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Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. In addition to hepatic damage, HBV disrupts haematopoiesis, iron metabolism, and immune regulation, resulting in altered haematological and inflammatory profiles. Understanding these changes may improve disease monitoring and patient management. Objective: This study evaluated the serological status of HBV and the associated variations in haematological parameters, serum ferritin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) among individuals in Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,000 adults recruited from selected healthcare facilities in Abakaliki. Venous blood samples (6 mL) were collected and separated into EDTA and plain tubes for haematological and biochemical analyses. HBV screening was carried out using a rapid diagnostic test, and serological markers were determined using ELISA. Haematological parameters were analysed using an automated analyzer, while ferritin and IL-6 were measured using ELISA and fluorescence immunoassay methods, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Active HBV infection occurred in 7.5% of participants, while 30.8% had inactive infection, 27.5% were vaccinated, and 16.7% were uninfected. Significant variations were observed in RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, TWBC, and platelet count across the groups (p < 0.05). The active infection group showed the lowest RBC and platelet counts but the highest TWBC and IL-6 levels. Ferritin was lowest in active cases and highest in vaccinated individuals. Gender analysis revealed similar trends in males and females, though lymphocyte and monocyte counts were significantly higher in males with active infection. Conclusion: HBV infection significantly alters haematological indices and inflammatory markers, particularly in individuals with active disease. Routine m

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Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge, with Indonesia ranking second in TB burden. In East Nusa Tenggara, TB case detection and treatment coverage remains below national targets. A secondary analysis was conducted using cross-sectional data from the 2025 Tuberculosis Information System (SITB), including TB notifications, treatment outcomes for drug-sensitive (DS) and drug-resistant (DR) TB, and population-based case characteristics. Drug-sensitive TB treatment achieved high success in several districts, while drug-resistant TB outcomes were lower due to mortality and treatment discontinuation. TB notifications remain suboptimal, influenced by environmental factors such as poor household ventilation and uneven distribution and activity of health cadres. Strengthening human resources and ensuring active, village-level cadre engagement are essential for improving TB case detection and treatment outcomes. Mapping epidemiological patterns can guide targeted interventions and support policy development to enhance TB control in East Nusa Tenggara.

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Introduction: Giant Hydronephrosis (GH) is characterised by an extensive collection of urine in the kidney due to ureteral obstruction, often exceeding one litre or a kidney weighing more than 1.6% of total body weight. It is commonly seen in under-resourced areas and is usually caused by congenital Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. Symptoms include abdominal distention, flank pain, dyspnoea, constipation, fever, and sepsis. Progressive renal damage can occur due to increased intrapelvic pressure. Case Report: A 17-year-old male from a rural area presented with a massive abdominal distention that had been growing since birth. The patient had limited access to medical care, leading to the condition being neglected for years. Upon examination, the abdomen was enlarged but not tender, and vital signs were normal. Laboratory tests and imaging revealed a massive fluid-filled mass, suspected to be GH. Surgery confirmed a hydronephrotic cavity due to a PUJ obstruction. The patient underwent a left nephroureterectomy and was discharged after an uneventful recovery. Discussion: Congenital anomalies of the genitourinary tract (CAKUT) are a significant part of paediatric surgical cases worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible renal damage. In under-resourced areas, a lack of awareness and constrained access to medical care can delay diagnosis and treatment. Conclusions: The reported case is notable for the large volume of urine retained in GH and the minimal symptoms, which delayed medical attention. A high index of suspicion is required for CAKUT in young patients. Early surgical management is recommended to preserve renal function.

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Background: Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates in both developing and developed countries and the clinical manifestations are non-specific. Delayed identification and inappropriate treatment are key factors causing high neonatal mortality. This study aimed to report the prevalence and pattern of neonatal sepsis from a southwestern institution in Nigeria. Methods: The study was carried out on 174 neonates admitted with risk factors and features suggestive of sepsis into the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of a Tertiary Hospital over a period of one year. The babies were evaluated clinically, and blood cultures were collected from all suspected cases prior to the initiation of antibiotic therapy. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Neonatal sepsis was responsible for 25.2% of the 294 neonates that were admitted into the SCBU over the one-year period of study. Of the 174 neonates that were clinically diagnosed with sepsis, bacterial isolates were obtained from 74 (42.5%) while 100 (57.5%) had negative blood culture. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common isolated organism. Lack of ANC (41.4%) and premature ruptured of membranes (27.6%) were the prevailing maternal risk factors while Low birth weight (57.5%) and preterm delivery (66.1%) were the most common risk factors in the neonates. Fever (27.6%), and respiratory distress (48.3%) were the most common complaints among the studied neonates. There was a statistically significant correlation between sepsis and place of birth (p <0.05). Conclusion: Neonatal sepsis remains an important threat to lives of newborns. Babies delivered in the facility (in-born) showed significant lower incidence of sepsis compared to those brought from outside the facility (out-born) where asepsis is questionable. It is paramount to advocate preventive measures for neonatal sepsis even right from antenatal periods to deliv

