Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibodies seroprevalence among students in two tertiary institutions in Anambra state, Nigeria: a comparative study

Chlamydia infection is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in humans caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. This study assessed the seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies among students in two tertiary institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria. It was a comparative cross-sectional survey using enzyme immunoassay kits for the determination of IgG class antibodies, while the multistage sampling technique was used in the selection of participants for the study. The overall prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies observed in this survey was 14.3%, which was higher among students from the University (21.6%) than their counterparts from the College of Education (7.4%) (χ2=5.89, df=1p<0.015). Factors found to have significant effect on the seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in both institutions were: prior sexual exposure (p<0.05); unprotected sexual intercourse in the last one year (p<0.05); multiple sexual partners in the last one year (p<0.05); and presence of symptoms suggestive of STI (p<0.05). Among students in the College of Education, the place of residence significantly affected Chlamydia trachomatis seroprevalence with a preponderance towards students living off-campus (χ2=4.00, df-1, p<0.05). Hence, there is need to institute appropriate prevention and control measures against the transmission of the disease especially among those at risk of contracting the disease.Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, seroprevalence, sexual behaviour, students, tertiary institutions

Adolescent Sexual Behaviour and Practices in Nigeria: A Twelve Year Review

Background: Adolescence is a time of opportunity and risk. During this time, attitudes, values and behaviours that forms a young person's future begin to develop and take shape. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 70% of premature deaths among adults are largely due to behaviours initiated during adolescence. Age of sexual debut is generally low, yet there is dearth of knowledge on sexuality.Objective: The article reviewed the sexual practices and behaviours of Nigerian adolescents in the last twelve years.Methods: Available publications in local and international journals on adolescent sexual behaviour and practices covering a twelve-year period from January 2000 to December 2011 were retrieved from the Library (NAUTH Medical Library). Additional search for published articles was done on the internet from Pubmed/Medline and other search engines.Results: Adolescents engage in unhealthy sexual behaviours, characterized by early age at sexual initiation, unsafe sex and multiple sex partners. Reasons given for this include curiosity, peer influence, pleasure and financial benefit, amongst others.Conclusion: The strategies given in this review have the potential to increase sexual awareness in adolescents, encourage contraceptive use and improve adolescent reproductive and sexual health in the country.Keywords: Adolescent sexual behaviour, Adolescent health and development, secondary school students, adolescent pregnancy

Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of children who received emergency blood transfusion in a secondary health facility at Awka.

Background: Severe anaemia is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in children in developing countries and could be managedby urgent blood transfusion to save life, though with its attendance risks like exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other bloodborne infections.Objective: To determine the socio demographic and clinical characteristic of children found to have received emergency blood transfusion inAwka, Anambra state.Patients and methods: The hospital records of children aged above one month to 18 years who received emergency blood transfusion atchildren’s ward of Amaku General Hospital Awka (AGHA) between march 1, 2007 to August 31st, 2009 were studies.Results: Of the 391 patients and admitted during the period, 35 (8.9%) had emergency blood transfusion. The youngest child was 7 months andoldest 14 years. More than 65% of those transfused were less than 5 years. There was no statistically significant sex difference among thosetransfused ( p > 0.05). The middle socio-economic class patients presented with severe anaemia more than other social class. Malaria was the commonest cause of anaemia requiring emergency blood transfusion accounting for 51.4% as a single entity or 28.6% in combination with otherconditions.Conclusion: Severe anaemia requiring urgent blood transfusion was caused mostly by malaria. Measures aimed at addressing poverty andmalaria attacks were suggested as a way forward. These will help reduce the incidence of severe anaemia and thus the need for emergency bloodtransfusion

Sexual Behaviour and Practices Among Secondary School Adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescents are persons aged 10 to 19 years. Adolescence is the progression from appearance of sexual characteristics to sexual and reproductive maturity; development of adult mental processes and adult identity and a period of transition from total socio-economic dependence to relative independence. Their sexual behaviour is an issue of global public health concern. Objective: TThis study is to assess the sexual behaviour and practices among secondary school adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross -sectional descriptive study of 384 inschool adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria, selected using a multi stage random sampling technique was done. Data was collected using pre-tested, semi-structured self administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 13 computer software. Results: One hundred and twenty (34.3%) out of 384 respondents have had their first sexual exposure and are sexually active. Seventy eight (65.0%) were males while 42 (35.0%) were females. The mean, modal and youngest ages of initiation into sexual activity were 15.08 + 0.2, 15+ 0.2, and 10+ 0.2 years respectively. About 49 (40.8%) have multiple sexual partners. Contraceptive awareness was 52.0%, while contraceptive uses at first and last sexual intercourse were 35 (29.2%) and 108 (75.0%) respectively. The most commonly used contraceptive methods were condom 90.0% (108) and pills 8.20% (10), while the most common reasons for having premarital sex were peer group pressure 50.0% (60) and monetary gains 27.5% (33). Conclusion: Risky sexual behaviour is high among this age group. Efforts to promote sexuality education and contraceptive awareness should be intensified. Key words: sexual behaviour, secondary schools, adolescents, Nigeria. Afrimedic Journal 2010; 1(2)22-2

Perception and Care-Seeking Behaviour for Post Partum Morbidity among Mothers in Enugu South East, Nigeria

No Abstrac

A four year review of external quality assessment of sputum AFB smear microscopy centres in Southeast Nigeria.

