Research
The team is comprised of physicians with post-graduate training and significant experience in public health, epidemiology and management. The team has its roots in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Nigeria. Whilst working for the hospital, the team formed an informal alliance with the aim of promoting quality research into high burden tropical health conditions. The focus of this group has since been broadened. The complete research publications of the group can be viewed on Researchgate website.
Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Southern Cross River- a cross-sectional observational survey.
The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 1.6 million (1 in 53) Nigerian adults have diabetes mellitus while 60.7% (949,900) of Nigerian adults with diabetes are undiagnosed. In spite of these worrying projections, current nationwide data on diabetes prevalence to aid policy formulation in Nigeria is non-existent.
SEPSIS IN AFRICA- PRACTICAL STEPS TO STEM THE TIDE
Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and particularly in Africa where awareness is low and resources are limited. There are limited reports on the epidemiology, management and outcomes of the sepsis syndromes from Africa. However, this region is likely to account for a significant proportion of the global burden of sepsis which goes unrecognized.
Using a mHealth tutorial application to change knowledge and attitude of frontline health workers to Ebola virus disease in Nigeria: a before-and-after study.
The Ebola epidemic exposed the weak state of health systems in West Africa and their devastating effect on frontline health workers and the health of populations. Fortunately, recent reviews of mobile technology demonstrate that mHealth innovations can help alleviate some health system constraints such as balancing multiple priorities.
Mental health and psychosocial well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: the invisible elephant in the room
The novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic has emerged as a truly formidable threat to humankind’s existence. In the wake of the massively volatile global situation created by COVID-19, it is vital to recognize that the trauma it causes can affect people in different ways, at the individual and collective levels, resulting in mental health challenges for many.
PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B, HEPATITIS C AND HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUSES, AND EVALUATION
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV are bloodborne infections that share common routes of transmission. The main modes of transmission of HBV and HIV are from mother to child.
Prevalence of Zika virus and malaria in patients with fever in secondary healthcare facilities in south-eastern Nigeria
Zika manifests similar symptomatology as malaria. We sought to describe the frequency of Zika and malaria among patients presenting with fever to secondary health facilities in Cross River State, Nigeria.
Treatment of Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis, caused by the thermally dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, is an uncommon multisystem disease with a global distribution.
Ondo_Ebola Research Dataset and Analysis
Standardising quality care of patients – non-communicable diseases in Calabar, Nigeria.
As Dr Cath Snape and Laura Bates of COMDIS-HSD recently found out, it is also a place full of new and experienced doctors dedicated to treating and managing patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs present in Nigeria includes Hypertension, Epilepsy, Sickle Cell Disease, Asthma and Chronic Pulmonary Disease, Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.
SERUM LIPID PROFILE IN ISCHAEMIC STROKE PATIENTS IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA
Several studies in the past failed to demonstrate the relationship between serum lipid profiles as a risk factor for stroke. Aim: To determine the relationship between lipid profile and ischaemic stroke. Methodology: A total of 100 patients were included in the study, with 50 acute ischaemic stroke patients and 50 non-stroke patients.
Ethnic and racial disparities in COVID- 19-related deaths: counting the trees, hiding the forest
As COVID-19 continues to sweep across the globe leaving thousands of victims in its wake, preliminary data from the USA suggest that minorities, especially black people, have been infected and killed at a disproportionate rate across the country.
Relationship between indices of nutriture among residents of a Coastal City in South East Nigeria
PATIENT OUTCOMES FOLLOWING AFTER-HOURS AND WEEKEND ADMISSIONS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR
There are various reports of higher mortality rates occurring after admissions over the weekend and during after-hours. This study aimed to determine if there was a difference in mortality rates occurring during the weekend and after-hours among cardiovascular admissions in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.
NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
End‑stage heart failure is often characterized by refractory symptoms, usually dyspnoea and fatigue at most times, despite optimal medical therapy. Specialized interventions are often required.
Lifestyle Desk Guide for health educators
COVID-19 in the Caribbean region: Indications of the gendered nature of outbreak
As national governments scramble to contain the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19), the Caribbean region has been affected later than other regions including Asia, Europe and Africa. As at 21st March 2020, twenty-four countries/territories in the Caribbean region have reported a total of 384 confirmed COVID-19 infections.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PREHOSPITAL DELAY AMONG STROKE PATIENTS IN A DEVELOPING AFRICAN
Acute kidney injury– an unusual complication of posaconazole use
Posaconazole is an orally administered second-generation triazole antifungal agent which inhibits lanosterol 14-alphademethylase, an enzyme that converts lanosterol to ergosterol, a vital component of the fungal cell membrane.
A COMPARISON OF IMMUNOCHROMATOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE WITH ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT
Background /Aims: Hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection has been reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) to have attained hyperendemic proportions in sub-Saharan Africa. Routine screening of the general population in Nigerian laboratories for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
Tackling COVID-19: Can the African continent play the long game?
Events have progressed with dizzying rapidity since the World Health Organization (WHO) was first alerted to cases of severe pneumonia in the Wuhan City of China on December 31st 2019. The novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic on March 11th 2020.
HIV INFECTION IN PREGNANCY- MATERNAL AND PERINATAL OUTCOMES IN A TERTIARY CARE
The association between statin-use and diet, exercise, and perceptions of high cholesterol in urban and semi-urban Nigerians: a cross-sectional study.
The rise of cardiovascular diseases in sub-Saharan Africa strains fragile healthcare systems. Cardiovascular disease prevention involves the use of prophylactic.
EVALUATION OF INTENSITY OF URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN BIASE AND YAKURR LOCAL
A parasitological mapping of urinary schistosomiasis using filtration method was conducted in Biase and Yakurr LGAs of Cross River State, Nigeria by the Neglected Tropical Diseases Control unit in collaboration with the schistosomiasis/soil.
How to close the maternal and neonatal sepsis gap in sub-Saharan Africa
Sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.1 The incidence of sepsis, as estimated by the Global Burden of Disease study, was 48.9million cases with 11million deaths in 2017.
END-STAGE HEART FAILURE, WHAT CHOICE SARE AVAILABLE FOR THE NIGERIAN CARDIOLOGIST
End‑stage heart failure is often characterized by refractory symptoms, usually dyspnoea and fatigue at most times, despite optimal medical therapy. Specialized interventions are often required.
Risk factors for relapse of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis after discontinuation of antifungal therapy
Objectives: We aimed to identify the frequency and risk factors for disease relapse following cessation of antifungal therapy in CPA.
The Association between Out-of-Pocket Expenditure and COVID-19 Mortality Globally
As the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic evolves, its disproportionate impact on vulnerable and socially disadvantaged populations are becoming more pronounced [1,2].
Can Nigeria contain the COVID-19 outbreak using lessons from recent epidemics?
News broke on Feb 27, 2020, that an Italian citizen was Nigeria’s first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The individual had landed at Lagos airport 2 days earlier on a flight from northern Italy.
An evaluation of nebulised amphotericin B deoxycholate (Fungizone ® ) for treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis in the UK National Aspergillosis Centre
Antifungal treatment options for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (SAFS) are largely limited to itraconazole based on the outcome of randomised controlled trials.
Fahr’s disease- a rare neurological presentation in a tropical setting
While rare, Fahr’s disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis for seizures, movement disorders, or cognitive impairment in tropical settings. Classically, bilateral calcification of the basal ganglia is seen on CT.