Journal of BioMedical Research and Clinical Practice
Journal of Biomedical Research and Clinical Practice (JBRCP) is published by the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, chapter of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria. JBRCP is a quarterly, double-blind, peer-reviewed, online and print, fully indexed, international and institutional journal.The JBRCP is a quarterly journal (consisting of one volume and four issues each year). The issues will be in March, June, September & December.
Evaluating Ear-Care Knowledge and Practices Among Doctors andNurses in Sub-Saharan Africa
Background: The ear serves the functions of hearing and balance in an individual. Whereas the hearing function is articulated by the three parts of the ear, balance is performed alongside other structures by the vestibular system of the inner ear. Acoustic trauma and drug ototoxicity affect mainly the inner ear and are usually irreversible. Aim:To assess ear care knowledge and practices among health care practitioners (doctors and nurses) in Benue State. Methodology: The setting was the 2021 AGM and CME/CPD of NMA, Benue State which held between 2-6th August, 2021, and a 5- days CPD by NANNM, Benue State which took place from 1st - 5th March, 2021. Ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the ethical committee of the BSUTH, Makurdi. The sample size of 226.8 was calculated using a previous prevalence of 81.6% but 252 subjects were used because of 10% attrition rate. Pretested, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to consented participants who filled and returned them same day. Data collected were analyzed and presented in simple distribution tables. Results: They were 252 respondents but 2 had incomplete data leaving 127(50.8%) Males and 123(49.2%) Females whose data were finally analyzed. One hundred and thirty-nine (55.6%) doctors: [Consultants53(21.2%), Medical Officers/General Practitioners-86(34.4%) and 111(44.4%) Nurses. Majority (60.8%) were unaware that childhood immunization prevent deafness and 60.3% said that deafness could not be inherited while 58.8% responded that a child born deaf could still develop speech. About 60.3% of the respondents did not know that hearing loss resulting from loud noise may not recover and use of H2O2 and syringing an infected ear were regular normal practices to many. Majority 87.9% were unaware of any warning sign of drug ototoxicity. Conclusion: A significant percentage of the studied population exhibited inadequate knowledge and still undertakes some harmful practices that are detrimental to good ear care. There is therefore the need to increase the exposure-time in ear, nose and throat postings during the trainings of or embark on regular health education at CME/CPD for these category of professionals.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of BioMedical Research and Clinical Practice
Assessment of School Health Programme in Benue South Senatorial District, Nigeria
Background: Children of school-going age constitute approximately 18% of the global population and about 23% of Nigeria's population. The education and health of this growing demographic are critical to the sustainable development of individuals and society. In Nigeria, efforts to implement the School Health Programme have primarily remained at the policy level, with limited practical implementation. This study was therefore designed to assess the availability and effectiveness of the School Health Programme in Benue South Senatorial District, Nigeria. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional descriptive survey design was employed in 60 schools across the nine local government areas of Benue South Senatorial District, using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire and a checklist administered to head teachers, who served as respondents. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25.0. Results: The mean age of respondents was 45 ± 8.7 years; 71.7% were male, 96.7% had attained tertiary education, 93.3% were Christians, and the Idoma ethnic group accounted for 91.7%. Most schools (43.3%) operated only a primary section, while 3.3% offered both primary and secondary education. Nearly all schools (96.7%) admitted both male and female students. The average annual enrolment was 70.5 ± 49.0 students, with an average of fewer than 40 students per class. Slightly less than two-thirds (62.9%) of public schools and 50.0% of faith-based schools had 10 or fewer full-time teachers, compared to 47.4% of private schools. The proportion of schools with designated health facilities was highest among faith-based schools (66.7%), followed by private (36.8%) and public schools (31.4%). Public and faith-based schools primarily relied on water sources located outside the school premises (64.7% and 57.1%, respectively), while most private schools accessed water from within the premises (68.4%). The majority of students in public, private, and faith-based schools had access to one toilet for approximately every 30 students (68.6%, 89.5%, and 26.7%, respectively). All schools (100.0%) disposed of refuse through open dumping or burning. Public schools had the most space for outdoor games (82.9%), followed by private (57.9%) and faith-based schools (50.0%). Overall, the implementation and assessment of the School Health Programme were more favourable in faithbased schools compared to public and private schools in Benue South Senatorial District, Nigeria
