Addressing Unmet Surgical Needs in an Underserved Nigerian Community: Report of a 'Town and Gown' Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Access to quality and timely care prevents unnecessary deaths and morbidity from potentially curable surgical diseases. This study describes the magnitude of unmet surgical needs in a Nigerian community and describes the experiences garnered during a surgical outreach organized by a tertiary institution in an underserved community. METHODS: This is a descriptive study highlighting details of a surgical outreach to a community in south-Western part of Nigeria. The project was based on a collaboration between a University Teaching Hospital (gown) and the community (town). Details of the patients' demographic and disease characteristics as well as barriers to seeking medical care were obtained. The operational workflow, treatment offered, and outcomes are highlighted. Results are presented as descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Over a two-day period, 83 out of 3,056 patients who were screened had surgically treatable conditions (2.7%), predominantly hernias (37, 46.6%), goitres (13, 15.7%) and soft tissue swellings (9, 10.8%). The majority were adults (56, 67.5%) while 27 (32.5%) were in the paediatric age group. The mean duration of symptoms was 8.64 months ± 9.5 months. About half of the patients (46.9%) had never visited a medical facility on account of their index illnesses. Lack of funds was cited by many patients as the main reason for having not presented at a hospital. Sixty-three surgical operations were performed with no peri-operative adverse events. CONCLUSION: Lack of financial access was the major barrier to surgical care in the sampled community. Moving from 'gown to town' helped address a significant proportion of the unmet needs over a relatively short period. Tertiary hospitals can provide surgical oversight to communities within their jurisdiction using this approach.

CONTEXTE: L'accès à des soins de qualité et en temps opportun permet d'éiter les décès et la morbidité inutiles dus à des maladies chirurgicales potentiellement curables. Cette étude décrit l'ampleur des besoins chirurgicaux non satisfaits dans une communauté nigériane et décrit les expériences recueillies au cours d'une action chirurgicale organisée par une institution tertiaire dans une communauté mal desservie. MÉTHODES: Il s'agit d'une étude descriptive mettant en évidence les détails d'une action chirurgicale dans une communauté du sud-ouest du Nigeria. Le projet était basé sur une collaboration entre un hôpital universitaire (ville) et la communauté (ville). Les détails des caractéristiques démographiques et pathologiques des patients ainsi que les obstacles à la recherche de soins médicaux ont été obtenus. Le déroulement des opérations, le traitement proposé et les résultats sont mis en évidence. Les résultats sont présentés sous forme de statistiques descriptives. RÉSULTATS: Sur une période de deux jours, 83 des 3056 patients examinés présentaient des affections pouvant être traitées chirurgicalement (2,7 %), principalement des hernies (37, 46,6 %), des goitres (13, 15,7 %) et des tuméfactions des tissus mous (9, 10,8 %). La majorité des patients étaient des adultes (56, 67,5 %), tandis que 27 (32,5 %) appartenaient au groupe d'âge pédiatrique. La durée moyenne des symptômes était de 8,64 mois ±9,5 mois. Environ la moitié des patients (46,9 %) ne s'étaient jamais rendus dans un établissement médical en raison de leurs maladies index. Le manque de moyens financiers a été cité par de nombreux patients comme la principale raison pour laquelle ils ne s'étaient pas présentés à l'hôpital. Soixante-trois opérations chirurgicales ont été réalisées sans aucun événement indésirable périopératoire. CONCLUSION: Le manque d'accès financier était le principal obstacle aux soins chirurgicaux dans la communauté échantillonnée. Le passage de la ville à l'hôpital a permis de répondre à une proportion importante des besoins non satisfaits sur une période relativement courte. Les hôpitaux tertiaires peuvent fournir une supervision chirurgicale aux communautés de leur juridiction en utilisant cette approche. Mots clés: Chirurgie, Besoins non satisfaits, Nigeria, Communauté mal desservie.

Trends in Eye Removal Surgeries at a Tertiary Care Hospital Over Three Decades.

