Awareness and knowledge of the pelvic inflammatory disease, its risk factors and diagnostic procedures among female undergraduates in tertiary institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria

Aims@#This study was designed to evaluate awareness and knowledge of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), its risk factors and diagnostic procedures among female undergraduates in tertiary institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria.@*Methodology and results@#A questionnaire-based survey design was conducted among 325 undergraduate students. Completed questionnaires were retrieved immediately. Descriptive and inferential (chi-square test) statistical tools were used for data analysis. Out of the 325 respondents, 186(57.2%) had heard of PID, 162(49.8%) did not know the possible risk factors of PID, 161(49.5%) perceived their awareness level of PID to be poor, while 30(9.2%) had good awareness level of PID. The majority 185(56.9%) of the respondents, do not know the mode of transmission of PID. There was a statistically significant relationship between the student’s age and the level of awareness statement at (p<0.05). On the student’s knowledge, only the statement: Do you know PID could be symptomless, showed a statistically significant relationship with the student’s course of study (χ2=12.815, p=0.00).@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Most respondents have heard of PID via social media and seminars and have even seen those who had the disease. They still claim that their awareness level was poor since they do not know the mode of transmission and ill effects of PID, and so they cannot be protected against the disease. A sensitization campaign on risk factors, symptoms and mode of spread of the disease has to be carried out in the institutions to save the students at high risk of the infection.

Current and Emerging Laboratory Techniques for Malaria Diagnosis

Effective diagnostic methods must continue to be developed due to the effects of malaria on world health. Malaria is an infectious disease spread by mosquitoes that affects both people and other animals. It isthe product of Plasmodiumparasites, which are transmitted through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Other sporozoan species responsible for malaria infections include the sporozoan parasites Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malaria, and Plasmodium knowlesi. Routine diagnosis of malaria is impeded in areas where the disease is endemic by technical and infrastructure issues with laboratories. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential since good disease management is one of the primary actions of the Global Malaria Control Strategy. Accurate malaria detection is also crucial in order to inform malaria control efforts through epidemiologic screening and surveillance, for research reasons to evaluate the effectiveness of antimalarial medications and vaccines, and for blood bank screening. This study's main goal is to show some of the new and effective ways to diagnose malaria that go beyond the gold standard, light microscopy, which has some problems

Validity and Reliability of Questionnaire on Knowledge, Attitude and Dietary Practices Related to Colorectal Cancer

@#Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading cancers in Malaysia where new cases are increasing every year. The aim of this study was to test the reliability and validity of a newly developed questionnaire on knowledge, attitude and dietary practices (KAP) related to CRC for the Malay population. Methods: The respondents were conveniently selected among visitors attending an outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital. We excluded those with any cancers, chronic diseases and those that were illiterate. The exploratory factor and reliability analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 108 respondents were recruited of which 67.7% were males and the mean age was 54.59 years (standard deviation 8.93). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy values for KAP were 0.64, 0.66 and 0.67, respectively (P < 0.001). The 17 items of knowledge formed five domains with loading factors ranging from 0.54–0.89. The six items of attitude formed two domains with loading factors ranging from 0.64–0.80 and the 15 practices had four domains with loading factors ranging from 0.52–0.83. The total variances explained for each KAP were 61.02%, 56.41% and 53.12%, respectively. The internal consistency Cronbach alpha values on KAP were 0.61, 0.60 and 0.70, respectively. Conclusion: The final questionnaire is suitable for measuring KAP related to CRC among the Malay population.

