Contraceptive Uptake among Women of Reproductive Age in a Semi Urban Area in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

Background Family planning reduces the number of unintended and unwanted pregnancies and thereby saving women from high risk pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Despite the persistent advocacy urging  the use of modern contraceptive methods for family planning, the fertility rates in most subSaharan African countries still remain unacceptably high mostly due to poor uptake of contraception because of cultural, economic and political barriers. Evidence from the recent Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey indicates that only about 15 percent of sexually active women currently practice effective  contraception. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of contraceptive and its uptake among women of reproductive age in Giring community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau  State.Methods A cross sectional study designed was used to assess knowledge and uptake of contraceptive among 400 respondents selected by multi stage sampling technique in Giring community using a semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Information about their knowledge, uptake, methods and factors  that determine uptake of contraceptives was obtained. Data was analysed using Epi Info statistical software and results were presented as tables. Chi square was used to test association between qualitative variables.ResultsMajority, 362 (90.5%) of the respondents were aware of contraceptives, 200 (55.2%) had used one form of contraceptive or the other. Two common methods of contraceptive used were pills, 184  (34.2%) and injectable (176 (32.8%). Determinants of uptake included; prevention of unintended pregnancies in 136 (53.1%) and to space timing of child birth in 78 (30.5%). Factors found to be  associated with contraceptive uptake among women included age, (p=O.OOO), education (p= 0.000)  and marital status (p= 0.000).Conclusion This study showed that despite high awareness about contraceptives, the uptake is relatively low compared to the rates in developed countries.  Factors like age, marital and educational status have statistically significant relationship with contraceptive uptake. There is a strong need to encourage continuing  female education to enhance awareness on contraceptives and their benefits in reproductive health.Keywords: Knowledge, Contraceptives, Uptake; Semi-Urban Women

HIV Prevalence in Vulnerable Children Living in Jos, Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria

Background: The lack of Parental supervision, including psycho social problems and decrease access to basic needs  such as food, shelter, clothing, education and health care are examples of the enormous challenges faced by Vulnerable children (VC). These challenges pushes VC to adopt survival and coping strategies, of which some are exposure variables of sexually transmitted infection including HIV infection. In addition, some of these children were orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV. As such, VC should benefit from a health provider initiated counseling and testing for HIV as recommended by the Nigerian HIV policy. However, focus on screening VC for HIV infection has been abysmal; it is on this premise that this study set out to determine the HIV prevalence of vulnerable children in Jos, Nigeria. Methods: Vulnerable children were sampled from 3 different institutions and from households in 3 different communities in Jos, Plateau State with the assistance of Non-Governmental organizations involved in the care of VC. All VC enrolled were interviewed, clinically examined and screened for HIV based on national protocol and standard. Data generated were analyzed using CDC epi info version 7. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of the 237 children enrolled 145 (61.2%) were male VC while 92(38.8%) were female vulnerable children, giving a male female ratio of 1.0: 0.6. HIV sero - positivity was identified in 9 of the 237 VC giving a prevalence of 3.8%, amongst the study subjects. Out of the 9 HIV positive VC, 7 VC (77.8%) were resident in institutions; only two household VC were HIV positive. There was no statistically significant association between place of residence, age of VC, gender and type of vulnerability and HIV status among the studied population. Conclusion: The HIV prevalence of 3.8% in vulnerable children is enormous and appears to be higher amongst children resident in orphanages than those in househol

Nutritional status assessment among infants under six months exclusively breastfed and non-exclusively breastfed in Jos North LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria

Objective: To determine breastfeeding practices and the nutritional status of infants under six months in Jos north LGA, Plateau state, Nigeria Design: A cross-sectional study design was employed. 310 mother-infant pairs were selected as study sample from three primary health care centers in the study location. Data collection consisted of the administration of a validated questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were taken. Results: 39.7 % were seen to practice exclusive breastfeeding while 60.3 practiced non-exclusive breastfeeding. 33 % of infants had already been introduced to complementary foods even before theage of 6 months. In terms of prevalence of malnutrition among males, 13.2 % were severely stunted, 1.6 % were severely underweight and 6.5 % were wasted. Among females, 8.4 % were severely stunted, 0.6 % were severely underweight and 6.6% were severely wasted. There was a significant difference in nutritional indices and breastfeeding patterns (p<0.05). Conclusion: For a decline in malnutrition prevalence, the early introduction of complementary foods by mothers and care givers must be strongly discouraged. Counselling should be targeted at mothers to encourage exclusively breastfeed for 6 months after which appropriate and adequate complementary foods should be introduced

Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding continuity among mothers of infants under six months in Plateau State, Nigeria

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding practice is of public health significance as it improves child health and growth. This study was aimed at determining factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers of infants under six months. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. 310 mother-infant pairs were selected from three primary health care facilities in Jos North LGA. A validated questionnaire was administered to mothers. Main outcome measures were factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. Results: 39.7 % practiced exclusive breastfeeding. Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding identified included mother’s ethnicity, level of education, marital status, and religion. Others included the time at which breastfeeding was initiated after birth, colostrum feeding and time at which counselling was received by mothers. Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding rates are still low and so interventional studies and programs are necessary and should be targeted at mothers of infants under six to increase exclusive breastfeeding prevalence

Treatment compliance and retention in care among out-patient clients in a tertiary health institution in plateau state North Central Nigeria

Background: Compliance with prescribed treatment and retention in care are key components in the management of chronic diseases which is vital in averting the long term complications that could arise from such conditions. Failure to comply with treatment recommendations is often associated with poor retention in care. In view of this, this study was conducted to determine the level of treatment compliance and retention in care among patients with hypertension and diabetes in Jos University Teaching Hospital.Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 290 eligible respondents between September and November 2017 using quantitative method of data collection. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis with adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval used as point and interval estimates while p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The mean age of the respondents was 54.5±13.1 years with 43.8% of the respondents found to have satisfactorily complied with prescribed treatment while 117 (40.3%) were uninterruptedly retained in care within the last 6 months' clinic appointments  prior to the study.Conclusions: This study has demonstrated the levels of compliance with treatment and retention in care bringing to bear the need to provide structured interventions targeted at attaining improvement in compliance with treatment and retention in care among individuals on long term care

Uptake of Antenatal Care Among Pregnant Women in Plateau State Nigeria

Background-Antenatal care offers pregnant women promotive, preventive and curative services. Despite this, some pregnant women still donrsquot access ANC at all while others donrsquot have access to ANC by skilled health care professionals. This increases the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. This study therefore aims to determine the predictors of ANC attendance among in Plateau State. Methodology-A community based cross sectional study,400 study participants across six communities in the three senatorial zones in Plateau State were selected. Focused Group Discussion was conducted among study participants. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23. Results- 90.8% of respondents booked their last pregnancy out of which 55.8% had more than four ANC visits. Only 52.9% of the women had ANC by skilled health care providers. 69.7% of women who did not book their pregnancy delivered at home. Educational status, marital status and marital setting were predictors of ANC attendance among the study population. Women who had formal education were 1.7 times more likely to attend ANC compared to those with non-formal or no education at all. (P-value lt0.001 CI 1.267-2.321). Also, women in monogamous settings were more likely to attend ANC compared to those in polygamous setting (P-value 0.015 CI 0.162-0.822). Conclusion-Many of the respondents did not have the required number of ANC visits.nbsp More targeted interventions should be implemented in order to ensure that women have access to skilled care during pregnancy as this will reduce the risk of complications in pregnancy and delivery

Perceptions of working conditions amongst health workers in state-owned facilities in northeastern Nigeria

Background: The health care sector depends to a large extent on human labor. Poor worker motivation can greatly affect health outcomes and patient safety. There is little information on the health workers\u2032 perceptions of working conditions in resource-poor settings. Method: Three state-owned facilities in each state were selected by simple random sampling technique. The selected facilities were visited on weekdays between 9 and 10 a.m. A self-administered structured questionnaire was given to all health care workers on duty in the facility at the time of visit. Results: A total of 299 questionnaires were returned. The response rate was 85.43%. Two hundred four (68.2%) workers experienced general satisfaction with their current jobs. The relationships between general job satisfaction and presence of conflict at work ( P = 0.001), freedom of expression ( P &gt; 0.001), managerial support for staff welfare ( P &gt; 0.001), managerial support for staff career development ( P &gt; 0.001), availability of tools and consumables in the workplace ( P &gt; 0.001) and progress towards personal professional goals ( P = 0.001) were statistically significant. Conclusion: The level of general job satisfaction was high. Though salaries were important, presence of conflict at work, freedom of expression, managerial support for staff welfare, managerial support for staff career development, availability of tools and consumables in the workplace and progress towards personal professional goals appear to play a role in worker motivation

