Young Nigerian Adults Research Articles

Colorectal Cancer: aggressive presentations among young Nigerian adults

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer contributing to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. CRC is very common in the Western world with typical peculiarities how- ever, the black population has a different pattern of presentations since polyps and other pre-malignant lesions are relatively uncom- mon as compared to the Caucasians. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of patients referred for colonoscopy evaluation at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. Sixty patients with colonic diseases were consecutively recruited during the study period. Colorectal cancer accounted for 11.7% of the study population with a M:F ratio of 2.5:1. Significantly, 57.14% of the patients were within 50 years of age. Over 70% of the patients were diagnosed with aggressive variant CRC. Constipation, fatigue, and weight loss were the dominant presenting symptoms, and predominantly left-sided colonic tumours were seen in 85% of the study population. For reasons that require further investiga- tions, the African population develops more aggressive variants of CRC at younger ages and it has a worse prognosis.

The stability of life script and life story events of Nigerian young adults across religion and gender

ABSTRACT The cultural life scripts are shared semantic knowledge of the expected life course in a given culture characterised by a bump for positive events in the second and third life decades, but none for negative events [Berntsen, D., & Rubin, D. C. (2004). Cultural life scripts structure recall from autobiographical memory. Memory & Cognition, 32, 427-442. https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03195836]. We investigated the stability of Nigerian young adults' life scripts and life stories across religion and gender. One-hundred-and-seventy-four participants completed the life script and life story tasks, and the revised religious orientation scale. We found that the life scripts and life stories consisted of mainly positive events with a reminiscence bump located in the 10s and 20s; however, we also found a small bump for negative events. There was a high mention rate of religion-specific events in both the life scripts and life stories of participants across religion and gender. The level of religiosity had effects on the importance ratings of the life scripts and life stories. In sum, despite minor variations, the life scripts and life stories were consistent across religion and gender.

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.

Cardiometabolic determinants of cardiorespiratory fitness at rest, during exercise and post-exercise periods

We aimed to assess the relationship between cardiorepiratory fitness (CRF) and cardiometabolic parameters among young Nigerian adults. 100 young adults (50 males, 50 females) aged 20-30 years, selected from College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria, participated in the study. Subjects’ demographic data and medical information were obtained through the use of structured pre-exercise health and lifestyle screening questionnaire, physical examination and morphometric measurements. Exercise test was carried out using a mechanically braked magnetic ergometer bicycle at an incremental workload of 30 W every 2 min until the subject reached a volitional exhaustion. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured at rest, during exercise and at post-exercise periods. Data indicated a significantly (Ρ&lt;0.05) lower resting HR and rate pressure product (RPP), but higher targeted HR reserve, %RPP increase, peak oxygen pulse, cardiac output, exercise duration and work rate compared with the intermediate and unfit groups in both sexes. Age and BMI adjusted correlation test also indicated significant associations between peak oxygen consumption (VO2) and resting HR, resting RPP, targeted HR reserve, oxygen pulse, cardiac output, % RPP increase, actual HR reserve, exercise duration, and work rate. In contrast, resting BP, resting pulse pressure, peak systolic blood pressure (SBP), peak HR, percentage maximum HR, SBP recovery and HR recovery did not correlate with peak VO2. The present findings suggest that a multiple approach involving both metabolic and cardiovascular interventions might be appropriate when implementing strategies to enhance CRF and improve general well-being.

Association between ABO and RH blood groups and Hepatitis B virus infection among young Nigerian adults.

SummaryBackgroundSeveral diseases are reported to be associated with ABO/Rh blood groups. Data on the association between ABO and Rh D blood group antigens in the Nigerian population is sparse. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection as well as its association with ABO and Rh D antigens among young Nigerian adults.MethodsWhole blood was collected from 496 students and screened for the presence of HBsAg using an immuno-chromatographic technique. The ABO and Rh D antigen status of participants were also determined using standard techniques.ResultsIn this study, the prevalence of HBV infection was 10/496 (2.10%). Of all factors assessed, only age of participants was identified as a risk factor (P < 0.05) for HBV seropositivity. Over half 257/496 (51.5%) of subjects were of the blood group O type, while 18/496 (3.6%) were of the AB blood type which was the least in occurrence. Rh D negative blood group was observed among 24/496 (4.8%) subjects. Those with the B blood type were observed to have an insignificantly (P > 0.05) higher prevalence of HBV infection. However, with respect to Rh D antigen alone, participants negative for the antigen were observed to have a five times higher risk of acquiring HBV infection than those positive for it (OR = 5.273, 95% CI = 1.056, 26.321, P > 0.05). Combining the ABO and Rh blood group systems, an association (OR = 20.174; P > 0.05) was found to exist between B Rh D negative status and HBV infection.ConclusionPossession of B antigen without Rh D antigen is associated with increased risk of acquiring HBV infection.

