Volume-12, Issue-7, July 2026

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health challenge, and medical students require both conceptual knowledge and practical prescribing judgement to support future antimicrobial stewardship. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and self-reported antimicrobial-use practices of clinical medical students at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among fourth, fifth, and sixth year clinical medical students at the College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, knowledge of antimicrobial use and resistance, attitudes toward AMR, and self-reported antimicrobial-use practices. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and proportions. Inferential analyses (chi-square tests) were conducted to examine associations between year of study and key practice indicators.

Results: Of 148 students invited, 108 returned usable questionnaires, giving a response rate of 73.0%. Respondents were aged 19–53 years, with most being male (76.9%). Knowledge of key consequences of inappropriate antimicrobial use was generally high, including recognition of bacterial resistance (89.8%), reduced future effectiveness (90.7%), ineffective treatment (87.0%), additional medical cost (85.2%), and prolonged illness (79.6%). Attitudes showed strong recognition of AMR as a serious issue globally (88.7%) and nationally (80.0%), although awareness of AMR as a problem within the teaching hospital was lower (62.1%). Self-reported practices were mixed: most respondents reported completing a full course (71.7%) and checking expiry dates (80.5%), but fewer reported consistently consulting a doctor before starting antimicrobials (38.9%), and some reported using antimicrobials for cough or sore throat (29.6%). Chi-square analysis revealed significant differences in antimicrobial use practices across year levels (p<0.05), with senior students showing slightly more appropriate practices.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that clinical medical students at the University of Abuja have substantial AMR awareness but important gaps in practical antimicrobial-use behaviour. Undergraduate training should place stronger emphasis on rational antimicrobial use, clinical decision-making, prescribing behaviour, and antimicrobial stewardship.

Keywords: Antimicrobial use, AMR, Clinical Medical students, Abuja, Nigeria

References

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Abstract

This study synthesizes evidence on exposome-driven cutaneous aging in Asia-Pacific populations and outlines formulation and assessment strategies that address regional pollution, solar exposure, ethnic variation, and gender-specific biology. Ambient pollutants, including PM 2.5, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds interact with UV and infrared radiation to increase reactive oxygen species, activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, induce matrix metalloproteinases, and promote collagen degradation and hyperpigmentation. Ethnic patterns in photoaging emphasize early pigmentary alterations in East and Southeast Asians and preserved dermal architecture in individuals with greater phototypes, while hormonal trajectories and structural sex differences modulate vulnerability to oxidative damage and barrier compromise. Topical solutions reviewed include low-pH, high-purity vitamin C combined with di- and tri-peptides, retinoids with gender-sensitive dosing and vehicle choice, antioxidant and peptide complexes, humectants and occlusives, and botanical extracts such as green tea polyphenols and rosmarinic acid, noting allergy and matrix-dependent stability concerns. Objective evaluation is highlighted through instruments measuring hydration, transepidermal water loss, pigmentation indices, Cutometer elasticity metrics, and high-frequency ultrasound, alongside controlled pollutant exposure using a cutaneous pollution exposure system (CPES) and ex vivo reactive oxygen species assays via DCFH DA. Emerging personalization avenues incorporate SNP-based clustering of genes for collagen, hydration, and oxidative defense to guide product selection. Integrating exposome-relevant actives, vehicle optimization for barrier status, standardized exposure models, instrumented endpoints, and genotypic risk stratification offers a pathway for region and gender-aware skincare interventions in urbanized Asia-Pacific settings.

Keywords: Anti-aging formulations, Asia-Pacific exposome, Cutaneous dimorphism, Ethnic dermatology, Topical delivery systems.

References

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Abstract

Open defecation remains a significant environmental and public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to diarrheal diseases, cholera, typhoid fever, and other sanitation-related infections. Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) is a community-based behavioral change approach that promotes the elimination of open defecation through collective action and community mobilization. This study evaluated the effectiveness of CLTS in improving sanitation coverage and reducing open defecation in selected communities of Benue and Cross River States, Nigeria. A multilevel observational study was conducted using complete household enumeration data from 79,095 households across five Local Government Areas. Data was obtained from household sanitation records, structured monitoring tools, observational checklists, and programme reports. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, two-proportion z-tests, and Difference-in-Differences logistic regression with cluster-robust standard errors were applied to assess programme effectiveness. Improved sanitation coverage increased significantly from 9.60% before implementation to 22.55% after implementation, representing a 12.95 percentage-point improvement (p < 0.001), while open defecation declined from 56.99% to 7.24%, a 49.75 percentage-point reduction. Cross River State achieved greater improvements than Benue State, with a significantly stronger intervention effect (OR = 4.41; p < 0.001). The findings demonstrate that CLTS is an effective strategy for improving sanitation coverage and reducing open defecation, highlighting the importance of sustained community participation, effective local leadership, and continuous programme monitoring to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Keywords: Behavior Change, Community-Led Total Sanitation, Community Mobilization, Improved Sanitation, Open Defecation.

References

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Abstract

This study synthesizes current knowledge on bioactive peptides for adult and aging skin, integrating skin structure, aging biology, peptide classes, formulation science, preclinical models and clinical evaluation to inform evidence-based topical strategies. Skin architecture and ageing mechanisms are summarized to contextualize peptide interventions that target epidermal renewal, dermal extracellular matrix, pigmentation and inflammation. Peptide categories covered include signal peptides that promote collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, carrier peptides that deliver trace metals such as copper, neurotransmitter-modulating peptides for expression lines, and enzyme-inhibiting sequences that reduce MMP and tyrosinase activity. Case examples describe Pal-KTTKS, Pal-GHK, Cu-GHK, tripeptide-10 citrulline, SA1-III (KP1) and Pep 14, highlighting modes of action from collagen fibrillogenesis control and MMP activity reduction to modulation of PP2A/AKT and senescence-associated signaling. Formulation considerations examine physicochemical constraints on cutaneous delivery, lipidation strategies, nanocarriers, cell-penetrating peptides, stability challenges and vehicle design that balance penetration with safety. Mechanistic assays spanning fibroblast and keratinocyte monolayers, 3D skin equivalents and ex vivo human skin are presented alongside clinical and instrumental endpoints including profilometry, ultrasound, histology and DNA methylation age metrics. Safety, sensitization, regulatory labeling and claim frameworks are discussed with recommendations for rigorous trial design, standardized measurements and population-specific risk assessment for aging skin. Practical guidance addresses regimen sequencing, combination with retinoids and procedures such as laser, microneedling and fillers, emphasizing controlled evaluation to optimize matrix remodeling, repair and tolerability in mature skin.

Keywords: Anti-aging, Dermatology, Peptide, Skincare, Extracellular Matrix, Senescence.

References

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