The aim of this scoping review was to map the research that links oral health and sustainable development goals (SDGs). The question that guided this review was what is the published evidence specifically linking oral health and SDGs? The search of articles published between 2015 and June 2023 in English was conducted in June 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Scopus. The extracted data from the 12 of the 520 publications that met the inclusion criteria were synthesized. These were publications from the African (n = 2) and European (n = 1) regions. Ten of the studies were not country specific. There were three observational studies. The referenced SDGs were SDG 1 (n = 1), SDG 3 (n = 11), SDG 4 (n = 3), SDG 5 (n = 2), and SDG 13 (n = 1). The studies linking oral health to SDG3 discussed a range of issues related to integrated oral health care, dental education on the SDGs, improved health equalities, access to universal health care, and sustainable health approaches. The small number of studies identified suggests the need to take proactive steps to generate research-based evidence that explores the interplay between oral diseases, oral health, and SDGs to address the dearth in the literature. By so doing, resources allocated to the SDGs can also be effectively uses to control oral diseases.

Background: The coexistence of traditional healing practices deeply rooted in cultural and historical contexts and the evolving landscape of modern healthcare approaches in West African societies creates a dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in healthcare. This study aims to comprehensively map the landscape of traditional medicine use for health in West Africa. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Research questions focused on the links between traditional medicine practices and health in West Africa. The systematic literature search covered PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL from database inception to September 2023. A descriptive analysis was conducted highlighting the years of publication, countries of publication, study designs of plant families and plant parts used for making traditional medicines, and the diseases the traditional remedies are for. Results: The search identified 3484 records, with 46 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Publications spanned from 1979 to 2023, with no observed trend in the number of publications over successive decades. Nigeria had the highest number of publications (54.3%), followed by Ghana (19.6%). The studies employed various designs, including clinical trials, ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological, and experimental designs. Plant families frequently studied included Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Rubiaceae. Traditional remedies address various health issues, highlighting their versatility, from general symptoms to specific diseases. Conclusion: This scoping review offers an extensive overview of traditional healing practices in West Africa. The studies highlighted in this review stress the necessity for culturally sensitive healthcare interventions. The widespread use of traditional medicine and the variety of practices underscore the importance of encouraging collaboration between traditional healers and modern healthcare professionals. This review also identifies knowledge gaps and areas needing further research, setting the stage for future exploration into West Africa’s intricate healthcare landscape.

Background: This review aimed to chart the landscape of literature concerning the precise applications of traditional medicine in managing specific oral diseases and, in doing so, to pinpoint knowledge gaps surrounding the use of traditional medicine for oral disease management in the African context. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL. The search was conducted from the inception of the database till September 2023. A search of related citations and references was also carried out. Only English language publications were included. A summary of studies that met the inclusion criteria was conducted. Results: Of the 584 records identified, 11 were duplicates and 12 studies, published between 2006 and 2021, met the inclusion criteria. The studies were published from eight countries located in the five sub-regions on the continent. All the studies were either experimental designs or ethnobotanical surveys and they all utilized plant-based remedies. The five experimental studies aimed to assess the impact of whole plants or plant extracts on the three microorganisms responsible for dental caries and seven responsible for periodontal diseases. The number of plant species identified by the seven ethnobotanical surveys ranged from 29 to 62 while the number of plan families ranged from 15 to 29. The remedies were either topical applied, use as mouth rinses, gargled, or chewed. The systemic routes of administration identified were inhalation and drinking. The remedies were used for the treatment of hard such as dental caries and tooth sensitivity, to soft tissue lesions such as mouth ulcers, gingival bleeding, and mouth thrush. Other oral disorders managed include halitosis, jaw fracture, and oral cancer. Conclusions: Given the increasing prevalence of oral diseases within the region, the shortage of oral healthcare professionals and limited access to financial resources, it becomes imperative to support the generation of empirical evidence to enhance the provision of traditional medicine for oral healthcare in Africa.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for most cervical cancer cases globally, with women living with HIV having a higher risk of persistent HPV infection and HPV-associated disease. The HPV vaccine is a promising tool to reduce cervical cancer rates, but its uptake among women living with HIV in Nigeria is unknown. Methods: A facility-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1371 women living with HIV to assess their knowledge of HPV, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine as well as their willingness to pay for the vaccine at the HIV treatment clinic at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos. To identify factors associated with the willingness to pay for the HPV vaccine, multivariable logistic regression models were developed. Results: This study found that 79.1% of participants had not heard of the vaccine, and only 29.0% knew its efficacy in preventing cervical cancer. In addition, 68.3% of participants were unwilling to pay for the vaccine, and the average amount they were willing to pay was low. Knowledge of HPV, the HPV vaccine, and cervical cancer and income were factors associated with the willingness to pay for the vaccine. Health workers were the primary source of information. Conclusions: This study highlights the lack of knowledge and low willingness to pay for the HPV vaccine among women living with HIV in Nigeria and emphasizes the importance of improving education and awareness. Factors associated with the willingness to pay, such as income and knowledge, were identified. Practical strategies, such as community outreach and school-based education programs, could be developed to increase vaccine uptake. Further research is needed to explore additional factors influencing the willingness to pay.

