bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyperglycaemia in pregnancy: knowledge and correlates amongst antenatal care providers in healthcare facilities in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Imoh Lucius , Longwap Abdulazis , Yersib Nicholas , Gowok Dungrit , Muhammad Zainab , Imoh Joy , Banwat Mathilda 
Published: April 2023

Background: Antenatal healthcare providers’ (AHPs) knowledge about hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP) and its screening best practices affect the management of affected pregnant women. We assessed the knowledge of HIP and associated factors amongst first line AHPs.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 188 Doctors, Nurses and Community Health providers directly involved in providing antenatal care at all levels of health care in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, selected through total sampling technique.
Result: A total of 103 AHPs (54.8%) were females. The mean knowledge score (SD) score was 17.0+/-5.5 (out of 30). Only 93 (49.5%) had a good knowledge of HIP (Knowledge score ≥18). Only 88 (46.8%) could correctly identify 75g OGTT or 100g OGTT as diagnostic tests for GDM. Gender, category of hospital, level of care of the institution and job designation were significantly associated with knowledge of HIP after bivariate analysis (p < 0.05). After multivariate analysis using logistic regression analysis, only the category of institution and job designation were independently associated with knowledge of HIP.
Conclusion: The general level of knowledge of HIP among AHPs is average but awareness of testing and management guidelines is very poor hence the need for regular updates for health professionals.
Keywords: Hyperglycaemia in Pregnancy; gestational diabetes mellitus; knowledge of GDM; guidelines for GDM.
Examining the maternal health services-seeking behaviour among adolescent urban refugees in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Nakisita Olivia , Kirabo-Nagemi Charity 
Published: April 2023

Background: Reproductive health is a key concern during crisis situations and improving maternal health is crucial. In Uganda, refugees living in urban areas are expected to be self-reliant and this makes the adolescents who get pregnant vulnerable.
Objective: To investigate the maternal health services seeking behaviour of the adolescent refugees in Kampala.
Methods: This study examined the experiences of twenty refugee girls who got pregnant and delivered babies from the ages of 10 to 19, while living in Kampala. This was done through in-depth interviews. Thematic content analysis was used to interpret, code and analyze the data.
Results: This study found that many of the refugee girls get pregnant as a result of sexual violence. The girls seek maternal health services from the public and private facilities around Kampala, but face barriers to access and utilization like poverty, language barrier, health worker’s attitudes, and overcrowded facilities and therefore many received suboptimal care.
Conclusion: The urban refugee adolescents who get pregnant face several challenges to utilize maternal health services. Increased funding, favourable policies and programs are needed to support these girls to access comprehensive maternal health services because they face multiple vulnerabilities.
Keywords: Adolescent health; refugees; maternal health services.
An evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (Mmp-9) and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 (Timp-1) Serum levels and the Mmp-9/Timp-1 Ratio in Covid-19 patients
Authors: Aktug Demir Nazlim , Yilmaz Kirik Sema , Sumer Sua , Ural Onur , Esranur Kiratlı Hatice , Vatansev Husamettin , Paydas Hayatsal Esra , Arslan Ugur , Cebeci Hakan , Saltuk Demir Lutfi 
Published: April 2023

Background: The progression of COVID-19 has different clinical presentations, which raises a number of immunological questions.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and whether the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio is associated with lung involvement in COVID-19.
Methods: This study was conducted with 192 patients and 45 healthy controls. ELISA was used to measure the MMP-9 and TIMP-1.
Results: The MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels of the patients were found to be higher than those of the controls. MMP-9 and TIMP- 1 were detected more in patients with lung involvement on chest CT scans than in those with no lung involvement on chest CT scans. A comparison of lung involvement levels revealed no difference was found between the groups. The MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was 5.8 in the group with lung involvement on chest CT scans and 6.1 in the group without lung involvement on chest CT scans. No difference was found between the two groups. A comparison with respect to lung involvement levels showed that theMMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio difference was found between the groups.
Conclusion: Diagnostic and treatment methods targeting MMP-9 activity or neutrophil activation may be important in predictinglung involvement in COVID-19 and directing clinical outcomes.
Keywords: COVID-19; MMP-9; TIMP-1.
Health-related quality of life in patients with low back pain in a low resource setting: a cross-sectional study at a tertiary hospital in Uganda
Authors: Amesiya Robert , Nyati Mallon , Waiswa Gonzaga , S Mwaka Erisa 
Published: April 2023

