Assessment of the Knowledge and Practice of Universal Precaution for the Prevention of HIV Transmission by Health Workers in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State Nigeria

Background The increasing prevalence of HN increases the risk that health workers will be exposed to  patients infected with HN, especially when blood and bodyfluid precautions are not followed for all  patients. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of health workers on HN I AIDS as well as their practice of universal precaution with regards to HN I AIDS. Methodology This was a cross sectional study conducted among health workers in selected health  facilities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau state in north central Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 104 health workers that are directly involved in patient care from 5 health facilities made up of a General Hospital and 4 Primary Health Centres. The data collection instrument was a structured interviewer administered questionnaire that obtained data on health workers' bio-data,  knowledge of transmission of HN, knowledge on universal precautions, practice of universal precautions, and the prevention of HN transmission by health workers.Result A total of 104 respondents were recruited for the study. The mean age of the health workers was 42.6 ± 7.9 years with 69 (66.3%) females and 35(33. 7%) males. All (1 00%) of the respondents were  aware of HNIAIDS and 78 (75.0%) knew that the disease has no cure. Modes of transmission that were recognized by the participants included sex [90(86.5%)] pregnancy [55(53.4%)], delivery [85(81. 7)].  Most of the respondents were able to identify components of UPs. Hand washing was identified by 85(81.  7%), use of PPE by 83(80.6%), safe collection and disposal of sharps by 99(95.2%) and prevention of  injury from sharps by 96(92.3%). Among the respondents 88 (84. 6%) practiced hand washing regularly when handling patients I carrying out procedures. General use of Personal Protective Equipment's (PPE)  was reported by 85 (81. 7%) though consistent use was reported by only 54(63.5%). PPE that are used by the respondents included gloves (93.1%), safety goggles (11.5%), apron (29.8%), boots (18.4%), facemask (25.3%) and gowns (21.8%). Also,  34(32. 7%) had experienced splashing of bodily fluids to the mouth, 28(26.9%) splashing to the eye, 38(36.5%) splashing to non-intact skin and 65(63. 7%) had sustained percutaneous injury. The devices commonly causing injury included hypodermic needles (52.2%), suture needle (26.1%) and intravenous stylet (14.5).ConclusionThis study conducted among 104 health workers showed good knowledge of various  aspects of HN I AIDS and UPs. Most were found to use PPE especially gloves, sharp boxes for disposal and regular hand washing. Up 64% had experienced exposures of various types of which less than half had been reported. Periodic re- training of the health workers would be of immense benefit in cultivating safe practices hence reducing the risk of injury and infection.Keywords: HN I AIDS; Universal Precaution; Personal Protective Equipmen

Promoting equity through inclusive learning, planning and implementing: lessons from Nigeria's mass drug administration programme for neglected tropical diseases

Background: An inclusive, localised approach to planning and implementing equitable mass drug administration was developed through participatory action research (PAR). This new approach aligns with principles of learning health systems (LHS). Tools were co-developed to support scaling up the new approach across two Nigerian states. Lessons are distilled here to enable learning for other programmes. Methods: Observations and reports by researchers (2019–2021) from 23 meetings and workshops, 8 in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) were used. Results: Nine key steps of best practice were identified to promote inclusive LHS for participatory planning and implementing: utilise participatory research methodologies to facilitate community engagement and tailor interventions; develop tools and governance structures to support learning, teamwork and sustainability; strengthen capacity for participation and collaboration with space for dialogue and shared learning; undertake participatory planning to develop action plans; advocate for implementation; monitor action plans; review and act on successes and challenges; apply community evaluation to understand challenges and enablers and disseminate policy and programme changes. Conclusions: PAR in disease programmes can support health systems to embed cyclical and iterative learning to sustainably address localised equity challenges. However, it takes time, resources and political commitment

Effect of Moringa oleifera feed supplementation on the serum biochemical profile of broilers challenged with very virulent infectious bursal disease virus

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL) feed supplementation on serum biochemical parameters of broilers challenged with very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV). Materials and methods: Two hundred and forty day-old Ross 308 hybrid broiler chicks were randomly assigned into four groups (A, B, C and D) of 60 chicks each and raised in deep litter housing. Broiler starter (BS) and broiler finisher (BF) mash were formulated each with 5% MOL included as part of the feed ingredient for broilers in groups A and B while BS and BF for broilers in groups C and D were formulated without MOL. Broilers in groups A, B and C were challenged intraocularly at 35 days of age with with 0.05 mL of a live vvIBDV, while those in group D served as control. Blood was collected from 10 broilers in each group via the wing vein at 35, 38 and 42 days of age to determine their serum biochemical profile. Results: The level of melondialdehyde (MDA) was observed to significantly decrease in groups A and C. There was a significant decrease in the level of AST in group A, B, C and D. The values of ALT significantly decreased in group A, B, C and D. Conclusion: Supplementing broilers feed with MOL neither protect the liver from damage nor prevent lipid peroxidation. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(2.000): 155-165