Background: Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease (AHD) is an important public health issue, especially in resource-constrained settings like Western Nigeria. Understanding the socio-demographic and clinical factors influencing AHD is essential for developing targeted interventions to mitigate its impact. Objective: To identify socio-demographic and clinical predictors of AHD in HIV-positive patients and explore their implications for disease management in a low-resource healthcare setting. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using archived clinical and laboratory data from the Public Health Laboratory, State of Osun Hospitals Management Board, Ede, Nigeria. Data included socio-demographics, clinical characteristics, CD4 counts, and viral loads of HIV-positive patients between February 2023 and March 2024. Descriptive statistics summarized key variables, and chi-squared tests analyzed associations between socio-demographic factors and AHD. Results: The study included 110 participants, 55.5% of whom had AHD. Significant predictors of AHD included age (p=0.007), duration of illness (p=0.002), transmission route (p=0.026), daily income (p<0.001), and educational status (p=0.001). Notably, lower income (<$1 daily) and lack of formal education were strongly associated with AHD prevalence. The predominant transmission route was heterosexual contact (68.2%), and long-term illness significantly increased AHD risk. Conclusion: Socio-economic and clinical disparities play pivotal roles in the progression to AHD in Western Nigeria. Addressing these factors through comprehensive medical, educational, and socio-economic interventions is vital for improving health outcomes among people living with HIV. Further research should explore longitudinal trends and intervention efficacy.

Introduction: Smoking during pregnancy poses severe public health risks, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and congenital anomalies. Despite ongoing public health efforts, the prevalence of smoking among pregnant women in the United Kingdom (UK) remains concerning. Methods: A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted, focusing on studies published between 2014 and 2024. The search strategy was designed to retrieve relevant studies from PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Medline databases, using a combination of keywords, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), and Boolean operators (e.g., AND, OR). Eligibility criteria required studies to specifically examine factors influencing smoking cessation in pregnant women, including psychosocial, behavioural, and healthcare-related aspects. Only studies in English and conducted in the UK were included to ensure geographic relevance. Results: The review identified significant barriers to smoking cessation, including psychological dependence, financial strain, and a lack of social support. Conversely, facilitators included the motivation to protect infant health, supportive healthcare providers, and the use of digital interventions like MiQuit, which provided continuous motivational support. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for multi-faceted, tailored interventions that address both psychological and socioeconomic challenges. Integrating mental health support, offering non-judgmental, personalized approaches, and embedding cessation programs into routine prenatal care are essential for improving smoking cessation outcomes among pregnant women.

Communicable diseases are a significant public health concern in Nigerian custodial centers. This study evaluated the public health implications of prisoners’ demographics and their awareness of communicable diseases in a correctional center in South-South Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on inmates' demographic characteristics and knowledge of six communicable diseases. Two hundred and nine (209) inmates who consented were randomly selected and self-administered the questionnaire. The data were tabulated and analyzed descriptively. Demographic data, including age, sex, marital and educational status, pre-incarceration occupation, residence, and duration in prison, aligned with the prison registry. Results indicated that all inmates (100.0%) were aware of communicable diseases. Information sources included hospitals/health workers (48.3%), family/friends/inmates (37.3%), books/magazines/newspapers (11.0%), and radio/TV/internet (3.3%). Inmates demonstrated good knowledge of communicable diseases, with 87.1% identifying causes and 56.6% recognizing modes of transmission. Awareness levels were high for HIV/AIDS (100.0%), hepatitis (81.3%), COVID-19 (100.0%), malaria (100.0%), human intestinal parasite infections (66.0%), and tuberculosis (73.2%). Most respondents correctly identified the etiologic agents, though some incorrectly attributed HIV/AIDS (9.3%) and hepatitis (17.1%) to spiritual causes. Regarding prevention, all inmates (100.0%) knew the methods for HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and malaria. Awareness of hepatitis B prevention was 81.3%, while 66.0% and 73.2% identified preventive methods for human intestinal parasite infections and tuberculosis, respectively. This study highlights commendable awareness of communicable diseases among inmates, however, it revealed some misconceptions about its causes, control, and prevention., offering valuable insights for public health programs in correctional facilities.

Nutrition awareness is a crucial element in promoting overall health and preventing a range of lifestyle diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases. This article explores the importance of nutrition education in preventing malnutrition, both undernutrition and overnutrition, and its role in boosting immunity, improving mental health, and enhancing maternal and child health. It highlights the impact of proper nutrition on reducing healthcare costs, improving productivity, and promoting sustainable living. The article further discusses the tools and techniques employed by nutritionists to create awareness, such as dietary assessment tools, nutrition education sessions, mass media campaigns, and mobile applications. Strategies for public health nutrition awareness, including community outreach, school programs, workplace wellness, policy advocacy, and research, are also outlined. By adopting these strategies, nutritionists can play a vital role in fostering healthier eating habits, reducing the burden of lifestyle diseases, and improving public health outcomes. This article emphasizes the need for comprehensive nutrition education to create a more informed, healthier, and sustainable society.

The fascial system constitutes a complex and highly intricate network within the body, consisting of both superficial and deep layers. While fascial dysfunction is commonly linked to musculoskeletal discomfort, it may also play a role in other nonspecific pain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In the approach discussed here, glucopuncture (GP) involves the injection of a 5% glucose (or 5% dextrose) solution directly into the superficial fascia to alleviate discomfort in nonspecific pain syndromes. This article describes a case where a patient underwent patient-directed GP as a treatment for IBS. It is crucial to ensure that other conditions, such as colorectal cancer, are excluded beforehand. This case emphasizes the potential of patient-directed GP as an affordable technique for managing nonspecific abdominal pain. However, further studies are essential to thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness and safety of GP for addressing such vague pain conditions.

A single physical model is proposed that takes into account some real-world factors to obtain a possible solution to the respective task of temperature deviation at a small distance from surface of the biofiber, which satisfactorily describes the biophysical and medical picture of the tumor formation. The above model discusses the differential equation for temperature deviation at a small distance from surface of the biofiber, which takes into account the thermal conductivity of the biofiber, dimensions of the structural elements, the density of the environment and the specific thermal conductivity.

Probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and prebiotics are all essential for preserving and improving gut health and general wellbeing. Through their interactions with the human microbiome, these bioactive substances and organisms offer unique but complementary advantages. When taken in sufficient quantities, probiotics—live microorganisms—offer health advantages like better digestion, immunological modulation, and the avoidance of gastrointestinal problems. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are indigestible food ingredients that support a healthy microbiome by specifically boosting the development and activity of good gut bacteria. Without using live microorganisms, postbiotics—which are made from the metabolic by products of microbes—offer benefits like antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. By combining probiotics and prebiotics, synbiotics help beneficial microorganisms survive and function better while also providing them with nourishment. These supplements may have contraindications and are not always appropriate, despite their advantages. Adverse effects include infections, increased gas, or bloating may occur in people with weakened immune systems, serious diseases, or certain gastrointestinal problems. Probiotic and synbiotic overuse or improper selection might upset the microbial balance and have unforeseen health effects. Certain prebiotics may also make symptoms worse for those who have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For this reason, maximizing benefits while lowering hazards requires careful evaluation of each person's health situation, customized formulations, and expert advice. The significance of comprehending these chemicals' functions, advantages, and contraindications for individualized health interventions is emphasized in this abstract.