Potent Motivators for Work among Staff of a Teaching Hospital

The human resource of any organization is a unique resource; it can be developed and motivated to be of competitive advantage over other organizations. A motivated workforce therefore ensures improved output from the organization. This study set out to evaluate the level of motivation and factors associated with being well motivated among selected workers in a tertiary institution. Proportionate sampling technique was used to sample 220 staff of Jos University Teaching Hospital and data was collected from and analyzed using Epi Info. Logistic regression was used to assess predictive factors for being highly motivated. There was a statistically significant difference in motivation between respondents as regards age, sex and highest educational status attained. However, motivation was not statistically related to respondents’ duration of work in JUTH or their professional cadre. However motivation was not statistically related to the respondents’ duration of work or professional cadre. On logistic regression, age (20 – 39 years) and gender (being male) were predictive determinants for being highly motivated. Majority of the staff studied were well motivated; particularly the young and male subjects. It is recommended that management of organizations regularly evaluate the level of motivation of their staff to improve performance of the organization.Keywords: Motivators; Workforce; Learning; Teaching hospita

Awareness and practice of safety measures against occupational hazards among aluminium foundry workers in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Founding predisposes the worker to hazards (extreme heat, dust, fumes, sharp objects), which if unchecked, can cause health problems (burns, respiratory problems, cuts). This study aimed to assess the awareness and practice of safety measures against occupational hazards among aluminium foundry workers in Jos-North LGA.Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, which involved 125 aluminium foundry workers in Laranto-Katako area of Jos-North LGA. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Analysis of data was done using EPI-Info® version 3.5.4 statistical software package. A probability value of p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: All 125 (100%) respondents were males with a mean age of 24.8±9.7 years and 52 (41.2%) were less than 20 years of age. The study revealed that 118 (94.4%) of them were aware of occupational hazards associated with foundries; The hazards most known were fires with 116 (92.8%) mentions, extreme heat, 85 (68.0) and sharp objects, 85 (68.0%), and with the least being, long working hours, 25 (20.0%). A majority, 118 (94.4%) were aware of hand gloves, 114 (91.2%) nose masks with overalls having the least awareness, 13 (10.4%). The most frequently used safety measures were nose masks, 73 (58.4%), then hand gloves, 57 (45.6%). A statistically significant relationship, with p value of 0.0321, was found between the level of education and the practice of safety measures.Conclusions: The study showed that most of the foundry workers had good knowledge of the hazards, safety measures; however, there was low use of safety measures. An educational campaign on the hazards and use of safety measures, accompanied by the efforts of the government, should be instituted for the foundry workers regularly to help safeguard their health

Cryptosporidium Infection in Undernourished Children with HIV/AIDS in Jos, Nigeria

Background: AIDS and Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) severely impair the immune system Cryptosporidium has over the last two decades emerged as a life threatening disease. The study attempts to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in malnourished children with HIV/AIDS. Method: Blood and stool samples of 52 HIV-seropositive children and another 52 HIV-sero-negative children aged 0-5 years were collected and screened for HIV and Cryptosporidium oocysts respectively. The sera were screened by double ELISA and the stool by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen method. Results: Out of the 52 HIV-seropositive undernourished, under-five children, none (0%) excreted Cryptosporidium oocyst in their stools while 2 (3.8%) of the control group excreted the oocyst. Conclusion: Cryptosporidium infection seems to be uncommon among undernourished under five children with HIV/AIDS in Jos

Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies Among Blood Donors in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the hepatitis agents known to be transmitted through blood and blood products. Hepatitis C virus has been implicated as a major cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. This study was, therefore, undertaken with the objective of determining the sero-prevalence of HCV antibodies among blood donors in the central city of Jos, Nigeria. Method: A total of two hundred blood donors were recruited from three hospitals within Jos metropolis. Sera from all subjects were tested for Hepatitis C virus antibodies using a second generation enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Ninety five percent (95%)of the blood donors were males and most of them were aged between 21 and 50years. Twelve (6.0%)of the blood donors were anti-HCV seropositive and all of them males. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to introduce routine screening of blood donors for Hepatitis C virus markers in centers where this is not currently been practiced. This will reduce the risk of transfusion-associated hepatitis C infection and its complications in Nigeria

