Search

Background Vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a cost-effective mitigation strategy against the pandemic. As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more available, low uptake is now a global threat and understanding the underpinnings in local contexts is a priority for intervention development. We aimed to evaluate behavioural determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance that could inform engagement strategies to improve vaccine uptake in Makoko, an urban slum in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods A population-based case–control study utilized the barrier analysis (BA) approach to evaluate the beliefs and behaviours of 45 'doers' and 45 'non-doers'. The standardized BA tabulation sheet was used to assess differences in the proportions between the two groups to identify significant factors that could be addressed through a behaviour change strategy. Results Perceived social norms (family, friend, healthcare workers) that approve the vaccine and expected vaccine protection against diseases among doers were determinants of behaviour. Perceived poor accessibility, safety concerns, lack of trust, low vaccine efficacy and low susceptibility to the infection were the most important determinants of behaviour among non-doers. Conclusions Measures to improve COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Makoko should include improvement in accessibility and exposing myths and misinformation through clear, concise and evidence-based community education delivered by trusted persons such as healthcare workers and religious leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monkeypox/Mpox is an Orthopoxvirus infection of the skin and mucous membranes in the same family as smallpox virus. Infection mainly affects the skin, but the eyes, lungs, brain, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs may also be involved to varying degrees. This narrative review on the systematic and dermatologic impact of Mpox is meant for healthcare workers, providers of social services, community leaders, religious leaders, staff of schools, influencers, and institutions. This is in a bid to bring them up to date with the clinical protocol involved in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of the spread of Mpox. Data and other pieces of information used in this review were accessed from PubMed, Google Scholar, and situation reports from the website of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The search date was from 1980 to May 2022. Prompt recognition and diagnosis were found to be predicated on a high index of clinical suspicion while diagnosis can be confirmed through viral DNA polymerase chain reaction tests. The management of Mpox involves a multidisciplinary approach with Dermatologists playing a central role alongside other specialists and experts as it affects diagnosis, management, and follow-up. The Government should provide an enabling environment for surveillance, notification, and research of this global infection. Since the clinical presentation of Mpox is regularly changing, a regular review of the available guidelines is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Albinism is a genetic disorder of pigmentation with variable phenotypic presentations. Albinism occurs all over the world, with highest prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. The most common type is oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), an autosomal recessive disorder. Albinism is associated with morbidity and mortality in Africans. This study aims to describe the epidemiology of OCA, clinical expressions, and effect on the quality of life (QoL). Methods: Individuals with albinism were invited through the albino foundations and dermatology clinic of Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Structured questionnaires were used to document demographic and clinical data: occupational history, sun exposure, sun protective behavior, knowledge of adverse effects of sun exposure, and QoL and features of photodamage. Results: A total of 142 Nigerians with albinism were recruited. The male to female ratio was 1:1.25. The median age was 22.5 and interquartile range 10.25 to 34. Knowledge of need for sun protection was found in 129 (90.8%): 81 (57%) had daily sun exposure and 61 (43%) had work exposure to sun. Use of sun protection was noted in 103 (72.5%). Overall, photodamage was found in 136 subjects (95.8%). Mean effect of albinism and photodamage on QoL was 6.34 ± 4.47 (standard deviation) corresponding to moderate effect on QoL and domain of "symptoms and feelings" was most affected. Conclusion: The prevalence of photodamage among people with albinism is high despite knowledge of sun protection. There is need for efforts on photoprotection by individuals with albinism and public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To document the epidemiological, clinical characteristics, believed triggers and associated behaviour in hair greying. Design: A community based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in February 2020 following ethical approval and written informed consent from participants. All participants were clinically evaluated for hair greying, its pattern and location on the scalp. Socio-demographic data were documented. Data was entered and analyzed using the IBM statistics software version 22. Numerical and categorical variables are presented. Setting: The study was conducted at an urban market in Lagos, Nigeria. Participants: The study participants comprised 307 adult traders. Results: The mean age of the 307 participants studied was 42.7±12.8 years. The prevalence of hair greying was 47.6% (51% in males and 45.9% in females). The median (IQR) age of those with grey hair was 52 (44, 59) years. The prevalence of hair greying was 14.8% in those aged 30-34 years and 97.2% in those aged 60 years and above. The prevalence of premature greying was 17.7% and greying before friends and family members was reported at 19.9% and 13%, respectively. Grey hair was diffuse in 81.5%; localized to the frontal area of the scalp in 55.5%. Use of hair dye was noted in 15.8%. Conclusion: Hair greying is common in the study population. The age at onset is 30 years. Premature hair greying is uncommon in Nigeria. More epidemiological studies of hair greying especially of premature hair greying are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Mycetoma is a neglected disease, which is socioeconomically important, and with the possibility of permanent disability in infected persons if not treated early. This is especially true in resource-limited settings such as West Africa, where there is a lack of facilities and skilled personnel to make a definitive laboratory diagnosis. Countries in West Africa have similar climatic conditions to Sudan. The majority of patients seek medical care very late, when there is already bone involvement, resulting in amputations. This results in poor capture of the true burden of the problem in the literature. Methods A review of the literature revealed about 2685 documented cases in West Africa from 1929 to 2020; from 15 out of 16 countries, Senegal accounted for 74.1% (1943) of cases in the subregion. Results The majority of lesions were found on the foot; however, other body parts were also reported. Rural dwellers accounted for most cases. Only 547 (20.4%) cases had identified isolates reported. Actinomycetoma accounted for 47.9% of cases, eumycetoma 39.7% and unidentified pathogens 12.4%. Actinomadura pelletieri was the predominant pathogen isolated (21.4%; 117 isolates). Conclusion There is a dire need for capacity building, provision of facility and health education to raise awareness of this debilitating disease in West Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tattoo, a Polynesian word meaning ' to mark', is a form of body modification done by inserting indelible ink into the dermis to change its pigmentation. Tattoos are done for social, cultural, and religious purposes. It has been in existence since the 18th century and was associated with sailors, lower class individuals, and criminals. However, since the late 20th century, tattooing has undergone a redefinition and shifted to an acceptable form of expression all over the world, including Nigeria, cutting across almost all age groups and socioeconomic class. This review is aimed at highlighting the indication, complications arising from the procedure as well as removal, and how to manage them. The dermatological complications associated with tattoos can occur either during inking or attempts at removal. Most times, tattoos are obtained through unsafe means by unauthorized personnel, and this is associated with numerous health risks. Of particular importance to the dermatologists are the hypersensitivity reactions, granulomatous skin disease, and formation of both keloid and hypertrophic scars. Treatment options vary and include use of silicone gel and intralesional steroids for hypertrophic and keloid scars, topical medication for hyperpigmentation, and use of LASER for tattoo removal. In conclusion, the trend of tattooing has become a widely accepted form of social expression all over the world and is gradually gaining ground in Nigeria. Patients frequently present to the dermatologists and physicians for solutions to the complications. It is important to proffer solutions and educate patients on the various health risks associated with tattooing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]