Adult Nigerians Research Articles

Prevalence, patterns and correlates of smokeless tobacco use in Nigerian adults: An analysis of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey.

The global tobacco epidemic contributes to more than 8 million deaths annually. However, most tobacco control interventions have been driven by an emphasis on smoked tobacco. Globally and more so in Nigeria, less attention has been paid to the similarly harmful smokeless tobacco (SLT) whose use appeals to a different demography. We examined the prevalence, patterns of use and correlates of SLT in Nigerian adults to guide targeted control efforts. We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2012 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) data. We obtained data on 9,765 non-institutionalised adults aged 15 years and older. Variables included current SLT use, sociodemographic characteristics and perceived harm of SLT use. We used Chi-square test to examine associations and binary logistic regression to assess predictors of current SLT use. All analyses were conducted with sample-weighted data. The prevalence of current SLT use was 1.9% of all adults. About 1.4% were daily users. The main types were snuff by nose (1.6%) and snuff by mouth (0.8%). There were higher odds of current SLT use for those in the South-East region (aOR = 13.99; 95% CI: 4.45-43.95), rural area residents (aOR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.04-2.35), males (aOR = 4.43; 95% CI: 2.75-7.11), the 45-64 years age-group (aOR = 10.00; 95% CI: 4.12-24.29), those with no formal education (aOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.01-7.05), and those with no perception of harm from SLT use (aOR = 3.81, 95% CI: 2.61-5.56). The prevalence of SLT use among Nigerian adults was low with clearly identified predictors. While a majority were aware of harm from SLT use, an unacceptably high proportion remain unaware. We recommended targeted interventions to increase awareness of the harmful effects of SLT use especially among residents of the South-East, those in rural areas, males, and individuals with no formal education. We also recommended a follow-up survey.

Prevalence and factors associated with suicidal behaviors in a cross-sectional sample of Nigerian young adults

Objective: In this study, we intended to assess the prevalence of suicidal behaviors and their associated factors among Nigerian young adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study involving 1171 Nigerian young adults from the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria. They completed a study-specific sociodemographic questionnaire, Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, 10-item Drug Abuse Screening Test, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: The mean age ± standard deviation of the respondents was 24.92 ± 2.42 years. The lifetime suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt were 9.6%, 5.7%, and 2.6%, respectively. Of them, 7.1% had the 12-month suicidal ideation, and 4.8% were at risk of suicide attempt. Totally, 9.6% of the respondents had high suicide risk. The symptoms of depression and anxiety were present in 13.5% and 23.1% of the respondents, respectively. Suicidal behaviors among Nigerian young adults were significantly associated with dissatisfaction with life (p < 0.05), anxiety (p < 0.001), drug abuse (p < 0.001), and low self-esteem (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Suicidal behaviors were relatively high among Nigerian young adults, and were associated with dissatisfaction with life, anxiety, psychoactive substance use, and low self-esteem.

Variant neurovascular relations of the sphenoid sinus in adult Nigerians.

With the advent of endoscopic sinus surgery, the variant neurovascular relations of the sphenoid sinus are important to surgeons to minimise the iatrogenic complications. This study elucidates the variant neurovascular relations of the sphenoid sinus in adult Nigerians. This study was conducted at the Radiology Department of Delta State University Teaching Hospital after institutional approval. Brain computed tomography images of 336 patients, aged ≥20 years and spanning over 5 years' duration were utilised. We evaluated the sphenoid sinus for protrusion and dehiscence of neurovascular structures bilaterally. The position of the optic nerve in relation to the sinus was classified from Type 0-4. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 23 was used for the data analysis. The Chi-square test was used to probe for the association between the variants with regard to side and gender. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Dehiscence and protrusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) occurred in 34, 10.1% and 83, 24.7% patients correspondingly. The dehiscence of optic, maxillary and Vidian nerves was (26, 7.7%), (60, 17.9%), and (53, 15.8%), whereas the frequency of their protrusion was (50, 14.9%), (76, 22.6%) and (87, 25.9%), respectively. All these variants except the ICA and maxillary nerve dehiscence showed a significant association with the side of occurrence (P = 0.001). Out of the 672 optic canals evaluated bilaterally, a preponderance of Type I (534, 79.5%) was observed followed by II (96, 14.3%), IV (35,5.2%), III (7, 1.0%) and Type 0 (0, 0%). Our study has shown that the neurovascular relations of the sphenoid sinus vary from previously documented reports, thus confirming the need for pre-operative evaluation.

