Practice of safety measures among inter-city commercial vehicle drivers in Kwara State, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) is rising world-wide, with 1.24 million people killed on the world's roads in 2010 due to non-compliance with safety measures. The objectives of the study was to determine the practice of safety measures and prevalence of road crashes among inter-city commercial vehicle drivers in Kwara State, Nigeria. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study done by interviewer-administered questionnaire and blood alcohol concentration of respondents was determined using Breathalyzers. A total of 410 respondents were involved by multi-stage sampling technique; data analysis was done using EPI INFO version 3.5.1 software package. Level of significance was < 0.05 at 95% confidence level. RESULTS: More than eighty per cent of the respondents practiced safety measures and checked their vehicles before embarking on a journey. More respondents who practiced safety measures carried out driving test before issuance of license compared with those who did not (p = 0.001). Some respondents tested positive for alcohol with mean blood alcohol concentration of 23.28 ± 23.32 µg/dl. About a third of the respondents had road traffic crashes in the past. CONCLUSIONS: The drivers demonstrated good safety measures and practices before embarking on a journey. Safety practices were influenced by driving test before issuance of license. Sensitization and orientation of drivers on relevance of driving test before issuance of driving license should be promoted by all stakeholders in road safety. The enforcement of laws by government is critical to addressing challenges of road safety and security by ensuring appropriate driving test before licensing.

Knowledge of blood donation among adults in north-central Nigeria

Background: About half of the population in Nigeria is medically fit for blood donation but only four in one thousand are voluntary donors. The low level of blood donation has been attributed to poor knowledge, misconceptions, myths, bias, poverty, fear, malnutrition among the population. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge of blood donation among adults in two selected North Central States of Nigeria.Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 3104 respondents comprising of adults between 18 and 60 years were involved in the study. A multistage sampling technique was used and the research tool was interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data generated were entered into the computer and subjected to appropriate statistical analysis using EPI INFO computer software package (version 3.5.3). Pearson Chi Square (χ2) was used to test statistical significance and p-value was set at < 0.05.Results: Majority of the respondents 2565 (82.5%) knew that blood donation save lives. More than three-quarters, 2468 (79.5%), knew where to go for voluntary blood donation. About one-third, (37.1%), demonstrated good knowledge of voluntary blood donation. Older respondents (>60 years) had poor knowledge of blood transfusion compared with younger age groups (p<0.001). Respondents' occupation and educational status were significantly associated with knowledge of blood transfusion (p<0.001)Conclusion: Periodic awareness programme on voluntary blood donation in rural and urban areas across Nigeria is needed. In addition, sensitization of the informal sector on the significance of non-remunerated voluntary blood donation should be given priority

Knowledge of blood donation among adults in north-central Nigeria

Background: About half of the population in Nigeria is medically fit for blood donation but only four in one thousand are voluntary donors. The low level of blood donation has been attributed to poor knowledge, misconceptions, myths, bias, poverty, fear, malnutrition among the population. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge of blood donation among adults in two selected North Central States of Nigeria. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 3104 respondents comprising of adults between 18 and 60 years were involved in the study. A multistage sampling technique was used and the research tool was interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data generated were entered into the computer and subjected to appropriate statistical analysis using EPI INFO computer software package (version 3.5.3). Pearson Chi Square (χ2) was used to test statistical significance and p-value was set at < 0.05. Results: Majority of the respondents 2565 (82.5%) knew that blood donation save lives. More than three-quarters, 2468 (79.5%), knew where to go for voluntary blood donation. About one-third, (37.1%), demonstrated good knowledge of voluntary blood donation. Older respondents (>60 years) had poor knowledge of blood transfusion compared with younger age groups (p<0.001). Respondents' occupation and educational status were significantly associated with knowledge of blood transfusion (p<0.001). Conclusion: Periodic awareness programme on voluntary blood donation in rural and urban areas across Nigeria is needed. In addition, sensitization of the informal sector on the significance of non-remunerated voluntary blood donation should be given priority