The Knowledge, Behaviour, Attitudes and Perception of Young Nigerian Adults towards HIV/AIDS and its Prevention

This piece of work is a systematic review that critically appraises past research studies, not later than five years that is directed towards investigating the knowledge, awareness, behaviour, attitudes and perception of young people in Nigeria towards HIV/AIDS and its prevention. Young people’s knowledge, awareness and perceptions have been identified in different levels and categories. Young people’s preventive awareness level and risk perceptions have also been revealed. Conclusively, the findings from the different studies selected for the systematic review have shown varying degrees of HIV knowledge among young people. This is to address the perceptions of young Nigerian adults towards HIV/AIDS. Significantly, the systematic review undertaken confirms the original theme of the study identifying and exploring the knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of young adults to address the aim of the study. The results have, therefore, indicated that those in the colleges and universities were more knowledgeable than those that were not. Understanding of the virus helped to influence young people in their attitude towards infected people. Furthermore, understanding of HIV/AIDS and its prevention also differed among young adults; those in the university had better understanding compared to those in the colleges and dropouts.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Towards Preventive Strategies Against COVID-19 Pandemic Among Nigerian Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts have been aimed at promoting preventive measures towards curtailing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The effectiveness of measures put in place by the government are mostly determined by the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of the citizenry. We sought to determine the KAP of young Nigerian adults towards preventive strategies against COVID-19. Methods: An online survey was prepared using an 18-question questionnaire to assess the KAP of each participant that satisfied predefined criteria. Data obtained were screened for error and analyzed with SPSS version 23. The level of significance was set at p&lt;0.05. Results: A total of 925 valid responses were received with a 96.25% response rate. Females made up 52.4% of the respondents, 62.4% were aged between 21-24, and 88.4% were from South-western Nigeria. The mean knowledge score was 9.02 (SD 1.18) with a maximum possible knowledge score of 13. Most of the participants (91.7%) agreed that COVID-19 will eventually be successfully controlled. Only 31.1% however had been wearing masks when leaving home. The confidence of winning the battle against COVID-19 differed significantly across the ethnic groups (p&lt;0.01). Ages between 15 and 24 were more likely to visit crowded places (p&lt;0.01). Conclusion: This study revealed a good knowledge level and an optimistic attitude towards the control of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, much more work is needed by government and health officials to translate these to better practices towards prevention and control as the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Relationship Between Estimated VO2max and Handgrip Strength in Healthy Young Nigerian Adults

Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between estimated oxygen consumption (VO2max) and handgrip strength (HGS) among healthy young Nigerian adults. Methods: This was a cross sectional study, which involved 400 volunteers (171 males; 229 females) aged between 18–40years. Participants’ HGS was assessed using a CAMRY EH-101 hand dynamometer while VO2max was estimated using a standard formula that includes measurement of resting heart rate. Demographic data was summarized using percentages, mean and standard deviation. Physical activity level of the participants was assessed using long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Independent t-test was used to compare the mean values of the variables between male and female participants. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the strength of relationship between estimated VO2max and HGS, while multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of estimated VO2max using HGS as well as body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA) level, age and sex as co‐variates. Level of significance was set at p&lt;0.05. Results: HGS, VO2max and PA level were significantly (p= 0.001) different between male and female participants. There was a significant moderate correlation between HGS and VO2max (r= 0.40, p= 0.001). The results of the regression analysis showed that HGS is not significant predictor of estimated VO2max; whereas, sex, BMI and PA level were significant predictors of estimated VO2max. Conclusion: Although HGS is moderately correlated with estimated VO2max, HGS may not be a relevant tool for predicting estimated VO2max in healthy young adults.

