Adedamola Olutoyin Onyeaso, Chikamaram O. Okino, Chukwudi O. Onyeaso

Introduction: Considering the enormous impact of the highly infectious COVID-19 Pandemic on human existence and the place of the knowledge of this disease for its effective control, as well as the important role of health educators in this aspect, this study aimed at assessing the knowledge of COVID-19 Pandemic of some undergraduate students of Human Kinetics and Health Education in Nigeria, who are student-teachers and health educators. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire survey of 223 students and 202 of them – 64(31.7%) males and 138 (68.3%) females, correctly filled and returned the questionnaire. Using the SPSS, the data was analysed descriptively and the paired samples t-test used to test the hypotheses with significance level set at P<0.05. Results: On average, 62.6% of the participants had good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 Pandemic, while 74.9% had good knowledge of the transmission of the disease. The participants significantly had good knowledge of COVID-19 Pandemic (P<0.05), while the female gender significantly had better COVID-19 Pandemic knowledge (P<0.05). Conclusion/Recommendation: The participants significantly have good knowledge of COVID-19 Pandemic with the female gender significantly having better knowledge. A national survey would be worthwhile involving more variables such as the omicron variant, socio-economic status, educational level, vaccines and age influence for purposes of health education and promotion.

Dhaneswar Chandro Sarkar

Menstrual regulation (MR) is often utilized as a substitute for abortion in Bangladesh. Despite the remarkable reduction of maternal mortality, unsafe and untimely menstrual regulation (MR) remains a major women health problem in Bangladesh. This study attempts to assess the knowledge, attitude and identify the determinants of MR among ever-married women in Bangladesh. Data for this study have been extracted from the nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017-2018 and uni-variate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed. The findings show that the knowledge of MR is 74.1% among ever-married women in Bangladesh. Therein, the knowledge of MR is highest (58.5%) among women aged 30 years or above and lowest among those women aged less than 20 years (5.7%). Women are less likely to have MR if they are from Chittagong (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.68-0.91, p < 0.001) and Khulna (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.57-0.76, p < 0.001) divisions. Women are more likely to have MR if they are completed primary (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.28-1.59, p < 0.001), secondary (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.65-2.12, p < 0.001) and higher (OR: 3.34, 95% CI: 2.72-4.10, p < 0.001) education. Results also show that women are more likely to have MR if they are from high (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.13-1.53, p < 0.001) socio-economic status (SES) group, having contraception of traditional method (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08-1.40, p < 0.001) and modern method (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.23, p < 0.001) and being worked (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.31-1.53, p < 0.001). Finally, health policy should prioritize in reducing spatial and socioeconomic inequalities in relation to MR services by ensuring knowledge of accessibility and availability of MR services, especially in suburban divisions in Bangladesh.

Tunmise Tope Oladipe, Patrick Ojeifor Uadia

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the endocrine disrupting chemicals, to which humans are continuously exposed. Most studies that have reported its human health hazards have focused on the general population, and only a few studies have associated occupational exposures to BPA with adverse health outcomes. This study compared the association between serum concentrations of BPA in occupationally and non-occupationally exposed adults with their lipid profiles. Serum samples obtained from occupationally exposed adults (n=46) and non-occupationally exposed adults (n=23), were analysed for BPA, using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), atherogenic index (AI) Body Mass Index (BMI) were also determined. The result revealed a statistically non-significant higher mean serum BPA concentration in the occupationally (BPA) exposed group (3.30±1.46ng/ml) compared with the non-occupationally exposed group (0.05±0.01ng/ml). No significant differences were found between the occupationally exposed group and the control group for serum TC, TGs, LDL-c, AI, malondialdehyde (MDA) and body mass index (BMI). However there was a significantly lower serum HDL-c (p=0.003) in the occupationally exposed group compared with the non-occupationally exposed control group. In addition there was a statistically significant association between longer duration of exposure to BPA and higher serum TC and AI among the occupationally exposed individuals. In conclusion the study revealed that a higher serum BPA level is associated with lower serum HDL-c among occupationally exposed individuals.