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of BioMedical Research and Clinical Practice
Assessment of Housing Characteristics and Crowding Index in BenueSouth Senatorial District, Nigeria
Background: Housing is a fundamental component of human settlement and a key determinant of health and well-being. In Nigeria, despite numerous housing policies and reforms, implementation remains limited, leaving many citizens in substandard housing conditions. Recurrent insecurity and community displacement have further worsened the situation. This study assessed housing characteristics and the crowding index in the Benue South Senatorial District of Nigeria. Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 households selected through a multistage sampling technique across nine local government areas. Data were collected using structured intervieweradministered questionnaires and direct observation of housing conditions. Analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0, with descriptive statistics summarised in frequency tables and Chi-square tests used to examine associations between sociodemographic factors and overcrowding, with a p-value set at 5%. Results: A total of 423 respondents participated (response rate: 99.8%), aged 17–85 years (mean = 46.1 ± 15.5). Males constituted 66.7%, 94.3% had formal education, and 85.6% were gainfully employed. Overall, housing conditions were poor across most indicators. Accessibility (77.1%), thermal comfort (68.1%), and lighting (60.3%) were relatively adequate, while fewer households met standards for sanitation (39.7%), drainage (32.4%), potable water (23.4%), and ventilation (22.7%). Most houses were concrete structures with zinc roofing (60.3%), and 19.9% of households were overcrowded (mean household size = 7.4 ± 3.7). Settlement type and occupation were significantly associated with overcrowding (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001). Conclusion: Housing in Benue South Senatorial District is moderately durable but marked by deficits in sanitation, ventilation, and water access. With one-fifth of households overcrowded, the findings underscore the need for evidencebased housing policies and integrated interventions to enhance living conditions and promote public health in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Knowledge and Practice of Umbilical Cord Care Among MothersAttending an Immunization Clinic in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
Background: The umbilical stump, if not properly cared for, becomes a route of infection into the newborn, leading to umbilical cord infection, neonatal sepsis, and death. When caring for the newborn, some caregivers engage in harmful practices by applying various substances to the umbilical stump, and these practices are often based on local knowledge and culture. This study assessed knowledge and practice of umbilical cord care and their determinants among mothers attending an immunization clinic in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among mothers who brought their infants for immunization. Using a systematic sampling technique, 293 mothers were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaires between October and November 2023. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, and associations tested with the chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Level of statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: The mothers' mean (SD) age was 31.31 (6.38) years; most were married (69.6%), had tertiary level education (39.6%), and were full-time housewives (33.8%). Their mean (SD) parity was 2.79 (1.14) children, the median (range) number of ANC visits was 4 (2-10) visits, and the vast majority (80.5%) delivered their index baby at a health facility. Overall, only 22 mothers (7.5%) demonstrated good knowledge of umbilical cord care (UCC), while the vast majority, 271 mothers (92.5%) demonstrated poor knowledge. Conversely, 235 (80.2%) mothers observed good UCC practices, while 58 (19.8%) observed poor practices. Predictors of good UCC practice were: health facility delivery, higher maternal age (>30 years), and tertiary level education. On the other hand, predictors of poor practice of UCC were: primary education and being a civil servant or student. Conclusion and recommendations: Knowledge about UCC was significantly poor, but most mothers were practicing good UCC. Predictors of good UCC practice were: health facility delivery, higher maternal age (>30 years), and tertiary education. On the other hand, predictors of poor UCC practice were: primary education, and being a civil servant or student. Integrating simple, umbilical cord care education into routine health education messages at antenatal, natal, and postnatal care service points will improve knowledge and practice of cord care. Healthcare providers should also give a hands-on demonstration of proper cord care before mothers are discharged after delivery.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B Co-infection with HIV/AIDS: A Three-Year Retrospective Study at Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo.
Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection is common and constitutes a significant global public health burden, particularly in regions with high HIV prevalence. This increases the risk of complications and mortality among people living with HIV. Despite the international concern, there is a paucity of data on HBV co-infection among individuals living with HIV who attend the HIV clinic at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Benue State, Nigeria. This study aims to determine the prevalence of HBV co-infection among HIV-infected individuals receiving care at the FUHSO HIV/AIDS clinic. Methods: A retrospective study design was employed for this study, conducted between December 2021 and November 2024. Overall, 3000 case files were reviewed (150, 600, 850, and 1400 in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively). Individuals with incomplete clinical records were excluded from the study. Results: Three thousand (3000) case files were analyzed, and the overall prevalence of Hepatitis B Co-infection amongst the HIV patients enrolled in the study was 10.3% (310/3000). The prevalence was higher in females (6.9%) than in males (3.1%). The relationship between the age of patients and the HIV/HBV Co-infection was statistically significant. Conclusion: Though our study indicates a low prevalence of Hepatitis B co-infection in HIV infected people in our center, reduction of the rate is still strongly necessary. Reduction can be achieved by solidification of the uptake of the Hepatitis B vaccine.
False Penile Fracture: A Case Report and Review of Current Diagnosisand Management
False penile fracture, a rare cause of acute penis, results from deep dorsal vein, superficial dorsal vein, and dorsal artery injuries as well as non-specific dartos bleeding. The management of false penile fracture may be conservative when the diagnosis is certain. However, emergent surgical exploration and repair are favoured to prevent long-term complications. Reported herein is an uncommon case of deep dorsal penile vein rupture that was thought to be true penile fracture before exploration with a view to discussing the current diagnosis and management of false penile fracture.
Bilateral Anterior Shoulder Dislocation with Associated BilateralGreater Tuberosity Fractures: Presentation of Two Consecutive Casesand Literature Review
The shoulder is the most frequently dislocated joint in the body. Most of the dislocations are anterior. However, bilateral dislocations which are usually posterior are rare and result from epileptic seizures, electric shock, electro convulsive therapy and sport injuries. Sequential anterior dislocations are extremely rare and only three cases have been reported in the literature. Treatment is mainly conservative with few indications for operative intervention. We present a 16 year boy with sequential bilateral anterior dislocation, the youngest ever with this category of injury and a 65 year old man with bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation. These case reports aim to highlight the need for high index of suspicion in order not to miss the injury.
Dermatophytosis among Primary School Children in Jos, Plateau StateNigeria
Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection of the hair, skin or nails and typically presents with red, itchy, scaly, or raised patches. The major risk factors for infection are contact sports, excessive sweating, contact with animals, poor hygiene and immunosuppression. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and etiologic agents of dermatophytosis among primary school children in Jos, Plateau State. A total of 598 elementary school pupils, aged 4-15 years with clinical features of superficial mycoses on different parts of the body and whose parents/guardians signed the consent were recruited to participate in the study. The specimens were collected aseptically by cleaning the infected area with 70% alcohol, and scrapping the actively growing edge of the lesions into a sterile foil paper using sterile scalpel blades for each lesion. The samples were transported to the laboratory and subjected to microscopy, culture and identification. Culture confirmed 530(88.6%) of the infections as dermatophytoses with the commonest being tinea capitis. The infection was more common in males than females with 63.4% and 36.6% respectively. The age group predominantly infected was 4-7 years responsible for 49.7% of the infection. Trichophyton rubrum was the commonest agent isolated as the cause of dermatophytosis among the study participants. This study revealed a high prevalence of dermatophytoses among the school pupils with males being more affected than female. Children aged 4-7 years are commonly affected with Trichophyton rubrum the major culprit. This emphasis the need for targeted treatment and control of dermatophytosis among primary school pupils.
Complicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infection in a Nigerian TertiaryHospital: A Review of Cases
Background: The epidemiology of Complicated Skin and soft tissue infections with respect to causative strains and antibiotic susceptibility can no longer be predicted with accuracy. Community-acquired and healthcare-acquired strains are constantly shifting and this presents clinical challenge in the choice of empirical antibiotic therapy. Objectives: To determine epidemiological pattern and clinical presentation of complicated skin and soft tissue infections and to identify bacterial agents responsible and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern with the view to guide empirical therapy. Materials and methods: Retrospective data was obtained over a 5year period in NKST rehabilitation hospital Mkar, North-central Nigeria. Fifty one patients aged 2-75years met the criteria for inclusion. Aspirates were taken for microbiologic investigation. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21. Result: A total 51 patients with skin and soft tissue infections were studied. Thirty four (66.7%) were males and 17(33.3%) were females with a male: female ratio of 2:1. The commonest presenting complaint was pain in 51 patients (100%) followed by swelling in 50(98.0%) patients and Fever in 31(60.7 %) patients. The thigh was the commonest 24(47.1%) site involved. aspirate cultures yielded, Escherichia coli in 25(49.0%) patients, and Staphylococcus aureus in 14 (27.5%) patients. There was high level of resistance of isolates to Augmentin 14(27.5%) and ampicillin in 14(27.5%) patients and sensitivity to ciprofloxacin in 24(47.1%), perfloxacin in 10(19.6%), ofloxacin in 11(21.5%) and ceftriazone in 3(5.8%) patients. Post-operative complications encountered were multiple abscesses in 28(54.9%) and chronic osteomyelitis in 11(21.6%) patients. Conclusion: The commonest site of skin and soft tissue infection was the thigh and the commonest risk factor was trauma. Escherichia coli were the commonest organism isolated from aspirate followed by staphylococcus aurous. Successful management of complicated skin and soft tissue infections usually involves prompt recognition, resuscitation if required, timely surgical debridement or drainage, and appropriate antibiotic therapy. Findings from this study suggest that the empirical antibiotics of choice in our environment are floroquinolone followed by cephalosporin. The combination with metronidazole (anti- anaerobic agent) may be reasonable due to the fact that anaerobic culture is not routinely done in our environment.
Relationship between the Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorderand Emotional Behaviours of Children who Survived Armed Conflictsin North-Eastern, Nigeria
The study evaluated the relationship between the symptoms of Posttraumatic (PTSD) stress disorder as a mental health consequence of traumatic events on children's emotional and behavioural state in Nigeria. A consecutive sampling method was employed to interview the parents, teachers and 117 pupils in a non-conventional school. A face-to-face interview was conducted using Socio-demographic questionnaire; Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES-13) to collect data in two villages in North Eastern Nigeria, who had survived the 2018/19-armed attacks. The interview was conducted in each class together with the respective teachers of each child accompanied by a parent or blood relative to ensure privacy. The mean age of the 117 pupils was 9.87±2.85. Twelve per cent and 27% of the children had borderline/ abnormal difficulties on the Total Difficulty subscale of the SDQ as rated by parents and teachers, respectively. About 26 % of 93 pupils 8 years and above had symptoms of PTSD. The parents ranting on SDQ showed a weak positive correlation between: intrusive symptoms of PSTD and expression of emotion of the pupils (r=0.283, p=0.006); Arousal symptoms of PTSD and emotion (r=0.261, p=0.012), peer relationship problems (r=0.255, p=0.014), and total difficulty scale (r=0.354, p=0.001); but between arousal and strength scale, the correlation was weak and negative (r=0.220, p=0.034). On the teachers' rating, there was a weak positive correlation between the intrusive symptoms of PTSD and emotion (r=0.417, p=0.001), peer problem (r=0.228, p=0.028) and Total difficulty (r=0.273, p=0.008) subscales; avoidance symptoms with emotion (r=0.364, p=0.001) and arousal symptoms correlated weakly with emotional (r=0.463, p=001), peer problems (r=0.250, p=0.016) and Total Difficulty (r=0.331, p=0.001) subscales. The study revealed a correlation between the various symptoms of PTSD and the children's emotion and behaviours as a result of the traumatic event.
Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing Screening for Some Indices ofNon-Communicable Diseases among Women of Child Bearing AgeSeen at An Urban Setting in South-South Nigeria.
