Global Health, Ageing, Mental Health and Rehabilitation Research Group (GHAMR-RG)

  1. Name of Research Group: [Global Health, Ageing, Mental Health and Rehabilitation Research Group (GHAMR-RG)]
  2. Main research focus and other areas of research interest of the RG: [The Group focuses on generating high-quality evidence to inform healthcare practice, public health programming, and policy development, particularly in areas related to ageing populations, chronic diseases, mental health, rehabilitation, and health promotion.]

iii. Title of most recent research project: [Association Between Menopausal Symptoms and Quality of Life among Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women in Nigeria: A Multisite Cross-Sectional Study]

  1. A maximum of seven (7) other current or completed research projects

PROPOSED RESEARCH PROJECTS 

1. RESEARCH TITLE

Association Between Menopausal Symptoms and Quality of Life among Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women in Nigeria: A Multisite Cross-Sectional Study

Authorship:

Target Journal: Journal of Mid-life Health

Research Category: Basic Epidemiological and Women’s Health Research

Background

Menopause is a significant life transition characterized by biological, psychological, and social changes that may adversely affect women’s quality of life. While menopausal symptoms have been extensively studied in high-income countries, evidence from sub-Saharan Africa remains limited. In Nigeria, sociocultural, economic, and healthcare factors may influence the manifestation and perception of menopausal symptoms, yet multisite data are scarce. Understanding the relationship between menopausal symptom burden and quality of life is essential for informing health promotion strategies, clinical practice, and policy development aimed at improving the wellbeing of ageing women.

Abstract

Background:
Menopausal symptoms constitute a major public health concern among middle-aged and older women and may substantially affect physical, psychological, social, and sexual wellbeing. However, comprehensive multisite evidence on the association between menopausal symptoms and quality of life among Nigerian women remains limited. This study aims to examine the relationship between menopausal symptoms and quality of life among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in Nigeria and to identify associated sociodemographic and reproductive factors.

Methods:
A multisite cross-sectional study will be conducted among women aged 40 years and above attending selected healthcare facilities and community settings across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. Participants will be recruited using multistage sampling techniques. Data will be collected using a structured questionnaire comprising sociodemographic and reproductive health characteristics, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Descriptive statistics will summarize participant characteristics and symptom profiles. Bivariate analyses and multivariable regression models will examine associations between menopausal symptoms and quality-of-life domains while adjusting for potential confounders.

Expected Results:
The study is expected to determine the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms, characterize quality-of-life patterns among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, and identify key factors associated with poorer quality of life. Findings are anticipated to demonstrate significant relationships between symptom burden and physical, psychosocial, and sexual wellbeing.

Expected Impact:
The study will provide foundational evidence for women’s health programming, menopause education, and healthy ageing initiatives in Nigeria. The findings may contribute to the development of culturally appropriate interventions and policies aimed at improving quality of life among midlife and older women.

Keywords:
Menopause; Perimenopause; Postmenopause; Quality of Life; Women’s Health; Healthy Ageing; Nigeria.

2. RESEARCH TITLE

Awareness, Perceptions, and Utilization of Physiotherapy for Bone Health among Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis in Nigeria: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study

Authorship:

Target Journal: Journal of Mid-life Health

Research Category: Basic Epidemiological, Rehabilitation, and Women’s Health Research

Background

Osteoporosis is a major public health challenge among postmenopausal women, contributing substantially to fragility fractures, disability, reduced quality of life, and healthcare costs. Physiotherapy plays a critical role in osteoporosis management through exercise prescription, balance training, fall prevention, posture correction, and functional rehabilitation. Despite growing evidence supporting physiotherapy-based interventions, awareness and utilization of physiotherapy services among women living with osteoporosis remain poorly understood in many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. Understanding women’s awareness, perceptions, and utilization patterns is essential for strengthening preventive and rehabilitative bone health services.

Abstract

Background:
Osteoporosis disproportionately affects postmenopausal women and remains an important contributor to morbidity and functional decline. Physiotherapy constitutes a key non-pharmacological component of osteoporosis care; however, evidence regarding awareness, perceptions, and utilization of physiotherapy services among Nigerian women with osteoporosis is limited. This study aims to assess awareness, perceptions, and utilization of physiotherapy for bone health among postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis in Nigeria and to identify associated sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Methods:
A multicentre cross-sectional study will be conducted among postmenopausal women with clinically confirmed osteoporosis attending selected tertiary and specialist healthcare facilities across Nigeria. Participants will be recruited using multistage sampling techniques. Data will be collected using a structured and validated questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, osteoporosis history, awareness of physiotherapy services, perceptions regarding physiotherapy effectiveness, and utilization patterns. Descriptive statistics will summarize participant characteristics and study variables. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses will identify factors associated with awareness and utilization of physiotherapy services.

