Cervical Cancer Screening by Female Workers in South East Nigeria

Cervical cancer is one of the commonest female cancers especially in developing countries. Efforts towards its prevention worldwide have focused on screening women at risk of disease using Pap smears and treating pre-cancerous lesions. A good knowledge and understanding of the level of practice of cervical cancer screening among female workers in south east Nigeria will help in creating population-specific healthcare programs and interventions aimed at improving women’s health. OBJECTIVES: To determine the perception and practice of cervical cancer screening among female workers in south east Nigeria as well as ascertain the influence of age, educational status and marital status on the practice of cervical cancer screening among this group. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among female workers in Nnewi who were selected using multi-stage approach between December 2007 and January 2008. Tests of statistical significance were done using chi square test at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS A total of 172 females responded. The mean age was 29.7 ± 8.8 years and the ages ranged from 15 to 65 years. One hundred and twenty-three respondents (71.5%) knew about cervical cancer screening. Only 12 (9.8%) of the respondents who were aware of Pap smear had done the test, of which 9 (75.0%) had disease detected. There was no statistically significant association between educational level, age andmarital status respectively and the practice of cervical cancer screening. CONCLUSION: There is avery lowlevel of practice of cervical cancer screening in this group. Educational level, age and marital status were found not to affect the practice of cervical cancer screening. Key Words: Cervical cancer, workers, practice, Nigeri

Perception and Practice of Emergency Contraception by Females of Reproductive Age Group in a Tertiary Healthcare Institution in South Eastern Nigeria

Background: Unsafe abortion continues to contribute significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. Adequate knowledge and correct use of Emergency Contraception (EC) will serve as a backup for regular contraception. This will help to reduce unwanted pregnancies and the consequent unsafe abortion. Objective: This was to determine the knowledge, attitude and use of EC by the females of reproductive age group in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi. The findings will help in making recommendations on the use of EC. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey, using self administered questionnaire among female workers and students in NAUTH, Nnewi aged 15-49 years. Result: A survey of 450 females of reproductive age in NAUTH Nnewi showed that the concept of Emergency Contraception (EC) was well known. The majority of the respondents 330 (73.3%) were aware of emergency contraception. However, only 120(26.7%) had used one form of emergency contraception or the other. Among the various methods of EC mentioned by the users, progesterone only pills (postinor) 60 (50.0%) and combined oral contraceptive pills 30 (25.0%) were the commonest types used by the respondents. Few respondents 25 (20.8%) had misused other form of agents and methods for EC. The respondents reported varying circumstances under which EC was indicated but the majority cited miscalculation of rhythm method, 107 (32.3%) and condom breakage during coitus 76 (22.7%). The most common source of information about EC was from friends, 128 (40.0%) while patent medicine store was the commonest source of procurement 60 (50.0%). Most, 180 (40.0%) of the respondents felt that EC should not be used mainly on religious grounds. Conclusion: The knowledge of EC was high among the females of reproductive age in NAUTH but the utilization was poor. Training and retraining of health workers and public health education in hospitals, schools and religious groups are necessary to develop a positive attitude and correct use of EC. Key words: perception, practice, emergency contraception Afrimedic Journal 2010; 1(2): 15-2

Pregnancy Outcome in HIV Seropositive Women Booked at a Tertiary Healthcare Institution in South Eastern Nigeria

Background: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) pandemic remains a major public health issue in developing countries with the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) being a key challenge. Various reports have been published on the effect of HIV on pregnancy with conflicting results. Objective: This was to determine the effect of HIV infection on pregnancy outcome among women booked for antenatal care at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi to provide a baseline for further studies. Methods: This is a retrospective study of cases of HIV in pregnancy managed between 1st January, 2006 and 31st December 2007, at NAUTH, Nnewi. Results: Out of a total of 2,960 pregnant women booked for ante-natal care within the study period and a seroprevalence rate of 10.5% was noted. Two hundred and fifty patients were included in the study. The majority, 170 (68%) of the patients were between 21-29 years and the majority also, 148 (59.2%) were of low parity (0-2). Only 181 (72.4%) of the patients had an entry CD4 count of = 500/ml. All the patients were on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) during the pregnancy. Maternal complications were encountered in 176 (70.4%) cases, anaemia being the commonest, 100 (40.0%). The commonest foetal complications were stillbirth, 26 (10.4%) and low birth weight 54 (21.6%). Sixty three (25.2%) of the women had puerperal complications. There was no maternal or perinatal death. Conclusion: The HIV sero-prevalence rate among pregnant women booked for antenatal care at NAUTH, Nnewi was high, but the effect of HIV on pregnancy was very minimal. Key words: pregnancy outcome, HIV sero-positive, booked women Afrimedic Journal 2010; 1(2): 28-3

Third Degree Perineal Tear Following Sexual assault in a minor: a case report and review of literature

Background: Child sexual assault presents a major challenge to the society that is supposed to be protective. This has both short and long-term health implications for the child. Objectives: This is to highlight the presence of child sexual assault in our society, its associated complications and to proffer ways of preventing its occurrence in our society. Methods: A case report of third degree perineal tear following sexual assault in a minor that presented with vaginal bleeding. Results: The third degree perineal tear was repaired after resuscitation. There was no incontinence of flatus and faeces post repair. Conclusion: Child sexual abuse is present in our society and may be associated with severe injury. Prompt management of injuries is very important in preventing long term effects. Keywords: Perineal tear, sexual assault, minor. Afrimedic Journal 2010; 1(1): 37-3

The Rate of Caesarean Section in Nnewi, Nigeria: A 10-year Review

Background: There is widespread public and professional concern about the increasing proportion of births by caesarean section (c/s). Objectives: This study is to determine the c/s rate, the indications and the reasons for the high rate. Methods: The obstetric records of all caesarean deliveries that occurred at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, South-Eastern Nigeria, between 1st January, 1999 and 31st December, 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Of the 6,015 deliveries, 1,114 were by C/S giving an overall rate of 18.5%. Caesarian birth rose from approximately 1 in 7 deliveries in 1999 to 1 in 4 deliveries in 2008 and this was 2 statistically significant (x =20.75; df=1;

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and its Screening Amongst Female Workers In Nnewi, Nigeria

Background: Cervical cancer is an important women's reproductive health problem, especially in developing countries. Efforts towards its prevention worldwide have focused on screening women at risk of disease using Pap smears and treating pre-cancerous lesions. A good knowledge and understanding of the level of awareness of cervical cancer and its screening among female workers in Nnewi will help in creating population-specific health programs. Objectives: This is to determine the awareness of cervical cancer screening among female workers in Nnewi as well as ascertain the influence of age, educational status and marital status on the awareness of cervical cancer screening among this group. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among female workers in Nnewi who were selected using multi-stage approach between December, 2007 and January, 2008. Results: A total of 172 females responded. The mean age was 29.7 ± 8.8 years and the ages ranged from 15 to 65 years. A total of 146 respondents (84.9%) were aware of cervical cancer. One hundred and twenty-three respondents (71.5%) knew about the Pap smear screening test. Educational level was found to significantly affect the awareness of cervical cancer and Pap smear screening test. Age and marital status were found not to affect awareness of cervical cancer and Pap smear screening test. Conclusion: There is relatively high level of awareness of cervical cancer and Pap smear test among this group. Educational status was found to significantly influence the level of awareness of cervical cancer and its screening. Key words: cervical cancer, knowledge, screening. Afrimedic Journal 2010; 1(1): 31-3