Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric testing of the Yoruba lequesne algofunctional index of knee osteoarthritis among patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The Lequesne Algofunctional Index of Knee Osteoarthritis (LAIKOA) is a widely used knee osteoarthritis (KOA) outcome measure and is recommended by many international authorities. It has been cross-culturally adapted to many languages, excluding indigenous Nigerian languages. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the LAIKOA into Yoruba language. METHODS: This was a validation study. Yoruba LAIKOA was translated and culturally adapted from English version following Beaton's guidelines (including cognitive debriefing). The Yoruba LAIKOA was psychometrically tested for test-retest reliability, standard error of measurements (SEM), smallest detectable change (SDC), internal consistency, and construct validity among 108 Yoruba-speaking patients with KOA recruited from selected hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria. Participants completed the Yoruba and English versions of LAIKOA, and the Yoruba version of Ibadan Knee/Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Measure (IKHOAM). RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 63.60 ± 11.77 years. Acceptable internal consistency was observed for the global index and function domain (α = 0.63-0.82) and good test-retest for items and domains (ICC = 0.81-0.995). Item-to-scale correlation was significant (r = 0.28-0.69). Its three domains demonstrated structural validity when subjected to confirmatory factor analysis (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.02). Construct validity was supported by the correlation between Yoruba LAIKOA and IKHOAM (r = -0.39, p = 0.011). The overall scores and domain scores of the Yoruba and English versions of LAIKOA did not differ significantly. The Yoruba LAIKOA has no floor or ceiling effects. CONCLUSION: The Yoruba LAIKOA is reliable and valid, and it is recommended for use in clinical settings in southwestern Nigeria and other Yoruba-speaking populations.

An Epidemiological Analysis of the Recipients of the First Dose of the First Phase of COVID-19 Vaccination in Oyo State, South-Western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Millions of people across the globe have been infected with coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and many lives have been lost in the process. As a result, vaccines are being developed to protect people from COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the coverage rate for the COVID-19 vaccine in Oyo State. METHODS: A descriptive secondary analysis of COVID-19 immunization data was done between March and April 2021. Data were extracted from the original paper format and entered into Excel sheets. Charts and line graphs were plotted to determine the coverage rates. RESULTS: The overall coverage rate for the State was 81.0%. The highest and lowest coverage rates were 243.0% and 39.0% for Ibadan North and Iseyin Local Government Areas (LGAs), respectively. The proportion of female health workers vaccinated in the State was 64.5%. The proportion of male strategic leaders and male frontline workers was 62.5% and 55.7%, respectively. Akinyele and Egbeda LGAs recorded the same highest number of cases (27) of adverse events following immunization (AEFI). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the high proportion of vaccinated people in the State, while there was a low proportion of vaccinees in some LGAs. Therefore, effort to scale-up coverage across all the LGAs is recommended.

CONTEXTE: Des millions de personnes dans le monde ont été infectées par le COVID-19 et de nombreuses vies ont été perdues dans ce processus. En conséquence, des vaccins sont en cours de développement pour protéger les personnes contre la morbidité et la mortalité liées au COVID-19. Cette étude a donc été menée pour évaluer le taux de couverture du vaccin COVID-19 dans l'Etat d'Oyo. MÉTHODES: Une analyse secondaire descriptive des données de vaccination COVID-19 a été réalisée entre mars et avril 2021. Les données ont été extraites du format papier original et saisies dans des feuilles Excel. Des diagrammes et des graphiques linéaires ont été tracés pour déterminer les taux de couverture. RÉSULTATS: Le taux de couverture global de l'État était de 81,0 %. Les taux de couverture les plus élevés et les plus faibles étaient respectivement de 243,0 % et 39,0 % pour les zones de gouvernement local (LGA) d'Ibadan Nord et d'Iseyin. La proportion d'agents de santé féminins vaccinés dans l'État était de 64,5 %. La proportion d'hommes leaders stratégiques et d'hommes travailleurs de première ligne était respectivement de 62,5 % et 55,7 %. Les LGA d'Akinyele et d'Egbeda ont enregistré le même nombre élevé de cas (27) d'événements indésirables après la vaccination (EIAS). CONCLUSION: L'étude met en évidence la forte proportion de personnes vaccinées dans l'état, alors qu'il y avait une faible proportion de vaccinés dans certaines zone de gouvernement local. Il est donc recommandé de déployer des efforts pour augmenter la couverture vaccinale dans toutes les AGL. Mots clés: Épidémiologie, COVID-19, vaccin, première phase, Nigéria.

