An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 10

Factors Associated with Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge, Behaviours and Access to Services among Adolescents in Four Secondary Schools in Mbouda, Cameroon

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by increased vulnerability to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Cameroon, adolescents continue to face significant challenges related to early sexual initiation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and limited access to youth-friendly SRH services.

Objective: To assess the level of sexual and reproductive health knowledge, practices, access to services, and associated factors among secondary school adolescents in Mbouda, Cameroon.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study with an analytical component was conducted among 1,087 adolescents from four secondary schools in the city of Mbouda using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate analyses were performed using the chi-square test, and multivariate analyses were conducted using logistic regression models. Data were analysed using R software, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Overall, 74.0% of adolescents demonstrated good knowledge of SRH, while only 25.9% had ever accessed SRH services at a health facility. The primary barrier to accessing SRH services was financial constraints (26.2%). Only 20.9% used a contraceptive method. Sexual activity was significantly associated with male sex (aOR = 3.72; p < 0.001), living with extended family members (aOR = 1.99; p < 0.001) or alone (aOR = 4.09; p = 0.006), and parent–adolescent discussions on sexuality (aOR = 1.62; p = 0.003). Contraceptive use was independently associated with male sex (aOR = 2.04; p = 0.015) and a history of abortion (aOR = 4.79; p = 0.040).

Conclusion: Despite relatively good knowledge of SRH, important gaps persist in service utilisation among adolescents in Mbouda. Interventions should prioritise youth-friendly, affordable, and accessible SRH services, alongside strengthened family and school-based education, to reduce risky sexual behaviours and improve adolescent health outcomes.

Physical Education and Physical Fitness Across Development: A Neurodevelopmental Perspective on Childhood and Adolescence

Akanksha Nagar, Himanshu Kaushal, Jaspreet Vij — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Physical education is a fundamental component of childhood and adolescent development, contributing not only to physical fitness but also to cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial maturation. Contemporary evidence from developmental neuroscience highlights adolescence as a sensitive period of heightened neuroplasticity, during which physical activity exerts profound effects on brain structure and function. School-based physical education provides a unique environment that combines movement, novelty, skill acquisition, and peer interaction; key drivers of neural adaptation during this developmental “grey zone.” This chapter examines physical education as a neurodevelopmentally active process, synthesising evidence on its role in enhancing physical fitness alongside executive function, emotional regulation, motivation, and mental well-being. By integrating perspectives from exercise science and adolescent neuroscience, the chapter emphasises the need to design physical education programs that align with brain maturation processes to optimise both physical and mental health outcomes in children and adolescents.

Lytic Skull Lesions: A Comparative Review of Pathological Entities

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Skull lesions constitute an uncommon yet diagnostically demanding group of conditions that span traumatic, infectious, benign and malignant etiologies. Despite their diverse origins, these lesions commonly manifest with overlapping clinical features, most notably scalp swellings, osteolytic calvarial defects, and non-specific radiological findings. Such similarities often obscure diagnostic clarity, although their underlying pathophysiological mechanism, therapeutic requirements, and prognostic implications differ substantially. Accurate differentiation is therefore essential to ensure timely and appropriate management.

Objectives: This chapter aims to present a structured comparative review of three representative skull lesions—tubercular calvarial osteomyelitis, angiomatous meningioma, and metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma—by integrating individual case presentations with relevant contemporary literature. The goal is to emphasise distinguishing features across epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, histopathology, treatment approaches, and outcomes.

Methods: A focused literature review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 principles for study identification, screening, and reporting. Three illustrative clinical cases were selected: Calvarial tubercular osteomyelitis in a 14-year-old female; Angiomatous meningioma (WHO Grade I) in a 72-year-old male; Metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma involving the skull in a 54-year-old female. Each case was analysed in conjunction with published evidence to highlight comparative and contrasting attributes of these pathologies. Key parameters reviewed included epidemiology, disease mechanisms, clinical manifestations, radiological patterns, histopathological hallmarks, treatment strategies, and prognostic outcomes. A diagnostic framework was synthesised to support practical clinical decision-making.

