Variations in abdominal muscle activities of obese females during abdominal bracing exercise in different body positions.

AIMS: This study evaluated the activities of the Rectus Abdominis (RA) and Transversus Abdominis (TrA) muscles during abdominal bracing exercises (ABE) in different body positions. METHODOLOGY: Electrical activities of both components of the RA and TrA muscles were assessed respectively in 25 obese females via surface electromyography during ABE in four (4) different body positions (crook lying, side lying, standing, and sitting). Each trial lasted for five (5) seconds with an hour rest period between trials. RESULTS: Electrical activities of each of the right RA (p = 0.008) and TrA (p = 0.001) muscles significantly varied across the four trials. For the left components of the RA (p = 0.243) and TrA (p = 0.332) muscles, no significant differences were observed across trials. The highest muscular activities were recorded during the standing trial while the crook lying position resulted in the least muscular activities. CONCLUSION: For the best results, abdominal bracing exercises should be performed in a standing position. The efficacy of adopting these body positions for long-term rehabilitation purposes should be investigated in future studies.

"Life has always been physical physical, now visual": an explorative study on the use of digital health technologies to promote physiotherapy home treatment programs among older people.

BACKGROUND: There has been a recent rise in the use of technology for health promotional practices, which have begun to gain popularity among physiotherapists but not much research has been conducted to explore its many opportunities and challenges among older adults in developing countries. OBJECTIVES: To explore Nigerian-based Physiotherapists' perspectives on how digital health technologies (DHT) can be utilized to promote physiotherapy home treatment programs among Nigerian older people. METHODS: This is a one-on-one semi-structured interview of 12 geriatric physiotherapists (7 Male, 5 female) virtually in the Teams Meeting platform. Data generated were analyzed thematically using the latest version of NVivo software. RESULTS: Three overarching themes were conceptualized including the usage of DHT in Nigeria, challenges to DHT application, and strategies to improve DHT usage. These described a low awareness and usage of DHT despite its recognized need and advantages for promoting home program. The forms of DHT commonly being used are mostly mobile-based through calls or texts, which could be due to barriers to the use of DHT including older people's declining cognition, poverty, and low interest in technology. Some external problems included the physiotherapists' attachment to hands-on practice and low commitment from the informal caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested ways to utilize the DHT in promoting physiotherapy home treatment programs among older people by encouraging technological innovations and raising awareness among physiotherapists, while the physiotherapists need to patiently educate both the older people and involve their informal caregivers.

Changes and Forms of Sexual Behaviour in old age: A Qualitative Study of Older People in Southeastern Nigeria.

The misconceptions that old age is an asexual phase of human life has been challenged by increasing empirical evidence which shows that sexual activity persists in old age albeit in different forms and frequency. This study examined how a group of older people in southeastern Nigeria express their sexual behaviour. The semi-structured individual interviews with 14 older people (9 male, 5 female) aged 60?89 years were conducted using an exploratory qualitative approach. The data generated were analysed thematically, and two themes were conceptualised including diverse sexual behaviour and mutual understanding. These themes supported a pattern among the participants where there is a drop in the frequency of physical sexual behaviour but their sexual interests were described to be more stable. However, the sexual interest is channelled into more intimate sexual behaviour. Thus, sexual behaviours in later life in this study were not declining but showed diversity and modifications; most have adjusted to incorporate more emotional bonding and caring. More so, what forms of sexual behaviour constitute for these older partners are often linked to the presence of dynamic interplay of influencing factors ingrained on the level of the older partners mutuality in understanding and responding to theencroaching age-related changes in their sexual behaviour. Remarkably, these factors could be controlled, which signposts a potential premise and point of policy and practical intervention to promote healthy sexual behaviour in later life.

Breastfeeding-related neck pain: prevalence and correlates among Nigerian lactating mothers.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding (BF) is a physically demanding task and is predominantly performed in a head-down position as the mother attempts to maintain eye contact with the infant. There are possibilities of BF-related neck pain (BFRNP) that have not been widely studied. This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of BFRNP in Nigerian lactating mothers. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 310 lactating mothers selected from post-natal clinics in Enugu, Nigeria. Information on their BF profile was sought as well as the prevalence and characteristics of BFRNP using a self-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: It was found that cradle hold was the commonly adopted BF position (94.0%) and the majority breastfed ≥10 times daily (55.2%) for <30 min per session (49.1%). BFRNP was seen in 51.7% of women, of which 55.0% reported moderate pain intensity and 60.0% experienced this pain during BF. None of the maternal characteristics and breastfeeding profiles were significantly associated with the prevalence of BFRNP (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of BFRNP among nursing mothers. Although maternal characteristics and BF positions were not associated with reported BFRNP, the results suggest that changing BF positions reduces neck pain during nursing sessions. Therefore this study recommends that nursing mothers should regularly change their BF positions to increase relaxation and comfort.

