Perception and Practices of COVID-19 in Rural Areas of Southeastern Nigeria: A Community-based Cross-sectional Survey

Aims: Despite all efforts made globally by governments of various nations and all concerned agencies through preventative measures, quick testing, isolation, shutting down of societies and economy, the virus still succeeded in spreading through communities perhaps due to the wrong perspective, in addition to surveillance, prevention and management challenges. This study evaluated the perception and practices of covid-19 in rural areas of southeastern Nigeria. Study Design: The study adopted a community-based cross-sectional survey design that investigated awareness, perspective, surveillance challenges, prevention, management and economic impact in rural settlement areas of south-east, Nigeria. Place and duration of study: This study was be conducted in rural settlement areas of south-east Nigeria (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states). February � April, 2021. Methodology: Data was collected by the use of the questionnaire. Five hundred copies were administered per state. Results: Most participants (2464, 98.6%) heard first of COVID-19 through radio/television (1409, 56.3%), social media (539, 21.5%) and their friends/relatives (418, 16.7%); 1896 (75.8%) believed in the existence of COVID-19 infection. However, the majority in Ebonyi state (309, 61.8%) had their disbelief on the existence of COVID-19. Participants confirmed having knowledge of COVID-19 testing (2319, 92.8%) and isolation centers (2299, 92.0%), however, a major challenge was lack of (1698, 67.9%) or no awareness (550, 22.0%) of masses testing centre in their areas. A few individuals (392, 15.7%) reported having experienced one or two COVID-19 symptoms about 3 months ago. Knowledge on how to prevent contracting COVID-19 is relatively high (66.7%) among the respondents. COVID-19 induced economic burden amongst residents were mainly as a result of the imposition of lockdown to movements and businesses (1098, 43.9%), disruption of studies (959, 38.4%), increased hunger (950, 38.0%), high expenditure (894, 35.8%) and loss of job/income (816, 32.6%). Conclusion: It is concluded that the majority of the people in southeast Nigeria are aware of the possible existence of Covid-19 in their area.

Compliance of patients to DOTS tuberculosis treatment strategy in a South-East Nigeria Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Tuberculosis ranks the second highest cause of adult mortality after HIV in the world. The Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) strategy is aimed at following up on patients' adherence to treatment regimen. Objectives: To assess the level of compliance of patients to the DOTS strategy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of patients seen at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital from January 2013 to April 2015. Relevant information was collected from patients' folders. Data analysis was with the SPSS and results represented in tables. Results: 111 (50%) patients were compliant with their DOTS treatment plan while 107 (41.3%) were non-compliant. Ninety-two patients (41.4%) were successfully treated and discharged home, 7 patients (3.2%) referred to other centers. The proportion of patients regarding their marital status, occupation, educational level and address that was compliant to the DOTS TB reflected varied patterns. Conclusion/ Recommendations: The study reflected poor to average compliance to DOTS. There is a need for creation of more DOTS centers; regular surveys and updates on DOTS TB strategy should be the norm rather than the exception

Malaria Prevalence in Rice Farm Settlements South East Nigeria

Aim:Agrarian settlements in Nigeria possess a lot of factors that predisposes the populace to malaria. The present study focused on the evaluation of three-year prevalence of malaria in rice farm settlements, South-East Nigeria.Study Design:The study was a retrospective descriptive survey designed to evaluate the prevalence of malaria infection between January 2015 and December 2017. A total of 29, 458 records were examined, 21, 559 and 7, 899 from Ebonyi and Enugu States respectively for three years (2015 –2017). Male comprises 11, 453 of the records while the female was 18, 005.Place and Duration:Southeastern Nigeria \three yearsOriginal Research Article Methodology:Preparation of thick films blood smears for microscopyfollowing standard methods.Results: Overall, 12, 746 (43.3%) were positive for malaria parasites, 7, 651 (35.4%) and 5, 115 (64.8%) from Ebonyi and Enugu respectively.Prevalence of the infection was similar between male and female in Ebonyi State (35.5% vs. 35.3%, χ2= 0.044, df = 1, p = 0.834); but significantly higher in female compared to male in Enugu State (69.7% vs. 55.7%, χ2= 154.808, df = 1, p = 0.0001).Conclusion: There was high prevalence of malaria infection in rice farm settlements, south-east Nigeria

Pattern and Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Complications of Sickle Cell Anaemia in South-East Nigeria: A Retrospective Study.

Aims: To determine the pattern and associated risk factors for musculoskeletal complications among sickle cell anaemia patients in South-east Nigeria. Methodology: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data. The study was conducted at the Sickle Cell Clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria between December 31st 2004 and January 1st 2013. We included 163 eligible sickle cell anaemia patients (105 males and 58 females; age range 6-53 years). Clinical, haematological (haemoglobin, white cell count, platelet) and radiological evaluation of these patients were done. Data analysis was by SPSS version 19. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to test for significant association of the categorical variables while Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the mean ranks of the continuous variables and the dependent outcome. Results: The three most common musculoskeletal complications seen among our patients population were leg ulcer (29.4%), avascular necrosis (17.8%) and osteomyelitis (12.9%). Complications were significantly more in older patients (P=0.04) and those with higher platelet counts (P=0.04). Haemoglobin level and platelet count were significantly higher in patients with avascular necrosis (P=0.01) and osteomyelitis respectively (P=0.01). Conclusion: Musculoskeletal complications of SCA are not uncommon among our patients. Age and higher steady state haemoglobin were risk factors for developing complications. Further controlled studies are required to evaluate the steady state hematological parameters and risk of complications among SCA patients.