Utilization of Digital Media for Sexual and Reproductive Health Information among In-School Adolescents in Benin City, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Digital media applications have become extremely ubiquitous worldwide especially among young people. Adolescents utilize digital media for health education because it is accessible, easily understood, trustworthy, credible and confidential. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the utilization of digital media for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information among in-school adolescents in Benin City, Nigeria. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 630 in-school adolescents in Benin City. They were selected using multi stage sampling technique. An adapted interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 25.0 software. RESULTS: The mean age of the adolescents was 14.9 ± 1.3 years. This study revealed that out of 514 (81.6%) respondents who had access to the internet, only 182 (35.4%) utilized digital media for SRH information. Among those who utilized digital media for SRH information, a little over half 100 (54.9%) of them had good utilization. Easy internet accessibility 225 (35.7%) was the predominant reason for utilizing digital media for SRH while 313 (49.7%) of the respondents stated slow internet network as one of the challenges in utilizing digital media for SRH. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that only one-third of the respondents utilized digital media for SRH information and among these there was good utilization by over half of the respondents. The predominant reason for utilizing digital media for SRH information was easy accessibility while slow internet network was stated as a major challenge to utilizing digital media for SRH.

CONTEXTE: Les applications des médias numériques sont devenues extrêmement omniprésentes dans le monde entier, notamment chez les jeunes. Les adolescents utilisent les médias numériques pour l'éducation à la santé car ils sont accessibles, faciles à comprendre, dignes de confiance, crédibles et confidentiels. OBJECTIF: Cette étude a évalué l'utilisation des médias numériques pour l'information sur la santé sexuelle et reproductive (SSR) chez les adolescents scolarisés à Benin City, au Nigeria. MÉTHODES: Cette étude transversale a été menée auprès de 630 adolescents scolarisés à Benin City. Ils ont été sélectionnés à l'aide d'une technique d'échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés. Un questionnaire adapté, administré par un enquêteur, a été utilisé pour la collecte des données. L'analyse des données a été réalisée à l'aide du logiciel IBM SPSS version 25.0. CONCLUSION: L'étude a révélé que seulement un tiers des répondants utilisait les médias numériques pour l'information sur la santé sexuelle et reproductive et que plus de la moitié d'entre eux les utilisaient bien. La raison prédominante de l'utilisation des médias numériques pour l'information sur la santé sexuelle et reproductive est la facilité d'accès, tandis que la lenteur du réseau Internet est considérée comme un obstacle majeur à l'utilisation des médias numériques pour la santé sexuelle et reproductive. Mots-clés: Adolescents, santé sexuelle, santé reproductive, Internet, médias numériques.

Knowledge of acute respiratory infection in under-fives and homebased practices by their caregivers in an urban community in southern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a common respiratory problem in Nigeria and spans a spectrum of infections, from the common cold to pneumonia. ARI is the leading cause of mortality in children under 5 years of age, with the majority of deaths occurring in developing countries. OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge of and the home-based practices used by caregivers of under-fives during episodes of ARI. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among an urban community in Edo State, Nigeria. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. A pretested researcher-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. RESULTS: Of the 346 participating caregivers, the majority had poor knowledge of ARI-related aspects and only some respondents showed good or fair knowledge. Specifically, only 12 respondents (3.5%) showed good knowledge of ARI symptoms and only nine (2.6%) showed good knowledge of the danger signs associated with ARIs. The majority of respondents (n=163; 81.1%) used shea butter oil (orioyo) as a home remedy. CONCLUSION: Despite a high level of awareness of ARI among caregivers in the sampled community, a poor level of knowledge of the symptoms, causes and danger signs of ARI was observed. Various homemade preparations and remedies were used to treat ARIs.

Concerns about the knowledge and attitude of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis among health care workers and patients in Delta State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate knowledge and wrong perception of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) by Health Care Workers (HCWs) and patients are detrimental to tuberculosis control programs. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of HCWs and TB patients about MDR-TB in Delta State, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among HCWs and TB patients in Delta State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. RESULTS: Ninety-six HCWs and 114 TB patients were studied. The HCWs (mean age 43.0 ± 10.1 years) were older than the patients (mean age 41.7 ± 16.9 years). A higher proportion (54.2%) of HCWs had tertiary education, but only 15% of the patients had above secondary education. Eight (8.3%) HCWs and majority (60.5%) of the patients had no knowledge about of MDR-TB. Only 18.4% of patients compared to 61.5% of HCWs had good knowledge of MDR-TB. Both groups demonstrated a positive attitude toward MDR-TB. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of MDR-TB was poor among the TB patients studied as well as among HCWs with low educational status. MDR-TB training program for both HCWs and patients need to be re-structured to allow for greater gain in MDR-TB knowledge among both groups, which in turn may help improve compliance and treatment outcomes among patients.