The role of screening for prompt detection of cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which constitute heavy economic and psychosocial burden on individuals, families and the society globally cannot be overemphasized. This study was done to identify socio-demographic variables that influenced routine voluntary screening for some indices of NCDs (blood pressure, blood glucose and lipid profile) among women of child bearing age seen at a secondary health care facility in an urban setting in south-south Nigeria. This was a facility based cross-sectional descriptive study done at the general outpatient clinics (GOPCs) of General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria, among 168 women of child bearing age. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and awareness of the studied indices and routine voluntary screening practices for the indices. The study lasted between January and March 2020. The ages of the respondents ranged from 20-49 years with mean and standard deviation of 31.76+ 10.60 years. Results showed that out of 168 respondents, greater percentage 86(51.19%) belonged to middle reproductive age (30-39 years). Almost half of the women 80(47.62%) had tertiary education while majority of them belonged to lower income group (<$241). While almost all of them, 161(95.83%) and 155(92.26%) were aware of blood pressure and blood glucose respectively, only 49(29.17%) had heard of lipid profile. Also while majority of the women, 91.67%, had ever screened for their blood pressure, only 16.67% had done lipid profile. Two socio-demographic variables (age and educational status) were commonly and statistically associated with screening for blood pressure (p=0.002, p=0.0004), blood glucose (P=0.0002, P=0.001) and lipid profile (P=0.005, P=0.0003) respectively. The study has shown that voluntary routine screening for some indices of NCDs among the women of child bearing age was influenced mostly by higher education and advanced reproductive age. Also while screening for some indices (blood pressure and blood glugose) was good, it was abysmally poor for lipid profile. Considering the contributions of these health indices to the causation of NCDs, it is recommended that the studied population (women of child-bearing age) should be educated on the imperative of routine screening for these indices of NCDs for timely detection of derangement and prompt treatment, as component of disease prevention and health promotion.
Factors that Influence Parent-Adolescent Communication onAdolescent Reproductive Health in Benue State Nigeria
Communication between parents and adolescents on Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health (ASRH) is vital in tackling the rising problems associated with ARH (Adolescent Reproductive Health). Many adolescents rely on their peers and social media for information about sex that may be inaccurate and often have to bear with negative consequences. The aim of this study is to assess factors that influence parent-adolescent communication on adolescent reproductive health in Benue state Nigeria. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1-3 and Senior Secondary School (SSS) 1-2 in six schools selected from Makurdi and Gboko Local Government Areas (LGA) of Benue state ( 3 schools from each LGA). Data was collected from 1000 participants, 500 from each LGA using structured, pretested, and self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 20. This study revealed that Parent's gender was found to influence parent-adolescent communication positively as more fathers (48.1%-Makurdi, 38.9%-Gboko) communicated regularly (daily and weekly) with their adolescents than the mothers (31.8%-Makurdi, 38.7%-Gboko). Whereas parents with tertiary level of education engaged more regularly in parent-adolescent communication in both LGAs and those within 30-50 years age group were more regular in their communication than the older parents in both LGAs. Occupation also influenced parent-adolescent communication; those engaged in farming and fishing [O.R.= 11.790, 95% C.I.( 3.257-42.719), P = 0.001 ] were more likely to engage in parent-adolescent communication than those in other occupational groups. In conclusion, this study showed that parentadolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health is affected by parents' gender, level of education and occupation. It is therefore important that awareness creation on parent-adolescent communication be intensified in schools, hospitals, religious institutions and social media considering the positive impact of this on ASRH
Economic Burden and Payment Coping Mechanism of Patients withType 2 Diabetes Attending A Tertiary Health Facility Nnewi, AnambraState
The increasing prevalence rate of diabetes on the African continent may translate into severe economic burden. The burden of diabetes implies significant direct and indirect consequences to patients. This study was conducted to determine the Burden and Payment Coping Mechanisms among Patients with Type 2 Diabetic attending outpatient department of a tertiary health care facility in Nnewi, Anambra State. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design using convenient sampling technique and adapted questionnaires as instrument for data collection was employed for the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and hypothesis tested using multiple linear regressionat p<0.05. Findings showed that an average monthly direct cost of type 2 diabetes was N74, 974.31($254.01) and an indirect cost of N72, 311.19($236.31). Major coping mechanisms utilized by respondents were, patients own money (salary, earnings, savings), payment by family members, sale of lands, gifts from friends and neighbors and skipping of appointments. Employment status, educational qualification and social class were significant predictors of direct cost among patients with diabetics (P-values were 0.015, 0.010, and 0.013 respectively. The economic burden on patients with diabetic is continuously on the increase, patients need financial assistance in order to cope with the cost of their treatment. There is need for government and Non-Governmental agencies to intervene by subsidizing the cost of diabetic management and treatment.
