Tooth loss awareness and reasons for non-replacement of missing teeth among nurses at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria

Objective: Full complement and replacement of lost teeth improves oral health and quality of life. The objective of this study was to assess the level of awareness of factors that can prevent premature loss of teeth and the reason for non-replacement of missing/lost teeth among nurses in a tertiary health institution. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, 251 nurses of the Jos University Teaching Hospital participated. Self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection. Analysis of data was done with IBM SPSS version 23.0. Results: The mean age of the 251 nurses was 38±9.88. 174(69.3%) were females while 77(30.7%) were males. Out of 91(36.3%) that had missing teeth, 16(17.6%) actually replaced their missing teeth with the majority of them representing 81.3% adopting removable acrylic partial denture as modality. Among the 75(82.4%) that did not replace their missing teeth, the reason for the non-replacement by the majority- 40.0% was that they didn't feel replacement was necessary. Conclusion: The awareness level on factors that can prevent premature loss of teeth was observed to be high among the participants, but many have missing teeth that needed replacement. Majority did not replace their missing teeth as a result of low level of awareness of the consequences and probably due to financial challenges and because of the non-coverage of prosthetic treatments by the National Health Insurance Scheme 'NHIS' in Nigeria

A geographical analysis of ethnic distribution of jaw ameloblastoma in Nigerians.

INTRODUCTION: Ameloblastoma is the most common odontogenic tumour in Nigeria. A definite geographic variation has been observed in the frequency of odontogenic tumors from different parts of the world. However, there is no study on the regional variations in Nigeria. Hence, this study was designed to document the ethnic and geographical distribution of jaw ameloblastoma in Nigeria. METHODS: Archival data on ameloblastoma from 10 health facilities were obtained. Global Moran's I detected geographic clustering in its distribution while Local Getis Ord indicated the location of ameloblastoma clusters. Chi-square tested associations between variables at 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: A total of 1,246 ameloblastoma cases were recorded in Nigeria. Besides substantial state variations, a South-North gradient was noticed in its distribution. Significant positive spatial autocorrelation was observed in the three major groups while ameloblastoma hotspots were found in the SouthWestern and Northwestern Nigeria. The Igbos had a higher prevalence of ameloblastoma outside their home region than within. CONCLUSION: The study hypothesized that the geographical distribution of ameloblastoma in Nigeria is the result of all or one of the following: the country's tropical climate, migration patterns and health seeking behavior. Hopefully, these claims should lead to further enquiry on the underlying causes.

Anaesthesia for cleft lip surgeries in a resource poor setting: techniques, outcome and safety.

INTRODUCTION: Cleft lip and palate is one of the more common congenital malformation and the most common craniofacial anomalies in children. The treatment is expensive and requires specialised care. Access to this care in middle and low income countries is compounded by socioeconomic status of patients and their relation and also the inadequacy of expertise in medical personnel and infrastructure. Objective: the study aimed to review the techniques of anaesthesia used in a low resource setting in terms of the techniques, outcome, and safety. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 79 cases done in a resource poor setting. Information regarding the patients, surgeries and modes of anaesthesia were retrieved from the case notes. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were operated with incomplete cleft accounting for 37 (59.7%), complete 23(37.1%), and 2 (3.2%) as bilateral. Forty-six (74.2%) of patients had their surgery done with ketamine anaesthesia without endotracheal intubation, 14 (22.6%) had regional anaesthesia and 2 patients (3.2%) had general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that with careful planning and expertise, cleft lip repair can be done safely in resource poor setting.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy: a rare presentation of an extremely rare neoplasm and diagnostic implications in Gombe, Nigeria.

Melanotic neuro-ectodermal tumor of infancy is very rare. A unique neoplasm of the formative years, it typically involves the face or cranium; possesses rapid, expansile growth; presents as a firm swelling and displays a high rate of recurrence. Its rarity and unique features make diagnosis and management quite challenging. This challenge is increased in resource-limited settings like ours and with atypical presentation, such as was seen at our center, where patient presented with a bony hard swelling.