International Public Health Journal

Objectives: To explore the interest of graduating medical students in the Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDU), Sokoto, Nigeria, on taking up medical jobs in the Nigeria defence sector. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 63 graduating medical students of UDU, Sokoto, Nigeria. Collected data was analyzed using the SPSS version 16 software. Results: The mean (±SD) age of the 63 respondents was 24.87 (±2.17) years, and the majority (73.0%) of them were males. Only 26 (41.3%) out of the 63 respondents showed interest in taking up a medical job position in the Nigeria defence sector, and the majority

To determine the prevalence of the use of stimulants, narcotics, and hallucinogens among long distance commercial drivers in Sokoto City, Nigeria; to also explore their knowledge on the harmful effects of these psychoactive substances. Methods: this study surveyed a cross-section of 280 long distance commercial drivers in Sokoto City, Nigeria. The study tool was a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using the SPSS Version 20 Software. Results: All the subjects, 280 (100%), were males with the mean age (±SD) of 40.63 (±10.09) years. Majority, 265 (94.6%), of them were Muslims while most of them (90.4%) were married.

The indiscriminate use of psychoactive substances (a.k.a. substances) by commercial drivers is a global health problem. Psychoactive substances are drugs that should not be used indiscriminately; hence there should be a cogent reason for their use. This study aims to determine the kinds of psychoactive substances used among commercial drivers in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria, and also explore the sources where these substances are obtained and the purpose of their use. Methods: This study surveyed a cut-section of 280 commercial drivers in Sokoto metropolis using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Questionnaire obtained information on the: demographic profile, recent use of psychoactive substances (i.e.

Sakkiya treatment involves puncturing a body swelling with a hot pointed metallic tip. Objective: To survey the clinicians’ awareness on sakkiya treatment, the mode of payment for this kind of treatment, as well as its safety profile. Study Group: Dentists, medical doctors, nurses, and community health extension workers (CHEWs) domiciled in the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria. Methods: Data obtained from 120 surveyed participants were used for this study. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 16 software. Results: The majority (60.9%) of respondents were within the age range of 26 to 35 years, 73.3% of them

Sakkiya is popular traditional treatment for body swelling in northern Nigeria. This treatment has been reported to have lethal health risks associated with it. Objectives: To explore the level of participation of clinicians in a northern Nigerian hospital in patient and community education on Sakkiya treatment. Methods: This study surveyed a sample of 120 clinicians domiciled in UDUTH, Sokoto, on their level of participation in patient and public education on the dangers associated with Sakkiya treatment. The survey instrument was a self-administered paper questionnaire. Results: More than three-fourth (78.3%) of the subjects were within the age range of 26 to

Not all medical students want to further their education after bagging a medical degree. Even among those who want to further, not all of them want to pursue postgraduate disciplines in clinical medicine. This study aims to explore the postgraduate disciplines desired by the graduating medical students of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDU), Sokoto, Nigeria, and also explore the factors that influenced their choice of a postgraduate study program. Methods: This study surveyed a cross section of 63 graduating medical students of the UDU using a well-structured anonymous questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed using the SPSS version 16 software. Results:

Shisha smoking is a known risk factor for head and neck cancer (HNC). Objectives: To determine the rate of shisha smoking among secondary school students in Ibokun Town, Nigeria. Methods: This was a pilot questionnaire-based study conducted among grades 7 to 12 students in two secondary schools in Ibokun Town, Nigeria. Questionnaire obtained information from the subjects on their biodata, history of shisha smoking, awareness of HNC, and attitudes toward receiving HNC education.