Sexual autonomy and the use of modern contraceptives in Nigeria evidence from the 2018 demographic and health survey

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and relationship between sexual autonomy and modern contraceptive use among Nigerian women. Methods: Secondary data analysis of the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey was conducted among Nigerian women aged 15-49 years who were married or had a partner. Analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis and univariate and multivariate logistic regression. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Participants that had never heard or seen a family planning awareness message were 59.6%, whereas 55.9% were capable of deciding whether to refuse their husband/partner's sex or not. The prevalence of modern contraceptive use was 12%, and the likelihood of using modern contraceptives increased with the level of education, wealth status, and the number of living children. Sexual autonomy was also a significant predictor of modern contraceptive use (odds ratio = 1.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-1.46). Conclusion: There is a very low prevalence of modern contraceptive use among women in Nigeria. Sexual autonomy, poverty, education, and the number of living children play a major role. Thus, women empowerment and girl-child education are critical interventions needed for the best outcomes on contraceptive use in Africa. Male involvement in sexual autonomy is also key since they are major decisionmakers regarding women's issues.

Sex-ratio at birth in Nigeria: A demographic perspective

The study attempts at estimating the sex-ratio at birth in Nigeria. The study focuses on demographic surveys with complete maternity histories, including some 0.50 million births. It compares results with published estimates from births in health facilities and a few data from vital registration, including some 1.13 million births. Results from demographic surveys give an estimate of about 106 boys for 100 girls. There were no significant variations by large region in the country, and no significant trend over the years (1990-2018). Published estimates provided a similar value (106.2), with somewhat lower value in health facilities (105.3), and somewhat higher values in local vital registration (106.8), and major variations among available studies. Despite uncertainty, Nigeria appears to have higher sex-ratios than most African countries, with the exception of Ethiopia, and higher values than its five neighboring countries. Reasons for these high values of the secondary sex-ratio are discussed. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[4]: 92-97).

Drivers of contraceptive use choice in Zambia

Modern approaches of birth control have emerged as broadly accepted family planning methods in replacement of traditional alternatives. However, the effectiveness of modern contraceptives has been challenged by serious side effects, either experienced or expected, with inhibiting consequences on the acceptability and utilisation of family planning service. This paper disentangles the drivers of none-use, traditional and modern contraceptive use in Zambia using the 2018 Zambian Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) data. The Conditional logit choice modelling technique is employed to account not only for the differences in alternative contraceptive options but also the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of individual woman making the choice. Empirical results indicate that educated, older and poorer women are likely to adopt the traditional contraceptive methods whereas employed women are indifferent between traditional and modern birth control options. Furthermore, Christian women and those from other religions as well as women with no education prefer no birth control method. The study concludes that employment has the potential to serve as an alternative and safer birth control tool in developing countries and namely in Zambia. Therefore, government's effort to expand family planning program should mainly target non-educated women while promoting safer contraceptive methods. This can be achieved through women education and job creation. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[5]:13- 27).

'Gift with a price tag': Nigerian egg donors' knowledge, experiences and motivations

Research around the world has indicated that the demand for egg donation has grown considerably among young females. This study qualitatively examines the knowledge, experiences, and motivations of young egg donors at a Nigerian health facility. Indepth interviews were conducted in Igbo and English with consenting thirty-one egg donors attending a fertility clinic in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria. Data were collected and analysed to generate themes with the aid of NVivo 10 software. Three themes were identified from the participants' motivations and include (a) monetary (93.6%), (b) altruistic (3.2%), and (c) both monetary and altruistic reasons (3.2%). Findings highlighted that the differences were based on a variety of reasons in Nigeria. All the participants were literate and single, and the majority received payment. The majority (77.4%) of those who received payment mentioned that the payment was not worth the donation program. The participants preferred to be anonymous because they had not discussed their donation with their family members, and the non-acceptance of egg donation program by the Nigerian society. Given that the market for egg donation has become a common method of infertility management in Nigeria, our findings have important implications for practices, policy actions, and future research. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[6]:64-79).

