Assessment of male involvement in emergency contraception in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State

Background: Emergency contraception (EC) refers to the use of drugs or a device as an emergency measure to prevent pregnancy. Lack of awareness and appropriate use of emergency contraception after unprotected sexual intercourse can lead to unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Male involvement in contraceptive practices could help reduce these sequelae. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraception and extent of partners’ communication with each other on pregnancy prevention among male students in the University of Benin, Benin City.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 male students of the University of Benin selected by multistage sampling technique. Data was obtained with pretested interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 20 and statistical significance was determined using Chi square and Fishers exact with p value set at < 0.05.Results: Three hundred and thirty-four (95.4%) of the respondents, had incorrect knowledge of Emergency Contraception (EC) while 293 (83.7%) respondents had a good attitude toward EC. One hundred and seventy-five (80.3%) of the respondents’ partners have used emergency contraception and only 93 (43.1%) respondents discussed pregnancy prevention with their partners.Conclusion: The knowledge of emergency contraception among respondents was poor. However, most respondents had positive attitude towards its use and majority of their partners had used EC. Therefore, health education program on pregnancy prevention methods is recommended to improve respondents’ knowledge.Keywords: Emergency contraception, Male involvement, Knowledge, Attitude, Pregnancy prevention

Diabetic ketoacidosis complicating gestational diabetes mellitus: A case report

The development of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in pregnancy is a medical emergency that demands prompt recognition and aggressive treatment to prevent adverse fetal outcome. The occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis as the first manifestation of gestational diabetes (GDM) is rare but is associated with a high fetal mortality rate. Early detection and prompt treatment of DKA in pregnancy usually results in successful fetal outcome. Prevention of DKA can be achieved by pre-conception counseling, screening of at-risk women during antenatal booking, and clinic. This report is that of GDM complicated by severe DKA at 18 week of gestation. DKA was successfully treated with soluble insulin and normal saline. Patient was followed up as an outpatient. She delivered a live healthy baby boy at term with no abnormality. Pre-conception counseling and early antenatal booking is advocated in order to avoid delayed diagnoses and possible fetal losses

Prevalence and risk factors of diabetes mellitus foot syndrome amongst persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a tertiary hospital in southern Nigeria

Background: Diabetic foot problems are common throughout the world, resulting in major economic consequences for the patients, their families, and thesociety. Diabetic foot ulcers are largely preventable by identifying people at risk of ulceration throughexamination of the feet, education and frequent follow-up of these patients.Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Diabetes mellitus foot syndrome (DMFS) amongst persons with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)attending University of Benin Teaching Hospital.Subjects, materials and methods: A total of 380 persons with T2DM were recruited for this study. Questionnaires were administered to the subjects to obtain socio-demographic and clinical information. Anthropometric measurements were taken, physical and neurological examination of both feet as well palpation of peripheral vessels and Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) determination were also carried out.Results: Out of the 230 study subjects, 61% were females while 39% were males.The mean age of the subjects with DMFS and controls were 56.31 and 50.83 years respectively (p=0.01). The mean duration of DM for study subjects and controls were 6.50 and 3.91years (p=0.01). The prevalence of DMFS in this study was 38.7%. Peripheral neuropathy was the most prevalent risk factor present in 57.8% of subjects with DMFS, followeAnkle–brachial pressure index d by calluses (42.6%).Conclusion: The prevalence of DMFS amongst persons with Type 2 DM appears to be high which (are)is in keeping with global trends of DM. Routine foot examination aimed at early identification of and modification of risk factors of DMFS is thus recommended

Overview of the current status of familial hypercholesterolaemia care in over 60 countries - The EAS Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Studies Collaboration (FHSC)

Background and aims: Management of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) may vary across different settings due to factors related to population characteristics, practice, resources and/or policies. We conducted a survey among the worldwide network of EAS FHSC Lead Investigators to provide an overview of FH status in different countries. Methods: Lead Investigators from countries formally involved in the EAS FHSC by mid-May 2018 were invited to provide a brief report on FH status in their countries, including available information, programmes, initiatives, and management. Results: 63 countries provided reports. Data on FH prevalence are lacking in most countries. Where available, data tend to align with recent estimates, suggesting a higher frequency than that traditionally considered. Low rates of FH detection are reported across all regions. National registries and education programmes to improve FH awareness/knowledge are a recognised priority, but funding is often lacking. In most countries, diagnosis primarily relies on the Dutch Lipid Clinics Network criteria. Although available in many countries, genetic testing is not widely implemented (frequent cost issues). There are only a few national official government programmes for FH. Under-treatment is an issue. FH therapy is not universally reimbursed. PCSK9-inhibitors are available in ∼2/3 countries. Lipoprotein-apheresis is offered in ∼60% countries, although access is limited. Conclusions: FH is a recognised public health concern. Management varies widely across countries, with overall suboptimal identification and under-treatment. Efforts and initiatives to improve FH knowledge and management are underway, including development of national registries, but support, particularly from health authorities, and better funding are greatly needed. © 2018 Elsevier B.V

Overview of the current status of familial hypercholesterolaemia care in over 60 countries - The EAS Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Studies Collaboration (FHSC)

Background and aims: Management of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) may vary across different settings due to factors related to population characteristics, practice, resources and/or policies. We conducted a survey among the worldwide network of EAS FHSC Lead Investigators to provide an overview of FH status in different countries. Methods: Lead Investigators from countries formally involved in the EAS FHSC by mid-May 2018 were invited to provide a brief report on FH status in their countries, including available information, programmes, initiatives, and management. Results: 63 countries provided reports. Data on FH prevalence are lacking in most countries. Where available, data tend to align with recent estimates, suggesting a higher frequency than that traditionally considered. Low rates of FH detection are reported across all regions. National registries and education programmes to improve FH awareness/knowledge are a recognised priority, but funding is often lacking. In most countries, diagnosis primarily relies on the Dutch Lipid Clinics Network criteria. Although available in many countries, genetic testing is not widely implemented (frequent cost issues). There are only a few national official government programmes for FH. Under-treatment is an issue. FH therapy is not universally reimbursed. PCSK9-inhibitors are available in ∼2/3 countries. Lipoprotein-apheresis is offered in ∼60 countries, although access is limited. Conclusions: FH is a recognised public health concern. Management varies widely across countries, with overall suboptimal identification and under-treatment. Efforts and initiatives to improve FH knowledge and management are underway, including development of national registries, but support, particularly from health authorities, and better funding are greatly needed. © 2018 Elsevier B.V