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Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is highly prevalent globally and half of the world's population are carrying the pathogen with infection rates higher in low and middle-income countries. The study aim was to retrospectively determine the seroprevalence trend of H. pylori infection among patients suspected to have dyspepsia and identify socio-demographic determinants for H. pylori seropositivity. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the State Specialist Hospital, Gombe, Nigeria from January 2015 to December 2019. A total of 11,935 patients were included in the study and lateral flow immunochromatographic immuno assay was used to screen for total anti H. pylori antibodies. Results: The overall sero-prevalence of H. pylori infection was 58.9%. There was significant association between H. pylori seroprevalence rate and age of subjects, (χ 2 =20.86; p<0.001). The study subjects between the age group 31-40 years had the highest seroprevalence, 62.3%. The seroprevalence of H. pylori was associated with sex of subjects (χ 2 =39.73; p<0.0001). The seroprevalence trend of H. pylori was highest in 2016 with 61%, followed by 2019 (60.8%), then 2017 (59.3%), 2018 (54.7%) and least in 2015 (50.5%). Conclusion: Findings from the study showed a steady rise in the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection over the five years of study. Furthermore, H pylori infection appears to be higher among adults in their most productive years. Based on these, it is needful to develop strategies for eradication of the infection, encourage health education by creating awareness towards improving environmental and household sanitation, water, personal and food hygiene.

Context: The potential benefits of exercise to pregnant women and their unborn children are immense, yet regular exercise prescription may not be the norm. Aims: Our study aimed to investigate the perceptions and practices of obstetric care providers regarding exercise in pregnancy. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey done in Kaduna state between July and December 2020. A pretested questionnaire was given to obstetric care providers and information was obtained about demographics, professional and facility characteristics of respondents, their perceptions, and practices related to exercise in pregnancy, and information they routinely give pregnant women regarding exercise. Descriptive analysis was done using frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Results: There were 265 respondents with a mean age of 34.23 ± 9.29 years. They were mostly females (215, 82.1%), married (171, 65.3%), Muslim (137, 52.3%), and Hausa (107, 40.8%). There were more nurses (153, 58.4%) from the public (212, 80.9%) and tertiary (133, 50.8%) health facilities. Almost all respondents agreed that exercise during pregnancy was beneficial (258, 98.5%). The commonest indication for exercise was cited as obesity and diabetes, whereas it was mostly contraindicated with bleeding while pregnant. The commonest barriers to exercise in pregnancy were the fear of pregnancy complications, inadequate knowledge, and high workload. Conclusion: Healthcare workers in this study generally had positive perceptions and practices toward exercise during pregnancy, except for the fact that they feel pregnant women should avoid strength-building exercises, and do not usually recommend individualized programs. Local guidelines need to be developed for EIP and providers better trained.