Prevalence of bacterial otitis media in primary school children in Enugu Surburb, Enugu state, Nigeria.

Out of a total school population of 3,070 pupils examined for discharging ear due to bacterial etiology, 44 (1.4%) had discharging ear. Forty eight species of bacteria belonging to 5 genera were isolated. These included, Staphylococcus aureus, 16 isolates; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 10; escherichia coli, 11; Proteus species, 7; Bacillus sp. 4. The highest prevalence of infection (3.0%) was recorded in central school Akwuke, Awkunanaw. Analysis of the data showed that infection rate was highest among the 6-9 year old age group (61%) and lowest among the 15 years and above age group (5%). Boys recorded a higher prevalence of infection (55%) than girls (45%). However the difference was not statistically significant (x = 2.08, p > 0.01). All the organisms isolated were sensitive to genticin but resistant to other commonly used antibiotics.

The relationship of white blood cell and platelet counts to cigarette smoking in adult Nigerians.

This study was undertaken to examine the relationship between cigarette-smoking and total white blood cell count (wbcc) and platelet count (pc) in adult Nigerians. We also studied the relationship of the white blood cell and platelet counts to the duration of the smoking habit and number of cigarette smoked per day. Three hundred and fifty-two healthy male adults, aged 18-52 years, were studied. They were randomly allocated to two groups--176 smokers and 176 non-smokers. The smoking habit was assessed from a minimum period of 1 year and a minimum number of 5 cigarettes per day. Results revealed that platelet count was higher for the regular Nigerian smoker than for non-smoker. The difference between mean platelet counts for smokers and non-smokers was statistically significant (t = 2.64 p = 0.0046). Man WBC count in smokers was slightly higher than for non-smokers. However, unlike in the case of platelet counts, the mean difference in WBC count between smokers and non-smokers is not statistically significant (t = 0.07, p value = 0.9442). Similar studies based on white population has showed statistically significant increases in wbcc and pc in smokers.

Influence of the number of living sons on contraceptive use among female teachers in Nigeria.

This study examines the relationship between the number of living sons and contraceptive use among married female teachers in primary and secondary schools of the Enugu urban area, Anambra State, Nigeria. Within each category of number of living children, women with no living sons were least likely to have ever used modern contraceptives. Contraceptive use increased directly with number of living sons. However, women with only sons and no daughters were less likely to have ever used modern contraceptives than were women with at least one son and one daughter. Better educated women who were close to achieving their desired family size, or whose desired family sex ratio was relatively low, were more likely to be contraceptive users.

Family planning among Nigerian postsecondary female students.

This study examines the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of family planning among postsecondary female students in an urban area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Although only a few of the women sampled expressed knowledge of modern contraceptive methods, the majority had favorable attitudes toward family planning. Among those who had knowledge of family planning, those who had attended a coeducational secondary school were more familiar with modern contraceptive methods, and those who had attended an all-girls' secondary school were more familiar with the rhythm method. Of the 23.3 percent who had ever practiced family planning, almost half had used rhythm; only a very small minority had ever used the pill. Among those who had ever used contraception and who had a positive attitude toward family planning, the greatest proportion was made up of older, married Protestant women.

PIP: This study examines attitudes toward family planning among female postsecondary school students in Nigeria. Data were based on a random sample of 603 students from 3 educational institutions in the urban center of Awka, to whom KAP surveys were distributed. 32% of the 489 respondents were married, and 29% had attended a coeducational secondary school. Results show that over 1/3rd had no knowledge of family planning; of those who had knowledge, 32.5% said they were most familiar with the rhythm method. Women over 20 had greater knowledge than younger women (62.3% vs. 56.0%). No significant difference was found between Catholics and Protestants, nor was there any significant difference among women from coeducational schools. A majority expressed a favorable attitude toward family planning. Morality was cited most frequently as a reason for not using contraceptives. 23.3% had ever actually used any form of contraception. Use of modern methods was highest among older, married, Protestant women. The group as a whole preferred boys to girls in a ratio of about 1.4 to 1.0; any program to reduce fertility in Nigeria must attempt to modify the traditional value system that places a high premium on male children.

Lessons from traditional medical and health practices.

PIP: Unlike hospital-oriented western medical practice, traditional medical science and technology include aspects of botany, anatomy, psychology, psychiatry, and sociology. Indigenous medical treatment has been successful in extensive comminuted fractures, psychosomatic disorders, and frantic manic psychosis. Traditional practitioners also work to prevent disease. They often advise against marriages that might perpetuate diseases. Traditional birth attendants and doctors in Africa, Asia, and Latin America routinely perform external cephalic versions on women with breach birth presentations thereby avoiding the need for often risky and undesirable cesarean sections. In many cultures, traditional birth attendants and female advisors from within and outside immediate families are among the regular local services available to mothers during gestation and early child care periods. Breastfeeding, which has been discouraged in industrialized countries, is nutritious and partially serves as a form of contraceptive to aid in child spacing, especially if lactation is prolonged. In most hospitals in developing countries, in contrast to western hospitals, the mother is encouraged to stay with her sick child to provide psychological support and assist with feeding and some aspects of care and treatment. Family organizations and extended families help in child bearing, care and nurturing and continues into socialization and adolescence.^ieng