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Fulltext Assessment of COVID-19 Information Overload Among the General Public

Mohammed M, Sha'aban A, Jatau AI, Yunusa I, Isa AM, Wada AS, et al.

J Racial Ethn Health Disparities, 2022 Feb;9(1):184-192.
PMID: 33469869 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-020-00942-0

BACKGROUND: A relentless flood of information accompanied the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. False news, conspiracy theories, and magical cures were shared with the general public at an alarming rate, which may lead to increased anxiety and stress levels and associated debilitating consequences.
OBJECTIVES: To measure the level of COVID-19 information overload (COVIO) and assess the association between COVIO and sociodemographic characteristics among the general public.
METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between April and May 2020 using a modified Cancer Information Overload scale. The survey was developed and posted on four social media platforms. The data were only collected from those who consented to participate. COVIO score was classified into high vs. low using the asymmetrical distribution as a guide and conducted a binary logistic regression to examine the factors associated with COVIO.
RESULTS: A total number of 584 respondents participated in this study. The mean COVIO score of the respondents was 19.4 (± 4.0). Sources and frequency of receiving COVID-19 information were found to be significant predictors of COVIO. Participants who received information via the broadcast media were more likely to have high COVIO than those who received information via the social media (adjusted odds ratio ([aOR],14.599; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.608-132.559; p = 0.017). Also, participants who received COVID-19 information every minute (aOR, 3.892; 95% CI, 1.124-13.480; p = 0.032) were more likely to have high COVIO than those who received information every week.
CONCLUSION: The source of information and the frequency of receiving COVID-19 information were significantly associated with COVIO. The COVID-19 information is often conflicting, leading to confusion and overload of information in the general population. This can have unfavorable effects on the measures taken to control the transmission and management of COVID-19 infection.
Fulltext Knowledge assessment of snake antivenom among healthcare practitioners involving educational intervention in northern Nigeria: a study protocol

Bala AA, Jatau AI, Yunusa I, Mohammed M, Mohammed AH, Isa AM, et al.

Ther Adv Drug Saf, 2020;11:2042098620935721.
PMID: 32944213 DOI: 10.1177/2042098620935721

Introduction: Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is an important occupational and public health hazard especially in sub-Saharan Africa. For optimum management of SBE, adequate knowledge of Snake antivenom (SAV) is very critical among the healthcare practioners in this region. Information related to the knowledge of SAV use in the management of SBE, as well as SAV logistics is scarce among the Health Care Professionals (HCPs) in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. We therefore aimed to develop, validate and utilize a tool to assess the SAV knowlegde among HCPs in northern Nigeria. We also sought to implement and evaluate an intervention that could improve the SAV knowledge among the HCPs.
Methods: The proposed study will be conducted in three phases: Phase I will involve the development of the item-pool to be included in the tool, followed by a face, content validity and construct validity. The tool reliability, readability and difficulty index will be determined. Phase II will involve the utilization of the tool to assess baseline SAV knowledge among the HCPs followed by an educational intervention. Multiple Linear Regression analysis will be used to determine the factors associated with SAV knowledge among the HCPs. Lastly, Phase III which will be a repeat of Phase II to assess and evaluate the knowledge after the intervention.
Discussion: The study design and findings may guide future implementation and streamline the intervention of improving SAV knowledge in HCPs training and practice.
Lay Summary: Knowledge assessment and educational intervention of snake antivenom among healthcare practitioners in northern Nigeria: a study protocol Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is an important occupational and public health hazard especially in sub-Saharan Africa. For optimum management of SBE, adequate knowledge of snake antivenom (SAV) is very critical among the healthcare practitioners. The baseline knowledge SAV dosage, mode of administration, availability, and logistics is very relevant among healthcare professionals, particularly those that are directly involved in its logistics. It is paramount that SAV is handled and used appropriately. The efforts and advocacy for the availability for more SAV will be in vain if not handled appropriately before they are used. This study protocol aims to develop a tool, to assess SAV knowledge and effects of educational interventions among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in northern Nigeria. This protocol suggests conducting studies in three phases: (a) Development and validation of SAV knowledge assessment tool, (b) Baseline assessment of SAV knowledge assessment tool among HCPs, and (c) Development, implementation and evaluation of an educational intervention to improve SAV knowledge among HCPs in northern Nigeria.
Fulltext Knowledge assessment of anti-snake venom among healthcare practitioners in northern Nigeria

Bala AA, Jatau AI, Yunusa I, Mohammed M, Mohammed AH, Isa AM, et al.

Ther Adv Infect Dis, 2021 08 19;8:20499361211039379.
PMID: 34434552 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211039379

Introduction: Anti-snake venom (ASV) is the standard therapy for the management of snakebite envenoming (SBE). Therefore, the knowledge of ASV among healthcare practitioners (HCPs) is essential for achieving optimal clinical outcomes in snakebite management. This study aimed to assess knowledge of ASV among the HCPs in northern Nigeria.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving eligible HCPs from different healthcare settings in northern Nigeria. The participants were recruited into the study using a combination of online (via Google Form) and face-to-face paper-based survey methods. The ASV knowledge of the respondents was measured using a validated anti-snake venom knowledge assessment tool (AKAT). Inadequate overall knowledge of ASV was defined as scores of 0-69.9%, and 70-100% were considered adequate overall knowledge scores. The predictors of ASV knowledge were determined using multiple logistic regression.
Results: Three hundred and thirty-one (331) eligible HCPs were included in the study analysis (310 from online and 21 from paper-based survey). Overall, an estimated 12.7% of the participants had adequate knowledge of ASV. Adequate ASV knowledge was higher among physicians compared with other HCPs (21.7%; χ2 = 8.1; p = 0.04). Those without previous training on ASV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18-0.73; p = 0.004) and who have not previously administered/dispensed ASV (aOR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.15-0.63; p
Fulltext Factors associated with acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among University health sciences students in Northwest Nigeria

Mustapha M, Lawal BK, Sha'aban A, Jatau AI, Wada AS, Bala AA, et al.

