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All Journal African Multidisciplinary Journal of Sciences and Artificial Intelligence African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research African Journal of Sciences and Traditional Medicine Kwaghe International Journal of Arts, Humanities and Religious Studies African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Tensaba Andes Akafa
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Religion Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Arts Humanities Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Chemistry Environmental Science Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Materials Science & Nanotechnology Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Social Sciences

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Unpacking the Pain: Understanding Barriers and Unmet Needs of Adults with Low Back Pain in a Southern Nigeria Outpatient Clinic Obianuju Iheomamere Muoghallu; Akaninyene Mark; Tensaba Andes Akafa; Gloria Omonefe Oladele; Kingsley Iyoko Iseko
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 2 No 1 (2025): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v2i1.4610

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent health issue leading to functional disability in adults. This study aimed to evaluate the barriers to care and unmet needs of adults with LBP and functional disability attending the General Out-Patient Clinic (GOPC) at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom State. The goal is to enhance quality of life by reducing disability and LBP burden through prevention, addressing barriers, and fulfilling unmet needs. Key barriers identified include limited access to healthcare, high out-of-pocket costs, inadequate insurance coverage, and a lack of understanding of LBP and self-management strategies. Methodology: Conducted at the GOPC, this cross-sectional analytical study involved 370 adult patients (18+ years) using systematic sampling. Data collection spanned two months, employing an interviewer-administered semi-structured Oswestry lumbar disability questionnaire. Analysis utilized IBM SPSS version 27, with frequency tables for pain patterns and chi-square tests to assess associations between body mass index (BMI) and LBP severity. Results: The mean age of respondents was 40.2 years. LBP was significantly linked to low function, with the association strengthening over time. Most respondents were classified as obese (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m²), and 56.7% reported high pain intensity. Activities like lifting weights and sitting exacerbated pain for 70.3% and 66.2% of respondents, respectively. The median pain score was 52, with significant differences noted (p<0.001). Alcohol consumption was reported by 39.6% (p=0.005), while 72.2% did not smoke. Respondents with LBP were 1.70 times more likely to experience functional disability compared to those without. Conclusion: LBP is strongly associated with functional disability among adults. Unmet needs include limited rehabilitation access, inadequate education on LBP, and insufficient support for self-management. Addressing risk factors, implementing multi-modal pain management strategies, and enhancing health education are essential for preventing functional disability.
Assessment of HIV 1 GP120/CD4 Binding Inhibition Potential of Methanolic Extracts of Achyranthes Aspera Leaves Isaac John Umaru; Tensaba Andes Akafa; Ingwu Joseph Akem; Ocheifa Mathew Ngbede; Joseph Oteng; Ashaka Fidelis Utioukpan; Aboki Nwunuji Mijinyawa; Odok Endurance Akam; Ogholo Ogholo Ekup
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 2 No 2 (2025): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v2i2.5184

