Global South Health Horizons

Knowledge, Factors, and Barriers to Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Nursing Mothers Attending an Immunisation Clinic in Abeokuta, Nigeria

2026-06-19T10:40:06+00:00

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains suboptimal globally despite extensive advocacy, with limited localised evidence on barriers among urban Nigerian mothers. This study assessed knowledge, facilitators, and barriers to EBF among nursing mothers attending an immunisation clinic in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed 118 nursing mothers at Oba Ademola II Maternity Hospital, Abeokuta, Nigeria (August 2025) using a structured questionnaire. We analysed data with SPSS v25 using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.

Results: Most respondents were aged 20–29 years (87.3%), Yoruba (80.5%), and tertiary-educated (90.7%). EBF knowledge was high (mean score 7.27±0.80/8; 89.8% classified as high knowledge). Key facilitators (89–93%) included skin-to-skin contact, family/partner support, and health professional advice. Major barriers were early work return (84.7%), cultural myths (78.8%), maternal exhaustion (80.5%), and public breastfeeding stigma (67.8%). Mothers with high EBF knowledge were significantly more likely to practice EBF (aOR=8.64, 95% CI: 2.37–31.45, p=0.001), as were civil servants (aOR=3.50, 95% CI: 1.45–8.45, p=0.005).

Conclusion: Despite high EBF knowledge, substantial structural and sociocultural barriers persist. Interventions addressing workplace policies, cultural misconceptions, and social support systems are needed.

Effect of Short-Film and Peer-Led Sexual and Reproductive Health Education on Knowledge, Perceptions and Self-Efficacy among Adolescents in Informal Urban Settlements of Lagos State, Nigeria: A Quasi-Experimental Study

2026-06-19T11:50:29+00:00

Introduction: Adolescents in informal urban settlements face significant sexual and reproductive health challenges, including risky behaviours and limited access to information. Conventional SRH education often fails to engage them effectively. Short film and peer-led strategies may offer more effective alternatives.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 60 adolescents aged 13–16 years from two informal communities in Lagos State, Nigeria, equally assigned to an experimental group (short film plus peer-led SRH education) or a control group (no intervention). The 10-week intervention included baseline, midline, and end-line assessments using a validated questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t tests, and two-way mixed ANOVA (α = 0.05).

Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups (n = 30 each). The intervention group showed significant improvements in SRH outcomes. Two-way mixed ANOVA revealed significant time–group interactions for knowledge (F = 19.68, p < .001), perception (F = 17.66, p < .001), and self-efficacy (F = 23.43, p < .001). ANCOVA confirmed higher post-intervention knowledge (F = 31.84, p < .001) and perception scores (F = 26.61, p < .001) in the intervention group. Risky sexual behaviour scores also decreased significantly more in the intervention group (time × group interaction: F(1,58) = 18.96, p < .001, partial η² = .25).

Conclusion: The combined short film and peer-led intervention significantly improved knowledge, perceptions, and self-efficacy among sexually active adolescents. These findings support multimedia and peer-led strategies as scalable approaches for improving adolescent SRH outcomes in informal urban settings, though causal inference is limited by the quasi-experimental design.

The Role of Selected Inflammatory and Apoptotic Markers in Peptic Ulcer Disease: A Mini Review

2026-06-19T12:03:51+00:00

Introduction: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects 5–10% of the global population and results from mucosal injury caused by gastric acid, Helicobacter pylori, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other factors. Inflammatory and apoptotic pathways are central to PUD pathogenesis.

Methods: This mini review synthesised literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science (2000 - 2025) using keywords “peptic ulcer,” “inflammatory markers,” “apoptotic markers,” “NF κB,” and “caspases.” Studies reporting molecular mechanisms in human or animal models were included.

