| 1 |
Author(s):
Chika C.H. Odira, Edith N. Chiejina, Christiana N. Okafor, Adaobi Maryann Ibekwe, ....
Page No : 1-13
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Preconception Care Utilization among Childbearing Women in South-East Nigeria
Abstract
Adverse pregnancy outcomes remain a challenging health problem in Nigeria. Before conception, couples need to utilize preconception care which is meant to address most of the reproductive health risks. However, the use of this service and its determinants is not well investigated globally. This Cross-sectional study was aimed at assessing the utilization of preconception care and its determinants among mothers in South-East Nigeria. Pre-tested and validated structured Questionnaire on Preconception Care Utilization was used to collect data from 350 postnatal women who were systematically selected from 33 sampled health facilities. Data were collated and entered into SPSS version 20. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between the demographic characteristics of the mothers and the utilization of preconception care. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results show that only 23.4% of the mothers utilized preconception care. Parity, employment status, and pregnancy intention were significantly associated with preconception care utilization. The odd of utilizing preconception care were 60.2% lower among multiparous women than primiparous women. Working-class mothers were more than 70% less likely to utilize preconception care than mothers who were not employed. Mothers whose pregnancy was intended were 3.4 times more likely to utilized preconception care than mothers whose pregnancy was unintended. Health facilities should establish functional clinics with the availability of evidence-based guidelines to improve uptake of preconception care. Health care professionals should intensify their efforts in encouraging women to receive preconception care.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Kanikwu Phoebe Nwamaka, Chiejina Edith Nkechi, Odira Chika C.H..
Page No : 14-28
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Pregnant Women’s Perception of the Effectiveness, Safety and Timeliness of Antenatal Services Provided by Midwives in Government-Owned Healthcare Facilities in South-South Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Both non- and under-utilization of antenatal services can lead to poor materno-fetal outcomes. Perception of the effectiveness, safety and timeliness of the services by pregnant women may substantially affect the utilization. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine pregnant women’s perception of the effectiveness, safety and timeliness of the antenatal services provided by midwives, and the relationships between effectiveness, safety and timeliness of antenatal services at government-owned healthcare facilities in South-South Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 30 primary, secondary and tertiary government-owned health facilities across the six States in South-South Nigeria from which 50 respondents were selected from each of the selected facilities. A total of 1,500 pregnant women were selected for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a self-developed Questionnaire on Pregnant Women’s Perception of the Effectiveness, Safety and Timeliness of Antenatal Services Provided by Midwives. The reliability of the instrument was established through the test-retest method using Cronbach’s alpha which yielded co-efficient of 0.715. Data collected were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean and Spearman Rank order correlation. Results: The result showed means of 4.27+0.68, 3.72+1.03, 3.23+1.17 respectively for pregnant women’s perceived effectiveness, safety and timeliness of antenatal services provided by midwives. Significant relationships also existed between safety and effectiveness (rho = 0.33, p < 0.001), as well as between timeliness and effectiveness (rho = 0.10, p < 0.001) of the antenatal services. Conclusion: Pregnant women in South-South Nigeria had a positive perception of effectiveness, safety and timeliness of the antenatal services provided by midwives. Midwives in government-owned healthcare facilities should conduct regular evaluations to get feedback from pregnant women regarding the quality of antenatal services they provide.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Faith A. Johnson, Lolade Ogunsanmi, Israel Ayokanmi.
