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Traumatic tooth avulsion presents a challenge with regards to its prompt intervention as the ultimate outcome of an avulsed tooth that occurred in any child is dependent on appropriate emergency interventions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the awareness, level of knowledge and attitude towards pre-hospital tooth avulsion care among primary school teachers in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among the teachers to assess their level of awareness of tooth avulsion, knowledge and attitude towards pre-hospital care of avulsed tooth. The data generated were analyzed using the SPSS for windows 23.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, USA). The responses were tabulated and expressed as frequency and percentages. Multivariate analysis was used to correct confounding variables. The level of significance was set p< 0.05. Three hundred and twenty four (324) teachers returned their answered questionnaires. Majority of the teachers were females (64.2%) and were between the ages of 41 50 years. Most (90.7%) of the teachers were not conversant with the dental terminology "tooth avulsion". Approximately forty-four percent (43.8%) of the teachers had experienced at least a case of tooth avulsion during their service period. Two hundred and sixty-six (82.1%) of teachers had never received any instruction on how to manage avulsed tooth. only 13 (4.0%) of the respondents were aware of a storage/transport media and how to preserve an avulsed tooth. On the attitude of teachers on pre-hospital care of an avulsed tooth; when asked what will they do in a case of tooth avulsion involving their pupil, one hundred and ninety (58.6%) erroneously reported they will do nothing, 33(10.2%) respondents said they will call the child's parents, none seeing the need to contact the nearest dental clinic. Majority of primary school teachers in Benin City, Nigeria has very inadequate knowledge regarding emergency management of tooth avulsion. They have limited knowledge regarding the basic tenets of first aid management of tooth avulsion whenever it occurs. Seminars and practical workshop on dental emergency should be organized for teachers and first aid training added to their curriculum
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Humans , Awareness , Tooth Avulsion , Knowledge , School TeachersABSTRACT
Background: Eclampsia is a serious obstetric complication with attendant high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality especially in the developing countries. This study aims to assess the maternal and perinatal outcomes of eclampsia and suggest ways to improve them.Methods: This was a 5-year retrospective study (2009-2013) of cases of eclampsia managed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. The number of cases managed was obtained from records at the emergency room, labour ward, theatre, lying-in wards and special care baby unit and case notes of patients satisfying the inclusion criteria retrieved from the medical records library.Results: The prevalence of eclampsia was 1.99% of total deliveries. It was highest in teenagers (29%), nulliparous (3.1%) and the unbooked (8.5%). Antepartum eclampsia accounted for 69.6% of the cases and a majority (74.6%) was delivered by emergency caesarean section. Eclampsia resulted in 27.78% of total maternal mortality, case fatality rate of 15.96% and eclampsia-related maternal mortality ratio of 318/100,000 deliveries. Perinatal mortality rate was 131/1000 eclamptic deliveries.Conclusions: The maternal outcome worsened with increasing blood pressure, number of convulsion episodes prior to presentation, the time interval between 1st convulsions to delivery, level of proteinuria on dip stick and reduced urine output. Vaginal delivery was associated with more early neonatal deaths and birth asphyxia. More awareness and enabling factors should be created for more women to access antenatal facilities. The government should be committed to providing emergency obstetric care facilities in our hospitals for effective management of eclampsia.
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Background: Carcinoma of the oesophagus is amongst the top ten cancers worldwide. It shows marked variation in incidence, types and outcome in the various regions of the world. Adenocarcinoma is the main variant worldwide whereas squamous cell carcinoma appears more common in developing countries. Aim of our Study: We mean to ascertain the hospital incidence and epidemiology of patients presenting with histologically confirmed oesophageal cancer. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study spanning from January 2008 to December 2014. It is an evaluation and audit of our management of patients with histologically confirmed cases of oesophageal cancer. Results: A total of 42 cases were enrolled in the study. The male: female ratio was 2.2:1. The mean age was 60.1 years, with the mean male age being 62.3 yrs and female 55.1 yrs. All patients presented with dysphagia and 92.9% had some weight loss, with 31% presenting with cachexia. A greater percentage of patients (83.3%) were from the Niger Delta area, residing at the riverine areas. 54.8% were documented to use local gin. The greater percentage (85.7) of patients presented with stage 4 disease. The histological type were squamous cell carcinoma occurring in 85.7% of patients and 14.3% being adenocarcinoma. The tumour was mainly located in the mid portion of the oesophagus 59.5% and 35.7% were located at the lower oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction with only 4.8% at the upper thoracic and cervical oesophagus. All had oesophagoscopy and biopsy done either in the endoscopy suite (awake or conscious sedation) or in the theater. Oesophageal intubation was only feasible in 7patients (16.7%) with only 3(7%) patients having oesophagectomy with gastric pull-up. Conclusion: Oesophageal carcinoma is usually squamous and in the middle third of the thoracic oesophagus. Most patients present late with palliation being the only feasible treatment.
