Assessment of Occupational Diseases among Artisans and Factory Workers in Ifo, Nigeria

The ever increasing incidences of occupational diseases among workers have continually drawn the attention of researchers towards ameliorating the situation. Investigation was launched to assess occupational diseases among artisans and factory workers in Ifo, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires with oral interview were employed to complement the health records of the respondents at the Government accredited health center. Of the one hundred and fifty six (156) respondents, ninety six (62%) are males and sixty one (38%) female, sixty one point fifty four percent (61.54%) are youths of age 20 to 39 years, fifty one (32.69%) are illiterates and one hundred and eight (69.21%) earn N100, 000 ($615) and below as monthly wages. The diseases prevalent in these workers were evaluated to include but not limited to disorders of muscles, bones, joints, skin and the respiratory organs indicating that most of the jobs are such that causes damages to these special parts of the body and could lead to deformities/incapacitation in old age. Common amongst these diseases are Pre-patellar bursitis and Eczema (1.92% each), Tuberculosis, Asthma and Sunburn (5.77% each). Toxic/inflammatory syndrome, hearing impairment, allergies and computer vision syndrome (7.69% each). Two (1.28% in each case) have been diagnosed of Lead poisoning, Lung cancer, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Pulmonary fibrosis, Meniscus lesion and Olecranon bursitis. Upper airway disorders (4.49%), Irritations (3.21%), Post-traumatic stress syndrome (11.54%), skin allergies (13.46%). Chronic bronchitis; Pneumonia; Pneumoconiosis; Hepatitis and Anthrax-like infection (0.64 % each). The causes of these diseases/disorders include dusts from quarry, textile, cotton, metal, paper, mineral, wood, cereals, cement, and chemical fumes industries, extreme posture of wrist, repetitive movements, inhalations from petrol fuel, prolonged pressure of the elbow region, prolonged kneeling/ squatting position, forceful exertions and microorganisms. Adequate occupational health and safety awareness through training and campaign should be provided. The use of personal protective equipment among workers should also be encouraged

Therapists' construction of their clients' trauma-related intrusive memories in the context of client distress: a grounded theory analysis

Quantitative research has shown that individuals who report intrusive memories of traumatic events often experience psychological distress. There is a need for qualitatively focused research, which would allow for an understanding of how therapists construct and make sense of their clients’ intrusive trauma memories in the context of the clients’ psychological distress. The research involved face to face semi-structured interview with nine qualified psychologists about their experience of working with trauma clients. The data were analysed using constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz, 2006). The research study facilitated nuanced understanding of clients' trauma memories from the perspective of therapists. It explored the process of the therapists looking within to make sense of the impact of their clients’ trauma experiences on them. It also allowed the researcher to examine how the therapist changes as a result of their engagement with trauma clients. Grounded theory analysis demonstrated that therapists constructed some important categories. These include; trauma memories as threat to sense of self, appraisal processes of trauma memories, discovering survival strategies, therapists' process in therapy with clients, therapists changing and reflecting as a result of trauma work and therapist discovering coping strategies. The findings indicate that trauma work also brings some rewards and privileges in the form of strength, growth, and empowerment. The research findings have important implications for policy and practice, service quality, and the well-being of therapists and their clients

Proximate Determinants of Women's Use of Birth Control Methods in Ota,Ogun State

Fertility regulation and pregnancy prevention are among the major health challenges of the 21st century in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Nigeria. Contraception has been identified as an effective means of combating the problem of unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion and it is equally an effective means of family planning and fertility control and therefore very important in promoting maternal and child health. Women between ages 18 and 47 (n=143, mean=30.4 years) were sampled. A survey research questionnaire made up of four trajectories and consisting of sixteen (16) items was used in this study. The study made use of frequency counts, percentage, t-test analysis and regression analysis. The SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Results indicate a good knowledge of types of contraception with more than a third (83%) aware of condom as a contraceptive method. However, very few women were aware of modern contraceptive methods such as implants (9%) and spermicides (5%). The study indicates that knowledge of contraception (β = 2.244; t = 2.356; p < .05), employment status (β = 1.955; t = 2.257;p < .05) and age (β = 1.530; t = 2.203; p < .05) were good predictors of women’s contraceptive use. There was also a significant difference in women’s use of contraceptives based on contraceptive selfefficacy (t = 3.387, p < .05). Based on these findings, the study shows the need for strong advocacy,enlightenment and community mobilization for improved awareness and use of contraceptives in fertility control and preventing unwanted pregnancie

Effect of Biological and Chemical Ripening Agents on the Nutritional and Metal Composition of Banana (Musa spp)

