Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association最新文献

{"title":"Pattern of electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings amongst Nigeria national football team players.","authors":"Murtala Audu Ngabea, Isa Omokhudu Oboirien, Okwute Michael Ochayi","doi":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.594","DOIUrl":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.594","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cardiac adaptations in athletes, particularly football players, often result in distinct electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic changes. This study evaluates these cardiac patterns in Nigerian national football players compared to matched non-athlete controls.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A case-control study was conducted from January 2022 to December 2023 during pre-participation screenings of national football teams: Super Eagles, Flying Eagles, Golden Eaglets, Super Falcons, and Falconets. Seventy-eight athletes (aged 18-32) were compared with 42 age- and sex-matched controls drawn from team officials and supporters. Inclusion criteria required active participation in professional football for athletes and absence of known cardiac disease for controls. All participants underwent detailed history, physical examination, resting ECG, and 2D echocardiography. ECGs were assessed for features suggestive of athlete's heart or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Echocardiograms were performed with a Hewlett-Packard Sonos 2500 using a 3.5 MHz probe to measure ventricular dimensions, wall thickness, and function.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Footballers demonstrated significant cardiac adaptations. ECGs showed lower mean heart rates, longer PR intervals, and a higher prevalence of sinus bradycardia and incomplete right bundle branch block. Additionally, footballers had higher R/S wave voltages and more frequent ST-segment elevations. Echocardiographic findings revealed larger left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions, as well as increased interventricular septal and posterior wall thickness, consistent with physiological, not pathological, hypertrophy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nigerian national football players exhibit characteristic ECG and echocardiographic patterns reflecting physiological cardiac remodeling due to intensive training. Differentiating these benign adaptations from pathological findings is essential for accurate cardiovascular assessment and safe sports participation.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"66 2","pages":"457-467"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12280313/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence, Risk Factors and Antimicrobial Resistance of Enterococci caused Urinary Tract Infection among People Living with HIV in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.","authors":"Ketema Bizuwork Gebremedhin, Girmay Medhin, Haile Alemayehu, Shubhada Bopegamage, Wondwossen Amogne, Tadesse Eguale","doi":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.635","DOIUrl":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.635","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. The antimicrobial resistance characteristic of Enterococci worsens complications among this vulnerable population. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Enterococci-caused UTIs, their risk factors, and antimicrobial resistance profile among people living with HIV in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to April 2023. Presumptive Enterococci were identified using standard microbiological culture and biochemical tests and confirmed using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight of Mass Spectrometry at the species level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study revealed that among the (n= 102) people living with HIV-acquired culture-confirmed UTIs with diverse bacterial uropathogens, (n= 20; 19.6%) were acquired UTIs associated with <i>Enterococcus</i> species: <i>E. faecalis</i> 80% and <i>E. faecium</i> 20%. Earning monthly income <3000 Ethiopian birr with (adjusted OR) =3.19; (95% CI: 1.05, 9.66) and having exposure to anti-tuberculosis drugs (Adjusted OR = 13.62; 95%CI: 3.53, 52.63) were positively associated with the occurrence of Enterococci-caused UTI. All Enterococci isolates had multi-drug and extensive drug-resistance strains.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study concluded a higher prevalence of Enterococci-caused UTIs, with predicting factors: lower income per month, and exposure to antituberculosis drugs, and high level of antimicrobial resistance. Hence, there should be a targeted intervention that could tackle the higher prevalence of infection and antimicrobial resistance among these vulnerable populations, steering the identified predicting factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"66 2","pages":"657-668"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12280308/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tiny Lungs, Big Challenges: Navigating Fetal Pleural Effusion Outcomes, Long Term Follow-up and Implications for Future Pregnancies.","authors":"Charu Sharma, Shreya Das, Kalika Dubey, Dolat Singh Shekhawat, Meenakshi Gothwal, Shashank Shekhar, Pratibha Singh, Kuldeep Singh","doi":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.803","DOIUrl":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.803","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fetal pleural effusion is a rare condition involving fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity of the fetus. Invasive procedures are required to exclude chromosomal anomalies and infections, as treatment delays can lead to severe fetal complications. We discuss a case where a 30-year-old primigravida presented at 20 weeks gestation with fetal bilateral pleural effusion and mild ascites. At 23 weeks of gestation, thoracocentesis was performed which revealed chylothorax. The pleural effusion resolved spontaneously by 28 weeks. At 36 weeks, severe oligohydramnios prompted an emergency caesarean section. Postnatal genetic testing found two variants of uncertain significance. The baby improved and was discharged on day six, with no complications over 3.5 years of follow-up. The couple's subsequent pregnancy was uncomplicated. We propose a stepwise management protocol emphasising early diagnosis through ultrasound and cytological analysis, followed by thoracocentesis in severe cases. