Environmental and psychosocial predictors of cervical cancer screening among women in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, North Central, Nigeria.

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality among Nigerian women. Although screening is a cost-effective strategy for reducing its burden, uptake remains sub-optimal. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 514 sexually active women aged ≥25 years in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria using a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Mean age of respondents was 38.4±11.6years. 246(46.9%) had good knowledge of CC screening while 268(51.2%) had poor knowledge. Religion (aOR:1.8 [95% CI: 1.1 - 3.1]), location (aOR:1.2 [95% CI: 1.2 - 3.4) and number of children (aOR:2.3 [95% CI: 1.3 - 3.9]) were predictors for screening. Poor access routes to health facilities (aOR:0.5 [95% CI: 0.2 - 0.9]), high cost of screening (aOR:0.4 [95% CI: 0.2 - 0.9]), unaware of screening centers (aOR:0.4 [95% CI: 0.2 - 0.9]) and long waiting hours (aOR:0.5 [95% CI: 0.2 - 0.9) were identified environmental predictors. Fear of positive diagnosis/stigma (aOR:0.3 [95% CI: 0.1 - 0.9]), unacceptable touch (aOR:0.2 [95% CI: 0.1 - 0.8), deficiency in awareness programs (aOR:0.3 [95% CI: 0.2 - 0.7]), and not aware of appropriate screening age (aOR:0.1 [95% CI: 0.1 - 0.4]) were identified psychosocial predictors. This study highlights the need to intensify enlightenment programs, subsidize screening services, and encourage community screening.

Exposure to Agrochemicals and Markers of Kidney Damage among Farmers in Rural Communities in Southwestern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) is assuming an epidemic proportion, especially in farming communities worldwide. We explored the relationship between CKD markers and agrochemical exposure among rural farmers in South Western Nigeria. METHODS: We studied selected farming communities in Southwestern Nigeria where the use of agrochemicals was widespread. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to participants. Anthropometric data, information on use of agro-chemicals; urine and blood samples were obtained. Informed consent was obtained from participants. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics committee and complied with 1975 Helsinki declaration, as revised in 2000. RESULTS: A total of 438 farmers made up of 202 males (46.1%) and 236 females (53.9%) were studied. The mean microalbuminuria was 30.2 ±11.7 mg/dl. Majority of the farmers had CKD stage 2(42.0%) and CKD stage 3 (37.7%). The type of farming engaged in had a positive, but not significant, correlation with eGFR (r=0.012, p=0.832). There was positive correlation between type of farming and GFR category (r=0.24, p=0.000). Frequency of use of hexachlorocyclohexane had a positive and significant correlation with eGFR (r=0.111, p=0.045). Annual crop farming had a correlation with UACR (r=0.149, p=0.024). CONCLUSION: Annual crop farming had a positive correlation with UACR, eGFR and GFR category. The prolonged use of agrochemicals on an annual basis can cause kidney damage.

Prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and its risk factors among adult men in a Nigerian community.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study assesses the prevalence of erectile dysfunction as well as its risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study among 650 adult males, aged between 18 and 70 years selected by multi-stage sampling technique. Data were obtained from respondents selected from 4 wards in Olorunda local government area of Osogbo in Osun state, Southwest, Nigeria, using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires. RESULTS: Majority of the respondents were between ages 20-29 years with mean age of 33.6 ± 13.4 years. Most of the respondents [547(91.2%)] were aware of ED and 63.4% of them said it can be treated. The prevalence of ED was 43.8% and factors such as increasing age (p=0.00), hypertension (p=0.000), diabetes mellitus (p=0.000), perineal surgery (p=0.000), alcohol consumption (p=0.000), and smoking (p=0.000) were found to be significantly associated with developing ED. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The level of awareness about erectile dysfunction was high among respondents and the prevalence from this study was 43.8%. Factors associated with ED from this study included increasing age, alcohol consumption, hypertension, perineal injury and surgery. Hence, the risk of developing ED can be significantly reduced by educating men about life style modifications such as reduction in alcohol intake and smoking, as well as regular exercises.

Assessment of the reproductive health status of adult prison inmates in osun state, Nigeria.

