Adult Nigerians Research Articles

Satisfaction With Children's Achievements and Health Outcomes in a Sample of Community Older Adults in Nigeria.

In most African societies with little or no social welfare services for older adults, many parents regard their children as personal investments and security for the future. As a result, satisfaction with children's achievements may be necessary for older parents' physical and mental health. This study examined the association between satisfaction with adult children's achievements (SACA) and health outcomes (regarding somatic health, self-rated health, anxiety, and depression) in a sample of Nigerian older adults. By using the multistage sampling technique in a cross-sectional survey, 465 older adults (mean age = 74.18 ± 9.42) consisting of 294 women were selected from 14 rural communities in a State in Nigeria. Data were collected using validated instruments and analyzed using multiple linear regression and multigroup analyses in SPSS AMOS. High SACA was significantly associated with low somatic health problems, positive self-rated health, and low levels of anxiety and depression, even after controlling for sociodemographic factors, children's support, social engagement, and loneliness. Further analyses indicated that the relationship between SACA and depression was only significant in women and more robust in the widowed. Also, SACA was associated with somatic health among the married but not the widowed. The level of children's support was not a significant moderator. Parents can experience positive emotions and, consequently, good health from being satisfied with their children's achievements regardless of perceived children's support. Assessing SACA may aid in better diagnoses and formulation of a more effective clinical intervention to improve the well-being of older adults in developing societies.

Neighborhood environment and quality of life among community-living older adults in Nigeria: The moderating effect of physical activity

Understanding how neighborhood environments are related to older adults’ quality of life (QoL) and physical activity (PA) is important for public health actions on healthy ageing in sub-Saharan Africa. We examined associations of perceived neighborhood environment attributes with QoL among older adults in Nigeria and investigated the moderating effects of PA on these associations. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 353 older adults (mean age = 68.9 ± 9.1 years) selected from 5 high- and low-income communities in Maiduguri, Nigeria. QoL, attributes of the neighborhood environments and PA were self-reported using validated questionnaires. Multi-level models were used to examine the direct associations between neighborhood environment attributes and each of the four domains of QoL (physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental health), as well as the moderating effects of leisure-time and total PA. Seven of nine neighborhood environment features were positively associated with multiple domains of QoL. Residential density, land-use diversity, land-use mix-access, walking infrastructure, traffic safety and ‘overall walkability’ were positively related to both or either physical health and environmental health QoL among those who are physically active. In contrast, walking infrastructure, traffic safety, and ‘overall walkability’ were negatively related to psychological health QoL among those not physically active. Our findings suggest being physically active moderates the association of neighborhood environments with QoL among Nigerian older adults. We suggest that designing age-friendly communities and simultaneously promoting PA may be needed to improve QoL and help prepare the Nigerian society for the predicted increase in the older adult population.

Human growth hormone, a marker for HIV infection among adult Igbo Nigerians: relationship between human growth hormone and CD4+ count with viral load.

Routine viral load and CD4+ testing is key to monitoring the extent of danger caused by HIV and response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV individuals, but its availability has been limited in low and middle-income countries. The study sort to ascertain relationship between serum Human Growth Hormone (HGH) gold standard with CD4 cells and viral load in HIV-infected patients. CD4+ T-cells, HIV viral load, and HGH were assayed in HIV- infected patients from May to December 2020. 460 subjects were engaged and separated into two groups: the HIV-infected untreated (Pre-ART) and the control groups. An interventional study was conducted for the Pre-Art group after six months. Serum HGH was assayed by the ELISA method, CD4 cell count was examined by BD-FACScan flow cytometer, and HIV viral load was assessed using RT-PCR. The CD4 count and serum HGH of Pre-ART HIV-infected subjects were significantly low (p<0.05), while the viral load was significantly high compared to those treated with ART for 6months (p<0.05). CD4 count and serum HGH were significantly higher (p<0.05) in females than in males. It also reveals that CD4 count correlates positively with HGH level (r= 0.191**). Serum HGH could serve as a surrogate marker and valuable index in monitoring HIV patients.

