Enugu State University of Science and Technology

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to impose significant morbidity and mortality, with gender influencing access and outcomes within the TB care continuum. Despite international guidance and global commitments on gender-responsive TB care to improve the equity and effectiveness of the TB response, the extent to which gender is considered in TB strategies remains unclear. This scoping review aimed to collate and synthesize the evidence on gender-responsive TB interventions designed and implemented in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high TB burden countries from 2000 to 2025. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute's scoping review guidelines, using the PRISMA-ScR framework for reporting. Studies were eligible if they described TB initiatives for adults aged ≥ 15years, addressed access to services across the TB care cascade, written in English and explicitly mentioned gender considerationsin their introduction, study aims and objectives, or methods sections, beyond sex-disaggregation of results. The search spanned multiple databases and included both peer-reviewed and grey literature. Quality assessment was done using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool(CCAT), and gender responsiveness was assessed using the WHO Gender Responsiveness Assessment Tool(GRAT). Although many TB initiatives reported sex-disaggregated results, most were not gender-responsive by design; thus, from 3878 identified studies, 15 met inclusion criteria. Gender responsiveness varied as two interventions did not consider gender differences, treating everyone the same (gender-blind), eleven indicated gender awareness but lacked proper remedial action (gender-sensitive), and two were designed to target and benefit a specific group of women or men (gender-specific). No studies were found to be gender unequal or gender transformative. Nine studies targeted their intervention towards both men and women, five towards women only, and one towards men only. CCAT scores ranged from 52.5% (moderate quality) to 95% (high quality). This scoping review found limited consideration of gender in TB interventions, with most studies addressing gender superficially by including female healthcare workers or sex-disaggregated results without rigorous design, analysis, or proposed recommendations relating to the influence of gender norms on access to TB care. There remains a significant gap in gender-transformative TB programming which risks perpetuating disparities in access and health outcomes across genderswhich will challenge global commitments to ending TB.

A bstract Background: Glaucoma is a leading cause of global blindness, particularly prevalent in Africa where healthcare accessibility is challenging. Adherence to glaucoma medications is crucial for disease management and vision preservation. Objective: The objective of the study was to identify barriers to medication adherence among adult glaucoma patients in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 160 adult glaucoma patients receiving care at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used collect the relevant sociodemographic data and barriers to medication adherence. Data analysis was both descriptive statistics and inferential using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA) version 26 for windows at 95% confidence level. Results: The mean age of the participants was 53.1 ± 14.0 years. The majority (89.5%) used two (35%) or three (44.5%) medications. The three major barriers identified included medication cost (95%), drug unavailability (96.2%), and side effects (96.9%). Other observed barriers included forgetfulness (42.5%), multiple medications (21.9%), busy schedules (16.3%), administration challenges (4.5%), and religious beliefs (1.9%). The educational level of the participants correlated significantly with side effects barrier to medications ( P = 0.016). Conclusion: Cost of medication, unavailability, and side effects were the main barriers to glaucoma medication adherence in the study population. Efforts to enhance glaucoma medication adherence should prioritize reducing drug costs, improving availability, and addressing side effects. Interventions targeting forgetfulness, complex regimens, and patient education may further support adherence.

A bstract Background: The imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant vitamins has been suggested as a central feature in the pathogenesis and key to the prevention of pre-eclampsia. Objective: To determine the mean serum levels of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in pre-eclamptic women and compare them to those of healthy pregnant women in Enugu, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study of 82 pre-eclamptic and 82 healthy pregnant women matched for age groups, gestational age groups, and parity groups were recruited from various tertiary care hospitals in Enugu from August 2016 to July 2017. The participants’ serum samples were analyzed for vitamins C, beta-carotene, and MDA spectrophotometrically. Data generated were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Science Version 22.0 using chi-square, Student t test, and logistic regression for further analysis. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean serum levels of vitamin C (19.54 ± 0.48 µmol/L) and beta-carotene (6.52 ± 1.69 µmol/L) were significantly lower in the pre-eclamptic group compared to those in the controls (144.06 ± 1.66 µmol/L, and 10.83 ± 1.61 µmol/L) respectively ( p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Also, the mean serum level of MDA in pre-eclamptic women (1.77 ± 0.70 µmol/L) was significantly higher than that in the control (1.46 ± 0.64 µmol/L) ( p = 0.004). Low serum levels of vitamin C were more significantly associated with severe pre-eclampsia ( p = 0.034). Conclusion: Pre-eclampsia is associated with low mean serum levels of vitamin C and beta-carotene and high mean serum levels of MDA among pre-eclamptic pregnant women in Enugu.

