Comparative HPV genotype distribution among women with normal and abnormal cervical cytology in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Background: The epidemiology of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the pattern of HPV genotype distribution are parameters needed to assess the risk of cervical cancer. Oncogenic HPV types are well-known pathogen for lower genital tract neoplasias, representing the primary cause of cancer death in Africa and the second in Cameroon. This study was conducted to identify the various genotypes particularly the high-risk HPV types in normal and abnormal cervical cytology from women in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Methodology: This was a hospital-based, analytical cross-sectional study carried out on 226 symptomatic women wherein cervico-vaginal samples were obtained during gynaecological examination for Pap smears, HPV-DNA and genotype detection with linear array HPV strip, conducted from November 2019 to January 2021. Results: From the 226 women whose cervical samples were collected for Pap smears, 71 (31.4%) had abnormal cytology results while 155 (68.6%) had normal results. The overall HPV prevalence in the study population was 34.1% (77/226). The HPV prevalence in women with abnormal Pap smears was 100% (71/71) and are distributed in following descending order; LSIL (21.1%, 15/71), HSIL (21.1%, 15/71), ASC-US (19.7%, 14/71), ICC (19.7%, 14/71) and others (18.4%, 13/71). HPV-DNA was positive in 6 (3.9%) of the 155 women with normal cytology results, 4 (2.6%) of whom were high-risk HPV. There is statistically significant difference in the HPV prevalence between women with abnormal and normal Pap smear results (OR=3289, 95% CI=182.62-59235, p<0.0001). The frequently identified oncogenic HPV types were type 16 (31.2%, 24/77), type 45 (14.3%, 11/77) and type 18 (10.4%, 8/77). Conclusion: It is evident from our study that symptomatic women with normal Pap smear can have HR-HPV infection and should therefore be screened for HPV and followed up with periodic Pap smears to detect any abnormal change in cervical cytology results, to prevent cervical cancer development. Women should be encouraged to take up cervical screening, through Pap smears, because it is a non-invasive and cost-effective method for early detection of preinvasive lesions

Ostéoporose et évaluation du risque fracturaire par l'outil frax chez des patients Congolais présentant un rhumatisme axial Une série des cas multicentriques

Contexte et objectif. L'enjeu majeur dans le management de l'ostéoporose est l'identification des sujets à risque par la quantification du risque fracturaire. L'objectif de l'étude était d'évaluer le risque fracturaire chez les patients ayant consulté pour douleur du squelette axial. Méthodes. Il s'agissait d'une série des cas multicentriques menée sur des patients recrutés dans 8 hôpitaux de Kinshasa. Les paramètres d'intérêt comme l'âge, le sexe, l'alcoolisme, le tabagisme, la fracture de hanche chez un parent de 1er degré ou une fracture personnelle de fragilité ont été collectés auprès de chaque patient. La mesure de la densité osseuse avait été réalisée par absorptiométrie biphotonique à rayons X. Le risque fracturaire a été évalué par le calcul de l'indice fracturaire FRAX. Ce risque était élevé lorsque la probabilité de survenue de fracture de hanche était ≥ 3% et/ou des fractures ostéoporotiques majeures ≥ 20%. Des tests statistiques usuels ont été utilisés pour l'analyse des résultats. Résultats. 90 patients dont 75 femmes étaient inclus. Leur âge moyen était de 63, 5±12ans.L'ostéoporoseétaitdiagnostiquée chez 34,4% des patients, l'ostéopénie chez 43,9% et 16,7% avaient une densité minérale osseuse normale. Aucune fracture ostéoporotique n'a été observée dans la présente étude, mais près de 30% de l'ensemble de l'échantillon avaient un risque fracturaire élevé. L'ostéoporose était associée, dans environ 80% des cas (p<0,005), à un risque fracturaire élevé. Conclusion. La présente étude a montré que le risque fracturaire était élevé chez les patients atteints d'ostéoporose. Elle met en lumière la nécessité d'un dépistage précoce de cette pathologie.

