Mothers' perception of COVID-19 infection in their under-five children presenting in a tertiary health institution in South-East Nigeria and associated factors

Background: Maternal attitude to health-seeking behavior of their under-five children in the COVID-19 pandemic is not well-known. Objectives: This study is aimed at determining mothers' perception of COVID-19 pandemic among their under-five children and associated factors. Methodology: This is a prospective and observational study carried out in two health institutions in South-East Nigeria. Results: Most subjects, 243 (65.3%) noted that someone without showing symptoms of COVID-19 could transmit the virus. Of the mothers of children under-five, 271 (72.8%) highlighted the possibility of COVID-19 infection in the under-five. A small number of participants 53 (14.2%) showed awareness that people should cough into their elbows as a way of preventing the transmission of COVID-19. A small number of participants, 160 (43.0%) had a good perception of COVID-19. Majority of mothers who were married, 148 (44.7%) showed a good perception of COVID-19 when compared with those who were single, 12 (29.3%); however, this is not significant, (χ2 = 3.550, P = 0.060). A large number of participants who have attained tertiary education, 92 (48.9%) had a good perception of COVID-19 which is higher than that seen in mothers with secondary education 68 (37.0%) (χ2 = 5.444, P = 0.020). Participants who were 30­34 years had 1.8 times higher odds of good perception of COVID 19 compared with mothers who were more than 35 years (adjusted odds ratio = 1.803, 95% confidence interval = 1.026­3.170). Conclusion: Although most mothers affirm that a child could be infected by COVID-19, a small number of them actually had a good perception of COVID-19 infection. Good perception of COVID-19 among the under-five is enhanced by the high level of education and age of 32­34 years.

Correlation between Anthropometric Variables, Social Class, Age and Hematological Profile among Children with Sickle Cell Anemia in ENUGU South-East Nigeria.

Background: Sickle cell anaemia (SCA), a common haematological genetic disorder, could affect both the growth and haematological profile of the sufferer. Objectives: This study aims at determining any correlation between anthropometric variables and haematological parameters among children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). It also determines the association between social class and haematological parameters of children with SCA. Methods: A total of 80 subjects were recruited into the study, comprising 40 HbSS patients. This is cross sectional study of haematological indices and anthropometric measurement of children with sickle cell anaemia aged 6-20 years. All data were coded, entered, and then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program (SPSS), version 20. Results: There was statistical significant correlation between BSA and total white blood cell count (TWBC) (p=0.028) but not with Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Hb: r=0.073, p=0.654 ESR: r=0.224, p=0.164 TWBC: r=0.348, p=0.028. The Haemoglobin concentration, TWBC and ESR values are 7.77 g/dl, 11.96×109, and 15.4 mm/hr There is also no statistical significant correlation between BMI and haematological variables: TWBC r= 0.100 p=0.51, Hb: r=0.118, p= 0.469 ESR: r= 0.033, p=0.841. There is also no statistical significant correlation between chest circumference and haematological indices. TWBC r= 0.216 p=0.181, Hb: r=0.043, p= 0.793 ESR: r= 0.143, p=0.378. There were no statistical differences in mean for all the variables studied among the social classes. Hb; p=0.373 ESR p=0.633. TWBC p= 0.451. Conclusion: Infection is not the only cause of elevation in TWBCs. it is important to also consider the impact of surface area on white blood cell count of children with SCD before using antimicrobials for such infections.

Blood Pressure Profile in Children Aged 3 - 5 Years: Relationship to Age; Weight; Height; Gender and Body Mass Index

Background. Blood pressure measurement is not commonly done in children. Most of the studies done in Nigeria so far on blood pressure and hypertension are in older children. Objectives. To determine the blood pressure profile in children aged 3 - 5 years; establish the relationship between their blood pressure and age; body mass index (BMI); height; weight and gender; and compare the results with available values.Methods. A total of 603 apparently healthy nursery school children aged 3 - 5 years were randomly recruited from three nursery schools: two in Abakaliki; Ebonyi State; and one in Asaba; Delta State. Their blood pressure; height and weight were measured and their BMI calculated. Results. Of the 603 pupils; 311 (51.6) were males and 292 (48.4) were females. Blood pressure ranged from 70/40 to 120/90; with mean (standard deviation) systolic values for pupils aged 3 years 87.5 (8.3) mmHg; aged 4 years 93.5 (8.5) mmHg and aged 5 years 93.5 (8.4) mmHg; and mean diastolic values for pupils aged 3 years 55.1 (9.1) mmHg; aged 4 years 61.2 (8.3) mmHg and aged 5 years 61.5 (7.8) mmHg. No gender difference was found; but age; height and weight all correlated positively with blood pressure. The values found in this study were similar to those in the literature. Conclusion. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the age group studied were 91.3 (8.9) mmHg and 59.0 (9.0) mmHg. The blood pressure values obtained in this study were similar to published values in the literature