Motorcycle Related Injuries among Rural Dwellers in Irrua, Nigeria: Characteristics and Correlates

Background. The escalating use of motorcycle for commercial transportation of commuters and goods has resulted in an increase in morbidity and mortality from road traffic injuries. Objectives. To study the characteristics of motorcycle injuries seen in Irrua, Nigeria. Materials and Methods. This is a one-year prospective study of all patients seen from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2009. A structured proforma was filled for all consecutive crash victims involving a motorcycle. Results. Motorcycle injuries accounted for 11.6% of attendance in surgical emergency room (142 out of 1,214); 76.8% were males. Amongst victims 47.1% were riders, 42.9%, passengers, and 7.8% pedestrians. Extremity injury accounted for 42.2% while head injury occurred in 21.8%. There were 9 deaths (6.3%). In this study no victim used crash helmet. Conclusion. Banning of motorcycle for commercial use and the introduction of tricycles into rural/suburban comminutes may be an important preventive strategy

Splenectomy in a rural surgical practice

No Abstract. Nigrian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.9 (1) 2006: pp.81-8

Income generation from shea butter production by women in North Central States of Nigeria

The study assessed women involvement in shea butter production in the shea growing areas of the north central states of Nigeria by specifically examining their socio-economic characteristics, ascertaining their income generation and their level of control over the resources used. Data were collected from 193 respondents from Niger and Nasarawa States of Nigeria using questionnaire and interview schedule method and analyzed using percentages and t-test statistics. Results revealed that most respondents had between 1-5 years’ experience in shea butter production, were married, illiterate, young (30-39 years), with family size of 5-7 persons and did not belong to any farm association. They had significant control over resources such as mortar, pestles, and bags, and threads used in shea butter production since most of these were purchased by them. Their major finance source was personal savings (69.1%). Respondents principally carried out direct marketing or sales (99.5%). The average output (shea butter) was 3,691kg per annum. Average income of all respondents was about ₦795,772 but about ₦43,031.0 individually. T-test results revealed that respondents’ average output in Nassarawa State (2582.47kg) was significantly (t=2.00; p≤0.05) lower than that in Niger (4811.75kg) State. Niger State respondents earned significantly (t=3.56; p≤0.05) higher income (₦47,861.86) than Nassarawa State respondents (₦38,958.33). The study recommended that the women groups should be should be linked to microfinance institutions to increase their access to finance, trained on shea butter production process in order to improve their competence

Volvulus complicating jejunal diverticulosis: A case report

Introduction: Diverticular disease is uncommon among Africans though increasing number of cases is now being reported, mainly of colonic diverticulosis. This condition afflicts all parts of the gastrointestinal tract but commonly the colon. Jejunal diverticula are rare, usually asymptomatic but may lead to an acute abdomen. Case presentation: A 68 year old female trader, who was referred from a peripheral center with insidious onset of severe colicky, generalized abdominal pain, repeated vomiting of recently ingested meal, no hematemesis. There was constipation and abdominal distension. The working diagnosis was dynamic intestinal obstruction of small bowel origin. She had emergency exploratory laparotomy following resuscitation. The findings were: volvulus of the jejunum and multiple jejunal diverticula. A resection of 80 cm of the jejunum with most of the diverticula involved in the torsion was done with an end-to-end anastomosis of the jejunum. Her out-patient follow-up has been uneventful. Discussion: Jejunal diverticular disease is rare in Africa. Our patient presented with small bowel obstruction due to volvulus. Other complications are discussed. Conclusion: Intestinal obstruction from diverticular disease is not always of colonic origin. It can occur in the jejunum

Rationale antibiotic usage in appendicectomy

Background: Surgical site infection is of great concern to the surgeon hence preventive measures such as prophylactic antibiotics in widely used for clean contaminated and contaminated surgical procedures. This study seeks to evaluate any advantage gained by administering antibiotic in uncomplicated appendicitis. Method: A prospective randomized trial done on 70 patients admitted with appendicitis without features of peritonitis. Records were taken preoperatively and updated at the point of discharge and first clinic visit. Results: Wound infection occurred in 1 of 34 patients (2.9%) who had no antibiotic appendectomy against 2 of 36 who had metronidazole and ciprofloxacin. Mean age of patients was 22.8 years, and a mean hospital stay of 4.6 days. Conclusion: Routine antibiotic therapy is not necessary for adult Nigerian patients undergoing appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis

Motorcycle Related Injuries among Rural Dwellers in Irrua, Nigeria: Characteristics and Correlates

Background. The escalating use of motorcycle for commercial transportation of commuters and goods has resulted in an increase in morbidity and mortality from road traffic injuries. Objectives. To study the characteristics of motorcycle injuries seen in Irrua, Nigeria. Materials and Methods. This is a one-year prospective study of all patients seen from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2009. A structured proforma was filled for all consecutive crash victims involving a motorcycle. Results. Motorcycle injuries accounted for 11.6% of attendance in surgical emergency room (142 out of 1,214); 76.8% were males. Amongst victims 47.1% were riders, 42.9%, passengers, and 7.8% pedestrians. Extremity injury accounted for 42.2% while head injury occurred in 21.8%. There were 9 deaths (6.3%). In this study no victim used crash helmet. Conclusion. Banning of motorcycle for commercial use and the introduction of tricycles into rural/suburban comminutes may be an important preventive strategy