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Abstract Diagnosed hypertension stands out as a prominent global cause of mortality, prompting recent efforts to understand not only treatment options but also determinants across diverse age and occupational groups. However, the literature on the impact of environmental factors on diagnosed hypertension is limited, especially in rural areas with restricted access to health infrastructure. Geographical determinants research has often focused on spatial variations across different units, potentially masking individual environmental contributions. Data on diagnosed hypertension patients and their behaviours were gathered during the ARISE project, complemented by geographical data (elevation, vegetation, road network, population density, and nighttime light exposure) from secondary sources. Spatial patterns were analyzed using the Nearest Neighbour Statistic, Ripley K Function, and Kernel Density Estimation, while Binomial logistic regression identified predictors. Diagnosed hypertension patients exhibit spatial clustering, and are mainly comprised of elderly individuals, residing closer to roads, at higher elevations, in areas with higher population distribution, and with little or no green vegetation. Socio-economic, health-related, behavioural, and environmental factors collectively drive diagnosed hypertension. Spatial clustering of diagnosed hypertension in the Igbo Ora community is localized, indicating potential spatial factors influencing its prevalence. Beyond identified behavioural and medical history factors, geographical elements like nighttime light exposure and normalized vegetation index contribute to the observed clustering. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for targeted interventions in the community.

Since return to Nigeria to civilian administration in 1999, women have been making efforts to access political leadership space with little progress. With international and national instruments to ensure more women gain inroad into politics, there is a dismal record in this aspect. Anchoring the paper on theory of political participation, the paper explored the possibility of gender depoliticisation through the involvement of young women in politics. Desk research method which utilised secondary sources of data collection was employed. The paper argued that in spite of the fact that young women are involved in activism,they are grossly underrepresented in political leadership. Culture, political acrimony, stigmatisation, religion, lack of finance, political violence, etc., constitute barriers to young women representation in politics. The paper contended that there is always political inequality between women and men, particularly among the youngest generations. The paper concluded that young women are at risk of not being included and favourably considered in the decision making process, as non-participation in politics poses a threat to their gender's dignified existence in the body polity. It recommended that socio-economic barriers including culture, religion, patriarchal belief, political acrimony, insecurity, etc., should be addressed. Empowerment should start from the family to re-orientate on the social barriers affecting young women participation in leadership positions. Girl-child education needs prioritisation to develop potentials, particularly contribution in decision making process at all levels of governance, among others.

The study examined the efficacy of using the traditional institutions in managing communal crisis in Akoko North-East, Ondo State, Nigeria. Descriptive research design was adopted, both questionnaire and interview were used to obtain firsthand information. Communitarian theory was employed as a theoretical framework. It was discovered that land, chieftaincy disputes, religion and politicisation are factors causing communal crisis in Akoko North East, Ondo state. The negative effects of the conflict include economic disruption, human displacement and social divisions. Also, it was found that traditional institutions have authority over the affairs of the study area. It also discovered that the existence of two first-class kings, political manipulations, erosion of authority and lack of application of the ancient sacred rite in rural life have been the clog in effective managing of communal crisis in Akoko North-East, Ondo State. It recommended that existence of two first-class kings in same locality should be resolved, political interference should be curbed and traditional institutions should fall back to their ancient sacred rites to ensure their efficacy in managing communal conflicts.

The study assesses the implications of voter apathy during students’ union elections on Social Studies and Political Science Students. The study assesses the levels of student voter apathy; examine reasons for voter apathy and influence of Social Studies and Political Science on students’ political participation in the student union election. Three (3) research questions were raised and answered in the study. The study adopted descriptive research design. The target population of the study consists of all the Social Studies and Political Science of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State. Six hundred and twenty (620) students were selected for the study, using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. A self-designed questionnaire tagged “Students and Voting Apathy Questionnaire” (SVAQ) was used to obtain information from the respondents. The data were analysed using descriptive analysis of frequency, percentage mean and standard deviation. The findings show that voter apathy among social studies and political science students during students’ union elections is unabated; popular students' inclination that voting during a students’ union election is a voluntary exercise; students have negative perceptions about candidates fulfilling their electoral promises; and Social Studies and Political Science have an influence on students' active participation and voting during student unions’ election. The study recommended that voting during students’ union election should be made compulsory for the students of Social Studies and Political Science and that management of higher institutions of learning must adopt e-voting to de-radicalise students’ elections and enhance active participation of students’ confidence of students in voting during student union elections.