Maternal health services uptake and its determinants in public primary health care facilities in edo state, Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the uptake of maternal health services; its determinants and the perception of users about these services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in Edo North Senatorial Zone of Nigeria. Respondents were selected using a multi- stage sampling technique. A structured, interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The data were analysed using SPSS version 17. Binary logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of utilization of these services. RESULTS: A total of 342 respondents participated in the study; with 171(50%) from the sub-urban communities and the other half from the rural communities. The utilization of the ANC services was 79% and 81% for the sub-urban and rural communities respectively. As for delivery services, it varied from 60.2% to 81.3% for the sub-urban and rural communities respectively. Family planning services uptake was about the same for both types of communities; being 43.7% for the sub-urban communities and 44.4% for the rural communities. Educational status and type of community were significantly associated with delivery service utilization. The predictors of the antenatal services utilization included: educational status, cost per illness, self assessment of health, clean environment and sources of information on maternal care. Marital status, average income and type of community were the predictors of family planning services utilization. CONCLUSION: The utilization of maternal services was good; being higher than the national average with the exception of postnatal service, which was completely absent. The major determinants of utilization of maternal health services included educational status and the average monthly income of the respondents. Services were perceived by more than half of the respondents to be generally good. There is need for the provision of the minimum service components of maternal health care services especially postnatal service at the PHC facilities.

Prevalence of Needlestick Injuries Among Healthcare Workers in the Accident and Emergency Department of a Teaching Hospital in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are continually exposed to hazards from contact with blood and body fluids of patients in the healthcare setting. AIM: To determine the prevalence of needlestick injuries (NSIs) and associated factors among HCWs in the Accident and Emergency Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Univariate, bivariate, and binary logistic regression analyses were done. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of NSIs 12 months preceding the study was 51.0% (50/98). Doctors 8/10 (80.0%) and nurses 28/40 (70.0%) had the highest occurrence. Recapping of needles 19/50 (38.0%) and patient aggression 13/50 (26.0%) were responsible for most injuries. The majority 31/50 (62.0%) of the injuries were not reported. The uptake of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) was low 11/50 (22.0%). The factors that were significantly associated with NSI include age 30 years and above (odds ratio [OR] =0.28, confidence interval [CI] = 0.11-0.70), work duration of three years and above (OR = 0.29, CI = 0.11-0.75), and being a nurse (OR = 3.38, CI = 1.49-9.93) or a paramedic (OR = 0.18, CI = 0.06-0.52). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of NSIs among the HCWs, especially in doctors and nurses is an indication that HCWs in UBTH are at great risk of contracting blood-borne infections. Efforts should be made to ensure that injuries are reported and appropriate PEP undertaken following NSIs.

Non-medical management practices for type 2 diabetes in a teaching hospital in southern Nigeria

The aim of this study was to assess the practices of non-medical management of diabetes mellitus by type 2 diabetes patients attending the diabetic clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital; Benin City; Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among type 2 diabetes outpatients. The respondents were recruited consecutively from the consultant outpatient clinic of the hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and 216 were investigated (44% male; mean (+SD) age 60+9 years). A high proportion (41%) had secondary education; 45% were skilled workers; and 35% earned 31 000-60 000 Naira (US$150-$350) monthly. All respondents admitted receiving regular education on self-care management during clinic visits. Blood glucose checks were done weekly by 16% and monthly by 81%. However; only 47% possessed their own glucose meter. The majority (76%) adhered to a planned diet regimen; 60% exercised regularly; 93% checked their weight monthly; and 71% checked their blood pressure monthly. The type 2 diabetes patients were generally aware of the non-medical management of diabetes and their practice of it was fair. Statistically significant correlations were found between dietary adherence and increased diabetes duration (p=0.011). Regular exercise was more common in older (p=0.003) and better educated (p=0.007) patients. Possession of a glucose meter was; as expected; associated with higher education (p=0.00002) and monthly income (p=0.0001). There is a need for continuous promotion of these non-medical management practices and healthy lifestyles among type 2 diabetic patients whenever they come in contact with healthcare delivery systems