COVID-19: Socio-demographic determinants of knowledge

Background:Knowledge on etiology, risk factors, mode of transmission, signs and symptoms of COVID-19 is an essential element in pandemic control. Assessing the level of knowledge and determining sources from which information were derived is a fundamental element of situation analysis imperative in COVID-19 control.Materials and method: The study is a cross sectional study. All eligible visitors who presented at the general out-patient department for Medicare were enlisted into the study until required sample size was achieved. Pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to elicit information from respondents. Statistical analysis was done with multinomial logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 23.1 with statistical significance set at 0.05. Ethical approval and permission for the study from relevant authorities were granted.Conclusion:Knowledge of COVID 19 was poor. Higher educational qualification enhances better knowledge. Females, public servants, married persons, respondents who attended tertiary institution and those aged 31-40 years had better knowledge score.Results:Over all composite score for good knowledge was 1037(35.4%) with predominant statistically significant difference in knowledge. There was better knowledge score for females, public servants, married persons, respondents aged 31-40 years and those who had tertiary education

Professional quality of life of nurses in critical care units: Influence of demographic characteristics

Background. Professional quality of life, measured as compassion satisfaction, is a prerequisite for nurses working in intensive care units where patients rely on their care. Nurses who experience compassion satisfaction, or good professional quality of life, engage enthusiastically with all work activities and render quality patient care. In contrast, compassion fatigue eventually leads to disengagement from work activities and unsatisfactory patient outcomes. In this study, we described the demographic factors influencing professional quality of life of intensive care nurses working in public hospitals in Gauteng, South Africa (SA), during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective. To describe the demographic factors associated with professional quality of life of critical care nurses working in Gauteng, SA. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, we used total population sampling and invited all nurses who had worked for at least 1 year in one of the critical care units of three selected public hospitals in Gauteng to participate. One-hundred and fifty-four nurses responded and completed the ProQol-5 tool during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. The nurses' average age was 45 years, and 59.1% (n=91) had an additional qualification in critical care nursing. Most of the nurses had a diploma (51.3%; n=79), with a mean work experience of 12.56 years. The main demographic variables that influenced professional quality of life were years of work experience (p=0.047), nurses' education with specific reference to a bachelor's degree (p=0.006) and nurse-patient ratio (p<0.001). Conclusions. Nurses working in critical care units in public hospitals in Gauteng experienced low to moderate compassion satisfaction, moderate to high burnout and secondary traumatic stress, suggesting compassion fatigue. The high workload, which may have been associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced nurses' professional quality of life.

Gender perspectives and health literacy proficiencies of In-school adolescents in Osun State, Nigeria

Health literacy proficiency has been linked with positive adolescent health outcomes. Strategies aimed towards improving health literacy have been suggested as a major way of achieving adolescent health and wellbeing. Previous research has identified a nexus between socio-demographics, education and health literacy proficiency. This study therefore, explores existing relationships between gender, socio-economic class and the health literacy proficiency levels of in-school adolescents in Osun State.Mixed method involving questionnaire survey and Focus group discussion were used to obtain data from 1,200 randomly selected in-school adolescents from 12 high schools in Osun State, Nigeria. The survey instrument was an adaptation of the electronic health literacy scale (eHEALS). Results show only 1,186 (98.8%) questionnaire were found analysable. Mean age of respondents was 15 + 0.6 with 616(51.1%) being female. Overall health literacy proficiency was low with only 447(37.7%) having a high level of health literacy proficiency. Quantitative survey shows that both gender and socio-economic background have negative statistically significant relationship with health literacy proficiency. Similarly, FGD revealed that females generally have lower health literacy proficiency when compared with males. The study concludes that gender based interventions for female adolescents could reduce health and educational disparities which will contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4 and 5.

The demographic transition in the Democratic Republic of Congo: facts and challenges to reach a demographic dividend

Background: The channels linking the demographic and economic situation of a population are numerous. We focus on the process of a demographic transition and the demographic dividend that Sub-Saharan Africa and, in particular, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are currently undergoing. Data source and methods: Secondary data are used to highlight the diverse paths of demographic transition in Sub-Saharan African countries. Additionally, the specific situation of the DRC is selected as a case study. Results: The potential of Sub-Saharan Africa to enjoy a demographic dividend is exceptional. Although the DRC is in the group of the least advanced countries, its increasing share of working age population is a key to reap the benefits of the potential economic growth. Conclusion: There are some recent economic and social advancements in the DRC, but the benefits of its demographic performance are dependent on whether government and institutions are capable of responding to current circumstances with targeted, effective and coordinated policies

Is technical demography becoming less relevant? two decade review of published articles in selected demography journals

