-
Research Article
Comparative Evaluation of Waist Circumference, Waist-to-height Ratio and BMI for Predicting Obesity in Adolescents in Niamey, Niger
Garba Balarabe Maimouna*,
Almou Abdoulaye Alio
,
Salifou Alkassoum,
Adehossi Eric,
Sabo Seini Haoua,
Sadou Hassimi
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-10
Received:
19 November 2025
Accepted:
18 December 2025
Published:
16 January 2026
Abstract: Overweight and obesity during adolescence are a global public health concern due to their potential impact on health and their increasing prevalence. The aim of this study is to determine the contribution of waist circumference and BMI in predicting obesity among adolescents attending public and private schools in Niamey (Niger). This is a descriptive cross-sectional study involving secondary school students aged 11 to 17. The survey is conducted from 1 April to 30 June 2021. For each student, weight, height and waist circumference were measured, and body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio were calculated. The 420 students enrolled, 193 were girls, giving a sex ratio (boys/girls) of 1.17. The average weight is 47.69±13.71kg. The average weight of girls is 49.66±13.57, ranging from 20 to 121kg. The average weight of boys is 46.01±13.62, ranging from 22 to 129.4kg. In girls, waist circumference increases between the ages of 12 and 15, from 60.90±12.93cm to 64.41±11.94cm, peaks at age 16 (67.38±9.58cm) and then decreases to 65.81±8.62cm at age 17. Among boys, the trend is also upward between the ages of 12 (58.63±5.63cm) and 17 (63.75±8.55cm). The waist-to-height ratio decreases between the ages of 12 and 17, with a rebound at age 16 for both girls and boys. In boys, the WHtR decreases from 0.44±0.00 at age 12 to 0.39±0.04 at age 15, rises to 0.41±0.05 at age 16 and then falls to 0.39±0.05 at age 17. The decrease in WHtR during adolescence is very significant (p=0.02). Girls are 2.35 times more likely to be overweight than boys (p=0.29). Overweight is a public health problem among adolescents in schools. It would be beneficial to integrate nutrition education into school curricula at an early stage. This could be an effective strategy with a long-term impact on reducing the prevalence of obesity and other non-communicable diseases in Niger.
Abstract: Overweight and obesity during adolescence are a global public health concern due to their potential impact on health and their increasing prevalence. The aim of this study is to determine the contribution of waist circumference and BMI in predicting obesity among adolescents attending public and private schools in Niamey (Niger). This is a descript...
Show More
-
Research Article
Pattern of Antenatal Care Visit Among Pregnant Women in Geidam Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria:
A Community Base Cross-Sectional Study
Usman Abba*,
Abubakar Musa
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
11-15
Received:
16 November 2025
Accepted:
24 December 2025
Published:
19 January 2026
Abstract: Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for reducing maternal mortality, yet access remains a challenge in many low-resource settings like rural Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the pattern of ANC visits and identify factors influencing attendance among pregnant women in Geidam, Yobe State. Methods: A community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Geidam Local Government Area. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected via a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using Epi-info version 7.0. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age was 29.5±6.8 years. Most participants (68.3%) attended ANC. The primary reason for attendance was to ensure a better pregnancy outcome (85%). Among attendees, 32.2% had the recommended minimum of three visits. Reasons for non-attendance included cost (36.2%), distance (28.5%), and husband's refusal (8.3%). Factors significantly associated with ANC attendance were age, education, parity, and residence (p<0.05). The study area has a historically high maternal mortality ratio, with a rate of 630 per 100,000 live births reported in a prior study. Conclusion: While most women attended ANC, significant barriers related to accessibility, cost, and sociocultural factors persist. Interventions should focus on female education, subsidized services, improving rural infrastructure, and promoting male involvement to enhance ANC utilization.
