Human immunodeficiency virus awareness and condom use among female adolescent prostitutes in Lagos, Nigeria

Introduction: the cornerstone of HIV prevention among female adolescent prostitutes is awareness promotion complemented with advocacy on consistent and correct use of condom. The study aimed at reviewing HIV awareness and condom use among female adolescent prostitutes in Lagos communities, Nigeria. Methods: it was a mixed-method study realized through a questionnaire-based survey and in-depth interviews of adolescent sex workers in Oyingbo and Yaba communities of Lagos State, Nigeria; conducted between 1st of April, 2014 and 30th of September, 2014. SPSS version 17.0 and content analysis were used in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Results: 97.3% had heard about HIV/AIDS; with 86.9% being tested for HIV in the preceding 6 months. While there was consistent use of male condom in 99.7% of the respondents, 90% had experience with the use of female condom, however, 95.5% would allow non- use of condom for higher financial reward. Conclusion: although the level of awareness of HIV/AIDS was high among the respondents, there is need to improve on the level of awareness and preventive strategies for HIV/AIDS, with more emphasis laid on the consistent and correct use of condom in this highly vulnerable class of people

A 4-year audit of retained placenta at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Southwestern Nigeria

Background:Retained placenta, with its attendant complications, remains a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Objective:  To determine the incidence of predisposing factors to and complications of retained placenta at the institution of study.Materials and Methods: At the Obstetric unit of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado Ekiti, a 4-year retrospective, descriptive study was conducted between 1st of January, 2014 and 31st of December 2018.Version 20 of the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to process the data. For data analysis, descriptive statistics was used; continuous variables were summarized with mean, while discrete variables were summarized with numbers and percentages. Results: Out of a total deliveries of 3,314 during the study period, there were 60 cases of retained placenta, giving an incidence of 1.8%. Majority of those that had retained placenta 66.7% (40) were within 30- 39 years age bracket; and with grand multiparous women carrying the largest percentage 33.3% (20). Among the various identifiable risk categories, the major identifiable risk factors were previous history of dilatation and curettage (61.7%) and previous history of retained placenta (16.7%). PPH was recorded in 46.7% (28) of the parturients; there was no maternal mortality. Conclusion: To reduce the prevalence of D&C complications, efforts should be geared towards increasing contraceptive prevalence and proficiency in post-abortal care. There is a pressing need for training and retraining of skilled birth attendants in the various health institutions running maternity care services; coupled with proficiency in handling retained placenta. There should also be a burning desire and political will to capture both the poor and the rich under the National Health Insurance program (NHIS) covering maternity care services

Missed Opportunities in Comprehensive Response to Sexual Assaults in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Sexual assault referral centres were designed to provide comprehensive services to survivors to mitigate the physical and psychological consequences of rape. However, some of the survivors who reported at these centres did not benefit fully from these, thereby presenting as missed opportunities. We assessed the missed opportunities among the survivors who reported at Ekiti Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria from June 2020 to June 2022. Data were extracted from the records of the Ekiti Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Ado-Ekiti and the Department of Public Prosecution of Ekiti State Ministry of Justice, Ado-Ekiti. The missed opportunities for post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, emergency contraception, economic empowerment and relocation/shelter services were 62.2%, 35.9%, 42.3% and 4.3% respectively. There were 18 convictions out of the 21 concluded cases. Delayed reporting and poor compliance with follow-up schedules appear to be common denominators in these missed opportunities. To improve on the effectiveness of these services, there is a need to understand the cascade of events leading to delayed reporting and poor compliance with follow-up schedules by the survivors. Mobilisation of adequate financial resources is also expedient for the effective delivery of these services

Perceptions and Practice of Early Diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease by Parents and Physicians in a Southwestern State of Nigeria

Background. Early sickle cell disease (SCD) diagnosis has shown promise in combating SCD in many countries. The aim of this study was to assess the practice and perception of early SCD diagnosis among a group of parents and physicians in Nigeria. Patients and Methods. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted to assess the opinions and practice of early diagnosis of SCD among 135 physicians caring for SCD patients and 164 mothers of children with SCD in a southwestern state of Nigeria. Results. Most physicians 132 (97.8%) were aware of prenatal SCD diagnosis, but only 51 (37.8%) would recommend it. Most physicians 129 (95.6%) routinely recommend premarital SCD genetic counseling and testing, and 89 (65.1%) were aware of the national government newborn screening program but lesser proportion 75 (55.6%) were willing to recommend it. Amongst the mothers, 154 (94%) and 158 (96%) had encountered genetic counseling for SCD and were willing to offer newborn screening to their children, respectively. On the contrary, fewer mothers 42 (25%) were aware of prenatal SCD diagnosis, 28 (17%) were willing to partake in it, and 44 (26%) were undecided. There were discrepancies in the willingness by physicians to practice early SCD diagnosis and its uptake by mothers (p<0.0001). The commonest reason given by both the physicians and mothers for not practicing SCD prenatal diagnosis was the high cost of the procedure. Conclusion. The perceptions and practice of early SCD diagnosis was suboptimal in the study locality. Scaling up awareness and universal coverage are required