Heart failure in Nigeria: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Heart failure is now a significant contributor to the burden of non-communicable diseases in developing countries like Nigeria which is experiencing epidemiologic and demographic transition. The epidemiology of heart failure in this country is poorly characterized. The aim of the review is to determine the prevalence of heart failure, the associated risk factors, the aetiology, management, and outcomes of the condition in the country. Relevant databases such as PubMed /Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, African Index Medicus, and African journal online would be searched for articles published in English from January 2000 to December 2021. The analysis will include observational studies conducted among Nigerian adults aged 12 years and above. Article selection shall be conducted by pairs of independent reviewers. Data extraction shall be done by 2 independent reviewers. The primary outcome would be the pooled prevalence of heart failure while the secondary outcomes would be to identify the risk factors and management of heart failure in Nigeria. This will be the first systematic review and meta-analysis of heart failure epidemiology in Nigeria which will hopefully identify gaps for future research and guidance for policy interventions.

Prevalence and pattern of intimate partner violence during COVID-19 pandemic among Nigerian adults.

Our objectives were to determine the prevalence, pattern, and associated sociodemographic, psychosocial, and COVID-19-related factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) during the COVID-19 pandemic among Nigerian adults. We conducted an online survey among Nigerian adults (n = 994, aged 18-72 years) who completed the HARK questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, and factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression was carried out with presence or absence of IPV as the outcome variable. Prevalence of IPV among women was 57.5%, while it was 42.5% among men, during the COVID-19 pandemic. IPV was significantly associated with younger age; having no children; increased threat of income due to COVID-19; anxiety; depression; reduced frequency of accessing COVID-19 updates via TV, radio, and news outlet; self-isolation due to COVID-19 symptoms; and self-reported impact of COVID-19 on recreation. A high monthly income, presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms, threat of COVID-19 to income, and self-reported impact of COVID-19 on recreation increased the odds of experiencing IPV. Our findings indicate that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the experience of IPV among adult Nigerians. The implications of our findings are that both men and women were affected by IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic. Modalities for reducing IPV and its aftermath among this population should include online psychosocial support measures, which may offer anonymity and reduced stigma. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Loneliness and happiness in the face of the COVID-19 lockdown: Examining the pathways through somatic symptoms and psychological distress.

Studies show that loneliness was higher during the pandemic than in the pre-pandemic periods, with negative consequences on individual happiness. This study extends current knowledge by investigating the indirect effects of somatic symptoms and psychological distress in the loneliness-happiness relationship during the COVID-19 lockdown. The cross-sectional sample comprises 538 Nigerian adults (Meanage = 36.48 ± 12.03) with 43% females. Data were collected using structured self-report instruments and subjected to path analyses in SPSS AMOS. Results showed that loneliness and happiness were negatively related. Loneliness and happiness were indirectly related through the successive association between somatic symptoms and psychological distress. Specifically, greater loneliness was associated with increased somatic symptoms, which in turn were associated with greater psychological distress and reduced happiness levels. Clinicians can manage the decline in happiness from loneliness during the pandemic lockdown by administering treatments that mitigate somatic symptoms and psychological distress in concerned clients.

A study of the microplastic contamination of commercial table salts: A case study in Nigeria

Background: Environmental pollution caused by microplastics (MPs) is quite ubiquitous and has become a global issue. Several studies have focused on MPs in marine and freshwater systems. However, there is a paucity of data about the presence of MPs in sea products like table salt and the risks they likely pose. Hence, this study investigated the presence of MPs in commonly consumed commercial table salts in South-West, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 8 different brands of commonly consumed commercial salts were purchased from open supermarkets in Ogun and Lagos States, Nigeria. Salt samples were digested with 30% H2 O2 , extracted for MPs, and observed under a digital microscope for shape, quantity, and colour. Results: Fibres and fragments were the plastic shapes found in the samples, with fibres being more prominent. The average content of MPs obtained was 12 particles/kg. Blue, pink, and purple colours of MPs were commonly found. The sizes of MPs were between 50 µm and 1 mm. Considering our findings and based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) recommended daily intake of 5 g of salt, Nigerian adults will consume an average rate of 21.9 microplastic particles/year. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, table salts commonly consumed in Nigeria are polluted with MPs. Due to the importance of table salt as related to daily food intakes, it becomes very necessary to fine-tune technologies in their production to improve the quality and lower MPs ingested by consumers in Nigeria.

