Mortality Trends among Older Patients Admitted to the Geriatric Centre, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2013-2017.

BACKGROUND: Attaining successful clinical outcomes in the management of hospitalised older patients in the overburdened healthcare services in Nigeria constitutes a major challenge against the backdrop of dearth of data on the predictors of mortality among them. OBJECTIVES: To describe the mortality trends and associated factors among older patients (>60 years) at the Geriatric Centre, University College Hospital, Ibadan between January 2013 and December 2017. METHODS: Hospital records of older patients admitted were analysed. Data extracted included socio-demographic, diagnoses, length of stay from date of admission to discharge or death. Results of vital signs, anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests carried out at admission were also obtained. RESULTS: The mean age of the 1,091 older patients admitted was 73.6±8.6 years. The overall crude proportion of in-hospital deaths was 9.0% (males=11.3% > females=7.2%, p=0.024) and it increased from 4.1% in 2013 to 12.1% in 2017. The overall unadjusted 30-day mortality rate per 1000 patient-days was 28.9 deaths (95% CI 23.5-35.3). The predictors of mortality were increased length of stay on admission OR=1.061 (95% CI 1.005-1.119), being retired OR=1.672 (95% CI 1.011-2.778), stroke OR=4.019 (95% CI 2.258- 7.138), heart failure OR=3.435 (95% CI 1.455-8.100), Sepsis OR=2.176 (95% CI 1.294-3.654), Anaemia OR=2.820 (95% CI 1.320-6.017), Dementia OR=3.701 (95% CI 1.433-9.549) and malignancies OR=2.658 (95% CI 1.181-5.979). CONCLUSION: There was a temporal increase in mortality among older patients. Similarly, staying longer on admission and chronic medical conditions with their complications were the most significant contributors to mortality.

A descriptive study of the morbidity pattern of older persons presenting at a Geriatric Centre in Southwestern Nigeria.

CONTEXT: Rapid population ageing is a demographic reality in most countries of the world. Old age is associated with changes which may culminate in health problems, necessitating provision of appropriate preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services. However, reports from many low- and middle-income countries have shown lack of preparedness to cater for the healthcare needs of older persons. AIM: This study described the morbidity profile and its determinants among persons aged 60 years and above who presented at an established geriatric centre in southwestern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from electronic health records of 4886 patients aged ≥60 years who visited the facility between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2014. Data were analyzed using Stata version 13 (Texas, USA). Frequency distributions were used for descriptive analysis, and chi-square test was used to test associations. RESULTS: More than a half, 2919 (59.7%), of the respondents were females and almost three quarters 3501 (71.7%) were aged between 60 and 74 years. Mean number of morbidities was 1.81 ± 0.9, and less than half, 1097 (42.0%), presented with only one morbidity, most commonly, hypertension. There were significant age-related differences for musculoskeletal (P = 0.001), endocrine (P = 0.01), and psychological problems (P = 0.01). In addition, gender differences were observed as a significantly higher proportion of females presented with general symptoms (P = 0.02) and musculoskeletal problems (P = 0.0001) than men. CONCLUSION: The most common presenting morbidities at this geriatric health centre were mostly noncommunicable diseases. Information obtained will be useful in the design of similar facilities in other parts of the country and region at large.

Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of oral microbial isolates among pregnant women in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, Nigeria

ABSTRACT: Oral pathogenic micro-organisms have been implicated in disease causation elsewhere in the human body especially in pregnancy where they negatively influence birth outcomes. Oral hygiene measures and treatment with appropriate antibiotics prevent this negative effect. Both periodontal diseases and negative pregnancy outcomes are common among pregnant women in Nigeria; however, oral health care is not presently an integral part of antenatal care in our environment. We investigated the types of bacteria present in the mouth of some pregnant women in Ibadan, as well as the sensitivity pattern of these organisms to commonly available antibiotics. Pre-tested questionnaires were used to obtain socio-demographic information as well as oral hygiene and pregnancy history from the participants. This was followed by an intra-oral examination during which an oral swab was taken using a sterile microscopic culturing swab stick and inoculated immediately into Thioglycollate broth. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed on confirmed pathogens using Kirby-Bauer method. Data was entered into a computer spread sheet. Frequency tables were generated and measures of central tendency calculated. Mean age was 25.28± 4.9 years old. The most prominent oral isolates were Kliebsiella species and Escherichia coli and these were higher in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy respectively. Anti-microbial susceptibility of isolates was highest for Ceftazidime: 263(99.6%), Rocephin: 247(98.9%), Resistance was highest to Co-trimoxazole 108(44.8%) and Tetracycline: 108(43.7%). The high prevalence of pathogenic, non-commensal isolates in the oral cavity of these women is cause for great concern. General personal as well as oral hygiene measures are proposed for the reduction and elimination of these pathogens

