Journal of Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Levels and Impact of Occupational Mercury Exposure on the Antioxidant Status of Electronic Workers in Ibadan

Kingsley Chima Eboh — 2026-03-16

Background: The rapid increase in electronic waste (e-waste) poses serious environmental, economic, and health challenges globally, with a particularly profound impact on low- and middle-income countries, making it a pressing public health concern. This study compared the levels of mercury (Hg), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total plasma peroxide (TPP), and oxidative stress index (OSI) among occupationally exposed electronic workers and non-exposed participants in Ibadan.

Method: This cross-sectional study recruited 57 participants (25 occupationally exposed workers and 32 non-exposed controls) aged 25 - 45 years. Relevant demographic and anthropometric information were collected on a structured questionnaire and blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses. Mercury was estimated using the principle of Cold Vapour-Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (CV-AAS) while total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total plasma peroxides (TPP), and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) were estimated spectrophotometrically.

Result: Results showed significantly higher levels of mercurelectronic workers are prone to increased oxidative stress, total plasma peroxide, and oxidative stress index among occupationally exposed group when compared to the control group (p=0.00, 0.001, and 0.021 respectively). Oxidative stress index was positively correlated to total plasma peroxide (r =0.848, p= 0.000) and negatively correlated to total antioxidant capacity (r = -0.688, p = 0.000). There is a significant difference between the total antioxidant capacity of workers based on their years of work exposure (p=0.015).

Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that electronic workers are prone to increase oxidative stress due to occupational mercury exposure which increases based on years of exposure, which can potentiate significant health implications.

Effect of Social Media Screen Time on Sleep Patterns and Quality among Postgraduate Students in Nigeria

Ushakuma Michael Anenga — 2026-03-18

Background: Social media is widely used among postgraduate students for communication, networking, and academic purposes. However, excessive screen time, especially at night, may impair sleep quality and patterns, affecting overall well-being and academic performance.

Objective: To assess the effect of social media screen time on sleep patterns and quality among postgraduate students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 students undergoing a master's in public health distance learning programme selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using an online questionnaire with adapted components of the Social Media Engagement Questionnaire (SMEQ) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between social media behaviours and sleep outcomes. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of sleep duration and poor sleep quality. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: WhatsApp (96.0%) was the most frequently used social media platform, followed by Facebook (51.1%) and YouTube (49.7%). Social media use occurred predominantly at night (43.0%), and 56.1% of respondents reported always using social media in bed before sleeping. The mean sleep duration was 6.1 ± 1.3 hours, with 38.0% sleeping 6–7 hours per night. Difficulty falling asleep (26.2%), frequent night awakenings (32.9%), and waking unrefreshed (37.4%) were commonly reported. Sleep duration showed a negative correlation with bedtime delay (r = −0.21) and perceived negative effects of social media (r = −0.17), but a positive correlation with sleep quality (r = 0.26). In multivariable regression analysis, bedtime delay (p < 0.001), night-time social media checking (p = 0.048), and perceived negative effects of social media (p = 0.003) were associated with shorter sleep duration. Bedtime delay (AOR = 1.52, p < 0.001), night-time checking (AOR = 1.27, p = 0.039), and perceived negative effects of social media (AOR = 2.41, p = 0.001) significantly increased the odds of poor sleep quality.

Conclusion: Social media screen time, particularly behaviours such as delaying bedtime and checking social media at night, is associated with poorer sleep patterns and sleep quality among postgraduate students. Interventions promoting digital wellness and sleep hygiene may help improve sleep behaviours in this population.

Translational Insight into Gongronema latifolium-silver Nanoparticles: Linking in vivo Safety to Molecular Antimalarial Mechanism

