Work-related psychological distress among teachers in southwest Nigeria: a rural and urban comparison

Background: The jobs of teachers involve high demand and low control, which predisposes them to psychological distress. Differences in the basic infrastructure in rural and urban areas may influence the psychological health status of teachers. Objectives: We assessed the prevalence of psychological distress and associated work-related factors among secondary school teachers in rural and urban areas of southwest Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study design was utilised. Teachers from rural (n = 578) and urban (n = 596) areas were selected using multistage sampling. Sociodemographic and occupational characteristics were recorded, and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to assess psychological distress, using a cut-off score of ≥ 3 to indicate distress. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23. Chi-square analysis was used to test for differences between categorical variables and Student's t-test was used to check for differences in means. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine predictors of psychological distress. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: Rural-based teachers were significantly younger than those in urban locations (p = 0.013), had fewer mean years of work experience (p = 0.043), taught larger class sizes (p < 0.000), had more financial dependants (p = 0.001), and spent less time at work each day (p < 0.000). More rural- than urban-based teachers had other jobs in addition to teaching (p = 0.023). Overall, 38.1% of the teachers were psychologically distressed: 42.7% in rural and 33.6% in urban schools (p = 0.001). Factors associated with psychological distress were being married (p = 0.007), teaching in a public school (p = 0.007), and teaching > 5 subjects (p < 0.001). The adjusted odds of psychological distress were higher in teachers in rural schools (AOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.02­1.67), and in public schools (AOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.19­2.11). The adjusted odds increased by 19% for every additional subject taught, and by 2% for every hour spent teaching. Conclusion: Teachers in rural schools had more psychological distress than those in urban ones. Distress was associated with both individual and workrelated characteristics. Teachers' work conditions in rural schools need to be improved to provide an incentive for them to work and remain in remote

Exercise-induced asthma in adult Nigerian asthma patients: a comparison of step test, free running, and bicycle ergometer

Exercise is not only a very common precipitant of acute asthmatic episodes but also a potent non-pharmacological test for diagnosis of asthma. Different exercise protocols have been used; however a simple exercise test would be valuable and helpful for detecting exerciseinduced asthma (EIA). The main goal of this study was to compare the exercise-inducing capacity of free running; step test; and cycle ergometer. Forty-eight asthma patients performed and completed the exercise tests reaching at least 80-85of the predicted maximal heat rate. The peak expiratory flow (PEF) values and heart rate (HR) were used to monitor pulmonary function post-exercise and the intensity of the exercise respectively. The PEF values were measured at baseline; immediately after the exercise then at 5-minute intervals up to 30 minutes. Subjects who reached the percentage fall in PEF 15were considered positive for EIA. Free running was found to be the most asthmagenic exercise followed by the step test and cycle ergometer: 36 subjects (75) for free running versus 27 subjects (56) for step test; versus 24 subjects (50) for cycle ergometer. There is a strong and significant correlation between the percentage fall in PEF of cycle ergometer and step test (r=0.61; p0.001). Free running produced the most positive result. However; the step test is a safe; simple; portable; and readily available instrument which compares well with laboratory-based cycle ergometer. We conclude that the step-test is an inexpensive and responsive exercise protocol for assessing and evaluating asthmatics in low-income countries

Prediction of functional capacity during six-minute walk among patients with chronic heart failure

Formulae for predicting functional capacity during 6-minue walk are lacking and the accuracy of the existing formulae has been challenged in deferent populations. The purpose of this study was to develop an equation that would be useful in predicting functional capacity in form of maximum oxygen consumption) (V0 ) in Chronic Heart Failure Patients (CHF) during exercise. Sixty-five subjects were recruited for the study. The procedure required the subjects to walk on a self paced speed on a 20 meter marked level ground for 6 minutes. The distance covered in 6 minutes was measured and the speed calculated. The result showed that the distance covered was highly correlated with the VO2 (0.65; p 0.01). The regression analysis revealed that a linear equation model developed was a good predictor ofV0 for the group. The study concluded that in situation where sophisticated equipments are lacking; this equation might be useful during exercise supervision for patients withCHF. [VO2 (ml kg-1 min-1)

The effects of family reinforcement on compliance of hypertensive Nigerians with antihypertensive therapy

Lack of compliance to drug therapy is a major problem in achieving a reduction in morbidity and mortality in hypertensives. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of family reinforcement on compliance of hypertensive patients to prescribed antihypertensive therapy. Seventy-two non-compliant hypertensives were systematically sampled from 365 non-compliant hypertensive population and randomised into control and experimental groups. The two groups were comparable with respect to drug therapy; demographic and socioeconomic variables. Only the designated significant family members of the experimental group were treated with the family health education package and motivated to be involved in the care of their hypertensive relatives. After 6 months post family reinforcement intervention and follow up the experimental group showed an increase in compliance with respect to drug intake and clinic appointments; a significant fall in blood pressure and an improved perception of hypertension as a disesae compared with the control group. It is suggested that family support is a crucial factor in daily compliance with prescribed regimen in Nigerian hypertensives