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Introduction:The importance of contraception amongst adolescents cannot be over-emphasized especially as it concerns reproductive health. Globally, these group of persons are vulnerable and engage in high risk sexual behaviour with little or no access to contraception particularly in the developing countries of the world.Aim: To determine the access to contraception amongst female adolescents in Rivers State. Methods:It was a cross sectional study of female adolescents attending holiday camp in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Questionnaires were distributed and information coded and analysed using SPSS version 22.Results:One hundred questionnaires were distributed and 89 retrieved. The mean age was 16 ± 2 years. Fifty seven (64.0%) were in secondary school while 32(36.0%) of the adolescents were undergraduates. Twelve (13.5%) were sexually active compared to 69 (77.5%) who were not sexually active, 8 (9%) were non respondents to this question. One (1.1%) of the adolescents had access to contraception while 85 (95.5%) had no access to contraception, 3 (3.3%) did not give any response as regards to access to contraception or not. The media was the most common means of information 25 (28%) on contraception.Conclusion: The study revealed that access to contraception amongst female adolescents in Port Harcourt was poor. Enlightenment programme is highly recommended to prevent unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and other adverse effects on reproductive health.
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Introduction:The primary healthcare workers (PHCWs) may be faced with a higher risk of infection of COVID-19, due to inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and lack of training on the disease control and prevention. This study was designated to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of PHCWs about COVID-19 in Rivers State, Nigeria.Original Research Article Methods:A facility cross-sectional survey was conducted involving the primary healthcare workers in Rivers State, Nigeria. The association between the KAP and demographic characteristics were tested with the Chi-square test, while the association existing among KAP were evaluated with Pearson correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was evaluated at P<0.05.Results:The proportion of respondents with good scores in knowledge, attitude, and COVID-19 related practices are 86.4% (10.66 ± 2.40), 85.0% (8.28 ± 1.94), and 97.3% (8.34 ± 1.39) respectively. Gender, occupation, and years of experience are associated with knowledge, whilst years of experience and marital status are associated with the attitude and level preventive practices; knowledge score also has significant positive linear associations with both attitude (=0.35,<0.05)and practices (=0.11,<0.05)scores towards COVID-19. Conclusion:Based on these findings, we suggest that public health education programs should be sustained, and staff should be expose to more training and workshop regarding COVID-19 preventive practices. Furthermore, adequate personnel preventive equipment should bedeployed at the primary healthcare facilities, as this will instill the right attitude and confidence in carrying out their duties without the fear of contracting the disease
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Aim: We attempted to determine the frequencyand percentage distributionof Lewis blood group antigens among indigenes of Ogoni ethnicity in Rivers State, Nigeria.Study Design:The study consisted of 101 Ogoni people, who were apparently healthy and free from transfusion transmissible infections confirmed by serological screening. Ogoniland is located along the Niger Delta Eastern edge, and to the north-east of the Imo River and Port Harcourt city. All subjects were recruited and their blood samples were collected. The presence of Lewis-a and -b (Lea/Leb) blood group was examined using Anti-Leaand Lebmonoclonal antibody, respectively (Lorne Laboratories).Results:Leaand Lebblood group was observed in 17.8%and 11.9%, respectively.Conclusion:Leaand Lebin this population was observed less frequently than those in other population previously reported. The Lewis antigen was reported to be associated with thrombotic disorders and Helicobacter pylori infection. Further studies may be directed to examine the association between Lewis blood group antigens and the risk of these conditions in Ogoni subjects
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Aim: The study was aimed at evaluating the levelsof subclinical malaria infection and haemolysis among the residents of Opobo, Rivers State, Nigeria.Study Design:A cross sectional study design was used. The subjects were grouped into males and females and comparisons were made between positive and negative subjects of the same genderand positive subjects of different gender.Place and Duration of Study:The study area wasOpobo Town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Areaof Nigeria. The study was carried out within August 2ndto August 26th, 2019 and a total of 89 apparently healthy subjects were recruited, 35 males and 54 females, aged between 16 –70 years. Methodology:Malaria parasite identification was done by thick and thin film using Giemsa’s stain,packed cell volume was by microhaematocrit method, plasma haemoglobin concentrationand wholeblood haemoglobin concentration was determined by cyanmethaemoglobin method Results:The result revealed a total of 24.72% positivity and 75.28% negativity for malaria parasite infection. Among the males, 17.14% positivity and 82.86% negativity for malaria parasite infection were observed while that of the females was20.37% positivity and 79.63% negativity. In comparison of the studied parameters made between females infected with malaria parasites and those that were not infected with malaria parasites, there was no statistical significant difference at p<0.05 in plasma haemoglobin and percentage haemolysis. In comparison of the studied parameters between males infected with malaria parasites and those not infected with malaria parasites, there was no statistical significant difference in plasma haemoglobin and percentage haemolysis. On gender based comparison, there was also no statistical significant difference in level haemolysis.Conclusion:The study has revealed a prevalence rate of 24.72% for subclinical malaria infection and the percentage haemolysis of red blood cells in malaria infected subjects residing in Opobo Town compared to subjects without malaria parasite was not statistically significant. Based on gender difference, males were affected more than females, but the level of red blood cell haemolysis was notstatistically significant after comparison.
