Cervical Cancer Screening by Female Workers in South East Nigeria

Cervical cancer is one of the commonest female cancers especially in developing countries. Efforts towards its prevention worldwide have focused on screening women at risk of disease using Pap smears and treating pre-cancerous lesions. A good knowledge and understanding of the level of practice of cervical cancer screening among female workers in south east Nigeria will help in creating population-specific healthcare programs and interventions aimed at improving women’s health. OBJECTIVES: To determine the perception and practice of cervical cancer screening among female workers in south east Nigeria as well as ascertain the influence of age, educational status and marital status on the practice of cervical cancer screening among this group. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among female workers in Nnewi who were selected using multi-stage approach between December 2007 and January 2008. Tests of statistical significance were done using chi square test at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS A total of 172 females responded. The mean age was 29.7 ± 8.8 years and the ages ranged from 15 to 65 years. One hundred and twenty-three respondents (71.5%) knew about cervical cancer screening. Only 12 (9.8%) of the respondents who were aware of Pap smear had done the test, of which 9 (75.0%) had disease detected. There was no statistically significant association between educational level, age andmarital status respectively and the practice of cervical cancer screening. CONCLUSION: There is avery lowlevel of practice of cervical cancer screening in this group. Educational level, age and marital status were found not to affect the practice of cervical cancer screening. Key Words: Cervical cancer, workers, practice, Nigeri

A Review of Gynaecological Hysterectomies in a Private Specialist Hospital in Nigeria

Background: Hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, is practised worldwide. It is a major surgery, which may lead to significant morbidity or even mortality, hence, there must be a justifiable indication before the procedure is undertaken. Symptomatic fibroids and utero-vaginal prolapse are common indications in this environment.Objective: To audit the 30 consecutive gynaecological hysterectomies done in our centre from January 2003 to July 2009, with a view to determining the demographic factors, indications, types of hysterectomies done, and morbidity/mortality associated with the procedures.Methodology: This is a retrospective descriptive study. Data concerning these 30 patients were retrieved from the theatre records and their case notes. The analysis was done using simple tables and percentages.Results: Hysterectomies accounted for 30(28.0%) of 107 major gynaecological operations done during the period under review. Of the 30 hysterectomies 11(36.7%) were vaginal hysterectomies, while total and subtotal abdominal hysterectomies accounted for 13(43.3%) and 6(20%), respectively. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was done in 4(13.3%) patients. The most common indication was uterine fibroids 16(53.3%) followed by utero-vaginal prolapse 8(26.7%). The most common age range of the patients was 40-49year group 16(53.3%), mean age was 45.5±6.7. The most common parity group was para 5-8(53.3%). On the average, the vaginal hysterectomy patients needed less diclofenac injections for pain relief. One bladder injury was encountered. There was no mortality.Conclusion: The indications for, and surgical outcome following gynaecological hysterectomy in a private specialist hospital, is comparable to that from public hospitals. The private hospitals should be considered in manpower development to help improve gynaecological practice