Treatment pathways of Alzheimer in Nigeria.

Alzheimer poses lots of challenges in Low and Middle Income Countries, especially in Nigeria. Globally, the causes of Alzheimer are poorly understood. Cultural factors affect the preference of mental health treatment for treating people living with Alzheimer's disease (PLWA However, Alzheimer's and its gender differentials have been given little consideration in particular. Twenty-four in-depth study was conducted with caregivers and family members/relatives of people living with Alzheimer's (PLWA) residing in the study area. 52.2 percent of respondents were female out of the total while 45.8 percent were male. For male respondents, 40.4%; 49.4 %; 49.2%; 35 % and 28.3% indicated spiritual preference of mental health counseling; traditional; medical practitioner; both traditional and spiritual and psychiatrist respectively. On the other hand, 59.6%; 50.6%; 50.8%; 65% and 70.7% of female respondents indicated spiritual; traditional; medical practitioner; both traditional and spiritual and psychiatrist respectively. This research found that gender disparities primarily affected the mental health intervention care pathways. The availability of mental health resources to support adult mental health were key factors which could influence mental health status.

Awareness of Breast and Cervical Cancer among Women in the Informal Sector in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: There are no general consensuses on why the lifetime risk of dying from breast and cervical cancer in African is several times higher than that of developed countries. However, a notable window of opportunity for prevention and treatment are often wasted where there are little or no awareness and low level of screening. AIM: To specifically highlight the awareness, knowledge and determinants of participation in the screening exercise for possible prevention or control of the diseases. To also provide insights on the development of contextual and relevant timely detection for effective early interventions. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in southern and northern geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The respondents, which consisted of 1,023 women aged 15-49 years, completed a 116-item questionnaire assessing the correlation between cancer awareness and participation in screening. Nineteen, In-depth interviews were also conducted for this study. The outcome measured included awareness of breast and cervical cancer, how it can be prevented or detected, and the availability and actual participation in screening exercises. RESULTS: While women are familiar with breast cancer, little is known about cervical cancer, and the awareness of the former is not correlated with participation in screening. THE LACK OF ENTHUSIASM TO SEEK SCREENING EXERCISE IS ROOTED IN THREE KEY FACTORS: lack of specific information, belief, economic and inadequate screening facilities. CONCLUSION: The study thus recommends that policies and programs aimed at the breast and cervical cancers awareness and early intervention should address the underlying problems.

Variations in Family Attitudes towards Coping with People Living with Mental Illness.

BACKGROUND: The major challenge faced in Nigeria regarding the care of people living with mental illness are a stigma, caregiver burden and financial aid. This has led to high premature deaths and has also hindered the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3 target 4. In an attempt to find lasting solutions to increased mortality caused by mental illness, it is important to evaluate family attitudes towards people living with mental illness. AIM: To examine variations in family attitudes towards coping with people living with mental illness in Nigeria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty In-Depth Interview (IDI) were conducted among caregivers of people living with mental illness (those presently receiving treatment and those recovering). During all the interview sessions, field notes were taken. Responses from interviewees were transcribed and analysed with the aid of 'systematic-content analysis. RESULTS: It found out that family members of people living with mental illness or caregivers usually suffer from stress and stigma, which affects adherence to treatment. CONCLUSION: Caregivers must have sufficient knowledge and support to assume the responsibilities of caring for the mentally ill, leading to recurrence. The caregiver remains in contact with professional healthcare workers and helps the mentally ill with decision-making and matters affecting their daily life.

Male reproductive health challenges: appraisal of wives coping strategies.

BACKGROUND: Systematic studies on the association between men's sexual dysfunction (low sexual desire, ejaculation disorders, erectile dysfunctions, genital ulcers, testicular disorders, prostate cancer or sexually transmitted infections) and marital conflict are emerging. However, the coping strategies adopted by wives in such circumstances are not commonly reported in the literature. Male sexual functioning is vital to the marital relationship, lack of it can result in intolerable cohabitation or relationship breakdown, and could also cause infertility, infidelity, and arouse stigma in Nigeria. The understanding of coping strategies by female partners could guide in the counselling and treatment of men's sexual health problems. Effective coping has the potential to lessen or prevent negative outcomes, and thereby could reduce marital conflict. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the coping strategies adopted by women whose husbands have reproductive health challenges in two of the five states with the highest proportion of divorce/separation in Nigeria. METHODS: Four focus group discussions were conducted in two local government areas. The women were recruited from a quantitative couple-study for men with sexual health problems. Focus group responses were transcribed and analysed using systematic-content-analysis with thematic organisation of the summaries and systematic typologies of participants' responses. RESULTS: The results revealed the coping strategies employed by women in this environment: seeking guidance from their religious leaders and family doctors, physical-sexual-therapy, abstinence and concubinage. The participants indicated that they encountered difficulties in discussing their husbands' sexual health problems with a third party. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that husband's sexual ability is crucial to the sustenance of the marital relationship. Religious leaders and family doctors often serve as mediators to husband-wife conflict management. Counselling is recommended in cases of sexual health problems. Husbands should be encouraged to seek treatment and share their sexual challenges with their spouse. The medical officers and religious leaders could also be trained in family-conflict management.

Are Men's Reproductive Health Problems and Sexual Behavior Predictors of Welfare?

The study examined men's reproductive health problems and sexual behavior and their implications for men's welfare in Nigeria. It used the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data set of 2013. The analysis used only male recode files, representing 17,359 males. The dependent variable is the computed wealth index, which was selected as proxy for welfare condition. Analysis involved univariate and multivariate levels. The findings indicated that 49.3% of the respondents currently have more than one sexual partner. The total lifetime sexual partner index identifies 70.2% of the men interviewed have had at least two sexual partners in their lifetime. It revealed that men who experience reproductive health challenges, such as sexually transmitted infections and genital ulcer, are 44% and 93%, respectively, less likely to enjoy good welfare condition. It also indicated that men in urban area are 7.256 times more likely to enjoy good welfare condition compared with their rural counterparts. There is a negative association between total lifetime sexual partnerships and exposure to good welfare. The study concludes that social workers, marriage counselors, other health personnel, and policy makers need to focus on the practice of multiple sexual partnership and reproductive health diseases as major determinants of men's welfare. The authors suggest that the index of welfare should include reproductive health issues and indicators of sexual behavior. Also, there is need for the establishment of specialized reproductive health care services and centers that are accessible to all men for effective servicing of reproductive health needs of men in the country.