Knowledge of malaria amongst caregivers of young children in rural and urban communities in Southwest Nigeria

Purpose: To compare the awareness and treatment knowledge of malaria amongst caregivers of young children in urban and rural areas of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area in Ogun State. Method: Structured questionnaires were administered to caregivers of children under the age of five years in 1472 households using a multistage random sampling technique. Results: Many respondents (65%) attributed the cause of malaria to mosquito bite. The knowledge of malaria treatment (particularly the knowledge of pediatric doses) was generally poor. Caregivers in urban areas had better understanding of the dosage regimen for both adult and pediatric doses (

Promoting cessation and a tobacco free future: willingness of pharmacy students at the University of Lagos, Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Tobacco use is projected to cause nearly 450 million deaths worldwide during the next 50 years. Health professionals can have a critical role in reducing tobacco use. Therefore, one of the strategies to reduce the number of smoking-related deaths is to encourage the involvement of health professionals in tobacco-use prevention and cessation counseling. As future health care providers, pharmacy students should consider providing assistance to others to overcome tobacco use and be involved in promoting a tobacco free future as part of their professional responsibility.</p> <p>This research was to determine the knowledge of tobacco/smoking policy, willingness to be involved in tobacco cessation, attitude to keeping a tobacco free environment and the smoking habit among pharmacy students at the University of Lagos.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data was collected by the use of self administered questionnaire which was aimed at assessing their smoking habit, determining their knowledge and attitude to smoking policy and willingness to be involved in smoking cessation. The population sample was all the pharmacy students in their professional years (200 to 500 Levels) at Idi-Araba Campus of the University of Lagos.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Out of 327 qualified participants, 297 responded to the questionnaire which was about 91% participation rate but out of these only 291 questionnaires were useful which came to 89%.</p> <p>There seemed to be no statistically significant difference between the smoking habits among the different levels (p > 0.05). Overall, the current smoking prevalence was 5.5% which is lower than the national prevalence rate of 8.9%.</p> <p>Awareness of WHO FCTC global tobacco treaty was low (9.3%) among pharmacy students but they agreed that pharmacists and pharmacy students should be involved in quit smoking program (93.1%) and they were willing to be involved in helping smokers to quit (85.9%). Majority agreed that smoking should not be permitted in pharmacies (87.9%) and at pharmacy students' events (86.9%).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>From this study it can be concluded that smoking prevalence is low among pharmacy students at the University of Lagos. Awareness of global policy is low but they are willing to be involved in smoking cessation and promoting a tobacco free future.</p

Preservation of Smoked African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus Burchell against Dermestes maculatus De Geer (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) using Neem Seed Oil-iodized Salt Mixtures

Dermestes maculatus is a major fish pest causing serious damage when left uncontrolled. This work identifies the fatty acids of Nigeria-obtained neem seed oil (NSO) and the potential of different mixtures of the NSO and iodized salt in the control of the pest. Seven fatty acids: palmitic acid (18.09%), linoleic acid (33.73%), stearic acid (14.37%), oleic acid (13.4%), octadecanoic acid (12.93%), 9, 12–octadecadienoic acid (1.47%) and arachidic acid (3.33%) were identified in the NSO. Percentage of D. maculatus adu1t mortality (100%) observed in fish treated with 0.00 μl NSO + 0.50 mg salt, 100 μl NSO + 0.125 mg salt and 0.00 μl NSO + 0.25 mg salt was significantly (p<0.05) different from mortality observed in untreated fish (31.25%). Percentage of live larvae (0.0%) in fish treated with 0.50 mg salt + 0.00 μl NSO, 100 μl NSO + 0.125 mg salt, 0.00 μ1 NSO + 0.25 mg salt and 50 μl NSO + 0.125 mg salt was lower than 63.97% observed in the control. Percentage of weight loss of untreated (75.10%) and 50 μl NSO-treated fish (69.65%) was significantly higher than values obtained from fish treated with 0.5 mg salt (26.93%), 100 μ1 NSO + 0.125 mg salt (25.73%) and 0.25 mg salt (23.63%). Application of NSO-iodized salt did not change the colour and odour of treated fish. Consumers significantly rejected fish treated with ≥ 50 μl NSO

Preservation of Smoked African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus Burchell against Dermestes maculatus De Geer (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) using Neem Seed Oil-iodized Salt Mixtures

