Abstract:

Poor adherence to medical treatment is a general problem among HIV/AIDS patients attending ART Clinics in Nasarawa State and this often leads to viral unsupression and treatment failure. This cross-sectional descriptive research aimed at assessing the contributing factors to poor adherence in medical treatment among HIV positive patients. Self-structured and validated questionnaires were used to collect data from HIV/AIDS positive patients. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 400 samples after cluster sampling technique was used to select some ART clinics used for the study. All data collected were analyzed using MINITAB 14 and presented in figures and percentages using frequency distribution table. Findings showed that 90% of the respondents have knowledge on the medical management, information and the use of drug as a means of treatment. 80% accepted that the best method is the use of drugs while 90% also agree that the knowledge will improve adherence. 60% of the respondents had misconception that HIV antibody tests are not reliable while 30% believe that HIV can be detected by appearance. Reasons for defaults included perceived stigma/discrimination (50%), forgetfulness (25%), and use of herbal medicine (20%). 70% of the defaulters stopped their medication within 1 to 3 months of initiation. It was concluded that there is need for health workers in ART clinics to enhance adherence counseling to these clients /patients to improve adherence and dismiss their misconceptions as successful way of achieving viral suppression in treatment and hurting transmission of HIV/AIDS.

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Abstract:

Epilepsy has been with humankind from time immemorial. Yet with all the advancements made so far, a cure for Chronic Epilepsy has remained elusive. Even the symptoms cannot be controlled or managed in all cases. This has been the case not just for Chronic Epilepsy but all other chronic diseases.

In the fight against chronic diseases, Genetic Engineering is gaining a lot of emphases. And slowly the realization is dawning that probably Environmental Medicine may also be important. It is the replay of the old fight between Genes and Environment. What are the recent breakthroughs in the Aetiology, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention for Chronic Epilepsy? Is a cure in sight? And which is likely to triumph the Genes or the Environment?

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Abstract:

Infections from Hepatitis B and C viruses are gradually becoming a major public health challenge especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where prevalence is high with numerous chronic carriers harbouring the viruses in their liver. Chronic infection can lead to lethal consequences. Blood transfusion which is a common cause of Hepatitis B and C infections is still common in resource poor setting where adequate screening of blood might be a challenge. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and risky health behaviours associated with Hepatitis B and C infections among blood donors in Ogun State.

A descriptive retrospective study was carried out on 2044 Blood donors to National Blood Transfusion Service, Ogun State in year 2014 using pro-forma to obtain needed information and data was analyzed using SPSS.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B (10.7%) and Hepatitis C (1.1%) was high among blood donors in the state. Age 21-40years (75% and P-value 0.015), Divorce/Separation (0.7% and P-value 0.001) and Yoruba tribe (85.2% and P-value 0.000) are significantly associated with Hepatitis B infection among blood donors. Age >40years (13.3% and P-value 0.007), Divorce/Separation (0.7% and P-value 0.039) and Yoruba tribe (85.2% and P-value 0.001) are significantly associated with Hepatitis C infection among blood donors. Risky health behaviours among blood donors include tattooing, occupational needle injury, untreated sexually transmitted diseases and multiple sexual partners.

The study recommends education of the population on risk factors and effect of Viral Hepatitis.

Keywords: Prevalence, Hepatitis, Blood Donor, Ekiti.

References:

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Abstract:

Background/Introduction The world is experiencing a global epidemic of Non-communicable diseases-(NCDs), mainly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes represent a leading threat to human health and development.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a global burden that has been forecasted long ago, especially in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria. This epidemiologic transition has been linked to urbanization, industrialization, and globalization leading to lifestyle changes that promote NCDs. The study aimed at determining the predictor for Non-communicable diseases and the prevalence of cardiovascular conditions (hypertension), metabolic disorder (diabetes mellitus) and in activities (obesity) among cohort service personnel within Nigeria customs service. A cohort quantitative study was carried out.

This study type provided a detailed account of participants view or engagement in specific behavior which was stated in numerical measurement and statistic. A purposive sampling technique was used to enroll participant, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from the respondents and was then subjected to data analysis using Strata.

Among the respondents, 29 (14.65) were female and 169 (85.35) male with a mean age of 39.7, minimum age 25, maximum age 59. Only 21.2% of respondents engaged in physical activity at least five times in a week while 78.9% believed that tracking to their office is part of the exercise. 74.75 per cent rarely take fruits and 56.06 per cent don’t like vegetables, 6. 51% add raw salt to already-prepared meals; 4.04, 26.8 and 10.1% take sweet/soft drinks with snacks daily, weekly and monthly respectively. Only 51(25.8%) respondent have ever checked their blood pressure and glucose level before now, while 74.2 per cent have never checked their blood pressure and glucose level.

To tackle the increasing prevalence of Non-communicable diseases among the cohort service personnel of the Nigeria customs service (NCS) we have to understand the risk factors for NCDs. Targeted interventions will include other service personnel as well.

Keywords: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), risk factors and predictors.

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