Lack of Excess Cardiovascular Risks among First Degree Relatives of Persons with Diabetes Mellitus: Is Lifestyle the Cause?

Introduction: The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is rising worldwide with a projected increase of more than 50% in next three decades. Family History of Diabetes (FHD) is a recognised risk factor for DM, but development of DM in relatives of people with the disease, who carry susceptible genes, is dependent on interaction with other factors such as nutrition, physical activity and environment. Aim: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and impact of lifestyle on the CVD risk factors among adult Nigerian with FHD. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among staff and students of Ekiti State University and Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Eighty-six participants with FHD were age and sex-matched with 86 participants who had no FHD. Relevant demographic and lifestyle information were obtained, and clinical measurements of Body Mass Index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences and blood pressures were obtained by standard protocols. Fasting plasma glucose and lipid panel were determined. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria (IDF). The clinical, laboratory and other variables of the people with FHD and those without FHD were compared with Pearson’s Chi-Square and Student’s t-test. Results: The age, clinical, anthropometric and laboratory parameters were similar between the two groups. Participants with FHD consume more poultry (17.6% vs 3.5%) and less red meat (27.1% vs 37.2%) than those without FHD (p=0.036), but the level of physical activity and consumption of fruits/vegetables, and smoking did not differ between the two groups. Metabolic syndrome was equally prevalent between the people with or without FHD (p=0.846). There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05), in the prevalence of CVD risk factors, such as hypertension, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, and obesity between the two groups. Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was similar among people with or without FHD. Healthy lifestyle may explain the lack of excess CVD risk factors among people with FHD.

Viral Suppression in Adult Nigerians in a Regional Antiretroviral Therapy Programme: A Cross Sectional Descriptive Study

Background: The adult ART (antiretroviral therapy) programme started in Nigeria in 2002. After many years of ART in the country, the National implementation plan for the scale up of viral load testing was launched in 2016. Viral load estimation is the most important indicator of ART response. Aim: To describe viral suppression in adults on the HIV ART programme Material & methods: Viral load blood samples of 9450 adults on highly active antiretroviral therapy living with HIV from 4 states within Nigeria were analyzed for HIV RNA in Polymerase Chain Reaction laboratory of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe between December 2017 and December 2019. Results: Males were 2577/9450 (27.3%) and 6873 (72.7%) females. Adults aged 26 - 45 years constituted 69.5% (6572). Viral load test was primarily routine in 96.3% (9098). ART was AZT/3TC/NVP in 52.5% (4962); TDF/3TC/EFV in 46.3% (4375). 48.3% (4568/9450) adults had received HAART for 1 - 5 years; 7.4% (699) for 6 months but 10 years. The most recent CD4 count before viral load request was ≥1000/μL in 6.5% (612) of adults; 500 - 999/μL in 38.6% (3651); 350 - 499 μL in 23.2% (2195) and 1000 c/ml in 22.8% (587/2577) males and 23.0% (1580/6873) females. Of adults aged 19 - 25 years, 28.4% (211/743) had viral load >1000 c/ml; 23.5% (1544/6572); 20.0% (294/1473); 17.8% (93/523) and 18.0% (25/139) aged 26 - 45 years, 46 - 55 years; 56 - 65 years and >65 years also had viral load >1000 c/ml (p value 1000 c/ml in 26.0% (182/699) of adults on HAART for 6 months - 1 year and 21.3% (975/4568) after receiving HAART for 1 - 5 years. 24.9% (885/3551) and 19.8% (125/632) adults had viral load > 1000 c/ml after receiving HAART for 6 - 10 and >10 years respectively. (p value < 0.001) Conclusion: Over all viral suppression of 77% in our study is high but fell below the WHO threshold of 90%. ART programme in Nigeria requires strengthening.

Portal biliopathy in a Nigerian: A pictorial case report of a rare finding

Portal biliopathy (PB) was well delineated as a distinct clinical entity in the 1990s. Since then, science has much improved in diagnosing and managing this condition. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging and cholangiopancreatography have largely replaced endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as the most important tool in PB diagnosis. Our resource-limited environment has not allowed for optimal availability and uptake of this tool in general but when it is deployed, as in this index case, it can yield great and accurate dividend. This report is the first such scientific documentation of PB in a Nigerian adult. It seeks to show the striking radiological image appearances upon which diagnosis is based. We hope that the article will help increase the index of suspicion for such a rare diagnosis in our locality and that it will encourage the more widespread deployment of such essential and beneficial radiological tools in disease diagnosis.