Findings: Tubercular osteomyelitis typically affects younger individuals and presents with granulomatous inflammation and lytic skull lesions; Early identification and initiation of anti-tubercular therapy, with or without surgical debridement, generally yield an excellent prognosis. Radiological findings often demonstrate lytic bone destruction without aggressive periosteal reaction. Angiomatous meningioma, a rare WHO grade 1 subtype, shows prominent vascularity and peritumoral oedema. Despite its striking radiological appearance, it remains histologically benign. Complete surgical excision is curative in the majority of cases, with recurrence being exceptionally uncommon when total removal is achieved. Conversely, Skull metastasis from follicular thyroid carcinoma is an infrequent and clinically aggressive manifestation of differentiated thyroid cancer. Patients typically present with expansile osteolytic lesions and a hypervascular mass. Management requires a multimodal approach including wide surgical excision, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. Prognosis remains guarded due to the advanced nature of metastatic disease.

Conclusion: These three cases exemplify the wide pathological spectrum encompassed by skull lesions and underscore the necessity for meticulous diagnostic evaluation. Although clinical and radiological presentations may overlap, the biological behaviour, therapeutic interventions, and expected outcomes vary markedly among infectious, benign, and metastatic entities. Accurate early diagnosis—supported by detailed imaging and confirmatory histopathology—is vital to guide optimal treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes. This comparative review reinforces the importance of sustained clinical vigilance and structured diagnostic algorithms in the management of rare calvarial lesions.

A Study on the Role of Intraoperative Scrape Cytology in Diagnosing Palpable Breast Lump

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Diseases of the breast constitute a significant proportion of surgical cases, and frequently, the need arises to distinguish benign from malignant lesions prior to definitive treatment. So far, Frozen Section (FS) is the standard technique with a high level of validity. FS is routinely used by the surgical pathology laboratories for intraoperative diagnosis. However, intraoperative scrape cytology can be adopted when special facilities of FS are not available.

Objectives: The primary objective of the study is to perform scrape cytology of surgically operable breast masses and evaluate its accuracy in relation to histopathological diagnosis. This study was designed with the aim of evaluating the diagnostic accuracy and utility of Intraoperative Scrape Cytology (IOSC) in providing rapid and accurate diagnosis for breast lumps and to compare its diagnostic yield with that of paraffin sections.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in the Department of Pathology, Chittagong Medical College, in collaboration with the Department of Surgery of this institution from October 2013 to September 2014. The study was conducted on 123 patients with breast lumps who underwent operative treatment. Scrapings were taken from each specimen before formalin fixation and stained by rapid Papanicolaou staining. In each case, their accuracy was compared to the histopathological diagnosis. Statistical analysis was done employing the χ2 test.

Results: Out of 123 cases studied, 122 could be correctly differentiated into benign and malignant tumours with an accuracy rate of 99.19%. Among benign cases, 66 (53.7%) were fibroadenoma and among malignant cases, all were duct cell carcinoma.

Conclusion: Intraoperative Scrape Cytology (IOSC) is a simple, accurate, rapid and cost-effective diagnostic tool, not requiring specific instruments in contrast to frozen section, can be used intraoperatively for both diagnosis and management of breast lump. In future, comparative studies evaluating IOSC alongside frozen section and fine-needle aspiration cytology in different clinical settings would provide deeper insight into their relative diagnostic effectiveness.

Serum Testosterone Levels and Their Relationship with Body Mass Index in Male Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant disorder that affects multiple vital organs and physiological systems, with endocrine dysfunction being a common associated complication. The altered metabolic milieu in CKD affects the secretion of hormones and the response of target tissues, causing endocrine dysfunctions. Early identification of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may help implement interventions to decrease progression and eventual morbidity and mortality. Most previous studies investigating testosterone abnormalities and renal disease have concentrated on patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and little is known about the problem’s pervasiveness in patients in the pre-dialysis phase.