Dermestes maculatus is a major fish pest causing serious damage when left uncontrolled. This work identifies the fatty acids of Nigeria-obtained neem seed oil (NSO) and the potential of different mixtures of the NSO and iodized salt in the control of the pest. Seven fatty acids: palmitic acid (18.09%), linoleic acid (33.73%), stearic acid (14.37%), oleic acid (13.4%), octadecanoic acid (12.93%), 9, 12–octadecadienoic acid (1.47%) and arachidic acid (3.33%) were identified in the NSO. Percentage of D. maculatus adu1t mortality (100%) observed in fish treated with 0.00 μl NSO + 0.50 mg salt, 100 μl NSO + 0.125 mg salt and 0.00 μl NSO + 0.25 mg salt was significantly (p<0.05) different from mortality observed in untreated fish (31.25%). Percentage of live larvae (0.0%) in fish treated with 0.50 mg salt + 0.00 μl NSO, 100 μl NSO + 0.125 mg salt, 0.00 μ1 NSO + 0.25 mg salt and 50 μl NSO + 0.125 mg salt was lower than 63.97% observed in the control. Percentage of weight loss of untreated (75.10%) and 50 μl NSO-treated fish (69.65%) was significantly higher than values obtained from fish treated with 0.5 mg salt (26.93%), 100 μ1 NSO + 0.125 mg salt (25.73%) and 0.25 mg salt (23.63%). Application of NSO-iodized salt did not change the colour and odour of treated fish. Consumers significantly rejected fish treated with ≥ 50 μl NSO

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

Management Of Diarrhoea And Impact Of Health Eduction In Agboyi, A Peri-Urban Community With A High Prevalence Of Diarrhoea

This study was designed to assess the method of management of diarrhoea by mothers of pre-school children, their knowledge of the preparation of sugar salt solution and the impact of health education on the level of awareness and practice of these mothers who are fully resident in a peri-urban community. Two hundred and twenty three mothers with pre-school children were interviewed. The prevalence of diarrhoea amongst the pre school children over the preceeding one month of the study was as high as 46%. Up to 50% knew infection was the major cause however only 33% would normally use ORS or SSS. Fewer than half of the studied population actually knew the correct quantities of sugar, salt and water. As many as 20% of preschool children were either wasted or stunted (i.e. malnourished). Health education was found to have a significant impact on the awareness and proper practice of these mothers. It is recommended that repeated training and health education be given to these mothers on the prevention and proper management of diarrhoea disease to achieve the recommended decade goals. Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol.9, No.3 (1999) pp. 189-19

Sexually transmitted infections: Prevalence, knowledge and treatment practices among female sex workers in a cosmopolitan city in Nigeria

Sexually transmitted infections constitute economic burden for developing countries, exposure to causative agents is an occupational hazard for female sex workers. Targeted interventions for this population can reduce the incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections including human immunodeficiency virus, but barriers exists which can hinder effective implementation of such programs. This descriptive cross sectional study sought to assess the prevalence, knowledge and treatment practices of sexually transmitted infections among brothel based female sex workers Three hundred and twenty three consenting female sex workers were surveyed using pre tested, interviewer administered questionnaires. More than half of the respondents (54.2%) had poor knowledge of symptoms of sexually transmitted infections. Only 13.9% were aware that sexually transmitted infections could be asymptomatic. The self reported prevalence of symptomatic sexually transmitted infections was 36.5%. About half of those with sexually transmitted infectionss sought treatment in a hospital or health centre while 32.5% from a patent medicine vendor. Most respondents (53.8%) mentioned the perceived quality of care as the main reason for seeking treatment in their chosen place. More of the respondents with good knowledge of sexually transmitted infections reported symptoms compared to those with fair and poor knowledge. The knowledge of sexually transmitted infections among these female sex workers is poor and the prevalence is relatively high. Efforts to improve knowledge promote and encourage preventive as well as effective treatment practices must be made for this population.Les infections sexuellement transmissibles constituent un fardeau économique pour les pays en développement et l&apos;exposition aux agents pathogènes est un risque professionnel pour les prostituées. Les interventions qui visent cette population peuvent réduire l&apos;incidence et la prévalence des infections sexuellement transmissibles, y compris le virus de l&apos;immunodéficience humaine, mais il existe des obstacles qui peuvent entraver la mise en oeuvre effective de ces programmes. Cette étude descriptive transversale a cherché à évaluer les pratiques de la prévalence, la connaissance et le traitement des infections sexuellement transmissibles chez les prostituées qui pratiquent leur métier dans des bordels. Trois cent vingt-trois prostituées consentants ont été interrogées à l&apos;aide des questionnaires déjà testés et administrés par l’intervieweur. Plus de la moitié des interviewées (54,2%) avaient une mauvaise connaissance des symptômes des infections sexuellement transmissibles. Seulement 13,9% étaient au courant que les infections sexuellement transmissibles peuvent être asymptomatiques. La prévalence des symptômes d&apos;infections sexuellement transmissibles auto signalés était de 36,5%. Environ la moitié de ceux qui sont atteints des infections sexuellement transmissibles ont recherché un traitement dans un centre hospitalier ou dans un centre de santé tandis que 32,5% le recherchaient auprès d&apos;un vendeur des médicaments brevetés. La plupart des interviewées (53,8%) ont mentionné la qualité perçue des soins comme la principale raison pour se faire soigner dans les lieux choisis. Beaucoup d’interviewées qui ont une bonne connaissance des infections sexuellement transmissibles ont signalé des symptômes par rapport à ceux qui les connaissent passablement ou mal. La connaissance des infections sexuellement transmissibles chez les prostituées est mauvaise et la prévalence est relativement élevée. Il faut faire des efforts pour améliorer les connaissances, pour promouvoir et pour encourager la prévention ainsi que les pratiques de traitement efficaces à l’intérêt de cette populatio