HPV self-sampling has the potential to improve early detection of cervical cancer among women living with HIV (WLHIV), but its acceptability varies, creating implementation challenges, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to assess the acceptability of HPV self-sampling among WLHIV. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Academic Medical Ultimate, Cochrane databases, and Google Scholar. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022299781). Inclusion criteria were based on population, intervention, comparison, and outcome. Statistical analysis was done with R Studio version 4.3.2, and data abstraction was performed in Microsoft Excel. The analysis included 14 studies on the acceptability of HPV self-sampling among WLHIV. The overall acceptability rate was 73%. The pooled data showed that 94% felt comfortable with self-sampling, 72% found it easy to use, 10% reported pain, 14% felt embarrassed, and 41% felt confident about the process. The study found that a majority of WLHIV accepted HPV self-sampling, a higher rate than in the general female population. Many participants had concerns about the method’s efficacy. This indicates that while WLHIV generally views self-sampling positively, additional education and support are needed to improve their confidence in its accuracy and reliability.

Background: The study delves into the nuanced relationship between meal skipping and the double burden of malnutrition among university students. It addresses a critical gap in understanding how young adults' irregular dietary patterns contribute to undernutrition and overnutrition, phenomena typically studied in isolation. Aims: This research aimed to shed light on the broader implications of meal skipping within the context of student health and well-being. Subjects and Methods: The study surveyed a representative sample of undergraduate students from various academic disciplines at Lead City University in Ibadan, Nigeria, utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional approach. Detailed questionnaires were administered to assess the frequency of meal skipping, dietary habits, and associated lifestyle factors. Body mass index (BMI) and self-reported health data were also collected. Statistical analyses, including univariate and bivariate analysis, were employed to identify the nutritional status and meal patterns of the students, Principal component analysis was employed to identify the dietary patterns prevalent among the students from the food frequency questionnaire administered. Results: The findings reveal a significant correlation between meal skipping and the risk of undernutrition and overnutrition. Students who regularly skip meals are likely at an increased risk of undernutrition, characterized by lower BMI and potential micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition, indicated by higher BMI and associated health risks. This dual risk factor challenges existing perceptions of nutrition among young adults, suggesting that meal skipping can be a critical determinant of diverse and complex nutritional outcomes. Conclusion: The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive nutritional strategies at university campuses, focusing on educating students about the risks associated with inconsistent eating patterns. It calls for implementing targeted interventions and policy changes to address the double burden of malnutrition, promoting healthier lifestyles, and preventing long-term health issues among university students. Keywords: Meal Skipping, Double Burden of Malnutrition, University Students, Nutritional Status, Dietary Patterns, Public Health Interventions, Young Adult Health.