GPH-International Journal of Health Sciences and Nursing

The Effects of Goko Cleanser on the Hypothalamus and Pancreatic Histomorphology in Adult Male Wistar Rats

2026-09-16T11:30:26+00:00

The widespread use of herbal mixtures has grown substantially in recent years, driven largely by the perception that plant-based remedies are safe, natural, and capable of providing multiple therapeutic benefits. Herbal formulations such as Goko Cleanser are commonly consumed to manage conditions including diabetes, fever, gastrointestinal disturbances, joint pains, and appetite regulation. Despite these perceived advantages, concerns remain regarding the potential toxic effects of these products on vital organs, particularly when consumed in high doses or over extended periods. In this context, careful scientific evaluation is essential to determine both the efficacy and safety of such herbal preparations. This study investigated the effects of Goko Cleanser on hypothalamic oxidative stress markers and the histomorphology of the pancreas in adult male Wistar rats. Twenty rats weighing between 160 g and 250 g were selected for the experiment and randomly assigned into four experimental groups (G1–G4) based on their body weight to ensure uniformity across treatments. Group 1 (G1) served as the control and received 10 ml/kg of normal saline or distilled water orally. Group 2 (G2) received 1000 mg/kg of Goko Cleanser, Group 3 (G3) received 1500 mg/kg, and Group 4 (G4) received 2000 mg/kg orally. Treatments were administered daily over a period of 21 days to evaluate both subacute and potential cumulative effects of the herbal mixture.Results from the study demonstrated that oxidative stress markers in the hypothalamus, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA), did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) across the experimental groups. These findings suggest that, within the duration and dosage used, Goko Cleanser did not elicit substantial oxidative damage in the hypothalamic tissue, although minor adaptive responses in antioxidant activity were observed. Glucose levels also remained largely stable across all groups, indicating that the herbal formulation did not significantly impair pancreatic endocrine function during the study period. However, body weight of the experimental rats increased significantly (P < 0.05) over the course of the study, with the most notable gains occurring in the first week of treatment. This suggests that Goko Cleanser may influence energy metabolism and nutrient assimilation, possibly through mild effects on appetite regulation or glucose utilization. Histological analysis of pancreatic tissue revealed dose-dependent alterations. At higher doses, particularly in groups 3 and 4, evidence of pancreatic tissue inflammation and subtle structural changes, such as loosely packed Langerhans islets and focal fatty changes in interlobular connective tissue, were observed. These alterations point to potential disruptions in both endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas, which could have long-term metabolic implications if the herbal mixture is consumed in large quantities or over prolonged periods. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that while Goko Cleanser does not significantly affect hypothalamic oxidative stress or glucose levels in the short term, prolonged or high-dose administration may pose risks to pancreatic tissue integrity and overall metabolic function. These findings underscore the importance of caution in the therapeutic use of Goko Cleanser.

KNOWLEDGE OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL ASSESSMENT AMONG RESIDENTS IN ODIO-AMA BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

2026-09-22T10:11:34+00:00

Aim/Objective: Household hazardous waste comprises products commonly used in homes that contain substances capable of causing harm to human health and the environment if improperly handled or disposed of. This study assesses residents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding household hazardous waste disposal and examines factors influencing disposal behaviors. Methods: A descriptive survey design was employed, using structured questionnaires administered to residents within the study area. Results: Findings from this study revealed that while many residents were aware of the potential dangers associated with hazardous household waste, a significant proportion lacked adequate knowledge of proper disposal methods. Common disposal practices included mixing hazardous waste with general household refuse, open dumping, and burning, which pose environmental and public health risks. Factors such as educational, access to disposal facilities, environmental awareness, and government regulations were significantly influence disposal practices. Conclusion: The study concludes that inadequate awareness and limited access to appropriate waste management systems are contributing factors to improper household hazardous waste disposal. We therefore recommend that the government should make frantic effort to intensify public education campaigns, improved waste collection infrastructure, and implement effective policies that will promote safe disposal practices and protect environmental sustainability and public health.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND CHALLENGES FACED BY NURSES DELIVERING PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES IN THE BUEA REGIONAL HOSPITAL

2026-10-17T11:49:12+00:00

Background: Palliative Care (PC) is an essential component of comprehensive healthcare that seeks to improve the quality of life of patients with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Nurses play a central role in the delivery of palliative care because of their continuous involvement in symptom management, psychological support, patient advocacy and end-of-life care. Despite the growing recognition of palliative care worldwide, its implementation remains limited in low and middle-income countries including Cameroon. Evidence regarding nurses preparedness to provide palliative care in Cameroon remains scare, particularly at the Buea Regional Hospital (BRH).

