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Abstract Introduction Physician-brief advice has been utilized in high-income countries to promote smoking cessation among cancer patients. Empirical evidence on its effectiveness among cancer patients in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is lacking. The gap could be due to inadequate training, and competing healthcare priorities, leading to insufficient implementation of targeted smoking cessation interventions in oncology settings. We undertook this scoping review to determine if physician-brief advice is effective in promoting smoking cessation among cancer patients in LMICs. Methods We conducted a literature search of all relevant articles across five databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Library (Tobacco Addiction Group trials), World Conference on Lung Cancer proceedings, PubMed, and Google Scholar up to November 2023, using pre-defined inclusion criteria and keywords. The study population was cancer survivors in LMICs, the intervention was smoking cessation advice by a physician in a clinic or oncology center during a consultation, and the outcome was the effect of smoking cessation programs in discontinuing smoking among cancer survivors in LMICs. Results Overall, out of every 10 cancer patients in LMICs, about seven were smokers, and one-half had received physician-brief advice for smoking cessation. Physician-brief advice was more likely to be delivered to patients with smoking-related cancer (Cohen’s d = 0.396). This means that there is a noticeable difference between patients with smoking-related cancer compared to those with cancer unrelated to smoking. Smoking cessation failure was due to the inability to cope with the symptoms of withdrawal, missed smoking cessation clinic visits, mental health disorders, limited time and resources, and minimal patient-physician contact. Conclusion There is very little literature on the frequency of use or the efficacy of physician-brief advice on smoking cessation in LMICs. The literature suggests that cancer patients in LMICs have low self-efficacy to quit smoking, and smoking cessation is rarely part of cancer care in LMICs. Physicians in LMICs should be trained to use motivational messages and good counseling techniques to improve smoking cessation among cancer patients. Policymakers should allocate the resources to implement physician-brief advice and design training programs for physicians focusing on physician-brief advice tailored to cancer patients.

Abstract Introduction Food insecurity is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the prevalence of household food insecurity and its associated factors among under-5 children in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods This was a cross-sectional household survey of 1,027 under-5 children and their caregivers in urban and rural slums in Ibadan. We used an electronic interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the Nigeria Demographic Health Survey and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale was used to report sociodemo-economic characteristics, food insecurity, and anthropometric measurement. The household food insecurity scale consisted of nine questions graded from 0 (Never) to 3 (Often) computed to determine the presence of food insecurity. Nutrition indices were computed, and the results were classified according to World Health Organization 2006 cut-off points. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between food insecurity and the independent variables. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the predictors of food insecurity (α = 0.05). Results The mean ages of the caregivers and under-5 children were 31.7 ± 7.47 years and 34.49 ± 15.8 months respectively. Overall, 530 (51.7%) children were females, and 765 (74.5%) had normal weight for height. In all, 195 (19.0%) households had food insecurity, while 832 (81.0%) households had food security (Chi-square = 103.364, p =

The acceptance of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine has been described as a gateway to attaining herd immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The critical role of community participation (CP) has been successfully demonstrated in previous vaccination programs globally. This perspective therefore aimed to describe how CP could be used to promote COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. To promote COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, it is required that a mapping of community assets, resources, civil-based organizations, and stakeholders is done to gain insight into the community culture and value in relation to COVID-19 vaccine. This will help to address the misconceptions while prompting COVID-19 vaccination sensitization activities that are relevant to each community. It is required that policy makers understand that the adoption of a comprehensive grassroots approach lends a voice to the community and helps to utilize community-initiated and community-driven ideas on promoting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

Background This study aimed to describe COVID-19 health literacy in urban and rural communities in Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to enroll adults from households in rural and urban communities in Akure, South-west Nigeria. Nine questions were asked on respondents’ health literacy, each arranged on a scale of “1” implying “very difficult” to “7” implying “very easy’. We defined good health literacy as cumulative scores ≥50 points, and poor health literacy as scores 40 years had nearly two times odds of having good COVID-19 health literacy (AOR = 1.640, 95%CI = 0.769-3.495, p = 0.200). In rural communities, people >40 years had nearly four times odds of having good COVID-19 health literacy (AOR = 3.523, 95%CI= 1.420 – 8.742, p = 0.017). Conclusion COVID-19 health education should be integrated into national health programs to address urban-rural differences in COVID-19 health literacy.

