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Author(s):
Dabirilagba O. F., Boloya V. E., Tawari P. E..
Page No : 1-11
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Awareness and Prevalence of Alcohol Use and Its Abuse amongst the Residents of Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Alcohol use and its abuse is gradually becoming a global concern because its use is deeply rooted in many societies and cultures. In recent years there have been changes in drinking patterns across the globe with increases in the rates of consumption and drinking to excess among the general population. Nevertheless, the abuse of alcohol carries a risk of adverse health and social consequences related to its toxicity and dependence-producing properties. The abuse or harmful use of alcohol is a well-known risk factor for disability and premature mortality. This study was conducted to determine the awareness and prevalence of alcohol use and its abuse among residents of Amassoma community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional randomized study design was conducted among residents of Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Data collection was carried out using both self-administered and interview-administered questionnaires. One hundred and fifty seven (157) respondents were selected for the study. Results: Data obtained from this study revealed that the majority of the respondents take alcohol or have taken it at one point in their life. Palm wine was the most frequently-used alcoholic beverage (21.7%), followed by beer and red wine (20.4%) which was usually taken for pleasure or during occasions/festivals. Majority of the respondents (69.4%) reported that their siblings take alcohol whereas 48.4% said their parents take alcohol in their presence.Conclusion: The risk factors for the use of the alcohol in the Amassoma community are being a female, single or young adult, cultural practices and beliefs of the populace.
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Author(s):
Nwankwo B.B., Bankole A.O..
Page No : 12-26
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Prevalence of Induced Abortion and Contraceptive Use among University Students in a Tertiary Institution in Nigeria
Abstract
Abortion can be defined as the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus. The main point made by the majority of the definitions of abortion upholds the fact that pregnancy is not wanted. Throughout the world, female students are exposed to the risk of unplanned pregnancies as a result of ineffective or non-use of contraceptives. This may result in failure to complete their education, inability to maintain gainful employment, and inability to make independent marital decisions. Young students’ sexual activities are a communal, municipal, and public health concern. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of induced abortion and contraceptive use amongst female undergraduate students of the University of Abuja. Methodology: The study was conducted at the University of Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative survey was used to assess the prevalence of induced abortion and contraceptive use amongst unmarried female undergraduate students, using a multistage sampling method. The sample size was calculated to be 289. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23, p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant at a 95% confidence level. Results: A total of 325 questionnaires were shared and 318 were filled and adequately answered, giving a response rate of 97.8%. The mean age in this study was 21.8 ± 3.01 standard deviation. There was a prevalence of contraceptive use amongst the respondents in which more than half (165; 51.9%) of the respondents have practiced contraception at one point or the other in their reproductive years while 163 (48.1%) of the respondents said they did not practice any form of contraception. 90 (28.3%) of the respondents have had induced abortion at one point or the other while the remaining 228 (71.7%) have not. The majority (87; 52.7%) of the respondents who practice contraception have also had an induced abortion at one point or the other while about 78 (47.3%) of those who practice contraceptive use had no history of induced abortion. Conclusion: Remarkably, and in contrast to conventional understanding, these results showed that less contraception does not appear to be associated with a higher incidence of abortion. Similarly, more contraception does not appear to be protective against incurring a pregnancy. Recommendation: There should be frequent awareness campaigns and health education on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of contraception by the Students Union Government, school media and publicity team, and non-governmental and charitable organizations targeted on effective contraceptive practice as a means of preventing unintended pregnancies.
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Author(s):
Oyeyemi A.O., Olushola O.O., Jidda K.A. (Ph.D).
Page No : 27-41
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Assessment of Health Education Students’ Knowledge of Sickle Cell and Rhesus Factor Incompatibility in the University of Ilorin
Abstract
The incidence of Sickle Cell and Rhesus Factor disorders has a considerable impact on death rates across the world. Unmarried students in the Department of Health Education at the University of Ilorin were tested on their knowledge of Sickle Cell and Rhesus Factor compatibility. The study looked at how knowledge about Sickle Cell illness and Rhesus Factor compatibility varied according to gender, (ii) academic level, (iii) age, and (iv) religion. The study used a survey-style descriptive research approach. The study's participants were single students in the Department of Health Education. A multi-stage sampling process was used to choose 200 respondents for the study. Data was collected using a validated structured questionnaire with a reliability value of 0.72. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of percentages, and inferential statistics of independent test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at the 0.05 alpha level. Among the findings were that:
1. The level of knowledge of sickle cell was moderate.
2. The level of knowledge of Rhesus factor compatibility was also moderate.
3. There was no statistically significant difference in the knowledge of sickle cell based on gender (t{198} = 1.21, p>0.05).
4. There was no statistically significant difference in the knowledge of sickle cell based on age range (t{198} = 1.218, p>0.05).
