Foreign Direct Investment in Nigerian Context: Conducive or Not?

Foreign direct investment has been acknowledged to have a significant impact on the development of an economy, specifically developing countries like Nigeria. However, the problem does not lie with attracting these investments but sustaining it and marketing for potential ones. This research examines the hindrances faced by investors while drawing a link between FDI and growth. Data was obtained using a more direct approach of in-depth interviews, which attracts responses from eight individuals that cut across industries. From the feedback of responses, it was observed that the problems that are being faced in the economy revolved around similar issues of poor infrastructure, political instability, policy inconsistency e.t.c. but this is not something new. Therefore the research addresses policy issues that policy makers should consider more closely. Although economic growth is important, the most significant factor is the process of growth.And lastly, nigeria should act less dependent on the oil sector, so as to have a diversified portfolio for potential investors

Prediction of low birth weight from other anthropometric parameters in Nnewi, south eastern Nigeria

Background: Low birth weight is a global problem but presents a major burden on the neonatal services in developing countries such as Nigeria, and brings to bear a greater strain on the meagre resources available for health care delivery and family financing. In a resourceconstrained setting as ours, proper weighing of all newborn infants and medical surveillance of low birth weight infants, although highly desirable, are often not achieved due to unavailability of suitable, functional weighing scales. There are serial cut-off points for the various anthropometric indices for the normal birth weight babies below which any baby is termed low birth weight. This study assessed the predictive values of anthropometric measurements in the detection of low birth weight newborn babies and also determined the local specific cut-off points for these measurements in Nnewi, Southeast Nigeria.Methods: This was a crosssectional study in which length, occipitofrontal circumference, mid-arm circumference and maximum thigh circumference of 428 singleton babies were ascertained within 24 hours of delivery. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Correlation and linear regression analyses were done to examine the linear relationship between the predictors and birth weight. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated at serial cut–off points and the points of best discrimination determined.Results: The low birth weight prevalence was 15.2%. Maximum thigh circumference attained the highest correlation with birth weight (r = 0.904), greatest coefficient of determination (r2=0.817), and least measure of dispersion around the actual birth weight. Thus maximum thigh circumference, which has a cut-off point of 16.75cm, was the best predictor of low birth weight, with 98.5% sensitivity, 92.3% specificity and diagnostic accuracy of 93.2% (P<0.001).Conclusion: Routine measurements of maximum thigh circumference in resource-poor countries is an effective proxy for weight at birth in prenatal assessments and epidemiologic surveys.Key words: anthropometric parameters,low birth weight, newborn, Nigeri

Complete Hydatidiform Mole Coexisting with a Live Fetus

Hydatidiform mole co-existing with a normal fetus is very rare. We report a case of a 36 year old woman Para 4+0 who presented with amenorrhoea of twenty four weeks duration, vaginal bleeding , abdominal pain and  pre-eclampsia. Ultrasound examination revealed a hydatidiform mole  coexisting with a normal living fetus. The patient underwent a caesarean section at twenty eight weeks for maternal distress due to unbearable   abdominal pain. The baby died after seven days. Post operatively she had an eclamptic fit and developed oliguria and persistent trophoblastic disease which were all successfully treated.Key words: hydatidiform mole, living fetus, perisitent trophoblastic disease

Adolescent Sexual Behaviour and Practices in Nigeria: A Twelve Year Review

Background: Adolescence is a time of opportunity and risk. During this time, attitudes, values and behaviours that forms a young person's future begin to develop and take shape. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 70% of premature deaths among adults are largely due to behaviours initiated during adolescence. Age of sexual debut is generally low, yet there is dearth of knowledge on sexuality.Objective: The article reviewed the sexual practices and behaviours of Nigerian adolescents in the last twelve years.Methods: Available publications in local and international journals on adolescent sexual behaviour and practices covering a twelve-year period from January 2000 to December 2011 were retrieved from the Library (NAUTH Medical Library). Additional search for published articles was done on the internet from Pubmed/Medline and other search engines.Results: Adolescents engage in unhealthy sexual behaviours, characterized by early age at sexual initiation, unsafe sex and multiple sex partners. Reasons given for this include curiosity, peer influence, pleasure and financial benefit, amongst others.Conclusion: The strategies given in this review have the potential to increase sexual awareness in adolescents, encourage contraceptive use and improve adolescent reproductive and sexual health in the country.Keywords: Adolescent sexual behaviour, Adolescent health and development, secondary school students, adolescent pregnancy

Foreign Direct Investment in Nigerian Context: Conducive or Not?

