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Use of Telephone Calls in Reduction of Dropout Rate of Routine Immunization in a Tertiary Health Facility in South Eastern Nigeria
Nwokeukwu Huldah Ijeoma,
Emma-Ukaegbu Uloaku,
Ajuogu Eno,
Osunkwo Damaris,
Asinobi Adanze
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
39-43
Received:
1 February 2015
Accepted:
19 February 2015
Published:
13 March 2015
Abstract: Background: In Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia, DPT dropout rate has been high above 10% (2009 18% and 2010 16% source immunization unit Federal Medical centre, Umuahia) which indicates poor utilization of the Health Facility. It was therefore necessary to use recall telephone system to see if it could be reduced. Objectives: To determine the use of recall on and causes of immunization dropout. Methodology: This was an interventional study, in which all the children immunized in April 2011 who were given BCG to start the immunization regimen, were followed up until they completed the immunization with measles at nine months. Prior to this, dropout rate was calculated for three preceding months using the immunization register. The reason for dropout was obtained from the caregivers. The dropout rate was also calculated for the month of May. Result: The dropout rate reduced when compared with the previous months. Total number of children immunized with BCG in April 2011 was 119 and those who received DPT1 107, DPT2 96, DPT3 92 and measles 73. The cumulative DPT dropout rate in April was 14% while it was 20.8% in March. The most important cause of dropout was distance. Conclusion/ Recommendation: The recall improved the dropout rate, though not less than 10%. This showed that if the caregivers are recalled some will come back for immunization. The cause of the dropout was mainly distance. FMC Umuahia being a tertiary health facility with experts, many women put to birth in that hospital and their babies will be given BCG at birth and DPTI when they come for 6 weeks post natal and then dropout. Recall system should be instituted in all the health facilities to improve utilization. A column should be provided in the child immunization register for writing the caregivers phone number.
Abstract: Background: In Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia, DPT dropout rate has been high above 10% (2009 18% and 2010 16% source immunization unit Federal Medical centre, Umuahia) which indicates poor utilization of the Health Facility. It was therefore necessary to use recall telephone system to see if it could be reduced. Objectives: To determine the ...
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Pattern and Practice of Complimentary and Alternative Medication amongst Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria
Adinma E. D.,
Azuike E. C.,
Okafor-Udah C. O.,
Azuike E. D.,
Ohameme M. C.,
Aniemena C. R.,
Enwonwu K. G.,
Obi K. M.,
Onebunne E. M.,
Obi D. C.
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
44-48
Received:
31 January 2015
Accepted:
17 March 2015
Published:
7 April 2015
Abstract: Background: Attention and interest in the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has been reawakened globally. Evidence from studies carried out in different parts of the world has established that CAM use is very common and varies among populations. It has been observed that many adults use different health products or measures under the umbrella of CAM. Reason for use could either be that they are imported or approved by National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), or they are believed to promote health, with little or no knowledge about the compositions, uses and side effects. Alternative medical treatments are believed to be prevalent in the indexed community and environs. However, reliable prevalence rates do not exist because a majority of the studies conducted to evaluate this topic cannot be generalized as they were conducted in other communities with their attendant influencing factors such as culture, religion etcetera. This study has therefore made an attempt to determine the prevalence, pattern, practice and factors associated with use of alternative medication amongst patients presenting at the NnamdiAzikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH).Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the pattern and practice of Complementary and alternative medication amongst patients presenting at the NnamdiAzikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.Method: This was a Cross-sectional descriptive study. Multi-staged sampling technique was used. Data was collected using interviewer -administered, semi-structured questionnaires. Data was analysed manually, with the aid of a scientific calculator.Results: A total of 128 respondents participated in the study. The mean age was 38.4 years (+ 3.04). 70% of the study population fell into the low income category, 96.1% had some knowledge of CAM remedies with a majority (79.69%) of the study population obtaining their knowledge from friends and peers. The study population had a CAM usage prevalence of 89.9%, with women making up majority of this percentage (48% of the study population). 56.52% of the study population used and were using 1 – 5 different types of CAM remedies with 64% being occasional users, 19% never used again after the first usage, while 17% of the study population were regular users. The most commonly practiced method of CAM was the biological products followed by spiritual therapy and mind body systems. Major reasons for using CAM remedies among the study population include: the need to promote and maintain their health, the availability of CAM remedies and the expensive cost of conventional medicine.Conclusion: Bearing in mind the high prevalence of CAM usage in the index community, there is need for adequate policy formulation and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy of CAM products. Measures to ensure rational use of CAM should be instituted.
