Determination of antioxidant status of pre-eclamptic and normotensive sub-rural Nigerian pregnant women at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the antioxidant levels of subrural Nigerian population where pre-eclampsia and eclampsia is the leading cause of maternal mortality. METHODS: Prospective case control study done at Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria. Plasma level of vitamin C and E were evaluated in 80 pre-eclamptic patientswhich were compared with normotensive 80 pregnant women matched as controls. RESULTS: Pre-eclampsia was associated with significant reduction in levels of vitamin C and E (p < 0.05). However, the correlation between the blood pressure (severity) and reduction in antioxidants level was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Pre-eclampsia at Irrua in Nigeria is associated with significant reduction in plasma antioxidants level similar to some reports from the other parts of the world.

Retained Placenta: Still a Cause of Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in a Nigerian Semi- Urban Population

Background: Retained placenta is associated with morbidity and mortality when left untreated. This study was done to determine the occurrence of retained placenta in our setting as well as to ascertain the possible risk factors; morbidities and mortality. Method of study: This was a retrospective review of all cases of retained placenta over a three year period (March 2005 to March 2007). There were 3542 deliveries; and of which 64 cases were of retained placenta. Results: The incidence of retained placenta was 1.8of all deliveries with a higher incidence in unbooked patients and a case fatality of 3.12.The commonest complication was postpartum haemorrhage in 51(79.68) of cases with blood transfusion rate of 47. onclusion: Complications associated with retained placenta could be reduced by adequate utilisation of health care facilities manned by skilled attendants; availability of blood transfusion services as well as effective and safe anaesthesia

Public secondary school teachers' attitude to family life education in two geopolitical zones of Nigeria: a comparative analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study was conducted to assess and compare the attitude of teachers in two geopolitical zones of Nigeria to family life education. METHODS: Multi stage sample selection was used to pick 6 public secondary schools (3 junior, 3 senior) in each zone. All teachers (221) in the selected schools were surveyed. Pre-tested questionnaires were self administered, responses analyzed and results presented using descriptive frequencies. Where appropriate statistical evaluation was done with Yates corrected Chi square at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Katsina respondents were mostly Muslims (92.4%), married (64.8%) and had the National Certificate of Education (62.9%). Ekpoma teachers were mostly Christians (97.4%), married (93.1%) and 67.2% had a University degree. Attendance at a seminar on family life education was by 19% and 25.9% of respondents from Katsina and Ekpoma respectively. Teachers' knowledge of family life education was very good and most teachers in both regions considered it useful but there were geographical disparities in perception and attitude. While teachers in Katsina discussed HIV/AIDS twice more with their students than sexuality (54.3% vs 28%) those in Ekpoma discussed sexuality more than HIV/AIDS (80.2% vs 72.4%). Respondents in Katsina reported three times (60% vs 19.8%) more that parents would object to FLE in schools than those in Ekpoma and also that its introduction would encourage promiscuity amongst the students (53.3% vs 21.6%). While being married positively influenced respondents' perception, their attitude was influenced positively by having university degree and teaching at the senior secondary school. Christians significantly discussed sexuality (Chi square 58.60; RR: 3.03) and HIV/AIDS (Chi square 15.01; RR: 1.50) with students than Muslims. CONCLUSION: Policy makers need to be aware of the regional differences in teachers' attitude to family life education as this may hinder the implementation of curriculum.

Utility of intradermal blood smear in the detection of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the usefulness of intradermal smear microscopy (IDS) in the detection of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia in pregnancy. Peripheral venous blood (PVB) served as control. The preference for the collection technique of dermal blood was also assessed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty (150) asymptomatic women were recruited. They had both intradermal smear and peripheral venous blood smear were made for all patients. Measures of test validity included sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rate. Test of statistical significance was with Yates correlation at 95% confidence limit. RESULTS: The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia was higher using intradermal smear (35.3% vs 33.3%) though this was not statistically significant. Intradermal smear had a sensitivity of 40% and specificity of 67%. The positive predictive value was 37.8% with accuracy rate of 58%. 41% of participants preferred the technique of collection of intradermal blood. CONCLUSION: Intradermal smear appears to have no usefulness in the detection of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia in pregnancy. However, we recommend more studies on its value in pregnancy, especially amongst symptomatic pregnant women.