Background and Aim: There is insufficient information about the successfully managed Lassa fever (LF) patients in Nigeria. This study aimed to utilize the One Health approach to identify the risk factors for LF infection among LF patients who were managed and on follow-up at the Federal Medical Center, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 101 LF survivors who were managed and on follow-up at the Federal Medical Center. The data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The respondents were assessed for symptoms and factors that might have predisposed them to LF, and the data were analyzed with SPSS version 23 (IBM Corp., NY, USA). Those who had more than 3 identifiable risks were categorized as high risk. Descriptive statistics were done, and the association between sociodemographic characteristics and high risk was explored using Chi-square test. Results: The median age of the respondents was 33 years (8-85 years); 62 (61.4%) were male, and 93 (92.1%) have heard of LF before diagnosis. The perceived cause of LF infection among the respondents included the consumption of food contaminated by rats' feces among 57 (56.4%) persons, while 16 (15.8) attributed their infection to contact with LF-infected persons. Among the respondents with primary education and below, 5 (29.4%) were at higher risk for LF infection compared to 7 (8.3%) with secondary education and above (p=0.014). Conclusion: The mass media and other sources of information should be well-harnessed in the communication of risks and preventive practices for LF. Public information campaigns should be organized to discourage bush burning in affected communities.

The spread of Lassa Fever (LF) cases across international borders call for cross-board management and collaboration. This case report describes a laboratory-confirmed index case of LF in Kwara state, Nigeria. The case of LF in Kwara state was a 30-year-old woman who presented with a history of fever, headache, and abdominal pain and had been treated for malaria. On 13th February 2020, the Kwara State Ministry of Health was notified of a suspected case of LF. The case visited health facilities in Kwara state, Nigeria, and the Republic of Benin during her illness. Blood samples were obtained from her, and she was confirmed a positive LF case in the Republic of Benin. Although LF diagnosis is challenging, multisectoral collaboration and effective community engagement within the framework of the International Health Regulations is required to control the LF outbreak promptly.

Problematic internet use (PIU) has generally been strongly associated with depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, especially among adolescents, with resulting consequences for their health. This study explores the pattern of internet use, and the prevalence of PIU before and during the COVID-19 lockdown, as well as the causes, effects, and potential mitigation measures in respect of PIU during the lockdown, among high school students in Ibadan, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire, including a 20-question internet addiction test (IAT), was administered during the COVID-19 lockdown to 440 adolescents enrolled in high schools. Of these adolescents, 7.7% appeared from their responses to have had PIU before the COVID-19 lockdown period. However, 64.3% of respondents appeared from their responses to have had PIU during the COVID-19 lockdown period. The main reasons for the increased PIU were boredom, loneliness, idleness, pleasure gained from internet use, physical isolation, and the need for information and communication. The effects of PIU reported among the adolescents included reduced family intimacy, poor academic performance, loss of concentration, as well as internet abuse and risky sexual behaviour. To mitigate PIU among high school students, parental monitoring of adolescents, and their internet access and use, should be promoted. In addition, programmes should be organised by the media and academic institutions to keep adolescents engaged in productive tasks.

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) increase COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Objective: This study aimed to describe the interrelationship between NCD, COVID-19, and sociodemographic index (SDI) in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Methods: We extracted data from the global burden of disease (GBD) estimates. The GBD was used to estimate variations in epidemiologic data sources, model predictions, and 95% corresponding uncertainty intervals (UIs) for disability-adjusted life years (DALY). COVID-19 data were extracted and collated from web-based repositories as of December 18, 2020. We assessed the strength of association between the number of COVID-19 cases per thousand population, COVID-19 deaths, case-fatality rate, SDI, and DALY due to NCD using Pearson's correlation test. The level of statistical significance was P < 0.01. Results: Ghana's SDI of 0.56 and DALY% (95% UI) due to NCD of 40.66 (36.05–44.98) was the highest. Ghana had 177 COVID-19 cases/100,000 population while Niger has 11 cases/100,000 population as of December 18, 2020. Niger's SDI of 0.16 and DALY% (95% UI) due to NCD of 21.22 (16.72–25.6) were the minimum. We found a strong positive correlation between COVID-19 cases per thousand population and DALY due to NCD (r = 0.870, P

