Factors Associated with HPV Genital Warts: A Self-Reported Cross-Sectional Study among Students and Staff of a Northern University in Nigeria.

The menace of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections among low- and middle-income countries with no access to a free HPV vaccine is a public health concern. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Nigeria, while the most known types of HPV genotypes being transmitted are the high-risk HPV-16 and 18 genotypes. In this study, we explored the predictors of self-reported HPV infections and HPV genital warts infection among a population of students, non-academic staff, and academic staff of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) University located in Lapai, Nigeria. We also assessed their knowledge about HPV infections and genotypes, and sexual behaviors. An online cross-sectional study was conducted by setting up a structured questionnaire on Google Forms and it was distributed to the university community via Facebook and other social media platforms of the university. The form captured questions on HPV infection, and knowledge about HPV infection and genotypes, as well as the sexual health of the participants. All variables were described using frequencies and percentage distribution; chi-squared test statistics were used to explore the association between HPV infection (medical records of HPV infection) and the participants' profile, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors associated with HPV genital warts infection among the population. This study reveals those participants between the ages of 26-40 years (81.3%) and those currently not in a sexually active relationship-single/divorced (26.4%)-who have self-reported having the HPV-16 and -18 genotypes. Moreover, participants between 26-40 years of age (OR: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.22-0.89) reported themselves to be carriers of HPV genital warts. Therefore, this study reveals the factors associated with HPV infection and genital warts peculiar to IBB university students and staff. Hence, we suggest the need for HPV awareness programs and free HPV vaccine availability at IBB university.

Psychometric Properties of the Knowledge of Hydration among Foreign Students of Óbuda University, Hungary.

It is known that the quantity, makeup, and distribution of bodily fluids have a significant impact on the cognitive health, physiological health, and cell activity of human beings. This narrative could be influenced by the level of knowledge about hydration, dehydration, and the practice of Adequate Water Intake (AWI) of an individual based on the recommended daily Total Water Intake (TWI) by either the World Health Organization (WHO) or the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In this study, we have developed and validated a scale to adequately measure knowledge of the recommended daily Total Water Intake (TWI) practices among foreign students at Óbuda University, Hungary. Hence, we implemented an 11-item scale to measure the Knowledge of Hydration (KH-11) and evaluate its psychometric properties among students. This study is an online cross-sectional study assessing water intake knowledge with the use of the KH-11 tool among 323 students with ages ranging from 18 to 35 years, who have enrolled for at least two semesters at the University. The statistical analysis performed was reliability (using Cronbach alpha ≥ 70%) and factor analysis. Knowledge levels were categorized as poor (<50%), intermediate (50-70%), or adequate (71-100%). The intraclass correlation, chi-square, and rotated component matrix were also estimated and reported. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Cronbach's alpha analysis revealed that the KH-11 had an overall good reliability with a value of 0.80, where the survey items had an acceptable level of consistency ranging from 0.75 to 0.81 and demonstrated sufficient independence from each other as Pearson's R within factors was positive and ranged from 0.02 to 0.74. In evaluating the participants' knowledge of hydration, the total possible score for the scale is 72, while the mean score for the KH-11 was 55.2 ± 11.61 SD, and the factor analysis model yielded an acceptable fit (χ2 = 3259.4, p = 0.000). We recorded a high-level positive concordance of 0.770 with an average intraclass correlation of 0.80 at a 95% CI, where p-value = 0.000. Our findings show that the majority (66.3%) of the students have a good knowledge of hydration. However, the skewed distribution of the knowledge scores suggests that some may have lower levels of knowledge, which may warrant further study to improve knowledge in those students.

Perceptions of COVID-19 transmission risk and testing readiness in rural Southwest Nigeria.