Management of Intersex: A Challenge in Low Resource Settings
Background: Intersex refers to people with congenital variations in chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones or genitals that can neither be categorized as male or female. Features may include genital ambiguity, combinations of chromosomal genotype, and sexual phenotypes different from XY (Male) and XX (female). The availability or accessibility of a wide range of investigative components for managing intersex remains a major challenge for health systems in low-resource settings. There are also missed cases that present later in life when their gender assignment contradicts the secondary sexual developments. Depending on the gender of rearing, they present to the gynaecologist or urologist. However proper clinical evaluation and early diagnosis of intersex can reduce the psychological trauma that the patient and their families go through. We present two patients who presented to the gynaecologic clinic of ABUTH within a period of 2 years. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and management of intersex remains a major challenge for health systems in low-resource settings like ours. However proper clinical evaluation can make early detection possible and also help in its diagnosis.
Hysterosalpingographic Pattern of Infertile Women as Seen in SomePrivate Radiology Centres within Lagos Metropolis
Background: Infertility is a global health issue that transcends every religious, cultural, and socio-political class. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a first-line modality for assessing infertility. However, HSG findings on infertility vary from place to place. There is a dearth of studies on HSG findings in many Nigerian private radiological centers. Objectives: This study is aimed at evaluating the HSG findings in patients with infertility in some private radiology centers within Lagos State and comparing these findings with studies from some tertiary centers within and outside Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective review of 229 consecutive patients carried out among infertile women who presented for HSG in 20 private diagnostic centers in Lagos within one year (February 2019 to January 2020). The collected data was analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). Results: A total of 229 reports were reviewed, with an age range of 26–50 years. More than 65% were between the ages of 31 and 40 years. The most frequent uterine abnormality was a filling defect, while one case of a bicornuate uterus was seen. Normal tubal patency was seen in 50.65% of patients, while 49.35% had various forms of tubal abnormalities. Of these 113 patients, 73 (64.6%) had bilateral tubal blockages. More than 80% of the blockages were cornual, and loculated peritoneal contrast spillage was 45%. Conclusion: Adherence to strict procedural techniques by private diagnostic centers is essential to reducing false negative results. Also, fluoroscopy machines should be made available in our health facilities for adequate assessment of women with infertility.
Assessment of Factors Influencing Low Back Pain Among AdultPatients Attending the General Outpatient Clinic of A Tertiary Hospitalin Makurdi, North Central Nigeria.
Low back pain is a highly prevalent health problem globally. It is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems affecting the human race and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Several factors have been implicated in the development and maintenance of low back pain. Understanding the roles these factors play in low back pain will help prevent its development and complications. This study aimed to assess the factors that influence low back pain among adult patients attending the General Out-Patient Clinic of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study conducted between December 2018 and April 2019 involving 392 patients aged 18 years and above. Informed consent was obtained. Data was collected by a pretested interviewer administered questionnaire, and analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 software. There were 229 females (58.4%) and 163 males (41.6 %). The mean age of the patients was 41.46 ± 1.33 years. The proportion of those with low back pain was 62%. The respondents' age, marital status, level of education, occupation, previous back injury, obesity and posture mostly adopted during daily activities were the independent predictors of low back pain. More efforts should be directed at counselling patients on the modifiable risk factors for low back pain.
Spectrum of Thyroid Diseases at Benue State University TeachingHospital Makurdi, Nigeria: A Histopathological Survey.
Thyroid diseases are significant endocrine disorders with a wide spectrum of histological patterns and marked geographical variation. This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological spectrum of thyroid lesions in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria, over a 10-year period. A retrospective review of 121 thyroidectomy specimens received at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, between January 2015 and December 2024 was conducted. Histopathological diagnoses were classified into non-neoplastic, neoplastic, and inflammatory lesions. The study revealed that females accounted for 91% of cases, yielding a female-to-male ratio of 10:1. The most affected age group was 31–40 years. Non-neoplastic lesions predominated (87.2%), with multinodular goitre constituting 82% of all cases. Neoplastic lesions accounted for 12.8%, comprising 5% benign and 7.4% malignant cases. Papillary carcinoma was the most frequent malignancy (56%), followed by poorly differentiated carcinoma (22%), with follicular and medullary carcinomas representing 11% each. Inflammatory conditions, including Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves' disease, were rare. Thyroid lesions in Makurdi are predominantly nonneoplastic, with a striking female preponderance. Multinodular goitre remains the most common lesion, while papillary carcinoma is the leading thyroid malignancy. Further studies are warranted to investigate regional variations in thyroid cancer incidence.
