Sexual Risk Behaviour and Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among Male Prison Inmates in Kaduna State, North Western Nigeria.

Background: The average numbers of Nigerians who have been incarcerated over the past three decades when HIV/AIDS was discovered have been increasing and the seroprevalence of HIV/AIDS amongst the prison inmates remained higher than the national average due to the occurrence of risky sexual practices among inmates and inadequate HIV prevention, care and support services. This study assessed the sexual risk behaviour and knowledge of HIV/AIDS among inmates in Kaduna State, north western Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study with qualitative method of data collection (focus group discussion) was conducted on 107 inmates aged 20 to 55 years in Kaduna State Prisons Command between September 8th and October 2nd 2010. Information elicited were transcribed and translated where appropriate and presented as tables and in narrative forms with relevant quotations. Results: The mean average age of the respondents was 34(±8.62) years. The general awareness and knowledge of causative agent of HIV infection was high (96.3% and 67.3% respectively). However, some have misconceptions of witchcraft (9.3%), enemies (11.2%), bacteria (12.1%) and mosquitoes’ bite (15.9%) as the causative agent/ mode of transmission of HIV infection. 99.5% acknowledged that HIV/AIDS and risky sexual practices occurred in prison but denied taking part. Sex in prison was often associated with homosexual behavior among the males but participants were pessimistic about condom distribution due to fear of promotion of homosexuality (65.4%) and non compliance with religion (34.6%). Conclusion: Despite high level of awareness of HIV/AIDS among inmates, there are still misconceptions. Homosexual practices associated with HIV/AIDS transmission is practiced among the male inmates; however, the use of condom which is one of the evidence based strategies for the prevention of sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS is met with a high degree of resistance by inmates. Therefore, there is need for implementation of HIV/AIDS interpersonal communication and counseling programmes for the inmates in Nigeria prisons.

Ocular disorders in children in Zaria children's school

BACKGROUND:The main causes of blindness in children change over time. The prevalence and pattern of eye diseases in children were studied in northern Nigeria 6 years ago. This study like the previous one was a school eye health screening conducted in Zaria children school located at the centre of Zaria, a city in northern Nigeria.AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:to determine the current prevalence and pattern of eye diseases affecting school children in Zaria. This is to serve as a current template for planning eye care for children in Zaria and environs.MATERIALS AND METHODS:a cross sectional study of 327 children who completed a pre-designed school eye screening format was conducted. Consent was obtained from the school authority and the parents before the screening exercise. It involved assessment of visual acuity, anterior and posterior segment examination and colour vision testing. Intraocular pressure measurement and refraction were done for those with indications.RESULT :A total of 327 children were examined, out of which 45.6% (n=149) were males and 54.4% (n=178) were females. M: F=1:1.2. Age range 5-17 yrs with mean of 9.6 ± 3.1(SD). The commonest causes of eye disorders were refractive errors 8.0% (n=26), allergic conjunctivitis 7.3 % (n=24), glaucoma suspects 3.7% (n=12) and colour deficiency 1.5%(n=5).CONCLUSION :The major causes of childhood eye disorders were uncorrected refractive errors and allergic conjunctivitis. The predominance of uncorrected refractive error is similar to what is obtainable in other parts of the world especially in the urban areas

Audiometric Findings in Waardenburg's Syndrome amongst the Institutionalised Deaf Blind in Kaduna-Nigeria

Introduction:Waardenburg's syndrome is a rare inherited disorder of congenital hearing loss and Pigmentary disturbances of the eyes; hair; skin and neural crest derivatives. Methodology: 620 students in a deaf/blind school were examined and four had Waardenburg's syndrome with a frequency of 0.65. 2 males and 2 females with Waardenburg's syndrome and age ranges between 10-19years (mean 15.75years) All 4 subjects had complete blue irides; white forelock and sensorineural hearing loss; and thus met the diagnostic criteria. They were then subjected to Audiometric assessment. Results: Otoscopy was essentially normal but Audiometry revealed sensorineural hearing loss [SNHL] in all the subjects ranging from severe to profound with one subject being stone deaf. Conclusion: Waardenburg's syndrome is a rare disorder in our environment although it may be under reported.Two of the subjects benefited from amplification and were given hearing Aids. Provision of early amplification cannot be over emphasized