Background: Low back pain is the leading global cause of years lost to disability. The study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life in patients with low back pain attending an outpatient clinic at a national referral hospital in Uganda
Methods: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study that involved 250 adult patients with low back pain. Data were collected using the modified short form-36 Health Survey questionnaire. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics. Analysis of Variance, the F-test and linear regression analysis were used for inferential statistics.
Result: Majority of participants were female (66.4%) with a mean age of 60 years (SD 12.9, range 20- 87) and 44.6% were manual labourers. 70% of participants had had low back pain for more than one year and 74% had neuropathic symptoms. The total quality of life of participants was poor with a mean score of 31.9 (SD 15.6). The factors that significantly influenced quality of Llife included performing manual work (p=0.01), being unemployed (p=0.027) and weakness in the lower limbs (p=0.01).
Conclusion: Patients with low back pain had a poor quality of life that was significantly influenced by being unemployed, doing manual work and clinical features of nerve compression.
Keywords: Low back pain; Quality of life; Health-related.
Establishment of a urogynecology cadaver-based hands-on workshop
Authors: M Elbiss Hassan , M Abu-Zidan Fikri 
Published: April 2023

Background: It is important to train gynecologists and urologists on the principles of urogynecological surgery.
Objectives: To report our recent experience in developing a curriculum, application, and the learning outcome of a urogynecology workshop using cadaver training.
Methods: A full day structured urogynecology cadaver-based educational hands-on course was developed. The theoretical component consisted of lectures on female urinary incontinence and genital prolapse. Hands-on training was on three cadaver stations: First to instruct and guide through the surgical steps of transobturator vaginal tape; second to perform sacrospinous fixation; and third to insert of vaginal mesh. Knowledge gained was evaluated using multiple choice questions. The course was evaluated using a structured seven-point Likert type questionnaire.
Results: There was an a statistically significant improvement in the post-test MCQ marks compared with the pre-test marks (P<0.01) and in the pass percentage (7% compared with 100%, P< 0.001). The overall rating of the workshop was 6.7 out of 7.
Conclusions: Our course was highly valued by the participants who came from all over the Middle East. The course was enjoyable and achieved its objectives while the participants gained new knowledge and surgical skills.
Keywords: Cadaver; pelvic floor; surgery; skills; training; assessment.
Assessment of the willingness of Nigerian Orthodontists to offer face-to-face orthodontic services to patients infected with Covid-19
Authors: Emmanuel Adeyemi Tope , Ndudi Adekoya Monica , Angelina Aikins Elfleda 
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 disease led to suspension of many services which caused orthodontists to resort to providing only emergency services. The aims of this study were to assess the willingness of Nigerian Orthodontists and Orthodontic resident doctors to treat patients infected with Covid-19 as well as to ascertain advice given regarding traumatic arch wires and aligners during the pandemic.
Participants and study design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. We included dentists who were Orthodontists and orthodontic resident doctors practicing in Nigeria. Data was collected via an online questionnaire (Google form) which was sent three times weekly throughout May/June, 2020 and analysed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.
Results: Forty-eight out of the 90 members of the WhatsApp group responded within the allotted time, giving a response rate of 53.3%. Out of a total of 48 respondents, 39 (81.3%) were unwilling to treat patients infected with COVID-19 during the pandemic. The major reason was fear of infection with the virus (12, 25.0%). Most of the respondents (41, 55.4%) suggested the use of wax for relief of trauma from arch wires.
Conclusion: Majority of Orthodontists and orthodontic residents practicing in Nigeria expressed unwillingness to treat patients infected with COVID-19. Aligner therapy was proffered as an alternative to bracket therapy.
Keywords: Emergency orthodontics; COVID-19; unwillingness to treat; trauma; aligners.
Neonatal jaundice: magnitude of the problem in Cairo University’s neonatal intensive Care unit as a referral center
Authors: Emil Ghobrial Emad , Mohamed Al Sayed Hashem , Elmeneim Mohamed Saher Abd , El-Din Reem Mahmoud Badr 
Published: April 2023

