The Journal of Middle East and North Africa Sciences

Number 06, 2020

1-8
Assessment of Factors Responsible for Low Back Pain Among Pregnant Women Attending Tertiary Care Hospital of Lahore, Pakistan

Authors: Sehrish Ather; Adeela Mustafa; Roamana Ayub; Zakria Tariq

Abstract

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Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common disorder involving the muscles, nerves, and bones of the back. Pain can vary from a dull constant ache to a sudden sharp feeling. This can be due to a combination of mechanical, hormonal, and psychosocial factors. These have a negative impact on their quality of life. Treatment options are often poor, as the cause of back pain is not always fully understood. Furthermore, treatments that are available usually have a low success rate and consist mainly of lifestyle adjustments and bed rest. Material and Methods: Two hundred and ten women were selected from the OPD of genecology and obstetrics department of Jinnah hospital Lahore for interview, a structured questionnaire was used for information, data entered in computer software SPSS version 22.0. A cross sectional survey was done. Participants of the study are 15 to 45 years old having established diagnosis of low back pain. Duration of the study was 3 months. Result: Among 210 females, 22.22% noted ongoing back pain at the time they became pregnant. 54% were multigravidas and 41% were grand multigravidas. In the latter group, 19% patients had backache before pregnancy and 81% had during pregnancy. No treatment was taken in 61% patients, rest in 19%, analgesic in 12% and light exercise by 9% patients. The present study revealed that backache is more prevalent in multigravidas, grand multigravidas and associated factors like weightlifting, heavy work, bending, standing posture etc. are main causes of backache. Analgesics are effective in relieving backache in pregnancy. The appropriate treatment aims to reduce the discomfort and the impact on the pregnant woman’s quality of life. Conclusion: Back pain is a common problem in pregnant women and many factors contribute to it. About half of the patients are taking rest to treat LBP. It is advised that the patient should be given special advice regarding posture and exercise, training of health care provider, education of the pregnant during antenatal sessions, about proper nutrition, weight control, and family planning.

9-23
What are the impacts of Sliding Oil Prices on Regional Security and Stability in the Gulf Region?

Authors: Ivan Ureta

Abstract

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Number of views: 186

Empirical analyses have determined a correlation between high oil prices and the potential for inter-state conflict and instability. This correlation has been proof for countries where oil exports represent more than the 10 per cent of the GDP. Between mid-2014 and the third quarter of 2017, oil prices have been constantly marking historical minimums. Framing this context, old and new diplomatic, political, financial, societal and geopolitical factors have been configuring an international ecosystem submerged into deep contradictions and radical and unexpected shifts. This paper assesses the impacts of a long period of low oil prices on regional stability and security by focusing on the Gulf region. The findings reveal that a long span of time with sliding oil prices has accentuated the risk of potential conflict and regional instability.

24-31
Phyto Chemical Screening and Antiplasmodial Potential of Morinda Lucida (Brimstone Leave) In Infected Mice

Authors: Nassar Sulaiman Adebayo; Abdulazeez Aderemi Abubakar; Agboola Seun Emmanuel; Sule Bushra Oluwabunmi; Johun Dorcas Ifeoluwa; Oladele Blessing

Abstract

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Number of views: 228

Medicinal plants with proven chemical properties have been used for centuries as remedies for human diseases most especially those caused by bacterial, fungi, and parasite. Traditional medicine is estimated to be used by 80% of the population of developing countries. This study attempted to investigate phytochemical components and anti-plasmodial activity (in vivo) of Morinda Lucida. The crude extract of the plant’s leaves was carried out using aqueous water, this was followed with the phytochemical screening and fractionating process using different solvents. The experimental mice used in this study were subjected to an acute toxicity test with different concentrations of the fractionated leave extract. Albino- Mice behavior, weight loss, and different histological structures of the liver and the kidney served as major indicators for the toxicity. The result revealed no obvious acute toxicities on mice up to the highest (5000mg/kg) dose given. The experimental animal used for the suppressive test were divided into test and control groups, the test groups with an average weight of 18-24g were administered with different concentrations of the extracted leaves at a lower dose( 100mg/kg) and a higher dose (200mg/kg) for four days, the parasite density was determined at day5 and day8 respectively, PCV was also carried out before and after the administration of the extract to determine the blood level. The present result shows the significant reduction of PCV for low and high doses at day five . (P<0.05). The reverse was the case for the methanol, ethyl-acetate, and water fractionated extract where no significant reduction in the PCV and the parasite density was observed ( P>0.05). However, none of the extract concentration was able to clear the parasite completely in the experimental animals. The Morinda Lucida fractionated extract shows the promising effect as an anti-malarial agent, most especially the methanol, ethyl acetate, and the water fractionated extracts at both low and high dosages.

32-40
Baseline and Post-Intervention Assessment of Knowledge, Accessibility and Condoms Use in an African Rural Community

Authors: Ali Johnson Onoja; Sheila Onoja; Imam Adamu; Paul Olaiya Abiodun; John Shaibu; Felix Olaniyi Sanni

Abstract

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Number of views: 216

Introduction: Unprotected sexual intercourse is the most common mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS and other STIs in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of health interventions on the knowledge, accessibility and condom use in an African rural community Methodology: This is a quantitative survey that used a structured questionnaire among a representative sample of the general population aged 15 – 49 years. The data obtained include the demographics; age, sex, education, occupation, marital status, and information related to condom use. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Result: The baseline survey comprised 1021 (53.3%) males and 895 (46.7%) females while the final survey comprised 659 (54.2%) males and 556 (45.7%) females. Just 5.1% and 5.0% of the respondents in the baseline survey said female condoms are accessible and affordable but the values rose to 23.0% and 33.0% in the post-intervention survey. The overall usage of male condoms in the study population at the baseline was 41.9% and 58.8% in the final survey. The use of male condoms was very low among adolescents aged 15 -24 years (37.3%), uneducated (8.0%), primary education (27.4%), and the singles (47.5%). These values to 57.1%, 40.7%, 54.0%, and 60.4% respectively in post-intervention survey. The overall uptake of female condoms was 4.5% at the baseline survey and slightly increased to 11.8% at the post-intervention survey with the highest improvement seen among uneducated (from 3.2% to 36.4%). Due to the interventions, significantly improved confidence and correct use of condoms were observed among the uneducated (5.6% to 26.7%), had primary education (19.1% to 30.1%) but no effect was seen associated with marital status, sex, and age. Conclusion: This study found a very high knowledge of male condoms among the respondent, both before and after the health intervention. However, there was very poor knowledge of female condoms, and the use of both condoms. We, therefore, advocate more intervention to include awareness creation, talks, Television and radio programs, counseling and free supply of female condoms to promote the prevention of STIs and HIV in the community.