ABSTRACT
Background: Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus infection during pregnancy and delivery remains the major route of transmission in low resource areas. The objectives of this study were to determine the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B infection (HBsAg) and the potential risk factors among pregnant women admitted for delivery. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study of 300 women admitted for delivery was conducted at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria. A pretested questionnaire was used for the collection of socio-demographic data and possible risk factors. Blood sample was collected from each consented woman and the plasma tested for the presence of HBsAg using rapid ELISA test Kits in the laboratory of the hospital. All the data were analyzed using microsoft SPSS version 17 statistical program. Results: Out of the 300 women studied, positive HBsAg was detected in 14 women, giving a seroprevalence rate of 4.7%. The age of the women studied varied from 16 to 43 years with mean age of 27.9±4.6 years and mean parity of 1.1±1.5. Hepatitis B viral infection was significantly higher among pregnant women who did not attend any antenatal care (unbooked women) than pregnant women who attended antenatal care (booked women). There were statistically significant relationships between HBV infection and 2 or more sexual partners and previous history of induced abortion. Previous histories of blood transfusion, previous surgeries/dental manipulations, tribal marks/tattoos, previous contact with somebody with hepatitis B infection were not statistically significant. The data are related to 14 (4.7%) of HBV infected women in the study. Conclusion: An intermediate prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection was identified which justifies the need for routine screening in pregnancy especially among unbooked women in order to identify and treat the infection.
ABSTRACT
The emotional and sociocognitive aspects of human dissection are important aspects of professionalism in medical training and so should be critically evaluated in the present day changing society. Medical students of Ebonyi State University; Nigeria completed 390 questionnaires. The questionnaires included questions seeking demographic information; open-ended questions on their first experience of dissection and suggestions on improvements in training. The Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess anxiety and satisfaction levels. The questionnaires were analyzed statistically with P0.05 indicating level of significance. Majority (35.7) of the students was excited/fulfilled after their first experience and 41.5were of the opinion that life in humans is more appreciated by dissection. Their mean anxiety level was 3.42 while satisfaction rating was 7.13 on a scale of 1-10. A greater number of students suggested that conducive learning environment and improved preservation techniques would improve satisfaction (30.3and 33.1respectively). A Conducive environment and better preservation of cadavers are the major factors that improve satisfaction. Psychosocial factors should be assessed constantly to ascertain attitudinal changes of students; which will be helpful in quality of professional formation