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Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are premenstrual disorders characterized by a cyclical pattern of severe premenstrual symptoms experienced by women, which typically occurs during the days prior to menstruation and ends at the onset of menses. These symptoms may be unbearable in some women and hinder normal daily life including personal relationships, social activities, work and academic activities. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and severity of PMS among female students. Material and methods: PMS and PMDD were diagnosed using the Calendar of Premenstrual Experiences (COPE) form. Participants were requested to complete the form for two consecutive menstrual cycles. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 480 female students (aged 15 to 45 years) at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Results: Of the 480 participants, 206 (42.9%) women met the criteria for diagnosis of PMS, and 274 (57.1%) did not meet the criteria for PMS. Among participants with PMS, 98 (47.6%) women met the criteria for severe PMS or PMDD. In women with PMS, the most prevalent symptoms were trouble concentrating (85.0%), irritability (79.2%), abdominal bloating (75.3%), aches and pains (70.0%), mood swings (69.2%), breast tenderness (69.2%), and food craving (68.0%). Conclusions: The prevalence of PMS, as well as PMDD, was high among female students in Nigeria.

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Health practices such as irrational use of drug may result to delay seeking of medical advice, increased

Background Severe foodborne disease outbreaks have occurred in different continents of the globe in recent decades, particularly due to ineffective food laws, regulatory systems and inadequate food handling knowledge among food handlers and consumers. The purpose of the present study was to assess the food safety knowledge and practices among secondary school students in rural parts of Kogi State, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires was carried out between October and December, 2017. The study was carried out in two public secondary schools located in a rural area in Kogi State, North-central Nigeria. All consenting students in both schools were recruited for the study. Descriptive analysis and chi-square (χ2) tests were carried out using Statistical Package for Service Solutions v.20. Results A total of 259 out of 300 survey questionnaires were completed and returned (86.33%). The mean age of the study participants was 15.9 ± 2.5 years. There were more males than females (55.2%, n = 143). The mean percent knowledge score was 75.79%. The mean percent practice score was 82.48%. More than half (n = 143, 55.2%) respondents had a good knowledge level, and 54.4% (n = 141) had a good practice level. A significant association was found only between food hygiene knowledge and mothers’ education (χ2 = 9.49, p = 0.023). Conclusion The overall food safety knowledge and practice among the secondary school students surveyed was good. Targeted educational interventions on food safety can be made to improve knowledge and practice of food hygiene among students.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by a combination of emotional, physical, psychological, and mood disturbances that occur after a woman's ovulation, typically ending with the onset of her menstrual flow. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe condition of PMS which can be very disabling, as it affects occupational activities and personal relationships. Globally, PMS occurs in 30-40% of women of reproductive age, with 3-8% of this population being affected by PMDD. Despite several studies, the etiology of PMS still remains unclear; however, most theories suggest that PMS has increased sensitivity to normal hormonal changes as well as neurotransmitter abnormalities. Treatment of PMS often requires pharmacological interventions. Serotonergic antidepressants are the mainstay for improving both physical and mood symptoms. Oral contraceptives are also effective for relieving physical symptoms. Other non-pharmacological interventions include lifestyle modification and cognitive behavioral therapy.

The leaves of Bauhinia monandra prepared as poultices are used in many Brazilian tribes and some Nigerian communities to relieve swelling and pains, arthritis, diabetes among other ailments. These folkloric claimed benefits inspired this study in which topical and systemic anti-inflammatory activities of a methanol extract of B. monandra leaves (MEBmL) was assessed in rodents. The anti-inflammatory activities of B. monandra were determined by egg albumin-induced (systemic) paw edema in rats, and xylene-induced (topical) ear edema in mice. Treatment of rats with MEBmL at different concentration (200 and 400 mg/kg) led to significant (p<0,05) reduction (31.0% and 28.0% respectively) of the egg albumin-induced paw edema. Topical application of mice ear with MEBmL (50, 100 mg/kg) also significantly (p<0.05) reduced (39.50% and 41.87% respectively) xylene-induced ear edema. Based on the findings of the study, B. monandra has a promising therapeutic potential with its anti-inflammatory activities as associated with folkloric use of the plant.

Introduction: Cancer is a common global disease characterized by regional variations and late clinical presentations in most developing countries including Nigeria. In 2008, Nigeria was one of the countries with the highest cancer rates in Africa and contributed to 15% of estimated new cases. Despite the threat that cancer poses in sub-Saharan Africa, few countries have established implementation for control of the disease. This study analyses the trends and peculiarity of cancer in the Nigerian population, by comparing and contrasting its prevalence among males and females. We also present estimates of cancer incidence in the Nigerian population. Material and methods: Data on cases and cancer mortality rates were obtained from the WHO cancer mortality database, Health statistics and information systems. The data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics v. 17. Results: A slightly declining cancer mortality rate was observed from 2000 to 2012. A higher mortality rate was observed among women than men. The highest incidence of cancer among men was observed for prostate and liver cancer, while breast and cervix uteri cancer had the highest incidence among females. Conclusions: Though a slight decline in cancer mortality was observed in the study, the cancer mortality rate in Nigeria is still high. It is important to identify factors that promote cancer control and ensure the next steps towards further eradication of cancer and cancer-related diseases in Nigeria.