Evaluation des risques de réémergence de l'épidémie du virus Chikungunya dans la vallée du Monastère de Mont Ngafula, RD Congo

Contexte et objectif. L'épidémie à virus Chikungunya est émergente, invalidante et mortelle qui sévi partout. Le virus Chikungunya est transmis à l'homme par la piqûre des insectes infectés du genre Aedes. A Kinshasa, le récent épisode de l'épidémie remonte à 4 années. L'objectif de la présente étude a été d'évaluer les risques de réémergence de l'épidémie du virus Chikungunya à Kinshasa Mont Ngafula. Méthodes. Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale menée à Mont Ngafula, dans laquelle 4 sites ont été sélectionnés à l'aide d'un plan d'échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés du 1er juin au 30 août 2021. Les larves et les nymphes des insectes ont constitué le matériel biologique de l'étude. Des variables environnementales (Température, pH, turbidité, Conductivité et Saturation en oxygène) ont été recueillies dans les gîtes larvaires. Une analyse de régression logistique multivariée a été effectuée pour identifier les prédicteurs de la densité des gîtes larvaires. Résultats. 400 ménages et 738 gîtes larvaires ont été explorés. Les indices entomologiques, indice récipient (IR), indice maison (IM) et indice de Breteau (IB) évalués étaient supérieurs aux critères et normes de l'OMS. La saturation en oxygène, la turbidité et la conductivité se sont avérées significativement associées à la densité des gîtes larvaires. Conclusion. Les risques de réémergence de l'épidémie de Chikungunya à Kinshasa sont réels. Une surveillance entomologique est nécessaire pour mettre en place des mesures de prévention et de contrôle de santé publique.

Maternal age and miscarriage: A unique association curve in Sudan

This study's aim was to estimate the prevalence and maternal age and other risk factors of miscarriage among Sudanese women. Across-sectional study was conducted at the Saad Abuelela Tertiary Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan, from February to December 2019. Sociodemographic, obstetric and clinical data were collected. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Four hundred thirteen (20.5%) women reported experiencing a miscarriage. Risk factors included older age, high parity, histories of caesarean delivery, and obesity. Logistic regression showed that the lowest risk for women aged less than 20 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.33) or 20 to 24 years (AOR, 0.57), primiparas (AOR, 0.42) and women educated below the secondary level (AOR, 0.78). Unlike the global age-associated risk of miscarriage, the risk of miscarriage among Sudanese women follows a unique curve in relation to maternal age. Interestingly, the curve showed a lower risk for women less than 20 years and at 40 years. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26 [7]: 15-21).

Profile of primary caesarean section at Musienene Hospitalin North Kivu, Eastern DRC

Introduction. The rate of cesarean section has increased in recent decades and primary caesarean section (PCS) seems to be prominent. The objective of this study was to determine the rate and factors associated with PCS at Musienene Hospital.Methods. It was a retrospective cross-sectional study. It involved 466 singleton pregnancies with no previous Caesarean Section (CS) scar, in 2016. Data were analyzed with Epiinfo software version 7. Chi-square was used to test the independent variables that can influence the mode of delivery, the relative risk to evaluate the degree of influence of each of the variables to the mode of delivery of the laboring women. Results. The rate of PCS was 23.2%. Mothers aged less than 20 years were 3.9 times as likely to deliver by cesarean section. Nulliparous women were 2.54 times more likely to undergo cesarean than multiparous. Mothers admitted during the night-shift were 2.74 times more likely to undergo caesarean section than those who were monitored during daytime care.Conclusion. The general CS rate as well as the primary cesarean section rate is very high at Musienene HGR. Most frequent during night shift in adolescent and nulliparous. Staff level, especially at night needs to be improved. The staff needs to be introduced to current maternity guidelines, and introduction of CS Audit will help in reducing the high rate. Raising community awareness of the risks associated with early pregnancy

Avaliação das práticas de higiene nos serviços de restauração da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane / Evaluation of hygiene practices in the food services of the Eduardo Mondlane University Mondlane University (UEM)

