Knowledge and awareness of diabetes among adolescents in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Diabetes is becoming a global burden; with prevalence increasing in both children and adults. This study aimed to determine the level of awareness and basic knowledge of diabetes among adolescents in secondary schools in Port Harcourt; southern Nigeria. It was a cross-sectional study carried out in six selected schools. A structure questionnaire was used to collect information from the students on their basic knowledge of diabetes (such as cause; symptoms; and awareness of childhood diabetes). Out of 880 students interviewed; 293 (33%) identified that diabetes was a disease of high blood glucose; but only 2 (0.2%) knew that it was a disease associated with insulin deficiency. In addition; 291 (33%) stated it was a disease caused by excessive consumption of sugar. Only 37% could identify two or more symptoms of diabetes. Eleven students had a family history of diabetes; but there was no statistically significant difference in knowledge of the cause and symptoms of diabetes in those with or without a family history. Significantly more males; and students in senior classes; had better knowledge of diabetes. The commonest source of the students'knowledge of diabetes was from doctors (37%) and from teachers (33%). Awareness and knowledge of diabetes among adolescents in Port Harcourt was low; and possibly represents the knowledge of the general populace. There is a need for more education in secondary schools on diabetes in childhood by well-informed health workers and teachers

Awareness and Status of Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination among Female Undergraduate Students in a Nigerian University.

Aims: The study aimed to determine the level of awareness and status of tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination among female undergraduates in Port Harcourt. Study Design: This was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out among female undergraduate students. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in University of Port Harcourt from 1st to 31st of May 2014. Methodology: A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to 512 female students selected through a Multi-Staged sampling technique. Information sought included socio-demographics awareness of TT vaccine, knowledge of the vaccination campaign for women of childbearing age and TT vaccination status. Data was analyzed using epi info version 7.1.3.3. Results: A total of 512 students participated in the study; mean age was 22±2.79 years. Four hundred and eighty five (94.7%) and 409 (79.9%) students had heard of tetanus and TT vaccine respectively. Commonest sources of information were health workers. 33.8% knew the target population for the TT vaccination campaign and 18.2% knew that the correct number of doses of TT is 5 doses. Two hundred and ninety eight (58.2%) and 10 (2%) students had received at least 1 dose and 5 doses of TT respectively. Students who had knowledge of the target population for TT vaccination campaign (OR=2.14, p=0.003) and those who were confident in the effectiveness of TT (OR=2.41, p<0.001) were twice more likely to receive at least a dose of TT vaccine. Conclusion: There was poor knowledge of TT vaccination campaign for women of childbearing age and very poor coverage of TT5 among the female undergraduate students in Port Harcourt. Female undergraduate students should be reached during TT vaccination campaigns.