African journal of medicine and medical sciences
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The results of many research findings have come under scrutiny in recent years due to the introduction of systematic errors at one stage or the other of the research. Over the years, literature has been rife about the issue of bias with many authors describing unique types of bias. More often, researchers have often been left in the dark about the basic concept of this important phenomenon. ⋯ A simple classification of biases into conceptualization, selection and information biases is proposed. A distinction is made of confounding as describing an association that is true but potentially misleading and bias which on the other hand creates an association that is not true. The article further goes on to describe the different types of biases applicable to different study designs before concluding on the need for researchers to pay attention to the issue of bias so as to make their studies useful to readers.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of low dose and standard dose adrenocorticotropin stimulation tests in healthy Nigerians.
Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction is a potentially life-threatening condition. It is of paramount importance that safe, reliable diagnostic tests be available to identify patients at risk for adrenal insufficiency. The 250 microg Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test is commonly used to assess adrenocortical function. ⋯ There was no statistically significant difference in mean serum cortisol levels between the two test doses at 30 minutes (928.4 vs 929.8 nmol/L). There was a strong correlation between 30-minute cortisol responses to 1 microg and 250 microg ACTH stimulation tests, r = 0.999; p < 0.001. In agreement with other published data, our study confirms that 1 microg ACTH stimulates adrenocortical secretion in normal subjects in the period 30 minutes post injection comparable to 250 microg ACTH testing.
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Dental health workers like other workers have occupation related health problems and hazards which include neck and low back pain. Previous studies have shown that the prevalence and location of pain may be influenced by posture and work habits and as well as demographic factors. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of neck and back problems among dentists and dental auxiliaries in private and government dental hospitals in south western Nigeria. ⋯ For neck pain, the prevalence was highest among therapists followed by technologists, dentists and least among the DSA. More females missed work due to back and neck pain than males. There is therefore the need to address ergonomic issues and change the way dentistry is practiced.
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HIV infection is a major factor in the deteriorating. quality of life particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, the HIV prevalence in Nigeria is 4.4% with wide variation across the states. Though much data exist on the socio-economic aspects of HIV/ AIDS, information on quality of life of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is still scanty. ⋯ Poor financial status of majority of PLWHA in Ibadan restricted their access to treatment and other care and services. Discrimination towards them by family, friends and the community affected negatively their quality of life. A combination of strategies--health education, psycho--social interventions is needed in addressing the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of intravenous ephedrine with phenylephrine for the maintenance of arterial blood pressure during elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.
Hypotension is a major concern of the anaesthetists whenever subarachnoid block is performed especially in obstetric patients. Vasopressors have been shown to be more effective at limiting spinal hypotension than other treatment of hypotension like preloading and left uterine displacement. The aim of the study is to compare the effect of bolus intravenous Ephedrine with Phenylephrine for the maintenance of arterial blood pressure during elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. ⋯ The mean APGAR Scores were similar for the two groups; no baby had Apgar score of < 8 in either group. We concluded that phenylephrine is safe and can be used as effectively as Ephedrine. Its administration results in higher blood pressure than Ephedrine in parturients undergoing Caesarean Section under spinal anaesthesia.