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Drug abuse in Nigeria has been indicated to be on the rise in recent years. The use of hard drugs and misuse of prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes cuts across all strata, especially the youths. Tramadol (2[(Dimethylamin) methyl]-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanol) is known for its analgesic potentials. This potent opioid pain killer is misused by Nigerian youths, owing to its suspicion as sexual performance drug. This study therefore is aimed at determining the effect of tramadol on hormone levels its improved libido properties and possibly fertility. Twenty seven (27) European rabbits weighing 1.0 to 2.0 kg were used. Animals were divided into four major groups consisting of male and female control, and male and female tramadol treated groups. Treated groups were further divided into oral and intramuscular (IM) administered groups. Oral groups were administered 25 mg/kg b.w. of tramadol per day while the IM groups received 15 mg/kg b.w. per day over a period of thirty days. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment for progesterone, testosterone, estrogen (E2), luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), β-human chorionic gonadotropin and prolactin estimation. Tramadol treated groups were compared with control groups at the end of the study, as well as within group comparison was done. From the results, FSH was found to be significantly reduced (p<0.05) while LH increased significantly (p<0.05). A decrease was observed for testosterone (p<0.001), and estrogen, FSH, progesterone also decreased (p<0.05). Significant changes weren’t observed when IM groups were compared with oral groups. This study does not support an improvement of libido by tramadol, though its possible usefulness in the treatment of premature ejaculation may have been established, but its capabilities to induce male and female infertility is still in doubt.
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Cosmetology is a profession with a population of mostly women, who are exposed to a myriad of chemicals of concern every day in their workplaces. Research shows that salon workers are at greater risk for certain health problems compared to other occupations. This study aims at evaluating the renal function of nails and hair care workers in Benin City who are exposed to cosmetic borne toxicants. Blood samples were collected from hair and nail care workers resident in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria for urea creatinine and electrolyte evaluation. Urea was analyzed by the urease-betherlot process, creatinine was analyzed using modified jaffe-slot technique, sodium and potassium ions were analyzed by flame emission spectrophotometry while chloride and bicarbonate ions were analyzed using Schales and Schales method and acid-base back titration respectively. Plasma levels of urea and creatinine was significantly higher in cosmetologist than heavy cosmetics users and cosmetic nave participants (p<0.000). Sodium and Chloride were also found to be reduced in cosmetologists than heavy cosmetics users and cosmetic naive participants (p<0.000). The results obtained from this study may be suggestive of renal damage. However, it is recommended that salon workers and salon owners should be enlightened so as to improve their awareness of the risks associated with the exposure toxic chemicals in hair and nail care products. And also further studies be carried out on a larger scale in order to further assert these claims.
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Introduction: Blood transfusion remains a mainstay therapy in sickle cell disease (SCD).Transfusional therapy may be complicated by allo-immunisation due to exposure to foreign red cell antigens. However, the prevalence and patterns of atypical antibodies in Nigerian SCD has been sparsely reported majorly due to underdeveloped blood banking systems. A prospective study was therefore undertaken to assess patterns of blood transfusion and allo-immunisation among SCD patients in Benin City, Nigeria. Methodology: The study was conducted among adult and paediatric SCD subjects seen at a sickle cell centre in Benin City, Nigeria. All subjects (parents in case of children) who gave consent/assent to the study were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to obtain details on bio-data, SCD history and blood transfusion history. Blood specimen obtained from each participant was subjected to antibody screening/identification test using tube agglutination technique. Association of categorical variables was tested using chi-square or fisher exact test as appropriate. Results: Fifty five SCD patients were studied with a mean (SEM) age of 22.95 (1.66) years. More of the subjects (67.3%) were aged 15 years and above. 74.5% of the subjects have a past history of blood transfusion. Four (7.3%) of the subjects had unexpected erythrocyte allo-antibodies. Antibodies belonging to the Rh and Kell blood group systems were implicated. The risk of alloimmunisation increased with total lifetime transfusions (p = 0.002) Conclusion: Erythrocyte alloimmunisation is a significant therapy related complication in Nigerian SCD. Hydroxyurea use reduces transfusion requirements and should be maximized. There is need to upgrade local/regional transfusion services to include routine allo-antibody screening/identification as part of precompatibility testing particularly SCD patients who have received more than 10 units of red cell transfusion.