PURPOSE: To determine the trends in eye removal surgeries at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria over 26 years. METHODS: A retrospective comparative review of clinical records of all patients who had eye removal surgery at a tertiary hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between 2014 and 2019 was done. Patients' demographic and clinical data, including indication for eye removal and type of surgery were analysed and compared with two earlier studies at the same hospital between 1994 and 2013. RESULTS: There was an average of 14.3 surgeries per year between 2014 and 2019. Patients' ages ranged from 2 to 102 years, M:F was 1.5:1, the commonest indication for eye removal was infection (n=30, 34.9%), and the most common surgery was evisceration (n=70, 81.4%). Studies from 1994 to 2003 and 2005 to 2013, reported an average of 9.2 and 10 surgeries per year; ages ranging from 4 days to 88 years and 3 months to 88 years; with a M:F of 2.1:1 and 3.4:1 respectively. In both studies, the commonest indication for eye removal was trauma (43.4% and 43.8% respectively) and the most common surgery was enucleation (57.6% and 55% respectively). Trend data showed a progressive increase in eye infections (12% vs 15% vs 34.9%) and eviscerations (19.6% vs 31.2% vs 81.4%) over time. CONCLUSION: There was a change in trend towards an increase in eviscerations and infective indications for eye removal at the hospital over three decades. Prompt and optimal treatment of orbito-ocular infections is recommended to reduce the incidence of eye removal surgeries.

BUT: Déterminer les tendances des chirurgies d'ablation de l'oeil dans un hôpital tertiaire du Nigeria sur une période de 26 ans. MÉTHODES: Un examen comparatif rétrospectif des dossiers cliniques de tous les patients ayant subi une chirurgie d'ablation de l'œil dans un hôpital tertiaire d'Ile-Ife, au Nigeria, entre 2014 et 2019, a été effectué. Les données démographiques et cliniques des patients, y compris l'indication de l'ablation de l'œil et le type de chirurgie, ont été analysées et comparées à deux études antérieures menées dans le même hôpital entre 1994 et 2013. RÉSULTATS: Il y avait une moyenne de 14,3 chirurgies par an entre 2014 et 2019. L'âge des patients allait de 2 à 102 ans, le rapport M:F était de 1,5:1, l'indication la plus courante pour l'ablation de l'œil était l'infection (n=30, 34,9%), et la chirurgie la plus fréquente était l'éviscération (n=70, 81,4%). Les études menées de 1994 à 2003 et de 2005 à 2013 ont fait état d'une moyenne de 9,2 et 10 interventions chirurgicales par an, d'âges allant de 4 jours à 88 ans et de 3 mois à 88 ans, et d'un rapport M:F de 2,1:1 et 3,4:1 respectivement. Dans les deux études, l'indication la plus courante pour l'ablation de l'œil était le traumatisme (43,4 % et 43,8 % respectivement) et la chirurgie la plus courante était l'énucléation (57,6 % et 55 % respectivement). Les données sur les tendances ont montré une augmentation progressive des infections oculaires (12 % vs 15 % vs 34,9 %) et des éviscérations (19,6 % vs 31,2 % vs 81,4 %) au fil du temps. CONCLUSION: On constate un changement de tendance vers une augmentation des éviscérations et des indications infectieuses pour l'ablation des yeux à l'hôpital sur trois décennies. Un traitement rapide et optimal des infections orbitooculaires est recommandé pour réduire l'incidence des chirurgies d'ablation des yeux. Mots clés: Anesthésie, énucléation, éviscération, exentération, implant orbitaire, tendances.

Epidemiology and Management of Oculoplastic Disorders at a Tertiary Hospital: A 4-Year Review.

PURPOSE: To describe the epidemiology and management of oculoplastic disorders at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients with oculoplastic disorders at the Department of Ophthalmology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, IleIfe, Nigeria from January 2013 to December 2016. The general ophthalmology service records were reviewed to identify patients with oculoplastic disorders. Data retrieved from patient records included date of initial visit, age at presentation, gender, oculoplastic diagnosis and aetiology, modality of treatment given, and indications for patient referrals. RESULTS: There were 563 (7.4%) patients with oculoplastic disorders, out of 7,575 ophthalmology department patients. They had 573 oculoplastic disorders in all. There were 281 (49.9%) males and 282 (50.1%) females. The median age at presentation was 28 years (range, 1 day to 100 years). Eyelid laceration (n=68; 11.9%) and chalazion (n=63; 11%) were the commonest disorders. Trauma (n=125; 21.8%) was the commonest aetiology, followed by inflammatory (n=121; 21.1%) and infective (n=108; 18.8%) causes. There were 162 (28.3%) surgical interventions; eyelid repair (n=67; 41.4%) was the commonest, followed by evisceration (n=25; 15.4%), and excisional biopsy (n=25; 15.4%). No patient had ptosis or lacrimal surgery. Orbital disorders (n=21; 42.9%) were the commonest indication for a referral elsewhere. CONCLUSION: Eyelid laceration was the commonest oculoplastic disorder, trauma was the commonest aetiology, and eyelid repair was the commonest oculoplastic surgery done. Further training in oculoplastics with emphasis on ptosis, lacrimal and orbital surgery, as well as the provision of equipment needed for optimal oculoplastic service delivery are recommended.

