Health-related quality of life and coping strategies of patients on hemodialysis in selected hospitals in Ilorin,Kwara state,Nigeria

Objective:The study assessed the quality of life(QoL)and coping strategies of patients on hemodialysis in selected hospitals in Ilorin,Kwara State.Methods:The study was a descriptive cross-sectional design using a quantitative strategy.A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select 80 participants.The data were collected using an adapted questionnaire including four sections:sociodemographic characteristics,hemodialysis stressor scale consisting of four stressors,Jaloweic Coping Scale consisting of eight coping strategies,and QoL consisting of four items.The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.Results:Findings from the study revealed that 50%of the participants were between the ages of 18 and 39 years,40%of the participants have been on hemodialysis for 1-2 years,whereas 52.5%had hypertension as a comorbidity.A total of 12.5%,63.8%,and 23.8%of the respondents were categorized as experiencing low,moderate,and high stress due to hemodialysis,respectively.QoL of the respondents revealed that 49.4%had no problem in self-care dimension.Average monthly income(χ^(2)=16.36,P=0.04)was observed to be significantly associated with coping strategies,whereas religion(χ^(2)=11.14,P=0.03)and frequency of hemodialysis(χ^(2)=10.26,P=0.04)were significantly associated with coping helpfulness.Conclusion:All participants experienced stress at varying degrees.Hemodialysis results in marked changes in the quality of patients’life,since it includes a number of modifications and restrictions,which affects patients’health functioning.This study revealed a wide range of information on the psychological and physiological stressors of people under hemodialysis.

Herbs and management of hypertension:Claims,criticism,and challenges

Hypertension(HTN)is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting over 30%of the adult population globally,with a growing incidence rate.This article aims to identify the commonly used herbs for HTN treatment and examine their claims,criticisms,and challenges.It further aims to provide useful recommendations regarding the use of herbs for HTN treatment.HTN complications,such as coronary heart disease,stroke,peripheral vascular disease,vision impairment,and renal failure can result in morbidity and mortality.The high cost of conventional medications,which sometimes may not even be available or easily accessible with their unfavorable side effects as well as taking more than one pill per day,has led hypertensive patients,particularly those in rural areas,to explore alternative treatments such as herbal therapies.It is crucial to determine the different modes of action,doses,safety,and efficacy of herbal remedies used in combination with conventional medications to improve treatment adherence and enhance patient outcomes.

Traditional medicine use during pregnancy and labor in African context:A scoping review

Traditional medicine(TM)has been more popular among pregnant women worldwide and has played a significant part in maternal health-care services in many nations.Herbs,herbal preparations,and finished herbal products all contain active substances that are derived from plant parts or other plant components that are thought to have medicinal advantages.To diagnose,prevent,and treat illnesses as well as to enhance general well-being,about 80%of people use a variety of TM,including herbal remedies.A systematic search of Google Scholar and PubMed was performed utilizing an established scoping review framework by Joanna Briggs Institute from January 2012 to December 2022.A consequent title and abstract review of articles published on TM in the African context were completed.Of over 15,000 published studies identified,15 meeting the inclusion criteria were integrated into the following seven categorical themes:prevalence of TM use,source of information on TM use,reasons for use of TM,route of administration,common herbs used in pregnancy and labor,the effect of herbs used in pregnancy and labor,and predictors of use of TM.The studies reviewed were primarily in the context of an African setting on the use of TM regarding herbal medicine.Of all the articles,the highest number of studies was conducted in Zimbabwe.This review shows increased use of TM by women during pregnancy and labor with a reported prevalence rate varying from 12%to 60%.However,a decrease in use in the third trimester of pregnancy was reported.The most frequent source of information on the use of TM was from family and friends,while age,parity,education,and income were factors affecting use.In conclusion,the participants do not often disclose the use of TM during their antenatal attendance and the reason for use was accessibility and cost.Therefore,there is a need for further study on the safety and efficacy of TM use in pregnancy and labor.

Accessible and low-to zero-cost remedy:Traditional medicine use during pregnancy and labor

Traditional medicine(TM)has played an essential part in maternity services around the world,which has led to increased utilization among pregnant women.Herbs,herbal preparations,and completed herbal products are examples of TMs that contain active substances such as plant parts or other plant components that are thought to have therapeutic advantages.This study review aimed to identify the herbs commonly used,reasons for use,and effect of use,to make adequate recommendations on herbal medicine use as a remedy for pregnancy and labor.Incorporating evidence from reviews,personal correspondence,and diaries,this study demonstrates that about 80%of people used TM such as herbal remedies for sickness diagnosis,prevention,treatment,and promotion of general well‑being.Due to its accessibility,cost,and availability,TM is usually used by expectant mothers.Examples of TM used in pregnancy and labor include honey,aloe,raspberry,jute mallow,and hibiscus leaves.It is important to note that its use in pregnancy and labor can be beneficial or harmful to both mother and child.Lack of standardization,financial risk,lack of safety,and effectiveness are challenges to TM.There is a need of creating awareness of the safe use and effects of TM in pregnancy and labor through the provision of health education programs for women in the community.

Practice and patronage of traditional bonesetting in Ondo State,Nigeria

Objective:This study was carried out to investigate the determinants of the practice and patronage of traditional bonesetting(TBS)in a Local Government Area of Ondo State,Nigeria.Materials and Methods:A descriptive research design approach with purposive sampling technique was used.Data collection was through the use of two set of self-developed structured questionnaire(for bonesetters and clients).The study obtained data from eight traditional bonesetters and fifty-six inpatients receiving treatments in the bonesetters’homes across the study location.Results:Findings from the study showed that the major cause of fractures were road traffic accidents while low cost of treatment was the major influence for patronizing traditional bonesetters.The study also revealed that majority of the traditional bonesetters had little or no formal education.Among the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants,only occupation showed signification relationship with reasons for patronage of TBS homes(χ^(2)=28.164,P=0.036).Conclusion:The patronage of traditional bonesetters may be impossible to eradicate;thus,the study recommends the need for collaboration among traditional bonesetters and modern orthopedic practitioners through recognition and continuous training of the traditional bonesetters on appropriate management and referrals.

Determination of antibacterial activity,total phenolic,flavonoid and saponin contents in leaves of Anogeissus leiocarpus(DC.)Guill and Perr

Objective:To ascertain the antibacterial property and quantify the contents of the total phenolics,flavonoids and saponins in leaves of Anogeissus leiocarpus(DC.)Guill and Perr.Methods:Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed by the method described by Harborne in 1999.Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used for assaying the antibacterial activity.Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and aluminium chloride colorimetric methods were employed for the estimation of the total phenolic and flavonoid contents,respectively.Vanillinacetic acid and perchloric acid mixture was employed in the determination of the total saponin content.Results:The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides,tannins,flavonoids,saponins,terpenoids and steroids in the methanolic extract while alkaloids were absent.Only steroids were identified in the n-hexane extract.The methanolic leaf extract was active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Staphylococcus aureus,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Proteus vulgaris while the n-hexane was inactive.The total phenolic content obtained was(47.75±0.12)mg gallic acid equivalent/mg extract,the total flavonoid content was(121.50±0.11)mg quercetin equivalent/mg extract,while the total saponin content was(63.42±0.15)mg ginsenoside Rb 1 equivalent/mg extract.Conclusions:The leaves of Anogeissus leiocarpus have high contents of saponins and flavonoids.