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Original Research Article
Insights on Integrated Mobile Health Intervention on Socio-Demographic Characteristics in Relation to Medication Adherence
Osuoha Chinyere Beatrice, Richard Owen Obinna, John Nwolim Paul, Priscillia Nyekpunwo Ogbonda, Idawarifa Frank Cookey-Gam, Minini Odimabo, Chioma Akunnaya Ohenenye, Anelechi Kenneth Madume, Kenneth Ch
Cross Current Int J Med Biosci, 2025; 7(3): 56-65
https://doi.org/10.36344/ccijmb.2025.v07i03.003
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Abstract: Background: The fast spread of mobile health (mHealth) technologies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been praised for its potential to transform healthcare delivery, particularly among underserved groups. However, the efficacy of these tools is frequently moderated by complex socio-demographic factors that influence adoption, engagement, and health outcomes. Aim: This narrative review critically investigates how age, gender, education, poverty, and geographic location influence the adoption and effectiveness of mHealth interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with an emphasis on equitable access and program sustainability. Methodology: A systematic narrative methodology influenced by Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework and CRD recommendations was used to synthesise peer-reviewed literature and grey sources. The study uses theoretical frameworks such as the Health Belief Model, the COM-B framework and Fisher & Fisher's IMB model to understand behavioural and systemic trends. Findings: According to the findings, mHealth uptake is stratified by age and gender, with younger, urban, educated users benefiting the most. Key impediments include digital illiteracy, network restrictions, sociocultural norms, and economic inequalities, while facilitators include user-centred design, community-based interventions, and telecom collaborations. Conclusion: The review finds that a one-size-fits-all mHealth design is insufficient and it advocates for intersectional, equity-informed solutions that take into account different user experiences, strong policy frameworks, long-term funding, and ethical data governance.
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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was once labelled a 'White man’s disease' due to its ties to industrialized lifestyles, where prolonged exposure to environmental triggers can lead to this debilitating condition over time. From being the disease of developed countries, now it is entwined to developing countries; the only reason behind it is the changes in lifestyle. Treatment options for IBD include 5ASA, TNF alpha inhibitors, cytokine inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies and others. While all these drugs are effective in induction and maintenance phase, no drugs are effective in treating and preventing IBD. Fecal microbiota transplant, probiotics and diet administrations with stem cells have recently developed in treating the disease. There is limited diagnosis available to treat IBD, forcing us to explore new possibilities and approaches to manage and subside IBD along with measures and treatments that prevent the disease from relapsing and recurring. Therefore, here in this review, we have attempted on describing what IBD is, its complications and current treatments available and finally emphasized on the novel biomarkers available or to be in developing stages along with other treatment options available for mitigating the disease including measures that may help prevent IBD from occurring.
Original Research Article
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Abstract: The growing demand for natural health supplements has accelerated the development of nutraceutical gummies, offering a palatable and convenient mode of nutrient delivery. This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of nutraceutical gummies incorporating Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile) and Actinidia chinensis (Kiwifruit), both known for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and digestive health-promoting properties. Various formulations were developed using natural gelling agents, sweeteners and flavoring agents to ensure optimal texture, taste, and bioactive stability. Physicochemical properties including pH, moisture content, texture profile and antioxidant capacity were assessed alongside microbial stability. The optimized formulation demonstrated desirable organoleptic characteristics and retained significant levels of phenolic and flavonoid content, supporting its potential as a functional health supplement. The findings suggest that incorporating Matricaria chamomilla and Actinidia chinensis into gummy matrices can yield a nutraceutical product with synergistic health benefits and high consumer appeal especially helpful for children and old age people.