Goodnews Onyedikachi Ikeh — 2026-03-26

Building upon our recent finding that the biopolymer matrix of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) dictates their exceptional safety (LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg) and antimalarial efficacy, this study employed a computational framework to de-convolute the molecular identity of this critical passivation layer. While our previous in vivo work hypothesized that the organic capping matrix facilitates endocytic uptake and mitigates toxicity, the specific ligand-receptor interactions remained undefined. In the present study, we utilized Density Functional Theory (DFT), ADMET profiling, and MM-GBSA calculations to interrogate the primary Gongronema latifolium phytochemicals constituting the nanoparticle surface. DFT analysis confirmed the structural hypothesis: Sarsasapogenin served as the rigid, chemically inert steric stabilizer (\(\Delta\)E_gap= 8.83 eV), explaining the protective masking observed previously in XRD, while Tannic Acid (\(\Delta\)E_gap= 2.91 eV) drives the redox activity. Pharmacokinetic screening identified Cinchonidine as the bioactive lead, with 94.5% oral bioavailability and blood-brain barrier permeability. Crucially, molecular docking revealed that this biopolymer complex does not merely act via general oxidative stress; Cinchonidine selectively targets Plasmodium falciparum Dihydrofolate Reductase (PfDHFR; \(\Delta\)G_bind= -48.85 kcal/mol) while sparing Lactate Dehydrogenase (PfLDH). These findings provide the molecular validation for our prior empirical observations, bridging the gap between murine safety signals and human therapeutic mechanisms.

Medication Non-adherence in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Affective Disorder: A Cross-sectional Study from Two Tertiary Hospitals in South-South Nigeria

Jombo, Henry Effiong — 2026-03-28

Background: Symptoms remission and significant improvements in functionality is predicated on good medication adherence. Non-adherence to medication in persons with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia is the main reason for frequent relapses and poor treatment outcomes.

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of medication non-adherence in persons with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder and identify factors related to it.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of outpatients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder. One hundred and seventy two participants were enrolled into the studies from March to June 2025. Medication adherence was assessed on the basis of patients’ self-reports. Socio-demographic and selected clinical variables were collected and compared between adherent and non-adherent participants. Logistic regression analysis was done to determine predictors of treatment non-adherence.

Results: The mean age was 35.47±10.6, and 47.7% of participants were males. 56.4% of the subjects were adherent to medication. Factors that independently predicted non adherence to treatment on multivariate analysis were: high cost of medication (OR=3.46, P=.005), non availability of supervised treatment (OR=0.159, P=.06) high dosing frequency of medication (OR=3.33,P=<.003), side effects profile (OR=0.10,P=.05) high pill burden (OR=1.13, P=.04) and a poor attitude to medication (OR=0.47,P=.005)

Conclusion: A high prevalence of medication non-adherence was found amongst outpatients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders in mental health services in South-South Nigeria. Interventional strategies are required to improve adherence to medication in these patients.

Comparative Analysis of Microbial Load and Public Health Implications of Factory-Processed and Locally Prepared Foods in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Giami, Lynda Kadi — 2026-03-31

Foodborne microbial contamination remains a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, where both factory-processed and locally prepared foods contribute significantly to daily dietary intake. This study evaluated the microbial population, diversity, and public health risks associated with selected factory-processed and locally prepared foods sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A total of forty (40) food samples comprising Hollandia yoghurt drink (n = 10), Gino curry powder (n = 10), industrial yeast (n = 10), and home-prepared Hibiscus sabdariffa beverage (zobo) (n = 10) were analysed using standard microbiological methods. Total heterotrophic bacterial (THB) and total heterotrophic fungal (THF) counts were determined using nutrient agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar, respectively. Representative isolates were identified using cultural, morphological, biochemical, and microscopic methods. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 1.0 × 10⁴ to 3.1 × 10⁴ CFU/g or mL. Gino curry powder recorded the highest bacterial load (3.1 × 10⁴ CFU/g), while yoghurt drink recorded the lowest (1.0 × 10⁴ CFU/mL). Total fungal counts ranged from 1.0 × 10² to 5.3 × 10² CFU/g or mL, with industrial yeast showing the highest fungal burden. Seven bacterial genera were identified: Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Pediococcus, Enterococcus, and Proteus. Fungal isolates included Mucor, Rhizopus, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The predominance of Staphylococcus species suggests post-processing contamination through handling. The detection of Fusarium and Penicillium species raises concerns regarding potential mycotoxin production. Although microbial counts were within moderate ranges, the presence of opportunistic pathogens highlights potential public health risks, particularly under improper storage conditions. This study underscores the need for improved hygiene practices, routine microbiological surveillance, and regulatory oversight to safeguard consumer health.