Page No : 29-42
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Risk Factors to Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm among Undergraduate Students in a Private University Ogun State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Background: Today, the most prevalent and the leading cause of death among young people is suicide. Worldwide, suicide accounts for an estimated 6% of all deaths among young people. The study examined the various risk factors for suicidal ideation and self-harm amongst Babcock university undergraduates. Method: Descriptive survey research design was utilized with a multistage sampling technique to select 398 undergraduates. The instrument for data collection was a semi-structured questionnaire that sought information on the environmental, social, and intrapersonal factors influencing suicide ideation and self-harm. Results were presented with means and percentages for descriptive statistics; correlation and regression were used to determine the associations between suicidal ideation and the risk factors. Ethical clearance was sought from Babcock University Health Research Ethics Committee. Results: The distribution of participants showed that 46.0% (183) were males while 54.0% (215) were females. Environmental factors influencing suicidal ideation were computed and measured on a 21-point rating scale with a mean SD of (13.38 +3.458). The respondents' mean+SD for the social factors measured on a 27-point rating scale was (17.15± 5.772). Correlation analysis showed that suicide ideation had a statistically significant relationship with gender (p<0.01), parents spousal relationship (p<0.01), environmental (p<0.01), social (p<0.01), and intrapersonal factors (p<0.01). Self-harm had a significant relationship with parents' relationship (p<0.01), environmental (p<0.01), social (p<0.01) and intrapersonal factors (p<0.01). However, the practice of self-harm was not different across the two genders (p = 0.170). Conclusion: Suicidal behaviors have been seen to be a serious public health concern. The prevention and intervention programs of suicide and self-harm should consider the particular characteristics of adolescent suicide and self-harm. This should include social transmission and recognition of mental health disorders.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Adetoun A. Oyekunle, Olanrewaju A. Idowu, Temidayo O. Awvioro, Oluwasayo B. Ogunlade (Ph.D).
Page No : 43-59
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Exposure to Occupational-related Blood and Fluids Infections, Accidental Injuries and Precaution Practices among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Hospital in South-West, Nigeria
Abstract
Background and Aim: Healthcare workers are at risk of infections from blood-borne pathogens due to percutaneous injuries from sharps, mucous membrane and skin exposures to contaminated blood and bodily fluids. The study, therefore, investigated exposure to occupational-related blood and fluids infections, accidental injuries and precaution practices among health care workers in a tertiary hospital in South-West, Nigeria. Methods: The study utilised a cross-sectional research design requiring a structured questionnaire to elicit data from medical doctors, nurses and laboratory scientists/technologists. Through the convenience sampling technique, 266 respondents were selected for the study. Non-parametric descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data with the level of significance of the chi-square test put at 5%. Results: The overwhelming majority (76%) of the health care workers at the hospital are of the female gender. The study found that the majority of the respondents (92%) were trained on infection control in the course of their career while virtually all of them (98%) had never contracted an occupational-related infection. Recapping of used needles accounted for 24.4% of activity that predisposed the workers to accidental injuries. Also, there was a significant association between the recapping of needles and the occurrence of accidental injuries (P.V. = 0.000). Meanwhile, the incidence of unreported injuries stood at 70.3% as all the reasons given were significant (P.V. = 0.000) using a one-sample chi-square test. Conclusion: It has been established that prevention practices like training in infection control, adherence to clear work procedures and guidelines, post-exposure prophylaxis and use of personal protective equipment were associated with contraction of occupational-related infections. Moreover, while recapping of used needles was a usual practice in the hospital, it was, however, associated with cases of accidental injuries among most health care workers. Unfortunately, most cases of injuries were unreported due to certain significant reasons.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Osuala E.O., Udi O.A., Ogbu B., Ojong I.N., Oduali E.N..
Page No : 60-70
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Understanding Risky Sexual Behaviour Among Undergraduates
Abstract
Background: Exploring sexual activities that may make individuals vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies is being considered following observation and increased reports of unplanned pregnancies and its attendant consequences among students in tertiary institutions. Objective: Determine the undergraduates’ awareness and attitude towards risky sexual behaviour. Methods: A descriptive Cross-sectional survey was conducted, among year one and year two Medical and Nursing undergraduate students at two tertiary institutions in Rivers State of Nigeria, using a questionnaire adapted from World Health Organisation survey instrument to obtain data on knowledge of and attitude towards risky sexual behaviours. Two hundred and eighty participants were randomly selected. Descriptive analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0. Results: About 92.9% of the respondents are aware that unprotected (oral, anal, vaginal) sexual intercourse is a risky sexual behaviour. Assessing respondents’ attitudes to risky sexual behaviour revealed that 9.3% agree that condom should only be used during sexual intercourse with commercial sex workers. Conclusions: Most Undergraduates are aware of sexual activities that constitute risky sexual behaviours but there is need to cascade this awareness to reflect on general sexual habits and reduce public health emergencies among undergraduates.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Nwankwo Ifeyinwa Patience, Ilo Ifeyinwa Clementine.