Although community screening and testing have been recommended by the World Health Organization, the extent of readiness and the associated factors among rural populations remain unknown. We investigated the factors associated with perception of the COVID-19 transmission risk and readiness for testing in rural areas of Southwest Nigeria. Using a multistage cluster sampling technique, cross-sectional data was collected from 922 adults aged 18 years and above who were resident in rural communities selected across three States in the Southwest region between June and August 2020. Descriptive statistics and binary logit models with robust standard errors were utilized for analysis. Mean age of respondents was 37.0 (SD = 15.8) years; 58.6% female; 46.5% had secondary education; and most were traders (33.2%) and artisans (29.9%). Only 149 respondents (16.2%) had a accurate perception of COVID-19 transmission risk. Adjusted logit models showed that independent factors associated with accurate perception of COVID-19 transmission risk include: age 18&19 years (OR = 0.50, CI: 0.34-0.73); exposure to electronic media (OR = 1.84, CI: 1.07-3.18); and being an in-migrant (OR = 3.38, CI: 2.44-4.68). Less than one-third (28.8%) were willing to test for COVID-19. Severe fear of COVID-19 (OR = 3.99, CI: 1.36-11.74) was associated with willingness to undergo COVID-19 testing. Socio-demographic predictors of testing readiness included: male sex (OR = 1.51, CI: 1.36-1.68); traditional religion (OR = 2.81, CI: 1.05-7.53); and exposure to electronic media (OR = 1.31, CI: 1.06-1.62). Awareness campaigns need to be scaled up to improve perception and preparedness to test for COVID-19.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood donations and transfusions in Nigeria - A multi-facility study of 34 tertiary hospitals.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected blood supplies globally. Mobile blood drive campaigns halted, and voluntary blood donations reduced, challenging available blood supplies. Furthermore, fears of virus transmission led to deferrals of elective surgeries and non-urgent clinical procedures with noticeable declines in blood donations and transfusions. Aims: We aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of blood donations and transfusions across the country by blood product type across various hospital departments. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood services in 34 tertiary hospitals in Nigeria, comparing January to July 2019 (pre-COVID-19) to January to July 2020 (peri-COVID-19). Data were collected from the country's web-based software District Health Information System, Version 2 (DHIS2). Results: A 17.1% decline in numbers of blood donations was observed over the study period, especially in April 2020 (44.3%), a 21.7% decline in numbers of blood transfusions, especially in April 2020 (44.3%). The largest declines in transfusion were noted in surgery department for fresh frozen plasma (80.1%) [p = 0.012] and accident and emergency department transfusion of platelets (78.3%) [p = 0.005]. The least decline of statistical significance was observed in internal medicine transfusions of whole blood (19.6%) [p = 0.011]. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the numbers of blood donations and transfusions in Nigeria. Strengthening blood services to provide various blood components and secure safe blood supplies during public health emergencies is therefore critical.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood donations and transfusions in Nigeria ­ A multi-facility study of 34 tertiary hospitals

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected blood supplies globally. Mobile blood drive campaigns halted, and voluntary blood donations reduced, challenging available blood supplies. Furthermore, fears of virus transmission led to deferrals of elective surgeries and non-urgent clinical procedures with noticeable declines in blood donations and transfusions. Aims: We aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of blood donations and transfusions across the country by blood product type across various hospital departments. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood services in 34 tertiary hospitals in Nigeria, comparing January to July 2019 (pre-COVID-19) to January to July 2020 (peri-COVID-19). Data were collected from the country's web-based software District Health Information System, Version 2 (DHIS2). Results: A 17.1% decline in numbers of blood donations was observed over the study period, especially in April 2020 (44.3%), a 21.7% decline in numbers of blood transfusions, especially in April 2020 (44.3%). The largest declines in transfusion were noted in surgery department for fresh frozen plasma (80.1%) [p = 0.012] and accident and emergency department transfusion of platelets (78.3%) [p = 0.005]. The least decline of statistical significance was observed in internal medicine transfusions of whole blood (19.6%) [p = 0.011]. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the numbers of blood donations and transfusions in Nigeria. Strengthening blood services to provide various blood components and secure safe blood supplies during public health emergencies is therefore critical.

Application of Schrödinger equation in quantum well of Cu2ZnSnS4 quaternary semiconductor alloy.

An approximate solution of the radial Schrödinger equation is obtained with a generalized group of potentials in the presence of both magnetic field and potential effect using supersymmetric quantum mechanics and shape invariance methodology. The energy bandgap of the generalized group of potentials was calculated for s - wave cases at the ground state. By varying the numerical values of the potential strengths, the energy band gap of Hellmann's potential and Coulomb-Hulthen potential respectively were obtained. It is noted that the inclusion of the potential effect greatly affects the accuracy of the results. Our calculated results are in agreement and better than the existing calculated results. The present results approximately coincide with the standard bandgap of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS).

