Research productivity of academics in medicine and allied health sciences disciplines in Nigerian universities: A cross-sectional multi-stage cluster study

BACKGROUND@#Research is the act of inquiry to know and is one of the pivotal points and fundamental goals of a university. It is an important part of an academic job and is believed to be the next most valued part of their duty after teaching@*OBJECTIVES@#This study aims to determine the research productivity of Nigerian academics in medicine and allied health sciences disciplines in Nigeria. @*METHODOLOGY@#177 participants completed a 41- items questionnaire that elicits information on sociodemographic, the institution, the program, and research productivity (research papers, conferences attendance and presentation, and book chapters) using a multistage cluster random sampling of Nigerian Universities.@*RESULTS@#Majority of the included participants were male (70.06%), married (79.14%), and below the senior teaching cadre (38.99%). Majority of the academicians do not have any training overseas (67.06%) and have indicated time as a constraint to research productivity (67.06%). Three papers in the past two years is an indication that Nigerian academics in the medical and allied health sciences, on average, may not be deemed to be highly productive. Professors (16.58+27.14) and those in higher ranks (Readers: 11.84+11.22 and senior lectures 12.58+13.53) have published more papers than their counterparts in the junior cadre (lecturer I and II: 4.87+6.58 and 2.69+3.87). Academics in the present study has a median research grant of zero in the past two years. A simple majority of the participants (55.29%) agree on mandating of PhD for promotion and career advancement of academics. There is no difference in the number of papers published (6.04+10.52 and 7.62+13.21) or conferences attended (7.42+19.14 and 4.04 +4.02) between academics in private and public Universities@*CONCLUSION@#Apparently low and dismal productivity by these academics in medicine and allied health sciences affirm the need for capacity building on an ongoing basis.

Prevalence and factors associated with symptoms of psychological distress among students of Allied Health Sciences in a Nigerian University

BACKGROUND@#A student enrolled in Allied Health Sciences has a curriculum and academic standards that are different compared to a student enrolled in a medical programme. Nevertheless, little is known about the psychological distress of this population. Our objective was to determine whether psychological distress is prevalent in students enrolled in an Allied Health Sciences programme, as well as factors that contribute to it. @*METHODS@#Three hundred and thirty-three (333) undergraduates studying Allied Health Sciences, ages 18-30, were included in this cross-sectional study. A representative sample of students from nursing, physiotherapy, medical laboratory science, medical radiography, and optometry programmes were selected through a stratified sampling technique. A 21-item Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21  10) was used to collect data on psychological distress indicated by depression, anxiety, and stress. We fitted a multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with psychological distress among the participants.@*RESULTS@#As a result of the study, 58.9% reported depression, 66.1% reported anxiety, and 45.1% reported stress. Depression (AOR= 3.23; 95% CI: 1.33- 7.81), anxiety (AOR= 3.33;95% CI:1.34- 8.26) and stress (AOR= 2.58;95% CI: 1.14- 5.85) were associated with family history of mental illness. Poor academic performance was associated with anxiety (OR=2.75; 95% CI: 1.35- 5.61) and stress (OR=2.00; 95% CI: 1.05-3.81).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The prevalence of psychological distress among allied health sciences students is high, especially among students with poor academic performance and those with a family history of mental illness. Psychological distress can be prevented with early detection and awareness programmes.

Association between pregnancy-related low back pain, physical activity, and health related quality of life: A survey of pregnant women in Northern Nigeria

BACKGROUND@#Pregnancy-related low back pain is a common complaint with numerous adverse consequences. Unfortunately, the effect of healthrelated quality of life and physical activity status on pregnancy-related low back pain remains understudied.@*OBJECTIVES@#This study aimed to examine the influence of physical activity and health-related quality of life on pregnancy-related low back pain among pregnant women.@*METHODS@#A survey of 398 pregnant women was conducted using the Modified Pregnancy Low Back Pain, Medical Outcome Survey Short Form (MOS-SF), and Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) to assess pregnancy-related low back pain, quality of life, and physical activity status among the participants.@*RESULTS@#About fifty-four percent (54%) of the pregnant women reported experiencing low back pain during pregnancy. There were no significant differences between most physical activity intensities and domains for pregnant women with and without pregnancy-related low back pain, with the exception of women identified as sedentary (12.9±14.8 versus 17.4±16.2) or inactive (18.7±20.0 versus 23.6±19.8). Furthermore, waist circumference (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96 to 0.99) and Physical component scores (PCS) (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93 to 0.98) were associated with pregnancy-related low back pain. An interaction of height and occupation also showed an association with pregnancy related low back pain (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.08).@*CONCLUSION@#Sedentary and inactivity are the only physical activity intensity and domain associated with pregnancy-related low back pain, which affect the physical well-being of the expecting mothers.