The impact of religion and culture on diabetes care in Nigeria

This study aimed to relate the psychosocial effects of religion and culture with the awareness; knowledge and attitude of Nigerians regarding diabetes preven-tion and care. Data was collected from a sample of 1500 individuals in communities where secondary and tertiary health care centres are situated from 12/02/2012 to 25/03/2012. The study population in-cluded a higher proportion of females (65%); with the majority between 19 and 29 years old (56%). Most were unemployed (67%) or in the teaching profession (24%). Over half (58%) respondents were Christian; while 41% were Muslim; and 1% were traditional worshippers. Over 25% believed that diabetes was due to witchcraft or a punishment from God. Also; 28% believed that diabetes was caused by an infection; and 16% and 10% believed diabetes could be caused by witchcraft or by God; respectively. Nearly all (90%) believed that diabetes was potentially fatal. We conclude that many diabetic patients have inadequate knowledge about the causes of diabetes and its complications

Abdominal Tuberculosis in Surgical Practice in Northern Nigeria

Background: Abdominal tuberculosis is a common complication of pulmonary tuberculosis. With the rising incidence of HIV; tuberculosis has become a major public health problem particularly in developing countries. Methods: This is a retrospective study involving patients whose surgical specimens were processed at the central histopathology laboratory of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Zaria - Nigeria; between January1975 to December 2006. Results: There were 68 males and 49 females; aged 12-70 years (mean 28.6yrs 11yrs). While paroxysmal dry cough was present in about 20 patients; abdominal pain and distension were very common. Concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis was confirmed in 15 patients (14). The findings at Surgery in 66 patients are presented in fig.2. Multiple deposits on the peritoneum and momentum were the commonest findings (48.7and 26.2) respectively. Conclusion: Abdominal tuberculosis is not uncommon and there is need to establish an early less invasive diagnostic protocol