A post-lockdown online cross-sectional survey on knowledge, attitude and anxiety levels of Nigerian youths towards COVID-19 disease.

Introduction: COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus disease, was detected in Wuhan, Hubei, China in December 2019. Since then, the virus has been designated a global pandemic, affecting all nations. Nigeria as a whole has recorded 255,937 cases of COVID-19. Studies on COVID-19 anxiety level, knowledge, and attitude have not been focused on youths after the lockdown. This research explored COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and anxiety levels among Nigerian youths after the lifted pandemic lockdown. Methods: after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, an online descriptive cross-sectional survey was performed among 818 young people aged 18 to 35 in South-Eastern Nigeria. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 technique was used to analyze the descriptive statistics. The Chi-square test, bivariate, and multivariate binary logistic regression were used to measure the associations. A p-value of 0.05 was statistically significant at a 95% confidence level. Results: the majority of respondents 723 (88.39%) demonstrate a high degree of COVID-19 knowledge. Just a few respondents (0.49%) expressed a negative understanding of the virus. 556 (67.97%) had a positive attitude towards the virus. More than half of the respondents had a low anxiety level, 471 (57.58%) and 108 (13.20%) had a high level. Educational level, place of residence, and family income showed a statistically significant relationship with their anxiety levels (p = 0.001, 0.002, 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: the infection, transmission, and symptoms of COVID-19 were well-understood by young people after the pandemic, who also displayed optimistic attitudes and low levels of fear. Higher levels of education, family income, and dwelling location were connected with COVID-19 knowledge and lower anxiety levels. This knowledge will assist health professionals in fighting current and future related outbreaks.

Attitudes and perceptions of Nigerians regarding receiving COVID-19 vaccines: an online cross-sectional study.

Introduction: the success of controlling pandemics like COVID-19 can be achieved through its vaccination program. Besides masks, social distance, and good hand hygiene, a rapid vaccine program is crucial in controlling this COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to assess the attitudes and perceptions of Nigerians regarding accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out among 334 respondents aged 18 and above from the Southeastern region of Nigeria. A validated questionnaire was used for the data collection through an online Google form. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. The association of socio-demographics with attitudes and perceptions was analysed using chi-square tests and Fisher exact tests. At the 95 percent confidence level, a p-value of 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results: sixty point two percent (60.2%) (n = 201) of respondents showed positive attitudes with a mean of (13.96±2.97). Gender was the only demographic factor associated with attitudes (p< 0.001). Respondents with poor perceptions were higher by 53.0% (n = 177) with a mean value of (3.30±1.17). Age, education, gender, and marital status were seen to be associated with perceptions of vaccine acceptance (p<0.05). There was a link between attitudes and perceptions (P> 0.001), as those with positive attitudes also exercised good perceptions. Conclusion: this study revealed that respondents had positive attitudes regarding COVID-19 vaccination acceptance but negative perceptions of it. As a result, community and health promotion professionals, religious leaders, and local celebrities should use their platforms to raise awareness about the benefits of COVID-19 immunization.

Comparative effects of selected abdominal and lower limb exercises in the recruitment of the pelvic floor muscles: Determining adjuncts to Kegel's exercises.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the electrical activities of the pelvic floor muscles in response to selected abdominal and hip adductor exercises, using the Kegel's maneuver as a gold standard, to compare the efficacies of these maneuvers in pelvic floor muscles recruitment to guide their informed utilization as adjuncts for Kegel's exercises. METHOD: Twenty-one postpartum mothers with recent vaginal deliveries performed six trials, including the typical Kegel's exercise; two abdominal exercises (curl-up and abdominal hollowing); two hip adductor exercises (adductor ball squeeze and auto-resisted hip adduction); and a combination of abdominal, hip adductor and pelvic floor muscle contractions (combo). Pelvic floor muscles activities were monitored via surface electromyography during each 5-s trial. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of one way ANOVA at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Generally, the pelvic floor muscles were statistically significantly (p < 0.001) most active during the combo trial, compared to other trials. Comparing the two abdominals, Kegel's and combo trials, pelvic floor muscles activity was least during the curl-up contraction (p < 0.001). On the other hand, Kegel's trial elicited the lowestpelvic floor muscles activity when compared with the combo and two adductor trials (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Abdominal and hip adductor exercises are recommended adjuncts of Kegel's exercise but the combo maneuver was the most effective in activating the pelvic floor muscles.

