Achievers Journal of Scientific Research

Diagnostic Usefulness of Five Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Kits Compared with Stained Blood Smear Microscopy

2026-02-10T21:02:09+00:00

Malaria is a major health challenge. The causative organisms are the plasmodium parasites which are transmitted to humans via infected female anopheles’ mosquitos. The gold standard for its diagnosis is light microscopy of stained blood films. This work determined the suitability of five types of malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) kits; Carestart, First Response, SD Bioline, Meriscreen and NxTek as alternatives to microscopy. About 2ml venous blood was collected from each of 615 patients who showed symptoms of malaria. The blood samples were treated with the mRDKs and by microscopy using Giemsa, Leishman and Field’s stains. The results revealed that 535 (87%) had plasmodium parasites by light microscopy, while the five RDTs showed varying results. The percentage sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values and negative predictive values were RDK 1 (89.5, 87.2, 97.9, 55.4), RDK 2 (92.6, 89.5, 98.3, 64.3), RDK 3 (90.1, 82.2, 97.1, 55.3), RDK 4 (89.1, 85.2, 97.6, 53.8) and RDK 5 (92.9, 83.0, 97.3, 63.6). The mean values were 90.8, 85.4, 97.7 and 58.1 respectively at 95% confidence level. False negative results in the RDTs were observed in low parasiteamia while false positive results were observed in some patients on medication, perhaps because of the presence of the malaria antigens after the parasites had been cleared from the blood stream. mRDKs are important alternatives to microscopy only in cases of emergencies and where facilities and trained personnel are not available. The results confirm the superiority of microscopy of stained smears to mRDKs.

Comparison of the Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Hot Pack on Dysmenorrhea amongst Female Interns in A Tertiary Health Facility in Nigeria

2026-02-10T21:33:59+00:00

Dysmenorrhea a painful menstrual cramp during menstruation is managed pharmacologically using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or hormonal contraceptives. However, concerns over side effects have led many to explore alternative therapies such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and thermotherapy using Hydrocollator Pack. This study compared the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Hydrocollator Pack on dysmenorrhea amongst female interns in Federal Medical Center, Owo. The study recruited 30 female interns into Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (n=15) and Hydrocollator Pack (n=15) using a fish bowl sampling method. Data was collected using Numerical Pain Rating Scale an 11-point scale, from 0 to 10, (0 meaning “no pain” and 10 meaning “worst possible pain”) on 3 consecutive days of treatment for a period of 3 months. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 25 with alpha level set at 0.05. Result showed that, both interventions reduced pain, although within-group change across nine treatment days was not statistically significant for either Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or Hydrocollator Pack (Friedman tests, p ≥.282). However, Hydrocollator Pack produced greater pain reduction than Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation at all timepoints (Holm-adjusted p ≤.05). Furthermore, comparative effect revealed that participants in Hydrocollator Pack group exhibited a significantly greater reduction in pain compared to the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation group (p <.05). In conclusion, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Hydrocollator Pack had a positive effect on dysmenorrhea in terms of pain reduction, however, Hydrocollator Pack demonstrated greater reduction in pain than Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.

Patient Satisfaction and Perception of Healthcare Quality Among National Youth Service Corps Members Under the National Health Insurance Programme in Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria.

2026-02-11T10:51:42+00:00

Healthcare provision and access are essential for meeting individuals’ basic health needs. The Group, Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme–NYSC (GIFSHIP-n) was established to provide healthcare services to corps members. Assessing corps members’ satisfaction with services under the programme is important for evaluating quality of care, identifying gaps, and guiding improvements. This study assessed corps members’ satisfaction with the quality of care accessed through GIFSHIP-n in Rivers State, Nigeria, using a descriptive cross-sectional design and a self-administered online questionnaire (Google Forms). Descriptive statistics, including frequency tables and cross-tabulations were generated to summarise the data. Associations between socio-demographic characteristics and satisfaction were examined using regression analysis. A confidence limit of 95% was used and a p-value of less than 0.05 considered significant. A total of 697 corps members responded to the questionnaire, with a mean age of 25.7 ± 2.3 years. The overall mean satisfaction score was 76.4% ± 18.1. The highest satisfaction level was recorded for doctors’ consultation (83.6% ± 14.0), while the availability of prescribed drugs and waiting time recorded the lowest satisfaction levels: 71.9% ± 20.1 and 60.3% ± 22.6. Despite the high satisfaction levels in some aspects of care, many respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the unavailability of prescribed drugs and long waiting times. Hence, it is necessary to address these service delivery gaps to ensure sustainability, improve impact, and make GIFSHIP-n a model for expanding health insurance coverage across Nigeria.

