Childhood seizures: assessment of the knowledge, attitude and home interventions among patients attending a paediatric outpatient clinic in Nigeria

Most seizures in children occur outside the hospital and effective first aid would protect individuals from harm. Study assessed the knowledge, attitude and home-based interventions for childhood seizures.Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted from 1stJune to 31stDecember, 2021 among caregivers of patients in a Paediatric outpatient clinic. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to assess knowledge, attitude, and home intervention of childhood seizures. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24 and results presented as frequency tables, percentages and charts. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant.Results: Out of 218 respondents, the commonest source of information on childhood seizures was from friends and relatives 126(73.2%). Fever was the commonest known cause. Only 15(6.9%) recognized seizure as a neurological disorder. Jerking of the body and clenchingof the teeth were the commonest recognizable symptoms. The majority said seizures were contagious (176(80.7%) and children with seizures should not go to school 187(85.8%). The overall knowledge score was poor. Negative attitudes included avoidance 19(8.7%), isolation from playing with peers (15(6.9%) and from the public 17(7.8%). Common interventions during seizures were putting palm kernel oil in the mouth while only 25(29.4%) took the child to the hospital or laid him down away from harmful objects 25(29.4%). The practice of home intervention for seizures was good in only 11(5.0%) of respondents

Knowledge and Attitude of Commercial Drivers in Benin City towards Utilization of Eye Care Services

Background: An excellent vision is crucial in driving and many driving related injuries and fatalities have been associated with visual problems especially for commercial drivers. Visual efficiency plays an important role during driving. This study determined the knowledge and attitude of commercial drivers in Benin towards utilization of eye care services. Method: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 100 commercial drivers in Benin City metropolis. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire, among commercial drivers from 3 major parks in Benin City. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results:The results revealedthat majorityofcommercial drivers in Benin city had knowledge of which an eye care provider is (60%), as well as knowing the eye care providers closest to them. However, 75% of them do not see it necessary to utilize the eye care services. Results of this study will help eye care professionals to better advise commercial drivers, concerning their eye health.Conclusion: Findingsrevealed that commercial drivers had a good knowledge of whom eye care providers are but a poor level of utilization of eye care services that they provide (P< 0.05). The factors affecting the poor utilization of eye care services was not statistically significant.

Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among Adolescents in Choma District of Zambia

Introduction:Dentalcariesandperiodontaldiseases are the most common oral diseases globally. Early control of oral health behaviours is importantbecauselifestylesacquiredduringadolescence are powerful predictors of adult health. We conducted a study to determine knowledge, attitude and practices on oral hygiene among school-going adolescents in Choma district of Zambia.Methodology:Across-sectionalstudywasconducted among school-going adolescents in randomly selected schools in Choma District. Atotal of 335 participants were included in the study. Data were collected using a closed-end self-administered questionnaire. The sample size was distributed among the six schools in the ratio of their population. The study included anyone from grades 8-12. Data were analysed using IBM software for SPSS. We employedthe Chi-Squaretesttoinvestigate the association between variables. Ap-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study had 173 males and 162 females in the age range of 12-19 years. The majority (87.8%) had good knowledge, 69.4% had good attitude and 87.5% had good practice on oral -hygiene. Practice was influenced by sex with females having good oral hygiene as compared to their male counterparts. About 97.2% thought that dental health education is essential in schools. 34% indicated that they had visited the dentist when they experienced a toothache. However, parental advice to regularly visit the dentist was low (n=39).The majority 49.9% (n=167) indicated that they had not visited the dentist due to fear of the dental equipment set up.Conclusion and recommendation: Despite the majority having good knowledge and attitude on oral hygiene, there is a need to acquaint children with milling and dental units found in most dental offices. This may instil confidence in children to seek specialist dental treatment whenever they develop any dental disease. Further,parents need to be incorporated as partners in promoting oral health hygiene among school-going adolescents.