5. There was no statistically significant difference in the knowledge of sickle cell on religion (t{198} = 1.491, p>0.05).
The study revealed, among other things, that the students' understanding of Sickle Cell and Rhesus Factor compatibility was moderate. As a result, it was suggested that students be educated about the consequences of Sickle Cell and Rhesus Factor incompatibility through health symposiums, public announcements, and social media, as well as the various ways in which it can be avoided, to aid in the development of their knowledge and to assist groups and individuals in making informed decisions in such health matters.
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Author(s):
Chiejina Edith Nkechi, Odikpo Linda Chihurumnanya.
Page No : 41-48
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Pregnant Women’s Awareness of Transmission Mode of Covid-19, and Interactions with the Victims of the Disease in South-South Nigeria
Abstract
COVID-19 is a communicable disease. Awareness of the mode of transmission by the masses could increase compliance with the precautionary measures by the masses. Hence, this study was carried out to determine pregnant women’s awareness of the transmission mode of COVID-19 and interactions with the victims of the disease in South-South Nigeria. It was a cross-sectional research design. Out of the six States (Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross-River, Delta, Edo and Rivers) that constitute South-South Nigeria, multistage sampling technique was used to select 144 pregnant women from the primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities in Edo State. The instrument used for data collection was Questionnaire on Pregnant Women’s Perception of Coronavirus Pandemic (QPWPCP). The reliability of the instrument was conducted using an internal consistency test for reliability. The Cronbach Alpha yielded a coefficient of 0.711. Data collected were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean and Spearman Rank Order correlation. The result showed that 77.1% of the respondents indicated awareness of mode of transmission of COVID-19, 69.4% indicated that COVID-19 victims should not be stigmatized and 91% were of the opinion that COVID-19 victims will survive with treatment. Significant relationship was observed between awareness of transmission mode of COVID-19 among the pregnant women and interaction with people with COVID-19: rho = - 0.221; p-value = 0.008. Healthcare providers should intensify campaigns to create awareness about mode of transmission of Coronavirus infection and the need for the populace to sustain the preventive measures.
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Author(s):
Hameeda Ibrahim Ahmed Mustafa, Dr. Wad al bahar Hamad alnil Abd allah, Dr. Abd alraheem Ali Babiker.
Page No : 49-72
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Fungal Elements in Sputum Cytology Among Active and Post_Treated Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Al Managil Teaching Hospital, Gezira State, Sudan (2020)
Abstract
Sputum cytology is still one of the most effective and producible sample for diagnosis and evaluation of lung diseases and disorders. For this, it can used for evaluation of apportunistic fungal pathogens on pulmonary tuberculosis patients, which is of leading cause of death worldwide. On this cross sectional laboratory base study, which used to evaluate the sputum cytology for presence of opportunistic fungal elements. A total 110 early morning expectorate sample collected from the period 1/3 to 30/6/2020. 69/110 (63%) from patients come for first diagnosis to the center of T.B and HIV. Al Managil teaching hospital, and 41/110 (37%) follow-up starting from second month until six month post- treated follow up. From each sample two slides was prepared. One of them fixed immediately before air-drying in 95% ethanol and later stain by PAS technique, the other fixed after air-drying on absolute methanol and stain by Giemsa stain. Regardless to other method of fungal identification such as serology or mycological culture, only depends on microscopic identification. The study found that 95/110 (86%) was negative for fungal elements, and 15(14%) was positive, 9(8%) positive in diagnosis group and 6(5%) in follow-up group. Moreover the most common infectious agents was Candida species 9/110 (8%), 6/110 (5%) present as yeast and 3/110 (2%) as Pseudohyhae. Followed by Aspergillus species 5/110 (4%) then actinomyces species 1/110(.9%). The incidence of infection is higher in rural (82%) males (55%) farmers (36%). In the majority of the pateints with negative results for fungi MDR-TB not detected 87(79%), followed by positive for fungi and also MDR-TB not detected 15 (13.6%), then (negative and positive) for fungi and MDR-TB with high rate with the same percentage 3(2.8%), and finely very low MDR-TB 1(.9%), medium MDR-TB 1(.9%) without any detection of fungal elements. The study recommended including fungal testing and antifungal drugs on the pulmonary TB treatment plan as possible causes of complications.
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Author(s):
Ojo Philip O., Ojo Moradeyo P..
