Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction among Females in a University Community in Enugu; Nigeria

Background: Female sexual dysfunction is a common; condition that significantly reduces the quality-of-life of the affected persons. Unfortunately; because of the veil of secrecy that shrouds discussions on human sexuality; there has been limited research on this topic in some sociocultural settings. Aim: The aim was to determine the prevalence and some sociodemographic factors associated with sexual dysfunction in females in a university community at the University of Nigeria; Enugu Campus; Enugu State; Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 500 females recruited randomly in a tertiary institution in Nigeria. A self-administered structured pretested questionnaire on sexual activity was administered (the Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software package (Version 17.0; Chicago; IL; USA). Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between the sociodemographic factors; and the total FSFI scores dichotomized as normal and reduced sexual function. In addition; multiple linear regression was used to determine the relationship between the six different domains scores and the continuous values of the total score. For all; calculations; P 0.05 was considered as statistically significant at 95 confidence interval (CI). Results: The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSFI score ? 26.50) was 53.3. The highest prevalence occurred in the 41-50 years age group (73.3; 66/90); married and living together 56.4 (123/218) and had postsecondary education (56.1 CI; 0.691-0.943). Marital status; religion; ethnic group; and educational qualification had no significant effect (P 0.05). The total FSFI significantly increase as desire increases (P

Low Levels of some Nutritional Parameters of Pregnant Women in a Rural Community of South East Nigeria: Implications for the Attainment of the Millennium Developmental Goal

In developing countries; under nutrition is common; and this plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of malaria and anemia. Indeed it has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Unfortunately; published evidence concerning the situation is lacking. Objectives: To evaluate some nutritional function indices of pregnant women in a rural Nigerian community. Subjects and Methods: This is a cross sectional study involving of 171 pregnant women from a rural area in South-eastern Nigeria. They included 72 and 99 women in their second and third trimesters respectively. The control group was of 60 women; matched in age; parity and socioeconomic conditions; non-pregnant; non-menstruating and non lactating apparently healthy women. The parameters measured by standard methods included serum iron; total proteins; albumin; globulin; packed cell volume and hemoglobin. Results: The results obtained from control group; second and third trimesters; recorded as Mean (SEM) were 134.60(3.12) ?g/L; 101.20(4.48) ?g/L and 91.87(3.42) ?g/L respectively for iron; 69.12(0.80) g/L; 63.60(0.71) g/L and 57.74(0.75) g/L for total proteins; 42.95(0.92) g/L; 35.74(1.00) g/L and 35.26(0.64) g/L for albumin; 26.77(1.00) g/L; 27.78(1.07) g/L and 22.93(0.88) g/L for globulin; 32.80(0.36); 27.92(0.37) and 27.73(0.34) for packed cell volume; and 11.25(0.11) g/L; 9.59(0.13) g/L and 9.57(0.14) g/L for hemoglobin respectively. These results showed that all the parameters decreased significantly in pregnancy (P0.001) except globulin that did not show immediate; significant decrease. Conclusion: There is a general decrease in the nutrition parameters studied among the pregnant women from our study area; indicating under-nutrition. Urgent measures should be taken to improve the nutritional status of rural dwellers especially the antioxidant micronutrients

The Effect of Free Distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets on Asymptomatic Plasmodium Parasitemia in Pregnant and Nursing Mothers in a Rural Nigerian Community

Introduction: Malaria is a major public health problem in Nigeria; with adverse outcomes on the poor; pregnant women and children living in rural communities. A major component of current intervention in roll back malaria (RBM) initiative is vector control and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Aims and Objective: This research studied the impact of free distribution of ITNs on malaria parasitemia in a rural community in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a longitudinal survey involving 990 pregnant and nursing mothers who received free ITNs between February 2007 and September 2008. Blood samples were collected at contact; then every 2 months to check for malaria parasites using standard methods. Result: There was a sustained but insignificant rise in asymptomatic malaria parasitemia post-distribution of ITNs. Conclusion: We conclude that ITN intervention remains important in malaria prophylaxis but must be complemented with awareness campaigns and other vector control strategies

The Effect of Free Distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets on Asymptomatic Plasmodium Parasitemia in Pregnant and Nursing Mothers in a Rural Nigerian Community

Introduction: Malaria is a major public health problem in Nigeria; with adverse outcomes on the poor; pregnant women and children living in rural communities. A major component of current intervention in roll back malaria (RBM) initiative is vector control and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Aims and Objective: This research studied the impact of free distribution of ITNs on malaria parasitemia in a rural community in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a longitudinal survey involving 990 pregnant and nursing mothers who received free ITNs between February 2007 and September 2008. Blood samples were collected at contact; then every 2 months to check for malaria parasites using standard methods. Result: There was a sustained but insignificant rise in asymptomatic malaria parasitemia post-distribution of ITNs. Conclusion: We conclude that ITN intervention remains important in malaria prophylaxis but must be complemented with awareness campaigns and other vector control strategies