This study aims to investigate the spectrum of bacteria and yeasts present in soaked vegetables and their resilience to varying pH levels, alcohol, and temperatures. Four samples were collected from Ago-Iwoye market, and initial isolation and identification were conducted using streaking techniques and biochemical tests. Standard procedures were employed to assess bacteria and yeast tolerance to different pH levels, alcohol concentrations, and temperature ranges. The biochemical tests identified microorganisms, including Lactobacillus spp., Lactobacillus spp., Enterococcus spp., Leuconostoc spp., Escherichia coli, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Bacterial and yeast isolates demonstrated viability at both 10°C and 45°C, while no visible growth occurred at 60°C, indicating the respective heat resistance of these microorganisms commonly found in vegetable samples. The evaluation of microbial tolerance to varying pH conditions is pivotal for exploring adaptability in food processing and digestion, particularly in fermentation processes. The research concludes the microbial diversity present, distinguishing between beneficial and potentially harmful strains.

Objective: Africa contributes significantly to the increasing global prevalence (>37 ​%), unmet need and treatment burden for people with osteoarthritis. Despite this, little research has examined the expressed needs of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and joint pain in West-Africa. This study aimed to explore lived experiences, expressed needs and current care gaps for people living with osteoarthritis in low-health resource contexts using Nigeria as a case study. Design: Qualitative study using Focus Groups. People aged 45 years and over living with osteoarthritis and joint pain were recruited at local health services or via wide advertisements in the community. Discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis (inductive approach). Results: Three focus groups were conducted with people living with osteoarthritis (n ​= ​30, age range 45–90 years) across socio-demographic strata. Participants described their experiences of living with osteoarthritis as emotionally, physically, and socio-economically challenging. Four main themes (and 14 sub-themes) were identified. Participants expressed the need for an information and health education campaign and access to appropriate health professionals (especially physiotherapists) for providing support, guidance, and assistance with self-management. Conclusions: The provision of an accessible, and contextually appropriate patient education package, in line with evidence-based recommendations is a critical need for people living with osteoarthritis in Nigeria. This will promote evidence-based care for OA in low-resource settings, empowering patients to self-manage and reducing confusion related to inconsistent advice and mixed messages about cause, healthcare access and OA care.

In this retrospective cohort study using data from an integrated primary care and subspecialty network, we examined medical records of children seen in primary care at eligible autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening ages and followed through at least 4 years of age. We examined the prevalence of ASD; age of first documented ASD diagnosis; and whether the prevalence and age of documented diagnosis varied by race, ethnicity, socio-economic status (SES) and site of care (urban versus suburban/rural). The prevalence of ASD across the cohort was 3.2%, with a median age of diagnosis of 3.93 years. ASD prevalence was unexpectedly higher among Asian children, non-Hispanic Black children, children with higher Social Vulnerability Index scores (a neighborhood-level proxy of socio-economic risk), and children who received care in urban primary care sites. There were no statistically significant differences in age at which ASD diagnosis was documented across socio-demographic groups. Receiving primary care at an urban site accounted for most other socio-demographic differences in ASD prevalence rates, except among Asian children, who were found to have higher adjusted odds of ASD diagnosis compared to White children (aOR = 1.82, p < 0.001). Determining what clinical-, individual- or systems-level factors contribute to ASD diagnosis remains important to improve equity.

In forensics, post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation is essential. Researchers have devised various approaches to accurately determine PMI, consequently, ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules could be useful PMI estimation tool. This study aims to ascertain the stability and expression of some ribosomal RNAs, micro-RNAs, and circular-RNAs in rat post-mortem liver, heart and muscle tissues. Fifty healthy adult Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups, sacrificed and target tissues were harvested. These genes- miR-122, 18S, miR-133a, RPS18, Circ-LRP6, 5S rRNA, Circ-AFF1, Circ-Ogdh, LC-Ogdh, U6 and GAPDH- were selected for the study. Extracted RNA was subjected to spectrophotometric analysis, complementary Deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) synthesis and amplified by Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) using gene-specific primers. For liver samples, miR-122 and 5S had the highest and lowest Cq-values respectively. There was a significant difference between the expression of GAPDH and Circ-Ogdh and 5S (p≤0.05). For the heart and muscle samples, miR-122 and Circ-LRP6 had the highest Cq-value respectively. In the heart, there was significant difference between the expression of GAPDH and miR-122, miR-133a and RPS-18 (p≤0.05). In muscle tissue, there was significant difference between the expression of GAPDH and U6, Circ-AFF1 and Circ-LRP6 (p≤0.05). This study shows that miR-122 and LC-Ogdh (liver tissues), miR-122, miR-133a and Cir-LRP6 (heart tissues), and miR-122 and Circ-AFF1 (muscle tissues) are suitable reference genes for PMI estimation using GAPDH as a reference gene. In conclusion, a forensic method for PMI assessment may use a combination of tissue-specific miRNAs, ribosomal RNAs, SnRNAs, CircRNAs, and CircRNA+mRNA.

