Perception and utilization of cervical cancer screening services among female nurses in University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: Cervical Cancer (CC) is the second most common cancer among women with early detection and prompt treatment as best management options. Female nurses have crucial roles to play in promoting the utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Services (CCSS), yet little information exist regarding their perception and utilization of these services. The CCSS related knowledge, perception and utilization among female nurses at the University College Hospital, (UCH) Ibadan, Nigeria were therefore determined. Methods: A survey of 503 consenting nurses was done using a pretested self-administered questionnaire which included a 40-point knowledge scale and questions on perception of CC. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, ANOVA and logistic regression. Results: Respondents’ mean age was 38.0 ± 8.6 years, mean year of experience was 12.5 ± 8.9 years and overall mean knowledge score was 22.8±4.1. Mean knowledge scores by cadre were Assistant Directors (26.7 ± 1.5), Chief Nursing Officers (23.4 ± 2.3) and Staff Nurses (21.7 ± 5.3) (p<0.05). Eighty-eight percent correctly perceived CC to be preventable and 82.0% believed that screening should be carried out as soon as sexual intercourse starts irrespective of age. Only 32.6% had ever used CCSS facility and main reasons for non-use included lack of time (50.8%), fear of result (13.9%) and not being sexually active (6.3%). Staff Nurses were four times less likely to utilize cervical screening services than the Assistant Directors of Nursing (OR 0.23, CI 0.117-0.442).Conclusion: Utilization of cervical cancer screening services among the female nurses was poor. Strategies that encourage utilization are hereby advocated

Tonsillar enlargement in apparently healthy adults in a rural community in Nigeria

Background: Tonsillar enlargement could worsen airway obstruction thereby causing apnea and hypoventilation. This is rarely investigated especially in developing country, hence this study which was aimed at determining the prevalence of enlarged palatine tonsils and comparing the degree of obstruction with selected anthropometric measurements in healthy adults in a rural community.Methods: A cross-sectional study of apparently healthy adults (≥ 18 years) in Oyo community, South Western Nigeria. The participants were selected using multistage random sampling technique. Interviewer assisted structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information on age, gender, occupation, history of smoking and snoring. Ear, nose and throat examination was done and Brodsky grading of tonsil documented. The neck circumference (cm), weight (kilogram) and height (meter) were measured and their Body Mass Indices (BMI) calculated. The data was analysed using IBM- Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and text of association between tonsillar grade, and BMI and Neck circumference was performed using Chi Square.Results: Participants were 408 subjects, consisting 202 (49.5%) males and 206 (50.5%) females, the mean age was 37 ± 15.2 years. One hundred and fifteen (28.2%) participants had enlarged Palatine tonsils of which; 70 (17.2%) had grade 1 enlargement, 33(8.1%) had grade II enlargement, and 12(2.9%) had grade III enlargement. None of the participants had grade IV tonsillar enlargement. The Mean Body Mass 2 Index was 24.32 ± 4.50 kg/m and mean neck circumference was 34.08 ± 2.70cm. Palatine tonsillar enlargement was significantly associated with young age (p = 0.01), female gender (p = 0.02), and neck circumference (p =0.01), but not with high BMI (P = 0.06).Conclusion: Tonsillar enlargement is prevalent, and it is associated with young age, and female gender, but not with Body Mass Index and neck circumference.Keywords: Adults, Body mass index, Gender, Neck circumference, Palatine Tonsi

The effect of the “Follow in my Green Food Steps” programme on cooking behaviours for improved iron intake : a quasi-experimental randomized community study