Parasitic Contamination of Vegetables in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Intestinal parasites are very common in developing countries including Nigeria. There are diverse ways of their transmission; the study attempts to determine the level of intestinal parasitic contamination on vegetables sold in Jos. Methods: Sample of 200 each of Tomatoes (Lycopersium sativus), Letus (Loctus satival) Carrot (Davcus carota L) Cabbage (Brassica Denceal) and Green leafy vegetables were analyzed using standardized Centrifugal-floatation technique methods. Results: Of the 1250 samples of vegetables examined, 450 (36.0%) were positive for intestinal parasites, cabbage recorded the highest prevalence of 64% while tomatoes had the least prevalence of 20%. Conclusion: Vegetables in Jos are heavily contaminated with intestinal parasites and there is need for public enlightenment campaign on the danger of consuming inadequately washed and prepared vegetables.Contexte: Les parasites intestinaux sont tr\ue8s communs dans les pays en voie de d\ue9veloppement y compris le Nig\ue9ria. Il y a diff\ue9rents moyens de transmission; le but de cette \ue9tude est de d\ue9terminer le niveau de contamination intestinale des parasites \ue0 partir des l\ue9gumes vendus \ue0 Jos. M\ue9thode: 200 \ue9chantillons de chaque l\ue9gume \ue0 savoir: les tomates (lycopersium saticus), la laitue (Loctus satival), les carrottes (Davcus carota L), les choux (Brassica Denceal) et les l\ue9gumes verts furent analys\ue9s gr\ue2ce \ue0 l'utilisation des m\ue9thodes standardis\ue9es Centrifugal-floatation. R\ue9sultats : Des 1250 \ue9chantillons de l\ue9gumes examin\ue9s, 450 (36%) \ue9taient positifs en parasites intestinaux, la choux a r\ue9v\ue9l\ue9 la fr\ue9quence la plus haute avec 64% contamination tandis que la tomate a r\ue9v\ue9l\ue9e la fr\ue9quence la plus faible avec 20% de contamination. Conclusion: Les l\ue9gumes \ue0 Jos sont hautement contamin\ue9es par des parasites intestinaux et il y a besoin de sensibiliser le public sur le danger de leur consommation dans le cas ou ces l\ue9gumes ne sont pas bien lav\ue9s ou bien cuits

Serotypes and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolated from Adults with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae causing lower respiratory tract infection remains a global challenge, particularly when it involves drug resistant isolates. It is a cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Nigeria. Several studies documented the prevalence, serologic and molecular types, antibiotic susceptibility patterns; as well as the herd effect following vaccination. This study thus determined the prevalence of the Heptavalent vaccine serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae in adult patients and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Methods: A cross sectional study involving 91 adult patients with clinical features of lower respiratory tract infection were recruited for this study. Serologic typing as well as antibiotic susceptibility testing were carried out on the Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates. Results: Four (4.4%) of the 91 patients had Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from their clinical samples. Only one (14.3%) of the heptavalent vaccine serotype (serotype 23F) was found. All the four Pneumococci were susceptible to Ceftriaxone, Levofloxacine, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid but varying susceptibility to Erythromycin and Tetracycline. Conclusion: Heptavalent vaccine serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae causes infection in adults. Early detection and appropriate antibiotic susceptibility will enhance proper management of patient. Vaccination of children will reduce infection due to the vaccine serotypes in adult population

Parasitic Contamination of Vegetables in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Intestinal parasites are very common in developing countries including Nigeria. There are diverse ways of their transmission; the study attempts to determine the level of intestinal parasitic contamination on vegetables sold in Jos. Methods: Sample of 200 each of Tomatoes (Lycopersium sativus), Letus (Loctus satival) Carrot (Davcus carota L) Cabbage (Brassica Denceal) and Green leafy vegetables were analyzed using standardized Centrifugal-floatation technique methods. Results: Of the 1250 samples of vegetables examined, 450 (36.0%) were positive for intestinal parasites, cabbage recorded the highest prevalence of 64% while tomatoes had the least prevalence of 20%. Conclusion: Vegetables in Jos are heavily contaminated with intestinal parasites and there is need for public enlightenment campaign on the danger of consuming inadequately washed and prepared vegetables.Contexte: Les parasites intestinaux sont très communs dans les pays en voie de développement y compris le Nigéria. Il y a différents moyens de transmission; le but de cette étude est de déterminer le niveau de contamination intestinale des parasites à partir des légumes vendus à Jos. Méthode: 200 échantillons de chaque légume à savoir: les tomates (lycopersium saticus), la laitue (Loctus satival), les carrottes (Davcus carota L), les choux (Brassica Denceal) et les légumes verts furent analysés grâce à l'utilisation des méthodes standardisées Centrifugal-floatation. Résultats : Des 1250 échantillons de légumes examinés, 450 (36%) étaient positifs en parasites intestinaux, la choux a révélé la fréquence la plus haute avec 64% contamination tandis que la tomate a révélée la fréquence la plus faible avec 20% de contamination. Conclusion: Les légumes à Jos sont hautement contaminées par des parasites intestinaux et il y a besoin de sensibiliser le public sur le danger de leur consommation dans le cas ou ces légumes ne sont pas bien lavés ou bien cuits

