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

{"title":"Fulminant Postpartum Weil's Syndrome Presenting with Refractory Seizures and Multiorgan Failure: A Case Report and Critical Care Management.","authors":"Namitha Mariam Lal, Ankur Khandelwal, Neingutso Lomi, Dharitri Dutta, Subham Das, Daisy Hazarika","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leptospirosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic infection with protean manifestations, while severe disease (Weil's syndrome) is uncommon and rarely reported in the postpartum period, where it can closely mimic obstetric emergencies. We report a rare case of severe postpartum leptospirosis complicated by sudden-onset seizures and multiorgan failure. A 32-year-old woman developed generalized tonic-clonic seizures two hours after vaginal delivery, followed by septic shock, hyperpyrexia, refractory seizures, acute liver failure, acute kidney injury, coagulopathy, and stress-induced cardiomyopathy. Initial differentials included obstetric catastrophes such as eclampsia, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, and amniotic fluid embolism. Diagnosis was supported by a positive <i>Leptospira</i> IgM ELISA in the appropriate clinical context; however, confirmatory testing with the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) could not be performed, which remains a limitation of this report. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed features of cerebral hyperperfusion, a finding not previously reported in postpartum Weil's disease. Prompt institution of targeted antimicrobial therapy, aggressive critical care support, and multimodal monitoring resulted in gradual recovery. Cerebral oxygenation and response to therapy were continuously monitored using bilateral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), representing a novel neuromonitoring strategy in this setting. This case highlights leptospirosis as an important differential in postpartum seizures with multiorgan failure in endemic regions. It expands the spectrum of postpartum Weil's disease by demonstrating cerebral hyperperfusion on MRI, novel use of NIRS monitoring, and associated stress-induced cardiomyopathy, with important implications for critical care management.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"67 3","pages":"1220-1224"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13477694/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148764011","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":"Spontaneous Ureteric Rupture Secondary to Ureteric Calculus: A Case Report.","authors":"Anthony Awolowo Thomas, Samuel Ayokunle Dada","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Spontaneous ureteric rupture is a rare clinical entity defined by the extravasation of urine from the ureter in the absence of external trauma or instrumentation. It is most frequently associated with obstructive urolithiasis. We report the case of a 37-year-old male presenting with acute, severe abdominal pain secondary to spontaneous proximal ureteric rupture from an obstructing calculus. Despite the absence of advanced imaging like CT, a definitive diagnosis was achieved using Intravenous Urogram (IVU). The patient was managed conservatively and achieved full recovery without surgical intervention. This case demonstrates that in resource-constrained environments, clinical judgment paired with traditional imaging provides a viable framework for the successful diagnosis and non-surgical management of spontaneous ureteric rupture.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"67 3","pages":"1214-1219"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13477713/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148764796","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":"Metastatic Prostate Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Acute Quadriplegia: A Diagnostic Pitfall.","authors":"Aishwarya Manish Bhaskare, Siddhi Gaurish Sinai Khandeparkar, Nikhil Talathi, Shrutee Patel, Pallavi Bhaskare","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Prostate carcinoma is the second most common malignancy affecting men worldwide. Although spinal metastasis is well recognized in advanced disease, spinal cord compression as the initial manifestation of prostate cancer is uncommon. Acute onset quadriplegia due to cervical spinal involvement as the first clinical manifestation of prostate carcinoma in elderly males is a rare and sparsely documented occurrence. This case report highlights an unusual and under-recognized presentation of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma, emphasizing the need for heightened clinical suspicion, focusing on the importance of early recognition of warning symptoms and prompt diagnostic evaluation to optimize disease-related morbidity and mortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"67 3","pages":"1225-1229"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13477715/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148765755","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":"Mpox in a Neonate: A Case Report of a 14-day-old Baby in Nigeria.","authors":"Ebenovbe Idemudia, Ayebo Evawere Sadoh","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Human mpox (HMPX) is a zoonotic infection caused by the Monkeypox Virus (MPXV), with commonly reported routes of transmission being contact with infected wildlife, humans, and fomites. More data is needed to establish the frequency of transmission from asymptomatic carriers and from mother to child.Initially confined to 10 West and Central African countries, mpox assumed a global dimension in 2022. Since its first outbreak in 2017, data from Nigeria have consistently shown that the disease predominantly affects young adults aged 21-40 years, in keeping with long-established epidemiological patterns. However, analysis of the 2024 Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) situation reports indicates a notable upsurge in reported cases among children aged 0-10 years, even though young adults remain the most affected age group overall. However, there is a paucity of data which highlights presentation in the neonatal age group, which is a rare occurrence.Mpox commonly presents with fever, rash and lymphadenopathy. These symptoms may mimic other childhood skin infections like chicken pox and impetigo; thus, a high index of suspicion is needed among health care workers to establish a diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>This case report discusses the presentation, clinical course, and outcome of a 14-day-old neonate, Baby C, who presented with a fever and rash and became a confirmed case after PCR testing.