African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research

Evaluation of Malaria and Typhoid Coinfection Among Patients at Yola General Hospital, Adamawa State

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Although malaria and typhoid fever remain highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, evidence on the prevalence and clinical profile of coinfection in northeastern Nigeria remains limited. This study evaluated the burden and characteristics of malaria and typhoid coinfection among febrile patients attending Yola General Hospital in Adamawa State. A cross-sectional design was employed involving 300 patients presenting with febrile illness. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and laboratory diagnostics. Malaria was diagnosed using rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy, whereas typhoid fever was assessed using the Widal test and blood cultures. Demographic, clinical, and behavioral data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to identify significant associations. The findings showed that 102 patients (34%) had malaria only, 78 (26%) had typhoid only, and 54 (18%) were coinfected. Coinfection was most prevalent among individuals aged 21–40 years (55.6%) and was slightly more common in males (55.6%) than females (44.4%). The most frequently reported symptoms among coinfected patients were fever (100%), headache (88.9%), abdominal pain (77.8%), and diarrhea (66.7%). Behavioral risk factors, including inconsistent mosquito net use, poor hand hygiene, and consumption of untreated water, were significantly associated with infection. Coinfection rates also peaked during the rainy season from June to September, accounting for 74.1% of cases. The study concludes that malaria and typhoid coinfection constitutes a substantial clinical and public health burden in Yola. These findings contribute empirical evidence on the demographic, symptomatic, behavioral, and seasonal profile of coinfected patients and highlight the need for dual diagnostic screening, improved laboratory infrastructure, and targeted health education on hygiene and vector control.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Schistosomiasis among School-Age Children and Adolescents in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Nigeria carries the highest global burden of schistosomiasis, with prevalence and infection intensity particularly high among school-aged children and adolescents. In Zaria metropolis, the abundance of water bodies, irrigation farming, and recreational activities such as swimming may increase exposure to schistosomiasis transmission. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of schistosomiasis among school-aged children and adolescents in Zaria metropolis. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among participants aged 6–19 years. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select communities, clusters, and households. Stool and urine samples were collected from eligible participants, and Schistosoma ova were identified using standard microbiological techniques. A questionnaire was used to obtain demographic profiles and data related to potential risk factors. Data were recorded and analyzed using SPSS version 26. A total of 423 participants were recruited from Biye, Bomo, Wuchichiri, and Kufena communities. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 10.6% (45/423), comprising 9.5% (40/423) Schistosoma haematobium infection and 1.2% (5/423) Schistosoma mansoni infection. The identified risk factors for schistosomiasis were frequent contact with water through swimming and irrigation farming (AOR = 2.688, CI = 1.341–5.386, p = 0.005) and geographical location (AOR = 0.275, CI = 0.102–0.740, p = 0.011). The study concludes that schistosomiasis prevalence among school-aged children and adolescents in Zaria metropolis remains high, with transmission associated with geographical location and frequent contact with water bodies. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies, risk-reduction interventions, and public health education in communities with high exposure to water-related activities.

Evaluation of the Factors Promoting Maternal Mortality in Wukari LGA

Egeonu US, Boyi RN, Boyi BI, Adeoti II — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Maternal mortality remains a major public health concern, particularly in non-urban African settings where socioeconomic, infrastructural, and cultural barriers continue to limit progress in reducing preventable maternal deaths. This study assessed the factors contributing to maternal mortality in Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving structured questionnaires administered to 400 respondents selected through simple random sampling across the 10 wards of Wukari LGA. Interviews were also conducted with healthcare providers, traditional birth attendants, and community leaders. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, and inferential statistics through the chi-square test, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that socioeconomic factors, including low income, limited education, and distance to the nearest health facility, influenced maternal health outcomes. Cultural practices were also prevalent, particularly reliance on traditional birth attendants, reported by 319 respondents (82.4%), and home deliveries, reported by 161 respondents (41.6%). Hypothesis testing showed that socioeconomic factors, limited access to healthcare facilities, and cultural practices significantly influenced the prevalence of maternal mortality in Wukari LGA (p < 0.05). The study concludes that maternal mortality in Wukari LGA is driven by interconnected socioeconomic, infrastructural, and cultural factors. These findings contribute to maternal health research by highlighting the combined influence of household-level, health-system, and cultural determinants of maternal mortality. Practical implications include the need to upgrade health facilities, expand community education programs, subsidize maternal health services, and integrate traditional birth attendants into formal healthcare systems to reduce maternal mortality in Wukari LGA.

