Abstract:

Background: Hepatitis D virus infection may worsen HBV infection and about 5 % of HBV infected individuals may be infected with HDV infection as these viruses have similar routes of transmission. Severity of HBV infection is worsen by HIV co-infection. Therefore, this study aimed at the determination of prevalence and risk factors of HDV infection among HIV/HBV Co-infected individuals.

Methods: This was cross sectional study in which treatment-naïve HIV infected study participants were screened for HBs Ag. Study participants that were positive for HBs Ag were further screened for anti HDV and HBe Ag and also, they were assessed for CD4⁺ T lymphocytes count, ALT and AST levels. SPSS version 20 was used for the statistical analysis and level of significance was considered at p ≤ 0.05.

Results: About 4(10.8 %) of 37 HIV/HBV co-infected study were positive for anti HDV. There was no statistical association of HDV infection with different tested variables, though numerically higher among females (P≤ 0.587), 41-50 years age group (P≤ 0.671), subjects with history of multiple sexual partners (P≤ 0.557), blood transfusion (p ≤ 0.298) and needle sharing (P ≤ 0.456). Mean ALT and AST levels, mean CD4⁺ T cell counts and HBe Ag prevalence were comparable between anti HDV positive and negative study participants with HIV/HBV co-infection.

Conclusion: Substantial number of HIV/HBV co-infected study participants were observed to be infected with HDV infection. We recommend the screening of HDV infection among HIV/HBV co-infected individuals to ensure their proper management.

Keywords: HIV infection, HBV co-infection, HDV infection.

References:

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Abstract:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with the aim to find out the level of knowledge about the risk factors of the cervical cancer among the women attending VIA room of Gynae Out Patient Department, BSMMU on 106 patients selected by purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested, semi-structured questionnaire by face to face interview in May, 2008. Mean age of the respondents was 42.9+6.5 years, 83.0% were Muslim. Majority (17.0%) of the respondents had Primary education. More than one third of the respondents’ monthly income was taka 5001-10,000. Mean age at first marriage was 13.96+2.4 years and 26.4% of them were married for 20-24 years ,40.6% of the patients had history of first birth during their adolescence period. High parity (more than 2 children) was present in 65.0%. Child birth at lower age (94.44%), Multiparity (96.29%) and smoking (66.66%) were the major risk factors mentioned by the respondents. Thirteen percent gave history of Sexually transmitted diseases which is another remarkable risk factor & among them (42.8%) took treatment from MBBS doctor and by Doah-Tabiz (28.6%). The respondents mentioned as main symptoms were lower abdominal pain (98.0%), irregular per vaginal bleeding (57.69%), postcoital bleeding (32.69%) followed by post-menopausal vaginal discharge (26.92%). The findings suggest that programmatic approaches to increase the age at first marriage and first child birth, health education about cervical cancer, its risk factors, symptoms and its treatment will be more effective to reduce cervical cancer in Bangladesh.

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Abstract:

Background: Regardless of devastating trend of inclusive education, students with disabilities are not being accepted by the typical developing students as well as teachers. Somehow the rejection by their peers and teachers hinder in their social inclusion, achieving academic success, and becoming more independent.

Objective: The aim of the study was to see the effect of disability awareness education program on a regular school.

Methods: This study develops and implements a disability awareness program in 8^th to 12^th grade students and their teachers, through action research, determines whether the program was influential in shaping attitudes towards students with disabilities. The students were exposed to 21 disabilities and more focused on physical disabilities, and blindness, and accessibility. The program was designed and implemented in three steps beginning, middle and end, began with questionnaires on disability knowledge.

Result: As regard to attitude, the school environment became more inclusive, more welcoming environment for disabled students, and nurtured better friendships among all students. After getting knowledge about different disabilities, students without disabilities became more accepting and understanding of individual differences. The individual activities and discussions enabled students to think critically about how to deal with disabled individuals and the significance of inclusion to enhance their overall development.

Conclusion: Disability awareness programs are powerful to overall environment of a school. These programs foster acceptance, understanding and promote knowledge about different disabilities. Therefore, disability awareness programs must be incorporated into the regular school curriculum and received by the all individuals to create a more accepting and positive environment for disabled students which in turn will help them to achieve emotional wellbeing, social inclusion and academic success.

Keywords: Disability awareness program, Regular school, Inclusion, Typical developing students, Students with disabilities.

References:

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Abstract:

Introduction: Hypertension have become of medical and public health concern globally. It is a known major risk factor for stroke, coronary artery disease and heart failure. Important risk factors contributing to hypertension are lifestyle and genetic factors. With rapid urbanization and increasing sedentary lifestyle of our rural populace, an explosion in the prevalence of hypertension becomes inevitable. Therefore, the importance of this study to assess the burden and risk factors of hypertension in these rural communities cannot be over emphasized. Objectives: 1. To determine the prevalence of diabetes in rural communities in Abuja FCT Nigeria. 2. To determine the prevalence of and associated risk factors of hypertension in rural communities in Abuja. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed in this study which was conducted between July and December 2017. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit 420 willing adult participants from rural communities, in four political wards, selected from three area councils of FCT Abuja. Data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire while measurements were done with standardized instruments for blood pressure and blood sugar as well as weight and height measurements following recommended techniques and guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 version. Univariate analyses were performed to evaluate the distribution for each variable. Binomial test was used to test the hypothesis. Multivariate analyses were done to identify the risk factors of hypertension. Results were considered significant at p-value < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of 38.3% and 25.2% were reported for hypertension and obesity in rural communities in Abuja respectively. Risk factors such as female sex, age 45 years and above, overweight/Obesity, physical inactivity, family history of hypertension and family history of diabetes were independent predictors of hypertension. Conclusion: This study has highlighted the fact that hypertension in addition to obesity is on the increase in the rural communities of Abuja, Nigeria. Therefore, concerted and coordinated effort from all stakeholders is urgently required to tame and reverse this ugly trend in view of the debilitating morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension.

Keywords: Hypertension, prevalence, risk factors, obesity, rural communities, Abuja.

References:

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Abstract:

Life skill development is a comprehensive approach to measuring skills outcome that evaluates an individual’s level of skills that develops. A cross sectional study was done among purposively selected 158 respondents and age range of autistic child was 5 to 20 years old who attended PROYASH specialized school-based treatment in Dhaka city from January to December 2016. All the respondents were school teachers, class teacher assistant and parents of 5 to 20 years old previously diagnosed autistic children with male predominance which was almost 68%. Among 158 cases more than 90% child were diagnosed as autistic within 2 to 3 years of e and 99.4% autistic children get formal education. After getting special intervention in specialized school 61.39% could utter words but couldn’t make sentences, 37.97% could communicate with sentences and 0.63% had no verbal communication. In this study 99.4% children get the treatment for autism. Medicines also help in the regeneration of nerves. In this study 61.4% autistic child only utter words, 38% child make sentences and only 0.6% with autism do not talk at all after therapy. The study identified the apparent situation of skills and relationship among variables and daily living skills could be improved by intervention therapies like SCERTS (Social communication, Emotional regulation, Transactional support) model, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Auditory Integration Training (AIT), Daily Life Therapy, THE HANDLE Institute (Holistic Approach To Neurological Development and Learning Efficiency), Integrated Play Therapy, Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) and so on.

Keywords: Life skill Development, Autistic Children, Education Therapy.

References:

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[12]. Eikeseth, S., Smith, T., Jahr, E., & Eldevik, S. (2007). Outcome for children with autism who began intensive behavioral treatment between ages 4 and 7: A comparison-controlled study. Behavior modification, 31(3), 264-278.

[13]. Elizabeth A. Laugeson, Jennifer Sanderson, The ABC’s of Teaching Social Skills to Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Classroom: The UCLA PEERS ^® Program, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders September 2014, Volume 44, Issue 9, pp 2244–2256.

[14]. Hirtz DG, Wagner A, Filipek PA. Autistic Spectrum Disorders. In: Swiman KF, Asnwal S, Ferriero DM. Editor, Pediatric Neurology: Principles and Practice, Vol-1, Philadelphia; Elsevier; 2006. P. 905-935.

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[18]. Karen SiffExkorn, The Autism Sourcebook.

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[25]. Rahman, A., G. Divan, S. U. Hamdani, V. Vajaratkar, C. Taylor, K. Leadbitter, C. Aldred, A. Minhas, P. Cardozo and R. Emsley (2016). "Effectiveness of the parent-mediated intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder in south Asia in India and Pakistan (PASS): a randomised controlled trial." The Lancet Psychiatry 3(2): 128-136.

[26]. Reini Cordier, Renee Speyer, Yu-Wei Chen, Sarah Wilkes-Gillan, Ted Brown, Helen Bourke-Taylor, Kenji Doma, Anthony Leicht. Evaluating the Psychometric Quality of Social Skills Measures: A Systematic Review (July7, 2015).

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Abstract:

Introduction : High maternal mortality is an increasing challenge for the achievement of the 5th millennium development goal in sub Saharan African countries particularly in Nigeria where maternal mortality has decreased from 580/100000 live births in 1999 through 570/100000 live births in 2005 and back to 580/100000 live births in 2015. Institutional delivery service utilization ensures safe birth and a key to reduce maternal mortality. In the pilot phase of Performance Based Financing in Ondo, Nasarawa and Adamawa, the trend of deliveries moved from 20% coverage in June 2012 to 64% coverage in June 2016. In Nasarawa state delivery coverage moved from 24% in June 2012 to 45% as of June 2016 but below national rate. We aim to assess socio-behavioural factors associated with low utilization of delivery services in Nasarawa State Nigeria.

Methods : A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. Barrier analysis was carried out to analyse the differences in determinants between doers and non-doers (ratio 1:1) for possible interventions when combined in a matrix table and used to identify community priorities

Result: We identified key messages that will be used to design interventions using the BEHAVE Framework to improve on utilization of skilled deliveries. Messages stemmed from identified barriers: Financial barriers, Refusal to allow women to “squat” during delivery, Poor attitudes of staff, Poor conditions of the delivery bed and disapprovals.

Conclusion : Barrier analysis and the application of BEHAVE framework can eliminate socio-behavioural factors associated with low utilization of delivery services within the context of Performance-Based Financing.

Keywords: Institutional Delivery, Skilled Delivery Normal Assisted Delivery, Maternal and child Health indicators, Performance-Based Financing, BEHAVE and communication for behaviour change.

