West African Journal of Allied Health Sciences
On behalf of the Vice Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, (ATBU) Bauchi, Professor Ibrahim Hassan Garba, we welcome you to the West African Journal of Allied Health Sciences (WAJAHS) website. The WAJAHS is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal established by the faculty of allied health sciences, college of medical sciences, ATBU Bauchi. WAJAHS is dedicated to advancing knowledge and promoting research, education, and practice in the field of allied health sciences across West Africa and beyond. The journal aims to: 1. Promote scholarly research in all areas of allied health sciences including but not limited to Nursing science, Medical laboratory science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Nutrition and dietetics, Health information management, and Public health. 2. Provide a platform for researchers, practitioners, educators, and policy-makers to share evidence-based findings, innovative practices, and critical analyses relevant to allied health services. 3. Enhance regional and international collaboration in research and practice by publishing contributions that address health challenges within the West African context. 4. Support capacity building in allied health professions through dissemination of high-quality original research, systematic reviews, case studies, and policy briefs. 5. Encourage interdisciplinary dialogue among the various disciplines within allied health sciences to foster integrated approaches to healthcare delivery.
Prevalence and Molecular Detection of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in Children Aged 0‑5Years in Anyigba, Kogi State
Section: Articles Keywords: Rotavirus; Gastroenteritis; Molecular detection; Children under ive; Public health surveillance. Background: Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children, especially in low‑ and middle‑income countries. Malnutrition, poor sanitation, and inadequate access to clean water contribute to its persistence and severity. This study investigated the prevalence and molecular detection of rotavirus infection among children under five years in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 150 stool samples were collected from children presenting with diarrhea and screened for rotavirus antigens using a Colloidal Gold Rapid Diagnostic Kit (USA). Positive samples were further confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR). Results: Of the 150 children tested, eight (5.3%) were confirmed positive. The prevalence was slightly higher in females (5.8%) than males (5.0%), with no significant association between sex and infection (???? = 0.83). Children aged 24–36 months recorded the highest prevalence (8.6%), although the association with age was not significant (???? = 0.29). Higher prevalence was observed among children of caregivers with no formal education (6.8%) and those categorized under “others” occupations (8.3%), with no significant association (???? = 0.64). Fever (???? = 0.04) and history of diarrhea (???? = 0.0001) showed significant associations with infection. Conclusion: Rotavirus remains a notable public health concern among children in Anyigba. Strengthened surveillance, increased vaccination coverage, and improved hygiene education are essential to reduce its burden.
Rotavirus; Gastroenteritis; Molecular detection; Children under ive; Public health surveillance.
Copyright (c) 2025 West African Journal of Allied Health Sciences
Acute Dystonic Reaction Following a Single 4 mg Dose of Chlorpheniramine inan Adolescent: A Case Report
Section: Case Reports Keywords: Chlorpheniramine, Dystonia, Adverse drug reaction, Extrapyramidal symptoms Drug-induced dystonia is a bizarre type of adverse drug reaction commonly seen with anti‑dopaminergic drugs. It is characterized by involuntary muscle spasm resulting in abnormal movement or posture. We hereby present a case report of an acute dystonic reaction in a 14‑year‑old female after ingestion of 4 mg of chlorpheniramine for a common cold. She was brought to the emergency room with complaints of restlessness, spasm of the facial muscles, and tongue protrusion five hours after taking the chlorpheniramine tablet. The patient was given 10 mg of intramuscular diazepam and monitored for 24 hours. All the symptoms disappeared 20 minutes after administration of diazepam with no relapse of symptoms. She was counseled and discharged for follow‑up. Chlorpheniramine can trigger an acute dystonic reaction even at therapeutic doses. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion when evaluating acute movement disorders and consider antihistamines among potential causes. A PubMed and Google Scholar search found no previous reports on acute dystonia induced by chlorpheniramine alone. This is, to our knowledge, the first reported case of acute dystonia induced by a therapeutic dose of chlorpheniramine alone, highlighting the need for close monitoring of drugs, including common over‑the‑counter medications.