Abstract Background Aluminium nitrate and other aluminium-containing compounds have been demonstrated to cause several health challenges. Psidium guajava L) is a well known cultivated tree with hepatoprotective nature and radical scavenging ability. Methods Twenty-five (25) female Wistar rats with average weight of 195 g were grouped into five groups (n = 5), with their weights measured and recorded weekly throughout the period of 21 days of the research. Control (group A), 32.5 mg/kg AL only (group B), 30 mg/kg AL + 250 mg/kg PGLE (group C), 20 mg/kg AL + 500 mg/kg PGLE (group D) and 10 mg/kg AL + 750 mg/kg PGLE (group E). Histological examination of the liver was done using Hematoxylin and Eosin stain. Results Various degenerative changes were observed in the liver architecture following aluminum nitrate administration when compared with the control group. Significant regenerative changes similar to control were observed following administration of high dose of Psidium guajava. Conclusion The results obtained in this study revealed that aqueous extract of Psidium guajava leaves possess good hepato-protective properties.

Many essential health services have been paused because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure that adequate health delivery is not impeded during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aimed to describe the strategies for building health system resilience in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. The integration of COVID-19 care into routine healthcare delivery across African countries should be prioritized. Investment in human and material resources for the health sector should be prioritized by policymakers. Adequate community engagement should be prioritized across all communities in Africa. Investment in leadership development training across all health sectors would promote initiative-driven decision making and promote infection control practices in health facilities.

Covid-19 has affected many countries globally. Many countries have started vaccinating populations to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Ministries of Health and not-for-profit organizations in African countries have been responsive towards providing their citizens with evidence related to the COVID-19 vaccine. However, vaccine hesitancy continues to threaten the achievement of the required herd immunity to reduce the burden of the disease for many countries. Therefore, interventions to build COVID-19 vaccine trust among populations are critical. Firstly, the engagement of community stakeholders and social influencers is important to address misconceptions about vaccines and debunk social media misinformation. Secondly, information on the COVID-19 vaccine should be simplified for all groups of the population, to ensure that people are not deprived of access to health information and the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This article aimed to describe COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates, causes, effects, and strategies for improving COVID-19 vaccine uptake in selected countries in Africa.

Background: Tobacco smoking is a global public health challenge, resulting in an estimated loss of 1.4 trillion United States Dollars (USD), a preventable risk that can be achieved through tobacco cessation services. The study, therefore, aimed to review the most frequently used methods employed by healthcare workers (HCWs) in providing tobacco cessation services and reported challenges in Africa. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using five electronic databases (PubMed, Base, PsychInfo, Google Scholar, and African Journal Online) for published studies on HCW’s practices and challenges on tobacco cessation in Africa. We adopted a three-stage methodology to conduct the study, which identified articles using pre-defined key terms, screened articles to remove duplicates, and excluded irrelevant articles after reading the manuscripts’ titles and abstracts. Results: We reviewed articles and found that 35.0% to 83.0% of HCWs frequently asked their patients to quit smoking. Also, 14.9% of HCWs assisted smoking cessation among their patients, among whom 3.9% prescribed oral depressants and 2.8% prescribed Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Further, 17.0% of HCWs had guidelines to help patients to cease smoking. Challenges were lack of efficacy and training, lack of system support, low sense of responsibility by some physicians to incorporate the smoking cessation therapy to their patients, lack of attractive educational resources on smoking cessation, limited knowledge on effective intervention strategies, lack of guidelines, lack of specialists for smoking cessation, and unavailability of NRT. Conclusion: Follow-up should be commenced and intensified by HCWs for smoking cessation among tobacco smokers.

'Background: 'This study aimed to describe community members’ willingness to participate in COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in a Southwestern state in Nigeria. '''Methods: 'We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Community members aged 15 years and above were studied using a multi-stage sampling technique. One question each was asked on respondents’ willingness for COVID-19 testing, contact disclosure, and willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were conducted on willingness for COVID-19 testing, contact disclosure and taking the COVID-19 vaccine. Multivariate logistic analyses were performed on variables that were significant at the bivariate level. P-values