Physical functionality and self-rated health status of adult patients with knee osteoarthritis presenting in a primary care clinic.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic medical condition of public health importance in Nigeria which causes disability and impacts daily activities in the sufferers. This study aimed to describe the physical functionality and self-rated health status of adult patients with clinical knee osteoarthritis presenting at the Family Medicine Department, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 400 respondents. Knee osteoarthritis was diagnosed clinically using the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. Morbidities, self-rated health status and physical functionality of the respondents were also assessed. RESULTS: Knee osteoarthritis was diagnosed in 46(11.5%) respondents. Respondents with knee osteoarthritis significantly rated their health worse than those without knee osteoarthritis (p <0.0001). Experience of pain, stiffness and performance of daily activities were significantly worse among respondents with knee osteoarthritis. Those who had knee osteoarthritis had significantly higher waist (p <0.0001), hip (p <0.0001) and knee circumferences (p <0.0001) respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed increasing age (OR=1.103; 95% CI=1.022 - 1.191), self-rated health worse than six months ago (OR=12.562; 95% CI=1.178-125.243), experience of stiffness after waking up in the morning (OR=12.758; 95% CI=3.572-45.569), stiffness after sitting/lying down/resting (OR=21.517; 95% CI=2.213-209.220) and waist circumference (OR=1.225;95% CI=1.017-1.477) to be the most significantly associated with knee osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: Knee osteoarthritis significantly impairs the health and daily activities of adult patients in Ibadan, Nigeria. Healthcare workers need to screen adult patients routinely at first-contact to detect knee osteoarthritis clinically early and manage appropriately.

Plasma homocysteine, B vitamins and bone mineral density in osteoporosis: a possible risk for bone fracture.

BACKGROUND: Changes in plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) folic acid, vitamins B12 and B6 in individuals with osteoporosis are reported to impair collagen cross-linking and contribute to low bone mineral density (BMD). There is paucity of information on these associations in osteoporotic patients at risk of bone fractures in Nigeria. The study evaluated plasma tHcy, folic acid, vitamins B12 and B6, in relation to BMD in individuals with osteoporosis. METHODS: Fifty osteoporotic patients age 57.05 +/- 1.9 years were selected and fifty non osteoporotic volunteer's age 54.8 +/- 0.9 years were included as controls. The osteoporotic group consisted of 11 males and 39 females (1:3.5) while the controls consisted of 13 males and 37 females (1:2.8) respectively. Bone mineral density, anthropometric indices plasma tHcy, folic acid, vitamins B12 and B6, were determined using standard procedures. RESULTS: The results showed remarkably significant increase in plasma tHcy (p < 0.001) (180%) compared with the control value. Striking significant decreases were observed in folic acid (62%), vitamins B12 (42%), B6 (59%) and BMI p < 0.001) compared with control values. Positive correlation was obtained between vitamin B12 and BMD (r = 0.311, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant increase in tHcy with corresponding decreases in folic acid, vitamins B12 and B6 are related to decrease in BMD in osteoporotic patients. These changes could be important risk factors for bone fracture in osteoporotic Nigerians. Supplementation with the B vitamins may be beneficial to the patients.

GEOGRAPIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN DETERMINING ROAD TRAFFIC CRASH ANALYSIS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA.

BACKGROUND: Road traffic accidents are frequent in this environment, hence the need to determine the place of geographic information systems in the documentation of road traffic accidents. AIM & OBJECTIVES: To investigate and document the variations in crash frequencies by types and across different road types in Ibadan, Nigeria. MATERIALS & METHODS: Road traffic accident data between January and June 2011 were obtained from the University College Hospital Emergency Department's trauma registry. All the traffic accidents were categorized into motor vehicular, motorbike and pedestrian crashes. Georeferencing of accident locations mentioned by patients was done using a combination of Google Earth and ArcGIS software. Nearest neighbor statistic, Moran's-I, Getis-Ord statistics, Student T-test, and ANOVA were used in investigating the spatial dynamics in crashes. RESULTS: Out of 600 locations recorded, 492 (82.0%) locations were correctly georeferenced. Crashes were clustered in space with motorbike crashes showing greatest clustering. There was significant difference in crashes between dual and non-dual carriage roads (P = 0.0001), but none between the inner city and the periphery (p = 0.115). However, significant variations also exist among the three categories analyzed (p = 0.004) and across the eleven Local Government Areas (P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the use of Geographic Information System can help in understanding variations in road traffic accident occurrence, while at the same time identifying locations and neighborhoods with unusually higher accidents frequency.

