736","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}