| 1 |
Author(s):
William Foday Moiforay, Mohamed Musa Kabba, Joseph Kortu, Khalifa Konneh.
Page No : 1-16
|
Socio-Demographic and Health Characteristics Associated with Maternal Malnutrition Among Pregnant Women in Kenema District, Sierra Leone.
Abstract
This study examines the socio-economic, cultural, and health system factors influencing maternal malnutrition among pregnant women in Kenema, Sierra Leone. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, 127 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics were surveyed between January and July 2025. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered in local languages and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that poverty is the dominant driver of malnutrition, with 63.8% of respondents earning less than Le5, 000 monthly (approximately $0.25 USD per day), 75.6% skipping meals due to financial constraints, and 66.1% experiencing hunger during pregnancy. Dietary patterns were heavily carbohydrate-based (90.6%), with limited access to protein and micronutrient-rich foods. Adolescent pregnancy was prevalent (43.4%), and most women were single (72.4%), unemployed, or students. Despite high antenatal care attendance (94.5%) and supplement provision (93.7%), adherence to supplementation and nutrition education remained suboptimal. Cultural and religious food restrictions affected a minority, but poverty overshadowed these as the primary barrier. The study concludes that maternal malnutrition in Kenema is a multidimensional issue requiring integrated interventions that address economic vulnerability, food insecurity, adolescent health, and health system strengthening. These findings provide critical evidence for policymakers and health practitioners designing context-specific nutrition programs in similar low-resource settings.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Oluwatoyin Olajumoke Akinyemi, Onasoga Oayinka Abolore, Babajide Augustine Owolabi.
Page No : 17-26
|
Factors Influencing Availability of Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment in The Management of Postpartum Haemorrhage Among Midwives in Ekiti State.
Abstract
Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of death among women especially in developing nations, which can be managed through the use of non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) if available. This study was aimed to determine factors influencing the availability of NASG in the management of PPH among midwives in Ekiti State. The study adopted an embedded mixed-method design. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting participants, a total of 164 midwives participated in the quantitative study and 11 in the key informant interview. Data were collected using self-structured questionnaire and interview guide, same were analyzed using chi-square version 25 and ATLAS ti version 9, level of a significant set at 5% (0.05). Results from the study show that Midwives' mean age was 37 ± 7.64, more than half 65.9% had (NASG) in their facilities while 34.1 claimed non availability in their facility, this corroborates with the result of the interview where majority showed availability of one to two garments, while few indicated non availability. Reasons for non-availability as stated by the participant include the following: lack of fund, cost of buying the garment, inadequate supply of the garment and availability of other methods of controlling PPH. There was a significant association between availability and utilization of NASG as the p-value gotten was 0.01 which is lesser than 0.05, the null hypothesis was therefore rejected. Conclusively, the availability of NASG for the management of PPH was on the average. It is recommended that government and hospital management of each facility should provide the garment for the management of PPH, regular seminar on the use of NASG and policies that will encourage continuous supply and utilization of NASG.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Lawrence Sao Babawo (Ph.D.), Bintu Sabur Janneh, Rashid Bundu Kpaka.
Page No : 27-46
|
Water, Sanitation, and Burden of Water-Related Diseases among Under-Five Children in Kenema City, Sierra Leone.
Abstract
Introduction: Water-related diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity among underfive children in low-income urban settings, driven by inadequate access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. In Sierra Leone, rapid urbanisation has intensified these risks, particularly in secondary cities such as Kenema, where WASH infrastructure remains limited.
Aim: This study assessed the prevalence, determinants, and impacts of water-related diseases among underfive children in selected communities in Kenema city, with an emphasis on water access, sanitation, hygiene practices, and prevention strategies.
Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 households with underfive children. Quantitative data were collected via structured household questionnaires that captured sociodemographic characteristics, water sources, sanitation facilities, hygiene practices, and childhood illness episodes. The data were analysed via SPSS version 28 via descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression at the 5% significance level. Qualitative data were obtained through five focus group discussions with caregivers and 15 key informant interviews with community leaders, health workers, and local officials. Thematic analysis was conducted via NVivo to contextualise the quantitative findings.
Results: Overall, 83.0% of households reported at least one episode of water-related disease among underfive children in the preceding 12 months, with diarrhea (31%), cholera (29%), and typhoid fever (26%) most frequently reported. The use of unimproved water sources (χ², p < 0.001), shared sanitation facilities (p = 0.002), the absence of handwashing with soap (p < 0.001), and walking ≥ 1 km to water sources (p = 0.01) were significantly associated with disease occurrence. In the multivariate analysis, a lack of household water treatment (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.5–3.9) and poor hand hygiene (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.9–5.0) were independently associated with elevated health risk. Recurrent illness episodes were linked to reported weight loss, reduced appetite, and delayed care seeking.
Conclusion: Water-related diseases, driven by structural WASH deficits and constrained hygiene practices, remain highly prevalent among children under five years of age in Kenema city. Integrated investments in safely managed water, sanitation, and community-centred hygiene interventions are essential to reduce recurrent childhood illness and associated nutritional and economic impacts.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Oluwaseun Chidera Ajayi (Ph.D.), Rosemary Esosa Ugoh, Ikeoluwa Abisola Ajayi (Ph.D.), Abimbola Obinna Ajayi (Ph.D.), Favour Obi-Nicholas Chinwe.
