Predictors of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria among Obstetric Population in Ibadan

Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy is the major risk factor for symptomatic urinary tract infection during pregnancy. Screening and identification of bacteriuria during pregnancy have been recommended.The general objective of the study was to determine the pattern as well as possible predictors of asymptomatic bacteriuria at the University College Hospital; Ibadan. The study was a descriptive; cross sectional; exploratory survey of the pattern of asymptomatic bacteriuria among all consecutive patients presenting for the first antenatal visit at the University College Hospital; Ibadan during the study period. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 10.7. Although no statistically significant association was found; the prevalence was higher among women aged between 26 - 35 years (11.5) and those with only secondary education (14.6). Other demographic parameters characterized by high rates of bacteriuria were Christian women (12.7compared to 4.3among Muslims) and genotypes AS andAC (16.4and 16.7respectively). Low parity (para 1-2); 2 and 3 trimesters of pregnancy were the identified possible obstetric predictors of bacteriuria in pregnancy. Staphylococcus species constitute the predominant isolates in 3 trimester and among Muslim pregnant women. Since no statistically significant predictors for bacteriuria in pregnancy were found; routine screening of all our pregnant women for this condition in 2 trimester is recommended

Attitude of Health Care Workers to Patients and Colleagues Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS in hospital settings has been documented. This study examined the attitude of health care workers (HCWs) to nurses; doctors and patients infected with HIV. A total of 345 respondents selected by multistage sampling techniques were surveyed; using a semi-structured questionnaire; which explored respondents' attitude to HIV-infected patients and colleagues with HIV/AIDS. HCWs were unwilling to accept that medical procedures be carried out on them by HIV-infected doctors and nurses; with almost 80refusing surgery or assistance at surgery on them by an HIV-infected doctor or nurse. They were also significantly more unwilling to accept that medical procedures be carried out on them by an infected colleague; compared with their carrying out the same procedure on an HIV-infected patient. Thus; HCWs seemed to believe that the risk of contracting HIV was higher if an infected HCW were to perform medical procedures on them; and fear of contracting HIV seemed to be the driving force for their negative attitudes. Education on occupational risks of HIV; provision of a safe working environment with enforcement of universal precautions; as well as provision of post-exposure prophylaxis are suggested as ways to enable HCWs to change their attitudes

Knowledge and utilization of the partograph among obstetric care givers in South West Nigeria

This cross-sectional study assessed knowledge and utilization of the partograph among health care workers in southwestern Nigeria. Respondents were selected by multi-stage sampling method from primary; secondary and tertiary level care. 719 respondents comprising of CHEWS - 110 (15.3); Auxiliary Nurses - 148 (20.6); Nurse/Midwives - 365 (50.6); Physicians - 96 (13.4) were selected from primary (38.2); secondary (39.1) and tertiary levels (22.7). Only 32.3used the partograph to monitor women in labour. Partograph use was reported significantly more frequently by respondents in tertiary level compared with respondents from primary/secondary levels of care (82.4vs. 19.3; X2 = 214.6; p 0.0001). Only 37.3of respondents who were predominantly from the tertiary level of care could correctly mention at least one component of the partograph (X2 = 139.1; p 0.0001). The partograph is utilized mainly in tertiary health facilities; knowledge about the partograph is poor. Though affordable; the partograph is commonly not used to monitor the Nigerian woman in labour

Evaluation of criteria-based clinical audit in improving quality of obstetric care in a developing country hospital

Study evaluated criteria­based clinical audit in measuring and improving quality of obstetric care for five life-threatening obstetric complications: obstetric haemorrhage, eclampsia, genital tract infections, obstructed labor and uterine rupture. Clinical management of 65 patients was audited using a 'before (Phase I) and after (Phase II)' audit cycle design using standard criteria. Following Phase I, areas in need of improvement were identified; mechanisms for improving quality of care were identified and implemented. Overall care of the complications improved significantly in obstetric haemorrhage (61 to 81%, p = 0.000), eclampsia (54.3 to 90%, p=0.00), obstructed labour (81.7 to 93.5%, p<0.001) and genital tract sepsis (66 to 85.2%, p < 0.01). Clinical monitoring, drug use, and urgent attention by senior medial staff also improved significantly after intervention. Criteria-based clinical audit is feasible and acceptable for improving management of life-threatening obstetric complications. Its application is recommended in health institutions in developing countries (Afr J Reprod Health 2008; 12[3]:59-70)