Assessment of the Cardiothoracic Ratio and Its Association with Gender and Age: A Nigerian Study

Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) evaluation is a useful screening method used to detect cardiomegaly. It varies in different populations due to genetic, geographical and environmental factors that influence body morphology. This study aimed at assessing the CTR and determining its association with gender and age among adult Nigerians. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Radiology Department of a Teaching Hospital in Delta State after obtaining ethical clearance. Postero-anterior chest radiographs of 200 adults (108 males and 92 females) were used to measure the transverse cardiac diameter (TCD) and transverse thoracic diameter (TTD) in centimeters (cm). These were used to compute the CTR (TCD/TTD*100). Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 was used to analyze the data. Independent t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to determine the differences in the measurements with regards to gender and age-groups respectively. The correlation that exists between the variables and their association with age were assessed using Pearson’s correlation. P value was set at &lt; 0.05. The TTD and TCD were significantly larger in males than in females (p=0.001 each) while the CTR was significantly larger in females than in males (p=0.016). The TTD and CTR showed significant differences in the various age groups (p=0.002, 0.031) (p=0.195). The two diameters showed a significant positive correlation with age (0&lt;r&lt;0.5). The study provides the normal mean CTR values for the studied population based on age and gender which will help clinicians in the screening for heart conditions. This will enhance early diagnosis and intervention. Keywords: cardiomegaly, thoracic diameter, cardiac diameter, chest radiographs, diagnosis, cardiothoracic ratio

A simple fruit and vegetable score is a valid tool to assess actual fruit and vegetable intake.

With the recent growing interest in improving fruit and vegetable intake for better health and limited research resources in many settings, simple-to-administer and low-priced indicators are essential tools for monitoring fruit and vegetable intake at the population level. A potential candidate indicator is the fruit and vegetable component of the Global Dietary Recommendation score (FV-GDR) based on data collected using the Diet Quality Questionnaire (DQQ). We investigated the relative validity of FV-GDR collected with the DQQ to measure fruit and vegetable intake by comparison with a 24-h recall (24hR) as a reference collected from 620 Vietnamese and 630 Nigerian adults in 2021. We found proportional differences in the prevalence of intake of vitamin A-rich vegetables, other vegetables and other fruits in Vietnam and all vegetable food groups in Nigeria. In both countries, we found a small difference in the total FV-GDR from DQQ compared with the 24hR, and the percentage of agreement between the two methods was quite high for the majority of the food groups. The FV-GDR calculated from the DQQ correlated with the actual intake, although less strongly than the FV-GDR from 24hR. The DQQ is a promising low-burden, low-cost and simple tool to calculate FV-GDR and to monitor fruit and vegetable consumption at the population level. This provides the possibility of evaluating an important aspect of diet quality in low-resource settings.

Dental anxiety, pain, and quality of life among exodontia patients: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: There are few studies on dental anxiety (DA) among patients who are planned for routine dental extraction compared with a plethora of published reports on DA and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients undergoing third molar surgery. Aim: This study aims to investigate anxiety level, pain experience and OHRQoL of patients scheduled for routine exodontia at a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Oral Surgery clinic of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria from April to September 2019. DA, pain, and OHRQoL of participants were assessed using Corah’s DA Scale (DAS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and 14-item oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire, respectively. Just before routine exodontia, the demographic variables of the participants were also recorded. Data were analyzed using R version 4.2.2. Results and Discussion: One hundred fifty-nine participants planned for routine exodontia of one or two permanent tooth/teeth with 41.7 ± 19.8 years mean age. The mean DAS score for the study population was 7.9 ± 3.6 (range: 4–18) with the proportion of dentally anxious patients (DAS score ≥13) being 15.1%. The majority (125; 78.6%) reported preexodontia dental pain VAS score of 4–10. Only 22.6% of the participants had their OHRQoL significantly impaired with OHIP-14 score of 29–56. Conclusion: The prevalence of DA among Nigerian adults scheduled for routine exodontia was 15.1%. At least seven in ten patients had moderate and severe dental pain, while one-fifth presented with significantly impaired OHRQoL.

Relationship between Age and Lumbosacral Angle (LSA) of Adult Nigerians: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The lumbosacral angle (LSA), is a key morphometric parameter important in the management of patients with low back disorders.&#x0D; Aim: The study evaluated the relationship between age and lumbosacral angle of adult Nigerians.&#x0D; Methods: Two hundred and twenty-six (226) radiographs (113 males to 113 females) were obtained from Radiology departments of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri. Inclusion criteria were, lateral radiographs of lumbosacral region marked above 18 years of ages and only clear X-ray films were used.Using the Ferguson's approach, the lumbosacral angle was measured. All data obtained were expressed both in descriptive and inferential statistics.&#x0D; Results: Both male and female categories showed a progressive increase in lumbosacral angle across age groups, but later decreased in the age group of 60 years and above. The mean lumbosacral angle of male subjects was 35.74° while that of females was 41.46°. There was a significant difference (t = 3.16, p = 0.002) between the lumbosacral angle of male and female categories. However, there was a weak, positive correlation between age and lumbosacral angle of males (r = 0.187) and females (r = 0.392).&#x0D; Conclusion: The males had a lower mean lumbosacral angle compared to the females. Age was significantly correlated with lumbosacral angle in both sexes.