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case report underscores the need for heightened clinical vigilance in recognizing mpox in neonates, where the rarity of the disease, absence of clear exposure history, and overlap with common neonatal skin conditions may delay diagnosis. It will also add to the limited literature on neonatal mpox, which is a rare presentation to date.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"67 3","pages":"1200-1207"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13477723/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148765792","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":"Use of Menstruation Tracking Apps Among Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Multi-Country Evidence.","authors":"Ushakuma Michael Anenga, Jerry Kunle Isogun, Yakaka Mustapha Tatabe, Sesugh Matthew Iorfa, Yusuf Alfa, Juliet Adamezie Nkemdeme, Odigonma Zinobia Ikpeze, Oghenetega Jesse Agbagoro","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Menstruation-tracking applications have become common digital tools for cycle monitoring, symptom tracking, fertility-related decisions, and reproductive self-awareness. Despite their growing use, evidence on their uptake and real-world use across settings has remained fragmented. This study aimed to systematically review and synthesise evidence on the use of menstruation-tracking apps among women, including uptake, reasons for use, benefits, determinants, concerns about accuracy, and privacy.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligible studies involved adolescent girls or women and reported use of menstruation or fertility-tracking apps. Data were extracted independently. All included studies were synthesised narratively, while a random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was performed for six studies reporting extractable prevalence data. Heterogeneity was assessed with I². Risk of bias was appraised with design-appropriate tools, and certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE and GRADE-CERQual.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fourteen studies published between 2017 and 2025, involving 3,547 participants, were included, with six contributing to the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of menstruation-tracking app use was 61% (95% CI: 45%-75%), although substantial heterogeneity (I²= 98.1%) limited the precision of this estimate. Sensitivity analyses showed prevalence estimates of 65% for cross-sectional studies and 43% after excluding high-risk-of-bias studies. Menstruation-tracking apps were primarily used for cycle monitoring, pregnancy planning or avoidance, symptom tracking, and reproductive health information. While users generally perceived these apps as useful, concerns remained about predictive accuracy, privacy, data security, and emotional distress from inaccurate predictions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Menstruation-tracking app use appears common in the studied populations, but available estimates vary widely, and the certainty of evidence is very low. These apps may support self-monitoring and reproductive awareness, but they should be used as adjunctive self-management tools rather than stand-alone clinical tools.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"67 3","pages":"841-851"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13477691/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148766001","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":"From the grassroots up: Redefining Public Health Surveillance in Nigeria through Community Action Networks.","authors":"Eniola Olubukola Cadmus, Mathias Ayuk Besong, Funmilayo Elizabeth Olaleye, Samuel Amifofum Owoicho, Adeyemi Olufunmilayo Jolaoso, Adegboyega Adetiloye Obadua, Adegboyega Famokun, Terese Gabriel Orum, Ephraim Nwanga, Victor Oluwatoyin Akinseye, Emmanuel Jolaoluwa Awosanya, Hezekiah Kehinde Adesokan, Rashid Ansumana, Simeon Idowu Cadmus","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Gaps in community-level surveillance continue to limit early detection of communicable diseases in Nigeria, particularly for zoonotic and emerging infections. Strengthening participatory, One-Health (OH)-oriented surveillance systems is critical for improving outbreak preparedness and response. The objective of this study is to evaluate the operational performance of Community Action Networks (CANs) in strengthening participatory, OH-oriented disease surveillance in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This was a retrospective program evaluation of the implementation of CAN under the West Africa One Health (WAOH) project. The project was conducted in eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) in five states. Community members (12- 15 per site) were trained in disease recognition, reporting, and risk communication using standardised tools. Surveillance data collected between January 2023 and March 2025 were analysed using descriptive and comparative approaches.