The use of potentially toxic ripening agents is common in developing countries. Four ripening agents namely calcium carbide, potash, African mango and jathropha curcas leaf were used and compared with a control with no ripening agent. Result showed that RB1 and RB2 were the first to ripen at 3days with RB5 at 6th day. Protein content reduced in the ripened samples in the order of 4.12&gt;3.68&gt;3.04&gt;2.52&gt;1.99&gt;1.77%. Protein value was lowest when calcium carbide was used. Fat ash and fiber contents range between 0.28-1.72, 0.75-2.75and 0.50-1.75% respectively. The moisture content increased from 65.50 to 74.0%, while carbohydrate content range is 17.49-29.29%. Pb, Cu, Zn and Mn values of 0.22, 0.87, 1.96 and 0.67ppm was highest in calcium carbide ripened banana and lowest in the control 0.09, 0.26, 0.37 and 0.19 ppm.Keywords: Banana; ripening; ripening agents; postharvest losses; metal contaminatio

Comparative Antibacterial Activity of Five Brands of Ciprofloxacin Injectables in Nigeria

Background: Ciprofloxacin, a widely used antimicrobial agent, is available in Nigeria in various tablet and injectable dosage forms. In this era of fake and substandard drugs, it is important to be sure of the quality and antimicrobial potency of ciprofloxacin injectables imported and sold in Nigeria.Objectives: This study is aimed at evaluating and comparing the antibacterial efficacy of five different brands of ciprofloxacin infusion available in Nigeria against clinical bacterial isolates.Method: Ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy was used to determine the percentage content of active pharmaceutical ingredient in each brand, while antibacterial activities were compared against five bacterial strains including: Escherichia coli (E), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Ps), Proteus mirabilis (Pr), Staphylococcus aureus (St) and Salmonella typhi (Sa). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBCs) were determined by broth dilution method. Statistical analysis of the results obtained was done by ANOVA.Result: The percentage content of all the five brands of ciprofloxacin injection was not less than the specification (95-105%) of the British Pharmacopoeia, BP (2009). The susceptibility test showed that 16 out of 30 (53.3%) isolates were multidrug resistant. Ciprofloxacin was active on most of the clinical isolates which justify its wide use in treating infections in Nigeria; however, resistance to ciprofloxacin is increasing.Conclusion: Comparing the different brands, there was slight variation but no significant difference (p&gt; 0.05) in their antibacterial activity (p= 0.96, 0.999 for sensitivity at 10μg/ml and MIC respectively). Keywords: Ciprofloxacin brands, Fake drugs, Physicochemical analysis, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial resistanc

Pathophysiological changes that affect drug disposition in protein-energy malnourished children

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a major public health problem affecting a high proportion of infants and older children world-wide and accounts for a high childhood morbidity and mortality in the developing countries. The epidemiology of PEM has been extensively studied globally and management guidelines formulated by the World Health Organization (WHO). A wide spectrum of infections such as measles, malaria, acute respiratory tract infection, intestinal parasitosis, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS may complicate PEM with two or more infections co-existing. Thus, numerous drugs may be required to treat the patients. In-spite of abundant literature on the epidemiology and management of PEM, focus on metabolism and therapeutic drug monitoring is lacking. A sound knowledge of pathophysiology of PEM and pharmacology of the drugs frequently used for their treatment is required for safe and rational treatment. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiological changes in children with PEM that may affect the disposition of drugs frequently used for their treatment. This review has established abnormal disposition of drugs in children with PEM that may require dosage modification. However, the relevance of these abnormalities to the clinical management of PEM remains inconclusive. At present, there are no good indications for drug dosage modification in PEM; but for drug safety purposes, further studies are required to accurately determine dosages of drugs frequently used for children with PEM

A Note on “Malaria at Parturition in Nigeria: Current Status and Delivery Outcome”

We read the recent article by (Mokuolu et al. 2009) with keen interest and would like to congratulate them for a job well done. However, we would like to raise a few points relating to the limitations of the study

PROCESS TECHNOLOGY, CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND QUALITY OF "AADUN" A MAIZE- BASED NIGERIAN SNACK

Process technology, chemical composition and sensory quality of "aadun"- a maize based Nigeriansnack were investigated. Process technology was established through oral interview and visitation toprocessors at Abeokuta and Ibadan, while "aadun" samples were evaluated for their chemical compositionand sensory quality using laboratory samples as control. Although ingredient composition variedwidely among processors, roasted maize flour and palm oil constitute about 71 and 27 % of the ingredientsrespectively. Pepper, salt and other spices added up to only 1- 2%. The major unit operationsidentified in "aadun" processing were: cleaning, roasting, milling, sieving, mixing, molding and packaging."Aadun" was found to be very rich in calorie (495.34- 618.84kcal/ 100g), low in protein (4.95-6.08%) and a good source of phosphorus (538.45- 600mg/100g) and magnesium (245.05-255.12mg/100g). Sensory quality of "aadun" is processor dependent as samples differ significantly(p&gt; 0.05) in their colour, aroma, texture and overall acceptability but not in taste. "Aadun" samplesgenerally had low microbial loads with total plate count ranging between 1.2 x103 and 3.3x103cfu/g