A 5-year review of pattern of placenta previa in Ilorin, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Placenta previa, a major cause of obstetric hemorrhage, is potentially life-threatening to the mother and frequently results in high perinatal morbidity and mortality. METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective study of all cases of placenta previa managed at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital over a 5-year from January 2011 to December 2015. A pro forma template was used to harvest information from case notes of patients involved in the study. RESULTS: There were a total of 10,250 deliveries over the 5-year study and 164 cases of placenta previa were managed during this period; giving an incidence of 1.6% of the total deliveries. Of these patients, 65.9% were unbooked while 34.1% were booked. 110 (67%) were above 30 years of age and 51.2% were grand multiparous women. The majority (81.7%) of the patients belonged to the low socioeconomic class. Painless vaginal bleeding (62.2%), intrapartum hemorrhage (22.6%), and abnormal lie presentation (8.5%) were the most common mode of presentation. Vaginal delivery occurred in (29.3%) of patients while 70. 7% were delivered through cesarean section. There was a significant association between patients' age, parity, booking status, and types of placenta previa (P < 0.05). Similarly, there was a significant association between gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, intraoperative blood loss, and birth weight at delivery and types of placenta previa (P < 0.05). Perinatal mortality was 12.2%, 15.6% of babies had severe birth asphyxia, and there was no maternal mortality. CONCLUSION: From this study, the risk factors for placenta previa are advanced maternal age above 35 years, grand multiparity, and booking status. Early recognition, appropriate referral of these patients and availability of ultrasound facilities, blood transfusion facilities, improvement in neonatal facilities and trained personnel will go a long way in reducing the perinatal mortality from placenta previa.

Knowledge and prevalence of risk factors for arterial hypertension and blood pressure pattern among bankers and traffic wardens in Ilorin, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: High job strain, mental stress, sedentary lifestyle, increase in BMI are among the factors associated with significantly higher incidence of hypertension. The job of bank employees is both sedentary in nature and accompanies high mental stress. The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge of risk factors among respondents and to compare the blood pressure pattern of bankers and traffic wardens. METHODOLOGY: The study design is a descriptive cross-sectional conducted among bankers and traffic wardens in Ilorin to determine the pattern and knowledge of blood pressure. Self-administered questionnaires, weighing scale (Omron Digital scale), stadiometer and sphygmomanometer were used as the research instruments. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents involved in the study. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension in this study was 34.4% in bankers and 22.2% in traffic wardens. The risk factors the bankers commonly had knowledge of are alcohol, obesity, high salt intake, certain drugs, stress, emotional problems and family history while the traffic wardens commonly had knowledge of all these in addition to cigarette smoking. Also, more bankers (32.2%) than traffic wardens (13.3%) were smoking cigarette and more of these cigarette smokers that are bankers (17.8%) had elevated blood pressure compared to the traffic wardens (3.3%). CONCLUSION: Workers in the banking industry as well as traffic wardens should be better educated about the risk factors of hypertension and bankers should be encouraged to create time for exercise.

Prevalence of anaemia at booking in a semi-urban community in north-central Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of anaemia at booking clinic, describe the antenatal booking pattern, and categorize the degree of anaemia with certain demographic features. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out over a six month period between 1st April and 30th September 2008. A questionnaire was used to obtain demographic information and venous blood samples were collected from 1,086 consecutive patients who consented to participate in the study. The blood samples were tested for haemoglobin levels, genotype and blood group. RESULTS: Seven hundred and thirty two (67.4%) of the women anaemic at booking. Anaemia was more prevalent among multgravidae than primigravidae (p<0.05). Six hundred and sixty nine (61.6%) had mild anaemia while 40(4.4%) had moderate anaemia and 15 (1.4%) were severely anaemic, of which 8 (53.3%) were below 18 years of age. Varied degrees of anaemia were more common among women aged 24-28 years and in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy (80.7%) (p<0.05). One hundred and seventy (15.7%) of the enrolled booked for antenatal care in the 1st trimester, while 703(64.7%) booked in the 2nd trimester and 213 (19.6%) in the 3rd trimester of their pregnancies. Thirteen (1.2%) had sickle cell anaemia. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of anaemia at booking remains high in our society. Urgent need for public health education on early antenatal booking and improved literacy level of women is suggested to reduce the burden of anaemia in pregnancy.

