Perception of Low Income Earners on the Performance of Mortgage Institutions in Housing Finance in Lafia, Nasarawa state, Nigeria

The problem of housing provision by the mortgage industry which includes financing has always being a major concern to the public as a whole. This study investigated the performance of mortgage institutions in housing finance for low-income earners in Lafia metropolis, Nigeria. The objective is to assess the performance of mortgage institutions from low-income earners’ perception. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey from 314 low-income earners randomly selected from the targeted population in Lafia metropolis. The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics with mean ranking to examine the degree of agreement and the significance of the various variables. The study revealed that performance factors such as collateral, loan maturity period and loan requirement, etc. were highly ranked as the most performed area by mortgage institutions. It is recommended that government and stakeholders should reduce the high rate of interest, make mortgage loans accessible and affordable to low-income earners and also increase the funding of mortgage institutions. This study reinforces other research works on the performance of mortgage institutions in housing finance

Prevalence and Predictors of Depression among Tuberculosis Patients in Kano, North-West Nigeria

Background: The magnitude of depression as comorbidity militating against a positive outcome in the management of tuberculosis (TB)patients in northern Nigeria is largely unknown. This study assessed the magnitude of depression and its predictors among TB patients inKano metropolis, northern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-section of 325 TB patients attending directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) clinics in Kano metropolis were studied using a pro forma and the Patient Health Questionnaire‑9, which obtained information on depression. Data were analyzed using SPSS v. 21.0. Results: Among the 325 respondents, the prevalence of depression was 48.6% (n = 158). Of those who were depressed, the majority had the mild form (n = 120; 75.9%). The predictors of depression were: the age group <30 years, (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.14–0.85), being HIV negative (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.15–0.64), persistence of TB symptoms (aOR = 3.58, 95% CI = 1.92–6.90), presence of side effects of anti‑TB drugs (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.46–5.99), and smoking cigarette (aOR = 3.49, 95% CI = 1.22–9.81). Conclusion: The prevalence of comorbid depression among TB patients is high. Achieving cure and preventing undesirable treatment outcomes in this region would involve a holistic approach that considers the interplay of patient’s behavioral, social, and medical factors. Keywords: Depression, patients, predictors, prevalence, tuberculosi

Problematic internet use and health outcomes: does trait self-control matter?

Problematic internet use is prevalent among university students, and it has been associated with increased adverse health outcomes. The results of existing research are mixed regarding the effects of problematic internet use on health outcomes. To resolve this ambiguity, we drew upon the self-control theory and person-situation interaction model to propose trait self-control as a moderator in the relationship between problematic internet use and adverse health outcomes. The study participants comprised 273 students from both public and private universities in Nigeria. Results reveal that problematic internet use is a significant predictor of adverse health outcomes. However, we find no evidence to support our postulated Hypothesis that trait self control moderates the effects of problematic internet use on adverse health outcomes. Implications, limitations, and potential for future research are highlighted

Assessing Performance of Resident Doctors in Training in Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Residency training is a postgraduate medical education where graduate doctors are mentored toward becoming   independent specialists. In Nigeria currently, the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA) 2017 guides residency training under the regulation of three postgraduate medical colleges: the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN), West African College of Surgeons (WACS), and West African College of Physicians (WACP). For the respective colleges, resident doctors are expected to attempt Part One and Part Two fellowship examinations after completing their junior and senior residency training, respectively, within stipulated durations. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess resident doctors’ performance in training and predictive factors. Methodology: Electronic  questionnaires was distributed to respondents through their contacts or emails. Data was collected within a period of one month, from July 10 to August 6, 2020. Data was analyzed using mean, standard deviation, simple tables as well as t‑test and Chi‑square test. The level of significance was set at 0.05 for decision purposes. Results: A total of 120 participants were involved in the study. The mean age of respondents was 38.0 ± 3.8 years, with a majority of 88 (83.3%) males and 107 (89.2%) married. On the first attempt, 48 (65.8%), 37 (60.6%), and 15 (57.7%) respondents were successful in NPMCN, WACS, and WACP Part One fellowship  examinations, respectively. There was no significant difference in the success in Part One between the three postgraduate medical  colleges. There was significant difference in the duration between the first attempt and success in Part One examinations for the three colleges, respectively (NPMCN – P = 0.001, WACS – P < 0.001, WACP – P = 0.036). Conclusion: There was a comparable success in Part One fellowship examination between the three postgraduate medical colleges, with over half of respondents recording success in their first attempt. However, there were significant delays between the first attempt and  success in Part One examination for the three postgraduate medical colleges. Keywords: Part One examination, performance, residency trainin