Abstract: Background: Attention and interest in the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has been reawakened globally. Evidence from studies carried out in different parts of the world has established that CAM use is very common and varies among populations. It has been observed that many adults use different health products or measures under ...
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Knowledge, Attitude and Uptake of Premarital Screening for the Sickle Trait Among Married Couples in a Semi-Urban Community in South-South Nigeria
Precious Kalamba Gbeneol,
Seiyefa Funakpa Brisibe,
Best Ordinioha
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
49-54
Received:
31 March 2015
Accepted:
3 April 2015
Published:
14 April 2015
Abstract: More than 24% of Nigerians are carriers of the sickle cell gene, while about 2% of all the newborns in Nigeria are born with the sickle cell disease. The disease is a lifelong cause of severe morbidity that often require prolonged hospital admission; even as the patients have 92% excess mortality. The prevention of the disease is therefore very important, especially in Nigeria whose contribution to the global total has been projected to increase. Premarital screening for the sickle cell gene is considered one of the best ways of preventing the sickle cell disease. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and uptake of the premarital screening among married couples in Choba, a semi-urban community in south-south Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, with the data collected using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire that was administered on married male members of the study community. A total of 290 questionnaires were administered and retrieved. The respondents had an average age of 30.55 ±4.1 years; majority (65.86%) had a tertiary education and they were all Christians. All the respondents knew about the sickle cell disease, while 84.83% were aware of the premarital screening for the disease. All had positive attitude towards the premarital screening, with 88.97% recommending that the screening be made compulsory for all intending couples. Most (72.76%) of the respondents carried out the premarital screening when they got married. The age, educational attainment and the religious denomination of the respondents significantly influenced the uptake of the screening (p-value > 0.001). A total of 9.00% of the respondents were of the same HbAS genotype as their intended spouses; out of which 21.05% went ahead and got married, citing as reasons the difficulty of jettisoning their spouses (25.00%); and the power of God to prevent a child with sickle cell disease (75.00%). The knowledge, attitude and uptake of premarital screening for sickle cell disease are high in the study, even as the screening programme is not driven by the government. The input of the government is however required in providing health education, genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis.
Abstract: More than 24% of Nigerians are carriers of the sickle cell gene, while about 2% of all the newborns in Nigeria are born with the sickle cell disease. The disease is a lifelong cause of severe morbidity that often require prolonged hospital admission; even as the patients have 92% excess mortality. The prevention of the disease is therefore very imp...
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Young Women Sexual Behaviour and Self-Reported Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Northern Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study
Girmatsion Fisseha,
Endeshaw Admassu
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
55-62
Received:
3 April 2015
Accepted:
17 April 2015
Published:
27 April 2015
Abstract: Background: Globally, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a significant public health problem especially among young women. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of STDs among femal youths aged 15-24 years old continues to be a problem of young population. However, the factors associated with this problem is poorly studied. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess sexual behavior and prevalence of STDs and factors associated among young women attending health facilities in Northern Ethiopia. Methods: A Facility-based cross-sectional study was employed among 326 young women aged 15 to 24 years from May 1 to 30, 2013. A multistage sampling technique was used to select young women attending outpatient facility. A pre-tested interviewer guided structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Bivariate and multivariate logistics regression analyses were done to identify the associated variables. A p-value of 0.05 with 95% CI were used as a cutoff point to examine the statistical association. Results: From the total of 326 sample, 305 young women were participated in this study with a response rate of 93.6%. The median age at first sex was 17 years (range 9-24 years). The prevalence of self-reported STDs in the last 12 months preceding the survey was 21.3%. One hundred fourteen (40.4%) of the young women had poor knowledge on STDs mode of transmission and prevention. Having two or more sex partners, not using condoms, poor knowledge on STDs mode of transimission and prevention, and a previous history of STDs were found to be significantly associated with self reported STDs. Conclusions: In this study the sexual behavior, not using condom and prevalence of STD was found to be high. Many young women had started early sexual contact and have poor utilization of condom. Hence, the youth friendly services, partner treatment and life skill communication with parents should be enhanced through the joint effort of all concerned stakeholders.
