RESUMO
Background: Child sexual abuse (CSA) which is an infringement of the child’s fundamental human right has assumed a public health importance due to increasing prevalence globally and Nigeria in particular. This problem not only possess immediate complications like unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and others, but the long term impact on the child’s mental-health is enormous. This study is aimed at documenting the burden of this problem in Anambra state and interventions to mitigate it. Methods: This was a prospective study of all the children who presented to the Ntasi Sexual Assault Reference Center (SARC), Anambra State with history of sexual abuse from September 2019 to August 2020. Results: A total of 820 children were seen during the study period, 81 (9.8%) were diagnosed to have been sexually abused. There were 69 (85.3%) female and 12 (14.8%) male giving a female to male ratio of 5:1. The incidence of the abuse increased with increasing age of the subjects and peaks at those aged 11-15 years, 28 (34.6%). Sixty-nine (85.2%) were abused once while 12 (14.8%) were abused multiple times. Most of the abuse took place in the perpetrators home 47 (38.8%) followed by uncompleted building 14 (11.6%). Vaginal penetration 69 (85.2%) was the commonest form of sexual abuse seen followed by anal penetration 12 (14.8). Conclusions: Child sexual abuse remains a major public health problem with high rate of under-reporting. Heath education, free medical care to victims and government strong political will are needed in curbing this menace.
RESUMO
Background: Malaria is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan Plasmodium, accounting for 36% of under-five mortality. About 4.5% of all malaria-infected children reported at least one symptom of severe malaria, with worsening outcome. COVID-19 and malaria shared similar clinical presentation in children this similarity may lead to delay in initiation of treatment for malaria, with progression from uncomplicated to severe forms and consequently high mortality. Thus, we set out to study the extent COVID-19 impacted on the burden and pattern of severe malaria. Methods: It was a retrospective study of all the children admitted into the children’s emergency room severe malaria, from March 2018 to February 2022. The data collected included the total number of admissions within the period, the month and year of admission, age, gender, the component of severe malaria that was the final diagnosis and outcome of management. Data were analysed using NCSS 9 statistical software. Results: There were 4761 admissions within the study period: males were 54.7%, subjects 1-<60 months were 60.5% and pre COVID-19 period were 63.7%. The prevalence rates of severe malaria in CHER were 2.6%. Among those with severe malaria, the case fatality rate was 10.7%. Severe malarial anemia was the most common accounting for 49.2% and has predilection for the younger age. Cerebral malaria was predominantly diagnosed during the COVID-19 period. Conclusions: The prevalence of severe malaria was 2.6% and severe malaria anaemia was the most common mode of presentation while cerebral malaria was diagnosed more during the COVID-19 period.