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

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and vaccines: Knowledge, attitude and perception among female students at the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

AbstractAimThis study sought to determine knowledge of and attitude towards human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, HPV-related diseases and HPV vaccines among female undergraduate students at the University of Lagos.MethodsA self-administered questionnaire was administered between May and July 2010, to 368 female students aged 16–29years, who were selected from two faculties of the University of Lagos using two-stage sampling method. Data collected included: socio-demographic characteristics, sexual history, awareness and knowledge of HPV infection, cervical cancer and genital warts, and HPV vaccine; the perceived risk of acquiring genital HPV infection and developing cervical cancer or genital warts, and the willingness to receive an HPV vaccine.ResultsOnly 64 (17.7%) and 52 (14.4%) of the students had ever heard of HPV infection and HPV vaccines respectively. The median HPV knowledge on a 15-item score was 2. Overall, only 11.1% knew that genital HPV infection can cause cervical cancer. Fourteen (6.9%) of those who were aware of cervical cancer agreed they were at risk of developing the disease. Of the 52 students who had heard of the HPV vaccine, 24 (46.2%) knew it was given for cervical cancer prevention and 30 (57.7%) expressed their willingness to receive the vaccine.ConclusionThe knowledge of and the perceived susceptibility to HPV infection and HPV-related diseases among female students in the University of Lagos were generally low. The need for a well-designed HPV-educational program to bridge the knowledge gap cannot be overemphasized

Tobacco and Alcohol Use among a Sample of Men who have Sex with Men in Lagos state, Nigeria

Background: Research in other parts of the world has shows that men who have sex with men (MSM) may have higher rates of alcohol and tobacco use than the general population of men. Little is known about the pattern of tobacco and alcohol use among MSM in Nigeria. Aim: This study set out to assess the pattern of tobacco and alcohol use and to determine the factors associated with their use among a sample of MSM. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 320 MSM. For the purpose of this study, we collaborated with an MSM-led registered Non-governmental organization (NGO) that works closely with the state and developmental partners to provide health programs exclusively for MSM in Lagos State. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer administered survey. MSM were recruited using a non-probability sampling technique (Snow ball sampling). Data analysis was carried out using Epi info version 3.5.3 and SPSS 17.0. Results: Up to 22.2% (71/320) were ever-smokers with 15.4% (49/320) remaining as current smokers. Among current smokers more than half of the men smoked daily and 36.7% (27/49) were heavy smokers (smoked more than 10 sticks per day). About one in three, 34.1% (109/320) currently drank alcohol with majority having their most recent drink less than a week before the study. Using the CAGE assessment for alcohol dependence, almost half of the current drinkers had a drinking problem. Respondents who used marijuana and those whose partners smoked were more likely to be current smokers. Current smokers, marijuana users and those whose partners consumed alcohol were more likely to have a drinking problem. Conclusion: Both tobacco and alcohol use is common among this sample of MSM. Efforts to address these issues should be given priority when planning health care programs targeted at MSM.Keywords: Men who have sex with men, Alcohol, Tobacc

Child sexual abuse and disclosure in South Western Nigeria: a community based study

Introduction: The true burden of child sexual abuse in Nigeria is not known as most reports are institutional based. This study was designed to determine population level data on the burden and pattern of child sexual abuse among adolescents in South Western Nigeria.Methods: A community based study among adolescents in SouthWestern Nigeria. Semi- structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents selected through a multistage sampling technique. Analysis was with SPSS version 20.Results: 398 adolescents (314 females and 84 males) aged 10-19 years with a mean age of 15.6 ± 2.0 years participated in the study. Most were single (90.7%), in school (84.2%), and lived with their parents/guardians (89.4%). The prevalence of CSA was 25.7%. Penetrative abuse occurred in 7.5%, and forced abuse in 46.2% of cases. Perpetrators were mostly boyfriends (31.2%) and neighbours (16.1%). Intra-familial abuse occurred in 7.5% of cases. Only 34.4% of cases ever disclosed the abuse.Conclusion: CSA is common in the community, with perpetrators majorly persons known to the adolescents. A large number of cases are not reported. Efforts should be made to educate children and their parents on various ways to reduce child sexual abuse and its consequences.Keywords: Adolescent, child, sexual abuse

Comparative Assessment of Blood Lead Levels of Automobile Technicians in Organised and Roadside Garages in Lagos, Nigeria

Occupational exposure to lead is common among automobile technicians and constitutes 0.9% of total global health burden with a majority of cases in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the blood lead levels of automobile technicians in roadside and organised garages in Lagos State, Nigeria. This was a comparative cross-sectional study. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Physical examinations were conducted and blood was analysed for lead using atomic spectrophotometery. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the median blood lead levels of each group using the independent sample (Mann-Whitney U) test. Seventy-three (40.3%) of the organised compared to 59 (34.3%) of the roadside groups had high blood lead levels. The organised group had statistically significant higher median blood lead levels of, 66.0 µg/dL than the roadside 43.5 µg/dL (P < 0.05). There was also statistically significant association between high blood lead levels and abnormal discolouration of the mucosa of the mouth in the organised group. Automobile technicians in organised garages in Lagos have higher prevalence of elevated blood lead levels and higher median levels than the roadside group. Preventive strategies against lead exposures should be instituted by the employers and further actions should be taken to minimize exposures, improve work practices, implement engineering controls (e.g., proper ventilation), and ensure the use of personal protective equipment