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Background: Maternal mortality ratios (MMR) are still unacceptably high in many low-and middle-income countries especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Background Data for the causes of maternal deaths are needed to inform policies to improve maternal healthcare and reduce maternal mortality.Objective:This study sought to determine the magnitude and trend in maternal mortality and the causes at a tertiary hospital over a seven-year study period.Methodology:This was a retrospective review of maternal mortality and causes from 2012 to 2018. Data on number of maternal deaths, deliveries and causes of death were retrieved from the departmental annual reports and hospital records and entered into Microsoft Excel 2013.Data were presented as line graphs, chartsand frequency tables.Results:One hundred and ten (110) maternal deaths occurred out of 17,080 total births during the study period giving an overall MMR of 644. The MMR increased progressively from 580 in 2012 to 785 in 2018 with a sharp rise to the highest and subsequent decline to the lowest, values at the midpoint. The commonest causes of maternal deaths were Pre-eclampsia (PET) and Eclampsia 44(40%), Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) 25(22.7%) and Ruptured Uterus 13(11.8%).Conclusion: The maternal mortality ratio is high and the trendis worsening. The leading causes of maternal deaths were PET/Eclampsia and Postpartum haemorrhage accounting for about two-thirds of all deaths. Efforts must be geared towards improvements in the management of these cases, if this trend is to be reversed.
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Aims/Objective:A community-based cross-sectionall comparative study was carried out to compare the pattern of ocular morbidity between residents in upland and riverine communities in Rivers State.Methods:The sample size was calculated using the formula for comparative studies, based on alpha of 0.05, beta of 0.20, the proportion of eye disorder of 40.4% from a community-based study in Rivers State. A minimum sample size of 84 per group was attained.Data on age, sex, visual acuity, cup-disc ratio, intra-ocular diagnosis were obtained using an interviewer-based pro forma. Collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel and exported to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) Epi Info version 7 software for statistical analysis. The Pearson's Chi square/Fisher's exact tests were used as appropriate to determine significant differences in demographic and eye examination findings between the two groups (riverine versus upland) while Chi-square homogeneity was performed to determine significant differences in the individual ocular diagnosis across the groups. Statistical significance was set at P≤0.05. Results:A total of eighty-six (86) participants per group were involved in the study, making a total of one hundred and seventy-two participants. The mean age was 37.9 (±18.1) and age range of 1-90years. Males comprised 30.2% of the sample population while females were 69.8%. The commonest causes of ocular morbidity in both communitieswere Refractive error. Allergic conjunctivitis and cataract were more common in the Riverine community compared to the upland one. Conclusion:Our study shows that the pattern of ocular morbidity may differ based on land surfaces. Ocular morbidity appears to be more prevalent in Riverine areas than upland.Government interventions and eye care service providers should take cognizance of this while planning intervention programs at the State and National levels
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Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of occurrence and percentage distribution of Kell blood group antigens in indigenes of Ogoni ethnic group of Rivers State, Nigeria. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among indigenes of Ogoni whose first generational parental origin is Ogoni. A total of 101 subjects (49 females and 52 males), within the age of 30� years were recruited for the study and they were apparently healthy and free from transfusion transmissible infections upon serological screening. Place and Duration of Study: Ogoniland is located in an area along the Niger Delta Eastern edge, and to the north-east of the Imo River and Port Harcourt city. Ogoniland covers about 1036 Sq Km and borders the Bay of Guinea. All participants were recruited in Bori. Bori is the traditional headquarter of Ogoni. Bori is located on latitude: 4040?34.64? N and longitude: 7021?54.68? E. The analysis was carried out at the Post Graduate Laboratory of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, is located on latitude 4.750N and longitude 7.000E and lies along