Predictors of Child Labour Among In-School Adolescents in a Rural Local Government Area in Oyo State, Nigeria

Background: Child labour continues to be a daunting challenge worldwide. Child labour contradicts the intrinsic value Africans place on children. Objective: The study determined the prevalence and predictors of child labour. Subjects: in-school adolescents aged 10-14 years Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study design. The data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire on child labour, school attendance, and academic performance. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: About 31.5% of the 660 participants had ever been engaged in child labour while 24.2% were currently engaged. The types of child labour the respondents were involved in included shop trading (85.0%) and street hawking (76.3%). Most employers of child labour were parents (85.0%) and the majority (71.3%) were unpaid. Few respondents involved in child labour had good attendance record (14.2%) and good academic performance (10.6%). The predictors of child labour include mothers lower education (OR=8.786, 95%CI= 3.589-21.508, p<0.0001), having more than three children in the family (OR=2.488, 95%CI=1.403-4.425, p=0.002) and loss of parents (OR=1.7, 95%CI=1.059-2.755, p=0.028). Conclusion: Child labour was prevalent among in-school adolescents. It negatively influences school attendance and academic performance. It is necessary to discourage child labour through community sensitization and improving the socio-economic status of parents

Perception and knowledge of mothers on causes and treatment of rickets associated knee deformity in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

This descriptive cross-sectional community-based study was carried out in Ile-Ife, Nigeria to assess the knowledge of mother’s on the aetiology of rickets associated knee deformities and the cultural perception of its treatment. Data collection was done using interviewer based semi structured questionnaires. A total of 464 questionnaires were administered with a response rate of 86.9%. Over half (59.8%; N=241) and 36.5% (147) of the mothers were aware of children with knee deformity and rickets, respectively. Ninety-one (22.6%) mothers had the correct knowledge and perception of the true meaning of rickets. Rickets associated knee deformity aetiology was wrongly perceived to be mainly hereditary (53.8%), cancer (50.9%) and bone infection (48.1%). Very low proportions of mothers had correct knowledge on the causes of rickets such as inadequate exposure to sunshine (21.3%) or inadequate intake of calcium (21.1%). The knowledge of aetiology of rickets was influenced by education (P<0.02), skilled occupation (P<0.0001) and the previous birth of a child with knee deformity from rickets (P<0.001). The mother’s cultural perceptions of treatment for childhood rickets associated knee deformities was significantly affected by age (P<0.001), education, (P<0.001), skilled occupation (P<0.000), history of knee deformity (P<0.04) and mothers with children diagnosed to have knee deformity (P<0.004). Lack of finance, poor compliance to treatment, too long treatment periods, lack of information on where to seek for treatment and unaffordable treatment were among the important factors affecting completeness of treatment of knee deformity due to rickets. In conclusion, the awareness of mothers about rickets in Nigeria is still very low. It is a major reason for late presentation or complete failure to seek for adequate treatment of the knee deformity due to rickets. Increase and sustain public health enlightenment programmes are necessary for prevention. Health policy should incorporate free surgical fees for the established knee deformity to encourage community participation in the management of the condition

Awareness, use and choice of emergency contraceptive among women in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Background: Immediate access to emergency contraceptives (EC) averts unintended pregnancy following unprotected sex or sexual assault due to ineffective prior contraceptive coverage. This study assessed the awareness, use and choice of EC among females of reproductive age (15-49) resident in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.Methods: The study was a community-based cross-sectional study. 400 consenting respondents completed a questionnaire on factors affecting awareness and use of EC. Data analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Mean age (SD) of the respondents was 25.5±5.5 years ranging from 18 to 48 years. Majority of the respondents were single (72.2%) and had secondary education (68.5%). Twenty-one percent had previous unintended pregnancy with 14% having had induced abortion. Majority (51%) were aware of EC with friends (72.1%) and primary care workers (38.7%) as their commonest sources of information. Most (69%) were sexually active with the commonest previous EC use as Postinor (85.8%) and IUCD (14.2%). Major reason for EC use was pregnancy prevention (85.8%) while for non-use was fear of side effects (45.5%). Young age (OR=4.26, CI: 1.46-12.50, p=0.008), higher education (OR=3.77, CI=1.04-13.70, p=0.043) and awareness of EC (OR=10.86, CI: 5.54-21.28, p=0.001) were significant determinants of EC use.Conclusions: Many sexually active women were not aware of EC. Contraceptive education will improve EC awareness.Keywords: Emergency contraceptives, women, primary health workers, friend