Environmental Sanitation Practices: A Case Study of Solid Waste Management in Semi-Urban Communities in Orlu, Imo State Nigeria

Background: Environmental sanitation is a fundamental process that is a key public health intervention which is essential for social, economic and overall health development of communities. Objective: To determine Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Environmental Sanitation in Semi-Urban Communities in Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive design using a multistage random sampling technique to select 426 participants from households and business premises in semi-urban communities in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State. Data was collected using a pretested, semi structured, interviewer administered questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were done with frequencies and summary statistics to assess the respondents’ knowledge, attitude and practices of environmental sanitation. Results: The results revealed that the mean age of the respondents’ was 37.0 ± 2.2 with a male to female ratio of 1:1.2. Despite high awareness about environmental sanitation (95.0%) reported among the respondents, proportion of them with good knowledge about environmental sanitation (22.9%), attitude (38.6%) and practice (20.8%) towards environmental sanitation was low. The mean quantity of waste generated per week per household or business premise was 14.1 ± 0.94 kg with a majority of the respondents (80.0%), not separating their waste before disposal. The commonest solid waste component generated was organic/perishable materials (74.8%) and the commonest disposal practice reported was open dumping (49.8%). Conclusion: A lot of attention is still required in the development of basic sanitation infrastructure and also, in the promotion of strategies or interventions that influence behavioural change towards environmental sanitation especially in developing countries like Nigeria.

Health Care Seeking Behaviour and Predictors of Combined Orthodox and Traditional Health Care Utilization among Households in Communities in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Background: Health care seeking behaviour is a complex, dynamic and multidimensional process that involves a sequence of remedial actions that are influenced by the interaction between the individual, household and community with the intention of addressing perceived ill health. Objective: To determine health care seeking attitude and behaviour and the predictors of combined orthodox and traditional health care use among households in communities in Owerri, Imo State. Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional design that used a multistage random sampling technique to select 500 participants from households in two communities in Owerri, Imo State. Data was collected using a pretested, semi structured questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were done with frequencies and summary statistics. Chi square statistics were computed to determine significant relationships and binary logistic regression was used to determine predictors of combined use. P was set at 0.05 significance level. Results: The results revealed that, while just more than half of the respondents (56.4%) had a moderate to good level of overall knowledge of health care, almost all of the respondents (96.2%) also had a moderate to good level of overall positive attitude towards seeking health care;with less than one third (29.4%) using combined orthodox and traditional health care treatments. It further revealed that, respondents who were female, traders and from households of polygamous families were significantly more likely to use combined orthodox and traditional health care treatments (p < 0.05) while those with a tertiary level of education, from households with a professional as head, having private water closet toilets and earning a monthly income of more than 50,000 Naira ($140) were significantly less likely to use combined orthodox and traditional health care treatments (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There is a need to be more sensitive to the realities of the combined use of orthodox and traditional treatments, as its use will be difficult to prevent because this behaviour is rooted in the traditional and cultural belief system of our societies.

Knowledge, Attitude and the Prevalence of HIV Counselling and Testing among Secondary In-School Adolescents in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria

Background: Adolescence is a period of vulnerability with the onset of multiple risky behaviour which exposes them to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and as such, the timely introduction and uptake of strategies like HIV Counselling and Testing will reduce transmission and provide access to preventive services. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and prevalence of HIV Counselling and Testing among secondary in-school adolescents in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional analytical study design was used that selected students aged 13 - 19 years in senior classes SS1 to SS3 attending secondary schools. Data was collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were done with frequencies and summary statistics. Chi square statistic was computed and p value was set at 0.05 significant level. Results: Though most of the respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS (99%) and HIV Counselling and Testing (92%), the majority of the respondents had a poor level of overall knowledge (61%) and attitude (70%) towards HIV Counselling and Testing. The prevalence of HIV Counselling and Testing amongst the respondents was very low (7%). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant relationship between the level of overall knowledge and level of overall attitude towards HIV Counselling and Testing (p Conclusion: Identifying and closing the gaps in their knowledge and attitude towards HIV Counselling and Testing, will form the basis for the introduction of adolescent-tailored strategies that will further encourage and improve voluntary and confidential uptake of HIV Counselling and Testing among the adolescents.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Food Hygiene among Food Vendors in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Background: Food vendors play a critical food safety role in the “farm to plate” continuum that is necessary for the prevention and control of food borne diseases and therefore, any lack of its understanding by the food vendors poses a serious challenge to food safety. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and hygienic practices of food vendors in Owerri town of Imo State, Nigeria. Methods: The study was a Cross-Sectional descriptive design that used a proportionate convenience sampling technique to select 200 food vendors from the three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Owerri town. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were done with frequencies and summary statistics. Chi square statistics were computed to determine significant relationships and p value was set at 0.05 significant level. Results: While a majority of the respondents had a good level of knowledge (81%) and positive attitude (71%) about food hygiene, only 37% of the respondents had a good level of hygienic practice. It was revealed that 32% and 46% of the respondents received training on food hygiene and environmental health worker inspection respectively. It was also revealed that, there were statistically significant relationships between knowledge (p = 0.001), attitude (p = 0.000), formal training on food hygiene (p = 0.000) and the level of food hygienic practices. Conclusion: The public health management of food vending services should involve the development of strategies that will equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide vending services in a hygienic and safe manner.

Food Consumption Pattern, Anthropometric Indices and Health Status of Adult Women Aged 30-60 Years in Amucha Autonomous Community, Njaba L.G.A., Imo State

The study assessed the anthropometric indices and health status of adult women,aged 30-60 years in relation to their food consumption pattern.The blood sugar level,blood pressure and body mass index of the respondents were determined.A cross sectional survey was used for this study,a clustered and simple random sampling selection technique was used in selecting the samples.Anthropometric indices of weight and height were used to assess the body mass index(BMI),while waist hip ratio(WHR)was used to check for abdominal obesity.Women were considered overweight using world health organization standard(BMI at or above 25),or WHR above 0.85.Health status was assessed by checking blood pressure and blood sugar levels.Blood pressure was taken twice using Omron sphygmomanometer with appropriate cuff off size and women were classified hypertensive if having a mean blood pressure above 120/80 mmHg.Evolve glucometer was used to check for random blood sugar(RBS)levels,respondents were considered diabetics if they have a random sugar above 140 mg/dL.Food frequency table was used to assess food consumption pattern.Respondents were said to have low consumption if consumed the food 1-3 times per week or if rarely or never consumed.It is moderate if consumed 4-6 times per week and high,if consumed 7 times per week,or daily.Questionnaire covered relevant data such as personal data,demographic data.Result showed that the women mean standard deviations for body mass index(BMI),waist hip ratio(WHR),random blood sugar(RBS),systolic blood pressure(SBP)and diastolic blood pressure(DBP)were 26.29±4.1,0.86±0.34,112.51±23.0,115.4±23.0 and 88.45±4.3 respectively.The mean value for BMI was on the overweight region.Bivariate correlation analysis showed that SBP,DBP,RBS and WHR had positive correlation with BMI with confidence level set at 0.05%(0.206,p=0.005;0.16,p=0.031;0.081,p=0.0021 and 0.148,p=0.000 respectively).WHR also had stronger correlation with RBS(0.90,p=0.278),systolic(0.272,p=0.002),diastolic(0.21,p=0.045).This confirms the assertion that WHR should be used as an indicator of cardiovascular disease not BMI.The survey also reveals that 3.6%were underweight.49.0%normal,29.9%overweight and 17.5%obese.Blood pressure levels were marginal as 30.04%,35.4%,34.3%are normal,pre hypertensive and hypertensive respectively.Most of the respondents had normal blood sugar as 91.2%were normal.Overweight,hypertension and diabetes were prevalent in rural communities as observed in this study.There is a need for routine check of WHR among women in clinical practice and epidemiological surveys,to reduce incidence of cardiovascular diseases.There is a need for promotion of a healthy life style,regular exercise and proper nutrition.

