Factors Influencing Health-Promoting Lifestyle among Obafemi Awolowo University Undergraduates in Ile Ife, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The impact of lifestyle choices on health has received more attention in recent years due to several scientific studies that have found positive results between diseases and quality of life. This study determined factors influencing Health Promoting Lifestyles among Obafemi Awolowo University undergraduates. METHODS: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A multistage sampling technique was used in this study. Data were collected from 401 undergraduates using the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) questionnaire which was adapted from previous studies. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the effects of various demographics on the overall HPLP-II score. The association was determined using a 95% confidence interval and a p-value less than 5% was taken as statistically significant. RESULTS: The average total HPLP II score among respondents was 131.2 ±18.4. The other dimensions of health promoting life style are health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, stress management, self-actualization, and interpersonal relationships. Students had the highest mean scores in self-actualization among males (27.8±5.4) and females (27.7±5.2). Physical activity had the lowest mean score in both males (17.3±4.9) and females (15.9±4.7). There was a statistically significant difference in mean score of physical activity for male and female (t=2.805, p =0.005). The predictors of dimensions of health promoting life style were age (p=0.042), faculty (p=0.026), level of study (0.004) and religion (0.013). CONCLUSION: The study concluded that there is a statistically significant relationship between health promoting lifestyle and age, religion and respondents study level.

CONTEXTE: L'impact des choix de mode de vie sur la santé a fait l'objet d'une attention accrue ces dernières années en raison de plusieurs études scientifiques qui ont révélé des résultats positifs entre les maladies et la qualité de vie. Cette étude a déterminé les facteurs influençant les modes de vie favorables à la santé chez les étudiants de premier cycle de l'Université Obafemi Awolowo. MÉTHODES: Cette étude a utilisé un plan descriptif transversal. Une technique d'échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés a été utilisée dans cette étude. Les données ont été recueillies auprès de 401 étudiants de premier cycle à l'aide du questionnaire Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II), adapté d'études antérieures. Une analyse de régression multiple a été utilisée pour analyser les effets de diverses données démographiques sur le score global du HPLP-II. L'association a été déterminée en utilisant un intervalle de confiance de 95 % et une valeur p inférieure à 5 % a été considérée comme statistiquement significative. RÉSULTATS: Le score total moyen de HPLP II parmi les répondants était de 131,2 ±18,4. Les autres dimensions du style de vie favorisant la santé sont la responsabilité en matière de santé, l'activité physique, la nutrition, la gestion du stress, l'accomplissement de soi et les relations interpersonnelles. Les étudiants ont obtenu les scores moyens les plus élevés en matière de réalisation de soi chez les hommes (27,8±5,4) et les femmes (27,7±5,2). L'activité physique a obtenu le score moyen le plus faible chez les hommes (17,3±4,9) et les femmes (15,9±4,7). Il y avait une différence statistiquement significative dans le score moyen de l'activité physique pour les hommes et les femmes (t=2,805, p =0,005). Les prédicteurs des dimensions du style de vie favorisant la santé étaient l'âge (p=0,042), la faculté (p=0,026), le niveau d'étude (0,004) et la religion (0,013). CONCLUSION: L'étude a conclu qu'il existe une relation statistiquement significative entre le style de vie favorisant la santé et l'âge, la religion et le niveau d'étude des répondants. Mots clés: Modes de vie favorables à la santé, maladies non transmissibles, étudiants de premier cycle, variables prédictives.

METHODS OF PAYMENT FOR HEALTH CARE AND PERCEPTION OF A PREPAYMENT SCHEME AMONG AUTO-TECHNICIANS IN ABUJA, NIGERIA.