Insecurity in Nigeria, driven by terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts, has intensified over the past decade, resulting in widespread fatalities, abductions, and internal displacement. This study examines government responses to these threats, assessing their effectiveness in mitigating violence and promoting national security. Using a mixed-method approach, the research integrates quantitative data from official reports (2020–2025) and qualitative insights from policy documents and scholarly literature. Findings reveal a persistent upward trend in security incidents and casualties, particularly in the North-West and North-East regions, despite ongoing military interventions. Mass abductions and socio-economic deprivation continue to exacerbate vulnerability, while governance and institutional limitations undermine strategic responses. The study highlights that military approaches alone are insufficient, and emphasizes the need for integrated security policies combining tactical operations, community-based interventions, and socio-economic development programs. Policy implications include the strengthening of community policing, establishment of early-warning systems, and targeted socio-economic initiatives for high-risk areas. The study concludes that sustainable peace requires a coordinated, multi-dimensional strategy addressing both the symptoms and root causes of insecurity in Nigeria. Keywords: Insecurity, terrorism, banditry, government response, Nigeria, policy implications

Young people in Nigeria face significant barriers in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, resulting in unmet needs. This study explores the perspectives of young people and SRH service providers on the delivery of these services to young people at primary health centres (PHCs) in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria. A qualitative research approach was used, involving 20 in-depth interviews with SRH service providers and 10 focus group discussions with young people (ages 15–24) across six communities. Data collection was guided by semi-structured interview guides that focused on the types of SRH services available and the processes involved in their delivery. Transcripts were coded and analysed thematically using NVivo. Three key themes emerged: (1) Types of services – including sex education, counselling, contraception, sexually transmitted infections prevention and treatment, maternal and childcare, and support services for survivors of gender-based violence; (2) Attributes of providers and users - highlighting, respectful, empathetic, and support for informed choices and privacy, while also noting challenges such as limited provider availability and young people’s reluctance to seek care; and (3) Processes of service delivery - describing structured stage including reception, registration and payment, consultation, waiting time, operating hours and relational aspects within the health system. Despite efforts to offer youth-friendly SRH services, delivery remains constrained by workforce shortages, inadequate infrastructure, high service costs, and judgmental attitudes from health workers. While PHCs provide essential SRH services, systemic barriers hinder young people’s access to youth-friendly care. Policy reforms are needed to strengthen youth-centred service delivery, including expanding the healthcare workforce through employment and task shifting, upgrading health infrastructure, and subsidising SRH services by integrating them into basic healthcare packages. These actions are essential to advancing young people’s SRH rights and improving service delivery.

This study examined the effect of cash flow on the dividend payout ratio of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria, with specific objectives to assess how operating, investing, and Financing Cash Flows, cash ratio, and net cash flow yield influence dividend payout ratio. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design, as it relied on historical financial data that could not be manipulated by the researcher. The population comprised twenty (20) manufacturing firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group as of 2024, from which fifteen (15) firms were purposively selected based on data availability between 2015 and 2024. Data were obtained from the published annual reports and accounts of the selected firms. Hypotheses were tested using the Panel Estimated Generalized Least Squares (EGLS) regression model. The findings revealed that: Operating Cash Flow has a positive and significant effect on dividend payout ratio of manufacturing firms in Nigeria; Investing Cash Flow has a positive and significant effect on dividend payout ratio of manufacturing firms in Nigeria; Financing Cash Flow has a negative and significant effect on dividend payout ratio of manufacturing firms in Nigeria; cash ratio has a negative and significant effect on dividend payout ratio of manufacturing firms in Nigeria; net cash flow yield has a positive and significant effect on dividend payout ratio of manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Thus, the nexus between cash flow management and dividend payout is systematic rather than incidental, reinforcing the notion that dividend policy in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector is deeply rooted in cash flow realities rather than purely accounting profits. With the negative and significant effect of cash ratio on dividend payout ratio, corporate treasurers and chief financial officers should ensure optimal liquidity management, maintaining adequate but not excessive cash holdings so that surplus funds are not unnecessarily tied down in idle cash balances but are used in ways that support shareholder value through consistent dividend payments.

Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare neoplasm of the lymphatic system, representing one of the most common cancers in young adults. It is characterised by a low number of malignant cells derived from B-lymphocytes and an extensive microenvironment. We used Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed databases with search descriptors; “Hodgkin* lymphoma“ and “Hodgkin* disease”. The common bibliometric indicators were applied. We retrieved a total of 18,304 articles within 2002 and 2022. The growth pattern showed a saturated pattern, with the linear and exponential plots coinciding. A small number of authors were responsible for the majority of the publications, with a transience index of 71.84%. The Bradford core consisted of 32 journals, with Leukemia and Lymphoma being at the top. The most productive institutions were resident in United States with the University of Texas MD Anderson Center at the helm. The United States was found to be the most productive country. Engert A. was the most productive author. Scientific production in Hodgkin lymphoma was found to be saturated with a high transience index. This study provides a reference for oncologists, epidemiologists, funders, policy decision makers, academics, and Hodgkin lymphoma researchers.

The study presents the simulation-based method for evaluating transformer core materials by considering the spatial nature of magnetic flux lines. The aim is to broaden the design space of materials compared with those conventionally characterised solely by relative permeability and core loss by introducing a pair of field-distribution indices; the compactness index (CI) and symmetry index (SI). Five fundamental materials, Metglas, Silicon Steel, Ferrite, Soft Iron and Solid Iron, were investigated through MATLAB simulation with the basis of a simplified excitation model. Vector field analysis, flux density surface maps, radial flux profile, and angular flux responses were described for each material magnetic features. The simulation results revealed that the best efficiency obtained was Metglas with a compactness index of 99.17, then silicon steel, soft iron, ferrite and solid iron with 44.10, 41.30, 30.08, and 21.74 respectively. The peak value of the flux density for Metglas was about 0.30 T measured just outside the inner radius at r = 0.03 m under a 1 A excitation, and about 0.18 T at r = 0.05 m used for the angular profile. The symmetry index was unity for all materials, ensuring the magnetic field distribution was perfectly balanced in the symmetric excitation geometry. These results demonstrate that while magnetic symmetry is preserved across materials in this geometry, the CI yields a relevant quantitative difference in field performance. The study therefore offers a refined basis for evaluating transformer core materials through a geometry oriented framework that can support compact and thermally stable transformer designs. The results are consistent with analytical expectations and recent FEA studies, highlighting the relevance of CI and SI for modern power systems where magnetic performance must be maximised in compact designs.

This scoping review will provide valuable information for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to develop combined physical and cognitive rehabilitation programs tailored to the distinct physiological, cognitive and social needs of older athletes.

There have been speculative debates and assumptions on the causes, implications, and proper sanctions for Yahoo-Plus, primarily from academic, non-academic, and media writers. These discussions are valuable as they highlight the dangers of Yahoo-Plus and propose solutions. However, none have conducted a detailed study from the offenders' perspectives. Deviating from conventional approaches, this study examines the narrative accounts, feelings, and perceptions of Yahoo-Plus offenders in Enugu and Abakaliki Correctional Centers, Nigeria. Yahoo-Plus, defined as a hybrid cybercrime involving ritual violence (e.g., human sacrifice) to enhance online fraud success, represents a disturbing evolution in criminal behavior. Using in-depth interviews, the study explores the sociocultural and psychological drivers of Yahoo-Plus based on offenders’ interpretative meanings. A cross-sectional research design and snowball sampling technique were employed to select a sample of 42 from a population of 67 convicted and awaiting-trial inmates. Findings confirm that Yahoo-Plus is deeply entrenched in Nigeria and is increasing, driven by the utilitarian culture of modern society that prioritizes material acquisition and wealth. Based on these findings, the study calls for urgent policy measures to address social exclusion and poverty, create meaningful employment opportunities for youth, and reorient societal values through structured educational reforms. This approach aims to address the sociocultural disorientation fueling Yahoo-Plus while advocating for balanced, evidence-based policy interventions.