“Life has always been physical physical, now visual”: an explorative study on the use of digital health technologies to promote physiotherapy home treatment programmes among older people

Background There has been a recent rise in the use of technology for health promotional practices, which have begun to gain popularity among physiotherapists but not much research has been conducted to explore its many opportunities and challenges among older adults in developing countries. Objectives To explore Nigerian-based Physiotherapists’ perspectives on how digital health technologies (DHT) can be utilized to promote physiotherapy home treatment programs among Nigerian older people. Methods This is a one-on-one semi-structured interview of 12 geriatric physiotherapists (7 Male, 5 female) virtually in the Teams Meeting platform. Data generated were analyzed thematically using the latest version of NVivo software. Results Three overarching themes were conceptualized including the usage of DHT in Nigeria, challenges to DHT application, and strategies to improve DHT usage. These described a low awareness and usage of DHT despite its recognized need and advantages for promoting home program. The forms of DHT commonly being used are mostly mobile-based through calls or texts, which could be due to barriers to the use of DHT including older people’s declining cognition, poverty, and low interest in technology. Some external problems included the physiotherapists’ attachment to hands-on practice and low commitment from the informal caregivers. Conclusions These findings suggested ways to utilize the DHT in promoting physiotherapy home treatment programs among older people by encouraging technological innovations and raising awareness among physiotherapists, while the physiotherapists need to patiently educate both the older people and involve their informal caregivers

Changes and Forms of Sexual Behaviour in old age: A Qualitative Study of Older People in Southeastern Nigeria

The misconceptions that old age is an asexual phase of human life has been challenged by increasing empirical evidence which shows that sexual activity persists in old age albeit in different forms and frequency. This study examined how a group of older people in southeastern Nigeria express their sexual behaviour. The semi-structured individual interviews with 14 older people (9 male, 5 female) aged 60?89 years were conducted using an exploratory qualitative approach. The data generated were analysed thematically, and two themes were conceptualised including diverse sexual behaviour and mutual understanding. These themes supported a pattern among the participants where there is a drop in the frequency of physical sexual behaviour but their sexual interests were described to be more stable. However, the sexual interest is channelled into more intimate sexual behaviour. Thus, sexual behaviours in later life in this study were not declining but showed diversity and modifications; most have adjusted to incorporate more emotional bonding and caring. More so, what forms of sexual behaviour constitute for these older partners are often linked to the presence of dynamic interplay of influencing factors ingrained on the level of the older partners mutuality in understanding and responding to theencroaching age-related changes in their sexual behaviour. Remarkably, these factors could be controlled, which signposts a potential premise and point of policy and practical intervention to promote healthy sexual behaviour in later life

Knowledge and Experience of Sexual Violence among Female Adolescents in Public Schools in Enugu State during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Sexual violence among female adolescents is a pervasive problem. This is even worse in periods of unrest such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which heighten the vulnerability of these female adolescents’ victims to the potential perpetrators of sexual violence. This study assessed the knowledge and experience of sexual violence amongst female adolescents in public schools in Enugu State, Nigeria, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three hundred twenty-five adolescents (aged 10–19 years with a mean age of 12.8 ±2.8) female school students were purposively recruited in this cross-sectional study to complete a scale designed to measure the knowledge and experience of sexual violence among female adolescents. Findings showed a high (90.8%) knowledge level of sexual violence among adolescents. The majority of the perpetrators were their uncles (40.4%) and cousins (28.6%). Among 9.8% of the participants who had forced to have sex, about two-thirds (65.6%) have been raped 2 to 5 times. A significant difference was noted only between the respondent’s class levels and their knowledge of sexual violence (p < .05) with higher classes having better knowledge. Female adolescents showed a good knowledge level about sexual violence, which might explain the low prevalence of sexual violence in the sample population. The study also provides evidence that females are most at risk of sexual violence from closer relations during times of crisis. Thus, these study findings add evidence to the literature that would guide policymakers, health, and social workers toward making campaigns and interventions that would prevent female adolescent sexual violence

Does Load Position on the Trunk Affect Cardiopulmonary Responses of the Bearer during Simulated Front and Back Infant Carrying Methods?

Background: The position of the infant on the trunk during back and front infant carrying methods (ICMs) may be a potential factor of maternal physiological changes. Related information is necessary for the establishment of guiding principles for infant carrying tasks. Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate cardiopulmonary responses to infant‑load positions on the trunk during simulated back and front ICMs. Materials and Methods: Twenty‑three nulliparous females completed four trials while walking with a 6 kg simulated infant, being carried in four trunk positions (upper back, lower back, upper front, and lower front). Cardiopulmonary indices (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate) and rating of perceived exertion were assessed pre‑&nbsp;and post‑trials. Results: All the cardiopulmonary indices did not change significantly (P &gt; 0.05) as the infant load moved from upper to lower trunk positions during the back and front ICMs. However, marginal differences were observed. Participants perceived the lower back and upper front ICMs as less exerting than the upper back and lower front ICMs. Conclusions: Infant‑load position on the trunk is not an important factor in the cardiopulmonary responses to back and front infant carrying tasks, although the lower back and upper front ICMs were perceived to be more comfortable. Keywords: Back, cardiopulmonary indices, front, infant carrying, infant‑load positions, perceived exertio

Is Mode of Delivery a Determinant of Postpartum Health-Related Quality of Life in Nigerian Women?