Bone Scintigraphy in Breast Cancer Patients in Ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The bone is the commonest site of metastases from breast carcinoma. Radionuclide isotope scanning is a sensitive scanning procedure for the demonstration of bone pathology. In May 2006, a gamma camera was introduced into clinical use for skeletal scintigraphy at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. OBJECTIVE: To review the first five years findings of skeletal scintigraphy in our breast cancer patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data and scintigraphic bone studies of patients with histology proven breast carcinoma managed in the Surgical Oncology Division, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between May 2006 and April 2011. RESULTS: Within the period, a total of 597 breast cancer patients had skeletal scintigraphy (SS). Of the 594 (99.5%) SS reports available for review, scintigraphic evidence of bone metastases was found in 232 (39.1%) patients. Correlation of bone involvement and clinical stage showed that a large majority of the patients had stage IV (83.3%) and III (15.7%) disease. Most patients (71.6%) had multiple bone lesions. The bone lesions were osteoblastic in 88.9% of the patients; only 1.8% had purely osteolytic lesions with the remainder being a mix of both. CONCLUSION: There was scintigraphic evidence of bone metastasis in most of our patients with stage four breast cancer and in some with locally advanced disease. Multiple bone lesions were found in many of them and almost all the lesions were osteoblastic. Moreover, both the truncal and axial skeletal bones were involved in similar proportions.

Orthopaedic anaesthesia for upper extremity procedures in a Nigerian hospital.

BACKGROUND: General anaesthesia and regional anaesthesia have been used successfully for upper extremity orthopaedic procedures. Despite the advantages of regional anaesthesia, there is low utilisation in Nigeria. In this study, we assessed the types of anaesthesia employed for upper extremity surgeries in our centre. METHODS: After obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee, all the patients who had upper extremity surgeries from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2012 were included in this review. Both prospective and retrospective data were gathered. The choice of anaesthesia was at the discretion of the attending anaesthetist. RESULTS: A total of 226 patients with a male-to-female ratio of 1.6:1 and median age of 35.0 (range 2 - 89) years, had orthopaedic upper extremity procedures during the study period. Sixty-three cases (27.9%) had general anaesthesia, 5 (2.2%) combined regional and general anaesthesia while 158 (69.9%) had regional blocks. The regional blocks comprised 145 (89%) different approaches to the brachial plexus and 18 (11%) local anaesthetic infiltrations. The arm was the site mostly operated upon; while supraclavicular and axillary brachial plexus blocks were performed in equal amounts. In 14 (6.2%) patients, brachial plexus blocks were performed with spinal anaesthesia because of concomitant iliac crest bone grafts. While the duration of surgery did not differ significantly, regional anaesthesia provided a significantly longer duration of anaesthesia than general anaesthesia (251 ± 70.8 min versus 141.3 ± 65.5 min; p = 0.0000001). CONCLUSION: There is a high use of regional anaesthesia for upper extremity orthopaedic surgeries in our centre, which is a positive development in a resource limited setting.

Socio demographic and clinical correlates of knee pain in adult women attending a primary care clinic.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to determine the socio demographic and clinical correlates of knee pain in women in a primary care clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey of 400 women attending the General Outpatients' clinic of the University College Hospital (U.C.H.), Ibadan, Nigeria using the systematic random sampling technique. RESULTS: The prevalence of knee pain was 42.0% (95% CI 40.0- 41.0). The radiographic findings in the knees showed mostly osteophytes in 24 out of the 28(85.7%) respondents who had radiographs done. The highest prevalence of knee pain was found in caterers and traders, 62.5% and 51.6%, respectively (p= 0.001). Multivariate analysis done using logistic regression with a backward selection showed that the odds of developing knee pain increases with age (Odds Ratio=1.585, 95% CI 1.321-1.903, p=0.000), and body mass index (Odds Ratio 1.587, 95% CI 1.295-1.946, p=0.000). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of knee pain in women seen at the primary care clinic is high. Preventive measures for knee pain need to be instituted.