Prevalence of Anti-A and Anti–B Haemolysins Among Blood Group 'O'Donors in Makurdi, Nigeria.
Blood group O donors are inappropriately called “universal donors.” These donors could become potentially “dangerous” if haemolysins are detected in their plasma. This study determined the prevalence of anti–Aand anti–B haemolysins among blood group O donors in Makurdi, Benue State. Three hundred and five voluntary group O donors were screened for anti–A and anti–B haemolysins using the standard tube technique and samples showing haemolysis were titrated for anti A and anti B haemolysins. The overall prevalence of anti–A and/or anti–B haemolysins was 66.2%. Prevalence of anti–Ahaemolysins was 6%, anti–B haemolysins 14%, and both was 45.6% of blood donors. It was concluded the prevalence of anti-A and Anti-B haemolysins is high among blood group O donors in Makurdi. In high titres, these lytic (lgG) antibodies may induce haemolysis leading to a haemolytic transfusion reaction during blood transfusion.To prevent this potential adverse event, it is recommended that the transfusion of blood group identical units remains the best practice in the blood bank. However, where this is impracticable, blood group O donor units should be screened so that units with high titre haemolysins will be identified and avoided for non-O blood group recipients as well as utilization of washed blood group O red cells in dire situations where group O blood will be used for non-O recipient.
Lacrimal Drainage System Involvement in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome:A Case Report and Literature Review
Stevens-Johnson-Syndrome (SJS) is characterized by severe inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes of the entire body. Also known as Lyell disease, the effect of the disease is usually quite fatal if not aggressively managed. The lacrimal drainage system which is lined inside by the mucous membrane is also not spared and when involved the management is challenging. We report a 31-year-oldretroviral disease positive female on antiretroviral drugs whose consent was sought and permission granted. She presented with severe symblepharon occluding the puncta of the upper and lower lids, associated with persistent epiphora and bacterial blepharitis in both eyes, with good visual acuities and multiforme erythematous skin eruptions. The probing of the system revealed soft stops along the canalicular and naso-lacrimal duct segments of the lacrimal drainage systems. There was failed venflon stenting procedure after symblepharon release warranting bilateral dacryocystorhinostomies (DCRs) with silicone intubations which was followed by marked relief of symptoms and signs. We therefore conclude that SJS can affect the lacrimal drainage systems and the management challenges are enormous requiring a lotof resilience and patience on the side of the oculoplastic surgeon.
Cervical Cancer Screening Using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid(Via): A Viable Intervention in A Resource Poor Setting in Benue State,North Central Nigeria
Background: Cervical cancer is an enormous public health burden world-wide particularly in LMICs. The aim of this study is to assess the acceptability and outcome of VIA screening for cervical cancer among women at a rural health facility in North Central Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional descriptive study that was conducted among 162 consecutively consenting women between the age of 20-65 years at a medical outreach in a rural community of Mkar in conjunction with NKST Hospital Mkar, Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State-Nigeria in June 2021. VIA was performed on each of the study participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Women with a positive VIAresults were offered thermal ablation. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 25. The results were presented in charts and tables. Results: Amongst the 162 women participants, 12 (7.4%) were screened positive while 150 (92.6%) were screened negative for premalignant lesions of the cervix with VIA. There was a significant association between Parity (X2 = 11.97, P-value = 0.003), a history of symptoms (dyspareunia and foul-smelling discharge) (X2 = 28.003, P-value = 0.001) and the outcome of the VIA test. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated the usefulness of VIA as a screening tool for secondary prevention of cervical cancer in LMICs and recommends the integration of VIA-based screening programs at the primary health care level to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in LIMCs.