Awareness and perception of vasectomy among antenatal women in a tertiary health facility in southeast Nigeria

Background: Vasectomy is a safe alternative to bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) in achieving permanent sterilization but not popular in developing countries. As part of the efforts to increase popularity as well as acceptance of vasectomy in the developing countries, its awareness among women needs to be assessed. The study was undertaken to determine the awareness and perceptions of vasectomy among antenatal attendees in a tertiary health institution southeast Nigeria.Methods: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study in which pregnant women visiting University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu (UNTH) antenatal clinic from 1st June – 30th November 2017 were recruited. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. Two hundred (200) self-administered questionnaires were completely filled and analyzed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics including means frequencies and x^2-tests at the 95% confidence level (CL).Results: Of the 200 respondents, 146(73%) were completely unaware of the existence of vasectomy while 54(27%) were aware. Of those who were aware, 41(75.9%) accepted its use as a family planning method for men. The commonest reason for acceptance was the fear of infidelity among their husbands, 17(41.5%). The intention to use was however low as 24(44.4%) of those who accepted vasectomy disapproved of its use by their husbands and the main reason for disapproval was “weakens husband’s sexual performance,” (33.3%). Tertiary level of education of the respondents was 5.3 times independently associated with the acceptance of vasectomy.Conclusions: The awareness is low and there are several misperceptions about vasectomy among the women in Enugu. Tertiary education of the women however improves the choice of vasectomy as a permanent contraceptive option. There is the need for educational programmes in line with the numerous advantages of vasectomy so as to counteract the misperceptions especially those regarding sexual relationship

ELECTIVE ABDOMINAL HYSTERECTOMY: INDICATIIONS AND COMPLICATIONS IN ENUGU, EASTERN NIGERIA.

A six-year review of hysterectomies at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria, was undertaken to determine the rate, indications and complications of the operation. There were 14 hysterectomies per 100 gynaecological in-patients. In a decreasing order of frequency, the main indications for the 199 elective abdominal hysterectomies during the study period were: uterine fibroids (66.7%), ovarian tumour (12.1%) and cervical malignancy (11.6%). The sub-umbilical midline incision was used in 166 (83.4%) of the cases. Moderate to severe intra-pelvic adhesions were found in 59 (29.6%) of the patients. The uterine size was greater than 12 weeks gestation in 133 (66.8%) of the women. Appendicectomy was the most frequent incidental operation; it was performed on 56 (28.1%) of the subjects. Complications were recorded in 55 women, a complication rate of 27.6%. Approximately two-thirds of the complications involved the urinary tract or the abdominal incision wound. We conclude that although the hysterectomy rate in Enugu, Nigeria, is lower than in advanced countries, the indications and complications of the operation are similar to those from the latter countries. Suggestions are offered on how to minimise complications during hysterectomies. Key words: Abdominal hysterectomy, indications, complications, Enugu. (Global J Med Sci: 2002 1(1): 49-53

Comparison of physical and mechanical properties of river sand concrete with quarry dust concrete

This study compared the physical and mechanical properties of river sand concrete with quarry dust concrete. The constituent materials were batched by weight. The water-cement ratio and mix ratio selected for the experimental investigation were 0.55 and 1:2:4, respectively. The specimens were cured for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Slump, density and compressive strength tests were carried out. The results showed that river sand concrete had greater density and compressive strength than quarry dust concrete for all curing ages. At 28 days of curing, river sand concrete exceeded the target compressive strength by 36%, whereas quarry dust concrete was less than the target compressive strength by 12%. Both river sand concrete and quarry dust concrete for the selected water/cement ratio and mix ratio are suitable for non-structural applications and lightly-loaded members where high strength is not a prerequisite

Physico-mechanical behaviour of sandcrete produced with different proportions of sand grain sizes

The physical and mechanical properties of sandcrete produced with various blended proportions of sand grain sizes were investigated. River sand was sieved into three portions with distinct grain sizes. These were: sand containing only grains with diameters less than 1 mm (fine sand), 1-2 mm (medium sand) and 2-4 mm (coarse sand). Seven different combinations of grain sizes were proportioned by weight, with each combination containing 50% fine sand. Five cement/sand mix ratios, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7 and 1:8, were used for moulding 150 × 150 × 150 mm sandcrete cubes. The results revealed that an increased proportion of coarse sand tended to increase the bulk density and compressive strength of sandcrete cubes after 28 days of curing. The grain size combination which gave the optimum compressive strength of sandcrete contained 50% fine sand, 10% medium sand and 40% coarse sand