Copper and Selenium Status of Healthy Pregnant Women in Enugu; Southeastern Nigeria

Background: Copper and selenium are important trace elements in man. They function as antioxidants and play roles in oxido-reductase reactions. Several imported multivitamin preparations are given to our women during pregnancy and lactation to correct possible deficiencies. Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the serum level of these micronutrients (selenium and copper) in a cross section of pregnant women in Enugu; southeastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross section of 130 healthy pregnant women at different trimesters of pregnancy and 30 non-pregnant controls were selected from two health facilities in Enugu; southeastern Nigeria. Serum from the samples collected was assayed for copper and selenium using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The mean copper level increased (P = 0.018); while the selenium level decreased (P 0.0001) as pregnancy advanced. Conclusion: High copper levels indicate that supplementation should not be undertaken during normal pregnancy. Dietary intake should be modified to ensure optimal selenium levels during pregnancy

Zinc Concentration during Pregnancy and Lactation in Enugu; South-East Nigeria

Background: There is no doubt that micronutrient deficiency is common in our environment. Replacements have thus been instituted without adequate information on specific and peculiar micronutrient needs of our people. Zinc is an essential micronutrient which is prone to maternal depletion during pregnancy and lactation. Unfortunately; studies in that regard in Nigeria has received diminutive interest. Objectives: To determine zinc concentration during pregnancy and lactation. Methods: This is a cohort study involving one hundred and twenty (120) pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of one tertiary and two secondary health care institutions in Enugu. Thirty-five (35) apparently healthy; non pregnant women were used as control subjects. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to determine the zinc levels in the serum of the mothers during pregnancy; postpartum and in the breast milk. Results: Results showed that mean serum zinc levels were significantly decreased (P 0.0001) in pregnancy when compared with non-pregnant control subjects. The levels decreased as gestation progressed; with the lowest concentration of serum zinc obtained during the third trimester. It was also observed that serum zinc levels which decreased in pregnancy; increased non- significantly (P

Assessment of Iron Content of Breast Milk in Preterm and Term Mothers in Enugu Urban

Background: It is commonly assumed that preterm babies are malnourished and this has led to all forms of micronutrient supplementation including iron. Objective:The aim of the study is to compare the iron content in breast milk of mothers who had preterm and term babies.Methods:Ninety six (96) lactating mothers who delivered their babies at term and 68 lactating mothers who had preterm deliveries were recruited for the study. The mothers were attending the postnatal clinic of one secondary and two tertiary healthcare facilities in Enugu. Breast milk iron concentration was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.Results:The differences in the mean values for the iron concentrations in preterm and term breast milk were statistically significant (39.06±10.78 versus 32.79±14.17 µmol/L, P =0.02). In both groups, the breast milk iron concentration gradually decreased as lactation progressed. (P <0.0001).Conclusion:The iron content of breast milk from mothers who had preterm babies is higher when compared to mothers who had term babies. It may thus be needless to introduce exogenous iron during lactation

Assessment of Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure among University Students in; Enugu; South East; Nigeria

Body Mass Index (BMI) has been described as a significant predictor of Blood Pressure (B.P) but few studies have demonstrated this association in our environment. The study aims to determine the pattern of relationship between BMI and blood pressure in our environment Two thousand and ninety six (2096) students in two Universities located in Enugu; South East Nigeria completed the study. The blood pressure; weight and height were measured. Body mass index was calculated as weight in Kilograms divided by height in meters square (kg/m ). More females than males were underweight (9.4versus 4.7). More males than females were overweight (8versus 4).Obesity occurred more in males than females (7versus 0.9).Blood pressure parameters increased significantly with BMI (p

Serum Ascorbic Acid Levels During Pregnancy in Enugu; Nigeria

Background: Pregnancy; though a physiological process promotes oxidative stress. Ascorbic acid and other antioxidants are used as defense mechanisms against this stress leading to low levels in pregnancy. The degree of reduction in plasma levels has been implicated in the aetiology and severity of many obstetric complications. Objective: To determine the level or degree of reduction in serum ascorbic acid during pregnancy and recommend supplementation strategies. Subjects and Methods: Sixty five (65) pregnant and 65 non pregnant women with age range 20-38 years were recruited. The pregnant women were in their second and third trimesters; attending antenatal clinic at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu. Serum levels of ascorbic acid were determined for all the subjects. Results: The serum ascorbic acid levels were significantly lower in pregnant women than in controls. (P0.05). There was also a steady decline in the serum levels of ascorbic acid with increasing gestational age. Conclusion: Serum levels of ascorbic acid were reduced in our pregnant women despite our supplementations. Thus increase in the dose during pregnancy and lactation is strongly advocated. The amount to be given is subject to further research