FACULTY OF CLINICAL SCIENCES

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    Adoption and use of immunotherapy in breast cancer management in Africa: barriers and prospect–a narrative review.
    (Wolters Kluwer – Lippincott (via Medknow / Wolters Kluwer Health), 2023) Jimoh, M. A.; Olaoye, D. Q.; Abdus-salam, A. A.
    Breast cancer (BC) is the world’s most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, with 7.8 million women diagnosed with BC in the past 5 years. BC has the highest incidence rate of all cancers in women worldwide (1.67 million), accounting for over 500 000 deaths annually. In Africa, BC accounts for 28% of all cancers and 20% of all cancer deaths in women. The African continent has recorded an alarming increase in incidence, with the highest mortality rate globally. Despite BC being a major health concern in Africa, there is limited access to adequate healthcare services to combat the growing need. Immunotherapy, a promising treatment approach that harnesses the immune system’s power to fight cancer, has shown great potential in BC management. However, in the face of the growing body of evidence supporting its effectiveness, the adoption and use of immunotherapy in BC management in Africa remain limited. Hence, this review aimed to explore the barriers and prospects of immunotherapy adoption and use in BC management in Africa. A comprehensive search across various databases and sources using specific keywords related to immunotherapy and BC to achieve the study aim was conducted. The criteria for including data in the study were based on relevance and availability in English, with no publication year restrictions. The collected data underwent narrative analysis, supplemented by information from sources like country reports, newsletters, commentaries, policy briefs, and direct Google searches. By identifying the challenges and opportunities, this review provided insights into how healthcare providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders can work together to improve the availability and accessibility of immunotherapy to BC patients in Africa.
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    The African Critical Illness Outcomes Study (ACIOS): a point prevalence study of critical illness in 22 nations in Africa.
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2025) Baker, T.; Osinaike, B. B.; Scribante, J.; Elhadi, M.; Owoo, C.; Sottie, D.; Khalid, K.; Hewitt-Smith, A.; Belachew, F. K.; Kwizera, A.; Ademuyiwa, A.; Babalola, Y. O.
    Background Critical illness represents a major global health-care burden and critical care is an essential component of hospital care. There are few data describing the prevalence, treatment, and outcomes of critically ill patients in African hospitals. Methods: This was an international, prospective, point prevalence study in acute hospitals across Africa. Investigators examined all inpatients aged 18 years or older, regardless of location, to assess the coprimary outcomes of critical illness and 7-day mortality. Patients were classified as critically ill if at least one vital sign was severely deranged. Data were collected for the available resources at each hospital and care provided to patients. Findings: We included 19 872 patients from 180 hospitals in 22 African countries or territories between September, 2023 and December, 2023. The median age was 40 (IQR 29-59) years, and 11078/19862 (55-8%) patients were women. There were 967/19780 (4-9%) deaths. On census day, 2461/19743 (12-5%) patients were critically ill, with 1688/2459 (68.6%) cared for in general wards. Among the critically ill, 507/2450 (20.7%) patients died in hospital. Mortality for non-critically ill patients was 458/17205 (2-7%). Critical illness on census day was independently associated with subsequent in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 7: 72 [6.65-8.95]). Of the critically ill patients with respiratory failure, 557/1151 (48-4%) were receiving oxygen; of the patients with circulatory failure, 521/965 (54-0%) were receiving intravenous fluids or vasopressors; and of patients with low conscious level, 387/784 (49.4%) were receiving an airway intervention or placed in the recovery position. Interpretation: One in eight patients in hospitals in Africa are critically ill, of whom one in five dies within 7 days. Most critically ill patients are cared for in general wards, and most do not receive the essential emergency and critical care treatments they require. Our findings suggest a high burden of critical illness in Africa and that improving the care of critically ill patients would have the potential to save many lives.
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    Retinopathy of prematurity in a tertiary facility: An initial report of a screening programme
    (Paediatric Association of Nigeria, 2020) Olusanya, B. A.; Oluleye, T. S.; Tongo, O. O.; Ugalahi, M. O.; Babalola, Y. O.; Ayede, A. I.; Baiyeroju, A. M.
    Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening in Nigeria is at a nascent stage and at the moment there are no National guidelines for ROP screening in Nigeria. Thus it is desirable for screening programs to report findings amongst screened preterm infants in order to facilitate the development of national ROP screening criteria and guidelines. The aim of this report is to describe the frequency, severity and risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among preterm and very low-birth-weight babies screened within the first year of initiating an ROP screening program at a Nigerian tertiary facility. Methods: A cross-sectional study of infants born at less than 34 weeks gestational age; or with birth weight less than 1500g between May 2016 and May 2017. ROP screening examinations were performed by ophthalmologists with the use of an indirect ophthalmoscope, after pupillary dilation, in collaboration with the neonatology team. Information on gestational age at birth, birth weight, oxygen therapy and presence of other risk factors were recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 74 infants were screened during the period. There were 36 (48.6%) males. Mean gestational age at birth was 29.6 (±2.35) weeks. Mean birth weight was 1.26 (±0.27) kg with a range of 800 to 1950g. ROP was detected in 9 (12.2%) infants. Two (22.2%) of these had Threshold ROP. There was no significant difference between the mean birth weight and mean gestational age of the infants who had ROP compared to those without ROP. The two infants with Threshold ROP were treated with intravitreal Bevazicumab and had regression of ROP. Conclusion: Retinopathy of pre maturity was diagnosed in at risk infants in this facility. There is, therefore, a need to establish ROP screening programs in all neonatal units across the country. In addition, established programs need to evaluate their screening criteria with a view towards developing country-specific screening guidelines.
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    Predictors of Shisha use among Medical and Dental Students in Ibadan, Nigeria
    (College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, 2022) Fagbule, O.F.; Cadmus, E.O.
    Background: Shisha is a form of smoked tobacco product. Medical trainees arepotential stakeholders in providing accurate information about shisha and discouraging its use. However, few studies have targeted medical trainees to provide much‑needed information for policymaking and planning of programs. Aim: To determine the prevalence and predictors of shisha use among medical and dental students in Ibadan, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among medical and dental students (n = 252) of the University of Ibadan, selected using the stratified random sampling technique. The Global Health Profession Students Survey (GHPSS) questionnaire was used to obtain information about socio‑demographics, shisha and other tobacco use, and knowledge and attitude towards shisha use. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Continuous data were presented using mean and standard deviation, whereas categorical variables were reported as proportions. The association between the outcome variable (shisha use) and independent variables (sociodemographic characteristics, having friends who use shisha) was measured using Pearson’s Chi‑square test, and factors significant (P < 0.05) were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model. Result: The mean age (± SD) was 21.7 (± 3.1) years. Over half [136 (54%)] were males, and most [199 (79%)] were medical students. About 28 (11%) were not aware of shisha, whereas 22 (8.7%) reported they had ever used shisha. The mean knowledge score was 5.6 ± 4.7, and 76 (33.9%) supported shisha use. Positive predictors of shisha use included the male gender [OR: 6.4 (95% CI: 1.76–23.10)] and having a friend who uses shisha [OR: 28.2 (95% CI: 5.49–144.23)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of shisha use among medical and dental students in Ibadan is unacceptably high, although low compared to other countries in similar resource settings. Surprisingly, the students had poor knowledge about shisha, and over a third supported its use, especially males who were more prone to use it. There is a need to design targeted health promotion and education for the students, especially males.
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    A review of the health problems of the internally displaced persons in Africa.
    (Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2016) Owoaje, E. T.; Uchendu, O. C.; Ajayi, T. O.; Cadmus, E. O.