HIV- related intimate partner violence among pregnant women in Nigeria

Aim: To compare the prevalences and patterns of intimate partner violence between HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women receiving prenatal care at a tertiary hospital in South East NigeriaMethods: A comparative cross-sectional study of HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women was done. Statistical analysis was by descriptive and inferential statistics at 95% level of confidenceResults: A total of 220 pregnant women studied. These were equally divided between HIV-positive women (cases) and HIV-negative women (controls). Cases did not differ significantly from controls with respect to age, parity, tribe, religion, marital status, monthly family income. HIV positive respondents experienced physical violence in the course of the index pregnancy six times more than controls; sexual violence about 4 times more than controls and were 12 times more likely to be denied sex by their partner compared to controls. Threat of being hurt, deprivation of financial support and denial of communication were the commonest forms of intimate partner violence among HIVpositive pregnant women and these also occurred significantly more among HIV positive women than the controls.Conclusion: HIV-positive status predisposes pregnant women to increased intimate partner violence more of emotional nature further underlying the enormity of social rejection suffered as a result of HIV infection. Intimate partner violence screening should form part of their routine antenatal care.Key words. HIV-Related violence, pregnant Igbo women, Enugu, Nigeria

Stérilisation à travers la minilaparotomie au sud-est du Nigéria

The study aimed to assess the trend in acceptance and characteristics of acceptors of female sterilization between January 1999 and December 2006 at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, South-Eastern Nigeria. There were a total of 20,485 new clients, with 212 (1.0%) accepting sterilization between January 1999 and December 2006. There was an initial rise in acceptance from 0.4% in 1999 to 3.0% in 2004, then a decline. 108 (50.9%) were between 35-39 years. 169(79.7%) had more than five living children. 69 (32.5%) and 76 (35.9%) had secondary and higher education respectively. Health workers were the main source of information. Completed family size was the reason for choosing sterilization in 185 clients (87.3%). 120 (56.6%) were in occupational social class 3. 106 (50.0%) did not practice any form of family planning prior to the procedure. 184 (86.8%) had interval sterilization and the rest (13.2%) postpartum. Acceptance of tubal sterilization is still low in our community (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[4]:105-111).L’étude avait pour objectif d’évaluer la tendance de l’acceptation et les caractéristiques des accepteuses de la stérilisation féminine entre janvier 1999 et décembre 2006 au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d’Enugu, au sud-est du Nigéria. Il y avait au total 20,485 nouvelles clientes dont 212 (1,0%) ont accepté la stérilisation entre janvier 1999 et décembre 2006. il y avait une hausse initiale dans l’acceptation de 0,4% en 1999 jusqu'à 3,0% en 2004, puis un déclin. 108 (50,9%) étaient âgés d’entre 35 et 39 ans. 169 (79,7%) avaient plus de cinq enfants encore vivants. 69 (32,5%) et 76 (35,9%) ont fait des études secondaires et supérieures respectivement. Les membres du personnel soignant ont été la source principale d’information. Ayant eu le nombre d’enfants désiré constituait la raison pour laquelle 185 clients (87,3%) ont choisi la stérilisation. 120 (56,6%) appartenaient à la classe sociale professionnelle 3, 106 (50,0%) n’avaient pratique aucune forme de la planification familiale avant la procédure. 184 (86,8) ont eu une stérilisation par intervalles et le reste (13,2%) avaient le post-partum. L’acceptation de la stérilisation tubaire est encore faible dans notre communauté (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[4]: 105-111)

Pozzolanic Reaction in Clayey Soils for Stabilization Purposes: A Classical Overview of Sustainable Transport Geotechnics

Problematic soil stabilization processes involve the application of binders to improve the engineering properties of the soil. This is done to change the undesirable properties of these soils to meet basic design standards. However, very little attention has been given to the reactive phase of soil stabilization. This phase is the most important in every stabilization protocol because it embodies the reactions that lead to the bonding of the dispersed particles of clayey soil. Hence, this reactive phase is reviewed. When clayey soils which make up the greatest fraction of expansive soil come in contact with moisture, they experience volume changes due to adsorbed moisture that forms films of double diffused layer on the particles. When this happens, the clayey particles disperse and float, increasing the pore spaces or voids that exist in the soil mass. Stabilizations of these soils are conducted to close the gaps between the dispersed clayey soil particles. This is achieved by mixing additives that will release calcium, aluminum, silicon, etc., in the presence of adsorbed moisture, and a hydration reaction occurs. This is followed by the displacement reaction based on the metallic order in the electrochemical series. This causes a calcination reaction, a process whereby calcium displaces the hydrogen ions of the dipole adsorbed moisture and displaces the sodium ion responsible for the swelling potential of clayey soils. These whole processes lead to a pozzolanic reaction, which finally forms calcium alumina-silica hydrate. This formation is responsible for soil stabilization

Prisip-Prinsip Akuntansi Jil.2, Edisi Ke Enam Belas

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