Community Medicine

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A Comparative Assessment of the Epidemiology of Malnutrition Among Pupils in Public and Private Primary Schools in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State
(Jos Journal of Medicine, 2012) Agbo H.A; Envuladu E.A.; Zoakah A.I.
Background: Majority of school children lack adequate amount of food, thereby inducing malnutrition, which now poses a serious threat to education, particularly in developing countries, including Nigeria. The importance of good nutrition in the proper and optimal development in childhood is indispensible because children are at a stage in life when all the tissues and cells are rapidly growing and organs are developed for specific functions in the child's life. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among pupils of selected Public and Private schools in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state, Nigeria. A multistage sampling method was used to recruit the calculated sample size of 500 pupils; an interviewer administered questionnaires, weighing scale, measuring tape meter were the instrument used for data collection. Results: The socio demographic data of 290 and 210 pupils of the public and private schools respectively were compared. The pupils' ranged between 5-17years with majority between 6-10 years in all the schools. Pupils in the private school were more nourished and had an appropriate weight-for-age more than 90% of the normal range with an ideal height-for-age of 48.0% more than those in the public school. Conclusion: Nutritional imbalance can affect the educational outcome of the children amongst many other things. Measures such as school feeding should be introduced on a national scale in order to alleviate any deficiency state of the pupils.
Alcohol Use among Tricycle Riders in Jos Nigeria
(IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences, 2018-02) Tyavyar J. Akosu1, Afolaranmi Tolulope2 Joseph Iornumbe Usar3
Background; Driving under the influence of alcohol contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality globally. Studies have reported high prevalence of alcohol use among commercial drivers in many parts of the worldbut such studies have not been reported, to our knowledge, among tricycle drivers even though they play an important role in inner city transport in many cities.The purpose of this studytherefore was to determine the pattern of alcohol use and drink driving among tricycle drivers in Jos, Nigeria and their involvement in road traffic accidents. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 195 tricycle drivers using an interviewer administered adapted alcohol use AUDIT questionnaire. Data analysis was done with epi info statistical software version 7.2, 95% confidence interval was used with a probability value of < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results All the one hundred and ninety-five tricycle drivers studiedwere males and all consume alcohol. Most of them (67.4%) drink and drive. A hundred and seventeen (60%) of respondents have had an accident in the last year and 70% of the accidents occurred while driving after drinking alcohol. There was no significant relationship between frequency of drinking and involvement in road traffic accident. Conclusion The level of alcohol use by tricycle drivers in Jos is alarming and this increases the risk of road crashes. Effective legislation with resources for its implementation are required to reduce drink driving and traffic accidents.
Assessment of the nutritional knowledge, eating habits and nutritional statuses of healthcare workers in Jos, North-central Nigeria
(Research Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, 2018-04) Mathilda E. Banwat; Samuel A. Haruna; Nanyak G. Vongdip; Angel K. Duru; Tolulope. O. Afolaranmi
The Heath workforce is a critical source of nutritional knowledge for the population in developing countries. Their ability to fulfil this role is dependent on their nutritional knowledge and practises. This study aimed to ascertain the nutritional knowledge, practises and statuses of healthcare workers in Jos metropolis. A descriptive cross-sectional study of 239 healthcare workers, sampled using multi-stage sampling technique from four health facilities in Jos Metropolis. Response rate was 90.8%. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and analysed using Epi info version 3.5.4. A 95% confidence interval with a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The largest proportion of respondents was aged 20 to 29 years, female (54%) and married (51%). Most of them had fair nutritional knowledge (56.8%), and normal Body Mass Index (BMI) (52.9%). There was a statistically significant relationship between the type of foods eaten at work and their sex (0.0005) as well as the presence of a canteen in the hospital (0.043). The likelihood of having a normal BMI were higher if the health worker had worked for less than 5 years or was a community health worker. The levels of nutritional knowledge and practice were largely fair among the studied health workers while some of them were obese (56.8 and 62.1% respectively). There is need for health workers to attend nutritionally related refresher courses periodically
Assessment of Tuberculosis Infection Control Measures In Primary and Secondary Health Care Facilities in Enugu
(IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences, 2015-06) Akosu, Tyavyar J.; Tolulope, Afolaranmi; Agbo, Hadiza Abigail
Background: Tuberculosis and HIV are major public health problems in Nigeria and preventing the transmission of TB in health care settings will reduce the burden of the disease in the country. This study assesses the implementation of TB infection control measures in health facilities providing HIV and TB services in Enugu state, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 54 health facilities providing tuberculosis and HIV services in Enugu state, Nigeria. An interviewer administered semi structured questionnaire and observer checklist were used to assess the administrative/workpolicy and environmental control measures being implemented in the facilities for TB control. Results: Fifty four health facilities were studied, 30 secondary and 24 primary. Most of the respondents were medical officers and 52% were females. Nine administrative control/workpolicy and four environmental control measures were covered in the assessment. None of the health facilities had all the infection measures in place. Performance was worse with the administrative/ work policy measures as none of the measures were in place in up to 10 % of the facilities. A TB infection control plan was present in 4 (7.4%) of the facilities. Proper seating of patients and provider was in place in 70.4% of facilities and controlled natural ventilation in 37%. No one was assigned in charge of control measures in any of the facilities. Conclusion: In spite of the availability of national Guidelines for implementation of TB infection control, measures are yet to be in place in most facilities providing care for HIV and tuberculosis patients. Urgent measures are needed to implement the guidelines in the facilities in order to reduce TB transmission in these settings.