Abstract Background Nutritional iron deficiency is one of the leading factors for disease, disability and death. A quasi-experimental randomized community study in South-West Nigeria explored whether a branded behaviour change programme increased the use of green leafy vegetables (greens) and iron-fortified bouillon cubes in stews for improved iron intake. Methods A coinflip assigned the intervention to Ile-Ife (Intervention town). Osogbo (Control town) received no information. At baseline 602 mother-daughter pairs (daughters aged 12–18) were enrolled (Intervention: 300; Control: 302). A Food Frequency Questionnaire assessed the addition of cubes and greens to stews, the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the addition of cubes and greens to soups and changes in behavioural determinants measured using the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) evaluated the impact of the intervention on behavioural determinants and behaviour. Results The data of 527 pairs was used (Intervention: 240; Control: 287). The increase in greens added to stews was larger in the Intervention town compared to the Control town (MIntervention = 0.3 [SE = 0.03]; MControl = 0.0 [SE = 0.04], p < 0.001, r = 0.36). Change in iron-fortified cubes added to stews did not differ between towns (p = 0.07). The increase in cubes added to soups was larger in the Intervention town compared to the Control Town (MIntervention = 0.9 [SE = 0.2] vs MControl = 0.4 [SE = 0.1], p < .0001, r = 0.20). Unexpectedly, change in greens added to soups was larger in the Control town compared to the Intervention town (MIntervention = − 0.1 [SE = 0.1]; MControl = 0.5 [SE = 0.1], p = 0.003, r = 0.15). The intervention positively influenced awareness of anaemia and the determinants of behaviour in the Intervention town, with hardly any change in the Control town. Baseline SEMs could not be established, so no mediation analyses were done. Post-intervention SEMs highlighted the role of habit in cooking stews. Conclusions The behaviour change programme increased the amount of green leafy vegetables added to stews and iron-fortified cubes added to soups. Future research should assess the long-term impact and the efficacy of the programme as it is scaled up and rolled out

Behavioural risk-factors associated with the use of Facemask during Covid-19 pandemic lockdown period in Nigeria: online-based survey

Background:  The Coronavirus disease has rapidly become a public health challenge, with many countries adopting the usage of facemasks as one of the protective strategies against the virus. This study aimed to assess the behavioral risk factors associated with the use of facemasks during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown period in Nigeria.  Methods:  The study recruited 500 participants in an online-based survey through a cloud-based platform called Google Forms. The main scales; facemask usage and behavioral risk factors were measured on a 0-27 and 0-24 point rating scale respectively, while the subscales are utilization, prevention, and perceived threats were measured on a 0-16, 0-19, and 0-5 point rating scale. Result: The usage of facemasks accounts for 32.8% (daily), 12.2% (weekly), 38.2% (monthly basis), and 16.8% use facemasks out of necessity. More than half (55.6%) use facemasks because of fear of punishment by the task force while challenges associated with the usage of facemasks include: difficulty breathing (47%) and suffocation (24%). A significant association was found between the use of facemasks and the prevention of COVID-19 (b= 0.029, 95% CI =0.055 - 0.114, p-value 0.049, r2=11.1%).  Conclusion:  The use of facemasks has become a norm and passed into law in Nigeria, however not a pleasant practice for most people Recommendation:  Therefore there is a need for mass awareness and education to improve the use of facemasks in Nigeria

Stroke genetics informs drug discovery and risk prediction across ancestries

Previous genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of stroke — the second leading cause of death worldwide — were conducted predominantly in populations of European ancestry1,2. Here, in cross-ancestry GWAS meta-analyses of 110,182 patients who have had a stroke (five ancestries, 33% non-European) and 1,503,898 control individuals, we identify association signals for stroke and its subtypes at 89 (61 new) independent loci: 60 in primary inverse-variance-weighted analyses and 29 in secondary meta-regression and multitrait analyses. On the basis of internal cross-ancestry validation and an independent follow-up in 89,084 additional cases of stroke (30% non-European) and 1,013,843 control individuals, 87% of the primary stroke risk loci and 60% of the secondary stroke risk loci were replicated (P < 0.05). Effect sizes were highly correlated across ancestries. Cross-ancestry fine-mapping, in silico mutagenesis analysis3, and transcriptome-wide and proteome-wide association analyses revealed putative causal genes (such as SH3PXD2A and FURIN) and variants (such as at GRK5 and NOS3). Using a three-pronged approach4, we provide genetic evidence for putative drug effects, highlighting F11, KLKB1, PROC, GP1BA, LAMC2 and VCAM1 as possible targets, with drugs already under investigation for stroke for F11 and PROC. A polygenic score integrating cross-ancestry and ancestry-specific stroke GWASs with vascular-risk factor GWASs (integrative polygenic scores) strongly predicted ischaemic stroke in populations of European, East Asian and African ancestry5. Stroke genetic risk scores were predictive of ischaemic stroke independent of clinical risk factors in 52,600 clinical-trial participants with cardiometabolic disease. Our results provide insights to inform biology, reveal potential drug targets and derive genetic risk prediction tools across ancestries