Perceived changes in the mental well-being among Nigerians due to Ramadan Intermittent Fasting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Muslims fast every year during the month of Ramadan from dawn until dusk. This study examined mental well-being and correlating factors among Nigerian adults who observed Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF). Avalidated generalized anxiety disorder-2 and Patient Health Questionnaire-2, the four-item spiritual well-being index, and the Islamic intrinsic religiosity questionnaire were used to collect data about mental well-being (depression, anxiety), spirituality, and intrinsic religiositythrough a web-based survey between the May 9, 2021 (27thof Ramadan, 1442) and the June 4, 2021 (29thofShawwal, 1442). We studied the mental well-being of respondents over a period of 4 weeks before Ramadan (BR) and during the 4 weeks of Ramadan between the April 12, 2021 and the May 12, 2021(DR).Multinomial regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with depression and anxiety. This research did not receive any grant or funding. Atotal of 770 adultNigerians who observed RIFstudywere included in this cross-sectional study.When compared to mental well-being BR, observingRIFby Nigerian adult respondentswasassociated with a significant improvement in their mental well-being. A higher proportion of respondents felt less depressed DR (61.3% vs. 56.5%. < .001). Interest and pleasure in doing things improved DR than BR (p= 0.007) and respondents felt less nervous and anxious (60.7% vs. 57.1%, respectively; p <.001). Mental well-being was independently associated with sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, and perceived relationships. This study found significant improvement in mental well-being DR compared to BR despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The effect of RIF on mental well-being needs further researchwith multicentric studies among different sets of ethnic populations.

Cryptococcal antigenaemia amongst HIV infected children in Owerri, South East Nigeria

Objective: Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection caused by Cryptococcus and can result in cryptococcal meningitis, which is an AIDS-defining condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although a high prevalence of Cryptococcal antigenemia (CrAg) preceding cryptococcal disease has been reported in HIV-infected Nigerian adults, it is more common in patients with low CD4, stage 3 or 4 HIV. However, there is only one study on Cryptococcal antigenemia in HIV-infected Nigerian children. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the burden of cryptococcosis in HIV-infected children. Material and Methods: This study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted between October 2018 and January 2019 at the Pediatric Infectious Disease Clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri. The study population consisted of HIV-infected children (aged 2-16 years) attending the clinic. The subjects were recruited consecutively and underwent a thorough physical examination and anthropometric measurements before a single blood sample was taken. Cryptococcal antigen was assayed using the Lateral Flow Assay method, and CD4+ counts were assayed using cyflow. Results: A total of 100 children were involved in the study, of which 51 (51%) were female and 49 (49%) were male (M:F, 1:1). The average age of the participants was 9.73 ± 3.12 years. Among the 100 children tested, there was no cryptococcal antigenemia (0%). Statistical analysis was limited to simple description. Conclusion: Cryptococcosis is not a common opportunistic infection among HIV-infected children attending the Pediatric Infectious Disease Clinic in Federal Medical Centre Owerri. Therefore, it may not be considered as a differential diagnosis for HIV-positive children with meningoencephalitis.

Variations of the Nasal Septum in Adult Nigerians: Computed Tomography Study

Introduction The morphological variants of the nasal septum have been implicated in sinus pathology and pose a challenge during endoscopic surgeries. Objective The present study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of nasal septum variants in adult Nigerians. Methods The present study was performed at the Radiology Department of Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, following ethical approval. Brain computed tomography (CT) scan images of 336 adults were evaluated for nasal septum variants. The angle of the deviated nasal septum was measured, and the severity was classified. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The angle of deviation was presented in means and standard deviation. Frequencies of the variants were presented in percentages. The Student t -test was used to compare the angle of deviation, while the chi-squared test was used to compare the frequencies in the different groups. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The prevalence of straight and deviated nasal septum was 59.5% and 40.5%, respectively. Deviation was predominant in females (46%) and, more frequently, of moderate severity (75%). The angle of deviation was significantly larger in males (12.55 ± 2.99°) than in females (11.13 ± 2.41°; p = 0.003). Nasal spur had a prevalence of 11.9%, and its coexistence with deviated nasal septum was observed in 5.06%. Septal pneumatization was seen in 10 patients (3%). Conclusion Deviation of the nasal septum occurred more in females and toward the left; however, the angle of deviation was significantly higher in males. Nasal septal spur and pneumatization were the least prevalent variants.

