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Research Article
Epidemiology of Common Low Back Pain in Soldiers in Senegal
Landing Souané*,
Bocar Baïla Diédhiou,
Jean Augustin Diégane Tine,
Armandine Eusébia Roseline Diatta,
Mor Ndiaye
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
441-448
Received:
20 August 2025
Accepted:
30 August 2025
Published:
23 September 2025
Abstract: Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are indicative of the physically demanding nature of occupational environments and constitute a significant public health concern. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of low back pain among Senegalese military personnel deployed in operational settings. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from April 7 to June 5, 2023, in the region of Kolda. Data collection was based on a modified version of the 2000 INRS questionnaire (National Institute of Research and Security). Statistical analysis was performed using R software, and all ethical considerations were strictly observed. Results: A total of 164 soldiers were enrolled in the study, all of whom were male. The mean age was 34.9 years, with an average length of military service of 13.9 years. Participants reported an average of 43.1 working hours per week. Prolonged sitting was reported in 62.8% of cases. Personnel involved in escort and intervention missions represented 29.3% of the sample. The overall prevalence of low back pain was 37.8%. Several variables were significantly associated with the occurrence of low back pain (p < 0.05), including average monthly income, duration of military service, military rank/status, participation in escort and intervention missions, occupational stress, and the use of combat gear such as Kevlar helmets, flak jackets, and firearms. Conclusion: Low back pain is highly prevalent among military personnel deployed in operational settings and is linked to a variety of factors inherent to military service. Effective prevention should include targeted awareness and training programs focusing on proper posture and ergonomic practices. Moreover, a comprehensive review of organizational structures and management strategies is warranted to mitigate occupational risk and preserve operational readiness.
Abstract: Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are indicative of the physically demanding nature of occupational environments and constitute a significant public health concern. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of low back pain among Senegalese military personnel deployed in operational settings. Methodology: A cross-sectional an...
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Research Article
Mathematical Considerations for the Infectious Infertility of Male in Iraq
Mohemid Maddallah Al-Jebouri*
,
Mohammed Nokhas Murad Kaki
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
449-458
Received:
2 July 2025
Accepted:
25 August 2025
Published:
25 September 2025
Abstract: Aims: Male infertility is a multifactorial condition influenced by anatomical, hormonal, genetic and infectious causes. While advancements in diagnostics and treatments have improved outcomes, infertility remains a challenge, particularly in regions where access to specialized care is limited. Understanding both the success rates of various treatments and the etiological role of pathogens is essential for developing effective strategies. Methods and Results: This retrospective analysis examines the prevalence of urogenital pathogens isolated from male patients diagnosed with infertility across three decades: 1980-1990, 1991-2002, and 2003-2012. Bacterial and atypical pathogens were identified using standard microbiological and molecular techniques available during each respective period. Mathematical modeling, particularly through regression analysis, is a powerful tool for uncovering relationships between variables in clinical research. Patterns and quantify of different factors influence outcomes were identified, such as treatment effectiveness or disease prevalence. Regression equation was created for better predictive model that not only describes the current dataset but can also be used to estimate outcomes under different conditions. A total of 3,600 patients were e treated across various infertility types, yielding an overall cure rate of 11.5%. Azoospermia and Oligospermia showed the highest recovery rates, while Oligoteratoasthenozoospermia had the lowest. Pathogen prevalence data from 1980 to 2012 was analyzed to understand shifts in microbial contributors to infertility. The presented data revealed a decline in classic sexually transmitted infections like Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Treponema pallidum, with increasing presence of opportunistic pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Streptococcus faecalis. Azoospermia showed the highest treatment success rate, while Oligoteratoasthenozoospermia showed the lowest. The regression model captured the general trend of patient cure rates. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The present study highlights evolving trends in pathogen prevalence among infertile male patients over 32 years. While classic sexual transmitted infectants like Neisseria gonorrhoeae have declined and opportunistic and uropathogenic bacteria like E. coli and S. faecalis have become more prominent. Outliers showed larger deviations suggesting a possible non-linearity in the real relationship using linear regression equation Y= a + bX + εi.
Abstract: Aims: Male infertility is a multifactorial condition influenced by anatomical, hormonal, genetic and infectious causes. While advancements in diagnostics and treatments have improved outcomes, infertility remains a challenge, particularly in regions where access to specialized care is limited. Understanding both the success rates of various treatme...
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Research Article
Quality of Referrals of Surgical Emergencies Admitted to the Departmental Teaching Hospital Borgou-Alibori (CHUD BA) in 2021 and Explained Factors
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
459-466
Received:
27 August 2025
Accepted:
5 September 2025
Published:
26 September 2025
Abstract: To be of good quality, the references must comply with the various standards established by the Ministry of Health. The objective of this study was to analyze the quality of surgical referrals admitted to the Borgou Alibori Departmental University Hospital Center (CHUD B/A) in 2021 and their explanatory factors The study concerns all patients referred to health facilities in the Borgou department and admitted to the CHUD-B /A during the period from April 1 to June 30, 2021. This was a cross-sectional observational study with an analytical aim. The dependent variable was the quality of the reference; the independent variables were individual, contextual and organizational. The data collection was hybrid (interview with the patients, after obtaining written consent followed by a recount of the reference sheets). The data was analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 software. A binary logistic regression model was adjusted to identify the factors associated with the poor quality of the reference; the significance level was 0.05. Out of a total of 81 references included, only 16.0% of them were of good quality. The age (p = 0.049), as well as the local level of the patient's original health facility in the health pyramid (p<.001) were the factors associated with the quality of the reference. Most of the emergency surgical referrals admitted to CHUD B/A in 2021 were not of good quality. It is important to review the organization of the reference and counter-reference system to make it operational and guarantee its effectiveness.
