A preprogram appraisal of factors influencing research productivity among faculty at college of medicine, University of Lagos

A defining feature of any university is its dedication to scholarly activities, leading to the generation of knowledge and ideas Research productivity is a measure of achievement of a scholar. The number of research publications in peer-reviewed journals is an important criterion for assessing productivity and prestige in the academia. Aims and Objectives: This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the level of research productivity (RP) among junior faculty at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and investigated factors affecting their research output prior to the implementation of a 5-year training grant funded by the National Institutes of Health. Methods: Seventy junior faculty members attended a pre-program training, and the self-reported number of peer-reviewed publications (PRPs) was used as an indicator. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing RP among the attendees were assessed and ranked. Results: The majority (42/70, 60%) of the respondents had <10 PRPs. The median (interquartile range) number of PRPs was 7 (3­18). A desire for the development of their personal skills, contribution to society, and personal research interests topped the list of intrinsic factors influencing RP. Work flexibility, research autonomy, and scholarly pursuits were the bottom three. A desire for promotion, respect from peers, and increased social standing were the top three extrinsic factors, while monetary incentives, employment opportunities, and the need to attend conferences were the lowest three. The top barriers to RP were lack of resources and lack of mentoring. Perceived older age, lack of time, and motivation were the lowest three barriers. Older age and professional cadre were associated with increased RP (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Among the participants, research output appears to be motivated primarily by a desire for personal development,promotion, and respect from peers. Lack of access to resources was the main barrier to increased RP. These factors may need to be considered when developing programs designed to promote RP

Epidemiological African Day for Evaluation of Patients at Risk of Venous Thrombosis in Acute Hospital Care Settings : Cardiovascular Topic

Introduction : This study aimed to identify patients at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) among all patients hospitalised; and to determine the proportion of at-risk hospital patients who received effective types of VTE prophylaxis in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods: A multinational; observational; cross-sectional survey was carried out on 1 583 at-risk patients throughout five SSA countries. Results: The prevalence of VTE risk was 50.4 overall; 62.3 in medical and 43.8 in surgical patients. The proportion of at-risk patients receiving prophylaxis was 51.5 overall; 36.2 in medical and 64 in surgical patients. Low-molecular weight heparin was the most frequently used prophylactic method in 40.2 overall; 23.1 in medical and 49.9 in surgical patients. Discussion: This study showed a high prevalence of VTE risk among hospitalised patients and that less than half of all at-risk patients received an American College of Clinical Pharmacy-recommended method of prophylaxis. Conclusion: Recommended VTE prophylaxis is underused in SSA

Frequency of Cognitive Impairment and Depression in Parkinson's Disease: A Preliminary Case-Control Study

Background: This study aimed to determine the frequency of cognitive impairment and depression in our Parkinson's Disease (PD) and their relationship with disease severity and disability. Patients and Methods: A total of 40 PD patients and 40 age-; sex-; and educationally matched controls were studied. The Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Motor and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores and the Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stage were documented. Depression was assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS); while cognition was evaluated using a composite score of the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score and category fluency score. Results: A total of 55 (22/40) of PD and 10 (4 of 40) of controls had depression (P0.001). A total of 60 of PD (24/40) and 5 of controls (2/40) had cognitive impairment (P0.001). Both NMS coexisted in 16 of 40 PD (40) compared with none of the controls (P0.001). UPDRS (motor and ADL) scores and HY stage were significantly worse with impaired ZSDS scores - P 0.001. UPDRS ADL was significantly impaired by the presence of cognitive impairment. Coexisting depression and cognitive impairment were associated with significant worsening of all scores of severity and disability. Conclusion: Cognitive impairment and depression accompany our PD and are related to disability and worsening disease severity