Purpose – This study aimed to assess the immunization status of children in the rural suburbs of Sokoto state. The study aimed to examine the knowledge and perception of the respondents towards immunization, their vaccination coverage, and factors that may influence their immunization status.Design/methods/approach – This study, which took place in Sokoto state, Nigeria, used a questionnaire as the data collection instrument for a descriptive observational survey. The participants in the study consisted of opinion/community leaders, community men and women, and healthcare providers from the study area. The study population encompassed all people in the region under investigation. The sample size was 300 respondents selected through cluster sampling, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the X2 test.Findings – The study’s respondents were primarily male (66.7%), with a significant female population (33.3%), all aged 26-35. The majority were married (66.7%) and had tertiary education (66.7%), while some had secondary (16.7%) or primary education (16.7%). Immunization knowledge was primarily obtained through friends (66.7%) and healthcare workers (33.3%), with the expected time to begin immunization after nine months of age. All respondents had vaccinated their children and possessed vaccination cards. Factors affecting immunization included socioeconomic status (33.3%), beliefs (26.7%), geographic barriers (16.6%), and awareness (16.7%). The DPT1/DPT3 immunization coverage rate was 85%.Research implications/limitations – This study offers valuable insights for developing effective immunization programs in rural areas. The findings highlight the importance of educating friends and family members and promoting high levels of awareness and motivation towards immunization to encourage the adoption of similar strategies. However, it is essential to note that the study’s focus on immunization in children may limit its relevance to other age groups. Practical implications – Immunization is crucial for saving lives and protecting individuals, families, and communities from various diseases, offering profound benefits beyond health. This study has practical implications for policymakers, researchers, healthcare providers, students, and non-governmental organizations who can benefit from its findings to improve immunization strategies.Originality/value – This study provides valuable insights into the immunization status of children in rural areas of Sokoto state, highlighting the importance of education, awareness, and motivation towards immunization to promote higher vaccination coverage rates and improve public health.Paper type Research paper

The objective of this paper was to determine the effect of tamsulosin use on plasma insulin status in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients in Sokoto, Nigeria. Standard methods and procedures were used. At 2nd and 3rd months of tamsulosin use, there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values compared to baseline. Likewise, at 4th month of tamsulosin use, a significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values was revealed compared to baseline and 2nd month values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P>0.05). Plasma insulin at 4th months of the study in BPH patients (45-54 years) treated with tamsulosin revealed a significant increase (P<0.05) compared to baseline values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P>0.05). BPH patients (aged 55-64 years) at 3rd month showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values compared to baseline values. Likewise, at 4th month of tamsulosin use, a significant increase  (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values was seen compared to baseline and 1st month values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P>0.05). In BPH patients aged 65 and above, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in plasma insulin values from 1st through 4th month compared to baseline and other inter mean values comparisons. Plasma insulin at 0th , 1st , 2nd , 3rd and 4th months of BPH patients of different age groups treated with tamsulosin revealed no significant differences (P>0.05). This study revealed that tamsulosin use in the patients lead to significant increase in plasma insulin level (hyperinsulinemia). Careful and routine monitoring of BPH patients should be done. Patients need enough exercise activities and some drugs can be administered to alleviate elevated glucose or insulin. Keywords: Tamsulosin, hyperinsulinemia, benign prostatic hyperplasia patients, insulin resistance

Schistosomiasis is an infectious disease of public health importance in the African countries. Due to poor prevention, poverty, and poor settings; areas like Sokoto, Nigeria are battling with the disease. Consequently, people are compelled to use preventive measures locally. There is recorded use of A. sativum for the prevention of schistosomiasis without enough scientifically supported information in that regards. Therefore, this work evaluated phytochemicals, acute toxicity, and subchronic toxicity (effects on some kidney indices). Standard methods and reagents of analytical grade were utilized. The work reveals the presence of some phytochemicals, no acute toxicity (at 4000 mg/kg body weight), as well as no major change in the urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels. 1.111 mg/dl to 1.118 mg/dl creatinine, 1.011 mg/dl to 1.025 mg/dl urea, and 1.120 mg/dl to 1.140 mg/dl uric acid were determined in control and highest dose (4000 mg/kg body weight) (p<0.05). This indicates that, the plant is likely to elicit little effects on the experimental animals. Much work is important to evaluate sufficiently the safety of the A. sativum in prevention of Schistosomiasis in the Sokoto, Nigeria.

The objective of this study was to investigate histopathology of livers and carry out body weight determination in normal rats administered with  tamsulosin. Standard methods and procedures were used in this study. The results were revealed. Pertaining weight, at the 3rd , 6th and 8th weeks of the study, no significant difference (P>0.05) in weight was found in the group of rats treated with carvedilol (positive control), tamsulosin low dose (12μg/kg) and high dose tamsulosin (40μg/kg) compared to normal control group, respectively. Other inter-groups comparisons were not significantly different, respectively. Pertaining liver morphology, liver sections of groups revealed no significant histological lesions compared to the normal control group at the 6th and 8th weeks of the study, respectively. This study revealed that the tamsulosin cause no histopathological lesion, thus the drug might be safe to the liver and its biochemical processes. Keywords: Tamsulosin, Liver, histopathology, weight, Wistar rats