Zoom sur le cancer du col utérin chez les adolescentes à Kananga au Kasaï-Central, en République Démocratique du Congo / NA

Introduction. Le cancer du col de l'utérus (CCU) demeure un problème majeur de santé publique et il est le quatrième cancer le plus répandu chez les femmes à l'échelle mondiale. L'objectif est de contribuer à l'améliorationde niveau de connaissance des adolescentes sur le cancer du col utérin dans la ville de Kananga.Matériel et méthodes.Il s'agit d'une étude transversaledescriptive sur le cancer du col utérin, réalisée dans la ville de Kananga et dont l'étude était basée sur l'interview de 436 Adolescentes selon un échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés, dans les Aires de Santé de la Zone de Santé Urbaine de Kananga.Résultats. La moyenne d'âge des répondantes était de 17,7 ± 1,2 ans. Le niveau de connaissances sur le cancer du col utérin s'est révélé inadéquat chez presque toutes les participantes (90%). Les signes couramment connus étaient le saignement vaginal (80,3%), dyspareunie (4,8%) et règles prolongés (2,3%). Le sexe était pratiqué dans55,5% des adolescents alors que 70,9% savaient l'existence du lien entre le cancer du col utérin et les infections sexuellement transmissible (IST). Les connaissances sur lesfacteurs de risque de survenu du cancer du col étaient: la consummation de tabacdans 31,9% et le rapport sexuel précoce dans 25,5%; la pratique du dépistage était observée dans 0,2% des cas et 37,2% d'adolescentes connaissaient que toutes les femmes étaient prédisposées de développer la pathologie.Conclusion.Le niveau de connaissances de cancer du col utérin s'est révélé inadéquat chez les adolescents et nécessité des campagnes destinées à sensibiliser d'avantage toutes les femmes en particulier et le public de la ville de Kananga en général au sujet de ce cancer du col utérin

Barriers to cyotherapy treatment services for precancerous cervical lesions among women in Western Kenya

BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is the fourth most fatal and common disease globally among women of reproductive age in Kenya; it ranks the second most frequent type of cancer after breast cancer. Due to the high burden, cryotherapy treatment services, which are effective for the treatment of precancerous lesions are available in selected health facilities in Kenya, however, barriers to the treatment services are poorly understood. Nonetheless, understanding these barriers is critical for enhanced service delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS :A descriptive facility-based cross-sectional study design was carried out to determine the barriers to cryotherapy treatment services among 60 women of reproductive age on a one-year therapy at Migosi Sub County Hospital in Western Kenya. The participants were selected purposively and interviewed via telephone calls using pre-coded semi-structured questionnaires. However, data from 5 nurses working in the cryotherapy section were collected through face-to-face interviews at the health facility. Data were entered in an excel sheet and then exported to SPSS version 23.0 for analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square) were used and data were presented in form of tables. RESULTS :Overall, 52 (85.4%) respondents adhered to post-care treatment instructions and reported no adverse reactions. However, 28 (46.7%) experienced unavailability of cryotherapy services at the time of the appointment and got the services later, 24 (40%) got the services at the time of the appointment but waited for a long time before being served, 37 (61.7%) did not know why they were being treated and 46 (76.7%) had misconceptions and myths about the therapy. In addition, there was a statistically significant association between knowing both the benefits of screening and cryotherapy [X 2 (1, N = 60) = 5.90, p = .02]. Also, the knowledge of the benefits of cryotherapy did not influence one's decision to wait for cryotherapy treatment services, [X 2(1, N = 60) = 3.98, p = .46]. CONCLUSION : The study shows very good adherence to post-treatment instruction but inadequate availability of cryotherapy treatment services. Also, the misconceptions and myths about cryotherapy are public health concerns. Therefore, the study recommends improved awareness campaigns and service delivery for the enhanced uptake of cryotherapy treatment services.