Abstract

Achyranthes aspera (Amaranthaceae) is an important medicinal herb found as a weed throughout Nigeria. Though almost all of its parts are used in traditional systems of medicines, leaves, seeds, roots and shoots are the most important parts which are used medicinally. The present article gives an account of updated information on its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is still contributing significantly in morbidities and mortalities in the world today. The drugs normally used to treat the infection are costly, toxic, and less effective due to resistance by HIV. Thus, the assessment of gp120-CD4 binding inhibition potential of Achyranthes aspera leaves extract was conducted using gp120-CD4 capture ELISA kits. Aqueous, methanol, and petroleum ether extracts were prepared at 1000, 500 and 250 μg/ml and tested for gp120-CD4 binding inhibition. Sub-cute toxicity assay was done using albino rats; Biochemical parameters including alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as bilirubin for liver and urea, electrolytes and creatinine for kidney functions were evaluated. The results of the effect of crude aqueous, methanol and petroleum ether Achyranthes aspera leaves extract against gp120-CD4 showed inhibition ranging from 1.4 – 17.2 %. with 1000 μg/ml showing highest percentage of inhibition. There was no significant difference (P = 0.862) in terms of percentage inhibition between the three concentrations tested. Methanol extract demonstrated the highest percentage inhibition of gp120-CD4 bindings (17.2 %). No significant difference (P = 0.124) between the three extracts against gp-120-CD4 bindings was observed. The results of the sub-acute toxicity study have shown that, there were no physical changes in animals treated with 500 mg/kg of all the extracts. The result of liver function test revealed that, ALT, AST and ALP were within the normal range (12U/L) for both the high and low concentrations of the extracts including the control. Also result for total protein, albumin, globulin for the test albino rats and that of the control rat were found to be within the normal range 5.1-6.1, 4.2-5.3, and 3.1-3.8 g/dl respectively. For serum electrolyte level, sodium and potassium ions for the various concentrations of the extracts tested and control were also found to be within normal range. The result of kidney function test revealed that, urea, creatinine and direct and total bilirubin of the rats tested and control were all found to be within normal range. In conclusion, ether Achyranthes aspera leaves extract possessed some levels of HIV-1 gp120-CD4 binding inhibition potentials and the extracts was found to be non-toxic at 250 and 500mg/ kg body weight. It can be recommended that, the bioactive compounds should therefore be isolated and tested for gp120-CD4 binding inhibition activity.
Persistent Threat of Lassa Fever in Nigeria: Epidemiology, Challenges, and Strategies for Effective Management Tensaba Andes Akafa; Artu Ishishen John; Gloria Omonefe Oladele; Isaac John Umaru
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 2 No 2 (2025): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v2i2.5517

Abstract

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease that poses a significant public health threat in Nigeria and West Africa. This review assesses the epidemiological trends, health impacts, and socioeconomic consequences of Lassa fever in Nigeria while proposing strategies for effective management and prevention. The natural reservoir of the Lassa virus, the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis), is prevalent in Nigerian households, facilitating transmission through direct contact with the rodents or their excreta, which often contaminates food. Consumption of these rats as a delicacy further exacerbates the risk. Current epidemiological data reveal that Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria, with seasonal outbreaks primarily occurring in the dry season. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 80 deaths and 413 confirmed cases across 11 states during Epidemiological Week 6 of 2025, with Taraba, Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo states accounting for over 73% of these cases. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) for Lassa fever has risen to 19.4% in 2025, compared to 17.5% in 2024, likely due to factors such as underreporting and limited healthcare access. Notably, the CFR can range from 1% to 50%, influenced by healthcare access and early detection. The urgent nature of Lassa fever necessitates enhanced public health interventions, community education, and effective surveillance systems to mitigate its incidence and socioeconomic impact in Nigeria, thereby contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal target 3.3 to eliminate epidemics of Lassa fever and other neglected tropical diseases by 2030.
Co-Authors Aboki Nwunuji Mijinyawa Adobeni Emmanuel Dennis Akaninyene Mark Ameh Godwin Okwori Artu Ishishen John Ashaka Fidelis Utioukpan Bilyaminu Habibu Chakfa Nanmar Charles Ayara Dafup Katdel Istifanus Daniel Konka Danladi Zakariah Edom Favour Ogochukwu Elvis O. Ihaji Eric Agim Agaba Favour Joel Bafai Gloria Omonefe Oladele Ingwu Joseph Akem Ingwu Joseph Akem3 Isaac John Umaru Isaac Kogi Eli Iseko Iyoko Kingsly Ismail Yunusa Yuguda Issifu Tahidu Izam Emmanuel David Jackson Soyinka Malantso Joseph Oteng Kerenhappuch Isaac Umaru Kingsley Bassey Enang Kingsley Iyoko Iseko Lawal Danjuma Tyem Lubabatu Abdulrasheed Mary Athanasius Udoh Ndentang Ira Gadin Obianuju Iheomamere Muoghallu Oche Williams Ujah Ocheifa Mathew Ngbede Ocheifa Matthew Ngbede Odok Endurance Akam Ogholo Ogholo Ekup Okrah George Hassan Ozzioma Praise Acha Peter Ise Uduak Prince Kwadwo Gyasi Queen Uyo Williams Ranyang R. Akafa Smile Kobina Ametsi Solomon Ossom Asare Tongle Nanle John Victor Makanjuola Vika Tensaba Akafa Williams Oche Ujah