Awareness of Blood Donation among Tertiary Institution Undergraduates in Southern Nigeria

Background:The increased need of safe blood and blood products and their unavailability in hospitals remain a formidable challenge faced by healthcare providers in developing countries such as Nigeria.Aim: To determine the level of awareness of blood donation among tertiary institution undergraduates in an urban setting of Southern Nigeria. Methodology: Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from undergraduates of the University of Benin and Delta State University both in southern Nigeria. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 16. Results: A total of 396 people were surveyed. Of these; 370 (93.4) were aware that blood can be donated; while 172 (43.4) were aware of the WHO policy on blood donation. Three hundred and forty-one (86.1) were aware that blood donation should be nationally coordinated while 306(77.3) did not agree that medical workers have created enough awareness on blood donation. Two hundred and twenty-two (56.1) were aware that blood donation should be voluntary and 209(52.8) were willing to donate blood if there is an attached financial reward. Conclusion:This study has revealed a high level of awareness on blood donation among tertiary institution undergraduates in Southern Nigeria and have demonstrated a poor level of awareness of the WHO policy on blood donation

Churg Strauss Syndrome: a Review

Background:Churg Strauss syndrome is a medical condition of unknown aetiology characterized by asthma; eosinophilia and finally vasculitis involving small vesselsin the limbs and nasal sinuses and the lungs. The purpose of this review is to highlight the natural history of this condition; the pathogenesis; clinical features andtreatment modalities available and the prognosis. Methods:Literature on the subject was reviewed using manual library search; articles in journals; internet search and conference abstracts. Results : Churg Strauss syndrome has been reported to be predominantly common in middle aged individuals in their middle age of life with a history of new onset or worsened asthma. The condition has a male predisposition. Prior to the advent of steroid therapy this condition invariably leads to death; but since theintroduction of prednisolone therapy and other immunosuppressive therapy; the outlook has improved for sufferers and long term survival has been seen. Conclusion: Suspicion of this condition should be based on a good history; physical examination and laboratory investigations and diagnosis based on the criteria that has been drawn by the American College of Rheumatology