Clinical features of malaria parasiteamia among children in parts of the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of malaria parasitamiae and its clinical features in children aged 0-5 years in parts of Delta State of Nigeria. Blood samples were randomly collectedfrom the thumb of each child using the finger prick method. A total of 600 blood samples (360 males and 240 females) were examined using the thick and thin smear method. The children were also examined clinically for related signs and symptoms. The result showed that a total of 485 (81.0%) children were positive and only Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium malariae were found among the positive cases. Plasmodium falciparum was significantly higher than Plasmodium malariae (P<0.05).Although males were more infected (82%) than females (79%) the difference was not statistical significant (P>0.05). The least prevalence of 55.6% was observed in 0-6 months age group. Common signs and symptoms observed among children include fever, cough, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Fever was the highest sign. The public health implications of these findings and the need to promote environmental sanitation are highlighted

Malaria transmission and morbidity patterns in holoendemic areas of Imo River Basin of Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study determines the relationship between malaria transmission intensity and morbidity in holoendemic areas of Imo River Basin, Nigeria.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Standard entomological and parasitological techniques were used to determine transmission intensity and parasite rates respectively while sociocultural methods and review of hospital records were used to determine morbidity patterns. The average transmission rate was 16.1 infective bites per person per night (ib/p/n). The average malaria specific morbidity rate for the study area was 30.2%. These parameters showed no significant differences among the communities studied (<it>P </it>> 0.05). Transmission intensity and morbidity rate had a linear relationship such that high transmission intensity corresponded with high morbidity rate and vice versa.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This therefore puts to rest discrepancies about the relationship between malaria transmission and morbidity in the study area and calls for serious scaling up of the insecticide treated nets strategy especially in high transmission areas and seasons. Concerted efforts should also be made towards production of transmission blocking vaccines.</p

Peer education: The effects on knowledge of pregnancy related malaria and preventive practices in women of reproductive age in Edo State, Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is limited uptake of measures to prevent malaria by pregnant women in Nigeria which is often related to the lack of knowledge on Malaria in Pregnancy (MIP) and its effects on mother and foetus. This study, explored peer to peer education as a tool in raising knowledge of MIP among women of child bearing age.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>1105 women of child bearing age were interviewed in their households using a structured questionnaire about their knowledge of malaria in general, MIP and use of preventive measures. Thereafter, a peer education campaign was launched to raise the level of knowledge in the community. The interviews were repeated after the campaign and the responses between the pre- and post-intervention were compared.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In the pre-assessment women on average answered 64.8% of the question on malaria and its possibility to prevent malaria correctly. The peer education campaign had a significant impact in raising the level of knowledge among the women; after the campaign the respondents answered on average 73.8% of the questions correctly. Stratified analysis on pre and post assessment scores for malaria in general (68.8 & 72.9%) and MIP (61.7 & 76.3%) showed also significant increase. Uptake of bed nets was reported to be low: 11.6%</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Peer education led to a significant increase in knowledge of malaria and its prevention but we could not asses its influence on the use of preventive measures.</p

Determinants of insecticide-treated net ownership and utilization among pregnant women in Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria during pregnancy is a major public health problem in Nigeria leading to increase in the risk of maternal mortality, low birth weight and infant mortality. This paper is aimed at highlighting key predictors of the ownership of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) and its use among pregnant women in Nigeria.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 2348 pregnant women were selected by a multi-stage probability sampling technique. Structured interview schedule was used to elicit information on socio-demographic characteristics, ITN ownership, use, knowledge, behaviour and practices. Logistic regression was used to detect predictors of two indicators: ITN ownership, and ITN use in pregnancy among those who owned ITNs.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>ITN ownership was low; only 28.8% owned ITNs. Key predictors of ITN ownership included women who knew that ITNs prevent malaria (OR = 3.85; <it>p </it>< 0001); and registration at antenatal clinics (OR = 1.34; <it>p </it>= 0.003). The use of ITNs was equally low with only 7.5% of all pregnant women, and 25.7% of all pregnant women who owned ITNs sleeping under a net. The predictors of ITN use in pregnancy among women who owned ITNs (N = 677) identified by logistic regression were: urban residence (OR = 1.87; <it>p </it>= 0.001); knowledge that ITNs prevent malaria (OR = 2.93; <it>p </it>< 0001) and not holding misconceptions about malaria prevention (OR = 1.56; <it>p </it>= 0.036). Educational level was not significantly related to any of the two outcome variables. Although registration at ANC is significantly associated with ownership of a bednet (perhaps through free ITN distribution) this does not translate to significant use of ITNs.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>ITN use lagged well behind ITN ownership. This seems to suggest that the current mass distribution of ITNs at antenatal facilities and community levels may not necessarily lead to use unless it is accompanied by behaviour change interventions that address the community level perceptions, misconceptions and positively position ITN as an effective prevention device to prevent malaria</p