An Assessment of Perceived Stigmatization of Patients Infected with COVID-19 in the Nation's Epicenter of the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Residents of Agege, Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: In some parts of Africa, the patients and those who survived COVID-19 are stigmatized and this has impeded the response activities put in place to control the pandemic. In spite of this, most efforts in preventing COVID-19 were geared towards the use of non-pharmacologic measures without corresponding measures to dissipate stigmatization in the community. Therefore, this study assessed the factors associated with perceived stigmatization of patients with COVID-19 among residents of Agege local government, Lagos State, Nigeria. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 333 consenting residents recruited from Agege local government area (LGA) using a multi-stage sampling technique. A semistructure, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the People Living with Human Immunodefiency Virus (PLHIV) Stigma Index was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID-19 and perceived stigmatization. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of perceived stigmatization at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 35.7 ± 13.6 years. Awareness about COVID-19 outbreak was 95.2%. Television (43.5%) and radio (36.9%) were the two major sources of information on COVID-19 infection and prevention. The proportions of the respondents who had poor knowledge and perceived stigmatization of COVID-19 patients were 50.0% and 47.7% respectively. A higher likelihood of perceived stigmatization was found among those aged 25 - 49 years (aOR= 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4 - 6.7), > 50 years (aOR= 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1 - 3.9) and married respondents (aOR= 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1 - 2.9). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the poor knowledge about COVID-19 and a high level of stigmatization. Hence, targeted health educational interventions are urgently needed for the residents of Agege, most especially among married respondents as well as the adults.

CONTEXTE: Dans certaines parties de l'Afrique, les patients et ceux qui qui ont survécu au COVID-19 sont stigmatisés et cela a entravé les les activités de réponse mises en place pour contrôler la pandémie. Malgré cela, la plupart des efforts de prévention du COVID-19 ont été orientés vers l'utilisation de mesures non-pharmacologiques sans mesures correspondantes pour dissiper la stigmatisation au sein de la communauté. Par conséquent, cette étude a évalué les facteurs associé à la stigmatisation perçue des patients atteints de COVID-19 parmi les résidents du gouvernement local d'Agege, État de Lagos, Nigeria. MÉTHODES: Nous avons réalisé une enquête transversale auprès de 333 résidents consentants recrutés dans la zone de gouvernement locale (LGA) d'Agege en utilisant une technique d'échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés. Un questionnaire semi-structuré, administré par un intervieweur, adapté de l'indice de stigmatisation des personnes vivant avec le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (PVVIH). L'index stigmate a été utilisé pour collecter des données sur les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, la connaissance de COVID-19 et la stigmatisation perçue. Une analyse bivariée a été réalisée à l'aide de l'outil Chi-square et une régression logistique binaire a été utilisée pour identifier lesdéterminants de la stigmatisation perçue au niveau de signification de 5%. RÉSULTATS: L'âge moyen des répondants était de 35,7 ± 13,6 ans. La sensibilisation à l'épidémie de COVID-19 était de 95,2%. La television (43,5 %) et la radio (36,9 %) étaient les deux principales sources d'information sur l'infection et sa prévention. Les proportions des répondants qui avaient une mauvaise connaissance et stigmatisation perçue des patients atteints de COVID-19 étaient respectivement de 50,0% et de 47,7 % respectivement. Une probabilité plus élevée de perception de stigmatisation perçue a été constatée chez les personnes âgées de 25 à 49 ans (aOR=3,1, IC à 95% = 1,4 - 6,7), > 50 ans (aOR= 2,1, IC à 95% = 1,1 - 3,9)et les répondants mariés (aOR= 1,8, IC 95 % = 1,1 - 2,9). CONCLUSION: L'étude met en évidence le manque de connaissances sur le COVID-19 et un niveau élevé de stigmatisation. Par conséquent, Il est donc urgent de mettre en place des interventions éducatives pour les résidents d'Agege, en particulier parmi les répondants mariés ainsi que les adultes. MOTS CLÉS: Perception, stigmatisation, COVID-19, autodéclaration, Nigeria.

Determining the Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards COVID-19 among Newly Recruited Surveillance Team in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria: How justified are we in the Recruitment?

BACKGROUND: In the current pandemic, real-time analyses of epidemiological data generated from a reliable source are required for increasing awareness about COVID-19. Therefore, it is important to assess the perception of risk of the surveillance team that would be deployed, as this will contribute to their commitment towards rapid surveillance of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and perception towards COVID-19 among newly recruited surveillance team in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study, with the respondents being active surveillance volunteers recruited by the World Health Organization. One hundred respondents were purposively recruited and data collection was done using a pretested self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25; bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression respectively at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 37.1 ±11.9 years. Of all the respondents, 58.6% had poor knowledge of COVID-19. Less than half of the respondents (44.8%) had negative attitude towards COVID-19 while majority (90.8%) of them had low risk perception about COVID-19. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that married respondents had significantly lesser odds (67%) of having poor knowledge about COVID-19 compared with the respondents who were single/Widowed/Widower. (aOR; 0.33, CI; 0.04 - 0.88). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the poor knowledge, negative attitude, as well as low risk perception about COVID19 among newly recruited active surveillance workers. Hence, targeted health educational interventions are urgently needed for the surveillance team, most especially in this second wave of COVID-19.

