BackgroundProviding informal caregiving in the acute in-patient and post-hospital discharge phases places enormous burden on the caregivers who often require some form of social support. However, it appears there are few published studies about informal caregiving in the acute in-patient phase of individuals with stroke particularly in poor-resource countries. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of caregiving burden and its association with patient and caregiver-related variables and also level of perceived social support in a sample of informal caregivers of stroke survivors at an acute stroke-care facility in Nigeria.MethodsEthical approval was sought and obtained. Fifty-six (21 males, 35 females) consecutively recruited informal caregivers of stroke survivors at the medical ward of a tertiary health facility in South-Southern Nigeria participated in this cross-sectional survey. Participants’ level of care-giving strain/burden and perceived social support were assessed using the Caregiver Strain Index and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support respectively. Caregivers’ and stroke survivors’ socio-demographics were also obtained. Data was analysed using frequency count and percentages, independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and partial correlation at α =0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of care-giving burden among caregivers is 96.7% with a high level of strain while 17.9% perceived social support as low. No significant association was found between caregiver burden and any of the caregiver- or survivor-related socio-demographics aside primary level education. Only the family domain of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support was significantly correlated with burden (r = − 0.295).ConclusionInformal care-giving burden was highly prevalent in this acute stroke caregiver sample and about one in every five of these caregivers rated social support low. This is a single center study. Healthcare managers and professionals in acute care facilities should device strategies to minimize caregiver burden and these may include family education and involvement.

BackgroundMany countries have started adopting musculoskeletal imaging as part of physiotherapy practice and their educational programmes are expected to bridge the gaps in training.ObjectivesTo develop an instrument that can be used to explore the level and nature of training, attitude, competence and utilisation of musculoskeletal imaging among physiotherapists.MethodAn exploratory sequential mixed methods design was used. An in-depth international literature search was conducted, followed by a focus group discussion (FGD). The FGD informants were recruited through maximum variation sampling. The results of the FGD and the information from relevant literature were used to draft the physiotherapist’s musculoskeletal imaging profile questionnaire (PMIPQ). The PMIPQ was then subjected to face, content and criterion validity and pilot testing. The final version of the PMIPQ consists of six domains: (A) demographic details, (B) nature of training in musculoskeletal imaging, (C) level of training, (D) attitude towards musculoskeletal imaging, (E) utilisation and (F) competence. Data were analysed using means, standard deviation, Spearman’s correlation (ρ) and Cronbach’s alpha (α); SPSS 20 software (p ≤ 0.05).ResultsThe results showed that the PMIPQ has good psychometric properties: validity and internal consistency. The test–retest reliability (p-value) across the domains was: C (0.973), D (0.979), E (0.842) and F (0.716).ConclusionPhysiotherapist’s musculoskeletal imaging profile questionnaire is a relevant instrument for assessing the musculoskeletal imaging profile of physiotherapists in Nigeria and in other countries with a similar scope of training and practice.Clinical implicationsMusculoskeletal system imaging is a potentially useful adjunct to physiotherapists in clinical practice.

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Introduction: The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire is a widely used upper extremity outcome measure. However, it is yet to be translated into any of the major languages in Nigeria, thus limiting its utility in the Nigerian clinical setting. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the DASH questionnaire into Yoruba, a major Nigerian language and investigate its initial validation. Methods: The English version of DASH was adapted into Yoruba through forward-back translations, experts' committee meetings, pretesting and cognitive debriefing interview in accordance with the guidelines recommended by the developers of DASH. Fifty-two purposively selected patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders participated in a cross-sectional survey. Factor analysis was performed to ensure structural validity of Yoruba version, and construct validity was investigated with Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Results: The Yoruba version of DASH has semantic, idiomatic, linguistic and conceptual equivalence with the English DASH. Thirty linear components were identified within the data set. Principal factor analysis of the Yoruba DASH revealed a seven factor scale, having fulfilled all the necessary conditions. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy was 0.61, and Barlett's test of Sphericity was adequate and significant (2 (1066) ¼ 435, p ¼ 0.001). Significant correlation (r ¼ 0.994, p ¼ 0.001) exists between scores obtained on English and Yoruba versions of DASH. Conclusion: A cross-culturally adapted, valid Yoruba version of DASH is available for use in in south western Nigeria and other similar populations.

ObjectiveTo prospectively investigate the injury profile and the incidence rate per 1000 hours exposure during training and actual league matches in the Nigerian Women’s Premier League (NWPL) and to develop an adequate information pool, using the UEFA injury study model in order to develop appropriate injury prevention strategies.Methods241 women footballers from the eight football clubs that participated in the 2015/2016 Nigerian Women Premier league (NWPL) season were selected for the study and prospectively followed for a period of 6 months. The UEFA injury report forms and Competitive Aggressiveness and Anger Scale were sent to the various clubs, and the forms administered on them as at when due. The forms were analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsThere was a high incidence rate per 1000 hours of exposure during training sessions (10.98 injuries/1000 hours) and matches (55.56 injuries/1000 hours); the predominant injury type was muscle rupture/strain injuries (35.49%), while moderate severity injuries were the most frequent. The predominant injury mechanism was traumatic injuries caused by contact with other players as a result of a tackle by other players (14.5%). No statistical association was established between the level of aggression and the prevalent types of injury (p=0.63).ConclusionsThe organisers of the league and indeed the referees should ensure that the rules of the game are upheld, and foul or overly aggressive play is penalised. Medical staff and coaches should consider evidence-based injury prevention strategies to reduce the risk of the common injuries sustained in the NWPL.