OBJECTIF: Décrire l'épidémiologie et la gestion des troubles oculoplastiques dans un hôpital tertiaire du Nigeria. MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'un examen rétrospectif des patients atteints de troubles oculoplastiques au département d'ophtalmologie, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, de janvier 2013 à décembre 2016. Les dossiers du service d'ophtalmologie générale ont été examinés afin d'identifier les patients souffrant de troubles oculoplastiques. Les données extraites des dossiers des patients comprenaient la date de la première visite, l'âge au moment de la présentation, le sexe, le diagnostic oculoplastique et l'étiologie, la modalité du traitement administré et les indications pour le renvoi des patients. RÉSULTATS: 563 (7,4 %) des 7 575 patients du service d'ophtalmologie présentaient des troubles oculoplastiques. Ils présentaient 573 troubles oculoplastiques au total. Il y avait 281 (49,9%) hommes et 282 (50,1%) femmes. L'âge médian à la présentation était de 28 ans (intervalle de 1 jour à 100 ans). Paupière (n=68 ; 11,9%) et le chalazion (n=63 ; 11%) étaient les troubles les plus courants. Le traumatisme (n=125 ; 21,8%) était l'étiologie la plus fréquente, suivie par les causes inflammatoires (n=121 ; 21,1%) et infectieuses (n=108 ; 18,8%). Il y a eu 162 (28,8 %) interventions chirurgicales ; la réparation de la paupière (n=67 ; 41,4 %) était la plus courante, suivie de l'éviscération (n=25 ; 15,4%) et de la biopsie excisionnelle (n=25 ; 15,4%). Aucun patient n'a subi de ptose ou de chirurgie lacrymale. Les troubles orbitaux (n=21 ; 42,9%) étaient l'indication la plus fréquente d'un renvoi ailleurs. CONCLUSION: La lacération de la paupière était le trouble oculoplastique le plus courant, le traumatisme était l'étiologie la plus courante et la réparation de la paupière était la chirurgie oculoplastique la plus courante. Il est recommandé de poursuivre la formation en oculoplastie en mettant l'accent sur le ptosis, la chirurgie lacrymale et orbitale, ainsi que de fournir l'équipement nécessaire à une prestation optimale des services oculoplastiques. Mots clés: Troubles oculoplastiques, prévalence, chirurgie, traumatisme.

Axial length/corneal radius of curvature ratio and refractive status in an adult Nigerian population.

AIM/BACKGROUND: Associations between axial length (AL) to corneal radius of curvature (CR) ratio and refractive status in a healthy Nigerian adult population were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy students and members of staff of Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, South West Nigeria, free of obvious ocular diseases except possible refractive errors were recruited. Consecutive consenting volunteers were recruited by simple random sampling and a proportionate sample of each population based on its representative fraction in the hospital community was recruited. The study was conducted between June and August 2011. Noncycloplegic objective refraction was done and spherical equivalent refraction (SER) of the right eyes was used for calculation. The AL, CR, and keratometric readings were measured with the IOL Master. The AL/CR ratio was calculated. The data were analyzed with statistical software package STATA 13. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty volunteers aged 18-60 years were studied. The mean ± standard deviation of AL/CR and SER were 3.04 ± 0.10 and -0.38 ± 1.42D, respectively. AL in myopia was significantly higher than in emmetropia and hypermetropia. There were no significant differences between CR in the refraction groups. Myopes had significantly higher AL/CR than nonmyopes. On controlling for age and gender, 1 mm increase in AL increased SER by -0.77D (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.91--0.64D) while a unit increase in AL/CR increased SER by -8.89D (95% CI -10.00--7.78D). Whereas AL accounts for 39% of variability in SER (P < 0.001), AL/CR accounts for 51% of the variability observed in SER (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study has further confirmed that the AL remains a strong determinant of refraction, but a derived factor AL/CR accounts for more variation in final refractive status than AL in isolation.