CONTEXTE: Dans la pandémie actuelle, les analyses en temps réel des données épidémiologiques générées par une source fiable sont nécessaires pour accroître la sensibilisation au COVID-19. Il est donc important d'évaluer la perception du risque de l'équipe de surveillance qui serait déployée, car cela contribuera à son engagement envers la surveillance rapide du COVID-19. OBJECTIF: Cette étude a évalué les connaissances, l'attitude et la perception du COVID-19 parmi les équipes de surveillance nouvellement recrutées à Ikeja, dans l'Etat de Lagos, au Nigeria. MÉTHODES: Étude descriptive transversale, les répondants étant des volontaires de surveillance active recrutés par l'Organisation mondiale de la santé. Cent personnes ont été recrutées à dessein et la collecte des données a été effectuée à l'aide d'un questionnaire semistructuré pré-testé et auto-administré. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de la version 25 du SPSS d'IBM; des analyses bivariées et multivariées ont été effectuées en utilisant respectivement le chi carré et la régression logistique binaire au niveau de signification de 5 %. RÉSULTATS: L'âge moyen des participants à l'étude était de 37,1 ± 11,9 ans. Sur l'ensemble des répondants, 58,6% avaient une mauvaise connaissance de COVID-19. Moins de la moitié des personnes interrogées (44,8 %) avaient une attitude négative à l'égard du COVID19, tandis que la majorité (90,8%) d'entre elles avaient une faible perception des risques liés au COVID-19. L'analyse de régression logistique binaire a révélé que les répondants mariés avaient significativement moins de chances (67%) d'avoir une mauvaise connaissance du COVID-19 par rapport aux répondants célibataires/ veufs/veuves. (aOR ; 0,33, CI ; 0,04 - 0,88). CONCLUSION: L'étude met en évidence la mauvaise connaissance, l'attitude négative et la faible perception des risques liés au COVID19 parmi les travailleurs de la surveillance active nouvellement recrutés. Par conséquent, des interventions éducatives ciblées en matière de santé sont nécessaires de toute urgence pour l'équipe de surveillance, plus particulièrement dans cette deuxième vague de COVID-19. MOTS-CLÉS: Attitude, surveillance, connaissances, équipe, COVID19, perception.

Determining the Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards COVID-19 among Newly Recruited Surveillance Team in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria: How justified are we in the Recruitment?

BACKGROUND: In the current pandemic, real-time analyses of epidemiological data generated from a reliable source are required for increasing awareness about COVID-19. Therefore, it is important to assess the perception of risk of the surveillance team that would be deployed, as this will contribute to their commitment towards rapid surveillance of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and perception towards COVID-19 among newly recruited surveillance team in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study, with the respondents being active surveillance volunteers recruited by the World Health Organization. One hundred respondents were purposively recruited and data collection was done using a pretested self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25; bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression respectively at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 37.1 ± 11.9 years. Of all the respondents, 58.6% had poor knowledge of COVID-19. Less than half of the respondents (44.8%) had negative attitude towards COVID-19 while majority (90.8%) of them had low risk perception about COVID-19. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that married respondents had significantly lesser odds (67%) of having poor knowledge about COVID-19 compared with the respondents who were single/Widowed/Widower. (aOR; 0.33, CI; 0.04 - 0.88). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the poor knowledge, negative attitude, as well as low risk perception about COVID-19 among newly recruited active surveillance workers. Hence, targeted health educational interventions are urgently needed for the surveillance team, most especially in this second wave of COVID-19.

