Ultra sonographic indices of the carotid artery in healthy adult population of southwest, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: atherosclerosis develops insidiously, offering time and opportunities for early detection. Screening for subclinical atherosclerosis via structural wall changes and flow velocities among apparently healthy adults using carotid ultrasonography may help its early detection, offer timely intervention and reduce morbidity and mortality. Methods: a cross-sectional study of 100 participants with a mean age of 56.1 ± 6.9 years, were enrolled from a community population. Both carotid arteries were examined for plaques, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and flow velocities - peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistive index (RI) using 4-12MHz linear array transducer. Visceral obesity, serum lipids, and blood glucose were also evaluated and correlated with ultrasound findings. Results: the mean CIMT was 0.07 ± 0.02cm and 15% of the participants had increased CIMT. Statistically significance but weak correlations were observed between CIMT and FBG (r = 0.199, p = 0.047), EDV (r =0.204, p= 0.041), PI (r = -0.287, p = 0.004) and RI (r = -0.268, p =0.007). Statistically significance with modest correlations were observed between EDV and PSV (r = 0.48, p = 0.000), PI (r = -0.635, p = 0.000) and RI (r = -0.637, p = 0.000). The PI and RI showed strong correlation with statistical significance (r= 0.972, p = 0.000). Conclusion: statistical significance in the flow velocities, derived flow indices and increased CIMT may be an early indication of subclinical atherosclerosis. Therefore, ultrasonography may facilitate its early detection and possible prevention of complications.

Practice, Perceptions, and Prospects of Mammography Screening in Nigeria: Insights From a National Survey of Female Health Workers.

BACKGROUND: Mammography, the most preferred tool for breast cancer screening, has very poor uptake in Nigeria, even among health workers. No nationwide study has been done to ascertain this. This study sought to determine the current perceptions and practices of Nigerian female health care practitioners on mammography screening across different types and levels of health care institutions in the country's 6 geopolitical zones. METHODS: This cross-sectional online survey was conducted using Google Forms distributed among Nigerian female health workers via online professional associations and networks. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: A total of 562 respondents, with mean age of 41.30 ± 9.8 years, were surveyed. About half (50.3%) were doctors, with majority practicing in southern Nigeria. A mammography screening utilization rate of 15.4% was found, with majority having their first mammography long after attaining the age of eligibility. As of the time of the survey, only 24.8% of tertiary health workers had access to functional mammography machines at their place of work. Majority of female doctors (78%) never refer eligible patients for mammography, although nearly all (98.6%) were willing to do so. About 54% of those who have had a previous mammography screening vs. 17% who have not had 1 would recommend it to others. Majority of respondents recommended annual mammography from the age of forty at a subsidized cost. CONCLUSION: Nigerian female health workers have limited access to mammography and consequently do not screen often. Efforts must be made to make 'charity begin at home'.