BACKGROUND: The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Nigeria has succeeded in enrolling only a minute fraction of the population. Studies on the scheme among informal sector employees are required to plan a scale up of the programme in this group which represents the majority of the working population in the country. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to assess the method of payment for health care, awareness of and the perception about the NHIS among auto-technicians in Abuja, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among auto-technicians in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria. Data was collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire, and analyzed with SPSS version 17. RESULTS: A total of 351 auto-technicians and allied workers participated in the study. Post-secondary education [(Odds Ratio (OR) = 7.78, 95% CI = 1.61 - 37.54, p = 0.01)] and having a spouse who is gainfully employed [(OR = 3.67, 95% CI = 1.04-12.93)] predicted awareness of the NHIS. Older people above forty years of age were significantly less likely to be aware of the NHIS, (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.08 - 0.92, p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Despite the glaring need and willingness of the participants to enroll in a prepayment scheme for health, workers in the informal sector of the economy may remain unreached by NHIS due to lack of awareness and skepticism. Strategic steps to remove ignorance and dispel doubts is imperative for scale up of the NHIS in the informal sector.

Challenges to Care and Medication Adherence of Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in a Resource Limited Setting: A Qualitative Study.

The factors related to care of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) often affects treatment outcome. We examined adherence to medication and other challenges to care in our patients on treatment of CML. This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews of 20 patients with CML receiving free imatinib (Glivec) from the Glivec International Patients' Assistance Program. Data collected were thematically analyzed. Findings revealed that despite free drug assistance, there was relative lack of awareness resulting in inappropriate health-seeking behavior. The challenges cut across situations such as poverty, fear of the sustenance of the compassionate drug program, and living far away from the clinic. Forgetfulness was reported as the cause of poor adherence in this study. Suggested solutions include increasing community awareness, ensuring sustainability of the program and establishing more treatment centers nationwide. Strategies such as reminders and patents' support will improve drug adherence among this cohort.

Knowledge Attitude and Practices Toward Lassa Fever Control and Prevention Among Residents of Ile-Ife, Southwest Nigeria.

Lassa fever had been reported as a cause of death especially in endemic parts of Nigeria. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices toward Lassa fever control and prevention among residents of Ile-Ife, southwest Nigeria. Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among consenting randomly selected adults using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 400 questionnaires with completed data were analyzed (response rate 96%). Majority, 207 (51.8%), were males while 193 (48.2%) were females. Most, 234 (58.5%), had tertiary education while 148 (37%) had secondary education. Fifty-nine percent had heard of Lassa fever with radio as their major source of information. About 76% had inadequate knowledge, 54% had negative attitude while 51% had poor practice toward Lassa fever. Determinants of knowledge of Lassa fever include having higher education (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) = 11.49, 95% CI [3.10, 42.69], p = .0001), being in civil service (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI [0.09, 0.51], p = .01), and earning higher income (AOR = 4.23, 95% CI [2.61, 6.84], p = .0001). In conclusion, the knowledge, attitude, as well as preventive practices to Lassa fever were poor. It is necessary to increase public education and improve hygienic practices.

Health workers' knowledge on future vascular disease risk in women with pre-eclampsia in south western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Pre-eclampsia progressing to eclampsia is one of the major causes of maternal death in Nigeria. Since there is long term association of pre-eclampsia with cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, renal disease, short life expectancy and mortality, it is essential to obtain obstetric history for better counseling and long term monitoring. The study assessed the knowledge of health workers about the association of pre-eclampsia with future cardiovascular disease and offering any risk-reduction counseling to women with pre-eclampsia. METHODS: During a training workshop, a validated questionnaire on the association between pre-eclampsia and cardiovascular risk was distributed among health care workers working at the infant welfare and family planning clinics in Osun State. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-six out of 150 health workers approached participated in the study (response rate 97.3%). Mean age of respondents was 35.6 ± 9.1 years. Median age of practice was 7 years, ranging from 1-40 years. They were medical doctors (60.3%), community health workers (26.7%) and nurses/midwives (13.0%). Most participants had good knowledge on future cardiovascular risk of pre-eclampsia. The medical doctors had better knowledge compared to nurses/midwives and community health workers (78.4 vs. 57.9 vs. 53.8%; p < 0.05). Below half (45.9%) offered risk-reduction counseling. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the cardiovascular risk factors was lower among the nurses/midwives and community health workers. Risk reduction counseling was quite low across all the health workers. There is need for continuous medical education and possible review of the training curriculum of the lower cadres of health workers.