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eighty-six CAN members were trained. Between January 2023 and March 2025, 800 health events were reported across eight LGAs. Human health events accounted for 674 (84.2%), environmental events 62 (7.8%), and animal health events were infrequently reported. Reporting increased over time, with higher contributions from rural areas and substantial participation by female members (39, 45.4%). Most reports were channelled through District Surveillance and Notification Officers 559 (69.9%), indicating integration with existing surveillance structures. However, investigation and confirmation rates were higher for human health events compared to animal and environmental events.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The CAN model demonstrates operational feasibility and potential to strengthen community-based surveillance and integration into national systems. Addressing gaps in animal and environmental health coordination will be essential for fully realising OH surveillance in Nigeria.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"67 3","pages":"1063-1082"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13477702/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148766087","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":"Tetanus Infection Complicating an Unsafe Abortion with Resulting Maternal Mortality: A Case Report.","authors":"Samuel Okwuchukwu Ilikannu, Sunday Emmanuel Jombo, Angela Uduak Ochei, Osaretin Uche Chukwumah, Chidinma Genevieve Uzoma, Ushakuma Michael Anenga, Chikodili Ogugua Ilikannu, Nneka Teresa Chile-Agada, Nnamdi Pascal Okoye, Prince Ochuko Okinedo, Yvonne Ayerki Nartey, Sylvia Ifeoma Obu, Robinson Onyekachukwu Ogwu, Chinyere Sylvia Anigbogu, Ibukun Jacob Akinkunmi, Geraldine Ifunanya Uzoma","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Unsafe abortion, though preventable, contributes significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in countries with restrictive abortion laws. Post-abortal tetanus is a rare but life-threatening complication associated with high mortality. An 18-year-old single P0⁺¹ Senior Secondary School (SSS) 2 student with eight weeks history of amenorrhoea who presented with complaints of generalised spasms, difficulty with speech and a fever of three days duration. This followed an unsafe surgical termination of pregnancy at a patent medicine shop a month before presentation. Her immunisation status was unknown. Examination revealed trismus and generalised muscle rigidity with opisthotonus. Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis (20,000cells/mm³) and mild anaemia (PCV 30%). A clinical diagnosis of septic abortion complicated by generalised tetanus was made. A multidisciplinary team was instituted to care for the patient; she received intravenous fluids, parenteral antibiotics, tetanus toxoid, human tetanus immunoglobulin, analgesics, diazepam infusion for spasm control, and other supportive care in a low-stimulation environment. Despite resuscitative efforts, the patient deteriorated rapidly and died within three hours of admission. Various complications, including tetanus infection, can arise following an unsafe abortion, leading to an increase in our already high maternal mortality rates. Ensuring access to contraception, providing post-abortion care services, promoting adolescent health-friendly services, promoting women's rights, health and status and expanding the legal conditions for abortion will help to curtail this menace.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"67 3","pages":"1208-1213"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13477719/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148766105","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":"Non-Operative Reduction of Childhood Intussusception in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Review of Techniques, Outcomes, and Emerging Challenges.","authors":"Isaac Sunday Chukwu, Chukwuemeka Theophilus Ezeonwumelu, Ikenna Stanley Ilo, Doris Ifeyinwa Ilo, Chioma Rita Uzoma Uchendu, Amarachukwu Faith Okafor, Chidi Samuel Ekpemo, Elochukwu Perpetua Nwankwo, Ijeoma Chioma Obianyo, Uchechukwu Obiora Ezomike","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Intussusception is a leading cause of intestinal obstruction in infants and young children. Non-operative reduction techniques, particularly saline hydrostatic and pneumatic methods, have significantly reduced the need for surgery. This review highlights the techniques, outcomes, and challenges associated with non-operative management of childhood intussusception in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). A structured narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, AJOL, Cochrane Library, and WHO databases, focusing on studies cited in the comparative analysis of saline hydrostatic and pneumatic reduction techniques. Both prospective and retrospective studies on paediatric intussusception reporting outcomes of non-operative management were included. Articles emphasizing surgical-only approaches were excluded. Saline hydrostatic reduction under ultrasound guidance shows success rates of 60 to 90% with the advantage of being radiation-free and relatively more feasible in resource-limited settings. Pneumatic reduction has success rates of 70 to 95%, shorter procedure times, and lower complication rates, but it is constrained by the need for fluoroscopic equipment (in most settings) and trained personnel. Delayed presentation, poor health-seeking behavior, inadequate imaging facilities and shortage of trained providers remain major barriers in LMICs, contributing to morbidity and mortality. Both saline hydrostatic and pneumatic reduction are effective for non-operative management of intussusception. To improve outcomes in LMICs, there is a need for increased investment in imaging capacity, training of healthcare workers, public awareness campaigns and adoption of innovative low-cost models.