References:

[1].Abeje, G., Azage, M., & Setegn, T. (2014). Factors associated with Institutional delivery service utilization among mothers in Bahir Dar City administration, Amhara region: a community based cross sectional study. Reproductive Health, 11(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4755-11-22

[2].Africa, W. H. O. R. O. for. (2012). Health Systems in Africa.

[3].Assfaw, Y. T., & Sebastian, M. S. (2010). Determinants of Antenatal Care, Institutional Delivery and Skilled Birth Attendant Utilization in Samre Saharti District, Tigray, Ethiopia. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 1–61. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-9-43

[4].Chari, A. V, Okeke, E. N., & Ärnlöv, J. (2014). Can Institutional Deliveries Reduce Newborn Mortality ? Evidence from Rwanda. Retrieved from

http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/working_papers/WR1000/WR1072/RAND_WR1072.pdf

[5].CORE Group. (2012). Social and Behavior Change for Family Planning Social and Behavior Change for Family Planning: How to Develop, 166. Retrieved from http://www.coregroup.org/storage/Social_Behavior_Change/FPCurriculum-online.pdf

[6].Entry, D. (2013). Explanation for Using the Barrier Analysis Excel Calculation Sheet. USAID, 4–6.

[7].Gizzo, S., Gangi, S. Di, Noventa, M., Bacile, V., & Zambon, A. (2014). Women’s Choice of Positions during Labour: Return to the Past or Modern Way to Give Birth? A Cohort Study in Italy. BioMed Research International, 2014(1), 1–7.

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Abstract:

Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States of North-East Nigeria faced violent conflicts since 2010. Violent conflicts of this nature have profound effect on health. Previous studies have documented impact of violent conflicts on some components of healthcare services. The impact of violent conflict on medical laboratory services is yet to be fully understood in Nigeria. This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of violent extremism on access and utilization of medical laboratory services in Yobe State, Nigeria. The study employed qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. In-depth interview was conducted with medical laboratory staff to elucidate their opinions on how violent conflicts affected medical laboratory services during the period of study. Quantitative method employed the review of medical laboratory records covering the period 2010 -2016. Thematic content analysis was employed on qualitative data for themes that emerged. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and analytic methods. The findings from in-depth interview revealed that violent extremism impacted negatively on leadership and governance, workforce, finance, medical technology, records/research and service delivery of medical laboratory in State Specialist Hospital Damaturu (SSHD) and General Hospital Potiskum (GHPTKM). The results of quantitative data revealed that the changes in service uptake contributed by magnitude of documented violent attacks can be explained by 7% in SSHD; and by 4% in GHPTKM. The changes contributed by emergency services on routine tests can be explained by 34% in SSHD and 60% in GHPTKM. The supply gaps for safe blood in SSHD and GHPTKM associated with documented violent attacks was 56% and 61% (R²), respectively. The results showed that magnitude of documented attacks was a major factor influencing supply gaps for safe blood in SSHD. These findings imply that the direct violent attacks over the years exacerbated conditions on livelihoods that affected uptake and utilization of medical laboratory services during violent conflicts. The study recommends the use of the proposed best practice guideline to guide and sustain the provision of medical laboratory services in violent conflicts settings.

Keywords: Medical Laboratory, Service uptake and utilization Violent extremism, Impact.

References:

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[2].     Ameh, C. A., Bishop, S., Kongnyuy, E., Grady, K., Van den Broek, N. (2011). Challenges to the provision of emergency obstetric care in Iraq. Matern Child Health J 15(1):4–11. doi: 10.1007/s10995-009-0545-3PMID: 19946792

[3].     Awake (2008). “When terrorism will end”. June edition, pp1-6.

[4].     Barga, T. (2012) “Towards a theology of peace: A panacea to terrorism and violence”. Jos Studies, Vol. 20, pp. 1-24.

[5].     Betsi, N. A., Koudou, B. G., Cisse, G., Tschannen, A. B., Pignol, A. M., Outtara, Y., Madougou, Z., Tanner, M. & Utzinger, J. (2006). AIDS care, May 2006; 18(4) 35-365. DOI 10.1080/09540120500200856.

[6].     Bloch, E. M., Vermeulen, M., & Murphy, E. (2012). Blood Transfusion Safety in Africa: A Literature Review of Infectious Disease and Organizational Challenges. Transfusion Medicine Reviews, 26(2), 164–180. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmrv.2011.07.006

[7].     Bosman, M., Nasser, D., Khammash, U., Claeys, P., Temmerman, M. Palestinian women’s sexual and reproductive health rights in longstanding humanitarian crisis. Health Matters 2008, 16(31): 103-

[8].     Chi, C. P., Bulage, P., Urdal, H., Sundby, J. (2015). Perceptions of the effects of armed conflict on maternal and reproductive health services and outcomes in Burundi and Northern Uganda: a qualitative study. BMC International Health and Human Rights (2015) 15:7 DOI10.1186/s12914-015-0045

[9].     Dacombe, R. J., Squire, S. B., Ramsay, A. R. C., Banda, H. T., Bate, I. (2008). Essential Medical Laboratory Services: their role in delivering equitable healthcare in Malawi

[10]. Devkota, B., van Teijlingen, E.R (2010). Understanding effects of armed conflict on Health outcomes: the case of Nepal. Conflict and Health 2010, 4:1-5. http://www.conflictandhealth.com/content/4/1/1-20 (Accessed April 20, 2016) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.4.4.1

[11]. Haar, R. J., and Rubenstein, L. S. (2012). Health in Post conflict and Fragile States, United States Institute of Peace Special Report. www.usip.org (Accessed April 19, 2016)

[12]. Hoeffler, A, (2008). Dealing with the Consequences of Violent Conflicts in Africa. Background Paper for the African Development Bank Report 2008.

[13]. Hotepo, O.M., Asokere, A.S. S., Abdul Azeez, I.A. & Ajeminigbohun, S.S.A. (2010). Empirical study of the effect of conflict on organizational performance in Nigeria. Business and Economics Journal, 15. Retrieved 16 January 2011 from http://www.astonjournals.com/manuscripts/Vol2010/BEJ-15_Vol2010.pdf.

[14]. Imasuen, E. (2015). Insurgency and humanitarian crises in Northern Nigeria: The case of Boko Haram. African Journal of Political Science and International Relations Academic Journals Vol.9(7), pp.284-296, July 2015. DOI: 10.5897/AJPSIR2015.0789. Article Number: 9324F3C53778. ISSN 1996-0832. http://www.academicjournal.org/AJPSIR

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[21]. Oyerinde, K., Harding, Y., Amara, P., Kanu, R., Shoo, R., Daoh, K. (2011). The status of maternal and newborn care services in Sierra Leone 8 years after ceasefire. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 114(2):168–73. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.05.006 PMID: 21705000

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Abstract:

Zimbabwe is implementing a micronutrient powder program, which was designed to improve micronutrient supplementation to children aged 6-23 months. One year after program inception, there are indications that uptake of micronutrient powders is very low. Thus, the study sought to identify barriers to uptake of micronutrient powders in Makoni rural district. This was achieved through phenomenology philosophy and case study design. Three villages from rural Makoni district, 11 focus groups and 20 in-depth interviews were done. Key informants included caregivers, community leaders, community health workers, health professionals and key stakeholders implementing the micronutrient powder program. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using Coding Analysis Toolkit. Findings from the study show that barriers to uptake of micronutrient powders are poor accessibility; lack of adequate information on potential micronutrient powder side effects and poor post distribution monitoring; poor social mobilization and food unavailability. The study recommends that nutrition related programs in Zimbabwe should consider improving accessibility of micronutrient powders by considering community distribution points for micronutrient powders. In addition, nutrition related programs should consider providing adequate information on potential side effects of micronutrient powders and provide micronutrient powders as ready to eat supplements to bridge food unavailability gap.

Keywords: Barrier, micronutrient powders, infant and young child feeding, social and behaviour change communication, Zimbabwe.

References:

[1].     Akoto Osei, A. S. (2014). Using Formative Research to Inform the Design of a Home Fortification with Micronutrient Powders (MNP) Program in Aileu District, Timor-Leste. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 68-82.

[2].     Best C, N. N. (2011,). Can multi micronutrient food fortification improve the micronutrient status, growth, health, and cognition of schoolchildren? A systematic review. Nutrition Reviews. International Life Sciences Institute, 69 (4): 186-204.

[3].     Clements, R. J. (2011). Spatial heterogeneity of haemoglobin concentration in preschool-age children in sub-Saharan Africa. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 2011;89:459-468.

[4].     Halati S, V. H. (2013). Home fortification in refugee camps: micronutrient powder supplementation program for Bhutanese refugee children in Jhapa and Morang districts, Nepal. Geneva: The HF-TAG website (http://hftag.gainhealth.org/).

[5].     Hilary Creed-Kanashiro, R. B. (2015). Promoting multi‐micronutrient powders (MNP) in Peru: acceptance by caregivers and role of health personnel. Maternal and Child Nutrition, 152-163.

[6].     Hyder SMZ, H. F. (2007). Effect of daily versus once-weekly home fortification with micronutrient Sprinkles on hemoglobin and iron status among young children in rural Bangladesh. Food Nutrition Bulletin, 156–164.

[7].     Jefferds ME, M. K. (2015). of micronutrient powder sachet coverage in Nepal. Maternal Child Nutrition, 11:77-89.

[8].     Jefferds ME, O. L. (2010). Formative research exploring acceptability, utilization, and promotion in order to develop a micronutrient powder (Sprinkles) intervention among Luo families in western Kenya. . Food Nutrition Bulletin, S179-85.

[9].     Karim F, C. N. (2015). Adherence to multiple micronutrient powder among young children in rural Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study. Bangladesh: BRAC.

[10]. Kodish S, R. J. (2011). Understanding low usage of micronutrient powder in the Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya: findings from a qualitative study. Food Nutrition Bulletin, 32: 292-303.

[11]. Kristina Michaux, A. A. (2014). Home Fortification with Micronutrient Powders: Lessons learned from formative research across six countries. Sight and Life, 25-35.

[12]. Mahama Saaka, P. A.-l. (2017). The effect of social behavior change communication package on maternal knowledge in obstetric danger signs among mothers in East Mamprusi District of Ghana. Bio-Med Central, 13-19.

[13]. Mirak Raj Angdembe, N. C. (2015). Adherence to multiple micronutrient powder among young children in rural Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 15:440.

[14]. Mirkovic KR, P. C. (2016). Predictors of micronutrient powder intake adherence in a pilot programme in Nepal. Public Health Nutrition, 19:1768–76.

