Private pharmacists and tuberculosis control: a survey of case detection skills in Osogbo, South Western, Nigeria.

Background: National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP) adopted Stop TB strategy in 2006 as a result of high TB burden which outlined engagement of all care providers including Private Pharmacists (PP) in TB control. However, there were no previous baseline studies done on knowledge and practices on TB control among private pharmacists needed to appraise their potential role and contribution to TB control which forms the basis of this study. Aims & Objective: To provide relevant information about tuberculosis case detection skills among private pharmacists in Osogbo, South Western Nigeria for the purpose of policy initiation, planning and decision making. Material and Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study using pre-tested structured questionnaire was conducted in November, 2007 among 47 Private Pharmacists (PP) randomly selected in Osogbo, South West, Nigeria. Verbal consent was taken before given the questionnaire. Sampling technique was a convenient sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS v 16. Results: Almost all Private pharmacists interviewed (80.9%) were seeing TB suspects and had a good knowledge on TB etiology (100%) and air borne route of transmission (70%). Majority (90%) did not know TB treatment duration and standardized drug regimen for adult (93%) and children (97.9%). Less than half (40.4%) regarded sputum microscopy as the best test to confirm diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. In addition, majority (99%) had no previous training on standard guidelines on TB control by the National Program. Conclusion: Private pharmacists were seen TB suspects with inadequate knowledge on Nigerian Guidelines on TB control. National tuberculosis and Leprosy control program (NTBLCP) must take appropriate measure to educate and train Private Pharmacists in TB management.

Perceived obstacles to optimal detection of tuberculosis cases among PHC workers in Osun and Oyo state, Southwest Nigeria.

Background: TB cases detected in Nigeria are still far below WHO target of 70% despite adoption of DOTS strategy since 1994 with subsequent expansion of treatment to primary health centers where diagnosis and treatment is done mainly by general health care workers. However, the extent of adherence to standard guideline by such cadre is unknown. Aims & Objective: This study aimed at assessing the knowledge on TB diagnosis and treatment by PHC workers in Osun and Oyo States. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 280 general health care workers in 23 health care facilities selected using multistage sampling technique. Interviewed was done with a pre-tested selfadministered questionnaire in November, 2007. Results: Majority of the respondents (41%) are Community health extension workers i.e115 (41.1%) while 76 (27.1%) are nurses and 37 (13.2%) pharmacists. Knowledge on TB causation and mode of transmission was found to be relatively high as about 200 (71.4%) correctly describe TB as a microbial infection and about 216 (77.1%) knew airborne route as mode of transmission. When asked to define DOTS, 62.5% of the health workers gave a correct definition with only 109 (38.9%) abled to list the 4 main drugs given during intensive phase of treatment. In addition, about half of the respondents (52.5%) knew that treatment last for 8 months. Conclusion: The findings in this study several knowledge gaps on directly observed treatment short course therapy among healthcare providers. Multiple strategies are required to improve health care workers' knowledge and practice of Tuberculosis control.

Knowledge, attitude and risky sexual behaviour on HIV/AIDS amongst commercial motorcyclists in Osogbo, Osun State, South Western Nigeria.

Background: There has been global concern regarding HIV/AIDS epidemic particularly in developing countries. The magnitude of the epidemic result not only in the loss of human life but enormous financial burden to health care system and loss of productivity to the country. It has created unparalleled social and medical challenge. Aims & Objective: This study assesses the knowledge, attitude and risky sexual practices on HIV/AIDS among commercial motorcyclist in Osogbo, Osun States. Material and Methods: A cross- sectional survey of two local government areas in Osogbo town, Osun States, Nigeria was conducted in November, 2007. Study participants were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. A total of 298 participants were surveyed using a semi-structured, pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire over a two weeks period. Data entry and analysis were carried out using SPSS version 11. Results: Over 90% of the participants were aware of HIV/AIDS and a larger proportion (94%) believed in its existence, while comprehensive knowledge on its causative agent, mode of prevention and transmission are inadequate. Many of the respondents have poor attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (61.7%). High-risk behaviours that can predispose to HIV/AIDS are still predominant as 52.5% takes alcohol, 18.0 % smokes and 55.0% indulge in extramarital affairs. Conclusion: The findings in this study showed a high level of general awareness about the existence of HIV/AIDS but comprehensive knowledge remains low. Many of the respondents have poor attitudes towards People Living With Aids and also engage in high-risky behaviours that can predispose to HIV/AIDs. There is need for multi-pronged approach in the dissemination of information on the prevention and control of HIV/AIDs.