Abstract Background: Abdominal trauma remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, with distinct epidemiological patterns and management challenges compared to developed nations. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyse the patterns, management strategies and outcomes of abdominal trauma in a resource-limited tertiary hospital setting in Northwestern Nigeria over 10 years. Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study analysed all patients with confirmed abdominal trauma admitted to the General Surgery unit of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, from January 2013 to December 2023. Data were collected from patient records and analysed using SPSS version 23. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of mortality. Results: A total of 367 patients were managed during the study period. Males predominated (75.7%, n = 278) with a male-to-female ratio of 5.4:1. The majority (65.4%) were aged 18–45 years. Penetrating trauma accounted for 78.7% of cases, with gunshot wounds being the most common mechanism (42.5%). The spleen (33.8%) and liver (26.7%) were the most frequently injured organs in blunt abdominal trauma. The overall mortality rate was 19.4% ( n = 71). Independent predictors of mortality included late presentation (>12 h), shock at admission, intensive care unit requirement and need for repeat surgery ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Abdominal trauma in Northwestern Nigeria predominantly affects young males through penetrating mechanisms, reflecting regional security challenges. The high mortality rate compared to developed countries highlights the need for improved pre-hospital care, early presentation strategies and enhanced diagnostic capabilities in resource-limited settings.

Abstract Case reports of Morel Lavallee lesions seen in two hospitals in Abuja, the federal capital territory of Nigeria, are reported. All cases were diagnosed based on clinical merits It is an uncommon lesion that is treatable with basic equipment even in low-income resource areas. Clinical diagnosis even in the absence of magnetic resonance imaging, which is the gold standard of diagnosis, is possible with adequate knowledge of the aetiopathogenesis. Drainage, debridement and dead space elimination form the crux of most treatment protocols. Increased clinical awareness will lead to early diagnosis and treatment and the avoidance of preventable complications.

Abstract Introduction: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is an increasing public health problem in Nigeria and West Africa, where late presentation, poor diagnostic capacity and health system weaknesses contribute to poor outcomes. Materials and Methods: This review synthesises current evidence on the burden of HNC in Nigeria, focussing on epidemiology, barriers to early diagnosis, available diagnostic and therapeutic infrastructure, workforce capacity, preventive strategies and policy gaps. Results: Over 70% of patients present at advanced stages (III/IV), resulting in high mortality. Barriers to early detection include low awareness, stigma, misdiagnosis and inadequate infrastructure, with limited access to advanced imaging, immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostics. Nigeria has only one positron emission tomography-computed tomography scanner, and radiotherapy services are concentrated in a few urban centres, many of which are often non-functional. Treatment is further hindered by the lack of HNC-specific guidelines, weak multidisciplinary team structures, shortage of trained specialists and high out-of-pocket costs. Preventive measures such as tobacco control and human papillomavirus vaccination remain underutilised, and follow-up systems are poorly developed, leading to frequent recurrences and poor survival. Conclusion: Addressing this burden requires public education, early detection strategies, equitable distribution of diagnostic and treatment infrastructure, improved training of oncology professionals, better health insurance coverage and stronger policy support to shift HNC from a silent killer to a preventable and treatable disease in Nigeria.

Abstract Background: Intestinal helminthiasis (IH) in pregnancy is an important public health issue that depletes iron stores with poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of IH and its relationship with maternal haemoglobin (Hb) concentration among pregnant women in rural communities of Enugu state, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 405 pregnant women in rural primary health centres of Enugu State, Nigeria. Stool and blood were collected using screw-capped bottle with applicator and HemoCue photometer, respectively. Data were analysed using IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions software version 25. Statistical test was set at 0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 28.3 ± 5.40. The prevalence of helminthiasis was 9.2% of which majority, 94.6% was of hookworm type. About four-fifth, 81.1% of helminth-infected pregnant women were anaemic compared to one-fifth and 12.3% of non-helminth infected pregnant women. The differences in the mean Hb concentration were significant ( t = −8.375, P < 0.0001). The risk of anaemia among helminth-infected pregnant women was 31 times. There was a significant strong negative correlation between helminthiasis count and haemoglobin concentration ( R = −0.833, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Infected helminthiasis in pregnancy was sub-endemic with hookworm the most common. The risk of anaemia was higher among helminth-infected pregnant women. The relationship with anaemia was a strong negative correlation. Helminthiasis prevention should be strengthened in antenatal services.