Neonatal jaundice and its management: knowledge, attitude, and practice among expectant mothers attending antenatal clinic at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal Jaundice (NNJ) is a common disorder worldwide and one of the important contributors to the high neonatal morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Severe neonatal jaundice leads to brain damage or even death in otherwise healthy newborns. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of expectant mothers about neonatal jaundice and its management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was descriptive cross-sectional, carried out among 389 expectant mothers who were attending the antenatal clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. A structured, Pre-tested, researcher administered questionnaire was used to interview the respondents. Data was analysed using SPSS version 15. RESULTS: The mean age of the expectant mothers was 30.5 (SD 4.9) years. Fifty-five (14.1%) of respondents had previous experience with NNJ, 8 (2.1%) lost babies due to NNJ. 334 (85.9%) were aware of the condition, 381 (77.4%) knew how to recognize the symptoms of NNJ, 279 (71.7%) knew a correct method of treatment of NNJ. A large proportion of the expectant mothers 261 (67%) knew some complications of NNJ. Two hundred and five (52.7%) did not know any danger sign of complications of NNJ. Three hundred and fifty five (91.3%) had good attitude towards its management. Majority of expectant mothers whose previous babies had NNJ took the babies to the hospital for treatment. A large proportion also expressed their willingness to seek medical attention if their babies were to develop the condition. Their knowledge of neonatal jaundice was significantly influenced by their level of education and the number of their previous babies who had NNJ. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that expectant mothers attending antenatal clinic at UBTH had good knowledge of the treatment and complications of NNJ but inadequate knowledge of the causes and danger signs of the condition. Their attitude and practice towards the management of NNJ was good. It is therefore recommended that Health care providers should give more health education on NNJ to the expectant mothers during antenatal visits.

Neonatal Jaundice and its Management: Knowledge; Attitude; and Practice among Expectant Mothers Attending Antenatal Clinic at University of Benin Teaching Hospital; Benin City; Nigeria

Introduction: Neonatal Jaundice (NNJ) is a common disorder worldwide and one of the important contributors to the high neonatal morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Severe neonatal jaundice leads to brain damage or even death in otherwise healthy newborns. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge; attitude and practice of expectant mothers about neonatal jaundice and its management. Materials and Methods: The study was descriptive cross-sectional; carried out among 389 expectant mothers who were attending the antenatal clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. A structured; Pre-tested; researcher administered questionnaire was used to interview the respondents. Data was analysed using SPSS version 15. Results: The mean age of the expectant mothers was 30.5 (SD 4.9) years. Fifty-five (14.1) of respondents had previous experience with NNJ; 8 (2.1) lost babies due to NNJ. 334 (85.9) were aware of the condition; 381 (77.4) knew how to recognize the symptoms of NNJ; 279 (71.7) knew a correct method of treatment of NNJ. A large proportion of the expectant mothers 261 (67) knew some complications of NNJ. Two hundred and five (52.7) did not know any danger sign of complications of NNJ. Three hundred and fifty five (91.3) had good attitude towards its management. Majority of expectant mothers whose previous babies had NNJ took the babies to the hospital for treatment. A large proportion also expressed their willingness to seek medical attention if their babies were to develop the condition. Their knowledge of neonatal jaundice was significantly influenced by their level of education and the number of their previous babies who had NNJ. Conclusion: This study revealed that expectant mothers attending antenatal clinic at UBTH had good knowledge of the treatment and complications of NNJ but inadequate knowledge of the causes and danger signs of the condition. Their attitude and practice towards the management of NNJ was good. It is therefore recommended that Health care providers should give more health education on NNJ to the expectant mothers during antenatal visits

Prevalence of occupational accidents/Injuries among health care workers in a federal medical centre in southern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Health care workers (HCWs) are prone to occupational accidents and injuries such as needle pricks in the course of their day to day activities in the health care setting. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of needle sticks and other occupational exposures among HCWs in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross sectional design involving all the doctors, and all laboratory workers and a selection of nurses. A structured, pre-tested, selfadministered questionnaire was the tool for data collection. RESULTS: A total of 167 HCWs made up of 47 (28.1%) doctors, 100 (59.9%) nurses and 20 (12.0%) laboratory workers were interviewed. Twenty-five (53.2%) doctors, 53 (53.0%) nurses and 10 (50.0%) laboratory workers making a total of 88 (52.7%) HCWs had had needle pricks, while 28 (59.6%) doctors, 53 (53.0%) nurses and 8 (40.0%) laboratory workers making a total of 89 (53.3%) have had blood splashes. A higher proportion of nurses 54 (54.0%) had cuts from drug ampoules than doctors (34.0%) while 16 (36.2%) doctors had glove perforation during surgery compared to nine (9.0%) nurses. Only 43 (25.7%) HCWs reported to the staff clinic after sustaining accidents/injuries. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of needle sticks and other occupational accidents/injuries among HCWs in the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Nigeria is high. There is also a high rate of non-reporting of these injuries to relevant authorities. All health facilities should have a written injection safety policy and a post-exposure protocol and HCWs should be continually educated on them.