Foreign direct investment has been acknowledged to have a significant impact on the development of an economy, specifically developing countries like Nigeria. However, the problem does not lie with attracting these investments but sustaining it and marketing for potential ones. This research examines the hindrances faced by investors while drawing a link between FDI and growth. Data was obtained using a more direct approach of in-depth interviews, which attracts responses from eight individuals that cut across industries. From the feedback of responses, it was observed that the problems that are being faced in the economy revolved around similar issues of poor infrastructure, political instability, policy inconsistency e.t.c. but this is not something new. Therefore the research addresses policy issues that policy makers should consider more closely. Although economic growth is important, the most significant factor is the process of growth.And lastly, nigeria should act less dependent on the oil sector, so as to have a diversified portfolio for potential investors

Parents' Perception on the Effects of Child Labour in a community in Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: According to a survey conducted by the Federal Office of Statistics (FOS) in 2003, more than 15 million Nigerian children under the age of 14 are working, mostly to help pay for the cost of going to school. The prevalence of child labour in Nigeria ranges from 20% to 30% and this is not without some untoward effects. This study, on parents' perception of the effects of child labour, becomes relevant since most of these children are forced to work by their parents. Objectives: This study is to determine the parents perception and the effects of child labour. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among 352 parents in Nnewi, Anambra State. A multistage sampling technique was used in the study, and involved simple random sampling and the modified WHO cluster sampling techniques. Information was obtained using selfadministered semi-structured questionnaires, and was analyzed with computer softwares. Results: The majority of the parents 79.26% (279) have good knowledge of child labour. Most of the parents 66.19% (216) consider child labour as hazardous, while 33.81% (136) believe it is beneficial. Adverse effects of child labour perceived by parents' ranges from sexual harassment, teenage pregnancy, termination of formal education, to the contraction of sexually transmitted disease. Out of the 352 parents, 27.96% (78) admitted they practice child labour while 72.04% (201) did not. Conclusion: A careful consideration of the findings of this study will equip stakeholders with the necessary input for the enactment of policies, legislations and profering a lasting solution to this menace. Key words: Parents, perception, child labour. Afrimedic Journal 2010; 1(1):15-1

Sexual Behaviour and Practices Among Secondary School Adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescents are persons aged 10 to 19 years. Adolescence is the progression from appearance of sexual characteristics to sexual and reproductive maturity; development of adult mental processes and adult identity and a period of transition from total socio-economic dependence to relative independence. Their sexual behaviour is an issue of global public health concern. Objective: TThis study is to assess the sexual behaviour and practices among secondary school adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross -sectional descriptive study of 384 inschool adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria, selected using a multi stage random sampling technique was done. Data was collected using pre-tested, semi-structured self administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 13 computer software. Results: One hundred and twenty (34.3%) out of 384 respondents have had their first sexual exposure and are sexually active. Seventy eight (65.0%) were males while 42 (35.0%) were females. The mean, modal and youngest ages of initiation into sexual activity were 15.08 + 0.2, 15+ 0.2, and 10+ 0.2 years respectively. About 49 (40.8%) have multiple sexual partners. Contraceptive awareness was 52.0%, while contraceptive uses at first and last sexual intercourse were 35 (29.2%) and 108 (75.0%) respectively. The most commonly used contraceptive methods were condom 90.0% (108) and pills 8.20% (10), while the most common reasons for having premarital sex were peer group pressure 50.0% (60) and monetary gains 27.5% (33). Conclusion: Risky sexual behaviour is high among this age group. Efforts to promote sexuality education and contraceptive awareness should be intensified. Key words: sexual behaviour, secondary schools, adolescents, Nigeria. Afrimedic Journal 2010; 1(2)22-2