Assessment of Waste Management Practices among Residents of Owerri Municipal Imo State Nigeria

Poor waste management has been a major problem to human existence and it affects both rural and urban areas. Various methods of waste disposal exist and this study assessed the waste man-agement practices among residents of Owerri Municipal, Imo state, Nigeria. It was a descriptive cross sectional study in which a total of 282 residents of Owerri Municipal were selected by multistage sampling technique and studied using self and interviewer administered questionnaires. The results showed that 90% of respondents were aware of waste management while 97.5% had posi-tive attitude towards it. The major types of waste generated from households were food residues (97.1%) and vegetable products (95.4%). Also poor waste management practices among residents include open dumping, practiced by 66.3% of the residents and burning as practiced by 62.4% of respondents. The commonest means of waste transport to final disposal site was by wheel barrow. Gender and educational status of respondents significantly influenced their knowledge, attitude and practice of waste management (p < 0.05). Good waste management is pivotal to sustainable healthy living conditions in any environment. The residents of Owerri need health education, reg-ular supply of refuse collection facilities and designated final dump sites. These will encourage strict adherence to proper and appropriate waste management practices among them.

Incidence of Intestinal Parasites among Food Handlers (Hawkers) around the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria

Incidence of intestinal Parasites has been described as one of the most common problems of developing countries like Nigeria. World Health Organization estimated that 3.5 billion people worldwide are infected with some types of intestinal parasites, and as many as 450 million of them are sick as a result. This work therefore is carried out to access the carrier status of food handlers around the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu in Enugu State of Nigeria as well as to ascertain the common offending parasite. Three hundred and six (306) stool samples were randomly collected between January and August, 2001 from food vendors occupying the zones around the Teaching Hospital which include: UNTH Road, Railway track, Prison old park and Dean’s cook. The samples were transported to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Parasitology Laboratory within 1 hour of production and analysed Parasitologically using Physiological saline and iodine direct mount and formal ether concentration techniques. Out of the 306 stool samples analysed, 126 representing 41.2% tested positive to parasites. Entamobe histolytica showed the highest incidence of 52.4% followed by Ascaris lumbricoidis with 23.8% and the least was Tricharis trichura with 40%. The incidence of mixed infection was 44.4%. Female food handlers were more infected 44.2% than the male food handlers 36.8%. Whereas Meat handlers were most infected 66.7% among other food handlers. From the result of the work, it can be inferredthat the incidence of intestinal parasites among food handlers around the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu is high and this can be attributed mainly to poor sanitary condition of this area. We therefore recommend that Enugu State Government should intensify her sanitation programme especially where public foods are being handled, as well as provide enlightenment campaign for food handlers to save the lives of her citizenry.

Evidence of Climate Variability in Imo State of Southeastern Nigeria

Climate variation generally occurs at local scale, regional scale, national scale and global scale. Having established that the global climate has varied slowly over the past millennia, centuries, and decades and it is expected to continue to vary in future. Like the climate change, variability may be due to, national internal processes within the climate （internal variability）, or variations in natural or anthropogenic external forces （external variability）. Evidence of climate variations is now well documented, and the implications are becoming increasingly clear as data accumulates and data and climate models become increasingly sophisticated. The fluctuations in rainfall and temperature regimes are the atmospheric driving forces that are responsible for the climate variations over the southeastern Nigeria including Imo State as the case in other parts of the world. It is on this premise that this study examined the evidence of climate variability in Imo State of the southeastern Nigeria. The study employed the holistic use of real meteorological data from Nigerian Meteorological Department on two weather parameters （temperature and rainfall）, for 30 years （1980-2009）. Results indicated fluctuations in temperature and rainfall regimes within the period under study, which were the reasons for the variations in climate of the region. Apparently, evidence of climate variability are indicated by increasing surface air temperature, increasing heat waves which enhances disease vectors, communicable diseases and epidemics, sea level rise and associated coastal erosion, flooding, increased evaporation that dry up streams and rivers etc..