Page No : 73-84
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Prevalence of Helminth Parasites of Swine in three Selected Local Government Areas of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Helminth infections of swine are common, but reports on the economic losses are not available. Though they cause a reduction in weight gain by interfering with food digestion, absorption, and feed conversion efficiency, there has been an increase in feeding cost complicated by helminth parasite infections. The losses are difficult to substantiate due to the chronic nature of helminth infections. This study sought to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of swine helminth infections in three local government areas of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was applied to selected pig farms and animals from three local government areas in Ibadan for participation. 10 grams of freshly voided faeces were collected from a total of 246 pigs into a sterile labelled bottle containing 10% formalin until processed. Faecal samples were examined in the Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan. Oral interviews were made to assess the daily routine activities and health status of the pigs from farm owners. Results: The overall prevalence of helminth parasites of swine in this study was 34.2% while the species prevalence of four helminth parasites obtained in this study included: A. suum 35 (14.26%), T. suis 23 (9.3%), Oesophagostomum spp 17 (6.9%), and Strongyloides spp 9 (3.6%). Also, the overall single and mixed helminth infections were 70.2% and 29.8% in the three local government areas respectively; helminth parasitic load was highest in grower pigs (48.4%), followed by piglets (31.6%), and lowest in adult pigs (22.5%) without significant difference (p>0.05). Female pigs demonstrated a higher parasite burden (37.6%) than male pigs (30.6%) with no significant difference (p>0.05). Semi-intensively managed farms had a higher parasite load (71%) than those under the intensive system (24%) while farms that administered anthelmintic recorded a lower prevalence (15%), and those without had a higher (63%) significance (p<0.05). Pigs in Ona-Ara and Akinyele local government areas voided low (EPG≤100) to moderate (EPG≥100<500) amount of helminth eggs while pigs in Egbeda local government area excreted high (EPG≥500≤1000). Conclusion: The risk factors for helminth infections in pigs are age, sex, farm management practice, and anthelminthic administration.
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Author(s):
Adeyemi, Maria Modupe, Olayemi Ifeoluwa O., Adigun Akindele, Osilesi Odutola.
Page No : 85-93
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Hepato-Protective Effect of Telfaria occidentalis (Ugwu) Leaves Supplementation in Paracetamol Induced-Toxicity in Rats
Abstract
The hepato-protective effect of Telfaria occidentalis leaves supplementation on paracetamol induced liver toxicity in wistar rats was investigated. A total of forty Wistar (female and male) rats weighing between 150-250g were selected for the study. The animals were randomly divided into four groups of five animals each. Animals in group 1 and 2 received standard chow only while animals in group 3 and 4 received 5% and 10% T. occidentalis supplementation in their feed respectively for six weeks. Group 2, 3 and 4 were administered 3000 mg/kg bodyweight of paracetamol intraperitoneally after six weeks. The animals were sacrificed after 24hours of induction and the liver was harvested for analysis. Alanine transaminase, Aspartate Transaminase and Alkaline Phosphatase, total protein, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were measured in the liver homogenate following standard methods. A significant decrease in the level of ALT, AST and ALP, Bilirubin and increased total protein in group 3 and 4 were observed when compared with group 2. This study showed that T. occidentalis leaves possess protective potential on the liver when supplemented in the diet thereby preventing deleterious effects that might arose from paracetamol overdose or overuse. The study concluded that the protective effect of the leaves on the liver is percentage supplementation (dose) dependent.
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Author(s):
A.O. Oyewole .
Page No : 94-103
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Factors Predictive of Psychiatric Consultation-Liaison Practice in the Gynecology Clinic of a Nigerian Teaching Hospital
Abstract
There is a high rate of psychological distress among women attending gynecology clinics. Psychiatric morbidity among this group of patients has been studied but no clear-cut delineations in the association between psychiatric morbidity, established gynecological diagnosis and ongoing gynecological symptoms especially as guidelines for consultation-liaison practice in the gynecological unit. The objectives of this study therefore were to determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in this group of patients; to determine the association of psychiatric morbidity with ongoing gynecological complaints, gynecological diagnosis and psychosocial factors; and to delineate factors predictive of psychiatric consultation-liaison need in the gynecological clinic. Using structural questionnaires and employing a 2-stage screening methodology for patients attending the gynecological clinic of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital for about 12 weeks consecutively, a total of seventy eight patients were recruited invariably. The mean age of the study population was 35.9 years. Overall prevalence of psychiatric disorder was 55.3%. Depressive illness occurred in about 42.8% of the study population. No significant association between psychiatric morbidity, ongoing gynecological symptoms and established gynecological diagnosis. The commonest diagnosis was infertility. However, specific ongoing gynaecological complaints with psychiatric morbidity had 49.7% of those with inability to conceive (primary), 57.1% of those who had pains during intercourse, 71.4% of those with cessation of menses and 60% of those with irregular menses as opposed to lower scores among those with established gynecological diagnosis. Specific on-going gynecological complaints may impose graver consequences on the psychological wellbeing of a woman than established gynecological diagnosis. The consideration and management of ongoing gynecological complaints and social support may be issues for psychiatric consultation-liaison crucial in the management of such patients to reduce psychiatric morbidity amongst them.