Background: Bell’s palsy occurs more frequently in the third trimester and has a well-documented association with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Its management poses unique challenges, including the need to balance maternal and fetal risks while reliably excluding central nervous system pathology, particularly stroke. Case Presentation: A 35-year-old multigravida with chronic hypertension and type 2 diabetes presented at 35+2 weeks with acute left-sided facial weakness, drooling, and retroauricular pain. Blood pressure was 150/96 mmHg without severe features of preeclampsia. Neurological examination revealed isolated left lower motor neuron facial palsy Laboratory evaluation showed mild anemia (Hb 8.7 g/dL), thrombocytopenia (platelets 110 × 10⁹/L), and proteinuria (1+ on dipstick). The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was 19.89 (below the threshold for high-risk preeclampsia). She was diagnosed with chronic hypertension with superimposed non-severe preeclampsia and concurrent Bell’s palsy.
Christopher Hassan Laima¹,²*, Hauwa Emmanuel Paktama¹, Chime Albert Chidebere¹, Nape Hussaina Laima³ and Olufajo Temilope Oludoyin¹
¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe State University, Nigeria
²Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, Gombe State University, Nigeria
³Office of the Attorney General, Gombe State Ministry of Justice, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author: Dr Christopher Hassan Laima, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, Gombe State University, Nigeria
DOI: 10.64258/3070-9792.2025.104001
Submission Date: September 8, 2025
Published Date: September 25, 2025
Download PDFBackground: Gender-based violence (GBV) in healthcare workplaces remains a critical public health challenge, exacerbated by power imbalances and cultural norms that silence victims. In Northeast Nigeria, empirical data on workplace GBV are scarce, hindering targeted interventions. This study investigated the prevalence, types, perpetrators, reporting patterns, and psychosocial impacts of GBV at Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe (FTHG).
Objectives: The study aimed to determine GBV prevalence, identify demographic and occupational risk factors, characterize perpetrators, assess reporting barriers, and evaluate psychological and professional consequences.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 337 staff. Data were collected using a validated proforma and analyzed both descriptively (frequencies and percentages) and inferentially (chi-square test) using SPSS. Ethical approvals and informed consent were obtained prior to data collection.
Results: Among participants, 26.4% experienced sexual harassment, 6.8% reported sexual assault, 3.6% experienced attempted rape, and 2.1% reported rape. Females (78.6%), nurses (41.3%), and staff working morning shifts (44.8%) were the most vulnerable groups. Senior staff constituted 75.3% of perpetrators, with males accounting for 82.0%. Underreporting was notably high (91.7%), primarily due to fear of perpetrators (46.0%) and stigma (28.8%). Psychological impacts included fear and depression (50.4%) as well as reduced work performance (23.2%).
Conclusion: Workplace GBV at FTHG is pervasive, underreported, and strongly associated with hierarchical abuse. Institutional reforms—such as anonymous reporting systems, gender-sensitivity training, and accessible mental health support—are urgently required to protect healthcare workers and align with Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (2015).
Gender-based Violence, Sexual Harassment, Healthcare Workers, Nigeria, Underreporting, Workplace Safety
Christopher HL, Hauwa EP, Nape HL, Olufajo TO, Chime AC (2025) Work Place Sexual Gender Based Violence; Prevalence, Types, And Effects Among Staff at Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, North East Nigeria. Gynecol & Women’s Health: Open Access 1(1): 1-8.