Effects of Peer Health Education on Sexual Health Knowledge and Attitudes of Tertiary Institution Students in Imo State, Nigeria

This study was designed to determine effects of peer-health-education on sexual health knowledge and attitudes of tertiary institution students in Imo State Nigeria by determining the mean gain scores of sexual health knowledge and attitudes after peer health education. Quasi-experimental (pre-test-post-test) research design was employed. Two hundred students drawn from the University, Polytechnic and College of Education, using a multi-stage sampling technique participated in the peer sessions which were facilitated by trained peer educators. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and Z-test. Findings revealed improved knowledge and attitudes on sexual health, as depicted by positive mean gain scores. Age group 16 - 20 years had the highest mean gain score (<img src="Edit_8e8f0539-e2c6-47bc-80f1-ccaee4c06df5.png" alt="" /> = 22.31) of sexual health knowledge than the rest, while age group 26 - 30 years had the highest mean gain score (<img src="Edit_dec53aa0-f549-425f-baf4-08f39aaf05fd.png" alt="" /> = 10.59) of sexual health attitudes. Males had higher mean gain score (<img src="Edit_e767bc6a-c1f3-4f0a-8b31-814581d9dd64.png" alt="" /> = 26.05) of sexual health knowledge, while females had higher mean gain score (<img src="Edit_79f87968-38f8-4873-8516-f5370ba691df.png" alt="" /> = 9.77) of sexual health attitudes. The first years (100 level students) had the highest mean gain score (<img src="Edit_3f417e44-7627-4d69-860e-94c94ae7db0e.png" alt="" /> = 25.71) of sexual health knowledge and also had the highest mean gain score (<img src="Edit_2a60fbc7-0a2c-49fe-b9a2-1cea354966a3.png" alt="" /> = 14.12) of sexual health attitudes. Level of study was significant both for knowledge and attitudes (P < 0.01). It is recommended that peer-health-education be explored further as a method of communicating sexual health issues to tertiary institution students and youths generally.

Assessment of Rainwater and Groundwater Quality in Izombe Town,Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State

Rainwater and groundwater quality in Izombe were assessed.Five water samples were collected from five(5)different locations,with at least one location from one of the four autonomous communities in Izombe,Oguta L.G.A of Imo State.The physicochemical and microbial parameters of rainwater and groundwater samples from Umuakpa,Ndeuloukwu,Ugbele,Ndioko,and Orsu were assessed using Varian Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer(AAS).The study was aimed to assess the physicochemical and microbial qualities of groundwater and rainwater in Izombe and how these affect their health as individual members of the community,and their environment when compared to WHO standards.The water samples were collected from five different locations,with at least one location from each of the four autonomous communities,and were assessed.The result indicated that rainwater and groundwater pollutants in the community were turbidities,ammonia,copper and temperatures 7.59±0.02 ph,6.42±0.28 nitrate,59.56±0.50 ammonia,0.29±0.07 phosphate,0.88±0.03 iron,copper,lead,nickel,aluminum,mercury,manganese,cadmium,bacteria count,coliform count,and E-coli.Also,all the pollutant parameters were identified,only iron,copper,aluminum,and bacteria count were not identified as being associated with petroleum products and exploratory activities.This research has broadened the understanding of the suitability of Izombe water sources for both consumption and other purposes.The findings show that the rain and groundwater sources of the community are not fit for human consumption,due to the contaminants inherent in them,attributed majorly to the oil production activities in the area which corroborates other research studies.

