33 research outputs found

    Comparative study of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. in the biodegradation of automotive gas oil (AGO) and premium motor spirit (PMS)

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    The comparative study of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. in the biodegradation of automotive gas oil (AGO) and premium motor spirit (PMS) was carried out to ascertain the effectiveness of using these microorganisms in cleaning and restoring the ecosystem when polluted by petroleum products. These fungi were observed to grow at all concentrations of the petroleum products (pollutant) used, but the growth on AGO was considerably reduced compared to the growth on PMS. The mycelia growth of A. niger was observed to be faster in PMS than in AGO. The ability of A. niger and Penicillium sp. totolerate these pollutants and grow on them, suggest that they can be employed as bioremediation agents and can be used in restoring the ecosystem when contaminated by these pollutants

    Effectiveness of data collection and information transmission process for disease notification in Anambra State, Nigeria

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    Background: Disease surveillance and notification (DSN) has been shown to be weak in Nigeria, thus, its inability to promptly detect and control epidemics.Objective: To examine the completeness and timeliness of data collection and information transmission process for DSN in the Anambra state.Materials and Methods: The study was of cross‑sectional design and employed the multistage sampling method to select 270 health workers who are involved in DSN in Anambra state. Data were collected by a mix method of interviewer administered questionnaire and observational checklist preceded by key informant interviews and desk review.Results: One hundred (43.9%) health workers reported regular supply of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) forms, 25% and 16.2% reported it was irregular and usually out of stock, respectively. Most facilities (81.5%) returned completed forms monthly. Secondary health facilities were less likely to submit completed forms, while majority of primary health facilities submitted theirs monthly (X2 = 4.42, P = 0.035). With respect to correctness of records, Health Management Information System records (55.6%) were the least correct, while out‑patient register (88.9%) was the most correct. Only 10.0% of health facilities submitted completed forms 5 days after completion, 88.9% of them submitted completed IDSR002 forms within 2 days of completion, while the remainder was submitted 4 days later.Conclusion: The health workers were not operating the DSN system in the State to optimal functionality. Recommendations were therefore made for the periodic training–retraining of health personnel on DSN, improved funding, provision of logistics, improved supervision, and feedback of information.Keywords: Data collection, disease notification, effectiveness, information transmission processNigerian Journal of Clinical Practice • Oct-Dec 2013 • Vol 16 • Issue

    Factors influencing implementation of the Ministry of Health-led private medicine retailer programmes on malaria in Kenya

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Kenya has experienced a number of retail sector initiatives aimed at improving access to antimalarial medicines. This study explored stakeholders' perceptions of the role of private medicine retailers (PMRs), the value and feasibility of programme goals, perceived programme impact, factors influencing implementation and recommendations in three districts of Kenya.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This study was part of a larger evaluation of PMR programmes, including quantitative and qualitative components. The qualitative research was conducted to assess implementation processes and actors' experiences in the programmes, through focus group discussions with trained PMRs and mothers of children under five years, and in-depth interviews with programme managers, trainers and co-trainers.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>PMRs were perceived to provide rapid cheap treatment for non-serious conditions and used as a deliberate and continuously evaluated choice between different treatment sources. All stakeholders supported programme goals and most PMRs described increased customer satisfaction, more rational purchasing of medicine stock and increased medicine sales after participation. Factors undermining programme implementation included a lack of MoH resources to train and monitor large numbers of PMRs, the relative instability of outlets, medicines stocked and retail personnel, the large number of proprietary brands and financial challenges to retailers in stocking antimalarial medicines, and their customers in buying them. Unambiguous national support and a broad range of strategies are important to strengthen the feasibility of change in OTC antimalarial use.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Understanding the context and implementation processes of PMR programmes and the perspectives of key actors are critical to identifying measures to support their effective implementation. Financial barriers underlie many described challenges, with important implications for policies on subsidies in this sector. In spite of barriers to implementation, increased exposure to programme activities promoted trust and improved relationships between PMRs and their clients and trainers, strengthening feasibility of such interventions. Public information can strengthen PMR training programmes by engaging local communities and may facilitate performance monitoring of PMRs by their clients.</p

    Sexual knowledge and behaviour among female seconday school students in a local government area in Anambra state.

