ABSTRACT
Background: The high maternal and perinatal mortality rates in Nigeria continue to be issues of concern. That antenatal care improves both perinatal and maternal outcomes is now well established. The study seeks to identify the predictors of poor maternal and perinatal outcome among singleton maternal delivery cases referred to Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).Methods: A longitudinal study was employed; the patients referred to RSUTH were followed up to ascertain maternal and neonatal outcomes. A sample size of 460 was used. Selection of cases was done by systematic sampling. Data obtained in the study were demographic, obstetric and perinatal findings. Maternal and perinatal outcome were dichotomized into poor and good outcomes. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0.Results: A total of 460 cases were recruited. The mean age±SD was 28.7±4.6 years. There was poor maternal outcome in 65 (14.1%) and poor perinatal outcome in 291 (63.3%). There was one maternal death (rate 0.2%), perinatal mortality rate was 26.5%, low birth-weight rate was 6.3% and asphyxia rate was 23.3%. There is an association of multiparity and unbooked status with poor maternal outcome, while poor perinatal outcome was influenced by unbooked status.Conclusions: Perinatal and maternal mortality were high amongst all referral cases. There is a positive correlation of multiparity with poor maternal outcome and between unbooked status and an increased risk of both maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes.
ABSTRACT
Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of death among women in the developing world, with poor prognosis attributed to lack of awareness about the disease and its prevention. Hospital workers’ attitude and practice to such an issue might positively or negatively influence people they come into contact with. This study is to assess the determinants of cervical cancer screening via Pap smear among Female Staff in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September and November 2015. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 265 female hospital workers on socio-demographic characteristics (age, parity, educational level and occupational category) and awareness and utilization of Pap smear test. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.Results: Of the 265 respondents, only 40 (15.1%) had Pap smear test done at least once previously. Bivariate analysis of socio-demographic factors and Pap smear test uptake among the respondents was statistically significant for younger maternal age ≤35 years, not being married, higher educational level, professional occupation category and awareness of Pap smear. However, only maternal age, marital status and awareness of Pap smear remain statistically significant after multivariate analysis.Conclusions: Uptake of Pap smear test as a screening test for cervical cancer is low among female hospital workers. Identified determinants of cervical cancer screening via Pap smear test were younger age ≤35 years, not being married, higher educational level, professional occupational category and awareness of Pap smear.