African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research aims to publish rigorous, peer-reviewed scholarship that advances medical science, surgical practice, and public health research through ethically grounded, scientifically robust, and practically relevant studies. • Medical Research: disseminate high-quality evidence that improves clinical understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. • Surgical Scholarship: promote research on surgical procedures, perioperative care, outcomes, innovations, and evidence-based surgical practice. • Public Health Advancement: support preventive, epidemiological, community, and policy-oriented studies that strengthen population health and healthcare systems. • Integrated Health Impact: encourage work linking clinical medicine, surgery, and public health to improve health outcomes across individual and community settings. Submissions should clearly define the clinical, surgical, or public-health problem, report methods transparently, present defensible evidence, and articulate a meaningful contribution to healthcare research and practice. Scope AJMSPHR welcomes original research papers and related scholarly contributions in medicine, surgery, and public health, especially studies that demonstrate scientific rigor, ethical responsibility, and clear relevance to health outcomes, healthcare delivery, and disease prevention. • Medicine: internal medicine, clinical research, disease management, diagnostics, therapeutics, and patient-centered healthcare studies. • Surgery: general and specialized surgery, operative techniques, perioperative care, surgical outcomes, trauma care, and procedural innovation. • Public Health: epidemiology, health promotion, disease prevention, environmental health, maternal and child health, and community-health interventions. • Health Systems and Policy: healthcare access, service delivery, health management, workforce issues, and evidence informing public-health or clinical policy. • Interdisciplinary Health Research: studies bridging medicine, surgery, and public health with implications for healthcare improvement and population well-being. Priority is given to original research articles that demonstrate methodological rigor, ethical compliance, and a clear contribution to medical science, surgical knowledge, or evidence-based public-health practice.
Articles
66 Documents
<![CDATA[Prevalence and Determinants of Schistosoma haematobium and Ascaris lumbricoides Infections among Primary School Pupils in Bantaje Ward, Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria ]]>
<![CDATA[Nengean S.H.]]>;
<![CDATA[Mijah A. K.]]>;
<![CDATA[E. P. Yafiryau]]>;
<![CDATA[John-Zaka U. E.]]>;
<![CDATA[Agere H.I.J.]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i1.8312
<![CDATA[Schistosomiasis and ascariasis remain major causes of morbidity among school-aged children in Nigeria, especially in rural areas where access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities is inadequate. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of Schistosoma haematobium and Ascaris lumbricoides infections among primary school pupils in Bantaje Ward, Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 pupils aged 5–16 years selected from six primary schools using multistage sampling. Urine and stool samples were examined microscopically for S. haematobium and A. lumbricoides using sedimentation and direct wet mount techniques, respectively. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, sanitation, water contact, and hygiene behaviours. Data were analysed using SPSS version 29, and associations were determined using chi-square tests at a significance level of p < 0.05. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium and A. lumbricoides infections were 13.3% and 16.4%, respectively. Pupils who used rivers and streams for domestic activities recorded significantly higher prevalence of S. haematobium infection (p = 0.002), while swimming and fishing were the main risk factors. For A. lumbricoides, open defecation (p = 0.001) and eating food dropped on the ground were significant determinants of infection. Treatment-seeking behaviour was generally poor, with many pupils taking no action when symptomatic. The study revealed moderate endemicity of urinary schistosomiasis and ascariasis among primary school children in Bantaje Ward, driven largely by unsafe water contact, poor sanitation, and unhygienic practices. Integrated control measures combining periodic mass drug administration with improved WASH facilities, behavioural change communication, and strengthened school-based health education are recommended to reduce infection transmission and the associated disease burden in the area.]]>
<![CDATA[Prevalence and Determinants of Haemoparasitic Protozoal Infections among Children Attending Selected Public and Private Health Facilities in Numan Metropolis, Adamawa State, Nigeria ]]>
<![CDATA[E.P Yafiryau]]>;
<![CDATA[Mijah A.K.]]>;
<![CDATA[Agere H.I.J.]]>;
<![CDATA[John-Zakka U.E.]]>;
<![CDATA[Nengean S.H.]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i1.8314
