DOKITA

Editorial

2024-12-23T16:06:30+00:00

No abstract.

Editorial

2024-12-23T16:15:52+00:00

No abstract.

Foreword

2024-12-23T16:23:56+00:00

No abstract.

Recent advances in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for mental health disorders: A narrative review

2024-12-23T16:31:18+00:00

Since its development in 1985, repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) has evolved from a novel neuromodulation technique to an FDA-approved treatment for several psychiatric conditions. The paper explains the basic principles of TMS, including its mechanism of action, stimulation parameters, and targeting methods. It details the FDA-approved protocols for three primary indications: major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and smoking cessation. For MDD, multiple protocols targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex have shown response rates of 38-49%. In OCD, targeting the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex has demonstrated a 45% response rate. For smoking cessation, stimulation of the prefrontal cortex and insula has shown promising results in achieving continuous abstinence. The paper also discusses future trends in TMS research and highlights challenges in implementing this technology in low-and-middle income countries like Nigeria, where barriers include insufficient funding, limited mental health infrastructure, and high treatment costs. It concludes that while rTMS offers promising opportunities for personalized treatment approaches, improved mental health services and policy changes are needed to increase its accessibility.

Impact of hormonal contraceptives on the mental health of reproductive age women

2024-12-23T17:01:17+00:00

Hormonal contraceptives, which include oral pills, injectables, implants, and intrauterine devices, have revolutionized reproductive health by offering effective family planning options and management of gynecological conditions. However, their impact on women’s mental health remains a subject of debate. This review explores the relationship between hormonal contraceptive use and mental health outcomes, with a focus on depression, anxiety, and mood disorders among women of reproductive age. A comprehensive examination of population-based studies, systematic reviews, and clinical trials reveals mixed findings. While some studies suggest a potential link between hormonal contraceptive use, particularly combination pills, and an increased risk of depression and mood disturbances, others report no significant association. The biological mechanisms underlying these effects may involve alterations in neurotransmitter regulation, hormone receptor sensitivity, and the disruption of estrogen and progesterone levels, which are key to mood stabilization. Special attention is given to vulnerable groups, such as adolescents and women with a prior history of mental health disorders, who may be at higher risk of experiencing adverse mood effects. The variability in study outcomes underscores the need for personalized contraceptive counseling that includes mental health screening and monitoring. By facilitating informed decision-making, healthcare providers can better support women in choosing the most suitable contraceptive method while safeguarding their mental well-being. Future research is needed to clarify the long-term mental health impacts of hormonal contraceptives and to identify those most at risk of negative outcomes.

Adolescent autism in Nigeria: Prevalence, factors and recommendations

2024-12-23T17:17:49+00:00

Background: Autism in adolescence is a common disorder within and beyond the shores of Nigeria. It is therefore imperative to review their peculiarities and plausible approaches as have been proven effective at this time for easing the burden.

Aims: To establish the magnitude of adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), specific problems associated with ASD in adolescents, and the impact on their academic performance and quality of life with a focused look on school-based interventions applicable in Nigeria.

Methods: A review of existing literature over the last 10 years from Google Scholar and Pubmed.

Results: There is a high prevalence of ASD in adolescents and the underlying factors are complex and interrelated. Available studies have shown the disorder’s impact on various aspects of academics and social life. Evidence-based interventions have been explored to improve outcomes.

Conclusion: There is sufficient indication of a large burden of autism in adolescents. Thus, research in this field must be expanded towards improving general education for adolescents with autism, as well as the inclusion of programs targeted at meeting the individual needs of these adolescents.

Unmasking the barriers: Healthworkers experience with reporting gender-based violence

2024-12-23T17:36:26+00:00

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a prominent problem globally, which disproportionately affects low-income countries. Health workers are often first responders to victims and survivors hence they have a responsibility to report GBV. However, they face certain obstacles that hinder the care they can provide. This article aims to explore the barriers that impede reporting GBV, focusing on the challenges health workers face. The authors describe barriers present in various institutions in Nigeria with relatable examples. Recommendations that would impact early reporting and improve care were discussed. Healthcare workers are encouraged to adopt standardized protocols for managing GBV.

Medical versus surgical management of incomplete abortion: A literature review

2024-12-23T18:01:38+00:00

Introduction: Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy before the age of viability. When it occurs spontaneously, it is called a miscarriage. There are various types of abortion; a common type is incomplete abortion or miscarriage. Incomplete abortion is the partial loss of the products of conception within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Incomplete abortion is managed either medically or surgically.