Expected Results:
The study is expected to determine levels of physiotherapy awareness, characterize perceptions toward physiotherapy-based osteoporosis management, and quantify utilization patterns among postmenopausal women. Factors such as educational attainment, healthcare access, disease duration, fracture history, and previous rehabilitation exposure are anticipated to influence awareness and service utilization.

Expected Impact:
The findings will provide foundational evidence to guide rehabilitation advocacy, osteoporosis education programmes, health promotion strategies, and policy development aimed at improving access to physiotherapy services among women with osteoporosis. The study may also support the integration of rehabilitation services into routine osteoporosis management pathways in Nigeria and similar settings.

Keywords:
Osteoporosis; Postmenopausal Women; Physiotherapy; Bone Health; Rehabilitation; Awareness; Utilization; Nigeria.

3. RESEARCH TITLE

Determinants of Adoption Intentions toward Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Digital Health Technologies for Depression Management among Older Nigerian Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authorship:

Target Journal: Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health

Research Category: Basic Behavioural, Digital Mental Health, and Global Health Research

Background

Depression is a leading contributor to disability and reduced quality of life among older adults worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, substantial treatment gaps persist due to shortages of mental health professionals, limited service accessibility, stigma, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled digital health technologies, including symptom-monitoring applications, virtual mental health assistants, predictive analytics systems, and digital screening platforms, have emerged as promising tools for enhancing access to mental healthcare. However, the successful implementation of these technologies depends largely on user acceptance and adoption. Evidence regarding factors influencing adoption intentions among older adults in sub-Saharan Africa remains limited. This study aims to examine determinants of adoption intentions toward AI-enabled digital health technologies for depression management among older Nigerian adults.

Abstract

Background:
Artificial intelligence–enabled digital health technologies are increasingly being explored as innovative approaches to address the growing burden of depression among older adults. Despite their potential to improve accessibility, early detection, and self-management of depressive symptoms, little is known about factors influencing acceptance and adoption intentions among older populations in resource-constrained settings. This study aims to investigate determinants of adoption intentions toward AI-enabled digital health technologies for depression management among older Nigerian adults.

Methods:
A multicentre cross-sectional study will be conducted among community-dwelling and healthcare-attending adults aged 60 years and above across selected geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Participants will be recruited using multistage sampling procedures. Data will be collected using a structured questionnaire informed by established technology adoption frameworks, including constructs such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust in AI, digital literacy, privacy concerns, social influence, facilitating conditions, depression awareness, and behavioural intention to use AI-enabled digital mental health technologies. Descriptive statistics will summarize participant characteristics and technology-related perceptions. Multivariable regression analyses and structural modelling approaches will be employed to identify determinants of adoption intentions.

Expected Results:
The study is expected to identify key behavioural, technological, psychosocial, and demographic factors associated with adoption intentions. Higher digital literacy, perceived usefulness, trust in AI systems, social support, and previous exposure to digital health technologies are anticipated to positively influence adoption intentions, while concerns regarding privacy, cost, technological complexity, and limited digital skills may constitute barriers.

Expected Impact:
Findings will provide foundational evidence to guide the design, implementation, and scale-up of culturally appropriate AI-enabled mental health solutions for older adults in Nigeria and similar low-resource settings. The study may inform digital mental health policy, technology development, and healthy ageing initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of depression and improving access to mental healthcare.

Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence; Digital Health; Depression; Older Adults; Technology Adoption; Mental Health; Healthy Ageing; Nigeria.

4. RESEARCH TITLE

Motivational and Psychosocial Determinants of Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Digital Health Technology Adoption for Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management among Older Nigerian Women: A Cross-Sectional Behavioral Science Study

Authorship:

Target Journal: Journal of Midlife Health

Research Category: Basic (Fundamental Behavioral Determinant Study)

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasingly prevalent among aging women in sub-Saharan Africa, with suboptimal self-management contributing to complications and reduced quality of life. Artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled digital health tools offer emerging opportunities for personalized diabetes self-management; however, adoption among older women remains limited and poorly understood. Motivational and psychosocial determinants may play a critical role in shaping acceptance and sustained use of these technologies.