Background: Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common physiologic problems requiring medical attention in newborns. It is benign in most cases; however, high levels of bilirubin are neurotoxic and can lead to serious brain damage.
Objectives: This study aimed at assessment of magnitude of neonatal jaundice in cases of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia admitted into neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Cairo University Pediatric Hospital and to detect possible etiologies, management and outcome.
Methods: The present work is a retrospective study, included 789 neonates suffered from hyperbilirubinemia over a two-year period.
Results: Intensive phototherapy and exchange transfusion were used together in 6 cases. Two hundreds and twenty-two cases (28.1%) had exchange transfusion once, 44 cases had it twice, 6 cases had it 3 times and one case had it 4 times. Number of exchange transfusion significantly affects mortality among cases (P= 0.02).
Conclusion: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is an existing problem in our NICU. Intensive phototherapy is an excellent substitute for exchange transfusion. Respiratory distress and sepsis are significantly higher among dead cases. Screening for risk factors is needed to avoid critical hyperbilirubenemia.
KeyWords: Indirect hyperbilirubinemia; phototherapy; exchange transfusion.
Physician perspectives on the DNR order in Turkey: A survey of physicians in Internal Medicine
Authors: Cemal Hüseyin Güvercin , Ayşe Pelin Kurtoğlu , Güvercin Ayşe Canan Yazici 
Published: April 2023

Background: Do not resuscitate (DNR) is a controversial ethico-legal issue and there is no legal regulation in Turkey. Evaluating the physicians' views on DNR is critical to the current problems and contributes to legal regulation.
Objectives: To examine the views of intensive care unit residents on DNR and the sociocultural and occupational factors affecting them.
Methods: The research is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample of the study consists of 203 residents of internal medicine working in the intensive care unit in a university hospital. A questionnaire form was used as a data collection tool.
Results: 62.6% of the physicians know that there is no legal regulation regarding DNR in Turkey, and 14.3% think that DNR is performed. Female physicians approve of DNR at a higher rate than men (p<0.01). Physicians with more experience in the profession stated that not all patients should be performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (p<0.01), and DNR should be a right (p<0.05). The vast majority of physicians stated that DNR should be legal (88.1%) and should be included in residency training (85.6%).
Conclusions: It is necessary to establish legal regulations on DNR and implement residency training programs that will ensure the continuous professional development of physicians.
Keywords: Do not resuscitate (DNR); physicians' views; legal regulation.
A critical review of literature on health financing reforms in Uganda – progress, challenges and opportunities for achieving UHC
Authors: Denis Odoch Walter , Senkubuge Flavia , Bosibori Masese Ann , Hongoro Charles 
Published: April 2023