Comparative assessment of electrocardiographic parameters of some birds in ilorin-an essential diagnostic tool

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is an important cause of death in birds. Spontaneous turkey cardiomyopathy (STC; round heart), ruptured aorta and sudden death account for over 50% in avians. The diagnosis is usually based on history and gross examination. This work was designed to assess the electrocardiographic parameters of various birds as alternative/additional means of clinical diagnosis. Objective: of this study was to identify every aspect of the Lead II ECG wave form. The electrocardiogram is a useful tool in avian medicine as it can be utilized to measure heart rate and to detect arrhythmias, cardiac chamber enlargement, and electrical conductance abnormalities. Methods: EDAN 10 Veterinary electrocardiographic equipment made in China; with a 200 mm/s paper speed and a sensitivity of 100 mm/mV was used to measure the electrocardiographic. The five alligator clip electrodes were fixed directly to the skin under the feather- on the forearms (muscular part of the wing), on the hind limbs above the stifle joint, and the heart as described earlier by Azeez et al, (2017). Birds were placed on lateral recumbency. The EDAN was connected to the laptop and information about each bird was recorded and saved. Birds considered include Broilers, Domestic duck, White geese, Chinese geese, Laying birds (chicken), point of lay birds and Turkey. They were all carefully restrained. 5 birds from each group were used. Results: The ECG exhibited positive P wave, inverted (Q)RS and positive T wave in all of them. S-S interval was regular in turkey and duck, irregular in chicken and Chinese geese. The PR interval in the Laying birds and Broilers were very longer with overlap by QRS. The (Q)RS was shorter (29-44ms)in the chicken with very short amplitude, longer (50-65ms)in turkey and duck with longer amplitude. No significant difference in the QRS within the groups. QT interval was longer in turkey, geese and duck (297-456ms) but shorter in chicken. Conclusions: Electrocardiography is a useful diagnostic tool in birds. However, while interpreting electrocardiographic, Clinicians should always consider history, clinical findings and laboratory results before final diagnosis. More emphasis should be place on use of electrocardiographic by Veterinarians and Clinicians in handling cases of cardiovascular issues in birds.

Introducción: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son una importante causa de muerte entre las aves. La miocardiopatía espontánea del pavo (MEP; corazón redondo), la ruptura de la aorta y la muerte súbita representan más del 50 % de las muertes aviares. Generalmente el diagnóstico se basa en los antecedentes y en un examen general. En el presente estudio se evalúan los parámetros electrocardiográficos de un grupo de aves como medios alternativos / adicionales del diagnóstico clínico. Objetivo: Identificar cada aspecto de la forma de onda del ECG de derivación II. El electrocardiograma es una herramienta útil en la medicina aviar, ya que puede usarse para medir la frecuencia cardíaca y para detectar arritmias, agrandamiento de la cámara cardíaca y anomalías de la conductancia eléctrica. Métodos: Los parámetros electrocardiográficos se midieron con un electrocardiógrafo veterinario EDAN 10 fabricado en China, con una velocidad del papel de 200 mm/s y una sensibilidad de 100 mm/mV. Los cinco electrodos de presilla tipo cocodrilo fueron fijados directamente a la piel bajo las plumas en el área del antebrazo (parte muscular del ala), en las extremidades posteriores por encima de la babada, y en el corazón según se describe en Azeez et al (2017). Las aves fueron colocadas en posición reclinada lateral. El EDAN se conectó a una laptop para registrar y guardar la información sobre cada ave. Las aves del estudio eran pollos de engorde, patos domésticos, gansos blancos, gansos chinos, gallinas ponedoras, aves listas para empezar a poner y pavos. Todas fueron sujetadas firmemente. Se utilizaron cinco aves de cada grupo. Resultados: El ECG mostró una onda P positiva, un (Q)RS invertido y una onda T positiva en todas ellas. El intervalo S-S fue regular en pavos y patos, e irregular en pollos y gansos chinos. El intervalo PR fue mucho más largo en las ponedoras y los pollos de engorde, con superposición por el QRS. El (Q)RS fue más corto (29-44 ms) en los pollos con una amplitud muy corta, y más largo (50-65 ms) en pavos y patos con una amplitud más larga. No se hallaron diferencias significativas en el QRS dentro de los grupos. El intervalo QT fue más largo en los pavos, gansos y patos (297-456 ms) pero más corto en los pollos. Conclusiones: La electrocardiografía es una útil herramienta para el diagnóstico de las aves. Sin embargo, al interpretar la información electrocardiográfica, siempre se deben tener en cuenta los antecedentes, los hallazgos clínicos y los resultados de laboratorio antes de emitir el diagnóstico definitivo. Se debe hacer más hincapié en el uso de la electrocardiografía por parte de los veterinarios y los médicos al tratar casos de problemas cardiovasculares en las aves.