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Background: Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) comprises a wide spectrum of sleep-associated breathing abnormalities; those related to increase upper airway resistance include snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This concept suggests that a person who snores may be exhibiting the first manifestation of SDB and that snoring should not be viewed as normal. Obstructive sleep disordered breathing is common in children. Snoring, mouth breathing, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often prompt parents to seek medical attention. Aim: This study aims to determine the frequency of parent-reported indicators of SDB among children clinically diagnosed with adenotonsilar hypertrophy (ATH) in the Otorhinolaryngology department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of children aged 12 years and below who were sent to the Ear Nose and Throat clinics of UBTH, Benin-city with symptoms of obstructive adenotonsilar hypertrophy (ATH) between May 2012 and April 2014. All consecutive parent/caregiver who presented their child/ward to the ENT clinic with symptoms of obstructive adenotonsilar hypertrophy (ATH) were interviewed using structured questionnaire/proforma after verbal consent was obtained. Results: A total of 104 children were studied. The children were 73 males and 31 females with a male/ female ratio of 2.4:1. The children were aged 1-12yrs with average age of 4.98 ± 2.68 years. The parents/caregivers were 92 females and 12 males giving a ratio of 7.6:1.The frequency of sleep apnea was reported by 50 children/care givers (48.1%). There was a high prevalence of reporting for patients between the ages of 1 and 4years 62 (59.6%) which was followed by those between 5 and 9 years 34 (32.7%). Symptoms lasted more than 3 years in 43(41.3%), 1-2 years in 31(29.9%) and less than 1 year in 30 (28.8%) of the patients. Symptoms reported were snoring 104 (100%), nasal obstruction 97(93%), nasal discharge 96 (92%), mouth breathing 92 (88%), sleep apnea 50 (48.1%), restless night sleep 72 (69.2%), sore throat 69(66.3%), failure to thrive 2(1.9%). Cervical (jugulo-digastric) lymph node was enlarged in 70 (67.3%). Tonsillar grades were as follows; grade 3 was 59 (56.7%), 4 was 27 (26%) while 1 and 2 accounted for 17 (16.3%). Conclusion: Snoring was the commonest symptom reported in children with SDB. Parents and caregivers should monitor their children closely during sleep as this may reveal early symptoms of adenotonsilar hypertrophy causing SDB.
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Background: Contraceptive usage remains a challenge in developing countries. Despite high contraceptive awareness and knowledge, studies have shown disappointingly very low contraceptive usage. The 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) report places modern contraceptive usage in Nigeria at 10%, amounting commutatively as a 6% increase over a 24 year period. This study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitude, contraceptive usage and associated factors among women of reproductive age attending a health facility in Benin City, with the goal of developing programs and interventions to improve contraceptive usage. Methods: A health facility based descriptive cross sectional study design was utilized for this study, involving researcher administration of semi-structured questionnaires to 161 consenting women (15-49 years) attending immunization clinics in a health facility in Benin City. The data collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21.0 statistical software with statistical significance set at p< 0.05 and 95% Confidence Interval. Results: One hundred and thirty eight (85.7%) women studied were aware of contraception with 128 (92.8%) having correct knowledge of contraception. One hundred and fourteen (82.6%) women had positive attitudes towards contraception use while (17.4%) had negative attitudes. Furthermore, the per cent of contraceptive users was calculated to be 64.5% (n=89) among women studied. Multivariate analysis following bivariate analysis identified being single (OR=0.136; 95% CI = 0.026 - 0.719; p=0.019) and having negative attitude (OR=0.367; 95% CI = 0.147 - 0.917; p=0.032) towards contraception to be negatively associated with contraception usage when compared to being married and having positive attitude towards contraception. Conclusion: The level of awareness and knowledge on contraception among women studied was high, with gaps identified to exist between knowledge, attitude and contraceptive usage. There is need to develop interventions to sustain and improve contraception usage among women in Benin City, Edo State.
