Utilization of YouTube and Twitter as source of information for research by medical students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

YouTube and Twitter have been used as a social media handles for a number of purposes; however, using same tools for research purposes among undergraduate medical students is the major reason for this study. The study investigated the utilization of YouTube and Twitter as sources of information among undergraduate's medical students in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS),Nigeria. Descriptive survey was used with the population of 65,469 medicals students drawn from three (3) faculties' namely, Health sciences, Medical sciences and Laboratory sciences. A sample size of 398 undergraduates was drawn using Slovene's formula. Questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument and distributed to 398 undergraduate medical students, out of which a total of 379 copies was returned and used for analysis. Data collected were analyzed with the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). It was found that medical students in UDUS make use of YouTube and Twitter to a great extent and they use it majorly for academic purposes. Furthermore, information overload, epileptic power supply and Spam and false news media platforms werefound to be the most prominent challenges faced by medical students in UDUS using YouTube and Twitter as sources of information for research. The recommendations proffered include: lecturers should ensure that they engage the students in tasks that can require them to visit and search for academic information on YouTube and Twitter among others.

Prevalence of Ultrasound-diagnosed Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among Rural Indigenous Population in Malaysian and Its Association With Biochemical and Anthropometric Measures

@#Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, especially in the Western world and Asia-Pacific regions. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of NAFLD detected by sonographic assessment among the rural indigenous population in Peninsula Malaysia and its association with anthropometric and biochemical factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out from January 2014-February 2016. Subjects were recruited among indigenous peninsula Malaysia population in rural villages, aged ≥18 years old. The survey was questionnaire-based followed by anthropometric and blood parameters measurements. All subjects underwent abdominal ultrasound assessment to screen for the presence of NAFLD. Semi-quantitative visual grading was performed to assess for mild, moderate or severe NAFLD. Results: A total of 270 subjects underwent the screening program (mean age 43.3 ±14.0 years). Approximately 53 subjects (19.6 %) were identified with NAFLD. Of those with NAFLD, approximately 83% had moderate grade of fatty liver and the remainder were diagnosed with mild grade. NAFLD was closely associated with age, body mass index (BMI), central obesity, hypertension, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio. On multivariate logistic regression, a high BMI (≥23.0 kg/m2), central obesity, and raised TG/HDL-C ratio were independent risk factors for developing NAFLD. Conclusion: This pioneer study defines the prevalence of NAFLD among rural indigenous population in Peninsula Malaysia. Lifestyle-related diseases, such as NAFLD can affect both rural and urban communities with equal severity. High BMI, central obesity, and elevated TG/HDL-C ratio were independent risk factors for developing NAFLD.

Self-Medication Practices Among Undergraduates Of A Public University

Inappropriate use of medicine could lead to harmful effects on the user. In some cases it results in unnecessary adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. Knowledge about possible side effect and drug interaction may ensure better self-medication practices. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of self-medication practices among undergraduate students of a public university in Terengganu, Malaysia, and to identify the most common group of medicine used. Knowledge on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and drug interactions was also explored. A structured questionnaire asking about self-medication, therapeutic classes, knowledge of ADRs and drug interactions was administered to 363 final year students of UniSZA. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0. Nearly half (46.6%) practised self-medication in the previous week and about 84.0% were aware of ADRs and drug interactions. Pain relievers were the most common group of medicines consumed (63.4%). Self-medication practices were moderately common among the undergraduates and they were aware of ADRs and drugs interactions. More awareness should be given to the students for continuous safe self-medication.