Knowledge of breast cancer and practice of breast self examination among female senior secondary school students in Abuja, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is a public health problem that is increasing throughout the world especially in developing countries. The study was aimed at assessing the knowledge of breast cancer and practice of breast self examination (BSE) among female senior secondary school students in the municipal council area of Abuja, Nigeria. METHODS: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among female senior secondary school students from selected schools in the municipal area council of Abuja. The tool for data collection was a structured self administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16.0. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-seven students participated in the study. Their mean age was 16.5 +/- 1.4 years. A greater proportion of respondents 163 (56.8%) had poor knowledge of breast cancer while 217 (75.6%) had poor knowledge of BSE. Only 114 (39.7%) of the respondents knew that being a female was a risk factor for breast cancer and the least known risk factors were obesity and aging. The major source of information for breast cancer and BSE among the respondents was the mass media. Only 29 (10.1%) of respondents had practiced BSE. Knowledge of BSE was significantly associated with BSE practice. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that female secondary school students have poor knowledge of breast cancer. A good proportion of them knew that BSE could be used as a screening method for breast cancer but only few had practiced BSE. There is need for adequate health education on breast cancer and BSE among adolescent females in Nigeria.

Knowledge and practice of standard precautions among health care workers in the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Health care workers (HCWs) are exposed to blood and other body fluids in the course of their day to day activities in the health care setting. Standard precautions are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms from both recognized and unrecognised sources. This study is to determine the knowledge and practice of standard precautions among health care workers in Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This descriptive, cross sectional study was carried out among Health Care workers in Federal Medical Centre Asaba, Delta State. A total population of all the doctors and laboratory workers was used while the nurses were selected using a stratified sampling method. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was the tool for data collection. RESULTS: A total of 167 respondents participated in this study. The mean age of the HCWs was 36.9 ± 6.8 years made up of 47 (28.1%) doctors, 100 (59.9%) nurses and 20 (12.0%) laboratory workers. There were more females (65.3%) than males (34.7%) in the study. One hundred and thirty seven (82.0%) respondents had heard about standard precautions. Only 63 (37.7%) of them had correct knowledge of it. There was fair practice and adherence to the standard precautions by those who knew of it. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study emphasised the need for intensive enlightenment programme to educate health care workers on various aspects of standard precautions and infection control programmes and policies.

Food contamination in fast food restaurants in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria: Implications for food hygiene and safety.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of food contamination in the fast food restaurants operating in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. METHODS: Three hundred and fifty food handlers were selected by means of a systematic sampling method and interviewed using a semi-structured researcher-administered questionnaire. One hundred and sixty-eight samples of ready-to-eat food and 45 stool samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory for the presence of bacteria (excluding anaerobic bacteria). RESULTS: More than half of the respondents (n=184, 52.6%) had no training in food hygiene and safety. Only 149 (42.6%) respondents knew that micro-organisms can contaminate food. The prevalence of food contamination in the fast food restaurants was found to be 37.5%. Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus were the most commonly isolated bacteria, while salad, meat pie and fried rice were the most commonly contaminated foods. CONCLUSION: There is need for the relevant local authorities to ensure that the food sold to consumers in fast food restaurants is safe, wholesome and fit for human consumption in order to prevent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses. Also, there should be regular training/retraining and health education of these food handlers in all aspects of food hygiene and safety.

Knowledge and practice of food hygiene and safety among food handlers in fast food restaurants in Benin City, Edo State.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge and practice of food hygiene and safety among food handlers in fast food restaurants in Benin City, Edo State. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 350 respondents who were selected by means of a systematic sampling method and interviewed using a semi-structured researcher-administered questionnaire. An observational checklist was thereafter used to inspect their personal hygiene status. RESULTS: The mean age of the food handlers was 26.4 +/- 6.1 years. Two hundred and twenty eight (65.1%) were females while 34.9% were males. A majority (98%) of the respondents had formal education. There was good knowledge and practice of food hygiene and safety among the respondents. Knowledge was significantly influenced by previous training in food hygiene and safety (p = 0.002). Food handlers who had worked for longer years in the fast food restaurants had better practice of food hygiene and safety (p = 0.036). The level of education of respondents did not significantly influenced their practice of food hygiene and safety (p = 0.084). Although, 299 (85.4%) food handlers were generally clean, skin lesions was seen in 4 (7.3%) of them. CONCLUSION: This study showed good knowledge and practice of food hygiene and safety by food handlers in the fast food restaurants in Benin City, but there is need for improvement through training and retraining of food handlers by the management of the restaurants and the local government authorities.