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Background: The nasal cavity forms the upper aspect of the respiratory tract, divided into two by a nasal septum. The nasal septum provides support for the nasal cavity and is composed of a bony and cartilaginous parts. According to side, Nasal septal deviation (NSD) can be classified as right-sided, left-sided or S-shaped variants (Cellina, et al., 2020). Aim: To evaluate the nasal septal angle deviation amongst Nigerians. Materials and Method: This study was a descriptive cross sectional retrospective study conducted in the Radiology department of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Nigeria between 2022-2024. The measurement of the nasal septal angle was done by measuring the angle between two lines. The first line runs from the maxillary crest (point A) to the junction point of the perpendicular and cribriform plate of ethmoid bone (point B). The second line was drawn to connect the junction point of the perpendicular and cribriform plate and the most prominent point of the deviated nasal septum (point C), Gisma et al., 2022. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and were represented in charts, frequencies and percentages. Results: In this study, males were observed to have more deviated nasal septum. This was similar to previous study done by Gisma, et al., 2022, Madani et al., 2022. This was in contrast to the results of Smith et al, (2010), who revealed that NSD was more prevalent in females. Furthermore, Bora et al., (2021), and Shrestha et al., (2019) found that there was no statistical difference between frequencies of septal deviation in both genders. Moreso, varying prevalence of NSD have been reported amongst different population, this may be due to dissimilarities in the criteria used to assess nasal septum deviation and also the population of study. Conclusion: Information as regards the presence of nasal septal deviation is very essential because it will help surgeons especially E.N.T surgeon carry out safe and effici
Original Research Article
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Background to the study: The common methods of processing carbohydrate based foods require exposure to high temperatures which often results in the formation of a toxicant called acrylamide. The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of black pepper on the oxidative stress markers of wistar rats exposed to acrylamide. Methodology: The study involved 20 male wistar rats separated into 4 groups of 5 rats each as follows; Group 1 served as control. Animals in groups 2, 3 and 4 respectively received a daily oral dose of 30mg/kg of Acrylamide (ACR) throughout the experiment. Group 2 remained untreated (ACR only). Animals in groups 3 and 4 received in addition, 50mg/kg/day of black pepper and 150mg/kg/day of vitamin E respectively. All treatments were given orally for 14 days and thereafter animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected to determine the concentrations of oxidative stress markers in the blood using standard methods. Results: Our results showed that daily oral administration of ACR caused significant reduction in the plasma concentrations of GSH, GPx and catalase but no significant changes in the SOD and MDA levels. However, concomitant administration of black pepper mitigated the ACR induced depletion of GPx and catalase in a similar fashion with vitamin E but caused no significant changes in the GSH, SOD and MDA. Conclusion: Conclusively, black pepper exerts its antioxidant effects on ACR induced toxicity by improving GPx and catalase levels but not GSH, SOD and MDA. Aside from GSH levels, the antioxidant potentials of black pepper in our study showed a similar pattern as vitamin E.
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Introduction: Gerontology defined by the Royal Spanish Academy as the science that deals with old age and the phenomena that characterize it. Likewise, knowledge of the sciences of aging has relevant importance in clinical application, specifically at the first level of health care Objective: Identify and reflect on the applications of gerontology as a science in the clinical setting Methodology: A systematic review of scientific literature on gerontology carried out, using scientific search engines: Latindex, Scielo, PubMed and Semantic Scholar. In this sense, two categories focused on for the systematic analysis of the information: 1) Gerontological conceptual approaches, and 2) Professional competencies in the clinical field. Results: Nine articles published between 2016 and 2023 reviewed. In this sense, the identified findings are conceptual approaches and intervention methods in the clinical setting Conclusions: Gerontology is a science with little scientific literature and sufficient research regarding clinical intervention in professional settings. Consequently, recommended to design and execute actions from Higher Education Institutions and public policy to highlight the importance of gerontology in society.
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Abstract: Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are frequently linked to the crippling condition known as oral mucositis (OM). It can seriously impair quality of life and possibly interfere with cancer treatment plans. It manifests as painful ulceration, erythema, and oedema. Microbiota dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathways are all intricate components of the pathophysiology of OM. Its severity is influenced by several risk factors, such as chemotherapy, radiation dosage, genetic predisposition, and oral hygiene. There is still no ideal gold-standard treatment for it, despite its high prevalence. Pharmacological interventions like cytoprotective agents, anti- inflammatory medications, growth factors, biological response modifiers, and antimicrobial agents are all part of the multimodal approach used in current management strategies. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), cryotherapy, and dental hygiene practices are examples of non-pharmacological methods that have demonstrated promise in reducing symptoms and enhancing patient outcomes. Recent developments in OM pathophysiology and treatment approaches are compiled in this review, which highlights the importance of tailored, evidence-based treatment plans. To improve patient care and reduce OM-related morbidity, more research is necessary to create innovative, affordable, and widely recognized treatments.