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Background: Job dissatisfaction and nurses’ intention to leave are an increasing problem that threatens the function of the health care sector worldwide, especially in developing countries, including Tanzania. The aim of this study was to determine and compare nurses’ job satisfaction and intention to leave their job and the associated factors in public and private healthcare facilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey that was conducted from January to August 2023 to determine nurses’ job satisfaction and intention to leave their job and associated factors in public and private healthcare facilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A multistage cluster sampling technique was employed to obtain the required number of the study population. Results: A total of 222 respondents were studied. Of these, 126(56.8%) were satisfied with their job and the remaining 96(43.2%) were not satisfied. Additionally, out of 222 respondents, 132(59.5%) were intended to leave their job and the remaining 90(40.5%) were not intended to leave their job. Nurses aged >50 years were 3.54 more likely to be satisfied with their job (AOR: 3.54, 95% CI (2.44-8.55), p= 0.002) compared to nurses less than 30 years of age and were less likely intended to leave their nursing profession (AOR: 9.22, 95% CI (2.32-14.33), p<0.001). Bachelor or master's degree holder nurses were found to be satisfied with their job (AOR: 4.77, 95% CI (2.61-12.43), p= 0.001) and were less likely intended to leave their job (AOR: 4.83, 95% CI (1.73-13.50), p= 0.002) compared with certificate and diploma holder nurses. Nurses working in private facilities showed higher level of job satisfaction (AOR: 3.11, 95% CI (2.38-8.14), p<0.001) and were less likely intend to leave their job (AOR: 9.76, 95% CI (3.44-23.11), p=0.001) compared to nurses working in public health facilities. Nurses with work experience of 10 years and above were found to be satisfied with their job (AOR: 3.46, 95% CI (2.71-

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Background: Tobacco use among Bangladeshi university students is a major public health problem and often leads to illicit drug involvement. Growing evidence links early tobacco use with psychological distress and risky behaviors. This study aimed to examine how mental health challenges and social factors contribute to the transition from tobacco use to illicit drug consumption among university students in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional analysis was conducted using documented records and published literature from 2018 to 2022. Institutional data, national reports, and peer-reviewed studies were reviewed to assess the relationships between stress, peer influence, substance accessibility, and mental health outcomes. Data were coded and analyzed using SPSS and NVivo to identify quantitative patterns and thematic associations. Results: Findings from the reviewed sources showed that about 10% of university students were current tobacco users, and nearly 25% of them had experimented with illicit substances such as cannabis, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Mental health issues were highly prevalent, with approximately 60% experiencing anxiety, 45% reporting depression, and 30% indicating suicidal thoughts. Substance use was more common among male students (12%) and those from urban areas (12%) compared with female students (8%) and rural students (8%). Peer influence affected nearly 70% of students, while 65% identified academic stress as a major factor contributing to the initiation and continuation of substance use. Conclusion: This study highlights the interconnected roles of mental health distress, social influence, and environmental accessibility in the transition from tobacco to illicit drug use among Bangladeshi university students. Strengthening mental health support and implementing evidence-based awareness programs are essential to reduce substance-related risks in this population.

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Background: Most of the emphases on treatment of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) have been on physical symptoms neglecting the psychological problems that also arise while one suffers Diabetes. Aim: To demonstrate the occurrence of depression and the associated risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Method: It was a cross-sectional study of consecutive DM subjects who came for their routine follow-up visit at the out-patient department of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT), Nigeria. They were interviewed with clinical and sociodemographic questionnaire to obtain information about their age, gender and employment status, HbA1c levels, duration of illness (type 2 diabetes), age at diagnosis, comorbidity, complications of diabetes. Patient`s Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess for the presence of depression among the participants. Data collected was analyzed to find the mean, standard deviation and establish associations using Chi-Square test, T-test. Result: About 16% of the participants were depressed, and majority of them (82%) were females. Most of those with complications (73.5%), and comorbid conditions (59.6%) were not depressed. Association of gender, presence of complications and comorbidities, age of onset of diabetes, time duration of diabetes, HbA1c level and employment status to the manifestation of depression were not statistically significant. Conclusion: It is likely that the actual risk factors for depression among the diabetics are internal factors like one’s genetic constitution and/or personality traits in this environment. Therefore, a more elaborate prospective studies considering the contribution of genetic and personality characteristics to development of depression in diabetics is recommended.