Yobe Medical Journal

Doppler sonography of uterine hemodynamics: a standardized transvaginal protocol for assessing uterine perfusion in infertile and fertile women

Mohammed LM — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Objectives: To describe a standardized transvaginal Doppler ultrasound protocol for assessing uterine artery hemodynamics and subendometrial perfusion, and to evaluate its ability to differentiate infertile from fertile women in a Nigerian tertiary hospital setting. Methods: In this prospective comparative cross-sectional study, 300 infertile women and 300 fertile controls underwent a structured transvaginal Doppler examination during the mid-luteal phase. The protocol involved: (1) B-mode confirmation of cycle phase and anatomy, (2) Color Doppler localization of uterine arteries at the cervicocorporal junction, (3) Pulsed-wave Doppler sampling with angle correction (<60°) to obtain mean pulsatility index (PI) and resistivity index (RI), and (4) Color Doppler mapping to classify subendometrial blood flow into zones (1-3). Discriminative ability was assessed by comparing indices and flow zones between groups. Results: The protocol was successfully completed in all participants with excellent technical feasibility and good intra-operator consistency (no significant side-to-side difference in indices, p>0.05). Infertile women exhibited significantly higher mean uterine artery RI (0.79±0.07 vs. 0.73±0.06, p<0.001) and PI (2.15±0.56 vs.1.69±0.30, p<0.001). Subendometrial flow was abnormal (Zone 1 or 2) in 45.7% of infertile women versus 0% of controls (p<0.001). Using an RI cut-off of >0.8 yielded a sensitivity of 45.0% (95% CI: 39.3-50.8%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 98.8-100%) for differentiating infertility status. The PI cut-off of >3.0 showed low sensitivity (4.0%, 95% CI: 2.2-6.8%), suggesting that population-specific thresholds may be needed. Conclusion: The described Doppler protocol is a feasible andreproducible imaging tool for identifying impaired uterine perfusion associated with infertility. Its integration into routine pelvic ultrasound can provide critical functional information to guide patient management in resource-constrained settings. However, prospective validation of its predictive value for pregnancy outcomes is needed.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of non-pharmaceutical preventive measures of covid-19 in Tafawa Balewa local government area of Bauchi State, Northeast, Nigeria

Musa A — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are public health strategies designed to prevent and control the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within communities. Despite the subsequent introduction of vaccines (e.g., AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine), NPIs remain among the most effective, accessible, and safe public health measures against COVID-19. These interventions include social distancing, hand hygiene (sanitizers and washing), and the use of face masks. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of non-pharmaceutical preventive measures against COVID-19. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed among 290 participants aged 18 years and above using multi-stage sampling technique. Simple random sampling by balloting was used to select 20% (4 out of 20) of the wards. Subsequently, four settlements were randomly selected from each chosen ward. Data were collected using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 26.0. Results: The study revealed high awareness (96.9%) of NPIs, with radio (34.5%) being the primary source of information. The majority demonstrated good knowledge (91.7%), positive attitude (50.5%), and good practice (63.4%) regarding NPIs. A statistically significant relationship was found between knowledge and practice (p = 0.015). However, compliance with government stay-at-home orders was low (17.9%), and a majority (64.1%) disagreed with the obligatory lockdown measures. Conclusion: Good knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding COVID-19 NPIs were exhibited; a significant gap existed in compliance with specific measures like lockdowns. The study highlights the influence of socioeconomic factors, perceptions, and trust in government on adherence to public health interventions.

Assessment of quality of life and risk of fall among stroke survivors in selected hospitals in Maiduguri, Borno state

Muhamad AD — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Stroke remains a major cause of long-term disability worldwide, affecting physical, psychological, and social functioning. In Nigeria, stroke survivors frequently experience reduced quality of life (QoL) and heightened fall risk due to persistent impairments and limited access to rehabilitation services. The interplay between these outcomes remains underexplored in Northern Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected regions.

Objective: To assess the quality of life and risk of fall among stroke survivors in selected hospitals in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 62 stroke survivors recruited using convenience sampling from Umaru Shehu Ultra-Modern Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fall risk was assessed using the Falls Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT), while QoL was measured using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QoL). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Participants included 32 males (51.6%) and 30 females (48.4%), with the majority aged 51–60 years (33.9%). QoL scores varied across domains, with no significant association between overall QoL and fall risk (χ² = 450.352, df = 432, p = 0.262). However, a significant linear trend was observed between QoL and fall risk (Linear-by-Linear Association = 7.058, p = 0.008). Age, gender, educational level, and post-stroke duration were significantly associated with selected QoL domains (p < 0.05). No socio-demographic variable showed a significant association with fall risk.

Conclusion: No statistically significant association was found between overall QoL and fall risk among stroke survivors. However, specific socio-demographic factors significantly influenced QoL domains. Rehabilitation programs should target modifiable determinants of QoL while implementing fall prevention strategies for at-risk survivors.

