Functional changes of the vasculature in HIV/AIDS patients on Haart and Haart Naïve HIV participants

The present study sought to explore the functional changes that occur in the vasculature of HIV positive participants of African origin in Mthatha district of South africa which might lead to increased risk in their cardiovascular system. Available literature shows that arterial stiffness plays an important role in cardiovascular events such as stroke, vasculitis and myocardial infarction. Measurement of (aortic pulse wave velocity; PWV) provides some of the strongest evidence concerning the prognostic significance of large artery stiffening. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between anthropometry, age, E-Selectin level, cytokine levels, haemodynamic variables, blood counts and blood lipid profile with pulse wave velocity. Some traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as alcohol, and smoking were also taken into account. This was a cross-sectional study comprising of 169 participants (62 males and 107 females). 63 were HIV negative (group A), 54 HIV positive on treatment (group B), and 52 were HIV positive not on treatment (group C). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was assessed using the Sphygmocor Vx. Statistically, ANOVA was used for variables with normal distribution and non parametric tests were used for variables with skewed distribution. Notable significant differences were seen in the means of the following variables across all the 3 groups. Conclusion: This study showed that HIV infected patients with or without antiretroviral therapy have increase arterial stiffness which is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. The sphygmocor is an accurate, non invassive and useful tool in the evaluation of arterial stiffness and its use in clinical practice should be encouraged. PWV and the augmentation index (AIx) are the two major non- iv invasive methods of assessing arterial stiffness. Life style modification should be incorporated into the management of HIV patients so as the continuous monitoring of their haematological and lipid profile

Young people transition process from family-oriented care to adulthood: unveiling the nexus of reality in life course approach

The aim of this qualitative study was to unveil the reality in the transition process of youth from family- oriented care to adulthood using life course approach. The comparative study was carried out in the SOS children villages in both Lagos, Nigeria, and Bicesse, Portugal, where data for the study were gathered through audio-recorded and phone calls interviews. Organisational documents and data collected were analysed using content analysis to identify the emerging themes, similarities and differences in the nexus of transition process from care to adulthood. Three dimensions emerged from the 12 participants’ answers to the interview questions, these include the past life in shaping transition, the present life in shaping the future, and the projected pathways of future based on the possibility of the past life and the present life. Two types of childhood typologies were identified. The study findings have implication for family-oriented care organisations. The need for international collaboration for national exchange of research, and networking among family-oriented care organisations will go a long way to improve the transition process of youth towards holistic development and an international successful outcome. Furthermore, this can impact state policies and global policy development towards the globalisation of transition from care to adulthood. Table of content

Malaria prevention and treatment with special reference to conditions in Lagos

Two hundred and thirty cases of uncomplicated Malaria Fever had been studied at Lagos with a special regard to prevention and treatment.As far back as thousands of years the ancient Greeks connected Malaria Fever with marshes and called it, Paludism. The specific drug - cinchona and its chief alkaloid, quinine has been long known. The authentic knowledge of the mode of infection through an intermediate host, - anopheles,was indirectly initiated by Sir Ronald Ross and confirmed later by other research workers.The ancient inhabitants of Lagos also connected fevers with marshes and mosquitoes long before the scientific proof. They therefore took various precautions against infections. Sir Ronald Ross visited Lagos through the invitation of Sir William McGregor, M.D., and the former suggested definite k we anti - malaria measures which ha-lbeen magnified through time.J. Gordon Thomson suggested complement fixation test for Malaria on the basis of Khan or Wassermann Reaction. Later on Henry developed the Melano- Flocculation test which was subsequently modified by Col. Greig and others and re -named Melano- precipitatim Reaction.Plasmochin introduced for Malaria therapy and was later combined with quinine - Plasmoquine Co. Atebrin followed Plasmoquine Co. after some years. Malarial patients at Lagos had definite predisposing causes.The climate and constantly interrupted chain of hygienic measures offer a suitable prospect to the highly adaptive local species of Anopheles costalis and Anopheles gambiae,the intermediate hosts. The Major Anti - Malaria measures are efficiently controlled by the local Government.Minor preventive measures stressed by me consisted of: (1) Demonstrations, (2) Bonification, (3) Mosquito- netting, (4) Drug- taking, (5) Importance of early treatment and (6) Mass education.Curative treatment was: - (a) General. (b) Drugs - cuinine, Plasmoquine Co., ,,Decoct. Cassia Co., and Decoct. Emilia Sagitata.Cases treated were:- 75 with quinine. 10 with Plasmoquine Co. 75 with Atebrin. 35 with Decoct. Cassia Co. 35 with Decoct. Sagitata. 23