[15]. Munyoro, G. (2014). An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Handouts in Enhancing Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. AFRICA DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE (ADRRI) JOURNAL, 95-107.

[16]. Organization, W. H. (2016). Use of multiple micronutrient powdersfor point-of-use fortification of foods consumed by infants and young children aged 6-23 months and children aged aged 2-12 years. World Health Organization.

[17]. Organization, W. H. (2017). Multiple micronutrient powders for point-of-use fortification of foods consumed by children 6–23 months of age. Geneva: e-Library of Evidence for Nutrition Actions (eLENA).

[18]. Osei A, S. A. (2014). Using formative research to inform the design of a home fortification with micronutrient powders (MNP) program in Aileu District, Timor-Leste. Food Nutrition Bulletin, 35:68–82.

[19]. Parminder S Suchdev, O. Y.-A. (2016). Effects of community-based sales of micronutrient powders on morbidity episodes in preschool children in Western Kenya. American Journal Clinical Nutrition, 1-16.

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[24]. Survey, Z. N. (2018). Food and NUtrition Council of Zimbabwe.

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Abstract:

The Kamrup district in Indian state of Assam has highest cancer incidence. The population, particularly in rural area has no access and resources for early cancer screening and care services. To fill this service gap, a not-for profit organization (Piramal Swasthya Management and Research Institute-PSMRI) in collaboration with semi-government institute (Dr. Bhubaneshwar Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati-BBCI) launched an innovative programme known as DESH (Detect Early, Save Her & Him) in rural Kamrup. The programme aims to reduce the proportion of late-stage diagnosis and mortality from oral, breast and cervical cancers through community-based awareness, screening and referral program.

During first year of program operations (November 2017 to June 2018), DESH screened 3937 beneficiaries across 96 villages in three blocks of rural Kamrup district. Out of the total screened population, 157 (4.0%) are initial screen positive (Oral 142; breast 7; cervix 8.) Out of all screen positives, only 62 visited the BBCI for further diagnosis and confirmation. Among screen positives, 4 beneficiaries are confirmed oral cancer cases (all male, 3 in stage 1; 1 in stage 3).

Ensuring continuous availability of doctors, greater public engagement and building community awareness of common cancers are some of the identified areas for improvement. In the long run, we see our program as an opportunity to build an evidence-based, cost-effective and replicable model for early detection of Oral, Breast and Cervical Cancers in resource-scarce settings.

Keywords: Community, DESH, Oral, Breast and Cervical Cancer, Mammography, Mobile Cancer Screening.

References:

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[2].de Souza JA, Hunt B, Asirwa FC, Adebamowo C, Lopes G. Global Health Equity: Cancer Care Outcome Disparities in High-, Middle-, and Low-Income Countries. J Clin Oncol. American Society of Clinical Oncology; 2016;34: 6–13. doi:10.1200/JCO.2015.62.2860.

[3].Directorate of Census Operations[Internet]. District census handbook, Kamrup.Census of India,2011. Available from: http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php. [cited 2018 Aug 10].

[4].Early detection of cancer[Internet]. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2014. Available from: http://www.who.int/cancer/detection/en/ [cited 2018 Jul 16].

[5].Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, Dikshit R, Eser S, Mathers C, Rebelo M, et al. Cancer incidence and mortality worldwide: Sources, methods and major patterns in GLOBOCAN 2012. Int J Cancer. 2015;136: E359–E386. doi:10.1002/ijc.29210.

[6].Gadgil A, Sauvaget C, Roy N, Muwonge R, Kantharia S, Chakrabarty A, et al. Cancer early detection program based on awareness and clinical breast examination: Interim results from an urban community in Mumbai, India. Breast. 2017;31: 85–89. doi:10.1016/j.breast.2016.10.025.

[7].Health and Family welfare,Government of Assam[Internet]. Guwahati:Atal Amrit Abhiyan. Government of Assam; 2018. Available from: https://hfw.assam.gov.in/portlet-innerpage/atal-amrit-abhiyan.[cited 2018 Aug 17].

[8].Indian Institute for Population Sciences[Internet]. National Family Health Survey-4. 2015. Avaiable from: http://rchiips.org/NFHS/FCTS/AS/AS_Factsheet_Kamrup.pdf [cited 2018 Aug 12].

[9].Kim YS, Chang JM, Yi A, Shin SU, Lee ME, Kim WH, et al. Interpretation of digital breast tomosynthesis: preliminary study on comparison with picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and dedicated workstation. Br J Radiol. British Institute of Radiology; 2017;90: 20170182. doi:10.1259/bjr.20170182.

[10]. Mishra G, Dhivar H, Gupta S, Kulkarni S, Shastri S. A population-based screening program for early detection of common cancers among women in India – methodology and interim results. Indian J Cancer. 2015;52: 139. doi:10.4103/0019-509X.175581.

[11]. Nandakumar A, Anantha N, Venugopal TC. Incidence, mortality and survival in cancer of the cervix in Bangalore, India. Br J Cancer. 1995;71: 1348–52. Available: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7779737.

[12]. Office of Registrar General India[Internet]. New Delhi:Report on Medical Certification of Cause of Deaths. 2014. Available from: http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-Documents/ mccd_Report1/ mccd_report_2014.pdf [cited 2018 July 15].

[13]. Sharma DC. India still struggles with rural doctor shortages. Lancet. 2015;386: 2381–2382. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(15)01231-3.

[14]. Sankaranarayanan R, Mathew B, Jacob BJ, Thomas G, Somanathan T, Pisani P, et al. Early findings from a community-based, cluster-randomized, controlled oral cancer screening trial in Kerala, India. The Trivandrum Oral Cancer Screening Study Group. Cancer. 2000;88: 664–73. Available:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10649262.

[15]. Sharma P, Rahi M, Lal P. A community-based cervical cancer screening program among women of Delhi using camp approach. Indian J Community Med. 2010;35: 86. doi:10.4103/0970-0218.62576.

[16]. Thulaseedharan JV, Malila N, Swaminathan R, Esmy PO, Cherian M, Hakama M, et al. Effect of Screening on Variation in Cervical Cancer Survival by Socioeconomic Determinants--a Study from Rural South India. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2015;16: 5237–42. Available: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26225659.

Abstract:

In many developed countries and some developing countries, incidences of domestic violence perpetrated by their partners have been reported by men. However, the position of authority and superiority accorded the male gender in the African culture tend to give credence to the believe by many people that domestic violence perpetrated by women on men is non-existent in this environment. Even though there is paucity of available empirical data on violence against men in Nigeria, is this to say that it does not exist? In a descriptive cross-sectional study, questionnaires were administered to 483 respondents selected through multi-stage sampling technique. Furthermore, selected Nigerian newspapers were analyzed for the reportage of violence against men and Focus Group Discussions were conducted. Quantitative data was analyzed by Statistical Product for Service Solutions (SPSS) version 20 while qualitative data was analyzed by detailed content analysis. Mean age of respondents was 29.7 + 9.2 years, 55.1% were males and 47.8% were ever-married. Higher awareness of domestic violence against women (DVAW) than against men (DVAM) was found among respondents (89.9% vs 86.1%) while 42.0% considered DVAM a new development in Nigeria. Wives (48.0%) and in-laws (17.2%) were the most commonly cited perpetrators. A quarter (25.7%) of respondents has ever been victims of DVAM, of these three-quarters sought for help. Perceived barriers to seeking for help include pride and embarrassment. Male gender and secondary education or higher were found to be the predictors of good perception of DVAM types. The study showed that DVAM is a reality in Nigeria in spite of cultural underpinning. Both the newspaper audit and the Focus Group Discussion affirmed the growing menace.

Keywords: Domestic, Violence, Men, Nigeria.

References:

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[4].    Claudia García-Moreno, Henrica A.F.M. Jansen, Mary Ellsberg, Lori Heise, Charlotte Watts (2005). WHO Multi-country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence against Women: Initial results on prevalence, health outcomes and women’s responses. WHO. Available at whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2005/924159358X_eng.pdf.

[5].    Dienye PO, Gbeneol PK. Domestic Violence Against Men in Primary Care in Nigeria. Am J Men’s Health, December 2009; 3: 4 333-339.

[6].    Fayakinnu EA. University Faculty Males Experiences of sexual Harassment from female students. British Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 2012; 6(1): 2046 – 9578.

[7].    Hoyle C, Richard Y. New Visions of Crime Victims, 2002: 94-96 accessed from https://www.bloomsbury.com/au/new-visions-of-crime-victims-9781841132808/.

[8].    Jewkes R, Levin J, Penn-Kekana L. Risk factors for domestic violence: findings from a South African cross-sectional study. Social Science and Medicine 202; 55:603-170.

[9].    Kessler RC, Molnar BE, Fourer ID. Predictors and mental health predictors of domestic violence in the United States. Results from the national co-morbidity survey. International Journal of law and Psychiatry, 2001; 24: 487-508.

[10].Kumar, A. Domestic Violence against Men in India: A Perspective. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 2012;22 (3): 290–296.

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Abstract:

Background: The dramatic rise in intravenous drug use particularly heroin has been associated with elevated HIV transmission risk in sub-Saharan Africa. Medically assisted therapy (MAT) is crucial for HIV prevention in people who inject opioids including heroin. The objective of the present study was to determine the uptake of MAT among people who inject heroin (PWIH) and associated factors to assist in informing policy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mathare low income settlement in the city of Nairobi, Kenya. Injecting heroin users were recruited in the study during the routine follow-up at a drop-in Centre. Information about factors associated with uptake of MAT among Injecting heroin users was obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.

Results: Of the 110 people PWIH enrolled in study, 73 respondents had ever enrolled for MAT (uptake: 66% (95% confidence interval (CI) 57%, 75%)). Socio-demographic factors associated with uptake of MAT included age, gender, marital status, education level and employment status (p<0.05). Association between uptake of MAT and characteristics/practices related to the use of heroin returned four significant variables (p<0.05): length of time the participant had injected heroin, daily frequency of heroin injection, prior attempt to quit heroin injection and polydrug use. Key health systems factors associated with uptake of MAT included personal views about eligibility criteria for PWID and hours of operation of the MAT clinic.

Conclusion: Our study identified modifiable factors associated with MAT in low income urban settlers which if prioritized can accelerate the already high uptake found in this study.

