Does maternal education impact infant and child care practices in African setting? The case of Northern Nigeria

Background: In many African settings, infant and child care practices are dictated by long-established social norms and cultural values, some of which may be disastrous to the health of the baby. To determine how maternal education is related with child health and rearing practices in Kano. Materials and Methods: Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, 386 randomly selected mothers of under-five children and their babies were examined. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Children's weight-for-height, height-for-age, and weight-for-age Z-scores were obtained. Infant and child care, feeding and weaning practices were assessed and scored based on a system adapted from past study. Results: The mean ± standard deviation of the mothers was 27.3 ± 5.2 years, 69.7% had at least secondary school education. The mothers had 4 ± 2 children, and 79.3% were ≥12 months old. More than half of the children (58.2%) had suffered one or more of the common childhood diseases within the previous month, 60.3% had a form of malnutrition and less than half (42.5%) were fully immunized for age. Varying infant and child care, feeding and weaning practices were observed. Overall, half (49.2%) of the mothers had good care practices, 42.2% had good feeding practices and 57.6% had good weaning practices. Interestingly, neither the mothers' care practices nor the feeding practices were statistically associated with their educational status. However, the proportion of the mothers with good weaning practices was higher among those with no secondary education (59.7%). Conclusion: The finding suggests that cultural beliefs are specific areas of focus in campaigns for improving infant and child care and rearing practices of mothers, and eventually for reducing the high infant and child morbidity and mortality in the Northern Nigeria

Effect of Multi-Faceted Health Education Campaign on Attitude and Uptake of HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) among Antenatal Clients attending Primary Health Care Facilities in Kano State, Nigeria

Setting: This study tests the effect of health education on the attitude and uptake of HIV Counselling and Testing among Antenatal clinic (ANC) clients in Primary Health Care (PHC) setting. Aim and Objectives: To determine the combined effect of health education intervention in the clinic and community on the attitude and uptake of HCT among newly booked antenatal clients at PHC setting Method: An intervention study design was implored for the study. Data generated were analyzed using Epi info 3.2.03 and Minitab 12.01 computer statistical softwares. Respondents’ attitude towards HCT was scored and graded using methods adapted from past studies. Percentage difference in attitude and uptake of HCT were summarized and “t”-test was used to compare mean attitude scores. Results: The results show no remarkable difference in the clients’ attitude and their uptake of HCT at baseline, but a marked difference in attitude and uptake parameters in the intervention group at post-intervention. Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings suggest that multifaceted health education campaign is a formidable strategy for improving attitude and uptake of HCT in PHC setting and should be adopted for PHC systems.Key words: Health education; Antenatal clients; HIV Counselling and Testing; PHC settin

Predictors of Attitude towards HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) among Antenatal Clients attending Primary Healthcare Facilities in Kano State, Nigeria

Background This descriptive cross sectional study evaluated social and demographic factors predicting antenatal care (ANC) clients’ attitude towards HCT in primary health care (PHC) settings in northern Nigeria. Methods Data was collected from 464 newly booked ANC clients using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using Epi-info 3.3.02 computer statistical software. Results Our assessment revealed that only 54 (11.6%) of the clients had a positive attitude towards HCT. Clients’ type of marriage, occupation, and educational status significantly influenced the antenatal clients’ attitude towards HCT. After adjusting for confounders however, clients’ education emerged as predictor of their attitude to HCT. Clients with formal education were 2 times more likely to have positive attitude to HCT. Conclusions We recommend that government at all levels should make girl child education compulsory up to at least the secondary school level, in line with the current policy on basic education in Nigeria. Key words: HIV Counselling and Testing, Attitude, Predictor

Perceptions de risque, prévention et recherche du traitement pour les infections sexuellement transmissibles chez les prostituées à Kano, Nigéria