    Globally, over 40 million people were displaced as a result of wars and violence due to religious and ethnic conflicts in 2015 while 19.2 million were displaced by natural disasters such as famine and floods. In Africa, 12 million people were displaced by armed conflict and violence and there were hundreds of thousands of people displaced by natural disasters. Despite these large numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sub‑Saharan African countries and the potentially negative impact of displacement on the health of these populations, there is limited information on the health problems of IDPs in the region. The previous studies have mainly focused on the health problems of refugees and single disease entities among IDPs. However, a more comprehensive picture is required to inform the provision of adequate healthcare services for this vulnerable population. The objective of this review was to fill this knowledge gap. Bibliographic databases were searched and screened, and nine studies were selected and reviewed. The major physical health problems and symptoms were fever/malaria (85% in children and 48% in adults), malnutrition in children (stunting 52% and wasting 6%), malnutrition in adult males (24%), diarrhoea (62% in children and 22% in adults) and acute respiratory infections (45%). The prevalent mental health problems were post‑traumatic stress disorder (range: 42%–54%) and depression (31%–67%). Most of the studies reviewed focused on mental health problems. Limited evidence suggests that IDPs experience various health problems but more research is required to inform the provision of adequate and comprehensive healthcare services for this group of individuals
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    A Scoping Review of the Health of African Immigrant and Refugee Children
    (MDPI, 2021) Salami, B.; Fernandez-Sanchez, H.; Fouche, C. A.; Kwankye, S. O.; Evans, C.; Sibeko, L.; Tulli, M.; Bulaong, A.; Kwankye, S. O.; Ani-Amponsah, M.; Okeke-Ihejirika, P.; Gommaa H.; Agbemenu K.; Ndikom, C. M.; Richter S.
    Migration is a growing phenomenon around the world, including within the African continent. Many migrants, especially African children, face challenges related to health and social in-clusion and can face increased health risks. A systematic scoping review of available literature on the health of African migrant children across the globe was conducted to offer insight into these health risks. The review was conducted over a 15-month period from January 2019 to April 2020, yielding 6602 articles once duplicates were removed. This search included electronic databases, reference lists of articles reviewed, and searches of libraries of relevant organisations. A total of 187 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 159 were quantitative, 22 were qualitative, and 6 used mixed methods. The findings reveal decreased health in this population in areas of nutrition, infectious diseases, mental health, birth outcomes, sexual and reproductive health, physical and developmental health, parasitic infections, oral health, respiratory health, preventative health, endocrine disorders, health care services, and haematological conditions. The findings offer insights into factors influencing the health of African immigrant and refugee children. Further studies, especially qualitative studies, are needed to determine barriers to service access after migration and to investigate other underexplored and overlooked health concerns of African migrant children, including pneumonia and child maltreatment.
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    Collaboration Between Biomedical and Complementary and Alternative Care Providers: Barriers and Pathways
    (SAGE Publishing, 2017) "Van der Watt, A.S.J.; Nortje, G.; Kola, L.; Appiah-Poku, J.; Othieno, C.; Harris, B.; Oladeji, B.D.; Esan, O.B.; Makanjuola, V.; Price, L.N.; Seedat, S.; Gureje, O.
    We examined the scope of collaborative care for persons with mental illness as implemented by traditional healers, faith healers, and biomedical care providers. We conducted semistructured focus group discussions in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria with traditional healers, faith healers, biomedical care providers, patients, and their caregivers. Transcribed data were thematically analyzed. A barrier to collaboration was distrust, influenced by factionalism, charlatanism, perceptions of superiority, limited roles, and responsibilities. Pathways to better collaboration were education, formal policy recognition and regulation, and acceptance of mutual responsibility. This study provides a novel cross-national insight into the perspectives of collaboration from four stakeholder groups. Collaboration was viewed as a means to reach their own goals, rooted in a deep sense of distrust and superiority. In the absence of openness, understanding, and respect for each other, efficient collaboration remains remote. The strongest foundation for mutual collaboration is a shared sense of responsibility for patient well-being.
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    Epidemiology and burden of bipolar disorder in Africa: a systematic review of data from Africa
    (Springer Science + Business Media, 2016) Esan, O.B.; Esan, A.