Background: In this paper, we reviewed development in the field of technical demography and empirically demonstrate that there has been a decline in the proportion of technical demographic studies published in the last two decades. Methods: All original articles published in nine demographic journals from Africa, Europe, Australia, Canada and United States were reviewed. We derived yearly aggregate for total number of articles and number of technical demographic papers from 1994 to 2015. We illustrated the trends in the proportion of technical demographic studies in a graph and also estimated the annual rate of decline using least square regression techniques. Results: A total of 4091 studies were published in 465 issues of the selected journals between 1994 and 2015 of which 371 (9.0%) were related to technical demography. The proportion of technical demographic papers declined gradually at an annual rate of 0.42% (CI= 0.29-0.62) between 1994 (12.0%) and 2015 (10.0%). Conclusion: Technical demography need to be strengthened in order to provide the critical data and evidence required to objectively monitor the post-2015 development goals

Comparison of the demographic and diagnostic profile of new patients attending a neurodevelopmental clinic in 2008/2009 and 2016

Background. Literature suggests an increasing prevalence of developmental disabilities, and specifically ofconditions such as autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The resulting burden on paediatric neurodevelopmental services has not been described in the South African setting.Objective. To compare the demographic and diagnostic profile of new patients attending a neurodevelopmental service across two 12-month periods, after a change in referral pathway and the introduction of a secondary clinic.Methods. We conducted a retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional folder review of new patients seen in the neurodevelopmental service at Tygerberg Hospital in 2008/2009 and 2016.Results. The number of new patients increased from 84 in 2008/2009 to 240 in 2016. In both periods the majority of patients were male.The median (IQR) age decreased from 62 (31 - 92) months in 2008/2009 to 53 (37 - 67) months in 2016 (p=0.17). In 2008/2009 only one patient was from the Khayelitsha health subdistrict compared with 49 (20.4%) in 2016, following the subdistrict's addition to the hospital's drainage area in 2011. The number of patients referred by allied health professionals increased between the two periods (30.4% in 2016 v. 16.4% in 2008/2009). Cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increased notably: from 10 (8.4%) in 2008/2009 to 84 (35%) in 2016.Conclusion. The notable increase in neurodevelopmental referrals over the past 8 years cannot be fully explained by a regional population increase or a change in referral pathway. The number of ASD cases has increased disproportionately, with important implications for health and educational service planning

Demographics of paediatric patients presenting with acute appendicitis: A 5-year retrospective review of hospitals served by the Department of Paediatric Surgery at the University of the Witwatersrand

Background. There are no recently published data on the incidence and demographics or perforation rates of paediatric patients from our local population presenting with acute appendicitis. Objective. To show the age and gender distribution of paediatric patients presenting with acute appendicitis within our communities, as well as demonstrating the incidence of perforated acute appendicitis in our paediatric population. Method. The study is a retrospective record review of all paediatric patients who presented with acute appendicitis to the Department of Paediatric Surgery at both Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) from June 2010 to September 2015. Data collected included all demographic data as well as histology results of patients who underwent appendectomies. Results. The total numbers of patients included in the study were 544; 234 at CHBAH, and 311 at CMJAH. The male-to-female ratio was 1.58:1. The mean age for presentation at both hospitals combined was 8.76 years. We found that 13.41% of paediatric patients with acute appendicitis in this cohort were under the age of 6 years. A histological review showed that 50.1% of patients in our cohort presented with complicated appendicitis, and we had a negative appendectomy rate of 8.4%. Histological results of patients under the age of 6 years revealed a higher negative appendicectomy rate of 11.4%. However, the incidence of complicated appendicitis in this age group was only 45.7%, which is lower than that reported in the literature. Three patients were found to have Enterobius vermicularis in the lumen of the appendix, and Ascaris ova were identified in one patient. Histology revealed a low-grade mucinous neoplasm in one patient. Conclusion. Acute appendicitis occurred at a median age of 8.76 years in our study population, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.58:1. We found that acute appendicitis occurred relatively more frequently in our patients under the age of 6 years compared with the incidence of acute appendicitis in this age group published elsewhere. Complicated appendicitis occurred in 50.1% of our patient population, with an increased frequency of perforated appendicitis occurring in our male population. However, complicated appendicitis occurred in only 44.7% of our patients below the age of 6 years, which is in stark contrast to published literature. Helminthic infections were rare associated pathogens in our study, and an unlikely underlying pathogen of acute appendicitis in our population

Risk factors for under-five mortality in Ethiopia: Evidence from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey

