Awareness, Attitude and Willingness of Artisans in Osun State Southwestern Nigeria to Participate in Community Based Health Insurance

Introduction: Community Based Health Insurance Scheme was recently launched in Nigeria with a view to reducing the burden of out-of-pocket expenditure on health most especially among Nigerians in the informal sector. The objective of this study is to assess the awareness, attitude and willingness of artisans in Osun state to take part in Community based health insurance scheme in Nigeria.Methods: Descriptive cross sectional survey of 387 artisans in Osun state in South-western Nigeria. Respondents were selected using multi stage sampling method. Research instruments were semi structured interviewer administered pre tested questionnaires that was divided into five sections. Data was analysed using the SPSS software.Results: Mean age of the artisans was 33.1 ± 11.2 years. One hundred and twenty six (76.4% ) of those who always visit the hospital when ill) used out of pocket as their form of health care financing. One hundred and twelve (28.9%) of the respondents have heard of health insurance before. Only fifteen (3.9%) of the artisans had been on any forms of Health Insurance, of which 13(86.7%) were on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Twenty five (6.5%) of artisans had heard of community health insurance before and only 2(0.5%) were enrolled in a form of Community Based Health Insurance (CBHI). Most of the respondents (319; 82.4%) were willing to participate (WTP) in Health Insurance with the preferred organizer being governmen (236; 74.0%). The mean amount of money respondents were willing to contribute monthly per household was 1,121.8 ± 14.04 Naira. There was a statistically significant relationship between awareness about CBHI and educational status (p=0.003), and between WTP in health insurance and monthly income (p=0.014). The amount respondents were willing to pay monthly for health insurance was found to be significantly associated with their monthly income (p<0.001) and their educational status (p<0.001).Conclusion: Artisan's awareness about CBHIS is low. Most artisans showed favourable attitude towards participating in a Government backed and well organised scheme, as well as a good attitude towards willingness to pay in the scheme.Keywords: Artisans, CBHIS, willingness to pay (WTP), Health Insuranc

Knowledge, attitude and use of alternative medical therapy amongst urban residents of Osun state, southwestern Nigeria

Alternate medicine which has a long history has been relegated to the background by the evolution of modern medicine. In recent times, however, alternative medical therapy has been growing in popularity and getting increasing attention and interest. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and use by urban dwellers of alternative medical therapies. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study which used a semi-structured questionnaire to gather information from 812 randomly selected urban respondents. Majority 734 (90.4%) of the respondents were aware of an alternative way of getting treatment for their ailments apart from the orthodox medicine. The forms of alternative medical therapy (AMT) respondents were aware of include: concoction (herbal preparations) 683 (94.2%); herbalists/traditionalists 616 (85.0%); traditional bone setters therapy 434 (59.9%); among others. The main source of information was through radio 439 (70.9%). About half 403 (54.9%) of the respondents were aware of side effects from AMT and these include diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting which accounts for 69.7%; 42.2% and 40.2% respectively. About 347 (47.3%) think AMT could be injurious to health. About a third 262 (35.7%) of the respondents who were aware of AMT prefers it to orthodox medicine. Reasons given for the preference were that: AMT is cheap 56 (21.4%); accessible 43 (16.4%) and acceptable 35 (13.4%) to them. About half 367 (50.0%) also believed AMT alone could cure their illness without resort to orthodox medical therapy (OMT). Over half 401 (54.6%) of the 734 respondents that were aware of AMT had patronized or taken one form of alternative medical therapy or the other in the last 12 months prior to the study. Of these number, 323 (80.5%) had taken concoction (herbal preparations). However, there was no relationship between respondents’ age, sex, educational level or religion and the patronage of AMT as all test of associations were not statistically significant p>0.05. This study has revealed that the use of alternative medical therapies is quite popular among the studied population and a high proportion of the respondents use AMT notwithstanding that they live in the urban communities where they have better access to orthodox medical care and medical practitioners. Regulations should be made concerning the advertisement of alternative medicine and practices as orthodox medicine and practices are usually not advertised.Key words: Knowledge, attitude, use, alternative medical therapies, urban dwellers

Determinants of utilization of traditional bone setters in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria

Background. Traditional bone setting (TBS) practice is an important part of health care delivery in many developing coun- tries and has been in Nigeria for long. Despite the complications that arise from the cultural practice, TBS services is still in high demand by a significant number of people. This study was con- ducted to determine the factors that influence the utilization of TBS practice. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using a semi structured questionnaire to gather information from 400 randomly selected residents of Ilorin West LGA in north cen- tral Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents. Results. The respondents were between the ages of 18-72 years with a mean age of 36.3 ± 12.3. Three hundred and three (77.3%) of the respondents know of TBS practice as a way of getting treat- ment for bone injuries. More than two third 210 (69.3%) of the respondents who know TBS practice as a form of treatment for bone injuries think that TBS therapy is preferable to Orthodox medicine in handling bone injuries. Reasons for preference are that it is cheap 134 (63.8%), acceptable 123 (58.6%) and accessible 109 (51.9%) to them. More than half (52.3%) of the respond- ents had patronized TBS treatment at one time or the other. Main reason for patronage of TBS was influence from family mem- bers and friends (53.6%). However, factors that influence the respondents decision to utilize TBS treatment include attitude of health workers 310 (77.5%), delay in hospitals 284(71.0%) fear of amputation 272 (54.35) and fear of operation 217(54.3%) in hospitals. There was a statistically significant (p inf. 0.05) relation- ship between respondents age, sex, marital status, occupation, ethnicity as well as the income level of the respondents and the utilization of TBS. Conclusions. Utilisation of TBS is quite popular among the stud- ied population because it is believed to be cheap, acceptable and accessible to them and a high proportion of the respondents uti- lize TBS notwithstanding that they live in a community where they have better access to orthodox medical care. Influence from fam- ily and friends is the main reason for consulting TBS. Regulations should be made concerning the advertisement of TBS practice by relevant agencies and the public should be made aware through health education on the dangers of TBS treatment

