Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of yoruba version of the short-form 12 health survey.

Conclusion: This is the first study to assess the psychometric properties of the Y-SF-12. It appears to be valid and may be an appropriate tool for assessing health-related quality of life among Yoruba population. The tool may help to improve the health outcomes of individuals, and redress health inequalities in low and middle-income countries. Background: Short Form 12 (SF-12) health survey has found its utility in clinical and research settings because of its short length that spares time. Though several translations into other languages do exist there is none available in Yoruba language. Hence, this study's objective was to culturally adapt and determine the reliability and validity of the Yoruba translated version of the SF-12. Methods: Forward and backward translations of SF-12 into Yoruba version of SF-12 (Y-SF-12) were done using the International Quality of Life Assessment Project Guidelines. Healthy participants were assessed using both English and Yoruba versions of SF-12 for the validation phase, and two weeks later were reassessed with the Y-SF-12 for the reliability phase. Results: Participants were 225 males and 171 females. The mean scores for each scale range from 73.4 to 86.1, with no gender difference. All scale and domain scores evidenced a negative skew and ranges from -1.79 to -0.62. Concurrent validity (0.879 - 0.938) and convergent validity (0.786 - 0.907) appeared to be good as reflected by their correlation values. The internal consistency of Y-SF-12 was good as Cronbach's Alpha ranged between 0.899 and 0.968, while the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) ranged between 0.775 and 0.949.

Toxic elements in groundwater of Lagos and Ogun States, Southwest, Nigeria and their human health risk assessment.

A good quality drinking water is essential for human survival. However, a large percentage of the populations in most developing countries (Nigeria inclusive) do not have access to potable water. This study was therefore conducted to assess the extent of risk arising from consumption of toxic elements in groundwater samples collected from Lagos and Ogun States, Southwest, Nigeria. Twelve toxic elements concentrations (As, Mn, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Al, Ti, V, Hg, Li, and Sn) were determined from 170 groundwater samples using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and the physicochemical parameters were determined using standard methods. The pH results revealed that most of the water samples were slightly acidic. Of the twelve toxic elements, only Mn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Al have concentrations higher than the WHO recommended limit in drinking water. The average dose of Mn and Al consumed daily from groundwater by an adult in Lagos state is 3.4 and 23.2 (µg/kg body weight), respectively. Similarly, an adult in Ogun State consumed an average daily dose of 6.09 and 25 (µg/kg body weight) Mn and Al, respectively. A greater threat was posed to children and infants. The order for risk of cancer in groundwater from Lagos State was Pb > Cr > As > Cd while the order in Ogun State groundwater was Cr > Cd > As > Pb. The relative high concentrations of Mn, Al, and Pb obtained in this study can be attributed to industrial and anthropogenic activities in the study area. Treatment of groundwater before consumption is recommended to avoid possible adverse cumulative effect. Improved waste disposal methods and regular monitoring of toxic elements in groundwater of the study area should be adopted to safeguard human health.

Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus and atrial septal defect without on-site surgical backup: a two-year experience in an African community.

Congenital heart disease contributes significantly to the health burden of children in Nigeria. Interventions for congenital heart disease have been available in the developed world since the first report on device closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in 1967 by Porstmann. However, this did not start in Nigeria until October 2010. This study aimed to document the profiles of the patients who had undergone interventions for congenital heart diseases since the availability of the procedure, the challenges encountered, and the prospects associated with the interventions at the study site. All the patients referred to undergo interventions for congenital heart disease at the study center between October 2010 and 2012 were studied. The profile of the patient, including diagnosis at referral, indication for interventions, and interventions performed, were documented. The patients ranged in age from 3 to 62 years (mean age, 13.54 ± 17.7 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 1:3. The diagnosis at referral included PDA in 10 (83 %) of the 12 patients and secundum atrial septal defect in 2 patients (17 %). They all had transcatheter closure of the defects. Interventional procedures for congenital heart diseases currently are available locally, but the high degree of manpower training required, the cost, and the local availability of consumables are major factors limiting their use. Regional and international collaboration could be mutually beneficial.