Abstract Background: Banditry and armed violence have severe psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and psychosis. PTSD is one of the most common psychological disorders among internally displaced persons (IDPs). Despite the rising incidence of banditry and kidnapping in Sokoto, there are limited studies that focus on the mental health of these victims. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with PTSD among victims of banditry living in IDPs camps in Sokoto. Materials and Methods: A total of 415 participants were recruited using systematic sampling technique and were administered the sociodemographic questionnaire, Oslo Social Support Scale-3, Harvard Trauma Questionnaire-revised and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Using SPSS, the Chi-square test was used to determine association, while binary logistic regression analysis, ( P < 0.05), was used to determine the independent predictors of PTSD. Results: A total of 415 IDPs were studied. The mean age was 36.7 years (standard deviation ± 16.5). Most (79.3%) of them were females. The majority, i.e., 86.3%, had informal education, while 70.1% were unemployed. The prevalence of PTSD was 50.6%. The independent predictors of PTSD were current depresSsion ( P < 0.001), combat situation ( P = 0.007), forced to hide ( P < 0.001), witnessing rape or sexual abuse ( P = 0.033) and murder, due to violence, of spouse ( P = 0.002). Conclusion: Banditry has led to unprecedented levels of internal displacement in Sokoto State, resulting in a high prevalence of PTSD among IDPs. The independent predictors of PTSD were having diagnosis of depression, combat situation, forced to hide, witness rape and murder of spouse.

Abstract Background: Tongue tamers are small, bonded metal spurs used in orthodontics to help eliminate deleterious oral habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking by creating a physical reminder that discourages the habit. They are commonly used with fixed appliances and are valued for being minimally obtrusive. However, their success depends on secure bonding to the teeth, and detachment can compromise treatment efficacy. This study is an audit of the bond failure rate of tongue tamers and examines the associated demographic and clinical factors in a Nigerian clinical setting. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional review was conducted using records from a private clinic in Lagos State, Nigeria. Data were extracted from the orthodontic patients’ records who had tongue tamers bonded within one year. Variables collected included patient age, gender, oral habit, malocclusion classification, arch and teeth bonded, appliance type and time to bond failure. Statistical analysis was performed using R, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 28 patients with 192 bonded tongue tamers were recruited into the study. The prevalence of bond failure was 68/192 (35.4%). Approximately 25/28 (89.3%) of patients experienced failure of at least one tongue tamer. Most failures, 41/68 (60.3%), occurred within the first four to six weeks of placement. Bond failure was significantly more frequent in the upper arch 42/100 (42.0%), compared with the lower, 26/92 (28.3%; χ 2 = 3.95, df = 1, P = 0.047), and amongst patients with tongue thrusting and thumb sucking ( P = 0.043, Fisher’s exact). Class III malocclusion 17/28 (60.7%) and reduced/incomplete overbite 23/44 (52.3%) were significantly associated with higher failure rates compared with class I 36/124 (29.0%) and anterior open bite 45/148 (30.4%) (χ 2 = 10.12, df = 2, P = 0.006; χ 2 = 7.09, df = 1, P = 0.008, respectively). No significant associations were found with gender ( P = 0.110), age ( P = 0.200) or appliance type ( P = 0.800). Conclusion: Tongue tamers are prone to early bond failure, particularly in the upper arch, with most failures occurring within the first six weeks of placement. Early follow-up and rebonding or alternative habit-breaking appliance choices may improve treatment outcomes in high-risk cases.