Background. The under-five child mortality (U5CM) rate is the most important sensitive indicator of the socioeconomic and health status of a community, and the overall development of a nation. Despite the world having made substantial progress in reducing child mortality since 1990, the global U5CM rate was 41 per 1 000 in 2016. The rate is higher in Ethiopia than in several other low- and middle-income countries. Objectives. To estimate the effects of socioeconomic and demographic factors on U5CM in Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 10 641 under-five children. The 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data were used for this research. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors affecting the U5CM rate. Results. The U5CM rate was 60 deaths per 1 000 live births. Children who were delivered at home (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.30; 95% CI 1.04 - 1.63) and male (aOR 1.36; 95% CI 1.15 - 1.60) were at an increased risk of death. Children whose family size was between 1 and 3 (aOR 5.54; 95% CI 4.08 - 7.54), and 4 and 6 (aOR 1.94; 95% CI 1.55 - 2.43) were more likely to die before age 5 than those whose family size was ≥6. First-born (aOR 0.49; 95% CI 0.36 - 0.67), second- or third-born (aOR 0.51; 95% CI 0.39 - 0.67) and fourth- or fifth-born (aOR 0.71; 95% CI 0.56 - 0.91) children were less likely to die than those who were sixth-born and above. Similarly, singleton children (aOR 0.20; 95% CI 0.15 - 0.28), children residing in urban communities (aOR 0.55; 95% CI 0.40 - 0.76) and children whose families had protected sources of water (aOR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71 - 0.99) had reduced risks of death compared with their respective counterparts. Conclusions. The present study identified risk factors for under-five mortality in Ethiopia. Programmes to reduce under-five mortality in Ethiopia must focus on the place of delivery, households with unprotected sources of drinking water and families residing in rural areas

Parenting styles and socio-demographic dynamics associated with mental health of in-school adolescents in Ibadan, south-west Nigeria

Background: Positive parenting and enabling socio-demography, engenders good conduct in adolescence. Balanced parental demandingness and emotional responsiveness, deployed by authoritative parents, supports adolescents' mental health. Parental emotional responsiveness deters peer-pressured risky behaviours; while parental negligence, permissiveness, or demandingness encourages mental health problems. This is especially in the context of unfavourable socio-demographic setting.Aim: We aimed to evaluate parenting styles and socio-demographic factors associated with adolescents' mental health.Method: A cross-sectional multistage study was conducted with 286 in-school adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were collected with questionnaires. The questionnaires evaluated socio-demography, mental health, and perceived parenting styles using the Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ) and Scale of Parenting Styles (SPS) questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 21.Results: Some of the adolescents in this study, experienced peer problems (4.9%), conduct problems (9.4%), hyperactivity problems (0.7%), emotional problems (14.3%), and they lacked pro-social behaviours (11.1%). In comparison to adolescents who perceived fathers as authoritative, adolescents who perceived fathers as less demanding experienced emotional (p = 0.01) and peer (p = 0.02) problems. Perceived maternal negligence and authoritarian parenting was associated with more peer problems (1.5±2.3 and 1.3±2.2) in comparison to perceived maternal authoritative style (0.6±1.5). Most adolescents from lower social class experienced conduct (88.8%; p = 0.07) and emotional problems (73.2%; p = 0.20).Conclusion: Competent parenting style and socio-economic resources supports resilience to mental health problems in adolescents

Demographics and predictors of mortality in children undergoing resuscitation at Khayelitsha Hospital, Western Cape, South Africa

Background. The clinical outcomes of paediatric patients requiring resuscitation depend on physicians with specialised knowledge,equipment and resources owing to their unique anatomy, physiology and pathology. Khayelitsha Hospital (KH) is a government hospital located near Cape Town, South Africa, that sees ~44 000 casualty unit patients per year and regularly functions at more than 130% of the bed occupancy. Many of these patients are children requiring resuscitation.Objectives. We sought to describe characteristics of children under the age of 12 who required resuscitation upon presentation to KH,determine predictors of mortality, and compare paediatric volume to specialist physician presence in the unit.Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed on patients younger than 12 years who were treated in the resuscitation area of KH during the six-month period from 1 November 2014 to 30 April 2015.Results. A total 317 patients were enrolled in the study with a median age of 14 months. The top 5 diagnoses were: pneumonia (n=58/317);neonatal sepsis (n=40/317); seizures (n=37/317); polytrauma (n=32/317); and acute gastroenteritis complicated by septic shock (n=28/317). Overall mortality was 7% (n=21/317) and mortality in children less than 1 month of age was 12% (n=5/42). Premature birth was associated with a mortality odds ratio of 8.44 (p=0.002). More than two-thirds (73%; n=231/317) of paediatric resuscitations occurred when specialist physicians were not physically present in the unit.Conclusion. The study findings indicate that children under one month of age with a history of prematurity are at high risk and may benefit most from paediatric-specific expertise and rapid transfer to a higher level of care

