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BackgroundThe study was part of community-based research towards strengthening the provision of optical services within a local governmental area in Nigeria.AimTo describe the prevalence of refractive errors in the southwestern Nigerian adult population.SettingAdults of age 30 years and above who were regular residents of the local governmental area.MethodsA multistage stratified random cluster sampling method was used to select the subjects. The sampling unit was the different households. A random sample of them were refracted and then refractive errors were analysed. Analyses excluded participants with history of cataract surgery. Associations with myopia (−0.50 dioptres [D] or more) and hyperopia (≥ 0.50 D) were evaluated in logistic regression analyses.ResultsThe prevalence of refractive error in the study sample was 33.8% (95% confidence level [CI]: 27.1–34.4) using study participants with < 6/9 presenting visual acuity but improvement by at least a line with pin hole. The prevalence of hyperopia was 46.9% and higher in women (51.8%), while that of myopia was 21.9% but higher in men (25.0%). The prevalence of hyperopia increased from 29% for 40–49 years of age to 65% for 50–59 years of age and tended to decline thereafter. Prevalence of myopia decreased from 17% in persons 40–49 years of age to 11% in those 50–59 years of age but increased after 60 years of age. A higher prevalence of myopia was positively associated (p < 0.05) with lifetime occupations requiring near work, nuclear opacities, posterior subcapsular opacities and glaucoma. Factors associated with hyperopia were the same as for myopia, except for occupation, and in the opposite direction.ConclusionThe high prevalence of refractive errors strongly supports the need for an affordable and accessible optical service in the local government.

Background School health programs are critical for promoting the physical, psychological, and social well-being of students and staff, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Effective evaluation of these programs requires comprehensive and context-sensitive tools. The School Health Assessment Tool for Primary Schools (SHAT-PS), originally developed and validated in Iran, offers a biopsychosocial framework for evaluating key dimensions of school health. Designed for use in low- and middle-resource settings and emphasizing both staff and student well-being, the SHAT-PS provides a promising foundation for addressing gaps in school health assessment. However, although this tool has demonstrated strong psychometric properties in its original context, its applicability in other cultural and educational settings remains underexplored. Aim This study aimed to validate the SHAT-PS in Nigerian primary schools by examining its factor structure, internal consistency, and contextual relevance. Method A total of 706 primary school teachers and school staff from the Nsukka education zone in southeast Nigeria completed the original 76 items of the SHAT-PS. Although the tool was originally developed in Persian, an English version, produced by the original developers through a standard forward and back translation process, was available and used in this study. As English is the official language of instruction in Nigeria, no additional translation was required. Instead, adaptation efforts focused on ensuring contextual and conceptual relevance of the items for the Nigerian educational setting, including expert review and evaluation by Nigerian educational psychologists and school administrators. We employed a cross-sectional design and conducted an Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on half of the sample and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the remaining half. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha (α). Results EFA and CFA supported a six-factor structure (52 items): (1) School Health Policies, (2) Health Education and Psychological Services, (3) Health Services, Nutrition, and Staff Health, (4) School Hygiene, (5) School Area and Comfort, and (6) Physical Environment. The tool demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.66-0.89) and strong construct validity. Variations in responses highlighted its sensitivity to local discrepancies in infrastructure, services, and staff well-being. Conclusion The SHAT-PS was successfully validated for use in Nigerian primary schools. Its robust psychometric performance and contextual alignment with national school health priorities make it a valuable tool for monitor school health and inform targeted interventions. Further validation in other regions and among broader stakeholder groups is recommended to enhance its generalizability and support nationwide implementation.