Abstract Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in haematopoetic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Co-reactivation of the viruses also plays an important role in the development of acute graft versus host disease. Objective: Serological testing for CMV and EBV was carried out in blood donors to determine the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of exposed individuals in anticipation of stem cell transplantation. Materials and Methods: EBV viral capsid antigen, Immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM and CMV IgG and CMV IgM were assayed in the sera of ninety consecutive family replacement donors by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.3 ± 8.5 years, of which 47/90 (52.2%) were married and 76/90 (84.4%) were males. Fifty (55.6%) and 85 (94.4%) donors were exposed to CMV and EBV, respectively, and exposure to both viruses was 46/90 (51.1%). Seroprevalence for IgG CMV was 33/90 (36.7%) while for IgM CMV it was 17/90 (18.9%). Seven individuals had primary exposure to CMV. Seroprevalence for EBV IgG and IgM was 70/90 (77.8%) and 15/90 (16.7%), respectively. All individuals with IgM EBV also had IgG EBV, showing there was no primary exposure to EBV among the donors. By age 40 years, the donors had been exposed to EBV compared to 50% who had been exposed to CMV. Conclusions: The lower seroprevalence for CMV than expected and the late exposure to EBV would suggest a change in donors socioeconomic status and would impact donor selection for HSCT.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of intravitreal faricimab for various retinal vascular diseases in a low-resource Nigerian setting and to provide preliminary insights that could inform future ophthalmological treatment protocols. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 13 cases (5 males and 8 females) at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Diagnoses included neovascular age-related maculopathy ( n = 2), haemorrhagic pigment epithelial detachment ( n = 2), central retinal vein occlusion with cystoid macular oedema ( n = 3), diabetic macular oedema ( n = 1), non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with clinically significant macular oedema ( n = 2), idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy ( n = 2) and Irvine–Gass syndrome ( n = 1). All patients received intravitreal injection of 6 mg in 0.05 mL of faricimab every four weeks. Follow-up assessments were based on visual acuity and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings, with treatment frequency tailored to individual clinical responses over an average follow-up period of six months. Results: Faricimab therapy demonstrated notable anatomical improvements in OCT and gains in visual acuity across diverse retinal conditions. Although responses varied, the upgrades in retinal anatomy and function suggest a positive treatment effect across this heterogeneous group. Conclusion: Intravitreal faricimab shows promise as a therapeutic option for retinal vascular diseases in a low-resource setting. These preliminary findings provide a foundation for future controlled studies to refine treatment protocols and establish their efficacy in larger cohorts.

Abstract Background: Hypertension is a growing public health issue in Nigeria, with many patients facing treatment-related barriers that hamper disease control. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the sociodemographic profile of hypertensive patients and identify treatment barriers in the Comprehensive Health Centre (CHC), Argungu. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed among ( n = 238) adult hypertensive patients recruited from CHC, Argungu, over four months. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires, documenting sociodemographic variables and perceived treatment barriers. Analysis involved descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Participants were predominantly female 54.2%, aged 50%–59%. The most frequently cited barriers included lack of medication adherence (over 90%) and poor knowledge of hypertension 60.9% education level, farming occupation and age showed significant associations with barrier reporting ( χ ² = .0.02, 0.001 and 0.036, respectively, P < 0.05). Lack of basic knowledge of hypertension was found to be a serious barrier to treatment. Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors significantly determine treatment barriers among hypertensive patients in CHC, Argungu. Interventions such as health education, cost-subsidised care and improved service delivery are warranted to enhance treatment uptake and hypertension control.

Abstract Background: Trauma is a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in children in developing countries, including Nigeria. The cause of injury in children may be intentional or unintentional. This study aims to investigate the pattern and outcome of trauma in children aged 1–17 years in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a 32-month prospective cross-sectional study conducted at the emergency medicine department of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from July 2022 to February 2025. Results: Three hundred and eighty children were recruited into the study, with 222 (58.4%) males, 158 (41.6%) females and 153 (40.3%) aged 6–12 years. The children were involved in a wide range of activities before the injury occurred. The commonest mechanism of injury was road traffic accident, 203 (53.4%), and falls from height, 66 (17.3%). Most of the children, 283 (80.6%), were conscious at the time of presentation, while 29 (7.6%) were brought in dead. Conclusion: The causes of deaths from this study were most likely preventable. Boys were more trauma victims than girls. Most of the trauma was caused by road traffic crashes, which means the children were not properly supervised by an adult. This also extends to children falling from height, especially from the balconies of high-rise buildings. Child social services should be strengthened in Nigeria to reduce the burden, morbidity and mortality caused by trauma in children.