Mothers' perception of COVID-19 infection in their under-five children presenting in a tertiary health institution in South-East Nigeria and associated factors

Background: Maternal attitude to health-seeking behavior of their under-five children in the COVID-19 pandemic is not well-known. Objectives: This study is aimed at determining mothers' perception of COVID-19 pandemic among their under-five children and associated factors. Methodology: This is a prospective and observational study carried out in two health institutions in South-East Nigeria. Results: Most subjects, 243 (65.3%) noted that someone without showing symptoms of COVID-19 could transmit the virus. Of the mothers of children under-five, 271 (72.8%) highlighted the possibility of COVID-19 infection in the under-five. A small number of participants 53 (14.2%) showed awareness that people should cough into their elbows as a way of preventing the transmission of COVID-19. A small number of participants, 160 (43.0%) had a good perception of COVID-19. Majority of mothers who were married, 148 (44.7%) showed a good perception of COVID-19 when compared with those who were single, 12 (29.3%); however, this is not significant, (χ2 = 3.550, P = 0.060). A large number of participants who have attained tertiary education, 92 (48.9%) had a good perception of COVID-19 which is higher than that seen in mothers with secondary education 68 (37.0%) (χ2 = 5.444, P = 0.020). Participants who were 30­34 years had 1.8 times higher odds of good perception of COVID 19 compared with mothers who were more than 35 years (adjusted odds ratio = 1.803, 95% confidence interval = 1.026­3.170). Conclusion: Although most mothers affirm that a child could be infected by COVID-19, a small number of them actually had a good perception of COVID-19 infection. Good perception of COVID-19 among the under-five is enhanced by the high level of education and age of 32­34 years.

Correlation between Anthropometric Variables, Social Class, Age and Hematological Profile among Children with Sickle Cell Anemia in ENUGU South-East Nigeria.

Background: Sickle cell anaemia (SCA), a common haematological genetic disorder, could affect both the growth and haematological profile of the sufferer. Objectives: This study aims at determining any correlation between anthropometric variables and haematological parameters among children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). It also determines the association between social class and haematological parameters of children with SCA. Methods: A total of 80 subjects were recruited into the study, comprising 40 HbSS patients. This is cross sectional study of haematological indices and anthropometric measurement of children with sickle cell anaemia aged 6-20 years. All data were coded, entered, and then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program (SPSS), version 20. Results: There was statistical significant correlation between BSA and total white blood cell count (TWBC) (p=0.028) but not with Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Hb: r=0.073, p=0.654 ESR: r=0.224, p=0.164 TWBC: r=0.348, p=0.028. The Haemoglobin concentration, TWBC and ESR values are 7.77 g/dl, 11.96×109, and 15.4 mm/hr There is also no statistical significant correlation between BMI and haematological variables: TWBC r= 0.100 p=0.51, Hb: r=0.118, p= 0.469 ESR: r= 0.033, p=0.841. There is also no statistical significant correlation between chest circumference and haematological indices. TWBC r= 0.216 p=0.181, Hb: r=0.043, p= 0.793 ESR: r= 0.143, p=0.378. There were no statistical differences in mean for all the variables studied among the social classes. Hb; p=0.373 ESR p=0.633. TWBC p= 0.451. Conclusion: Infection is not the only cause of elevation in TWBCs. it is important to also consider the impact of surface area on white blood cell count of children with SCD before using antimicrobials for such infections.

The White Coat and the Physician; a Snapshot of the Physicians’ Perspective.

Background: The white coat is synonymous with medical profession and helps for easy identification by patients and colleagues. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine doctors’ perception on mode of dressing of their colleagues, especially wearing of white coats and its influence on the well being of their patients. Methods: A structured self administered questionnaire was used to collect information from the doctors of all carder in the hospital during the study period. Three photographs, a man with corporate attire and tie without ward coat and the same man with corporate attire and tie with a white coat and same man with casual dressing, were shown to the doctors, and were asked which of the three pictures they would like a doctor to dress. Results: Majority 200 (72.5%) of the respondents had a white coat on as at the time they were filling the questionnaire while only 76 (27.5%) were not putting on lab coat. Also 202 (75.9%) of the respondents are of the opinion that a doctor should always put on shirt, tie and trouser with a white covering lab coat. Most 76 (35.68%) of those who supported the opinion suggested that the white coat protects the doctors/or their families as their reason. Conclusion: White coats were seen as the most appropriate dress code for doctors, regardless of gender. Low ranked doctors however wear the white coat more than high ranked ones. Furthermore the type of clothing and accessories used by physicians (physician dressed on shirt, tie and trousers with a white covering lab coat) has a positive influence on physician-patient relationship.