effectiveness of a voice care program among primary school teachers in Northeastern Malaysia

Objectives: We sought to determine the effectiveness of a voice care program among primary school teachers in a northeastern district in Malaysia

Methods: We conducted a randomized community trial in eight primary schools in a northeastern district in Malaysia. The self-administered and validated Malay-Voice Handicap Index-10 [M-VHI-10] questionnaire was used to assess overall voice handicap scores pre-intervention and eight weeks post-intervention. Teachers with a score of five or more [n = 86] were randomized into intervention [n = 41] and control groups [n = 45]. The intervention group received portable voice amplifiers and vocal hygiene instruction, which was delivered by lectures and a booklet. The control group was not prescribed any intervention

Results: The sociodemographic, lifestyle, and occupational characteristics of the teachers [except maximum number of students per class] were similar between both groups. The baseline M-VHI-10 scores between both groups were also comparable. After the intervention phase, there was a significant effect observed in the total M-VHI-10 scores [p = 0.021, F-stat [df]: 5.33 [1,79]] between both groups after controlling for the maximum number of students per class

Conclusions: Our results support the use of voice amplification in adjunct with vocal hygiene instruction as a prevention and treatment modality to reduce voice handicap among teachers. Our study demonstrated encouraging evidence on the low-cost voice care program as well as the success of group and workplace-based approaches in the school setting

A comparison of mid upper arm circumference with other Indices for discharge from community-based management of malnutrition clinics in Jigawa State, Nigeria

Background: Community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) program has saved millions of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) globally. World Health Organization recommended discharge indices include Midupper arm circumference (MUAC) =12.5cm, =15-20% weight gain and weight-for-height Z score (WHZ) =-2. We compared MUAC with WHZ and percentage weight gain as discharge criteria from CMAM. Methods: It was a community based cohort study of children aged 6-59 months with SAM discharged from CMAM clinics in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Socio-demographic data, nutrition history and anthropometry were recorded at enrolment and discharge. Results: Of a total of 405 children studied, 209(51.6%) were females and had a peak age group of 12-23months (43.7%, range 6-42 months). At discharge, 353(87.2%) had MUAC = 12.5cm while 231(57.0%) and 204(50.4%) had percentage weight-gain =15% and WHZ=-2 respectively. There was weak agreement between MUAC and WHZ (agreement 50.8%, ê=0.012) and MUAC and percent weight-gain (agreement 54.8%, ê=-0.004). Children aged between 11-23 months (OR 2.12, p=0.006) and 24-35 months (OR 2.60, p=0.002) had increased risk of discharge with inadequate percentage weight gain. WHZ <-3 at enrolment was associated with increased risk of discharge with WHZ <-3 (OR 3.21, p<0.001) and reduced risk of discharge with inadequate percentage weight gain (OR 0.45, p<0.001). Age sex, WHZ at enrollment were not associated with MUAC at discharge. Conclusion: The use of MUAC alone as discharge criterion allows a significant proportion of children still needing urgent care exiting CMAM clinic prematurely. Stratifying these criteria may lead to better recovery before discharge

Association of Co-Morbidity and Treatment with the Complications of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Young Patients Less Than 45 Years

