Knowledge, attitude, and utilization of HIV counseling and testing by female sex workers in Lagos State, Nigeria

Objectives: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic continues to expand among female sex workers (FSWs) who have limited access to and utilization of HIV counseling and testing services (HCT). HCT plays a pivotal role in increasing knowledge and awareness to prevent, treat, and control HIV/AIDS. The study objective was to determine the knowledge, attitude, utilization of HCT among brothel-based FSWs (BBFSWs). Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among 300 BBFSWs in Lagos State. The respondents were recruited by snowballing after a multistage sampling method was used in the selection of the brothels. The data was collected using an adapted interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Majority (63.0%) of the respondents were between the ages of 21-30 years and 67.4% had good knowledge of HIV and HCT. About 75.0% had a positive attitude towards HCT and 55.6% of FSWs in this study had utilized an HCT center in the past. The main reason for not taking HIV test was the fear of a positive result (90.6%) while the main reasons given for not visiting any HCT center were lack of confidentiality (13.3%), stigmatization (14.8%), and distance to the HCT center (67.2%). Conclusion: There was a good knowledge of HCT and a positive attitude towards HCT services by the respondents. The main reasons for not taking the HIV test as indicated by respondents were fear of a positive result. HIV-stigma related issues should be adequately addressed

Comparative effects of educational intervention on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding HIV/AIDS among hospital orderlies in two Tertiary Hospitals

Background: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) pandemic is a major challenge that health care workers are faced with because of increased risk of infection. Despite the high risk of HIV infection among nursing assistants, less attention is currently paid to training this cadre of hospital staff to reduce the risk of infection. Objective: To assess the effect of educational intervention on knowledge, attitude and practice about HIV/AIDS among hospital orderlies in two tertiary facilities in Ogun State, South-west, Nigeria. Methods: The study was a quasi-experimental, non-randomized, controlled group design which was conducted in three phases; a pre-intervention evaluation, immediate post-intervention evaluation and another evaluation three months post-intervention. Hospital orderlies were recruited (108 from the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu (OOUTH) as intervention group and 112 orderlies from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta as controls). Results: Significant increase in the knowledge, attitude and practice of the intervention group determined by percentage score was recorded immediately after the training. In the control group, there was a decline in the attitudinal score but an insignificant increase in the knowledge and practice of HIV prevention. Three months post-intervention, further increase in the knowledge score and attitudinal score in the intervention group respectively compared to the pre-test scores ( 83.3% vs. 99.1% and 94.4% vs. 96.3%) were recorded. Conclusion: The study showed good knowledge of HIV and AIDS which further improved after the educational intervention. Therefore, the need for continuous training for the hospital orderlies is germane

Dataset and ANN model prediction of performance of graphene nanolubricant with R600a in domestic refrigerator system

This work evaluated the steady state performance of R600a in the base lubricant and graphene nanolubricant. The measuring instruments required and their uncertainties were provided, step by step method and procedures for preparation of graphene nanolubricant concentration and substituting it with the base lubricant in domestic refrigerator system are described. The system temperatures data was captured at the inlet and outlet of the system components. Also, the pressures data was recorded at the compressor inlet and outlet. The data was recorded for 3 h at 30 min interval at an ambient temperature of 27 °C. The experimental dataset, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) training and testing dataset are provided. The artificial intelligence approach of ANN model to predict the performance of graphene nanolubricant in domestic refrigerator is explained. Also, the ANN model prediction statistical performance metrics such as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and coefficient of determination (R2) are also provided. The data is useful to researchers in the field of refrigeration and energy efficiency materials, for replacing nanolubricant with the base lubricant in refrigerator systems. The data can be reuse for simulation and modelling vapour compression energy system

Dataset and ANN model prediction of performance of graphene nanolubricant with R600a in domestic refrigerator system

This work evaluated the steady state performance of R600a in the base lubricant and graphene nanolubricant. The measuring instruments required and their uncertainties were provided, step by step method and procedures for preparation of graphene nanolubricant concentration and substituting it with the base lubricant in domestic refrigerator system are described. The system temperatures data was captured at the inlet and outlet of the system components. Also, the pressures data was recorded at the compressor inlet and outlet. The data was recorded for 3 h at 30 min interval at an ambient temperature of 27 °C. The experimental dataset, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) training and testing dataset are provided. The artificial intelligence approach of ANN model to predict the performance of graphene nanolubricant in domestic refrigerator is explained. Also, the ANN model prediction statistical performance metrics such as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and coefficient of determination (R2) are also provided. The data is useful to researchers in the field of refrigeration and energy efficiency materials, for replacing nanolubricant with the base lubricant in refrigerator systems. The data can be reuse for simulation and modelling vapour compression energy system

Rifampicin resistance among patients with Tuberculosis at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in Nigeria. The emergence of multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis poses a threat to global Tuberculosis control and if not effectively addressed, may wipe out the achievements of previous efforts in controlling Tuberculosis. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with rifampicin resistance amongpatients receiving care for TB at the OlabisiOnabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu. Methods: A retrospective study of presumptive Tuberculosis cases managed between January 2013 and December 2016 at the Directly Observed Treatment clinic, OlabisiOnabanjoUniversity Teaching Hospital Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria,was done. One sputum sample was obtained from each patient for the Gene Xpert® test to diagnoseTB and to determine rifampicin resistance among patients with confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. HIV screening was also carried out on all the patients using HIV Rapid Test kits. The sociodemographic data were retrieved from the presumptive Tuberculosis register. Results: A total of 1572 presumptive TB patients were screened for TB, out of which 187 (11.8%) were confirmed to be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). A total of 20 (10.7%) of the 187 MTB patients had rifampicin resistance using Gene Xpert® method. Rifampicin resistance rate was significantlyassociated with re-treatment TB category but not with age, sex or HIV status. Conclusion: The study showed rifampicin drug resistance among confirmed TB patients. There is a need to decentralizethe use of Gene Xpert® test for TB to the peripheral facilities and make it a point of care test for presumptive TB patients

Psychosocial Burden and Coping Abilities of Caregivers of Children with Sickle Cell Disease Attending Government-Owned Tertiary Health Care Facilities in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria

Objective: Sickle cell disease is a chronic inherited haematological disorder affecting predominantly people of African, Arab and Indiana ancestries with the highest reported burden of 150,000 children in Nigeria. The chronicity and physical and psychosocial complications of the disease pose a significant psychosocial burden on children and their caregivers. This study assessed the psychosocial burden and coping abilities of primary caregivers of children with sickle cell disease. Method: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study done in two public tertiary health institutions in Ogun State. Semi-structured interview-based validated questionnaires were administered to assess their psychosocial and health burden. The coping ability of the caregivers was determined. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used for data analysis. Results: Two hundred and twenty-four primary caregivers were interviewed. The moderate to severe psychosocial burden was 34.4%. Some (21.4%) found it difficult to cope with the care of the children and 12.1% believed it had a severe impact on their health. Major factors reported were frequent hospitalization, emergencies, school absenteeism, crisis and hospital bills. Caring for these children caused a general atmosphere of tension and marital disharmony in 17.4% and 17.9% of the respondents, respectively. The stress level was higher among female caregivers, low socio-economic class, single parenthood and older caregivers. Female child, age and severity of illness had a significant impact on the burden and coping levels. Conclusion: The caregivers experienced some psychosocial burden and difficulty in coping. Frequent hospitalization and the high cost of health care placed significant strain on them