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"67 3","pages":"823-840"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13477722/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148765630","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":"Stone Burden at Presentation to a Nigerian Teaching Hospital: Insights from Database of a Uro-Radiology Meeting.","authors":"Samuel Osaghae, Ehiremhen Ozah, Uyioghosa Martins Asemota, Emmanuel Osaro Osaigbovo, Nkemdilim Oyetola Ifeyinwa Okonji, Osaigbovo Joseph Obasuyi, Blessing Ose-Emenim Igbinedion, Festus Ehigiamusoe, Ikhide Eugene Erah","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Urolithiasis is a worldwide disease with regional variations in prevalence. A multidisciplinary uro-radiology meeting is pertinent to assess stone characteristics and prevalence. This study aims to determine the burden, locations, size, and density of urinary tract stones.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This was a cross-sectional study of a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in the uro-radiology meeting database of computerized tomography scan reports of consecutive patients diagnosed with urinary tract stones from March 2021 to September 2024. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Categorical data were represented in percentages, while continuous data were presented in means with standard deviation. The association between the dependent and independent variable compared.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 144 participants comprising 55.6% males and 44.4% females. The mean age was 47.6 + 12.5 years; mean BMI 30.3 + 8.7 kg/m². The hospital prevalence of urolithiasis was 14.1/100,00 persons. Seventy percent (70.1%) had renal stone, 57.4% unilateral, while 42.6% multiple, and 24.8% had bilateral renal calculi. Renal pelvis calculi occurred in 38.2% cases. Ureteric stones occurred in 29.9%, with 74.4% in the lower third of ureters. There were 1 (0.7%) bladder stones. The overall mean stone size was 13.5+ 5.2mm, mean stone density 892.7 + 356.9 HU, and mean total stone burden 23.1+13.1mm. There was no statistically significant association between sex, multiplicity of stones, and laterality of stones (p = 1.00, 0.794), respectively. There was no association between BMI, multiplicity, and laterality of stones (p = 0.824, 0.754).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A large stone burden with high prevalence was found. The prevalence is higher in males and the obese.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"67 3","pages":"1051-1062"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13477717/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148761926","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":"Assessment of Awareness and Prior Utilization of Preconception Care and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Southwest Nigeria.","authors":"Oluniyi Ebenezer Oyedeji, Goodness Eniola Morakinyo, Yetunde Omolola Oyedeji, Adetunmise Oluseyi Olajide, Adebayo Duyile Adekunle, Matthew Olusegun Fijabiyi, Wakeel Okanlawon Muritala, Muibat Adesola Adeniran, Olufemi Opeyemi Aworinde, Matthew Idowu Olatubi","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Preconception care (PCC) is a set of biomedical, behavioural, and social interventions provided before pregnancy to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite its proven benefits, PCC uptake remains low in Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries, largely due to limited awareness, poor health system integration, and socio-cultural barriers. This study assessed awareness and prior utilization of PCC among pregnant women attending primary health centres (PHCs) in Ogbomoso, Southwest Nigeria, and examined factors associated with its uptake.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 152 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in three randomly selected PHCs in Ogbomoso North LGA. A multistage sampling technique was used. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized variables, while Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with PCC uptake. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of respondents were aged 21-30 years (60.5%), married (65.8%), and had a tertiary education (46.7%). Overall, 63.2% demonstrated above-average knowledge of PCC. Awareness was high for folic acid use (68.4%) and avoidance of harmful substances (94.7%), but low for chronic disease screening (36.2%) and genetic screening (35.5%). Uptake of PCC was generally low and not significantly associated with knowledge at the bivariate level (p = 0.432). However, logistic regression showed that women with above-average knowledge were significantly more likely to utilize PCC (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.20- 4.50, p = 0.02). Age, marital status, ethnicity, and education were significantly associated with uptake, while income, religion, and residence were not.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although awareness of PCC was relatively high, utilization remained low. Knowledge was the strongest independent predictor of uptake. Strengthening health education, integrating PCC into PHC services, and addressing socio-demographic disparities are essential to improve utilization.</p>","PeriodicalId":94346,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian medical journal : journal of the Nigeria Medical Association","volume":"67 3","pages":"898-908"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13477686/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148763519","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}