Reproductive Health Problems and Health Seeking Behavior of Female Sex Workers in Sabon Gari Local Government Area; Zaria; Nigeria

Background: The sexual and reproductive health needs of sex workers have been neglected both in research and public health interventions. Among the reasons for this are the condemnation; stigma and ambiguous legal status of sex work in Nigeria. This study was aimed at determining the reproductive health problems and health-seeking behavior of brothel-based female sex workers (FSW). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among brothel-based FSW in Sabon-Gari Local Government in Zaria; Nigeria between 1 st January 2011 and 31 st June 2011. A total of 208 FSW were randomly selected and information was obtained with the use of the semi-structured questionnaire. Data entry was done with the help of structured codes in Microsoft Excel. Descriptive analysis was carried out using the statistical package (SSPS 16-University of Bristol). Results: Majority 90.7 of the respondents had experienced reproductive morbidity in the last 3 months. Frequently experienced symptoms were vaginal discharge (63.8); acute lower abdominal pain (57.5); menstrual irregularities (37) and genital ulcer (32.3). Genital tear occurred in only 25 (9.8) respondents. Furthermore; 178 (63.6) had a termination of unwanted pregnancies. Most (32.3) sought care for their reproductive health problems from chemist shops; followed by the private hospitals in 23.6

Knowledge of Glasgow coma scale by physicians in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The Glasgow coma scale (GCS) form the basis for important management decisions by the attending physicians or other health personnel in the care of comatose patients. Inaccurate reporting may result in unnecessary treatment and diagnostic tests. The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge of GCS among physicians in different specialties of training in a tertiary centre in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a descriptive survey conducted among doctors at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) Ilorin, in North Central Nigeria. Physicians from different specialties and all levels of training were surveyed. Questionnaires were administered simultaneously within a department without prior notification. Participants were instructed not to use any reference materials while completing the questionnaire. RESULTS: Majority of the physicians could indicate correctly what GCS stands for (97%) and identify each category correctly. However, only 37% could score all the categories correctly. There was a positive impact in theoretical knowledge and recall among respondents who has had training in GCS. The level of training of respondents correlated well with recall of GCS with Residents and interns faring better than fellows and medical officers. Recall of GCS scoring was least among Physicians in family medicine compared to physicians in other specialties. CONCLUSION: Improved training with retention strategies in the use of the GCS and retraining of all physicians involved in the management of the comatose patients should be the focus of future strategic plans.

Ectopic pregnancy in Ilorin, Nigeria: a four year review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This is to study the incidence, predisposing factors, clinical presentation and management of ectopic pregnancy that presented over a four year period. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 98 ectopic pregnancies managed at the gynaecological unit of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin from 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2007. Information was obtained from the case notes, theatre and labour ward registers. RESULTS: A total of 10,054 deliveries were recorded while 1,430 gynaecological patients were admitted. Ninety eight patients had ectopic gestation accounting for 1% of all deliveries and 6.9% of all gynaecological admissions. The peak age group was 25-29 years (33%); 70 (74.5%) were married and 16 (17%) were students mostly undergraduates. Previous pelvic inflammatory disease 78 (83%), previous pelvic surgery 7 (7.4%) and previous history of ectopic pregnancy 2 (2.1%) were the most common risk factors in the patients. Lower abdominal pain 90 (95.7%), missed period 82 (87.2%), dizziness/fainting attack 57( 60.6%) and vaginal bleeding 50 (53.2%) were the predominant symptoms at presentation. There were 2 (2.1%) bilateral ampullary tubal ectopic with one unruptured ec- topic which was treated with linear salpingostomy. Only one (1.1%) case of heterotrophic pregnancy. Open abdominal surgery was the treatment employed in all the patients. No Mortality was recorded. CONCLUSION: The incidence of ectopic pregnancy can be reduced by putting in place measures to reduce induced abortion and pelvic inflammatory disease. In addition, early presentation, prompt diagnosis and efficient blood transfusion services will decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with ectopic pregnancy.

