Nutritional status and morbidity patterns of the elderly in a Northwestern Nigerian hospital: A cross-sectional study.

CONTEXT: Nutrition is a significant factor in determining the health of older people because it affects almost all organs and systems, which could lead to varieties of diseases and premature death. AIM: To determine the nutritional status and its association with the morbidity patterns of elderly patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional hospital-based descriptive study involving 348 patients aged 60 years and above who presented at the Family Medicine Clinic. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data of the socio-demographic profile, anthropometric measurements and clinical diagnosis were collected. The co-morbidities were classified based on the number, duration and affected organ or system. The nutritional status was assessed with the Mini-Nutritional Assessment tool. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to determine associations between nutritional status and morbidity patterns of the elderly. The level of significance was set at a P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 348 respondents were recruited with 60.9% of females and mean age of 67.83 (standard deviation ± 7.53) years. The prevalence of malnutrition was 25.3% and of risk of malnutrition 56.6%. Furthermore, the prevalence of multi-morbidity was 74.4%. Advanced age (odd ratio = 8.911, confidence interval [CI] = 1.992-39.872, P = 0.004), underweight (OR = 1.167, CI = 0.291-37.846, P < 0.001), lack of formal education, (OR = 1.569, CI = 0.357-0.908, P = 0.018), low monthly income (OR = 1.975, CI = 1.376-2.836, P < 0.001), chronic respiratory diseases (OR = 4.250, CI = 4.025-4.492, P < 0.001) and physical inactivity (OR = 2.466, CI = 1.063-5.722, P = 0.036) were the predictors of malnutrition. Furthermore, the duration of chronic disease for more than 10 years (OR = 1.632, CI = 0.408-0.979, P = 0.040) was significantly associated with at-risk of malnutrition. CONCLUSION: The study revealed advanced age, underweight, low educational status, chronic respiratory diseases and physical inactivity as independent risk factors for malnutrition among the elderly.

Statistical mirroring: A robust method for statistical dispersion estimation.

This study introduces statistical mirroring as an innovative approach to statistical dispersion estimation, drawing inspiration from the Kabirian-based isomorphic optinalysis model, aimed at enhancing robustness and mitigating biases in estimation methods. Beyond scale-invariant characteristics, the proposed estimators emphasize scaloc-invariant robustness, thereby addressing a critical gap in dispersion estimation. By highlighting statistical meanic mirroring, alongside other forms of proposed statistical mirroring, the study underscores the adaptability and customization potential. Through extensive Monte Carlo simulations and real-life applications, in comparison with classical estimators, the results of the performance evaluation of the proposed estimators demonstrate robustness, efficiency, and transformations-invariance. The research offers a paradigm shift in addressing longstanding challenges in dispersion estimation, offering a new category of dispersion estimation and increased resistance to outliers. Notable limitations include selecting and evaluating the proposed statistical meanic mirroring under Gaussian and Gaussian mixture model distributions. This research paper significantly contributes to statistical methodologies, offering avenues for expanding knowledge in dispersion estimation. It recommends further exploration of proposed estimators across various statistical mirroring types and encourages comparative studies to establish their effectiveness, thereby advancing statistical knowledge and tools for precise data analysis.•The proposed methodology involves preprocessing transformations, statistical mirror design, and optimization to transform a univariate set into a bivariate one, facilitating the fitting of an isomorphic optinalysis model.•Estimators rely on a foundational bijective mapping of isoreflective pairs, deducing the probability of proximity or deviation from any defined center. This contrasts with classical estimators that utilize average or median deviations from a mean or median center.

Assessment of workhour feeding practices, healthy behaviour score and body mass index of physicians in Northern Nigeria: a cross-sectional multi-centre study.