Assessment of arterial blood pressure and some biochemical markers of renal function of apparently healthy young adults in Southern Nigeria

Context: Reports on chronic hypertension and its attendant complications in young adults are increasing. Kidney diseases, associated with hypertension, are currently emerging as global public health problem. Despite their significance as the active work force in the country, there is a dearth of data on the blood pressure and renal status of young Nigerian adults.Aim: To measure mean arterial blood pressure and some biochemical indices of renal function of apparently healthy young adults aged between sixteen and thirty-five years, having blood pressure below 140/90 mmHgSettings and design: A total of 650 attendees were randomly selected from five religious congregations across three major cities of Akwa Ibom in Nigeria and used in a cross-sectional study.Material and methods: Arterial blood pressure, serum electrolytes, urea and creatinine of the subjects were determined using standard procedures. Glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the values of serum creatinine.Results: The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure of tested population were 132.50±4.16 and of 84.36±4.35mmHg respectively. The population mean GFR was 64.56 ±3.28 mL/min/1.73m2, while that of the male and female were 70.50±4.11 mL/min/1.73m2 and 58.20 mL/min/1.73m2 respectively. The values of 144.11±3.34, 5.65± 0.31, 103.04±3.02, 23.81±0.14. 4.74±0.08 and 142.04±3.22 were obtained in mmol/L for sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea and creatinine respectively for males, while the values obtained for females were 141.25±3.58, 4.93±0.11, 101.53± 2.18, 22.18±0.63, 4.02±0.03 and 137.05±4.16 respectively for sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea and creatinine,Conclusion: It was concluded that Nigerian young adults have average arterial blood pressure within the JNC pre-hypertensive range, with mild to moderate derangements in the tested renal function parameters.

Patterns and Predictors of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Nigerians with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts hugely on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Nigerian data on patterns and predictors of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in persons living with CKD are scarce. The objective of the study is to describe the patterns and predictors of LVH in Nigerians with CKD. Methods: Recruitment and clinical assessment of adult Nigerians with CKD were done using standard procedures. Statistical analysis was done using appropriate statistical software. Results: Fifty-seven participants were involved in this study. Concentric and eccentric LVH occurred in 50% and 25% of the predialysis CKD patients, respectively, while 24% and 36% of the maintenance dialysis CKD patients had concentric and eccentric LVH, respectively. LVH patterns in dialysis-naive individuals were not significantly different from LVH patterns in persons on dialysis. The significant predictors of LVH in study participants were proteinuria, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate &lt;30 mL/1.73 m2/min, and hypertensive nephrosclerosis. High calcium-phosphate product was a significant predictor of LVH in only participants on dialysis. Conclusion: This study showed no significant difference in LVH patterns among predialysis and maintenance dialysis CKD patients. Indices of deteriorating renal function were significant predictors of LVH in both categories of CKD patients. Early screening and treatment of significant risk factors of LVH are required in reducing CVD burden among CKD patients.

Drivers, barriers, benefits, and perceived dangers of the use of COVID-19 biosecurity protective items in a medically challenged environment of a rural hospital in Eastern Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus has infected and affected millions of life across the globe. As the burden of COVID-19 continues to rise, compliance with the use of COVID-19 biosecurity protective items by the public is critical in safeguarding interperson transmissions of the virus.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out from April to May 2020 on a cross-section of 400 adult Nigerians in a rural hospital in eastern Nigeria. Data collection was done using structured, pretested, and researcher-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire elicited information on drivers, barriers, benefits, and perceived dangers of the use of biosecurity protective items (face masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizers).RESULTS: The study participants were aged 18–84 years with a mean age of 53 ± 11.6 years. There were 214 (53.5%) females. The most common driver of use of COVID-19 biosecurity protective items was government public health legislative directives (400/400) (100.0%). The most common barrier was a denial of the existence of COVID-19 (359/400) (89.8%). The most common benefits were protection from contracting COVID-19 (400/400) (100.0%) and prevent spreading the infection to others (400/400) (100.0%). The most commonly perceived dangers were suffocation (400/400) (100.0%) and hand irritation (377/400) (94.3%) for face masks and hand sanitizers, respectively.CONCLUSION: The most common driver was government public health legislative directives. The most common barrier was a denial of the existence of COVID-19, while the predominant benefits were protection from contracting COVID-19 and prevent spreading the infection to others. The most commonly perceived dangers were suffocation and hand irritation for masks and sanitizers, respectively. There is a need to address the factors that constitute barriers and perceived dangers to the use of COVID-19 biosecurity items. Factors that drive the use of COVID-19 biosecurity items should be the focus of interest to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Social Media Use, Disbelief and (Mis)information During a Pandemic: An Examination of Young Adult Nigerians’ Interactions with COVID-19 Public Health Messaging

