Prevalence and pattern of psychoactive substance use among government secondary school students in central Nigeria

Introduction: psychoactive substances are chemicals that affect the nervous system and alter the activity in the brain. Such substances include alcohol and other illicit drugs. This research study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of psychoactive substance use among students at a government secondary school in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Methods: this study adopts a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 104 students for an invitation to fill a semi-structured questionnaire after consenting to the informed consent. Correlational analyses were performed between social characteristics and the knowledge of the effects and prevalence of substance use. Results: thirty-three point seven percent (33.7) of students reported to use psychoactive substances, with alcohol and tramadol being the most consumed. Those aged 15-19 years were found to have a higher prevalence of substances use than other ages. There was an important knowledge of the social perspective and health effects of using such substances, but they persisted in their consumption. Age and school level were observed to have a statistically significant correlation with the knowledge of the effects of drug use. Conclusion: our study shows that the prevalence and pattern of psychoactive substance use among the students are high considering their level and age. The majority of the students knew about psychoactive substance use and its social and health effects. We, therefore, recommend a multi-stakeholder effort within the community to curtail drug use among young people

Socio-environmental determinants of parasitic intestinal infections among children: a cross-sectional study in Nigeria

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are a major public health problem among school-aged children, especially those residing in rural areas. These infections predispose the children to several other health problems. This study assesses intestinal parasitic infections among school children in a rural area in Nigeria and their socioenvironmental determinants. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 250 primary school-age children from three randomly selected schools in Elemere, a poor rural area in Kwara State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to record the socio-demographic data, and stool samples were microscopically examined for intestinal parasites. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 23.6% (59/250). Of the infected children, the most common parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides 50.8% (30/59), followed by Giardia lamblia 28.8% (17/59), Entamoeba spp.16.9% (10/59) and Dipylidium caninum in 3.4% (2/59). Rural domicile was associated with parasitic infections (P= 0.036) compared to a semi-urban or urban residence. Compared to younger age groups, children in the higher age groups had 64% (95% confidence interval,0.15–0.90;P= 0.03) lesser parasitic infections. Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infections are common in school children in the studied area, and may be associated with unclean water sources, poor hygiene, and economic conditions. General health education should emphasize cleanliness, personal hygiene and sanitation to prevent and control parasitic intestinal infections among schoolchildren in these communities

Knowledge of cervical cancer, risk factors, and barriers to screening among reproductive women in Nigeria

Background: The leading cause of cancer-related fatalities among women worldwide is cervical cancer. Lack of awareness and availability of screening services in Nigeria contribute to the high incidence and fatality rates of cervical cancer. This study assesses the knowledge of cervical cancer, risk factors, and barriers to screening among reproductive women in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among women of reproductive age in Shao, Moro local government area of Kwara State, Nigeria, to determine their knowledge about cervical cancer, risk factors, and barriers to screening. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Results: A total of 326 women between the ages of 15–50 were included in the study, with the majority being married (56.1%) and having secondary school education (43.6%). Two-hundred seventy-one (83.1%) participants were aware of cervical cancer, but only 39.0% had good knowledge of the disease. Two hundred forty-three (74.5%) women were sexually active and 70% did not use condoms during sexual activity. Only 6.9% of the participants had ever been screened for cervical cancer, with 38.0% being unaware of the screening. The results showed that there was a statistically significant (P<0.001) association between the knowledge of the respondents and selected risk factors for cervical cancer such as sexual activity, previous sexually transmitted infection diagnosis, contraceptive usage, and abnormal bleeding. Conclusion: This study indicates poor knowledge of cervical cancer and that targeted health education campaigns are required to increase awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer among reproductive women in Nigeria. Efforts should also be made to improve access to cervical cancer screening services, especially in rural and underserved area

Multiple burden of infectious disease outbreaks: Implications for Africa healthcare system

Infectious diseases pose a significant threat to public health and healthcare systems globally, with Africa carrying the highest burden of endemic diseases. Weak healthcare infrastructure, poor resource allocation, governance, and economic instability have contributed to the challenges faced by healthcare systems in Africa. The recent reoccurrence of Ebola and the COVID-19 pandemic highlight concerns about Africa's healthcare system's ability to handle disease outbreaks. To achieve the developmental plan for 2063, known as Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, a new public health strategy is needed that includes improving healthcare infrastructure, local production of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics, and increased budgetary allocation to health. The One Health approach, which brings together various sectors and disciplines to improve the health and wellbeing of humans, animals, and the environment, is significant in addressing both internal and external factors that impact disease burdens and achieve better health outcomes for all

Synergistic fight against future pandemics: Lessons from previous pandemics

The history of pandemics spans centuries and has had a profound impact on human health, societies, and economies. Pandemics have caused fear, panic, and significant morbidity and mortality rates throughout history. From the Athenian Plague in 430 BC to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, infectious diseases have posed a continuous threat to global health systems. The transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agrarian communities, increased trade and interaction between humans and animals, urbanization, travel rates, and the impact of a growing human population have all contributed to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Climate change and changes in land use further affect the transmission of pathogens and the distribution of disease-carrying vectors. Lessons from previous pandemics include the importance of early diagnosis and response, global cooperation and collaboration, strengthened healthcare systems, preparedness planning, public health education and communication, research and development, and adaptability and flexibility in response strategies. These lessons emphasize the significance of timely identification, swift action, sharing information and resources, investing in healthcare infrastructure, preparedness planning, effective communication, research advancements, and the ability to adapt measures as pandemics evolve. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the need for a collaborative and coordinated global response to future pandemics. Governments, international bodies, healthcare organizations, and individuals could learn from the lessons of the past and apply them effectively to combat and mitigate the impact of future outbreaks. By prioritizing all the recommendations stated, the world can synergistically protect public health and minimize the devastating consequences of pandemics