Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections among Healthcare Seekers at a Tertiary Health Facility in North-Central Nigeria: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B and C viral infections are among the common infectious diseases with global public health importance. Nigeria is among the countries identified to be hyper-endemic for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among healthcare seekers at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria, to increase awareness among the populace and sensitize public health stakeholders. METHODS: A retrospective study that involved data abstraction from the medical laboratory records of patients seeking care at Bingham University Teaching Hospital. The information collected included screening results for HBsAg and anti-HCV. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. RESULTS: A total of 186 patients were screened for HBV infection and 96 were screened for HCV infection. The mean ages and standard deviations were 36.2 ± 15.05 years and 37.2 ± 14.48 years for those screened for HBV and HCV, respectively. The seroprevalence rate of HBV infection was 14.0% while the rate for HCV infection was 10.4%. Males had a higher HBV seroprevalence of 9.1% than females with 4.9%. For HCV seroprevalence, females recorded a higher prevalence of 6.2% compared to their male counterparts who had 4.2%. Among those screened for HBV, the young adult age group had the highest prevalence rate of 10.2%, while for the HCV screen the middle-aged group had the highest prevalence rate of 6.2%. These were, however, not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study has shown that both HBV and HCV infections are hyper-endemic. There is a need to intensify awareness campaigns and improve the implementation of preventive and management strategies for HBV and HCV infections.

CONTEXTE: Les infections virales par les virus de l'hépatite B et C font partie des agents infectieux courants des problèmes de santé mondiale. Le Nigeria fait partie des pays identifiés comme hyperendémiques pour l'infection par le virus de l'hépatite B (VHB). Cette étude visait à déterminer la séroprévalence des infections par le VHB et le virus de l'hépatite C (VHC) parmi les demandeurs de soins de santé à l'Hôpital Universitaire Bingham, Jos, Nigeria, afin d'accroître la sensibilisation parmi la population et de sensibiliser les intervenants en santé publique. MÉTHODES: Une étude rétrospective impliquant l'abstraction des données à partir des dossiers de laboratoire médical des patients cherchant des soins à l'Hôpital Universitaire Bingham, Jos. Les données collectées étaient leurs résultats de dépistage de l'AgHBs et de l'anti-VHC. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide du logiciel SPSS version 24. RÉSULTATS: Un total de 186 patients ont été dépistés pour une infection par le VHB et 96 pour une infection par le VHC. Leur âge moyen et leurs écarts-types étaient respectivement de 36,2 ± 15,05 ans et 37,2 ± 14,48 ans pour ceux dépistés pour le VHB et le VHC. Le taux de séroprévalence de l'infection par le VHB était de 14,0 % et celui pour l'infection par le VHC était de 10,4 %. Les hommes avaient une séroprévalence plus élevée du VHB de 9,1 % que les femmes avec 4,9 %. Pour la séroprévalence du VHC, les femmes ont enregistré une prévalence plus élevée de 6,2 % par rapport à leurs homologues masculins qui avaient 4,2 %. Parmi ceux dépistés pour le VHB, le groupe d'âge des jeunes adultes présentait le taux de prévalence le plus élevé de 10,2 %, tandis que pour le dépistage du VHC, le groupe d'âge des adultes d'âge moyen présentait le taux de prévalence le plus élevé de 6,2 %. Cependant, ces données n'étaient pas statistiquement significatives (p = > 0,05). CONCLUSION: Cette étude a montré que les infections par le VHB et le VHC sont hyper-endémiques. Il est nécessaire d'intensifier les campagnes de sensibilisation et d'améliorer la mise en œuvre de stratégies préventives et de gestion des infections par le VHB et le VHC. MOTS-CLÉS: Séroprévalence, AgHBs, anti-VHC, Demandeurs de soins de santé, établissement de santé, Jos.

