Adoption practices in Enugu, Nigeria

The study of the pattern and outcome of adoptions in Enugu, Nigeria in order to determine the challenges in the emerging adoption practice in the state. Aretrospective analysis of adoption practices in Enugu Nigeria based on data from the National women\'s Commission. The NationalWomen\'s Commission is the statutory body responsible for the documentation and follow-up of adoption in Enugu State. The characteristics of adopters and adoptees, types of adoption, prevalence and outcome of the adoptions between January 1991 and December 2001 were examined. Percentages were used for descriptive statistics and student\'s t-test for comparing means at 5% significance levels. There were sixty-one adoptions in the eleven-year period giving a prevalence of 5.5 adoptions per year. Eighteen (29.5%) kinship adoptions and 43 (70.5%) adoptions of abandoned babies and children were recorded. Themean age of the adopteeswas 4.2 years and 33.3% of themwere 5 years and above.All adopters were Nigerians but 32.0% of themresided overseas. The commonest age range at adoption was 4-49 years and the peak duration ofmarriage prior to adoption was 15-19 years.Most adopters (84.9%) had at least secondary school education.No adoptionwas annulled and therewas no recorded death of adoptees. Post caremonitoring was found to be incomprehensive. The growing practice of adoption in Enugu is laudable but post adoption care is poor. Emphasis on post adoption care is vital in developing countrieswhere complex social and logistic factorsmilitate against it. In infertility management early institution of counseling on adoption would allow couples ample time for decisionmaking and preparation for adoption, aswell as encourage adoptionwhen couples are still young. Keywords: Adoption. Practice Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol. 11 (1) 2008: pp.5-

The impact of pre-menarcheal training on menstrual practices and hygiene of Nigerian school girls

Background: The menstrual practices of adolescents derive largely from health issues associated with their adjustment to reproductive life. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of pre-menarcheal training on the menstrual and hygiene practices of Nigerian school girls. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of randomly selected post-menarcheal school girls using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was done. Results: The mean age of the school girls was 14.9 ± 1.7 years. Pre-menarcheal training was given to 273 (55.2%) of them. Mothers (74.7%) were the more common source of information. Inappropriate experience of menarche, adverse effect of menstruation on schooling and social life and the use of unhygienic menstrual absorbents were common in girls who had no pre-menarcheal training than those who did. Conclusion: Lack of timely information results in inappropriate menstrual experiences and poor menstrual hygiene practices. Ways to promote menstrual education and hygiene practices are suggested

HIV/AIDS perception and sexual behaviour among Nigerian University students

No Abstract. Nigrian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol. 10 (2) 2007: pp. 105-11

The effect of free distribution of insecticide-treated nets on asymptomatic Plasmodium parasitemia in pregnant and nursing mothers in a rural Nigerian community

No Abstract

Universal precautions: awareness and practice of patent medicines vendors in Enugu metropolis, South East Nigeria

Aim: To determine patent medicine vendor's awareness and practice of universal precautions. Methodology: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria in November, 2008. Three hundred and thirty seven patent medicine vendors were studied using semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires. Information on awareness and practice of universal precautions were obtained. Results: Two hundred and four (60.5%) of the patent medicine vendors had secondary education. Two hundred and sixty three (78%) were not aware of the concept of universal precautions. Of the 74 who had heard of the concept, the mass media was the source of information for 38 (51.4%) of them. Most (67.7%) of patent medicine vendors treat open wounds and administer injections. The proportion who take some precaution or the other (50.7%), is similar to those who do not (49.3%). One hundred and forty four (42.7%) of them, dispose of used sharps inappropriately. Two hundred and twenty three (66.2%) of themare aware of the need for appropriate action after a needle prick; i.e., through accessing HIV screening services or consulting a doctor. Conclusion and recommendation: The patent medicine vendor's awareness and practice of universal precautions is poor. Regular training on universal precautions is recommended.Keywords: Patent medicine vendors, universal precautions, sharps, needle prick

Prevalence of depression among health workers in Enugu, South East Nigeria

Aims: Determination of the prevalence and distribution of depression among health workers at tertiary level of health care delivery in Enugu South East Nigeria. Settings and Design: A cross‑sectional descriptive survey of depression in health workers at tertiary level.Subjects and Methods: By proportional quota sampling, the sample size of 309 was used. Ethical issues were given full consideration. A structured self‑administered questionnaire including the Zung self‑rating depression scale was used to collect data.Statistical Analysis Used: Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS statistical package version 15. Statistical significance was considered present when P < 0.05.Results: The total of 46 of the 309 workers (14.9%) were found to be depressed. Of the health workers found to be depressed, there were more females (18.0%) than males (8.7%). A feeling of sadness over family, living and working conditions was more consistent among the depressed.Conclusions: The condition of depression is present among health workers in this part of the world. Being a female health worker, may be associated with depression in South East Nigeria. Studies to investigate the determinants and effects of depression in the Nigerian health work force are necessary.Key words: Depression, health workers, prevalenceErratum published for this article here: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/njcp/article/view/158260In the article, “Prevalence of depression among health workers in Enugu, South East Nigeria”, which appeared in the pages 342-347, issue 3, vol. 18 of Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice,[1] the name of the third author and his affiliation is missing. The third author name is “Anne Chigedu Ndu” and the affiliation is “Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria”.The “How to cite this article” section information is written incorrectly and should read as “Obi IE, Aniebue PN, Ndu AC, Okonkwo KOB, Okeke TA, Ugwunna NCW. Prevalence of depression among health workers in Enugu, South East Nigeria. Niger J Clin Pract 2015;18:342-7