Effect of Hepatitis B Virus Co-Infection on CD4 Cell Count and Liver Function of HIV Infected Patients.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) share similar routes of transmission, making it possible for an individual to have a co-infection. HBV infection is well known to be a major cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among HIV infected HAART naïve patients and investigate the effect of co-infection on CD4 count and liver function. STUDY DESIGN: This was a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study of one hundred consecutive therapy-naive HIV-infected individuals. The CD4 count, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Serum albumin, total Protein, and liver enzymes were determined using standard techniques. RESULTS: The prevalence of HIV and HBV co-infection was 37%. The mean serum ALT and ALP were significantly higher in the co- infected patients (P-values <0.05). The mean CD4 count of the mono infected patients was significantly higher (p-value of 0.014). The mean serum ALT, AST and ALP of mono and co-infected patients with CD4 count<200/µl were significantly higher than those with count ≥ 200 cells/µl. (p-value of <0.01). The mean ALT and AST of the co-infected patients and all patients with CD4 count <200 cells/µl were higher than the normal reference range. CONCLUSION: Approximately one third of HIV positive patients had hepatitis B virus co-infection. Co-infection and CD4 count <200 cells/µl are likely to result in abnormal ALT and AST. We recommend that co-infected patients and those with CD4 count <200 cells/µl should be given non-hepatotoxic antiretroviral drug.

An evaluation of school health services in Sagamu, Nigeria.

CONTEXT: School health services (SHS) have been shown to be suboptimal in Nigeria. The paucity of data on the status of SHS in Sagamu makes it even more challenging for instituting corrective action. AIM: To evaluate SHS in public and private schools in Sagamu. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study carried out on private and public nursery/primary and secondary schools in Sagamu, Ogun State. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 91 schools, randomly selected from 182 available, comprising 53 private nursery/primary schools, 22 public nursery/primary schools, 11 private secondary schools and 5 public secondary schools, were inspected for availability of the components of the SHS and evaluated using the SHS Evaluation Scale (SHSES). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.0. Categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-square test. Level of significance was taken to be P < 0.05. RESULTS: Only one (1.1%) school benefited from the services of a school doctor. Essential drugs and materials for first aid services were available in 85 (93.4%) of the schools, while only 26 (28.6%) had a sick bay. Screening tests for disabilities were performed in only 10 (11%) of the schools visited. Although school midday meals were available in all the schools, they were not free. Private secondary schools had the highest percentage of good school health evaluation scores (63.6%), while 96.2% of the private primary schools had poor health service evaluation scores. CONCLUSIONS: SHS are unsatisfactory in Sagamu. It is therefore necessary for all stakeholders in Sagamu schools (private and public) to provide the materials and manpower needed to achieve effective SHS in the area.

Effect of hepatitis-B virus co-infection on CD4 cell count and liver function of HIV infected patients.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) share similar routes of transmission making it possible for an individual to have a co-infection. HBV infection is well known to be a major cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among HIV infected HAART naïve patients and investigate the effect of co-infection on CD4 count and liver function. STUDY DESIGN: This was a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study of one hundred consecutive therapy-naive HIV-infected individuals. The CD4 count, Hepatitis B surface antigen. Serum albumin, total Protein, and liver enzymes were determined using standard techniques. RESULTS: The prevalence of HIV and HBV co-infection was 37%. The mean serum ALT and ALP were significantly higher in the co-infected patients (P-values <0.05). The mean CD4 count of the mono infected patients was significantly higher (p-value of 0.014). The mean serum ALT, AST and ALP of mono and coinfected patients with CD4 count<200/µl were significantly higher than those with count ≥ 200 cells/µl. (p-value of <0.01). The mean ALT and AST of the co infected patients and all patients with CD4 count <200 cells/µl were higher than the normal reference range. CONCLUSION: Approximately one third of HIV positive patients had hepatitis B virus co-infection. Co-infection and CD4 count <200 cells/µl are likely to result in abnormal ALT and AST. We recommend those co-infected patients and those with CD4 count <200 cells/µl should be given non-hepatotoxic antiretroviral drug.