Objective: To examine the motivational, psychosocial, and behavioral determinants influencing the adoption of AI-enabled digital health technologies for T2DM self-management among older Nigerian women.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study will be conducted among women aged ≥45 years diagnosed with T2DM in selected urban and semi-urban health facilities in Nigeria. Data will be collected using a structured, validated questionnaire incorporating constructs from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Health Belief Model (HBM), and Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Key variables include perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, health motivation, self-efficacy, trust in AI systems, digital literacy, and perceived risk. Multivariate logistic regression and structural equation modeling will be used to identify predictors of AI-enabled digital health adoption for diabetes self-management.

Expected Results: The study is expected to identify key psychological drivers such as self-efficacy, perceived health benefit, and trust in AI systems as significant predictors of adoption behavior. Barriers may include low digital literacy, perceived complexity, and technology anxiety.

Conclusion: Understanding motivational determinants of AI-enabled digital health adoption among older women with T2DM will inform the design of culturally adaptive, user-centered digital interventions. Findings will contribute to the development of scalable AI-driven self-management strategies for improving diabetes outcomes in midlife and older women in low-resource settings.

Keywords: Midlife women; Type 2 diabetes; Artificial intelligence; Digital health adoption; Motivation; Self-management; Nigeria

  1. RESEARCH TITLE

Factors Influencing the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Digital Health Technologies among Older Adults Living with Alzheimer’s Disease in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authorship:

Target Journal: Geriatric Nursing (Elsevier)

Research Category: Basic (Geriatric Nursing / Gerontological Nursing Science)

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s disease presents significant care challenges in aging populations, particularly in low-resource settings where caregiving burden is high and access to specialized services is limited. Artificial intelligence–enabled digital health technologies offer promising tools for cognitive support, monitoring, and caregiver assistance. However, adoption among older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease in Nigeria remains poorly understood, particularly regarding behavioral, technological, and caregiving-related determinants.

Objective: To examine the factors influencing the adoption of artificial intelligence–enabled digital health technologies among older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease in Nigeria, with emphasis on caregiver-mediated decision-making and psychosocial determinants.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study will be conducted among older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and their primary caregivers across selected geriatric and neurological care centers in Nigeria. Data will be collected using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires adapted for cognitive impairment contexts, incorporating caregiver proxy responses where necessary. The study framework integrates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), caregiver burden theory, and cognitive support usability constructs. Variables include perceived usefulness, ease of use, caregiver support level, digital literacy, trust in AI systems, perceived safety, and ethical concerns regarding AI-assisted care. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and multivariate modeling to identify predictors of adoption intention and usage.

Expected Results: It is anticipated that caregiver support, perceived safety, and trust in AI systems will significantly influence adoption decisions, while cognitive impairment severity, low digital literacy, and ethical concerns may act as barriers. Caregiver-mediated decision-making is expected to play a central role in technology uptake.

Conclusion: Understanding the behavioral and caregiving determinants of AI-enabled digital health adoption in Alzheimer’s disease populations is essential for designing accessible, ethical, and caregiver-supported digital interventions. Findings will inform the development of geriatric nursing practices that integrate AI technologies into dementia care pathways in low-resource settings.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; geriatric nursing; artificial intelligence; digital health adoption; caregivers; cognitive impairment; Nigeria

  1. Name of the Coordinator: Uchenna Cosmas Ugwu
  2. UNN email address of the RG ghamr-rg@unn.edu.ng

vii. UNN email address of the coordinator: uchennacos.ugwu@unn.edu.ng

viii. Current webpage of the RG: https://www.unn.edu.ng/global-health-ageing-mental-health-and-rehabilitation-research-group-ghamr-rg/

  1. Phone number of the RG: +2348037786068
  2. Phone number of the coordinator:+2348037786068
  3. Base Faculty/Institute/Center of the RG: Faculty of Education

xii. Department of the Coordinator: Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education

xiii. Headshot of the coordinator (not mandatory)

xiv. List and brief profiles of members (one paragraph per member) with their UNN website url to their detailed CVs (hyperlinks are OK)