Patterns and Correlates of Condom Use among Unmarried Male Youths in Nigeria: NDHS 2008

The HIV/STDs constitute public health problem. Condom use during sexual intercourse has been proved to be a good means of protection against HIV/STDs. Unmarried male youths which constitute a high proportion of Nigerians will be at risk of HIV/STDs if they fail to use condom. Reducing HIV/STDs in Nigeria will be difficult if research on condom use among youths is neglected. This retrospective cross-sectional design study utilized 2008 NDHS dataset. It focused on unmarried male youths aged 15-24 (n=1575) who ever had sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral and anal). The dependent variables were ever used and current use of condom. Data was analyzed using Chi-square and logistic regression (α=5.0%). Mean age of the respondent was 20.5±2.4, 62.0% ever used condom and 49.5% currently using condom. Among the sexually active; age, region, residence, education, wealth index, ever undergone HIV test and total life-time number of sexual partners were significantly associated with current use of condom. Living in the southern regions of Nigeria promotes the use of condom. The odds of ever use of condom was higher among male youths who were in the middle (OR=2.36; C.I=1.48-3.78), richer (OR=2.93; C.I=1.81-4.72) and richest (OR=3.52; C.I=2.07-6.00) wealth quintiles than the poorest. Ever undergone HIV test increased the likelihood of using condom. Condom use among unmarried male youths in Nigeria is low. Distribution of condom at no cost and undergoing HIV test will increase utilization of condom among unmarried male youths in Nigeria.Le VIH / MST constitue un problème de santé publique. Il a été prouvé que l&apos;utilisation du préservatif lors des rapports sexuels est un bon moyen de protection contre le VIH / MST. Les jeunes hommes célibataires, qui constituent une forte proportion de Nigérians vont courir le risque du VIH / MST s’ils ne parviennent pas à utiliser un préservatif. Il sera difficile de réduire le VIH / MST au Nigeria si la recherche sur l&apos;utilisation du préservatif chez les jeunes est négligée. Cette étude de conception transversale rétrospective s’est servie de données de l’ENDS de 2008. Elle s&apos;est concentrée sur les jeunes hommes célibataires de 15-24 ans (n = 1575) qui ont déjà eu des relations sexuelles (vaginales, orales et anales). Les variables dépendantes sont avoir jamais utilisés et l&apos;utilisation actuelle du préservatif. Les données ont été analysées par la régression Chi-carré et logistique (α = 5,0%). L&apos;âge moyen des interviewés était de 20,5 ± 2,4, 62,0% pour ceux qui ont jamais utilisé le préservatif et 49,5% pour ceux qui utilisent actuellement le préservatif. Parmi ceux qui sont sexuellement actifs, l&apos;âge, la région, le domicile, l&apos;éducation, l&apos;indice de richesse, le test du VIH qu’on a jamais subi et le nombre total de partenaires sexuels qu’ils ont eu toute leur vie étaient significativement associés à l&apos;utilisation actuelle du préservatif. Le fait de résider dans les régions du sud du Nigeria encourage l&apos;utilisation des préservatifs. La possibilité de jamais utiliser le condom était plus élevée chez les jeunes hommes qui se trouvaient au milieu (OR = 2,36, IC = 1,48 à 3,78), plus riche (OR = 2,93, IC = 1,81 à 4,72) et les plus riches (OR = 3,52, IC = 2,07 à 6,00) quintiles de richesse que les plus pauvres. Le fait d’avoir jamais subi le test du VIH a augmenté la probabilité d&apos;utiliser le préservatif. L&apos;utilisation du préservatif chez les jeunes hommes célibataires au Nigeria est faible. La distribution des préservatifs gratuitement et le fait de subir le test du VIH vont augmenter l&apos;utilisation des préservatifs chez les jeunes hommes célibataires au Nigeria