INTRODUCTION: More cases of COVID-19 continue to be reported in Nigeria. Level of knowledge could prompt individuals to take precautionary measures and reduce the spread. This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge of community members in Ibadan on COVID-19. METHODS: using a descriptive cross-sectional study design, an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from adult community members. Multistage sampling methods were used to select respondents from four local government areas (LGAs). Knowledge scores of causes, mode of spread, signs and symptoms and preventive measures were computed. Scores above the mean were categorized as satisfactory. Bivariate chi-square test and binary logistic regression were performed on respondents´ characteristics and knowledge of COVID-19. RESULTS: respondents interviewed were 480 with a median age of 32 years (range: 18-80 years), 191 (39.8%) aged between 25 and 34 years. Females were 275 (57.3%), 18 (3.8%) have never heard of COVID-19. The main source of information was radio 88.1% and television 54.3%. In all the knowledge domains 200 (43.3%) had satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19. Respondents in Ibadan North-West LGA had five times odds [OR=5.23 (95%CI=2.87-9.54)] of having satisfactory knowledge of COVID-19 while respondents in Ibadan North-East LGA had three times odds [OR=3.35 (95%CI=1.85-6.09)] compared to those in Ibadan South East LGA. CONCLUSION: an evenly dissemination strategy of COVID-19 information across the communities is required. More sensitization and health education sessions should be broadcast on the radio and television. Regular COVID-19 broadcast is required to improve the knowledge level of community members.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the massive shortcomings of health systems globally, particularly in Nigeria with weak healthcare infrastructure, high population, and chronic high morbidity and mortality from the double burden of infectious and non-infectious causes. Many routine and elective services were suspended or withdrawn, and existing delivery approaches adapted to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic across all the states in Nigeria. Preventive programs such as screening were completely suspended. The vaccination schedules were missed for many children due to the closure of the immunization clinics. Many Nigerian children being liable to infections, alongside a reduction in the possibility of child survival. Funds to manage the COVID-19 pandemic were donated from internal organizations and corporate agencies. However, the modalities involved in the disbursement of these funds were not publicly revealed by the Nigerian government. Therefore, we recommend optimal allocation of inadequate health resources in ways that maximize health care delivery benefits to the greatest number of people, give priority to the worst off, ensure equality and promote continued care provision for non-COVID-19 conditions, including pregnancy and chronic conditions. To ensure the improved trust of Nigerians and donor agencies and organizations, accountability on all funds should be ensured by the Nigerian government. For this cause, such funds should be committed into the hands of trustworthy and expert finance managers and infectious disease experts.

'Introduction:' Public health safety measures have been advocated for towards the effective containment of COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the effects of public health safety measures (PHSM) implemented during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. 'Methods:' We conducted a retrospective analysis of the COVID-19 control measures implemented across Africa. We extracted and collated data on COVID-19 cases, deaths, and stringency level (SL) from online data repositories between 18 July, 2020 and 18 December, 2020 in Africa. 'Results:' In the South African region, COVID-19 cases increased when there was partial closure of work sectors (SL = 41.67), but decreased with complete closure of work sectors (SL=46.30) in South Africa. In North Africa, COVID-19 cases increased when there was limited contact tracing (SL = 23.15), but decreased with comprehensive contact tracing (SL = 75.00) in Tunisia. In West Africa, COVID-19 cases increased when there was partial school closure (SL = 50.93), but decreased with complete school closure (SL = 65.74) in Nigeria. In East Africa, COVID-19 cases increased when contact tracing was limited (SL = 28.70), but decreased with comprehensive contact tracing (SL = 51.85) in Sudan. In Central Africa, COVID-19 cases increased when there was partial school closure (SL = 43.52), but decreased with complete school closure (SL = 56.48) in Congo. 'Conclusion:' PHSM should be intensified to ensure the effective containment of COVID-19 in Africa. Evidence-based decisions should be made by policy makers and contextualized in each African country as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has resulted in many cases of morbidity and mortality across the globe, and the lack of the COVID-19 vaccine has contributed greatly to this experience. COVID-19 vaccines have currently been rolled out, and are available in some countries. However, strategies need to be put in place to prevent COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (VH) especially in Africa; a continent where VH has been previously reported following the introduction of new vaccines. For this cause, we, therefore, recommend optimal community involvement in the structure and modalities for the delivery of the prospective COVID-19 vaccine. Also, feedback mechanisms for the acknowledgement of community efforts in previous health interventions should be improved upon to encourage the acceptance of the prospective COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, improved multi-sectoral collaboration should be initiated and promoted to enhance the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines through the provision of more resources required to address COVID-19 VH. Furthermore, integration of the COVID-19 vaccine into the routine immunization schedule would strengthen the health system, improve uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine, and improve the health of all persons living on the African continent.