Effects of mother related factors on perinatal outcomes-a study of mothers seeking antenatal care at public and non-public health facilities in Kisii County, Kenya

The study sought to determine client level and facility-level factors that affect perinatal outcomes among women attending comparable public (government owned) and non-public health facilities (non-government owned) in Kisii County-Kenya in the context of free maternity care. A total of 365 pregnant mothers recruited in 4 health facilities during their ANC visit and followed up to 2 weeks post-delivery but only 287 attended all follow-up visits. Study subjects were recruited proportionate to number of deliveries each of the facilities had conducted in the preceding 6 months. The dependent variable was perinatal outcome; independent variables were demographic and clinical factors. Analysis was done using χ2, logistic regression, paired t and McNemar's tests. Maternal BMI and a mother's parity were statistically correlated with perinatal outcome (χ2= 8.900, d.f =3, P=0.031 and (χ2= 13.232, d.f =4, P=0.039) respectively. Mothers with 1 parity were 4.5 times more likely to have normal perinatal outcomes (OR =4.5, 95% CI 2.25-14.29, P=0.012). There was a significant relationship between a mother's knowledge of pregnancy-related issues and the baby's weight (t=-67.8 d.f. 213 P<0.001). Mothers' knowledge on pregnancy issues and spousal involvement influences perinatal outcomes. Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) of a mother does not have a direct influence on the outcome of a pregnancy. There is need to focus on maternal factors that affect perinatal outcomes besides free maternity care

Nutritional status and association of demographic characteristics with malnutrition among children less than 24 months in Kwale County, Kenya

Introduction: malnutrition is an underlying cause of mortality in about half of the cases that occur among children less than five years in developing countries. In Africa including Kenya, this problem may be exacerbated by socio-demographic and socio-economic factors. This study aimed at determining nutritional status and association of demographic characteristics with malnutrition among children aged 1 day to 24 months in Kwale County, Kenya.Methods: a cross-sectional study was done in Mwaluphamba Location, Kwale County, Kenya. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and administered to 380 randomly selected mothers who had children under the age of two years. Nutrition status was determined using anthropometric measurements. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and associations were determined by univariate logistic regression.Results: malnutrition prevalence for children in Kwale was high with 29.2% of the children being stunted and 13.4% being severely stunted. Underweight prevalence was at 20.8% of whom 9.5% were severely underweight. The global acute malnutrition rate was 18.9%. Stunting differed significantly between sex (males 35.1% compared to females 21.7%; p = 0.005). Significant differences were also observed in stunting and underweight due to age (p < 0.005).Conclusion: the prevalence of stunting, underweight and global acute malnutrition rates was high among the children. Male children were associated with a significantly higher prevalence of stunting than the females. The prevalence of underweight and stunting significantly increased with increasing age

Exploring the relationship between demographic factors; performance and fortitude in a group of diverse 1st-year medical students

Background. The majority of 1st-year students are ill-equipped for university life. This heightens stress levels; which are accentuated by a lack of resilience and impact negatively on academic performance and personal wellbeing.Objectives. To explore; within the paradigm of positive psychology; the relationship between the self; family and support constructs of fortitude; and academic performance of 1st-year medical students.Method. First-year medical students completed a fortitude questionnaire and their academic performances in two academic modules were collated. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed for statistical analysis of the variables. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationship between academic performance and fortitude subscales; as well as the fortitude composite score.Results. The student population was multicultural; multilingual and had different educational and residential backgrounds. The fortitude instrument was found to be reliable and correlated significantly with student academic performance. Male students had significantly higher fortitude scores than female students. Students who had attended state/government schools had significantly lower fortitude than those who had attended private and ex-Model C schools. Students with prior degrees had higher fortitude than matriculants.Conclusion. The significant; albeit moderate; positive correlation between fortitude and academic performance highlights the need for further exploration of wellbeing and holistic development of medical students. Support programmes are recommended to bridge the gap related to gender and educational background. Low and fair levels of fortitude indicate a need for corrective measures. These could include consulting relevant support networks such as student counsellors; mentors and academic development personnel

Analyse démographique et endoscopique des patients atteints d'ulcère gastroduodénal à Yaoundé au Cameroun : qu'est ce qui a changé depuis les années 1990 ?