Page No : 71-83
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Environmental Variables Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers Attending Postnatal Clinics in a Tertiary Health Institution
Abstract
The current WHO/UNICEF feeding recommends that breastfeeding with good nutrition is essential to achieving the UN sustainable development goals. This study was carried out to assess the environmental variables influencing exclusive breastfeeding of infants aged 0–6 months in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Three objectives guided the study. Cross sectional descriptive survey design was used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire which was validated by experts and was administered to four hundred (400) post natal women of child bearing age who were randomly selected. The data collected were analyzed using statistical methods, which included mean, chi square, and t-test which were presented in frequencies and percentages. The result revealed that 44.7% of babies were exclusively breastfed while more than half (55.3%) were not exclusively breastfed. The result of this study also showed that maternal education had a significant effect on their exclusive breastfeeding pattern (P < 0.05) as 65.9% of mothers who breastfed exclusively had up to tertiary education. An association was also found between the parity of mother and breastfeeding practices. This is because 46.3% of mothers who had three or more children breastfed their children exclusively. This study showed a positive association between place of delivery and breastfeeding practices. Place of delivery revealed a significant difference between the two groups as exclusive breastfeeding was observed in 95.5% babies delivered in government health facilities compared with 4.5% delivered at private health facilities. Health workers should educate the mothers about the benefit of exclusive breastfeeding. Some other factors found to prevent mothers from practicing exclusive breastfeeding were finance, 36 (16.3%); personal reasons, 51 (20.1%); lack of time as they have to go back to work, 72 (32.6%); dissatisfaction, 40 (18.0%); stress, 9 (4.0%); baby's refusal, 7 (3.2%); and pains, 6 (2.7%).
| 7 |
Author(s):
Helen Idubamo Wankasi (PhD), Efeunu Efemena Nora.
Page No : 84-100
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Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Adolescent Secondary School Girls in Bayelsa State
Abstract
Introduction- Pinpointing sexual and reproductive health needs from the students` perspective is a key step towards prevention of avoidable global adolescents` death and promotion of health. The purpose of this article was to explore the sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescent secondary school students in Bayelsa State. Method- A descriptive qualitative design was adopted for this study using the purposive sampling technique with a sample of 10 participants in one public secondary school. The Source of data was a semi-structured interview guide and a voice recorder. Data was analyzed thematically in six sequential steps. Findings- Two (2) themes, sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents, methods of sexual health dissemination and five (5) sub-themes emerged. Conclusion- Findings indicate that the public-secondary school adolescent girls require education on; menstrual cycle, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus /Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, as well as on appropriate use of different types of contraceptives from established centres for sexual and reproductive health services. To ensure the public secondary school girls have access to the services and utilize the services, this study recommends the dare need to adopt different methods to disseminate sexual and reproductive health information to reach the secondary school girls to prevent avertable illnesses and deaths.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Adamolekun Patience Arinola, Osaji Teresa, Adeyanju Awoniyi Babafemi.