Background: HIV testing remains an entry point into HIV care and treatment services. In 2007, Nigeria adopted and implemented a two-test rapid HIV testing algorithm of three HIV rapid test kits, following the sequence: Alere Determine (first test), UnigoldTM (second test), and STAT-PAK® as the tie-breaker. Sub-analysis of the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey data showed significant discordance between the first and second tests, necessitating an evaluation of the algorithm. This manuscript highlights lessons learnt from that evaluation. Intervention: A two-phased evaluation method was employed, including abstraction and analysis of retrospective HIV testing data from January 2017 to December 2019 from 24 selected sites supported by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief programme. A prospective evaluation of HIV testing was done among 2895 consecutively enrolled and consented adults, aged 15–64 years, accessing HIV testing services from three selected sites per state across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria between July 2020 and September 2020. The prospective evaluation was performed both in the field and at the National Reference Laboratory under controlled laboratory conditions. Stakeholder engagements, strategic selection and training of study personnel, and integrated supportive supervision were employed to assure the quality of evaluation procedures and outcomes. Lessons learnt: The algorithm showed higher sensitivity and specificity in the National Reference Laboratory compared with the field. The approaches to quality assurance were integral to the high-quality study outcomes. Recommendations: We recommend comparison of testing algorithms under evaluation against a gold standard. What this study adds: This study provides context-specific considerations in using World Health Organization recommendations to evaluate the Nigerian national HIV rapid testing algorithm.

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance is increasingly becoming a global health concern. This study aimed to investigate and report MDR Escherichia coli (E. coli) prevalence, resistance, and virulence genes from poultry in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.MethodsThe samples were analyzed using microbiological standard methods and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).ResultsA total of 179 cloacal swabs were collected from bothlocal and exotic poultry breeds, of which 99.4% (178/179) tested positive for E. coli. Among these culturally identified samples, 99.4% (177/178) were furtherconfirmed Escherichia coli with a molecular weight of 401 bp. Multidrugresistance of 45% (80/178) was observed from the confirmed isolates. PCR assays were conducted to detect genes associated with resistance to antibiotics, specifically, tetracycline (tetA gene), sulfonamide (sul1 gene), ampicillin (ampC gene), and quinolone (gyrA gene). Antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) results revealed substantial antibiotic resistance, with 81.9% (145/177) of the isolates being resistant to tetracycline, 80.2% (142/177) to quinolone, 69.5% (123/177) to sulfonamide, and 66.1% (117/177) to ampicillin. Further analysis on 18 isolates that showed resistance to up to four different antibiotics was carried out using multiplex PCR to detect eae, hlyA, rfbE, fliC, and fstx virulence genes. The study found that 44.4% (15/18) of the isolates were positive for the eae gene, 27.7% (5/18) for stx, 22.2% (4/18) for rfbe gene, and 5.5% (1) for hlya gene, and none tested positive for fliC gene.ConclusionThese results showed high antibiotic resistance, virulent genes, and significant levels of MDR in E. coli from poultry. This study highlights the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship practices within the poultry industry due to their profound implications for food safety and public health. This issue is particularly critical in Nigeria, where poultry farming constitutes a significant portion of smallholder farming practices.

This article makes three important arguments. The first is that one of the most crucial factors in explaining the various outcomes of UN peacekeeping cases over the past seventy-five years can be found in the role of contingencies: the idiosyncratic circumstances that have combined to enable success or failure. The second is that these peacekeeping missions critically demonstrate the importance of focusing attention on the significant role of key domestic, regional, and external actors. The third is that contingencies at these three important levels, rather than any established security patterns or theories, are often the most critical factors in explaining the outcomes of UN peacekeeping missions over the past seven and a half decades. The choices of national and regional actors as well as external great powers often shape how these missions start, develop, and end. Examining interests and motivations in detail thus helps explain how and why UN peacekeeping missions have succeeded or failed. Keywords peacekeeping--United Nations--domestic--regional--external--contingencies--great powers--spoilers, 1 Introduction (1) In this article, I make three key arguments. The first is that one of the most crucial factors in explaining the various outcomes of UN peacekeeping cases [...]