Knowledge and implementation of the National Malaria Control Programme among health-care workers in primary health-care centers in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Lack of capacity to implement programs effectively and low public education about malaria is some of the factors that Nigeria governments must address to effectively combat malaria. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge and implementation of the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) among health-care workers in the primary health-care centers in Ogun state. Three hundred and twenty-five respondents were recruited into the study using cluster sampling method. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect necessary information. Analysis and statistical calculation was done using SPSS version 20.0. Relationships between categorical variables were tested using Chi-square test with P value at 0.05. Results: One hundred and twenty-five (38.5%) of the respondents were from Ado-odo/Ota local government areas (LGAs), 120 (36.9%) of the respondents were from Ijebu-ode LGA and 80 (24.6%) were from Ewekoro LGA. About 37.8% of the respondents were within age range of 45–54 years, with mean of 41.7 ± 8.5. Over 90% of the respondents knew the mode of transmission of malaria, <50% of them could identified case definition of simple and complicated malaria. Large percentage of the respondents knew the signs and symptoms of simple malaria. The respondents who were older (P = 0.004) with more than 15-year work experience (P = 0.006) had good knowledge score of the NMCP. Conclusion: Knowledge and implementation of NMCP by health-care workers in some of the LGAs in this study was inadequate. Regular visit to the health facilities, especially those in the remote areas by the staff of malaria control unit were recommended

Outcome of a face – face Educational strategy on awareness and treatment knowledge of malaria amongst Caregivers of young children in a rural community in Southwest Nigeria

Purpose: To improve the awareness and treatment knowledge of malaria among careers of young children using a face-to-face intervention approach in a rural community in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government area, South west Nigeria. Method: Ten health workers were recruited to train caregivers of young children on appropriate case management of malaria using a face-to-face educational intervention strategy and distribution of printed educational intervention strategy and distribution of printed educational materials in six hundred randomly selected households of Igbesa and Agbara Communities. Structured questionnaires were then administered to the target caregivers one and three months post intervention. Result: There was a significant improvement in the treatment knowledge and awareness of malaria amongst careers in Igbesa Community (received face to face education plus printed educational materials) (

Factors Determining Correct Case Management of Acute Respiratory Infections in Children by Primary Health care in Ibadan

Background: Inappropriate case management of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) is one of the factors responsible for the high ARI mortality in developing countries. Identification of factors which influence ARI case management by health workers is key for interventions to improve Quality of case management. Objective: To identify factors which determine correct case management of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) in children by primary health care workers in Ibadan. Design: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out from June to December 1999 in Ibadan South East LGA and Lagelu LGA. Study materials included observation checklists, validation checklist, and health worker interview questionnaires. Results: Twenty-five health workers and 20 health workers were observed managing 390 children and 386 children in Ibadan South East and Lagelu LGA respectively. More than half of Pneumonia cases were correctly treated in the two LGAs (62.3% and 66.1% respectively). Sex and category of health workers was significantly associated with correct treatment of mild ARI with female workers and Nursing staff doing better (Odds ratio 4.57, 95% CI 2.15, 9.95 and 4.61, 95% CI 2.57, 8.31 respectively). Health workers who had been trained performed better in the management of Pneumonia though it was not statistically significant. Conclusions: There is a need for targeted research to identify the relative contribution of the myriad of factors influencing health worker performance in specific localities in order to improve the quality of care in child health programmes. Keywords: Factors, Case Management, ARI, Health workers.NQJHM Vol. 16 (1) 2005: pp. 14-1