Chlorpheniramine, Dystonia, Adverse drug reaction, Extrapyramidal symptoms
Serum Malondialdehyde and C-Reactive Protein Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Non-Hypertensive and Hypertensive Non-Diabetic Patients in Kogi State, Nigeria.
Section: Articles Keywords: C‑reactive protein, malondialdehyde, Hypertension, T2DM, Oxidative‑stress, Inlammatory reaction Background: Oxidative stress and chronic low‑grade inlammation are key mechanisms linking Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension. Biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and C‑reactive protein (CRP) provide insight into lipid peroxidation and systemic inlammation, yet data from Kogi State are limited. This study assessed serum levels of MDA and CRP among individuals with T2DM and hypertension and examined possible gender differences. Methods: A cross‑sectional study involving 150 age‑matched adults was conducted, comprising 50 T2DM patients, 50 hypertensive patients, and 50 apparently healthy controls. Each group included 25 males and 25 females. Participants were aged 40–50 years with an overweight/obese BMI, while smokers and alcohol users were excluded. Serum MDA, CRP, total cholesterol (TC), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were analysed photometrically. Results: Serum MDA and CRP levels were significantly higher in T2DM and hypertensive subjects than in healthy controls (p < 0.05). Female participants exhibited higher oxidative stress levels than males. These findings underscore the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathophysiology of both conditions. Conclusion: Elevated oxidative stress and inflammation in T2DM and hypertension may accelerate ageing and increase morbidity. Lifestyle interventions—including weight reduction, a healthy diet, and regular physical activity — are essential to improve cardiometabolic outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine how these biomarkers influence disease progression.
C‑reactive protein, malondialdehyde, Hypertension, T2DM, Oxidative‑stress, Inlammatory reaction
Strengthening Allied Health Sciences in Developing Countries: Perspectives from AbubakarTafawa Balewa University, a Leading University of Technology
Section: Opinion Keywords: Allied Health Sciences, Developing Countries, 21st Century Allied Health Sciences are rapidly becoming indispensable to resilient and equitable health systems in the Global South. This opinion piece examines the rise of allied health professions in developing countries and explains how demographic shifts, the expanding burden of non‑communicable diseases, and technological advances have collectively amplified demand for skilled allied health workers. It discusses how education reforms and the proliferation of university faculties, together with interprofessional education, are strengthening local capacity for diagnostics, rehabilitation, community outreach, and health information management. The COVID‑19 pandemic is highlighted as both a stress test and a catalyst that showcased the central role of laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, radiographers, and community health workers in emergency and recovery responses. The abstract also outlines persistent constraints, including weak regulation, limited career pathways, workforce maldistribution, and insufficient investment in infrastructure and continuous professional development. Policy priorities are proposed: integrate allied health into national human resources for health planning, strengthen accreditation and licensing systems, invest in targeted training and mentorship programs, and expand research and technology adoption matched to local needs. Finally, the abstract argues that a deliberate policy and institutional focus on Allied Health Sciences can widen access to essential services in under‑served areas, improve health equity, and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage.
Allied Health Sciences, Developing Countries, 21st Century
Predictors of Knowledge of Childhood Tuberculosis among Parents Attending Outpatient Clinic in Federal Medical Center, Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State.