This study contributes to transdisciplinary understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic through an examination of perceptions of public health messages as consumed primarily through social media by a purposively enlisted set of young adult Nigerians. The research used focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to elicit the views of 11 young adults, aged 21 to 24, resident in Ajegunle, a low-income community in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. The study identifies the centrality of social media platforms to the respondents’ processes of meaning-making, and draws on Hall’s (1980) encoding/decoding model in order to bring to the fore their oppositional interpretations of public health messages. The study also identifies respondents’ varying levels of disbelief about the realities of COVID-19, their mistrust of the government officials conveying and enforcing decisions to combat the pandemic, and the propensity for the social media messages they consume and propagate to serve as channels of misinformation.

VISITORS’ CHARACTERISTICS AND DESTINATION IMAGE: THE CASE OF NIGERIAN ZOOS

When compared to in situ conservation sites like national parks and game reserves in Nigeria, zoos are the most visited wildlife tourism destinations given their proximity to people and close interactions with wildlife. This study explored the characteristics of visitors and the image they possess about zoos. A total of 1529 visitors were sampled using a structured questionnaire in four prominent Nigerian zoos in the southwest zone. The results revealed that the majority of visitors were single, young and mid adult male and female Nigerians within the age range of 18 -37 years. The foremost image of visitors about a zoo is that of close wildlife experience, recreation and entertainment, however, conservation was least acknowledged. Only age was found to have a significant relationship with the destination image. The st udy concludes that zoo managers should continually employ various strategies in projecting the right image of zoos. The study extends current re search on zoos by highlighting so far, the uninvestigated image of zoos in Nigeria and documenting practical implications.

Predisposing, enabling and need factors influencing dental service utilization among a sample of adult Nigerians

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The impact of HIV on hepatocellular cancer survival in Nigeria.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasing cause of mortality in HIV-infected individuals. We compared host and tumour characteristics between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected Nigerians with HCC and examined the impact of HIV on survival. This prospective observational study was conducted at Jos University Teaching Hospital in Jos, Nigeria, among adults (>18years) with HCC enrolled between September 2015 and September 2017 and followed until April 2019. Demographics, tumour characteristics and survival were compared between HCC subjects with and without HIV. 101 (10 HIV-infected and 91 HIV-uninfected) subjects were enrolled [male 72%; median age 48 (IQR 35-60)]. 60% HIV-infected subjects were receiving ART; 90% had CD4 counts≥200/mm3 at HCC diagnosis, and 20% had HIV RNA levels<20 copies/mL. 57.4% were infected with chronic HBV (HBsAg+). The duration of symptoms was shorter in HIV-infected vs. HIV-uninfected subjects [93 (IQR 54-132) vs. 155 (93-248] days; p=0.02]. At the end of follow-up, 99 of 101 (98.0%) subjects were confirmed to have died: 9 of 10 (90.0%) HIV-infected and 90 of 91 (98.9%) HIV-uninfected. The probability of survival at three months was 22% and 47% in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected subjects, respectively (P=0.02). Median time to death was significantly shorter in HIV-infected vs. HIV-uninfected subjects [24days (IQR 16-88) vs. 85days (IQR 34-178), respectively (P=0.03)]. High early mortality was observed in this cohort of Nigerian adults with HCC. HIV infection was associated with a faster clinical presentation and shorter survival. More aggressive HCC surveillance may be warranted in HIV-infected subjects, particularly if they are co-infected with chronic HBV.