Abstract: Background: Globally, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a significant public health problem especially among young women. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of STDs among femal youths aged 15-24 years old continues to be a problem of young population. However, the factors associated with this problem is poorly studied. Thus, the purpose of this ...
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Bangladesh Health System and the Millennium Development Goals: Strategic Policy Options for Sustained Progress in Maternal and Child Health
Anwar Islam,
Tuhin Biswas
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
63-70
Received:
23 March 2015
Accepted:
10 April 2015
Published:
21 April 2015
Abstract: The timeline set by the United Nations in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) pronounced in the year 2000 is coming to end in 2015. While the United Nations has already came up with a new set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to follow the MDGs, efforts are underway to assess the success and failures of countries in achieving the MDGs. Bangladesh has made tremendous progress in achieving most of the MDGs including those related to maternal and child health. The maternal mortality ratio and the infant mortality rate in Bangladesh declined from 507 and 149 in 1990 to 209 and 53 in 2010 respectively. However, district level review suggests that numerous constraints and challenges confront the health system in sustaining these achievements. Moreover, desegregated data strongly indicate that the progress is even across different regions of the country. Most importantly, significant gaps still persist between the rich and the poor. For example, while the overall IMR is 43 per 1,000 live births among the highest income quintile, the figure is 84 among the lowest income quintile. In other words, Bangladesh must forcefully address regional disparity and rich-poor gap to ensure sustainable and equitable development in all aspects of health. The study identified a few strategic policy directions for this purpose including aggressive pro-poor and sub-national development planning. To ensure availability of and accessibility to primary health care for all, the study strongly argues for the establishment of community clinics throughout the country equipped with skilled midwives and adequate number of community health workers.
Abstract: The timeline set by the United Nations in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) pronounced in the year 2000 is coming to end in 2015. While the United Nations has already came up with a new set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to follow the MDGs, efforts are underway to assess the success and failures of countries in achieving...
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Neonatal Tetanus and Gender Disparity
Jalal-Eddeen Abubakar Saleh,
John Nemecek,
Chester Jones
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
71-74
Received:
23 April 2015
Accepted:
5 May 2015
Published:
13 May 2015
Abstract: Background: Neonatal tetanus (NNT) is a deadly vaccine preventable disease and one of the most underreported diseases in the developing countries seen in the newborn within the first 28 days of life. NNT remains one of the leading causes of deaths among neonates in the developing countries with about 130,000 neonatal deaths recorded in 2004. Despite the global success recorded in the NNT elimination strategy, Nigeria remains among the 25 remaining countries that record NNT cases. Study Design: Retrospective study Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study involved mothers who gave birth to children with NNT within their first 28 days of life. The study used secondary data collected between January 2008 and December 2013 from northeast region of Nigeria. Results: The results revealed that 58% had male children (n =182) and the remaining 42% had female children (n = 130). The predominance of the male neonates could partly be as a result of the socio-cultural preference given to the male child in Nigerian. Conclusion: There is the need for parents to promptly seek urgent medical attention for all suspected NNT cases irrespective of the gender of the child to reduce neonatal mortality rates.
Abstract: Background: Neonatal tetanus (NNT) is a deadly vaccine preventable disease and one of the most underreported diseases in the developing countries seen in the newborn within the first 28 days of life. NNT remains one of the leading causes of deaths among neonates in the developing countries with about 130,000 neonatal deaths recorded in 2004. Despit...