Section: Articles Keywords: Predictors Knowledge childhood tuberculosis parents Predictors of Knowledge of Childhood Tuberculosis among Parents attending Outpatient clinic in Federal Medical Center, Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State. Introduction: Childhood tuberculosis (TB) is a major global public health concern contributing to significant child morbidity and mortality Methodology: Through a cross-sectional descriptive study, this study aims to determine the predictors of knowledge about TB among 196 parents of children attending the Paediatric outpatient department of a rural tertiary hospital in Jigawa State. Results: The mean age of the parents was 33.05±9.07 years. and 249 (98.4%) were aware of TB. Less than one-third had good knowledge of TB. Educational status of post-primary (AOR=2.2, 95% CI=1.9-3.1), female gender (AOR=0.39, 95%CI=0.14-0.99), and ethnicity of Hausa-Fulani (AOR=0.39, 95%CI=0.14- 0.48), were found to be significant predictors of good knowledge of TB. Conclusions: The Majority of the respondents had poor knowledge of childhood TB, including its prevention, transmission, causes, symptoms, and treatment. There is an urgent need to increase awareness and knowledge of childhood TB in our locality, which will, in turn, lead to improvement in preventive practices to prevent the disease and early presentation and prompt diagnosis to reduce morbidity and mortality due to TB. Key words: Parental knowledge, childhood, Paediatric, tuberculosis; Predictors, Jigawa, Nigeria
Predictors Knowledge childhood tuberculosis parents
Prevalence of Dental Caries among Schoolchildren in Bauchi LGA, Bauchi State, Northeast Nigeria
Section: Articles Keywords: Dental caries, school children, prevalence, Bauchi LGA Background: Dental caries (DC) among children is a major public health concern with attendant consequences, including pain, poor growth, and poor school performance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries among school children in Bauchi LGA. Methodology: A school‑based cross‑sectional study was conducted from July to November 2023. A total of 600 school children were recruited. The sample size was determined using a statistical formula for cross‑sectional studies, and a multi‑stage sampling technique was employed to select participants. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Bauchi State Ministry of Health. Clinical examinations were carried out to identify the presence of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Results: The prevalence of DC was 275 (45.8%), and the mean DMFT score for the study population was 1.7 ± 1.6. DC was found to be more common among females (p = 0.002). The age-specific prevalence of DC was 65.0% for 7–8 years, 59.8% for 9–11 years, 30.1% for 11–12 years, and 31.5% for 13–14 years. Conclusion: The high prevalence of DC among school children in Bauchi LGA highlights the need for collaboration among stakeholders in the education and health sectors to raise awareness and implement policies aimed at improving dental hygiene in schools and communities.
Dental caries, school children, prevalence, Bauchi LGA
Spectrum of Urological Procedures in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa UniversityTeaching Hospital Bauchi
Section: Articles Keywords: Urologic procedures, clinical audit, prostate disease, endourology, ATBUTH Bauchi Background: Urologic diseases constitute a significant proportion of the surgical workload in many tertiary hospitals in low‑ and middle‑income countries. Regular audits of urologic procedures are essential for monitoring patterns of disease, workforce capacity, and resource availability. This article aims to determine the spectrum, relative frequencies, and annual trends of urologic procedures performed at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, from 2019 to 2023. Methods: A 5‑year retrospective review was conducted using data extracted from theatre registers in the main operating theatre, emergency complex, and endourology suite. Variables collected included demographics, diagnosis, procedure type, surgeon cadre, and case category (elective or emergency). Data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS version 24. Ethical approval was obtained before study commencement. Results: A total of 709 urologic procedures were recorded. Males constituted 89.4% of patients. The mean age was 51 years (range: 6 days–99 years). Prostate‑related conditions accounted for 43.9% of all diagnoses, followed by urethral strictures (8%) and stone disease (8.4%). Prostate biopsy was the most common procedure performed (36.3%), while cystoscopy accounted for 19.2% of procedures. Endourologic interventions, such as DVIU (2.1%), laser lithotripsy (0.7%), and TURP (0.4%), were comparatively low. Most surgeries were elective (92.5%), and consultants performed over half of all procedures. Conclusion: Urologic practice at ATBUTH is dominated by prostate‑related diseases, with prostate biopsy being the most frequently performed procedure. The low volume of minimally invasive surgeries underscores the need for improved endourologic capacity.