Background: The increasing prevalence of obesity and overweight among health workers calls for an appraisal of their lifestyle. This study assessed medical practitioners' workhour feeding and lifestyle practices and explored the relationship between these practices and their body mass index (BMI). Methods: The survey involved 321 medical practitioners selected from 9 northern Nigeria hospitals in 2021. Data collected included biodata, medication history, workhour feeding characteristics, lifestyle behaviours, blood pressure, height, and weight measurements. Data were analyzed using Epi info software (version 7). Results: Most respondents were male (70.7%). Their mean age was 38 ± 7.4 years. During their last workhours, 84.1% had lunch, and 46.4% took sugary drinks. Usually, 41.7% source their lunch from the hospital canteen, and 18.7% patronize their canteen at least weekly. Most reported healthy behaviour towards alcohol consumption (99.7%), fruit and vegetable consumption (54.8%) and smoking (98.4%). However, only 22.4% were physically active. Their mean healthy behaviour score and BMI were 2.8 ± 0.7 and 26.1 ± 4.6 kg/m2, respectively. The obesity and overweight rates were 18.4% and 37.7%, respectively. Their source of lunch during workhours, age, sex, years of practice, employment duration, marital status, job category, systolic blood pressure, anti-hypertensive, and antidiabetic medication use were significantly associated with mean BMI. However, only antihypertensive medication use, being married, inadequate fruit/vegetable consumption and workhour sugary drinks consumption predicted obesity. The predictors of overweight/obese were years of practice (< 10 y) and use of antihypertensive medications. Conclusions: Obesity and overweight rates were high. Most were physically inactive. Workhour sugary drink consumption predicted obesity. Effective workplace and community interventions to improve practitioners' lifestyle behaviour and curtail obesity and overweight are needed.

Kabirian-based optinalysis: A conceptually grounded framework for symmetry/asymmetry, similarity/dissimilarity and identity/unidentity estimations in mathematical structures and biological sequences.

This paper introduces "Kabirian-based optinalysis (KBO)," a pioneering framework that addresses the longstanding challenges in estimating symmetry/asymmetry, similarity/dissimilarity, and identity/unidentity within mathematical structures and biological sequences. The existing methods often lack a strong theoretical foundation, leading to inconsistencies and limitations. Kabirian-based optinalysis draws inspiration from isomorphism and automorphism, providing a theoretically grounded framework that unifies estimation methodologies. It introduces the concept of optiscale, autoreflective pairing, isoreflective pairing, and others ensuring invariance and robustness under various mathematical transformations and establishing functional bijectivity for isomorphic or automorphic structures. This not only overcomes previous limitations but also offers precise and interpretable estimations. Additionally, the framework introduces "geometrical pairwise analysis" to improve sensitivity to position-specific and character-specific variations in biological sequences. This novel approach enhances the accuracy of sequence similarity assessments, surpassing the constraints of conventional methods. The novelty of this work extends beyond mathematics and biology, impacting diverse fields such as computer science, data analysis, pattern recognition, and evolutionary biology. Kabirian-based optinalysis presents a holistic and theoretically grounded solution that has the potential to revolutionize the analysis of complex structures and sequences, opening new horizons for interdisciplinary research.•Inspired by automorphism and isomorphism, Kabirian-based optinalysis introduces a new paradigm-shifting and unified approach to estimations in mathematical structures and biological sequences with a solid conceptual and theoretical foundation.•The GPA method enhances pairwise sequence similarity estimation by being sensitive to position-specific and character-specific variations and providing a comprehensive characterization of these features.

Theory-Practice Gap: The Knowledge and Perception of Nigerian Nurses.

Background: The theory-practice gap can be described as a lack of ability to relate the knowledge acquired in academics and research work with practice. This study aims to assess the knowledge and the perception of Nigerian nurses on the theory-practice gap in Nursing. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study was carried out with a sample of 196 nurses who were working in the Federal Medical Centre Keffi and Aminu Kano Teaching hospital in Kano, all from the northern part of Nigeria, from April to June 2019. The participants were selected using a convenient sampling technique, where a self-administered questionnaire was utilized to collect the data and analysis was undertaken using SPSS. Results: The results of this study showed that 83.80% of respondents had good knowledge and 89.10% of the respondents had good perceptions. The levels of knowledge were significantly different in correlation with the educational level of respondents (χ2 = 13.88, df = 6, p = 0.022), which was determined using a Fischer exact test. Also, the level of perception was significantly different when considering the nature of work participants undertook (X2 = 7.65, df = 2, p = 0.022). Conclusions: Given the participants' awareness and perceptions in this study, it is clear that they are well informed of the theory-practice gap. This is a call for all professionals at an individual and organizational level to work, as it will translate into gap minimization, thereby increasing the quality of health care delivery as nurses constitute the largest part of the health care team in Nigeria.