Rapid surveillan for Acute Febrile Illness amoung prison inmates in federal prisons Aba-Abia State, Nigeria

No Abstract Availabl

The Current Relevance and Applications of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Disease Conditions: A Review

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a simple and inexpensive laboratory test. It is commonly used to assess the acute phase response. A review of relevant literature was done to evaluate the role of the ESR and its importance in different clinical conditions both inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Despite the critical role cytokines have in inflammatory conditions, the ESR still maintains its important role in the diagnosis and follow-up of rheumatoid arthritis and temporal arthritis. Recently, ESR had been reported to be of clinical significance in sickle cell disease, oesteomyelitis and in non-inflammatory conditions such as stroke, coronary artery disease and prostate cancer. Erythrocyte sedimentationrate measured by the Westergreen method is affected by age, race and blood storage. Despite its importance in many clinical conditions, ESR should be used only as a clinical guide to aid the diagnosis, management and follow-up of these differential clinical conditions

Socio-demographic correlates of sexual behaviours: A cross sectional survey of adolescents in Imo state secondary schools

The study was designed to determine the socio- demographic correlates of sexual behaviours of the adolescents in Imo State secondary schools. Three objectives and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A cross sectional survey design was used and sample size was 3360 (2.2%) adolescents. A structured, validated and reliable questionnaire (r = 0.79) and focus group discussion were used as the instruments for data collection. Data analysis was done using mean and ANOVA statistics. The result generally, showed that the average sexual behaviours of the adolescents were below the decision mean of 2.50 and as such the  adolescents were said to be sexually inactive. In Imo State secondary schools, various family sizes did not significantly influence the sexual behaviours of the adolescents (F- cal. 2.39, F-tab. 3.00 &amp; P&gt;0.05), family structure significantly influenced their sexual behaviours (F- cal. 17.78, F-tab. 3.00 &amp; P&lt;0.05) and different financial strengths influenced the adolescents sexual behaviours significantly (F- cal. 22.88, F-tab. 2.37 &amp; P&lt;0.05. Of great worry is that unrestricted/uncontrolled adolescents sexualbehaviours may expose them to sexually transmitted infections/HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancies, illegal abortion and dropping out of school. Thus comprehensive sex education was recommended.Keywords: Socio-Demographic, Correlates, Sexual, Behaviours,  Adolescent

Rapid Assessment of Loiasis in parts of the Niger Delta, in Imo State, Nigeria

The prevalence of loiasis was rapidly assessed based on the World Health Organisation RAPLOA technique in 24 rural communities of the Niger Delta Area of Imo State, Nigeria using 78-82 adults per community. The rapid assessment was based on history of eye worm and Calabar swellings from individual, as well as in-depth interviews of key persons in the communities. The prevalence of loiasis in the study communities was generally low (&lt;10%) with the RAPLOA index of restricted definition of eye worm history (REW). The highest prevalence was observed in Egbema (8.54%). The clinical manifestations was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in females than in males. The history of eye worm was more among the age group 25 –34 years (4.25%) and the prevalence of calabar swelling was highest among subjects 74 years (14.11%). Farmers (6.11% {eye worm}and 7.5% {calabar swelling}) reported the highest prevalence of both manifestations among occupational groups. The epidemiological results were discussed in the context of the ongoing community directed treatment with ivermectin (Mectizan®) which can go on in the area.Keywords: Loiasis, Chrysops, Calabar Swelling, Eyeworm, RaploaNigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 32 [1] March 2011, pp. 25-2