Background Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infections are significant global public health challenges. Correctional facilities face amplified and disproportionate risks due to overcrowding, limited healthcare access, and high-risk behaviours. There is a lack of consolidated prevalence and risk factor data on viral hepatitis in Nigerian correctional settings. This study synthesizes evidence on the prevalence of HBV and HCV, risk factors, and regional disparities within Nigerian correctional facilities. Methods Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 cross-sectional studies (2009–2024). Databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Dimensions and Google Scholar) were searched. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity and regional variations. Studies reporting prevalence data using validated diagnostic methods (rapid tests and/or ELISA) were analysed. We extracted information on study characteristics, geographic regions, inmate demographics, testing modalities, and reported risk factors. Risk factors were evaluated using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Pooled HBV prevalence in Nigerian correctional facilities was 14% (95% CI: 10–19%; n  = 2,586) and HCV 10% (95% CI: 4–19%; n  = 861). Northern Nigeria reported higher HBV prevalence (19% vs. 6% in the South), while HCV was marginally higher in the South compared to the North (14% vs. 8%). Illicit drug use (HBV: OR = 8.96; HCV: OR = 9.26), blood oath-taking (HBV: OR = 6.57; HCV: OR = 4.57), and marital status (married inmates, OR = 4.37) were significant risk factors. Sharing sharp objects increased HCV risk (OR = 2.14). Other variables, such as blood transfusion, intravenous drug use, condom use, and duration of incarceration, did not show statistically significant associations, likely due to heterogeneity across studies. Conclusions This study highlights a high prevalence of HBV and HCV among inmates in Nigerian correctional facilities, primarily influenced by structural and behavioural determinants. These findings point to the urgent need for tailored, comprehensive interventions, such as routine screening, targeted HBV catch-up vaccination, and harm reduction initiatives within the prison system.

Background/Rationale Migration can alter elder caregiving practices, redistributing responsibilities across geographically dispersed networks. However, systemic barriers such as economic precarity, limited digital access, and immigration constraints often exacerbate the complexities of elder caregiving in transnational contexts. In addition to the common challenges faced by caregivers, such as emotional strain, logistical coordination, and financial demands, transnational caregivers must also navigate the complexities introduced by physical distance from their care recipients. Technology is a critical tool in bridging these gaps, enabling caregivers to provide emotional support, monitor health, and manage caregiving tasks remotely. This study examines how first-generation Nigerian immigrants navigate transnational eldercare, focusing on the interplay between emotional, relational, technological, and financial dynamics, and offers insights into the evolving nature of caregiving in a globalized world. Methodology and methods This qualitative study included N  = 10 first-generation Nigerian immigrants residing in Northern BC. The integrated frameworks of transnationalism and intersectionality guided the description of how rural and northern geography, immigration status, and class, reflected through education, occupation, and income narratives, shape elder caregiving practices across borders. An inductive reflexive thematic analysis was employed, using narrative interviews and a brief pre-interview survey to contextualize caregiving roles. Data collection included pre-interview surveys to capture demographic and caregiving contexts, and narrative interviews that provided in-depth accounts of participants’ caregiving experiences across borders. These methods offered a nuanced exploration of the complexities of transnational elder caregiving. Results Caregivers expressed guilt, helplessness, and emotional strain, but also resilience through familial support and self-care. Migration redistributed caregiving roles, with local families providing physical care and migrants offering financial support and coordination. Tools like WhatsApp and video calls enabled emotional connection and remote monitoring despite digital limitations. Financial remittances sustained care but introduced economic strain. Family bonds were maintained through virtual collaboration, with caregivers navigating cultural tensions. Conclusions This study reveals the adaptability of Nigerian transnational caregivers as they navigate financial, emotional, and logistical responsibilities across borders. While emphasizing resilience, the findings also highlight systemic challenges-including digital inequities and economic pressures-calling on policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to develop culturally informed policies and targeted support that empower caregivers and enhance well-being in transnational settings.

Background Emigration of doctors from Nigeria has increased recently. Regardless of their level of training and professional accomplishments, Nigerian-trained doctors must undergo residency training before they are allowed to practice in the United States. We conducted the study described herein to explore the perceptions of this requirement among Nigerian-trained medical doctors and examine ways they may be responding to the U.S. health care system. Method In-depth face-to-face interviews of 12 Nigerian-trained immigrant doctors in Houston, Texas were conducted. Immigrant doctor was defined as someone who immigrated to the United States within the past 7 years and resided in Houston for up to 3 months. Using thematic analysis, inductive and deductive coding of transcripts were performed, and the codes were grouped by consensus into themes. Findings Nigerian immigrant doctors with more post-residency experience are frustrated about the requirement for practicing medicine in the United States. In general, all participants noted the ways that United States practices differed from Nigeria. They cited the high cost of U.S. medical care, having to schedule appointments before seeing a physician, and needing prescription to gain access to some medications such as antibiotics. Interpretation Our results suggested that researchers should examine residency-related frustration and possible mental health outcomes among Nigerian-trained medical doctors. Future studies should also determine how costs, appointment scheduling, and the prescription culture influence how immigrants manage their own care and respond to health care in the United States.

