Vulnerability and Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Female Traders of Reproductive Age in Enugu; Nigeria

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) constitute major public health concern and enigma. A comprehensive knowledge of the modes of transmission is necessary to evolve an effective preventive strategy. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the vulnerability; knowledge and prevention of STIs among female traders of reproductive age in Enugu; Southeast Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out on female traders aged 15-49 years at Ogbete Main Market; Enugu; Southeast Nigeria. Data was analyzed using Epi-Info 2000 version 3.3.1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta USA) was used to analyze the data and results were presented in tabular form. Results: A total of 200 female traders of reproductive age participated in the study. The mean (standard deviation) age was 26 (7.4) years. 16 (32/200) were adolescents. Knowledge of specific STIs was highest for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome 90 (130/200). Parents were poor sources of information as only 28.5 (57/200) respondents heard about STIs from their parents compared with 46 (151/200); non-use of condoms 62 (124/200) and early debut 58 (116/200). Majority 67.5 135/200) were aware that STIs could be treated by a visit to the doctor while 21.5 (43/200) preferred traditional/herbal healers. Conclusion: The inclusion of health education in schools' curricula to ensure that adolescents are adequately aware of STIs; their modes of transmission; prevention and treatment before embarking on any vocation out-of-school is advocated

Survey of Women's Opinions on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Southeast Nigeria: Study of Patients Attending Antenatal Clinic

Background: Female genital mutilation is known to exist especially in many third world countries including Nigeria with many women being victims of this harmful practice and its complications. The practice is rife in Southeast Nigeria and efforts have been made to discourage it. Objective: To determine women's views on aspects of female genital mutilation and the prevalence among the study population. Method: Women attending the antenatal clinics of two university teaching hospitals in Southeast Nigeria were interviewed by means of structured pre-tested interviewer- administered questionnaires. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 10.0 and the results expressed in descriptive statistics as percentages. Results: The prevalence of FGM was 42.1. However; only 14.3of the respondents circumcised their own daughters or showed willingness to circumcise their daughters indicating considerable reduction in uptake of the practice. A larger proportion (63.7) would support legislation against FGM. Conclusion: There is a high opinion against the practice of FGM in Southeast Nigeria; with the majority of the women showing support for legislation

Knowledge and Perception of Menopause and Climacteric Symptoms among a Population of Women in Enugu; South East; Nigeria

Background: Menopause alters the physiological; biochemical and psychological environment of a woman. Thus the knowledge and perception of its symptomatology is invaluable to enable appropriate adjustment to this natural phenomenon. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and perception of menopause and climacteric symptoms among a sample of women in Enugu; South East Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross sectional survey of 432 women aged 45-60 and above drawn from the general population of Enugu metropolis of Nigeria. These women were randomly selected from the gynaecology clinic attendees in a tertiary health care facility in Enugu. A self administered structured pre-tested questionnaire was designed. The data were analysed using SPSS software. The primary methods used were cross tabulation (with X2 or Mantel Haenszel trend tests as appropriate) and one way analysis of variance. Results: Majority of women in the population studied experienced climacteric symptoms but relatively few regarded these symptoms as a problem. For example hot flushes and night sweats were experienced by 70.0but defined as a problem by only 30.0. Out of 432 women studied; only 33.3sought medical attention in hospital for their symptoms. 58.3of the women did not regard them as a medical problem and took them as part of aging process. Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of climacteric symptoms among women in the population so as to offer appropriate counselling and support without undue recourse to wasteful clinical assessment and investigations. Public enlightenment would also help to improve awareness of the menopause and its symptoms that may often lead to misdiagnosis in gynaecological clinics

The prevalence of occupational asthma and rhinitis among woodworkers in south-eastern Nigeria

Wood dusts are known to cause respiratory disorders like rhinitis and asthma. This study was therefore done to determine the magnitude of the problem among woodworkers in south-eastern Nigeria exposed to high level of wood dust.Five hundred and ninety one woodworkers were selected using a stratified random sampling. The prevalence of woodworkrelated rhinitis and asthma were then observed in the study population. Also the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of each woodworker was obtained. The prevalence of occupational rhinitis was 78%, while that of asthma was 6.5%. As period of woodwork increased the prevalence of rhinitis and asthma increased (rhinitis: χ2 trend = 53.015, df = 1, P = 0.000). For asthma, χ2 trend =19.721, df = 1, P = 0.000). Also the PEFR significantly became low with increasing years of exposure to woodwork (χ2 trend = 75.965, df = 1, P= 0.000). In conclusion the prevalence of rhinitis and asthma in woodworkers was high and significantly increased with years of working as a woodworker

Evaluation of the implementation of directly observed treatment short course by private medical practitioners in the management of tuberculosis in Enugu; Nigeria

This study was carried out to evaluate the use of directly observed treatment short course by private medical practitioners in the management of tuberculosis (TB) as a step towards achieving public-private mix strategy in Enugu; Nigeria. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from all private practitioners practicing in Enugu North Local Government Area. Three hundred and forty doctors were studied and among these 64 (18.8) managed more than 5 tuberculosis cases every month. Most of the doctors; 310 (91.2) based their diagnosis of tuberculosis on sputum acid-fast bacilli result. However; none of the private practitioners used the appropriate drug combination; dosage and duration. Most of the private practitioners (61.5) did not follow up their tuberculosis patients and a larger percentage (72.1) did not have facilities for tracing defaulters. Although 321 (94.4) of private practitioners would like to be provided with information about national tuberculosis control programme (NTP) only 32 (26.2) of them had ever participated in a continuing medical education (CME) on tuberculosis. In conclusion; although private practitionersmanage a reasonable number of tuberculosis patients their management is often inappropriate and not in line with NTP guidelines. As part of the efforts to achieving a successful public-private mix in TB control; private practitioners should undergo CME on national tuberculosis control programme. It is important that the government should routinely monitor and evaluate the management of TB by the private practitioners

Smoking habits of physicians in Enugu; Nigeria

Background: Physicians are highly respected in their communities. They play a crucial role in issues related to health and people turn to them for advice and consultation. This study was therefore conducted to determine the prevalence of smoking among physicians in Enugu; Nigeria; a group of health professionals who should act as role models. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was carried out between June and July 2004 at a tertiary health facility located in Enugu; the capital of Enugu state in south-east Nigeria. Information was obtained with the aid of a self-administered structured questionnaire. Results: Of the 450 physicians contacted; 377 completed the questionnaire; giving a response rate of 83.8. The mean age of the respondents was 30.9 years and majority 319(84.6) were males. The physicians comprised of about 8 current smokers; 13.3 ex-smokers and 78.8 who had never smoked. Majority (60) of smokers began smoking before the age of 20 and reasons for starting included curiosity (55); peer pressure (35); stress of medical school (22.5) and having a family member who smoked (10). All respondents agreed that smoking is hazardous to health and majority recognized the association between smoking and various diseases. Non -smokers were more likely than smokers to counsel their patients on the dangers of smoking and to consider themselves as role models. This difference was found to be statistically significant (p0.05). Majority (60.5) would recommend a ban on smoking in public places; 50.7 an increase in price of cigarettes and 31.3 prohibition of advertisement of cigarettes. Conclusion: Because of their important role as health educators; physicians should not smoke. It is highly recommended that smoking cessation training be implemented in medical schools and also be made available to practicing Nigerian physicians through continuing medical education. A national policy on tobacco control should also be developed and strictly enforced