Risk Factors for Placenta Praevia in Jos; North Central Nigeria

Background: Placenta praevia; a major cause of obstetric haemorrhage; is potentially lifethreatening to the mother and frequently results in high perinatal morbidity and mortality. Several epidemiological and clinical studies report disparate data on the risk factors associated with this condition. Although several studies on risk factors for placenta praevia have been published; data obtained from the sub-Saharan Africa remains scanty. Our objective is to describe the spectrum of risk factors for placenta praevia in Jos; North Central Nigeria. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 96 women delivered form January; 1999 to December; 2002 at Jos University Teaching Hospital; Jos; Nigeria. Data on total number of deliveries; maternal age; parity; and past obstetrics history and abortion were carefully extracted from medical records and analyzed using the Epi Info 3.4.1 (CDC; Atlanta; Georgia). Results: The prevalence of placenta praevia was 0.89. Previous uterine evacuation was documented in 35.4of cases; while previous caesarean section scar occurred in 5.2of cases. About half (44.8) of the cases had no known risk factor. Conclusion: Uterine scaring following abortion management is an important risk factor for placenta praevia. However; majority of patients with placenta praevia in this work have no identifiable risk factor

A Critical Look on Condoms

Background: To protect the public health; the practice ofsafer sex; promoted in a sex-positive way; is necessary. It includes saying no to unwanted sex; being faithful; havingfewer partners; having sex that does not includeintercourse; and using condoms. This is not just to preventHIV and Sexually transmitted infections (STIs); but also to prevent unwanted pregnancy; STI-related infertility and negative pregnancy outcomes; and cervical cancer- andmost importantly to protect children and for partners to protect each other. Couples in stable relationships are now changing their sexual behavior due to increasing awareness on HIV and other STIs. While some are abstaining from premarital sex; others are being faithful to their partners. However; large numbers of people are yet to adopt safer sexual behavior through correct condom use. Since the beginning of the AIDS epidemics; condom distribution has greatly increased. Methodology: Literature review on the topic was done usiong Pubmed. Relevant journals and topics were also reviewed. Textbooks on relevant topics were also searched. Results The consistent use of male latex condoms significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection in men and women.Consistent use of male latex condoms reduces the risk of gonorrhea in men. Laboratory studies have proved that latex condom is impermeable to the infectious agents in genitalsecretions; including the smallest viruses. Male condoms may be less effective in protecting against STIs that are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact; if that area is not covered by the condom Conclusion: Condoms are currently the only available means of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and some other STIs. Condoms exist for both men and women