O presente trabalho tinha como objectivo avaliar as práticas de higiene associadas aos factores de riscos de doenças bacterianas de origem alimentar nos serviços de restauração da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane. O estudo foi realizado nos serviços de restauração da UEM de Maputo e Inhambane. Foram inqueridos, através de um questionário de perguntas semi-estruturadas, 37 trabalhadores com a categoria de cozinheiros e auxiliares de cozinha, foram visitadas as instalações e tiraram-se algumas fotografias por meio de uma máquina fotográfica digital da marca SAMSUNG. 80% dos inquiridos tinha escolaridade básica; 48% eram do sexo feminino e 52% masculino, a idade dos inquiridos variava de 22 a 57 anos e o tempo de serviço de 3 a 31 anos. Segundo os resultados do estudo os inquiridos têm consciência da necessidade de implementação das práticas correctas de higiene no decurso das suas actividades de modo a prevenir as doenças de origem alimentar. Contudo, foram observadas práticas que constituem factores de risco para a ocorrência de doenças bacterianas de origem alimentar. Os factores de risco observados estavam relacionados a prática incorrectas de armazenamento, higiene pessoal e geral, manipulação das sobras de alimentos, acondicionamento de lixo e controle de pragas. Conclui-se que a falta de observância de práticas correctas de higiene nos serviços de restauração concorre para o surgimento de doenças bacterianas de origem alimentar. Recomenda-se a implementação de programas educativos integrados regulares no sector, supervisão permanente e encorajamento de mudanças de comportamento na manipulação de alimentos.

The objective of the present study was to assess the practices of hygiene associated to the risks of foodborne diseases at restauration services of Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM). The study took place at services of restauration of UEM of Maputo and Inhambane; the data was collated using a questionnaire, with semi-structure questions. The questionnaire was submitted to 37 works namely cookers and auxiliaries of cookers, the installations were visited and some photography was taken using a SUMSUNG digital camera. 80% of the enquired has basic education; 48% were female and 52 were male; the age of the enquired varied from 22 to 57 years and the period of time of work varied from 3 to 31 years. According to the results of the study the inquired was aware about the need of the implementation of correct practices of hygiene during the work in order to avoid the foodborne diseases. However, was observed practices which constitute risk factor to the occurrence of foodborne diseases. The risk factors observed were related to storage, general and personal hygiene and handle of leftover, waste and pest control. It was concluded that the lack of correct practices of hygiene in the service of restauration constitute risk factor for the occurrence of foodborne diseases. It recommends the implementation of regular program of education, permanent supervision and encouraging of change of behaver in the handle of food.

Child's risk attributes at birth and infant mortality disparities in Nigeria

Births in avoidable high-risk contexts defined by the interplay of sub-optimal childbearing age, short spacing, and first and high birth order incur elevated risks of childhood death. However, the extent of disparities in risks of dying in infancy vis-à-vis the continuum of non-high-risk and (un)avoidable high-risk attributes at birth as determined by mother's age at childbirth, child spacing, and birth order characteristics is yet to be adequately explored in Nigeria as elsewhere. To fill this gap, chi-square association test and Cox's proportional hazards regression were used to analyze data of 31,260 nationally representative children aged 0-59 months drawn from 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. Disparities in infant mortality risks were mainly examined across the spectrum of birth-related risk attributes at birth broadly categorized as no extra high-risk, unavoidable firstorder risk and combined avoidable high-risk. The risks of dying in infancy differed significantly by risk attributes to the extentdictated by other confounders. Also, infant mortality risks varied significantly by all moderating factors excluding religion, water source, toilet type and place of delivery. Interventions targeted at reducing avoidable high-risk fertility rate and strengthening health system to provide life-saving care to most-at-risk children would engender rapid improvement in infant survival

Lassa fever awareness and knowledge among community residents in Ondo State, Nigeria

