CHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

Background: Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain (HSP) is a prevalent and disabling complication for stroke survivors, significantly hindering rehabilitation efforts and diminishing their quality of life. While conventional therapies exist, their efficacy is often limited, highlighting the need for safer and more effective non-invasive interventions. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has shown potential for pain management due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of LLLT in reducing hemiplegic shoulder pain among stroke survivors in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Methods: This study employed a randomized controlled trial design involving 42 participants with post-stroke HSP (24 males, 18 females). Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=21), which received LLLT combined with conventional physiotherapy, or a control group (n=21), which received conventional physiotherapy alone. The intervention period lasted for six weeks. The primary outcome measure, pain intensity, was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after the treatment period. Results: The experimental group experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain scores following the intervention (p < 0.001). Conversely, the control group did not show any significant change in pain levels (p = 0.366). The between-group analysis confirmed that the pain reduction in the LLLT group was significantly greater than that in the control group (p < 0.001), demonstrating the superior effect of the adjunctive LLLT treatment. Conclusion: LLLT, when used as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy, is an effective intervention for managing hemiplegic shoulder pain in stroke survivors. The findings provide evidence for incorporating LLLT into standard rehabilitation protocols as a non-invasive modality to enhance pain relief, potentially facilitating greater participation in therapeutic exercises and supporting overall functional recovery.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are major global health concerns, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria accounts for a substantial burden, with millions affected by both viruses. HBV and HIV share common transmission routes and pose serious health risks, especially among immunocompromised individuals such as oncology patients. The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HIV among oncology patients attending secondary and tertiary health facilities in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among oncology patients at the University Of Benin Teaching Hospital. A total of 150 consenting patients were recruited for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Venous blood samples (3ml) were collected, and analyzed for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HIV antibodies using rapid diagnostic test kits following standard procedures and manufacturer’s instructions. Females constituted the majority of the study population. The results in this study showed total seroprevalence of HIV was 4% (3 males and 3 females) , while HBV was 2% ( 1 male and 2 females) . Infections were only recorded among patients with carcinoma-type cancers with a prevalence of 4.8% and 2.4% for HIV and HBV respectively. Age-specific analysis showed that HIV infection was most prevalent in age groups 51-60 (7.4%) and 41–50 (6.7%). HBV prevalence was highest among patients ages 51–60 (7.4%). Age and sex showed not statistical significant in influencing infection. Awareness level revealed that although all participants had heard of HIV, only a small portion was aware of HBV. In conclusion, these findings observed a measurable prevalence of HIV and HBV among oncology patients in Benin City. Increased awareness of viral infections, particularly among high-risk groups should be implemented to improve early detection, prevent reactivation (HBV) during immunosuppressive therapy, and reduce complications related to coinfection.

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy, and remains a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early biochemical tests are needed to detect preeclampsia. Routine antenatal care relies only on blood pressure and proteinuria to detect the disorder. It is important to identify biochemical analytes that could detect the disorder early before complications set in. Therefore, this study evaluated serum calcium, magnesium and uric acid levels in 53 pregnant women with newly diagnosed preeclampsia, and 50 normotensive pregnant women which served as controls. Clinical data (age, body mass index (BMI), gestational age, and venous blood samples were collected. Serum calcium, magnesium, and uric acid were determined by spectrophotometric method. Data were compared between-group, Pearson correlations, and multivariable linear regression were calculated (adjusting for age, BMI, and gestational age). Preeclamptic women were slightly older and had higher BMI; unadjusted means (controls vs. cases) were calcium 9.29 ± 0.72 vs. 8.20 ± 1.30 mg/dL, magnesium 2.32 ± 0.23 vs. 1.72 ± 0.24 mg/dL, and uric acid 4.39 ± 0.58 vs. 5.72 ± 0.94 mg/dL (p<0.001). After adjustment, differences remained large and statistically significant: calcium −1.19 mg/dL (95% CI −1.64 to −0.73), magnesium −0.59 mg/dL (95% CI −0.70 to −0.49), and uric acid +1.37 mg/dL (95% CI +1.04 to +1.70) (p<0.001). These findings indicate that, preeclampsia is associated with lower calcium and magnesium and higher uric acid independent of age, BMI, and gestational age, supporting their potential value in risk stratification and local antenatal care planning

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a common health problem among students and young adults. Although physiotherapy is effective for managing MSK pain, cultural beliefs and personal perceptions often influence its utilization. Understanding these beliefs is essential for improving access to physiotherapy care and awareness. This study aimed to determine the influence of cultural beliefs on the utilization of physiotherapy services for managing musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate students in the School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data were obtained from undergraduate students through a self-administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic details and items assessing cultural beliefs and physiotherapy utilization. Responses were rated on a five-point Likert scale from “Strongly Agree” to “Strongly Disagree.” Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square and correlation analyses, were used to summarize data and test relationships between variables, with significance set at p < 0.05. The study showed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. A statistically significant but weak relationship was observed between cultural beliefs and physiotherapy utilization (r = 0.208, p < 0.001). Gender was significantly associated with the 7-day prevalence of pain, with females reporting more pain than males, while other demographic variables showed no significant associations. Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent among students. Although cultural beliefs significantly influence physiotherapy utilization, the effect is weak, suggesting other factors such as accessibility, affordability, and awareness also play key roles.