Knowledge and utilization of preventive measures in the control of neonatal malaria in south-eastern Nigeria

Background: The burden of neonatal malaria remains a major public health problem in Nigeria receiving less attention. Knowledge and awareness of preventive measures of neonatal malaria is still very low. This study aimed at assessing the Knowledge and utilization of preventive measures in the control of neonatal malaria in South-eastern Nigeria.Methods: Structured pretested questionnaires were used to collect data from 230 consenting pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Nigeria. These women were followed up until delivery and blood samples were taken from their new born for malaria parasite tests. Using SPSS, qualitative variables were summarized with proportions and chi-square test was used to investigate associations between qualitative variables.Results: There was high level of awareness on the use of malaria preventive measures by pregnant women in the control of neonatal malaria. A significant relationship between the use of malaria preventive measures and neonatal malaria was also shown. Over three-quarters (79.7%) of women had knowledge of malaria preventive measures during pregnancy. Use of anti-malarial prophylaxis (91.8%) followed by the use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) (49.5%) were practiced. ITNs were less (19.6%) used during pregnancy.  Most of them (57.8%) received single dose of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) using sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine during pregnancy, while 37% received two doses of IPT.Conclusion: More effort need to be made and support provided to women during pregnancy to encourage usage of preventive measures. There is also need to develop a health promotion package to eliminate factors discouraging the use of specific preventive measures like IPTp and ITNs

Malaria Care-Seeking Behaviour Among HIV-Infected Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Treatment in South-Eastern Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study assesses malaria prevention and treatment behaviour among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria. Although Nigeria bears one of the world\u27s largest burdens of both malaria and HIV, there is almost no research studying how co-infected patients manage their care. We systematically sampled 398 PLWHA receiving care at Imo State Specialist Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri to complete a structured, pre-tested questionnaire on malaria care-seeking behaviour. Descriptive statistics were reported and chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regressions were also used. The majority of HIV-infected patients (78.9%) reported having had an episode of suspected malaria quarterly or more often. There was a large variation in care-seeking patterns: on suspicion of malaria, 29.1% of participants engaged in self-medication; 39.2% went to drug shops, and only 22.6% visited HIV/AIDS care centres. Almost 40% waited more than 24 hours before initiating treatment. Most (60.3%), reported taking recommended artemisinin-based combination treatments (ACT) but a significant minority took only paracetamol (25.6%) or herbal remedies (3.5%). Most (80%) finished their chosen course of treatment; and completion of treatment was significantly associated with the frequency of suspected malaria occurrence (p = 0.03). Most (62.8%) did not take anti-malaria medication while taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) and almost all (87.6%) reported taking an ACT regimen that could potentially interact with Nigeria\u27s first-line ART regimen. Our findings suggest the need to pay more attention to malaria prevention and control as a crucial element in HIV/AIDS management in this part of Nigeria and other areas where malaria and HIV/AIDS are co-endemic. Also, more research on ART-ACT interactions, better outreach to community-level drug shops and other private sector stakeholders, and clearer guidelines for clinicians and patients on preventing and managing co-infection may be needed. This will require improved collaboration between programmes for both diseases

`Whose Shoes?` Can an educational board game engage Ugandan men in pregnancy and childbirth?

Background Men can play a significant role in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. Maternal health programmes are increasingly looking for innovative interventions to engage men to help improve health outcomes for pregnant women. Educational board games offer a unique approach to present health information where learning is reinforced through group discussions supporting peer-to-peer interactions. Methods A qualitative study with men from Uganda currently living in the UK on their views of an educational board game. Men were purposively sampled to play a board game and participate in a focus group discussion. The pilot study explored perceptions on whether a board game was relevant as a health promotional tool in maternal health prior to implementation in Uganda. Results The results of the pilot study were promising; participants reported the use of visual aids and messages were easy to understand and enhanced change in perspective. Men in this study were receptive on the use of board games as a health promotional tool and recommended its use in rural Uganda. Conclusions This study provides preliminary data on the relevancy and efficacy of using board games in maternal health. Key messages from the focus group appeared to be that the board game is more than acceptable to fathers and that it needs to be adapted to the local context to make it suitable for men in rural Uganda

Traditional birth attendants (TBAs) as potential agents in promoting male involvement in maternity preparedness: insights from a rural community in Uganda

BACKGROUND: Since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, male involvement in reproductive health issues has been advocated as a means to improve maternal and child health outcomes, but to date, health providers have failed to achieve successful male involvement in pregnancy care especially in rural and remote areas where majority of the underserved populations live. In an effort to enhance community participation in maternity care, TBAs were trained and equipped to ensure better care and quick referral. In 1997, after the advent of the World Health Organization’s Safe Motherhood initiative, the enthusiasm turned away from traditional birth attendants (TBAs). However, in many developing countries, and especially in rural areas, TBAs continue to play a significant role. This study explored the interaction between men and TBAs in shaping maternal healthcare in a rural Ugandan context. METHODS: This study employed ethnographic methods including participant observation, which took place in the process of everyday life activities of the respondents within the community; 12 focus group discussions, and 12 in-depth interviews with community members and key informants. Participants in this study were purposively selected to include TBAs, men, opinion leaders like village chairmen, and other key informants who had knowledge about the configuration of maternity services in the community. Data analysis was done inductively through an iterative process in which transcribed data was read to identify themes and codes were assigned to those themes. RESULTS: Contrary to the thinking that TBA services are utilized by women only, we found that men actively seek the services of TBAs and utilize them for their wives’ healthcare within the community. TBAs in turn sensitize men using both cultural and biomedical health knowledge, and become allies with women in influencing men to provide resources needed for maternity care. CONCLUSION: In this study area, men trust and have confidence in TBAs; closer collaboration with TBAs may provide a suitable platform through which communities can be sensitized and men actively brought on board in promoting maternal health services for women in rural communities

