(r = 0.217; p < 0.05) but not associated with improved glucose control as measured p > 0.05). Only 12 (13.5 %)

ObjectiveThis study sought to assess knowledge of schizophrenia and help-seeking behaviour among undergraduate students of a Nigerian university. Sociodemographic predictors of correct recognition were also explored.DesignThe study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey.SettingThe study was carried out at the University of Nigeria, a pioneer university located in Southeastern Nigeria.ParticipantsUndergraduate students of the University of Nigeria.MethodsAll consenting male and female students of three purposively selected faculties were recruited for the study. Self-administered vignette-based questionnaires were distributed to students of the selected faculties between September and November 2018. Data were analysed using the IBM Statistical Product and Services Solution for Windows V.21.0.ResultsOut of the 400 questionnaires that were distributed, 389 were completed and returned (97.3% response rate). Respondents were mainly female (64.9%, n=252) and were between the ages of 18 and 24 years (75.8%, n=294). One in eight respondents (12.1%, n=47) correctly identified and labelled the schizophrenia vignette. Hallucination was the most identified symptom of distress for schizophrenia (47.9%, n=186). The most common alternative label for schizophrenia was ‘mental illness’ (24.7%, n=96). Schizophrenia was also mislabelled as depression (11.6%, n=45). More than a 10th of the respondents used stigmatising labels such as ‘crazy’ and ‘mad’ (11.1%, n=43). Psychiatrists were the most recommended source of help for the vignette character (36.3%, n=141). There was a strong association between the faculty of study and the ability to correctly identify and label the schizophrenia vignette (χ2=44.557, p<0.001).ConclusionMental health literacy among students of the University of Nigeria was poor. Research on culturally sensitive interventions to improve mental health literacy should be embarked on.

Purpose: The problem of fake and counterfeit drugs is real and constitutes a major threat to the health and safety of the Nigerian population. A descriptive study was carried out to assess the methods of identification of counterfeit drugs by community pharmacists in Lagos State. Methods: The research instrument was a 23-item questionnaire, which was administered to consenting community pharmacists in 17 out of the 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State. A convenient sample of practicing community pharmacists both in retail and wholesale distribution of pharmaceutical products were recruited into the study using a list of registered pharmacists from the Association of Community Pharmacists in Lagos State. Effort was made to ensure adequate representation of Pharmacies in every local government area in Lagos State. Results All the respondents agreed that there is a fake and counterfeit drug problem in Nigeria, and (74%) considered this a major problem. The respondents commonly used visual security techniques before drug purchasing. These were: Seals/embossments (83%), character of print (77%), and Holograms (68%).The respondents' most likely action after a counterfeit drug encounter was to return the drug back to the supplier. Conclusion: The study showed that pharmacists sampled were aware of the prevalence of fake and counterfeit drugs and quite a number of them have had encounters with them. There is an indication that the respondents try to assure themselves of the quality of the drugs they purchase by use of several methods. However, no rigorous effort was taken to confirm as well as report suspected fake and counterfeit drugs to regulatory authorities.

Developing countries undergoing epidemiological transition face the double burden of communicable and non communicable diseases. Although safe and effective drugs and evidence-based treatment guidelines are available, the management of hypertension remains sub-optimal. This was a descriptive prospective study to determine the level of knowledge, practice and attitude (KAP) of hypertensive patients receiving medical care at Central Hospital Sapele towards hypertension. Pre-tested questionnaires were administered to 330 hypertensive patients, and the KAP of the patients assessed. Females 58.5% were more represented than males 41.5%. Respondents aged 65 and over were more represented (36.4%). A majority (43.3%) were unemployed, 58.8% were married and majority (51.2%) had a tertiary level of education. 8.8% were smokers while 25.5% alcoholics. Majority (53.3%) had family history of hypertension and most (36.7%) of them have had hypertension for over 5 years. 45.5% reported the presence of one or more co-morbidity of which diabetes mellitus (43.3%) was found to be the most co-morbid condition. Age, occupation, marital status and duration of hypertension were significantly related to KPA, p< 0.05. Only 53.3% reported satisfaction. Respondents demonstrated good knowledge and attitude but very good practice towards hypertension. The most prevalent co-morbid condition with hypertension was found to be diabetes mellitus. Majority of the respondents were satisfied with the level of care received from this institution.