Mitigating the Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in the United States: Utilization of the Chronic Care Model as a Public Health Framework

As the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy continues to be on the rise, the Chronic Care Model (CCM) offers a transformative, patient-focused approach for efficient diabetic retinopathy care, emphasizing the need for urgent and innovative strategies in the United States. The model integrates community resources, healthcare organizations, self-management support, delivery system design, decision support, and clinical information systems. Addressing challenges and solutions, the model emphasizes proactive and preventive measures, collaborative multidisciplinary care, technological integration, and overcoming resistance to change. This paper proposes the utilization of the Chronic Care Model (CCM) as a possible public health framework for comprehensive management of diabetic retinopathy in the United States. Implementing the CCM offers a comprehensive approach to diabetic retinopathy care, addressing both individual and systemic factors, essential for improving public health outcomes.

The Dynamics of Domestic Water Vending in Enugu North L.G.A of Enugu State, Nigeria

The present investigation provides a case study of water vending in Enugu North Local Government Area, Enugu State of South Eastern Nigeria. Questionnaire copies were randomly distributed in the study area to 200 households. Data obtained from the field were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. The analysis revealed that almost all the residents of Enugu North L.G.A. obtain their water from independent water vending systems which are operated by the private sector. Tanker truck, distributing and small retail water vendors all operate in the study area. There are an estimated number of 250 tanker truck drivers serving Enugu North L.G.A. Approximately 35 tanker trucks serve Hill- top/Udi siding ward, while there are a total of 52 retail vendors in Onuasata ward. Majority of the respondents are low income earners who spend within the ranges of NGN500 ($3.33) and NGN1500 ($10) a month on water on the average. 50.0 percent of these respondents opined that vended water was expensive. Of the respondents, 49.4 percent consumed 91 - 100 litres per capita per day, which is less than the 120 litres per capita per day recommended by the Federal Re- public of Nigeria’s National water supply and sanitation policy document of 2000. This deficit can be attributed to the cost of vended water. From the chi-square test, there is significant difference in the unit cost of water sold by vendors in the various wards in Enugu North L.G.A. In the absence of regular water provision through pipe-connections from the public utility, water vending should be supported but regulated. Meeting the water and sanitation target and optimizing water resources for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 will require a dramatic scaling up of joint efforts by the state government and the people in ensuring that vendors provide safe water at a low cost.

Occupational Hazards, Safety and Hygienic Practices among Timber Workers in a South Eastern State, Nigeria

Background: Timber workers, especially in developing countries, are faced with challenges of prevention and control of work place hazards and illnesses. Objective: To determine the awareness of occupational hazards, effects, safety and hygienic practices among timber workers in a South Eastern State in Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive design that used the total population of timber workers involved in the processing and marketing of wood in three major timber markets in a South Eastern State in Nigeria. Data was collected using a pretested semistructured questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were done with frequencies and summary statistics. Results: The majority of the respondents were aware of the hazardous nature of wood dust (96%) and their main source of awareness was from personal experiences (55%). In spite of the fact that the predominant hazard effects in the majority were nose, throat irritation and cough (33%), the majority were of the opinion that the respirator was not important. Only 13% of the respondents that use personal protective equipment (PPE) always use them and the main reason for not using PPE is forgetfulness (38%). Proper hygiene and sanitation was poorly practiced, as all respondents indiscriminately disposed of waste wood (100%) and about one third (33%) did not have a bath after work each day. Conclusion: Timber workers in our environment are faced with increased risks of diseases, accidents and challenges of protection and safety. As a consequence, there is a need for proper education and enforcement of consistent use of the different protective devices.

Dynamic Signature Verification Using Pattern Recognition

Dynamic signature is a biometric modality that recognizes an individual’s anatomic and behavioural characteristics when signing their name. The rampant case of signature falsification (Identity Theft) was the key motivating factor for embarking on this study. This study was necessitated by the damages and dangers posed by signature forgery coupled with the intractable nature of the problem. The aim and objectives of this study is to design a proactive and responsive system that could compare two signature samples and detect the correct signature against the forged one. Dynamic Signature verification is an important biometric technique that aims to detect whether a given signature is genuine or forged. In this research work, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNsor ConvNet) which is a class of deep, feed forward artificial neural networks that has successfully been applied to analysing visual imagery was used to train the model. The signature images are stored in a file directory structure which the Keras Python library can work with. Then the CNN was implemented in python using the Keras with the TensorFlow backend to learn the patterns associated with the signature. The result showed that for the same CNNs-based network experimental result of average accuracy, the larger the training dataset, the higher the test accuracy. However, when the training dataset are insufficient, better results can be obtained. The paper concluded that by training datasets using CNNs network, 98% accuracy in the result was recorded, in the experimental part, the model achieved a high degree of accuracy in the classification of the biometric parameters used.

