RÉSUMÉ
Background: Seizures are the most common paediatric neurological disorder with most children suffering at least one seizure before the age 16yr. The psychosocial comorbidities which adversely affect quality of life especially depression, are often neglected. This study sorts to highlight the psychosocial correlates of depression among these children. Methods: Recruitment was in a paediatric neurology clinic in a tertiary-level hospital. Children were eligible for recruitment if aged 9-18 and had a diagnosis of epilepsy as confirmed by a neurologist, in care for a period of more than 3 months, and parents gave consent. Children who met the study inclusion criteria were subjected to a two- stage interview process using CES and DICA-1V tools, designed to screen and confirm depression. These instruments have previously been validated on a Nigerian population. The study was cross section and descriptive, with psychometric evaluation p-values<0.05, statistically significant. Results: A total of 400 children were offered participation, and 380 were recruited, among them, 117 (30.8%) met the clinical criteria for major depression with 40 (10%) of them in need of urgent medical attention. Males were more depressed, p=0.000, OR: 0.861, respondents aged 9-11yr showed a strong association with depression p=0.001, OR: 1.911. Living arrangements of patients, p=0.001, OR: 0.632, family size (siblings), p=0.004, marital status of mothers, p=0.001, OR: 2.373, turned out significant with mothers’ marital status showing a strong association. Duration of illness and frequency of seizures, showed a very strong association with depression p=0.023, OR:1.203, and p=0.001, OR:1.411 respectively. Conclusions: The study highlights a strong association between effects of epilepsy and psychosocial wellbeing of children and the high risk posed by unstable family settings on children’s health.
RÉSUMÉ
Background: Antenatal care prepares pregnant women physically and psychologically for birth and parenthood. It also prevents, detects and manages health problems affecting mothers and their babies. Objectives were to identify and characterise those attending antenatal care at RSUTH and when they register for antenatal care. Methods: A retrospective study conducted from 1st January, 2015-31st December, 2020 at ANC of RSUTH. Records of 9990 pregnant women who booked for antenatal care were retrieved and reviewed. Socio-demographic characteristics and gestational age at booking were studied. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. P value <0.05 was statistically significant. Results: During the study period, 9990 pregnant women booked for antenatal care. Most (23.3%) registered in 2016. Mean age at booking was 31.4�7 years. Highest age group (62.4%) was 30-39 years. Modal parity was para 0 and majority (37.5%) were para 2-4. Mean gestational age at booking was 20.5�5 weeks. More than 70% had tertiary education and 67.9% were traders and civil servants. More than 97% were married and 58.3% registered in their second trimester. When gestational age at booking was compared with the various socio-demographic parameters, those with the differences statistically significant and associated with late booking were educational level, age, parity, occupation and employment status. Conclusions: Most women at booking were in their thirties, second trimester, married, multiparous, working class and had tertiary level of education. Most socio-demographic parameters showed statistically significant differences when compared with the gestational age at booking.