Removal of orthopaedic implants from patients at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

BACKGROUND: Removal of orthopaedic implants is often done after complete healing of fractures. Orthopaedic implants are removed for a variety of reasons such as patients' request after fracture union, implant failure and other complications arising from the use of implants. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the indications and complications of removal of orthopaedic implants in our hospital. METHODS: A retrospective study of medical records of all patients who underwent removal of orthopaedic implants used for fracture fixation at a Nigeria teaching hospital during the five year period between 2007 and 2011. Information about age, sex, indications for fracture fixation, indications for removal of implant, types of implants removed, complications of implant removal and its treatment were studied. RESULTS: Thirty patients whose orthopaedic implants had been in place for a mean duration of 12 months before removal were included in the study. 80% of the implants were removed from the femur. Implant failure is the commonest indication for implant removal accounting for 60% of cases. CONCLUSION: Healed fractures and implant failure are the commonest indications for removal of orthopaedic implants in our centre. Implant removal should be advocated when they have failed or become symptomatic. However, appropriate patient selection and adequate surgical technique should be employed to achieve satisfactory outcome.

Prevalence of abnormal bone mineral density in hiv-positive patients in ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: There have been reports of high rate of abnormal bone mineral densities (BMD) among people living with HIV. Following the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (CART) into Nigeria, the country is now home to increasing population of HIV positive patients. There is paucity of data about osteoporosis/osteopaenia and bone mineral density in this population. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of osteopaenia/osteoporosis in a cohort of HIV-positive patients in Nigeria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The BMD of a group of patients attending the outpatient clinic of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria was assessed using a DXA machine. The relationship of bone mineral density to body weight, CART status, protease inhibitor use, and gender was investigated. Their CD4 counts and viral load were also estimated. RESULTS: A total of 1005 patients participated with a mean age of 41.3 ± 10 years. There were 724 females (72.0%) and 29.7% were single. The median length of diagnosis was 2 years (Range 1-18 years). The Median CD4 count was 371cells/ml and Median viral load was 200 copies/ml. Of this sample, 785 (78.1%) were on CART with 99 (12.6%) on protease inhibitor. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 23.7±4.7 with 9.2% underweight and 10% obese. The prevalence of osteopaenia and osteoporosis were 46.6% and 31.9% respectively, while 19.6% had normal bone mineral density (BMD). Osteoporosis was significantly higher in those aged above 40 years (p= 0.00001), the females (p= 0.022), the single (p=0.028) and the underweight (p=0.0001). There was no significant difference in BMD of those with or without protease inhibitor containing medications as well as treatment naïve patients. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of abnormal bone mineral density was found in HIV positive patients in Nigeria. Patient age above 40 years and a body mass index class of underweight were significant associated factors. Routine bone mineral density assessment is recommended as an adjunct in the evaluation of HIV positive patients in Nigeria.

Tooth loss: are the patients prepared?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Tooth loss is associated with esthetic, functional, psychological, and social impacts on the life of individuals. This study was designed to find out how Nigerians feel about losing their teeth and what effects, if any, this has on their lives. Most of the problems presented to the dentist as difficult denture tolerance could be as a result of the emotional effects of tooth loss rather than problems from the denture itself. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried using a self-administered questionnaire to consenting adult patients undergoing tooth extraction at the Oral and Maxillofacial Clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS, version 15.5. RESULTS: A total of 90 respondents completed the questionnaires; 35 (27.6%) were males while 55 (43.3%) were females. The respondents were aged 0-70 years. Immediate acceptance of tooth loss was noted in 88 (69.3%) cases, but 6 (47%) accepted the loss only after 1 year, while 8 (6.3%) of the cases found it difficult to accept losing their teeth and incidentally, all of them were 30 years and above. Only 52 (40.9%) of the patients were prepared for the emotional effect of losing their teeth. A feeling of relief immediately following tooth extraction was expressed by 75 (43.9%) cases and of these 32 (47.8%) were females. The emotional effects following teeth loss were sadness 22 (12.9%) cases, depression in 11 (6.4%), feeling of losing body part in 24 (14%), feeling of aging in 4 (2.3%), while 13 (7.6%) respondents felt unconcerned. CONCLUSION: We observed that emotional effects of tooth loss are also experienced among our patients with a range of emotions quite similar to those observed by previous authors from the developed world. The significant number of patients that failed to come to terms with their tooth loss indicates that the effect of tooth loss on self-esteem and self-image is not short lived as it has been assumed.

