Awareness and use of modern contraceptives among physically challenged in-school adolescents in Osun State, Nigeria

This study assessed awareness and use of modern contraceptives among physically challenged in-school adolescents in Osun State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 215 adolescents in the special schools in the state. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers. Data analysis was done using SPSS 17 and statistical level of significance was set at p< 0.05. The mean age of the respondents was 15.5years and more than half of them (56%) were males. Only about two fifths of them (38%) had ever heard about modern contraceptives. More males, older adolescents and visually impaired respondents had significantly heard about modern contraceptives compared with females, younger ones and those with other challenges at p-values of 0.026, 0.001 and 0.003 respectively. Only 34% of sexually experienced respondents had used a modern contraceptive method. The male condom was the most commonly used method. Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[2]: 87-96)

Hospital acquired infection in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Southwest, Nigeria: a ten year review (2000-2009)

Surveillance and proper hygiene have been identified as key components in the fight against HAIs and antimicrobial resistance in hospital setting. This study assesses the pattern of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) and state of hygiene in a tertiary hospital in southwest; Nigeria. Data collected routinely between January 2000 and December 2009 by the infection control committee on HAI and primary data generated on hygiene in the wards were analysed using appropriate statistical techniques. A total of 37;957 patients were admitted during the period under review and 1129 cases (3.0) of HAI were reported. The highest prevalence of 9.0 was reported in 2006. The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) had the highest period prevalence of 14.7 followed by Orthopaedics ward (7.7). Surgical ward contributed the highest number of cases with 433. Gram negative organisms were the most implicated (78) of which Klebsiella species was 38 while Staphylococcus aureus was the only Gram positive organism identified (28). Hand washing was practised universally by health workers but facilities for proper hand washing were inadequate. The pattern of HAI has not changed significantly in the past 10 years and Klebsiella was the most implicated organism in HAIs and ICU. Facilities for proper hand washing are suboptimal. We recommend the introduction of hand washing policy for the hospital and the provision of an environment conducive for its implementation by the hospital management as well as adequate support for the infection control committee in the discharge of her duties

Male involvement in family planning decision making in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

This study assessed men's awareness, attitude, and practice of modern contraceptive methods, determined the level of spousal communication, and investigated the correlates of men's opinion in family planning decision making in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Quantitative methodology was employed in this cross-sectional descriptive design using a structured household questionnaire to collect information from 402 male study participants. A multistage sampling procedure was employed. Eighty-nine percent of men approved of the use of family planning while only about 11 percent disapproved of it. Eighty percent of men had ever used contraception while 56 percent of them were current users. Spousal communication about family planning and other family reproductive goals was quite poor. The socio-demographic correlates of men's opinions included religion, marriage type, educational attainment, and occupation (p<0.05). The study concluded that male involvement in family planning decision making was poor and their patronage of family planning services was low (Afr J Reprod Health 2010; 14[4]: 45-52)