Objectif : La prévalence de l'ulcère gastro-duodénal semble être en diminution marquée ces dernières années dans les pays africains. Au Cameroun en 1990, elle était de 32%. L'objectif de notre étude était d'évaluer l'évolution de la prévalence de l'ulcère gastroduodénal et d'identifier ses caractéristiques démographiques et endoscopiques à Yaoundé, 25 ans après.Patients et méthodes : Etude rétrospective de la période allant du 1er janvier 2011 au 31 décembre 2014 dans trois hôpitaux universitaires de Yaoundé. Les comptes rendus d'endoscopie de 4685 patients consécutifs référés pour une endoscopie digestive haute ont été réexaminés. Nous avons inclus 489 patients (312 hommes et 177 femmes) avec un ulcère gastro-duodénal prouvé en endoscopie. Les données démographiques et endoscopiques ont été recueillies. Résultats : L'ulcère duodénal et l'ulcère gastrique étaient identifiés respectivement chez 295 (60,3%) et 157 (32,1%) patients, la double localisation gastrique et duodénale chez 37(7,6%), faisant une prévalence globale de 10,4%. L'âge moyen des patients était de 48,9 ans (extrêmes : 4 à 90 ans). Les patients ulcéreux gastriques étaient relativement plus âgés que les patients ulcéreux duodénaux (54,4 ans vs. 45,4 ans, p < 10-5). Le ratio homme/femme était de 2,2/1 pour l'ulcère duodénal et 1,2/1 pour l'ulcère gastrique. La prévalence globale de l'infection à H. pylori à l'histologie et/ou au test rapide à l'uréase était de 63,0% (308/489). L'infection était plus fréquente dans l'ulcère duodénal que gastrique (67,8% vs. 51,0%, p = 0,0005). L'ulcère gastro-duodénal était révélé par les épigastralgies (71,8%) et l'hémorragie (31,5%). L'hémorragie était liée à l'ulcère duodénal (p = 0,07) et au sexe masculin (p = 0,01). Il n'y avait pas de différence significative selon l'âge (p = 0,16). H. pylori protégeait contre l'hémorragie, risque relatif 0,7 (IC à 95% : 0,6-0,8 ; p = 0,00006).Conclusion : La prévalence de l'ulcère gastroduodénal a significativement diminué au Cameroun par rapport à 1990. Les patients ulcéreux sont devenus plus âgés avec une tendance à l'occidentalisation de la maladie ulcéreuse

Parental mediation of adolescent media use and demographic factors as predictors of Kenyan high school students' exposure to sexual content in television

Research in Western nations suggests that parents' involvement in their children's media use can make a difference in how adolescents select; process and respond to sexual television messages. Little or no published research has investigated this issue in sub-Saharan Africa; even though adolescents and young adults remain among the groups at highest risk for HIV transmission. This study investigated the relationship between Kenyan adolescents' level of exposure to sexual television content and their parents' mediation of their television use. A cluster sample of 427 Nairobi public high school students was surveyed regarding parental mediation of their media use and their intake of sexual television content. Co-viewing with opposite sex friends was associated with higher intake of sexual TV content. This relationship was stronger among boarding school students than among day school students. Parental mediation and co-viewing variables predicted three times as much variance among boarding than among day school students

Prevalence and Determinants of Unintended Pregnancies in Malawi

Available statistics indicate high levels of unintended pregnancies in Africa. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of unintended pregnancies in Malawi based on 2;144 pregnant women extracted from the 2010 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey. Data were analyzed using univariate; bivariate and multinomial logistic regression models. Nearly 43 of the pregnancies were unintended of which 25 were mistimed. Multivariate analysis indicated that mistimed pregnancies are significantly influenced by the age of the respondent; fertility preference and number of children ever born. Among the variables that significantly increased the likelihood of unwanted pregnancies are age of respondent; wealth status; fertility preference; and region of residence even though potential confounding factors were used as control. The study recommends the strengthening of family planning services in order to reduce the level of unintended pregnancies. Focus should be on couples in Central Region and those having large number of children