Synthesis: Reactive oxygen species activate NF κB, leading to pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL 1β, IL 6, TNF α) that perpetuate mucosal injury. Inflammatory caspases (caspase 1, 4, 5) drive pyroptosis, while apoptotic caspases (caspase 8, 9, 3) regulate epithelial cell death. Key markers include NF κB, TNF α, IL 6, Bax, and Bcl 2. Current guidelines (Maastricht VI/ACG 2022) recommend bismuth-based quadruple therapy for H. pylori, achieving >90% eradication. However, human validation for most biomarkers remains limited.

Conclusion: Inflammatory and apoptotic markers are promising therapeutic targets and potential diagnostic tools, but prospective human studies are needed to establish their clinical utility.

Perception of Artificial Intelligence Interactive Platforms for HIV/AIDS Awareness among Selected Private Secondary School Students in Abeokuta North, Ogun State

2026-06-19T12:16:34+00:00

Introduction: Evidence on Nigerian secondary school students' awareness, perceptions, and willingness to use AI interactive platforms for HIV/AIDS education remains limited, despite the promise of these tools for improving adolescents' access to accurate HIV information.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 students from three selected private secondary schools in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire comprising Yes/No items for awareness and acceptance factors, and a 4-point Likert scale (strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree) for perception, then analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Overall awareness was moderate; 189 students (57.3%) demonstrated high awareness (≥4 correct Yes responses out of 7 items, mean = 4.00 ± 1.3), while 215 (65.2%) had heard of AI but only 124 (37.6%) had previously used AI-based tools for health learning. Perceptions were generally positive, with 224 students (67.9%) classified as having favourable views based on composite Likert scores; 257 (77.9%) found AI more engaging, and 251 (76.1%) valued its confidentiality and non-judgemental nature. Acceptance was high (219 students, 66.4%), with digital access (85.8%), privacy and trust (84.2%), and platform usability (82.7%) as the strongest influencing factors.

Conclusion: Students in selected private secondary schools perceived AI platforms positively for HIV/AIDS awareness due to their interactivity and anonymity. Integration of AI tools into school curricula and improved ICT infrastructure are recommended to address gaps in practical exposure and digital access.

Hand hygiene promotion system assessment in a long-term care facility in Qatar: a cross-sectional evaluation using the WHO Self-Assessment Framework

2026-06-19T12:32:48+00:00

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) cause substantial morbidity. Hand hygiene is the most effective preventive measure, but compliance is suboptimal, especially in long-term care. We assessed the hand hygiene promotion system at a long-term care facility in Qatar using a validated WHO tool, focusing on system readiness rather than directly observed compliance.

Methods: A cross-sectional facility self-assessment was conducted (March–April 2016) at Enaya Specialised Care Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha. Ten nursing staff were randomly selected to complete the WHO Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework (27 indicators, five domains: System Change, Training and Education, Evaluation and Feedback, Workplace Reminders, Institutional Safety Climate). Descriptive statistics were used; total scores (0–500) were categorised into four WHO levels (Inadequate, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced).

Results: The facility scored 327.5/500 – Intermediate (Consolidation) level. Domain scores: Workplace Reminders 96/100, System Change 84/100, Training and Education 80/100, Safety Climate 40/100, Evaluation and Feedback 27.5/100. All participants reported irregular direct observation, no immediate feedback to healthcare workers, no regular hand hygiene team meetings, and no formal patient engagement programme. No participant knew the facility’s actual hand hygiene compliance rate.

Conclusion: The facility has strong infrastructure, mandatory training, and visual reminders, achieving an Intermediate system level. However, major gaps exist in monitoring, feedback, and safety climate – areas that measure actual behavioural reinforcement, not just infrastructure. Priority actions include routine direct observation, real-time feedback, hand hygiene champions, and formal WHO Day observance. These findings reflect system readiness, not observed compliance, and should be interpreted as a baseline for quality improvement.

Knowledge and Perception of Nursing Informatics among Staff Nurses at Rumailah Hospital, Doha, Qatar: A Cross-Sectional Study

2026-06-19T12:39:36+00:00

Introduction: Global healthcare digitalisation requires nurses to embrace nursing informatics (NI). This study assessed NI knowledge and perceptions among staff nurses at Rumailah Hospital, Doha, Qatar.

Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling. A modified Nurses’ Attitudes towards Computerisation (NATC) questionnaire captured demographics, NI knowledge, and perceptions. Chi‑square tests (with Cramér’s V effect sizes) examined associations (alpha = 0.05). Data were collected in 2016‑2017.

Results: Of 572 nurses (82.8% female, 75.4% aged 20‑30 years), 50% held a basic nursing certificate. Positive perceptions were high: 96.5% agreed NI improved care decisions; 100% agreed NI enhanced research implementation and consistent data recording. However, 38.3% noted NI was not used for student training. Significant associations with perception (p<0.001) were found for gender (χ²=28.73, V=0.23), academic qualification (χ²=102.31, V=0.30), years of experience (χ²=177.17, V=0.33), and ease of use understanding (χ²=30.18, V=0.23).

Conclusion: Nurses demonstrated strong positive NI knowledge and perceptions. Despite the age of the dataset, findings highlight enduring needs: targeted education for less‑qualified and more experienced nurses, and integration of NI into student training. These insights remain relevant for digital health transformation in Global South contexts.

Knowledge of Risk Factors and Preventive Practices for Monkeypox among People Living with HIV attending an ART Clinic in Abeokuta, Nigeria

2026-06-19T12:28:12+00:00

Introduction: Monkeypox is a re-emerging zoonotic viral disease of global public health concern, particularly among people living with HIV who face increased risk of severe outcomes due to compromised immunity. Knowledge of risk factors and preventive practices is essential for reducing transmission and improving health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed knowledge of monkeypox risk factors, preventive practices, perceived barriers, and HIV treatment adherence among PLWH attending the ART Clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Using simple random sampling, 100 respondents were selected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were employed, and results were presented in tables.

Results: The findings revealed that 80% of respondents were aware that close skin-to-skin contact can transmit monkeypox, while 90% recognized that immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk of severe infection. Most respondents reported engaging in preventive practices such as regular hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with suspected cases. However, knowledge gaps regarding certain transmission routes were identified. Perceived barriers included inadequate information, stigma, financial constraints, cultural beliefs, and limited access to healthcare. A positive association was observed between HIV treatment adherence and monkeypox knowledge and preventive practices.

Conclusion: Although PLWH attending the ART clinic demonstrated relatively good awareness of monkeypox and its prevention, important knowledge gaps and barriers persist. Strengthening health education, reducing stigma, and integrating monkeypox prevention messages into routine HIV care may improve preventive practices and reduce infection risk among PLWH.

Compassion in Practice: Addressing Burnout Among Muslim Nurses in Contemporary Healthcare Settings

2026-06-22T14:40:39+00:00

Introduction: Burnout is a significant occupational hazard for nurses, undermining wellbeing and care quality. Muslim nurses face compounded challenges from professional duties and Islamic values of compassion (rahmah) and excellence (ihsan), with sustained suffering exposure increasing burnout and compassion fatigue risk.

Methods: This narrative review examined peer-reviewed articles, books, and reports on burnout, compassionate practice, and faith-based resilience. Searches across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar used keywords including "burnout in nursing," "Islamic coping," and "compassion fatigue." Sources were selected for relevance, rigour, and alignment with Islamic perspectives.

Synthesis: Burnout manifests as emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and reduced accomplishment. Faith-based coping, prayer (salat), remembrance (dhikr), fasting, and tawakkul build resilience, while community support reinforces collective strength. However, Muslim nurses face cultural expectations, religious obligations in secular settings, and discrimination, heightening burnout vulnerability.

Conclusion: Holistic strategies recognising Muslim nurses' spiritual and cultural realities are urgently needed. Healthcare systems must integrate faith-sensitive supports with evidence-based interventions to protect well-being and sustain compassionate care.