ABSTRACT
Noma, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is a preventable oro-facial gangrenous infection causing destruction of oro-facial tissues if untreated. This descriptive study was conducted in North-Eastern Nigeria which has witnessed armed insurgency increasing risk of noma. Data was obtained from patients' records at a tertiary hospital after a dental educational outreach using radio and visits to the hospital's ante/postnatal clinics. Data analysis was conducted at 95% confidence interval with p≤ 0.05 considered significant. Records of 49 patients were retrieved but 31 (63.3%) were utilised due to poor documentation. Age ranged from 2-63 years. Children (0-16 years) and Adults (17-59 years) were 67.7% and 25.8% respectively. Males were 13 (41.9%) and females, 18 (58.1%). Poor oral hygiene and malnutrition were common findings. Stage (WHO Staging System) 2 (51.6%) and 4 (22.6%) were the most common presentation. Successfully managed and referred cases were 51.6% and 48.4% respectively. Successful management was associated with early stages of noma (p = <0.001). Children were most vulnerable. Outreaches using radio and education to pregnant women and nursing mothers can boost early presentation and better outcomes. Attention to case documentation and inclusion of noma into the WHO list of NTDs are recommended.
Subject(s)
Noma , Pregnancy , Child , Male , Adult , Humans , Female , Child, Preschool , Adolescent , Young Adult , Middle Aged , Tertiary Care Centers , Noma/epidemiology , Noma/therapy , Noma/etiology , Nigeria/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Objective: The growing global public health concern of workplace assaults has necessitated that workers' health and safety be given same priority as patient's safety. The study assessed the prevalence of workplace assault and its' impact on service delivery among dental professionals at tertiary hospitals in Northern Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 60 dental professionals working in tertiary hospitals actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate trainings for dental workforce in Northern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in selection of respondents and participation was voluntary. Data was collected using structured self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0 and p-value ⤠0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ethical approval was received. Results: Sixty percent dentists and 40.0% dental auxiliaries participated in the study. Assault prevalence was 38.3% observed more among dental professionals (44.0%) in their first year in practice. Types of assaults experienced were; non-physical 19 (82.6%) with loud shouting and threats as most frequent, physical 3 (13.0%) with bullying and mobbing most frequent, and combination was 1 (4.4%). Patients (60.9%) and relatives (52.2%) were major culprits, and long appointment (65.2%) and treatment cost (60.9%) were main reasons for assault. Respondents (39.1%) expressed impact on their productivity and 69.6% respondents were ill-prepared to handle it. Conclusion: The prevalence of workplace assaults on dental professionals was fairly high and those in their first year in practice suffer more assault than others. Assault preventive programs should however specifically target this group in consideration with the unique nature and varied needs of each healthcare institutions
