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Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem affecting about two billion people worldwide. About 95% of the infection is acquired during the perinatal period. Though studies have been carried out on these in different parts of Nigeria, information regarding the prevalence and risk factors of HBV infection in antenatal clinic attendees in south-south Nigeria is scanty. We determined the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the associated factors among pregnant women in south-south, Nigeria.Methods: A retrospective study carried out at the antenatal clinic of Rivers State university teaching hospital (RSUTH) between 1st January, 2015 and 31st December, 2020. At booking visit, 9,990 women were tested for HBsAg. Data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 23.0. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 9,990 women were screened for HBV infection. Prevalence of HBV infection was 160 (1.6%). Age group 30-39 years had most HBV infection, 103 (64.4%). Most who were positive for HBsAg were married 158 (98.7%), traders 45 (28.1%), para 2-4, 65 (40.6%); in their second trimester, 78 (48.8%) and with tertiary level of education 111 (69.3%). Associated factors of HBV infection with statistically significant difference in proportion of HBsAg positives and negatives include gestational age, educational status, occupation, presence of HIV and VDRL.Conclusions: Although the study reveals a low prevalence of HBV infection, continued routine screening for HBV infection is highly recommended.
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Background: Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder causing vascular endothelial damage and leads to leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into maternal serum. This study evaluated the serum LDH levels in severe preeclamptic women to detect any correlation with adverse pregnancy outcomes.Methods: A prospective cohort study compared LDH levels of 68 severe preeclamptic women with 68 normotensives in the third trimester, matched for age, parity, and gestational age. The preeclamptic women were followed up until delivery to assess the maternal and neonatal outcomes. Data were analyzed with SPSS for Windows version 23. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.Results: Both groups were comparable in their characteristics. The mean LDH level for severe preeclamptic group (717.40 IU/L) was higher than for the normotensive group (162.90 IU/L) and this was significant (p=0.001). Cesarean delivery was less likely when LDH was >600 compared to ?600 (OR 0.31; p=0.049) indicating a potential protective effect. The likelihood of IUGR (OR 3.14; p=0.045), IUFD (OR 6.48; p=0.028), stillbirth (OR 7.06 p=0.007), perinatal mortality (OR 4.84; p=0.004) and low birth weight <2500 gm (OR 3.77; p=0.025) were all significantly higher with LDH levels >600 IU/L.Conclusions: Maternal serum LDH levels were found to be significantly increased in pregnant women with severe preeclampsia compared to their normotensive counterparts, and elevated levels >600 IU/L in the third trimester was associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.
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Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of death among women in the developing world, with poor prognosis attributed to lack of awareness about the disease and its prevention. Hospital workers’ attitude and practice to such an issue might positively or negatively influence people they come into contact with. This study is to assess the determinants of cervical cancer screening via Pap smear among Female Staff in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September and November 2015. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 265 female hospital workers on socio-demographic characteristics (age, parity, educational level and occupational category) and awareness and utilization of Pap smear test. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.Results: Of the 265 respondents, only 40 (15.1%) had Pap smear test done at least once previously. Bivariate analysis of socio-demographic factors and Pap smear test uptake among the respondents was statistically significant for younger maternal age ≤35 years, not being married, higher educational level, professional occupation category and awareness of Pap smear. However, only maternal age, marital status and awareness of Pap smear remain statistically significant after multivariate analysis.Conclusions: Uptake of Pap smear test as a screening test for cervical cancer is low among female hospital workers. Identified determinants of cervical cancer screening via Pap smear test were younger age ≤35 years, not being married, higher educational level, professional occupational category and awareness of Pap smear.