Contraceptive Knowledge and Practice Among Female Teachers of Reproductive Age, in Nnewi, Anambra State

Background: Contraceptive prevalence in Nigeria has been consistently low despite all efforts by government and non governmental organization to boost utilization. Yet sexual activity in the country is on the increase especially among young persons (10-24 years). Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the level of contraceptive knowledge and practice among female teachers of reproductive age group (15-49 years) in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study of the contraceptive knowledge and practice of 384 teachers of reproductive age (15-49 years), teaching in both primary and secondary schools within Nnewi Town, Anambra State between April and June 2010. Results: Majority of the respondents, 372 (97.0%), had knowledge of at least one form of contraceptive method. The best known method of contraception was the natural method, 180 (46.9%). The highest knowledge for the modern method was that of condom, 178 (46.4%), while the least known was sterilization methods, 35 (9.1%). The commonest source of information was the mass media. Ever use of contraception was found in 219 (57.0%) respondents while current use was found in 154 (40.0%). Husbands' approval, 90 (58.4%) was the commonest reason for choice of a particular method while the least reason was cost, 8 (5.1%). Conclusion: A disparity exists between knowledge and contraceptive practice among female teachers of reproductive age in Nnewi. This gap can be bridged by properly designed training and re-training of teachers on reproductive health issues including family planning. Keys Words: Contraceptive knowledge, Teachers, Nnew

Hepatitis C virus infection in Nigerians

Background: Hepatitis C virus is a chronic lifelong infection in the majority of patients who are infected with the virus. Not much is known and written/published about this virus in Nigeria. Objective: To assess the status of hepatitis C virus infection in Nigeria. Materials and method:Sources of information were mainly from published works in and outside Nigeria. The information was extracted over a period of 12 months from January to December 2009. Results: So far the prevalence of hepatitis C. virus infection is increasing in Nigeria, ranging from 4.7-5% in Ilorin, to 5.3-6.6% in Enugu, to 11% in Ibadan and 20% in Benin. Children and adults are all at risk of being infected especially sickle cell disease patients. Others include those who are exposed to the common risk factors like Blood transfusion, haemodialyisis, recycling of syringes and needles, sexual promiscuity. Conclusion: Reduction in the Hepatitis C virus infection could be achieved by Health education campaign of the general public and by support from government and non-governmental organizations for the to provision of antiviral and immunostimulatory drugs free of charge for those already infected

Epidemiological pattern and outcome of head injuries during festive and non-festive periods in a tertiary hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria

Background: Head injury is trauma to the brain and/or its coverings as a result of an externally applied mechanical force. Study of epidemiological pattern of head injuries is essential in developing necessary preventive strategies and control. To compare the prevalence and pattern of head injuries during the non-festive (February – September) and the festive (October – January) periods in our environment.Methods: Patients’ case files at the Accidents and Emergency unit of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, were reviewed.Results: Two hundred and sixty-six out of 4,846 met the inclusion criteria for traumatic head injury and were recruited for the study, giving a prevalence of 5.5%. About 77.4% of these presentations were males while 22.6% were females. Both males and females were affected more in the festive period (52.4% and 48.3%) than in the non-festive period (51.7% and 47.6%). The >20 – 30 year group recorded the highest presentation at 30.5%. Traders and Commercial Motorcyclists were the most affected occupations with 25.9% and 24.1% respectively, with the most common causes of head injury during both the festive and non – periods being motorcycle and motor vehicle accidents (68% and 18% respectively). About 63% presented with mild head injury, 14% with moderate and 23% with severe head injuries. About 11.4% were discharged, 83.9% were transferred to the ward for further evaluation and monitoring while 4.7% died at the Accident and Emergency department.Conclusions: Traumatic head injury is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in our environment especially in the festive periods. Aggressive and sustained traffic safety education is recommended for all stakeholders in the broad field of accidentology.