Phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of Hybanthus enneaspermus and Paquetina nigricense

Phytochemical screening was carried out on aqueous leaf extracts of Hybanthus-enneaspermus [HE], Oldenlandia Carymbosa L [OL] and Paquetina-nigricense [PN], while antimicrobial screening was carried out on both methanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of the two plants. The result revealed the presence of Alkaloids [Flavonoids, Cyanogenic-glycosides among others], Tannin and reducing substances. The antimicrobial results showed that methanolic and aqueous leaf extract of OL possessed antimicrobial and antifungal activity as it inhibited B. subtilis, Proteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus albus and Candida. The methanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of PN, on the other hand also have similar effects like OL but at a different concentration. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the two plants extracts decreases with increasing shelf life. The plants are usually used for several reasons in antenatal care by  Traditional Birth attendants in South west Nigeria

Mentorship in orthopaedic and trauma residency training programme in Nigeria: the residents' perspective

Background: Mentorship is important in residency training as it is necessary for personal and professional development of the resident traineesObjectives: This study documents mentorship in orthopaedic residency training programme in Nigeria by assessing the awareness of orthopaedic residents on the role of a mentor, willingness to be mentored and their perceived reasons for the possible lack of mentors/ participation of senior colleagues in a mentorship programmeMethod: This was a descriptive cross sectional study of 37 orthopaedic residents attending a revision course of the Faculty of Orthopaedics, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. Self-administered structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0.Results: The mean age of the respondent was 34.7 ± 4.7 years. The Male: Female ratio was 19:1. The average number of years already spent in the residency programme by the respondents was 2.8 ± 0.9 years. Only 27% of residents had participated in a mentorship programme since they began residency programme but only half were still being mentored at the time of the study. Sixty-five percent reported no formal mentorship programme in their institutions. However, 73% of the respondents would want a formal mentorship programme in their institution. Ninety percent of the respondents desired to be mentored.Conclusion: Most residents are willing to be mentored. Consultants and trainers should ensure that the trainees are mentored.Keywords: Mentorship, Orthopaedic Residents, Residency Training, Fellowship Training Nigeri

Pattern of Medical Waste Management in Secondary Health Facilities of Lagos State.

Background: Waste or by-products generated during the process of health-care activities (diagnosis, treatment, immunization, production or testing of biologicals) from hospitals, laboratories, research centres and blood banks are referred to as medical waste. Medical waste management (MWM) involves waste segregation, colourcoding, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal practices.Objective: This study assessed the pattern of MWM in secondary health facilities in Lagos State.Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study of 106 secondary health facilities selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist. The data was analysed using Epi-info 2002. Fisher's exact test was used to determine association between dependent and independent variables. Level of significance was set at 5%.Results: Seventy-three (68.9%) of the health facilities segregated medical waste at source, larger health facilities were more likely to segregate wastes (p=0.002) and 95.3% stored their waste for more than 48 hours. In all of the health facilities gloves were used while 31.1% used masks as personal protective devices when handling waste. Lagos State Waste Management Authority medical unit was responsible for transporting medical waste out in 89.6% of the health facilities. Only 6.6% of the storage process was according to the World Health Organization guidelines.Conclusion: Secondary health facilities in Lagos state did not comply with the WHO guidelines as regards segregation, transportation, treatment and off-site disposal. MWM needs to be improved to ensure a safe and sustainable system in Lagos State.Keywords: Medical waste, Waste management, Health care waste

Self-reported risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among solid waste workers in Lagos State, Nigeria

Background: Epidemiological studies have indicated an association between musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and physical work demands. Municipal Solid waste collection and disposal in most developing countries with inadequate or inappropriate waste management services and practices is physically demanding and increases the risk of MSDs among waste collectors.Objectives: This study determined the prevalence and self-perceived predisposing factors to MSDs amongst solid waste collectors in Lagos State, Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to survey 200 solid waste collectors selected using multistage sampling method. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on prevalence of MSDs. Perceived risk factors were assessed using questions on ergonomic work factors. Data was analyzed using Epi-info version 3.5.1.Results: The prevalence of MSDs among the solid waste collectors was 71.0%. The main body segment affected was the trunk- lower back (42.0%) and neck (37.5%), followed by the shoulder (31.5%). The self-reported risk of musculoskeletal discomfort was increased with workrelated factors such as repetitive movement of body parts during work, working under extensive pressure and awkward positioning of body when working.Conclusion: Despite a high prevalence of MSDs, there was poor attitude in adopting preventive measures. These solid waste collectors need to be taught how to prevent musculoskeletal discomfort through good posturing, and how to access appropriate care.Keywords: Low back pain, Solid Waste, Risk Factors, Occupational Illnes