Androgenetic Alopecia: Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Metabolic Syndrome, and Component Traits among Nigerian Adults

ABSTRACT Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has been linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Works on AGA, cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and MetS are rare among Nigerians. Aim: This study set out to determine the relationship among CVRFs, MetS, and AGA. Subjects and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study done among adults who were 18 years and above in selected communities in Ogbomoso on 260 consenting AGA participants as well as 260 age controls without AGA. They were matched for age and sex using a multistage sampling method. Anthropometric measurements, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile samples were collected. MetS was diagnosed using International Diabetes Federation criteria. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Ethical approval was gotten before commencement of the study (LTH/OGB/EC/2017/162). Result: Metabolic syndrome in AGA was higher than in controls (8.08% vs. 7.69%, p = 0.742). AGA was significantly associated with elevated mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.008), low High Density Lipoprotein (HDL-c) (p &lt; 0.001), alcohol intake (p &lt; 0.001), dyslipidaemia (p = 0.002), and sedentary lifestyle (p = 0.010). The correlates of AGA severity in male and female gender are age (p &lt; 0.001 and 0.009 respectively), SBP (p = 0.024) and abdominal obesity (p = 0.027) in male gender. Conclusion: AGA in Nigerians is associated with dyslipidaemia, alcohol intake, and sedentary lifestyle. AGA severity is related to age, higher mean SBP, abdominal obesity and low HDL-c in male and age, and Body mass index in females. Nigerians with AGA should be screened for dyslipidaemia and counseled against the use of alcohol and sedentary lifestyle.

Morphology of the occipital condyle and its surgical implications: Computed tomographic study

Abstract Background: Considering the morphology of the bilateral occipital condyles is fundamental during surgical procedures of the craniovertebral junction region due to their proximity to critical neurovascular structures. This study elucidates the variant shapes of the occipital condyle in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. Materials and Methods: The configuration of 672 occipital condyles was retrospectively evaluated on cranial computed tomographic images of Nigerian adults (137 females and 199 males). After the study protocol was approved, these were accessed in the imaging database of the Radiology Department in a referral center. Data analysis was implemented by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0 and summarized in percentages. Gender, age group, and side comparisons were assessed using the chi-square test with significance at P &lt; 0.05. Results: The oval shape (434, 64.6%) was the most common, followed by the kidney shape (166, 24.7%), while the round shape was rare (4, 0.6%). The shapes showed significant gender differences (P = 0.038) but were not associated with side or age (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: The study highlights the different occipital condyle conformations in the population studied, emphasizing the need for radiological evaluation before surgical procedures of the posterior cranial fossa and the upper vertebral column.

Heart Rate Responses at Rest, during Exercise and after Exercise Periods in Relation to Adiposity Levels among Young Nigerian Adults.

There is a dearth of comparative studies on heart rate (HR) abnormalities at rest, chronotropic responses during submaximal exercise, and such responses during recovery from submaximal exercise between healthy-weight and overweight/obese young adults. Eighty healthy young adults (30 men and 50 women) aged 19 to 33 years participated in the present study. A symptom-limited, submaximal, cycle ergometer exercise test of intensity targeted at 60% to 70% of the subject's age-predicted maximum HR was performed. The HR, blood pressure, and minute ventilation were measured at rest and during exercise. Post-exercise, HR was first measured at 1 minute of recovery and then every 2 minutes until the 5th minute. Our results showed significantly higher resting HR (P<0.001), lower percentage HR reserve during exercise (P<0.001), and slower HR recovery after exercise (P<0.05, P<0.01, or P<0.001) in overweight/obese men and women than in the non-overweight/obese controls. The prevalence of high resting HR, submaximal chronotropic incompetence, and blunted HR recovery were more common in the overweight/obese individuals than in the healthy-weight controls. Peak VO2 and ventilatory equivalent for oxygen were associated with resting HR, exercise HR parameters, and post-exercise HR recovery indices in both men and women. High resting HR, submaximal chronotropic incompetence, and blunted HR recovery in overweight/obese individuals in this study may be attributed to poor cardiorespiratory fitness and low respiratory efficiency.