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Breast cancer is becoming very prevalent in developing countries including Nigeria which is now being bedeviled by the twin public health challenge of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Aims: This study was conducted to assess breast cancer knowledge and screening practices among women of reproductive age in Benin City, with a view to improving breast cancer screening practices and minimize late presentation and attendant consequences. Study Design: A descriptive cross sectional study design was utilized for this study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Central Hospital in Benin City, Edo State between September and December, 2013. Methodology: This study was health facility based involving researcher administration of semistructured questionnaires to 235 consenting women of reproductive age (15-49years) attending immunization clinics in Benin City. The data collected were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 with statistical significance set at p< 0.05 and 95% Confidence Interval. Results: The mean age and parity of respondents studied were 28.8±7.4 years and 2.19±1.85 children respectively. Two hundred and seventeen (92.3%) of the women studied, were aware of breast cancer with majority 201(92.6%) having poor knowledge of breast cancer. Furthermore, the practice of breast examination was 143 (65.9%) among respondents studied with self-breast examination accounting for 106(74.1%). In relation to breast cancer screening practice, primary level of education (OR=0.323; 95% CI=0.141 – 0.742) was the only significant predictor identified that less likely influenced the practice. Conclusion: This study identified a high awareness with poor level of knowledge on breast cancer among women of reproductive age. The practice of breast examination was high with level of education identified as a significant predictor for breast cancer screening practice. There is need to create and strengthen breast cancer awareness campaign through all available media platforms and in schools not only for improved breast cancer screening practices but very importantly to improve knowledge on its presentation, risk factors and benefits of early detection and treatment for better health outcome.
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Indiscriminate disposal of solid waste in unauthorized places has become an increasing problem for most cities in Nigeria, especially Benin-City, Edo state. Benin-City one of the largest city in Nigerian is experiencing the problem of solid waste management despite the best attempt of waste avoidance, reduction, reuse and recovery. Use of dumpsites is still the ultimate disposal method of domestic and industrial wastes in Benin-City. Three dumpsites in Benin-City and environs were selected randomly to evaluate their leachates characteristics. Leachate samples were collected from the dumpsites at three months interval and were assessed for their quality through physico-chemical and elemental examination using standard methods for examination of water and wastewater. Physicochemical analysis result showed pH range of 6.76±0.08 –7.49±0.02, EC (55212.0±2028.43 – 64344.33±1131.22 μS/cm), Temperature (26.03±0.25 – 26.60±0.35OC), Cyanide (0.08±0.04 – 0.46±0.01 mg/L), Sulphide (12.30±1.21 – 14.90±2.26 mg/L), BOD5 (61.23±1.39 – 98.60±3.41mg/L), COD (92.11±2.14 – 140.00±4.19 mg/L), NO3-N 0.41±0.03 – 0.75±0.09 mg/L), NO2-N (0.09±0.01– 0.30±0.03mg/L), TOC (506.67±230.94 – 573.33±370.05 mg/L). Metals with consequential environmental significance determined in the leachate samples recorded concentration in mg/L as: Cd(0.02±0.01 – 0.240.31), Cr(0.04±0.00 – 0.06±0.01), Cu(0.49±0.07 - 0.61±0.05), Hg(0.03±0.01 – 0.06±0.01), Mn(0.27±0.07 - 0.38±0.03), Ni(0.05 ± 0.01- 0.07 ± 0.01), Pb(0.05±0.01 – 0.12±0.010) and Zn(0.37±0.04 - 0.65±0.03). The physiologic and metabolic roles of the elements detected in the leachate are discussed. The concentrations of the elements detected were below the toxicity limits recommended by Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) limits. On the overall, the physico-chemical and elemental characteristics of leachates obtained in this study revealed that the three waste dumpsites generated leachates that were not as contaminated as those reported in some other parts of the world.