Prevalence and risk factors of cervical cancer among women in an urban community of Kwara State, north central Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy in women worldwide with a high incidence in under-developed countries and Nigeria is one of these countries. This study aimed at screening for cervical cancer using Papanicolaou smear and to identify risk factors for cervical cancer among women in Olufadi community, Kwara State, North-central Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving the screening of women aged 25-64 years for cervical cancer using Papanicolaou smear. Respondents were selected through systematic random sampling of households. Interviewer- administered questionnaire and clinical report form were also used to collect data. In addition, Pap smear samples were taken. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 15. RESULTS: Only 10 (5.0%) respondents had positive cytology result, while the rest were normal. Of the 10 positive cytology results, 1 (10.0%) was high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL) while the remaining 9 (90.0%) were low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LGSIL) which corresponds to 0.5% and 4.5% of the total respondents respectively. Risk factors for cervical cancer identified included coitarche, tobacco smoking, number of sexual partners and family history of cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study attest to the increasing burden of cervical cancer. The high number of positive results obtained from the study coupled with the presence of risk factors was an indication of how useful regular screening will be in the early detection of cervical cancer.

Pattern of bacterial isolates in the middle ear discharge of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media in a tertiary hospital in North central Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Otitis media (OM) is a major health problem in both developed and developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To determine the pattern of bacterial isolates in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media(CSOM) in Ilorin, Nigeria. METHODS: A prospective study carried out in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria among consenting patients with CSOM attending the ENT clinic over a period of 7months. Informed consent was obtained from the patients or caregivers and approval for the study obtained from ethical committee. Structured questionnaire was administered and microbiological analysis done, data obtained was entered into SPSS statistical software and results presented in tables and figures. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients aged 5-64yrs with chronic suppurative otitis media were interviewed with a mean age of 17.0 (S.D. =15.1±1.30). About 55.2% of the respondents were under 10yrs. Seventy-two (53.7%) of the respondents were males with M:F=1.2:1. The gram stain showed predominantly gram negative organisms (71.6%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the commonest middle ear pathogenic organism identified and the sensitivity pattern highly favoured ciprofloxacin CONCLUSION: CSOM is still a childhood problem among the under tens' more prevalent among males and the commonest agent is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ciprofloxacin is still the most sensitive antibiotics in vitro.

Knowledge and behavior towards voluntary blood donation among students of a tertiary institution in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Blood donation is the only way of acquiring blood to meet emergency requirements in cases of road traffic accidents, complications of pregnancy and childbirth, various anemic disorders and surgical emergencies among others. Globally, 80 million units of blood are donated each year, but only two million units are donated in sub-Saharan Africa where the need is enormous. The objective of this study was to determine the behavior of the students of a tertiary institution in Nigeria towards voluntary blood donation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, which involved students of a tertiary institution in Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed in selecting the participants for this study. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and factors affecting voluntary blood donation. The data obtained were analyzed using EPI-INFO 2005 software Version 3.3.2. RESULTS: Less than two-thirds (61%) of total respondents had good knowledge of blood donation. More than three quarters (85%) of the respondents had never donated blood. Of the 15% that had donated, only 3% donated voluntarily. Among those that had ever donated, males (57%) were more than females. Many of the donors donated for relatives (57%). The majority of the respondents were compelled to donate because of emergency situations (75%). The reasons why many did not donate were lack of opportunity (45%) due to tight lecture schedule and inadequate knowledge (24%). Gift items such as hematinics, T-shirts and wrist bands (29%) would motivate respondents to donate. CONCLUSION: The Students' Union body and other Organizations in the University should include a blood donation drive in their monthly/annual activities. The University authorities, the University health service centre and the Hematology Department of the Teaching hospital should collaborate in promoting voluntary blood donation among the students.

Community survey on blood donation practices in a northern state of Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Volunteer blood donors account for less than half of the blood supply in developing countries; and few countries have mobilized efforts to encourage voluntary blood donation (VBD). The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and blood donation practices among adults in a state in Northern Nigeria. METHODS: Descriptive cross sectional study using multistage sampling technique was carried out among 936 respondents. Semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to generate relevant data and information from the respondents. Data entry and analysis was done using EPI-info software package. RESULTS: The knowledge of the respondents on blood donation was low. Less than half 432 (46.2%) knew some indications for blood transfusion. Two hundred and twelve (22.6%) respondents had donated blood in the past but only 1% of these were VBD while 95% were donations based on blood needs by family members, relations and friends. Few respondents 112 (12%) had received blood transfusion in the past, and the main source of blood transfused was paid commercial donors 50 (44.6%). The fear of HIV screening was a major hindrance and limitation to voluntary blood donation among respondents. CONCLUSION: The gaps in knowledge & practice of VBD can be addressed through public awareness campaigns, and motivational programmes such as free medical services for voluntary blood donors.