Relationship between the development of musculoskeletal disorders, physical activity level, and academic stress among undergraduates students of University of Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Academic stress is a common experience among university students. It can affect the body composition of the students through behavioral changes, which further affect their physical activity level (PAL). Musculoskeletal disorders could arise from the interaction of these factors. This study aimed to determine the relationship between PAL, academic stress, selected anthropometric indices, and the development of MSDs among a selected Nigerian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 256 (129 females and 127 males) undergraduates of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus aged 15-30 years using Student's Stress Inventory to evaluate academic stress, the short-form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to determine the PAL, and a Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to assess MSDs. RESULTS: The results showed a high PAL with the male students having more PAL (61.4%) than female students. Secondly, the prevalence of MSDs among the population was high (66.02%) and the students faced moderate academic stress with the prevalence being more among the female students (75.2%). A significant difference was observed between academic stress and the development of MSDs (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: This study's findings support the hypothesis that increased academic stress and low level of physical activity are linked to increased risks of MSDs among students. Thus, it is warranted that the University curriculum is re-adjusted and incorporate public enlightenment programs on possible causes and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, stress management, and coping strategies.

Pulmonary functions and associated risk factors among school teachers in a selected Nigerian population.

Objective. This study aimed to determine pulmonary functions and associated risk factors among school teachers. Methods. This cross-sectional ex-post facto study included 121 participants (20 males and 101 females). The setting for this study included 11 private schools and eight government schools. Participants were recruited using non-probability sampling techniques. Subjective data were collected using a self-administered asthma questionnaire. A spirometer was used for measuring pulmonary function values and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance for inferential statistics. The α level was set at 0.05. Results. Age, gender, duration of employment, type of school, school level taught, type of teaching board, working hours per day, previous occupation, usage of carpet and usage of rugs were significantly associated with the forced vital capacity prediction (p = 0.000, 0.010, 0.000, 0.032, 0.013, 0.000, 0.027, 0.000, 0.000 and 0.041, respectively). Also, the forced expiratory volume in 1 s and the peak expiratory flow were statistically different with alcohol consumption (p = 0.015) and place of residence (p = 0.004), respectively. Conclusion. Teachers using chalkboards are at increased risk of developing occupationally related pulmonary impairments. Hence, there is a need to shift from routine chalkboards to whiteboards.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on HIV/AIDS among college students in Pampanga, Philippines

Introduction@#Young adults are more susceptible to HIV infection due to a lack of reliable and timely information about HIV/AIDS prevention and transmission. This study examined the KAPS of college students in Pampanga, Philippines due to high cases of HIV in the region. KAPs is vital in developing effective strategies for HIV intervention. @*Objective@#The study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on prevention and transmission HIV/AIDS among college students in Pampanga, Philippines. Method. This cross-sectional, descriptive study used a self-administered questionnaire to assess HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and practices among 565 college students aged 18–24 from three Pampanga higher educational institutions Philippines. A questionnaire was used to gather data on KAPs regarding HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. @*Results@#Among 565 participants, 239 persons (42%) showed low knowledge of transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS, 203 (36%) had moderate level of knowledge, and 121 (21%) had high level. Common misconceptions about HIV transmission included washing genitals could prevent transmission and that transmission was possible through mosquito bites, respiratory fluids, sweat, or urine. Television was the most frequent source of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge among respondents. More than half (63.1%) of those surveyed had a good attitude toward HIV-positive people. Those who answered questions related to the sexual practices said that their last three encounters were with the same person (18.1%). Those who used piercing objects claimed to sterilize them before utilizing them on their bodies (18.6 %). And many participants refused to question related to practices. @*Conclusion@#Participants had a low knowledge of HIV/AIDS, which explains why there were many misconceptions about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention. More than half of the respondents had a good attitude toward HIVpositive people. Those who answered the practice-related questions engaged in risky behaviour. Providers should implement an intervention program to increase HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in the region.