Prevalence and sociodemographic predictors of perceived family functionality, marital satisfaction and intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 lockdown among married primary healthcare users.

Background: The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on family experiences has not been thoroughly evaluated, given the consequent stressful home environment it reportedly caused that can adversely affect family dynamics. This study examined the prevalence and sociodemographic predictors of perceived family functionality, marital satisfaction and intimate partner violence (IPV) during the lockdown among married healthcare users in a Nigerian primary care setting. Materials and Methods: The study was cross sectional. Data were collected randomly from 432 eligible attendees of a primary care clinic in Kano, Nigeria. Information regarding participants' sociodemographic characteristics, family functioning, marital satisfaction and IPV were measured using a sociodemographic questionnaire, APGAR-, Kansas marital satisfaction- and verbal HITS-scales. Results: Respondents' mean (range) age was 30 (15-70) years; 293 (67.8%) were females. Family dysfunction, marital dissatisfaction and probable IPV were found in 44.2, 56.5 and 50.5% of respondents, respectively. The odds of a functional family were higher among caregiver and female respondents but lower among those aged ≥50 years, students, non-Hausa/Fulani, those with low education and residing outside the Kano metropolis during the lockdown. Marital satisfaction was higher among caregivers and respondents from polygamous families and lower among respondents aged ≥50 years. No studied sociodemographic variable predicted probable IPV. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of family dysfunction, marital dissatisfaction and probable IPV among the respondents during the lockdown. These findings suggest screening married patients for family dysfunction, marital dissatisfaction and IPV during similar lockdowns for appropriate interventions. The predictor variables could form essential considerations for the screening.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of patients and caregivers attending a Northern Nigerian family medicine clinic regarding the use of face mask during COVID-19 pandemic: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Introduction: facemask use is well recognized as an effective public health strategy for preventing COVID-19. However, facemask can only provide enough protection if people recognize its importance and learn how to use it properly. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of patients or caregivers regarding the use of facemasks as a COVID-19 preventive measure and identifies the factors associated with its practice. Methods: a cross-sectional study where 480 patients or caregivers attending the Family Medicine Clinic were systematically selected over four weeks. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on KAP regarding facemasks use. Student t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics and KAP. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and practices. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: about 82% of the respondents knew the correct steps of wearing a facemask, but with low positive attitudes. Further analyses showed that respondents were more likely to wear a facemask at clinics and public places than at home. There was a moderately strong correlation between knowledge and practices but weak correlations between attitude and knowledge, and attitude and practices of facemask use. Conclusion: the study revealed good knowledge and practices but low attitudes towards facemask use. Therefore, public health programmes or interventions on facemask usage as a COVID-19 preventive measure, should address the attitudinal problems and also involve the family and community leaders to enhance compliance.

Robustness of anaerobes exposed to cyanuric acid contaminated wastewater and achieving efficient removal via optimized co-digestion scheme.

The impact of various industrial pollutants on anaerobes and the biodegradation potentials need much emphasis. This study aims to investigate the response of anaerobic microbial systems to cyanuric acid (CA) exposure; CA is toxic and possible carcinogen. First, the long-term exposure of mixed culture bacteria (i.e., municipal sludge) to low-strength wastewater containing 20 mg/L CA was conducted in an up-flow anaerobic staged reactor. Stable performance and sludge granulation were observed, and the microbial community structure showed the progression of genus Acinetobacter known as CA degrader. Second, batch-mode experiment was performed to examine the CA biodegradability at higher doses (up to 250 mg/L of CA) in the absence and presence of glucose as a co-substrate; response surface-based optimization was used to design this experiment and to estimate the optimum CA-glucose combination. CA removal of 77-98% was achieved when CA was co-digested with glucose (250-1,000 mg/L), after 7 days-incubation at temperature of 37 °C, compared to 34% when CA was solely digested. Further, the obtained methane yield dropped when CA exceeded over 125 mg/L, though the deterioration was mitigated by addition of higher concentration of glucose. Overall, we conclude that CA is efficiently degraded under anaerobic conditions when being co-digested with readily assimilable substrate.

