The urban housing crisis and a cultural framework for housing policy: the Ajegunle community case study

This study presents the argument that if housing provision should be orientated towards long-term goals and solutions, then housing policy must consider surely the cultural requirements of the people in the community. Cultural dimension as it relates to the study focuses on urban housing as a strategic vehicle for exploring the evolution of the housing crisis by concentrating on real people and their approaches to informal processes within the community. The study views the informal processes of the people as part of the solution and not the problem by drawing from their lived experience and offering a culturally-informed framework for the development of future housing policy. It suggests that the government must view the informal settlement not as a slum, but as a “case” to understand the intricacies and complexities in housing provision and delivery. Thus the cultural dimension derived from the colloquial knowledge of the people is demonstrated as an important element in the maintenance and continuity of an existing community by doing an in-depth investigation of the internal survival strategies relating to urban living and the government’s role in the existing housing crisis. The study expands to issues surrounding the sustainability of the built environment by examining the cultural, economic, environmental and its social aspects in developing countries and challenging the existing practices in the built environment, as regards to urban housing

Dexamethasone induced psychosis presenting with catatonic features

Scientific Lette

Patterns of Otolaryngologic Sequelae of Suicide Attempts Seen in Nigerian Tertiary Hospitals

Background: Otolaryngologic sequelae of suicide attempts are rarely reported as an entity. In this report, we describe the patterns otolaryngologic sequelae of suicide attempts seen in Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Objective: To improve among clinicians, knowledge of the patterns of otolaryngologic sequelae of suicide attempts with a view to promote their management at the three tiers of health care delivery. Methodology: A retrospective analysis of clinical records of survivors of suicide attempts seen in Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Results: In all, 52 patients were seen. Of this, 34 were cases of otolaryngologic sequelae. Majority, (56.0%) of the sequelae were corrosive oesophagitis. Other sequelae were: corrosive oropharyngoesophagitis (14.7%), corrosive oropharyngitis (8.8%), and corrosive laryngitis (5.9%), hypertrophy scar on the neck (5.9%), laryngeal stenosis (2.9%), pharyngocutaneous fistula (2.9%) and sudden hearing loss (2.9%). The sudden hearing loss was caused by overdose of diazepam. There was discordance in the prevalence of isolated corrosive oesophagitis and oropharyngitis as noted by the 56.0% vs. 8.8% respectively in a pathologic continuum. Conclusion: Corrosive oesophagitis is the most common otolaryngologic sequelae of suicide attempts accounting for 56.0% of cases in this study. There was discordance in the patterns of corrosive injuries of the oesophagus and oropharynx as noted by the 56.0% and 8.8% prevalence respectively, in a pathologic continuum. This stresses the need to avoid using the clinical state of the oropharynx to gauge the condition of the oesophagus. It also emphasizes the importance of diagnostic endoscopy in all symptomatic cases of corrosive ingestion. The occurrence of sudden hearing loss post-ingestion of diazepam remains enigmatic. We therefore suggest empirical studies on this unique finding using laboratory animals

Isolation of Moraxella bovisfrom infectious keratoconjuctivitis in a flock of goats

No Abstract

Smokeless tobacco: Knowledge, attitudes and use among adults in Lagos, South-West, Nigeria

Background: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use leads to nicotine addiction and is associated with several health problems. However, it may be perceived as a safe alternative to cigarettes resulting in a potential for increased use among smokers and non-smokers alike. We assessed the pattern of smokeless tobacco use, as well as, the knowledge and attitudes towards SLT among adult residents in Lagos, South West Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, carried out among 437 respondents selected by a multi-stage sampling method. A modified version of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey Questionnaire was administered to participants by trained research assistants. Data was analyzed using Epi-info statistical software version 3.5.1. Univariate and bivariate analyses were carried out at 5% level of significance (p&lt;.05).Results: The results showed that 47 (10.8%) of the respondents had ever used any form of tobacco. Of these, 29 (6.6% of the total sample and 61.7% of tobacco users) had ever used SLT. Majority of those who had ever used SLT progressed to current use (75.8%). Up to 81.8% of current SLT users were daily users.&nbsp; SLT use was more common among males (77.3% of current users). Snuff was the most common form of SLT used (81.8% of current SLT users), followed by chewed tobacco (18.2%). Gender and marital status were statistically significant with the current use of SLT (p&lt;.05). However, no significant association was found between knowledge, attitude and SLT use in this study. Many of the respondents knew that SLT is harmful to health (65.4%); causing health issues like discolouration of the teeth (62.2%). However, a much higher proportion of respondents did not know that SLT use was associated with gum disease (50.3%), cancers of the lip (58.8%), tongue (57.4) and gums (58.6%). Overall, only 29.5% had a good knowledge of the health risks associated with SLT use. More than half (66.9%) felt that SLT use was socially acceptable, though 54.7% felt SLT use would be a waste of their money. Overall, 95.1% of respondents had good attitude. SLT use was more among men and those who were divorced/separated or widowed (p&lt;.05). However, respondents knowledge or attitudes was not associated with SLT use.Conclusion: Though SLT use appears relatively low in this environment, the majority of the users used it daily. Progression from initiation to current use was also high. Though the respondents were aware of the general risks associated with SLT use, a significant proportion was unaware of the specific health risks. SLT use was however unrelated to the knowledge of its health risks. Efforts to reduce SLT initiation and progression to current and daily use should be prioritized. A focus on males with marital issues should be considered. Future studies may focus on understanding the underlying reasons for initiation and progression of the SLT use in this environment.</p