Male attitudes towards family planning in the Limpopo province of South Africa

Women often do not receive support from their partners with regards to familyplanning (FP), which can lead to hesitancy and inconsistent use. This study sought tounderstand the male attitudes that contribute to this.Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in 2019 using focus group discussions (FGDs) with purposively selected men aged ≥ 25 years and in a relationship with a woman of childbearing age. An open-ended question guide was used to explore men's perceptions regarding FP. The discussions were recorded, translated and transcribed verbatim, whereafter transcripts were coded and analysed thematically. Results: Three major themes were identified, namely: (1) the advantages of FP, including financial benefits and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy; (2) the disadvantages of FP, including perceived adverse effects on men and women, as well as marital difficulties; and (3) the exclusion of men from FP by health workersand their partners. Conclusion: Men felt ambivalent towards FP. They were aware of the benefits thereof, but were hesitant to allow their female partners to use contraceptives, because of several misconceptions about the adverse effects. This underscores the need to involve men in FP programmes.

Mothers' perception of COVID-19 infection in their under-five children presenting in a tertiary health institution in South-East Nigeria and associated factors

Background: Maternal attitude to health-seeking behavior of their under-five children in the COVID-19 pandemic is not well-known. Objectives: This study is aimed at determining mothers' perception of COVID-19 pandemic among their under-five children and associated factors. Methodology: This is a prospective and observational study carried out in two health institutions in South-East Nigeria. Results: Most subjects, 243 (65.3%) noted that someone without showing symptoms of COVID-19 could transmit the virus. Of the mothers of children under-five, 271 (72.8%) highlighted the possibility of COVID-19 infection in the under-five. A small number of participants 53 (14.2%) showed awareness that people should cough into their elbows as a way of preventing the transmission of COVID-19. A small number of participants, 160 (43.0%) had a good perception of COVID-19. Majority of mothers who were married, 148 (44.7%) showed a good perception of COVID-19 when compared with those who were single, 12 (29.3%); however, this is not significant, (χ2 = 3.550, P = 0.060). A large number of participants who have attained tertiary education, 92 (48.9%) had a good perception of COVID-19 which is higher than that seen in mothers with secondary education 68 (37.0%) (χ2 = 5.444, P = 0.020). Participants who were 30­34 years had 1.8 times higher odds of good perception of COVID 19 compared with mothers who were more than 35 years (adjusted odds ratio = 1.803, 95% confidence interval = 1.026­3.170). Conclusion: Although most mothers affirm that a child could be infected by COVID-19, a small number of them actually had a good perception of COVID-19 infection. Good perception of COVID-19 among the under-five is enhanced by the high level of education and age of 32­34 years.

Health workers' attitude towards children and adolescents with mental illness in a teaching hospital in north-central Nigeria

Objective: Public stigma against mental illness is well studied. However, there is a dearth of research into health workers' attitude towards children and adolescents with mental illness, especially in low- and middle income countries such Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 395 health workers in a Teaching Hospital in North-Central Nigeria. Participants were selected by random sampling from clinical and non-clinical departments. Participants completed questionnaires to assess stigma, knowledge, personal contact, previous training, and exposure to religious teaching on child and adolescent mental illness (CAMI).Results: The response rate was 90%. Many health workers (42%) indicated that affected children should not play with other children, 38% would feel ashamed if a child in their family had mental illness, 42% would be concerned if their child sat with an affected child, and 27% would be afraid to speak to a child or adolescent with mental illness. Independent predictors of negative attitudes were: poor knowledge, exposure to religious teaching that affected children are possessed or dangerous, and being from a non-medical professional group.Conclusion: CAMI is stigmatised by health workers in this specialist Hospital in Nigeria. Urgent intervention is required to avoid adverse impact on affected children

Attitudes towards nutritional supplement use amongst adult gymnasium users in Johannesburg North

