ABSTRACT
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos commenced training programmes in the use of manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) for the treatment of septic abortion in 1989. The courses were evaluated using pre-tests and post-tests, and those of the participants from the first 5 years were analysed. 142 doctors and 72 nurses were trained from teaching hospitals, parastatal and private hospitals. The results of 154 participants (71%) were recovered and analysed. The training courses significantly increased the medical knowledge of both doctors and nurses; those from the Teaching Hospitals appearing to gain more. The amount of knowledge gained by those from the private sector, although showing a statistically significant increase was much less than the other participants. More emphasis should be placed on improving the performance of those from the private sector.
Subject(s)
Abortion, Septic/therapy , Education, Medical, Continuing/organization & administration , Education, Nursing, Continuing/organization & administration , Gynecology/education , Medical Staff, Hospital/education , Nursing Staff, Hospital/education , Obstetrics/education , Vacuum Curettage/methods , Educational Measurement , Female , Humans , Nigeria , Pregnancy , Program EvaluationABSTRACT
PIP: 250 women selected at random from outpatients of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, were interviewed about their attitudes toward female sterilization by nurses with a standard questionnaire. Factors affecting attitudes toward sterilization were multiple and results are reported as percentages. The study population excluded women with infertility, a common problem, and further differed from the general population because the women were older and more highly educated. The number of living children was 3 or more in 59%; the ideal family size was at least 5 in 48%. 48% had used some type of contraception. 87.6% had heard of female sterilization, most often from medical personnel. Factors reported as affecting attitudes included: number of living children (59.6%); age of patient (52%); experience with complications of pregnancy and labor (45.2%); other medical disorders (36%); effect on reincarnation (17.6%); sex of living children (17.2%); fear of impotence (7.2%); and religion or culture (3.2%). The average age for female sterilization is 40 in Nigeria. A more extensive study of resistance to sterilization is indicated.^ieng