©2010 Academic Journals Full Length Research Paper Microbial agents of abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnant mothers attending Primary Health Care Centers of Jos, Nigeria

Infective genital discharge in a pregnant mother poses a greater risk of transmission of HIV to the unborn child and other complications such as abortion, premature rupture of membrane, prematurity and low birth weight. To detect some common microbial agents of abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnant women in order to improve the early diagnosis and prompt treatment in line with current syndromic management. A prospective study of female genital swabs from pregnant women collected from Primary Health Care Centers, Jos and analysed for microscopy, culture and sensitivity in Jos University Teaching Hospital, December 2006 to December 2007. Data on epidemiologic indices were collected from the patients, using structured interviewer- administered questionnaires. Microbial agents were detected in 54.3 % (n = 380) of a total 700 female genital swab from the pregnant mothers studied. Candida species were at the peak of the group of causative agents with 80.0 % (n = 304) of the 380 positive genital swab samples, other causative agents were Gardnerella vaginalis, an agent of bacteria vaginosis with 7.6 % and Trichomonas vaginalis, 1.8%. The distribution of abnormal vaginal discharge was highest in the multigravida (73.3%) and is commonest in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy with 44.7 and 39.5 % respectively. Abnormal vaginal discharge was prevalent in the multigravida group and the commonest microbial agents of infective vaginal discharge among the pregnant mothers wer

HEPATITIS C VIRUS ANTIBODIES AMONG BLOOD DONORS IN JOS, NIGERIA

Abstract Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the hepatitis agents known to be transmitted through blood and blood products. Hepatitis C virus has been implicated as a major cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. This study was, therefore, undertaken with the objective of determining the sero-prevalence of HCV antibodies among blood donors in the central city of Jos, Nigeria. Method: A total of two hundred blood donors were recruited from three hospitals within Jos metropolis. Sera from all subjects were tested for Hepatitis C virus antibodies using a second generation enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Ninety five percent (95%)of the blood donors were males and most of them were aged between 21 and 50years. Twelve (6.0%)of the blood donors were anti-HCV seropositive and all of them males. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to introduce routine screening of blood donors for Hepatitis C virus markers in centers where this is not currently been practiced. This will reduce the risk of transfusion-associated hepatitis C infection and its complications in Nigeria

Cervical Dysplasia In Hiv Seropositive Women In Nigeria

Objective: To identify social, behavioural and epidemiologic predictors of cervical dysplasia in HIV- infected women in central Nigeria. Design: A cross sectional study. Setting: Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Nigeria. Patients: Cases were HIV- positive heterosexually active women diagnosed between January and April 2005 in JUTH. Controls were HIV- negative heterosexually active women recruited from HIV testing sites. Family and social history and cervical smears were obtained from the subjects. Results: Univariate analysis of 178 HIV- positive and 116 HIV- negative women showed that HIV-positive cases were more likely to be unemployed ( OR= 7.31, RR= 1.83, P< 0.0001), divorced ( OR= 3.69, P< 0.006, RR= 1.60), widowed (OR= 5.63, RR= 1.77, P< 0.0001), housewives ( OR= 2.19, RR= 1.83, P< 0.03), singles ( OR= 3.19, RR= 1.57, P < 0.0001), have had STDs (OR= 3.30, RR= 1.66, P< 0.0001) and more lifetime sexual partners (OR= 2.05, RR= 1.53, P< 0.0001). Inflammatory smears were more associated with HIV-positive cases (OR= 2.71, P< 0.0001). High grade dysplasia was more likely to be present in HIV-infected women (OR= 10.71, RR= 1.95, P< 0.003). The prevalence of cervical dysplasia was found to be 21% and 6% in HIV cases and controls respectively. Conclusion: We conclude that the prevalence of cervical dysplasia is two times higher in HIV- infected women than HIV- negative women in Jos. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty and social insecurity are risk factors for HIV infection as well are predictors of cervical dysplasia. Keywords: HIV infection, cervix, dysplasia, NigeriaHighland Medical Research Journal Vol. 4 (2) 2006 pp. 21-2