Pattern of arthralgia in an urban community in Southwestern Nigeria

Background: Arthritis is a common presentation among Nigerians, most especially in the elderly population. Easy access to over-the-counter drugs, paucity of data, and non-orthodox medical practice have underscored the need to examine the magnitude of the problem toward morbidity reduction risk factors. The objective of the study was to determine the pattern of arthralgia in Osogbo community in Southwestern Nigeria.Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study  conducted between September 2010 and August 2011. Respondents were serially recruited as they presented to the randomly selected healthcare facilities. Interviewer administered questionnaires, and modified checklist were used for collecting clients information, physical examination, X-ray, and laboratory results. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software.Results: A total of 90 cases were screened, with a male to female ratio of 1:1.5 and age range of 50-59 years. Females were more affected among the studied respondents, and this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). About half (48.9%) used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) for the pain, while about 17.8% used traditional herbs. Osteoarthritis of the knee was the most common radiological finding, constituting about 86.7% of the 30 respondents that had X-ray done. Only one case tested positive to rheumatoid factor in high-dilution titer. Notable complication of arthralgia in this study was loss of time off work in 46.6% of the respondents.Conclusion: Arthralgia of the knee joint was most common in the studied area, followed by that of hip and the ankle. Weight reduction strategies and prompt diagnosis and treatment were advocated. Since about half of the respondents used NSAID, the use of enteric-coated NSAID tablets would go a long way to minimize the unwanted side effects of NSAID, notably peptic ulceration and erosion.Keywords: Arthralgia, pattern, urban communit

Hygiene Practices among Workers in Local Eateries of Orolu Community in South Western Nigeria

Background: Activities of local food premises and monitoring of food handlers are usually not regulated.Aim: The objective of this study was to determine food hygiene (FH) practices among food handlers in rural communities in South Western Nigeria.Subjects and Methods: Descriptive cross‑sectional study was carried out among 235 food handlers; data collection was by interviewer administered questionnaires. Using the SPSS software, multivariate analysis in two separate models was done to explore the predictors of correct knowledge and good hygiene practices. The model fit was assessed as good using the Hosmer and Lemeshow test.Results: Mean age of respondents was 31.8 (10.8) years. Of the respondents (134) that had training, 17.2% (23/134) had formal training, and 82.8% (111/134) had apprenticeship; about 31.5% (74/235) of respondents maintained a good level of hygiene in their practices. Significant predictors of correct knowledge were found to be being trained (significant 0.01, odds ratio [OR] 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–4.8) and receiving the training as an apprentice (significant 0.01, OR – referent group); or in a formal setting (significant 0.01, OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.6–7.0) and having no formal education (significant 0.04, OR – reference group).Conclusion: Good knowledge and attitude but low level of good practices toward FH characterized food handlers under study.Keywords: Attitude and practice, Food handlers, Food hygiene, Knowledge, Local eaterie

A facility-based survey of maternal anti-tetanus vaccination schedule completion in a Nigerian university community

Background: Maternal anti-tetanus vaccination is required to prevent maternal and neonatal tetanus. In the absence of lifetime protective dosing, repeat vaccination in every new pregnancy is needed to achieve protection of the newborn against tetanus. Objectives: To determine maternal anti-tetanus vaccination schedule completion rates and the reasons for non-completion of the schedule. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among Nigerian antenatal clinic attendees using an interviewee-administered questionnaire. Results: Most (291/347; 83.9%) respondents had received a TT vaccine in the index pregnancy, and 280/347 (80.7%) received their first TT injection at the booking visit. In comparison, 202/238 (84.9%) of those eligible had received tetanus toxoid protective immunisation (TTPDI) in the index pregnancy. Although a majority (301/347; 86.7%) of the respondents had received at least a dose of TT in a previous pregnancy, only 23/246 (9.3%) eligible pregnant women had received complete vaccination (TT5). Parity (p<0.001) and ethnicity (0.013) were the main determinants of the maternal tetanus vaccination schedule (TT5) completion. However, the socio-demographic characteristics were similar for TTPDI. The commonest reason for non-completion was forgetfulness 172/218 (78.9%), and most (287/347; 89.1%) of the respondents wished to receive telephone reminders. Conclusions: Although neonatal tetanus protective dosing of TT in the current pregnancy was high, a low proportion of mothers completed the five doses recommended by the WHO for lifetime immunity

In Vitro study on α-amylase inhibitory activities of Digitaria exilis, Pentadiplandra brazzeana (Baill) and Monodora myristica.

