Vulnerability and Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Female Traders of Reproductive Age in Enugu; Nigeria

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) constitute major public health concern and enigma. A comprehensive knowledge of the modes of transmission is necessary to evolve an effective preventive strategy. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the vulnerability; knowledge and prevention of STIs among female traders of reproductive age in Enugu; Southeast Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out on female traders aged 15-49 years at Ogbete Main Market; Enugu; Southeast Nigeria. Data was analyzed using Epi-Info 2000 version 3.3.1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta USA) was used to analyze the data and results were presented in tabular form. Results: A total of 200 female traders of reproductive age participated in the study. The mean (standard deviation) age was 26 (7.4) years. 16 (32/200) were adolescents. Knowledge of specific STIs was highest for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome 90 (130/200). Parents were poor sources of information as only 28.5 (57/200) respondents heard about STIs from their parents compared with 46 (151/200); non-use of condoms 62 (124/200) and early debut 58 (116/200). Majority 67.5 135/200) were aware that STIs could be treated by a visit to the doctor while 21.5 (43/200) preferred traditional/herbal healers. Conclusion: The inclusion of health education in schools' curricula to ensure that adolescents are adequately aware of STIs; their modes of transmission; prevention and treatment before embarking on any vocation out-of-school is advocated

Pattern and Determinants of Antenatal Booking at Abakaliki Southeast Nigeria

Background: Antenatal care is one of the pillars of SAFE Motherhood Initiative aimed at preventing adverse pregnancy outcome. Early antenatal booking is recommended for this benefit. Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the antenatal booking pattern of pregnant women and its determinants. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of pregnant women attending the antenatal booking clinic at Federal Medical Centre Abakaliki Ebonyi State between April 6; 2011 to August 5; 2011 was undertaken. Epi info 2008 version was used for analysis. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 27.46 (5.81) years and the mean gestational age at booking was 24.33 (5.52) weeks. A total of 83.1 (286/344) of the pregnant women booked after the first trimester while the remaining 16.9 (56/344) booked early. Socio-biological variables and past obstetrics history did not contribute significantly to the gestational age at booking while sickness in index pregnancy; personal wishes; and financial constraint were statistically significant reasons given for seeking antenatal care. Majority of the pregnant women 37.2 (128/344) suggested that the second trimester was the ideal gestational age for booking while 18.3 (63/344) did not know the ideal gestational age for booking. Most pregnant women 81.1 ( 279/344) knew the benefits of early antenatal care even though they booked late 83.1 (286/344). Conclusion: Most pregnant women access antenatal care late at Abakaliki because of misconception and poverty. Health education and subsidization of cost of medical services will help in reversing the trend of late antenatal booking

Pattern and Determinants of Antenatal Booking at Abakaliki Southeast Nigeria

Antenatal care is one of the pillars of SAFE Motherhood Initiative aimed at preventing adverse pregnancy outcome. Early antenatal booking is recommended for this benefit. Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the antenatal booking pattern of pregnant women and its determinants. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of pregnant women attending the antenatal booking clinic at Federal Medical Centre Abakaliki Ebonyi State between April 6; 2011 to August 5; 2011 was undertaken. Epi info 2008 version was used for analysis. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 27.46 (5.81) years and the mean gestational age at booking was 24.33 (5.52) weeks. A total of 83.1 (286/344) of the pregnant women booked after the first trimester while the remaining 16.9 (56/344) booked early. Socio-biological variables and past obstetrics history did not contribute significantly to the gestational age at booking while sickness in index pregnancy; personal wishes; and financial constraint were statistically significant reasons given for seeking antenatal care. Majority of the pregnant women 37.2 (128/344) suggested that the second trimester was the ideal gestational age for booking while 18.3 (63/344) did not know the ideal gestational age for booking. Most pregnant women 81.1 ( 279/344) knew the benefits of early antenatal care even though they booked late 83.1 (286/344). Conclusion: Most pregnant women access antenatal care late at Abakaliki because of misconception and poverty. Health education and subsidization of cost of medical services will help in reversing the trend of late antenatal booking