Keywords: Heroin, Therapy, Opioid, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Medically Assisted Therapy, People Who inject Drugs

References:

[1].Alavi, M., Grebely, J., Micallef, M., Dunlop, A. J., Balcomb, A. C., Day, C. A., ... & Enhancing Treatment for Hepatitis C in Opioid Substitution Settings (ETHOS) Study Group. (2013). Assessment and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection among people who inject drugs in the opioid substitution setting: ETHOS study. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 57(suppl_2), S62-S69.

[2].Ayon, S., Ndimbii, J., Jeneby, F., Abdulrahman, T., Mlewa, O., Wang, B., ... & Mburu, G. (2018). Barriers and facilitators of access to HIV, harm reduction and sexual and reproductive health services by women who inject drugs: role of community-based outreach and drop-in centers. AIDS care, 30(4), 480-487.

[3].Beckerleg, S., Telfer, M., & Sadiq, A. (2006). A rapid assessment of heroin use in Mombasa, Kenya. Substance use & misuse, 41(6-7), 1029-1044.

[4].Beyrer, C., Baral, S., Kerrigan, D., El-Bassel, N., Bekker, L. G., & Celentano, D. D. (2011). Expanding the space: inclusion of most-at-risk populations in HIV prevention, treatment, and care services. Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999), 57(Suppl 2), S96.

[5].Booth, R. E., Crowley, T. J., & Zhang, Y. (1996). Substance abuse treatment entry, retention and effectiveness: out-of-treatment opiate injection drug users. Drug and alcohol dependence, 42(1), 11-20.

[6].Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC Kenya). Kenya Annual Report. Nairobi. CDC. 2015.

[7].Costigan, G., N. Crofts, and G. Reid. "Manual for reducing drug related harm in Asia. Revised and updated." (2003).

[8].Corburn, J. (2013). Healthy city planning: from neighbourhood to national health equity. Routledge.

[9].Coviello, D. M., Zanis, D. A., Wesnoski, S. A., & Alterman, A. I. (2006). The effectiveness of outreach case management in re-enrolling discharged methadone patients. Drug and alcohol dependence, 85(1), 56-65.

[10]. Deveau, C., Levine, B., & Beckerleg, S. (2006). Heroin use in Kenya and findings from a community based outreach programme to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. African Journal of Drug & Alcohol Studies, 5(2), 95-107.

[11]. Digiusto, E., & Treloar, C. (2007). Equity of access to treatment, and barriers to treatment for illicit drug use in Australia. Addiction, 102(6), 958-969.

[12]. Gelmon, L. (2009). Kenya HIV prevention response and modes of transmission analysis. National AIDS Control Council.

[13]. Goldstein, R. Z., & Volkow, N. D. (2002). Drug addiction and its underlying neurobiological basis: neuroimaging evidence for the involvement of the frontal cortex. American Journal of Psychiatry, 159(10), 1642-1652.

[14]. Guise, A., Rhodes, T., Ndimbii, J., Ayon, S., & Nnaji, O. (2016). Access to HIV treatment and care for people who inject drugs in Kenya: a short report. AIDS care, 28(12), 1595-1599.

[15]. Hyde Lily (2016). State of harm reduction in Kenya, key information about drug use -community action against harm reduction CAHR http://www.cahrproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/kenya-report

[16]. Lawrinson, P., Ali, R., Buavirat, A., Chiamwongpaet, S., Dvoryak, S., Habrat, B., ... & Newcombe, D. (2008). Key findings from the WHO collaborative study on substitution therapy for opioid dependence and HIV/AIDS. Addiction, 103(9), 1484-1492.

[17]. Mathers, B. M., Degenhardt, L., Ali, H., Wiessing, L., Hickman, M., Mattick, R. P., ... & Strathdee, S. A. (2010). HIV prevention, treatment, and care services for people who inject drugs: a systematic review of global, regional, and national coverage. The Lancet, 375(9719), 1014-1028.

[18]. Ministry of Health (2013). Kenya National Guidelines for: Standard Operating Procedures for Medically Assisted Therapy for People Who Use Drugs. Nairobi.

[19]. Ministry of Health. Kenya National Guidelines for: Standard Operating Procedures for Medically Assisted Therapy for People Who Use Drugs. Nairobi. 2013.

[20]. Mlunde, L. B., Sunguya, B. F., Mbwambo, J. K. K., Ubuguyu, O. S., Shibanuma, A., Yasuoka, J., & Jimba, M. (2016). Correlates of health care seeking behaviour among people who inject drugs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. International Journal of Drug Policy, 30, 66-73.

[21]. Nambiar, D., Stoové, M., & Dietze, P. (2014). A cross-sectional study describing factors associated with utilisation of GP services by a cohort of people who inject drugs. BMC health services research, 14(1), 308.

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[24]. National Institutes of Health. (2007). NIH Consensus Statement: Effective Medical Treatment of Opiate Addiction.

[25]. Obeng-Odoom, F. (2013). The State of African Cities 2010: Governance, inequality and urban land markets. Cities, 31, 425-429.

[26]. Oguya, F. O. (2014). Assessment of Risk Behaviour and HIV Prevalence among People Who Inject Drugs in Nairobi County, Kenya (Doctoral dissertation, Kenyatta University).

[27]. Pinkham, S., Stoicescu, C., & Myers, B. (2012). Developing effective health interventions for women who inject drugs: key areas and recommendations for program development and policy. Advances in Preventive Medicine, 2012.

[28]. Petersen, Z., Myers, B., Van Hout, M. C., Plüddemann, A., & Parry, C. (2013). Availability of HIV prevention and treatment services for people who inject drugs: findings from 21 countries. Harm reduction journal, 10(1), 13.

[29]. Roberts, J., Annett, H., & Hickman, M. (2010). A systematic review of interventions to increase the uptake of opiate substitution therapy in injecting drug users. Journal of Public Health, 33(3), 378-384.

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[31]. Strathdee, S. A., Ricketts, E. P., Huettner, S., Cornelius, L., Bishai, D., Havens, J. R., ... & Latkin, C. A. (2006). Facilitating entry into drug treatment among injection drug users referred from a needle exchange program: Results from a community-based behavioral intervention trial. Drug and alcohol dependence, 83(3), 225-232.

[32]. Todadze, K., & Lezhava, G. (2008). Implementation of drug substitution therapy in Georgia. Central European journal of public health, 16(3).

[33]. Tun, W., Sheehy, M., Broz, D., Okal, J., Muraguri, N., Raymond, H. F., ... & Geibel, S. (2015). HIV and STI prevalence and injection behaviors among people who inject drugs in Nairobi: results from a 2011 bio-behavioral study using respondent-driven sampling. AIDS and Behavior, 19(1), 24-35.

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[35]. Vijay, A., Bazazi, A. R., Yee, I., Kamarulzaman, A., & Altice, F. L. (2015). Treatment readiness, attitudes toward, and experiences with methadone maintenance therapy among people who inject drugs in Malaysia. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 54, 29-36.

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Abstract:

The role of journalism is central to raising awareness and providing better understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 2030 agenda. Considering the fact that media organizations and/or personnel are an important source of information in this part of the world, it is imperative that journalists disseminate useful information on this agenda if its objectives are to be met. This study, therefore, undertakes an assessment of knowledge and attitude of journalists in Osun state towards the SDGs. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 120 Journalists drawn from across Osun State. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit vital information on the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of and attitude towards the SDGs. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS and presented using descriptive statistics. The mean age of the Journalists was 36.4 ± 6.21 years. Almost two-third (64.2%) had ever heard of SDG and only 1.3% had good knowledge. Less than half (43.3%) of respondents had a negative attitude towards learning about the SDGs. The knowledge of journalists in Osun State on the SDGs was very poor and may have adverse consequences for the entire population. Intervention is therefore required to improve their knowledge via education.

Key words: Journalists, Perception, Sustainable Development Goals.

References:

[1].     Eurobarometer 441 (2016). 27,672 individuals surveyed across 28 EU Member States. (Fieldwork: 11-12/2015) Special

[2].     Eurobarometer 445 (2017) 27,929 individuals surveyed across 28 EU Member States. (Fieldwork: 11-12/2016)

[3].     Globescan Radar (2016). National Representative Samples of Approx. 1,000 Adults in 25 Countries. (Fieldwork: 12/15-

[4].     05/2016).

[5].     Glocalities: Towards 2030 Without Poverty (2016); 56,000 respondents in 24 countries. (Fieldwork: 12/2015-2/2016)

[6].     Information Literacy for the Sustainable Development Goals (ILSDG). MILID Yearbook 2015. Goteborg : NORDICOM, 2015

[7].     https://milunesco.unaoc.org/wpcontent/uploads/2015/07/milid_yearbook_20 151.pdf

[8].     Inter Press Service (IPS) -- UN Foundation (2016). Media Training Workshop. Reporting on Sustainable Development Goals

[9].     (SDGs)

[10]. Omisore Akinlolu G, Babarinde Grace M, Bakare Damilola P, Asekun-Olarinmoye Esther O (2017). Awareness and Knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals in a University Community in Southwestern Nigeria. Ethiop J Health Sci.2017; 27(6):447. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ejhs.v27i5.2

[11]. Okon, G.B. (2015). Journalists’ understanding of the ideological differences between the two dominant political parties in Rivers State: A survey of Port Harcourt city. KSU Journal of Mass Communication; 4(1):74 – 90

[12]. Okon, G.B. (2013). Voter education by the Nigerian broadcast media: A normative appraisal of three radio stations in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Journal of Media Studies; 28(1):57 -81.

[13]. Okon, G.B. (2017). Gas flaring in the Niger Delta region and its reportage by select Nigerian newspapers and magazines: A normative appraisal. Nigerian Journal of Oil and Gas Technology; 3(1):151 -171.

[14]. UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (n.d.). Division for Sustainable Development: http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/dsd_aofw_nsds/nsds_index.shtml (2015).

[15]. UNESCO and Sustainable Development, UNESCO, Paris 2005 United Nations (2015). Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015. http://www.un.org/ga/ search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/70/1&Lang=E (Accessed 16 October 2016)

Abstract:

Introduction: The recent growth of the commercial motorcycle sector in Kenya has seen a concomitant rise in road traffic accidents (RTAs). However, the correlates of RTAs involving commercial passenger motorcycles are largely unknown in Kenya and other developing countries. We sought to determine the incidence of commercial motorcycle accidents (MCAs) in Embu town, Kenya and its correlates. Methods: In January 2018, we recruited 202 commercial motorcycle riders and collected baseline data by means of a questionnaire in Embu town. We then followed them on weekly basis for 3 months till April 2018 to quantify the number of MCA events. Multivariable cox proportional hazards regression models were built to relate the incidence of MCAs and their correlates. Survival analysis was carried out using the Kaplan-Meier approach. Results: We quantified 48 MCA episodes translating into an incidence of 3 crashes per 1000 person-days. On multivariable analyses, riders in singlehood marital status were almost twice as likely to experience a MCA compared to those married [Adjusted HR (AHR) =1.8 (CI: 1.1, 3.4), p=0.046]. Khat (Catha edulis) users were 2-fold likely to experience a MCA relative to non-Khat (Catha edulis) users [AHR=2.1 (CI: 1.1, 4.2; p=0.021]. Conclusion: Efforts to prevent MCAs need to include a program for screening and educating young riders on the dangers of khat Catha edulis use.