Rapid transmission of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and resulting fatalities necessitated the closure of educational institutions in March 2020, and affected nearly 1.6 billion learners globally. However, presently lockdown measures have been lifted, and resumption of physical learning in schools has commenced. At this notable period, it is pertinent to ensure the safety of in-school adolescents from COVID-19 while preventing the risk of further transmission of COVID-19 in school settings. Therefore, we recommend adherence to the reduction of contact between in-school adolescents during school hours. The provision of handwashing equipment such as soap, clean water, bucket(s), and disposable tissue papers positioned at different points should be ensured in schools, with the modalities for such practice exemplified on information, education, and communication materials. Also, maintaining a minimal physical distance of 1m, use of face masks, regular hand washing and disinfection of classrooms, toilet facilities, and surfaces must be ensured among teachers and other school personnel would contribute effectively to the safety of in-school adolescents while schools have reopened amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lockdown measure in Nigeria has been effective in reducing COVID-19 transmission, with the closure of schools, restricted movements, and recommended homestays. In spite of these benefits, the COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in varying levels of distress among individuals. This letter-to-the-editor aimed to describe the prevalence of domestic violence amid the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as strategies for reducing its effects. The social, economic, and financial distress experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown period between March and July, 2020 has increased the prevalence of domestic violence. The financial difficulty associated with the lockdown has been known to precipitate stress and frustration, and subsequent negative coping mechanisms such as substance abuse and depression; all of which are baseline triggers for domestic violence. Domestic violence could result in impaired mental health states and internet addiction among vulnerable population groups especially women and adolescents. To abate these and other untold consequences of the COVID-19 lockdown, we recommend that support systems, such as counselling and psychotherapy sessions, should be instituted for victims of violence, while legislation are implemented for justice to be served to the perpetrators of violence. Also, social safety nets such as food and cash supply should be provided to low-income members of the population to overcome the economic burden which may culminate in violence amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has disrupted health systems globally and locally. The increasing number of COVID-19 positives has overwhelmed healthcare facilities and health workers. Home-based care (HBC) is a new norm in the management of COVID-19 positives. We aimed to give insight into the HBC of COVID-19 positives in Nigeria. Methods: We conducted a descriptive review of the existing literature and summarized the authors' opinions regarding HBC in Nigeria. Results: HBC has increasingly gained recognition for the management of COVID-19 positives. The HBC of COVID-19 positives provides the opportunity for patient management under an atmosphere of emotional, physical, and spiritual fulfillment as required for quick recovery. Guidelines have been developed for HBC of COVID-19 positives; however, negligence to these measures has been noted. Conclusion: To ensure compliance and harness HBC's benefits, community leaders, religious organizations, civil-based organizations, and opinion leaders should be actively involved in HBC activities. Also, enforcement authorities such as the Civil Defence Corps could help to improve adherence to HBC restrictions.

The Human Resources for Health (HRH) are one of the major building blocks of any health system. Shortage of HRH has however been observed in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the COVID-19 context, medical students could serve as a pool of person-power for contact tracing and to develop capacity in epidemiology and disease surveillance. Their understanding of their community makes them effective in advocacy, activism, social mobilization and risk communication. Lessons should be learnt through the identification of contextual methodology to develop the untapped capacity of HRH in outbreak preparedness and response by involving more students and other stakeholders. This will ultimately help in reducing the disparity between developed and developing countries’ health system and health event outcomes.

Background: The declaration of COVID-19 as a public health emergency by the World Health Organization necessitated countries across the globe to implement response and mitigation measures. We aimed to assess the Nigerian government's response following six months of detection of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Methods: A narrative review of existing literature on the topic was done. The authors' opinion as experts supporting the COVID-19 pandemic response was included. The review and opinion were summarized, covering six months of the outbreak response in Nigeria. Results: Contact tracing commenced after identifying the index case of COVID-19 in Nigeria but has been faced with challenges such as inadequate equipment and shortage of funds. School closure was implemented barely three weeks after detecting the index case, but the resumption of terminal classes has been announced recently. The Nigerian government implemented restrictions on gatherings involving up to 11 people after three weeks following the detection of the index case of COVID-19. The lack of enforcement and supervision of gatherings and public events made many individuals disregard the restriction measures. Lockdowns on religious gatherings and public events have been recently eased nationwide, and regulatory measures have been put in place. The Nigerian government implemented bans on international travel from all countries, especially high-risk countries. However, the existence of porous borders limited success, which could have been obtained from the travel ban. Conclusion: COVID-19 mitigation measures should be implemented and reinforced as required nationwide and get provided the needed support. References • World Health Organization. COVID-19 public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) global research and innovation forum, 2020 February 12. In: WHO 2020. 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