Knowledge Attitude and Practice about Breast Cancer among Civil Servants in Benin City; Nigeria

Background: Breast cancer is often associated with severe morbidity and mortality especially when the patients present late. A major reason why patients present late is the lack of awareness about breast cancer; its complications and the management. Methods: The study was carried out using a structured questionnaire. A total of 400 female civil servants were enlisted in the study; but only 385 respondents completed and returned the forms. Results: Two hundred and seventy seven (72.0) respondents had tertiary level of education. Sixty six (17.1) respondents were in the 30-34-year age group. Three hundred and twelve (81.0) respondents knew correctly that breast lump is usually the first symptom of presentation of breast cancer. One hundred and forty four (37.5) respondents knew that a positive family history of breast cancer is a risk factor; while two hundred and seventy four (71.2) respondents answered that cancer of one breast in a woman increases her chances of having cancer of the other breast. Three hundred and twenty one (83.4) respondents knew that breast cancer could spread from one breast to the other and two hundred and thirty (59.7) knew that breast cancer could spread to other parts of the body. One hundred and eighty three (47.5) respondents would visit the hospital as the first reaction if they were to detect a breast lump; while twenty three (6.0) respondents would ignore the lump. While three hundred and twenty seven (85.0) respondents have heard of breast self- examination; only one hundred (26.0) could correctly describe the procedure of breast self -examination. While one hundred and thirty five (35.0) respondents have heard of mammography; only twenty seven (7) respondents go for yearly mammography screening. Three hundred and seventy two (96.6) respondents know that mastectomy is done as part of the management of breast cancer; but only forty nine (12.7) respondents have heard about conservative surgery. Conclusion: The level of awareness about breast cancer among civil servants in Benin City is low. There is the need to organize series of health education programs to enlighten the women about breast cancer. This can be done by government agencies or the non-governmental organizations. If properly executed; it may influence the attitude of women in Benin City about breast diseases and encourage early presentation to the hospital

Pneumothorax in a 16-year-old Nigerian Male with Asthma

Background: Asthma is a commonly occurring disease but the combination of asthma with pneumothorax is not as common. Aim : To outline the diagnostic features and management of this disorder. Case Report : A 16-year-old male student presented with history of marked dyspnoea; tachycardia and chest findings of bilateral polyphonic rhonchi. Drugs which are used for acute severe asthma were administered. The response was not satisfactory . A chest radiograph showed left pneumothorax. A chest tube was inserted and connected to an under-water seal drainage. Conclusion : A detailed history and physical examination aided by a chest radiograph are important in patients who present with acute severe asthma to rule out possible complications; such as pneumothorax

Paediatric intussusception in Benin city, Nigeria

Intussusception is one of the leading causes of intestinal obstruction in children. This study reports our experience in the management of intussusception in Benin City; Nigeria. This was a 10-year retrospective review of intussusception in children at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital from January; 1997 to December; 2006. Twenty four children were admitted with intussusception (M: F = 1:1.4) within the period. Only three patients (12.5) presented within 24 hours of onset of illness. Ten (41.6) presented between one and four days; seven (29.2) between five and 10 days; while four (16.6) presented between 11and14 days. Abdominal pain; irritability; blood in stools; vomiting; abdominal distension and palpablemass in various combinations were the clinical features. All the patients; except one (4); were below the age of one year. There was much delay before presentation of infantswith intussusception; with high attendant mortality

Pattern and outcome of management of fractures in a Nigerian community

"Background: There has been increasing incidence of road traffic accidents and gun shot injuries in Benin City in the recent past. A major complication of these events is fracture of the bones. Various patterns of fractures are reported from different communities.Aim: To determine the pattern and outcome of fractures in Ikpoba Hill; a sub-urban community in Edo State.Methods: A retrospective study of all cases of fractures that presented to ""Our Medical Centre"" in Ikpoba Hill; a sub-urban community in Edo State between January 1998 and December 2004 was carried out. Parameters analysed included age; sex; and occupation; cause of fracture; site of fracture; associated injuries; treatment offered and outcome of management.Results: A total of 285 cases of fractures were seen over the period of study. There was a steady increase in the number of cases of fractures over the period of study. The 20 -29 years age group was more commonly affected (25.61). The male: female ratio was 1.9: 1. Civil servants and business people were most commonly affected (36.49and 24.56respectively). The humerus was the bone most commonly affected (24.32). Road traffic accident was the commonest aetiological factor accounting for 80. Some 69.47of the cases discharged themselves against medical advice to seek help with a traditional bonesetter. Head injury was the commonest cause of death (44.44). The average duration of hospital stay was 21 days.Conclusion: Road traffic accident was a common cause of fracture. The humerus was the bone most commonly fractured. Most patients with fracture prefer to patronize the traditional bone setters. Public enlightenment campaign should be mounted to discourage the attitude of most patients with fracture seeking help in traditional bonesetters' place."

Pneumothorax in a 16-year-old Nigerian male with asthma

Background: Asthma is a commonly occurring disease but the combination of asthma with pneumothorax is not as common. Aim: To outline the diagnostic features and management of this disorder. Case Report: A 16-year-old male student presented with history of marked dyspnoea; tachycardia and chest findings of bilateral polyphonic rhonchi. Drugs which are used for acute severe asthma were administered. The response was not satisfactory . A chest radiograph showed left pneumothorax. A chest tube was inserted and connected to an under- water seal drainage. Conclusion: A detailed history and physical examination aided by a chest radiograph are important in patients who present with acute severe asthma to rule out possible complications; such as pneumothorax