Visual impairment and blindness in type 2 diabetics: Ife-Ijesa diabetic retinopathy study.

Diabetes and blindness are important health issues globally; we determined the prevalence of blindness, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases in Nigerian-type 2 diabetics. A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on consenting type 2 diabetic patients who had scheduled comprehensive eye examination including dilated funduscopy with +78DS. Visual status was graded using the WHO criteria. Approval from Institutional Ethics Committee was obtained. Primary outcome measures were the prevalence and causes of blindness as well as prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. Secondary outcome measures were the presence of other eye diseases. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13. Two hundred and sixty-six eyes of 133 type 2 diabetic patients aged 22-89 years were studied; 69 (51.9 %) were males while 64 (48.1 %) were females. Five (3.8 %) patients were blind while 27 (20.3 %) were visually impaired. Cataract was the leading cause of blindness (60 %) and visual impairment was found in 59.3 %. Diabetic retinopathy was present in 37 (27.8 %) diabetic patients of which 5 (3.8 %) were proliferative. Diabetic macular edema was present in 31 (23.3 %) patients. Severe visual impairment and blindness were commoner in those with diabetic retinopathy. Refractive error 67 (25.2 %), cataract 63 (23.7 %), and chronic glaucoma 44 (16.5 %) were the most prevalent non-diabetic retinopathy eye diseases. High prevalence of blindness, diabetic retinopathy, and other diseases are seen in type 2 diabetics. Health education, early diagnosis as well as treatment of diabetic retinopathy and other diseases will largely alleviate these ocular morbidities.

Prevalence and pattern of eye disorders among commercial motorcycle riders in Ile-Ife, Osun state.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence and pattern of eye disorders existing among commercial motorcycle riders (CMRs) in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Materials, Subjects and Methods: A total of 1626 registered CMRs operated in 40 registered motorcycle assembly units in Ile-Ife. Using a multi- staged random sampling technique, a total of 322 riders were randomly selected from 10 units. Equal number of 322 was selected from the sample space as control. Structured questionnaires were administered and ocular examination carried out. RESULTS: SA total of 312 (96.9%) CMRs had normal vision (better than 6/18) in the better eye. The observed prevalence of subnormal visual acuity (<6/18-3/60) was 3.1% (10 CMRs) while prevalence of monocular vision was 2.8% (9 riders). Cataract and glaucoma were the major causes of visual impairment and blindness. The common ocular conditions seen were presbyopia (11.8%), allergic conjunctivitis (11.5%), glaucoma suspect (8.1%), pterygium (4.7%), pingueculum (4.0%), uncorrected refractive error (3.7%) and cataract (2.8%). It was also observed that the longer the years of riding experience of these riders, the higher the occurrence of pterygium with a significant statistical impact of p value of 0.009. Presbyopia was also the commonest disorder amongst the control group (11.2%). CONCLUSION: Presbyopia was the most common finding from the study while the commonest anterior segment disorder was pterygium which was an occupation- related ocular disorder. Causes of blindness seen were avoidable.

Causes of blindness in a special education school.

BACKGROUND: Blind children and young adults have to overcome a lifetime of emotional, social and economic difficulties. They employ non-vision dependent methods for education. OBJECTIVE: To assess the causes of blindness in a special school in southwestern Nigeria to aid the development of efficient blindness prevention programmes. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of the Ekiti State Special Education School, Nigeria was conducted in May-June 2008 after approval from the Ministry of Education. All students in the blind section were examined for visual acuity, pen-torch eye examination and dilated fundoscopy in addition to taking biodata and history. RESULTS: Thirty blind students with mean age of 18±7.3 years and male: female ratio of 1.7:1 were examined. Blindness resulted commonly from cataract eight (26.7%), glaucoma six (20%) retinitis pigmentosa four (16.7%) and posttraumatic phthysis bulbi two (6.7%). Blindness was avoidable in 18 (61%) of cases. Glaucoma blindness was associated with redness, pain, lacrimation and photophobia in 15 (50%) and hyphaema in 16.7% of students; none of these students were on any medication at the time of study. CONCLUSION: The causes of blindness in rehabilitation school for the blind are largely avoidable and glaucoma-blind pupils face additional painful eye related morbidity during rehabilitation. While preventive measures and early intervention are needful against childhood cataract and glaucoma, regular ophthalmic consultations and medications are needed especially for glaucoma blind pupils.