Effects of honey, glutamine and their combination on canine small bowel epithelial cell proliferation following massive resection.

The effects of honey, glutamine and honey/glutamine combination on the healing and adaptive process of the bowel following massive small bowel resection were studied in some Nigerian nondescript breeds of dogs. 24 dogs (3-4 months old) of mixed sexes with mean body weight of 4.42±0.70 kg were studied. They were randomized into four treatment groups following 70% small bowel resection. Group A dogs were placed on glutamine treatment, Group B on oral glutamine/honey and group C on honey and group D normal saline (control). Their body weights were evaluated for 15 days and the pre- and post-treatment gut biopsy samples were obtained and processed for morphometric evaluation. All groups exhibited signs of small bowel adaptation (Glutamine/honey>glutamine > honey > control) at the end of the experiment (4 weeks). Glutamine/honey combination, glutamine and honey had gradual increase in body weight from days 3-15 of weight evaluation. The control group, however, had a remarkable drop in body weight compared with other groups. Oral glutamine/honey combination showed the best overall effect based on body weight gain, intestinal mucosal growth and adaptation, evidenced by increased in residual bowel Villi height (27.71µm), Villi weight (14.51µm), Crypt depth (11.25µm), and Villi density (3.40µm). Glutamine showed a better result than honey with a significant increase in villi height (38.08µm), width (8.48µm) and crypt depth (40µm). Histologically, an improved villi branching was observed with glutamine/honey combination. Our results showed that honey/glutamine combination had comparative therapeutic advantage over glutamine or honey and may be a preferred treatment for short bowel syndrome patients.

Intra-tumoral ligation and the injection of sclerosant in the treatment of lingual cavernous haemangioma.

INTRODUCTION: Haemangiomas are developmental vascular abnormalities and more than 50% of these lesions occur in the head and neck region, with the tongue, buccal mucosa, lips and palate most commonly involve. They are considered as harmatomas rather than true neoplasms Factors such as patient's age, size and site of lesion and the proximity of lesion to vital structure are paramount in the determination of the therapeutic approach 7 surgical excision, cryotherapy, injection of feeder vessels with sclerosants and embolization of the blood vessels. CASE REPORT: We report the management of cavernous haemangioma of the tongue in a 38 year old man using intra-tumoral ligation (The Popescu Procedure) and injection of sclerosant under general anaesthesia. RESULT: The efficacy of this method lies in the fact that it obstructs the vascular channels to and from the entire tumour mass leading to progressive atrophy of the vascular endothelia, fibrous hyperplasia and the substitution of the angiomatous tissues by a fibroconnective tissue mass which initially appears excessive but remodels and produces an acceptable appearance which can be further improved by plastic surgery. CONCLUSION: The procedure was well tolerated and the patient made excellent recovery. It is recommended in our centre where facilities for technologically demanding methods are not available.

Predisposing factors and outcome of treatment of non-union of long-bone fractures in Ibadan, Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was done to find out factors that contribute to development of Non-union of long bone fractures in this environment and the outcome of operative intervention. This is a prospective hospital based study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with Non-union of long bone fracture that presented in the hospital since January 1997 were recruited into the study. The data included causative factors, treatment given before presenting in the hospital, type of surgical procedure and result of treatment. The study was completed in December, 2005. RESULTS: 78 patients presented with 87 Non-union of long bones. A male, female ratio of 1.6:1 was encountered while 69.2 per cent of the patients were below the age 55years. Road Traffic Accident accounted for 68 fractures (78.2 per cent) while duration of injury before presentation varies from 6 months to 22 months. Atrophic non-union occurred in 60 cases (69.0 per cent) and hypertrophic non-union in 21 cases. Non-union of the femur occurred in 33 cases (37.9 per cent) humerus in 24 cases (27.6 per cent), tibia in 16 cases (18.4 per cent), radius and ulna in 14 cases (16.1 per cent). The initial treatments of the fresh fracture in the 78 patients with nonunion were by the traditional bonesetters in 51 patients (65.4 per cent) while the remaining fractures were treated by plaster of paris in hospital. Open reduction and internal fixation using plate and screws with bone grafting was the most common procedure for treating the non-union in most cases. Union was achieved in the entire patients following surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Important factor that appears to contribute to non-union of long bone in this environment is soft tissue interposition between the fracture ends of the bone, which is found in all fractures with more than one diameter displacement. Another factor is interference with periosteal blood supply from disruption of soft tissue envelope as a result of high energy injuries which is also responsible for the displacements that were observed in these fractures. The treatment by traditional bone setters which entails daily massage of the fracture creating a macro movement at the fracture site is also an important contributing factor.

