Tradition Versus Female Circumcision: A Study Of Female Circumcision Among The Isoko Tribe Of Delta State Of Nigeria

Introduction: Female circumcision is a culturally sanctioned tradition practiced in many Africa countries and has deleterious consequences on women’s health, sexuality and fertility. Objective: To determine the extent of the practice and factors that influence decisions on female circumcision. Methods: The first 700 female patients attending clinics at the General Hospital Oleh, a suburb an community, were recruited during a 6 months period (May – October 2007). Results: Data analyzed from 630 of them showed a high significant rate of circumcision (66%) (

Prevalence Of Domestic Violence During Pregnancy In Oleh, A Suburban Isoko Community, Delta State, Nigeria

Domestic violence against pregnant women exposes victims to higher risk of pregnancy complications. The aim of this questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence, knowledge and perception of domestic violence amongst 400 consecutive pregnant women attending the ante-natal clinic of Central Hospital, Oleh. The mean age of the respondents was 28 ± 4.3 years (Range 15 – 44years) and, 82% of them attained at least secondary school education. Three hundred and sixty eight (92%) showed complete knowledge of domestic violence. A total of 144 (36%) of the women had experienced domestic violence during pregnancy. Domestic violence experienced were in the forms of verbal (58%), physical (31%) and sexual (11%) abuses. The husband was the commonest offender (92%). Some of the women felt domestic violence in pregnancy was always (12%) or under certain conditions (25%) excusable; and 77% of them would keep domestic violence in pregnancy secret. It is recommended that public awareness, about the inherent dangers associated with this act should be improved. Key words: Domestic violence, pregnant women; suburban communit

HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge And Attitudes Of Pregnant Women In Delta State, Nigeria

HIV/AIDS has become a global health challenge and, with no cure presently, prevention is the only available option in combating it. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women towards HIV/AIDS. A total of 200 consecutive women coming for antenatal care had a structured interview about the risk factors for HIV/AIDS. While most of the women (91%) were aware of HIV/AIDS, and that it could be transmitted sexually (95.6%) and through infected blood (57.7%), knowledge of its transmission through breast milk (36.8%) and mother-to-child (27.5%) was poor. Overall, 95.6% of the women would not want to stay in the same house with an AIDS patient and, 92.3% would not care for a relative with AIDS. It is suggested that health talks, such as during antenatal visits, should focus on all the modes of transmission, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Key words: HIV/AIDS, knowledge, attitude, Nigerian women

Post induced abortion morbidity and mortality in Oleh, Nigeria

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the maternal morbidity and mortality among 87patient treated at the Central Hospital, Oleh, Delta State, Nigeria, for complications of induced abortion from January 1st 2004 to December 31st 2008. The total number of maternal admissions and deaths, over the period, were, respectively, 3,680 and 34(8 from induced abortion). Induced abortion accounted for 2.4% and 23.5%, respectively, of the total maternal morbidity (admissions) and mortality. The mean age of the patients was 20.4±5.6years (range of 15 –36years). Majority were, in age group 15 – 19years (71.2%), students/young school leavers (85.1%), unmarried (82.8%), unemployed (89.7%) and had had second trimester abortion (64.4%). It is significant that of those who had second trimester abortion, 66.1% were teenagers. Most (94.3%) of the patients presented with multiple complications which included genital sepsis (94.3%), retained products of conception (90.8%), anaemia (17.2%), pelvic infection with peritonitis (17.2%) and abscess formation (15%), uterine (3.5%) and intestinal (2.3%) perforations. The commonest cause of death (n = 8) was generalised septicaemia (37.5%). Policy makers and health managers should formulate initiatives to prevent unwanted pregnancy including health education/contraceptive utilization and provision of safe abortion services. Keywords: abortion, induced, maternal, morbidity, mortality, law

Determinants Of Antenatal Care Services Utilization In Emevor Village, Nigeria

Appropriate ante-natal care services promotes safe-motherhood and delivery with improved maternal and neonatal outcome. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the factors influencing the utilization of ante-natal care services in a rural community. Of the 200 women studied, 113 (57%) utilized ante-natal care services during pregnancy while 87 (43%) did not. The difference is not significant (P > 0.05). A majority of the women who attained secondary education (69%), post-secondary education (96%), those whose husbands had secondary education (69%), postsecondary education (82%) and those who had income-yielding occupations (72%) utilized ante-natal care services. While only 36% of full-time housewives, with no other occupation, and 19% of women with a parity of more than 4 children utilized ante-natal care services. It is suggested that low-income, uneducated women with high parity should be targeted for enlightenment; in addition to promoting education of the girl-child and women empowerment. Key words: Ante-natal care, determinants, utilization, rural, Nigeria