    Background Bipolar disorder impacts negatively on the patient, the family, as well as the society. It taxes the health care services due to a combination of the illness with associated medical and psychiatric comorbidities. In Africa, unfortunately, knowledge of the epidemiology and burden of bipolar disorder is based mainly on studies from the USA and Europe. In this systematic review of literature from Africa, we highlight the epidemiology and burden of bipolar disorder. Methods A systematic review of publications from Africa relating to the epidemiology and burden of bipolar disorder was conducted. Result Data from community surveys conducted in Nigeria and Ethiopia indicated a lifetime prevalence estimate of 0.1 % to 1.83 for bipolar disorder. Missed diagnosis rate of bipolar disorder was up to 36.2 %. In one study, 8.1 % of the males and 5.4 % of the females reported a previous suicide attempt. A study showed that up to 60 % of patients with bipolar disorder had at least one comorbidity. There were no reports on all-cause mortality and cost of illness. Conclusion Bipolar disorder is a major mental health problem in Africa. Scientific findings on bipolar disorder from Africa are consistent with the existing literature from other parts of the world. There still exists a dearth of high-quality studies addressing the epidemiological, clinical, social, and economic burden of the disorder.
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    A review of the health problems of the Internally Displaced Persons in Africa
    (The National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, 2016) Owoaje, E. T.; Uchendu, O. C.; Ajayi, T. O.; Cadmus, E. O.
    Globally, over 40 million people were displaced as a result of wars and violence due to religious and ethnic conflicts in 2015 while 19.2 million were displaced by natural disasters such as famine and floods. In Africa, 12 million people were displaced by armed conflict and violence and there were hundreds of thousands of people displaced by natural disasters. Despite these large numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sub‑Saharan African countries and the potentially negative impact of displacement on the health of these populations, there is limited information on the health problems of IDPs in the region. The previous studies have mainly focused on the health problems of refugees and single disease entities among IDPs. However, a more comprehensive picture is required to inform the provision of adequate healthcare services for this vulnerable population. The objective of this review was to fill this knowledge gap. Bibliographic databases were searched and screened, and nine studies were selected and reviewed. The major physical health problems and symptoms were fever/malaria (85% in children and 48% in adults), malnutrition in children (stunting 52% and wasting 6%), malnutrition in adult males (24%), diarrhoea (62% in children and 22% in adults) and acute respiratory infections (45%). The prevalent mental health problems were post‑traumatic stress disorder (range: 42%–54%) and depression (31%–67%). Most of the studies reviewed focused on mental health problems. Limited evidence suggests that IDPs experience various health problems but more research is required to inform the provision of adequate and comprehensive healthcare services for this group of individuals.
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    Cardiovascular risk factor burden and association with CKD in Ghana and Nigeria
    (Elsevier Inc., 2023)
    Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the burden of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with CKD in Africa is not well characterized. We determined the prevalence of selected cardiovascular risk factors, and association with CKD in the Human Heredity for Health in Africa Kidney Disease Research Network study. Methods: We recruited patients with and without CKD in Ghana and Nigeria. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and/or albuminuria as albumin-to-creatinine ratio <3.0 mg/mmol (<30 mg/g) for $3 months. We assessed self-reported (physician-diagnosis and/or use of medication) hypertension, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol; and self-reported smoking as cardiovascular risk factors. Association between the risk factors and CKD was determined by multivariate logistic regression. Results: We enrolled 8396 participants (cases with CKD, 3956), with 56% females. The mean age (45.5 _ 15.1 years) did not differ between patients and control group. The prevalence of hypertension (59%), diabetes (20%), and elevated cholesterol (9.9%), was higher in CKD patients than in the control participants (P < 0.001). Prevalence of risk factors was higher in Ghana than in Nigeria. Hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] ¼ 1.69 [1.43–2.01, P < 0.001]), elevated cholesterol (aOR ¼ 2.0 [1.39–2.86, P < 0.001]), age >50 years, and body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2 were independently associated with CKD. The association of diabetes and smoking with CKD was modified by other risk factors. Conclusion: Cardiovascular risk factors are prevalent in middle-aged adult patients with CKD in Ghana and Nigeria, with higher proportions in Ghana than in Nigeria. Hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and underweight were independently associated with CKD.