Dr. Shankar Prasad Bhattacharya

Md. Shahariar Khan, Md. Rahimullah Miah, Manjur Hossain, Mashreky Md Isha, Tania Hussain, Mohammad Basir Uddin, Sultana Begum, Syed Moosa M. A. Quaium

Background: Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs) are the most important causes of mortality and morbidity in children. There are so many children suffering from repeated lower respiratory infections (RLRIs). A huge number of congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are responsible for RLRIs but these could not be identified due to deficiencies of proper checkup, diagnostic availabilities, routinely follow-up and much awareness. The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between the repeated Lower Respiratory Tract Infection and CHD. Methodology: The method of the study was prospective observational studies completed at the Department of Paediatrics in Private Medical College Hospital within 6 months from 1^st January 2021 to 30^th June 2021. Total 100 cases of RLRIs were selected and data were taken from history, clinical and laboratory study observations. Results: Out of them 43% of cases were recognized as CHD which are linked to RLRI and residual 57% cases were exclusively RLRI with no CHD. Conclusion: From the study, there are a significant number of correlations between the congenital heart disease and repeated lower respiratory infection. So, the repeated lung infections can be prevented by early identification and adequate treatment of CHD, which is a significant cause of RLRI. The study explores future research trajectories for development of physical condition in children for correct diagnosis and prevention of frequent attack by ideal management.

E. C. Merem, Y. A. Twumasi, J. Wesley, D. Olagbegi, M. Crisler, C. Romorno, M. Alsarari, P. Isokpehi, M. Alrefai, S. Ochai, E. Nwagboso, S. Fageir, S. Leggett

The West African region as an emerging frontier in untapped natural resource market is now at the receiving end of illegal shipment of unwanted Electronic waste (E-waste) to vulnerable populations in different countries. Like many areas in the global south, West Africa finds itself in an unwanted place as the preferred graveyard for dumping these items. Besides, many view the trade in second hand electronic items as fiscal gold mine with greater potentials to improve the welfare of citizens in West Africa. This comes under the guise of trading in used shipments from Europe and the US for the purposes of creating new jobs in the West African region, despite the unlawful nature. Given the overall public health risks to those drawn to the sector in lieu of life-threatening exposure to ailments and ecosystem degradation. The receiving nations like Nigeria, Ivory coast, and Ghana have not only endured widespread risks to their water sources in areas adjacent to dump sites. But, over the past years, E-waste operations have grown to troubling proportions in the region as the abandoned components littered in local landfills undercut the aesthetic beauty of cities. With people unaware of the hazards, scavengers, haulers, and technicians regularly exposed to doses of E-waste contaminants face serious health problems. Just as the exposures to E-waste chemicals trigger the hospitalization of victims across West Africa, little has been done to assess the frequency of the problems and the ecological impacts using mix scale techniques. For that, this enquiry will fill that void by assessing the state of E-wastes and the risks in the West African region with emphasis on the issues, trends, impacts, factors, and efforts using secondary data connected to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and descriptive statistics to track the patterns. The results show increases in the volume of E-waste dumping in the region over the years with impacts on the ecosystem coupled with public health risks. The GIS mapping of the trends pinpointed spatial dispersion of risks and stressors across different clusters of areas in the zone with the problems linked to factors ranging from socio-economic variables, policy, and physical forces. For remedy, the paper proffered various solutions such as effective laws, regular monitoring, sectoral reforms, public enlightenment program and the design of a regional E-waste information system.

Alamgir Adil Samdany, Md. Rahimullah Miah, Shankar Kumar Roy, Abdul Gani Ahsan, Baqi Billah

Background: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an important structure for maintaining stability of the knee joint, particularly in activities involving weaving, pivoting or kicking, which is the normal biomechanics of the knee. It is the most commonly injured knee ligament. The purpose of this study is to find out the commonest cause of ACL injury and the age group involved in our community. Whether the time gap between injury and treatment has any impact in the prognosis after ACL reconstruction. The knee becomes unstable with a ruptured ACL and the joint may become more damaged over time. ACL reconstruction is the surgical treatment of choice. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted at the department of orthopaedics in North East Medical College Hospital over a period of 8 years. About 200 admitted patients had ACL reconstruction done during this time. Data were collected in respect to patient’s profile, diagnosis and ACL rupture records. All patients were stratified by primary and secondary tears, age, sex, side of injury, activity level and graft type of reconstruction. Results: The study showed that about 67% of male and 33% female patients had ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation. The study also represented that ACL rupture patients were more in 2013 but it is reduced in 2018 due to increase individual’s awareness. From 2012 to 2019, the 200 individual ACL reconstructions were done by two specialist surgeons. The age group was between 16 to 51 yrs. Most of the injuries were sports related. Many of them were household injuries. Only few accounted for accidental injuries. Conclusion: The incidence of ACL tears in orthopaedics patients increased over the last 8 years. Females were at higher risk except in the 17 to 18-year-old group. Peak incidence is noted during high school years. Allografts continued to be associated with a greater risk of secondary ACL injuries. Nonoperative treatment carried more risk of contralateral tears than ACLR. These data help target the most at-risk patients for ACL prevention programs.

