Papers by Victor Archibong
Research Square (Research Square), Jul 5, 2023
This study determined the prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions, uptake of cervical cancer ... more This study determined the prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions, uptake of cervical cancer screening (CCS), and its associated factors among HIV-positive women attending the Immuno-Suppression Syndrome (ISS), and the Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology Clinics of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the ISS Clinic of MRRH, southwestern Uganda. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires among 303 con rmed HIV-positive patients between January 2020 and April 2020. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted. Results The majority of the respondent 179(59.1%) had screened for cervical cancer and of the 124 unscreened women, 5(4.0%) had precancerous cervical lesions. HIV-positive women directed by healthcare staff in their most recent visit (AOR = 7.7, 95%CI: 4.08-14.63, p < 0.01), women from villages where outreaches were conducted (AOR = 4.4, 95%CI: 1.94-10.05, p < 0.01), and women that were attended to by two skilled health workers (AOR = 5.1, 95%CI: 1.81-14.43, p < 0.01) were more likely to go for CCS. Conclusion The uptake of CCS services among HIV-positive women attending ISS clinic was generally high. The prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions was generally low. This study demonstrates that referrals, outreaches, and the presence of skilled health workers enhanced the uptake of cervical cancer screening among HIV-positive women attending the ISS clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
Research Square (Research Square), Aug 18, 2020
Background Success of public health government programs depends on effective partnerships between... more Background Success of public health government programs depends on effective partnerships between religious institutions, policy makers and medical professionals. Directives from the World Health Organization (WHO) against social gatherings to control COVID-19 transmission have negatively impacted religiouspolitical partnerships. Compliance of rural communities to national lockdowns requires support from community faith leaders. Across the African sub-continent faith plays an important role within communities that display diverse religious practice. Speci c guidelines to prevent community transmission and spread of novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) are however, scarce, complicating adherence to best practice as de ned by the World Health Organization (WHO). During the Ebola epidemic in Africa, faith groups played a crucial role in spreading information from the WHO to control community disease transmissions. Methods Here we examined knowledge, attitudes and practices for COVID-19 among market vendors, of faith, in SouthWestern Uganda. A cross sectional study was undertaken among rural market vendors (n=248) in southwestern Uganda was undertaken using an online questionnaire. Results Most moslems (72%) and protestants (70%) were aware that COVID-19 could present symptomatically and the challenges for control of COVID-19 in Uganda. De nitive knowledge of COVID-19 transmission dynamics was most prevalent among individuals of Protestant faith (70%). Most moslems (66%) interviewed found it di cult to comply with public health measures (lockdowns and self-isolation) while most pentecostals (64%) considered wearing as face mask to be impractical. Such discrepancies within a tight knit community and religious groupings in relation to practice shows a need to strengthen and revise policy for the national implementation of COVID-19 guidelines. Conclusion Engagement from religious leaders to encourage their followers to abide to COVID-19 guidelines would facilitate Africa's COVID-19 response to become more effective addressing key areas of non-compliance that undermine control e.g. a majority of Pentecostal Christians are hesitant to be associated with alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Research Square (Research Square), Aug 20, 2020
Introduction: The imposed COVID-19 lockdown is taking a toll mental health, with low-income earne... more Introduction: The imposed COVID-19 lockdown is taking a toll mental health, with low-income earners considered particularly affected. The study aimed to investigate level of education and relationship status on awareness of mental healthcare and explore how these factors influence mental health among low income earners in Western Uganda. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was undertaken among low-income earners in South Western Uganda. Data were collected from two hundred and fifty-three (253) participants using a structured closed ended questionnaire. Anxiety, anger and depression were assessed using a modified generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), Spielberger's State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) item tools respectively. Result: Most respondents were single male individuals with secondary level. Respondents with tertiary level of education and those with partners had higher score (71.7% and 70.28% respectively) for awareness on mental healthcare. Respondents with primary education level and individuals that were single had higher score (46.98% and 43.72% respectively) for anxiety. Respondents with primary education level and those living with partners had higher mean score (56.44% and 56.21% respectively) for anger. Respondents with no formal education and those who had lost partners had higher mean score (32.11% and 30.50% respectively) for depression. Individuals without formal educational and primary education were observed to have a negative correlation (r 2 = 47.4 and 6.4% respectively) with awareness on mental healthcare, and the no formal group had positive correlation with anger and depression (r 2 =1.9 and 0.3% respectively), while other groups were negatively correlated (r 2 =10.1%). The group of single individuals had a negative correlation with awareness on mental healthcare, anger and depression (r 2 =1.9, 0.8 and 0.3% respectively), and a positive correlation with anxiety (r 2 =3.9%). Conclusion: It is evident that education and relationship status influence awareness on mental healthcare and mental health state among low income earners in Western Uganda. Therefore, we advocate for new approaches in mental healthcare awareness programs equipped with robust strategy, which will focus on improving optimal mental health among these set of people.
