Cancer of the Ovary in Nnewi, Nigeria

Background: Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynaecological cancer worldwide.Objectives: This study was to determine the prevalence, risk factors, clinical presentations, treatment modalities and outcome of ovarian cancer in a tertiary health care institution.Materials and Methods: A 5-year retrospective study of patients with ovarian cancer managed in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, South Eastern Nigeria, st between 1 January 2003 and 31st December 2007 was undertaken. The data was collected by scrutinizing the case files collected from the medical records department,Results: There were 29 cases of ovarian cancer out of total of 122(23.8% of all gynaecological malignancies) gynaecological malignancies and2.9% of 1003 gynaecological admissions. The mean age of the patients was 52.9 + 1.7 years. More than 60% of the patients were above 50years and 66.7% were grandmultipara. Abdominal swelling (47.8%) followed by abdominal pain (13.7) were the commonest presenting symptoms. Only 2 (7.4%) patients had a family history of cancer. Stage III (76.9%) was the modal stage at presentation. Approximately 63% wereepithelial tumours. Most of the patients (88.9%) had cytoreductive surgery and 92.3% of these had adjuvant chemotherapy. Two (7.6%) patients died intra-operatively, while 75.0% of the patients died within 6 months of therapy.Conclusion: The prevalence of ovarian cancer was high in Nnewi and environs. Majority of patients presented late and mortality was high despite multimodal therapy. Public enlightenment to increase awareness and introduction of screening programme for early detection is advocated

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms in some selected Nigerian communities

No Abstract.Nigerian Medical Journal Vol. 46 (4) 2005: pp. 91-9

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

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

Determinants Of Poor Utilization Of Orthodox Health Facilities In A Nigerian Rural Community

Objective: To determine some factors limiting the utilization of orthodox health care facilities in Enugu State Methods: Interview was conducted between September 2001 and November 2002 on 474 randomly selected pregnant women who received antenatal care in places other than the orthodox facilities in Nkanu. The interviewees were had experience with orthodox care Results: Determinants of poor utilization of orthodox health facilities in Nkanu include some traditional and religious beliefs, extended family relationships, poor finances, long waiting hours and attitudes of the healthcare providers. About 96.5% of the respondents felt “omugwo” rite was not respected in the orthodox facilities. Religion influenced the choice of healthcare provider in 94.1% of respondents. Large volume of work was disliked by 93.2w% and being addressed by fist name was cherished by 89.8% of the respondents. Lack of guidance in moving round some was of the facilities was highlighted by 58.9%, while financial difficulty was experienced by 50.6% of respondents Conclusion: Development of community – defined model, l in which health as well as acceptable traditional cultural practices, which have long been the key to individual and community health should be pursued. This may involve both the community and the care providers Key Words: Determinants, maternal health, rural community. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.7(2) 2004: 74-7

Prevalence of malaria parasites, Hepatitis B and C viral infections in pregnant women attending anti-natal clinic

No Abstract