Analysis of Secured Cloud Data Storage Model for Information

This paper was motivated by the existing problems of Cloud Data storage in Imo State University, Nigeria such as outsourced data causing the loss of data and misuse of customer information by unauthorized users or hackers, thereby making customer/client data visible and unprotected. Also, this led to enormous risk of the clients/customers due to defective equipment, bugs, faulty servers, and specious actions. The aim if this paper therefore is to analyze a secure model using Unicode Transformation Format (UTF) base 64 algorithms for storage of data in cloud securely. The methodology used was Object Orientated Hypermedia Analysis and Design Methodology (OOHADM) was adopted. Python was used to develop the security model;the role-based access control (RBAC) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance security Algorithm were integrated into the Information System developed with HTML 5, JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) version 3 and PHP7. This paper also discussed some of the following concepts;Development of Computing in Cloud, Characteristics of computing, Cloud deployment Model, Cloud Service Models, etc. The results showed that the proposed enhanced security model for information systems of cooperate platform handled multiple authorization and authentication menace, that only one login page will direct all login requests of the different modules to one Single Sign On Server (SSOS). This will in turn redirect users to their requested resources/module when authenticated, leveraging on the Geo-location integration for physical location validation. The emergence of this newly developed system will solve the shortcomings of the existing systems and reduce time and resources incurred while using the existing system.

Genetic Disposition: Susceptibility of Human Blood Groups and Abo Analysis to Malaria and Typhoid Infections

Background: Malaria and typhoid have remained major infectious tropical diseases. Clinically, whenever there is severe malaria, cough is always an associating symptom owing to typhoid infection arising from poor hygiene in respect to drinking water and food. There is a strong association between human blood group and disease. Residual malaria transmission, effect of climate change on malaria vector composition, environmental management targeted at malaria breeding control as an intervention strategy are areas of interest to WHO in malaria control in Sub-saharan Africa. A body of data is been built on susceptibility of human blood groups to malaria, HIV and HBV and presently malaria and typhoid. If climate change warrants a change in composition of vectors and as well resistance to ACT therapy, the susceptibility or vulnerability of the human blood group is also called to question. The link between susceptibility of human blood group to malaria and typhoid has not been previously investigated. Purpose: The present study assesses the genetic disposition (susceptibility of human blood groups and abo analysis) to malaria and typhoid infections. Patients and Methods: One hundred (100) patients were screened for malaria and typhoid infections in a tertiary health facility—His glory hospital Lagos, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected by venu-puncture from 53 females and 47 males adults aged between 15 – 47 years, who were infected either singly or coinfected with malaria and typhoid. Microscopic detection of P. falciparum, widal serological technique for salmonella antibody presence and genotypic determination were all done using standard WHO methods. Human material or data were analyzed or performed in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki (2000). Ethical clearance was obtained from the ethic and research committee of the Ministry of Health via the Faculty of the Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar (Ethical Certificate number CRS/MOH/HRP/2023/396). Results: The results obtained expressed in percentage frequency show that genotype AA were more susceptible to typhoid and malaria infections compared to AS and SS, also blood group O was more susceptible to malaria and typhoid infection compared to blood groups A, AB and B, although, there is no significant difference between male and female gender, susceptibility to malaria infection, the female gender is more susceptible to typhoid than the male. The finding may be relevant to malaria susceptibility and genetics and thus provide baseline information on management of the scourge. Conclusion: We conclude that genotype AA and blood group 0+ are more susceptible to malaria and typhoid infection in humans.