Objective: To identify the types, pattern and trend of errors in sputum smear microscopy in peripheral primary health laboratories in the Southeast States of Nigeria.Design: Retrospective studyMethods: A retrospective study of laboratory reports of randomly selected and blinded re-checked sputum smear microscopic slides at the peripheral laboratory centres (using Lots Quality Assurance Sampling Method) in the Southeast States of Nigeria between 2003 and 2006.Result: A total of 862 errors were found between 2003 and 2006 (862/873 or 98.7%), and consisted of HFN 155 (18%), HFP 138 (16%), LFN 161 (18.7%), LFP 186 (21.3%), and QE 222 (25.7%). There was a statistically significant association (P value < .05) between the following types of errors (LFN, QE, total minor errors and total errors) and the period 2003 to 2006. However, there was no statistically significant association between these types of errors and slide volume (microscopic workload). The means of total error, and total minor errors declined as the sampling quarter moved from 1st to the 3rd quarter, while total errors declined as the year moved from 2003 to 2006.Conclusion: There was a statistically significant relationship between types of errors, pattern of minor errors and period of the study. The study showed a trend between the errors (LFN, QE, and TE) and the period of review (2003 to 2006), while the total minor errors and total errors declined as the sampling quarter moved from 1st to the 4th quarter of the years.Key Words: External Quality Assessment, Lots Quality Assurance Sampling Method, Nigeria, and sputum smear microscopy

Contraceptive Choices and Practices among Urban Woman in Southeastern Nigeria

No Abstrac

Nutrition Transition in Developing Countries: A Review

Background: Over the centuries there have been changes in the diet of man. This is accompanied by changes in the level of activity and body composition. These changes have effects on the health of man. Modern science has continued to reveal the relationship between the changes in diet, physical activity, body composition of man and his health and the general effect on his life expectancy and quality of life. These changes occur at different rates in different parts of the world. Objective: This paper aims at studying these shifts in pattern of diet, physical activity and body composition with special interest in developing countries. Method: Relevant literature was reviewed from medical journals, library search, PubMed search, google search and search using other internet search engines. The key words employed were: Nutrition transition, with particular emphasis on developing countries. Result: Several studies have given perspectives on nutrition transition, the factors that are responsible for the transition, the effects on the health of man, the scenarios in developed world and in the developing countries. Also highlighted are the challenges it poses to humanity and possible measures to arrest the situation. Conclusion: It is obvious that nutrition transition is a reality that is present with humanity. In the developing world we have more problems on our hands as we have not succeeded in controlling the communicable diseases and the non-communicable diseases most of which are nutrition related are becoming predominant. This calls for action to prevent the dire consequences of inaction. Keywords: Nutrition Transition, Developing countries

Proximate Determinants of Antenatal Care Utilization among Women in Southeastern Nigeria

No Abstract

Contraceptive Knowledge and Practice Among Female Teachers of Reproductive Age, in Nnewi, Anambra State

Background: Contraceptive prevalence in Nigeria has been consistently low despite all efforts by government and non governmental organization to boost utilization. Yet sexual activity in the country is on the increase especially among young persons (10-24 years). Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the level of contraceptive knowledge and practice among female teachers of reproductive age group (15-49 years) in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study of the contraceptive knowledge and practice of 384 teachers of reproductive age (15-49 years), teaching in both primary and secondary schools within Nnewi Town, Anambra State between April and June 2010. Results: Majority of the respondents, 372 (97.0%), had knowledge of at least one form of contraceptive method. The best known method of contraception was the natural method, 180 (46.9%). The highest knowledge for the modern method was that of condom, 178 (46.4%), while the least known was sterilization methods, 35 (9.1%). The commonest source of information was the mass media. Ever use of contraception was found in 219 (57.0%) respondents while current use was found in 154 (40.0%). Husbands' approval, 90 (58.4%) was the commonest reason for choice of a particular method while the least reason was cost, 8 (5.1%). Conclusion: A disparity exists between knowledge and contraceptive practice among female teachers of reproductive age in Nnewi. This gap can be bridged by properly designed training and re-training of teachers on reproductive health issues including family planning. Keys Words: Contraceptive knowledge, Teachers, Nnew