Bonny River in the Niger Delta. All subjects were recruited the same day and their blood samples collected on 2nd October, 2019, and analysis conducted on 3rd October, 2019. Methodology: Identification of Kell blood group antigens was done using Anti-Kell monoclonal reagent, prepared by Lorne Laboratories Ltd, UK. Lot No: 76090-A5; Expiry Date: 2021/02/21. Phenotyping of red cells was done using tube method as described by Lorne Laboratory Ltd. Results: The result showed zero frequency of occurrence and percentage distribution of Kell blood group antigen in the studied population (49 males and 52 females). Conclusion: The presence of Kell blood group antigens in indigenes of Ogoni recruited for the study which serve as representative of the Ogonis was rare. It is therefore necessary to take into cognizance that haemolytic transfusion reactions due to Kell antigens and antibodies will rarely occur, and as such Kell blood group is not significant in blood transfusion and in antenatal and blood group serology amongst the Ogonis.
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Background: Infection with hepatitis B (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are global public health problems. These infections during pregnancy increase the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality, and also pose a risk to the fetus due to mother to child transmission.Objective:To determine the prevalence of seropositive HIV and HBsAg cases amongst pregnant women at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).Methodology:A retrospective review of hospital and laboratory records of all pregnant women booked at RSUTH in two years, from May 2017 to April 2019, was carried out. Data on patients’ age, parity and educational leveland reactivity of HIV and HBsAgtest at booking were retrieved Original Research Article using structured proforma and analyzed using Epi Info Version 7. Test for significance using Chi-square was set at a significant level of P<0.05.Results:3560 patients had HIV and HBsAg screening out of which 148 (4.2%) and9 (0.3%) respectively were positive. The comorbidity rate in this study was 0.06%. The mean age was 31.5±4.7 years and the mean gestational age at booking was 22.1±6.8 weeks. There was no significant relationship between their age (χ2 = 2.690, p-value=0.442) and parity (χ2 = 3.759, p-value=0.145) with HIV seropositivity, but these were significant for HBsAg (χ2 = 13.691, p-value=0.003) (χ2 = 13.121, p-value=0.001). Educational status was significant for HIV (χ2 = 16.188, p-value=0.000) but not for HBsAg (χ2 = 0.229, p-value=0.892).Conclusion: The seroprevalence rate of HIV and HBsAg in this study were low. HIV seroprevalence was significantly affected by lower education, while HBsAg seroprevalence was significantly affected by younger maternal age andnulliparity. Continued screening of pregnant women for these infections remains valuable and further community-based studies to identify risk factors are recommended
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Background: Untreated maternal syphilis is strongly associated with adverse birth outcomes. The WHO recommends routine serological screening in pregnancy. Some workers have advised a reappraisal of this practice, having demonstrated low seroprevalence in their antenatal population.Objective:To determine the prevalence of seropositive VDRL cases amongst pregnant women at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) in order to justify the need and cost-effectiveness for continued routine syphilis screening using VDRL alone.Methodology:A retrospective review of hospital and laboratory records of all pregnant women booked for antenatal care (ANC) at RSUTH in a two-year period, from May 2017 to April 2019, was carried out. Data on patients’ age, parity and educational level, and reactivity of VDRL test at booking were retrieved using structured pro-forma and analyzed using Epi Info Version 7. Test for significance using Chi-square was set at significant level of P<0.05.Results:3560 clinic patients had VDRL screening out of which 63 were positive. The overall prevalence rate in this study was 1.8%. The mean age was 31.5±4.7 years and the mean gestational age at booking was 22.1±6.8 weeks. There was no significant relationship between their age (χ2 = 0.403, p-value=0.940), parity (χ2 = 3.707, p-value=0.0.157), and educational status (χ2 = 1.853, p-value=0.396),and seropositivity. The cost of VDRL test per patient in RSUTH is $3, to detect the 63 cases the sum of $10,680 was spent.Conclusion: The seroprevalence rate of syphilis in this study was low. Initial screening using VDRL alone is neither justified nor cost effective. Selective screening based on risk factors and specific test with TPHA is recommended.