Management of mandibular chronic osteomyelitis using Belfast technique.

Chronic osteomyelitis is still common in developing countries like Nigeria due to the fact that conditions associated with the lowering of resistance to infections like malnutrition, malaria, anaemia, and acute eruptive fever are still prevalent in our society. Various operative techniques have been described for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis with various outcomes. A case of chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible managed using the Belfast technique is presented. The Patient was followed up for 2 years with no evidence of recurrence of infection and a repeat radiograph at the end of follow-up revealed new bone formation. The Belfast technique is effective in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible and is recommended in the management of this condition.

Back school: the development of a Nigerian urban model.

BACKGROUND: Back Schools are health education and behaviour modifying programmes for care of the back and prevention of back injuries, usually available as video documentary. They are often developed with consideration for the environment and the practices of the people they serve. Although back schools are available in many parts of the world, none has been developed for the Nigerian environment. OBJECTIVE: To develop a back school model for the Nigerian urban setting. METHODS: The Nigerian Back School (NBS) was developed from two existing video documentaries and series of focus group discussions. The focus group discussions suggested how to adapt these documentaries to the Nigerian environment and cultural practices. A hand book containing illustrations on wrong and correct postures was also developed. RESULTS: The NBS comprises 30-minute video documentary and a 24-page handbook. The first part of the video documentary provides information on the epidemiology and causes of back pain, structures and functions of the back while the second and third parts consist of demonstrations of wrong and correct resting and working postures assumed during everyday life activities and simple exercises for the prevention or alleviation of back pain or its recurrence respectively. The NBS handbook consists of illustrations on wrong and correct postures assumed at rest and during activity of daily living CONCLUSION: A back school (video documentary and handbook) with considerations for the Nigerian urban environment and the peoples' practices was made available.

Back School: the Development of a Nigerian Urban Model

Background: Back Schools are health education and behaviour modifying programmes for care of the back and prevention of back documentary. They are often developed with consideration for the environment and the practices of the people they serve. Although back schools are available in many parts of the world; none has been developed for the Nigerian environment. Objective: To develop a back school model for the Nigerian urban setting. Methods: The Nigerian Back School (NBS) was developed from two existing video documentaries and series of focus group discussions. The focus group discussions suggested how to adapt these documentaries to the Nigerian environment and cultural practices. A hand book containing illustrations on wrong and correct postures was also developed. Results: The NBS comprises 30-minute video documentary and a 24-page handbook. The first part of the video documentary provides information on the epidemiology and causes of back pain; structures and functions of the back while the second and third parts consist of demonstrations of wrong and correct resting and working postures assumed during everyday life activities and simple exercises for the prevention or alleviation of back pain or its recurrence respectively. The NBS handbook consists of illustrations on wrong and correct postures assumed at rest and during activity of daily living Conclusion: A back school (video documentary and handbook) with considerations for the Nigerian urban environment and the peoples' practices was made available

Pattern of the cases seen in the accident and emergency department in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital over a period of twelve months.

INTRODUCTION: There is a dearth of information on emergency medical services in Nigeria. This study was conducted to determine the age, sex distribution and the pattern of patient presentation in the Accident and Emergency Department of a Nigeria teaching hospital. METHODS: A retrospective study of all cases seen at the accident and emergency department of the University College Hospital in 2003 was carried out. The information extracted from the records includes age, sex, and diagnosis, department to which the patient was referred, the month of presentation and the outcome within the first twenty four hours of presentation. RESULTS: A total of 4674 patients attended the casualty, with a male: female ratio of 1.2:1. The third decade was the peak age distribution. There was a predominance of surgical cases (61%). In the treatment outcome, 52.1% were referred to other departments while there were ten (0.2%) mortalities. Trauma related cases constituted 45.1%. Road traffic accidents were the commonest cause of trauma. CONCLUSION: The largest proportion of patient were in the active third decade of life. Trauma is the commonest cause of presentation in the Accident and Emergency Department. A significant proportion of patients do not require admission. The doctor in the Accident and Emergency Department must be skilled in basic trauma care.