CONTEXTE: Dans la pandémie actuelle, les analyses en temps réel des données épidémiologiques générées par une source fiable sont nécessaires pour accroître la sensibilisation au COVID-19. Il est donc important d'évaluer la perception du risque de l'équipe de surveillance qui serait déployée, car cela contribuera à son engagement envers la surveillance rapide du COVID-19. OBJECTIF: Cette étude a évalué les connaissances, l'attitude et la perception du COVID-19 parmi les équipes de surveillance nouvellement recrutées à Ikeja, dans l'Etat de Lagos, au Nigeria. MÉTHODES: Étude descriptive transversale, les répondants étant des volontaires de surveillance active recrutés par l'Organisation mondiale de la santé. Cent personnes ont été recrutées à dessein et la collecte des données a été effectuée à l'aide d'un questionnaire semistructuré pré-testé et auto-administré. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de la version 25 du SPSS d'IBM ; des analyses bivariées et multivariées ont été effectuées en utilisant respectivement le chi carré et la régression logistique binaire au niveau de signification de 5. RÉSULTATS: L'âge moyen des participants à l'étude était de 37,1 ± 11,9 ans. Sur l'ensemble des répondants, 58,6% avaient une mauvaise connaissance de COVID-19. Moins de la moitié des personnes interrogées (44,8 %) avaient une attitude négative à l'égard du COVID-19, tandis que la majorité (90,8 %) d'entre elles avaient une faible perception des risques liés au COVID-19. L'analyse de régression logistique binaire a révélé que les répondants mariés avaient significativement moins de chances (67%) d'avoir une mauvaise connaissance du COVID-19 par rapport aux répondants célibataires/veufs/veuves. (aOR ; 0,33, CI ; 0,04 - 0,88). CONCLUSION: L'étude met en évidence la mauvaise connaissance, l'attitude négative et la faible perception des risques liés au COVID-19 parmi les travailleurs de la surveillance active nouvellement recrutés. Par conséquent, des interventions éducatives ciblées en matière de santé sont nécessaires de toute urgence pour l'équipe de surveillance, plus particulièrement dans cette deuxième vague de COVID-19. MOTS-CLÉS: Attitude, surveillance, connaissances, équipe, COVID-19, perception.

An Assessment of Perceived Stigmatization of Patients Infected with COVID-19 in the Nation's Epicenter of the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Residents of Agege, Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: In some parts of Africa, the patients and those who survived COVID-19 are stigmatized and this has impeded the response activities put in place to control the pandemic. Inspite of this, most efforts in preventing COVID-19 were geared towards the use of non-pharmacologic measures without corresponding measures to dissipate stigmatization in the community. Therefore, this study assessed the factors associated with perceived stigmatization of patients with COVID-19 among residents of Agege local government, Lagos State, Nigeria. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 333 consenting residents recruited from Agege local government area (LGA) using a multi-stage sampling technique. A semistructure, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the People Living with Human Immunodefiency Virus (PLHIV) Stigma Index was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID-19 and perceived stigmatization. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of perceived stigmatization at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 35.7 ± 13.6 years. Awareness about COVID-19 outbreak was 95.2%. Television (43.5%) and radio (36.9%) were the two major sources of information on COVID-19 infection and prevention. The proportions of the respondents who had poor knowledge and perceived stigmatization of COVID-19 patients were 50.0% and 47.7% respectively. A higher likelihood of perceived stigmatization was found among those aged 25 - 49 years (aOR= 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4 - 6.7), > 50 years (aOR= 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1 - 3.9) and married respondents (aOR= 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1 - 2.9). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the poor knowledge about COVID-19 and a high level of stigmatization. Hence, targeted health educational interventions are urgently needed for the residents of Agege, most especially among married respondents as well as the adults.

CONTEXTE: Dans certaines parties de l'Afrique, les patients et ceux qui qui ont survécu au COVID-19 sont stigmatisés et cela a entravé les les activités de réponse mises en place pour contrôler la pandémie. Malgré cela, la plupart des efforts de prévention du COVID-19 ont été orientés vers l'utilisation de mesures non-pharmacologiques sans mesures correspondantes pour dissiper la stigmatisation au sein de la communauté. Par conséquent, cette étude a évalué les facteurs associé à la stigmatisation perçue des patients atteints de COVID-19 parmi les résidents du gouvernement local d'Agege, État de Lagos, Nigeria. MÉTHODES: Nous avons réalisé une enquête transversale auprès de 333 résidents consentants recrutés dans la zone de gouvernement locale (LGA) d'Agege en utilisant une technique d'échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés. Un questionnaire semi-structuré, administré par un intervieweur, adapté de l'indice de stigmatisation des personnes vivant avec le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (PVVIH). L'index stigmate a été utilisé pour collecter des données sur les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, la connaissance de COVID-19 et la stigmatisation perçue. Une analyse bivariée a été réalisée à l'aide de l'outil Chi-square et une régression logistique binaire a été utilisée pour identifier lesdéterminants de la stigmatisation perçue au niveau de signification de 5%. RÉSULTATS: L'âge moyen des répondants était de 35,7 ± 13,6 ans. La sensibilisation à l'épidémie de COVID-19 était de 95,2%. La television (43,5 %) et la radio (36,9 %) étaient les deux principales sources d'information sur l'infection et sa prévention. Les proportions des répondants qui avaient une mauvaise connaissance et stigmatisation perçue des patients atteints de COVID-19 étaient respectivement de 50,0% et de 47,7 % respectivement. Une probabilité plus élevée de perception de stigmatisation perçue a été constatée chez les personnes âgées de 25 à 49 ans (aOR=3,1, IC à 95% = 1,4 - 6,7), > 50 ans (aOR= 2,1, IC à 95% = 1,1 - 3,9)et les répondants mariés (aOR= 1,8, IC 95 % = 1,1 - 2,9). CONCLUSION: L'étude met en évidence le manque de connaissances sur le COVID-19 et un niveau élevé de stigmatisation. Par conséquent, Il est donc urgent de mettre en place des interventions éducatives pour les résidents d'Agege, en particulier parmi les répondants mariés ainsi que les adultes. MOTS CLÉS: Perception, stigmatisation, COVID-19, autodéclaration, Nigeria.