Use Of Misoprostol in the Prevention and Treatment of Post Partum Haemorrhage Among Primary Health Care Workers in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

2026-02-16T10:12:22+00:00

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the most common cause of obstetric haemorrhage and the leading cause of maternal mortality in Nigeria. Injectable uterotonics such as oxytocin, ergometrine, and syntometrine are the conventional first-line drugs for the prevention and treatment of PPH. Misoprostol, an oral uterotonic approved by the Federal Ministry of Health in Nigeria, offers a practical alternative, especially in low-resource settings. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and use of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of PPH among primary health care workers in Zaria Metropolis. A descriptive survey design was employed, involving 156 primary health care workers. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results showed that only 31.3% of respondents had a high level of knowledge of misoprostol for PPH prevention and treatment. Slightly above one-third (38.3%) reported correct use of misoprostol for PPH prevention, while only 16.3% had used it correctly for treatment. Less than a quarter (23.3%) had received formal training on misoprostol use, and only 27.3% indicated that the drug was consistently available in their health facilities. A significant relationship was found between knowledge and correct use of misoprostol for both prevention and treatment of PPH (p < 0.0001). However, professional cadre did not significantly influence knowledge levels (p = 0.107). The study concludes that improved knowledge is associated with appropriate use of misoprostol and recommends increased training, supervision, and consistent drug availability to enhance PPH prevention and management.

Spousal Involvement in Postpartum Care and Health Related Quality of Life of Postpartum Women in Selected Hospitals in Ondo State

2026-02-16T12:49:05+00:00

The study assessed the level of spousal involvement and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among postpartum women in selected hospitals in Ondo State, Nigeria. A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted. Data were collected from 386 postnatal women between January and May 2023 using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 28. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) summarized participants’ characteristics, while linear regression examined the association between spousal involvement and HRQoL at a 0.05 significance level. Most respondents were aged 26–35 years (53.6%), with a mean age of 33.5 years (SD = 0.7). The majority had two children (32.1%), were Christians (74.1%), and of Yoruba ethnicity (60.1%). About 6.0% had no formal education, 62.7% were self-employed, and 39.4% earned less than ₦30,000 monthly. Overall, 14.9% reported poor spousal involvement in postpartum care. HRQoL was generally high (77%), although 23% had low scores. The most common reason for limited spousal participation was distance from residence to the hospital (57.5%). Sociodemographic factors such as age, parity, religion, ethnicity, education, occupation, and income were significantly associated with spousal involvement. Spousal involvement was also significantly associated with HRQoL (F[2,384] = 281.95, p < 0.001, R = 0.651, R² = 0.423, Adjusted R² = 0.422, SE = 0.857). These findings underscore the need for targeted awareness and educational interventions to enhance spousal support and improve maternal well-being during the postpartum period.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception Towards Sickle Cell Disease Among Residents of Oke-Ose Community, Ilorin, Kwara State

2026-03-12T21:34:28+00:00

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) remains one of the most prevalent genetic blood disorders among African populations, with carrier rates ranging from 10% to 40% in some regions. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and perception of residents of the Oke Ose community toward sickle cell disease. A descriptive cross-sectional, non-experimental design was employed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 421 conveniently selected respondents. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and presented in tables and figures. Most respondents (79.6%) correctly identified SCD as a blood disorder and recognized major symptoms; however, substantial misconceptions persist. Half believed SCD is infectious (50.4%), 48.1% considered it contagious, 44.4% thought affected individuals cannot have children, and over half believed SCD can be cured or cannot be prevented. Despite these misconceptions, attitudes toward individuals living with SCD were largely positive, with over 80% supporting equal treatment and expressing comfort interacting with affected persons. A significant relationship was found between knowledge and attitude (p = 0.001), while educational status showed no association with perception (p = 0.349). These findings highlight persistent knowledge gaps and cultural misconceptions despite generally positive attitudes. Strengthened community education, premarital genetic counseling, and targeted awareness programs are crucial to improving understanding and reducing stigma surrounding SCD in the community.

Prevalence of Traumatic Childbirth Experiences among Midwives in Secondary Public Health Care Facilities of Niger State, Nigeria

2026-03-12T22:22:54+00:00

Midwives frequently encounter traumatic situations during childbirth, including emergencies, complications, and adverse outcomes. These experiences have significant implications for their psychological well-being, professional performance, and, in some cases, their decision to exit the profession. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of exposure to traumatic childbirth among midwives in Secondary care facilities of Niger State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was utilized, using the questionnaire as the tool for data collection among one hundred and seventy midwives whom were recruited via multistage sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics on SPSS version 27. Results revealed a high prevalence of exposure to traumatic childbirth (94.1%). The Chi-square analysis examining the relationship between socio-demographic variables (educational background, years of experience, and practice setting) and the prevalence of traumatic childbirth experiences revealed several significant associations (p = 0.001 each). Further inferential analysis showed a statistically significant association between number of exposures to traumatic childbirth by midwives and working hours at p-value 0.05 (χ² = 59.288, df = 4, p = 0.001). The likelihood ratio (70.846, p = 0.001) and the linear-by-linear association (43.008, p = 0.001). The study recommends structured support systems, regular psychological debriefing, trauma-informed care training, and policy interventions to safeguard midwives’ mental health and improve maternal and neonatal care outcomes.