PurposeThis paper analyses the COVID-19 situation in Nigeria, its effect on the economy and the structural causes that worsened the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses simple descriptive analysis to examine the COVID-19 situation in Nigeria.FindingsThe findings reveal that the economic downturn in Nigeria was triggered by a combination of declining oil price and spillovers from the COVID-19 outbreak, which not only led to a fall in the demand for oil products but also stopped economic activities from taking place when social distancing policies were enforced. The government responded to the crisis by providing financial assistance to businesses and a small number of households that were affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The monetary authority adopted accommodative monetary policies and offered a targeted 3.5 trillion loan support to some sectors. These efforts should have prevented the economic crisis from occurring but it did not. Economic agents could not freely engage in economic activities for fear of contracting the COVID-19 disease that was spreading very fast at the time.Practical implicationsThe implication of the study is that policymakers should pay attention to three areas of the economy for economic and structural reform. One, policymakers should introduce economic reforms to diversify the economy and reduce Nigeria's dependence on revenue from crude oil export. Two, policymakers in Nigeria should invest in healthcare infrastructure to improve the ability of the national health system to withstand the outbreak of contagious diseases. Three, there is also a need to build appropriate digital infrastructure to facilitate the transition from “face-to-face” business activities to a “digital or online” business activities, which can help to grow the digital economy. Also, policymakers should use legislation to create a robust social welfare safety net for all citizens particularly for unemployed citizens and poor households.Originality/valueThis is the first paper that looks at the economic implication of COVID-19 in a West African country.

Although significant associations of childhood adversities with adult mental disorders are widely documented, most studies focus on single childhood adversities predicting single disorders. To examine joint associations of 12 childhood adversities with first onset of 20 DSM-IV disorders in World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys in 21 countries. Nationally or regionally representative surveys of 51 945 adults assessed childhood adversities and lifetime DSM-IV disorders with the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Childhood adversities were highly prevalent and interrelated. Childhood adversities associated with maladaptive family functioning (e.g. parental mental illness, child abuse, neglect) were the strongest predictors of disorders. Co-occurring childhood adversities associated with maladaptive family functioning had significant subadditive predictive associations and little specificity across disorders. Childhood adversities account for 29.8% of all disorders across countries. Childhood adversities have strong associations with all classes of disorders at all life-course stages in all groups of WMH countries. Long-term associations imply the existence of as-yet undetermined mediators.

Background Cervical Cancer is the commonest and one of the leading causes of death from cancer among women in developing countries. Screening has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality from the illness, yet its uptake is low. This study investigated the pattern of utilization and preferences relating to the adoption of cervical screening among female postgraduate students at the University of Ibadan. Methodology The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving the use of a multi-stage sampling technique to recruit 372 women undergoing postgraduate studies (20–52 years with a mean age of 27.3 ± 5.4) at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. A pretested semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection and the coded data were analyzed using SPSS (version 20). Results Only 4.0% of the respondents had been screened for Cervical Cancer at the time of study while 86.3% expressed their desire to be screened if given the opportunity. Most participants showed a favourable perception with 70.4% disagreeing that cervical cancer is a mild disease and 50.5% agreeing that the benefits of cervical cancer screening outweigh the stress of the screening procedure. Female doctors (73.2%) topped the list of health professionals’ respondents who preferred to conduct the screening. A majority (70.7%) of the respondents preferred these screenings to be done during antenatal clinic visits. There is a significant association ( p .value = 0.0007) between cervical cancer screening behaviors and sexual activity among women. Conclusion Poor utilization of Cervical cancer screening services is seen among Nigerian women undergoing postgraduate studies but a high willingness to utilize the services in the future with consideration to professionals delivering the service and specific locations where it can be obtained. The poor rate of cervical cancer screening from the study depicts the large extent to which cases of this cancer go without being detected till the advanced stages. Rolling out more screening strategies that will explore different service delivery points/preferences as highlighted in the study is needed for larger coverage.