Predicting entrepreneurial and professional career mindsets in young Nigerian adults

Purpose This study aims to investigate how new graduates in Nigeria can simultaneously pursue entrepreneurial and professional careers. Specifically, this study tested the contextual (socioeconomic status [SES]), person-based (an open personality) and cognitive-person (self-efficacy and outcome expectations) predictors of entrepreneurship, professionalism and leadership. Design/methodology/approach The study design is cross-sectional. Data were collected from 363 new graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions. Hypotheses were generated from social cognitive career self-management (CSM) variables. Research instruments were also revalidated for the Nigerian context, and regression path analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings This study’s key findings showed that SES and an open personality are predictors of entrepreneurship, professionalism and leadership (EPL) self-efficacy and intentions, entrepreneurial and job outcome expectations. Second, EPL self-efficacy predicted both entrepreneurial and job outcome expectations and served as a mediating variable for SES and an open personality. Third, entrepreneurial outcome expectations related to EPL intentions, whereas job outcome expectations did not. These results suggest that SES and openness personality trait are crucial for developing a versatile career mindset. Research limitations/implications This study demonstrated that individuals’ characteristics (i.e. cognitive and personality) and economic resources are crucial determinants of CSM. As this study is cross-sectional, future research could use a longitudinal approach to determine the cause-effect relationship. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first research to examine how new graduates can simultaneously explore entrepreneurial and professional careers in a developing country like Nigeria using the CSM theory.

‘I take it to relax… and chill’: perspectives on cannabis use from marginalized Nigerian young adults

Background Current research on drug use emphasizes harms and often neglects its pleasures and benefits. This one-sided view has supported policies that criminalize personal drug use. This study explores nuanced understandings of cannabis use from the perspectives of marginalized users in Nigeria. Methods This study is based on qualitative research conducted with street-involved young adults (n = 97) recruited through time-location sampling in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria. Data were collected through in-depth, individual interviews, transcribed, coded and analyzed thematically. Results Cannabis offered corporeal and social pleasures, which were shaped by the socio-spatial context of use. It was also used in marginalized ways to relieve social stress, cope with trauma, enable daily functioning, and everyday survival struggle. This encouraged heavy use, which produced health harms including dependence as well as physical and mental health problems. Social and legal harms were of more concern to the participants than health ones. Unlawful policing practices, including physical abuses and financial extortion, exacerbated the health and social harms of structural violence they experience. Conclusions Cannabis use is a more nuanced practice than is captured in the dominant medico-legal discourse. Harms owe more to the socio-legal contexts of use than to the drug’s pharmacology. Reducing harms requires the provision of healthcare services and structural interventions, not criminalizing a population already situated on the margins of a resource-poor society.

Reference intervals of common clinical biochemistry analytes in young Nigerian adults.

Reference intervals are assessment tools for interpretation of clinical test results. These intervals describe the dispersion of test parameter values of apparently healthy persons in defined populations as health status indicators. Using reference intervals obtained and validated in populations outside the geographical region of derivation for medical decision-making may impact negatively on clinical interpretation and patient management. Many countries have established their reference values, current studies on these data for Nigeria are however scarce. Determination of clinical biochemistry reference intervals for young Nigerian adults which is of particular importance in routine clinical management and conduct of clinical trials in response to existing and emerging diseases will add significantly to the existing body of knowledge. The objective was to establish reference intervals for 24biochemistry analytes among Nigerians aged 18 to 26 years. This was a cross-sectional study among 7,797 consenting male and female military applicants aged 18 to 26 years from 37 States of Nigeria. It was a total study among volunteers for military service. Blood samples were collected and subjected to serological testing for HIV-1 and 2, hepatitis-B, malaria, pregnancy and haematuria to restrict our study population to apparently healthy participants. Biochemical assays were performed on 6,169 participant samples that met the inclusion criteria. Generated data was entered into MS Excel® and exported into SPSS® software version 16 for analysis. Statistical tools used were frequencies, median, mid 95th percentile range with 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles as limits. Reference intervals were estimated using nonparametric methods. No intergender statistical comparison was made. Complete records were obtained for 6,169 eligible participants. Median values and associated reference intervals were similar in both genders. The findings from this study will help in clinical decision-making and play a significant role in supporting the current global rapid expansion of clinical trials in response to the urgent need for preventive and therapeutic solutions to existing and emerging diseases.

