Demographic Features, Beliefs And Socio–Psychological Impact Of Acne Vulgaris Among Its Sufferers In Two Towns In Nigeria

There is paucity of reports in the demographic knowledge, belief and socio-psychological impact of acne vulgaris sufferers towards the disorder in a black population. This is the first study from Nigeria designed to address this issue. A total of 174 facial acne sufferers completed a self-administered questionnaire, which contained several items mentioning different areas in their belief, knowledge, perception, severity, socio-psychological impact and medication attention. The findings were discussed and compared to those of the Caucasians. The occurrence of the disorder was higher in females (65.0%) compared to the males (35.0%). About 54.0% of the female subjects indicated increase in severity of the disorder during their pre-menstrual period. Also 64.9% of acne sufferers indicated increase in severity during the rainy season, while 93.1% of the population implicated stress to perpetuate the severity of the disorder. Most (75.7%) of the acne sufferers believed that it is caused by oily diet, 40.8% thought that it is hereditary, while barely 5.2% had at sometime sought doctor's attention. Non- prescription products used by acne sufferers were cleansers and cream/lotions. Psychological abnormalities experienced by the sufferers included social inhibition, depression and anxiety. Pain and discomfort are the psychosomatic symptoms. No major differences were found in the beliefs, misconception and socio-psychological impact of acne sufferers in a black population (Nigeria) compared to the Caucasians. There is need to improve the understanding of the disorder in Nigeria through health education programmes

Mixed chemical-induced oxidative stress in occupational exposure in Nigerians

Exposure to single chemicals and associated disorders in occupational environments has received significant attention. Understanding these events holds great promise for risk identification, assessment and chemical induced disease prevention. Fifty (50) fasting male workers, age range 18-50 years exposed to chemical mixtures in a works department, mean duration 17.7±10.1 years and 30 controls matched for age, diet, sex and other demographic characteristics except exposure to chemicals were selected. Body mass index (BMI), antioxidant status and other biochemical indices including plasma proteins (total protein) and subsets, albumin and total globulins were determined in plasma. The BMI was similar between chemical workers (exposed) and controls (p>0.05). Uric acid level was significantly higher in the exposed than in the controls (p<0.01) probably in part up regulation to combat oxidative stress. Uric acid was also significantly positively correlated with BMI (r=0.46, p<0.01), probably to match the body chemical burden. Ascorbate was in contrast significantly lower in chemical workers than in controls (p<0.001), reduced by 91% level in controls. Border line inverse correlations between ascorbate, BMI and duration of exposure were evident. Copper (Cu) level, though slightly raised in chemical workers than in controls was not significant (p>0.05). Plasma proteins were significantly lower in chemical workers than in controls (p<0.001). Total globulins was significantly reduced in chemical workers (p<0.01). Other variables did not differ significantly. These data are consistent with the existence of oxidative stress in these chemical workers

An examination of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to lead exposure in South Western Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Lead is a highly toxic and pervasive metal. Chronic exposure to low levels is responsible for significant health effects, particularly in children. Prevention remains the best option for reducing childhood lead exposure, however the knowledge, attitudes and practices to lead exposure in many developing countries is not known. Methods: We conducted four focus group discussions (FGD) to evaluate knowledge attitudes and practices to lead exposure in Nigeria. An FGD guide was developed from the literature and preliminary discussion with members of the public. Participants in the FGD were randomly selected from adults living in Ibadan, South Western Nigeria in 2004. RESULTS: We found that there was limited awareness of the sources of lead exposure in the domestic environment and participants had little knowledge of the health effects of chronic low-dose lead exposure. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the findings of this study should be used, in conjunction with others, to develop appropriate health education intervention for lead exposure in the domestic environment

Environmental Chemicals and Human Neurotoxicity: Magnitude, Prognosis and Markers

The neurotoxic effects of exposure to chemicals in the environment, though insufficiently recognized, remains a topic of substantial current concern and interest. Neurotoxicities may be protean; expressed as neuropathologic or as altered neurocthemical, electrophysiological or behavioural functions. The adverse effects of neurotoxicity are among the most feared ill health in humans because they adversely affect the quality of life, and have broad health, social and economic implications. Though the magnitude of neurotoxicity is not exactly known, in some advanced countries over 30 million individuals suffer from neurobehavioural illness with only 20% seeking medical attention. In the United States for instance, of the 63 million youths under 18 years of age about 10% have diagnosable neurobehavioural problems with only 20% receiving therapy. Data developed by the massive Global Burden of Disease (GBD) revealed that neurobehavioural impairment ranks only second to cancer and coronary heart disease combined. These data may indeed be more gruesome owing to the poor regulation of exposure to environmental chemicals in resource poor countries. Biomarkers play a major role in detecting, predicting and screening for neurotoxicity. Development of inexpensive and specific biomarkers of neurotoxicity is a challenge to the scientific community. Undoubtedly, the magnitude and potential severity of neurotoxicity problems make it imperative to invest in resources required to strengthen the basis for preventive intervention, the forerunner of which is the development of biomarkers for neurotoxicity at the individual and population levels. Health education on chemicals and potential for neurotoxicity is also desirable

High Cadmium / Zinc Ratio In Cigarette Smokers: Potential Implications As A Biomarker Of Risk Of Prostate Cancer.