Page No : 47-60
|
Knowledge and Practices of Malaria Prevention Measures among Selected Communities in Abuja, Nigeria.
Abstract
Malaria remains a critical public health concern globally because it is linked to human practices and their living conditions. Malaria is a threat to more than 40% of the world's population. The role of household residents and communities cannot be overemphasized. Hence, the study examined the knowledge and practice of malaria prevention measures among selected peri-urban communities in Abuja. This study adopted cross-sectional survey research using quantitative methods of data collection. A multi-staged sampling technique was used to select 414 households in Abaji and Kuje peri-urban communities in Abuja, of which 385 household residents participated in the study. Research questions were formulated, and data were analysed using SPSS version 27 to compute descriptive statistics.
The majority of respondents (47.5%) are above the age of 36years with the mean age of 47.1± 19.8. Findings revealed that knowledge of malaria prevention among the participants was moderate, with participants having correct responses ranging from 59.2%-79.3% across important items for knowledge, like preventive measures, awareness of environmental risk factors, and barriers to malaria prevention and control. Also, practices of malaria prevention were generally high, since many participants reported using malaria prevention and treatment actions such as indoor spraying (32.6%), house cleaning (29.2%), and use of mosquito repellent devices (21.5%). However, the use of insecticide-treated nets was reportedly low (5.6%), and treatment practices such as antimalarial monotherapy and antimalarial combination therapy were varied across the study population.
In conclusion, while malaria prevention practices were considerably high, specific gaps in knowledge still exist. The researchers recommend that health education and community-based intervention be strengthened to improve knowledge and sustain the malaria prevention practices in peri-urban communities in Abuja.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Mark John S. Catalo.
Page No : 61-75
|
Critical Thinking, Self-Confidence, and Clinical Decision-Making in Managing Patient Deterioration Events Among Medical Surgical Staff Nurses in Selected Hospitals in Manila.
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to determine which nurse-related factors—specifically critical thinking, self-confidence, and selected demographic characteristics— significantly predict the clinical decision-making of medical-surgical nurses when managing patient deterioration.
Background: Patient deterioration in medical-surgical units poses a serious challenge to patient safety, often requiring prompt and sound clinical decision-making from nurses. While critical thinking and self-confidence are believed to influence nurses' decisions, few empirical studies have examined their predictive role, particularly in the Philippine hospital context.
Method: A predictive correlational research design was employed. Data were collected from 290 medical-surgical staff nurses working in selected level 2 and level 3 hospitals across Manila. Standardized instruments were used to measure critical thinking
(CTSAS), self-confidence (Hicks Scale), and clinical decision-making (CDMNS). Multiple linear regression (MLR) was used to identify significant predictors of clinical decision-making.
Results: The ten-variable full model significantly predicted clinical decision-making, F(10, 273) = 47.6, p < .001, with an adjusted R² of 0.677. A four-factor reduced model—consisting of critical thinking, self-confidence, prior rotation in non-medicalsurgical units, and previous rapid response team (RRT) training—retained similar explanatory power (adjusted R² = 0.676). Specifically, clinical decision-making scores increased with higher critical thinking (b = 0.280, p < .001), self-confidence (b = 1.124, p < .001), non-MS unit experience (b = 4.502, p = .005), and prior RRT training (b =
6.196, p < .001).
Conclusion: The study confirms that critical thinking and self-confidence are significant predictors of nurses’ clinical decision-making during patient deterioration events. Contextual factors, such as prior rotations and RRT-related training, also enhance decision-making capacity. These findings emphasizes the need for structured education and training programs that cultivate cognitive competence and experiential preparedness among medical-surgical nurses.
Implications: Nursing practice should incorporate simulation-based learning, mentorship, and scenario-based training to enhance nurses' critical thinking and confidence. Nurse educators and hospital administrators are encouraged to provide diverse clinical exposure and continuous professional development to strengthen decision-making skills vital for early recognition and management of patient
deterioration.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Akinola Ajoke B. (Ph.D.), Udoetuk Enobong N. I. (Ph.D.).
Page No : 76-93
|
Menopause and Andropause: A Literature Review.
Abstract
Menopause and andropause are states in which women and men respectively experience cessation (or just gradual reduction, in the case of andropause) of reproductive function, usually around middle age. As everyone who lives long enough will experience either one or the other, it is imperative that all persons be educated on the symptoms of both conditions and how to manage them effectively.
This literature review sought to gather information pertaining to menopause and andropause, their symptoms, and the management of those symptoms, in order to help readers better understand and prepare for their occurrence.
A search for articles on the Google Scholar and PubMed Central databases published from inception yielded the information on which this article is based. It was discovered that both menopause and andropause are typified by a number of symptoms, and that hormone replacement therapy is the most common treatment for both conditions. There are also non-pharmacological interventions which may ameliorate symptoms.
Therefore, with the information available on the management of the symptoms of menopause and andropause, it is possible to enjoy a high quality of life, despite the changes to one’s health that come with aging.
