Epidemiology of road traffic crashes among long distance drivers in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) are major causes of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Few studies in Ibadan have focused on the distribution and determinants of RTC among long distance drivers.Objective: To describe the distribution of crashes by place, times of occurrence, characteristics of persons involved and identify associated factors.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among consenting long distance drivers within selected parks in Ibadan.Results: Respondents (592) were males, with median age of 42.0 years (range 22.0-73.0 years). Secondary education was the highest level of education attained by 38.0%. About 34.0% reported current use of alcohol. The life-time prevalence of crashes was 35.3% (95% CI= 31.5-39.2%) and 15.9% (95% CI=13.1-19.0%) reported having had at least one episode of crash in the last one year preceding the study. The crash occurred mainly on narrow roads [32/94 (34.0%,)] and bad portions of tarred roads [35/94 (37.2%,)] with peak of occurrence on Saturdays 18/94 (19.1%,). Significantly higher proportions of drivers aged ≤39years (23.4%) versus >39years (11.7%), those with no education (29.9%) versus the educated (13.8%) and those who reported alcohol use (21.9%) versus non users (12.8%) were involved in crashes in the year preceding the study. Significant predictor of the last episode of crashes in the last one year were age (OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.4-3.5), education (OR=2.7, 95% CI=1.5-4.6) and alcohol use (OR=1.8, 95% CI=1.2-3.0).Conclusion: Road traffic crashes occurred commonly on bad roads, in the afternoon and during weekends, among young and uneducated long-distance drivers studied. Reconstruction of bad roads and implementation of road safety education programmes aimed at discouraging the use of alcohol and targeting the identified groups at risk are recommended.Keywords: Road traffic crashes, long distance drivers, mortalit

An assessment report on an immunization clinic located in a tertiary institution in Ibadan

Objectives: The aims of the assessment report were to appraise immunization system components and review vaccination coverage between January 2007 and December 2011 at the University College Hospital (UCH) immunization clinic.Methods: The immunization clinic has an annual target population of 997 (for children < one year of age) and 1246 (for pregnant women), which were used in this assessment. The data collection method used included; Key informant - interview, administration of a semi-structured  questionnaire, records review and observations during immunization sessions.Results: The UCH immunization clinic mainly offers fixed sessions and only provides outreach services when there is a need, such as during outbreaks. However, there are no records of vaccinepreventable diseases being  monitored. The coverage rate for nearly all of the vaccines was greater than 100% of the estimated target population for the hospital. Except for the coverage rate of Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine, which peaked in 2011, other vaccines’ coverage peaked in 2009, after which therewas a decline. The highest dropout rate was recorded in 2007, while the rates between 2009 and 2010 were <10%, but the BCG and measles drop out rates were >10% for the 5-year period. For the adult immunizations, yellow fever recorded the highest coverage rate, while the lowest rate was recorded for tetanus toxoid dose 5 (TT5). The vaccines that were most often in short supply included Diphtheria-pertusis-tetanus, Hepatitis B,yellow fever, oral polio, and cerebrospinal meningitis vaccines. Although good-quality supplies, equipment and consumables were observed, there was no inventory of these items. There were evident interpersonal communication and community mobilization as well as capacity building for staff.Conclusion: The assessment showed there was progress in the provision and administration of immunization based on available resources. There is, however, the need to improve documentation of clinic activities