A Theoretically-Based Mixed Methods Approach to Examining Mental Health Disorders and Help-Seeking Behaviors among University-Enrolled African American Men

Recent studies show that African American men in college are disproportionately experiencing high levels of psychological distress, increasing their risk of developing mental health symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. Despite being at higher risk for developing mental health symptoms, university-enrolled, African American men are not seeking help even when experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety, impacting their academic performance. The evidence base describing mental health symptom prevalence and evidence-based prevention strategies among university-enrolled, African American men is limited. To that end, this dissertation work utilized a concurrent, mixed methods approach, theoretically-based in the Social Ecological Model (SEM), to examine the prevalence and correlates of anxiety and depressive symptoms among university-enrolled, African American men, and the contextual factors that impact their perceptions of mental health-related help-seeking. Overall, findings showed that: 1) African American men on this campus are reporting endorsement of anxiety and depressive symptoms at lower rates compared to their male and female counterparts; 2) African American men are utilizing campus health services at lower rates compared to their male and female counterparts; 3) stressful life events are a robust predictor of anxiety and depressive symptoms among this population; and 4) formal therapeutic services may not be preferred or suitable for these men. Researchers, campus-based practitioners, and policymakers who wish to develop effective mental health prevention programs that attenuate mental health risk and increase help-seeking behavior among African American men should aim to expand on these findings and considerations. Importantly, future programming efforts should aim to promote peer-to-peer support and informal, nontraditional methods as viable points for future scientific inquiry, as well as for the development, implementation and evaluation of effective mental health prevention programs. This dissertation study is one of the first to focus specifically on mental health risk and help-seeking behaviors among African American men on a college campus. Hence, further quantitative and qualitative research is needed to improve mental health among this severely marginalized and vulnerable population. Implications for future research are discussed in the following chapters

Control of charge transports in semiconductor superlattices using an acoustic wave

In this work, we describe the electron dynamics in semiconductor superlattices (SLs) when driven by an acoustic wave. First, we discuss the physical features and structure of SLs. Then we describe semiclassical transport in periodic potential driven by a plane wave, and the dynamics of ultracold atoms in the periodic potentials. Secondly, we explore single electron dynamics in superlattices driven by an acoustic wave, then present and analyse the types of electron trajectories according to the strength of the acoustic wave amplitude. The two dynamical regimes obtained depend on the wave amplitude strength and the initial position of electrons in the acoustic wave. The frequency range of the oscillation produced can be as large as terahertz. Lastly, we discuss the effect of applying a static electric field to the acoustically driven SLs. When the acoustic wave and electric fields were applied together along the axis of SLs, we obtained a higher peak drift velocity than when the acoustic wave or electric fields were applied alone. We use the phase portrait to explain the electron trajectory and the path of the electrons. The global state associated with the drastic change in the drift velocity of the electrons depends on the varied parameters in the dynamical systems. We numerically calculate the electron trajectories while we varied the strength of electric field and wave amplitude to investigate the role of interactions in the system. When very high electric field and very high wave amplitude are applied together along the axis of SL, global catastrophe occurs. This is the discontinuous bifurcation in dynamical system

Stress and Job Performance of Secretaries in an Organization

Stress can be said to be non-specific reaction of the body to the demand made on it by external or internal stimulus events called stressor. Stress as emotional process has psychological and physiological implications. Many professional secretaries experience conflicts because of office demands which is consuming most of their time, thereby neglecting their home duties to the background. Conflicts occur because the person wants to devote adequate attention to both family and office works. This research examines impact of stress on job performance of  secretaries in an organization. The population of the study was 50 graduate secretaries in the employment of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede and Adeleke University, Ede both in Osun State.  The instrument for data collection was questionnaire, which consisted of 4 research questions. Data collected to answer the research questions were analyze with frequency and percentages.  From the data collected and analyzed, it was discovered that secretaries face a lot of stressful situations in the course of doing their jobs but that some were more stressful in their effect than others. The three most significant stressors identified were working Role ambiguity, work overload and unfair treatment.  Recommendations were made that secretaries should clearly outline their numerous official and domestic functions daily and attend to them adequately. They should learn to put their emotions under control and manage their stress by practicing time and role management. Keywords: Stress, Job performance, Secretaries, Organization DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-32-04 Publication date: November 30th 202

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR WOMEN’S PREFERENCE FOR TRADITIONAL MATERNAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN AKOK NORTH AREA OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