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The Dietary Pattern of Pregnant Women Attending Ante Natal Clinic in a Tertiary Health Facility Centre in Nigeria
Ibiyemi Olasunbo Olayiwola,
Samson Ayo Deji,
Daniel O. Adesope,
Olawale O. Ajayi,
Adebayo F. Adisa,
Adeola S. Akinola,
Folarin P. Akinlo
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
75-79
Received:
30 April 2015
Accepted:
9 May 2015
Published:
28 May 2015
Abstract: Nutritional status of pregnant women is very crucial to the wellbeing of the unborn child. Good dietary pattern among pregnant women reduces the rate of maternal and infant mortality which is still a big problem in developing countries. The study assessed food and dietary pattern, energy intake and awareness of the importance of taking adequate micronutrients during pregnancy. A total of 400 pregnant women attending a routine antenatal clinic of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Ile Ife, Nigeria were recruited into the study by simple random sampling method on different clinic days. Structured interviewer administered questionnaires were used to elicit data on socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric indices and 24 hour dietary recall which were used to assess the dietary pattern and nutritional status of the respondents. Seventy two per cent of the respondents were between the ages 25-34years, 91% were from monogamy family structure, 72 % had tertiary education and 83% were aware of micronutrients intake. About 98% of respondents consumed on a daily basis, food rich in carbohydrate, vegetable and fruits but 39% reported consuming protein rich diet such as fish and meat . Conclusively, the research confirmed that the dietary pattern of pregnant women showed they consumed more of carbohydrate diet compared to protein diet which is most important especially during pregnancy to improve their nutritional status and that of the unborn baby. More attention should be paid to nutritional education on the choice of food pregnant women eat, especially the less educated women and those with low income status.
Abstract: Nutritional status of pregnant women is very crucial to the wellbeing of the unborn child. Good dietary pattern among pregnant women reduces the rate of maternal and infant mortality which is still a big problem in developing countries. The study assessed food and dietary pattern, energy intake and awareness of the importance of taking adequate mic...
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Comparison of Impact of Single Dose and Multiple Dose Measles Vaccination Strategies on Measles Transmission Patterns
Tawanda Marufu,
Seter Siziya,
Willard Tinago
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
80-84
Received:
18 May 2015
Accepted:
25 May 2015
Published:
8 June 2015
Abstract: Background: Multiple dose measles vaccination intervention was applied in Gweru City, Zimbabwe, in 1990-96, following a single dose applied at 9 months of age during 1983-89. In the same periods in Bulawayo, only a single dose of measles vaccine was applied to children at 9 months of age. This study investigated the impact on measles transmission patterns of multiple dose measles vaccination strategy. Study design: Quasi-experimental community intervention applied in Gweru city with Bulawayo city as a control. The intervention included a single mass vaccination campaign carried out in1990 targeted at children aged 12-119 months irrespective of their vaccination status or disease history. Children born after 1990 were vaccinated at 9 months of age plus another single dose applied at any point between ages of 12 and 23 months (revaccination). Subjects: Measles cases were identified in both cities through surveillance. Results: Mean coverage rates for measles vaccine applied at 9 months of age were in 1983-89 85.7% and 84.6% in Bulawayo and Gweru respectively, while in 1990-96 they were 89.0% and 89.7%, respectively. In both periods the vaccine coverage rates were not significantly different in the two cities (p=0.464). In the 12-23 months age group, Gweru measles vaccination coverage rate in 1990 was 83% for single dose and 82.4% for second dose in 1990-96. Measles incidence rates in 1983-89 in both cities significantly declined and were not significantly different (p=0.898). Median incidence rates of measles in1990-96 were 131.0 and 19.0/100 000 population in Bulawayo and Gweru respectively and these were significantly different (p= 0.021). Bulawayo had measles epidemics in 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1996. In Bulawayo in 1993-96 vaccinated measles cases accounted for a median of 58% of all reported cases aged 10-119 months. Median incidence rates of measles among vaccine failures aged 10-119 months in 1993-96 in Bulawayo and Gweru were 419.1 and 13.1/100 000 population respectively and these incidence rates were significantly different (p= 0.021). In Bulawayo in 1993-96 cases aged 60-119 months accounted for a median of 56.5 % of all reported cases. Median incidence rates of measles among cases aged 60-119 months in 1993-96 in Bulawayo and Gweru were 869.9 and 26.9/100 000 population respectively and these rates were significantly different (p=0.021). Conclusion: Multiple dose vaccination strategies led to significantly reduced measles transmission in Gweru (compared to Bulawayo) in 1990-1996 by minimizing occurrence of vaccine failures and occurrence of cases in older children aged 60-119 months.
Abstract: Background: Multiple dose measles vaccination intervention was applied in Gweru City, Zimbabwe, in 1990-96, following a single dose applied at 9 months of age during 1983-89. In the same periods in Bulawayo, only a single dose of measles vaccine was applied to children at 9 months of age. This study investigated the impact on measles transmission p...
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