Research Article
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Utilisation of Professional Dental Care Services Among Rural Residents of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
65-76
Received:
6 February 2026
Accepted:
20 February 2026
Published:
4 March 2026
Abstract: Oral health is an essential component of overall health and quality of life; however, utilisation of professional dental care services remains low in many rural communities in Nigeria. Knowledge and attitudes toward dental care are key determinants of service utilisation, particularly in underserved populations. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and utilisation of professional dental care services among rural residents of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 rural residents selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize respondents’ knowledge, attitudes, and utilisation of dental care services, while Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge and attitudes. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Result: Most respondents demonstrated good knowledge of oral/dental health (84.3%). Despite this, attitudes toward dental care utilisation were largely negative, with 63.7% of respondents exhibiting unfavourable attitudes. Utilisation of professional dental care services was generally low and largely symptom-driven. Sex and monthly income were significantly associated with knowledge of oral/dental health (p < 0.05). Attitude toward dental care utilisation was significantly associated with level of education, occupation, and monthly income (p < 0.001), while age, marital status, and sex showed no significant association. Conclusion: Although knowledge of oral health was relatively high among rural residents of Ikwerre Local Government Area, negative attitudes toward dental care and low utilisation of professional services persist. Socioeconomic factors play a significant role in shaping attitudes and knowledge, underscoring the need for targeted oral health education, attitude-focused interventions, and improved accessibility and affordability of dental services in rural communities.
Abstract: Oral health is an essential component of overall health and quality of life; however, utilisation of professional dental care services remains low in many rural communities in Nigeria. Knowledge and attitudes toward dental care are key determinants of service utilisation, particularly in underserved populations. This study assessed the knowledge, a...
Show More
Research Article
Exploring the Integration of Traditional Healers into Hospital-based Health Care in Sierra Leone
Angella Magdalene George*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
77-84
Received:
29 January 2026
Accepted:
24 February 2026
Published:
5 March 2026
Abstract: This study aimed to examine stakeholder perceptions, feasibility, and challenges associated with integrating traditional healers into hospital-based healthcare systems in Sierra Leone, with the objective of identifying opportunities for collaboration and informing policy and practice. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed involving 400 participants drawn from Bo District, Western Area Urban District, and Kenema District. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of 35 closed-ended items assessing perceptions of integration feasibility, trust, safety, and institutional readiness, and were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. Qualitative data were obtained through 40 key informant interviews and eight focus group discussions and analyzed thematically using NVivo version 12. The results indicated that 86% of respondents supported the integration of traditional healers into hospital-based healthcare, citing cultural relevance, accessibility, and patient trust as key advantages. However, major barriers included the absence of regulatory frameworks, concerns about herbal safety and dosage, limited research capacity, and lack of mutual professional trust. The study concludes that integration is both feasible and necessary for strengthening culturally competent healthcare delivery and advancing Universal Health Coverage in Sierra Leone. It recommends the development of a national integration policy, hospital-based pilot programs, strengthened research and quality assurance mechanisms, and targeted capacity-building initiatives.
Abstract: This study aimed to examine stakeholder perceptions, feasibility, and challenges associated with integrating traditional healers into hospital-based healthcare systems in Sierra Leone, with the objective of identifying opportunities for collaboration and informing policy and practice. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed involving 40...
Show More
Research Article
Workforce Diversity and Wait Times to Enter Opioid Treatment
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
85-88
Received:
9 February 2026
Accepted:
24 February 2026
Published:
5 March 2026
Abstract: Background: Racial and ethnic minorities face significant disparities in accessing opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. While workforce diversity is theorized to improve cultural competency, rapport and retention, prior research has yielded mixed results regarding its impact on access, namely wait times. Conversely, workforce diversity may be associated with operational constraints. This study builds on previous work to determine how the association between minority staffing and wait times have changed post-pandemic. Methods: This study analyzes data from the National Drug Abuse Treatment System Survey (NDATSS) for 2017 (n = 101) and 2023 (n = 121) using multilevel linear regression to examine the relationship between staff racial composition and wait times to enter methadone treatment. Results: Consistent with historical trends, higher percentages of African American staff were associated with longer wait times overall. However, a significant interaction with the survey year reveals that this association weakened significantly in 2023 compared to 2017, suggesting a reduction in wait times for programs with diverse staffing in the post-pandemic landscape. Conclusion: The previously observed "cost" of workforce diversity on wait times appears to be diminishing. These findings suggest that evolving organizational practices or policy shifts may be allowing diverse teams to better facilitate timely access to care.
Abstract: Background: Racial and ethnic minorities face significant disparities in accessing opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. While workforce diversity is theorized to improve cultural competency, rapport and retention, prior research has yielded mixed results regarding its impact on access, namely wait times. Conversely, workforce diversity may be assoc...
Show More
,
Queen Desmond Atuzie