INVESTIGATION OF THE OPTIMUM DISSOLUTION TEMPERATURES OF PHOSPHORUS IN SULPHURIC, NITRIC AND OXALIC ACID SOLUTIONS DURING LEACHING OF IRON OXIDE ORE

Studies were carried out to determine the optimum dissolution temperatures of phosphorus in oxalic, nitric and sulphuric acid solutions during leaching of iron oxide ore. Phosphorus dissolution rates and dissolution per unit rise in temperature were determined and compared to ascertain the preferred acid in terms of effective dephosphorization of iron oxide ore using leaching process. The results of the investigation show that the optimum dissolution temperatures of phosphorus in these acids were found to be 45, 55 and 70ºC respectively. Phosphorus dissolutions per unit rise in temperature in these acid solutions during the increasing and decreasing stage of dissolution were 9.4 and -3.07 mg/kg/ºC 2.88 and -4.7 mg/kg/ºC and also 2.16 and -7.95 mg/kg/ºC respectively. Phosphorus dissolution rates in these acid solutions during the increasing and decreasing stage of dissolution were also determined as 0.67 and -0.13 mg/kg/s, 0.14 and -0.19 mg/kg/s and also 0.1 and 0.44 mg/kg/s for oxalic, nitric and sulphuric acid solutions respectively. This confers to oxalic acid a better dissolution power on phosphorus over nitric and sulphuric acid, followed by nitric acid

Relevance and Strategies for Knowledge Sharing and Growth among Library and Information Sciences Educators: A Case of Selected Institutions in South- East Nigeria

The teaching of Library and Information science at various institutions in Nigeria requires proper and adequate knowledge sharing, not only for sustainability but to guarantee the production of quality graduates in line with the international best practices. This paper therefore focuses on knowledge sharing, its retention and relevance to growth. Specifically, four research questions were formed to address the objectives of the work. The responses from the respondents gave rise to the strategies adopted in addressing some challenges in knowledge retention with reference to Library and information science profession. The population of the study was eighty-five (85) from six (6) selected Institutions in south east Nigeria. Questionnaire was the instrument used, while description and inferential statistics was for data analysis. The study came up with the following strategies as the recommendation to the study which include ensuring that the Library and Information educators   should endeavor to move with the latest development and new skill in the profession through capacity building and in-house trainings. The Associations of various bodies in the profession should ensure that from time to time they come together to review and update their strengths and limitations and as to address as appropriate if need arises. Keywords: Knowledge sharing, Library and Information Educators, Library and Information graduates, Economic development, Information Resources and Knowledge retention. DOI: 10.7176/IKM/12-2-04 Publication date: February 28th 202

Malaria care-seeking behaviour among HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral treatment in South-Eastern Nigeria: A cross-sectional study.

This study assesses malaria prevention and treatment behaviour among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria. Although Nigeria bears one of the world's largest burdens of both malaria and HIV, there is almost no research studying how co-infected patients manage their care. We systematically sampled 398 PLWHA receiving care at Imo State Specialist Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri to complete a structured, pre-tested questionnaire on malaria care-seeking behaviour. Descriptive statistics were reported and chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regressions were also used. The majority of HIV-infected patients (78.9%) reported having had an episode of suspected malaria quarterly or more often. There was a large variation in care-seeking patterns: on suspicion of malaria, 29.1% of participants engaged in self-medication; 39.2% went to drug shops, and only 22.6% visited HIV/AIDS care centres. Almost 40% waited more than 24 hours before initiating treatment. Most (60.3%), reported taking recommended artemisinin-based combination treatments (ACT) but a significant minority took only paracetamol (25.6%) or herbal remedies (3.5%). Most (80%) finished their chosen course of treatment; and completion of treatment was significantly associated with the frequency of suspected malaria occurrence (p = 0.03). Most (62.8%) did not take anti-malaria medication while taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) and almost all (87.6%) reported taking an ACT regimen that could potentially interact with Nigeria's first-line ART regimen. Our findings suggest the need to pay more attention to malaria prevention and control as a crucial element in HIV/AIDS management in this part of Nigeria and other areas where malaria and HIV/AIDS are co-endemic. Also, more research on ART-ACT interactions, better outreach to community-level drug shops and other private sector stakeholders, and clearer guidelines for clinicians and patients on preventing and managing co-infection may be needed. This will require improved collaboration between programmes for both diseases