Knowledge of COVID-19 Vaccine and Factors that Influence Its Acceptance among Patients Living with Chronic Medical Conditions in Nigeria

Aims: Vaccines against COVID-19 have been developed but there are not enough vaccines for everyone. Special groups of people, such as those with chronic health conditions, must be prioritized. This study investigates the factors that influence the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among patients living with chronic medical diseases in Nigeria.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: University College Hospital between October 2021 – December 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: 387 adults with chronic medical conditions were sampled via an offline questionnaire using a cross-sectional design. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants. The information was collected using a validated structured questionnaire adapted from the study carried out in Bangladesh by Saifu et al and entered into the Stata MP 14.0. To summarize the data, descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, and percentages were used, and Chi-square analysis was used to test hypotheses with an Alpha level of 0.05.&#x0D; Results: The majority of responders (69.5 %) correctly identify the modes of transmission. . . While the knowledge of COVID-19 infection was found to be statistically correlated with age, gender, education, income and ethnicity, the knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccine is significantly correlated with education and occupation. The respondents' income, occupation, and education were significantly correlated with their desire to receive the vaccine at a p-value&lt;0.01.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results highlight the need to step up efforts to inform Nigerian adults about the COVID-19 infection and the available vaccines, especially those who have chronic medical conditions.

Potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium levels of commonly consumed foods and estimates of dietary intakes of selected Nigerian adults

Micronutrient deficiency is a public health challenge globally, as it affects both people and the economy. In Nigeria, most micronutrients, especially minerals are lost during food processing. The study was carried out to determine the potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium composition of foods commonly eaten by Nigerian adults and to estimate the average adults' daily intake of these macrominerals. The contents of these minerals in 141 food items collected ‘as consumed’ from 10 locations in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Ogun State, Nigeria, were quantified by digesting the foods through dry ashing and analysed using flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The levels (mg/100 g fresh weight) of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium in the various foods ranged from 2.92 to 1520, 1.46 to 30,700, 1.35 to 1280 and 1.16 to 416, respectively. Recovery values were within the range of 95–110%. Adults' mean mineral intakes (mg/person/day) of the analysed foods were 1970 ± 780, 2750 ± 1100, 423 ± 300 and 389 ± 130 for potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, respectively. Mean sodium intake was higher while potassium and calcium intakes were lower compared with international recommendations (mg/person/day) of 1500, 2300–3400 and 1000–1300, respectively; indicating the need to enlighten consumers. The snapshot data from this study are useful to update the Nigerian Food Composition Database.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Internal Derangements and Other Knee Pathologies in Adult Nigerians.

Knee joint pathologies/injuries are one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in adults worldwide. The aetiologies of knee joint disorders are diverse. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sophisticated method of detecting and characterizing knee pathologies. This study was conducted to document the clinical presentation and MRI patterns of knee joint abnormalities in a group of adults in Lagos, Nigeria, and to juxtapose it with reports from other climes. A retrospective hospital-based analysis of the knee MRI of 158 adult Nigerians was conducted in a single health facility. The clinical history and knee MRI findings were extracted, analyzed, and documented. Statistical significance was established at P≤0.05. There were 158 participants comprising 92 males (58.2%) and 66 females (41.8%) between the ages of 18 and 79. The mean age of the males was 44.75 ± 14.41 years, while that of the females was 47.76 ± 13.72 years (P = 0.19). A history of previous trauma was elicited in 135 (85.4%) participants. Eighty-two right knees (51.9%) and 76 left knees (48.1%) were examined. The dominant joint pathologies detected include effusion (77.2%), medial meniscopathy (48.1%), tibial abnormalities (46.2%), femoral abnormalities (46.2%), patella abnormalities (46.2%), anterior cruciate ligament disorders (37.3%), lateral meniscopathy (27.2%), medial collateral ligament disorders (22.2%), and popliteal (Baker's) cysts (15.8%). ACL abnormalities were significantly more prevalent in male subjects. Knees with ruptured sACL had significantly more joint effusion and injuries to the medial meniscus, lateral meniscus, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial retinacular ligament (MRL), femur, tibia, and fibula. There was no significant difference in the frequency of abnormalities between the right and left knees. Joint effusion, medial meniscopathy, osseous abnormalities (tibia, femur, patella), ACL abnormalities, lateral meniscopathy, and MCL abnormalities, in decreasing order, were the most frequent pathologies in the knee joints evaluated.