Jejunal linear foreign body obstruction in a three year old female Boerboel

A three year old Boerboel bitch was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, FUNAAB with complaint of lethargy and inappetence. Clinical signs observed included abdominal tenderness, watery bloody stool and palpable intestinal mass. Blood sample was obtained for complete blood counts, while transcutaneous abdominal ultrasound and lateral abdominal radiograph were also performed. Result of complete blood count showed severe neutrophilic leukocytosis. Transcutaneous abdominal ultrasound revealed dilated bowel loop containing a hyperechoic structure in the lumen, while radiographic contrast examination of the intestine revealed distended bowel loop and a radiopaque foreign body in the jejunum. Based on the findings, a tentative diagnosis of intestinal obstruction was made and an exploratory laparotomy was scheduled. After pre-anaesthetic medications with 3mg/kg intramuscular injection of 5% tramadol, 0.04mg/kg intramuscular injection of 0.1% atropine and 0.5mg/kg intramuscular injection of 2% Xylazine, anaesthesia was induced with a loading dose of 4mg/kg intravenous injection of 1% propofol and maintained with constant infusion of propofol at the rate of 0.12mg/kg/min. During laparotomy, the obstructed region was identified and enterotomy revealed the foreign body to be an ingested plastic bottle cap. Following removal of the foreign body, moderate inflammation of the segment of the intestine around the obstruction site was observed, necessitating the need for resection of the intestine to be performed and anastomosis using an end to end technique. The dog recovered without any complications after one week of postoperative antibiotic therapy and fluid administration. Prompt diagnosis of intestinal foreign body in dogs followed by appropriate selection of anaesthetic protocol and surgical technique with adequate intensive post-operative follow-up is essential for successful management.Keywords: Dog, Foreign-body, Jejuno-ileal, Intestine, Obstructio

Uptake of immunization and associated factors among 0-11 months infants in a rural community of Ekiti State

Background: Immunization is one of the most effective public health  interventions, leading to reduced infant and childhood mortality caused by vaccine preventable diseases worldwide. Rates of vaccine preventable diseases have been observed to be decreasing in many parts of the world in the past few decades with many children still remain unvaccinated. Studies have shown that factors that are associated with immunization rates include; low family income, lack of health insurance, low level of parental education, religion, young age of parents, presence of other siblings in the household, lack of source of health care, distance to health facilities, place of delivery etc. The aim of this study is to determine the uptake of  immunization and its associated factors among infants of a rural community inEkiti State.Methods: A systematic random sampling techniques was used to select 360 respondents from the rural Local Government Area whose mothers or caregivers were interviewed and vaccination cards observed to gather information on their immunization status. An interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire and observational check-list were used to collect needed information. Descriptive analysis of findings was done using SPSS version 16.Results: Uptake of immunization by 0-11months children is relatively high in rural communities of Ekiti State (88.9%). The immunization card retention rate is also high (90%) and this is very good for authentic data gathering on routine immunization. The high uptake rate was found to be significantly associated with level of education, marital status and  occupation. Healthcare workers and radio announcement still remain major sources of information on immunization; therefore attitude of health  workers to clients is an important factor for uptake. Unavailability of vaccines, attitude of health workers and having no faith in immunization are important reasons for non-immunization.Conclusion: Uptake of immunization by children less than one year is relatively high in rural communities of Ekiti State (88.9%). The immunization card retention rate is also high (90%) and this is very good for authentic data gathering on routine immunization. Recommendation: Government to ensure regular, uninterrupted supply of vaccines to all points of vaccination to curb stock out, expand vaccination sites and centres to improve access and provide incentives to mothers/caregivers/families who completed their childhood immunization.Keywords: Uptake, Immunization, Infants, Rural Community, Ekiti Stat

Communication Disorders among Children in a Developing Country, Nigeria

Background: Communication disorders in children are an invisible disability posing challenges to otorhinolaryngologist in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, sociodemographic features, aetiology, types of communication disorders among under 18 years children attending our facility. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in ear, nose and throat department in a Nigerian university teaching hospital, from June 2014 to May 2019. Data were obtained by using pretested interviewers assisted questionnaires from consented patients and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Prevalence of communication disorder was 16.1%. Male was 68.2% with male to female ratio of 2.1:1. Communication disorder is commoner in first child 58.1% and detected by mother in 70.5% cases. Major cause was due to infection in 68.2%. Large percentage of communication disorder were language disorder in 60.8% and speech disorders which constitute 39.2% with associated varying degrees of hearing impairment in 78.8% of them. Sensorineural hearing impairment was noted in 69.6% cases. Language disorders were delayed speech & language, mutism and specific language impairment in 22.6%, 16.6% and 14.7% respectively. Major speech disorder was articulation problem in 15.7%. Main sources of referral were 52.5% from paediatrician while 30.9% was from general practitioners. Conclusions: There was high prevalence of communication disorder which was associated with high prevalence of hearing impairment. The major causes were infection with inadequate obstetrics management

Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Snoring among Respondents in Ekiti State, South West Nigeria

Background: Snoring is a clinical condition that causes some serious social and health problems among populace. Objective: This study was to determine the prevalence, knowledge, attitude and perception of respondents in Ekiti, South western Nigeria toward snoring. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among adult population in three local government areas of Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was adopted to select 241 respondents for this study. A simple random sampling by balloting was used to select one Local Government Area (LGA) each from the three senatorial districts. This study was carried out inform of an outreach programme over a period of 4 months from January to April, 2019. A pre-tested interviewer semi-structured open ended questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data on socio-demographic variables, knowledge, attitude and perception of the respondents on snoring. Data generated were descriptively analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 and the results were presented in tables, charts and adjusted odd ratio. Results: A total of 241 respondents were analyzed, made up of 88 (36.5%) males with a male to female ratio of 1:1.7. The mean age was 38.6 years (SD ± 10.3). The age group 30-39 years has the highest response which constitutes 38.6%. Majority (91.3%) were Christian and 172 (71.4%) were married. The estimated prevalence of snoring among couples was 30.7%. Only about 109 (45.2%) of the respondents were adjudged to have positive attitude. Factors such as occupation, education, knowledge and attitude were found to be significantly related to the perception of respondents about snoring at 0.05 levels. Conclusion: The prevalence of snoring in this study was 30.7%. Despite good knowledge and perception of snoring among the respondents, less than half of them has positive attitude towards snoring. It is important to identify the causes of snoring and treat them immediately to avoid complications

Prevalence, Awareness and Factors Associated with Glaucoma in a Rural Community of Ekiti State, South West Nigeria

Background: Glaucoma, a group of diseases that have optic neuropathy as a common end point, is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, accounting for 4.5 million blindness, which is about 12% of global blindness. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, awareness and risk factors associated with glaucoma in a rural community of Ekiti State. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted during a health outreach. All adults present during the outreach were enrolled into the study and screened for glaucoma and a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The validity of the questionnaire was tested at Ijero-Ekiti community before being used for this research. Data obtained was analysed using SPSS version 20 and p-value was predetermined at ≤ 0.05. Results: Majority of respondents were aged 60 years and above with a mean age of 55 ± 11.7. Majority (73%) were females and 41% had secondary education. Prevalence of glaucoma was 10.7%; 36% of respondents had heard about glaucoma; and 43.2% of those that had heard were not aware that it can lead to blindness. Increasing age, level of education, procurement of glasses from friends/relatives/roadside, using eyes drop not prescribed, history of previous eyes injury and family history of glaucoma were factors identified as having significant relationship with glaucoma. Conclusion: Glaucoma is prevalent in the community (10.7%). However, level of awareness about the disease (36%) was low. Factors, such as age, level of education, procurement of glasses from quacks, use of eye drops not prescribed, previous injury to the eyes and family history of glaucoma, were shown to have significant relationship with glaucoma. There is need to increase community awareness on glaucoma as a major cause of blindness and the risk factors associated with it. Community screening for people above 40 years for glaucoma is also recommended

The prevalence and determinants of helmet use amongst commercial motorcyclists in Ido-Osi local government area

