Factors affecting the utilization of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services in Anambra South, Nigeria

Background: In spite huge leaps in combating the spread and transmission of HIV globally, Nigeria still ranks high in the incidence of HIV among children. The study investigates the factors affecting the utilization of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services in Anambra South. Data source and Method: Data from 515 HIV positive women of child bearing age were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data sets were subjected to chi square and binary logistic regression analysis. Result: The results show that 86% of the respondents were aware of the PMTCT strategies while marital status (69.8%), age (70.7%) and place of residence (52.1%) were found to affect the uptake and utilization of PMTCT services. Conclusion: Evidence from the study drew attention to the need for government, social workers and healthcare providers to rise to their responsibilities in encouraging HIV women of reproductive age to utilize PMTCT services in order to achieve African Union Agenda 3

Knowledge of public health challenge of open defecation in rural areas of South-East Nigeria: Implications for social workers

Background: Practice of open defection has growing health concerns especially on rural dwellers and is among leading causes of diarrhea, typhoid fever, cholera, stunting and responsible for the death of children under 5 years in Nigeria. This study seeks to examine knowledge of public health challenges of open defecation among rural residents in south-east Nigeria and implications for social work. Data source and methods: Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used for data collected from 52 respondents in Nsukka and Udenu LGAs of Enugu State. Thematic analysis was adopted and phrases with contextual connotations were pulled as illustrative quotes. Results: Lack of toilet facilities makes community members engage in the practice despite knowledge of its public health implications. Conclusions: The study recommends strengthening of government's efforts to eradicate the practice; incorporating social workers as facilitators in public health regulations and advocacy in sensitising households to provide their own toilets