Urologic procedures, clinical audit, prostate disease, endourology, ATBUTH Bauchi
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Breastfeeding Moth‑ers Attending Child Welfare Clinic at ATBUTH Bauchi, Bauchi State
Section: Articles Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Bauchi Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life is a globally recommended infant feeding practice due to its significant health benefits for both the child and the mother. However, despite ongoing public health campaigns, adherence remains low in Nigeria. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among breastfeeding mothers attending the child welfare clinic at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi. Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted among 178 breastfeeding mothers using systematic sampling. Data were collected with a pre‑tested, semi‑structured interviewer‑administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 25.0 using descriptive statistics. Results: The study found that 35.4% of mothers had good knowledge of EBF, 38.2% had a positive attitude, and 28.1% practiced EBF for six months. Conclusion: This study reveals significant gaps in the knowledge, attitude, and practice of EBF among mothers at ATBUTH. To improve adherence, multi‑level interventions are urgently needed, including intensified health worker‑led counseling, community education programs, and the implementation of supportive workplace and policy frameworks.
Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Bauchi
Assessing Rabies Risk from Under-Vaccinated Owned Indigenous Dogs: Insights from Bite Incidents in a Veterinary Facility
Section: Articles Keywords: Dog bite, Incidence rate, Public Health, Rabies, Risk Background: Dog bites poses a significant global public health challenge with developing countries shouldering a disproportionate share of the resulting morbidity and mortality. In Plateau State, Nigeria, rising bite incidents in communities have raised concerns over rabies transmission to humans prompting the need for a closer examination of the incidence and associated risk factors. Methods: From January to December, 2024, data were prospectively collected on dog bite victims presenting for professional consultation at the Veterinary Hospital Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Vom Nigeria. The study assessed incidence, demographics and rabies exposure risks. Information was collected on victim’s characteristics including age, sex, interval between exposure and hospital presentation as well as location and circumstances surrounding the bite. Data were also recorded on the offending dogs such as age, sex and rabies vaccination status. In cases where dog had died or was euthanized, brain tissue samples were tested using Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test (DFAT). Results: The incidence of the dog bites was estimated at 46.6 bites per 100, 000 population. A majority (64.3%, 95%CI=0.56−0.72) of the victims reported the bite incident within 0−3 days of exposure. Descriptive analysis showed that children and adolescents under 20 years of age accounted for 62.2% (95% CI=0.54−0.70) of the of the 143 victims of dog bites with a slight male predominance (53.1%, 95%ci=0.45−0.62). Most of the offending dogs were males, local breeds, aged one year and older. Notably, 77.6%; (95%CI=0.70−0.84) of these dogs were owned, yet 92. 3% (95%CI=0.87−0.96) either had no documented anti-rabies vaccination or had expired anti-rabies vaccination status. Of the thirty-six (36) brain tissue samples tested from dogs, 28 (77.8%, 95%CI=0.61−0.90) were positive for rabies. Conclusion: These findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen public health interventions aim at reducing the incidence of dog bites and preventing rabies-related deaths.
Dog bite, Incidence rate, Public Health, Rabies, Risk
Effects of Bacteriospermia on Semen Parameters and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern among Infertile Males in Dutse, Jigawa State Nigeria
Section: Articles Background: Infertility is a global public health issue that leads to psychological, social, and economic challenges, particularly affecting women. This study investigates the prevalence of abnormalities in seminal fluid and identifies common organisms along with their antibiotic sensitivities in male partners of infertile couples at RSFUTH in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Methods: Conducted as a prospective cross-sectional design, it involved 389 infertile male subjects attending the andrology clinic at RSFUTH. Semen samples were analyzed over an 18-month period. Results: The findings indicated that 68.9% of the participants had primary infertility, while 31.1% had secondary infertility. A significant 68.6% incidence of bacteriospermia was observed, primarily caused by S. aureus. Notable antibiotic resistance was identified, with S. aureus exhibiting resistance to penicillin (72%), ciprofloxacin (54%), and clindamycin (88%), but remaining sensitive to moxifloxacin (79%) and gentamicin (80%). Escherichia coli showed resistance to cefuroxime (52%) and levofloxacin (70%) but was sensitive to amikacin and gentamicin. Streptococcus species were resistant to gentamicin, while Enterococcus faecalis demonstrated minimal resistance. Conclusion: This study revealed significant antibiotic resistance affecting male fertility due to bacteriospermia. The findings necessitate the need for semen analysis in diagnosing and managing infertility. Future research should consider larger samples and multiple center involvement to validate these results and enhance clinical practice.