Aim of the Study: This study aimed to evaluate the serum testosterone level of adult males with different stages of CKD and its association with body mass index, and comparison with age-matched healthy individuals.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Nephrology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. All CKD patients were designated as group ‘A’ with 90 cases; the healthy control group were grouped as group ‘B’ with 88 cases. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16.0.

Results: In this study, the majority 40(44.4%) of patients had glomerulonephritis, 24(26.8%) had DM and 11(12.2%) had HTN. The mean BMI was found to be 20.85±2.7 kg/m2. More than two-thirds (66.7%) of patients had normal (3.2-14.6 ng/ml) Serum testosterone, and their mean Serum testosterone was found at 4.29±1.9 ng/ml. Negative Spearman’s rank correlation (r=-0.893; p=0.001) was observed between different stages of CKD and S. Testosterone of CKD patients. A positive Pearson correlation existed (r=0.517; p=0.001) between BMI and S. Testosterone of CKD patients.

Conclusion: A significant positive correlation existed between BMI and serum testosterone in CKD patients. Future studies are needed to determine the potential adverse effects of low serum testosterone levels in patients with chronic kidney disease and to determine whether the therapeutic intervention of low serum testosterone in males with chronic kidney disease.

Clinical Effectiveness of Oral Prednisolone in Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: A One-Year Retrospective Study

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign inflammatory lesion of the mammary gland. Globally, it poses a major diagnostic and therapeutic problem. The optimal treatment for IGM remains unclear. As reported by previous studies, surgery, steroids, and observation are the primary treatment strategies for IGM. To date, there is no universally accepted treatment for this condition. Many treatment modalities have been attempted, from conservative therapy to mastectomy, but none of them has shown satisfactory results. Recent studies have shown promising results of corticosteroids on idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, so steroid therapy can be an effective treatment for idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.

Aim: The aim of the study is to provide a therapeutic strategy in the future for idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.

Methods: This is a prospective and descriptive type of observational study that was performed on 70 patients with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis confirmed histologically by core needle or incisional biopsy at the general surgery unit of Chittagong Medical College Hospital and a few renowned private hospitals in the Chittagong Metropolitan City during October 2016 to September 2017. After diagnosis, oral prednisolone (1mg/kg/day) was given and the cases were observed by personal interview and through telephone interview. The patients were on follow-up for 06 months. Age, size of the breast lump, breast pain, nipple discharge, and skin changes were recorded in all cases. Results were analysed using mean, percentage, and proportion as appropriate.

Results: The mean age was 26.35±13.5 years, ranging from 19 to 40 years. Out of 70 patients, Core cut biopsy was done in 55 patients (78.58%), and incisional biopsy with abscess drainage was performed in 15 patients (21.42%). 59 patients (84.28%) had complete recovery after a single cycle of steroid treatment; the remaining 11 patients (15.72%) had recurrence; among them, 6 patients were cured after the 2nd cycle of steroids, but unfortunately, 5 patients did not respond. Though complications were found in 50 patients, all of them made good progress in the short term.

Conclusion: We recommend steroid therapy as the first-line treatment in our study. However, prospective, randomised clinical trials are needed to determine the treatment algorithm. Treatment of IGM with prednisolone can be the first choice as it is a noninvasive method of treatment. However, further studies with a greater number of patients are needed to formulate reasonable treatment algorithms for a successful outcome. Recurrent cases can be trialled with further cycles of prednisolone.

