Prevalence of End-Digit Preference in Recorded Blood Pressure By Nurses: a Comparison of Measurements Taken by Mercury and Electronic Blood Pressure-Measuring Devices

Objectives: When compared with the use of a mercury sphygmomanometer; the use of a validated digital blood pressure (BP) measuring device eliminates the risk of exposure to mercury. Digital devices are also associated with a lesser degree of end-digit preference (EDP). EDP refers to the occurrence of a particular end digit more frequently than would be expected through chance alone. There have been only a few reports from Africa on the occurrence of EDP in BP measurement. This study examined EDP in BP taken by nurses before and after the introduction of a digital BP-measuring device.Design: The design was a retrospective study.Settings and subjects: We reviewed the BP readings of 458 patients who presented at the dedicated clinic for people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital; Osogbo; Nigeria; before and after the introduction of the digital BP-measuring device.Outcome measures: The prevalence of end-digit zero of systolic and diastolic BP readings before and after the introduction of the digital device was compared using McNemar's test.Results: There was a large and significant fall in end-digit zero when BP readings that were taken using the mercury and digital devices were compared (systolic 98.1 vs. 10.9 ; p-value 0.001; diastolic 97.1 vs. 14.9 ; p-value 0.001 (McNemar's test).Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in the frequency of end-digit zero when BP was taken with the digital device rather than the mercury device. Regular training and certification of healthcare workers in BP measurement is recommended to ensure a high quality BP measurement standard

Characteristics of patients presenting with complications of abortion in a tertiary health facility in south-west Nigeria

Objectives: Abortion is associated with significant health problem with short- and long-term complications that affect the quality of life of those who are fortunate enough to escape mortality. This study evaluated the population of patients with complications of abortion; identified the abortion providers and the pattern of contraceptive usage in these patients managed in our hospital; and suggests strategies on the required heath intervention.Design: The design was a descriptive study of cases of abortions with complications. Setting and subjects: We reviewed all (225) cases of abortions with complications managed at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital; Osogbo; Nigeria; over a five-year period. Outcome measures: Records of patients managed for abortion-related complications were retrieved; data were extracted and analysis was carried out for socio-demographic factors and other abortion-related characteristics. Results: The study showed a more common occurrence of abortions among middle-aged (64.4); multiparous (53.3) women with a low socio-economic background (62.6); and they were performed mostly by medical doctors in private settings (37.8). The low usage of contraception (11.1) was of significance. Conclusion: This study provided considerable insight into the complications of abortion in a tertiary institution in Nigeria. Most of the patients were aware of contraception; but usage; which mainly constituted emergency contraception; was low. Despite prophylactic antibiotics; sepsis was the most common observed complication. Healthcare intervention should be re-focused through the encouragement of the adoption of effective methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Healthcare providers should re-appraise their antibiotics regimen