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.

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.

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.

An Online Study of Suicidality and its Determinants among Nigerian Young Adults Resident in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: The outbreak of coronavirus pandemic has affected millions of people globally. This has subsequently triggered diverse mental health challenges. This study examined the prevalence as well as the determinants of suicidality among Nigerian young adults resident in China.Method: This is an online-based cross-sectional survey involving 364 Nigerian young adults in China. Sociodemographic and suicidality related variables were collected. The respondents also completed the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire and the 5-item Brief Symptom Rating Scales.Results: The prevalence rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt as a result of the pandemic were 8.2% and 2.5% respectively. A total of 188(51.6%) respondents had anxiety. Suicidality was associated with anxiety and psychological distress.Conclusion: Suicidality is relatively common among the Nigerian young adult population in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health interventions in terms of screening for suicidality and its determinants may need to be developed for Nigerian young adults in China during this pandemic.&#x0D; Keywords: Suicidality, Suicidal ideation, Suicide attempt, Covid-19 pandemic, Nigerian adults

Assessment of the Levels of Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Hyperglycemic Young Nigerian Adults

Background: The burden of cardiovascular diseases in developing countries such as Nigeria is worsened by the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. This study is aimed at assessing the levels of cardiovascular risk markers in young Nigerian adults who are hyperglycemic at baseline.&#x0D; Material and Methods: A total of 200 participants (male and female), aged 15-35 years initially took part in the study while the data of 61 participants (44.3% male and 55.7% female) who were hyperglycemic at baseline was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The levels of cardiovascular risk markers were analyzed in these hyperglycemic young adults.&#x0D; Results: The females in the study population had a higher blood glucose level (102.91 ± 9.68) when compared to males (98.81 ± 8.13). The study reported the prevalence rates for cardiovascular risk markers: hypertension [31.15% (male), 14.70% (female)]; overweight and obesity [33.33% (males), 52.94% (females)]; central obesity [14.81% (males), 64.70% (females)]; high waist-to-hip ratio [33.33% (males), 91.18% (females)]; hypercholesterolemia and low LDL-C [37.04% and 33.33% respectively (males), 67.65% and 61.76% respectively (females)]; hypertriglyceridemia [25.92% (males), 17.60% (females)]; high atherogenic index of plasma [25.92% (males), 14.70% (females)]; elevated C-reactive protein [7.41% (males), 8.82% (females)]. The cardiovascular risk markers were more prevalent in females relative to the males.&#x0D; Conclusions: The high prevalence of cardiovascular risk markers suggests that most apparently healthy Nigerians, including young adults may be at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Explaining clothing decision-making styles among South-African and Nigerian young adults using two life-course theories

PurposeTwo life-course theories (human capital and socialization) were employed to examine how childhood family resources received and peer communication about clothes shopping influence consumer decision-making styles (CDMS) at young adulthood.Design/methodology/approachYoung adults (18–35 years old) were surveyed from two large African economies: South Africa (N = 306) and Nigeria (N = 272). The participants were surveyed at the economic capitals (Johannesburg and Lagos) of both countries to identify and explain CDMS related to clothes shopping. Structural equation modeling and multi-group analyses were used to analyze data.FindingsThe results found six CDMS in both countries, dominated by four utilitarian dimensions (perfectionist, price, quality and time/shopping uninterested consciousness). Structural equation modeling results revealed that family resources and peer communication received during adolescence predicted most of the six CDMS in both countries. Multi-group analyses found that there were no country differences in constructs' relationships.Practical implicationsFrom the results that young adults in both countries displayed more utilitarian than symbolic decision-making styles when shopping for clothing, it is suggested that retailers and other companies provide value-for-money to capture and retain this large, lucrative, but disloyal, young adult consumer segment.Originality/valueSince 1986, when eight consumer decision-making styles were identified, studies of CDMS over the last three decades have focused on validating the scale and exploring demographic and cultural differences. Few studies have examined CDMS drivers, but not using a life-course approach.

