Shamsudeen Bilyamin, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Premarital screening is defined as a panel of tests in which couples that are going to get married are tested for genetic, infectious, and blood transmitted diseases to prevent any risk of transmitting disease to their children. Premarital screening aims primarily to give couples (who are planning to get married soon) medical consultation on the odds of transmitting genetic diseases to their children. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select the schools. Selection of students was done using a simple random sampling. Data was collected using a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. A total of 415 respondents participated in the study, with a 100% response rate and a mean age of 16 years. Findings reveal that 99% of the respondents have good knowledge with only 1% who have poor knowledge. The result shows that the age group 15-19, female sex and SS2 class have higher level of good knowledge, however there is significant statistical relationship between sex, class and knowledge of Premarital screening on Hepatitis B.

Abdulwahab Muhammed Ajikobi, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Food hygiene is critical for preventing foodborne illnesses, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, where street food vending is widespread. Despite efforts by regulatory agencies, poor hygiene practices persist due to inadequate knowledge, infrastructure, and enforcement. This study assessed food vendors' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding food hygiene in Sabon-Gari LGA to identify gaps and recommend improvements. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 152 food vendors selected via multistage sampling. Data were collected using a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire, covering socio-demographics, knowledge (7 questions), attitude (5 Likert-scale questions), and practices (5 questions). Scores were categorized as "good" (≥70%) or "poor" (<70%). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, with chi-square tests examining associations between variables (p<0.05 significance). Most respondents were between the age group 15–35 years (82.2%), female (73.7%), and had tertiary education (50%). Knowledge was good in (73%) of vendors, with (84.2%) recognizing food contamination risks. Attitude was positive in (85.5%), with (84.2)% agreeing on protective gear use. However, only (35.5%) consistently washed hands, and (27.8)% always used protective clothing. Infrastructure gaps were notable as (61.8%) lacked regulatory oversight, and (57.2%) reported poor hygiene facilities. Education level significantly influenced knowledge (p=0.001), attitude (p=0.001), and practice (p=0.001). While food vendors demonstrated good knowledge and positive attitudes, practices and infrastructure were suboptimal. Targeted interventions including hygiene training, provision of handwashing facilities, and stricter enforcement of regulations are recommended to bridge these gaps and reduce foodborne disease risks in the community.

Abdulmalik Hidal, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Diphtheria is commonly recognized as a childhood disease, predominantly affecting children under the age of 12 years. The global burden of diphtheria has been significantly reduced in developed countries worldwide, with considerable progress in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria over the past few decades. Ref Mothers of young children play a crucial role in ensuring that children under the age of 5 years are vaccinated and proper preventive measures are taken to prevent the spread of diphtheria infection. The level of knowledge, awareness and preventive practices related to diphtheria in some communities played an important role in the prevention and control of diphtheria infections. This study was aimed at assessment of knowledge, attitude and preventive practices towards diphtheria infection among mothers of children under the age of five years in Jushi community, Sabon Gari LGA, Kaduna State. A cross sectional-descriptive study using self-administered closed-ended questionnaire was carried out. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the total sample size of 329 respondents. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Descriptive statistics was done for the socio-demographic characteristics and categorical variables using simple frequencies and percentages. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi square or Fischer exact test to test the significance of association between the independent and dependent variables at p < 0.05 was considered level of significance. Result revealed that the majority of mothers (62.7%) were between 24 and 29 years old, with an average age of 28.1 years. Most participants practiced Islam (87.2%) and belonged to the Hausa ethnic group (51.4%), though other ethnicities, such as Fulani (10.0%), Yoruba (10.3%), and Igbo (2.4%), were also represented. Result revealed that knowledge of diphtheria infection was predominantly poor, with 66.0% of mothers categorized as having poor knowledge, while only 34.0% had good knowledge. Pertaining attitude, result showed that 65.0% of mothers had a negative attitude toward diphtheria infection, while only 35.0% had a positive attitude. The preventive practices were overwhelmingly poor, with 90.9% of mothers demonstrating poor practices, while only 9.1% had good preventive practices. The bivariate analysis indicates that age was a crucial determinant pertaining knowledge of diphtheria, religion also played a role and ethnicity was a significant factor (p <0.001). Furthermore, age and tribe were crucial determinant of attitude and preventive practice towards diphtheria (p <0.001). This study reveals poor knowledge, attitude and preventive practices regarding diphtheria in Jushi community,. Widespread vaccine hesitancy persists due to prevalent misconceptions and distrust in immunization. Alarmingly low vaccination rates were observed, with many children missing essential vaccine doses. It was recommended among others that State Ministry of Health should launch mass media campaigns targeting mothers, emphasizing vaccine safety and diphtheria risks