Patterns of objectively assessed physical activity and sedentary time: Are Nigerian health professional students complying with public health guidelines?

BACKGROUND: Understanding patterns of physical activity and sedentary time is important to effective population-wide primary prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. This study examined the patterns of objectively assessed physical activity and sedentary time, and the prevalence of compliance with physical activity guidelines according to different public health recommendations in a sub-population of health professional students in Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 102 health professional students (age = 19-34 years old, 43.1% women) of the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. Participants wore Actigraph accelerometers on their waist for minimum of 5 days/week to objectively measure intensity and duration of physical activity and sedentary time. Prevalence and demographic patterns of physical activity and sedentary time were examined using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The students spent most time in sedentary activity (458.6 ± minutes/day, about 61% of daily time) and the least in vigorous-intensity activity (2.1 ± 4.4 minutes/day, about 0.3% of daily time). Sedentary time was higher among older than younger students (P<0.038) and among medical laboratory science students than physiotherapy and nursing students (P = 0.046). Total physical activity was higher among nursing and medical students than medical laboratory science students (P = 0.041). Although, 85.3% of the students engaged in 150 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, only 2.9% met the guideline of 75 minutes/week of vigorous intensity activity. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of sedentary time was high while that of vigorous-intensity activity was very low among health professional students in Nigeria. Compliance with physical activity guidelines was mainly through accumulation of moderate intensity activity. The results suggest that age and academic programme may influence physical activity level and sedentary behaviour of health professional students in Nigeria. These findings provide preliminary evidence that could be used to inform the needs to develop interventions to improve and support active lifestyle behaviour among students in Nigerian universities.

Hamstring muscle length and pelvic tilt range among individuals with and without low back pain.

Hamstring tightness has been documented not to be related to the pelvic tilt position during static standing posture, but there is limited data on the relationship between hamstring muscle length (HML) and pelvic tilt range (PTR) during the dynamic movement of forward bending. This ex-post facto study was designed to compare each of HML and PTR in individuals with low back pain (LBP) and counterparts without LBP, and the relationship between HML and PTR in individuals with and without LBP. The study involved 30 purposively recruited individuals with LBP and 30 height and weight-matched individuals without LBP. Participants' PTR and HML were assessed using digital inclinometer and active knee extension test respectively. Data were analyzed using t-test and Pearson Correlation (r) at α = 0.05. Participants without LBP had significantly longer (p = 0.01) HML than those with LBP but the PTR of both groups were not significantly different. HML and PTR had indirect but not significant correlations in participants with and without LBP. Hamstring muscle length is significantly reduced in individuals with LBP but it has no significant correlation with pelvic tilt range. Pelvic tilt range reduces as hamstring muscle length increases.

Effects of a Twelve-Week Weight Reduction Exercise Programme on Selected Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters of Obese Individuals.

Objectives. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of twelve-week weight reduction exercises on selected spatiotemporal gait parameters of obese individuals and compare with their normal weight counterparts. Methods. Sixty participants (30 obese and 30 of normal weight) started but only 58 participants (obese = 30, normal weight = 28) completed the quasi-experimental study. Only obese group had 12 weeks of weight reduction exercise training but both groups had their walking speed (WS), cadence (CD), step length (SL), step width (SW), and stride length (SDL) measured at baseline and at the end of weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the study. Data were analysed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. There was significantly lower WS, SL, and SDL but higher CD and SW in obese group than the normal weight group at baseline and week 12. However, the obese group had significantly higher percentage changes in all selected spatiotemporal parameters than the normal weight group. Conclusion. The 12-week weight reduction exercise programme produced significantly higher percentage changes in all selected spatiotemporal gait parameters in the obese than normal weight individuals and is recommended for improvement of these parameters among the obese individuals with gait related problems.