Effect of Hepatitis B Virus Co-Infection on CD4 Cell Count and Liver Function of HIV Infected Patients

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) share similar routes of transmission; making it possible for an individual to have a co-infection. HBV infection is well known to be a major cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among HIV infected HAART naive patients and investigate the effect of co-infection on CD4 count and liver function. Study design: This was a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study of one hundred consecutive therapy-naive HIV-infected individuals. The CD4 count; Hepatitis B surface antigen; Serum albumin; total Protein; and liver enzymes were determined using standard techniques. Results:The prevalence of HIV and HBV co-infection was 37. The mean serum ALT and ALP were significantly higher in the co- infected patients (Pvalues 0.05). The mean CD4 count of the mono infected patients was significantly higher (p-value of 0.014). The mean serum ALT; AST and ALP of mono and co-infected patients with CD4 count200/?l were significantly higher than those with count ? 200 cells/?l. (p-value of 0.01). The mean ALT and AST of the co -infected patients and all patients with CD4 count 200 cells/?l were higher than the normal reference range. Conclusion : Approximately one third of HIV positive patients had hepatitis B virus co-infection. Coinfection and CD4 count 200 cells/?l are likely to result in abnormal ALT and AST. We recommend that co-infected patients and those with CD4 count 200 cells/?l should be given non-hepatotoxic antiretroviral drug

Growth in prepubertal Nigerian children is highly dependent on socio-economic status.

AIM: To relate height, weight and body mass index (BMI) of prepubertal children in Sagamu, Nigeria, to parental socio-economic class (SEC). METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 1606 children aged 5-11 years from eight public and eight private primary schools. Height, weight and BMI from 1557 prepubertal children were standardized using two references: US-CDC birth cohorts 1929-1974 and Swedish birth cohort 1974. RESULTS: Children in private schools were taller and heavier than those in public schools (p < 0.0001). Most children (73.2%) belonged to lower SEC, 17.6% to middle and 9.2% to upper. HeightSDS , weightSDS and BMISDS increased with increasing parental SEC. Upper SEC children were taller and heavier with higher BMIs than those from lower SEC (p < 0.0001). HeightSDS , weightSDS and BMISDS were below '0' in all SEC and gender groups (all p < 0.002). Younger children were taller and heavier than the older (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Fathers/mothers with higher education/occupation had taller and heavier children with higher BMI than other groups. Children in private schools were taller and heavier than children in public schools. Disparities in parental SEC still constrain optimal child growth in Nigeria: whereas height and weight of children of upper SEC were close to the US-CDC29-74 reference mean, they were still below Swedish74 reference mean representing more optimal growth.

Postpartum sexual abstinence and breastfeeding pattern in Sagamu, Nigeria.

This was a prospective study involving 371 mothers. The mean age of the mothers was 27.5 (.3.6) years with a mean years at school (Educational years) of 11.3 (2.9) years. All the mothers had previously breastfed at one of their infants for at least 6 months, while the mothers also breastfed their last child for an average (mean) of 10.3 (4.0) months. The overall mean of previous live births was 1.9 (0.8). In the first month postpartum, 84.6% of the mothers abstained from sexual intercourse, but by the 4th-5th month the proportion had dropped to 18.1%, with just 2.1% of the study population abstaining from sexual intercourse at 11-15 months post-partum. Forty seven (13.5%), 30 (8.6%) and 3 (0.9%) mothers in social classes 2,3 and 1 respectively have resumed sexual intercourse at 4-5 months, while only 12 (3.4%) and 4 (1.1%) in social classes 2 and 3 respectively continued with sexual intercourse at 11-15 months. More mothers resumed sexual intercourse from 1 to 15 months post-partum when they breast fed for 6-10 minutes and 11-15 minutes than those who breast fed for 1-5 minutes, 16-20 minutes and 21-25 minutes. Also more mothers within the 25-29 years age group resumed sexual intercourse from the first month to the fifteenth month post-partum than mothers in the other age groups.

