Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Women of Reproductive Age on Human Papillomavirus Infection, Cervical Cancer and Vaccination in Otukpo, Nigeria.

Background: Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of human papilloma virus (HPV) is a necessary measure in curtailing delayed diagnosis and poor control practices. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices vis-à-vis HPV infection, cervical cancer and vaccination among women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at 15 selected health-care facilities in Otukpo metropolis and it involved 168 pregnant women. The data were collected using structured questionnaire, and analysed for descriptive and analytical statistics using Epi Data Version 3.1 and SPSS statistical package Version 21. Results: Most of the respondents (75.0%) have heard of human papilloma virus and their information source were mostly the health-care providers. In total, 132(78.6%) agreed to take the vaccine if offered for free but 152(90.5%) stated that it is imperative to seek the opinion of health providers before vaccine uptake. However, only 27(16.1%) have undergone recommended checkup for human papilloma virus/cervical cancer and 23(13.7%) have taken at least a vaccine dose. Some respondents 66(39.3%) had good knowledge while 95(56.6%) demonstrated positive attitude. However, most respondents 161(95.8%) demonstrated poor practices. Conclusions: There is enormous need to improve HPV sensitization especially in women due to cervical cancer associated risks. Healthcare personnel are therefore encouraged to create more awareness on HPV infection and screening of cervical cancer (CC) via counseling sessions and communications tool like the new media. KAP approach is a critical tool towards successful CC screening and HPV control.

Trends and patterns of sexual assaults in Lagos south-western Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual assault is a severely traumatic experience that disproportionally affects women and girls. Yet there is limited information on the subject in our environment. This study was conducted to determine the trend and pattern of sexual assault among Nigerians. METHODS: A retrospective study of sexual assault victims managed at a large clinic in south west Nigeria. Victims were identified from the programme data base and case files retrieved from medical records department. Relevant information was extracted and managed with SPSS for windows version 19. RESULTS: Steady increase in the proportion of reported cases of sexual violence over the years (P < 0.0001) was observed. Sexual assaults were recorded among the males (6.1%), although female victims were in the majority (93.9%). Sexual assault was found to be higher in person's <20 years and the unmarried. Most sexual assault occurred during the day time. Assailants were mostly persons known to the victim (52.0%) and the assault occurred mostly in the assailants' house or office (48.5%). Sexual assault through vaginal route only (87.2%) was the most common route of sexual assault. Threat of violence (31.1%) and physical force (29.6%) was the common methods for overcoming the victims. Follow up was completed by 75.0% of the victims. CONCLUSION: Sexual assault is common in our environment, with increasing prevalence and change in pattern. Young persons aged less than 20 years constitutes the majority of victims and assailants were mostly persons known to them. The current public education on the evils of sexual violence should be intensified.

Sero-prevalence and factors associated with Hepatitis B and C co-infection in pregnant Nigerian women living with HIV infection.

INTRODUCTION: Perinatal and horizontal transmission of Hepatitis B occur in areas of high endemicity as most infections are acquired in the first 5 years of life. Unless Hepatitis B and C infected pregnant women identified, and appropriate treatment provided, children born to these women are at high risk of chronic Hepatitis B (and C) virus infection. The objecive of this study was to determined the prevalence and the factors associated with Hepatitis B and C Virus infection in pregnant HIV positive Nigerians. METHODS: A cross sectional study among HIV Positive pregnant women seen at a large PMTCT clinic in Lagos Nigeria. The women were screened for Hepatitis B and C Virus infection at enrollment. HIV viral load, CD4 count, liver transaminases and hemoglobin levels were also determined. Data were managed with SPSS for windows version. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutions Ethical Review Board. RESULTS: Of the 2391 studied subjects, 101(4.2%) and 37(1.5%) respectively were seropositive for Hepatitis B and C Virus infection. Twowomen (0. 08%) had triple infections. blood transfusion, (cOR: 2.3; 95% CI:1.1-4.6), history of induced abortion (cOR:2. 2;95% CI:1.3-3.6), and elevated baseline ALT (cOR:2. 2; 95%CI:2. 2;4.2) were significantly associated with HBV. History of induced abortion was the only factor found to be associated with HIV/ HCV (cOR: 1.9;95%CI:1. 3-3.9). CONCLUSION: Hepatitis B Virus infection (4.2%) is relatively common in our environment and associated with induced abortion, blood transfusion and elevated baseline transaminase. Hepatitis C Virus infection (1.5%) is less common and associated with only history of induced abortion.

Risk of blood splashes to masks and goggles during cesarean section.

INTRODUCTION: The study arose out of concern about the transmission of infectious diseases through mucocutaneous contact with blood and body fluids. The purpose was to identify the risk of blood splashes to masks and goggles during cesarean section. MATERIAL/METHODS: The prospective study spanned 6 months between January and June 1998 to determine the incidence of blood splashes to the masks and goggles of surgeons, assistants, and scrub nurses. All the doctors and scrub nurses who participated in surgery were requested to wear masks and goggles for all the cesarean section cases during the study period. At the end of surgery, the surgeon examined all the masks and goggles for obvious blood splashes and documented these in a data sheet. RESULTS: There were 144 cases of cesarean section performed during the period, of which 13.2% (19) were elective and 86.8% (125) were emergencies. 74.3% (107) of the patients registered for antenatal care and delivered in the institution, while 25.7% (37) cases were not booked but admitted for delivery. The mean age of the parturient and parity were 27.4+/-2.8 years and 5.8+/-2.4, respectively. The rate of blood splashes was 62.5% on the surgeons' masks, 63.2% on surgeons' goggles, 35.4% on assistants' masks, 38.9% on assistants' goggles, 11.1% on scrub nurses' masks, and 16.0% on scrub nurses' goggles. CONCLUSIONS: We therefore recommend the use of masks and protective eye wear as part of routine surgical attire to avoid body fluid contamination that can result in acquiring infectious diseases.