Synostotic Plagiocephaly in a Female Child: A Rare Case Report

Preeti Arya, Sanket Bhadra, Monica Jassal, Vyas K. Rathaur — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Craniosynostosis is an intricate heterogeneous condition resulting in an abnormal skull shape due to aberrant premature fusion of one or more sutures of the cranium. Craniosynostosis is caused by a complex interaction between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Dysmorphic head shape can be a presenting complaint of craniosynostosis, which needs to be investigated in detail for any genetic or syndromic associations. Many genetic mutations have been associated with craniosynostosis, but the ERF gene mutation has been found to be very rare. This study has discussed an 8-year-old girl who presented with a dysmorphic head shape. The patient had a chief complaint of disproportionate increase in head size involving the upper-middle part of the skull for the past two years, which was gradual in onset and progressive in nature. She had crouzoid-like features like proptosis, malar hypoplasia with copper beaten skull appearance and pansynostosis on CT Head, but genetic evaluation revealed ERF gene mutation suggestive of craniosynostosis 4. She had short stature, which was the unique association with it. Thus, a high index of suspicion should be kept for craniosynostosis 4 when phenotypic features are suggestive of Crouzon syndrome, as Crouzon syndrome can phenotypically mimic craniosynostosis with ERF gene mutation. Genetic analysis should be performed to identify alternative causes of craniosynostosis, with particular attention to detecting ERF gene mutations. Early diagnosis is required to provide early management, improving the survival rate and providing a better quality of life. Furthermore, distinguishing ERF-related craniosynostosis from Crouzon syndrome is also crucial to inform prognosis, genetic counselling, and individualised treatment planning.

Infantile Malignant Osteopetrosis Presenting with Bone-Within-Bone Appearance and Suspected Haematological Malignancy: A Case Report

Monica Jassal, Vyas Kumar Rathaur — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The radiological sign “bone within a bone” is observed in a variety of conditions, including osteopetrosis. Osteopetrosis, first described by Albers-Schonberg in 1904, is a rare genetic disorder characterised by increased bone density. “Osteopetrosis of infantile origin” is one of its rare and aggressive subtypes, which is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and often leads to death due to recurrent infections and multi-system involvement.

Aim: The study aims to focus on a case of malignant form of osteopetrosis with its varied and severe clinical course, prognosis, urgent need for treatment and its likely association with haematological malignancy like lymphoma.

Case Presentation: A 2-year-old male child presented with fever, loose stools and gum bleeding for 2 days with regression of milestones. Examination revealed severe malnutrition with significantly enlarged lymph nodes and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory investigations showed pancytopenia with atypical cells, deranged renal function, and transaminitis. The pathognomic finding of “bone within a bone” was seen on X-ray. CT scan imaging showed moderate dilatation of the ventricles with thickening of the posterior fossa imitating a mass lesion. The child was provisionally diagnosed with hypothyroidism, osteopetrosis, and possible haematological malignancy. The child succumbed to death due to severe sepsis despite the treatment.

Discussion: Increased bone density in osteopetrosis causes encroachment of marrow space, leading to all other consequences. Children diagnosed in early infancy often succumb to death due to severe sepsis. Management of osteopetrosis is usually symptomatic, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is considered potentially curative in selected autosomal recessive forms with intrinsic osteoclast defects and remains the definitive treatment under research.

Conclusion: Malignant infantile osteopetrosis is a rare but fatal condition, and its resemblance to other disease conditions often masks the diagnosis. Creating awareness about osteopetrosis, along with genetic counselling and antenatal diagnosis, plays an important role in managing it. Although rare, its co-existence with lymphoma should always be ruled out.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: A Rural India Story

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dry nasal snuff, commonly known as “Chhikni” in India, is a smokeless tobacco preparation composed of finely powdered tobacco that is inhaled into the nasal cavity. Although traditionally perceived as less harmful than smoking, long-term inhalational exposure may lead to significant pulmonary complications. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated interstitial lung disease caused by repeated inhalation of sensitising antigens in susceptible individuals. The report presents the case of a 67-year-old woman with a 30-year history of chronic dry snuff inhalation (4–5 times daily) who presented with acute hypoxic respiratory failure. Clinical examination revealed diffuse crackles and wheezes with severe hypoxemia. Laboratory investigations showed leukocytosis, while inflammatory markers and autoimmune serologies were unremarkable. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest demonstrated bilateral mosaic attenuation with patchy ground-glass opacities suggestive of inflammatory pneumonitis. Infectious and autoimmune etiologies were excluded. Based on significant chronic inhalational exposure and radiologic findings, a diagnosis of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis was made.