Background: Approximately 5%–10% of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) cases occur in people younger than 45 years of age. This study aimed to identify complications of ACS and the associated factors in young patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data from 147 ACS patients aged less than 45 years were analysed. Results: The mean age was 39.1 (4.9) years, the male to female ratio was 3:1; 21.2% of patients presented with unstable angina, 58.5% had non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and 20.4% had ST elevation myocardial infarction. The most frequent risk factor of ACS was dyslipidaemia (65.3%), followed by hypertension (43.5%). In total, 49.7% of patients had inpatient complication(s), with the most common being heart failure (35.4%), followed by arrhythmia (20.4%). The significant factors associated with ACS complications were current smoking [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.03; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33, 12.23; P-value = 0.014], diabetic mellitus [AOR 3.03; 95% CI: 1.19, 7.71; P-value = 0.020], treatments of fondaparinux [AOR 0.18; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.39; P-value < 0.001] and oral nitrates [AOR 0.18; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.42; P-value < 0.001]. Conclusions: Smoking status and diabetes mellitus were modifiable risk factors while pharmacological treatment was an important protective factor for ACS complications in young patients.

Reporting Statistical Results in Medical Journals

Statistical editors of the Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) must go through many submitted manuscripts, focusing on the statistical aspect of the manuscripts. However, the editors notice myriad styles of reporting the statistical results, which are not standardised among the authors. This could be due to the lack of clear written instructions on reporting statistics in the guidelines for authors. The aim of this editorial is to briefly outline reporting methods for several important and common statistical results. It will also address a number of common mistakes made by the authors. The editorial will serve as a guideline for authors aiming to publish in the MJMS as well as in other medical journals.

The Role of Socio-economic Factors in Abandonment of Cancer Treatment among Paediatric Patients in Jos Nigeria.

The outcome of pediatric cancer therapy in the developed country is good however in Developing countries like Nigeria pediatric cancer treatment is characterized by late presentation, presences of co-morbidities and outright refusal of investigation and initiation or continuation of treatment. This might be because of socio economic reasons. This study set out to determine the proportion of cancer patients who abandoned their therapy and identify the socioeconomic factors associated with AT among children diagnosed with malignancy. Methods: Hospital records of 41 children admitted for childhood malignancy at the Jos University Teaching Hospital over a period of 2 years were retrieved and data was obtained from them regarding their biodata, diagnosis, treatment procedure and outcome. Data was computed using EPI info version 7.0 statistical software. Abandonment of Treatment was compared with socio-economic variables using the chi square test or fisher exact score at 95% confidence interval. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of abandoning of treatment was 63.4%. The odds of AT was 4.5 times higher in children who were less than 10 years of age compared to older children. Children from smaller families (4 children or less) had a 3.4 odds of abandoning treatment than large families. The odds of abandoning treatment was 16 times (CI= 1.2-200.5) higher if a mother was the caregivers while the child was on hospital admission compared to others. AT was significantly higher in children who travel for ≥ 2 hours before arrival at the hospital (travelled for more than 2 hrs from their homes for therapy in JUTH). Socio economic status, parental education, gender, marital status of parent and birth order did not have any statistical association with AT. Conclusion: The high rate of AT in pediatric cancer patient in Jos university Teaching Hospital is associated with socioeconomic factors. Further studies with a larger sample size will give more insight into this problem and pave way for possible solutions.

The Effect of Second-Hand Smoke Exposure during Pregnancy on the Newborn Weight in Malaysia

Background: There was strong evidence from studies conducted in developed countries that second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure is detrimental to the birth weight of newborn. This study was conducted to determine the effect of exposure to SHS smoke during pregnancy on the weight of newborns. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The exposed group consists of 209 postnatal women who experienced SHS exposure at home because of a husband or other housemate who smoked inside the house throughout the pregnancy. The non-exposed group included 211 women who did not experience SHS exposure at home or at work during pregnancy. We excluded non-Malay ethnicity, multiple births, and congenital defects. Results: There was a significant difference in the adjusted mean birth weight between exposed infants [2893.0 g (95% confidence interval (CI): 2781.3, 3004.7)] and not exposed infants to SHS [3046.1 g (95% CI 2929.5, 3162.6) (P < 0.001)] after controlling for significant maternal factors. There was a 12.9 g (95% CI: 7.01, 18.96) reduction in birth weight for a corresponding increase in the exposure to the smoke of one cigarette (P < 0.001). The incidence of low birth weight (LBW) was higher in exposed women, [10% (95% CI: 5.94, 14.06)] compared to non-exposed women [4.7% (95% CI: 1.85, 7.55)]. Conclusions: This study found a significant association between SHS exposure during pregnancy and decreased birth weight.

