MARIJUANA SMOKING AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ZARIA, NIGERIA: FACTORS RESPONSIBLE AND EFFECTS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Background: The use of Marijuana is on the increase worldwide especially among adolescents and youths. Marijuana smoking has gained a foothold in our environment because of peer group influence, accessibility and availability. Its medico-social effects could ruin the life and future of our youths. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and the factors that influence secondary school students in Zaria LGA to smoke and the effects on academic performance. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was employed to generate data among secondary schoolstudents. A multi-stage sampling technique was used. Data was collected with the use of a structured, pre tested self-administered questionnaire. ƒÓ2 test was used to test for significance of associationbetween categorical variables. Results: Of the 350 respondents, 262 (74.9%) were males, while 88 (25.1%) were females. The studyshows that 33 of the students smoke marijuana giving a prevalence of 9.4%. There were more smokers in the age group 15-19 years (54.6%). Other factors that influence marijuana smoking include familybackground, peer pressure and attendance of social functions. There was better academic performance (51.1%) among non smokers as compared to smokers (27.2%), and this was found to be statisticallysignificant (x2 = 11.73,df = 5,P < .05) There was also statistically significant association between age and marijuana smoking (x2 = 24,df = 2,P < .05) Conclusion: The prevalence of marijuana smoking is high. Age, family background, peer pressure and attendance of social function influence marijuana smoking. A comprehensive school health educationprogram should be instituted to curtail this menac

Risk Factors and Bacterial Profile of Suspected Neonatal Septicaemia at a Teaching Hospital in Kano, Northwestern, Nigeria

Neonatal septicaemia is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries and a major health concern. The aim of this study is to evaluate the bacterial profile, antibiotics susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors of suspected septicaemia in neonates in this locality. Five hundred and forty seven consecutive blood samples from neonates admitted in the special baby care unit (SCBU), Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano between January 2007 and December 2008 were cultured aerobically and anaerobically in the Microbiology Department, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital by standard bacteriological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern was done by disc diffusion methods. One hundred and fifty two (27.8%) positive blood cultures were obtained from the present study. The most frequently isolated organism was Staphylococcus aureus (25.0%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.1%) and Escherichia coli (15.0%). Gentamicin, ofloxacin, ceftriaxone and amoxycillin/clavulanate showed higher percentage antibiotic sensitivity pattern while chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole and ampicillin showed very low percentage antibiotic sensitivity pattern against the various bacterial isolates. The present study showed that Staphylococcus aureus is the leading isolate in neonatal septicaemia in Kano. Gentamicin and Ceftriaxone are recommended as first line drugs in the management of neonatal septicaemia in our locality.Keywords: Antibiotic susceptibility, Bacterial isolates, Neonatal septicaemia, Risk factor

Brucellosis as an Emerging Threat in Developing Economies:Lessons from Nigeria

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, has a large proportion of the world's poor livestock keepers, and is a hotspot for neglected zoonoses. A review of the 127 accessible publications on brucellosis in Nigeria reveals only scant and fragmented evidence on its spatial and temporal distribution in different epidemiological contexts. The few bacteriological studies conducted demonstrate the existence of Brucella abortus in cattle and sheep, but evidence for B. melitensis in small ruminants is dated and unclear. The bulk of the evidence consists of seroprevalence studies, but test standardization and validation are not always adequately described, and misinterpretations exist with regard to sensitivity and/or specificity and ability to identify the infecting Brucella species. Despite this, early studies suggest that although brucellosis was endemic in extensive nomadic systems, seroprevalence was low, and brucellosis was not perceived as a real burden; recent studies, however, may reflect a changing trend. Concerning human brucellosis, no studies have identified the Brucella species and most reports provide only serological evidence of contact with Brucella in the classical risk groups; some suggest brucellosis misdiagnoses as malaria or other febrile conditions. The investigation of a severe outbreak that occurred in the late 1970s describes the emergence of animal and human disease caused by the settling of previously nomadic populations during the Sahelian drought. There appears to be an increasing risk of re-emergence of brucellosis in sub-Saharan Africa, as a result of the co-existence of pastoralist movements and the increase of intensive management resulting from growing urbanization and food demand. Highly contagious zoonoses like brucellosis pose a threat with far-reaching social and political consequences

Occupational hazards and safety measures among stone quarry workers in northern Nigeria