Introduction. All over the world, numbers of prisoners have being increasing with majority in the sexually active age group; hence diseases such as HIV, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis are more prevalent in prisons than in the community. This study thus aims to provide an overview of the reproductive health status of adult prison inmates in Osun State. Methodology. This is a cross-sectional study among adult inmates in Osun State prison. Data was obtained from 209 selected respondents using pre-tested semi structured questionnaire. Result. Majority of the respondents were in the age group 20-39 years with mean age of 30.9 + 7.5. 73.2% are aware of STIs, 93.3% HIV/AIDS and 81.3% contraception. 54.6% had multiple sexual partners before incarceration and 23.3% of them used condom always. 89.5% were not involved in any sexual practice inside the prison, 9.1% masturbated and 1.4% had homosexual partners. Less than 6% had access to male condoms gotten from prison staffs and prison clinics. Conclusion and recommendation. No comprehensive reproductive health care system to address reproductive health services in prisons. Respondents' knowledge about STIs, HIV/AIDS and contraception is good, but their condom usage is low compared with the knowledge. Government should put in place specific reproductive health programmes in prisons.

Awareness and breast cancer risk factors: perception and screening practices among females in a tertiary institution in Southwest Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: this study is aimed at assessing the practices of breast cancer screening and risk perception of women of reproductive age group in a tertiary institution in Osun state. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: It was a descriptive cross sectional study carried out at the Federal polytechnic, Ede. A total of 393 eligible respondents recruited using a stratified random sampling technique, were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire after obtaining a verbal consent from them. RESULTS: About two thirds (67.9%) of those who had heard of breast cancer knew that there were screening methods available. Of these 91.6% knew breast self examination, 93.2% knew clinical breast examination and only a third 32.8% knew mammography as a screening method. About half of respondents who were aware of breast cancer practice breast self examination. Only 28 (7.6%) of the respondents had ever visited any clinic for breast cancer screening, and 85.7% (24) of the visit was for clinical breast examination while mammography was rarely done (14.3%). Eighty one per cent of those who were aware of breast cancer believed that screening had a role to play. CONCLUSION: The study shows that though awareness of breast cancer among respondents was good, the practice of breast cancer screening was poor among the respondents and even worse with screening with mammography. A major recommendation is that initiatives to reduce morbidity and mortality due to breast cancer among young females in the southwest Nigeria should include education on risk factors, early signs and methods of screening for breast cancer.

Knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening among female nurses and lay women in Osogbo, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African women. Most researchers have attributed the late presentation to poor knowledge of breast cancer symptoms. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening in two groups of women with different levels of knowledge of breast carcinoma. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using self administered questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of breast cancer and screening programmes among nurses in a university teaching hospital, and women in non health professionals in south-western Nigeria. RESULTS: The mean knowledge score for the nurses was 10.9%±3.6 whereas the mean score for non-health professionals was 3.5%±4.1 (p value < 0.001). In those above the age of 40 years, comprising 141 subjects, 35 nurses and 106 women in non-health professionals, 22.9% and 15% respectively had had a mammogram (p=0.289,1.123). CONCLUSION: Good knowledge does not imply better screening rates in south-western Nigeria.

Cranial computerised tomographic assessment of cerebrovascular disease in Osogbo, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Non-contrast computerized axial tomography (CT) is the routine imaging modality of choice for acute stroke evaluation, because it is widely accessible, convenient, has a short imaging time, and is sensitive for detection of haemorrhage. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the pattern of stroke by computerised tomography (CT) and to relate the clinical diagnosis of stroke to the radiological features. METHODS: a retrospective study of 86 patients with suspected stroke who had CT of the brain from October 2005 to December 2008 were studied. The type and location of the stroke were documented and correlated with the age and sex. RESULTS: Sixty-five (75.6%) out of the 86 patients had CVD. Normal study was noted in 7(8.12%) patients and 14(16.3%) patients had other intracranial conditions wrongly diagnosed clinically as stroke. Ischaemic CVD was the most common [43(66.2%)], haemorrhagic CVD [21(32.3%)] and combined ischaemic and haemorrhagic, one(1.5%). Most [26(60.5%)] of the ischaemic stroke lesions were localized to the region of the middle and anterior cerebral arteries. There were no differences based on gender in the distribution of stroke pattern within the brain or the type of cerebrovascular disease. CONCLUSION: ischaemic CVD is the most common stroke. The rate of misdiagnosis of stroke is high in the Osogbo environment.

Knowledge and attitude of civil servants in Osun state, Southwestern Nigeria towards the national health insurance.