Assessment of violence against women in Kano metropolis, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Violence against women, in its various forms, is endemic in communities and countries around the world, cutting across class, education, race, age, religious and national boundaries. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to identify various forms of gender based violence affecting women in Kano metropolis, determine factors responsible for gender based violence and use this to suggest ways of preventing gender based violence. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Respondents for this study were selected from the eight metropolitan Local Government Areas of Kano State, Nigeria. Six hundred adult males and females were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique by the use of questionnaire as the data tool. RESULTS: More than three quarters 436 (75.7%) of the respondents knew that women are subjected to various forms of verbal abuse in their homes by their spouses. Deprivation of assess to health care and education was identified by 454 (78.8%) and 490 (85.15) respondents as challenges faced by women at homes. Majority of the respondents 498 (86.4%) identified financial reason, four hundred and forty (76.4%) respondents mentioned unfaithfulness and three-quarters 434 (75.3%) of the respondents said refusal of sexual advance is a reason for violence activities witnessed by women in their respective homes. There was a statistically significant relationship in opinion of male and female on coercion of wife for sexual activities when she is tired and when she is not in the mood (p-value=0.0000). CONCLUSION: Government and Non Governmental organisation should intensify activities to promote awareness and advocacy on violence against women. Involvement of males in all programmes relating to violence against women should be done especially since the perpetrators in most cases are men.

Risk factors, threats and prevention of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in African countries

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a viral disease that affects the digestive; nervous and respiratory systems of all domestic and wild birds with high morbidity and mortality. It is highly contagious disease which can be fatal in humans. The avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are classified as types A; B and C with 15 subtypes of the type A. To date; all disease causing HPAI Viruses belong to H5 or H7 subtypes; and affect pigs and humans with the pigs serving as a mixing vehicle for re-assortment of the virus. The domestic ducks get infected without showing clinical signs and serve as a source of infection for domestic poultry. Outbreaks of HPAl in Europe; Asia and Turkey are reported to be associated; with the presence of wet lands and lakes where migratory birds rest. In some African countries like Nigeria; such wet lands exist with free flying wild birds and domestic ducks visiting and resting. The possible source of introduction into a country could be through importation or smuggling of infected poultry products across the borders and through migratory birds that fly through identified pathways. The status of HPAl in many African countries including Nigeria is still under investigation so that appropriate strategies / measures to prevent introduction of the disease into the country can be implemented and / or strengthened through restriction of importation of poultry and poultry products from high risk countries; effective disease surveillance; functional National Veterinary services; quarantine and community based participatory epidemiological system for HPAI surveillance and control. This article reviewed the global epidemiology and risk factors of HPAI infection in Nigeria and other African countries with emphasis on specific preventive measures that can reduce introduction of the virus into the country and the epidemiological surveillance for case detection / identification; screening and management. This review provides useful information and updates for health workers in tropical countries on the trends of AIVs and HPAI; diagnostic criteria using case definitions for both community and health facility levels and management protocols for confirmed cases as recommended by the World health Organization

Family communication on HIV/AIDS among secondary school students in a northern state of Nigeria

Most Adolescents in Nigeria; like many others in Africa; are potentially at risk for contracting HIV through unprotected sexual intercourse. Yet the issue of how to help youth avoid risky sexual behaviour through family communication / education on HIV/AIDS is still of serious arguments within the society. This study examines the practice of family communication on HIV / AIDS among secondary school students. A descriptive study using 420 secondary school students selected by multi-stage random sampling was done. Self administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant data. Only 48 (12.1) reported family as the first source of information. However; most of the students 315 (79.7) had family communication on HIV/AIDS with their family members. There is a gender difference in practice of family communication. Significantly higher proportion of the female students had family communication more than their male counterparts. The educational status of the parents significantly determined whether or not a student had family communication on HIV/AIDS. There is considerable level of family communication in the study population which should be encouraged further to cut across all members of the family