ABSTRACT
The research is a study of information needs of men for early detection of prostate cancer. This study adopted descriptive survey research design. The sample for the study comprised two hundred (200) men drawn from ten Catholic Churches in ten towns of Idemili-North, Anambra State. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using percentages and mean ratings. The major findings include that men have a serious need for information on early detection measures, particularly on knowledge of possible warning signs of prostate cancer. Men access information on prostate cancer mainly through television programmes and health centres. Men prefer certain media for effective propagation of prostate cancer such as Health centres, Town hall meetings, church meetings and men's group meetings. The hindrance factors on access to prostate cancer information are all related to absence of functional library services as well as lack of adequate information mechanisms. The study recommends that the government should make prostate cancer information propagation an enforceable integral part of the healthcare delivery system as well as set up awareness campaign committee to strategically implement it.
Subject(s)
Prostatic Neoplasms , Disease Prevention , Early Detection of Cancer , Health Information Systems , Awareness , MenABSTRACT
Background: Tetanus has for long been an avoidable source of morbidity and mortality particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study was to review the experience with managing tetanus in a regional tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective study of patients who were admitted with a clinical diagnosis of tetanus between January 1999 and December 2003 was done. Relevant data were extracted from the patients' case records. Results: A total of 12 patients were identified within the time frame with a diagnosis of tetanus. There were more male than female patients (ratio 1.4:1) with city dwellers constituting a small majority. The mean age of the patients was 29.8 years. Lower limb injuries accounted for the portal of entry in 75of cases while one case followed a practice of oral sex. All patients were managed in the general ward and no mortality was recorded despite the presence of dysautonomia in some patients. Conclusion: Despite the high rate of morbidity and mortality associated with tetanus in developing countries and despite some regional differences in presentation; careful clinical management even in resource poor countries can result in very good outcomes