INTRODUCTION: In Nigeria, inequity and poor accessibility to quality health care has been a persistent problem. This study aimed to determine knowledge and attitude of civil servants in Osun state towards the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive, cross sectional study of 380 civil servants in the employment of Osun state government, using multi stage sampling method. The research instruments was pre-coded, semi structured, self administered questionnaires. RESULTS: About 60% were aware of out of pocket as the most prevalent form of health care financing, while 40% were aware of NHIS, television and billboards were their main sources of awareness, However, none had good knowledge of the components of NHIS, 26.7% knew about its objectives, and 30% knew about who ideally should benefit from the scheme. Personal spending still accounts for a high as 74.7% of health care spending among respondents but respondents believed that this does not cover all their health needs. Only 0.3% have so far benefited from NHIS while 199 (52.5%) of respondents agreed to participate in the scheme. A significant association exists between willingness to participate in the NHIS scheme and awareness of methods of options of health care financing and awareness of NHIS (P < 0.05) CONCLUSION: Poor knowledge of the objectives and mechanism of operation of the NHIS scheme characterised the civil servants under study. The poor knowledge of the components and fair attitude towards joining the scheme observed in this study could be improved upon, if stakeholders in the scheme could carry out adequate awareness seminars targeted at the civil servants.

Preferred Choice of Health Facilities for Healthcare among Adult Residents in Ilorin Metropolis; Kwara State; Nigeria

Purpose: The choice of health facilities for healthcare by an individual is largely determined by several factors. This study aims to determine predictors of preferred choice of health facility for care. Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study; pre-tested semi-structure questionnaire was administered to 366 adults selected through a multi-stage sampling technique in Ilorin metropolis. Data collected were analysed using Epi Info software version 3.4.1 and level of significance set at p 0.05. Results: The preferred health facility for medical care was private hospitals (35.2) followed by pharmaceutical store (27.9) and 17.0for general/teaching hospitals and only 12.3for primary health care (PHC). Quick service and availability of drugs were the major reasons for their preference which were said to be better in private hospitals. Sex; marital status; educational status; occupation and city area where the respondents dwell are all associated with the preferred choice of health facility for care. Conclusion: This study has shown that the private sector is preferred to the public ones with regards to receiving healthcare and that within the public sector; the higher levels of health facilities are preferred to the primary health care centres. Improving the image and performance of the public health facilities especially the PHC is very important for appropriate utilization of health services

Knowledge and Attitude of Civil Servants in Osun State; Southwestern Nigeria Towards the National Health Insurance

Introduction: In Nigeria; inequity and poor accessibility to quality health care has been a persistent problem. This study aimed to determine knowledge and attitude of civil servants in Osun state towards the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Methodology: This is a descriptive; cross sectional study of 380 civil servants in the employment of Osun state government; using multi stage sampling method. The research instruments was pre-coded; semi structured; self administered questionnaires. Results: About 60were aware of out of pocket as the most prevalent form of health care financing; while 40were aware of NHIS; television and billboards were their main sources of awareness; However; none had good knowledge of the components of NHIS; 26.7knew about its objectives; and 30knew about who ideally should benefit from the scheme. Personal spending still accounts for a high as 74.7of health care spending among respondents but respondents believed that this does not cover all their health needs. Only 0.3have so far benefited from NHIS while 199 (52.5) of respondents agreed to participate in the scheme. A significant association exists between willingness to participate in the NHIS scheme and awareness of methods of options of health care financing and awareness of NHIS (P0.05) Conclusion: Poor knowledge of the objectives and mechanism of operation of the NHIS scheme characterised the civil servants under study. The poor knowledge of the components and fair attitude towards joining the scheme observed in this study could be improved upon; if stakeholders in the scheme could carry out adequate awareness seminars targeted at the civil servants

Knowledge and practices of poultry workers on prevention of avian flu in osogbo, osun state, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Nigeria recorded its first case of avian flu among birds early in the year 2006 and by the third quarter of the year, about sixteen states of the country had been affected. Finding out the knowledge and practices of persons in close contact with birds as regards the avian flu would help to identify areas in need of focused attention and alert the coordinating agencies of the magnitude and prevalence of practices which may encourage the spread of the disease. METHODOLOGY: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey of poultry owners and workers in Osogbo, Osun State, southwestern Nigeria. Information was obtained from 65 of the 100 registered members of the poultry association who consented to answering questions on the pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires. RESULT: In this study, 49.1% (28) of the study sample knew of avian flu, and 46.4% (13) of these knew that the disease was present in Nigeria. Only 50% (14) of those who knew about the disease felt it could affect human beings. For those who have heard of the disease before, 85.7% (24) knew it could be transmitted from sick birds to humans. Practices which favour the spread of the virus that were engaged in by the respondents included using bird droppings as manure (71.9%), and feeding fish with intestines of killed chicken (66.7%). CONCLUSION: The study shows a low level of awareness of avian flu among the poultry workers and owners. It is recommended that massive education should be embarked upon for groups occupying strategic positions in disease epidemiology, as well as all stake holders in poultry farming.