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and challenges faced by nurses delivering palliative care services at the Buea Regional Hospital.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional design was conducted among 104 registered nurses working in the medical, surgical, ICU, oncology, private and VIP units at the Buea Reguonal Hospital. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of palliative care, attitudes towards palliative care, and percieved challenges affecting service delivery. Descriptive statistics summarized participants characteristics and study variables, while Chi-square tests assessed associations between selected socio-demographic variables and knowledge and attitude levels. Statistical significance was considered at p< 0.05.

Results: Among the 104 nurses who participated, majority were female (88.5%), aged between 26-30 years (41.3%), and held Bachelor’s degrees (59.6%). Overall, 68.3% demonstrated good knowledge of palliative care with a mean score of 8.02/10.

Positive attitudes towards palliative care were observed in 89.4% of respondents with a mean score of 33.46/45. However, important knowledge gaps remained regarding the appropriate timing of palliative care initiation and it’s primary goals. Frequently reported barriers included; inadequate training (55.8%), emotional stress and burnout (55.8%) and cultural or religious barriers (51.0%). Notably, 82.7% of nurses reported that challenges had prevented them from delivering quality PC. The most recommended improvement was more training for nurses (87.5%).

Conclusion: Although nurses at the Buea Regional Hospital demonstrated good knowledge and positive attitudes towards palliative care, significant challenges particularly inadequate training and emotional stress, hinder effective delivery. Targeted training programs, institutional support, and clear palliative care protocols are urgently needed to improve palliative care quality at Buea Regional Hospital.

Views, expectations and level of satisfaction of parents/guardians regarding paediatric emergency and critical care provided by nurses in the Bamenda health district

2026-11-01T10:41:37+00:00

Introduction: Emergency care is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as care for the acutely ill and injured delivered by frontline providers who manage medical, surgical, and obstetric emergencies, relying on early recognition and resuscitation. Paediatric critical care on the other hand consists of identification of children at risk of dying or having adverse outcomes, and in need of intensive monitoring and provision of appropriate interventions.

Aim: The main aim of this study was to assess the views, expectations and level of satisfaction of parents/guardians regarding paediatric emergency and critical care provided by nurses in the Bamenda health district.

Materials and methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional and analytical design using a mixed method of both descriptive quantitative/qualitative data. Interview and observational guides were used to collect data. The study population included parents of children aged 1 month to below 18 years old admitted in the paediatric intensive care units and/or specialised paediatric wards. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select the study sites and the sample size of 88 parents. Data was made of categorical and numerical variables, analysed using frequencies, proportions and Multiple Response Analysis to aggregate responses.

Results: Majority of the parents 56(63.64%) felt that the child would die because treatment was delayed. Concerning the views of parents on the time nursing care should commence, 56 (63.64%) of the respondents correctly said nursing care to commence immediately on arrival in the hospital. Again, 69 (78.41%) of the 88 respondents expected that the child will get well, 47 (53.41%) preferred nurses to take care of their children reason being that nurses are always with the child at all times as stated by 15 (17.04%). Also, 68(77.287%) were satisfied with nursing care and, a relative majority 27(30.68%) said they were satisfied because they did not wait for long. There was no significant relationship between nurses’ attributes and parental satisfaction except for good reception; x² = 4.036 and P= 0.045 and giving of complete and detailed information about the child’s progress; x²=10.571, P= 0.001. Only 3 out of the 30 (10.0%) parents observed were very satisfied with care while 27(90.0%) were either just satisfied or not satisfied with care given.