Burden of COVID-19 Pandemic on Adolescents' Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study among Secondary School Students in North-Central Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused millions of mortalities globally. Although the prevalence and fatality rates of COVID-19 among adolescents is low, its impact on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is not adequately known. This study was carried out to determine the burden COVID-19 pandemic has on the HRQoL of adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among adolescents in public and private secondary schools in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select the schools and recruit the participants in April/May 2021. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire containing the participants' socio-demographic characteristics, questions on being burdened by COVID-19 pandemic, and the KIDSCREEN-10 tool for assessing the HRQoL. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 and a p-value of < 0.05 was regarded as significant. RESULTS: A total of 405 adolescents participated in the study with a mean age of 14.6 ± 2.06 years. Majority (52.8%) of the participants were girls. More than half (53.3%) of the participants reported being burdened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, 45.7% of the participants experienced a lower HRQoL. There was a statistically significant association between being burdened by the COVID-19 pandemic and their HRQoL (χ2 = 7.108, p = 0.01). In addition, the participants' HRQoL was significantly associated with their age (χ2= 5.112, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significant burden of COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents' wellbeing. Therefore, there is the need to intensify health intervention strategies among adolescents to reduce the physical, emotional, and mental burden imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in order to optimize their quality of life.

CONTEXTE: La maladie de coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) a causé des millions de décès dans le monde. Bien que la prévalence et les taux de mortalité du COVID-19 chez les adolescents soient faibles, son impact sur leur qualité de vie liée à la santé (QVLS) n'est pas suffisamment connu. Cette étude a été menée pour déterminer le poids de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur la QVLS des adolescents. MÉTHODES: Une étude descriptive transversale a été menée parmi les adolescents des écoles secondaires publiques et privées de la région de Jos North Local Government Area de l'Etat du Plateau. Une technique d'échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés a été utilisée pour sélectionner les écoles et recruter les participants en avril/mai 2021. Les données ont été collectées à l'aide d'un questionnaire auto-administré contenant les caractéristiques sociodémographiques des participants, des questions sur le fardeau que représente la pandémie de COVID-19, et l'outil KIDSCREEN-10 pour évaluer la qualité de vie. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de SPSS version 25.0 et une valeur p < 0,05 a été considérée comme significative. RÉSULTATS: Un total de 405 adolescents ont participé à l'étude avec un âge moyen de 14,6 ± 2,06 ans. La majorité (52,8%) des participants étaient des filles. Plus de la moitié (53,3%) des participants ont déclaré être accablés par la pandémie de COVID-19. En outre, 45,7 % des participants ont connu une baisse de leur qualité de vie. Il y avait une association statistiquement significative entre le fait d'être accablé par la pandémie de COVID-19 et leur QVLS (χ2 = 7,108, p = 0,01). De plus, la QVLS des participants était significativement associée à leur âge (χ2 = 5,112, p = 0,02). CONCLUSION: Cette étude met en évidence le poids important de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur le bien-être des adolescents. Il est donc nécessaire d'intensifier les stratégies d'intervention sanitaire auprès des adolescents pour réduire le fardeau physique, émotionnel et mental imposé par la pandémie de COVID-19 afin d'optimiser leur qualité de vie. Mots clés: Adolescents, École secondaire, COV ID-19, Qualité de vie liée à la santé (QVLS), Jos.

Human Monkey Pox Virus Infection in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria: A Report of Two Cases.

BACKGROUND: Human Monkey Pox Virus (HMPV) infection is a zoonotic infection that is endemic in the Congo basin and West Africa. Its similarity to smallpox infection, increased susceptibility infection in human populations, lack of a definitive therapy and its potential for use as a bioterrorism tool underscores its public health importance. OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of HMPV infection in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. METHODS: This was a case study of HMPV infection occurring in two Nigerian adults, seen in 2018, at Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The cases involved two siblings, and these were the first reported cases in Plateau State of Nigeria, which has an estimated population of 3.5 million persons. The diagnosis was based on a combination of clinical features and positive PCR tests on samples from the skin lesions and blood. RESULTS: The first case, a 20-year-old male, presented with a one week history of fever, headache, pain on swallowing and micturition, and generalised skin lesions. The second case is a 20 year old step brother of the first case, and the primary care provider to first case when he took ill. He also presented with a one-week history of fever, headache, pain on swallowing, and skin lesions which were less intense than in the first case. PCR assays of samples from the skin lesions and blood were positive in both cases. The other comorbidity in both cases was pharyngotonsillitis. Blood, throat, stool, and urine cultures for suspected sepsis and urinary tract infection were all negative. Both cases were admitted and discharged after receiving a course of antibiotics, antihistamine, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, and multivitamins. Universal precautions were observed. CONCLUSION: HMPV infection in our environment underscores the need to strengthen preventive health strategies against this infection.