Child sexual abuse and disclosure in South Western Nigeria: a community based study

Introduction: The true burden of child sexual abuse in Nigeria is not known as most reports are institutional based. This study was designed to determine population level data on the burden and pattern of child sexual abuse among adolescents in South Western Nigeria. Methods: A community based study among adolescents in SouthWestern Nigeria. Semi- structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents selected through a multistage sampling technique. Analysis was with SPSS version 20. Results: 398 adolescents (314 females and 84 males) aged 10-19 years with a mean age of 15.6 \ub1 2.0 years participated in the study. Most were single (90.7%), in school (84.2%), and lived with their parents/guardians (89.4%). The prevalence of CSA was 25.7%. Penetrative abuse occurred in 7.5%, and forced abuse in 46.2% of cases. Perpetrators were mostly boyfriends (31.2%) and neighbours (16.1%). Intra-familial abuse occurred in 7.5% of cases. Only 34.4% of cases ever disclosed the abuse. Conclusion: CSA is common in the community, with perpetrators majorly persons known to the adolescents. A large number of cases are not reported. Efforts should be made to educate children and their parents on various ways to reduce child sexual abuse and its consequences

Screening for diabetes mellitus and humanimmunodefiency virus infection in personswith tuberculosis

Introduction. Nigeria is a country saddled with a high tubercu- losis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden but the possible combination of these communicable diseases with diabetes mellitus (DM) has been overlooked. We undertook to determine the burden of HIV and DM in persons with TB by docu- menting the prevalence rates of these disorders. Methods. This is a cross-sectional Study that was conducted within 54TB/DOT centers in Lagos State. A total of 3,376 persons with TB who were on antiTB drugs were screened for HIV and DM using standardized tests. Statistical analysis was performed using Students t test and chi square. Results. The frequency of occurrence of DM in TB and that of HIV in TB were comparable (4.8% Vs 3.5%). The Study subjects with DM were older, had higher waist circumference measure- ments and had higher proportions of hypertension compared to the subjects without DM. The combination of HIV and DM in TB was found in (0.3%). We also noted that DM in TB and HIV in TB occurred more frequently in the third and fourth decades of life. Conclusion. This study demonstrated the potential co existence of HIV, DM and Tuberculosis. It is therefore important that these two diseases are sought for in patients with TB considering the changing epidemiology of these diseases particularly in develop- ing countries like Nigeria

Alcohol Knowledge and Consumption among Medical Students in Lagos ,Nigeria

Abstract Alcohol consumption has been linked to the risk of developing cancers and other Non communicable diseases. The knowledge, attitude and practices of alcohol use among the next generation of health care professionals will affect efforts to prevent alcohol related diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of medical students regarding alcohol consumption. It is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among a representative sample of 240 students using self administered questionnaires. Majority (83. 3%) of the respondents had good knowledge about alcohol however less than half (46.6%) recognized that alcohol was a risk factor for cancer. About a third (33.3%) of the respondents drinks alcohol. The majority (73.8%) of the respondents who consumed alcohol did so &quot;to have fun with friends&quot;. Most (66.3%) of the respondents that did not consume alcohol did not do so because it is against their religion. The senior level students had better knowledge on alcohol than the junior students (p&lt;0.05). However, this did not influence their practice. (p&lt;0.05). Alcohol consumption was more prevalent among males than females (p&lt;0.05). Education on alcohol needs to be given more emphasis to prepare them for work in alcohol control

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards child adoption amongst women attending infertility clinics in Lagos State, Nigeria

Background: Child adoption is a recommended alternative form of infertility management. Infertility is of public health importance in Nigeria and many other developing nations. This is a result of its high prevalence and especially because of its serious social implications as the African society places a passionate premium on procreation in any family setting. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of child adoption amongst women attending infertility clinics in teaching hospitals in Lagos State and to determine the factors that influence their attitude and practice towards it. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire which was interviewer-administered. The study was conducted in the two teaching hospitals in Lagos State (LUTH [Lagos University Teaching Hospital] and LASUTH [Lagos State University Teaching Hospital]) from amongst 350 women attending the gynaecological clinics. All the patients under management for infertility at the gynaecology clinics during the period of the study were interviewed. Results: Many respondents (85.7%) had heard of child adoption and 59.3% of them knew the correct meaning of the term. More than half of the respondents (68.3%) said that they could love an adopted child but less than half of them (33.7%) were willing to consider adoption. Only 13.9% has ever adopted a child. The major reason given for their unwillingness to adopt was their desire to have their own biological child. Factors that were favourable towards child adoption were Igbo tribe identity, an age above 40 years, duration of infertility above 15 years, and knowing the correct meaning of child adoption. Conclusion: There is a poor attitude to adoption even amongst infertile couples. Interventions need to be implemented to educate the public on child adoption, to improve their attitude towards adoption and to make it more acceptable