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor fluid dynamics and adjust management as needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"66 2","pages":"826-833"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12280293/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnosis of a secondary central nervous system Lymphoma (SCNSL) in a patient with low proliferative Mantle cell lymphoma.","authors":"Emmanuel Ojeabuo Oisakede, Ambreen Khalid, Chetan Patalappa, Faheem Anjum, Hashim Heyam","doi":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.726","DOIUrl":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.726","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) represents a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with approximately 4% of patients experiencing central nervous system (CNS) involvement. There is a higher likelihood of CNS Infiltration in patients who have elevated Ki-67 Levels, a marker associated with prognosis and CNS involvement. Herein, we present the case of a 72-year-old individual of British ancestry, known to have stage 4A MCL, exhibiting a Ki-67 index of 10%. He had just completed six cycles of Rituximab and Bendamustine with a good radiological response. The patient presented with episodic vacant states accompanied by confusion, recurrent dysphasia, and frontotemporal headaches followed by visual and auditory hallucinations upon hospital admission. Initial imaging studies failed to reveal compelling evidence of secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL), leading to a presumptive diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (TIA) given the patient's recurrent visits to the emergency department. However, subsequent evaluation by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed lymphocytic infiltrates with a negative bioFire test. Additional testing with the haematological malignancy diagnostic service (HMDS) unveiled findings consistent with CNS involvement secondary to known MCL. Our case report underscores the imperative for thorough CSF analysis in patients with MCL, irrespective of a seemingly low proliferation index such as Ki-67. This will promptly identify and manage potential CNS involvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"66 2","pages":"805-810"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12280281/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low-Pressure Versus Normal-Pressure Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and its Effect on Intra-Operative Parameters and Post-Operative Pain: An Observational Study.","authors":"Thodety Sanjay, Karan Agarwal, Prajawalam A Rathod","doi":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.768","DOIUrl":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.768","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pneumoperitoneum, created by insufflating carbon dioxide (CO₂), is essential for surgical visualization, but conventional intra-abdominal pressures (12-15 mmHg) can negatively impact cardiac and respiratory functions. To mitigate these effects, low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (7-10 mmHg) has been suggested. The present study aimed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy at low intra-abdominal pressure with conventional standard pressure laparoscopic cholecystectomy.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India over a period of one year, involving 100 patients undergoing elective LC for symptomatic uncomplicated cholelithiasis. Participants were divided into two groups: low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (LPP) (7-10 mmHg) and standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum (SPP) (12-15 mmHg). Key parameters such as operative time, hemodynamic changes, CO₂ consumption, postoperative pain, and hospital stay were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0, with p<0.05 considered significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study found no significant difference in operative duration between LPP and SPP groups. However, CO₂ consumption was significantly lower in the LPP group (p=0.040). Postoperative shoulder tip pain was more frequent in the SPP group (p=0.041). Additionally, patients in the LPP group had a significantly shorter hospital stay (p=0.042). Hemodynamic changes, particularly in heart rate and systolic blood pressure, were less pronounced in the LPP group compared to the SPP group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with reduced CO₂ consumption, less postoperative pain, better preservation of hemodynamics, and shorter hospital stays compared to standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum. Despite potential challenges for surgeons, LPP appears to be a safe and feasible alternative for uncomplicated gallstone surgery in the hands of skilled professionals.