Emotional violence in childhood and health conditions, risk-taking behaviors, and violence perpetration among young adults in Nigeria

BackgroundGlobally, over 1 billion children are victims of violence against children annually. Studies examining the health consequences of childhood violence have mostly focused on childhood physical violence (PV) and sexual violence (SV). Recent evidence suggests that childhood emotional violence (EV) may also be deleterious to the health and wellbeing of victims. ObjectiveThis study examines the independent association between EV and some health conditions, risk taking behaviors, and violence perpetration among Nigerian young adults ages 18–24 years. Participants and settingData from 2014 Nigeria Violence Against Children Survey (n = 4,203), a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of individuals ages 13–24 were used. MethodsChildhood EV was defined as EV victimization before age 18 perpetrated by a parent, adult caregiver or other adult relative. Logistic regression analyses assessed the association between EV in childhood and mental distress in the past 30 days, ever self-harm behaviors and history of sexually transmitted infections; risk behaviors such as having multiple sex partners in the past 12 months; and ever violence perpetration. ResultsAfter controlling for study covariates, EV in childhood was associated with mental distress in both males and females, and self-harm behaviors in females; excessive alcohol use and infrequent condom use in males, and multiple sexual partners in females; and PV perpetration in males and SV perpetration in females. ConclusionEV in childhood is associated with some health conditions, risk taking behaviors, and violence perpetration. Implementing programs that address all forms of violence in childhood, including EV may benefit children.

From “Codeine Diet” to “Gutter Water”: polydrug use among Nigerian young adults

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore polydrug use and the factors that motivate the use of multiple substances among selected young adults. Design/methodology/approach A total of 23 male and female participants (aged 23-29 years) who use illicit drugs and prescription pharmaceuticals for non-medical purposes were recruited through snowball sampling. Qualitative interviews were conducted, and the data were analysed thematically. Findings The use of drug “concoctions” and cocktails was widespread among the participants. Some used what they called Codeine Diet (codeine-based cough syrup mixed with a Coca-Cola® product or malt drink), while others took Gutter Water (a cocktail of cannabis, codeine, tramadol, vodka and juice or water). The use of Monkey Tail (a mixture of local gin, cannabis leaves, stems, roots and seeds) and petrol mixed with glue and La Casera® (carbonated soft drink) combined with Tom-Tom® (menthol-flavoured candy) was also revealed. Pleasure, better highs, the need to experience prolonged intoxication and the use of one drug to douse the effects of another substance motivated polysubstance use. Social implications The findings revealed that the reasons why codeine-based cough syrups are mixed with soft drinks (Codeine Diet) include avoiding social discrimination and evading law enforcement agencies. Results suggest that these drug use practices require specifically tailored public health interventions. Social stigmatization against substance users and the use of extra-legal measures by the police should be discouraged to facilitate harm reduction. Originality/value This study represents the first qualitative research to explore polydrug use among an understudied Nigerian population.

A comparative study of cardio-metabolic responses to exercise between untrained non-athletic young Nigerian adults and trained soccer players

We aimed at evaluating the cardiovascular and metabolic responses to sub-maximal exercise tests in untrained non-athletic young adults and comparing them with those of trained and more active soccer players. Forty healthy young adult males (20 untrained non-athletic undergraduates and 20 trained soccer players) aged 20-35 years participated in the study. The participants performed the exercise tests using a mechanically braked magnetic ergometer bicycle. Blood pressure and heart rate (HR) of participants were measured at rest and during the exercise test. The steady-state oxygen uptake (VO2SS) of subjects was estimated from a standardised sub-maximal VO2 equation. Data indicated significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher absolute VO2SS, relative VO2SS, work rate, exercise oxygen pulse and cardiac output, but lower steady-state HR and %HRmax among the soccer players compared with the untrained individuals. No significant differences were observed in exercise systolic blood pressure, rate pressure product, resting HR reserve and %HR reserve between the two groups. Pearson’s partial correlation test indicted independent relationships between VO2SS (relative and absolute) and oxygen pulse, steady-state HR, percentage of HRmax, percentage of HR reserve, resting HR and working HR reserve respectively. The present study indicated greater cardio-metabolic responses to sub-maximal exercise and higher aerobic fitness in trained soccer players compared with the untrained non-athletic individuals.