Background: Universal health coverage (UHC) is one of the sustainable development goals (SDG) targets. Progress towards UHC necessitates health financing reforms in many countries. Uganda has had reforms in its health financing, however, there has been no examination of how the reforms align with the principles of financing for UHC.
Objective: This review examines how health financing reforms in Uganda align with UHC principles and contribute to ongoing discussions on financing UHC.
Methods: We conducted a critical review of literature and utilized thematic framework for analysis. Results are presented narratively. The analysis focused on health financing during four health sector strategic plan (HSSP) periods.
Results: In HSSP I, the focus of health financing was on equity, while in HSSP II the focus was on mobilizing more funding. In HSSP III & IV the focus was on financial risk protection and UHC. The changes in focus in health financing objectives have been informed by low per capita expenditures, global level discussions on SDGs and UHC, and the ongoing health financing reform discussions. User fees was abolished in 2001, sector-wide approach was implemented during HSSP I&II, and pilots with results-based financing have occurred. These financing initiatives have not led to significant improvements in financial risk protectionas indicated by the high out-of-pocket payments.
Conclusion: Health financing policy intentions were aligned with WHO guidance on reforms towards UHC, however actual outputs and outcomes in terms of improvement in health financing functions and financial risk protections remain far from the intentions.
Keywords: Uganda; Universal health coverage; health financing.
Traditional Perceptions of Climate Change Phenomenon Influencing Adaptation Decisions among Women Crop Farmers in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ifeanyi-obi Chinwoke Clara , Wigwe Chimkanmma Chimenem , Adesope Olufemi Martins , Obafemi Andrew 
Published: April 2023

The study assessed traditional perceptions of climate change phenomenon influencing adaptation decisions among women crop farmers in southern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 420 rural women crop farmers for the study. Structured interview schedule through the use of Open Data Kit, focus group discussion and in-depth interview were used to collect data. Data were analysed using mean, percentages and Binary Logit regression. Approximately 89% had taken the decision to adapt to climate change with 81% supporting their decision with action by utilizing available climate change adaptation strategies. The belief that climate change is too complex to understand ( x̄= 2.83), caused solely by man’s carelessness over his environment ( x̄= 2.97), rainfall and temperature variation ( x̄= 3.07), violation of traditional farming rituals (x̄ = 2.72) and God’s anger on mankind (x̄ = 2. 65) were the major traditional perceptions of climate change influencing adaptation decisions among rural women crop farmers. The traditional perceptions of climate change among other factors were found to influence rural women crop farmers’ decision to adapt to climate change. Knowledge building through training workshops on climate change is key to stimulating right adaptation decisions and action among rural women crop farmers.
Determinants of Communication Channel Used among Rice Value Chain Actors in Nasarawa and Benue States, Nigeria
Authors: Nwobodo Cynthia Ebere , Agwu Ekwe Agwu , Okoronkwo David John , Innih Celestina Dupe 
Published: April 2023

The study assessed the determinants of communication channel use among rice value chain actors in Nasarawa and Benue States, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select six hundred (600) respondents. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule and were analyzed using a binary logistic regression model with the forced entry method. Results show that the full Logit Regression model containing all the predictors for determinants of use of face-to-face communication channel (x2 = 19.74), mobile phone (x2 = 46.453), radio (x2 = 55.12), television (x2 = 34.41) and print media (x2 = 29.71) were statistically significant. The key determinants for the use of mobile phones include: sex, age, number of social organizations, and years of experience while sex, age, and number of years spent in school were key determinants in the use of television. Therefore, extension agents should consider the different socio-economic groups in selecting communication channels in reaching out to rice value chain actors as identified. Also, extension agencies should create awareness, and provide training opportunities to enable actors to take advantage of the available channels in rice value chain communication.
Challenges and Training Needs for Integrating Social Media into Agricultural Extension Services in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Iwuchukwu Julina Chinasa , Eke Okechukwu George , Arigbo Precious Obinna , Chukwudum Eucharia Ogochukwu , Igwe Ngozi Justina 
Published: April 2023

This research examined the challenges, and training needs for the integration of social media into extension in Enugu State, Nigeria. Ninety-seven agricultural extension workers were proportionately selected from six agricultural zones in Enugu State. Data were generated through a questionnaire and results were presented with percentages and mean scores. The major challenge to the use of social media was the lack of access to social media by some target audiences ( x̄ =1.55) and the complexity of the devices (phone and media). Some areas of training needs of the extension workers were how to place advertisements using Youtube (89.5%), how to transform images on Instagram (89%), how to post a link on Twitter (83.6%) and how to update WhatsApp application (79.4%). The government and extension organization should provide internet and internet-enabled devices as part of tools for extension work and the use of social media should be incorporated as part of continuous professional development (CPD) for extension agents by extension organizations in Enugu State.
Assessment of Workplace Hazard Awareness, Work-related Health Complaints and Safety Measures among Welders in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Adeniyi T.S. , Isah E.C. 
Published: April 2023