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"66 2","pages":"715-723"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12280292/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unusual Retroperitoneal Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Giant Masqueraders.","authors":"Guddi Rani Singh, Mamta Kumari, Ayushi Singh, Kshiti Atreya, Neetu Sinha, Debaditya Haldar","doi":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.618","DOIUrl":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.618","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) in the retroperitoneum are rare and account for a small percentage of adult STS. The most common type is liposarcoma, while fibrosarcoma and extra skeletal Ewing sarcoma (EES) are rarer. Retroperitoneal fibrosarcoma's are extremely uncommon. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation including clinical, radiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations to determine the specific subtype of STS in the retroperitoneum. A 76-year-old male presented with a large retroperitoneal tumour. Surgery successfully removed the tumor which was diagnosed as dedifferentiated liposarcoma based on microscopic analysis and positive vimentin and MDM2 markers. We also report a case of 69-year-old male with a retroperitoneal mass that was ultimately diagnosed as adult fibrosarcoma after ruling out other possibilities. The third case was of 55-year-old female who presented with left lumbar pain, backache, and weight loss. Imaging revealed a retroperitoneal mass with hepatic metastasis. Histopathological examination and IHC analysis confirmed the diagnosis of extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma. The importance of accurate diagnosis through histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis is emphasized for effective management and prognosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"66 2","pages":"783-790"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12280285/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An unusual survival for 6.5 years with end-stage hepatitis C related advanced liver cirrhosis following sustained virologic response with direct antiviral agents - A case report from A low-resource setting.","authors":"Roland I Stephen, Jimmy A Reyes, Jacob A Dunga, Sati K Awang, Kefas P Zawaya","doi":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.661","DOIUrl":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.661","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advanced chronic liver disease is frequently complicated by hepatic encephalopathy (HE), hepatorenal syndrome, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; predictors of poor prognosis that significantly reduce survival. While orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) remains the definitive treatment, it is often inaccessible in resource-limited settings. We present the case of a 70-year-old retired hospital attendant with hypertension who developed decompensated liver cirrhosis secondary to chronic hepatitis C virus HCV infection. She presented with portal hypertension, grade 4 HE, hepatorenal syndrome, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. She remained in grade 3 to 4 HE for approximately three months and in grade 2-3 HE for an additional two months. Despite profound hepatic decompensation and a high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium (MELD-Na) score of 48 (indicating a 71% three-month mortality) and a Child-Pugh score of 15 (Class C), she responded remarkably to intensive conservative management. After six months of inpatient care, which included direct-acting antiviral therapy, anti-failure therapy, and seizure management, she recovered from hepatic coma. She received a six-month course of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)daclatasvir and sofosbuvir and achieved sustained virologic response. Over six and a half years later, she remains in good health with preserved cognition and normal blood pressure and has been under annual surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma. This case underscores the transformative potential of DAAs in improving survival even among severely decompensated HCV-related cirrhotic patients. It highlights the need for expanded access and subsidization of DAAs in low-resource settings, where liver transplantation is not feasible, and emphasizes the role of aggressive, supportive management in bridging the treatment gap.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"66 2","pages":"791-798"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12280298/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correlation Between CHA_₂DS_₂-VASc Scores and Left Atrial Measurements: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.","authors":"Haluk Furkan Sahan, Sadik Acikel, Nurcan Ertan, Engin Algul, Nail Burak Ozbeyaz, Hamza Sunman, Tolga Cimen, Murat Tulmac","doi":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.551","DOIUrl":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.551","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Left atrial (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) remodeling are critical indicators of adverse cardiovascular outcomes linked to various risk factors. This study aims to investigate the correlation between CHA2DS2-VASc and left atrial measurements in patients with sinus rhythm.