Frontiers in Public Health, Jul 3, 2020
Background: Market vendors occupy a strategic position in the fight against the spread of SARS Co... more Background: Market vendors occupy a strategic position in the fight against the spread of SARS CoV-2 in rural Uganda. To successfully contain the spread of the virus, special attention needs to be given to this set of people by assessing the type of information, source of information, and practices they inculcate as regards adherence to WHO guidelines in the fight against COVID-19 in Uganda. The study aimed to assess the role of information sources, education level, and phone internet connectivity in influencing COVID-19 knowledge among the rural market vendors; and the relationship existing between knowledge, attitude, and practices among them. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study among rural market vendors (n = 248) in southwestern Uganda. Information was collected using a questionnaire and descriptively presented as frequency and percentages. Results: The study showed that the majority of the rural market vendors had sufficient information regarding COVID-19 with the majority being female individuals and have attained a secondary level of education, The general percentage score for knowledge, attitude, and practices were (75.57, 82.6, and 76.50% respectively). There was a positive correlation between attitude and practices (r = 0.17, p = 0.007), as well as their knowledge with practices (r = 0.29, p < 0.001). The majority of the people in the population did not have their phones connected to the internet (OR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.16-3.31, P = 0.01). The majority of people received their information regarding COVID-19 from one source (radio) (OR = 1.55). Usman et al. WHO COVID-19 Guidelines and Rural-Vendors Conclusion: Where and how the rural market vendors get their information and education level are vital in breaking COVID 19 infection circle in line with WHO guidelines. Therefore, sources of information and education level played a key role in molding their knowledge and practices. However, the level of knowledge on COVID 19 among our respondents was not linked with phone internet connectivity.
Toxicology reports, 2023
Over time, the use of plant-derived agents in the management of various human health conditions h... more Over time, the use of plant-derived agents in the management of various human health conditions has gained a lot of attention. The study assessed the hepatoprotective potential of ethyl acetate fraction Tamarindus indica leaves (EFTI) during prenatal aluminum chloride exposure. Pregnant rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 4); Group I rats were administered 2 ml kg − 1 of distilled water (negative control), Group II rats received only 200 mg kg − 1 aluminum chloride (positive control), Group III rats were administered 200 mg kg − 1 aluminum chloride and 400 mg kg − 1 EFTI, Group IV rats were administered 200 mg kg − 1 aluminum chloride and 800 mg kg − 1 EFTI, Group V rats were administered 200 mg kg − 1 aluminum chloride and 300 mg kg − 1 Vit E (comparative control). On postnatal day 1, the pups were euthanized, and liver tissues were harvested for the biochemical study (tissue levels of malondialdehyde, caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferases) and the liver histological examination. The administration of EFTI was marked with significant improvement in the tissue levels of malondialdehyde, caspase-3, tumor necrosis factoralpha, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferases. There was a marked improvement in histopathological changes associated with prenatal aluminum chloride exposure. In conclusion, the administration of EFTI was protective during prenatal aluminum chloride exposure of the liver in Wistar rats, and is mediated by the anti-lipid peroxidative, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activity of EFTI.