  1. Associate Professor Uchenna Cosmas Ugwu is a distinguished scholar and public health researcher at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). He holds a Ph.D., M.Ed., and B.Sc. in Public Health/Health Education and has established a strong academic and research profile in the fields of public health, ageing, chronic diseases, mental health, and rehabilitation sciences. His research interests encompass: Gerontology and geriatrics, Chronic disease epidemiology, Diabetes care and management, Women’s health, Bone health research, Global mental health, Rehabilitation-oriented research, Population and public health. Dr. Ugwu’s scholarly contributions have been published in respected international journals, including: BMC Women’s Health, Journal of Midlife Health, Discover Medicine, Journal of Diabetology, International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health, Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, Medicine, International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, Research in Gerontological Nursing, among others. He serves as a reviewer for several leading international journals and has received international travel grants and conference recognition awards for scholarly excellence. He is also actively engaged in academic leadership and governance and currently serves as a representative member of the University Senate. Professional Memberships include: Health Promotion and Research Association of Nigeria (HEPRAN), Nigeria Association of Health Educators (NAHE), and Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2882-5413; Scopus ID: 57198449191; Web of Science Researcher ID: 0-7541-2016; Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=nq_c7ZcAAAAJ&hl=en; ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Uchenna-Ugwu-3; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uchenna-cosmas-ugwu-b9a4a0a0/;
  2. Prof. Osmond Chukwuemeka Ene – A Professor of Public Health Education (ageing and death education); Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka; osmond.ene@unn.edu.ng
  3. Dr. Agatha Nneka Obayi – A doctor of public health education; Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka; agatha.obayi@unn.edu.ng
  4. Dr. Olive Oluchukwu Ilo – A doctor of public health education; Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka; olive.ilo@unn.edu.ng
  5. Dr. Christian Chukwuka Eze (Member) – A doctor of public health education; from the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka; ezechrisdata@gmail.com
  6. Cordelia Chinonyeremem Ugwu, – A master’s degree researcher of public health education; from the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka; ugwucordelia@gmail.com
  7. Chuka Mackson Jones – A master’s degree holder of public health education; from the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka; chukasub@gmail.com
  8. Blessing Amuchechi Omeh – A Bachelor of Science Degree Student in health education; Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka; blessingamuchechi55@gmail.com
  9. Members Google Scholar Citation links: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=nq_c7ZcAAAAJ&hl=en

xvi. Members Researchgate links: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Uchenna-Ugwu-3

xvii. 10 key publications of the RG from 2019 till date

  1. Obayi, A. N., Ugwu, U. C., & Ene, O. C. (2026). Psychological Well-Being, Depression, Social Support, and Health Status Among Bereaved Nigerian Older Adults: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study. Research in Gerontological Nursing. 0(0):1-10. doi:10.3928/19404921-20260518-03
  2. Ugwu, U. C., Obayi, A. N., Jones, C. M., & Ene, O. C. (2026). Burden of depression among older Nigerian adults receiving outpatient cardiovascular disease care: a hospital-based cross-sectional study. Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health. Published online 2026:1-16. doi:10.1017/gmh.2026.10218
  3. Obayi, A. N., Ilo, O. O., & Ugwu, U. C. (2026). Association between menopausal symptoms and demographic variables among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: A community‑based cross‑sectional survey. J Mid‑life Health.17:87-92
  4. Ugwu, U. C. (2026). Digital health technology adoption among older Nigerian adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a hospital-based cross-sectional study. Journal of Diabetology.17(2):128-135. DOI: 10.4103/jod.jod_127_25
  5. Ugwu, U. C., & Ene, O. C. (2025). Awareness, perceptions, stigma, attitudes, and help‐seeking behavior regarding alzheimer’s disease among older adults in Nigeria: a community‐based cross‐sectional study. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 1-9. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/author/C3WNUS2IDHH9QVYHF6D7?target=10.1002/gps.70170.
  6. Ugwu, U. C., Obayi, A. N., Ilo, O. O., Ene, O. C. (2025): Association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and bone mineral density in postmenopausal Nigerian women: a multicenter cross-sectional study. Discover Medicine 2, 253. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44337-025-00459-7.
  7. Ugwu, U. C., Ene, O. C. (2025): Association between osteoporosis and severe depressive symptoms among postmenopausal women attending tertiary outpatient clinics in Nigeria: a cross‑sectional study. BMC Women’s Health, 25, 400. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-025-03951-5.
  8. Ugwu, U. C., Ene, O. C. (2025): Status of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women in rural communities of Southeast Nigeria: a cross-sectional study. BMC Women’s Health, 25, 366. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-025-03928-4.
  9. Ugwu, U. C., Ene, O. C. (2024): Prevalence, association and correlation of frailty with sociodemographic and health‑related factors among outpatient elderly persons: a cross‑sectional study. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2024.101642.
  10. Ugwu, U. C., Ene, O. C. (2023): Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women: a cross-sectional study. International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13410-023-01252-x.

xviii. List of patents/exhibitions/shows/productions, etc from 2019 till date [Nil]

xix. Bank account details of the RG: FIRST BANK PLC 2018614055 – UGWU UCHENNA COSMAS