Background: Nutritional supplements refer to a product ingested to increase the nutritional content of a normal diet, to fill a dietary need and/or presumed deficiency. The usage and popularity of nutritional supplements, however, raises concerns from a health benefit and risk perspective. In South Africa, there is currently no adequate regulatory framework of enforcement for nutritional supplement products and undeclared constituents by the statutory body, the Medicines Control Council (MCC). Education awareness programmes by organisations that should take consumer protection and the general public health and wellness as a right, needs to be improved. Objectives: To investigate the attitudes toward nutritional supplements by adult gym users from commercial gymnasiums in the Johannesburg North region of South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design, using a selfadministered questionnaire was applied to 364 recruited study participants who attended commercial gymnasiums in Johannesburg North. Results: One hundred and fifty users (41%) claimed that they 'always' read the information about the nutritional values, benefits, and side effects of the supplements on the labels prior to use. Three hundred and three users (83%) indicated that the number of users of nutritional supplements in gymnasiums is on the increase. Two hundred and seventy-three (75%) of main information sources for nutritional supplements may be found on the internet, while 292 (80%) indicated the need for gymnasiums to provide educational programmes pertaining to nutritional supplement consumption. Conclusion: Gymnasium users are aware of the increase in nutritional supplement use in commercial gymnasiums. Many of the users were unaware of the potential mislabelling and health concerns regarding these supplements. Therefore there is a need for improved nutritional supplement education programmes and diligence at multiple levels

Assertiveness and attitudes of HIV/AIDS orphaned girls towards education in Kampala (Uganda)

Whereas HIV/AIDS prevalence has been declining in Uganda from 30 to less than 10 in the last 2 decades; the number of HIV/AIDS orphaned girls in secondary schools is still high and girl children have tended to carry the heaviest burdens of family responsibilities thereby adversely affecting their assertiveness and attitudes towards education. Assertiveness is a critical life skill that enables a person to state an opinion; claim a right; or establish authority and it is important to improve attitude towards education. This study examined the relationship between assertiveness and attitude towards education of HIV/AIDS orphaned and non-orphaned adolescent school girls in Kampala. The California Psychological Inventory (CPI) Dominance (Do) Assertiveness Scale and the Attitude Scale were administered to 225 students consecutively selected from 6 secondary schools in Kampala. HIV/AIDS Orphaned girls had lower levels of assertiveness and most had a negative attitude towards education compared to non-orphaned girls. Girls orphaned to HIV/AIDS were less assertive compared to those orphaned by other causes. There was a positive relationship between assertiveness and attitude towards education among orphaned adolescent secondary school girls in Kampala. Girls orphaned to HIV/AIDS were less assertive compared to other school girls and have a poor attitude towards education

Perceptions of Health Promoters about Health Promotion Programmes for Families with Adolescents Orphaned as a Result of AIDS in the Rural Hammanskraal Region in South Africa

South African communities are still greatly affected by the high rate of infection with HIV or who are living with AIDS; mirrored in the 2008 overall national HIV prevalence of 29.3(UNAIDS 2010:10). In addressing the challenge; the health system is dependent on community care level workers such as caregivers to render health promotion and education in the homes and communities. The caregivers based in the communities are the ones with first-hand information on what is needed for the success of health promotion programmes. This study; aimed at exploring the challenges faced by the health promoters; described their perceptions regarding a health promotion programme for families with adolescents orphaned as a result of AIDS. Data were collected on the purposively selected participants at the rural Hammanskraal region in South Africa and the research question: 'What is your perception regarding health promotion programmes for families with adolescents orphaned as a result of AIDS' was asked and discussed by participants in a focus group interview. Data were analysed using the adapted Tesch method to organize and isolate the main categories; sub-categories and themes. The following main categories were isolated: attitudes of adolescents; effectiveness of home visits; need for health education and limited resources. Based on the findings; it was therefore recommended that health care planners assist in the improvement of health promotion and education by using the community and national media; providing information material and providing access to the internet in order to allow more people; including young people; to access the information

Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Atitudes and Beliefs of Nurses and Patients about Coexisting Traditional and Biomedical Healthcare Systems in a Rural Setting in KwaZulu-Natal

Objectives: Health care in South Africa takes place within a diverse cultural context and includes perceptions about health that strongly link to cultural beliefs and values. Biomedical healthcare professionals; particularly nurses; are exposed to and expected to cope with cultural challenges on a daily basis; with little or no training on how to do so. In this paper; we explore nurse and patient attitudes to and beliefs about how the systems of health care coexist; what issues this raises and how nurses and patients address these issues in their daily practice. Design: The study employed an exploratory; qualitative research design. Setting and subjects: Four in-depth focus group discussions were conducted with nurses and patients at a deep rural; district hospital in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Participants were selected based on their availability and willingness to contribute to the discussion. Results: Traditional and biomedical healthcare systems coexist and are used simultaneously with the healthcare-seeking pattern of patients traversing multiple systems of care. Currently; patients and nurses have developed strategies to address this by steering a pragmatic course to minimise risks; and by doing so; bridging the gap between the two healthcare mediums. Conclusion: Further research is required to understand which illnesses are primarily seen as traditional; how this gap can be effectively addressed; and how different healthcare co-delivery models can best be utilised and evaluated