Postpartum sexual abstinence and breastfeeding pattern in Sagamu, Nigeria

This was a prospective study involving 371 mothers. The mean age of the mothers was 27.5 (.3.6) years with a mean years at school (Educational years) of 11.3 (2.9) years. All the mothers had previously breastfed at one of their infants for at least 6 months, while the mothers also breastfed their last child for an average (mean) of 10.3 (4.0) months. The overall mean of previous live births was 1.9 (0.8). In the first month postpartum, 84.6% of the mothers abstained from sexual intercourse, but by the 4th-5th month the proportion had dropped to 18.1%, with just 2.1% of the study population abstaining from sexual intercourse at 11-15 months post-partum. Forty seven (13.5%), 30 (8.6% ) and 3 (0.9 % ) mothers in social classes 2,3 and 1 respectively have resumed sexual intercourse at 4-5 months, while only 12(3.4%) and 4(1.1%) in social classes 2 and 3 respectively continued with sexual intercourse at 11-15 months. More mothers resumed sexual intercourse from 1 to 15 months post-partum when they breast fed for 6-10 minutes and 11-15 minutes than those who breast fed for 1-5 minutes, 16-20 minutes and 21-25 minutes. Also more mothers within the 25-29 years age group resumed sexual intercourse from the first month to the fifteenth month post-partum than mothers in the other age groups. (Afr Reprod Health 2008; 12[1]:96-100)

Comparative Analyses of Childhood Deaths in Sagamu; Nigeria : Implications for the Fourth MDG

Background. The fourth Millennium Development Goal (MDG) aims at reducing childhood deaths in the developing world by 2015. Objective. To examine the pattern of childhood deaths in a Nigerian tertiary hospital which served at least three states of the federation between 1996 and 2015. Method. A retrospective study of paediatric deaths between January 1996 and December 2005. Subjects admitted in the pre- MDG period were compared with those admitted during the MDG period. Results. Of 10 451 paediatric patients admitted; 1 320 (12.6) died but only 1 225 were studied. The male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1. Although the yearly mortality rate ranged from 10.7to 14.9; the overall mortality rate for the pre-MDG period was similar to that for the MDG period (p=0.135). Most deaths (69.1) occurred within 48 hours of hospitalisation. Of the 1 225 patients who died; 57.3were neonates. These neonatal deaths were commonly due to prematurity (34.6); perinatal asphyxia (30.8) and septicaemia (24.8); while severe anaemia was the most common cause of death among infants (20.1) and toddlers (25.1). Severe malaria; severe anaemia; and tetanus formed 33.3of all deaths among children older than 5 years. There was no significant difference in the role of prematurity (p=0.298) and measles (p=0.927) as causes of death before and during the MDG periods. HIV/AIDS (p=0.046) became more common as a result of the HIV pandemic; while severe malaria (p=0.041) became less common as a cause of death during the same period. Conclusion. The childhood mortality rate remained high over the 10-year study period. The deaths were mostly caused by infectious and other preventable conditions. The utilisation of specific target-orientated interventions; such as integrated management of childhood illnesses (IMCI); and primary health care may reduce the number of childhood deaths before 2015

Infant feeding and lactational amenorrhea in Sagamu, Nigeria.

Five hundred and twenty educated, breastfeeding women in Sagamu, Nigeria, were observed prospectively in order to describe their infant feeding practices and to determine whether any predictors of the return of menses could be identified. The women remained amenorrheic for seven months. Compared with similarly selected women in other countries, they regularly fed their infants with supplements from a very early age, yet breastfeeding frequency and duration did not decline dramatically. Semi-solid food was introduced at about four months and such supplementation, as well as earlier supplementation with milk/milk-based feedings, was associated with the return of menses. The median duration of abstinence was about four months but the mean may have been much longer. No woman became pregnant until her infant was weaned.

A study of neonatal deaths at the Ogun State University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria.

A two-year prospective study of neonatal deaths at a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital is presented. There were 55 deaths among 1081 inborn live deliveries (50.88/1000). Low birthweight babies accounted for 60% of deaths. There were 49 (45.33/1000) perinatal deaths, 61% of which occurred within 24 hours. The mortality rate of term small-for-gestational age neonates was higher than that of their appropriate-for-gestational age counterparts (chi 2 = 4.55, P < 0.05). The mortality rate for 315 referred admissions was 400/1000. Referred very low birthweight babies had a better outcome than inborn ones. Severe infections, severe birth asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome and recurrent apnoea were among the leading causes of death in this study. There is a need for improved intensive care facilities for the high-risk newborn. Greater effort is required to improve early utilization of available maternity services.