Intestinal Parasites in Children Attending Day Care Centers in Jos; Central Nigeria

Background: It is estimated that 3 billion people world wide are infected with intestinal parasites. Morbidity is highest amongst children; infestation causes a threat to the growth and development of the child. The study aims to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthes in children attending day care centers in Jos metropolis. Methodology:Ten day care centers were randomly selected from the total number of day care centers. From each centre children were randomly selected for study. Parents of selected children completed a structured questionnaire and stool specimens of the children were analyzed using iodine and saline preparation. Results :Two hundred and twenty-one children (57.8) of the 384 children studied had intestinal parasites. Ascaris lumbricoides; Ancylostoma duodenale and Trichuris trichura were the commonest parasites found. The relationship between intestinal parasite infestation and diarrhea in past 2 months (X =19.5; df = 1; p 0.001 OR

Intestinal Parasites in Children Attending Day Care Centers in Jos; Central Nigeria

It is estimated that 3 billion people world wide are infected with intestinal parasites. Morbidity is highest amongst children; infestation causes a threat to the growth and development of the child. The study aims to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthes in children attending day care centers in Jos metropolis. Ten day care centers were randomly selected from the total number of day care centers. From each centre children were randomly selected for study. Parents of selected children completed a structured questionnaire and stool specimens of the children were analyzed using iodine and saline preparation. : Two hundred and twenty-one children (57.8) of the 384 children studied had intestinal parasites. Ascaris lumbricoides; Ancylostoma duodenale and Trichuris trichura were the commonest parasites found. The relationship between intestinal parasite infestation and diarrhea in past 2 months (X =19.5; df = 1; p 0.001 OR

Does insulin resistance correlate with routine blood examination? A review on erythrocytes of obese patients.

Aim: to identify whether hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance affects the hematologic parameter of routine blood, especially the erythrocytes. Methods: cross sectional study was conducted on seventy one non-smoking obese patients who were not pregnant, not having lactating period, aged >22 years of age and visited the outpatient clinic of Endocrinology and outpatient clinic of Kidney and Hypertension division at the department of Internal Medicine Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta. Patients with cerebrovascular and blood disease; taking drugs affecting blood e.g.: cytostatics, and erythropoietin; and patients taking insulin, beta blocker, or steroids were excluded. Data on age, gender, body weight, and body height were recorded. Examinations on fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and routine blood were performed in the condition of ten hours of fasting. All laboratory examination was conducted at Prodia Laboratory, Yogyakarta. Results: of seventy one obese patients, 51.5% were male, and 9.1% were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) during the study and the mean age was 47.09+5.74 years, the mean body mass index was 28.07+4.07 kg/m2, the mean of hemoglobin level was 13.75+1.57 g%; the mean of leukocyte count was 7.86+1.19 103/mm3; erythrocytes count was 4.93+0.44 106/mm3; platelet count 300.28+80.57 103/mm3; and hematocrite count 41.23+4.28. There were very weak and statistically insignificant negative correlation between Log HOMA IR and erythrocytes (r= -0.048; p=0.693) Conclusion: this study demonstrates that insulin resistance has a very weak correlation with erythrocytes counts and it is statistically insignificant.