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>The retrospective, single-center study included 250 patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) imaging at a state hospital in Turkey. LA dimensions, volumes, LAA types, and LAA orifice area and volume were assessed using CCTA images. Additionally, we evaluated CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores and cardiovascular risk factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This present study indicated that patients with low CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores had smaller appendage orifice area (270.69±84.72 vs. 300.97±97.65 mm², p=0.01), LA long diameter (60.73±6.83 vs. 64.53±7.66 mm, p<0.001), LA short diameter (40.32±5.88 vs. 43.02±6.54 mm, p=0.001), and LA volume (101.55±34.14 vs. 114.34±32.58 mm³, p=0.003). There was a significant relationship between patient age and all LA and LAA measurements, including LAA volume (r=0.204, p<0.001), LAA orifice area (r=0.342, p<0.001), LA long diameter (r=0.329, p<0.001), LA short diameter (r=0.257, p<0.001), and LA volume (r=0.231, p<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Cardiovascular risk factors and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores are valuable markers for assessing atrial cardiomyopathy and left atrial appendage (LAA) remodeling, and they may aid in predicting stroke risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"66 2","pages":"440-448"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12280296/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determinants of Left Ventricular Mass Among Apparently Normal Children in Enugu State.","authors":"Josephat Maduabuchi Chinawa, Edmund Ndudi Ossai, Awoere Tamunosiki Chinawa","doi":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.779","DOIUrl":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.779","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The left ventricular mass (LVM) index is a very crucial index used for risk stratification among children. This work aimed to document the LVM values among children and delineate the prevalence of LVH among healthy children in Southeast Nigeria. It elicited the correlation between Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and age, gender and height.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This is a descriptive study involving 218 children drawn from one public and 2 private hospitals over six years. Echocardiographic measurements which assessed various parameters and indices of LVH were ascertained. The data was analyzed with the IBM SPSS statistics for windows, version 20 (IBM Corp, Chicago).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy among the respondents was 5.0%. There was a strong positive correlation between left ventricular mass and surface area, (n=218, r=0.751, p<0.001). There was a very strong positive correlation between left ventricular mass and weight, which was found to be statistically significant, (n=218, r=0.755, p<0.001). There was a very strong positive correlation between left ventricular mass and BMI, which was found to be statistically significant, (n=218, r=0.34, p=0.004). There was a positive correlation between left ventricular mass and height, which was found to be statistically significant, (n=218, r=0.126, p=0.238).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The mean values of LVM indexed to height, BMI, surface area, and weight and compared with gender were elicited in this study. These mean normative values could be a guide for the cardiothoracic surgeon and paediatric cardiologist in some clinical decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"66 2","pages":"669-680"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12280310/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700814","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers and Facilitators Influencing Nurses in Genetic Services Provision: A Systematic Review.","authors":"T Latha, C Soniya, Rinchen Dem Dukpa, Jayvardhan Singh, Shiv Kumar Mudgal","doi":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.829","DOIUrl":"10.71480/nmj.v66i2.829","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nurses play a crucial role in the provision of genetic services, yet their capacity to deliver these services is often constrained by various barriers. Understanding these barriers and identifying facilitators is essential for optimizing genetic services delivery in nursing practice. This systematic review aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators influencing nurses' roles in providing genetic services, including genetic counseling, testing, and patient management.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A comprehensive search across multiple databases yielded 1,275 articles. After de-duplication and screening, 12 studies published between 2001 and 2024 were included. These studies, conducted in nine countries, utilized qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was synthesized narratively, focusing on key themes related to barriers and facilitators.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Barriers were identified across six domains: gaps in educational preparedness, insufficient knowledge, administrative hurdles, negative attitudes, logistical difficulties, and environmental limitations. Common challenges included knowledge deficits, role ambiguity, time constraints, and cultural variations. Facilitators were grouped into five domains: educational support, role expansion, integration across specialties, positive attitudes, and policy/institutional support. Key enablers included genomic education programs, multidisciplinary teamwork, and structured institutional policies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Barriers and facilitators to nurses' provision of genetic services are multifaceted, spanning individual, institutional, and systemic factors. Addressing these challenges through targeted interventions, such as enhancing genomic education and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, can significantly improve genetic services delivery in nursing practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"66 2","pages":"394-406"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12280320/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}