ASSESSMENT OF THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF RURAL BASED PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS WITH CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS IN NIGERIA.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the living conditions of rural based people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and their clinical presentations DESIGN: descriptive cross-sectional study, SETTING: University College Hospital, Ibadan. SUBJECTS: PLWHA on anti-retroviral therapy. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty PLWHA participated. The mean age of the respondents was 28.7 ± 8.9 years. Majority of the respondents visited had advanced disease (97%), were poor (75%) and presented with opportunistic infections such as oral candidiasis (92%), chronic diarrhoea (70%) and pulmonary tuberculosis (46%). Majority were treated for malaria (72%) and anaemia (61%). All respondents lived in homes predisposed to these opportunistic infections. They drink unsafe water and had poor disposal of their domestic wastes. CONCLUSION: PLWHA visited lived in homes that predispose them to various opportunistic infections. Improved living conditions and economic empowerment will improve the health conditions of PLWHA.

Patterns of presentations at a free eye clinic in an urban state hospital.

BACKGROUND: Provision of affordable eye care is one of the cardinal programs of the Osun State Government of Nigeria. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the pattern of eye diseases presenting in a secondary health care facility based at Osogbo the State Capital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the hospital records of all patients that were cared for at the eye clinic of the State Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria from January 2009 to December 2010. RESULTS: A total of 1018 patients were attended to at the eye clinic during the period of review. Mean age of these patients was 49.4 ± 23.2 years. There were 408 (40.1%) males and 610 (59.9%) females with a female-male ratio of 1.5 : 1. Most of them were traders (28.1%) and married (32.1%). Vernal conjunctivitis (21.1%), cataract (14%), glaucoma (11.1%), and refractive errors (20.7%) were the main eye diagnoses. CONCLUSION: Preventable causes of blindness were quite common among the patients. There is a need for community education to reduce the prevalence of these diseases in the general population.

Roles of family dynamics on adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS at a tertiary hospital in Osogbo, south-west Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been proven to be the only effective treatment for HIV/AIDS worldwide. Good adherence to HAART might require good family support. OBJECTIVE: To determine the family dynamics and social support of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and its roles on HAART adherence at an ARV treatment clinic in Osogbo, Nigeria. METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Consenting PLWHA on HAART were interviewed using pre-tested semistructured questionnaire incorporating Perceived Social Support- Family Scale and Family APGAR. HAART adherence was measured using patient self report. RESULTS: A total of 379 PLWHA were interviewed. Their mean age was 40.8 (SD=9.9) years. Most (60.7%) were females. More than half (55.7%) were currently married and the majority (72.1%) had secondary education and were Yoruba (86.3%). Most respondents (95.5%) were adherent to HAART. Over 90% were satisfied with support received from their family while 82.3% were treated like other family members. Most attributed their HAART adherence to the care and support received from their family. CONCLUSION: Most PLWHA had good social support and were adherent to HAART.

Socio-demographic characteristics and challenges experienced by disabled patients living with HIV/AIDS in a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and few studies had looked at physically and mentally challenged people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in this environment. This study aimed to describe the socio-demographic characteristics and challenges faced by these patients attending University College Hospital, Ibadan. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was done. A semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was administered to consecutive disabled PLHIV over a period of six months. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: A total of ninety-nine patients were seen during the study period. The mean age of these patients was 39.9 +/- 9.4 years (range 23-60 years). There were 30 (30.3%) males and 69 (69.7%) females. Twenty-four percent had no formal education while 12% had tertiary education. All respondents had suffered stigmatization/discrimination while most were poor. Eighty-seven percent had AIDS at presentation. Musculoskeletal impairments (46.5%), hearing loss (16.2%) and visual impairment (31.3%) were the commonest disability. Over twenty-three percent had prior history of road traffic accident as the cause of disability. CONCLUSION: Physically and mentally challenged people living with HIV/AIDS are poor and highly stigmatized. They require special assistance to cope and need economic empowerment to reduce their poverty level.

Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1): knowledge among senior health workers at a secondary health care institution in Southwest, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge of influenza A (H1N1) infection among health care workers in a secondary health care facility in Osogbo, Southwest Nigeria. METHODS: A structured questionnaire assessing participants'knowledge of swine influenza viruses, mode of transmission, clinical criteria, primary prevention, indications for emergency care, care of affected persons and ongoing pandemic of Influenza A H1N1 was hand-delivered to all senior health care workers working in the hospital. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 40.4±9.6 years. The majority (59.3%) were females. Television (73.6%) radio (61.5%), newspapers (44%), other health workers (31.9%), and internet (15.4%) were the main sources of information about influenza A H1N1. Nearly all (92.3%) felt that their source of information about the disease was inadequate. About half (51.6%) knew the virus can be transmitted from one person to another. Majority identified correctly the symptoms of infected victims such as fever (83.5%), and runny nose (79.1%). Most (87.9%) identified hand washing with soap and water as a mode of preventing transmission. Most (83.5%) felt an infected person should be isolated while very few knew oseltamivir (13.2%) and zanamivir (17.6%) are drugs to treat. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified, male sex (p=0.029), internet as a source of information (p=0.029) and knowledge of prevention of H1N1 (p= 0.005) as factors that were significantly associated with a high knowledge score on the current pandemic. CONCLUSION: There is a need to provide comprehensive information to health workers on the current pandemic.

Social problems of indeterminate and false positive hiv test results among clients attending a nigerian hiv treatment clinic.

Increased availability of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screening test and more public enlightenment have resulted in more people coming forward to access counseling and testing at the HIV counseling and testing centers in Nigeria. Some of the clients however obtained indeterminate and false positive results leading to emotional disturbance and occasionally, dilemma to the attending physician. This article/case series looked at some of these situations and discussed how they were attended to.

Social problems of indeterminate and false positive HIV Test results among llients attending a Nigerian HIV treatment clinic

Increased availability of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screening test and more public enlightenment have resulted in more people coming forward to access counseling and testing at the HIV counseling and testing centers in Nigeria. Some of the clients however obtained indeterminate and false positive results leading to emotional disturbance and occasionally; dilemma to the attending physician. This article/case series looked at some of these situations and discussed how they were attended to

Pattern of tympanic membrane perforation in ibadan: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Tympanic membrane perforations vary in size, shape and position. The degree of conductive deafness varies with the size and position of the tympanic membrane perforation. OBJECTIVE: This study is to determine the pattern and causes of tympanic membrane perforation. METHOD: Hospital based study at the ENT Clinic, UCH, Ibadan. Consecutive patients seen during the period of study with ear symptoms were interviewed and examined by ENT surgeons. This information was entered into computer and analyzed using SPSS v 11. RESULT: Thirty-three (13.5%) of the 244 patients were found to have tympanic membrane perforation. Fifteen (45.5%) patients were new while 18 (54.5%) were follow up patients. There were 13 (39.4%) males and 20 (60.6%) females. The type of perforation seen were central 57.6%, subtotal 33.3%, total 6.1%, marginal 3.0%. The sides affected were left ear 45.5%, right ear 15.2%, and both ears 39.4%. The causes found were chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) 90.9%, acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM) 6.1%, and trauma to the affected ear 3.0%. CSOM was the cause of tympanic membrane perforation seen in children. CONCLUSION: There is need for early diagnosis and treatment of all cases of tympanic membrane perforation and proper education of parents and guardians on proper method of ear care and early referral. There is also need to train all healthcare workers especially primary health care providers on how to manage these cases.