Keywords: Incidence, correlates, commercial motorcycle accident, Embu, Kenya.

References:

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[2].Bachani AM, Koradia P, Herbert HK, Mogere S, Akungah D, Nyamari J, et al. Road Traffic Injuries in Kenya: The Health Burden and Risk Factors in Two Districts. Traffic Inj Prev. 2012;13(sup1):24–30.

[3].Badaru U, Lawal I, Muhammad A. Pattern of neurologic and soft tissue injuries sustained in commercial motorcyle accidents in Kano metropolis. Arch Physiother Glob Res. 2017;21(3). Choulagai P, Ling H, Sharma P, Mishra S. Epidemiology of Roads Traffic Accidents in Nepal: Data review and qualitative analysis. SM J Public Health Epidemiol. 2015;1(3):1–4.

[4].Chandramani R, Sohael K, Mahendra G, Pradeep S. Evaluation of morbidity and epidemiology of two wheelers accidents in central India. East Afr Orthop J. 2016;10(1):27–31.

[5].Evans J, O’Brien J. Informal mobilities and elusive subjects: Researching urban transport in the Global South. In: Urban Mobilities in the Global South. 2017. Routledge: 78–94.

[6].Ehebrecht D, Heinrichs D, Lenz B. Motorcycle-taxis in sub-Saharan Africa: Current knowledge, implications for the debate on “informal” transport and research needs. J Transp Geogr. 2018; 69:242–256.

[7].Faduyile F, Emiogun F, Williams O. Pattern of injuries in fatal motorcycle accidents seen in Lagos state University Teaching Hospital: An autopsy-based study. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2017;5(2):112–116.

[8].Gudaji M, Habib Z. Socio-Demographic Factrors associated with psychoactive substance use among commercial motorcycle operators in Kano, Nigeria. Open J Psychiatry. 2015;6(1):76.

[9].Haagsma JA, Graetz N, Bolliger I, Naghavi M, Higashi H, Mullany EC, et al. The global burden of injury: incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years and time trends from the Global Burden of Disease study 2013. Inj Prev. 2016;22(1):3–18.

[10]. Hameed F, Gul W, Ali I, Hanif T. Pattern of Maxillofacial injuries due to motorcycle related road traffic accidents at a Tertiary care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Ann Jinnah Sindh Med Uni. 2017;3(2):80–85.

[11]. Kual A, Sinha US, Pathak YK, Singh A, Kapoor AK, Sharma S, et al. Fatal road traffic accidents, study of distribution, nature and type of injury. 2005.

[12]. Khanbhai M, Lutomia MBL. Motorcycle Accident injuries seen at Kakamega Provincial Hospital in Kenya. East Cent Afr J Surg. 2012;17(1):43–46.

[13]. KNBS. 2009 Kenya Population and Housing Census. 2010. Nairobi, Kenya. Kenya National Bureau of Statistics http://statistics.knbs.or.ke/nada/index.php/catalog/55. Accessed 24 November 2014.

[14]. Lamont M, Lee R. Arrive alive: Road safety in Kenya and South Africa. Technol Cult. 2015;56(2):464–488.

[15]. Muthukumar T, Singh Z, Prasad V, Raja T. An epidemiological study of road traffic accidents among patients admitted nin a tertiary care hospital in Puduchery. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2018;5(8):3362–3367.

[16]. Miller B, Goff C, Bammann K, Wild P. Cohort Studies. 2005. Berlin, Germany. Springer.

[17]. Manyara C. Combating Road Traffic Accidents in Kenya: A challenge for an emerging economy. Kenya After. 2016;50:101–122.

[18]. NTSA. Road Safety Status Report 2015. 2016. Nairobi, Kenya. National Transport & Safety Authority.

[19]. Odiwuor W, Nyamusi E, Odero W. Incidence of road traffic crashes and pattern of injuries among commercial motorcyclists in Naivasha Town. Int J Appl Res. 2015;1(11):541–549.

[20]. Olumide A, Owoaje E. Young age as a predictor of poor road safety practices of commercial motorcysclists in Oyo state, Nigeria. Traffic Inj Prev. 2015;16(7):691–697.

[21]. Olusayo A, Bolaji O, Louis O. Road traffic injury immune deluion syndrome among commercial motorcycle riders in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Glob Adavance Res Jounral Med Med Sci. 2015;4(2):92–97.

[22]. Ogunmodede T, Emeahara E. Influence of demographic variables on the use of road safety information by commercial motorcycle riders in Nigeria. Afr Symp. 2017;15(3):44–51.

[23]. Singoro BW, Wakhungu J, Obiri J, Were E. Causes and Trends of Public Transport Motorcycle Accidents in Bungoma County, Kenya. Int J Multidiscip Acad Res. 2016;4(1):37–42.

[24]. Tumwesigye N, Atuyambe L, Kobusingye O. Factors associated with injuries among commercial motorcyclists: Evidence from matched case control study in Kampala City, Uganda. PLOS ONE. 2016;11.

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Abstract:

The study objective was to determine the predictors for the use of family planning methods among women living with HIV in two South Eastern States in Nigeria in order to make quality improvement recommendations. This was a descriptive cross sectional study among HIV positive clients attending the HIV clinic in Ebonyi and Enugu State Nigeria. The sample size was 442 clients comprising 142 from Ebonyi and 300 from Enugu. Informed consent was obtained. Data collection was done using interviewer-administered and pretested questionnaires. Quantitative variables were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. The Chi‑square test was used to evaluate association between categorical variables as appropriate and P-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relative effect of determinants, adjusting for other predictor variables. Majority (42.3%) of the respondents were aged 30-39years. There were significantly more female (78.4%) respondents compared to males (21.6%). Respondents lived in the urban (47.2%) and sub-urban (48.2%) settings. Most (72.1%) of the respondents, had a tertiary level education and were mostly traders, single and of Christian faith. Less than half (40%) of the respondents had 3-4 babies and had their last babies 5 or more years prior to the study. Occupation and education are strong predictors of contraceptive use among HIV positive clients. Further study will be necessary to determine the behavioral interventions and communication strategy that will further enhance uptake of family planning methods especially among this group in Nigeria.

Keywords: Predictors, Family Planning Use, HIV Positive, South-East Nigeria

References:

[1].Ayesha BMK, Quarraisha AK. HIV Infection and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa: Current Status, Challenges and Opportunities. Open AIDS J. 2016; 10: 34–48.

[2].Ashimi AO, Amole TG, Ugwa EA, Omole‑Ohonsi A. Awareness, practice and predictors of Family planning by pregnant women attending a tertiary hospital in a semi-rural community of northwest Nigeria. J Basic Clin Reprod Sci 2016; 5:6‑11.

[3].Andia I, Kaida A, Maier M et al., “Highly active antiretroviral therapy and increased use of contraceptives among HIV-positive women during expanding access to antiretroviral therapy in Mbarara, Uganda,” The American Journal of Public Health, vol. 99, no. 2, pp. 340–347, 2009.Chama C, Morrupa J, Gashau W. Sex and reproduction among HIV infected people in Maiduguri, Nigeria. J ObstetGynaecol 2007; 27:812‑5.

[4].Bizuneh G, Solomon S, and Yilma M, “Unmet need and evaluation of program options to meet unmet need for contraception in Ethiopia: further analysis of the 2000 and 2005,” Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey, 2008, http://www.measuredhs.com/pubs/pdf/FA62/FA62.pdfCredé S, Hoke T, Constant D, Green SM, Moodley J, et al. (2012) Factors impacting knowledge and use of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods by postpartum HIV positive and negative women in Cape Town, South Africa: a cross sectional study. BMC Public Health 12(197).

[5].Dabral S and Malik SI. “Demographic study of Gujjars of Delhi: IV, Kap of family planning,” Journal of Human Ecology, vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 231–237, 2004.

[6].Ezechi OC, Gbajabiamilla TA, Gab-Okafor CV, Oladele DA, Ezeobi PM, Ujah IA. Contraceptive behavior, practices and associated factors among Nigerian women living with human immunodeficiency virus infection. J HIV Hum Reprod 2013; 1:30-5

[7].Federal Ministry of Health. Technical Report: National HIVSero‑prevalence Sentinel Survey; 2010

[8].Hoffman IF, Martinson FEA, Powers KA, Chilongozi DA, Msiska ED, et al. The year-long effect of HIV-positive test results on pregnancy intentions, contraceptive use, and pregnancy incidence among Malawian women. JAIDS. 2008;47(4):477–83.

[9].Melaku YA, Zeleke EG, Kinsman J, Abraha AK. Fertility desire among HIV‑positive women in Tigray region, Ethiopia: Implications for theprovision of reproductive health and prevention of mother‑to‑child HIV transmission services. BMC Womens Health 2014; 14:137.

[10].  Magala I, Onega L, Rose N, et al. Factors influencing contraceptive uptake among sexually active HIV positive clients in TASO Masaka, Uganda. J Public Health Policy Plann 2017;1(2):46-49.

[11]. Polis CB, Gray RH, Lutalo T et al., “Trends and correlates of hormonal contraceptive use among HIV-infected women in Rakai, Uganda, 1994–2006,” Contraception, vol. 83, no. 6, pp. 549–555, 2011.

[12]. Wilcher R, Cates W. Reproductive choices for women with HIV. Bull World Health Organ 2009; 87:833‑9.

[13]. World Health Organization. Global summary of the HIV/AIDS epidemic 2014. http://www.who.int/hiv/data/epi_core_july2015.png?ua=1.

[14]. Yemane Berhane, Haftu Berhe, Gerezgiher Buruh Abera, and Hailemariam Berhe, “Utilization of Modern Contraceptives among HIV Positive Reproductive Age Women in Tigray, Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study,” ISRN AIDS, vol. 2013, Article ID 319724, 8 pages, 2013. doi:10.1155/2013/319724.

