Short term outcome and predictors of survival among birth asphyxiated babies at a tertiary academic hospital in Enugu, South East, Nigeria

Background: Birth asphyxia (BA) is a preventable cause of cerebral insults in newborns. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Of the 120 million babies born in third world countries annually, it is estimated that about 3.6 million will develop BA.Objectives: We aimed to determine the short term outcome and predictors of survival among birth asphyxiated babies using Apgar score.Methods: This study was carried out in the Newborn Unit of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital. In-hospital deliveries (Inborn) and those from other centers (Out-born) with one minute Apgar score ≤ 6 were included. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from caregivers. Information sought included gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), Apgar score, place of delivery and outcome. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were done.Results: Of the 150 neonates, 61.3% survived. Majority of the dead were out-born. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The inborn were about 1.2 times (AOR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.06-1.78) more likely to survive BA. Among low birth weights (LBWs), 73.9% died, 23.7% of normal weights and 14.3% of macrosomics died. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The normal weights were about 2 (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.76-6.25) and the macrosomics about 5 times more likely to survive BA than LBWs. Regarding GA, 78.8%, 17.2% and 18.2% of the pre-terms, term and post-dates died respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The term babies were about 11 (AOR = 11.27; 95% CI: 4.02-31-56) and post -dates about 9 (AOR = 8.79; 95% CI: 1.43-54.04) times more likely to survive BA than preterms. Other significant factors were degree of asphyxia (p = 0.003), and parental education (p < 0.001).Conclusion: BW, GA, degree of asphyxia, place of delivery and parental education all predicts survival among birth asphyxiated newborns.Keywords: Newborn, birth asphyxia, Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) outcomes, predictors of survival

Examining the Involvement of School Governing Bodies in Promoting Educators in South Africa

The place of school governing bodies in the promotion of educators in South African public schools is crucial. This study focuses on the perspective of the school governing body as seen as the contributors to challenges that are experienced by educators during promotion processes and ineffectiveness of the school system. A quantitative method was employed to collect data from ten schools in ILembe District, South Africa. Random sampling was used to select 180 respondents. The collected data was analysed using SPSS, version 25.The findings of the study show that although there are educational policy guidelines that are made available to guide schools on how the processes of promotion are conducted, schools continue to experience challenges with some stakeholders who do not keep within their roles. Several factors such as incompetence of the school governing body, lack of training of the SGBs, illiteracy of the SGBs, political influence, and interference of the union members were found to be stumbling blocks in pursuing fair processes when dealing with promotions. The research recommends that the Department of Education (DoE) take a leading role in appointing independent bodies to deal with promotions in order to mitigate corruption and abuse of power by stakeholders.Business Managemen

Influence of 21st Century technology on learners’ academic performances : adaptable strategies on control of online gadgets

Abstract: In the 21st century, technology has been known to play an important role in stimulating teaching and learning exercises. Conversely, technology is seen as a tool which tends to distract learners and hamper their academic performances. Thus, this study investigates strategies that can be adapted for the control of online gadgets in order to enhance learners’ academic performances in the 21st century. Quantitative method was adopted for the study. Rural and urban based secondary schools were purposively selected, while 144 educators were randomly selected across the schools. The selected schools comprised 10 rural and 10 urban secondary schools in King Cetshwayo District, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires which were administered to the 144 randomly selected educators. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS. The findings of the study showed amongst others that there is need for the use of online technological gadgets in schools to be legalized by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) under strict terms and conditions. Also, there is need for parents according to DBE to keep the gadgets during school hours and return them after school and week-ends. The study recommends amongst others that strong alliance on control of learners’ use of online gadgets should be formed amongst DBE, parents and educators

Short term outcome and predictors of survival among birth asphyxiated babies at a tertiary academic hospital in Enugu, South East, Nigeria

Background: Birth asphyxia (BA) is a preventable cause of cerebral insults in newborns. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Of the 120 million babies born in third world countries annually, it is estimated that about 3.6 million will develop BA. Objectives: We aimed to determine the short term outcome and predictors of survival among birth asphyxiated babies using Apgar score. Methods: This study was carried out in the Newborn Unit of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital. In-hospital deliveries (Inborn) and those from other centers (Out-born) with one minute Apgar score 64 6 were included. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from caregivers. Information sought included gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), Apgar score, place of delivery and outcome. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were done. Results: Of the 150 neonates, 61.3% survived. Majority of the dead were out-born. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The inborn were about 1.2 times (AOR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.06-1.78) more likely to survive BA. Among low birth weights (LBWs), 73.9% died, 23.7% of normal weights and 14.3% of macrosomics died. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The normal weights were about 2 (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.76-6.25) and the macrosomics about 5 times more likely to survive BA than LBWs. Regarding GA, 78.8%, 17.2% and 18.2% of the pre-terms, term and post-dates died respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The term babies were about 11 (AOR = 11.27; 95% CI: 4.02-31-56) and post-dates about 9 (AOR = 8.79; 95% CI: 1.43-54.04) times more likely to survive BA than preterms. Other significant factors were degree of asphyxia (p = 0.003), and parental education (p < 0.001). Conclusion: BW, GA, degree of asphyxia, place of delivery and parental education all predicts survival among birth asphyxiated newborns. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v19i1.29 Cite as: Uleanya ND, Aniwada EC, Ekwochi U, ND U. Short term outcome and predictors of survival among birth asphyxiated babies at a tertiary academic hospital in Enugu, SouthEast, Nigeria. Afri Health Sci. 2019;19(1). 1554-1562. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v19i1.2