In the present study, the hot and cold aqueous extracts of Digitaria exilis and Pentadiplandra brazzeana (Baill) as well as the ethanolic extract of Monodora myristica were screened for their anti diabetic activity via inhibition of α-amylase. The root of Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baill and the grains of Acha (Digitaria exilis) were extracted by Soaking in hot and cold water while the seed of Monodora myristica was extracted using 70% ethanol. α-amylase was significantly inhibited by Digitaria exilis, Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baill and Monodora myristica. Results showed that the three plants can act as potent α-amylase inhibitor. The cold aqueous extract of Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baill showed the highest inhibition against pancreatic α-amylase among the plants studied with IC50 value of 197.63±1.450 μg/ml while the ethanolic extract of Monodora myristica showed the least with IC50 value of 408.17±2.945. α-amylase inhibitors from herbal sources offer an attractive therapeutic approach to the treatment of postprandial hyperglycemia by decreasing glucose release from starch and may have potential for use in the treatment/management of diabetes mellitus and obesity.Keywords: α-amylase inhibition, diabetes mellitus, postprandial hyperglycemia

Barriers to use of modern contraceptives among women in an inner city area of Osogbo metropolis, Osun State, Nigeria

EO Asekun-Olarinmoye,1 WO Adebimpe,1 JO Bamidele,2 OO Odu,2 IO Asekun-Olarinmoye,3 EO Ojofeitimi41Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria; 2Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; 3Department of Community Health, School of Public and Allied Health, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria; 4Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Osun State, NigeriaObjectives: To determine the knowledge and attitudes on modern contraceptive use of women living in an inner city area of Osogbo.Materials and methods: Three hundred and fifty nine women of childbearing age were studied utilizing a community-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study design. A multistage random sampling technique was used in recruiting respondents to the study. A four-part questionnaire was applied dually, by interviewers and by respondents' self administration, and the data was analyzed using the SPSS software version 17.0.Results: The mean age of respondents was 28.6 ± 6.65 years. The majority (90.3%) of respondents were aware of modern methods of family planning (FP), 76.0% claimed awareness of where to obtain FP services, and 74.9% knew of at least five methods. However, only 30.6% had ever used contraceptives, while only 13.1% were current users. The most frequently used method was the male condom. The commonly perceived barriers accounting for low use of FP methods were fear of perceived side effects (44.0%), ignorance (32.6%), misinformation (25.1%), superstition (22.0%), and culture (20.3%). Some reasons were proffered for respondents' nonuse of modern contraception. Predictors of use of modern contraceptives include the awareness of a place of FP service provision, respondents' approval of the use of contraceptives, higher education status, and being married.Conclusion: Most of the barriers reported appeared preventable and removable and may be responsible for the reported low point prevalence of use of contraceptives. It is recommended that community-based behavioral-change communication programs be instituted, aimed at improving the perceptions of women with respect to bridging knowledge gaps about contraceptive methods and to changing deep-seated negative beliefs related to contraceptive use in Nigeria.Keywords: childbearing age, family planning, fertility desires, perception, knowledge, attitude, benefit

Effects of aqueous extract of Basella alba leaves on haematological and biochemical parameters in albino rats

The effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Basella alba on haematological and biochemical parameters were studied in Wistar strain albino rats. Twenty four (24) Wistar strain albino rats were randomly distributed into four groups of six (6) rats each. Group I rats served as control and received 10 ml/kg of normal saline, while group II, III and IV received 60, 80 and 100 mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract of B. alba, respectively, for two weeks. Administration of the extract was done orally. At the end of the treatment period, haematological parameters (red blood cell count, white blood cell count, platelet count, packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration) and biochemical parameters (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransaminase (AST)) were determined. The results showed that B. alba significantly increased (p < 0.05, 0.01) red blood cell count, white blood cell count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and platelet count. However, the extract significantly (p < 0.05, 0.01) reduced the activity of the liver enzymes such as ALP, ALT and AST. The decreases were dose dependent. In conclusion, adding B. alba leaves as part of daily diet may reduce anaemia and maintain good health.Key words: Basella alba, haematological parameters, biochemical parameters, albino rats

Management protocol of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria

Coronavirus infection became a global pandemic in March 2020. The number of hospitalized cases in Nigeria and Ogun State has been on a steady increase with a concomitant rise in Mortality. This necessitates a coordinated and a more systemic approach in the management of this deadly disease. As a result of the potential effects of the disease on the socio-economic development of Ogun State, the state government granted Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan-Remo the permission to diagnose, admit and manage cases in line with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)/World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. This led to the establishment of a molecular laboratory and a COVID-19 task force to oversee the treatment of confirmed cases of COVID-19 disease. This protocol is developed to serve as a template for the diagnosis, admission, treatment of cases of COVID-19 diseases presenting for care in the hospital and to prevent the spread of the disease among healthcare workers within the hospital environment