FACTORS AFFECTING RESEARCH ENGAGEMENT AMONG CLINICIANS IN AZARE, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA.

Introduction/Background: Medical research is a key element in the advancement of medicine and patient care improvement. However, there is evidence that developing regions like Nigeria have comparatively low research output. Clinicians' attitudes, practices, and barriers toward research are key causal factors of the low research productivity. Objectives: This study explored the research practice, attitude, and barriers towards research engagement among Clinicians at Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Bauchi state. Methodology: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted at Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Bauchi state. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, research practices, attitudes, and barriers toward research engagement was obtained using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. Data was collated and analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 21. Result: A total of 101 clinicians participated in this study of which 14.9%, 31.7%, and 29.7% were Consultants, Registrars and Medical Officers respectively. Only 20.8% of the respondents have presented at a scientific conference previously, while 18.8% of the respondents have a published paper in a scientific journal. Although clinicians showed a positive attitude towards research (Mean: 4.39, SD ± 0.61), lack of research funding, facilities, mentorship, and demanding clinical services are major deterrents to clinicians' engagement in research. Conclusion: Clinicians have poor research practice despite their positive attitude towards research engagement. Appropriate interventions should be implemented for effective research engagement to augment research output.

Physicochemical properties of cissus gum powder extracted with the aid of edible starches.

Gum powder was extracted from the stem and root of the cissus (Cissus populnea Guill and perr Ampelidacae) plant using water. Extraction was facilitated by the incorporation of 25-50% edible starches of sweet cassava, sweet potato, and maize. Dry samples were milled and sieved through a 250-microm sieve. Proximate and physicochemical properties of the gum samples were determined using standard methods. Results of the proximate analyses showed that protein and ash contents of the root gum were appreciably higher than those of the stem gum. Values of the crude fiber and ether extract of the root gum were lower than those of the stem gum. Inclusion of edible starches in the extraction process appreciably lowered proximate values. Results of the physicochemical properties showed that cissus gum samples did not form true gel but a "putty-like" mass. Addition of starches at various levels did not alter the characteristic putty-like nature of the gum. The gum samples had a remarkably low oil absorption capacity. Cissus gum samples had appreciably higher emulsion capacity and stability than the samples containing starch. The pH of the cissus gum powder and those of the starch-containing samples lie in the low-acid range (5.69-6.49). Cissus gum samples were highly hygroscopic; however, the addition of starch lowered the hygroscopicity. Incorporation of 25% starch into cissus mucilage enhanced extraction of the gum without adverse alteration of the physicochemical properties.