Abstract: To be of good quality, the references must comply with the various standards established by the Ministry of Health. The objective of this study was to analyze the quality of surgical referrals admitted to the Borgou Alibori Departmental University Hospital Center (CHUD B/A) in 2021 and their explanatory factors The study concerns all patients refer...
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Research Article
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Self-medication in a Nigerian Rural Community
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
467-475
Received:
28 July 2025
Accepted:
12 August 2025
Published:
30 September 2025
Abstract: Background: Self-medication (SM) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the self-administration of medication without a valid prescription or without consulting a healthcare professional. This study aims to examine the Prevalence of self-medication and the associated factors in Ado-Odo-Ota Ogun state Nigeria Methods: The study utilised a descriptive cross-sectional study that used a questionnaire to elicit responses from residents of Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area (LGA). The study employed a multi-stage sampling approach, and data were analysed using IBM-Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS) version 28.0. Results: The prevalence of self-medication in Ado Odo Ota over the past year was 78.4%. About 51.6% of respondents reported self-medicating occasionally, with 24.8% doing so within the last week. Previous prescriptions were the most common source of drug information (40.2%), while big pharmacies were the primary source of drugs. The majority (54.2%) self-medicated because they perceived their illnesses as minor and not requiring a doctor’s attention. Drug selection was mainly based on symptoms (51.9%). The leading reasons for self-medication included financial constraints, with lack of money to pay hospital bills (mean = 4.81 ± 0.7) and the high cost of treatment and tests (mean = 4.64 ± 0.89) strongly influencing this behavior. Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for improved access to healthcare facilities in rural areas and increase awareness about the potential risks and limitations of self-medication.
Abstract: Background: Self-medication (SM) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the self-administration of medication without a valid prescription or without consulting a healthcare professional. This study aims to examine the Prevalence of self-medication and the associated factors in Ado-Odo-Ota Ogun state Nigeria Methods: The study utilise...
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Research Article
Comparing Polysubstance and Single-class Toxicity Deaths in Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada
Cindy Whitten*,
Syed Zaigham Raza,
Allyson Summers,
Nash Denic
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
476-485
Received:
8 September 2025
Accepted:
17 September 2025
Published:
17 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20251004.15
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Abstract: Objective: This study examined differences in demographic and substance profile trends between single-class and polysubstance drug toxicity deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, between 2018 and 2024. Methods: The present study employed a retrospective chart review in which information was collected from death investigation charts of individuals who died from acute drug toxicity in Newfoundland and Labrador between 2018 and 2024. Data relating to demographics and toxicology of decedents was gathered from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Results: 403 individuals died from acute drug toxicity in NL between 2018 and 2024. Of these, 293 deaths (72.7%) were determined accidental. Among accidental deaths, 160 deaths (55%) were caused by polysubstance toxicity and 133 deaths (45%) were caused by single-substance toxicity. Sex differences were more pronounced among females, who died more often from polysubstance than single-class deaths. Males died from single-class toxicity more often in the last three years of the study. Cocaine was the most implicated substance across toxicity types, and stimulant-opioid was the most common class combination contributing to polysubstance deaths. Geographical analysis implicates cocaine and ethanol across regions, across toxicity type. Conclusion: Accidental drug toxicity deaths continue to rise in Newfoundland & Labrador, across polysubstance and single-class toxicity. Complex patterns among sex distributions across toxicity type warrant further research. The heavy presence of cocaine, ethanol, and zopiclone, and the relatively low presence of non-pharmaceutical opioids in toxicology was in contrast to other jurisdictions in Canada and warrants attention from policy-makers and harm reduction service providers. Regional data from this small Canadian province is crucial in tailoring interventions for people who use drugs in the province.
Abstract: Objective: This study examined differences in demographic and substance profile trends between single-class and polysubstance drug toxicity deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, between 2018 and 2024. Methods: The present study employed a retrospective chart review in which information was collected from death investigation charts of individ...
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Research Article
Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Hepatitis-B Vaccine among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Facilities in Obio/Akpor LGA, Rivers State
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
486-496
Received:
3 September 2025
Accepted:
23 September 2025
Published:
18 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20251004.16
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Views:
Abstract: Background: Pregnant women are at high risk of mother-to-child transmission, and a lack of education about the knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV), especially in developing countries like Nigeria, contributes to an increase in cases. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) of the Hepatitis B vaccine among pregnant women attending primary health care facilities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Methodology: A facility-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 8 primary health care facilities, between August and September 2024, using a well-structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Results: The distribution of the respondents revealed a diverse educational background. While a significant proportion had no formal education (34.9%), the majority attained a tertiary education (40.1%). The KAP level showed that most respondents (76.1%) had moderate knowledge about the HBV, while only a few (3.7%) had high knowledge. While nearly half had a moderate attitude (48.0%) and perception (48.6%), only 21.6% and 15.9% had a high attitude and perception, respectively. The major source of information for the vaccine was the health staff (61.4%), followed by social media (19.9%) and town announcers (16%). All the socio-demographic characteristics were significantly associated with KAP of HBV, except marital status, educational level and occupational status, which were not significantly associated with perception towards HBV. Conclusion: This study revealed that most respondents had moderate knowledge, attitude, and perception towards the Hepatitis B vaccine, influenced by socio-demographic factors. Health education and promotion programmes should be strengthened to improve the knowledge, attitude, and perception of the Hepatitis B vaccine among pregnant women. We also recommend the integration of HBV and its awareness into routine antenatal care (ANC) services in the primary health facilities.
Abstract: Background: Pregnant women are at high risk of mother-to-child transmission, and a lack of education about the knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV), especially in developing countries like Nigeria, contributes to an increase in cases. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) of the Hepatitis B vaccine among preg...
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