Dynamics of Mpox infection in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The seasonal outbreaks of Mpox continue in most parts of West and Central Africa. In the past year, Nigeria had the highest number of reported cases. Here, we used the PRISMA guidelines to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of available evidence on Mpox in Nigeria to assess the prevalence, transmission pattern, diagnostic approach, and other associated factors useful for mitigating the transmission of the disease. All relevant observational studies in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, AJOL, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar on Mpox in Nigeria were assessed within the last fifty years (1972 to 2022). In all, 92 relevant articles were retrieved, out of which 23 were included in the final qualitative analysis. Notably, most of the cases of Mpox in Nigeria were from the southern part of the country. Our findings showed a progressive spread from the southern to the northern region of the country. We identified the following factors as important in the transmission of Mpox in Nigeria; poverty, lack of basic healthcare facilities, and risk of exposure through unsafe sexual practices. Our findings reiterate the need to strengthen and expand existing efforts as well as establish robust multi-sectoral collaboration to understand the dynamics of Mpox Nigeria.

Ecological correlates and predictors of Lassa fever incidence in Ondo State, Nigeria 2017-2021: an emerging urban trend

Lassa fever (LF) is prevalent in many West African countries, including Nigeria. Efforts to combat LF have primarily focused on rural areas where interactions between rodents and humans are common. However, recent studies indicate a shift in its occurrence from rural to urban areas. We analysed secondary data of reported LF outbreaks from 2017 to 2021 in Ondo State, Nigeria to identify the distribution pattern, ecological variations, and other determinants of disease spread from the ward level using nearest neighbour statistics and regression analysis. Data utilised include LF incidence, ecological variables involving population, nighttime light intensity, vegetation, temperature, market presence, road length, and building area coverage. ArcGIS Pro 3.0 software was employed for spatial analysis. Results revealed spatio-temporal clustering of LF incidents between 2017 and 2021, with an increasing trend followed by a decline in 2021. All wards in Owo Local Government Area were identified as LF hotspots. The ecological variables exhibited significant correlations with the number of LF cases in the wards, except for maximum temperature. Notably, these variables varied significantly between wards with confirmed LF and those without. Therefore, it is important to prioritise strategies for mitigating LF outbreaks in urban areas of Nigeria and other LF-endemic countries.

CORRELATES OF SOCIAL COHESION AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER PERSONS IN SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

Existing research shows that older persons prefer to ‘Age in Place’ in their homes or community for as long as possible and are attached to both the physical space as well as the social environment. Despite growing attention to the relationship between social cohesion and health outcomes, few studies have focused on its correlates, especially in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. This study identified the factors related to neighbourhood social cohesion among older adults aged >60years dwelling in a selected rural and urban community in Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria. Data were collected using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using Stata version 15. Overall, 1180 (588 rural and 592 urban) respondents were interviewed (mean age 74.2 ± 9.5 years). Over half (55.3%) of the respondents had an adequate level of social cohesion. In the rural environment, positive predictors of social cohesion were male gender [OR: 1.73 (95%CI: 1.10-2.73)], formal education [OR:2.70 (95%CI: 1.52-4.81)] being employed [OR:3.68 (95%CI: 2.50-5.42)], homeownership [OR: 1.82 (95%CI: 1.22-2.71)] and good self-rated health (SRH) [OR:2.73 (95%CI: 1.78-4.20)]. Among the urban respondents, factors predictive of good social cohesion were male sex [OR:1.68 (95%CI: 1.06-2.68)], being employed [OR:2.38 (95%CI: 1.67-3.41) and reporting good SRH [OR:2.13 (95%CI: 1.45-3.11)]. Older respondents were less likely to have good social cohesion compared with the younger respondents in the rural [OR:0.54 (95%CI: 0.35-0.84)] and urban setting [OR:0.68 (95%CI: 0.47-1.00)]. The study findings underscore the importance of socio-economic status and homeownership on older adults’ social cohesion and areas for targeted policy and intervention

