Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) refers to an amalgam of inflammatory and degenerative conditions which affects muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, peripheral nerves, and supporting blood vessels presenting with ache, pain, numbness or discomfort. 1-2 According to European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, workrelated musculoskeletal disorders are impairments of bodily structures such as muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones and localized blood circulation system, that are caused or aggravated primarily by work and by the effects of the immediate environment in which work is performed. 3 Musculoskeletal disorders affect all persons irrespective of age and sex, and are mostly ABSTRACT Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common health problems encountered in the workplace around the globe leading to disabling conditions there by reducing human performance and subsequently quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSDs and associated disabilities and also to identify the risk factors responsible for their occurrence among bank workers in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: Annual prevalence of MSD was determined through a cross sectional survey from a sample of 300 bank workers. A pre-validated questionnaire adopted from modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and 12 Item General Health Questionnaire was used to obtain information about participant's demographic characteristics, job characteristics, psychosocial stress, musculoskeletal impairments and the resulting disability in different body regions. Data was obtained from the participant's at their respective working places in Kancheepuram for a period of 1 month. Results: Annual prevalence of 33.8% was observed for the MSD, with a disability rate of 8.5%.The body region mostly affected was the lower back (51.8%) followed by the neck (48.2%), shoulder (40.2%) and upper back (39.6%). In terms of disability, the same pattern was noted with rates for the lower back, neck, shoulder and upper back being 18.9%, 13.4%, 11.6% and 9.1% respectively. The risk factors identified as being responsible for MSD were job tenure, psychosocial stress, and female sex while those responsible for the disabilities were job tenure and psychosocial stress. Conclusion: Low prevalence of MSDs and associated disabilities was observed.

Introduction Measuring health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) is crucial to monitor and improve the patients' health status through effective rehabilitation. While the 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12) was developed as a shorter alternative to the 36-item short-form health survey for assessing HRQOL in large-scale studies, to date, no cross-culturally adapted and validated Hausa version exists. This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the SF-12 into Hausa language, and test its psychometric properties in mixed urban and rural Nigerian populations with chronic LBP. Methods The Hausa version of the SF-12 was developed following the guidelines of the International Quality of Life Assessment project. Fifteen patients with chronic LBP recruited from urban and rural communities of Nigeria pre-tested the Hausa SF-12. A consecutive sample of 200 patients with chronic LBP recruited from urban and rural clinics of Nigeria completed the instrument, among which 100 respondents re-tested the instrument after two weeks. Factorial structure and invariance were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multi-group CFA respectively. Multi-trait scaling analysis (for convergent and divergent validity) and known-groups validity were performed to assess construct validity. Composite reliability (CR), internal consistency (Cronbach's α), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and Bland-Altman plots were computed to assess reliability.

No abstract

Inclusion goes beyond teachers and requires strong commitment of other stakeholders such as families and governments. To guarantee the smooth inclusion of children with special education needs and particularly with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a set of practices validated through rigorous research as supportive and unique and that can be universal to Africa is wise. Implications for rehabilitation A number of strategies were identified that can improve the classroom inclusion of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Development of policies that support such strategies could improve implementation. Inclusion goes beyond teachers. Rehabilitation professionals (i.e. occupational therapists) and educational professionals should partner to identify practical solutions to the challenges of creating inclusive environments for children with special education needs. Committing more resources and time towards the development and implementation of special education policies can advance the successful inclusion of children with special education needs.

BackgroundMedical and socio-economic uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have had a substantial impact on mental health. This study aimed to systematically review the existing literature reporting the prevalence of anxiety and depression among the general populace in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine associated risk factors.MethodsA systematic search of the following databases African Journal Online, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted from database inception until 30th September 2021. Studies reporting the prevalence of anxiety and/or depression among the general populace in African settings were considered for inclusion. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Meta-analyses on prevalence rates were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-analysis software.ResultsSeventy-eight primary studies (62,380 participants) were identified from 2,325 studies via electronic and manual searches. Pooled prevalence rates for anxiety (47%, 95% CI: 40–54%, I2 = 99.19%) and depression (48%, 95% CI: 39–57%, I2 = 99.45%) were reported across Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sex (female) and history of existing medical/chronic conditions were identified as major risk factors for anxiety and depression.ConclusionsThe evidence put forth in this synthesis demonstrates the substantial impact of the pandemic on the pervasiveness of these psychological symptoms among the general population. Governments and stakeholders across continental Africa should therefore prioritize the allocation of available resources to institute educational programs and other intervention strategies for preventing and ameliorating universal distress and promoting psychological wellbeing.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021228023, PROSPERO CRD42021228023.

No abstract

Background To generate high-quality evidence, contextually relevant outcome measurement instruments are required. Quality of life evaluation among polio survivors typically involves the use of generic instruments, which are developed and validated among a different groups of people. There is no clear evidence whether these instruments are appropriate for the measurement of quality of life among polio survivors in northwest Nigeria. The purpose of this review is to identify and select a pre-existing instrument that is best suited for the measurement of quality of life among polio survivors in northwest Nigeria. Methods Using the findings of a previous scoping review of the literature and qualitative descriptive study, we screened 11 quality of life instruments that are used in polio literature. We identified and selected the most appropriate instrument, which reflected the perspectives of polio survivors in northwest Nigeria and at the same time exhibited good measurement properties. Results The Quality of Life Index, World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief, and Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale are consistent with the perspectives of polio survivors in northwest Nigeria and have satisfactory measurement properties. Among these instruments, the Quality of Life Index satisfied most of the screening criteria we employed and is suitable for cross-cultural adaptation in northwest Nigeria. Conclusion Most instruments that are employed to evaluate the quality of life of polio survivors were not primarily designed as a measure of quality of life. To select the appropriate instrument, there is a need to consider and reflect the perspectives of the individuals, to improve the validity of the measurement.

Objectives: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) service is a comprehensive program comprising both pharmacological and non-pharmacological (exercise training, counseling, nutritional, etc.) treatment options that have been proven to improve physical and psychological conditions of patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). Nevertheless, PR is non-existent in most parts of Africa. The objective of this study is to report on the views of respiratory health professionals (pulmonologists and allied health) regarding the implementation of PR in Northwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, a group of 11 purposively sampled respiratory health professionals working in tertiary hospitals in Northwest Nigeria was contacted to participate in the study. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the participants. Information power was used to stop data collection. The data obtained were analyzed using thematic synthesis. Results: Six themes emerged from the interviews as follows: (i) Description of PR as a comprehensive life-saving intervention that involves exercises, education, self-care, and nutrition; (ii) absence of PR units; (iii) possession of knowledge of their roles; (iv) possession of basic knowledge of roles of other team members; (v) lack of specialized workforce; and (vi) lack of facilities and equipment. In general, the results of the study indicated that some respondents were more conversant with PR as an intervention in CRDs than others. Furthermore, the respondents had basic knowledge of the roles of other professionals in the delivery of PR. Finally, the major barriers to the utilization of PR services were poor awareness, lack of equipment, and workforce. Conclusion: There was a general lack of comprehensive PR services in the study area with respiratory health-care professionals demonstrating variable, but mostly good knowledge of PR.