The patient was treated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral corticosteroids, resulting in significant clinical and radiological improvement. She was discharged on minimal home oxygen therapy with strict avoidance of further snuff exposure.

This case highlights dry nasal snuff as a potential but underrecognized cause of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis and emphasises the importance of detailed exposure history in patients presenting with unexplained interstitial lung disease.

Hospital Admission and Stay in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common autoimmune disease in humans. This chapter addresses the clinical topic of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and the most relevant but necessary aspects for the medical community, such as their medical history, key epidemiological data, clinical picture, diagnosis, SLE classification, and estimated lupus activity from the first contact. The most common causes of hospital admission, length of stay, rates of admission to the Intensive Care Unit, mortality and associated factors reported in international and Mexican research are reviewed. The topic of drug therapy is not addressed in this chapter because it was not the main reason for the research.

The in-depth reviews of experts and international groups were abandoned in favour of a simple, understandable, and concise narrative of each of the subtopics, supported by the most representative references, illustrated with tables and figures.

General practitioners, family physicians, emergency medicine specialists, and various subspecialists frequently have to care for patients with SLE because it is the autoimmune disease with the highest incidence and prevalence in the world. The intention of this chapter is for readers, whether experts or not, to quickly grasp at first glance the most important message of each topic, using a practical approach to facilitate the care of their patients with SLE and accurately answer the most common questions.

Ageing Populations and the Future of Geriatric Health Care

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Population ageing is likely to become a global concern as the proportion of the older population is rapidly increasing. This review intends to consolidate the evidence available in the world regarding the epidemiological, clinical, social and policy aspects of population ageing to emphasise its increasing burden and its impact on health-system preparedness. Based on a narrative review methodology which uses international databases, peer-reviewed literature and large organisational reports from 2000-2024, the research presents significant patterns of multimorbidity, non-communicable diseases, frailty, cognitive decline, social determinants, and gaps in geriatric care provision. Findings indicate that the accelerated pace of demographic ageing, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, has exacerbated the prevalence of chronic illnesses, functional impairment, and caregiving; and has revealed laggards in the current state of long-term care systems, labour shortages, disintegrated service provision, and endemic ageism. Solutions that have emerged, such as the integrated, person-centred care model, age-friendly environment, and technological innovations to aid in managing chronic diseases, are also observed as part of the analysis. The review finds that to deal with the multi-sectoral, equity-based solutions needed to face the complex challenges of global ageing, the health systems, social protection, and community structures need to be aligned to improve resilience, functional ability, and dignified and healthy ageing among diverse groups of people.

Entomological Surveillance and Breeding Site Productivity of Aedes Aegypti at the Autonomous Port of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Lucien Yao Konan, Blaise Atioumounan Koné, Daniel Kouadio Ekra — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mosquitoes of the genus Aedes are major vectors of arboviruses of global public health importance and rank among the most invasive insect species, with their spread closely associated with international trade and transport. Entomological surveillance initiated in 2009 as part of strengthened epidemiological monitoring detected the presence of Aedes albopictus at the Port of Abidjan. To assess the population dynamics of Aedes mosquitoes and the associated health risks, a study was conducted from April to December 2014, combining ovitrap monitoring at ten-day intervals with monthly larval surveys. All adults emerging from ovitraps were identified as Aedes aegypti. Oviposition site selection was influenced by surrounding vegetation and the intensity of human activity. The larval habitats identified were dominated by tarpaulins and used tyres, habitats linked to port logistics and cargo handling. Aedes aegypti infested most positive breeding sites, with tarpaulins and cavities in concrete poles representing the most productive habitats. These findings indicate that port environments function as critical interfaces between local transmission and the international dissemination of vectors and arboviruses. They underscore the need to integrate entomological surveillance and control of artificial breeding sites into port biosecurity strategies to prevent the introduction, establishment, and export of vectors, in line with global health security priorities and the implementation of the International Health Regulations.