<![CDATA[Haemoparasitic protozoal infections, particularly malaria, pose a substantial public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa, with limited data on facility-specific prevalence in underserved regions such as Numan Metropolis, Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these infections among children attending public and private health facilities and identify key determinants. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 children aged 1–15 years recruited via multistage sampling from four facilities (two public, two private) in Numan Metropolis. Thick blood films were stained with 10% Giemsa for 30 minutes and examined microscopically for Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, and Babesia species, with parasite density classified per World Health Organization guidelines. A structured, pre-tested questionnaire assessed demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with chi-square tests for associations (p < 0.05). Ethical approval was obtained from the Adamawa State Ministry of Health Institutional Review Board. Overall prevalence was 45.0% (180/400), predominantly Plasmodium falciparum (100% of positives; no Trypanosoma or Babesia detected). Prevalence was higher in private facilities (52.0%) than public ones (38.0%; χ² = 7.92, p = 0.005). Light infections predominated (61.67%), with no significant intensity differences across facilities (χ² = 0.45, p = 0.931). Significant associations included stagnant water exposure (χ² = 12.3, p = 0.001) and inconsistent insecticide-treated net (ITN) use (χ² = 9.8, p = 0.002); no significant age or gender differences were observed (χ² = 2.1, p = 0.35 and χ² = 0.4, p = 0.53, respectively). Complications included anemia (45.0% of cases) and school absenteeism (73.0%). Haemoparasitic infections remain highly endemic, exacerbated by environmental and behavioral risks. Targeted interventions, including enhanced ITN distribution and sanitation improvements, are essential to align with Nigeria's National Malaria Strategic Plan and Sustainable Development Goal 3. These findings underscore the need for equitable healthcare access in riverine settings.]]>
<![CDATA[Evaluation of Body Weight, Serum Glucose Level and Oxidative Stress Parameters of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats Administered Insulin and Alkaloid Leaf Extract of Jatropha tanjorensis ]]>
<![CDATA[Idongesit Bassey Umoh]]>;
<![CDATA[Imoh Emmanuel Ukoh]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i1.8315
<![CDATA[Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to reduce body weight and induce oxidative stress. Hence, this study evaluates the effects of alkaloid leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis (ALEJT) on body weight, serum glucose, and oxidative stress parameters in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM rats to delineate its possibility as a better therapeutic agent compared to insulin in the treatment of DM. Forty female albino rats (150–200 g) were grouped into four (n = 6). Group 1 served as normal control. Diabetes was induced in Groups 2, 3, and 4 rats by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of a single dose of STZ (80 mg/kg) dissolved in citrate buffer (pH 4.5) to overnight-fasted rats. After 72 hours of injection, rats with fasting blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL were deemed diabetic. Group 2 served as diabetic control; Group 3 diabetic rats were treated with ALEJT (500 mg/kg orally), while Group 4 was treated with insulin (2 IU/kg/day, i.p.) for 21 days. Changes in body weight and serum glucose levels were assayed within 21 days, after which the rats were sedated with 60 mg/kg of ketamine-hydrochloride, and blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture; serum was used for antioxidant (glutathione [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], catalase [CAT], total antioxidant capacity [TAC], and malondialdehyde [MDA]) assays using standard methods. There was no variation in the weight of diabetic rats treated with ALEJT. Percentage growth rate was significantly reduced in the untreated and treated diabetic rats. Glucose levels increased (p < 0.001) in diabetic rats compared with the control. Diabetic control showed a significant decrease in GSH, SOD, TAC, and GPx, while MDA levels increased (p < 0.001) compared with the control. The levels of SOD, GPx, and TAC increased, while MDA decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in the treated groups compared with the diabetic control. GSH increased in insulin (p < 0.01) and ALEJT (p < 0.001) treated rats compared with the diabetic control. GSH and GPx increased significantly in ALEJT-treated rats (p < 0.001) compared with insulin-treated rats. ALEJT was more effective in protecting against weight loss and reversed the levels of GPx and GSH better than insulin. ALEJT could serve as a potential natural and safe remedy for the management of DM.]]>
<![CDATA[Breast Cancer Knowledge as a Predictor of Regular Breast Self-Examination among Women Aged 20–49 in Ejisu Municipality, Ghana ]]>
<![CDATA[Joseph Oteng]]>;
<![CDATA[Bemhemba Iba]]>;
<![CDATA[Isaac John Umaru]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i1.9084
<![CDATA[Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women globally, and in low-resource settings such as Ghana, breast self-examination (BSE) remains a cost-effective strategy for early detection, yet a persistent gap exists between awareness and consistent practice. This study assessed women’s knowledge of breast cancer and examined whether knowledge predicts regular BSE practice among women aged 20–49 years in Ejisu Municipality, Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 635 women selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, breast cancer knowledge, and BSE practice, with knowledge scores categorized as low, moderate, or high using tertiles. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were applied, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The mean age of participants was 32.9 ± 7.1 years, and most (67.2%) demonstrated high breast cancer knowledge, primarily sourced from health professionals (53.5%). Although 72.0% had heard of BSE, only 32.1% practiced it monthly as recommended, with key barriers including lack of knowledge of the correct technique (47.8%) and fear of detecting a lump (22.8%). Knowledge level was significantly associated with regular BSE practice (χ² = 42.57, p < 0.001), and multivariate analysis showed that women with high knowledge were more than three times as likely to perform regular BSE (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI: 2.18–5.52, p < 0.001) compared with those with low knowledge. Tertiary education (AOR = 2.26, p = 0.004) and receiving information from health workers (AOR = 2.06, p = 0.008) also independently predicted regular BSE. The study concludes that breast cancer knowledge is a strong predictor of regular BSE practice; despite relatively high awareness, routine BSE remains low due to skill-related and psychological barriers. Strengthening health education with practical demonstrations and integrating BSE counseling into routine clinical care and community outreach may enhance preventive behavior and contribute to earlier breast cancer detection.]]>
<![CDATA[Evaluating Public Awareness of Glaucoma and Their Associated Risk Factors in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State ]]>
<![CDATA[Onwunali Juliet Chinwendu]]>;
<![CDATA[Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth]]>;
<![CDATA[Efere Y. Samson]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i1.9087
<![CDATA[Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease and a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, often developing without early symptoms, which makes timely detection and treatment crucial for reducing vision loss. This study assessed the level of glaucoma awareness and knowledge of its risk factors among adults in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, and explored barriers to accessing eye care. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 440 consenting adults aged 18 years and above using a standardized questionnaire to collect socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of glaucoma, knowledge of its severity and risk factors, and willingness to seek eye care. The sample comprised 60.9% females and 39.1% males with diverse employment and educational backgrounds. While 85.7% of respondents had heard of glaucoma and many recognized it as a cause of blindness, only 26.6% knew it could be asymptomatic, and detailed knowledge of its severity profile and risk factors was limited; the main sources of information were health workers (34%), schools/lectures (24.5%), and radio/television (18.9%). A large proportion expressed willingness to undergo free eye screening, yet lack of health insurance emerged as a notable barrier to accessing timely care. These findings indicate that general awareness of glaucoma in the community is not matched by adequate understanding of its silent progression and risk factors, potentially delaying care-seeking behavior. The study concludes that awareness campaigns alone are insufficient and that comprehensive public health education, stronger collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations, and improved access to routine vision screening are essential to promote early detection and effective management of glaucoma, particularly among high-risk populations in Obio/Akpor and similar settings.]]>
<![CDATA[Evaluation of Malaria and Typhoid Coinfection Among Patients at Yola General Hospital, Adamawa State ]]>
<![CDATA[Isaac John Umaru]]>;
<![CDATA[Ingwu Joseph Akem]]>;
<![CDATA[Solomon O. Asare]]>;
<![CDATA[Tyem Lawal Danjuma]]>;
<![CDATA[Usenobong Morgan Akpan]]>;
<![CDATA[Julius Ishaya Salman]]>;
<![CDATA[Hauwa A. Umaru]]>;
<![CDATA[Maryam Usman Ahmed]]>
<![CDATA[ African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 3 No 2 (2026): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Darul Yasin Al Sys ]]>
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DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i2.9403
<![CDATA[Although malaria and typhoid fever remain highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, evidence on the prevalence and clinical profile of coinfection in northeastern Nigeria remains limited. This study evaluated the burden and characteristics of malaria and typhoid coinfection among febrile patients attending Yola General Hospital in Adamawa State. A cross-sectional design was employed involving 300 patients presenting with febrile illness. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and laboratory diagnostics. Malaria was diagnosed using rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy, whereas typhoid fever was assessed using the Widal test and blood cultures. Demographic, clinical, and behavioral data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to identify significant associations. The findings showed that 102 patients (34%) had malaria only, 78 (26%) had typhoid only, and 54 (18%) were coinfected. Coinfection was most prevalent among individuals aged 21–40 years (55.6%) and was slightly more common in males (55.6%) than females (44.4%). The most frequently reported symptoms among coinfected patients were fever (100%), headache (88.9%), abdominal pain (77.8%), and diarrhea (66.7%). Behavioral risk factors, including inconsistent mosquito net use, poor hand hygiene, and consumption of untreated water, were significantly associated with infection. Coinfection rates also peaked during the rainy season from June to September, accounting for 74.1% of cases. The study concludes that malaria and typhoid coinfection constitutes a substantial clinical and public health burden in Yola. These findings contribute empirical evidence on the demographic, symptomatic, behavioral, and seasonal profile of coinfected patients and highlight the need for dual diagnostic screening, improved laboratory infrastructure, and targeted health education on hygiene and vector control.]]>