The prevalence of adherence among the participants was high. However, more serious efforts are needed to reduce the number of in-adherent patients. Interventions to improve adherence to ART should address challenges such as forgetfulness among the patients and frequent occurrence of adverse effects and consider specific patient-related factors such as daily tasks.

Background Angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2, being the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, is increased in the use of RAAS inhibitors. Therefore, concerns have been raised over risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and poor prognosis of COVID-19 in persons with prior exposure to these drugs. This study aimed to systematically review available evidence for associations between exposure to RAAS inhibitors with susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and clinical outcomes in infected persons. It hopes to address the question on the effects of RAAS inhibitors on the risk of COVID-19 and its prognosis. Main body Search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase and MedRxiv.org from December 2019 to May 31, 2020, using relevant keywords. Additional articles were identified through hand-searching of reference lists. Studies that reported associations between positive tests to COVID-19 and use of RAAS inhibitors, and treatment outcomes of COVID-19 patients who had exposure to RAAS inhibitors were considered eligible. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to assess risk of bias in individual studies. The review was conducted in line with Preferred Regulatory Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines 2009. From the 952 studies screened and 2 studies from reference hand-searching, 18 were reviewed. Four studies evaluated the risks for SARS-CoV-2 infection among RAAS inhibitors users, and 16 (including 2 of the 4 studies) evaluated the clinical outcomes associated with previous exposure to RAAS inhibitors. Conclusion Evidence does not suggest higher risks for SARS-CoV-2 infection or poor disease prognosis in the use of RAAS inhibitors. This suggests the continued use of RAAS inhibitors by patients with existing needs, which supports the position statements of American Heart Association and European societies for Cardiology.

an online international journal allowing free unlimited access to abstract and full-text of published articles. The journal is devoted to the promotion of health sciences and related disciplines (including medicine, pharmacy, nursing, biotechnology, cell and molecular biology, and related engineering fields). It seeks particularly (but not exclusively) to encourage multidisciplinary research and collaboration among scientists, the industry and the healthcare professionals. It will also provide an international forum for the communication and evaluation of data, methods and findings in health sciences and related disciplines. The journal welcomes original research papers, reviews and case reports on current topics of special interest and relevance. All manuscripts will be subject to rapid peer review. Those of high quality (not previously published and not under consideration for publication) will be published without delay. The maximum length of manuscripts should normally be 10,000 words (20 single-spaced typewritten pages) for review, 6,000 words for research articles, 3,000 for technical notes, case reports, commentaries and short communications. Submission of Manuscript:The International Journal of Health Research uses a journal management software to allow authors track the changes to their submission. All manuscripts must be in MS Word and in English and should be submitted online at http://www.ijhr.org. Authors who do not want to submit online or cannot submit online should send their manuscript by e-mail attachment (in single file) to the editorial office below. Submission of a manuscript is an indication that the content has not been published or under consideration for publication elsewhere. Authors may submit the names of expert reviewers or those they do not want to review their papers. In identifying at what age in our environment obesity starts becoming a problem, we measured the burden of overweight and obesity among young adults. Methods: Four hundred and sixty four undergraduate students, who were undergoing medical examination as part of admission process, were recruited. Their weight, height and blood pressure (BP) were measured and their body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The prevalence of obesity, overweight and under-nutrition among these students were determined according to international guidelines. Enquiries Results:The prevalence of obesity (3.4%) and undernutrition (3.1%) among the students, were similar. Female students had higher prevalence of obesity (4.02%) and under-nutrition (3.1%) than the males. Overweight was found to be commoner in male subjects (26.78%) than in females (20.98%). The prevalence of hypertension was 3.4% in the study population and was commoner in males (5.9%) than in females (0.89%). Mean systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in males than females (p < 0.05). Conclusion:Obesity and under-nutrition are prevalent among the fresh undergraduate students. As part of the orientation programme for fresh undergraduate studen...

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