International Public Health Journal - Cephas Health Research Initiative Inc. https://cephashri.org Advancing Evidence. Building Healthier Communities Sat, 08 Nov 2025 05:56:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://cephashri.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/cropped-favicon-32x32.png International Public Health Journal - Cephas Health Research Initiative Inc. https://cephashri.org 32 32 Factors influencing the choice of graduating medics in pursuing a medical career with the Nigeria defence forces: A survey https://cephashri.org/publication/factors-influencing-the-choice-of-graduating-medics-in-pursuing-a-medical-career-with-the-nigeria-defence-forces-a-survey/ Fri, 08 Nov 2019 05:52:53 +0000 https://cephashri.org/?post_type=publication&p=1721 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 (22/26, 84.6%) of them were men. The majority (57.7%) of those respondents who desired working in this sector would like to work with the Nigeria Armed Forces (NAF), and their most desired arm of the NAF was the Nigeria Navy. Personal interest (65.4%), prestige (57.7%), and job security/advancement prospects (38.5%) were the top three motivating factors among those respondents.
that desired a medical job in the Nigeria defence sector.

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]]> 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 (22/26, 84.6%) of them were men. The majority (57.7%) of those respondents who desired working in this sector would like to work with the Nigeria Armed Forces (NAF), and their most desired arm of the NAF was the Nigeria Navy. Personal interest (65.4%), prestige (57.7%), and job security/advancement prospects (38.5%) were the top three motivating factors among those respondents.
that desired a medical job in the Nigeria defence sector.

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]]> Stimulant, narcotic, and hallucinogen use among long distance commercial drivers in Sokoto: A survey on prevalence and consequential knowledge https://cephashri.org/publication/stimulant-narcotic-and-hallucinogen-use-among-long-distance-commercial-drivers-in-sokoto-a-survey-on-prevalence-and-consequential-knowledge/ Fri, 08 Nov 2019 05:43:37 +0000 https://cephashri.org/?post_type=publication&p=1716 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. Only a fraction of the subjects knew that marijuana (57.5%), local stimulant tea (47.1%), codeine (40.0%), and amphetamine (37.1%) can cause mental illness. Less than one-third of them knew that stimulant, hallucinogen, and narcotic use can cause headache, hand tremor, renal and hepatic diseases, oral cancer, depression, and/or emotional problems. Less than half of the subjects consumed cigarette (47.9%), kola nut (41.8%), and local stimulant tea (gadagi) (27.1%) two weeks prior to their participation in this study. Conclusion: This study showed that stimulants, narcotics, and hallucinogens are commonly used substances among long distance commercial drivers in Sokoto City, Nigeria.

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]]> 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. Only a fraction of the subjects knew that marijuana (57.5%), local stimulant tea (47.1%), codeine (40.0%), and amphetamine (37.1%) can cause mental illness. Less than one-third of them knew that stimulant, hallucinogen, and narcotic use can cause headache, hand tremor, renal and hepatic diseases, oral cancer, depression, and/or emotional problems. Less than half of the subjects consumed cigarette (47.9%), kola nut (41.8%), and local stimulant tea (gadagi) (27.1%) two weeks prior to their participation in this study. Conclusion: This study showed that stimulants, narcotics, and hallucinogens are commonly used substances among long distance commercial drivers in Sokoto City, Nigeria.

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]]> Are they using it the right way? A survey of commercial drivers on substance use https://cephashri.org/publication/are-they-using-it-the-right-way-a-survey-of-commercial-drivers-on-substance-use/ Fri, 08 Nov 2019 05:39:46 +0000 https://cephashri.org/?post_type=publication&p=1713 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. its use two weeks prior to participation in the current study), sources of the psychoactive substances used, and purpose of the use of psychoactive substances among the participants. Results: The average age (±SD) of the 280 participants was 40.63 (±10.09) years and all were males. The psychoactive substances used among the participants, two weeks prior to their participation, were tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamine, cocaine, tramadol, local stimulant tea, kola nut, and caffeine. The street vendors (53%), friends (50.7%), and stores/shops (36.8%) constitute the top three utilized sources for obtaining these substances.

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]]> 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. its use two weeks prior to participation in the current study), sources of the psychoactive substances used, and purpose of the use of psychoactive substances among the participants. Results: The average age (±SD) of the 280 participants was 40.63 (±10.09) years and all were males. The psychoactive substances used among the participants, two weeks prior to their participation, were tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamine, cocaine, tramadol, local stimulant tea, kola nut, and caffeine. The street vendors (53%), friends (50.7%), and stores/shops (36.8%) constitute the top three utilized sources for obtaining these substances.

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]]> Caregiver reports on the socio-economic and safety issues associated with Sakkiya treatment: a survey of a neglected area in Nigerian healthcare https://cephashri.org/publication/caregiver-reports-on-the-socio-economic-and-safety-issues-associated-with-sakkiya-treatment-a-survey-of-a-neglected-area-in-nigerian-healthcare/ Tue, 30 Oct 2018 22:47:43 +0000 https://cephashri.org/?post_type=publication&p=1114 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 were males, and 56.7% were CHEWs. The majority (86.7%) of them had heard of the term sakkiya before, 83.3% of them had also seen at least one case of sakkiya in their clinical practice. On further enquiry from those respondents (n=104) that had prior knowledge of sakkiya treatment, 59.6% and 25.1% of them gave a report that the traditional healers and the blacksmith were the top two providers of sakkiya services respectively. Also, 74.0% of these 104 respondents indicated that the fees paid for sakkiya service is relatively cheaper that the fees charged in the hospitals for similar swelling. Most of the patronisers of the sakkiya treatment providers are predominantly rural dwellers. Usually, this sakkiya treatment is done in septic conditions and without local anaesthetic cover. Conclusions: Sakkiya treatment is popularly known among the surveyed clinicians. There is a need for public education on the dangers associated with sakkiya treatments.

