The Pattern of Antibiotic Use in an Urban Slum in Lagos State; Nigeria

Background: Misuse of antibiotics has the potential of promoting the development of resistant strains ofinfective agents; thus resulting in increased morbidity and mortality as well as healthcare costs. Objectives: To assess the patterns of antibiotic use and the impact of socio-demographic variables on theobserved patterns in Itedo community in Lagos State; Nigeria.Methods: The research involved a cross-sectional survey among adults 15 years and above in Itedo; an urbanslum in Lagos state; Nigeria. Close-ended; structured questionnaires were used for the study. Data collection involved a multi-stage sampling method. Data analyses were done with the aid of SPSS version 15.0 software.Chi-squared test of association was used to test for associations between variables at 95 CI Results: The level of self-medication ranged from 44.3-79.2 (for the four most commonly used antibiotics inthe community); while the level of non-adherence to antibiotic therapy was found to be 63.4 . Reasons mentioned for non-adherence included lack of understanding of dosage instructions by dispensers from thevarious sources of purchase (86.9) and improvement in respondent's health condition(41.2). The level ofeducation of the respondent was found to be statistically significant in the determination of the source ofantibiotic purchase.Conclusion: Self-medication and a high level of non-adherence to antibiotic regimen were common in Itedocommunity. The documentation of the irrational use of antibiotics by adults in Itedo provides a basis forintervention on more rational use of antibiotics in this community

Exposure to Blood among Mortuary Workers in Teaching Hospitals in South-West Nigeria

Background: Mortuary workers like other health workers are exposed to blood borne pathogens at work. A baseline assessment is important to plan for programmes to safeguard the health of workers. The aim of this study is to determine exposure rates to blood among mortuary workers in teaching hospitals in South West Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out between March and May 2008. All mortuary workers working in six (6) teaching hospitals; 80 in total were included in the study. Data was collected with the aid of a 15- item self administered questionnaire. Data was analysed with the aid of EPI-INFO 2002. Statistical associations were explored using odds ratio and confidence intervals. Results: A total of 76 respondents completed questionnaire giving a response rate of 95; 3 males and 1 female declined to participate; the mean age of respondents was 38.2 years; 48(72.6); 53(85.5) and 50(73.5) of the workers had been exposed to blood through cuts; blood splash and needle stick injury. Duration at work was significantly associated with blood splash. Workers who had worked 5years and above were 0.10 times (95confidence interval 0.00-.0.78) as likely to experience blood splash compared to those who had worked under 5 years. Only 5(10.4) of workers with needle stick injury had completed three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine. The specific confirmation by antibody titre was however not done in this study. Conclusion: Exposure to blood was very common with blood splash emerging as the most common route of exposure. There is a need for vaccination of all mortuary workers with three doses of Hepatitis B Vaccine to protect their health. In addition; education of workers on risks and institution of standard operating procedure are crucial to safeguard the health of mortuary workers