Prior to the discovery of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the pattern of tuberculosis (TB) prevalence witnessed a gradual drawdown and the mode of presentation was usually pulmonary. This study assesses the mortality rates of TB and HIV co-infected patients in a directly observed therapy (DOT) centre in Nigeria. The retrospective study retrieved 18 months of data from 197 patients on the TB register of a centralized DOT centre in the Ogun State, Nigeria. Data collected included age, sex, and HIV status, with TB results obtained from Genexpert. The data obtained from 197 TB patients were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square. Out of the 197 TB patients, 67.0% were males and 33.0% were females. A majority of the patients (41.6%) were within the age category of 43 years and above. This was followed by 35 – 42 years (25.4%) and 27 – 34 years (19.8%), while the lowest proportion of patients (0.5%) falls within the age brackets of 3 - 10 years. Furthermore, 92.9% of the patients were HIV negative. Using Chi-squared test, no significant difference was seen in TB occurrence to sex (p>0.05) while age contribute significantly to mortality. Co-infection of HIV/TB was 7.1% while mortality rate in this group was 28.6%. as observed in the age group 43 and above. Overall, the mortality rate in the TB patients was 2.0%. Results showed that the age was a significant contributor (p

Objectives This study assessed the associations of Internalised Homonegativity (IH) with HIV testing and risk behaviours of adult men who have sex with men (MSM) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and effect modification by the legal climate.Design We used data from the cross-sectional 2019 Global Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI+) Internet survey study.Setting and participants Overall, the 2019 Global LGBTI Internet Survey collected data from 46 SSA countries. In this secondary analysis, we included data from 3191 MSM in 44 SSA countries as there were no eligible MSM responses in the 2 countries excluded.Outcome measures Our response variables were self-reported binary indicators of ever tested for HIV, recently tested in the past 6 months (from those who reported ever testing), transactional sex (paying for and being paid for sex in the past 12 months), and unprotected anal sex (that is without a condom or pre-exposure prohylaxis (PrEP)) with a non-steady partner (in the past 3 months).Results Our findings showed high levels of IH (range 1–7) in MSM across SSA (mean (SD)=5.3 (1.36)). We found that MSM with higher IH levels were more likely to have ever (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.18, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.35) and recently tested (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.32) but no evidence of an association with paying for sex (aOR 1.00, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.12), selling sex (aOR 1.06, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.20) and unprotected sex (aOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.09). However, we observed that a favourable legal climate modifies the associations of IH and paying for sex (aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.94). Increasing levels of IH had a negative association with paying for sex in countries where same-sex relationships are legal. We found no associations of IH with unprotected anal sex in the population surveyed.Conclusions We confirm that IH is widespread across SSA but in countries that legalise same-sex relationships, MSM were less likely to engage in transactional sex compared with those in countries where homosexuality is criminalised.

The study investigated how ungoverned spaces promote herder-farmer conflict in Ondo state, South West, Nigeria. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion were used to obtain primary data. Simple random sampling technique was employed in selecting 200 respondents. Eighteen in-depth interviews and two discussions were conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Findings showed that herders used ungoverned spaces as hideouts to carry out attacks against the communities. Herder-farmer conflict led to loss of lives, destruction of property, disruption of socio-economic activities, food insecurity and distrust among ethnic groups. Amotekun security outfit plays crucial roles in monitoring and checkmating herders who use the unmanned forests as hideouts. Anti-grazing law is effective in restricting the movement of herders causing crop destruction. It recommended that the ungoverned spaces should be used for siting of local industries, tourist centres and mechanised farm settlements in order to create employment opportunities, boost food production and eliminate hideouts for the criminal elements. Drones can be deployed to monitor the operation of herders in the forests. Amotekun security outfit should be trained and adequately equipped with weapons for maximum delivery.