This study compared the population of women that prefer traditional maternal health care services in Akoko North area of Ondo State and identified factors responsible preference for traditional maternal health care services. This was with a view to providing information on reasons responsible for women’ preference for traditional maternal health care services. The study used descriptive survey research design. The population for the study comprised women of child bearing age who had a life birth in the last five years in Akoko North–East (ANE) and North-West (ANW) LGAs of Ondo State. The sample comprised a total of 200 women. Each of the two LGAs was first stratified according to wards. In Akoko North-East and North-West, there are 13 and 11 wards respectively. From each of the LGAs, five wards were selected totaling 10 wards using simple random sampling technique. From each ward, 20 respondents were selected using snowballing sampling technique. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect information on the population of women preferring TMHCS and reasons underlying their preferences. Data collected were analysed using percentage and chi-square analysis. The results indicated that 59% of the 200 women used in Akoko North–East preferred traditional maternal health care services while 69.0% of the women in Akoko North–West preferred it. Results also showed that spiritual reasons (59%), cultural belief (57.8%), cheaper services (57%) and provision of more compassionate care (53.9%) were reasons for women preference for traditional maternal health services in the study areas. The study concluded that spiritual reasons, cultural belief, compassionate care, low economic status, low education status are factors responsible for women’ preference for traditional maternal health services in Akoko North–East and North–West Areas of Ondo State.  Article visualizations

PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE FOR HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS Effectiveness, Design, Context, and Implementation

Countries are increasingly implementing pay for performance (P4P) as a way to improve health services. The evidence base is conflicting and difficult to interpret. It is necessary to more systematically explore evaluations of P4P schemes in order to synthesize more useful evidence to inform the use of P4P schemes in health care. This thesis starts with a literature review, which shows that the results of evaluations of P4P schemes are heterogeneous, which may possibly be explained by differences in programme design, context, implementation, and evaluation study design. I sought to find ways to better analyse and make sense of these evaluations using two approaches. A quantitative approach was used to systematically explore the heterogeneity. I developed and tested a theoretical typology to categorise P4P schemes by their design features. This typology considers who receives the incentive, type of incentive, size of incentive, and perceived risk of not earning the incentive. I then used the typology to quantitatively explore the influence of P4P design features and evaluation designs on it effectiveness using meta-regression and multilevel logistic regression analyses. I also undertook a formative evaluation of a pilot P4P scheme in Nigeria (a case study). This used semi-structured in-depth interviews with 36 purposively sampled health workers to explore how contextual and implementation factors (e.g. delay in incentive payment) influenced the impact of the scheme. This research presents three notable and novel contributions to knowledge about P4P in healthcare. First a useful typology was developed, which can be used to help categorize, think about, structure and report P4P schemes in a standardized and theoretically informed way. Second, I show that P4P schemes with design features such as payment to groups, large incentive size (>5% of salary or usual budget), and low perceived risk of not earning the incentive are more likely to be effective compared to schemes characterized by payment to individuals, small incentives, and high perceived risk of not earning the incentive. In addition, I demonstrate that P4P evaluations without adequate controls over-estimate the effectiveness of P4P. Third, I show that contextual factors such as incentive payment delays, poor health worker understanding of the P4P scheme, and poor infrastructure affect the effectiveness of the Nigerian P4P scheme and need to be addressed in its future development

Exposure to blood among mortuary workers in teaching hospitals in south-west Nigeria

Background: Mortuary workers like other health workers are exposed to blood borne pathogens at work. A baseline assessment is important to plan for programmes to safeguard the health of workers. The aim of this study is to determine exposure rates to blood among mortuary workers in teaching hospitals in South West Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out between March and May 2008. All mortuary workers working in six (6) teaching hospitals, 80 in total were included in the study. Data was collected with the aid of a 15- item self administered questionnaire. Data was analysed with the aid of EPI-INFO 2002. Statistical associations were explored using odds ratio and confidence intervals.Results: A total of 76 respondents completed questionnaire giving a response rate of 95%; 3 males and 1 female declined to participate, the mean age of respondents was 38.2 years, 48(72.6%), 53(85.5%) and 50(73.5%) of the workers had been exposed to blood through cuts, blood splash and needle stick injury. Duration at work was significantly associated with blood splash. Workers who had worked 5years and above were 0.10 times (95% confidence interval 0.00-.0.78) as likely to experience blood splash compared to those who had worked under 5 years. Only 5(10.4%) of workers with needle stick injury had completed three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine. The specific confirmation by antibody titre was however not done in this study. Conclusion: Exposure to blood was very common with blood splash emerging as the most common route of exposure. There is a need for vaccination of all mortuary workers with three doses of Hepatitis B Vaccine to protect their health. In addition, education of workers on risks and institution of standard operating procedure are crucial to safeguard the health of mortuary workers