Stigmatization and the Experience of Informal Dementia Caregivers in Nigeria

There is no formal word for dementia in Nigeria. Instead, some Nigerians, in their effort to make sense of dementia symptoms, use descriptions that may result in stigmatization of people living with dementia and their families. With Nigeria’s rapid aging, increased risk of dementia, and lack of formal long-term care, this study focused on the impact of stigma on the caregiving experiences of Nigerian women. This exploration is significant as adult females in Nigeria are the pillar of informal caregiving in the country. The study employed a qualitative descriptive method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 adult informal female caregivers in Anambra, Nigeria. Data were then transcribed, coded and analyzed for themes. Afterwards, focus groups of 21 adult Nigerians residing in Ohio, US, were conducted to offer more contextual insight on the findings. The three major themes identified were: 1) negative views of dementia symptoms (e.g., witchcraft, madness), 2) caregiving protects against stigmatization (e.g., by keeping family members out of sight), and 3) stigma and caregiving support such as adult children abandoning parents with dementia because of the stigma associated with dementia. Given the overwhelming presence of stigma in all aspects of dementia to include dementia caregiving, results point to the critical need for better strategies to help strengthen informal caregiving in Nigeria. This includes culturally appropriate dementia education for families and caregivers, and formal long-term care policies that include care support in a rapidly aging Nigeria.

Prevalence and Determinants of Masked Hypertension in Nigeria: The REMAH Study.

Estimating the burden of hypertension in Nigeria hitherto relied on clinic blood pressure (BP) measurement alone. This excludes individuals with masked hypertension (MH), i.e., normotensive clinic but hypertensive out-of-clinic BP. In a nationally representative sample of adult Nigerians, we obtained clinic BP using auscultatory method and out-of-clinic BP by self-measured home BP with semi-automated oscillometric device. Clinic BP was average of 5 consecutive measurements and home BP was average of 3 days duplicate morning and evening readings. MH was clinic BP <140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic and home BP ≥135 mm Hg systolic and/or 85 mm Hg diastolic. Among 933 participants, the prevalence of sustained hypertension, MH, and white-coat hypertension was 28.3%, 7.9%, and 11.9%, respectively. Among subjects whose clinic BP were in the normotensive range (n = 558), the prevalence of MH was 13%; 12% among untreated and 27% among treated individuals. The mutually adjusted odds ratios of having MH among all participants with normotensive clinic BP were 1.33 (95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.60) for a 10-year higher age, 1.59 (1.09-2.40) for a 10 mm Hg increment in systolic clinic BP, and 1.16 (1.08-1.28) for a 10 mg/dl higher random blood glucose. The corresponding estimates in the untreated population were 1.24 (1.03-1.51), 1.56 (1.04-2.44), and 1.16 (1.08-1.29), respectively. MH is common in Nigeria and increasing age, clinic systolic BP, and random blood glucose are the risk factors.

Dominance of the Leptoprosopic Face and Mesorrhine Nose Types: Does Stature and Facial Types Matter in Northern Nigerian Adults?

World scientists are using facial morphometry as a reconstructive option in the treatment of patients and ethnic differentiations. Hence, the authors aimed to study the naso-facial dimensions of northern population in Nigeria. About 500 subjects (Igede, n = 260 and Idoma, n = 240) were recruited from schools in the Benue-Plateau valley in 2014-2015 academic session. Notable parameters measured using vernier caliper were upper facial length, lower facial length, total facial indices, nasal length, nasal width, and nasal indices. Also, stature was measured to the nearest centimeters with stadiometer. Taller Idoma males than Igede males (169.25 ± 8.92, 167.13 ± 8.99), and taller Igede females than Idoma females (164.57 ± 8.77, 163.45 ± 8.94). The mean facial indices of Idoma subjects showed 97.89 ± 8.53 and 97.82 ± 8.11 with nasal indices of 77.77 ± 7.34 and 80.42 ± 7.53, whereas Igede subjects showed 96.88 ± 8.61: 97.83 ± 8.36 with nasal indices of 75.59 ± 7.45 and 77.55 ± 0.21. Both ethnic groups showed dominance of the leptoprosopic face type and mesorrhine nose type. All R2 values appeared to be above 0.5% (P < 0.05), where Igede males and females were 0.72, 0.71: 0.82, 0.81, and 0.69, 0.65 and 0.72, 0.73 for stature with total facial indices, and nasal indices respectively. Facial and nasal types serve as good predictors of stature, important for dimorphic and ethnic classifications in time of forensic needs.