Adolescent low back pain among secondary school students in Ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent low back pain (ALBP) can be considered a signal or precursor of a serious organic disease or telltale sign of future incidence of low back pain in adulthood. Published articles on ALBP in Nigeria are not readily available. OBJECTIVES: The study's objectives were to investigate the prevalence of Adolescent Low Back Pain (ALBP) among secondary school students in Ibadan, Nigeria and the prevalence's association with some socio-demographic variables. METHODS: Participants were adolescent students from 15 secondary schools in Ibadan. Data was collected using a respondent-administered, validated questionnaire on low back pain in adolescents. Participants (Female: 298; Male: 273) aged 14.23 ±2.27 years (range 10-19) were recruited through multi-stage random sampling. Five hundred and seventy-one (83.97%) of the 680 copies of the questionnaire administered were returned. Data was analysed using mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentages, and Chi-square test with alpha level at 0.05. RESULT: Lifetime, twelve-month, one-month and point prevalence rates of ALBP were 58.0%, 43.8%, 25.6% and 14.7% respectively. Age at first experience of ALBP was 11.86 ± 2.36 years. Gender was not significantly associated with any rate (p ≥0.317). Age (p ≤ 0.043) and engagement in commercial activities (p ≤ 0.025) were significantly associated with all period prevalence rates while injury to the back was significantly associated with all period prevalence rates except point prevalence (p = 0.087). CONCLUSION: Adolescent low back pain is common among secondary school students in Ibadan and its prevalence is significantly associated with age and engagement in commercial activities, but not with gender.

Knowledge and prevalence of risk factors for arterial hypertension and blood pressure pattern among bankers and traffic wardens in Ilorin, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: High job strain, mental stress, sedentary lifestyle, increase in BMI are among the factors associated with significantly higher incidence of hypertension. The job of bank employees is both sedentary in nature and accompanies high mental stress. The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge of risk factors among respondents and to compare the blood pressure pattern of bankers and traffic wardens. METHODOLOGY: The study design is a descriptive cross-sectional conducted among bankers and traffic wardens in Ilorin to determine the pattern and knowledge of blood pressure. Self-administered questionnaires, weighing scale (Omron Digital scale), stadiometer and sphygmomanometer were used as the research instruments. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents involved in the study. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension in this study was 34.4% in bankers and 22.2% in traffic wardens. The risk factors the bankers commonly had knowledge of are alcohol, obesity, high salt intake, certain drugs, stress, emotional problems and family history while the traffic wardens commonly had knowledge of all these in addition to cigarette smoking. Also, more bankers (32.2%) than traffic wardens (13.3%) were smoking cigarette and more of these cigarette smokers that are bankers (17.8%) had elevated blood pressure compared to the traffic wardens (3.3%). CONCLUSION: Workers in the banking industry as well as traffic wardens should be better educated about the risk factors of hypertension and bankers should be encouraged to create time for exercise.

Variation in percentage weight bearing with changes in standing posture during water immersion: implication for clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: The degree of weightlessness during water immersion is usually estimated through percentage weight bearing (PWB). However, variations in PWB in different standing postures have not been documented. The study was designed to investigate the PWB of apparently healthy individuals in four standing postures at the anterior superior iliac spine level of immersion. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-three consenting undergraduates were purposively enlisted in this study. Participants' body weight (BW) was measured on land as well as in Erect Standing (ES), Grasp-Inclined-Prone-Standing (GIPS), Half-Grasp-Inclined-Towards-Side Standing (HGITSS) and Inclined-Standing with Head Support (ISHS) postures in hydro pool, using a specially designed water-proof weighing scale. PWB was calculated by dividing BW in water by BW on land and multiplying by 100. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and ANOVA at α = 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age and BW (on land) of the participants were 22.4 years and 60.7 kg respectively. Participants' PWB were significantly different (p < 0.05) across the four standing postures. PWB was highest in ES and lowest in ISHS; PWB in ES (52.3 ± 5.8) being significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that observed in the derived standing postures. Further, PWB in GIPS (43.3 ± 5.6) and ISHS (43.2 ± 7.3) were significantly lower than in HGITSS (47.4 ± 5.2) posture while PWB in GIPS and ISHS postures were not significantly different (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Changes in standing posture have significant effect on PWB in hydro pool. The finding has implication for partial weight bearing exercises in hydro pool.

To start and quit smoking cigarettes: an evaluation of students in a Nigerian city.

INTRODUCTION: Several factors have been shown to influence cigarette smoking and are important in creating measures for tobacco control. The aim of this study is to identify the factors responsible for making decisions to start or stop cigarette smoking among students. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study which sampled 280 youths in tertiary institutions using multi-stage sampling technique. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaire that had been pretested and validated. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 16. Frequency tables and cross-tabulations were generated with a 95% confidence interval and predetermined p-value at less than 0.05. RESULTS: All the current smokers (100%) were males, most (73.2%) were within 21 to 25 years of age and 87.8% of them had a relative or friend who smoked. Some (29%) of the students who currently smoked were willing to quit smoking while 73.2% of them had ever attempted to quit smoking. Students who smoked to relieve stress were willing to stop smoking (100.0%), while 40% of those who smoked for pleasure/relaxation were willing to stop smoking. Students who had received lectures on smoking were significantly willing to quit (100.0%) compared with those who had not received such lectures (0.0%) (p = 0.000). DISCUSSION: Understanding the role of the factors associated with smoking initiating and cessation is very crucial in planning appropriate intervention for the control of cigarette smoking among the youths and there is need for more youth oriented health education directed towards a proper attitude to tobacco control.