Views and Attitudes of Pregnant Women Regarding Late Termination of Pregnancy for Severe Fetal Abnormalities at a Tertiary Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal

Aim. To study the views and attitudes of pregnant women with severe fetal anomalies regarding late termination of pregnancy (LTOP). Methods. Data were collected over a 3-month period using semi-structured interviews of pregnant women with severe fetal anomalies (lethal and non-lethal) detected after 24 weeks' gestation at a single tertiary/quaternary fetal medicine unit in KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa. The interviews were conducted both during pregnancy and within 2 weeks after delivery. The women who underwent LTOP and those who continued with their pregnancies were compared in respect of a variety of demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Results. During the study period; 15 pregnant women with severe fetal anomalies were interviewed. Of these; 5 (33.3) requested termination and 10 (66.6) opted to continue the pregnancy. The women who continued their pregnancies were significantly younger (mean age 25 years; range 20 - 32 years) than those who requested termination (mean age 31 years; range 22 - 35 years) (p0.05). Mean parity was 1 (range 0 - 3) in the patients who continued the pregnancy and 2 (1 - 3) in those who terminated it. The majority of the women were Christians; and there was no significant difference between the groups in their choices. Many women indicated that their partners and immediate family members influenced decision making. All the women said that they were given sufficient time by the hospital staff to make their decision whether to terminate or continue the pregnancy after the options had been explained to them in a non-threatening manner. Before delivery; the common reasons for continuing with the pregnancy included fear of killing an unborn baby; that a baby is God's gift and the baby will be well after it is born; that nature should be allowed to take its course; and that there should be no interference with the pregnancy. The main reasons for opting for LTOP were the cost implications of raising an abnormal baby; that the baby would suffer during his or her life; and being unable to cope with a severely handicapped child. After delivery and seeing the baby; most women felt that they made the correct choice. Conclusion. Despite the small numbers from a single academic institution; this study illustrates that even while pregnant with an anomalous fetus; patients' views and attitudes regarding LTOP for severe fetal anomaly were variable. Younger primigravidas were more likely to continue the pregnancy in the hope that the baby would be born normal. Good support from partner and family after delivery was associated with less regret about the decision that had been made. Larger follow-up studies assessing long-term views and attitudes of women regarding LTOP will be important for comparison with the initial decision-making process and for future prenatal counselling

Increase in the Detection Rate of Viral and Parasitic Enteric Pathogens among Egyptian Children with Acute Diarrhea

Introduction: Acute diarrhea continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children from developing countries. Determination of the frequency of diarrhea in an area; along with the proportion of disease caused by specific enteric agents of different origins; is considered the first step in controlling diarrheal diseases. Methodology: From 2005 to 2007; a hospital-based surveillance was conducted in two locations in Egypt to determine the causes of acute diarrhea in children younger than 5-years seeking treatment. Five additional enteric viral and parasitic pathogens were tested using commercially-available enzyme immunoassays (EIA) to re-evaluate the prevalence of diarrheal pathogens in undiagnosed cases.Results: Adenovirus; astrovirus; norovirus and G. lamblia were detected as the sole pathogen in 2 (n=34); 3 (n=56); 9 (n=191) and 7 (n=146) of the cases; respectively. E. histolytica was never detected as the sole pathogen. The percentage of diarrheal cases with a known cause increased significantly; from 48 (n=1;006) to 74 (n=1;568) (P0.0001). Conclusion: In our study; the incorporation of immunoassays yielded useful data in identifying pathogens in previously pathogen-negative diarrhea cases

The Expectations of Fathers Concerning Care Provided by Midwives to the Mothers during Labour