Keywords: Stroke, Quality of Life, Fall Risk, Stroke Survivors, Maiduguri

Association between ophthalmic artery Doppler indices and adverse perinatal outcomes in women with pre-eclampsia in Kano, Nigeria

Hussaini D — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: - Pre-eclampsia (PE) as a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder poses a significant challenge to maternal and foetal health in low and middle-income countries, like Nigeria. The ophthalmic artery Doppler (OAD) is a tool that has been studied to aid in diagnosing PE, since its pathogenesis is not limited to the placental bed, but extends to cardiovascular and endothelial adaptations during pregnancy. Abnormal maternal ophthalmic artery Doppler velocimetry is associated with poor perinatal outcomes. Objectives: - To determine ophthalmic artery Doppler velocimetric indices of patients with pre-eclampsia using ultrasonography and correlate these indices with pregnancy-related outcomes. Materials and methods: - This was an observational cohort study carried out at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Eighty-two pre-eclamptic patients and an equal number of normotensive-matched pregnant controls were recruited for the study. The ophthalmic artery peak ratio, pulsatility index, and resistive index of both groups were obtained using high-resolution ultrasound Doppler examination. These parameters were then correlated with selected maternal and perinatal outcomes. Results: The mean age of pre-eclamptic subjects (28years ± 3.86) and that of the control subjects (27.52years ± 4.36) were not statistically different (p = 0.444). Gestational ages were also similar between the two groups (pre-eclamptic: mean = 33.24weeks ± 2.89; normotensive: mean 33.41weeks ± 3.72; p = 0.74).

The ophthalmic artery RI, PI and PR were significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. These outcomes include: low birthweight (p = 0.01) stillbirth (P < 0.003) and depressed Apgar score (p = 0.001). Conclusions: This study found significant association between ophthalmic artery velocimetric indices and adverse perinatal outcomes, suggesting that ophthalmic artery Doppler can enhance risk stratification and improve perinatal outcomes.

A Retrospective Analysis of GeneXpert-Detected Tuberculosis and Rifampicin Resistance in a DOTS Clinic of Yobe State University Teaching Hospital Damaturu, Yobe state, Nigeria.

Banimoh OB — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem in Nigeria, with increasing concerns about rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB). The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is routinely used for rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and rifampicin resistance in Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) clinics, but local data from Yobe State are scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Xpert MTB/RIF-detected TB and rifampicin resistance among the DOTS clinic patients. Methods: A retrospective review of DOTS clinic and Xpert MTB/RIF registers was conducted from January 2023 to December 2025. The study utilized only laboratory-based data. The laboratory samples were sputum specimens submitted for Xpert MTB/RIF assay. All patients with presumptive TB who had Xpert testing during the study period were included. Data on age, sex, test date, MTB result, and rifampicin resistance were extracted. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). Associations were assessed using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Multivariate binary logistic regression identified independent predictors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Of 386 individuals with presumptive tuberculosis, MTB was detected in 153 (39.6%). Among MTB-positive cases, 33 (21.6%) had rifampicin resistance. Males constituted 63.5% of participants, and 25.9% were aged 21–30 years. On multivariate analysis, age 21–30 years (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.10–4.84, p = 0.027), age 31–40 years (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.02–4.83, p = 0.045), and male gender (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.01–2.43, p = 0.046) were independently associated with MTB detection. No significant predictors of rifampicin resistance were identified. Conclusion: There is a high burden of TB and considerable RR-TB among patients attending the DOTS clinic at YSUTH. Young adult males had higher odds of MTB detection. Findings highlight the need to strengthen TB control measures, expand rapid molecular diagnostics, and enhance RR-TB surveillance in Yobe State.

Keywords: Tuberculosis; Rifampicin resistance, Xpert MTB/RIF, Nigeria, DOTS, Retrospective study

Determinants of Antenatal Care Utilization among Women of Reproductive Age in Rural Northern Nigeria: Evidence from Bagwai Local Government Area, Kano State

Warshu SH — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is an important component of maternal healthcare and contributes to the early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications. However, continuity of ANC remains suboptimal in many rural settings in northern Nigeria.

Objective: To assess antenatal care utilization and its determinants among women of reproductive age in Bagwai Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 238 women of reproductive age selected using a multistage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and Binary logistic regression were conducted were used for data analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Awareness of ANC services was high (93.3%). Among women who were aware of ANC, 94.1% attended ANC during their last pregnancy. Of the 209 ANC attendees, 58.9% completed four or more visits. In multivariable analysis, women with parity 1–4 had higher odds of completing four or more ANC visits compared with those with parity ≥5 (AOR = 3.83; 95% CI: 1.74–8.44; p = 0.001). Women residing less than 30 minutes from a health facility also had higher odds of completing four or more visits (AOR = 2.60; 95% CI: 1.23–5.50; p = 0.013). Women younger than 25 years had lower odds of completing four or more visits compared with those aged ≥25 years (AOR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.12–0.86; p = 0.023), while women with no formal or primary education had lower odds than those with secondary or tertiary education (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.16–0.56; p < 0.001). Marital type was not independently associated with ANC utilization.