Pain, balance, self-reported function and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Disability resulting from knee osteoarthritis (OA) is determined by physiological and functional variables though the interactions between the variables remain unclear and deserve further study. This study's major objective was to explore the relationship between pain, body mass index (BMI), balance, self-report function, and physical function in a cohort who had both unilateral and bilateral knee OA. Fifty-two patients (46 female, 6 male) ranging from 31 to 80 years of age (mean ± SD: 59.0 ± 9.8 years) with radiograph-confirmed OA of the knees participated in this study. Participants' pain intensity, self-reported function, dynamic balance, and physical function performance were measured by using box numerical scale, OA Index of Lequesne, functional reach test, and both stair climbing and timed up-and-go (TUG) tests, respectively. Associations between age, BMI, pain, balance, self-reported function, and physical function performance were explored by univariate and multivariate analyses at α = 0.05. Significant direct correlations were found between physical function performance and self-reported function (r = 0.56, r = 0.01) and age (r = 0.55, p = 0.01) and between self-reported function and age (r = 0.40, p = 0.01) in the cohort with bilateral knee OA. Significant inverse correlation was observed between age and balance (r = -0.58, p = 0.01) in participants with unilateral knee OA. In the regression model for all participants, self-reported function and age accounted for 27.0% of the variance in stair climbing test and 29.0% of the variance in the TUG test. Self-reported function and age are significant predictors of physical function in individuals with knee OA.

Prevalence and risk factors of cervical cancer among women in an urban community of Kwara State, north central Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy in women worldwide with a high incidence in under-developed countries and Nigeria is one of these countries. This study aimed at screening for cervical cancer using Papanicolaou smear and to identify risk factors for cervical cancer among women in Olufadi community, Kwara State, North-central Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving the screening of women aged 25-64 years for cervical cancer using Papanicolaou smear. Respondents were selected through systematic random sampling of households. Interviewer- administered questionnaire and clinical report form were also used to collect data. In addition, Pap smear samples were taken. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 15. RESULTS: Only 10 (5.0%) respondents had positive cytology result, while the rest were normal. Of the 10 positive cytology results, 1 (10.0%) was high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL) while the remaining 9 (90.0%) were low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LGSIL) which corresponds to 0.5% and 4.5% of the total respondents respectively. Risk factors for cervical cancer identified included coitarche, tobacco smoking, number of sexual partners and family history of cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study attest to the increasing burden of cervical cancer. The high number of positive results obtained from the study coupled with the presence of risk factors was an indication of how useful regular screening will be in the early detection of cervical cancer.

Physical inactivity in Nigerian young adults: prevalence and socio-demographic correlates.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the prevalence of physical inactivity and the influence of sociodemographic variables on physical activity categories, highlighting the correlates of physical inactivity in Nigerian young adults. METHODS: A representative sample of young adults age 16 to 39 years (n = 1006) from a Nigerian University were categorized using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire as physically inactive, moderately active, and highly active. Prevalence rates were computed for the activity categories and the independent associations of sociodemographic correlates on each category were determined using the multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Physical inactivity prevalence was 41%. More likely to be inactive were females (OR = 1.93; CI: 1.49-2.49), those of Hausa ethnicity (OR = 2.29; CI: 1.08-5.84), having BMI > 30 kg/m2 (OR = 2.88; CI: 1.16-7.17), and those whose parents' annual income was < 180,000 NAIRA (OR = 1.69; CI: 1.04-2.95). Less likely to be moderately active were females (OR = 0.71; CI: 0.61-0.95), those with BMI between 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 (OR = 0.46; CI: 0.23-0.92), and those of Hausa ethnicity (OR = 0.17; CI: 0.04-0.74). CONCLUSION: Important sociodemographic variables that can contribute to the preliminary analysis of correlates of physical inactivity among Nigerian young adults were identified.