Radiographic Assessment of Proximal Femoral Morphology in Normal Nigerian Adults
Section: Articles Keywords: Anatomy, Hip, femur, neck-shaft angle, head diameter, horizontal offset Introduction: Population-specific data on proximal femoral anatomy is crucial for optimizing orthopedic procedures like total hip arthroplasty, yet such data for Nigerian adults is scarce. This study aimed to assess key radiographic parameters of the proximal femur: neck-shaft angle (NSA), femoral head diameter (HD), and femoral horizontal offset (HO) in normal Nigerian adults, focusing on gender and side differences. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 100 hip radiographs (50 males, 50 females) of patients without history of lower extremity pathology was conducted. NSA, HD, and HO were measured bilaterally. Gender and side differences were analyzed using independent and paired t-tests (p < 0.05). Results: The mean NSA was significantly higher in males (132.13° ± 3.65) compared to females (129.45° ± 5.45), (p < 0.001). Side-to-side comparison also showed a significant difference (Right: 129.47° ± 4.27; Left: 132.11° ± 4.87; p < 0.001). Males had a significantly larger mean HD (4.84 ± 0.26 cm) than females (4.58 ± 0.40 cm), (p < 0.001), with a modest but significant side difference (Right: 4.71 ± 0.36 cm; Left: 4.59 ± 0.43 cm; p = 0.03). The mean HO showed no significant gender difference (Males: 3.82 ± 0.29 cm; Females: 3.80 ± 0.35 cm; p = 0.742) or side-to-side variation (Right: 3.81 ± 0.32 cm; Left: 3.85 ± 0.36 cm; p = 0.184). Conclusion: This study provides essential baseline data on proximal femoral anatomy in the Nigerian adult population. Notable gender differences were observed in NSA and HD, while HO appeared consistent across sexes and sides. These findings underscore the need for population-specific reference values to guide implant design, surgical planning, and orthopedic education in Nigeria.
Anatomy, Hip, femur, neck-shaft angle, head diameter, horizontal offset
Microbiological Quality of Common Snacks Found in Major Markets in Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria
Section: Articles Keywords: Microbial quality, Snacks, Escherichia coli, Shigella, Salmonella, Vibro cholera Introduction: Ensuring high microbiological quality is essential for snacks because these foods are often consumed with minimal preparation, which leads to harmful pathogens during production. This study aims at determining the microbiological contamination of common snacks Found in major markets in Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods: Fifty (50) samples of snacks namely, kulikuli, groundnut, cashew nuts, plantain chips, chinchin, coconut chips, wara and potato chips vended in five different markets within Ondo City, Ondo State Nigeria were obtained. The snacks were analyzed for total coliform count, specific pathogens using Pour plate method. Beta poisson model was used to estimate the risk of infection, illness, or death from exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. The data was statistically analysed by the use of IBM SPSS Statistics Data Editor version 25. Results: The highest bacterial counts were observed in Kulikuli, particularly in samples from Okedibo Market, with values reaching up to 8.4×104 CFU/mL. Okedibo Market consistently shows high CFU counts across most snack types. Cashew Nuts and Coconut Chips had bacterial counts of 5.3×104 CFU/mL and 5.7×104 CFU/mL, respectively. Other markets, like Iyalaje Market and Sabo Market, displayed lower and more consistent counts across most snacks. Saluwa Market had high bacterial counts for selected snacks (e.g., Plantain Chips at 3.1×104 CFU/mL). The probability of infection for each organism per meal per day remains quite low, ranging between 0.015 and 0.021 which is about 1.5% to 2.1%. Observations showed that Escherichia coli had 100% chance of infection which has the highest yearly risk of infection when the snacks are daily consumed. Conclusion: The yearly risk of illness (due to accumulation) was notably high for all the listed pathogens. The results highlight potential gaps in food safety protocols within certain markets which can be controlled by food safety regulations.