Ophthalmic admissions in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalization for eye care is required for different reasons. The pattern of admissions into the ophthalmic wards of a sub-urban tertiary hospital was studied. METHODOLOGY: Records of patients admitted into the Ophthalmology wards of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex Ile-Ife from January 2004 to December 2007 were reviewed and the age, sex, duration of admission and diagnosis recorded. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 13 and statistical significance inferred at P<0.05. RESULTS: Of the 523 patients admitted, 60.2% were males while 39.8% were females (P<0.0001); the male preponderance becomes less prominent with increasing age (P=0.001). The duration of admission ranged between 2 and 24 days with a mean of 2.86+/- 1.95 days and 63% were admitted for 3 days. The main indications for admission were cataract (58.3%), ocular trauma (14.3%) and glaucoma (13.4%). Eye injuries were more common among children and young adults while cataract and glaucoma were the leading indications in the middle aged and elderly. CONCLUSION: Cataract, trauma and glaucoma were the leading indications for ophthalmic hospitalization. Human and infrastructural development of the ophthalmology unit should lay emphasis on the more prevalent needs to enhance effective and efficient management of these diseases.

Efficacy of garcinia Kola 0.5 aqueous eye drops in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

PURPOSE:To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering efficacy of Garcinia kola 0.5% aqueous solution eye drops in patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (POAG/OH).MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-masked, multicenter, active-controlled prospective study. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned in equal numbers to receive Timolol 0.5% eye drops as a control medication (A = Group 1 eyes) or Garcinia kola 0.5% eye drops as the study medication (B = Group 2 eyes). All drops were instilled at 6 am and 6 pm daily. Goldman applanation tonometry was performed at 9 am, 12 pm and 3 pm at baseline, week-6, week-12 and week-24 visits. Voluntary and actively elicited reports of adverse events were documented. The mean change in IOP over 24 weeks was the primary outcome measure. Both groups were compared for statistically significant differences at all visits. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS:A total of 178 patients were randomly assigned to G. kola and Timolol groups. At baseline there were no differences in mean IOP between groups, based on age, sex, or diagnosis. At the end of the study period (24(th) week), the mean (+/- SD) reduction in IOP was 12.93 +/- 2.3 mmHg (47.8% +/- 0.8% reduction) in G. Kola group and 13.09 +/- 2.8 mm Hg (48.2% +/- 1.03% reduction) in the Timolol group (P > 0.05). Adverse events were mild in nature with no statistically significant differences between groups (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:Garcinia kola ophthalmic solution significantly reduces IOP as compared to baseline. The IOP lowering effect of both treatments was equivalent

Assessment of human and material resources available for primary eye-care delivery in rural communities of southwestern Nigeria.

Integration of primary eye-care (PEC) into the existing primary healthcare (PHC) system is efficient in reaching rural communities. Baseline assessment of human and material resources for primary eye-care delivery in a rural local government area of southwestern Nigeria with projected population of 126,625 was conducted. Data on number and cadre of all PHC facilities and health-workers were collected. All facilities were visited and materials required for basic PEC inspected. Forty-one (42.3%) community health extension workers, 42 (43.3%) health assistants, 3 (3.1%) community officers of health and 11 (11.2%) registered nurses administered PHC in 27 health facilities. No worker had training in PEC and none of the centres had all the materials for basic PEC delivery. Although procurement of materials and training of health-workers in basic PEC delivery is required, the healthcare facilities and workers currently available are adequate to commence integration of PEC into the PHC system.