The health conditions of workers all over the world vary widely, depending among others on the geographical location, the type of employment and the patterns of work. The study was undertaken to determine the occupational hazards, and safety measures among Stone quarry workers in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. It involved the administration of questionnaires to all the workers in the quarry in Zaria City in order to obtain data on socio-demographic characteristics, occupational profile, hazards, safety measures and PEAK flow measurement. A total of seventy four workers were interviewed, their age ranged from 15-50yrs. Majority of the workers were in the age group 25-29 yrs [37.8%]. Most of the workers had injuries/cuts from stones 68.9%, respiratory symptoms [nasal discharge [52.3%], eye irritations 14.9%. A worker had traumatic amputation of Right thumb. PEF values of most (55.4%) of the workers were abnormal. Most workers are at serious risk of ill-health and injuries/accidents because of the conditions they encounter in their workplaces. All the quarry sites had no preventive/safety measures for the workforce; nor recreational lavatory facilities. There is urgent need on the part of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals to institute and enforce measures to prevent this menace. This requires a multi-disciplinary approach. Research into occupational hazards in stone quarry needs to be pursued vigorously.Keywords: occupational hazards; safety measures; stone quarries Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 50 (2) 2006: pp 42-4

Determinants of place of delivery among women in a semi-urban settlement in Zaria, northern Nigeria

Background/Objective: Majority of the maternal deaths that occur especially in developing countries are avoidable or preventable. Studies have shown that the health, reproductive behaviour and socio economic status of women are among the important determinants of maternal mortality. This study was aimed at assessing the role of some health, socio-economic and demographic factors in determining the place of delivery among women in a semi-urban settlement in Zaria, north-western Nigeria. Method: The study design was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted in Sabuwar Unguwa, Magume district Zaria Local Government Area Kaduna State Nigeria in June, 2003. A total of 496 women who had delivered at least once were interviewed using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Results: The study revealed both high rates of home deliveries and deliveries not supervised by skilled attendants of 70% and 78% respectively. Mother's educational level, husband's occupation and age at first pregnancy were the main determinants of place of delivery. Statistically significant associations between non- formal education and home delivery, (X2 = 6.7 df = 1

Evaluation of occupational health services and hazards in a car assembly plant in Kaduna, Nigeria

Background: The provision of occupational health services in most industries of the developing world has been very rudimentary. Various factors have been adduced to be responsible for this, none availability of protective devices, non-compliance by workers and managerial problems among others. Therefore this study was conducted to evaluate occupational hazards and the provision of occupational health services at Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN), Kaduna. Aim: To assess the extent of occupational hazards and the occupational health services provided by the industry (PAN). Methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study in which cluster sampling technique was used to sample respondents. Structured, interviewer administered questionnaires with close ended questions were used to collect data. Results: One hundred and ten respondents participated in the study with a mean age of 32.7±2.8 years. Use of protective devices by respondents was: boots 96.3%, hand gloves 100%, and ear plugs 58% respectively.   Pattern of occupational hazards were: exposure to chemical fumes 6.4%, noise pollution 40.9%, and chemical burns 9.1% respectively. Conclusion: Occupational hazards and injuries among PAN workers are a frequent occurrence. There is need for sustained public awareness campaigns among the workers and management on the importance of occupational safety to guide against injuries/ accidents at work sites and compliance to the use of protective devices. It is also recommended that the Inspectorate Division of Federal Ministry of Industries should pay periodic monitoring visits to industries in order to ensure  a conducive and a safe working environment and also  with the facility Act and related  laws so as to curtail the rate of accidents and injures in Nigerian industries.   Key words: Occupational health services, Occupational hazards and Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) PLC