CONTEXTE: L'infection par le virus de la variole humaine du singe (VMPS) est une zoonose endémique dans le bassin du Congo et en Afrique de l'Ouest. Sa similitude de l'infection variole augmenté l'infection susceptibilité dans les populations humaines, l'absence d'une thérapie définitive et son potentiel d'utilisation comme outil de bioterrorisme souligne son importance pour la santé publique. OBJECTIF: Décrire les caractéristiques de l'infection par le HMPV dans l'État du Plateau, dans le centre-nord du Nigeria. MÉTHODES: Il s'agit d'une étude de cas d'une infection à HMPV survenue chez deux adultes nigérians vus en 2018 à l'hôpital universitaire Bingham de Jos Teaching Hospital à Jos, dans l'État du Plateau, au Nigeria. Les cas impliquaient deux frères et sœurs, et il s'agissait des premiers cas signalés dans l'État du Plateau du Nigeria, dont la population est estimée à 3,5 millions de personnes. Le diagnostic était basé sur une combinaison de caractéristiques cliniques et de tests PCR positifs sur des échantillons provenant des lésions cutanées et du sang. RÉSULTATS: Le premier cas, un homme de 20 ans, s'est présenté avec un historique d'une semaine de fièvre, de maux de tête et de douleurs, de douleur à la déglutition et à la miction, et de lésions cutanées généralisées. Le deuxième cas est un demi-frère de 20 ans du premier cas, et le principal et le fournisseur de soins primaires du premier cas lorsqu'il est tombé malade. Il a également présenté une semaine de fièvre, de maux de tête, de douleur à la déglutition et des lésions cutanées qui étaient moins intenses que dans le premier cas. L' analyse PCR des échantillons de lésions cutanées et de sang étaient positifs dans les deux cas. L''autre comorbidité dans les deux cas était pharyngotonsillite. Les cultures de sang, de la gorge, des selles et de l'urine pour une suspicion de septicémie et d'infection des voies urinaires étaient toutes négatives. Les deux cas ont été admis et ont quitté l'hôpital après avoir reçu une série d'antibiotiques, d'antihistaminiques et de médicaments, d'antibiotiques, d'antihistaminiques, d'anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens et des multivitamines. Les précautions universelles ont été observées. CONCLUSION: L'infection par le HMPV dans notre environnement souligne la nécessité de renforcer les stratégies sanitaires préventives contre cette infection. MOTS CLÉS: Virus de la variole du singe humain, Présentation clinique, Nigeria.

Risk Factors Associated with Adolescent Obesity in an Urban Area, North-West Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a vulnerable period of transition and a time for establishing healthy or risky behaviours. Adolescents constitute the strategic link between a nation's past and the future. Adolescent obesity is an epidemic of global proportions which has affected both industrialized and developing countries. Identifying factors that influence adolescent obesity in our environment would help to strengthen preventive measures, reduce the disease burden, and ultimately improve adult health. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted in secondary schools in Kaduna metropolis, North-West Nigeria. The participants were selected using systematic sampling method. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty adolescents were recruited into the study. This consisted of 85(56.7%) girls and 65(43.3%) boys. The mean age of the participants was 14.1 ± 2.3 years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 21.3% and 14.0% respectively. Factors identified to be associated with the development of obesity included lack of sporting activities (c2 = 8.18, p= 0.04) and the number of hours of sleep daily (c2 = 17.91, p= 0.01). All except one of the obese adolescents consumed snacks/soft drinks, though the relationship between adolescent obesity and consumption of snacks/soft drinks was not statistically significant (c2 = 5.58, p= 0.13). CONCLUSION: Addressing the risk factors associated with adolescent obesity is a key to reversing this global epidemic. Health education on appropriate sleep pattern and engaging in sporting activities should be emphasized in secondary schools.