Potential risk of HIV transmission in barbering practice among professional barbers in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: There is a growing concern that barbering procedures could create opportunities for HIV transmission. However, little is known about Nigerian barbers&apos; practices relating to the prevention of HIV. Objectives: This study assessed the precautionary measures for the prevention of HIV among commercial barbers in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: Data were collected using validated checklist to directly observe ninety barbering procedures in forty-five barber shops randomly selected from three communities that have been categorized as inner-core, transitory and peripheral. Results: Respondents were all males with mean age of 36(±10.2) years. Ninety-eight percent had at least primary school education and all of them learnt barbering through apprenticeship. The instruments used were razor blades (11.1%), manual clippers (8.9%) and electric clippers (80%). Clippers were sterilized in 10% and disinfected in 72.5%, while no decontamination was carried out in 17.5% of the sessions. Fifty two percent of the disinfections involved the use of kerosene, a disinfectant not recommended for HIV inactivation; 48.3% of the disinfectants were not in the original containers while 53.4% of the sessions involved the use of same brush for cleaning clipper and brushing hair. Hand-held flame and Ultra-violet light sterilizer were used in 50% of the sterilization process. Barbers in the high-class peripheral communities were more likely to practice appropriate equipment decontamination than those from lower-class inner-core communities. There was blade-to-skin contact in all and accidental cuts occurred in three of the sessions and none was properly managed. Conclusion: The risk of transmitting HIV is high in the barbershops in the study area. Health education strategies such as training, supportive supervision and peer education are needed to facilitate the adoption of effective precautionary measures against HIV infection among barbers

Attitude envers le test obligatoire pour le vih avant le mariage chez les jeunes celibataires dans l’Administrativement Locale du Nord-ouest d’Ibadan, Nigeria

This study assessed the attitude of unmarried youths towards Mandatory Premarital HIV Testing (MPHT) in Ibadan Northwest Local Government Area. A three-stage sampling technique was used to select 571unmarried youths from households. A validated questionnaire was used for the collection of the data. Descriptive, Chi-square statistics and logistics regression were used to analyze the data. Mean age of respondents was 20.6 ± 2.6 years, 52.0% were males and 52.7% had completed their senior secondary education. Though 82.8% believed that MPHT could reduce the spread of HIV, 43.8% stated that it will increase the stigma associated with HIV infection. Attitude towards mandatory pre-marital HIV testing however was positive. Males were about two times more likely to have positive attitude towards mandatory pre-marital HIV testing (OR=1.507, CI=1.067-2.129). Positive attitude towards MPHT among study respondents offers a window of opportunity of undergoing HIV testing before marriage (Afr J Reprod Health 2010; 14[1]:83-94).Cette étude a évalué l’attitude des jeunes célibataires envers le test obligatoire pour le VIH avant le mariage (TOVAM) dans l’administration locale du nordouest d’Ibadan. Nous employé une technique d’échantillonnage à trois étapes pour sélectionner 571 jeunes célibataires venant des familles. Nous avons collecté les données à l’aide d’un questionnaire confirmé. Nous avons analysé les données à l’aide des statistiques descriptives de la méthode de chi2 et la régression logistique. L’âge moyen des enquêtés était 20,6 ± 2.6 ans. 52,0% étaient des mâles et 52,7% avaient terminé leurs études secondaires. Bien que 82,8% aient été convaincus que TOVAM peut réduire la propagation du VIH, 43,8% ont déclaré qu’il augmentera la stigmatisation liée à l’infection du VIH. L’attitude envers le test obligatoire pour le VIH avant le mariage a été pourtant positive. Les mâles avaient deux fois la possibilité d’avoir une attitude positive envers le test obligatoire pour le VIH avant le mariage (OR = 1,507, Cl = 1,067 – 2,129). L’attitude positive envers le TOVAM chez les enquêtés donne la possibilité de faire le test pour le VIH avant le mariage (Afr J Reprod Health 2010; 14[1]:83-94)