Objectives: The article compares the medical management of incomplete abortion to the surgical management using extensive literature review focusing on the effectiveness, complications, practicality, and preferences by women and gynecologists

Methods: A literature review was conducted to compare both methods of incomplete abortion using academic search engines and databases such as Google Scholar, and PubMed; and a hand search of references from relevant papers.

Results: Research done on this subject recorded a higher success rate and lower complications in the surgical method of management than the medical method. However, especially in low-resource settings, the medical method seems a more practical approach.

Many studies also showed that more women preferred the medical method because it was non-invasive and ensured privacy. However, gynecologists prefer the latter because of its effectiveness and lower complication rates.

Conclusion: More primary studies should be done to further explore the benefits of both methods, and how they can be combined effectively to achieve optimum results.

Electroconvulsive therapy: History, efficacy, adverse effects and its non-psychiatric applications

2024-12-23T18:15:41+00:00

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a somatic treatment involving controlled electrical stimulation to induce seizures, has evolved significantly since its introduction in 1938 by Cerletti and Bini. This review examines the historical development, therapeutic efficacy, and current applications of ECT in non-psychiatric medicine. Originally developed as an alternative to treatments like lobotomy and insulin therapy, ECT has proven particularly effective in treating severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and catatonia. While the precise mechanism remains incompletely understood, ECT is believed to modify brain chemistry through neurotransmitter modulation and hippocampal neurogenesis. The review addresses common adverse effects, which are typically mild and transient, including temporary confusion, memory loss, and physical discomfort. Beyond its established psychiatric applications, emerging evidence suggests potential benefits in treating non-psychiatric conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, and eating disorders. Despite its demonstrated efficacy, ECT remains underutilized due to public misconceptions, highlighting the need for improved education and awareness among both medical practitioners and the general public.

Review of breast cancer in Nigeria: Prevalence, management, survival outcomes and quality of life

2024-12-23T18:38:49+00:00

No abstract.

Prevalence of mental health problems and its associated factors among healthcare workers

2024-12-23T18:43:19+00:00

The medical profession is a very tedious and demanding occupation. Mental health conditions have been found to be higher among health care professionals than those in other fields which even became more marked after the most recent pandemic. This paper aims to evaluate the prevalence of these mental health problems among health care workers, their propagating factors, and the importance of knowledge of these factors. A literature review of texts related to this topic over the last ten years was done. The reviews included cross-sectional studies and systematic reviews done in Nigeria and worldwide. We found that a significant proportion of healthcare workers suffer from mental disorders, relative to the general population. The commonest problems seen among HCWs were Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (21.7%), Anxiety disorder (16.1%), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (13.4%), and Acute stress disorder (7.4%). We conclude that mental health problems are not only rampant in the general population, but they tend to be commoner among HCWs. However, compared to the general population, HCWs are less likely to reach out for help, exacerbating the burden of the disease.

Impact of management of gestational diabetes mellitus on pregnancy outcome in Africa: A narrative review

2024-12-23T18:52:03+00:00

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) has become a great threat during pregnancy, particularly in Africa. It often contributes to either mortality or morbidity for both mother and child. This narrative review aims to evaluate the impact of control of GDM on pregnancy outcomes in Africa from studies between 2014 and 2024. The review identifies relevant studies that identify the position of early diagnosis and appropriate management of GDM to improve maternal and foetal outcomes. The findings suggest that proper management of GDM can meaningfully decrease the risks of adverse pregnancy consequences like, preterm delivery, preeclampsia for mothers and macrosomia ,hypoglycemia for the newborn. However, there are challenges in the management of GDM in Africa, these include inadequate access to healthcare amenities, insufficient screening programs, and a lack of standardised treatment guidelines. Future studies should concentrate on strategies to improve the management of GDM in resource-limited settings to lessen maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality.

DOKITA - A short history of early years

2024-12-26T14:11:39+00:00

No abstract.

The impact of hyperinflation on Nigeria’s health sector: Challenges and opportunities

2024-12-26T14:24:40+00:00

No abstract.

Interview with Dr M. Oluwafemi Agbayewa

2024-12-26T14:44:05+00:00

No abstract.

Interview with Dr. Olaleye Oladejo (PhD, FRCS, MPH, MBBS (Ibadan)).

2024-12-26T15:28:42+00:00

No abstract.

DOKITA extras: Poems and proses

2024-12-26T16:05:51+00:00

No abstract.

The professor’s theory: A debate on vaccines

2024-12-26T16:33:10+00:00

No abstract.

Alphabetic romanticism

2024-12-26T16:47:56+00:00

No abstract.

DOKITA News

2024-12-26T16:57:36+00:00

No abstract.