Conclusion: Interventions should focus on improving female education, supporting younger and high-parity women, strengthening primary healthcare services, and reducing geographical barriers to repeated ANC attendance.

Radiographic Quality Assurance and Patient Radiation Safety: A Repeat and Reject Analysis of Plain Radiographs at a Tertiary Hospital in Kano, Nigeria

Mustapha AB — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Rejected radiographs necessitate repeat examinations, thereby increasing patient radiation dose, operational costs, waiting times, and occupational exposure for personnel. Film reject analysis (FRA) is an essential quality control tool in conventional medical imaging departments that provides valuable assessment of imaging quality and patient dose.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over a six-month period at a tertiary hospital. A total of 3,021 plain radiographic films were examined, of which 193 were rejected. Rejected radiographs were collected daily and analysed weekly by senior radiographers using a viewing box. Data on film size, examination type, patient age group, and cause of rejection were recorded on a data capture sheet. Data were analysed and computed.

Results: The overall film reject rate was 6.39% (95% confidence interval: 5.57%–7.32%). The lumbosacral spine radiographs had the highest number of rejected films (n = 38, 19.7%), while the abdominal radiographs had the lowest (n = 1, 0.5%). The commonest causes of rejection were overexposure (n = 57, 29.5%) and underexposure (n = 53, 27.5%). The most frequently rejected film sizes were 35 × 35 cm (n = 69, 35.8%) and 35 × 43 cm (n = 62, 32.1%). Adults accounted for 172 (89.1%) of rejected films, compared with 21 (10.9%) for paediatric patients.

Conclusion: The overall reject rate of 6.39% exceeds the 5% threshold recommended by the World Health Organization. Overexposure and underexposure were the predominant causes of rejection. These findings underscore the need for strengthened quality assurance programs, including technique chart implementation, equipment quality control testing, and regular reject analysis monitoring at the study facility.

Pneumococcal vaccine awareness, acceptance, and hesitancy among caregivers of children with sickle cell anaemia attending a tertiary hospital in north-eastern Nigeria

Ayuba Z — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) are at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) due to functional asplenia and impaired immunity. Although the pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) effectively prevents IPD, caregivers' awareness, acceptance, and hesitancy strongly influence vaccine uptake.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among caregivers of children with SCA who attended the Yobe State Specialist Hospital in Potiskum from April to June 2026. We collected data using interviewer-administered questionnaires and analysed them using descriptive and inferential statistics. We assessed associations between categorical variables using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Of the 126 caregivers who participated in the study, 88.9% had heard of PCV, with healthcare workers as the primary source of information (82.5%). Furthermore, 72.2% correctly identified the disease prevented by PCV, and 73.0% knew it is recommended for children with SCA; 85.7% of children had received the vaccine, with 76.2% completion of the recommended doses. Vaccine acceptance was largely driven by protection from severe illness (58.3%) and healthcare provider recommendations (25.0%). Conversely, fear of side effects (27.8%) and vaccine unavailability (27.8%) were the main reasons for hesitancy. Information source was significantly associated with vaccine uptake (χ² = 49.723, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Caregivers showed high PCV awareness and acceptance, with healthcare providers as the primary information source. Addressing vaccine safety concerns, improving availability, and strengthening caregiver education may further reduce hesitancy and improve uptake among children with SCA.

Arrow-shot injuries following herder–farmer clashes in Gombe, Nigeria: A case series

Ndenwaneku SO — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Although rare in developed countries, arrow-shot injuries remain a significant cause of penetrating trauma in rural regions of developing nations, particularly in areas affected by herder–farmer conflicts. Despite being low-velocity projectiles, arrows can cause severe penetrating injuries to the head and neck, thorax, abdomen and extremities, often requiring surgical intervention. Data from Gombe State are scarce, and these injuries appear to occur more frequently during harvest periods when herder-farmer clashes are more common.

We report three cases of arrow-shot injuries sustained during herder – farmer clashes in Gombe, Nigeria. The injuries involved the neck, thorax and retroperitoneum with damage to major structures including the internal jugular vein, lung, diaphragm and kidney. All patients underwent operative management following appropriate imaging and resuscitation.

All patients had favourable outcomes, with no major postoperative complications or mortality. This case series highlights the potential life-threatening nature of arrow shot injuries and emphasises the importance of early resuscitation, appropriate imaging, and controlled surgical extraction. Improved surveillance and targeted trauma preparedness during high-risk periods may further reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these injuries.