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Background: Formal education, antenatal care, and improved health services still remain the key to a large-scale reduction in maternal mortality in developing countries. Pregnancy and labourcomplications are most prevalent among unbooked patients compared to booked patients. Prompt and effective treatment will go a long way to reduce these complications.Objective:To determine the pattern of Obstetric referral cases to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) and assess time to response by the hospital.Methodology:A retrospective review of hospital records of all pregnant women referred to RSUTH for maternal delivery and care in a six months period, 1stApril to 30thSeptember2015, was carried out. Data on patients’ age, educational level, marital status, gestational age, parity, booking status, time interval between admission and intervention, obstetric diagnoses and outcome were retrieved using structured pro-forma. Data were analyzed using United States CDC Epi Info Version 7.Results:There were 460 cases referred to the hospital, which represents 42.6% of all maternal deliveries, with a mean age of 28.7±4.6 years and median age of 27.0 years. A majority, 73.7% had secondary education, 55.4% were Primigravidae, 55.4% had term pregnancies and 77.8% were booked elsewhere. Over 60% of diagnoses comprised of difficult labour, Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia and prolonged pregnancy. About 75% of the cases had intervention carried out within 12 hours of arrival to hospital.Conclusion: The pattern of referral cases to our hospital are mainly young educated primigravidae at term, who have had some form of antenatal care and presenting with common complications associated with this group. The intervention response time is good, but we recommend that high risk pregnancies should ab initio be registered at centers properly equipped to handle such cases to avoid calamity
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Background:Effective contraception can prevent unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion and ensure adequate birth spacing. The choice of a method depends on consideration of its advantages and disadvantages based on individual perception and interpretations.Objective:To assess contraceptive choices and acceptability among new clients at the family planning clinic of a tertiary health facility in Rivers State, Nigeria.Methodology: This was a one-year retrospective review of clinical records of new clients attending the Family Planning Unit of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital from January 1, to December 31, 2018. Data on age, education, marital status, parity, contraceptive choice and reason for contraception were retrieved and analyzed using Epi-Info version 7.1.4.Results:A total of 124 female clients were enrolled during the time period. The mean age of the participants was 33.8±5.1 years and the median parity was 3. The most common method of contraception accepted by the clients was implants 87 (70.2%), followed by intrauterine device 32 (25.8%), then injectable 4 (3.2%) and oral contraceptive pills 1(0.8%). Reasons proffered for use of contraceptive was mainly completed family size 69 (55.6%), pregnancy prevention 53 (42.8%) and child spacing 2 (1.6%). There was no significant difference on comparism of mean age and median parity of clients by choice of contraceptive method.Conclusion: The implant methods were the most commonly accepted, while theoral contraceptive pill was the least preferred. Completed family size was the most common reason for contraception
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This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients of psychiatric hospital Rumuigbo, Rivers State, Nigeria between June to September, 2017. Stool specimen were collected and analyzed from 203 patients for ova, larvae or cysts of intestinal parasites using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Of these, 78 (38.4%) were infected. Five parasitic infections were identified of which Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence (39.7%). Others included hookworm (8.4%), T.trichuria (4.4%) and 2 protozoans: Entamoeba histolytica (7.4%) and G. lamblia (3.0%). The occurrence of these parasites varied significantly (p< 0.05). Patients suffering from Schizophrenia had the highest prevalence of infection 33 (78.6%) followed by patients with Substance Abuse Disorder 11(37.9%), while the least prevalence was found among patients suffering from Anxiety disorder. Parasitic infection was most frequent among patients aged 18-27 years and higher among males 45 (47.9%) than the females 33 (30.3%).Prevalence of these parasitic infections varied significantly among sexes and age groups. This study has documented a higher prevalence of intestinal parasite amongst the mentally challenged in our society, re-emphasizing the need for intermittent de-worming among all the patients. Original Research Article