Microbial quality, Snacks, Escherichia coli, Shigella, Salmonella, Vibro cholera
Prevalence of Postpartum Depression and Breastfeeding practices in Southwestern Nigeria
Section: Articles Keywords: Postpartum Depression, Breastfeeding, Family Support Background Postpartum depression (PPD) is a pervasive psychological issue that can disrupt the breastfeeding journey. This study assessed the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) among breastfeeding mothers in Southwest, Nigeria. Methods Three hundred and sixty mothers with infants aged 0-12 weeks were chosen using a multistage sampling technique. Data collection was carried out using structured questionnaires and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). A score above 13 on the 30-point Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale indicated PPD. IBM SPSS version 26.0 was used for analysis. Results The mean age of mothers was 28.9 ± 5.5. Most (90.3%) were married, and 56.9% had infants younger than six weeks. The majority (99.4%) were still breastfeeding, with 45.8% intending to stop between 13 to 18 months. A majority (72.5%) earned less than ₦40,000 monthly, 34.7% reported challenges in caring for their child, and 83.3% received support. Only 18.6% were classified as having PPD. Chi-square analysis showed significant associations between PPD and maternal age, marital status, income, caregiving challenges, and support (p value < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that mothers aged ≤ 20 years were more likely to experience PPD than older mothers (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.171 – 13.401, p = 0.027), while supported mother were less likely to experience PPD than unsupported mothers (AOR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.170 – 0.888, p = 0.025). Conclusion Nearly one in five mothers experienced postpartum depression. Strengthening psychosocial and family support systems for postpartum mothers (especially younger, unmarried, or of low income) is recommended.
Postpartum Depression, Breastfeeding, Family Support
Awareness of Stroke Risk Factors and Warning Signs Among Informal Caregivers in North-East Nigeria
Section: Articles Keywords: Stroke, Informal caregivers, Awareness, Risk factors, Warning signs, Nigeria Introduction: Stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability in Nigeria. Recurrent strokes, which have higher morbidity and mortality rates, necessitate preventive strategies. Informal caregivers are critical in managing risk factors and recognizing warning signs, yet their awareness levels remain understudied. This study aimed to evaluate and enhance informal caregivers’ awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs to strengthen preventive care behaviors and improve emergency response during stroke events. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital Azare, involving 403 informal caregivers of stroke patients aged ≥18 years. Participants were grouped by income and education, and stratified random sampling was used during the recruitment procedure. Validated Hausa or English questionnaires (QFAS and PIF) assessed awareness. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression (SPSS v22). Results: High awareness of hypertension (94%) and visual problems (80.9%) contrasted with low recognition of smoking (23.1%) and severe headache (0.2%) as risk factors/warning signs. Significant predictors of knowledge included tertiary education (OR=3.185, 95% CI:1.387–7.314, P<0.001) and family history of stroke (OR=3.545, 95% CI:2.875–4.369, P=0.012). Conclusion: To reduce stroke recurrence and mortality, targeted educational interventions—including community workshops, pictorial tools, and CHW-led home education—must urgently address awareness gaps in smoking risks, severe headache recognition, and among female/low-literacy caregivers.