Journal of Experimental and Clinical Anatomy, 2016
Introduction: Abnormal birth positions persisting to term have been associated with serious compl... more Introduction: Abnormal birth positions persisting to term have been associated with serious complications such as uterine rupture, umbilical cord prolapse, cervical spine injury, nuchal arms, and fetal head entrapment. Aim: The purpose of this study was to find out the most common abnormal birth position, mode of delivery, and associated complications at birth. Materials and Methods: This study covered the period of 5 years from 2005 to 2009 in three major hospitals in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The hospitals are St. Luke Hospital established in 1937, Mainland Hospital (a private hospital) established in 1975, and University of Uyo Teaching hospital established 1996. Totally, 1100 term singleton fetuses in abnormal birth positions were considered in this study. Results: Six different types of abnormal birth positions were recorded viz.: Breech 70.00% (the most common fetal malposition), transverse lie 14.73%, occiput posterior 8.45%, face presentation 3.27%, shoulder 1.91%, and compound 1.64%. Associated complications observed were umbilical cord prolapse (the most common complication) 6.27%, ruptured uterus 1.64%, and shoulder dislocation 0.54%. The rate of cesarean delivery for these fetuses was high (68.36%) compared to vaginal delivery (31.64%). Conclusion: Pregnant women are hereby encouraged to make childbirth a medically-centered hospital event to avoid unnecessary loss of their lives and/or that of their babies to complications of pregnancy and childbirth.
Journal of Cell and Animal Biology, May 31, 2022
This study evaluated the effects of aqueous seed extract of Parkia biglobosa on the micro-anatomy... more This study evaluated the effects of aqueous seed extract of Parkia biglobosa on the micro-anatomy of the testis and sperm profile of adult Wistar rats. Twenty-one male Wistar rats weighing between 96 and 120 g were assigned into three groups A, B, and C (n=7). Group A was the control and received normal saline, while the animals in groups B and C were treated with 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight (Bwt) aqueous seed extract of P. biglobosa orally and daily for 30 days. The animals were sacrificed via cervical dislocation at the end of the administration, and the testes were extracted for micro anatomical and histochemical studies. The Makler counting chamber was used for semen analysis while the Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) stain was used to assess the microstructure of the testicular tissues. The result from semen analysis showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in sperm motility, vitality, and morphology in the group treated with 300 mg/kg Bwt when compared with the control. The group treated with 500 mg/kg Bwt, showed a significant decrease in sperm motility, vitality, and morphology when compared with the control. H and E studies revealed the increased thickness of the germ cell layers of the seminiferous tubules (ST), with an increased number of spermatozoa in the lumen of ST in the group treated with 300 mg/kg bwt compared to the control group. This is a biomarker for improved spermatogenic activity in testicular tissues. Ingesting of P. biglobosa in the conditions used in this study seems to be safe and improves sperm parameters at a low dose (300 mg/kg Bwt).
Rwanda Medical Journal
INTRODUCTION: The inferior thyroid artery (ITA) usually originates from the thyrocervical trunk i... more INTRODUCTION: The inferior thyroid artery (ITA) usually originates from the thyrocervical trunk in the majority of the human population (90.5%), or from the subclavian artery in a few populations of humans (7.5%). It is quite rare to find the ITA originating from the common carotid artery (CCA). CASE PRESENTATION: This study was a case report of a cadaveric dissection at the anatomy department, university of Rwanda. The case was a 54-year-old male who had 2 inferior thyroid arteries on the left side, with one originating from the thyrocervical trunk and the other taking a rare anatomical origin from the CCA. CONCLUSION: It is important that such anatomical arterial patterns be documented in order to create awareness that is useful to surgeons and imaging specialists. This will help reduce the risk of iatrogenic complications during the surgical intervention to the thyroid gland.
Anatomy & Cell Biology, Aug 25, 2022
Aluminium exposure has been linked with developmental neurotoxicity in humans and experimental an... more Aluminium exposure has been linked with developmental neurotoxicity in humans and experimental animals. The study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Tamarindus indica on the developing cerebellar cortex, neurobehavior, and immunohistochemistry of the cerebellar cortex following prenatal aluminum chloride (AlCl 3) exposure. Pregnant timed Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n=4). Group I (negative control) was given distilled water, group II was treated with 200 mg/kg of AlCl 3 , group III were given 200 mg/kg of AlCl 3 and 400 mg/kg of ethyl acetate leaf fraction of Tamarindus indica (EATI), group IV were given 200 mg/kg of AlCl 3 and 800 mg/kg of EATI, and group V were treated with 200 mg/kg of AlCl 3 s/c and 300 mg/kg of vitamin E for 14 days (prenatal day 7-21) via the oral route. Male pups (n=6) were randomly selected and taken for neurobehavioral studies, and humanely sacrificed via intraperitoneal injection of thiopental sodium. The cerebellum was removed, fixed and tissue processed for histological and immunohistochemical studies. The results revealed that prenatal AlCl 3 exposure impacted neurodevelopment and neurobehaviour among exposed pups. Prenatal AlCl 3 exposure was marked with delayed cytoarchitectural development of the cerebellar cortex and increased GFAP expression in the cerebellar cortex. On the other hand, treatment with EATI and vitamin E were marked with significant improvements. The present study therefore concluded treatment with EATI shows an ameliorative effect to prenatal AlCl 3 exposure.