Confocal scanning laser tomography of the optic nerve head of glaucoma patients: inter-correlation of disc parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the scanning laser tomography characteristics of the optic nerve head in patients with primary open angle (POAG) glaucoma using the Heidelberg retina tomography (HRT II). DESIGN: A clinic-based retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 84 eyes of 42 POAG patients with good quality HRT II Images were studied at Charles Nicolle Hospital University department of Ophthalmology out-patient clinic, Tunis. METHODS: Characteristics of optic disc pattern of glaucoma patients were documented using the HRT II. Association of disc area with the other HRT parameters and inter-eye difference in the HRT parameters were assessed using simple and multiple regression analysis. MAIN OUT-COME MEASURES: Disc area, cup area, rim area, cup-to-disc area ratio, cup volume, rim volume, mean cup depth, maximum cup depth and mean retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. RESULTS: Twenty-seven males and 15 females were studied. The mean age of glaucoma patients was 48.9±2.7 years. The mean disc area, cup area, cup-to-disc area ratio and rim area were 2.19±0.46 (range, 1.23 - 3.16mm2), 0.95±0.94 (range 0.08 - 2.15), 0.42±0.21(range 0.004-0.92), 1.25± 0.46 (range 0.18-2.64) respectively. Disc area was positively correlated to the cup area (p=0.001), rim area (p=0.001), cup to disc area ratio (p=0.03), and mean cup depth (p=0.02).The glaucoma diagnosis score was strongly correlated with the rim area (p< 0.001), cup area (p< 0.001), mean cup depth (p< 0.001) and cup disc area ratio (p< 0.001). Absolute inter eye parameter between the two eyes were positively correlated with disc area (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant correlation of the parameters between the two eyes and between the disc area and some other HRT parameters.

Neglected massive intracerebral abscess: an unusual cause of bilateral visual loss.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral visual loss following chronically raised intracranial pressure is not uncommon especially in developing countries. However, this calls for concern when the cause of the raised intracranial pressure is neglected pyogenic cerebral abscess. CASE SUMMARY: A sixteen year old male student presented to our unit with eight months history of recurrent headache associated with early morning vomiting. He developed bilateral visual loss a month prior to presentation. He had sought treatment at several herbal homes and orthodox hospitals before presentation. His cranial computed tomographic scan (CT) showed a massive peripheral contrast enhancing lesion in the frontal lobes with gross midline shift and other evidence of mass effect. He subsequently had craniotomy and excision of the mass. Intraoperative and laboratory findings confirmed the lesions to be abscess. He had ciprofloxacin and metronidazole for four weeks. He had uneventful postoperative period though his visual loss has persisted. He is being followed up in the clinic. CONCLUSION: This patient illustrates that untreated frontal lobe abscess could cause bilateral visual loss from chronically elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Even though this should be rare in contemporary neurosurgical practice, ignorance and poverty which are rife in developing countries will be important contributory factors. Physicians working in developing countries should be aware of the symptomatology of cerebral abscess and raised ICP. They should encourage patients to do cranial CT when the features are suggestive of space occupying lesions.

Knowledge, attitudes, and self care practices associated with glaucoma among hospital workers in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.

This study was carried out to determine the level of correct knowledge about glaucoma and attitudes towards blindness prevention and treatment, and how these factors influence self care practices among teaching hospital workers. A random sample of the workers at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria was interviewed. All respondents were asked the year of their last visit within the past one year to an eye care practitioner. A total of 205 members of staff were interviewed; 85 (41.5%) were males and 120 (58.5%) females. Female sex (P=0.003), medical profession (P=0.007), ophthalmic specialty (P=0.0001), secondary or tertiary education (P=0.001), and recent visit to an eye practitioner (P=0.012) were significant predictors of knowledge of glaucoma as a blinding disease. Younger people believed blindness prevention and treatment were the highest priorities compared with other diseases. Those who work in the ophthalmic unit and those who had relatives who had been blind from glaucoma also considered blindness treatment to be the highest priority compared with other diseases. People with a relative that had previous diagnosis of glaucoma (P=0.0001), older people (P=0.003), females (P=0.001), and people with correct knowledge of common eye diseases (P=0.0005) were significantly more likely to be under eye care. No interaction was found between knowledge and positive attitudes to self care practices. In conclusion, this study shows that there is a gap in the knowledge and understanding of glaucoma among Nigerian hospital workers, especially among the non-medical staff. There is therefore a need for eye health promotion activities targeting all workers at primary healthcare facilities.

Prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in Atakunmosa West Local Government area of southwestern Nigeria.

Blindness survey remains a useful tool for eye care needs assessment. A cross sectional survey of Atakunmosa West Local Government Area, a rural community of southwest Nigeria with no form of eye care facility was carried out. The objective of this study was to define areas of eye care need and develop programme for elimination of avoidable blindness in the region. Multistage cluster sampling technique selected 1248 respondents across all the eleven health districts. Respondents had visual acuity and ocular examination. Blindness was defined as presenting visual acuity (pva) of < 3/60 in the better eye and visual impairment as pva of < 6/18 in the better eye. Out of the 1,248 respondents screened, 14 (1.1%) were blind and 78 (6.3%) were visually impaired. There was an increasing risk of blindness and visual impairment with age; occurring more commonly after 60 years of age. The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment were higher in females although not statistically significant (P = 0.70; 0.46 respectively). Blindness was caused mainly by cataract (57.2%), glaucoma (14.3%) and congenital childhood blindness (14.3%). Cataract (57.7%), glaucoma (16.7%) and uncorrected refractive error (15.4%) were the leading causes of visual impairment. Blindness was avoidable in 85.7% of cases. Qualitative and subsidised cataract surgical and refractive services are needed urgently in this region and therefore, the incorporation of eye health care into the existing primary health care system may ensure programme sustainability.

Visual functions of commercial drivers in relation to road accidents in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of the visual functions on the occurrence of road traffic accidents (RTA) amongst commercial drivers in Ife central local government area (LGA) of Osun state of Nigeria. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: Four major motor parks located at Ife Central LGA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the estimated 270 commercial drivers in the four major parks of the LGA, 215 consecutive drivers were interviewed and had their eyes examined. Structured questionnaires were administered by an ophthalmologist. RESULTS: The prevalence of visual impairment (visual acuity < 6/18) in the better eye without correction was 3.3% ± 2.4 and there was a significant association between uncorrected visual acuity impairment in the better eye and RTA (P = 0.0152). Refractive error was seen in 8.4% of the drivers, but none of these wear corrective glasses. Visual field defect, abnormal stereopsis and color vision impairment did not have any significant association with RTA. CONCLUSION: Poor visual acuity is strongly associated with RTA amongst Nigerian commercial drivers as opposed to visual field defect, abnormal color vision and stereopsis. A significant proportion of visual impairment was due to uncorrected refractive errors.

Predictive factors for birth trauma in southwestern Nigeria

Birth trauma is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. This prospective study determined the predictive factors for birth trauma as seen in a Nigerian university teaching hospital. This was a prospective descriptive evaluation of birth trauma at Wesley Guilds Hospital, Ilesa over three years. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the age, gender, pattern of presentation, place and mode of delivery, level of birth attendants, and treatment offered. Outcome measures were factors predisposing to birth trauma. A total of 137 neonatal hospital admissions with birth related complaints were recorded between 10th December, 2002 and 9th December 2005, out of which 119(86.8%) patients had 121 birth injuries (Males: Females= 1.4: 1). The mean age was 6 ± 4.1 (range: 1-31) day. Non skeletal injuries included cephalohaematoma 30(24.8%), genital bruises/abrasion 4(3.3%), subconjuctiva haemorrhage 2(1.7%), subdural haemorrhage 1 (0.8%), nasal necrosis 1(0.8%), Erb`s`palsy 31(25.6%) and Klumpke`s palsy 2(1.7%). Skeletal injuries were mainly bone fractures 50(41.3%)with 2(1.7%)mortality. Ante natal care/delivery, level of birth attendants, mode of delivery, fetal distress, and emergency caesarian section were among the factors that determined birth trauma. The prevalence of birth trauma is high in southwestern Nigeria. The predictive factors are easily identifiable in the perinatal period; early recognition could reduce significantly birth trauma