Abstract: Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for reducing maternal mortality, yet access remains a challenge in many low-resource settings like rural Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the pattern of ANC visits and identify factors influencing attendance among pregnant women in Geidam, Yobe State. Methods: A community-based, descriptive cross-secti...
Show More
-
Research Article
Adolescent Abortion Rates and Associated Factors in Vietnam: A Cross-sectional Study
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
16-20
Received:
6 December 2025
Accepted:
29 December 2025
Published:
20 January 2026
Abstract: Background: Adolescent pregnancy and unsafe abortion constitute a global public health crisis, particularly in developing nations. In Vietnam, the rising trend of abortion in this demographic necessitates a profound understanding of associated factors to facilitate timely intervention. Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of adolescent abortion and analyze associated demographic, knowledge, and reproductive health behavior factors in Vietnam. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 422 pregnant subjects (37 adolescents and 385 adults) presenting for abortion in Ho Chi Minh City. Data were collected via direct interviews and analyzed using Stata 17 software, employing Chi-square tests and odds ratios (OR) with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The adolescent abortion rate was 8.77%. The majority of adolescents seeking abortion were students (54.05%) and unmarried (83.78%). Adolescents exhibited a 5.28 times higher risk of irregular contraceptive use compared to adults (OR=5.28; 95% CI: 1.98-17.67). The primary reason for abortion was "continuing education" (48.65%). Knowledge regarding the fertile window was significantly lower among adolescents compared to adults (OR=0.25). Conclusion: The rate of adolescent abortion is alarmingly high and is strongly correlated with deficiencies in reproductive knowledge, marital status, and economic dependence. Enhanced sex education and access to adolescent-friendly contraceptive services are imperative.
Abstract: Background: Adolescent pregnancy and unsafe abortion constitute a global public health crisis, particularly in developing nations. In Vietnam, the rising trend of abortion in this demographic necessitates a profound understanding of associated factors to facilitate timely intervention. Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of adole...
Show More
-
Research Article
Predictors for Delayed First Antenatal Care Visit in Rural Area of Rwanda: Evidence from Rwanda Demographic Health Survey 2019-2020
Japhet Ishimwe*,
Odille Niyibizi,
Aphrodis Tuyishime,
Joseph Imanishimwe,
John Mugisha,
Absolomon Gashaija,
Raphael Ndahimana,
Roger Muragire,
Marie Colombe Munezero,
Gad Binayisa,
Kevin Nwanna Uchechukwu
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
21-32
Received:
12 December 2025
Accepted:
29 December 2025
Published:
29 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajhr.20261401.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Background: Timely commencement of antenatal care (ANC) improves maternal outcomes by reducing complications that often result in death. According to the World Health Organization, 800 women died daily in 2020 from preventable complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, with almost 95% occurring in low and middle-income countries where Rwanda is located. Therefore, this study aimed to determine predictors of delayed first ANC visits in rural areas of Rwanda. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) data, enrolling a weighted sample of 5,060 women who had been pregnant within the five years preceding the survey. Logistic regression modeling identified socio-demographic and maternal characteristics associated with delayed first ANC visits. Results: The prevalence of delayed first ANC visits was 40.2%. After adjustment of variables in a multivariate regression model, factors associated with the delays included low wealth index, marital status, maternal age (25-34 and 35-49), having 2-4 or more than 4 children, and occupation. Health insurance coverage was a protective factor against the delays of ANC. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for interventions at multiple levels to increase timely uptake of the first antenatal care visit, as the study revealed socio-demographic and maternal factors that significantly influence delays in initiating antenatal care.
Abstract: Background: Timely commencement of antenatal care (ANC) improves maternal outcomes by reducing complications that often result in death. According to the World Health Organization, 800 women died daily in 2020 from preventable complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, with almost 95% occurring in low and middle-income countries where Rwand...