Abstract:

Introduction: A critical opportunity to strengthen follow-up of HIV-exposed children and assure early access to ARV treatment for infected children is provided by early infant diagnosis of HIV. This study describes findings from an EID program and the effectiveness of PMTCT intervention in Benue State, Nigeria.

Methods: This was a retrospective study. The study population comprised all perinatally HIV exposed children aged six weeks to 18 months who had Dried Blood Spot (DBS) samples taken for a DNA PCR test between January - December 2017 were enrolled for this study. Details of the ARV regimen received to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), infant feeding, HIV DNA PCR test results and turnaround time (TAT) for results were analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results 85.9% of mother-baby pairs received ARVs and 98.4% babies had ever been breastfed. Transmission rates for mother-baby pairs who received ARVs for PMTCT was 1.5% compared to 33% when neither baby nor mother received an intervention. Overall the prevalence of transmission in this study is 3.9% irrespective of intervention. The mean and median turnaround time for test results were 69 days (95% CI: 67.89-70.12) and 56 days respectively

Conclusions. Reduction of MTCT of HIV is possible with effective PMTCT intervention, including improved access to ARVs and appropriate infant feeding practices. The PMTCT programme in Benue State was found to be effective and achieved outcomes comparable to similar setting. Triple combination ARV drugs is feasible and resulted in low MTCT rates under routine clinic conditions in resource-limited setting.

Keywords: mother-to-child transmission of HIV, early infant diagnosis, breastfeeding, vertical transmission.

References:

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[4].     Hill A, Dauncey T, Levi J, Heath K, Pérez Casas C. (2015) Higher risks of mother-to-child HIV transmission in countries with lower HIV prevalence: UNAIDS 2013 results for 32 countries with generalised epidemics. Journal of Virus Eradication. 2015; 1(4):257–63. PMid:27482423 PMCid: PMC4946657.

[5].     Ibobo JA, Nwose EU, Chime H. (2017) Reducing the mother-tochild transmission of HIV: findings from an early infant diagnosis program in Delta state Nigeria. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2017; 4(12):4352–7.

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[7].     Kalua T, Barr BA, Oosterhout JJ, Mbori-Ngacha D, Schouten EJ, Gupta S, … Jahn A. (2017) Lessons Learned from Option B+ in the Evolution Toward “Test and Start” From Malawi, Cameroon, and the United Republic of Tanzania (online) https://www.msh.org/sites/msh.org/files/kalua_lessons_learned_from_option_b.pdf (Accessed 5 January,2019).

[8].     Kebede B, Gebeyehu A, Jain S, Sun S, and Haubrich R,(2014) “Delay in Early Infant Diagnosis and High Loss to Follow-Up among Infant Born to HIV-Infected Women in Ethiopia,” World Journal of AIDS, vol. 04, no. 04, pp. 402–412, 2014.(online) http://file.scirp.org/pdf/WJA_2014112613555031.pdf (Accessed 2 January 2019).

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[12]. Noubiap JJ, Bongoe A, Demanou SA. (2013 Mother-to-child transmission of HIV: Findings from an early infant diagnosis program in Bertoua, Eastern Cameroon. The Pan African Medical Journal. 2013; 15:65.

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Abstract:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes mellitus accounting for approximately 90% of all cases. Many diabetes mellitus patients experience difficulties following their treatment regimen causing low number of patients achieving glycaemic control target. Failure to achieve glycaemic control is associated with the development of complications. This study sought to determine the prevalence of poor glycaemic control and identify factors associated with glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus patient attending an out patient’s clinic.

All type 2 diabetic patients aged 18 years and above attending the Parirenyatwa out patient’s diabetic clinic during the study period who consented to participate in the study were consecutively enrolled. A questionnaire was administered, the patients’ weight and height were measured. A blood sample was collected for glycosylated haemoglobin analysis using the enzymatic method.

A total of 180 type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled into the study of whom 69.4% were female. The median age was 60.0 years, median duration of disease was 6.0 years, median body mass index was 26.0 kg/m² and median glycosylated haemoglobin was 7.4. Poor glycaemic control was diagnosed in 60.9% of the patients. Gender (p value 0.016), duration (p value ˂0.001) and physical activity (p value 0.007) were significantly associated with glycaemic control.

The majority of the type 2 diabetic patients had poor glycaemic control. There is need of coming up with strategies to improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients attending the out patient’s clinic. Gender, duration and physical activity were associated with glycaemic control.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, glycaemic control.

References:

[1].Adeniyi, Oladele Vincent, Parimalaranie Yogeswaran, Benjamin Longo-Mbenza, Daniel Ter Goon, and Anthony Idowu Ajayi. 2016. “Cross-Sectional Study of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in OR Tambo District, South Africa.” BMJ Open 6 (7): e010875.

[2].Al-Akour, N.A., Y.S Khader, and A.M. Alaoui. 2011. “Glycemic Control and Its Determinants among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Attending a Teaching Hospital.” Journal of Diabetes & Metabolism 02 (04). https://doi.org/10.4172/2155-6156.1000129.

[3].American Diabetes Association. 2017. “American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes 2017.” Diabetes Care 40 (1): S1–135.

[4].Ashur, Sana Taher, Shamsul Azhar Shah, Soad Bosseri, Tong Seng Fah, and Khadijah Shamsuddin. 2016. “Glycaemic Control Status among Type 2 Diabetic Patients and the Role of Their Diabetes Coping Behaviours: A Clinic-Based Study in Tripoli, Libya.” Libyan Journal of Medicine 11 (1): 31086. https://doi.org/10.3402/ljm.v11.31086.

[5].Blonde, Lawrence, Pablo Aschner, Clifford Bailey, Linong Ji, Lawrence A. Leiter, Stephan Matthaei, and Global Partnership for Effective Diabetes Management. 2017. “Gaps and Barriers in the Control of Blood Glucose in People with Type 2 Diabetes.” Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research 14 (3): 172–183.

[6].Chako, Kurai Z., Heather Phillipo, Erisi Mafuratidze, and Danai Tavonga Zhou. 2014. “Significant Differences in the Prevalence of Elevated HbA1c Levels for Type I and Type II Diabetics Attending the Parirenyatwa Diabetic Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe.” Chinese Journal of Biology 2014: 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/672980.

[7].International Diabetes Federation. 2017. “International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas.”

[8].Kassahun, Tefera, Tesfahun Eshetie, and Hailay Gesesew. 2016. “Factors Associated with Glycemic Control among Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Ethiopia.” BMC Research Notes 9 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-016-1896-7.

[9].Kautzky-Willer, A., L. Kosi, J. Lin, and R. Mihaljevic. 2015. “Gender-Based Differences in Glycaemic Control and Hypoglycaemia Prevalence in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Results from Patient-Level Pooled Data of Six Randomized Controlled Trials.” Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism 17 (6): 533–40. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.12449.

[10]. Khattab, Maysaa, Yousef S. Khader, Abdelkarim Al-Khawaldeh, and Kamel Ajlouni. 2010. “Factors Associated with Poor Glycemic Control among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.” Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications 24 (2): 84–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2008.12.008.

[11]. Mata-Cases, Manel, Josep Franch-Nadal, Jordi Real, and Dídac Mauricio. 2016. “Glycaemic Control and Antidiabetic Treatment Trends in Primary Care Centres in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus during 2007–2013 in Catalonia: A Population-Based Study.” BMJ Open 6 (10): e012463.

[12]. Ministry of Health and Child Welfare Republic of Zimbabwe. 2013. “6th Essential Medicines List and Standard Treatment Guidelines for Zimbabwe.” The National Medicine and Therapeutics Policy Advisory Committee, Ministry of Health and Child Welfare.

[13]. Musenge, Emmanuel Mwila, Alexey Manankov, Boyd Mudenda, and Charles Michelo. 2014. “Glycaemic Control in Diabetic Patients in Zambia.” Pan African Medical Journal 19. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2014.19.354.5264.

[14]. Ngoyo, J.N., S Karanja, E Njenga, and L Muthami. 2016. “Factors Associated with Glycemic Control among Type 2 Diabetes Patients Attending Mathari National Teaching Hospital, Nairobi Kenya.” Journal of Endocrinology and Diabetes 3 (6): 1–11.

[15]. Odume, Bethrand Brian, Onyebuchi Stephanie Ofoegbu, Elias Chike Aniwada, and Emeka Franklin Okechukwu. 2015. “The Influence of Family Characteristics on Glycaemic Control among Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Attending the General Outpatient Clinic, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.” South African Family Practice 57 (6): 347–52. https://doi.org/10.1080/20786190.2015.1090688.

[16]. Pérez, A, J.J. Mediavilla, I Miñambres, and D González-Segura. 2014. “Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Spain.” Rev Clin Esp 214: 429–36.

[17]. Ufuoma, Chukwuani, YovwinD Godwin, ADigban Kester, and JChukwuebuni Ngozi. 2016. “Determinants of Glycemic Control among Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Niger Delta.” Sahel Medical Journal 19 (4): 190. https://doi.org/10.4103/1118-8561.196361.

[18]. Verma, Meena, Sangeeta Paneri, Preetha Badi, and P. G. Raman. 2006. “Effect of Increasing Duration of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 on Glycated Hemoglobin and Insulin Sensitivity.” Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry 21 (1): 142.

[19]. Viana, Luciana V., Cristiane B. Leitão, Caroline K. Kramer, Alessandra TN Zucatti, Deborah L. Jezini, João Felício, Ana B. Valverde, Antonio R. Chacra, Mirela J. Azevedo, and Jorge L. Gross. 2013. “Poor Glycaemic Control in Brazilian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Attending the Public Healthcare System: A Cross-Sectional Study.” BMJ Open 3 (9): e003336.

Abstract:

Aba river continuously undergoes pollution from effluents from activities around the river and this constitutes a public health hazard. The aim of study is to determine the microbial and chemical pollutants, public health risks and recommend appropriate measures for prevention and control by government. Structured questionnaire was administered to 100 residents, direct plate count, culture and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry of the water collected were carried out. (upstream-2B and downstream-1B, all in plain and sterile containers). Results indicated that residents were mainly semi-literate (52%); business and petty traders (80%) with low income. The water from Aba River is used for drinking, washing, cooking and other domestic activities; 54% residents were females and 46% men and the age bracket of 21years to 50years were predominate in the area, hospital visits and bills in last 12 months were high due to typhoid, malaria, diarrhoea, worm infestation and food poisoning, no free medical care by government or surrounding industries; microbial analysis and count from the upstream water prior to discharges showed E.coli count of 7.0 cfu/mLand downstream count showed E.Coli count of 197 cfu/mL indicating heavy microbial pollution; chemical analysis showed an increase in organic analytes of Aluminium 355 mg/L, Arsenic 11 mg/L, Iron 301 mg/L, Lead 8 mg/L, Manganese 13 mg/L, Nickel 11 mg/L, Selenium 280 mg/L, Ammonium 0.35 mg/L, Benzene 1.7 mg/L, Pesticides 0.08 mg/L, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon 1 mg/L with a conductivity of 2800 ms/cm which are higher than the standard. Conclusion: Aba River is highly polluted and unfit for drinking or domestic use.