Assessment of the Knowledge and Practice of Universal Precaution for the Prevention of HIV Transmission by Health Workers in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State Nigeria

Background The increasing prevalence of HN increases the risk that health workers will be exposed to  patients infected with HN, especially when blood and bodyfluid precautions are not followed for all  patients. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of health workers on HN I AIDS as well as their practice of universal precaution with regards to HN I AIDS. Methodology This was a cross sectional study conducted among health workers in selected health  facilities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau state in north central Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 104 health workers that are directly involved in patient care from 5 health facilities made up of a General Hospital and 4 Primary Health Centres. The data collection instrument was a structured interviewer administered questionnaire that obtained data on health workers' bio-data,  knowledge of transmission of HN, knowledge on universal precautions, practice of universal precautions, and the prevention of HN transmission by health workers.Result A total of 104 respondents were recruited for the study. The mean age of the health workers was 42.6 ± 7.9 years with 69 (66.3%) females and 35(33. 7%) males. All (1 00%) of the respondents were  aware of HNIAIDS and 78 (75.0%) knew that the disease has no cure. Modes of transmission that were recognized by the participants included sex [90(86.5%)] pregnancy [55(53.4%)], delivery [85(81. 7)].  Most of the respondents were able to identify components of UPs. Hand washing was identified by 85(81.  7%), use of PPE by 83(80.6%), safe collection and disposal of sharps by 99(95.2%) and prevention of  injury from sharps by 96(92.3%). Among the respondents 88 (84. 6%) practiced hand washing regularly when handling patients I carrying out procedures. General use of Personal Protective Equipment's (PPE)  was reported by 85 (81. 7%) though consistent use was reported by only 54(63.5%). PPE that are used by the respondents included gloves (93.1%), safety goggles (11.5%), apron (29.8%), boots (18.4%), facemask (25.3%) and gowns (21.8%). Also,  34(32. 7%) had experienced splashing of bodily fluids to the mouth, 28(26.9%) splashing to the eye, 38(36.5%) splashing to non-intact skin and 65(63. 7%) had sustained percutaneous injury. The devices commonly causing injury included hypodermic needles (52.2%), suture needle (26.1%) and intravenous stylet (14.5).ConclusionThis study conducted among 104 health workers showed good knowledge of various  aspects of HN I AIDS and UPs. Most were found to use PPE especially gloves, sharp boxes for disposal and regular hand washing. Up 64% had experienced exposures of various types of which less than half had been reported. Periodic re- training of the health workers would be of immense benefit in cultivating safe practices hence reducing the risk of injury and infection.Keywords: HN I AIDS; Universal Precaution; Personal Protective Equipmen

Perceptions of working conditions amongst health workers in state-owned facilities in northeastern Nigeria

Background: The health care sector depends to a large extent on human labor. Poor worker motivation can greatly affect health outcomes and patient safety. There is little information on the health workers′ perceptions of working conditions in resource-poor settings. Method: Three state-owned facilities in each state were selected by simple random sampling technique. The selected facilities were visited on weekdays between 9 and 10 a.m. A self-administered structured questionnaire was given to all health care workers on duty in the facility at the time of visit. Results: A total of 299 questionnaires were returned. The response rate was 85.43%. Two hundred four (68.2%) workers experienced general satisfaction with their current jobs. The relationships between general job satisfaction and presence of conflict at work ( P = 0.001), freedom of expression ( P > 0.001), managerial support for staff welfare ( P > 0.001), managerial support for staff career development ( P > 0.001), availability of tools and consumables in the workplace ( P > 0.001) and progress towards personal professional goals ( P = 0.001) were statistically significant. Conclusion: The level of general job satisfaction was high. Though salaries were important, presence of conflict at work, freedom of expression, managerial support for staff welfare, managerial support for staff career development, availability of tools and consumables in the workplace and progress towards personal professional goals appear to play a role in worker motivation