International Journal of Women's Health, Apr 1, 2023
Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation
Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-cough medications which contain codeine (an opioid) are extensively a... more Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-cough medications which contain codeine (an opioid) are extensively available in Nigeria, and hence prone to overuse or abuse. The study aimed to understand the effects of oral codeine administration on the integrity of neurons of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum and its behavioral implications in male Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty adult male Wistar rats of comparable weights were obtained and randomly allocated into 5 groups: A, B, C, D, and E (n = 6). Drugs used for the study were Archilin TM with codeine and dihydrocodeine 30mg. Group A served as control and was administered 0.5mL/kg of normal saline. Groups B and C were treated with 1mg/kg and 2mg/kg of dihydrocodeine, respectively; Group D and E received 2mL/kg and 4mL/kg of Archilin TM codeine syrup, respectively. The Archilin TM codeine syrup and dihydrocodeine solutions were administered to the animals based on their body weight, orally and daily with the aid of oropharyngeal tubes for 21 days. The experimental animals were subjected to neurobehavioral studies using beam walk and open field. At the end of the treatment period, the animals were anesthetized with ketamine-hydrochloride intraperitoneally. The brains were quickly dissected out, rinsed with normal saline, and tissue processed for myelin studies. Results: The beam walking and open field result revealed that prolonged codeine administration interfered with motor function in the experimental animals. Sections of the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum of rats given normal saline showed normal myelin sheaths, whereas animals in the treatment group showed degenerating myelin compared to the control. Conclusion: Prolonged consumption of prescription codeine causes degeneration of the myelin sheaths and this may affect the conduction of electrical impulses in myelinated axons thus resulting in motor function insufficiency.
Anatomy & Cell Biology
33 Background: Information regarding COVID-19 mental health burden among medical workers 34 and o... more 33 Background: Information regarding COVID-19 mental health burden among medical workers 34 and other vulnerable individuals has been hugely emphasized during the stressful campaign against 35 COVID-19, however, the mental health problems among sports fans and athletes of Africa and 36 globally have been neglected. The present studies investigated mental health burden and 37 knowledge of sport associated with mental health issues among sports fans. 38 Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken amongst sports fans above the age 39 of 18. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents (N=196). Data was 40 collected using google form for indications of anxiety and anger using a modified generalized 41 anxiety disorder (GAD-7) and Spielberger’s State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI42 2) as appropriate. 43 Results: Few sports fans (47.4%) knewknew COVID-19 mental health care. Sports fans who had 44 knowledge about mental health issues as...
Journal of Cell and Animal Biology
This study evaluated the effects of aqueous seed extract of Parkia biglobosa on the micro-anatomy... more This study evaluated the effects of aqueous seed extract of Parkia biglobosa on the micro-anatomy of the testis and sperm profile of adult Wistar rats. Twenty-one male Wistar rats weighing between 96 and 120 g were assigned into three groups A, B, and C (n=7). Group A was the control and received normal saline, while the animals in groups B and C were treated with 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight (Bwt) aqueous seed extract of P. biglobosa orally and daily for 30 days. The animals were sacrificed via cervical dislocation at the end of the administration, and the testes were extracted for micro anatomical and histochemical studies. The Makler counting chamber was used for semen analysis while the Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) stain was used to assess the microstructure of the testicular tissues. The result from semen analysis showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in sperm motility, vitality, and morphology in the group treated with 300 mg/kg Bwt when compared with the control. The group treated with 500 mg/kg Bwt, showed a significant decrease in sperm motility, vitality, and morphology when compared with the control. H and E studies revealed the increased thickness of the germ cell layers of the seminiferous tubules (ST), with an increased number of spermatozoa in the lumen of ST in the group treated with 300 mg/kg bwt compared to the control group. This is a biomarker for improved spermatogenic activity in testicular tissues. Ingesting of P. biglobosa in the conditions used in this study seems to be safe and improves sperm parameters at a low dose (300 mg/kg Bwt).