Page No : 101-118
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Knowledge and Utilization Levels of Partograph in Management of Labour Amongst Midwives in Selected Health Facilities in Akure, Ondo State
Abstract
Routine use of Partograph prevents labour related deaths which contributes hugely to maternal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (WHO, 2015).The study assessed knowledge and utilization levels of partograph in management of labour amongst midwives in selected health facilities in Akure, Ondo State. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted. Two hundred respondents were selected using a multistage sampling method. A validated self-structured questionnaire was used for data collection after a test retest for reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency, means and percentages while inferential statistics of Chi-square ANOVA was used to test hypothesis at significance of P ≤ 0.05. The result showed that the majority of the midwives 119 (59.5%) had good knowledge of partograph. Also, on levels of utilization, 62(62%) of respondents from UNIMEDTH and 46 (59%) in MCHA had good utilization of partograph, while all the 22(100%) respondents in CHCA had poor utilization. There was a significant relationship between years of work experience and midwives’ level of knowledge of partograph (p = 0.01). Annual partograph utilization rate was highest in the tertiary facility (UNIMEDTH (63%), followed by secondary (MCHA 51.8%) and primary (CHCA 41.3%). In conclusion, although the respondents had good knowledge of partograph, its utilization level was low at CHCA, therefore practical skills, training and retraining programs for midwives should be instituted to enhance the level of utilization of partograph in the primary health care facilities. Further study for midwife-led intervention on the utilization of partograph among midwives in the PHC should be done at a wider scope.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Adebukunola Olajumoke Afolabi, Phebe Olufunke Abioye, Mary Olufunke Akin-Ayankunle, Monisola Yetunde Jane Omishakin, Adeola Omobola Adegoke, Adebayo Lukman Ademola, Margaret Omobonike Ogundeji, Samuel Olumide Faniran, Tolulope Margaret Agboire.
Page No : 119-138
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Nurses’ Assessment of the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Program in Osun State, Southwest, Nigeria
Abstract
Continuing Professional Development Programs have been identified as an important strategy towards improving basic professional skills and competence of health care professionals. This study explored nurses’ perception about the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Program (MCPDP) and assessed nurses’ satisfaction with the Continuing Professional Development Program in Nigeria. Study adopted sequential explanatory mixed methods, using both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The quantitative aspect included 412 nurses in Osun state, Nigeria selected through multistage sampling. Data was analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels using appropriate statistics, level of significance was p<0.05. The qualitative aspect of the study employed in-depth interview; responses were analyzed thematically. Findings showed that 72.8% of the nurses had positive perception about the MCPDP, 66.3% assessed the MCPDP training as very useful, 31.3% and 2.4% assessed the training as moderately useful and useful respectively, 57.0% were very satisfied with the MCPDP training, 41.5% were satisfied while1.5% nurses were indifferent. Regression analysis revealed that nurses’ years of working experience (OR = 0.24, CI = 0.10-0.62, p = 0.003) significantly influenced perception about the MCPDP. Study concluded that professionalism in nursing should focus on ensuring quality years of working experience and effective Continuous Professional Development for all categories of nurses.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Weizheng Zhang.
Page No : 139-153
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The Effects of Teach Back Method on Caregivers’ Strain in Handling Patients with Prolonged Immobilizatio
Abstract
Background: Caregivers’ strain mainly comes from lack of relevant care knowledge and nursing skills. Traditional health education is just a one-way information transmission mode without evaluation and feedback. Objective: To help caregivers’ memory, the researcher utilized a quasi-experimental design to measure the effectiveness of the teach-back method on caregivers’ strain in handling patients with prolonged immobilization. Method: A total of forty caregivers were averagely assigned into treatment (Teach-Back) and comparison group (traditional). Participant’s Data Sheet, The Zarit Burden Interview and Teach Back Assessment Tool was used to gather data. Results: There was a significant difference in caregivers’ strain before and after the Teach-Back Method in treatment (p<0.001) and comparison group (p <0.001). Likewise, a significant difference existed after the Teach-Back Method in the treatment group (p <0.001). Conclusion: The Teach-Back Method is an effective intervention in reducing caregivers’ strain in handling patients with prolonged immobilization.