Background: The Lassa fever outbreak in Ondo State in 2018 recorded high morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to assess awareness and knowledge of Lassa fever preventive measures among community residents in the affected areas in order to guide risk communication interventions. Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in six affected Local Government Area (LGAs), involving heads of households selected using a multistage sampling technique. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was administered to 2992 consenting study participants and data was analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0. Results: Over three quarters 2, 537 (84.8%) of respondents were aware of Lassa fever of which 2, 363 (93.1%) knew that multimammate rat transmits the disease to humans. Also, 1804 (71.1%) knew that washing hands regularly could prevent the disease. However, only 845 (33.3%) of the respondents who reported awareness of the disease knew that cooking all foods properly before eating could prevent the disease. The predictors of good knowledge of Lassa fever were being a female (p= 0.017), having secondary or tertiary education (p=0.001), and currently married or divorced (p=0.01). Conclusion: A high level of awareness, but inadequate knowledge of some preventive measures of Lassa fever were observed among community members. Risk communication messages should focus more on preventive measures of the disease targeting young males with low education in these LGAs, the epicentres of the outbreak

Micronuclei in exfoliated cells : a biomarker of genotoxicity in tobacco users

Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the tobacco-related genotoxic effects in individual with habit of smoking and chewing tobacco. Materials and Methods: The present study sample consisted of 120 individuals attending the outpatient department of D. J. College of Dental Sciences and Research, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The sample was divided into four groups as follows: Group I (individuals with habit of smoking tobacco), Group II (individuals with habit of chewing tobacco), Group III (individuals with habit of smoking and chewing tobacco), and Group IV control group (nontobacco-exposed individuals). Patients were asked to rinse their mouth gently with water. The exfoliated cells were obtained by scraping the buccal mucosa of individuals with a wooden spatula. The scraped cells were placed on the precleaned slides. The smears were then stained with RAPID-PAP™ and analyzed under the microscope. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results: In the present study, an arbitrary unit was obtained using frequency/day multiplied by the duration of years (risk multiplication factor [RMF], a positive and significant correlation were observed between the RMF and the mean percentage of micronucleated cell count in smokers, chewers, and in individuals with both smoking and chewing habit, respectively. A weak positive and nonsignificant correlation were observed between age and mean percentage of micronucleated cells in smokers and smokers + chewers, respectively, while it was weak negative and nonsignificant in chewers. In control group, correlation between age and percentage of micronucleated cells was weak positive and nonsignificant at 5% level of significance. Conclusion: The micronuclei in exfoliated mucosal cells from buccal mucosa can be used as a biomarker of genotoxicity in predicting the effects of carcinogens

Prévalence des accidents d'exposition au sang et facteurs associés chez les professionnels de santé à l'hôpital de zone de Menontin, Bénin

Introduction: Les accidents d'exposition au sang (AES) constituent une réelle préoccupation pour les professionnels de santé à cause de la gravité des affections qu'ils engendrent. La présente étude a été menée pour évaluer la fréquence des accidents d'exposition au sang (AES) au sein du personnel de l'hôpital de zone de Mènontin et les facteurs qui lui sont associés. Méthode d'étude : Enquête descriptive transversale et analytique incluant 90 agents de santé. Le recueil des données a été fait sur la base d'un questionnaire anonyme et de deux grilles d'observation. Le questionnaire a été remis à chaque agent de santé volontaire après explication des objectifs de l'étude. Une visite de tous les services a été réalisée pour compléter les grilles d'observation. Résultats : L'âge moyen de notre échantillonnage est de 37 ans ± 10. Les femmes ont représentées dans 70% de notre échantillonnage et le sexe ratio est de 0,42.Les infirmiers (32,2%), les techniciens de laboratoire (25,56%) et les aidessoignants (16,7%) étaient les classes professionnelles plus représentées. La fréquence des AES chez les professionnels de santé à l'hôpital de zone de Mènontin est de 40%. Les types d'AES les plus fréquents sont les piqures (44,4%), les projections sur muqueuse (25%) et les coupures (16,7%).le sang a été impliqué dans 86,11% des cas. Les mécanismes de survenue des AES répertoriés étaient essentiellement le recapuchonnage (66,7%) et l'élimination de déchets (25%). L'absence de formation sur les AES et de port de gants influence significativement la survenue des AES. Les AES n'ont pas été déclarés dans 66,7% des cas. Les mesures de prévention et de prise en charge des AES sont inexistantes au sein de l'hôpital de zone de Mènontin. Conclusion : Des séances de sensibilisation du personnel sur les risques liés aux AES s'imposent en vue de leur prévention