Effectiveness of Sumatriptan for Acute Treatment of Migraine Headache in an African Population (English)

Background The triptans are currently the drugs of choice for acute treatment of migraine. Although there are several newer triptans, sumatriptan that was first introduced into clinical practice is still preferred to newer triptans by subjects in several clinical trials. Objective This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of sumatriptan in an African population where triptans have not been introduced. Methods Subjects were recruited consecutively in three large teaching hospitals that are located in ethno-geographically different regions in Nigeria. Migraine headaches, which were classified using the criteria of the International Headache Society, were rated on visual analogue scale, while associated symptoms of migraine were rated on ordinal scale. Ratings of headaches and of associated symptoms before and four hours after 50 mg sumatriptan dose were compared using non-parametric tests. Results 42 subjects, 11 males and 31 females, completed the study. 11 (26 %) subjects had migraine with aura, while 31 (74 %) subjects had migraine without aura. Before treatment headache was rated 0 –3 by no subject, 4 – 7 by 20 subjects, and 8 –10 by 22 subjects, but after treatment headache was rated 0 – 3 by 30 subjects, 4 – 7 by 7 subjects, and 8 – 10 by 5 subjects (P 0.05). Severity of headache, presence of associated symptoms, and impairment of activity were not associated with relief of headache. Conclusion Sumatriptan is effective to relieve the headache and the associated symptoms of migraine, and to induce early return to activity in this study population. Sumatriptan was well tolerated without serious clinical adverse effects. Résumé Introduction Les triptans représentent actuellement le traitement de choix des migraines. Bien qu\'il y ait plusieurs types de triptans, le sumatriptan qui fut le premier a être introduit sur lemarché, a la faveur des prescripteurs. Objectif L\'objetif du travail présenté est d\'étudier l\'effet du sumatriptan sur une population africaine. Methodes Les sujets ont été recrutés consécutivement dans 3 hôpitaux universitaires situés dans différents zones géographiques du Nigéria. La classification répondait aux critères de l\' International Headache Society . L\'évaluation des migraines a été réalisée avant puis 4 heures après la prise de 50 mg de sumatriptan. Résultats 42 sujets, 11 de sexe masculin et 31 de sexe féminin composaient le groupe d\'étude. 11 (26%) présentaient une migraine avec aura, tandis que 31 (74%) signalaient une absence d\'aura.Avant le traitement les migraines se répartissaient selon les scores suivants : 0 - 3, 4-7 20 patients ; 8 - 10, 22 patients. Après traitement, l\'évaluation était la suivante : 0 - 3, 30 patients ; 4 - 7, 7 patients ; 8 - 10, 5 patients ( P 0.05). La sévérité des crises, la présence de signes associées, et la perturbation des activités sociales n\'étaient pas correlées au soulagement des douleurs. Conclusion Le sumatriptan a un effet bénéfique sur les crises migraineuses et les signes associés et autorise un retour rapide aux activités sociales dans la population africaine étudiée. Le sumatriptan est bien toléré sans effet secondaire significatif. (Af. J. of Neurological Sciences: 2003 22(2)

Epidemiology of Uterine Leiomyomata at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos.

To determine the prevalence of uterine leiomyomata and the associated risk factors. This is a retrospective study of 580 patients who attended the Gynaecology out-patient clinic of LUTH over a two-year period. It comprised 178 cases of uterine leiomyomata and 402 controls. Data abstracted from case notes were analyzed using Epi-info 2008 version. A Prevalence of 31% of uterine leiomyomata was found. The significant risk factors for uterine fibroid were age, diabetes mellitus (OR 2.2, 95% CI 0.6-5.2, p= 0.011), family history of uterine leiomyoma (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.9-4.8, p= 0.026), and history of infertility (OR 5.0, 95% CI 0.9-25.9, p= 0.001). The risk factors for uterine fibroid in LUTH are age, Diabetes mellitus, family history of fibroid and history of infertility. Future studies are recommended to expand the existing knowledge base of uterine fibroid as well as other inconsistent and potential risk factors with a view to identifying preventive measures.Keywords: Uterine Leiomyomata, Diabetes Mellitus, Infertility

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Enuresis in Children

Enuresis is a significant clinical and social disorder in children with associated stigma. To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with enuresis amongst school children in Nigeria. Cross-sectional descriptive study involving public and private primary school children in a local Government area of South West Nigeria. Five primary schools (public and private) were selected through multi-stage sampling technique. A semi - structured questionnaire was administered on the parents of pupils aged 6 years to 12years old respectively. A total of 424pupils were surveyed. Overall 173(40.8%) pupils had enuresis. Prevalence of enuresis was 40.7% in private school and 41% in the public but this difference was not significant (X2 =0.003,p = 0.954). Factors significantly associated with enuresis were snoring (X2 =26.67, p = 0.001), heavy and late supper (X2 =6.831,6.389,p = 0.009, 0.01) respectively. Sibling history of bedwetting (X2=25.933, p = 0.0001), maternal history of enuresis (X2 = 22.244,p = 0.0001,) and {lack of sleep interruptions - (not been woken up to urinate) (X2=5.234,p = 0.02)were also significantly associated. Using logistic regression, maternal history, sibling history of bedwetting, snoring and heavy supper are strong determinants of bedwetting. Enuresis is a common problem among primary school pupils. Intensive public enlightenment is needed.Key words: Enuresis, risk factors, prevalence, children, social-stigm