We examined the risk perceptions, prevention and treatment seeking for HIV/AIDS/STIs of 124 female commercial sex workers from 52 randomly selected brothels in Kano, Nigeria using a descriptive cross sectional design. We analysed the data using Epi Info® 3.5.1. The mean age of the sex workers was 26.4 ± 1.9 years, and most were indigenous Hausas (33.9%), single (50.8%) and had at least secondary school level of education (51.7%). Majority perceived that unprotected sexual intercourse (96.0%) is the commonest risk factor associated with STIs and HIV/AIDs acquisition. Surprisingly, 25.8% did not believe that any method protect against STIs and HIV/AIDS. The most common symptom reported was perineal itching (53.6%); and 60.7% with the symptoms continued to have unprotected sex. Alarmingly, 29.6% of the sex workers were HIV positive, and all continued with unprotected sexual intercourse with clients. Despite the sex workers’ good perception and knowledge of HIV/AIDS/STIs prevention, they demonstrated unhealthy sex behaviour and treatment seeking. We recommend a peer education package that targets the workers and their clients, with focus on reducing risk behaviours associated with STIs and HIV transmission, safer sex; and treatment seeking (Afr J Reprod Health 2012; 16[1]:61-67).Nous avons fait une étude sur les perceptions, la prévention et la recherche du traitement pour le VIH/SIDA/IST chez 124 prostituées sélectionnées au hasard auprès des 52 maisons closes à Kano, Nigéria, à l’aide d’un modèle transversal descriptif. Nous avons fait l’analyse à l’aide de l’Epi Info*3.5.1. L’âge moyen des prostituées était de 26,4±1, ans et la plupart étaient d’origine haoussa (33,9%), célibataires (50,8%) et elles ont été scolarisées jusqu’au niveau secondaire (51,7%). La majorité d’entre elles ont perçu que le rapport sexuel non protégé (96,0%) constitue le facteur de risque le plus commun qui est lié aux IST et à l’acquis du VIH/SIDA. Etonnamment, 25,8% ne croyaient pas qu’aucun méthode ne protège contre les IST et le VIH /SIDA. Les 60,7% qui avaient le symptôme ont continué à avoir des rapports sexuels non protégés. Fait alarmant, 29,6% des prostituées étaient séropositives et elles ont toutes constitué à avoir des rapports sexuels non protégés avec leurs clients. Malgré la bonne perception et la connaissance qu’avaient les prostituées de la prévention du VIH/SIDA, elles ont fait preuve d’un comportement sexuel et la recherche du traitement malsain. Nous préconisons un programme d’éducation de pairs qui vise les prostituées et leurs clients en vue de réduire les comportements de risque liés aux IST et à la transmission du VIH, aux rapports sexuels moins dangereux et à la recherche du traitement (Afr J Reprod Health 2012; 16[1]:61-67)

Rural posting experience, requests for transfer, and perspectives about critical factors for staff retention among primary health care workers in urban Kano, Nigeria

Background: Inadequate skilled manpower at rural posts is a serious impediment toward equitable and universal access to healthcare in Nigeria.Objective: To examine the experiences of primary health care (PHC) workers on rural assignments, requests for transfer, and perspectives about critical factors for retention of healthcare workers at rural posts.Materials and Methods: Using descriptive cross‑sectional design, 262 PHC workers in Kano were studied. Data were collected using semi‑structured questionnaires and analyzed on Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. Pearson’s Chi‑square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to test for significant association between categorical variables. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The mean age of the workers was 36.0 ± 9 years. Majority were females (55.4%) and married (64.2%) with mean working experience of 13.0 ± 8.0 years. Only 29 (11.2%) had rural posting experience. Mean duration of posting was 4.0 ± 2.0 years; 19 (65.5%) sought re‑deployment for lack of social amenities and good schools for children 19 (100.0%) and poor work environment 17 (89.5%). Common positive rural experiences mentioned were less work pressure 26 (89.7%), cordial relationship with colleagues and community members 24 (82.8%), and willingness of the community to partake in health activities 24 (82.8%). Common negative experiences reported include lack of social amenities 27 (93.1), lack of equipment and supplies in facilities 26 (89.7%), and stagnation 22 (75.9%). The workers’ perspectives about critical factors for retention at rural posts include good facility infrastructure and functional equipment 240 (92.3%), good housing 237 (91.2%), potable water and electricity supply 238 (91.5%), good schools for staff’s children 38 (91.5%), and good access of road to town 239 (91.9%).Conclusion and Recommendation: While steering gear at upgrading basic infrastructures in rural areas, government should in the interim, ensure attractive working and living conditions at rural posts.Keywords: Nigeria, primary health care, request for transfer, rural posting, staff retentio

Health Risks AssociatedWith Air Pollution: Public Perception In Kano, NorthWestern Nigeria.

Setting: This study examined public perception in Kano metropolis, north-western Nigeria about air pollution.Objectives: To determine the awareness and perception of the public in Kano metropolis about common causes of air pollution; associated health risks; ways of control and roles of stakeholders in its control.Methods: using a descriptive cross-sectional design 335 eligible adults were studied using pretested, semi structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analysed using Epi info version 3.5.1 statistical software.Results: Majority of the respondents (40.0%) correctly described air pollution. Industrial emission (83.6%), exhaust fumes (74.0%) dusts (68.7%) were perceived as the most common causes of air pollution. Major perceived health effects of air pollution were respiratory problems (100.0%) and eye irritation (65.2%). Industrial workers and residents of industrial areas were perceived to be most at risk of the deleterious effects of air pollution. Most of the respondents (89.6%) believed air pollution should be controlled and 61.0% believed that its control is the combined responsibility of government and the public; while 26.3% believed that only the government was responsible. Environmental sanitation (73.1%) and good town planning (69.0%) were identified as the major ways of controlling air pollution. Nearly half of the respondents (49.0%) described the air they breathe as unclean; and 60.0% were willing to pay extra levy for clean air in Kano.Conclusion: Majority of the public in Kano have a fair awareness of air pollution, the health risks associated with it and the control measures. However a significant percentage wrongly perceived that its control is the sole responsibility of the government.Key words: Public perception; air pollution; health risk

Mensuration et l'hygiène menstruelle chez les étudiantes adolescentes à Kano, au nord du Nigéria.