Assessing Research Engagement of Resident Doctors in Training in Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Residency training develops trainees to practice evidence-based medicine using knowledge acquired through researches. Resident doctors are not just expected to be consumers of good researches but are also expected to build their competencies in conducting researches in their fields of specialization. They are expected to engage in journal clubs as well as scientific paper presentations in local and international conferences under the mentorship and guidance of their trainers. In addition, trainers in residency training supervise the compulsory dissertation of senior residents under them. Objectives: We aimed to assess research engagement of resident doctors in training and pattern of submission and approval of their dissertation proposal. Methodology: It was a descriptive cross-sectional descriptive study involving resident doctors in accredited hospitals in Northwestern Nigeria. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to respondents via their verified electronic media contacts. Data were collected within a period of 1 month from July 10 to August 6, 2020. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, simple tables as well as Z‐test and Chi‐square test. The level of significance was set at 0.05 for decision purposes. Results: A total of 120 questionnaires were completed. The mean age of respondents was 38.0 ± 3.8 years, with majority being males 88 (83.3%), and 107 (89.2%) being married. Only 12 (10%) and 44 (36.7%) respondents had published manuscript before and since commencement of residency training, respectively. There was a significant difference between manuscript publication before and since commencement of residency training (P = 0.012). Only 32% of the respondents who submitted their dissertation proposal to the colleges did so within 12 months of success in their Part 1 fellowship examination. There was no association between the publication of manuscript during residency training and submission of dissertation to either National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (P = 0.190), West African College of Surgeons (P = 0.686), or West African College of Physicians (P = 0.317). Conclusion: Research engagement by resident doctors from this study was not satisfactory. Publication of manuscript by resident doctors was associated with prior publication before commencement of residency training and type of training hospital

Students' mental health during the pandemic:results of the observational cross-sectional COVID-19 MEntal health inTernational for university Students (COMET-S) study

Introduction: The aim of the study was to search rates of depression and mental health in university students, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study. A protocol gathering sociodemographic variables as well as depression, anxiety and suicidality and conspiracism was assembled, and data were collected anonymously and online from April 2020 through March 2021. The sample included 12,488 subjects from 11 countries, of whom 9,026 were females (72.2%; aged 21.11 ± 2.53), 3,329 males (26.65%; aged 21.61 ± 2.81) and 133 “non-binary gender” (1.06%; aged 21.02 ± 2.98). The analysis included chi-square tests, correlation analysis, ANCOVA, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analysis and Relative Risk ratios. Results: Dysphoria was present in 15.66% and probable depression in 25.81% of the total study sample. More than half reported increase in anxiety and depression and 6.34% in suicidality, while lifestyle changes were significant. The model developed explained 18.4% of the development of depression. Believing in conspiracy theories manifested a complex effect. Close to 25% was believing that the vaccines include a chip and almost 40% suggested that facemask wearing could be a method of socio-political control. Conspiracism was related to current depression but not to history of mental disorders. Discussion: The current study reports that students are at high risk for depression during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified specific risk factors. It also suggested a role of believing in conspiracy theories. Further research is important, as it is targeted intervention in students' groups that are vulnerable both concerning mental health and conspiracism

Results of the COVID-19 mental health international for the general population (COMET-G) study.

INTRODUCTION: There are few published empirical data on the effects of COVID-19 on mental health, and until now, there is no large international study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, an online questionnaire gathered data from 55,589 participants from 40 countries (64.85% females aged 35.80 ± 13.61; 34.05% males aged 34.90±13.29 and 1.10% other aged 31.64±13.15). Distress and probable depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables. RESULTS: Probable depression was detected in 17.80% and distress in 16.71%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (31.82% vs. 13.07%). At least half of participants were accepting (at least to a moderate degree) a non-bizarre conspiracy. The highest Relative Risk (RR) to develop depression was associated with history of Bipolar disorder and self-harm/attempts (RR = 5.88). Suicidality was not increased in persons without a history of any mental disorder. Based on these results a model was developed. CONCLUSIONS: The final model revealed multiple vulnerabilities and an interplay leading from simple anxiety to probable depression and suicidality through distress. This could be of practical utility since many of these factors are modifiable. Future research and interventions should specifically focus on them

Knowledge of Lassa Fever and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Among Healthcare Workers in Sir Patrick Ibrahim YakowaMemorial Hospital (SPIYMH) Kafanchan, Kaduna State

Background: Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease of public health concern causing recurrent outbreaks that often involve healthcare providers. Effective hospital infection control limits the impact of this disease. Aim: The study assessed the knowledge of Lassa fever and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in infection prevention and control among healthcare workers in Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa memorial hospital Kafanchan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted; the target population of the study was 185 healthcare workers and a sample size of 125 were selected using Krejcie and Morgan. Data was collected with the aid of questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed by the use of descriptive statistical tools such as Percentages and mean with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24.0. A constant mean of 2.5 was used to ascertain the acceptance of the respondents. Results: The findings revealed that the majority of the respondents had a good knowledge of Lassa fever having a grand mean score of 3.02 by agreeing with all the statements.Data representation based on infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in the workplace shows that respondents agree that they observe IPC measures while carrying out a procedure with a grand mean of 2.61. On the other hand, the availability of PPE in the workplace is inadequate with a grand mean score of 2.30. Conclusion: Despite the good knowledge of Lassa fever among healthcare workers, there is a need for the government and the ministry of health to ensure adequate provision of personal protective equipment in the workplace to safeguard the health of its staff. Keywords: Lassa fever, Personal Protective Equipment, Infection Preventio

On the derivative-free quasi-Newton-type algorithm for separable systems of nonlinear equations

A derivative-free quasi-Newton-type algorithm in which its search direction is a product of a positive definite diagonal matrix and a residual vector is presented. The algorithm is simple to implement and has the ability to solve large-scale nonlinear systems of equations with separable functions. The diagonal matrix is simply obtained in a quasi-Newton manner at each iteration. Under some suitable conditions, the global and R-linear convergence result of the algorithm are presented. Numerical test on some benchmark separable nonlinear equations problems reveal the robustness and efficiency of the algorithm