EVALUATION OF THE FOURTH VENTRICLES OF ADULTS IN NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIANS USING COMPUTERIZE TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGES

Background: Knowledge of anatomy of the fourth ventricle and the structures around it, is significant in sex determination, surgical operations and brain disorders. Accurate measurements of the fourth ventricle are needful in evaluating brain disorders and in decision making before any neurosurgical procedures. Objective: To determine the dimensions of the apparently normal fourth ventricles and compare the parameters among males and females with a view to providing baseline data. Method: Retrospective study was carried out on brain CT images. Six hundred (600) brain CT images of adult North-eastern Nigerians (350 males and 250 females) were measured. The age range for the individuals was 18-75years. The brain CT images for males and females were classified separately into six (6) age groups spanned eight (8) years interval. Measurements were done using Dicomworks software. The software provides a meter rule with which measurements were done, based on a standard method. Greatest height of fourth ventricle was measured from the roof and floor of the fourth ventricle while the width measured at the midpoint of the ventricle. Results: The height of the fourth ventricle was larger in males (9.95 mm ± 1.04) as compared to females (8.38 mm ± 1.69). The width of the fourth ventricle was also observed to be greater in males (12.95 mm ±1.29) than in females (11.67 mm ±1.45). Thus, the difference between the lengths and widths of the fourth ventricles were higher and statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) among males and females. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the parameters of the 4th ventricle measured were sexually dimorphic and can be used in sex determination in the sample population. This study also has provided reference point for the normal values of the length and width of the fourth ventricle in male and female Nigerians.

Prevalence and Degree of Lower Limb Inequality in Asymptomatic Young Adult Nigerians

Objective: The development of right and left lower limbs start at the same time and subsequent serial growth occurs simultaneously however at adulthood, small but usually functionally negligible differences exist in their lengths. This study set out to find out the prevalence and degree of lower limb length inequality (LLI) amongst young adult Nigerians with grossly normal lower limbs.&#x0D; Methods: Full length and segmental lengths of one hundred and three healthy young adult Nigerians of different ethnic groups were measured using the direct clinical method.&#x0D; Results: The overall prevalence of LLI was 89.3% while the rate for male and female was 96.2% and 82.4% respectively. The LLI range was 0.5 - 2.5 cm with majority being less than 2.0 cm. The LLI was significantly higher in male (1.18 ± 0.83 vs 0.75±0.60 cm). Side for side, the male limb is significantly longer than that of the female. The thigh girth was significantly wider in the female while there was no difference in the leg girth between male and female. The males were found to be significantly taller than the females. Inter-ethnic comparison of the various parameters did not reveal any significance difference.&#x0D; Conclusion: Anatomical lower limb inequality is very common amongst young adult Nigerians without any gross musculoskeletal but it is not obvious.

ADIPOQ gene is linked to emotional eating behaviour in young Nigerian adults independent of psychological traits

BackgroundA disturbance in eating behaviour (EB) is the hallmark of patients with eating disorders, and depicts a complex interaction of environmental, psychological and biological factors. In the present study, we propose a model of association of genetic susceptibility—represented by adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene—with eating behavioural and psychological traits.ResultsEvaluation of the distribution of a polymorphism of the ADIPOQ (rs1501299 G > T) with respect to three EB factors involving cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating and emotional eating revealed that T-allele in rs1501299 was associated with a decreased susceptibility to emotional EB in codominant (e.g., GG vs. TT) (beta-coefficient [β] = 2.39, 95% Confidence interval [CI] = − 4.02, − 0.76; p value [p] = 0.02), recessive (GG + GT vs. TT) (β = − 2.77, 95% CI = − 3.65, − 0.69; p = 0.005) and additive (GG = 0, GT = 1, TT = 2) (β = − 1.02, 95% CI = − 1.80, − 0.24; p = 0.01) models of inheritance. The presence of the T-allele was not significantly associated with psychological factors involving depression, anxiety and stress. Finally, none of the psychological traits significantly predicted any of the EB factors after controlling for age, body weight and gender.ConclusionsOur data suggest that genetic variant in ADIPOQ locus may influence human emotional eating behaviour.

The Development and Validation of a Measure of Fear of Charm Within the Nigerian Population

The fear of charm is a commonplace in the sociopolitical and economic life of many Nigerians. Notably, researchers are yet to develop a measure that will assess fear of charm in Nigeria and within the African population in general. In this regard, this paper reports the development of the Fear of Charm Scale (FCS) among Nigerian adults and demonstrates its reliability and validity evidences. The development of the FCS entails item generation, content validity, determining its underlying factor structure, internal consistency and construct validity. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated three-factor structures for the FCS. The scale demonstrated good psychometric properties in terms of adequate reliability, convergence and discriminant validity. By using the FCS, social science researchers can now reliably and validly measure the construct of fear of charm and assess its influence on other psychological variables such as self-efficacy, psychotic symptoms, work performance, psychological well-being etc.