This study examined the knowledge and practices of adolescent school girls in Kano, Nigeria around menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Data was collected quantitatively and analyzed using Epi info version 3.2.05. The mean age of the students was 14.4 ± 1.2 years; majority was in their mid adolescence. The students attained menarche at 12.9 ± 0.8 years. Majority had fair knowledge of menstruation, although deficient in specific knowledge areas. Most of them used sanitary pads as absorbent during their last menses; changed menstrual dressings about 1-5 times per day; and three-quarter increased the frequency of bathing. Institutionalizing sexuality education in Nigerian schools; developing and disseminating sensitive adolescent reproductive health massages targeted at both parents and their adolescent children; and improving access of the adolescents to youth friendly services are veritable means of meeting the adolescent reproductive health needs in NigeriaCette étude a examiné la connaissance et les pratiques des étudiantes adolescentes à Kano, au Nigéria à l'égard de la menstruation et l'hygiène menstruelle. Des données ont été recueillies quantitativement et ont été analysées à l'aide de la version info Epi 3, 2,05. L'âge moyen des étudiantes était 14±1,2 ans. La majorité étaient dans la mi-adolescence. Les étudiantes ont subi la première apparition des règles à l'âge de 12,9±0,8 ans. La majorité avaient une connaissance considérable de la menstruation, quoique insuffisante, dans les domaines des connaissances spécifiques. La plupart des étudiantes se servaient des serviettes hygiéniques comme des absorbants pendant leurs dernières menstruations; elles changeaient les pansement menstruels à peu près 1-5 fois par jour; et trois quarts ont augmenté la fréquence des besoins. L'institutionnalisation de l'éducation sexuelles dans les écoles nigérianes, le développement et la diffusion des messages sensibles de santé de la reproduction chez les adolescentes qui visent à la fois les parents et leurs enfants adolescentes et l'amélioration de l'accès aux services qui favorisent les jeunes gens par les adolescentes sont de vrais moyens pour satisfaire les besoins de santé de la reproduction chez les adolescents au Nigéri

Medical and social problems of patients in an urban Vesico-Vaginal fistula centre in Kano state

Aim: Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is still a public health problem in developing countries. This study aims to assess the current medical and social problems of VVF patients in MMSH and also determine the factors associated with developing such fistulae against the backdrop of the availability of an urban VVF centre in the region. Method : A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to interview 266 VVF patients in MMSH between April and June 2009 to determine their medical and social problems. Results : Their ages ranged between 14 and 64 years with a mean age of 25 years with standard deviation of 9.7 years. Most of the patients had their first marriage between 14 and 17 years and had their first deliveries at ages between 16 and 19 years, majority of them 183 (68%) were still married at the time of the study. Faecal incontinence, foot drop, peri-natal losses were found to be their main medical problems, while divorce and social out casting were their main social problems. Conclusion: VVF patients experience medical and social problems, and despite improvements in the social acceptance and awareness about VVF patients from the community, more needs to be done to help the futureKEY WORDS: Vesico-vaginal fistula, prolonged labour, social Outcasts, perinatal mortality, divorc

Perceptions about Sickle Cell Disease and its Prevention among Undergraduates of Tertiary Institutions in Kano State, Nigeria

Background Nigeria is known to have the greatest number of sickle cell disease (SCD) patients per country in the world. Most of the studies that were carried out in Nigeria on awareness of sickle cell disease come from the southern part of the country. There is variation in the incidence of the disease within Nigeria with a higher incidence of the disease in the Northern Nigeria. Since tertiary institutions in the country have good representation of Nigerian youths, and the fact that the youths are good entry point for interventions aimed at preventing and/or controlling the disease there is the need to determine their knowledge, attitude and perceptions about sickle cell disease and its prevention. Methods Three hundred undergraduate students from Bayero University Kano and Federal College of Education, Kano were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Structured selfadministered questionnaires were administered to respondents that agreed to participate in the study to assess their perceptions regarding sickle cell disease and its prevention. Data entry and analysis was done using EPI-Info software. Results Majority (81%) of the respondents fell within the age group 15-24. School teachers and lecturers constituted the major source of information (49%), and only 17% of the respondents got their information about SCD from health workers. Most of the respondents, 219 (73%), chose inheritance from parents as the correct way of SCD transmission. Up to 27.3% of respondents had poor knowledge of SCD prevention, and there was a statistically significant association between gender, religion and marital status with good level of knowledge of SCD and its prevention. Conclusions There is a deficiency in the perceptions about sickle cell disease and its prevention among undergraduates of tertiary institutions in Kano. There is a need to provide health education about SCD prevention to youths in schools and through other media; as well as strengthen prenatal screening and premarital counseling and testing services. This should include the counseling of affected individuals and their education on their condition. Keywords: Perceptions, Sickle cell disease, Nigerian youths, Pre-marital counseling and testin