The impact of advocacy and community mobilization on the utilization of health services at the Comprehensive Health Centre, Gindiri

Primary Health Care facilities provide promotive; preventive; curative and rehabilitative services to a community. They may be well built and equipped with adequate resources but grossly underutilized due to several factors. Health records at the Comprehensive Health Centre Gindiri for 2005 were compared with those of 2007 after a well-coordinated advocacy and mobilization programme in that community. The results show that the total out patient attendance in 2007 increased by 220.6 when compared to that of 2005. 293 patients were admitted into the wards in 2005 compared to 813 in 2007(277). There was no surgery carried out in the whole of 2005; whereas in 2007 there were 98 surgeries. Advocacy and community mobilization could be important factors in the utilization of primary health services

Helicobacter pylori infection in peptic ulcer disease: the importance of smoking and ethnicity.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and its associated factors among patients with peptic ulcer disease in Taiping Hospital. Consecutive peptic ulcer disease patients who had undergone esophagogastro-duodenoscopy were included. The H. pylori status was assessed by the rapid urease test. We excluded those who had active bleeding, a perforated peptic ulcer, severe vomiting, a history of gastric surgery, peptic ulcer disease or renal or liver diseases, carcinoma of the stomach, and recent use of antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors. Socio-demography, H. pylori status, medication history and other relevant clinical data were collected from case notes. A total of 416 subjects were selected, 49.7% were positive and 50.3% were negative for H. pylori infection. There were significant associations between H. pylori and age, ethnicity, smoking status and NSAID usage. However, there were no significant relationships between H. pylori status and gender or type of peptic ulcer. Multiple logistic regression showed that other ethnicities than Malays and smokers had a higher risk of H. pylori. Our prevalence rate was low and the identified risk factors were consistent with previous studies. Ethnic differences may be related to genetic and sociocultural behaviors. Quitting smoking may benefit peptic ulcer patients with H. pylori infection.

Prevalence and associated factors of head lice infestation among primary schoolchildren in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Head lice infestation contributes a significant morbidity among schoolchildren in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of head lice infestation among primary schoolchildren in Kelantan, Malaysia. Six schools were randomly selected from three sub-districts of Kuala Krai, Kelantan. A total of 463 eleven-year-old pupils were screened by visual scalp examination and fine-toothed combing. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demography and associated factors of head lice infestation. The prevalence of head lice infestation was 35.0% (95% Cl: 30.6, 39.3) with 11.9% inactive, 23.1% active, 18.2% light and 16.8% heavy infestations. The associated factors were girls; family income of RM247 or less; head lice infestation of family member and having four or more siblings. The high prevalence of head lice infestation in this study indicates the need for regular school health program that emphasis on the eradication of head lice. The significant associated factors identified in this study reconfirm the importance of controlling the transmissibility of head lice. Pupils and parents should be informed regarding factors that may facilitate the transmission of head lice.

Prevalence and factors influencing smoking amongst Malay primary school children in Tumpat, Kelantan.

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence, knowledge and factors that influence smoking in Malay primary school children in Tumpat, Kelantan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2004 among primary school children in Tumpat District. Two hundred-twelve children in standard one to six were randomly selected from three rural schools. An interview that included information on history of ever smoking, knowledge related to smoking and health, and potential factors that could influence smoking was done. Twenty-five children had previously smoked, with a prevalence of 11.8% (95%CI=8.0, 17.0) and 8 were current smokers (3.8%, 95%CI=1.2, 6.4). More than half (64.6%) of the children had a good knowledge of smoking. However, only 105 (49.5%) of them knew that passive smokers have a higher risk of developing diseases. Of those who had ever smoked, 12 (36.6%) were influenced by peers and 17 (51.5%) had a self-desire to smoke. The earliest age to start smoking was at 6 years. Factors found to be significantly associated with smoking on multivariate analysis were increasing age (OR=2.8, 95%CI=1.6, 5.1), being boys (OR=5.8, 95%CI=2.0, 16.8), being at second school level (standard 4, 5, 6)(OR=7.8, 95%CI=1.3, 45.3) and having other family members (excluding father) who smoked (OR=2.8, 95%CI=1.2, 6.5). However, having a father who smoked and a good knowledge were not reported as influencing factors.