Abstract Advances in musculoskeletal (MSK) research have been successfully curated into widely endorsed evidence-based recommendations and guidelines. However, there continues to exist significant variations in care and quality of care, and the global health and socio-economic burdens associated with MSK conditions continues to increase. Limited accessibility, and applicability of guideline recommendations have been suggested as contributory factors to less than adequate guideline implementation. Since patient and public involvement (PPI) is being credited with increasing relevance, dissemination and uptake of MSK research, the success of guidelines implementation strategies may also be maximised through increasing opportunities for PPI input. We therefore conducted a scoping review of literature to explore PPI in implementation of evidence-based guidance for MSK conditions. A comprehensive search was used to identify relevant literature in three databases (Medline, Embase, Cinahl) and two large repositories (WHO, G-IN), supplemented by grey literature search. Eligibility was determined with criteria established a priori and narrative synthesis was used to summarise PPI activities, contexts, and impact on implementation of MSK related evidence-based guidance across ten eligible studies (one from a low-and middle-income country LMIC). A prevalence of low-level PPI (mainly consultative activities) was found in the current literature and may partly account for current experiences of significant variations and quality of care for MSK patients. The success of PPI in MSK research may be lessened by the oversight of PPI in implementation. This has implications for both high- and low-resource healthcare systems, especially in LMICs where evidence is limited. Patient and public partnership for mobilising knowledge, maximising guideline uptake, and bridging the research-practice gap particularly in low resource settings remain important and should extend beyond PPI in research and guideline dissemination activities only. This review is a clarion call to stakeholders, and all involved, to transform PPI in MSK research into real world benefits through implementation approaches underpinned by patient and public partnerships. We anticipate that this will enhance and drive quality improvements in MSK care with patients and for patients across health and care settings.

Introduction: The gradual decline in sperm production has become growing concern and subject of widespread debates in the last decades. Factors have been implicated as possible causes of the deterioration of the male reproductive function, including exposure to heat. Ascorbic acid (AA), an antioxidant compound, has been indicated to play protective roles in male reproductive system. Objective: This study is aimed to evaluate the ameliorative potential of Ascorbic Acid on damages caused by elevated scrotal temperature on Testicular structure and function in rats. Materials and methods: Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were used and divided into A-D of 10 animals each: Group A served as Control and their testes were exposed to a water bath of 20±2℃, Groups B-D served as low, medium and high doses were exposed to a water bath of 33±2℃, 43±2℃ and 53±2℃ for 60 seconds for a period of 4 weeks respectively. Upon completion, 5 rats from each group were taken and euthanized. The remaining received 100 mg/kg of Ascorbic acid for 28 days and the rats were euthanized. Results: Heat stress has deleterious effects on male fertility as it negatively impacts seminal parameters, hormonal milieu, oxidative stress, and testicular weight, leading to reduced sperm quality, hormonal imbalance, increased oxidative damage, and testicular atrophy. However, the presence of Ascorbic acid had some ameliorative properties on these adverse effects, which is due to its antiinflammatory and antioxidants properties. Conclusion: From this study, the evidence suggests that ascorbic acid supplementation can ameliorate heat-induced testicular damage and holds promise as a therapeutic agent or as a dietary supplement for individuals exposed to heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncontrolled use of chemicals, urban wastes, nuclear resources, mining, petrochemicals and disposal of sewage sludge only a few anthropogenic activities that have contributed to the rapid industrialization and severe heavy metal contamination of soils and waterways. Both inorganic and organic pollutants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, can impact the composition and functionality of soils. Soils and plants are affected by pollution, thus, pose a dire threat to food security. This directly renders the soil unuseful for agricultural purposes, destroys the beneficial microbes in the soil, reduces the soil organic matter content, causes the imbalance of soil nutrients, affects plant growth and the interaction between the plants and microbes, subsequently affecting the soil and crop productivity. In addition, environmental pollutants affect human health, leading to different illnesses such as headaches, allergies, coughs, depression, chest pain, nausea, diabetes, liver problems, cancers, eye problems, and so on. Remediation (physical, chemical or biological) is therefore necessary to reduce the impacts of these pollutants in the environment. Bioremediations involve using natural products from plants, microbes, and so on, to detoxify the environment and make it useful or productive again. A key type of remediation is the Remediation by Enhanced Natural Attenuation (RENA) which involves the turning of soil to promote microbial proliferation, aeration, nutrient availability, moisture and consequently, the degradation of pollutants. This review discusses the technology of RENA, the associated microbes, the mechanism of its action, challenges associated with its usage and recommendations to advance the use of RENA for a sustainable environment.