Journal of Cell and Animal Biology
This study evaluated the effects of aqueous seed extract of Parkia biglobosa on the micro-anatomy... more This study evaluated the effects of aqueous seed extract of Parkia biglobosa on the micro-anatomy of the testis and sperm profile of adult Wistar rats. Twenty-one male Wistar rats weighing between 96 and 120 g were assigned into three groups A, B, and C (n=7). Group A was the control and received normal saline, while the animals in groups B and C were treated with 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight (Bwt) aqueous seed extract of P. biglobosa orally and daily for 30 days. The animals were sacrificed via cervical dislocation at the end of the administration, and the testes were extracted for micro anatomical and histochemical studies. The Makler counting chamber was used for semen analysis while the Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) stain was used to assess the microstructure of the testicular tissues. The result from semen analysis showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in sperm motility, vitality, and morphology in the group treated with 300 mg/kg Bwt when compared with the control. The group treated with 500 mg/kg Bwt, showed a significant decrease in sperm motility, vitality, and morphology when compared with the control. H and E studies revealed the increased thickness of the germ cell layers of the seminiferous tubules (ST), with an increased number of spermatozoa in the lumen of ST in the group treated with 300 mg/kg bwt compared to the control group. This is a biomarker for improved spermatogenic activity in testicular tissues. Ingesting of P. biglobosa in the conditions used in this study seems to be safe and improves sperm parameters at a low dose (300 mg/kg Bwt).
Journal of Cell and Animal Biology
This study evaluated the effects of aqueous seed extract of Parkia biglobosa on the micro-anatomy... more This study evaluated the effects of aqueous seed extract of Parkia biglobosa on the micro-anatomy of the testis and sperm profile of adult Wistar rats. Twenty-one male Wistar rats weighing between 96 and 120 g were assigned into three groups A, B, and C (n=7). Group A was the control and received normal saline, while the animals in groups B and C were treated with 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight (Bwt) aqueous seed extract of P. biglobosa orally and daily for 30 days. The animals were sacrificed via cervical dislocation at the end of the administration, and the testes were extracted for micro anatomical and histochemical studies. The Makler counting chamber was used for semen analysis while the Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) stain was used to assess the microstructure of the testicular tissues. The result from semen analysis showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in sperm motility, vitality, and morphology in the group treated with 300 mg/kg Bwt when compared with the control. The group treated with 500 mg/kg Bwt, showed a significant decrease in sperm motility, vitality, and morphology when compared with the control. H and E studies revealed the increased thickness of the germ cell layers of the seminiferous tubules (ST), with an increased number of spermatozoa in the lumen of ST in the group treated with 300 mg/kg bwt compared to the control group. This is a biomarker for improved spermatogenic activity in testicular tissues. Ingesting of P. biglobosa in the conditions used in this study seems to be safe and improves sperm parameters at a low dose (300 mg/kg Bwt).
Background: Low-income earners are particularly vulnerable to mental health, consequence of the c... more Background: Low-income earners are particularly vulnerable to mental health, consequence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions, due to a temporary or permanent loss of income and livelihood, coupled with government-enforced measures of social distancing. This study evaluates the mental health status among low-income earners in southwestern Uganda during the first total COVID-19 lockdown in Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken amongst earners whose income falls below the poverty threshold. Two hundred and fifty-three (n = 253) male and female low-income earners between the ages of 18 and 60 years of age were recruited to the study. Modified generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), Spielberger's State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) tools as appropriate were used to assess anxiety, anger, and depression respectively among our respondents. Results: Severe anxiety (68.8%) followed by moderate depression (60.5%) and moderate anger (56.9%) were the most common mental health challenges experienced by low-income earners in Bushenyi district. Awareness of mental healthcare increased Archibong et al. COVID-19 Lock-Down and Mental State with the age of respondents in both males and females. A linear relationship was observed with age and depression (r = 0.154, P = 0.014) while positive correlations were observed between anxiety and anger (r = 0.254, P < 0.001); anxiety and depression (r = 0.153, P = 0.015) and anger and depression (r = 0.153, P = 0.015). Conclusion: The study shows the importance of mental health awareness in low resource settings during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Females were identified as persons at risk to mental depression, while anger was highest amongst young males.
Uploads
Papers by Victor Archibong