| 1 |
Author(s):
Koate Friday Adorle, Joshua Funsho Eniojukan.
Page No : 1-18
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Correlates of Hepatitis B And C Viral Infections Among Pregnant Women in Obio Cottage Hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Globally, hepatitis B and C viral infections during pregnancy is associated with significant risk of maternal complications. There is a high rate of vertical transmission, causing fetal and neonatal hepatitis which can have serious effects on the neonate, leading to impaired mental and physical health later in life.It leads to increase in mortality, morbidity, economic wastage and other health complications.
OBJECTIVES. The objective of this study is to identify the correlates of hepatitis B and C virus among pregnant women receiving antenatal care. These include the determination of the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among pregnant women, their knowledge, and attitude regarding HBV and HCV infections.
METHODOLOGY
A descriptive survey design was used. The research was conducted at Obio Cottage Hospital in Obia-Akpor LGA of Rivers State, Nigeria between February 2022 and July 2022. Qualified medical laboratory personnel collected venous blood samples from participants, which were then processed for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies using ELISA kits. Additionally, demographic data were gathered through a questionnaire assessing Age, Parity, Educational status, knowledge, and attitude regarding hepatitis B and C. Descriptive and inferential analyses, utilizing SPSS v.27, Excel, and GraphPad Prism, were conducted on the data collected.
RESULTS
The mean age of respondents was 30.52 years (±5.03), PCV of 32.04% (±3.24) and a modal parity of 2 (32.81%). There was low seroprevalence rates of hepatitis B (1.41%) and C (0.31%); low level of knowledge (49.76%±14.207%) and positive attitude (45.76%±9.71%) towards hepatitis B and C education level showed no significant differences in seroprevalence (p=0.0811, t=2.180); Significant inverse relationships were noted between attitude and prevalence of both viruses (p=0.0407 for hepatitis B, p=0.0489 for hepatitis C). Increased knowledge and positive attitude were significantly associated with lower prevalence rates (p<0.0001, OR=99.000 for hepatitis B, OR=84.333 for hepatitis C).
CONCLUSION
There was a low seroprevalence among the respondents with a low level of knowledge but a positive attitude towards Hepatitis B and C. Enhanced Screening Programs, Antenatal Counseling, and Integration of Services are recommended.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Oliemen Martins Amasueba, Joshua Funsho Eniojukan.
Page No : 19-36
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Evaluation of Prescription Pattern Among Paediatric Out-Patients in a Tertiary Hospital of Yenagoa Metropolis
Abstract
Background: There is an urgent global need to ensure the safe and appropriate delivery of drugs to children. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the drug prescription patterns among pediatric outpatients in a tertiary hospital in Bayelsa State using WHO prescribing indicators. Methods: Data was retrospectively collected from 954 pediatric outpatient prescriptions from January to December 2023. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: A total of 365 patients were studied, with 53.7% males; Patients’ ages ranged from 1 month to 18 years. The major Classes of drugs prescribed were: Anti-infectives (43.19%); Anti-inflammatory drugs ((21.49%); Drugs acting on GIT (21.28%). On average, 2.61 drugs were prescribed per encounter, with 66.46% using generic names. Antibiotics were prescribed in 46.03% of encounters, and 92.56% of drugs were from the essential medicines list. . Conclusion: The study found discrepancies in WHO core prescription indicators with common polypharmacy practices.
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Author(s):
Adetunji Omolara Olukemi, Olanrewaju M. F. (Prof.).
Page No : 37-54
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Knowledge, Perception and Preventive Practices of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among Adults in Abeokuta North and South Local Government Area, Ogun State.
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with a rising burden in developing countries (WHO, 2021). Urbanization in Nigeria, particularly in Abeokuta, is associated with significant lifestyle transitions that may contribute to an increased prevalence of CVD risk factors.
A cross-sectional survey with 400 randomly selected adults. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used to examine relationships between knowledge, perception, and preventive practices related to CVD risk factors.
The study population comprised of 55.5% females and 44.5% males. Knowledge of CVD risk factors varied among respondents, with 53% demonstrating moderate knowledge, 39% high knowledge, and 7.2% low knowledge. Despite this, 60.7% of respondents had a negative perception, while only 39.3% had a positive perception. Preventive practices were favorable, with 86.6% having good practices, whereas 13.4% exhibited poor preventive behaviors.
The findings suggest a substantial level of knowledge, low perception and good preventive practices.
