Effect of upgraded emergency services on obstetric case fatality at a Tertiary Hospital in Cross River state, Nigeria

No Abstract

Non-pharmacological management of osteoporosis: a consensus of the Belgian Bone Club

This consensus article reviews the various aspects of the non-pharmacological management of osteoporosis, including the effects of nutriments, physical exercise, lifestyle, fall prevention, and hip protectors. Vertebroplasty is also briefly reviewed. Non-pharmacological management of osteoporosis is a broad concept. It must be viewed as an essential part of the prevention of fractures from childhood through adulthood and the old age. The topic also includes surgical procedures for the treatment of peripheral and vertebral fractures and the post-fracture rehabilitation. The present document is the result of a consensus, based on a systematic review and a critical appraisal of the literature. Diets deficient in calcium, proteins or vitamin D impair skeletal integrity. The effect of other nutriments is less clear, although an excessive consumption of sodium, caffeine, or fibres exerts negative effects on calcium balance. The deleterious effects of tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption and a low BMI are well accepted. Physical activity is of primary importance to reach optimal peak bone mass but, if numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects of various types of exercise on bone mass, fracture data as an endpoint are scanty. Fall prevention strategies are especially efficient in the community setting, but less evidence is available about their effectiveness in preventing fall-related injuries and fractures. The efficacy of hip protectors remains controversial. This is also true for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Several randomized controlled studies had reported a short-term advantage of vertebroplasty over medical treatment for pain relief, but these findings have been questioned by recent sham-controlled randomized clinical studies

Inevitable myomectomy during caesarean section: A case report

No Abstract

Knowledge, Attitude And Perception Of Epilepsy Among Traditional Healers In Uyo, Nigeria

The poor knowledge of epilepsy among traditional healers is due to cultural prejudices and environment. The resultant deep-rooted misconceptions and myths negatively affect the attitudes and encourage traditional care with high morbidity and mortality. The objectives of the study were to assess knowledge of epilepsy among traditional healers and to determine the modalities used in the care. One hundred and seventy three traditional healers from villages/communities in Uyo were assessed for knowledge; attitude and perception of epilepsy, using an interviewer assisted Attitude Questionnaire. Data from 166 (95.9%) healers, consisting of 123 (71.1%) males and 43 (24.8%) females were analyzed. Many of the healers, 139 (83.7%) had little or no formal education. Knowledge about causes, diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy was poor; 74 (44.6%) attributed the cause of epilepsy to witchcraft, 53 (31.9%) to spiritual attacks, 23 (13.9%) punishment for sins. A total of 121 (72%) of them diagnosed epilepsy through oracles/gods. Majority, 161 (97.0%) of the healers preferred native treatment; 54 (32.5%) appeased gods/ancestors, 47 (28.3%) used herbs, roots/animal residues as cure, 10 (6.0%) preferred spiritual/prayers; while 48 (28.9%) used a combination of the rituals. There were prevalent negative attitudes and perception about epilepsy among the healers, as 146 (88.0%) of them viewed it as contagious; 149 (89.8%) would decline either marrying or eating with epileptic persons. Although traditional healers are frequently involved in the care of epilepsy in our environment, they have little or no scientific knowledge about the condition. Adequate knowledge about epilepsy is essential for diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, there is need to improve the knowledge about epilepsy in order to encourage positive attitudes and care. KEY WORDS: Knowledge; Attitude; Perception; Epilepsy; Traditional healer

Fetal interlocking complicating twin pregnancy: A case report

No Abstract

Postpartum Depression among Women in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.

Background Postpartum depression is a common psychiatric complication of childbearing among women. The increasing rate in addition to poor clinical diagnosis is attributable to poor health care services and inadequate medical attention. The implication is the high morbidity with adverse social and medical consequences. Aims The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of postpartum depression among women in Uyo and to determine the association between some sociodemographic variables such as parity, pattern of deliveries and postpartum depression. Method Three hundred and thirty five women who delivered at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital between January and March 2007 were followed up at 6 weeks. They were screened for postpartum depression, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Results Of the 315 women assessed, 287 (91.1%) were aged between 20-39 years and the mean age of the women was 21.3 ± 4.7 years; 260 (82.5%) were married and 286 (90.8%) had secondary school education and above with 134 (42.5%) being employed. A total of 81 (25.7%) of them saussffoecrieadti ofrnosm b eptowstepeanr taugme (dXe2p=r8e.s1s7io9n, .d Tf=he4r;e P