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]]> 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 were males, and 56.7% were CHEWs. The majority (86.7%) of them had heard of the term sakkiya before, 83.3% of them had also seen at least one case of sakkiya in their clinical practice. On further enquiry from those respondents (n=104) that had prior knowledge of sakkiya treatment, 59.6% and 25.1% of them gave a report that the traditional healers and the blacksmith were the top two providers of sakkiya services respectively. Also, 74.0% of these 104 respondents indicated that the fees paid for sakkiya service is relatively cheaper that the fees charged in the hospitals for similar swelling. Most of the patronisers of the sakkiya treatment providers are predominantly rural dwellers. Usually, this sakkiya treatment is done in septic conditions and without local anaesthetic cover. Conclusions: Sakkiya treatment is popularly known among the surveyed clinicians. There is a need for public education on the dangers associated with sakkiya treatments.

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]]> Are caregivers doing enough on Sakkiya education? Evidence from a hospital survey https://cephashri.org/publication/are-caregivers-doing-enough-on-sakkiya-education-evidence-from-a-hospital-survey/ Tue, 30 Oct 2018 20:04:29 +0000 https://cephashri.org/?post_type=publication&p=1065 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 40 years, 73.3% of them were males, 56.7% were community health extension workers, and 34.2% of them had been working as clinicians for 6 to 10 years. Majority (84.2%) of the subjects perceived Sakkiya practice to be a problem of public health importance. Only 35.8% of the subjects did educate their patients with body swelling on the dangers of Sakkiya treatment always. Also, close to four-tenth (39.2%) of the subjects had never engaged themselves in community education on the problems associated with Sakkiya treatment. Conclusion: Public education on Sakkiya is a highly neglected area in the Nigerian public health. Caregivers need to pay more attention to educating their patients as well as the people in the communities on the health risks associated with Sakkiya treatment.

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]]> 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 40 years, 73.3% of them were males, 56.7% were community health extension workers, and 34.2% of them had been working as clinicians for 6 to 10 years. Majority (84.2%) of the subjects perceived Sakkiya practice to be a problem of public health importance. Only 35.8% of the subjects did educate their patients with body swelling on the dangers of Sakkiya treatment always. Also, close to four-tenth (39.2%) of the subjects had never engaged themselves in community education on the problems associated with Sakkiya treatment. Conclusion: Public education on Sakkiya is a highly neglected area in the Nigerian public health. Caregivers need to pay more attention to educating their patients as well as the people in the communities on the health risks associated with Sakkiya treatment.

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]]> After medical school; what next? A survey on graduating medical students’ choice of a postgraduate study program. https://cephashri.org/publication/after-medical-school-what-next-a-survey-on-graduating-medical-students-choice-of-a-postgraduate-study-program/ Tue, 30 Oct 2018 19:52:12 +0000 https://cephashri.org/?post_type=publication&p=1062 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: The mean age (±SD) of the 63 respondents was 24.87 (±2.17) years, with the majority (73.0%) of them being males. Only 44 (69.8%), out of a total of 63, respondents desired to go for postgraduate studies after finishing medical school, of which the majority (89.2%) of them desired to pursue a medical residency program. Also, not up to half (39.5%) of those respondents who desired postgraduate study intended to have it done in an institution within Africa. The disciplines chosen by those respondents who desired postgraduate studies were diverse, however the majority (70.5%) of them prefer postgraduate programs in clinical sciences. Personal interest (75.0%) and research opportunities were the top two factors influencing the respondents’ choice of a postgraduate study program. Conclusions: Not all medical students desired to further their education after medical school. Also, the choices of postgraduate study programs among the surveyed students were diverse.

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]]> 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: The mean age (±SD) of the 63 respondents was 24.87 (±2.17) years, with the majority (73.0%) of them being males. Only 44 (69.8%), out of a total of 63, respondents desired to go for postgraduate studies after finishing medical school, of which the majority (89.2%) of them desired to pursue a medical residency program. Also, not up to half (39.5%) of those respondents who desired postgraduate study intended to have it done in an institution within Africa. The disciplines chosen by those respondents who desired postgraduate studies were diverse, however the majority (70.5%) of them prefer postgraduate programs in clinical sciences. Personal interest (75.0%) and research opportunities were the top two factors influencing the respondents’ choice of a postgraduate study program. Conclusions: Not all medical students desired to further their education after medical school. Also, the choices of postgraduate study programs among the surveyed students were diverse.

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]]> Prevalence of shisha (waterpipe) smoking and awareness of head and neck cancer among Nigerian secondary school students: A preliminary survey. https://cephashri.org/publication/prevalence-of-shisha-waterpipe-smoking-and-awareness-of-head-and-neck-cancer-among-nigerian-secondary-school-students-a-preliminary-survey/ Tue, 30 Oct 2018 16:43:04 +0000 https://cephashri.org/?post_type=publication&p=970 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.

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]]> 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.

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