Comparative Efficacy of Lifestyle Modifications versus Pharmacotherapy on Weight Loss and Metabolic Health Outcomes: A Comprehensive Review

Background: Obesity has become a serious global public health challenge, given that it leads to various adverse health outcomes that include cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that, at the end of 2022, 1 out of every 8 individuals were obese, and that the global adult obesity rates have over doubled since 1990, even as the adolescent obesity rates have quadrupled. Thus, as of 2022, nearly 2.5 billion adults, aged 18 years and above, were overweight, with 890 million being obese. Obesity and overweight incidence rate has been gradually increasing over the years, presenting significant challenges to the healthcare systems throughout the globe. In this regard, the objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of lifestyle modifications (diet and physical activity) and pharmacotherapy in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health in overweight adults. Methodology: To attain the above stated study objective, a systematic evaluation of previous studies was carried out, particularly studies that assessed the effectiveness and safety of lifestyle modifications (diet and physical activity) and pharmacotherapy in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health in overweight adults. The authors have used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) in the selection of eligible studies for inclusion in the study. Results: The findings indicate that lifestyle interventions resulted in 5% - 10% weight reduction and significant improvements in metabolic indicators, while pharmacotherapy (GLP-1 receptor agonists) achieved up to 15% weight reduction and considerable metabolic health benefits. Further, comparative studies show lifestyle modifications provide overall health benefits, while medication is necessary for non-responders. Conclusion: Individualized treatment strategies are crucial, and further research is needed on long-term consequences and combination therapies.

Overcoming the Potential Drawbacks of Artificial Intelligence in Psychotherapy: Literature Updates

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has progressively impacted healthcare around the world. The increasing need for readily available mental health services, coupled with the swift advancement of novel technologies, prompts conversations over the viability of psychotherapy approaches using engagements with AI. Despite the positive impacts, there are recognizable drawbacks associated with the application of AI in psychotherapy. Establishing a therapeutic alliance is difficult for non-human entities. Psychotherapy is a task too complex for limited artificial intelligence. AI appears capable of handling jobs that are clearly defined and relatively straightforward. Besides, AI malfunctions, data confidentiality, informed consent, and risk of bias are potential concerns. We present a literature update of possible solutions to overcome these concerns.

Acute and subacute oral toxicity study on the flavonoid rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia seed in albino rats

Objective:To investigate the effects of the flavonoid rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia seed on the haematology,histopathology and liver profile of Wistar albino rats.Methods:Toxicity study was investigated on the flavonoid rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia in rats administered different concentrations orally for 28 d using standard laboratory procedures.Results:The LD_(50)of the flavonoid rich fraction was found to be above 5000 mg/kg body weight in mice observed for 48 h.After the Day 14,biochemical markers of liver injury such as serum alanine aminotransferase,and aspartate aminotransferase decreased significantly(P<0.05 at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight and P<0.01 at 400 mg/kg)while serum alkaline phosphatase increased non-significantly(P>0.05).There was non-significant(P>0.05)effect observed across the groups in the levels of serum total protein,albumin,globulin,urea and creatinine.The result of histological examination showed various degrees of peribiliary hepatitis after the Day 14 which fizzled out after the Day 28.Conclusions:The result therefore suggests that the seed extract is potentially safe.

Data Mining as a Technique for Healthcare Approach

Data Mining, also known as knowledge discovery in data (KDC), is the process of uncovering patterns and other valuable information from large data sets. According to https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/data-mining/, it can be referred to as knowledge mining from data, knowledge extraction, data/pattern analysis, data archaeology, and data dredging. With advance research in health sector, there is multitude of Data available in healthcare sector. The general problem then becomes how to use the existing information in a more useful targeted way. Data Mining therefore is the best available technique. The objective of this paper is to review and analyse some of the different Data Mining Techniques such as Application, Classification, Clustering, Regression, etc. applied in the Domain of Healthcare.