Nosocomial infections: knowledge and source of information among clinical health care students in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: This study determined and compared the knowledge of nosocomial infections among clinical health care students at the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. METHODS: Two hundred undergraduate health care students from four academic programs participated in the study. The study sample was drawn from each academic program by a simple random sampling technique using the class directory from each course. The Infection Control Standardized Questionnaire (ICSQ) was used to assess the knowledge of students about three main domains, ie, hand hygiene, nosocomial infections, and standard precautions. A maximum score of 50 was obtainable, and respondents with scores ≥70% were classified as having a satisfactory knowledge. The response on each item was coded numerically to generate data for statistical analysis. Comparison of knowledge on the domains among categories of students was assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, while associations between courses of study and knowledge about nosocomial infections were determined using the Chi-square test. All statistical tests had a significant level of 5% (P < 0.05) RESULTS: Overall mean percentage score of the participants on ICSQ was 65.4 ± 2.58, with medical, physiotherapy, radiography, and nursing students recording mean percentage scores of 70.58 ± 0.62, 65.02 ± 2.00, 64.74 ± 1.19, and 61.31 ± 2.35, respectively. The main source of information about the prevention of nosocomial infections as cited by participants was their routine formal training in class. There was no significant association (P > 0.05) between course of study and knowledge of students about preventive measures for nosocomial infections. CONCLUSION: The students sampled demonstrated moderate knowledge of nosocomial infections and this was acquired largely through formal classroom training. These findings underscore the need for more emphasis on education about this important source of infection in the clinical training curriculum.

Perceived environmental correlates of physical activity and walking in African young adults.

PURPOSE: Evidence on environmental correlates of physical activity (PA) conducted in Western developed countries may not be generalizable to Africa. This study examined the associations between perception of the neighborhood environment and PA and walking in African young adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of self-reported survey. SETTING: University of Ibadan, in the capital city of Oyo State, Nigeria. SUBJECTS: A representative sample of undergraduates of a Nigerian university, age 16 to 39 years and 50.7% female. MEASURES: Total walking activity and PA were measured with the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Sixteen perceived neighborhood environmental variables were measured using the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES), which was used to assess environmental correlates of PA that are internationally relevant. Outcomes were meeting health-related guidelines for sufficient PA and walking activity. RESULTS: After adjustments for demographics and dormitory site, the proximity of bus/transit stop (odds ratio [OR]=1.41), traffic as not a problem (OR=.45; unexpected direction), and not many four-way intersections (OR=.72; unexpected direction) were significantly associated with sufficient PA. Low crime rate at night (OR=1.53), many interesting things to look at (OR=1.90), and seeing many people active (OR=.59; unexpected direction) were significantly associated with sufficient walking. Inconsistent patterns were also observed in gender-specific analyses. CONCLUSION: Few neighborhood environment correlates of PA or walking reported in the international literature were replicated with African young adults. Environmental measures need to be developed that are tailored to low- and middle-income countries, such as those in Africa, so that research in understudied regions can advance.

Physical Inactivity in Nigerian Young Adults: Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the prevalence of physical inactivity and the influence of sociodemographic variables on physical activity categories, highlighting the correlates of physical inactivity in Nigerian young adults. METHODS: A representative sample of young adults age 16 to 39 years (n = 1006) from a Nigerian University were categorized using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire as physically inactive, moderately active, and highly active. Prevalence rates were computed for the activity categories and the independent associations of sociodemographic correlates on each category were determined using the multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Physical inactivity prevalence was 41%. More likely to be inactive were females (OR = 1.93; CI: 1.49-2.49), those of Hausa ethnicity (OR = 2.29; CI: 1.08-5.84), having BMI > 30 kg/m2 (OR = 2.88; CI: 1.16-7.17), and those whose parents' annual income was < 180,000 NAIRA (OR = 1.69; CI: 1.04-2.95). Less likely to be moderately active were females (OR = 0.71; CI: 0.61-0.95), those with BMI between 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 (OR = 0.46; CI: 0.23-0.92), and those of Hausa ethnicity (OR = 0.17; CI: 0.04-0.74). CONCLUSION: Important sociodemographic variables that can contribute to the preliminary analysis of correlates of physical inactivity among Nigerian young adults were identified.

Comparison of four physiotherapy regimens in the treatment of long-term mechanical low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared efficacy of combinations of Back Muscles Endurance Exercise (BMEE) and McKenzie Exercise (ME) and McKenzie Back Care Education (MBE) in the management of long term mechanical Low Back Pain (LBP). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A single-blind randomized controlled comparative trial was employed. Seventy three participants mean age 45.3 ± 8.1 years were recruited for the study but only 53 completed the study. Participants in group A were treated with a combination of BMEE, ME and MBE. Group B: A combination BMEE and MBE. Group C: A combination of ME and MBE. Group D: MBE only. Participants were seen thrice weekly for 8 weeks. They were measured for pain intensity, lumbar flexibility, activities limitation and self esteem. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics of F-test. Significance was set at 0.05 alpha-level. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the four treatment groups had significant reduction in pain intensity p<0.05. Post hoc analysis showed groups A, B, and C had significantly greater reduction than D, and groups A and C had significantly greater reduction than B. Groups A, B and C also had significant improvement in activities limitation p<0.05. Post hoc analysis showed groups A, B and C had significantly greater improvement than D, and group B significantly greater improvement than C. CONCLUSION: Combination physiotherapy regimens proved effective in the management of long- term mechanical LBP. Regimen A is recommended in managing long-term mechanical LBP.