S. Sultana, J. Ferdous, M. M. Haque

The radioactivity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in medicinal plants commonly used in Bangladesh were measured using High-purity Germanium gamma spectrometry. The potential radiation hazards associated with these medicinal plants were assessed by evaluating the absorbed dose rate, radium equivalent activity, external hazard index, annual effective absorbed dose and annual effective ingestion dose. The activity concentrations in the studied medicinal plants ranged from 4.12±2.46 to 28.22±7.84 Bq/kg, 3.02±1.60 to 17.62±6.48 Bq/kg and 363.0±36.4 to 1097.1±209.9 Bq/kg for ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K with the mean values of 12.65±5.20, 7.38±3.45, and 661.1±202.6 Bq/kg, respectively. The average annual committed effective doses for ingestion of natural radionuclides ranged from 6.29±1.24 to 18.17±4.64 µSv with an average value of 11.46±2.57 µSv, which is far below the world average value of 285 µSv/y reported by UNSCEAR 2000. This is the first time measurement of natural radioactivity of medicinal plants in Bangladesh. The present results are, therefore, expected to provide the baseline data for settling a safety standard and guideline for the utilization of these medicinal herbs in Bangladesh.

Cynthia Oluchi Okorie, Philip Etabee Bassey, Nuria S. Nwachuku, Antor O. Ndep

Heading: Perceived determinants of domestic violence and the strategies for its prevention in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, South East Nigeria. Background: Domestic violence (DV) also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV) is considered a norm, tolerated, and often veiled in a culture of silence in Nigeria. Understanding of the contextual socio-cultural factors fueling this practice in patriarchal societies may help set the tone for addressing it. Objectives: This study aimed at determining adults’ perceptions on intimate partner violence and a trend analysis of reported cases between 2013-2016 in Orlu. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study involving a total of 440 subjects (220 men and women) was conducted. The study also included review of documented incidents of DV/IPV reported to the police between 2013 and 2016 in the study area. Results: All 440(100%) respondents agreed that disobeying or ‘talking back’ to the male partner were major causes of domestic violence. Unemployment, 435(98.9%), refusing to have sex, 419(95.2%) and delay in serving meals, 380(96.4%), alcohol influence, 310(62.5%), suspicion of infidelity, 300(68.2%), and disagreement over finances, 275(62.5%) were also important contributory factors. Reviewed police records indicated steady increase in reported IPV incidents from 79(20.3%) in 2013 to 185(47.6%) in 2016. Effective communication between partners 440(100.0%) could help reduce the trend. More respondents, 271(61.6%) suggested that victims should quit the relationship, while 251(57.1%) opined that reporting incidents of DV/IPV to the police could act as a deterrent. Conclusions: Female partners were usually the victims of DV/IPV. Police records show increasing trends in DV/IPV however, none of the offenders were prosecuted. Criminalizing DV/IPV offences and ensuring victims obtain justice could help reduce this upward trend.

Mahmoud Al-Masaeed, Abdulaziz Al-Motiry, Rawan Alsababha, Muhammad Alqudah, Khaldoun Ismail, Mansour Al-Soud, Irniza Binti Rasdi

Today, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a major challenge to the world and drastically affected the healthcare system itself. This deadly virus is highly contagious and have significant clinical implications that may results in continuous death across the globe. It is very much important that the pathogenicity and clinical implications of this virus is understood as that will help in the preventive measures to be taken in controlling the high rate of dead being faced across some countries. Our knowledge on COVID-19 is still quite limited despites the unprecedented efforts by scientists and clinical researchers over the last few months of the virus out breaking. Thus, this paper reviewed the current literature about the virus features, infectivity, pathogenicity and clinical implications that hinder the clinical diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2.