Idris Abdulmalik, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Malaria remains a major public health issue in Nigeria, particularly in endemic regions. Despite widespread awareness, gaps persist in knowledge and preventive practices, especially among high-risk groups such as healthcare workers. This study assessed the knowledge, preventive practices, and prevalence of malaria among junior staff at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika-Zaria, to identify gaps and inform targeted interventions. This study assessesed the awareness, preventive strategies, and prevalence of malaria among junior staff at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Shika-Zaria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 junior staff members, selected through stratified sampling. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographics, knowledge, and preventive practices, alongside malaria testing through rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, with chi-square tests to determine associations at P < 0.05. Most respondents (98%) were aware of malaria, with 84% correctly identifying mosquito bites as the primary transmission route. Common symptoms recognized included headache (74%) and fever (71%). Preventive measures such as mosquito nets (65%), coils (51%), and clearing stagnant water (49%) were frequently reported. However, RDT results revealed a malaria prevalence of 19.2%. Significant associations were found between infection and night shifts (p = 0.013) and stagnant water (p < 0.001). No significant association was observed with any of the sociodemographic factors. While knowledge of malaria was high, gaps in preventive practices and workplace- related risks contributed to ongoing transmission. Recommendations include enhanced education, consistent use of preventive measures, and improved environmental management. Addressing these factors would be critical to reducing malaria burden among healthcare workers.

Saleem Saleh Abubakar, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Shisha smoking, a growing public health concern, is increasingly prevalent among youths in low- and middle-income countries. Despite its association with severe health risks, misconceptions about reduced harm persist. Limited data exist on its use and perception among Nigerian students, necessitating this study. This study assessed the perception, prevalence, and factors influencing shisha use among undergraduate students at Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 315 students of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria selected through multi-stage random sampling technique. Data were collected electronically using structured questionnaire and analysed with SPSS version 25.0. Ethical approval was obtained, and confidentiality was maintained. The prevalence of shisha use was alarmingly high: 96.7% had ever used shisha, and 86.3% were active users. Key drivers included socialisation (37.9%) and relaxation (35.7%), with 76.2% introduced by peers. Despite 53.3% acknowledging its addictiveness, 34.7% perceived shisha as less harmful than cigarettes. Factors like leisure time with friends (43.8%), boredom (41.0%), and peer influence were significant. Statistically, shisha use correlated with religion (p=0.046), school department (p=0.000), and awareness (p=0.000). Misconceptions and social normalisation of shisha underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include educational campaigns, peer-led initiatives, and stricter regulatory policies to mitigate health risks.

Cletus Harrison Chukwuemeka, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a significant public health challenge, particularly among military personnel who are at heightened risk due to factors such as mobility, prolonged separation from spouses, and risky sexual behaviours. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of STIs among military personnel in Basawa Barracks, Nigeria, to identify gaps and inform targeted interventions. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 156 military personnel selected via systematic sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from previous studies. Knowledge, attitude, and perception scores were calculated and categorized based on predefined criteria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis using SPSS version 25, with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. The study revealed that 46.8% of respondents had heard of STIs, with 52% demonstrating high knowledge. However, misconceptions persisted, such as beliefs that lubricants prevent STIs (31.5%) or that alcohol increases STI risk (79.5%). Attitudes were generally positive, with 66% affirming condom use for prevention, yet 33.3% preferred unprotected sex. Risk perception was low, with 51.9% underestimating their susceptibility to STIs. Significant associations were found between knowledge, attitudes, and sociodemographic factors like age, education, and marital status (p < 0.05). Military personnel exhibited good knowledge and positive attitudes toward STIs. Misconceptions and low-risk perception highlight the need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include comprehensive sexual health education, free condom distribution, and routine testing to address gaps and reduce STI transmission in this high-risk population.

Bilal Mustapha Abubakar, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

AI is a rapidly growing field of modern technology that gained acceptance worldwide. Recently, AI is ingrained into the medical field with applications ranging from diagnosis, investigations, interventions and research. Despite this advancement, AI in healthcare system is still lacking the envisioned acceptance and utilization especially in LMIC. This may be attributed to the prevalence of poor understanding of AI by healthcare workers which may in turn be explained by lack of adequate quality research on the topic that will enlighten the subjects concerned. However, the high attitudes shown by healthcare workers towards AI in medical practice is appealing, and a green light that AI will be accepted with little push in awareness. The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitude and utilization of AI for medical practice by healthcare workers in ABUTH, Zaria. A cross-sectional study was carried out using a semi-structured selfadministered questionnaire. A total of 146 respondents were sampled using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using Kobotoolbox and analysed using SPSS; results were presented using tables. The mean age of the respondents is 37.7 (±10.1 SD). Majority of the respondents were below 35 years (51.7%). Majority of the respondents (73.5%) were aware of an application of AI in medical practice, with the commonly known being generative AI (eg ChatGPT) (68.7%). Most common source of their information was social media (83.7%). More than half (56.5%) had poor knowledge of AI (ie <50%) in medical practice, and only 2% had good (≥70%) understanding of AI. Most of the respondents (>90%) however, had positive attitude towards AI. 63.9% have used a form of AI or another, and most, in this category, are still using. This study showed how AI application is dependent on the level of knowledge of the healthcare workers on AI and their positive attitudes towards AI. Despite the high proportion of poor knowledge in the field of AI, there is high degree of positive attitudes that implies, adoption of AI in medical practice will be easy if the favorable conditions are met.