Background: Welding processes are known to expose welders to occupational health hazards. Awareness gap regarding these hazards and their control is a major factor contributing to high rate of occupational illnesses and injuries among welders. This research is aimed at assessing awareness of workplace hazards, work-related health complaints and safety measures among welders in Benin City.
Methods: Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire from 441 welders recruited by a multistage sampling technique in a descriptive cross-sectional study design. IBM SPSS 25 was used for data entry and analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done with p-values of 0.05 considered statistically significant
Results: High proportions 402 (91.2%) and 435 (98.6%) of the welders had good awareness for their workplace hazards and PPEs respectively, while all 441 (100%) of them were exposed to noise levels > 85 decibels. Itchy eyes, 365 (82.8%), was the most prevalent work-related health complaint. Safety goggles 430 (97.5%) and helmet 11 (2.5%) were the most and least utilized PPE respectively. Overall, a high proportion 349 (79.1%) of the welders had poor usage of PPEs. Educational level was statistically associated with awareness of PPEs (p = 0.02).
Conclusions: There was a high degree of awareness of workplace hazards, PPEs and of some workrelated health complaints but poor usage of PPEs among the welders. The National Institute of Welding should implement focused educational interventions to increase understanding of occupational health and the proper use of PPE to mitigate the health risks connected with this profession.
Self-Reported Assessment of Sources and Quality of Drinking Water: A Case Study of Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Edeki P.E. , Isah E.C. , Mokogwu N. 
Published: April 2023

Background: Water is a basic physiological requirement of the body with about 30–35 liters per capita per day required for each household, a situation which is far-fetched in most developing countries such as Nigeria. The study aimed to ascertain the sources, availability and accessibility of drinking water in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among 362 heads of household who were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. A total of 360 wells from sampled households were examined to ascertain their compliance with WHO standards for improved/protected well. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0 with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The commonest source of drinking water during dry and wet seasons was sachet water, 99 (27.3%) and 89 (24.6%), respectively. Two hundred and ten (58%) respondents reported that their drinking water sources were located within 200 meters of their dwelling; 293 (82.3%) respondents had access to water supply all the time, while 25 (7%) had access to water supply twice a week. Majority, 354 (97.8%) of respondents reported that their water was colourless, 350 (96.7%), odourless and 208 (57.5%), tasteless. Only 21 (5.8%) of the wells examined met the WHO criteria for improved/protected well.
Conclusion: Sachet water is the commonest source of drinking water and most wells examined did not meet the requirement of an improved well. The Ministry of Water Resources should make more improved sources of water available for the residents of Sapele.
Effects of Irrigation Scheduling on Yield of Potato and Water Productivity Southern, Ethiopia
Authors: Wabela Kedrala , Bekele Tagese , Ahmed Mohammed 
Published: April 2023

Irrigation water is one of the major limiting factors that affect crop production in Ethiopia. Irrigation scheduling is an important technique for quantifying water required by plants at a particular interval to improve irrigation efficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the irrigation scheduling effects on potato yield and water productivity. The study was designed in four experimental treatments as: 5, 7, 9 days intervals, and Farmer practice arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. The two years combined yield results showed that a maximum yield of 21.99ton/ha was obtained from 9 days irrigation interval treatment and a minimum yield of 15.80ton/ha was obtained from Farmer’s practice. Maximum and minimum water productivity of 3.34 kg/m3 and 2.4 kg/m3 were obtained from 9-day irrigation intervals and farmers’ practice, respectively. From these results, it can be observed that to attain the maximum potato yield and water productivity in the study area, it is better to use 9-days irrigation interval with a determined irrigation water amount.