Knowledge, Attitude, and Healthcare-Seeking Behavior Towards Dysmenorrhea among Female Students of a Private University in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Dysmenorrhea, especially when it is severe, has been associated with a restriction of activity and absence from school or work. Despite this substantial effect on their quality of life and general wellbeing, few women and adolescents with dysmenorrhea seek treatment as they believe it would not help. Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and healthcare-seeking behavior towards dysmenorrhea among female students of a Private University in Ogun State, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: Using a descriptive study design, 315 female students were randomly selected to participate in the study. Participants were given structured questionnaire to complete. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0 and were presented in tables reporting frequency counts and percentages. Statistical significant tests were conducted using chi-square. Result: Dysmenorrhea was reported in 78.1% (242/310) with majority ignoring the pain. Less than average 40.6% (126/310) of the participants had high knowledge about dysmenorrhea and 63.5% (197/310) had negative attitude towards dysmenorrhea. Major effects of dysmenorrhea included restriction from physical activities in 77.2% (187/242) and social withdrawal in 59.1% (143/242). Findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between the age of respondents and their healthcare-seeking behavior towards dysmenorrhea (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Findings from this study indicate the need to design regular reproductive health programs for female undergraduates including information on how to monitor and manage menstrual problems.Keywords: Adolescents, attitude, dysmenorrhea, healthcare-seeking behavior, knowl

MOSQUITO LARVICIDAL PROPERTIES OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF SENNA DIDYMOBOTRYA

Larvicidal properties of aqueous extracts of the leaves tem and root barks of Senna didymobotrya (Fabaceae) were evaluated against the malaria vector (Anopheles fluviatilis) under physiological conditions. Larvicidal assays showed that early larval stages were more prone to the lethal effects of the plant extracts, and that the root barks extract possessed the strongest larvicidal activity. Larvicidal effects were obtained after 3 hours of incubation of the larvae in 1,0.1, or 0.01% w/v solutions of the aqueous extracts. It was concluded that S. didymoborya is a potential mosquito larvicide. Key Words: Senna didymobotrya; Fabaceae, Aqueous extracts; mosquito larvae; Larvicidal property; Anopheles fluviatilis Nig. J. Nat Prod. And Med. Vol.4 2000: 46-4