People living in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are disproportionately exposed to trauma and may be at increased risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, a dearth of population-level representative data from SSA is a barrier to assessing PTSD. This manuscript sought to calculate pooled PTSD prevalence estimates from nationally and regionally representative surveys in SSA. The search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and PTSDpubs and was last run between October 18, 2019, and November 11, 2019. We included studies that were published in peer-reviewed journals; used probabilistic sampling methods and systematic PTSD assessments; and included ≥ 450 participants who were current residents of an SSA country, at least 50% of whom were aged between 15 and 65 years. The primary outcomes were point prevalence estimates of PTSD across all studies, and then within subgroups. The protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (registration number CRD42016029441). Out of 2,825 unique articles reviewed, 25 studies including a total of 58,887 eligible participants (54% female) in 10 out of the 48 countries in SSA were identified. Most studies enrolled any adult aged 18 years or older. However, some studies only enrolled specific age brackets or persons as young as 15 years old. Six studies were national surveys, and 19 were regional. There were 4 key findings in the meta-analysis: (1) the overall pooled prevalence of probable PTSD was 22% (95% CI 13%-32%), while the current prevalence-defined as 1 week to 1 month-was 25% (95% CI 16%-36%); (2) prevalence estimates were highly variable, ranging from 0% (95% CI 0%-0%) to 74% (95% CI 72%-76%); (3) conflict-unexposed regions had a pooled prevalence of probable PTSD of 8% (95% CI 3%-15%), while conflict-exposed regions had a pooled prevalence of probable PTSD of 30% (95% CI 21%-40%; p < 0.001); and (4) there was no significant difference in the pooled prevalence of PTSD for men and women. The primary limitations of our methodology are our exclusion of the following study types: those published in languages other than English, French, and Portuguese; smaller studies; those that focused on key populations; those that reported only on continuous measures of PTSD symptoms; and unpublished or non-peer-reviewed studies. In this study, PTSD symptoms consistent with a probable diagnosis were found to be common in SSA, especially in regions exposed to armed conflict. However, these studies only represent data from 10 of the 48 SSA countries, and only 6 studies provided national-level data. Given the enormous heterogeneity expected across the continent, and also within countries and regions, this review cannot speak to rates of PTSD in any regions not included in this review. Thus, substantial gaps in our knowledge of PTSD prevalence in SSA remain. More research on population-level prevalence is needed to determine the burden of trauma symptoms and PTSD in SSA and to identify acceptable and feasible approaches to address this burden given limited mental healthcare resources.

Background Available evidence suggests that the low use of antenatal, delivery, and post-natal services by Nigerian women may be due to their perceptions of low quality of care in health facilities. This study investigated the perceptions of women regarding their satisfaction with the maternity services offered in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Methods Five focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with women in eight secondary and tertiary hospitals in four of the six geo-political zones of the country. In all, 40 FGDs were held with women attending antenatal and post-natal clinics in the hospitals. The questions assessed women’s level of satisfaction with the care they received in the hospitals, their views on what needed to be done to improve patients’ satisfaction, and the overall quality of maternity services in the hospitals. The discussions were audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed by themes using Atlas ti computer software. Results Few of the participants expressed satisfaction with the quality of care they received during antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care. Many had areas of dissatisfaction, or were not satisfied at all with the quality of care. Reasons for dissatisfaction included poor staff attitude, long waiting time, poor attention to women in labour, high cost of services, and sub-standard facilities. These sources of dissatisfaction were given as the reasons why women often preferred traditional rather than modern facility based maternity care. The recommendations they made for improving maternity care were also consistent with their perceptions of the gaps and inadequacies. These included the improvement of hospital facilities, re-organization of services to eliminate delays, the training and re-training of health workers, and feedback/counseling and education of women. Conclusion A women-friendly approach to delivery of maternal health care based on adequate response to women’s concerns and experiences of health care will be critical to curbing women’s dissatisfaction with modern facility based health care, improving access to maternal health, and reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Trial registration Trial Registration Number NCTR No: 91540209. Nigeria Clinical Trials Registry. http://www.nctr.nhrec.net/ . Registered April 14th 2016.