PIP: Neonatal mortality accounts for 40-60% of all infant mortality in developing countries, or more than 50% of all childhood mortality. The authors present a two-year prospective study of neonatal deaths at Ogun State University Teaching Hospital (OSUTH) in Sagamu, Nigeria, in which the findings for patients born in the hospital are compared with those for referred babies and the principal associated causes of mortality in various birthweight groups. During the study period, 1081 live babies were born at OSUTH, of whom 353 were admitted to the neonatal ward for various indications. 315 referred babies were also admitted. Altogether, 181 babies died, 55 of whom were inborn and 126 of whom were referred. Low birthweight babies accounted for 60% of deaths and there were 49 perinatal deaths, 61% of which occurred within 24 hours. The mortality rate of term small-for-gestational age neonates was higher than that of their appropriate-for-gestational age counterparts. Further, referred very low birthweight babies had a better outcome than inborn ones. Severe infections, severe birth asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, and recurrent apnoea were among the leading causes of death in the study. The authors note a need for improved intensive care facilities for the high-risk newborn and greater effort to improve the early utilization of available maternity services.

Studies on the effectiveness, safety and acceptability of fluids from local foodstuffs in the prevention and management of dehydration caused by diarrhoea in children.

Two fluids derived from local staple food, Manioc Salt Solution (MSS) and Pap Salt Solution (PSS) were assessed and compared with the World Health Organization/Oral Rehydration Solution (WHO/ORS) in 333 children aged between 6 and 60 months in a clinical trial. All the children had some dehydration after episodes of acute watery diarrhoea using WHO criteria. All the children who were placed on MSS and PSS, as well as ORS were satisfactorily rehydrated. There was no significant difference in pre- and postserum electrolytes of the children on the three types of fluids. The fluids were found to be acceptable, readily available, easy to prepare and cheaper than the ORS fluid. There was no taboo against the fluid. It is noteworthy that there was no significant difference in the sugar and electrolyte contents of the different varieties of the manioc and pap available in this environment, thus making the MSS and PSS effective and readily available substitutes to ORS. The two fluids are therefore recommended as rehydrating fluids for children with some dehydration in the absence of WHO/ORS fluid.

Performance of medical students in end of course radiology assessment--significance for medicine.

A radiology end of course assessment for 48 (60%) of 90 students in 3rd year medical course shows that 9 (19%) passed the pathological traumatic films, 36 (75%) passed the radiographic anatomy of oblique lumbar spine, 12 (25%) passed the normal contrast study of the female reproductive organ--Hysterosalpingogram, and an equal number passed the pathological rachitic bone. The poor performance results from lack of exposure to radiographic anatomy during course of traditional anatomy, inadequate time for teaching of clinical radiology and the relative under-estimation of the importance of radiology in medicine by students as well as the Medical Education Planners. Measures to correct these are presented.

Clinical trial of pap-salt solution in the treatment of dehydrated children.

PIP: In a randomized clinical trial the efficacy of Pap-salt solution (PSS) was compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) oral rehydration salt (ORS) solution in 212 children 6 months to 5 years old: 101 cases (52 males and 49 females) and 111 controls (41 males and 70 females) at the primary health care centers of Ijebu-Igbo, Ita-Oba in Sagamu, and at the oral rehydration therapy (ORT) unit of the Ogun State University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria, between June 1991 and June 1992. 164 children (77.3%) belonged to the lowest socioeconomic classes. Maize pap (Ogi) was prepared by soaking maize in water for 2-3 days for fermentation to occur. PSS was prepared from raw pap and the cooked pap was then made up to 600 ml with the addition of more water and 3 ml of table salt. Each child received 75 ml per kg of ORS solution or PSS orally over a 4-hour period. Those patients who still showed signs of dehydration were given a further 75 ml/kg of the same solution over another 4-hour period. The patients were followed up on 2 consecutive days at home by community health nurses. All the 101 children who received PSS were successfully treated and the remaining 2 were lost to follow-up. There was no significant difference in the mean volumes of PSS (1015.4 ml) and ORS (1036 ml) required for rehydration (p 0.05). 96 mothers found PSS easy to prepare and readily accepted by their children, and 97 stated that the ingredients required for preparation were available. There was no difference ( p 0.05) in the pre- and post-treatment values of the serum electrolytes in the 2 groups. PSS was acceptable to the patients, readily available, and much cheaper than the ORS solution. Therefore, PSS is recommended for the rehydration of children with mild dehydration in situations where ORS solution is not available.^ieng