The prevalence of enuresis among primary school children in Zaria, Nigeria

Background: Enuresis is a common but usually under reported developmental urologic disorder affecting children most commonly. There is evidence of affectation of normal development and social stigmatization of the enuretics apart from it being a real social nuisance. Among the African children this problem is often neglected and the preferred types of treatment are traditional methods. There may be serious implications in the child including ,emotional ,social and mental maladjustment.Method: This study was carried out during a six month period in four densely populated primary schools in Zaria. Native African Children aged above 5 years were included in the study and children with history of neuro-psychiatric or obvious urologic disorders were excluded. A structured closed- ended questionnaire was administered to the target group.Results: Enuresis was found in 214/1416(22.2%) of the children. The age range was 5-14 years with a median of 8 years. The male: female ratio of 2:1. 96.6 % (211/214) of affected children had nocturnal enuresis while (1.4%)3/214, had day time enuresis only. Both day time and nocturnal enuresis were seen in 2.8%(6/214) of the children. 75%(160/214) enuretics were mild-moderate and wetted bed less than 10 times /month. The ratio of the female to male ratio in this group was 1:1. 25.4%54/214) enuresis was severe and could not quantify the number of wet nights/month. Only 4/54(7.4%) children in the group considered severe were female the 50 others were male. 74.6%(160/214 ) of the children were enuretic from birth with no describable dry periods . 25.4%(54/214) enuresis commenced long after birth and symptoms were recurrent with long dry spells. In 200/214(88.%) children the mother had received conventional Ante Natal Care(ANC) and subsequent delivery was supervised in the Hospital while in 14/214(6.5%) of the children the mothers did not have ANC and delivery was un-supervised at home. There was no significant correlation between(ANC), mode of delivery and enuresis although two children delivered by caesarean section have severe enuresis among a group of 52 children with sever enuresis whose mothers had routine ANC before an uneventful delivery. (20/214) 3% had co –morbidities: asthma and epilepsy. The majority of parents were mostly low income workers. Most patients were managed preferably by varied traditional techniques with usually unsatisfactory outcomes. Only (74/214) 43% performed above average in school. Conclusion: Enuresis is a common and usually neglected urologic condition in our environment. The significant prevalence in the older child may have important implications on quality of the child's development. Health education will encourage parents to present early to avoid crippling associated complications. Nigerian Journal of Surgical Research Vol. 7(1&2) 2005: 187–19

Infant Feeding Options, Practices and Determinants of Feeding Practices among HIV Seropositive Mothers in Abuja, Nigeria.

Objective: To evaluate infant feeding feeding practices and its determinants among HIV positive mothers in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among sero-positive women diagnosed during pregnancy and had counseling on infant feeding options. The study was conducted in general hospital Asokoro and Gwagwalada specialist Hospital, both of which offer PMTCT services including free breast milk substitutes (infant formula). Results: A total of fifty HIV-positive pregnant mothersparticipated in the study. Most of the respondents (63%) were in age range of 21–30years, while that of the spouses were 31– 40years respectively. Forty six percent of respondents had secondary education, while 88% were gainfully employed. Majority of respondents (84%) notified their partners of their sero-status, while 93% of them were counseled along with their spouse/partners (Table 1). All the respondents were counseled on different infant feeding options. Forty percent and 46% ofrespondents respectively chose exclusive breast milk substitute (EB) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for those who opted for replacement feeding. The main reasons given for the choices were: stigma of HIV status, partner support, availability of supply. Infant feeding choices were significantly related to the level of education and awareness of respondents (x2 = 32.8, df = 16, p = 0.05, x2 = 7.4, df = 2, p = 0.05) Conclusion: Replaccement feeding under the present PMTCT programme seems feasible in urban areas of Nigeria. However, public awareness campaigns are needed for its increased acceptability coupled with adequate support that must be provided for mothers who opted for it. Additional training for counseling in HIV and infant feeding options is recommeded for health care providers.Keywords: HIV sero-positive mothers, infant feeding choices, determinants, Nigeria.Note: there is an erratum at the end of this articl

Contraceptive knowledge, attitudes and practice among married women in Samaru Community, Zaria, Nigeria

BackgroundContraceptive use and fertility rates vary substantially among developing countries. In some sub-Saharan African countries, fewer than 10% of married women use contraception. Despite all efforts by governments to ensure availability of the products, prevalence has remained low. We conducted a community-based study to examine contraceptive knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning among married women in Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria.Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to study 200 women in Samaru community of Zaria, Nigeria. Mean age of the respondents was 30.6 ± 1.5 years. In this study contraceptive prevalence was 12.5% and respondents had a positive attitude towards family planning. Thirty years after Alma Ata of which one of the components is to ensure maternal and child health (MCH) and family planning, contraceptive use in most of the communities in Northern Nigeria is low. There is urgent need to step-up public awareness campaigns on family planning to ensure wide spread acceptability and utilization among women within reproductive age group