Keywords: Aba River, pollution, Public Health implication.

References:

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[8].     Ibekwe V.I, Ewelike N.C. and Amajuoyi N. (2006). Microbal and Physico-Chemical quality of Aba river polluted with effluents from a bottling company. International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences. 2 (4).

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Abstract:

Malaria is a common and life-threatening disease in many tropical and subtropical areas and transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquitoes with major impact on global public health. It is endemic in Nigeria with up to 97% of the population at risk. Malaria results to 60% outpatient visits to healthcare facilities,25% childhood death, and11% maternal death. Haemoglobin genotype variants have been implicated in reducing malaria parasite replication within the red blood cells and enhance splenic clearance in malaria parasitized erythrocytes. The study of the Malaria parasitaemia among different haemoglobin genotypes in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is aimed at determining the effect of haemoglobin genotypes on malaria parasitaemia among residents in FCT. (2mls) of venous blood was collected from 384 randomly selected residents. Determination of malaria parasitaemia was by Microscopy and the cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis was used for heamoglobin genotype. A structured questionnaire created with Epi-Info version 7 for data collection and analysis. Results of 187 volunteers with malaria parasitaemia indicated that: malaria parasitaemia was more in female (58.8%) and male (41.4%); age groups of 0-10 (42.0%), 11-20 (35.2%) and 21-30(14.5%) and 91.7% within age range of 0-30 years of the studied group; in Gwagwalada (24.6%), followed by Bwari (21.4%), Kuje (18.7%), Kwali (17.7%), Abaji (15.5%) and was least in AMAC (2.1%) and severe ((+++) (> 10,000/ µL)) in blood genotype AA(47.4%) than in AS(0.0%), AC(0.0%) and least in SS(0.0%). It was concluded that malaria and the haemoglobin S gene were endemic in FCT and variant Haemoglobin C and S could confer protection to malaria parasitaemia.

Keywords: Malaria, Parasitaemia, Haemoglobin Genotypes.

References:

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Abstract:

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the association between religiosity and sexual behaviour among secondary school adolescents.

Research design: The study population included in-school adolescents aged between 15-19 years and used multistage and random sampling to pick elements at every stage.

Participants: The total sample size (N= 400) comprised adolescents from selected secondary schools in Matero and Woodlands townships in Lusaka.

Main outcome measures: The outcome measures included: levels of religiosity, sexual behaviour and association between religiosity and sexual behaviour.

Results: The analysis included all 400 adolescents. The majority of respondents were female (n= 59.3%) and Pentecostal Christians at (29%). The mean age was 16.2 with a standard deviation of 1.33. Age range of respondents was from 15-19 years with the majority aged 15 (34.25%).  87% respondents were religious and 88.25% of respondents were not involved in sexual activities. The Chi-square test results showed significant predictors of religiosity with a p-value less than 0.05. The test results showed that greater levels of religiosity were associated with lower levels of sexual activities and vice versa with a Chi-square value of 0.9954 and p-value=0.318. The relationship was however not significant at p-value 0.05.

Conclusion: The study concluded that greater levels of religiosity were associated with lower levels of sexual activities and vice versa with a Chi-square value of 0.9954 and p-value=0.318. The relationship was however not significant at p-value 0.05.

Keywords: Adolescent, Association, Behaviour modification, Religiosity, Religion, Sexual behaviour.

References:

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Abstract:

This research work will discuss and highlight the problem of environmental pollution and waste mismanagement in Ghana. Everything that surrounds us is directly or indirectly linked with the environment in which we live, and these things affect the environment either negatively or positively. Not only the man, but also other living things as well as nature have effects on our environment.

Almost every person living in this World is worried about environmental pollution because we experience their consequences through the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we use for our daily activities and through the radiations we are exposed to in our environment. Also, the effects of environmental problems are manifested through the lack of natural resources, extinction of plants and animals’ species, bad smell in our environment, flooding as well as the rise of epidemic.

The rapid urbanization and industrialization in the last few years have resulted in the significant emission of pollutants that cause negative effects on the urban population, the built environment as well as the terrestrial and aquatic habitat.

This research work seeks to address the challenges of environmental pollution, the effects of pollution on the environment and how to manage waste in our environment by gathering data from the field through observation and interviewing of laymen (ordinary citizens), environmental experts, journalists and teachers to organize their ideas on how environmental pollution can be curbed in Ghana.

Keywords: Air pollution, Water Pollution, Land Pollution, Noise Pollution, Urbanization and Migration, Environment and Waste Management.

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Abstract:

Background: Worldwide, 663 million people do not have access to improved drinking water supplies and 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation including one billion who practice open defecation. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of deaths from diarrheal diseases are attributable to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient hygiene practices. So this study is aimed at assessing water, sanitation and hygiene practice among rural communities of Gulu Kano, Nigeria. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gulu from January, 2019 to February, 2019. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed to obtain the frequency distribution of the variables. Results: The result shows that 300 participants responded to the questionnaire. The majority of respondents used unprotected spring 70 (23.3%) followed by protected hand dug well 65 (21.7%) for all domestic use. Most of the respondents 205 (68.3%) had covered their stored water and practiced pouring method to withdraw water from the stored container. Majority 204 (68%) of households had access to water within a time of 30 minutes or less. House hold water treatment was not common in the study area, only 25 (8.3%) households practiced. About one hundred and ninety-nine (66.3%) households had latrine facility, of which 208 (69.3%) was open Pit latrine without slab. Of those households having latrine only 111 (37%) households had hand washing facility. Conclusion: This study revealed that most of the respondents had poor water, sanitation and hygiene practice. Thus, it underscores that there should be great attention and further research and interventions are required to search for other sources of water and mobilize and educate the community towards protecting the water sources.

Keywords: Water, Sanitation, hygiene, Gulu, Rural Community, Kano, Nigeria.

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Abstract:

Introduction: NHIS is designed to provide easy access to healthcare for all Nigerians. It was rolled out in 2006. The quality of care expected, achievement of the goals and sustainability need to be evaluated. This survey served as a measure to ascertain the expected satisfaction. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 300 respondents randomly selected from NHIS clients from 14th February – 30th March 2018 with a self-administered modified questionnaire, which assessed satisfaction domains of the client. Associations between dependent and independent variables were subjected to Chi square test and Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC). Results: Most respondents were females 64.7 % (194), age range of 38 – 47 years had the highest percentage frequency distribution (33.7%). Most respondent marital status was married 244 (81.3%). They were predominantly civil servants (42.0%). The educational status shows 188 (62.7%) tertiary education. Most respondents felt waiting time was too long 39.7% (119) with health information; and 38.0% (114) with code generation unit. 169 (56.3%) respondents said that they do not get an explanation for the non-availability of the prescribed services. 33.3% respondents pay for drugs out of pockets and 37.0% (111), pay for laboratory services. Findings: NHIS is on-going with many enrollees and the aforementioned units need improvement. Conclusion: Since Ӽ_cal^2 (138.03) is greater than Ӽ_tab^2 (7.81) at the 0.05 significant level, it can be concluded that both the observed and expected distributions differ significantly. That is, there is a significant difference in the level of satisfaction of individuals under the NHIS.

Keywords: Health insurance, clients experience, clinic.

References:

[1].     Adamu H, Oche MO. Patient satisfaction with services at a general outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Br J Med Res 2014; 4:2182-202.

[2].     Kausar H, Shafee M, Gangwal PR. Assessment of Satisfaction among OPD patients at Noor Hospital, Warudi, Badnapur. MRIMS J Health Sci 2015; 3:42-4.

[3].     Linder-Pelz SU. Towards a theory of patient satisfaction. Soc Sci Med 1982; 16:577-82. [PUBMED].

[4].     Michael GC, Suleiman HH, Grema BA, Aliyu I Assessment of level of satisfaction of national health insurance scheme enrollees with services of an accredited health facility in Northern Nigerian Department of Family Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.

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[6].     "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development". United Nations – Sustainable Development knowledge platform. Retrieved 23 August 2015.

[7].    "United Nations Official Document". Un.org. Retrieved 11 October 2016.

Abstract:

Background: Furniture making industries commonly operate on small scale in Nigeria and their practices are poorly regulated. There has been less focus on the work practice and level of knowledge of related chemical hazards among people working in this sector.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the furniture makers’ level of knowledge on health effect of related chemical hazards and assess the factors affecting their use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. 108 participants were enrolled using a multi-stage sampling technique. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data from participants while checklist was used to assess their workshop. A p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Result: Good level of knowledge of chemical hazard was observed among 65% of the respondents. The levels of knowledge of PPE use and health effect of exposure to these chemicals were, 64.4% and 54% respectively. Common factors affecting the use of PPE among furniture makers were lack of felt need, awareness and discomfort. None of the workshops inspected met the specifications stipulated for spray painting.

Conclusion: Furniture makers are at risk of the health effects of chemical hazards. Majority of the respondents had poor knowledge of the effect of this hazard and did not use PPE, thus putting them at risk. There is a need for health education intervention to improve their level of knowledge which may also serve as motivating factor to improve on the use of appropriate PPE among these artisans.

Ethics Approval: Ethical approval was granted by the Health Research and Ethics Committee of the Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University.

Keywords: Knowledge, Safety practices, Chemical hazards, Awareness, PPE use, Wood furniture makers.

References:

[1].Adei, E., Adei, D., & Osei-Bonsu, S. (2011). Assessment of perception and knowledge of occupational chemical hazards, in the Kumasi metropolitan spray-painting industry, Ghana. Journal of Science and Technology (Ghana), 31(2).

[2].Agbana, B., Joshua, A., Daikwo, M., & Metiboba, L. (2016). Knowledge of occupational hazards among sawmill workers in Kwara state, Nigeria. [Original Article]. Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal, 23(1), 25-32. doi: 10.4103/1117-1936.180176

[3].Agu, A., Umeokonkwo, C., Nnabu, R., & Odusanya, O. (2016). Health problems among sawmill workers in Abakaliki and workplace risk assessment. Journal of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care, 28(2), 1-10.              