Stroke, Informal caregivers, Awareness, Risk factors, Warning signs, Nigeria
Associations between Health Needs, Utilization Factors, and Catastrophic Healthcare Expenditure in Bauchi State
Section: Articles Keywords: CHE, OOP, health insurance, Nigeria, Universal Health Coverage Introduction: Catastrophic healthcare expenditure (CHE) poses a significant financial burden on households, particularly in low-resource settings like Bauchi State, Nigeria, where out-of-pocket (OOP) payments dominate healthcare financing. Understanding the interplay between health needs, utilization factors, and CHE is critical for developing targeted interventions to mitigate financial hardship. Objective: This study examined the associations between health needs, healthcare utilization factors, and CHE among households in Bauchi State, Nigeria, using a mixed-methods approach. Methods: Employed a cross-sectional design to examine the associations between health needs, healthcare utilization factors, and catastrophic healthcare expenditure (CHE) involving 986 households. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (logistic regression). Results: The prevalence of CHE was 41.5%, with a mean overshoot of ₦80,291.13 (SD = ₦92,568.99). Key predictors of CHE included: Predisposing factors: Younger household heads, male-headed households, lower educational attainment, larger household size, and rural residence. Enabling factors: Lack of health insurance, reliance on OOP payments, and lower income levels. Need factors: Presence of children under five, chronic illnesses, and inpatient healthcare utilization. Conclusion: CHE is highly prevalent in Bauchi State, disproportionately affecting vulnerable households. Strengthening health insurance coverage, expanding subsidized healthcare services, and addressing systemic barriers to access are essential to reducing financial hardship. Policy reforms should prioritize equitable healthcare financing to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health and poverty reduction.
CHE, OOP, health insurance, Nigeria, Universal Health Coverage
An Elevated Interleukin-6 and TNF-α levels as Predictors of Severity and Poor Outcomes in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
Section: Articles Keywords: COVID-19; critically ill; IL-6; TNF-α Introduction: This current research, measured Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in an attempt to explore their involvement in progression and clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 among critically infected individuals was investigated Methods: The current study comprises of 49 critically ill and 27 mildly infected COVID-19 patients in an isolation centre in Jigawa state, north-western Nigeria. COVID 19 was confirmed using RT-PCR while IL-6 and TNF-α were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay techniques (ELISA). Results: The findings of this study revealed a statistically significant difference in cytokine levels between critically and those with mild infections. Additionally, cytokine levels were observed to be lower in survivors compared to those who succumbed to the illness. Conclusion: Increased cytokines were observed in critically ill compared to the mildly infected ones. Furthermore, the study suggests hypercytokinemia in those patients who lost their lives than those who survived and subsequently discharged.
Community Acceptance and Willingness to Participate in Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) in Bauchi, Nigeria; A Cross Sectional Study
Section: Articles Keywords: Verbal Autopsy, Social Autopsy, Community, Bauchi Background: Verbal and Social Autopsy(VASA) is a meticulously conceptualized framework established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to systematically document and determine the predominant causes of mortality within a given community, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where the majority of deaths occur outside of hospital settings. This study aims to determine acceptance and willingness to participate in verbal and social autopsy in selected communities of Bauchi, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between June and December 2024 with 289 adult residents of selected communities in the Bauchi Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Participants were enrolled using multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS (version 23). Results: A total of 289 participants were interviewed. The mean age of the respondents was 39 and a standard deviation of 9.6. A significant proportion of the participants are married (78. 2%), the majority are Hausa-speaking (34. 6%) and are males (64. 0%), business owners (31. 5%) and have a tertiary level of education (56.4%). The findings indicated a high proportion of poor knowledge (87.2% ), although 67.5% expressed willingness to accept and participate in VASA. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, sex, occupation, educational attainment and monthly income serve as predictors of knowledge, while marital status, educational attainment, occupation and monthly income are significant predictors of willingness to accept and participate in VASA. Conclusion: This study explored community acceptance and participation in verbal and social autopsy processes in selected communities within Bauchi town. Although the study indicates a willingness to embrace VASA, a significant deficiency was observed in understanding VASA. The study underscores the need for targeted educational interventions to improve community understanding and acceptance of verbal and social autopsy processes in Bauchi, as well as the need for continuous operational research to explore evolving community perceptions, assess the effectiveness of current engagement strategies, and identify innovative approaches to improve participation in VASA.
Verbal Autopsy, Social Autopsy, Community, Bauchi