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Original Research Article
Effects of Brain Drain on Health Care System in South-South Nigeria
Gbaranor K. B, Oreh Adaeze C, John E. E, Barinua-Gbaranor N. P, Moses M. F, Ekeng O, Opara J. C, Nmerukini C, Amachree E. E, Mube-William E. C, Okoiseh, O. S, Etuk M. S, Sarone F, Monday N.S, Woke H.A
Cross Current Int J Med Biosci, 2025; 7(4): 71-74
https://doi.org/10.36344/ccijmb.2025.v07i04.001
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8 Downloads | July 28, 2025
ABSTRACT
Healthcare system in Nigeria is constantly facing several issues due to inadequate personnel or professionals to mount the facilities and attend to both in-patients and outpatients at various levels of healthcare system, ranging from primary, secondary and tertiary levels of healthcare across Nigeria in general and South-South in particular. This inadequate healthcare professionals have led to the decaying of facilities thus placing the healthcare system in a moribund state creating room for patient’s apathy. This study is aim to evaluate the Effects of Brain Drain on Health Care System in South-South Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study involving 350 (final year medical students 200 and house officers 150). A well-structured questionnaire was administered to participants. The study lasted for a period of 2 months. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 25.0 and p < 0.05 was significant. The results revealed that 85.7% of the participants agreed that brain drain actually affects healthcare system, 97.1% was due to shortage of manpower, 94.3% agreed it affects patients, 71.4% affects revenue generation, 71.4% agreed BD increases quackery, 85.7% of them said it led to over labour, and 71.4% agreed that affects the economy. The study shows inadequate healthcare professionals as a result of brain drain has ruined our healthcare system and this have affected the revenue generation, training and re-training of healthcare personnel as well as contributing to patient’s apathy towards patronizing the healthcare facilities.
ABSTRACT
Niemann Pick is a rare lysosomal storage metabolic disease. It is a sphingomyelin-cholesterol lipidosis associated with the accumulation of foamy cells, inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. It is divided into 3 main types (A/B, C). The biological diagnosis of type A/B relies on the enzymatic assay of acid sphingomyelinase, while that of type C is based on the search for plasma oxysterols which serves as the initial screening test, confirmed by genetic testing. The differential diagnosis consists of excluding other lysosomal diseases (Gaucher, Wolman).
ABSTRACT
Gaucher's disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance caused by an enzymatic deficiency in glucocerebrosidases. The identification of Gaucher cells in cytology is a key marker but must be complemented by enzymatic and genetic analyses for a definitive diagnosis.
Original Research Article
Insights on Integrated Mobile Health Intervention on Socio-Demographic Characteristics in Relation to Medication Adherence
Chinyere Beatrice Osuoha, Richard Owen Obinna, John Nwolim Paul, Priscilia Nyekpunwo Ogbonda, Idawarifa Frank Cookey-Gam, Minini Odimabo, Chioma Akunnaya Ohenenye, Anelechi Kenneth Madume, Ke
Cross Current Int J Med Biosci, 2025; 7(3): 56-65
https://doi.org/10.36344/ccijmb.2025.v07i03.003
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178 Downloads | May 28, 2025
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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.
ABSTRACT
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.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
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.