Perceived Factors Influencing the Choice of Antenatal Care and Delivery Centres among Childbearing Women In Ibadan North South-Western, Nigeria

The aim of the study was to investigate the supposed factors apart from socioeconomic influencing the choice of antenatal care and delivery centres among childbearing women in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State. Data were obtained through the administration of two hundred and thirty-one (231) copies of structured questionnaire to childbearing women in four antenatal centres normally utilized in the area. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The Chi Square result indicated that awareness of ANC significantly influenced place of delivery (p<0.05), while the result of Pearson’s correlation indicated a low negative and insignificant association between distance and utilization of ANC and delivery services (r-Value = -0.04, p>0.05). The study revealed that husband’s decision or preference of ANC and privacy constituted the prominent factors that influenced the choice of ANC as well as place of delivery. It further revealed that the highest patronage of ANC and delivery centres was achieved with distance of <5km, while the lowest patronage was achieved when the approximate distance was > 10km. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that husbands should be encouraged and educated on the need to give their wives free hand in deciding places of ANC and delivery centres.Keywords: Antenatal Care, Utilization, Socioeconomic Characteristics, Childbearing Wome

Burden of Disease Caused by Otitis Media: Systematic Review and Global Estimates

<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Otitis media (OM) is a leading cause of health care visits and drugs prescription. Its complications and sequelae are important causes of preventable hearing loss, particularly in developing countries. Within the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, for the year 2005 we estimated the incidence of acute OM, chronic suppurative OM, and related hearing loss and mortality for all ages and the 21 WHO regional areas.</p> <h3>Methods</h3><p>We identified risk factors, complications and sequelae of OM. We carried out an extensive literature review (Medline, Embase, Lilacs and Wholis) which lead to the selection of 114 papers comprising relevant data. Data were available from 15 of the 21 WHO regions. To estimate incidence and prevalence for all countries we adopted a two stage approach based on risk factors formulas and regression modelling.</p> <h3>Results</h3><p>Acute OM incidence rate is 10.85% i.e. 709million cases each year with 51% of these occurring in under-fives. Chronic suppurative OM incidence rate is 4.76‰ i.e. 31million cases, with 22.6% of cases occurring annually in under-fives. OM-related hearing impairment has a prevalence of 30.82 per ten-thousand. Each year 21thousand people die due to complications of OM.</p> <h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Our study is the first attempt to systematically review the available information and provide global estimates for OM and related conditions. The overall burden deriving from AOM, CSOM and their sequelae is considerable, particularly in the first five years of life and in the poorest countries. The findings call for incorporating OM-focused action within preventive and case management strategies, with emphasis on the more affected.</p> </div