In vitro activity of amikacin compared with other amtimicrobials against clinically important bacteria in the Lagos Universety Teaching Hospital

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Knowledge, Attitude And Use Of Mobile Phones To Acquire Health-related Information Among Students Of Yaba College Of Technology, Lagos

Background: Mobile phones have evolved from being luxuries to being one of the most common amenities that the average Nigerian possesses. Mobile health technology (mHealth) via the use of mobile phones to acquire health related information has its greatestprospects in public health, where it has the potential of reaching a wider range of people and places with little or no extra cost both to the government/service provider and also to the end users.Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and use of mobile phones to acquire health-related information among undergraduate students of Yaba College of  Technology, Akoka, in Lagos State.Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using self-administered questionnaires among 326 respondents selected using stratified sampling method. Data was analyzed using 2008 Epi-Info statistical software.Results: The mean age of respondents was 22.61 + 3.34 years. Most respondents showed good knowledge (91.2%) and positive attitude (98.2%) regarding mHealth. Seventy percent of the respondents owned smart phones, 26.4% were currently subscribed to health-related short messaging service (SMS) while 22.5% had health-related applications on their phones. Six months preceding the study, 29.9% had used their mobile phones to get health-related information via SMS (49.5%), for mobile Internet (41.1%) and mobile applications (29.4%). Younger age and good knowledge were factors associated with a positive attitude towards mHealth.Conclusion: Most respondents had good knowledge and positive attitude towards mobile phone use for health information acquisition,  however most still did not use it for this purpose. Stakeholders can leverage on their knowledge and positive attitude to further consolidate on the benefits of mobile technology for health purposes among this population as its potential is huge. Keywords: Mobile Phones, Health, Health Informatio

Incidence of postoperative eye infections in a private eye hospital in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: There is a dearth of information on post-operative eye infections in Nigeria and most hospitals do not have an infection control program in place.Objective: This study was done to investigate the incidence of post-operative eye infections, their potential sources and the preparedness of the hospital to prevent such infections.Methods: A microbiological survey of all eye surgical procedures between March 2004 and May 2005 was performed. Relevant samples were taken and cultured pre, intra and post operatively as required. Definitions of infections were based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Criteria. In the eye clinic, and operation theatre, infection control procedures and practices were audited using a pre-designed questionnaire.Results: There were 2 cases of post operative eye infections ( with Haemophilus influenzae and Corynebacterium species) during the one year of survey of 339 performed surgeries. S. aureus, Coagulase negative staphylococcus (CNS), and Enterobacter spp were cultured from the aqueous humour, as well as pre and post operative conjunctivae swabs of three other patients. Eighty four (24.8%) other patients were colonized post operatively with CNS (32), S. aureus (28), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8), E. coli (5), Corynebacterium species (3), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1) Proteus mirabilis (4), Enterobacter species alone (1) and in association with CNS on 2 occasions. Seventy eight percent of patients had contact with staff who consistently haboured Staphylococcus species in their nares. Four patients (0.11%) were exposed to surgeons whose hands were contaminated and one eye (0.003%) to contaminated antiseptic solution. Facilities for hand washing and protective clothing were adequate but staffs were observed to perform an inadequate hands scrubbing. Most items were heat sterilized. Cleaning facilities were adequate and the environment was clean. The choice of antiseptic was correct, but that of disinfectant was considered incorrect. The ophthalmic equipments except the eye occluder were appropriately disinfected. Staffs were not protected when handling linen. Infected linens were separated from soiled linens only in the theatre. They were not bagged, and were hand sluiced. The only type of waste that was properly handled was sharps. All waste types were stored together prior to final disposal away from the public.Conclusion: The incidence of post-operative infection was 1. 69% and their sources were the patients’ normal flora. Other potential sources of post-operative eye infections identified included nares of hospital staff, hands of surgeon and hospital disinfectants. Areas of deficiencies in infection control practices, which require proper infection control policies, include hand scrubbing practices, disinfection, linen management and waste handling.Keywords: Eye infections, sources, infection control audit, sterilization, disinfection, hands scrubbin