RESUMO
Background: Reproductive health is often neglected due to various reasons including poor access to information and services. This study was undertaken to get an understanding of what reproductive health issues are of concern to Nigerians and their suggestions for improvement of services in order to meet their needs. Methods: The study was an anonymous online survey carried out using Google Forms. Statistical analyses including rates and comparative analyses were carried out using MINITAB statistical software version 19. Results: The most common reproductive health issues of concern to respondents were sexual health (29.59%), contraception (23.47%), infections (21.43%), fertility issues (17.35%, and female reproductive tract cancer (13.27%). Other concerns were limited access to reproductive health information and services including awareness and education of men and young people (5.10%), availability and affordability (2.04%), getting the right information (1.02%), and ability to discuss reproductive health issues (1.02%). The most common suggestions for improvement included having more information (65.00%), greater involvement of men (62.00%), improved access to services (56.00%), and greater involvement of young people (39.00%). The preferred media of information included social media (20.00%), email (20.00%), and health workers including door-to-door services and seminars in schools (13.85%). Other preferred media of information included radio (4.62%), print media (3.08%), parents/family (1.54%), and SMS messages (1.54%). Conclusions: For meaningful impact, reproductive health interventions should ensure availability of information and services that are inclusive of adolescents and young people, men and older persons, through various channels such as school seminars, health workers, traditional and social media, and other technologies.
RESUMO
The paper's objective was to identify factors influencing cervical cancer management in Zaria with a view to improving the outcome of management. Case notes of patients managed for cervical cancer in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH); Zaria between January 1 1999 and December 31 2003; were retrieved and relevant information extracted and analyzed using MINITAB statistical software. There were 70 women with cervical cancer managed during the study period and their mean age was 47.61 years. Risk factors included high parity (mean = 7.4); low age at first coitus (mean = 14.62 years); multiple sex partners (81.63in polygamous marriages; 42.55with multiple marriages); and smoking (15.09). Poor prognostic factors included delayed presentation - mean duration of symptoms was 12.59 months and only 4.35presented with stage I disease. Lack of funds for investigations and treatment was also a risk factor for poor prognosis (only 25of the 24 patients who needed blood transfusion were adequately transfused and only 21.74of all patients had complete treatment). The paper concludes that increased public awareness about cervical cancer is needed to minimise risk factors and encourage early presentation. Governments and other funding agencies need to devote more funds for cervical cancer prevention; screening and treatment