Clinical Profile and Electrolyte Abnormalities in Hospitalized Under‑Five Children with Acute Gastroenteritis in a Tertiary Health Facility

Background: Electrolyte abnormalities constitute the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in younger children with acute gastroenteritis.The aim of the study was to determine the clinical profile and pattern of electrolyte abnormalities in under‑five children hospitalized for acutegastroenteritis from November 1, 2014, to January 31, 2015. Methodology: This was a cross‑sectional descriptive study among hospitalized under‑five children with acute diarrhea who were consecutively recruited from November 1, 2014, to January 31, 2015. Relevant clinical data were obtained, while the physical examination was done on all subjects. Serum electrolytes values were determined using the ion‑selective electrode system and compared with standard reference ranges. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 with the level of statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 108 under‑five children were studied. The majority (101; 93.5%) were <24 months of age, while 41 (38%) of low socioeconomic class background. Metabolic acidosis was the most common electrolyte abnormality followed by hyponatremia and hypokalemia occurring singly or in combination. The case fatality rate was 13 (12.0%). The electrolyte derangements associated with mortality were hypokalemia and acidosis: 11 (84.6%) each, 9 (69.2%) had hyperchloremia, while 6 (46.2%) were reported to have hyponatremia. Conclusion: Electrolyte derangements are common in under 5 years children with acute diarrhea with increased mortality in those with severe acute malnutrition. Proper health education is needed to ensure adequate nutrition and timely use of low‑osmolar oral rehydration solution as well as early referral of cases with persistent gastrointestinal losses in order to save lives. Keywords: Acute gastroenteritis, electrolyte abnormalities, under‑five childre

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR HEPATITIS C AND HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS CO-INFECTION AMONG CHILDREN IN ENUGU, NIGERIA

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are major public health challenges in the developing world especially sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis C virus infection among children infected with HIV. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Paediatric HIV Clinic, UNTH, Enugu between July and December 2009. Antibodies to HCV were analyzed by newer generation rapid chromatographic immunoassay method using the Chromatest one step HCV test kit. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15 statistical software. The chi squared test was used to test for significant association of categorical variables. A p-value o

A Resource to Support Decolonization of the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum

In our taught chemistry curricula, the majority of individuals who are used to illustrate historical aspects of chemistry topics are white, western chemists. Decolonizing the undergraduate chemistry curricula is increasingly recognized as an important step toward developing a more inclusive higher-education environment for students from minoritized ethnic backgrounds. Here, we provide the first openly accessible resource that provides examples of both individual scientists and groups that can be used to illustrate chemistry teaching, and hence provide role model examples of scientists from different cultures. More generally, the resource provides a significant body of examples for chemistry educators to use as they begin working toward decolonizing their curricula

Academic student satisfaction and perceived performance in the e-learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence across ten countries

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically shaped higher education and seen the distinct rise of e-learning as a compulsory element of the modern educational landscape. Accordingly, this study highlights the factors which have influenced how students perceive their academic performance during this emergency changeover to e-learning. The empirical analysis is performed on a sample of 10,092 higher education students from 10 countries across 4 continents during the pandemic’s first wave through an online survey. A structural equation model revealed the quality of e-learning was mainly derived from service quality, the teacher’s active role in the process of online education, and the overall system quality, while the students’ digital competencies and online interactions with their colleagues and teachers were considered to be slightly less important factors. The impact of e-learning quality on the students’ performance was strongly mediated by their satisfaction with e-learning. In general, the model gave quite consistent results across countries, gender, study fields, and levels of study. The findings provide a basis for policy recommendations to support decision-makers incorporate e-learning issues in the current and any new similar circumstances.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Impact of Using Extension Suite Online System as Solution for Subsistence Farming in Rural Areas: the Role of Universities

Agriculture plays an important role in economic development especially in rural areas because it provides source of employment and sustainable livelihood. Meanwhile. Information Communications Technologies (ICTs) have brought to the fore more efficient ways of information dissemination and there is a general realization that information technology should be integrated to be effectively used in agricultural development. This study explored the impact of using Extension Suite Online System for subsistence farming using Qunu Area in Eastern Cape province. Quantitative method was adopted for the study. Data was collected through the use of questionnaire from 25 conveniently selected farmers and were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The finding of the study amongst others showed that the introduction of Extension Suite Online system to the Qunu rural farmers managed to close the information gap that was initially a challenge and it Fascinated young people who perceived agriculture as a sector for older people. Also the change in employment dynamics in the farming industry of South Africa, with women taking higher positions as women are now actively involved in farming activities. However, it was pointed out following the responses of the respondents that most farmers in the rural area are computer illiterates and this affects their appreciation and use of ESO system. The study recommends amongst others that alliance between universities and rural farmers should be formed. Also, short term programmes which promote computer literacy and other useful skills should be made available for rural farmers by universities