Commercial motorcycle (CM) accidents constitute a major public concern in Nigeria. There is 8:10 chance that injuries resulting from these accidents are severe and debilitating including head and spinal injuries. This study is aimed at producing useful data on the prevalence, frequency, and determinants of helmet use among commercial motorcyclist in Ido-Osi Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study was a descriptive/cross-sectional study. A total of 360 respondents were selected by multi-stage sampling technique and interviewed using assisted self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Determinants of helmet use examined included age, educational level, marital status and religion. There was a 100% response rate. More than half of the respondents were within the age range of 20–29 years 164(53.6%) with the mean age of the study participants 29.9. The prevalence of helmet usage among commercial motorcyclist was 23.5%. The commonest reason for not using a crash helmet in this study was non-availability. The commonest reason for the non-availability of the welding helmet was the cost of the helmet. Less than half of the respondents were able to show or present helmet although some of the helmet presented were sub-standard (39.7%). The study also revealed irregular use of helmets among the respondents that used a helmet while riding a motorcycle as only 2.7% of them used it for all the five riding sessions assessed in this study. There was a statistically significant relationship between age, educational level, marital status and the use of helmets among respondents with p values of 0.005, 0.027, and 0.009, respectively. The prevalence of the use of helmets among the motorcyclist in this study is low despite the high level of awareness of legislation among the respondents on the use of helmets during riding. There is a need for the government to make provision for a safety helmet for this group of people at a subsidized rate if it cannot be given free of charge because of the economic situation of the country. There is a need to carry out behavioral change communication for this group of people

PERCEPTION AND WILLINGNESS TO THE UPTAKE OF COVID-19 VACCINE AMONG HOUSEHOLD-HEADS IN A RURAL COMMUNITY OF SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its vaccine have been met with varying perceptions that may have both negative and positive effects on the willingness to uptake the COVID-19 vaccine. The study is set to determine the perception and willingness of the household heads to the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine in a rural community in Southwestern, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 409 household heads selected through a multistage sampling technique. The instrument of data collection was a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire using the Health Belief model constructs. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 21.0 and Pearson's Chi-square test was used to determine the association between perception and willingness to uptake vaccine. P<0.05 was taken as significant at 95% confidence interval. Results: The majority of the unvaccinated respondents in the study were not willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine (60.1%). There was a poor perception of the susceptibility/severity of unvaccinated respondents to COVID-19 infection and a poor perception of the benefit/barrier to the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Perception of susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 infection were statistically related to the willingness to uptake the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: There should be an increase in awareness campaigns to change the perception of people positively to COVID-19 infection and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine

Challenges of residency training and early career doctors in Nigeria study (charting study): a protocol paper

Introduction: Early career doctors (ECDs) make up a significant proportion of the workforce of medical/dental practitioners in Nigeria. ECDs play pivotal roles in the Nigerian healthcare system. However, several factors affect ECDs in their career endeavours, ranging from poor remuneration to psychosocial problems (such as burn out, job dissatisfaction, etc.). While other countries have tried to investigate these factors and their impact, no national inquiry has been done yet in Nigeria. This demonstrates the critical need to conduct a nationally representativestudy exploring these factors, such as demographic, workplace and psychosocial factors, among ECDs in Nigeria. This article is a protocol paper for the challenges of residency training and early career doctors in Nigeria study; charting study to be conducted under the auspices of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria(NARD).Methods: The Charting Study would be a mixed study design, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative study designs and access data from structured questionnaire, focus group interview and secondary data available to the association.Conclusion: The outcome of this study will provide great insight into various issues affecting ECDs in Nigeria and make necessary recommendations.Keywords: Nigeria, early career doctors, junior doctors, physicians, dentists, workplace, psychosocial issue

Challenges of Residency Training and Early Career Doctors in Nigeria Phase II: Update on Objectives, Design, and Rationale of Study

Background: Early career doctors (ECDs) are a dynamic and highly mobile group of medical and dental practitioners who form a significant proportion of the health workforce in Nigeria. The challenges of residency training and ECDs in Nigeria CHARTING Phase I study explored limited challenges affecting ECDs under the broad themes of demography, workplace issues, and psychosocial issues. The CHARTING II was expanded to provide wider insight into the challenges of ECDs in Nigeria. Objective: This protocol aims to provide clear objectives including description of objectives, design, and rationale for the conduct of the proposed CHARTING II study which seeks to explore other components under the various themes of demographic, workplace, psychosocial issues affecting the ECDs in Nigeria, and which were not explored under CHARTING I.   Methodology: This shall be a mixed study design that will combine qualitative and quantitative methods, to investigate 27 subthemes among 2000 ECDs spread across 31 centers, accredited by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors. Participants shall be selected using the multistage sampling method. The primary data will be generated using structured proforma and validated questionnaires,while administrative sources would serve as a source of secondary data. Data will be entered and analyzed using appropriate statisticalsoftware. Conclusion: CHARTING II study would provide more robust data and insight into the problems encountered by ECDs in Nigeria. This would in turn build a platform for institutional engagement and advocacy in order to drive relevant policies to mitigate these challenges. Keywords: Early career doctors, Nigeria, residency, resident doctors, trainin