PLoS One, 2021;16(11):e0260672.
PMID: 34843594 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260672

Students of the health sciences are the future frontliners to fight pandemics. The students' participation in COVID-19 response varies across countries and are mostly for educational purposes. Understanding the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptability is necessary for a successful vaccination program. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among health sciences students in Northwest Nigeria. The study was an online self-administered cross-sectional study involving a survey among students of health sciences in some selected universities in Northwest Nigeria. The survey collected pertinent data from the students, including socio-demographic characteristics, risk perception for COVID-19, and willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. A total of 440 responses with a median (interquartile range) age of 23 (4.0) years were included in the study. The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was 40.0%. Factors that independently predict acceptance of the vaccine were age of 25 years and above (adjusted odds ratio, aOR, 2.72; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.44-5.16; p = 0.002), instructions from heads of institutions (aOR, 11.71; 95% CI, 5.91-23.20; p<0.001), trust in the government (aOR, 20.52; 95% CI, 8.18-51.51; p<0.001) and willingness to pay for the vaccine (aOR, 7.92; 95% CI, 2.63-23.85; p<0.001). The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among students of health sciences was low. Older age, mandate by heads of the institution, trust in the government and readiness to pay for the vaccine were associated with acceptance of the vaccine. Therefore, stakeholders should prioritize strategies that would maximize the vaccination uptake.
Psychometric Properties and Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards ChatGPT in Pharmacy Practice and Education: a Study Protocol

Mohammed M, Kumar N, Zawiah M, Al-Ashwal FY, Bala AA, Lawal BK, et al.

J Racial Ethn Health Disparities, 2024 Aug;11(4):2284-2293.
PMID: 37428357 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01696-1

ChatGPT represents an advanced conversational artificial intelligence (AI), providing a powerful tool for generating human-like responses that could change pharmacy prospects. This protocol aims to describe the development, validation, and utilization of a tool to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards ChatGPT (KAP-C) in pharmacy practice and education. The development and validation process of the KAP-C tool will include a comprehensive literature search to identify relevant constructs, content validation by a panel of experts for items relevancy using content validity index (CVI) and face validation by sample participants for items clarity using face validity index (FVI), readability and difficulty index using the Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test, Gunning Fog Index, or Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), assessment of reliability using internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine the underlying factor structures (eigenvalues, scree plot analysis, factor loadings, and varimax). The second phase will utilize the validated KAP-C tool to conduct KAP surveys among pharmacists and pharmacy students in selected low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (Nigeria, Pakistan, and Yemen). The final data will be analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, mean (standard deviation) or median (interquartile range), and inferential statistics like Chi-square or regression analyses using IBM SPSS version 28. A p<0.05 will be considered statistically significant. ChatGPT holds the potential to revolutionize pharmacy practice and education. This study will highlight the psychometric properties of the KAP-C tool that assesses the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards ChatGPT in pharmacy practice and education. The findings will contribute to the potential ethical integration of ChatGPT into pharmacy practice and education in LMICs, serve as a reference to other economies, and provide valuable evidence for leveraging AI advancements in pharmacy.
Fulltext Sub-acute toxicity study on hydromethanolic leaves extract of Combretum hypopilinum (Combretaceae) Diels in Wistar rats

Ahmad MH, Zezi AU, Anafi SB, Alshargi OY, Mohammed M, Mustapha S, et al.

Toxicol Res, 2022 Oct;38(4):487-502.
PMID: 36277361 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-022-00133-5

The plant Combretum hypopilinum Diels (Combretaceae) has been utilized in Nigeria and other African nations to treat many diseases including liver, inflammatory, gastrointestinal, respiratory, infectious diseases, epilepsy and many more. Pharmacological investigations have shown that the plant possesses anti-infective, antidiarrhoeal, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, sedative, antioxidant, and antiepileptic potentials. However, information on its toxicity profile is unavailable despite the plant's therapeutic potential. As such, this work aimed to determine the acute and sub-acute oral toxic effects of the hydromethanolic leaves extract of C. hypopilinum. The preliminary phytochemical evaluation was carried out based on standard procedures. The acute toxicity evaluation was conducted by oral administration of the extract at the dose of 5000 mg/kg based on the guideline of the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 423. To investigate the sub-acute toxicity effects, the extract was administered orally to the animals daily for 28-consecutive days at the doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. Mortality, body weight and relative organ weight were observed. The hepatic, renal, haematological, and lipid profile parameters were investigated. The liver, kidney, heart, lung, small intestine, and stomach were checked for any histopathological alterations. The results of the phytochemical investigation showed cardiac glycosides, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and triterpenes. Based on the acute toxicity investigation outcome, no death and signs of toxic effects were observed. The result showed that the oral median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was more than the 5000 mg/kg. The extract remarkably reduced the weekly body weight of the animals at 500 mg/kg in the first and second weeks. It also significantly decreased the relative kidney weight, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, potassium, and low-density lipoprotein. There was a remarkable elevation in the percentage of eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and granulocyte. There were histopathological abnormalities on the kidney, lung, stomach, and small intestine. The extract is relatively safe on acute exposure but moderately toxic at higher doses on sub-acute administration, particularly to the kidney.