[4].Diwe, K. C., Duru, C. B., Iwu, A. C., Merenu, I. A., Uwakwe, K. A., Oluoha, U. R., . . . Ohale, I. (2016). Occupational Hazards, Safety and Hygienic Practices among Timber Workers in a South Eastern State, Nigeria. Occupational Diseases and Environmental Medicine, 4(03), 63.

[5].Esaiyas, A., Nagawo, H. S., & Mekonnen, Y. (2018). Occupational Health and Safety Related Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Wood and Metal Workers in Hawassa, Ethiopia (Vol. 22).

[6].Lombardi, D., Verma, S., J Brennan, M., & Perry, M. (2009). Factors influencing worker use of personal protective eyewear (Vol. 41).

[7].Mitchual, S. J., Donkoh, M., & Bih, F. (2015). Awareness and willingness to utilize health and safety measures among woodworkers of a timber processing firm in Ghana. J. Sci. Res. Rep, 6(3), 178-188.

[8].NFPA. (2015). NFPA Codes for Paint Booths Retrieved 25/09/18, from www.paintboothdoctors.com/nfpa-codes-for-paints-booths.html

[9].Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2014). Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances Retrieved 27/08/2018, from www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardoustoxicsubstances/

[10]. Occupational Safety and Health Branch. (2009). Chemical Safety in the Workplace: Guidance Note on Personal Protective Equipment for Use and Handling of Chemicals, from www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public

[11]. Ojo, T. O., Onayade, A. A., Akinyemi, P. A., & Adesanmi, A. J. (2017). Environmental Working Conditions, Lung Function and Total Serum Bile Acids of Spray Painters Exposed to Organic Solvents in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Journal of Health and Pollution, 7(13), 2- 10.

[12]. Okwabi, R., Agyemang, S., & Nyanor, P. (2016). Assessment of informal sector garages workers' safety awareness at the Odorna garages in Accra, Ghana. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 6(5).

[13]. Onowhakpor, A., Abusu, G., Adebayo, B., Esene, H., & Okojie, O. (2017). Determinants of occupational health and safety: Knowledge, attitude, and safety practices toward occupational hazards of sawmill workers in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. [Original Article]. African Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, 16(1), 58-64. doi: 10.4103/2384-5589.209487

[14]. Osonwa, K. O., Eko, J. E., & Ozah, H. P. (2015). Utilisation of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) among Wood Factory Workers in Calabar Municipality, Southern Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific and Research (IJSR), 4(5), 2639- 2642.

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[18]. Tagurum, Y. O., Gwomson, M. D., Yakubu, P. M., Igbita, J. A., Chingle, M. P., & Chirdan, O. O. (2018). Awareness of occupational hazards and utilization of PPE amongst welders in Jos metropolis, Nigeria. [Awareness, Occupational hazards, Occupational health problems, PPE, Welders]. 2018, 6(7), 7. doi: 10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20182808

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Abstract:

Despite the many positive health benefits of hand washing, latrine use and household practices, cholera, Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD), remains a big challenge globally (WHO 2018). The Somali region of Ethiopia faces multiple disease outbreaks despite government interventions by Somali Regional Health Bureau (SRHB) and development Partners (UNICEF 2017). Deaths due to diarrheal diseases reached 16,573 in 2017 which represented 6.41% of the total deaths (WHO 2017).

The purpose of this research study was to establish the role played by family hygiene practices in reducing AWD cases amongst vulnerable children under the age of five and pregnant women in the Somali region. Further, the study sought to target interventions that strengthen individuals (care givers, and community leaders) and institutions’ capacities that shape prevention and treatment seeking in the first 90 days of intervention. Data was obtained from May 1, 2017 to August 1, 2017, and data were analysed using a triangulation of qualitative analysis. Data sources included articles, desk interviews, focus group discussions, and quantitative approaches (facility registers) of the consultation (pregnant women and children). AWD tests from 2015 to 2017 were also analysed, and excel software was applied to compile the data as described in tables and figures.

The study identified 45% of the population lacked basic education and knowledge on various ways of preventing diarrhoea such as good hygiene, food preparation, and latrine use practices. The findings revealed disparity in rural and urban communities regarding access to safe water, latrine use, electricity, media, and health facilities. Findings noted percentages of water source consumption as 18.1% use river water, 12.7% rely on open well., 41% use tap water, and only 5.5% use hand pump and ponds. All these factors contributed to the increase of AWD cases. From the literature, public health preventive interventions are a catalyst to avert disease outbreaks such as AWD or cholera with primary focus among children under five, pregnant women, and adults, although this remains challenging. Training of health care workers is a priority for early diagnosis of AWD. Knowledge gaps exist in clinical trials for AWD treatment protocol, prevention, and nutritional services. Further studies are needed to reduce the knowledge gaps, lack of follow-up, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of AWD and other disease outbreaks. Understanding of the relationship between good hygiene practices and diseases and how this relationship affects the day-to lives of children, women, and the entire community is worth noting. Similarly, there appears to be lack of knowledge about basic prevention options.

keywords: cholera/acute watery diarrhoea, outbreak, diagnosis, prevention, practices, adults, children, pregnant women, and Somali region of Ethiopia.

References:

[1].     Azage, M., & Haile, D. (2015). Factors affecting healthcare service utilization of mothers who had children with diarrhoea in Ethiopia: evidence from a population-based national survey. Rural & Remote Health 15. (4).

[2].     Beauregard, R. (2017). Adapting Response Efforts to Stop the Spread of Acute Watery Diarrhoea. 4 May 2017. UNICEF Ethiopia. https://unicefethiopia.org/2017/05/04/adaptingresponse-efforts-to-stop-the-spread-of-acute-watery-diarrhoea/

[3].     Berhe, Hailemariam, Abadi Mihret, and GebreYitayih. "Prevalence of Diarrhea and Associated Factors Among Children Under-Five Years of Age in Enderta Woreda, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, 2014." International Journal of Therapeutic Applications, 31, 32–37. https://doi.org/10.20530/IJTA_31_3237 (2016).

[4].     Beyene, Hunachew, et al. "Determinants of diarrhoeal morbidity: The case of children under five years of age among the agricultural and agro-pastoralist community of southern Ethiopia." Ethiopian Journal of Health Development 32.1 (2018).

[5].     Degebasa, Zerihun. "Under-Five Children Diarrheal Status and Associated Factors Among Implemented and Not Implemented Community-Led Total Sanitation and Hygiene in Yaya Gulele District, Ethiopia, 2017. A Community-Based Comparative Cross-Sectional Study Design Triangulated With." Journal of Medical Research and Health Science 1.1 (2018) 6-18.

[6].     Eshete, Negasa, Abebe Beyene, and GudinaTerefe. "Implementation of Community-led Total Sanitation and Hygiene Approach on the Prevention of Diarrheal Disease in Kersa District, Jimma Zone Ethiopia." Science Journal of Public Health 3.5 (2015) 669-676.

[7].     Fisseha, B. (2016). Ethiopia - Response for Acute Watery Diarrhea outbreak in Moyale town. WHO Ethiopia. http://www.afro.who.int/news/ethiopia-response-acute-watery-diarrhea-outbreakmoyale-town

[8].     Gebremedhin, Samson, et al. "The effectiveness bundling of zinc with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for improving adherence to acute watery diarrhoea treatment in Ethiopia: a cluster randomised controlled trial." BMC public health 16.1 (2016) 457-459

[9].     Getachew, Atalay, et al. "Diarrhea Prevalence and Sociodemographic Factors among Under-Five Children in Rural Areas of North Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia." International Journal of Paediatrics 2018 (2018).

[10]. Government of Ethiopia/OCHA (2017). Ethiopia: Humanitarian Response Situation Report No. 16 (November 2017). 30 November 2017. https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/situation_report_no.16_november_2017_-_final.pdf

[11]. Haileamlak, A. (2016). Why is the Acute Watery Diarrhea in Ethiopia Attaining Extended Course? Ethiopian Journal of Health Science, 26(5), 408. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5389054/

[12]. HIU (2017). Horn of Africa: Populations Impacted by Hunger and Disease (14 Sep 2017). US Department of State- Humanitarian Information Unit. https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/hornafrica-populations-impacted-hunger-and-disease-14-sep-2017 [accessed on 2 October 2017]

[13]. Negara, Edessa, Geritu Neuro, and Mulugeta Kebede."Microbiological assessment of drinking water with reference to diarrheagenic bacterial pathogens in Shashemane Rural District, Ethiopia." African Journal of Microbiology Research11.6 (2017) 254-263.

[14]. Seid, Kassaye Wudu, and Belayneh Debasu Kelkay. "The prevalence of diarrhoea and associated factors among children under five years in Ethiopia." IJAR 4.9 (2018) 236-241.

[15]. Singh, Mr Takhellambam Bijoychandra, MrSephu, and Doreshor Khwairakpam. "Investigation on Urban Drainage Systemin Sululta City, Ethiopia." International Journal of Engineering 8.1 (2016): 1-10.

[16]. Sugg, Caroline. "Coming of age: Communication’s role in powering global health." World Health (2016).

[17]. UNICEF (2017a). ETHIOPIA Humanitarian Situation Report #18 – Reporting Period 6 November – 5 December 2017. https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/UNICEF%20Ethiopia%20Humanitarian%20Situation%20Report%2018%20-%2005%20December%202017.pdf [accessed on 5 February 2018].

[18]. UNICEF (2017b). UNICEF’s preventive plan to mitigate the risk of Acute Water Diarrhoea (AWD) and Cholera among Rohingya Refugees. https://www.unicef.org/media/media_101029.html?p=printme [accessed on 10 February 2018].

[19]. WHO Ethiopia (2017a). Looking out for Acute Watery Diarrhoea in Somali region: A day in the life of a World Health Organization (WHO) surveillance officer in Ethiopia’s Somali region. http://www.afro.who.int/news/looking-out-acute-watery-diarrhoea-somali-region-day-life-world-healthorganization-who [accessed on 5 February 2018].

[20]. WHO Ethiopia (2017b). WHO’s support to the response of the acute watery diarrhoea outbreak in Ethiopia’s Somali region. July 2017. http://www.afro.who.int/news/whos-support-responseacute-watery-diarrhoea-outbreak-ethiopias-somali-region [accessed on 3 September 2017].