Midwives have been criticised for neglecting the expectations and needs of fathers. They either ignore the fathers or pressure them into becoming more involved than they would choose; if allowed to provide support to the mothers during labour. Whilst midwives are providing woman-centred care; it is important that they remember to involve the fathers in decision-making and to acknowledge their role; expectations and needs; because the birth of a child is one of the most important events in a person's lifetime. This study focused on fathers' expectations of the care provided to mothers by the midwives during labour. A qualitative; explorative; descriptive and contextual study design was utilised. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with fathers about the care provided to their partners or wives by midwives. Data were then analysed with an open descriptive method of coding that is appropriate for qualitative research. The results of the interviews were subsequently positioned within a holistic health-promotive nursing theory that encompassed body; mind and spirit. The results revealed that fathers saw the provision of comfort and support as the two main aspects for mothers in labour that they expected from midwives. The findings were that midwives should improve their communication skills with the mothers; as well as with the fathers if they are available. Fathers expected midwives to encourage them to accompany the mother during labour and to facilitate bonding between father; mother and baby. The results of this study should assist midwives to provide holistic quality care to mothers and fathers during labour

People's Perceptions of HIV/AIDS as Portrayed by their Labels of the Disease: the Case of Botswana

It is typical of societies to come up with their own labels or names to any phenomenon that may befall them in the course of their life time. Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has been no exception to this practice. In Botswana most of these labels are either in Setswana or eng whereby an Eglish expression is simply adopted and used to refer to HIV/AIDS. This study looks at the different labels or names that have been used to refer to HIV/AIDS in Botswana. It is an attempt to provide insights into perceptions of HIV/AIDS by the local communities portrayed through the naming of this disease. The study demonstrates how; through the different labels; the local communities started in denial distancing themselves from this disease and in some cases associating AIDS with ailments already known to them; cultural practices and taboos. Some of these labels further demonstrate the negative attitudes that may have fuelled HIV-related stigma in the country. Based on the informants' responses; the paper further attempts a categorisation of these labels influenced by different attitudes to HIV/AIDS; some of which are self-perpetuating and may continue to be a hindrance to the fight against the disease

Application of health belief model for promoting behaviour change among nigerian single youths

The study analyzes the factors influencing conduct of HIV test and risky behavour change using the health belief model. The data were obtained from the Nigeria's 2004 NLSS data and analyzed with descriptive statistics and Probit regression. Results show that 87.79% of the single youths were aware of HIV/AIDS, 3.34% conducted HIV test and 71.73% desisted from risky behaviour by having sex with one partner (24.35%), not starting sex (16.90%) and using condom (14.29%). Also, probability of conducting HIV test and changing risky behaviours significantly increases (p<0.10) with age, access to radio, television and per capita expenditure, while it significantly decreases with no formal education. Residence in urban area significantly increases probability of conducting HIV test, but significantly reduces probability of changing risky behaviours. The study recommends integration of health studies into Nigerian elementary school curriculums, provision of adequate facilities for free HIV test in rural areas, among others (Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2010; 14[2]:63-75)

Vecu psychologique des parents accompagneurs d'enfant hospitalises en oncologie pediatrique

La survenue d'un cancer chez un enfant entraine de nombreux bouleversements de la structure familiale. Il nous a paru important d'etudier les contours psychologiques de cette situation en milieu hospitalier a Abidjan. L'etude a ete retrospective; descriptive; sur une periode de douze mois. Elle a concerne 30 accompagnateurs majeurs d'enfants hospitalises dans l'unite d'oncologie du service de pediatrie du CHU de Treichville. Les donnees ont ete recueillies a partir des entretiens isoles ou en groupe avec des accompagnateurs et du dossier medical de l'enfant. 33;4 pour cent des parents accompagnateurs ont attribue l'origine de la maladie a un mauvais sort ou a une malediction; pour 66;6 pour cent il s'etait agi d'une maladie comme une autre. Notre objectif a ete de decrire les aspects psychologiques engendres par ce vecu hospitalier afin d'aider a l'amelioration de l'atmosphere autour de l'enfant lors de sa prise en charge