Articles

<b>Background: </b>The construction industry is one of the most hazardous sectors worldwide, with workers consistently exposed to risks from prolonged contact with hazardous materials. This study evaluates the effectiveness of wearable technologies in improving safety and health monitoring among construction workers in Nigeria. <b>Methodology</b>: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 370 construction workers, site managers, and safety officers across Nigeria using an online questionnaire hosted on Google Forms. The study employed purposive sampling to ensure representation across job roles, experience levels, and project types. Data were collected on awareness, usage, benefits, challenges, and improvements associated with wearable technology. Data was analysed using SPSS version 28. <b>Results</b>: Findings showed that awareness of wearable technology was low (32.4%), and only 34.1% reported personal utilisation. Smart vests (32.7%), noise monitoring devices (32.4%), and smartwatches (32.4%) were the most common devices used. Benefits cited included reduced accident occurrences (28.4%) and enhanced well-being (24.6%), while barriers included cultural/language issues (32.7%) and technological limitations (22.4%). Overall, 48.6% reported improvement in safety and health monitoring. Logistic regression showed that wearable technology use significantly improved safety and health monitoring (AOR = 5.937, p < 0.001), with commercial project workers reporting higher odds of improvement (AOR = 7.495, p = 0.001). <b>Conclusion</b>: Wearable technology significantly enhances safety and health monitoring in Nigeria’s construction industry, particularly for experienced workers and commercial projects. Targeted interventions addressing awareness, training, and accessibility are crucial to overcoming barriers and maximizing its impact.

Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as a pivotal tool in promoting longevity by addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders. These software-driven interventions offer personalized, evidence-based treatments that can be accessed via digital devices, making healthcare more accessible and scalable. One of the key advancements in DTx is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to tailor interventions based on individual health data. This personalization enhances the effectiveness of treatments and supports preventive care by identifying risk factors early. The need for digital therapeutics is underscored by the rising prevalence of NCDs, which are responsible for a significant portion of global mortality and healthcare costs. Traditional healthcare systems often struggle to provide timely and personalized care, especially in low-resource settings. DTx can bridge this gap by offering cost-effective solutions that are easily scalable. Moreover, digital therapeutics can address health inequities by providing low-cost interventions to underserved populations, thereby reducing the burden of NCDs and improving overall health outcomes. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for DTx to enhance longevity and quality of life becomes increasingly promising. Recent advancements in longevity medicine and technology have focused on extending both lifespan and healthspan, ensuring that people not only live longer but also maintain good health throughout their extended years. This review article highlights these advancements that are contributing to this compelling subject of Longevity.

Recent advancements in the screening, diagnosis, and management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have significantly improved patient outcomes. For screening, the use of home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) has become more prevalent, offering a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional in-lab polysomnography. HSAT devices have shown good specificity and sensitivity, particularly in patients with a high pre-test probability of OSA. In terms of diagnosis, advancements in wearable technology and mobile health applications have enabled continuous monitoring of sleep patterns and respiratory parameters. These tools provide valuable data that can be used to identify OSA more accurately and promptly. Additionally, machine learning algorithms are being integrated into diagnostic processes to enhance the accuracy of OSA detection by analyzing large datasets and identifying patterns indicative of the condition. Management of OSA has also seen significant progress. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the gold standard, but new developments include auto-adjusting CPAP devices that optimize pressure settings based on real-time feedback. Mandibular advancement devices and hypoglossal nerve stimulation are emerging as effective alternatives for patients who are CPAP-intolerant. Furthermore, lifestyle interventions such as weight management, positional therapy, and exercise have been shown to complement medical treatments, leading to better overall outcomes. This review article highlights these advancements that collectively contribute to improved patient adherence, reduced symptoms, and enhanced quality of life for individuals with OSA.