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Aims: To investigate the status of susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes to the WHO-approved insecticides for indoor residual spraying in field collected samples in a malaria vector sentinel site in Nigeria and Ts to provide an update on the current status of resistance to the major insecticide classes in wild populations of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato Study Design: Field and laboratory –experimental design was used in this study. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was carried out at a malaria surveillance site, established by the National Malaria Elimination Programme at Oduoha-Emohua in Rivers State, between April to September, 2015. Methodology: Anopheles larvae were collected from stagnant pools around the malaria surveillance site. The mosquitoes were reared to adulthood in the insectary and identified using morphological keys. Two- to three-day old adult female mosquitoes were exposed to standard diagnostic doses of Deltamethrin, Lambdacyhalothrin, Alphacympermethrin, Permethrin, Bendiocarb, Propoxur, DDT and Premiphos-Methyl using standard WHO protocols, insecticide susceptibility test kits and treated papers. Knockdown every 10 min and mortality 24 h post exposure was noted. All Anopheles mosquitoes tested belonged to the Anopheles gambiae-complex. Results: Mortality results indicated that the vectors were susceptible to Bendiocarb and Alphacympermethrin with mortality rates of 100% and 98% respectively. There was complete resistance to Deltamethrin, Lambdacyhalothrin, Permethrin, Propoxur, DDT and Premiphos-Methyl with mortality ranges of 25%-65%. Conclusion: The present study shows the effectiveness of Bendiocarb and Alphacympermethrin in malaria control with indoor residual spraying. It also provides baseline information for monitoring the status of insecticide resistance in Rivers State.
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Aim: To determine the ophthalmic problems and their possible causes among adults in rural communities in Rivers State.Methods: A multistage population based random sampling study of adults in five clans of Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. Medical history was taken and comprehensive ocular examination done on each subject.Ocular examination included visual acuity, visual field, tonometry and ophthalmoscopy. Data taken were recorded and analysed using statistical software called Minitab 11. Ethical approval was obtained from relevant authorities.Results: Out of the 600 subjects seen in this study 276 (46.0%) were males and 324 (54.0%) females. They were all above 21 years old. Twenty six (2.4%) subjects had good vision while 8 (0.8%) were blind. The ophthalmic problems identified werePresbyopia 298 (28.0%), Refractive error 247 (23.2%), Cataract 126 (11.8%), Allergic conjunctivitis 106 (9.9%), Glaucoma 94 (8.8%), Pterygium 86 (8.1%), Bacterial conjunctivitis 35 (3.3%), Corneal opacity 32 (3.0%), Chalazion 4 (0.4%), Diabetic retinopathy 3 (0.3%) and Ptosis 1 (0.1%). Conclusion: The most common ophthalmic problems in this study which were dependent on gender and occupation include Presbyopia, Refractive Error, Cataract and Allergic Conjunctivitis. More females and farmers were seen in this study. The problems identified can be easily managed if well-equipped health facilities are provided by the government.
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Background & objectives: Malaria presents a huge health and economic burden to families living in malaria endemic areas. The use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is one of the global strategies in decreasing the malaria burden on vulnerable populations. The use of ITNs reduces clinical malaria by over 50% and all cause mortality in children by 15–30% when the overall population coverage is >70%. This study was aimed at establishing the level of household insecticide-treated bednet ownership and utilization in Rivers State, Nigeria before a statewide scale-up distribution campaign. Study design: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in the Rivers State in November 2008 among household heads or their proxies to serve as a pre-intervention baseline for the scale-up distribution of insecticide treated bednets in the state. The households were selected by a multi-staged sampling technique: first stage being the selection of Local Government Areas (LGAs) from Senatorial districts, second stage the selection of communities from LGAs and final stage the selection of households. Data were collected using a questionnaire adapted from the WHO/FMoH and analyzed using the Epi-Info version 6.04d statistical software package. Hypothesis tests were conducted to compare summary statistics at 95% significance level. Results: A total of 811 household heads or their proxies were interviewed. Their age ranged between 20 and 70 yr, with a mean of 47.96 ± 4.39 yr. The study showed that although 552 (68.1%) of the households owned bednets, only 245 (30.2%, 95% CI=27.1–33.5) of them owned long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). Similarly, only 37.2% of those who owned ITNs slept under them the night preceding the survey. Conclusion: Household ITN ownership and utilization were low in the state. Incorporating behavour change communication package as part of the ITN distribution intervention is advocated to increase ITNs utilization in the state.