Utilization of Social Media Among Undergraduate Students of the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

2026-03-12T22:50:13+00:00

This study examined the utilization of social media and its effects on academic performance among undergraduate students at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from 419 students using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and summarized with descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that most respondents (66.7%) were aged between 18 and 23 years, with males (55.6%) slightly more than females. The majority (82.1%) were of Yoruba ethnicity, and most were in their 400-level of study. The majority were active social media users, with 59.7% spending more than seven hours daily and 70.6% accessing platforms primarily through mobile phones. WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram were the most frequently used platforms. Perceptions of social media were largely positive: over 85% reported that social media improved their academic performance, enhanced collaboration, connected them with mentors, and provided access to academic tools and opportunities. However, a similarly high proportion reported distractions and reduced concentration during study and lectures. Chi-square analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between the number of hours spent on social media and students’ perceived academic impact (χ² = 26.49, df = 4, p < 0.001), with heavier users more likely to report negative outcomes. Although social media supports communication and academic engagement, excessive use may hinder productivity and focus. The study recommends that students regulate their usage of social media channels, prioritize academic use of social platforms, and receive guidance on effective digital habits.

Exploring the Impact of Cholesterol-Lowering Medications Versus Dietary Modification on Patient’s Health

2026-02-10T22:14:09+00:00

The liver makes cholesterol, which is a vital fat necessary for hormone synthesis, maintenance of cell membrane integrity, generation of bile acids, and the synthesis of vitamin D. A particularly high LDL level needs to be taken seriously due to its huge risk of causing atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke, despite the preventive effects of having ideal highs of HDL cholesterol levels. Managing hypercholesterolemia remains of utmost importance to deter cardiovascular ailments, including comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension. This study examines two main strategies for lowering cholesterol: medication and dietary changes. These cholesterol-lowering drugs include statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants, fibrates, niacin, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors that, though proved to lower LDL cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular events with a probability of side effects, do have compliance issues. On the other hand, good dietary changes, such as decreasing trans fats and saturated fats and increasing soluble fiber consumption with good fats, in association with dietary guidelines like DASH and the Mediterranean diet, means an economically viable and holistic way of lipid profile improvement. A comparative review of both strategies weighs the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches while portraying the influence on treatment decisions of patient characteristics, comorbidities, the medical practitioner's advice, and the severity of hypercholesterolemia.

Advances in Fingerprint Biometric Recognition for Modern Attendance Management: A State-of-the-Art Review

2026-02-18T13:22:20+00:00

The manual attendance system has been in use for decades; however, shortcomings such as impersonation, ineffective manual record-keeping, and unreliable token-centric methodologies limit its application for this digital age. Biometric-based fingerprint technique is one of the recently evolving approaches developed to mitigate the shortcomings of manual attendance methods. It is on these premises that this current study examines the principal methodologies employed in fingerprint recognition, focusing on attendance management. Efforts were made to review the recent progress in preprocessing techniques such as normalization, segmentation, orientation estimation, ridge frequency analysis, and Gabor filtering. Also, feature extraction techniques like minutiae-based, ridge-based, and hybrid techniques were extensively analyzed. Furthermore, matching algorithms, performance metrics, and error quantification for evaluating the performance of biometric-based fingerprint systems were examined. The strengths, weaknesses, and associated bottlenecks with the biometric-based fingerprint technique, particularly the management of low-quality prints, scalability assurance, and robustness enhancement, were looked into. The outcome of this review opens up gaps for new research directions in the development of more reliable and efficient fingerprint-based attendance mechanisms.

Umbilical Cord Blood versus Bone Marrow: A Comparative Review of Stem Cell Yield, Biological Properties, and Clinical Utility in Transplantation

2026-03-10T22:02:47+00:00

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) has gained increasing recognition as a viable and potentially superior source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for transplantation. Since the first successful cord blood transplant in 1988, the field has expanded significantly, with over 50,000 UCB transplants done globally. UCB is now being used to treat a variety of hematologic, immunologic, metabolic, and neoplastic disorders. Its unique biological attributes, including immunological naivety, ease of collection, and lower risk of graft-versus-host disease, make it particularly advantageous in both paediatric and adult transplantation settings. Despite these benefits, a major limitation remains the relatively low yield of HSCs in a single unit, which can affect engraftment success, particularly in adults. Compared to bone marrow, UCB contains a higher concentration of primitive stem cells with greater proliferative potential, longer telomeres, and distinct cytokine profiles, but has reduced cytokine production and immune maturity. These differences have critical implications for transplantation outcomes and regenerative applications. This narrative review evaluates umbilical cord blood relative to bone marrow as sources of hematopoietic stem cells, synthesizing biological differences, clinical outcomes, limitations, and recent strategies to enhance UCB utility, such as ex vivo stem cell expansion, hybrid and public banking initiatives, and the standardization of collection and processing protocols.