Knowledge and attitude of young male adults in two markets in metropolitan Lagos towards prostate cancer screening and awareness of prostate cancer symptoms

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the fourth most common cancer in both sexes combined. It is a slow growing cancer and its morbidity and mortality can be reduced through regular screening. To assess the knowledge and attitude of young male adults in metropolitan Lagos towards prostate cancer screening, their awareness of prostate cancer symptoms and to identify socio-demographic factors that influence knowledge and attitude of young male adults towards prostate cancer screening. A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among young male adults in two different markets in Lagos metropolis. Data was collected and analysed using SPSS version 21. Numerical and categorical variables were expressed as counts and/or percentages. Inferential statistics was performed using Chi Square test, with a level of significance set at p<0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. A total of 421 questionnaires were distributed with 95% response rate. One hundred and ninety (47.5%) had heard about prostate cancer. Majority of the respondents, 371 (92.8%) were not aware of prostate cancer symptoms. Three hundred and seven (77.8%) were also not aware of prostate cancer screening. Majority of the respondents, 305 (76.3%) indicated that they would like to be screened and to know more about prostate cancer screening (330 respondents, 82.5%). This study showed a poor knowledge of prostate cancer, its symptoms and prostate cancer screening among young male adults operating in two markets in Lagos, Nigeria

Outcome of an educational training programme on blood glucose monitoring among nurses in the management of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycemia

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that can lead to an increased length of hospital stay, delayed healing, and exacerbation of co-morbidities with complications arising if not properly managed. Better understanding and maintenance of normal blood glucose by nurses can positively influence care outcomes. The study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge on the management of diabetes and skills in blood glucose monitoring. Materials and method. A structured pre- and post-questionnaire was used to assess nurses’ knowledge on the management of diabetes, and a structured checklist was used to assess their skills in blood glucose monitoring. Three hundred and thirty- eight (338) participants directly involved in the provision of care to diabetic patients were randomly selected for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. The study revealed that 58.9% of the respondents scored above the mean score of 33.1±3.5 during pre-assessment, which shows they had a good baseline knowledge of blood glucose. A post-intervention finding showed 64.8% scored above the mean score of 36.3±3.1. Assessment of nurses’ knowledge of blood glucose monitoring proficiency showed that 70.1% scored above the mean score of 11.4. Conclusions. The educational intervention programme with a practical training session was an effective method of approach for improving blood glucose management among the participants. However, it is recommended that protocols and practice guidelines should be placed at strategic locations, and methods of empowering nurses, such as providing them with equipment needed to sustain this practice, should be heightened