Muhammad Aisha Ahmad, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Substance use and abuse remain one of the major global public health challenges. Globally, more than a quarter (26.5%) of all 15-19year olds are current drinkers amounting to 155 million adolescents, most of whom are males. In Nigeria, over 30 million are adolescents and about a third of the total population of Nigerians are 10 – 24 years old.2 In Northern Nigeria, 21% of secondary school adolescents in Kaduna state were into substance abuse with the foremost age group of initiation being 5-9 years. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. A sample of 191 was the study sample size. A multi-stage sampling technique comprising four stages was adopted. A well- structured, interviewer-administered, pre-coded questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Descriptive statistics was done for the socio-demographic characteristics and categorical variables using simple frequencies and percentages. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi square or Fischer exact test to test the significance of association between the independent and dependent variables at p < 0.05 level of significance. The mean age of respondents was 17.13 years (±1.65). Tobacco was the most used substance (70.2%), followed by marijuana (31.4%) then alcohol (17.3%), substance use was mostly daily (32.5%), often with friends (63.4%). Main reasons included stress relief (55.0%), curiosity (26.2%), and enjoyment (23.6%). Also, age, gender, education level, and family income were significantly linked to substance use patterns (p < 0.05). The study revealed that substance abuse is prevalent among adolescents in Samaru, Sabon Gari LGA, with tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol being the most commonly used. Usage was frequent, mostly influenced by peers, stress, and curiosity, with many adolescents continuing despite the risks. Key contributing factors included peer pressure, family influence, easy access, and mental health challenges. Socio-demographic factors such ix as age, gender, education level, and family income significantly influenced usage patterns. It was recommended among others that: given that most adolescents obtained substances from peers and used them in social settings, peer-led interventions, life skills training, and behavioral counseling should be integrated into secondary school curricula to help adolescents resist peer pressure.

Ibrahim Abdulbasit Olawale, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Access to healthcare is vital to university students, as it impacts their well-being and academic success. The lack of quality care and gross dissatisfaction of students with care at any university’s medical centre can result in delayed or avoided healthcare seeking behaviour, increased self- medication and significant mental health impact, which can ultimately affect students’ academic performances. This study aimed to evaluate the quality and satisfaction with care received at Ahmadu Bello University Medical Centre (ABUMC) among undergraduate students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a structured, pre-coded electronic questionnaire administered via KoboToolbox®. A multistage sampling technique selected 290 undergraduate students across 10 departments who had visited ABUMC. Data were collected over two weeks in March 2025 and analysed using the IBM SPSS version 27. Results were presented in tables, with associations tested at a p≤0.05 significance level. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital. The mean age of respondents was 22.91±3.117 years, with 166 (57.2%) male and 169 (58.3%) aged 20-24 years. Of the 290 respondents, only 97 (33.4%) perceived the quality of care as good (≥60%), with 193 (66.6%) rating it poor, citing long waiting times (198, 68.2%), inadequate drug availability (183, 63.1%), and staff shortages (159, 54.8%). Satisfaction was low, with 56.6% dissatisfied (<60%), despite 50% reporting symptom relief. Key areas of concern included poor staff attitude (140, 48.3%) and lack of emotional support (138, 47.6%). Significant factors influencing satisfaction included waiting time (p=0.0001), staff attitude (p=0.0001), drug availability (p=0.0001), and privacy (p=0.001). Perception of quality strongly correlated with satisfaction (p=0.0001), with 87 (89.7%) of those perceiving good quality being satisfied. Course of study (p=0.020) and level of study (p=0.008) were also significantly associated with satisfaction. Students at ABUMC largely perceive care quality as poor and report low satisfaction, driven by prolonged waiting times, drug shortages, and suboptimal staff interactions. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, including increased staffing, improved drug supply, and staff training, to enhance service delivery and meet students’ healthcare needs effectively.

Luqman Abdulmumin, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM) describes procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The prevalence of FGM in Nigeria, according to the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey, was 20% as of 2018. This practice carries a lot of health and economic consequences. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of FGM among residents of Maraban Guga community. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select the wards. Selection of houses was done using systemic random sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. A total of 106 women of reproductive age participated in the study, with a 100% response rate and a mean age of 29 years. Findings reveal that 57.5% of the participants have undergone FGM, 45.3% have practiced it on their daughters, 71.7% have poor knowledge, and 66% have a positive attitude towards FGM; 51.9% of the respondents intend to continue the practice. A significant association was noted between the respondent’s level of education, knowledge, and practice of FGM, as well as between respondents’ FGM status and intention to practice it on future daughters. The study revealed that the prevalence of FGM is high in Maraban-Guga, with a large proportion of participants still willing to subject their future daughters to it. Targeted interventions aimed at addressing wrong beliefs and attitudes regarding the sexual, health, or socio-cultural benefits of FGM and improved public legislation against FGM are recommended.