Body mass index and associated lifestyle and eating behaviours of female students at a South African university

Objective: To determine the prevalence of obesity and the physical activity, sitting time, and eating behaviours associated with BMI in a group of undergraduate female students at a South African university.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 110 female undergraduate students, registered at the University of the Witwatersrand,Johannesburg. Validated self-reported questionnaires were used for physical activity and eating behaviours; and body mass index (BMI) was collected using standardised methods.Results: The presence of obesity in the sample was 17.3%, with a mean BMI of 25.4 ± 4.63 kg/m2. Those with BMIs ≥ 25 kg/m2 were less likely to be physically active and purchase fruits than those with normal BMIs. Close proximity to food vendors (≤500m) (ß: 0.25), peer influence (ß: 0.26), sitting time (ß: 0.20) and purchasing fried foods ≥ 4 times/week (ß: 0.87) were positively associated with BMI (all p < 0.05).Conclusion: Given the period of susceptibility and potential for shaping healthy behaviour, public health initiatives addressing obesity should target the high sitting times of students and eating behaviour, particularly during the period of transition from adolescence to adulthood

Etudes du risque cardiovasculaire absolu et des complications de l'hypertension artérielle dans une population de patients hypertendus à Cotonou

Objectifs : Le but était d'étudier le risque cardiovasculaire absolu (RCVA) ainsi que les complications artérioscléreuses qui en découlaient chez des patients hypertendus au Bénin.Méthode et patients : Au cours d'une étude rétrospective, descriptive menée sur 2 ans (janvier 2013 à janvier 2015) au Service de Cardiologie de l'Hôpital Universitaire Hubert Maga de Cotonou, nous avons analysé tous les dossiers de patients hypertendus. La pression artérielle initiale et l'incidence des évènements cardiovasculaires majeurs survenus au cours de cette période ont été étudiés. Le RCVA a été déterminé par la méthode sommative de la Société Européenne de Cardiologie.Résultats : Nous avons inclus 850 patients (sex-ratio de 0.65), âgés de 60.51 ± 10.87 ans. La PA moyenne était de 162.79 ± 16.82/95 ± 12.34 mmHg. Le RCVA était faible chez 11.52% et élevé chez 21.76% des patients. L'incidence observée sur 2 ans était de 2% pour l'infarctus du myocarde, 2.27% pour l'insuffisance cardiaque, 2.54% pour l'insuffisance rénale et 2.67% pour les accidents vasculaires cérébraux (AVC).Discussion : Les AVC étaient la complication la plus fréquente chez les hypertendus au Benin. Les données recensées dans les pays européens sont différentes. La détermination du RCVA permettra d'apprécier le gain des actions de prévention

Prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors among staff of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Aim: The aim was to describe the frequency of occurrence of traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors among selected university workers in Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Nigeria.Materials and Methods: A cross­sectional study of 206 staff of LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Nigeria had an assessment for nine traditional CV risk factors. Demographic and clinical parameters were taken. Blood sample was taken to determine the random blood sugar and lipid profile. 12­lead resting electrocardiography (ECG) was done for all participants. Statistical analysis was performed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)version 17.0 (Chicago Ill., USA)Results: The study population included 96 males (46.6%) and 110 females. The mean age was 45.3 ± 7.9 years (range 27-73 years). The prevalence of CV risk factors were as follows: Hypertension 84 (40.8%), visceral obesity 92 (44.7%), generalized obesity 79 (38.3%), low high density lipoprotein 113 (54.9%), impaired blood glucose 16 (7.8%), diabetes mellitus 3(1.5%),hypercholesterolemia 102 (49.5%), left ventricular hypertrophy­ECG 24 (11.7%), elevated low density lipoprotein­cholesterol 99 (48.1%). About ­ (72.3%) had two or more CV risk factors clustered together. Females had a higher prevalence of CV risk factors and its clusters than their male counterparts. Of those diagnosed with hypertension in this study, more than half had never been told they werehypertensive 48 (57.1%). Conclusion: This study suggests a very high prevalence of CV risk factors among University Staff in LAUTECH,Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Clustering of CV risk factors is more prevalent among women. Appropriate preventive strategy in terms of education and modification of risk factors are important to reduce the burden of CV diseases among this population

Medication Adherence and Risk Factors for Non-adherence among Patients taking Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Background: ART is a life long treatment and its effectiveness depends critically both on the efficacy of the antiretroviral drugs against the virus, and achieving a very high level of adherence (> 95 %) to the medications. Adherence poses a special challenge and requires commitment from the patient and the health care provider.Objectives: The study evaluated medication adherence, and identified risk factors for non-adherence in HIV-infected ART patients.Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, medication adherence of 118 HIV-infected ART patients who received pretreatment and ongoing adherence counseling and education for 6 months was evaluated using a self-administered studyspecific 16-item questionnaire. Self-reported adherence was calculated as the mean of patients' adherence to the medication schedule and the number of prescribed doses of medications missed. Chi-square statistics was used to test the association of adherence with occupation and education at 95 % CI.Results: The mean age of participants was 33.9 (95 % CI, 29.6-38.2) years; and 82.2 % of participants were aged 26-45years; 60.2 % females, 80.5 % attained secondary education at the least; and 77.1 % were employed. All participants reported been counseled on the benefits of ART and medication adherence at ART initiation. On assessment of participants' knowledge of the benefits of ART and medication adherence, 92.2 % were very knowledgeable, 2.9 %reported wrongly that ART is a cure for HIV. The self-reported adherence to medication schedule was 68.9 %(range: 0 % - 100 %), of which 83 (70.3 %) reported > 75 % adherence; while adherence to prescribed doses of medications was 89.2 % (range: 20 % - 100 %), of which 100 (84.7 %) participants reported > 80 % adherence. Mean self-reported adherence (±SD) was 79.1 % ± 14.4 %. Employment status was associated with poor adherence (P < 0.05), unlike the educational status. The major reasons reported for non-adherence were busy at work or school (33.1 %), forgetfulness (15.5 %), fasting (12.0 %), and travelled away from home (10.6%). Conclusion: The self-reported adherence was relatively poor compared to the desired value of > 95%. Employment status was associated with poor adherence and this may be corroborated by the major reason reported for non-adherence (busy at work or school). Routine adherence monitoring and multiple adherence interventions in clinical practice are recommended

Surgical Glove Perforations During Surgical Operations: an Ever Existing Risk in the Theatre

Background:The use of surgical gloves as a protective barrier between the surgeon and the patient has been the accepted standard. The prevalence of intraoperative glove perforations is high and often not recognized. Perforations may increase the potential for wound sepsis and for accidental exposure of the surgeon and the patient to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus.Aim: To investigate the incidence of glove perforations during surgery and to evaluate the extent to which glove perforations remain undetected during surgery. Methods: A prospective study in which a total of 2541 gloves used to perform surgical operations on 210 patients within a period of 12 months (January - December; 2009) were analyzed for perforations. These gloves were worn by the surgeons and scrub nurse and were double gloves. Twenty five unused gloves were used as control. The operations were all for general surgical cases. All gloves were tested for perforations by a simple water inflation technique at the end of each procedure. Results: By this water inflation technique; 225 gloves (8.9) were observed to have had perforations. Twenty one gloves (9.3) were noticed to have perforated in course of the surgery while 204 (90.7) were unnoticed. None of the unused gloves showed any perforation. There was an obvious difference in the perforate rate between the inner and outer gloves. It was 13.7for inner gloves as against 88.3for outer gloves.Conclusion: The incidence of surgical glove perforations is unacceptably high. The risk of transmission of diseases between surgeon/patient remains present. Protective measures like double gloving; the use of blunt needles; needle puncture resistance surgical gloves; glove liners and finger guards should be introduced in hospitals

