Much recent studies in trying to discover a more accurate and reliable method in age estimation have been ongoing. The study aimed at estimating age using the metrical parameters of the tibia bone. Long bones adjudged to be reliable also offer researchers an easy-to-use approach for its robustness and uniqueness. The cadaveric samples included bones of the right tibia of 78 males (53 profiled and 25 non-profiled for age) who are within the age range of 21 and 60 years. A convenience sampling technique was utilized for the bone collection. Two to three bone sections were collected from the mid-shaft of the right tibia using a hacksaw. The data was analyzed with SPSS 25. The findings showed that the mean of the marrow cavity diameter (MCD), marrow area (MA), radius, and area of cortex were 2.15 ± 0.07, 4.10 ± 0.27, 0.36 ± 0.01, and 0.45 ± 0.04, respectively. ANOVA test for variation shows a statistically significant (P=0) variation in the MCD and MA between the different age groups studied. The variation in the area of cortex was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The MCD, MA, and the radius of the cortex show weak correlation with age (r= 0.264, 0.363, and 0.031), and are hence poor assessors of age in males using the tibia.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 2, 2026
Sociodemographic Correlates of Frustration and Coping Styles among Healthcare Workers in North-Central Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Paul E. Agbo, Surajudeen, O. Bello, Idris A. Yusuf, Ikrama I. Hassan, Ene F. Agbo, Tajudeen L. Ibrahim, Valentine K. Adikaibe, Salihu O. Mohammed, Lucky L. Changkat, Rita O. Ewuga, James L. Ajige, Adaku C. Ezeala, Christian T. Agba, Biodun M. Lawal, Ahmed T. Bako, Innocent E. Okoliko, Augustine D. Abah, Yusuf H. Onawo
Page no 151-159 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2026.v11i05.002
Background: Healthcare workers in resource-constrained settings experience significant occupational stressors that may influence coping behaviours and psychological wellbeing. Objective: To examine the relationship between frustration, sociodemographic characteristics, and coping styles among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in North-Central Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 385 healthcare workers using stratified sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS), and the Brief COPE inventory. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and workplace stressors. Pearson and partial correlation analyses assessed relationships between frustration and coping styles. Multiple linear regression identified independent predictors of maladaptive coping. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Workplace frustration was highly prevalent, driven by workload, inadequate equipment, and poor remuneration. Adaptive coping strategies predominated, particularly active coping, planning, and religious coping. Frustration was not associated with adaptive coping (r = –0.017, p = 0.737) but was significantly associated with maladaptive coping (r = 0.266, p < 0.001). This relationship remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographic variables (r = 0.241, p < 0.01). Regression analysis showed that frustration independently predicted maladaptive coping (β = 0.266, p < 0.001), while longer professional experience was protective. Conclusion: Healthcare workers demonstrated resilience through adaptive coping strategies; however, increased frustration is associated with greater reliance on maladaptive coping. Addressing structural stressors is essential to improve coping and wellbeing.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 7, 2026
Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Hazardous Waste Management Among Healthcare Workers in a Secondary Care Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Abdualmohsen Hussain Alyousif, Ayman Tobail, Mohammad Shibly Khan, Dalal Heji AlBrahim, Elmuez Eltayeb Elnaiem, Nourah Ayed Alghatani, Omar Abdulrahman Alayed
Page no 160-165 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2026.v11i05.003
Background: Health care waste management constitutes one of major public health concerns of modern health care. Since the healthcare workers are at the forefront of the waste generation, their knowledge on its management and hazard prevention is a major determinant of safe handling practices and effective infection control. Methodology: Present study has been conducted as a cross-sectional study among a convenient sample of health care workers, in King Salman Hospital Riyadh (N=131), during July-August 2024. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data, in both English and Arabic language. The questions were asked under three main domains of the waste management; segregation, transportation and hazard prevention. Result: Out of total 133 study participants, majority of our study participants were nursing staff (77%, 103/133), in the age group of 31-40 years (54%, 72/133) and been working at our hospital for 2-5 years (46%, 61/133). For the survey items, the positive responses ranged from 72%-98%, 81-96% and 81-100% among the segregation, transportation and hazard prevention domains respectively. Conclusion: We have observed a high level of knowledge and awareness regarding hazardous waste management among healthcare workers, reflecting the efforts taken for continuous capacity building.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | May 12, 2026
A Retrospective Analysis of Suicidal Death Cases at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Nahar K, Ali SMY, Farooq AA, Debnath J, Akter I, Akter H, Faizunnahar, Rahman AKMS
Page no 166-171 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2026.v11i05.004
Background: Suicide is the leading cause of unnatural death worldwide. Over the past five decades, there has been noticeable increase in suicide rates around the globe. The pattern of suicide fatalities in a particular community is reflected in the relationship between an individual's mental health and social status. Suicide is influenced by a wide range of cultural and socio-economic factors, as well as quality of life of an individual. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the demographics and trends of suicidal deaths at a Tertiary Health Center in Bangladesh. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at The Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study covered all suicidal deaths that occurred between 2022 to 2024. In all cases, a complete post-mortem examination was performed and findings were recorded. Details of all suicidal deaths regarding age, gender, religion, marital status and mode of death were duly documented. Results: A total of 446 cases were evaluated, of them 208 were male and 238 were female. Maximum (44.11%) cases were in 21-30 years age group followed by 42.01% were in 11-20 years age group then 8.82% were in 31-40 years age group. Regarding the marital status majority (65.02%) of the cases were married in both genders. Among the study cases hanging (64.13%) was the most adapted method to commit suicide followed by poisoning (35.87%). Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that suicidal deaths are prevalent among females and married individuals. Adolescent and young adults are vulnerable to suicidal deaths. Hanging is the most adapted method to commit suicide followed by poisoning. To lower suicide rates particularly in adolescent and young adults, a well-designed comprehensive program is required that will identify the causative factors and may aid in suicide prevention.