Awareness, Knowledge, and Perception of the National Health Insurance Scheme among National Youth Service Corp Members in Kano, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The lofty objectives of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) are not only predicated on healthy graduates of tertiary institutions but also graduates who are confident in making informed health-related decisions. Therefore, Corp members' awareness, knowledge, and perception of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and its programs become imperative. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 203 participants selected by convenience sampling technique from NYSC members during Orientation Camp in June 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data regarding their sociodemographics, awareness, knowledge, and perception about the NHIS. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 25.8 ± 2.3 years; they were predominantly males (136 [67.0%]) with university degrees 131 (64.5%); 200 (98.5%) were aware of the NHIS and its programs. Although 161 (80.5%) respondents had at least average knowledge of the NHIS, only 97 (48.5%) had adequate knowledge. One hundred and fifty-eight (79.0%) respondents benefited from the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) as students; 114 (57.0%) viewed TISHIP as a good program; however, 194 (97.0%) felt that the NHIS services should be extended to NYSC members, while 188 (94.0%) were willing to participate in the scheme if its services were extended them. CONCLUSION: Although awareness level was high, adequate knowledge of the NHIS was low and their perception about TISHIP is unimpressive; most were willing to participate in the NHIS. Current mass NHIS-programs education campaigns and services offered by NHIS-accredited health-care facilities need improvement; fast-tracking of processes necessary for the extension of NHIS services to NYSC members is required.

Coexistence of Kaposi sarcoma and Molluscum contagiosum on the same site in a HIV-AIDS patient: A very rare occurrence.

INTRODUCTION: There have been numerous reported opportunistic infections among HIV/AIDS patients. However, coexistence of Kaposi sarcoma and Molluscum contagiosum on the same site is a rare finding. CASE PRESENTATION: A 37-year-old man poorly adherent to antiretroviral therapy presented with Molluscum contagiosum and Kaposi sarcoma occurring simultaneously on numerous skin lesions around mid-2017 at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: The patient was counselled and re-initiated on a second-line highly active antiretroviral therapy regimen. The patient's lesions resolved three months later. DISCUSSION: The case is presented to improve the index of suspicion among clinicians and pathologists on such rare occurrences.

Assessing the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Students Regarding Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak.

BACKGROUND: The emergence and spread of Ebola outbreak is a growing problem worldwide, which represents a significant threat to public health. Evidence has shown that the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of people in the society play major roles in controlling the spread of Ebola virus disease. This study was designed to determine knowledge, attitude and practice of students at School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences towards Ebola. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed in Tehran, Iran in 2014 using a pretested self-administered questionnaire on a stratified sample of 400 students. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: All-in-all, 385 students returned the completed questionnaires making a response rate of 96.3%., 239 (62.2%) were females and 145 (37.8%) were males. The mean age of female and males were 28.44 and 30.3 years respectively. Of the 385 students, 83 (21.7%) were studying at PhD level, 210 (55.0%) at Masters Level (including MPH) and 89 (23.3%) at Bachelors level. knowledge of the students regarding EVD transmission was lowest among students of Department of Occupational Health (50.0%), followed by Health Education and Promotion Department (33.3%). Virology Department recorded the highest percentage of students who had selected correct answers regarding EVD prevention (100.0%). CONCLUSION: These findings will aid in the assessment of the adequacy of current students' educational curriculum. Also, it will provide further insight in designing future multifaceted interventions to promote specific messages to change attitude and improve practice.

Disseminated Langerhan's cell histiocytosis: a case report and review of the literature.

Langerhan's cell histiocytosis is characterized by the presence of large mononucleated cells associated with inflammatory cells. We describe the clinical presentation, histopathology and some immunohistochemistry findings, in an eight-year-old female patient.