Background: Women experience many changes that might affect their well‑being during the postpartum period. In some climes, there is an established association between mode of delivery (MOD) and postpartum health‑related quality of life (HRQoL), but there is a dearth of related literature in southeastern Nigeria. Such information will guide health‑care providers on health promotion strategies for improved maternal and infant well‑being. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of MOD on HRQoL of Nigerian postpartum women. Material and Methods: This was a cross‑sectional descriptive survey of 200 postpartum women in Enugu, Nigeria. Information on maternal characteristics was collected with a structured questionnaire, while the investigation of their postpartum HRQoL was with the Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire. Results: In general, the majority of the respondents had moderate HRQoL values in most domains, including physical function, bodily pain, general health (GH), energy and fatigue, social function, and perceived mental health. Values for role limitations as a result of physical and emotional problems were predominantly low. HRQoL scores did not significantly vary between the cesarean section (CS)and spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) groups. MOD was a correlate of respondents’ GH with women in the CS group showing lower values, as compared to those with SVD. Conclusion: In general, postpartum women in this study recorded low‑to‑moderate HRQoL scores. MOD was a determinant of their GH scores. Follow‑up interprofessional health care is recommended in the postpartum period to improve HRQoL. Keywords: Health‑related quality of life, mode of delivery, Nigeria, postpartum, women’s healt

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Physical Exercise Among Elderly People in Enugu Metropolis, Nigerian

Background: The older population is often at risk for a sedentary lifestyle, which has been related to an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Unfortunately, information on this concept is limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of physical exercise among older in the Enugu metropolis. Methods: A physical exercise questionnaire was used to collect data from 365 older people conveniently recruited within the Enugu metropolis in this cross-sectional study. Results: Most (72.9%) of the respondent have good knowledge of the benefits of physical exercise, their overall attitude is positive (98.1%), and about the average (53.7%) of them practice regular exercise that mainly involves brisk walking (60.2%) and morning jogging (59.2%) for duration mainly 30 minutes to 1 hour (53.6%). A significant relationship was only found between knowledge of exercise and engagement in regular physical exercise (p < .001). Conclusions: There is good knowledge and positive attitudes toward exercise among older people in the Enugu metropolis. More facilities for physical activity are recommended to boast practice

Relationship between the development of musculoskeletal disorders, physical activity level, and academic stress among undergraduates students of University of Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Academic stress is a common experience among university students. It can affect the body composition of the students through behavioral changes, which further affect their physical activity level (PAL). Musculoskeletal disorders could arise from the interaction of these factors. This study aimed to determine the relationship between PAL, academic stress, selected anthropometric indices, and the development of MSDs among a selected Nigerian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 256 (129 females and 127 males) undergraduates of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus aged 15–30 years using Student's Stress Inventory to evaluate academic stress, the short-form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to determine the PAL, and a Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to assess MSDs. RESULTS: The results showed a high PAL with the male students having more PAL (61.4%) than female students. Secondly, the prevalence of MSDs among the population was high (66.02%) and the students faced moderate academic stress with the prevalence being more among the female students (75.2%). A significant difference was observed between academic stress and the development of MSDs (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: This study's findings support the hypothesis that increased academic stress and low level of physical activity are linked to increased risks of MSDs among students. Thus, it is warranted that the University curriculum is re-adjusted and incorporate public enlightenment programs on possible causes and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, stress management, and coping strategies

Relationship between physical activity level and flexibility profile of Nigerian postpartum women

Flexibility is an essential component of musculoskeletal health and is usually associated with physical activity levels. Pregnancy and its aftermath may influence physical activity participation and musculoskeletal flexibility in women, which warrants this study. Thus, this study aimed to assess the physical activity level and musculoskeletal flexibility profile of Nigerian Postpartum women. In this cross-sectional study, 462 postpartum women were conveniently sampled from Healthcare Facilities in Anambra State, Nigeria. Physical Activity was assessed using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire while flexibility profile was assessed using modified sit-and-reach (for the lower back and limb components), total body rotation (for trunk component) and shoulder rotation tests (for upper limb components). Relevant inferential statistics were used to compare variables between the two groups of women. The results showed that 42.0% of the women were fairly flexible and 51.1% of them had high Physical Activity level. Majority (77.6%) of their daily physical activities were from work. Statistically, there was no significant relationship between their physical activity levels and flexibility profile of the participants (p = 0.066). The postpartum physical activity level of the respondents is not a determinant of their musculoskeletal flexibility. Recommendation of structured physical exercises, particularly flexibility trainings to postpartum women in Nigeria is necessary for optimum maintenance of their general postpartum and musculoskeletal health

Knowledge, attitude, and perception of Nigerian-based physiotherapists on the utilization of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging in the clinical management of musculoskeletal conditions

Background: Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging (MSUI) is an efficient monitoring and re-evaluation tool used for the management of musculoskeletal conditions in several clinical domains. Its utilization among physiotherapists, particularly in African countries, is yet to be explored. Objective: This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and perception of physiotherapists on the utilization of MSUI in the clinical management of musculoskeletal conditions. Methods: One hundred and ninety-two consenting Nigerian-based physiotherapists practicing in public and private health institutions participated in this cross-sectional survey. They responded to a three-sectioned structured questionnaire, investigating socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and utilization of MSUI for the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square test at a significant level of 0.05. Results: The majority (79.2%) of the respondents had positive knowledge of MSUI and its benefits as a clinical modality for managing MSCs. However, only 4.2% had utilized MSUI in clinical practice. Non-utilization of MSUI was commonly attributed to a lack of access to MSUI (60.3%) and its unavailability in most diagnostic centers (42.9%). Almost all (99.0%) of them agreed to the necessity for increased availability of MSUI to physiotherapists for enhancement of physiotherapy interventions in the management of MSCs. Conclusion: Knowledge of MSUI among Nigerian-based physiotherapists is adequate, but its utilization as a clinical tool is poor. Improved availability of MSUI to physiotherapists is necessary as well as specialty training on the utilization and interpretation of MSUI