Show More
-
Review Article
Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing in Facial Prosthetics: A Review of the Literature
Alpha Amadou Barry,
Keita Mory,
Hourya Ghazi,
Ayyoub Khella,
Asmaa Hatim*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
33-39
Received:
9 December 2024
Accepted:
25 December 2024
Published:
30 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajhr.20261401.15
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Introduction: Nowadays, CAD/CAM is used to treat facial substance loss as part of surgical treatment or prosthetic rehabilitation. The aim of our work is to review the literature in order to compare digital manufacturing technology with other conventional methods. Materials and methods: This is a literature review based on a search carried out at the beginning of 2022 on publications from the last ten years. A keyword-based search algorithm was used to highlight the most relevant articles on the topic in question. Results and discussion: After reading the 29 articles selected in their entirety, we make a critical comparison between the manufacture of facial prostheses by the digital method and the conventional method in all its aspects, to determine the contribution of CAD/CAM to the rehabilitation of facial substance loss both surgically and prosthetically. Conclusion: Our review concluded that digital technology and 3D printing have facilitated the fabrication of facial prostheses with maximum comfort for both patient and practitioner. The combination of these techniques with conventional techniques is sometimes essential for better results.
Abstract: Introduction: Nowadays, CAD/CAM is used to treat facial substance loss as part of surgical treatment or prosthetic rehabilitation. The aim of our work is to review the literature in order to compare digital manufacturing technology with other conventional methods. Materials and methods: This is a literature review based on a search carried out at t...
Show More
-
Research/Technical Note
Comparison of the Effect of Saliva on the Mechanical Properties and Microscopic Profile of Cad/Cam and Conventional Resins: Experimental Study
Asmaa Hatim*,
Mory Keita,
Hourya Ghazi,
Barry Alpha Amadou,
Fatima Mohaddib,
Hassan Hannach
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
40-47
Received:
19 May 2025
Accepted:
30 May 2025
Published:
30 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajhr.20261401.16
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Introduction: For a long time now, the majority of conventional complete denture bases have been made from acrylic resins. Conventional PMMA-based acrylic resins have remained firmly established in our practice because of their many qualities. Dentistry's entry into the era of computer-assisted design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) has offered prosthetic solutions adapted to a wide range of situations and has led to gains in precision, reproducibility and time. This work is an experimental study that investigates the microscopic structure and mechanical behaviour of two groups of acrylic resin intended for the manufacture of total dentures, while focusing on the salivary action on both types. Materials & Methods: The experiment was carried out in 3 successive stages: The first stage involved analysing the samples under a scanning electron microscope and evaluating their mechanical behaviour in terms of hardness and tensile strength. The second stage consisted of soaking the samples in artificial saliva according to a protocol described in the literature. The third stage involved carrying out the same types of analysis (SEM and mechanical) on the soaked samples. Results: Scanning electron microscope images of conventional PMMA were marked by the presence of black dots of different intensities and diameters ranging from 1 to 10 μm. They are of considerable number and occupy a large surface area in the observed sample. The image revealed spots of high opacity in places. The images were clustered and the domains are randomly oriented. The CAD/CAM images were characterised by the presence of a few black dots of varying intensities, most of which were no more than 3 μm in diameter. Other scattered dots show high opacity with band-like texturing. In the mechanical tensile test, we can say that PMMA - Conventional has better elongation and better plastic deformation, and is therefore better able to absorb external stresses, due to its high elongation capacity. On the other hand, the mechanical strength is lower than that of PMMA - CAD/CAM. The latter has higher mechanical strength but low elongation. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential benefits of CAD/CAM resins in terms of microscopic quality and mechanical strength, suggesting their advantageous use in dental prosthetics. However, long-term clinical studies are needed to validate their clinical suitability and durability.
Abstract: Introduction: For a long time now, the majority of conventional complete denture bases have been made from acrylic resins. Conventional PMMA-based acrylic resins have remained firmly established in our practice because of their many qualities. Dentistry's entry into the era of computer-assisted design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) has offered prostheti...
Show More