A Review of trabeculectomies at a Nigerian teaching hospital

Background: Trabeculectomy is the commonest surgical procedure for glaucoma. The outcome of trabeculectomy in the treatment of all types of glaucoma over a 4-year period in a Nigerian population was reviewed. Objective: To determine the surgical rate and effectiveness of trabeculectomy in lowering of intra ocular pressure (IOP) and preservation of visual acuity. Methods: Retrospective review of all trabeculectomies (TEs) done at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital; Ile-Ife between January 1999 and December 2002. The outcome of trabeculectomy was correlated with the biomicroscopic appearance of the filtering bleb; visual acuity and IOP levels. Descriptive statistics were applied to the data. Results: Of the 647 glaucoma patients only fifty-three (8.2); 34 males and 19 females; had trabeculectomy done during the study period. Seventy-two consecutive eyes of these 53 Nigerian patients were operated upon. Majority; 63 (87.5) were in the primary glaucoma group of which 46 63.9) were open angle glaucoma type. Nine eyes (12.5) belonged to the secondary glaucoma group (neovascular; uveitic and traumatic angle recession). Successful control of intra-ocular pressure with medical therapy was recorded only in 13.9f the patients. The mean pre-operative and first post-operative day IOP were 32.5+/- 6.2mmHg and 10.6+/- 2.3mmHg respectively. Mean post-op IOP at 3 months and one year were 14.6+/- 4.2mmHg; and 13.5+/- 5.8mmHg respectively. One year after surgery 34 eyes (61.8) had intraocular pressure (IOP) of 20mm Hg or less without glaucoma medication. Hyphema 11 (15.3) was the commonest post-operative complication documented. Conclusions: Surgical intervention in the management of glaucoma; especially trabeculectomy is not commonly done in this Teaching Hospital. IOP control with medication alone is not adequate in the long term. A significant proportion of the eyes (61.8) had complete success in IOP control following trabeculectomy

Blindness and visual impairment among the elderly in Ife-Ijesha zone of Osun State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: To provide information on the prevalence of visual impairment, blindness and the leading causes of visual changes among the elderly in Ife-Ijesha zone of Osun state in Nigeria. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive community based study. METHODS: All people aged 60 years or older were gathered at various centres in Ife-Ijesha zone of Osun State, Nigeria. They were all screened for various medical problems including eye ailments and blindness according to World Health Organisation (WHO) definition. Information was retrieved and clinical examination conducted by the ophthalmologist in the team. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. RESULTS: Out of the 681 elderly who presented for medical check up, 445 had eye problems. A few 25 (5.6%) were bilaterally blind while 202 (45.4%) were visually impaired according to the WHO definition of blindness and visual impairment. Blindness was twice as common in men as in women and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.0001). Cataract (42.3%), glaucoma (32.4%) and uncorrected aphakia (9.9%) were the leading causes of blindness in 69 eyes while 80% of visual impairment was due to cataract alone. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in this study population is high. These findings in a community where most of the elderly are fast losing traditionally accorded attention due to civilization and urban movement call for a great concern.

Burkitt's lymphoma of the head and neck region in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: Burkitt's lymphoma is endemic in Nigeria; it forms about 39% of all childhood cancers. In recent times more of these cases are being seen presenting first to the Ear Nose and Throat clinic. OBJECTIVE: This study is designed to look at the pattern of presentation of head and Neck Burkitt's lymphoma at a Nigerian Tertiary hospital and to evaluate current treatment modality. DESIGN: It is a retrospective study of all confirmed Burkitt's lymphoma of the head and neck region seen at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Ile Ife (OAUTHC) between 1986 and 2002. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of all the patients with the histopathologically confirmed Burkitt's lymphoma over a 17-year period (1986-2002) were evaluated. The proportion of the tumor affecting the Head and neck region were noted. The data extracted were entered into a questionnaire and analysis of data was done using the SPSS 10.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 196 cases of Burkitt's lymphoma were seen over the period out of which 140 (71.4%) were in the head and neck region. There was a male preponderance with the incidence of 72% and 28% in females. The peak age incidence was found to be within the first decade of life. The most common sites that were affected are; the jaw (65.9%), nasal and paranasal sinuses (12.2). Majority of the patients presented with advanced disease. Combination Chemotherapy comprising Cyclophosphamide, Oncovin, Methotrexate and Prednisolone (COMP) was the mainstay of management. The treatment outcome was only favorable in 36.6%. Default rate was (11.7%) while the mortality rate was (12.6%). Relapse\recurrence was found in (5.1%) of cases. Frank drug resistance was found in (2.6%). Blindness was found to be a major morbidity associated with this disease. Septicemia and severe anemia were found to be the major causes of mortality. Some complications of treatment were noted. DISCUSSION: The importance of the findings in this work was discussed in line with the existing literature. CONCLUSION: Head and neck remain the mostly affected parts in Burkitt's lymphoma in this environment. Presentation with advanced disease is the bane. This partly explains high morbidity and mortality in affected children.