Diagnosed hypertension stands out as a prominent global cause of mortality, prompting recent efforts to understand not only treatment options but also determinants across diverse age and occupational groups. However, the literature on the impact of environmental factors on diagnosed hypertension is limited, especially in rural areas with restricted access to health infrastructure. Geographical determinants research has often focused on spatial variations across different units, potentially masking individual environmental contributions. Data on diagnosed hypertension patients and their behaviours were gathered during the ARISE project, complemented by geographical data (elevation, vegetation, road network, population density, and nighttime light exposure) from secondary sources. Spatial patterns were analyzed using the Nearest Neighbour Statistic, Ripley K Function, and Kernel Density Estimation, while Binomial logistic regression identified predictors. Diagnosed hypertension patients exhibit spatial clustering, and are mainly comprised of elderly individuals, residing closer to roads, at higher elevations, in areas with higher population distribution, and with little or no green vegetation. Socio-economic, health-related, behavioural, and environmental factors collectively drive diagnosed hypertension. Spatial clustering of diagnosed hypertension in the Igbo Ora community is localized, indicating potential spatial factors influencing its prevalence. Beyond identified behavioural and medical history factors, geographical elements like nighttime light exposure and normalized vegetation index contribute to the observed clustering. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for targeted interventions in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers are a global concern, particularly for sexual minority men (SMM). Understanding awareness and the determinants of these beliefs is crucial for developing educational programs to reduce HPV-associated cancers. This study explored awareness and determinants of beliefs about HPV's carcinogenicity among SMM living with and without HIV in Nigeria. Methods: Participants were recruited through secure social media platforms in Abuja, Nigeria. REDCap surveys captured demographics, sexual practices and participants' beliefs regarding HPV's role in cancer. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the relationships between individual characteristics and belief levels stratified by those living with and without HIV. Results: Of 982 participants, the median age was 29 years (interquartile range: 26–34); 64.1% were living with HIV, and 9.7% believed HPV causes cancer. Awareness was highest for anal (82.1%) and penile cancers (15.8%) and less so for oropharyngeal and female HPV-associated cancers (range: 3–7%). Anogenital warts increased the odds of awareness for SMM living with HIV (aOR: 6.4, CI: 3.0–13.6) and for individuals without HIV (aOR: 4.8, CI: 1.6–14.2). Living with HIV for over 6 years was independently associated with a two-fold increased knowledge about HPV's carcinogenicity (aOR: 2.1, CI: 1.1–4.1). Conclusions: Awareness of HPV's carcinogenicity was low; however, those who were aware were more likely to identify male HPV-associated cancers relevant to their own cancer risk. Formalizing targeted education in HIV care settings may promote knowledge and advocacy for prevention strategies. HPV-associated cancers are likely to rise as survival with HIV increases. Knowing the community levels of understanding of personal risk would help tailor educational strategies to promote prevention-seeking behavior. Our study suggests a low understanding of HPV's carcinogenicity, but those aware of its carcinogenicity are more likely to identify male-associated cancers, suggesting that HIV care centers have an opportunity to expand education on cancer risk among their aging population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Without careful dissection of the ways in which biases can be encoded into artificial intelligence (AI) health technologies, there is a risk of perpetuating existing health inequalities at scale. One major source of bias is the data that underpins such technologies. The STANDING Together recommendations aim to encourage transparency regarding limitations of health datasets and proactive evaluation of their effect across population groups. Draft recommendation items were informed by a systematic review and stakeholder survey. The recommendations were developed using a Delphi approach, supplemented by a public consultation and international interview study. Overall, more than 350 representatives from 58 countries provided input into this initiative. 194 Delphi participants from 25 countries voted and provided comments on 32 candidate items across three electronic survey rounds and one in-person consensus meeting. The 29 STANDING Together consensus recommendations are presented here in two parts. Recommendations for Documentation of Health Datasets provide guidance for dataset curators to enable transparency around data composition and limitations. Recommendations for Use of Health Datasets aim to enable identification and mitigation of algorithmic biases that might exacerbate health inequalities. These recommendations are intended to prompt proactive inquiry rather than acting as a checklist. We hope to raise awareness that no dataset is free of limitations, so transparent communication of data limitations should be perceived as valuable, and absence of this information as a limitation. We hope that adoption of the STANDING Together recommendations by stakeholders across the AI health technology lifecycle will enable everyone in society to benefit from technologies which are safe and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]