Effectiveness of Data Collection and Information Transmission Process for Disease Notification in Anambra State; Nigeria

Background: Disease surveillance and notification (DSN) has been shown to be weak in Nigeria; thus; its inability to promptly detect and control epidemics.Objective: To examine the completeness and timeliness of data collection and information transmission process for DSN in the Anambra state.Materials and Methods: The study was of cross-sectional design and employed the multistage sampling method to select 270 health workers who are involved in DSN in Anambra state. Data were collected by a mix method of interviewer administered questionnaire and observational checklist preceded by key informant interviews and desk review.Results: One hundred (43.9) health workers reported regular supply of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) forms; 25 and 16.2 reported it was irregular and usually out of stock; respectively. Most facilities (81.5) were the least correct; while out-patient register (88.9) was the most correct. Only 10.0 of health facilities submitted completed forms 5 days after completion; 88.9 of them submitted completed IDSR002 forms within 2 days of completion; while the remainder was submitted 4 days later.Conclusion: The health workers were not operating the DSN system in the State to optimal functionality. Recommendations were therefore made for the periodic training-retraining of health personnel on DSN; improved funding; provision of logistics; improved supervision; and feedback of information

Prevalence and Pattern of Bacteria and Intestinal Parasites among Food Handlers in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria

Background: In developing countries; biological contaminants largely bacteria and other parasites constitute the major causes of food-borne diseases often transmitted through food; water; nails; and fingers contaminated with faeces. Accordingly; food-handlers with poor personal hygiene could be potential sources of infections by these micro-organisms. Objective: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and pattern of bacteria and intestinal parasites among food handlers in the Federal Capital Territory. Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive one in which a multistage sampling technique was employed to select 168 food handlers of various types. Subjects' stool; urine; and fingernail analyses were carried out and the result scientifically scrutinized. Results: Fingernail bacteria isolates include: E. Coli (1.8); coagulase-negative staphylococcus (17.9); Staphylococcus aureus(7.1); Klebsiella species (2.4); Serratia species (1.2); Serratia species (1.2); Citrobacter species (1.2); and Enterococcus species (1.8). The subjects' stool samples tested positive: For A. lumbricoides (14.9); T. trichuria (1.8); S. starcolaris (3.0); E. histolytica (10.7); G. lambilia (1.8); S. mansoni (1.2); and Taenia species (4.8). Furthermore; 42.3 and 15.5 of the stool specimen tested positive for Salmonella and Shigella species; respectively. Conclusion: Food establishments should screen and treat staff with active illness; and regularly train them on good personal and workplace hygiene practices

Gender Perspectives of Sexual and Reproductive Practices of People Living With HIV/AIDS in Enugu; South East Nigeria

Nigerian major focus of attention in the efforts at controlling the spread of HIV infection has become the role of gender inequality.1; 2 The objective of the study was to compare the sexual practices of HIV-positive male and female patients who received counselling and treatment at an Anti-retroviral Clinic in Enugu; South-East Nigeria. Method: A comparative cross-sectional descriptive study of patients attending the free anti-retroviral clinic at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu was done. Results: A total of 146 males (30.8) and 328 females (61.9) were studied. Although there was no significant difference in the prevalence of sexual activity between the sexes; the reasons for sexual practices differed. Females indulged in risky sexual activity principally in obedience to the demands of their male partners and were more likely to have sexual partners who were unaware of their seropositivity than males. Conclusion: Risky sexual behaviour among women living with HIV/AIDS in Enugu despite exposure to intensive counselling was still mainly driven by the subordinate traditional gender roles of women in this culture.: