Browsing by Author "Moseray, Andrew"

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Assessing the Reasons and Adverse Effects of Self-Medication in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sierra Leone. A Case Study of Moriba Town Section
(Dove Medical Press, 2024) Moseray, Andrew
**Background:** The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare resources has led to an increase in self-medication as a coping mechanism. The purpose of the study is to investigate the prevalence of self-medication, the reasons behind it, and its potential consequences during the pandemic. **Methods:** A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Moriba Town, Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone. Using a multistage systematic sampling technique, 246 adult participants were selected. Data were collected using Kobo collect electronic platform and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. **Results:** Out of the 246 adult residents who were sampled, 63 (26%) practiced self-medication. Among them, females (33 or 52%) were more prevalent than males (30 or 48%). The most dominant age groups for self-medication were 38-47 (22 or 35%) and 28-37 (18 or 29%). The major reasons for self-medication were fear of infection (189 or 77%), fear of quarantine (199 or 81%), and stigma (189 or 77%). Delays in treatment (113 or 46%) and unavailability of Covid-19 medications (92 or 37%) were also cited. However, a majority of respondents (162 or 66%) denied the influence of friends or media (168 or 68%) on their decision to self-medicate. Reasons like "delay in receiving treatment" and "influence of friends" showed significant association with self-medication (pValue <0.05). More than half of the respondents 177 (72%) did not practice self-medication before the pandemic. Adverse reactions due to self-medication included skin rashes and blisters 29 (45%) and drowsiness 24 (38%). **Conclusion:** The prevalence of unsupervised medication before and after the pandemic was minimal suggesting little impact of the pandemic. Fear and social stigma were the main drivers for self-medication. To promote safety and informed health decisions, regulatory measures, and awareness campaigns are essential to control unsupervised medication sales, improve drug labeling, and educate the public about the dangers of self-medication.
Invisible spores, visible strain: Indoor mold as a neglected determinant of mental health
(Lepidus (Brazil), 2026-08-12) Moseray, Andrew
Indoor mold exposure is an underrecognized environmental determinant of mental health. While the respiratory impacts of mold have long been established, its subtle neuropsychological consequences are increasingly drawing attention. Evidence from Europe, North America, and emerging African studies indicates that chronic exposure to damp, mold-infested dwellings may elevate risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, and sleep disturbance. These outcomes are often exacerbated by socioeconomic stressors and inadequate housing infrastructure, which are common in tropical and low-income settings. This short communication explores current evidence, underlying mechanisms, and illustrative global cases, including observations from humid African regions, to highlight the mental-health burden of mold exposure. Addressing the “invisible spores” that silently undermine psychological resilience demands an integrated housing, environmental, and mental-health response.
Wine consumption and risk of cognitive decline in adults: A systematic review of human studies, 2013–2025
(Lepidus (Brazil), 2026-08-07) Moseray, Andrew
Wine consumption has been proposed to influence cognitive health because of its polyphenolic compounds, but evidence regarding its effects remains inconsistent. This systematic review evaluated the association between wine consumption and cognitive outcomes in adults. We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered the protocol with PROSPERO (CRD420261303152). PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published between Jan 1, 2013, and Dec 31, 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and observational studies involving adults aged 18 years or older that examined wine consumption and cognitive outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Findings were synthesised narratively because of methodological heterogeneity. Of 3,120 records identified, 30 studies met the inclusion criteria (24 observational studies and six intervention studies) involving more than 100,000 participants. Most observational studies reported that low-to-moderate wine consumption was associated with better cognitive performance, slower cognitive decline, or lower dementia risk compared with abstinence or heavy drinking. A meta-analysis included within the review reported a 28% lower risk of cognitive decline among wine consumers than non-consumers (RR 0·72, 95% CI 0·63–0·80). However, several studies found that these associations were attenuated after adjustment for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. Evidence from intervention studies was limited and inconsistent, whereas heavy alcohol consumption was consistently associated with adverse cognitive outcomes. The evidence base is dominated by studies from high-income and non-African settings, limiting its applicability to African populations. Low-to-moderate wine consumption is frequently associated with favourable cognitive outcomes in observational studies; however, current evidence remains insufficient to establish a causal neuroprotective effect. Heavy alcohol consumption is consistently associated with cognitive harm. Future research should prioritise longitudinal African cohorts with repeated alcohol-exposure assessment, culturally appropriate cognitive measures, and rigorous control for socioeconomic confounding.