Effectiveness of Health Education Campaigns on Antenatal Care Utilization in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Chiamaka Cynthia Ekeoba — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Maternal and child health remains a critical public health priority in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where insufficient utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services contributes to preventable maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 287,000 women die each year from pregnancy-related complications, with most deaths occurring in resource-limited settings where access to essential maternal health information and services remains inadequate. Health education campaigns have therefore been increasingly implemented as strategic interventions to improve awareness, influence health-seeking behavior, and encourage timely ANC utilization. This systematic review aims to synthesize available evidence on the effectiveness of health education campaigns in promoting ANC utilization among women in LMICs. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2010 and 2025 using search terms related to health education campaigns, maternal health promotion, antenatal care utilization, and health communication interventions. Studies reporting quantitative or qualitative evidence on the influence of health education strategies, including mass media initiatives, community outreach programs, and digital communication platforms, on ANC attendance, early ANC booking, and completion of recommended visits were included. Extracted data were synthesized narratively, and patterns of intervention effectiveness were summarized across studies. A total of 29 studies conducted across different LMIC contexts met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicate that well-designed health education campaigns significantly improve maternal health knowledge and positively influence ANC attendance, particularly when interventions incorporate culturally appropriate communication approaches and community engagement strategies. This review concludes that health education campaigns can serve as effective maternal health promotion strategies for improving ANC utilization in resource-limited settings. The findings contribute to evidence on health communication interventions and provide practical implications for policymakers, public health practitioners, and maternal health programs seeking to strengthen ANC uptake among women in LMICs.

Challenges of Slaughter Slab Management in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Bode A. S, Adamu M. Y, Mary M — Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Slaughter slabs are essential facilities for processing animals intended for human consumption; however, poor management can compromise meat safety, environmental sanitation, and public health. This study investigated the challenges of slaughter slab management in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted, using random sampling to select 100 respondents. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and focus group discussions, while secondary data were obtained from journals, proceedings, textbooks, brochures, and manuals. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including tables, means, frequencies, and percentages. The findings indicate that poor administrative structure undermines the quality and safety of meat produced in the slaughter slab. In particular, the absence of adequate meat inspection raises serious concerns regarding meat safety and consumer health. The study further revealed that poor sanitary conditions within the slaughter slab environment negatively affect workers, users, nearby residents, and host communities, increasing their exposure to waterborne disease risks. The study concludes that effective slaughter slab management requires improved administrative oversight, sanitary infrastructure, and routine health supervision. It recommends that the local government provide adequate waste disposal facilities, appoint health personnel to supervise meat-processing practices, and educate butchers on hygienic meat handling, processing, and packaging. These findings contribute to public health and environmental management discourse by highlighting the need for stronger institutional support and hygiene-based governance in local slaughter slab operations.

Impact and Challenges of Western Medical Practice in Wukari Division 1926-1960

Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Health constituted a major concern in colonial Wukari Division, particularly because tropical diseases such as malaria and yellow fever contributed to high mortality among Europeans in West Africa. This study examines the impact and challenges of Western medical practice in Wukari Division from 1926 to 1960. The study adopted an empirical historical approach, drawing on primary and secondary sources to analyze the development of colonial healthcare services and their social implications. The findings indicate that Western medical practice contributed to technological advancement, sanitary and preventive services, and the introduction of clean pipe-borne water in Wukari Division. The study also reveals that the colonial government and missionary organizations played a significant role in shaping the health landscape of the area during the period under review. Before Nigeria’s independence in 1960, efforts were made to train African doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel, who later assumed responsibility for managing health institutions previously administered by European colonial and missionary personnel. However, Western medical practice in Wukari Division faced several challenges, including epidemics and disease outbreaks, cultural resistance, unequal distribution of medical resources, and administrative limitations. The study concludes that although colonial and missionary medical interventions contributed to the institutionalization of modern healthcare in Wukari Division, persistent structural and social challenges limited their effectiveness. It recommends deliberate policy and institutional actions to improve health services in the local government areas that formerly constituted Wukari Division.