THE FACE OF ELDER ABUSE IN AFRICA: THE NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE

Elder abuse is increasingly recognized as a serious problem in many African societies, including Nigeria. Contributing factors include a high level of poverty, unemployment, diminished availability, willingness, and ability of primary caregivers to provide for their older persons. Traditionally, elder abuse is considered taboo, and high secrecy surrounding its occurrence further contributes to challenges reporting and addressing the problem. Additionally, the patriarchal nature of the Nigerian society accounts for the gender-based differences in forms of abuse experienced with increased vulnerability among older women. This paper presents case studies that typify the experience of abuse among male and female older persons. The prevalence rates of abuse are drawn from community surveys across the six geopolitical zones. Although the methodologies vary, the total prevalence of any form of abuse experienced ranged from 30-81.1%. However, most studies relied on self-reports with no attempts at verification or data and records for triangulation of information.

Correlates of quit intentions among current Nigerian smokers: Evidence from the 2012 Global Adult Tobacco Surveys (GATS)

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 3.1 million people use tobacco in Nigeria contributing to the burden of tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. However, many tobacco users who have tried to quit have been unable to do so at the first try, but may succeed or give up after multiple attempts. The transtheoretical model helps by classifying those with quit intentions into preparation, contemplation and precontemplation stages. These assist in the development of targeted interventions towards smokers in each stage for more effective results. There is limited evidence about cessation and quitting behaviour in the Nigerian context. This study aimed to explore the factors related to the intention to quit among current tobacco smokers in Nigeria using the transtheoretical model.

METHODS

The study was a secondary data analysis of the Nigeria 2012 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). The survey included non-institutionalized men and women aged ≥15 years. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21. The primary outcome variable was smoking quit intention. The correlates of quit intentions were determined for a p<0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 429 current smokers were mostly in precontemplation (64.7%) while 14.9% were in the preparation stage. Exposure to anti-tobacco media messages was associated with increased quit attempts, however, knowledge about the harmful effects of tobacco was associated with fewer quit intentions. Very few had access to cessation therapy and none had accessed a quitline. Male respondents were 9 times more likely to have a quit intention compared to females (OR=9.615; 95% CI: 1.449-1.478). Respondents with primary education were nearly three times more likely to have quit intentions than those with tertiary education (OR=2.991; 95% CI: 2.930-3.053).

CONCLUSIONS

While attention is on smoking prevention, most smokers in Nigeria are not considering quitting. There is a need for targeted interventions to reach smokers at various stages.

Prevalence of bovine brucellosis in slaughtered cattle and barriers to better protection of abattoir workers in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonosis of public health importance. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of brucellosis among slaughtered cattle as well as challenges to the protection of abattoir workers in Nigeria.

METHODS

A slaughterhouse study was conducted in a major abattoir in Ibadan from March to August, 2013. To diagnose brucellosis, serum samples from 1,241 slaughtered cattle were tested using Rose-Bengal test (RBT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA); again, 57 milk samples were tested with milk ring test (MRT) and indirect ELISA (iELISA). Furthermore, a survey on the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and challenges to its use by abattoir workers was done. Data were analysed using Stata 12.

RESULTS

Seroprevalence by RBT was 7.8%; 77.3% (75/97) of these were corroborated by cELISA. Prevalence in milk samples by MRT and indirect ELISA were 33.3% and 3.5%, respectively. Sex (OR: 2.5; 95%CI:1.3-4.5) was the factor significantly associated with Brucella seropositivity. None of the abattoir workers used standard protective overalls; while, 99.6% of the meat handlers and 84.1% of the butchers worked barefoot. Most of the workers (75.7%) wore no protective gloves. The respondents agreed that provision of free PPE and sanctions against non-users would encourage its use.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate moderate prevalence (7.8%) of bovine brucellosis with sex of cattle being a risk factor. A notable barrier to better protection of abattoir workers against brucellosis is perceived inconvenience arising from use of gloves. Therefore, preventive and control measures against brucellosis must include education and use of PPE among abattoir workers.