Risk of anaemia in HIV positive pregnant women in Ibadan, south west Nigeria

UNLABELLED: Anaemia in pregnancy is an important cause of maternal and neonatal mortality. It is a recognized co-morbidity of HIV infection. This study aimed to determine the risk of anaemia in HIV positive pregnant women. METHODOLOGY: This is a cross sectional study of healthy pregnant women attending Adeoyo Hospital, a secondary health centre in South-western Nigeria over a 1-month period (January 2007). During the study period, 2737 eligible women presented for antenatal care. About 98% (2682) of these women consented to HIV testing. Over all, their mean (+ S.D) packed cell volume was 30.96% (+/- 4.13). The prevalence of HIV infection was 2.9% (95% CI 2.3% - 3.6%) and the overall prevalence of anaemia was 33.1%. Frequency of anaemia was significantly higher in HIV +ve women (57.3% vs. 42.7%, p = 0.00. OR = 2.81., CI = 1.72-4.58). HIV +ve women presented more frequently with moderate or severe anaemia. In the logistic regression analysis only HIV infection (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.37-4.21) and primigravidity (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.04-15.2) remained independently associated with anemia. Anaemia is common in HIV positive pregnant women in this environment. Care providers must endeavor to determine the HIV status of every pregnant woman especially if she presents with anaemia with a view to providing appropriate interventions

Occupational Asthma: a Review of Current Concept

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Timing of Spontaneous Birth and the Risk of Adverse Perinatal Outcome

The study aspired to assess the impact of time of birth on spontaneous onset of labour and delivery. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from the Empangeni Hospital delivery registry on 9;397 infant births between January to December 2005; weighing more than 1;000 g. Logistic regression; adjusting for birth weight and for gender was used to estimate the relationship between spontaneous birth and timing of birth. A higher proportion of births (59) occurred between 10h00 and 22h00 of the day. Estimating the hourly births; we found that the daytime peak is 5.3and occurred at 10h00 while the night-time peak is 4.9and occurred at 20h00. Maternal age was significantly associated with the timing of spontaneous births (p 0.05). A higher proportion of preterm babies was born during the day (6.4) and early night (3.4) compared to late night births (1.6). There were significant differences between multiple births and low birth weight infants born during the day (1.1; 6.9) and night (0.8; 6.3). However; low birth weight babies were born mostly during early night rather than late night (4vs. 2.3; p 0.05). Adverse pregnancy outcome; measured by estimating the perinatal mortality rate; was the same for day and night and was equally distributed between early and late night. Timing of birth of infants did not influence the negative outcomes of pregnancy among this study population

Occupational Hazard Perception and Utilization of Protective Measures by Welders in Kano City; Northern Nigeria

Background: Little is documented on welders' awareness of health hazards associated with welding in developing countries including Nigeria. This study assessed the perceived occupational hazards and adherence to safety measures among welders in Kano; northwestern Nigeria. Methods: A structured interview questionnaire was administered on a cross-section of 194 welders in Kano metropolis; and the data was analysed using SPSS 12.0 statistical software. Results: Overall; 58.8of the welders were aware of one or more workplace hazards. This was positively influenced by educational attainment; age and work experience. Of the 194 respondents; 86.1had experienced one or more work-related accidents in the preceding year. Only 34.5of welders used one or more types of protective device. Conclusions: The level of awareness of occupational hazards was high with low utilization of protective measures against the hazards. There is therefore need for safety education and legislation for the use of protective measures to safeguard workers health and increase productivity