Tobacco smoke may be one of the most common sources of cadmium (Cd) in the general population, particularly in the rising population of smokers in developing countries. Although a relationship between both cigarette smoking and environmental Cd contamination with prostate cancer exist, the mechanisms are unclear. Most prospective cohort studies found a positive association between current smoking and a fatal cancer of the prostate. We investigated the interaction between zinc and cadmium and the potential risk of prostate cancer in smokers. Serum cadmium level was significantly (P<0.001) higher in smokers compared with non-smokers, the level in smokers was three-fold that in non-smokers. In contrast zinc was significantly (P<0.001) reduced in smokers compared with non-smokers. Unlike Zn, Cu was significantly (P<0.05) higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Iron (Fe) though higher in smokers was not significantly different. Zinc: cadmium ratio was very significantly (P<0.001) reduced, implying high cadmium: zinc ratio. This ratio was 4.5-fold the level in non-smokers. Total protein, albumin and total globulin levels were all significantly (P<0.001) reduced in smokers compared with non-smokers respectively. Potassium (K+) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Magnesium (Mg) was significantly (P<0.01) reduced in smokers compared to non-smokers. Altered Zn status culminating in high Cd:Zn ratio appears the central factor in smokers; leading to oxidative stress, DNA damage, mutation, impaired DNA repair, P53 expression, angiogenic effect of Cu and impaired vitamin A metabolism. These converge in the risk of the carcinogenic process, suggesting high Cd: Zn ratio as the critical determinant of the risk of prostate cancer in smokers and possibly a biomarker of susceptibility to this environmental disease

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Pregnant Women Entrepreneurs Towards Attending Antenatal Care Clinic At Chika/Aleyita, Abuja Municipal Area Council

Background: Poor antenatal care attendance has continued to affect maternal and child health against Sustainable Development Goal to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio, end preventable deaths of newborns, and decrease neonatal death.Objectives: This study assessed pregnant women entrepreneurs' knowledge, attitude, and perception towards attending antenatal care clinics in Chika/Aleyita Area.Methodology: About 200 women entrepreneurs who gave informed consent were recruited into the study. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to obtain information on knowledge, perception, and attitude towards antenatal clinic visits. Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and Chi-Square analysis.Results: The respondents aged 25-35 years were 57.6%, 94.9% were married, and 50% had a secondary education certificate. Some were selling fruits and vegetables (39.3%), while 28% were into cosmetics. Majority (89.3%) attended antenatal clinic in the hospital. The awareness of antenatal before pregnancy (p&lt;0.001), need for tetanus immunization (p&lt;0.001), routine medication intake (p&lt;0.001), hospital as the best delivery place (p&lt;0.001), and awareness of the need for at least five antenatal attendance (p&lt;0.001) were significantly associated with antenatal attendance. However, the number of pregnancies was not associated with antenatal attendance (p=0.31).Conclusion: Public health workers, nurses, and midwives should intensify their health education strategies to help mothers understand the implication and the benefit of antenatal care

A basic investigation for inherited metabolic diseases: indication for genomic approach

The inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) or Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are mostly determined by single abnormal autosomal recessive genes; which though rare as a group account for a sizeable proportion of disorders in very large populations. There is neither a screening policy as in many advanced countries nor have the diseases been investigated in the concomitant institution for the handicapped in Nigeria. Sixty-one (61) subjects (40M, 20F); Mean age 18.38 + 1.3 (SD) years who were residents of the Oluyole Cheshire School and the School for the Handicapped both in the Eleyele area of Ibadan, were selected for the study. Thirty-five (35) apparently healthy (no manifest genetic disorder) individuals, mean age 19.00 + 1.30 (SD) years were selected as controls. The mean weight of the handicapped was 40.9 + 1.1kg while the controls was 47.63 + 1.17 (SD) kg. Mid morning urine samples were collected from all subjects and controls. Aversion for venepuncture by both subjects and their care providers prevented some blood assays. All subjects were subjected to Benedicts reaction, the Ferric Chloride (FeC13) test, clinstix, and the ninhydrin reactions. Thirty-two (32) out of a population of 45 (71.1%) at the Oluyole Chesire Home and 29 out of a population 42 (69.1%) at the School for the handicapped participated in the study. The handicapped subjects had significantly lower weight than controls (