Impact of Epilepsy on Adolescents in a Rural Nigerian Community: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is associated with impaired physical, psychological and social functioning. Assessing its impact on these parameters is important to improving the wellbeing of those with the disorder. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of epilepsy on the physical, psychological and social status of adolescents in a rural community. METHODS: Adolescents with epilepsy (Subjects) were identified in a community house to house survey. Controls (adolescents without epilepsy) matched for age and sex were randomly selected from the community. Information obtained from the subjects, controls and their care givers using a structured questionnaire included: Age, Sex, Social Class, Knowledge of epilepsy, Characteristics of epilepsy, Treatment options utilized, Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), Body Mass Index (BMI), Academic performance and Epilepsy related problems. RESULTS: Eighteen subjects, 10.5/1000 of the adolescent (10-19 years) population, had epilepsy. The mean age was 16.7± 2.6 years and 16.3± 2.6 years for the subjects and controls respectively. Most of the subjects were males (83.3%). All the subjects had generalized epilepsy, were on traditional medication and none was on orthodox medical therapy. Occurrence of seizures, cost of accessing orthodox medical treatment and stigma were the major problems identified. Ingestion of traditional medication was the commonest modality for overcoming the major problems identified. Seven (38.8%) were underweight but it was not significant (p>0.05). Epilepsy was significantly associated with impaired HRQOL, academic performance and social relationships (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Epilepsy had a negative impact on the psychosocial and academic status of adolescents. It highlights the need to provide comprehensive adolescent health and social services in epilepsy management.

Knowledge of Childhood Autism and Challenges of Management among Medical Doctors in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with serious implications in childhood. There is a significant gap in the identification and provision of health and social services for autism in Africa. The knowledge of autism among health care providers and identifying challenges associated with its management could facilitate bridging the gap and ensuring better outcomes. A self-administered tool, the Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers (KCAHW) questionnaire, was used in assessing knowledge of autism among 175 medical doctors (participants) attending an annual scientific meeting in northwest Nigeria. Other parameters assessed were sociodemographic and professional characteristics of the participants and challenges encountered in the management of autism. Out of 175 questionnaires distributed, 167 (95.4%) were returned. Good knowledge (KCAHW score ≥15) was significantly associated with being a paediatrician or psychiatrist and practicing in a tertiary health facility (P < 0.05), while poor knowledge (KCAHW score <15) was significant among general practitioners (P < 0.05). The highest knowledge gap was associated with onset of autism and its comorbidities (KCAHW Domain 4) while the least was concerning communication impairments (KCAHW Domain 2). Major challenges encountered in autism management were dearth of specialist services, cost of evaluation, and poor caregiver perspectives of autism.

Natal tooth and cultural impact on its management in a tropical neonatal unit: a case report.

The incidence of natal tooth is uncommon and its management could be fraught with challenges. A 3 day old female presented with features of sepsis and a natal tooth. Treatment for sepsis was permitted and successfully instituted but definitive management of the natal tooth was deferred, for cultural reasons, by the parents. The case documents the occurrence of natal tooth and highlights the impact of cultural beliefs on management of some medical conditions. It underscores the need to develop the relationship between orthodox medical care and cultural beliefs, in susceptible communities, with a view to achieving optimal health care delivery.

Febrile seizures in Kaduna, north western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Febrile seizure is the most common seizure of childhood and has a good prognosis. However its presentation is fraught with poor management, with grave consequences, in our environment. Thus a review of its current status is important. OBJECTIVE: To review the status of febrile seizures in Kaduna metropolis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of cases seen in the Department of Paediatrics, 44 Nigeria Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna between June 2008 and June 2010. RESULTS: Out of the 635 cases admitted in the department 17 (2.7%) fulfilled the criteria for febrile seizures. There were 11 Males and 6 Females (M: F, 1.8:1). Age range was from 9 months to 5 years with a mean of 2.2 years ± 1.1 and peak age of 3 years. Twelve (70.6%) were in the upper social classes (I-III). Fever, convulsion, catarrh and cough were major presenting symptoms. Incidence of convulsion was least on the 1st day of complaint. Fourteen (82.4%) of the cases were simple febrile seizures while 3 were complex. There was a positive family history in 5 (29.4%) of the cases. Eleven (64.7%) had orthodox medication at home, before presentation, 5 (29.4%) consulted patient medicine sellers and 7 (41.7%) received traditional medication as part of home management. Malaria and acute respiratory infections were the identifiable causes. Standard anti-malaria and anti-biotic therapy were instituted, where indicated. All recovered and were discharged. CONCLUSION: There was a low prevalence of febrile seizures among the hospitalized children and a poor pre-hospitalization management of cases. It highlighted the need for improved community awareness on the prevention and management of febrile seizures.