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    No Abstract.ABSUMSAJ Vol. 3 (1) 2006: pp.25-2

    The contribution of privately owned hospitals in the provision of essential obstetric care in Nigeria

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    Objective: To highlight the private sector contribution in the provision of essential obstetric care in Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria. Method: Following two workshops a structured questionnaire was used to seek information on the type of facility, ownership, type of services, number of staff, instruments and medical consumables, deliveries and data on clients attended to in the previous twelve months. On the basis of the response the facilities were classified into not essential obstetric care, basic essential obstetric care and comprehensive essential obstetric care. Results: Of 638 facilities visited only 378 offered antenatal and postnatal services. The 13 government hospitals and 173 primary health centers conducted 5601 deliveries. The 146 private hospitals/clinics and 46 maternity homes conducted 21,128 deliveries. Only 121 offered essential obstetric services: 42 basic with 2488 deliveries and 79 comprehensive with 14,489 deliveries. Of the basic essential obstetric facilities that were private, 84.6% were concentrated in the 6 urban local government areas (LGA) leaving 15.4% in the 11 rural LGA. Similarly 85.6% of the comprehensive essential obstetric facilities that were private are concentrated in the 6 urban LGA leaving 14.4% scattered in the 11 rural LGA Conclusion: The private sector, with its greater essential obstetric facilities, is concentrated mainly in the 6 urban LGA. This resulted in 14,970 deliveries as against 2007 deliveries in the government facilities. Although there is an apparent neglect of the other 11 LGA, the deliveries in the private facilities constituted over 79% within the study period. This greater contribution should be noted and considered when planning maternal and infant mortality and morbidity reforms in Nigeria. Keywords: Essential obstetric care; Privately owned Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol. 9 (2)2006:pp. 159-16

    Determination of benefit of early identification of severe forms of malaria in peripheral centres in South Eastern Nigeria

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    Background/Aims: A pilot study to determine benefits of early identification of severe forms of malaria in peripheral centres was carried out in 3 rural communities of South Eastern Nigeria. Methodology: The study area is located in the rain forest belt of South Eastern Nigeria with high temperature and humidity. It is a typical rural setting with hardly accessible roads, very little physical infrastructure and difficulty in access to health care facilities. Results: After 4 months of the study, a total of 788 patients were seen in the 3 sites. Patients presenting with malaria symptoms totalled 543 representing (68.9%). The male /female distribution is 297 and 246 respectively. Out of 421 blood smears for malaria parasite done, 192 were positive. Most (335) of the patients with malaria symptoms were children aged less than 4 years. Forty-seven patients presented with severe forms of malaria of which 35 (74.5%) were children under 10 years. All the 47 patients with severe malaria were referred to the usual centre and followed up subsequently. While 2 (4.26%) of them died, the rest 45 (95.74%) survived and were discharged after a mean duration of stay of 6 days. Conclusion: The importance of immediate referral of identified cases was validated by this study. Keywords: benefits, treatment, severe malaria Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 8(4) 2005: 79-8

    Assessment of Pattern of Cigarette Smoking and Associated Factors among Male Students in Public Secondary Schools in Anambra State, Nigeria

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    Background: The WHO has estimated that there are about 1,300 million smokers globally and about 75% of these are in the developing countries. It is also predicted that if the current pattern of smoking continues, by 2020, there will be 10 million tobacco-related deaths annually worldwide and seven million (70%) of these deaths will occur in the developing countries. The objective of the study was to assess the cigarette smoking pattern and associated factors among male students in public secondary schools in Anambra State. Methods: The setting was public secondary schools in Anambra State. The study was in April 2008. It was a cross-sectional survey involving six schools, selected by multistage sampling technique. Eight hundred and fifty male students participated in the study. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used. Qualitative data were collected using Focus group discussion (FGD). Results: The mean age of respondents was 16&plusmn;2.1 years. The ever-smoked and current smoking prevalence were 13.1% and 8.7% respectively. Mean age of commencement of cigarette smoking was 13.7&plusmn;2.6 years. Among smokers, 37.8% were daily smokers. Television (40.7%) and radio (33.3%) were the main sources of advertisement. Peer influence (34.2%) was the main reason for uptake of cigarette smoking. Major reason for not smoking among non-smokers was health concerns (57.9%). There were significant associations between smoking status and age of respondents (2=25.08; P= &lt;0.05), father's smoking status (2=158.77, P &lt; 0.05), awareness of health hazards of smoking (2= 5.13, P = 0.023) and advertisement on television (2= 4.05, P = 0.044) and billboards (2= 44.39, P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Cigarette smoking prevalence among secondary school boys in Anambra State is high. Health education and strict implementation of anti-smoking policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria is recommended. Keywords: Cigarette smoking, Anambra state, male students, health education, smoking prevalenc
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