Awareness and Uptake of Papanicoloau Smear Screening Among Students of a Higher Institution in Jos, Nigeria
(Jos Journal of Medicine, 2020-08) Esther A Envuladu; Victor A Ohize; Hadizah AAgbo; Luret A Lar; Ayuba I Zoakah
Background: In Nigeria Cancer of the Cervix (CA cervix) is the commonest gynecological malignancy and second commonest cancer in the country after breast cancer. Methodology: It was a cross sectional study in which self-administered questionnaires were filled and returned by 457 respondents who were all undergraduate students of University of Jos. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 17 statistical software and the result was presented in simple percentages. Result: There were 457 respondents, most (60.6%, 27.1%) were within the ages of 21-25 years and < 20 years respectively, about one-third of respondents (31.5%) were sexually active of which 48.6% had history of multiple sex partners. Awareness of Ca cervix is 80.7% and source of information was predominantly media (53.1%) and friends (26.3%). 44.2% had appropriate knowledge of causes/risk factors of the disease. 36.2% were aware of cervical cancer screening but only 29.3% heard of papanicolaou test while just 2.4% of the respondents had ever been screened though 66.1% were willing to be screened. Conclusion: Though the level of awareness of the existence of the disease entity was high, the awareness of the risk factors/ causes of the disease and the cervical screening method was low, the uptake of the screening was also low (2.4%) even though a good proportion of the respondents were willing to be screened.
Climate Change and its Implication on Agriculture in Nigeria
(Abuja Journal of Geography and Development, 2013) Audu, E .B.; Audu, H.O; Binbol, N.L; Gana J.N.
This paper focused on climate change and agricultural activities in Nigeria. The aim of the study was to examine the implication of climate change on agricultural activities in Nigeria and the objectives included to: identify the various variables of climate change which tend to affect agriculture and proffer measures to mitigate them. Part of the data used for this paper were derived from recent studies by various authors such as the onset and cessation of rains in Kaduna, Kano and Sokoto and reasons for the shift in crops production in the semi – arid region of Nigeria. The mean decadal temperature for six (6) meteorological stations (Lokoja, Yola, Sokoto, Ibadan, Owerri and Kano) as well as the occurrences and length of dry spells at Lokoja and its environs for 30 years (1981 - 2010) were calculated by the author using the temperature and daily rainfall data obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, Oshodi, Lagos. The Post disaster assessment on flood in Nigeria for 2010 was obtained from the National Emergency Management Agency, Abuja. Data were presented in tables, analyzed using descriptive method and discussed. The various implication of climate change on agriculture according to the study include: changes in rainfall characteristics, erosion / floods, incidence of pests and diseases, dry spells, drought and desertification; shortage of cultivable land, increased water requirement by crops and shift in agro – ecological zone. The conclusion focused on measures of mitigating the effects of climate change on agriculture such as the use of irrigation, cover cropping, planting of hybrid crops and cloud seeding among others. Key words: Climate Change, rainfall characteristics
Comparison of a New, Affordable Flow Cytometric Method and the Manual Magnetic Bead Technique for CD4 T-Lymphocyte Counting in a Northern Nigerian Setting
(CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY IMMUNOLOGY, 2005-01) Godwin E. Imade,; Bitrus Badung; Sunday Pam; Oche Agbaj; Daniel Egah; Atiene S. Sagay; Jean-Louis Sankale
Comparison of microalbuminuria among treatment naïve HIV sero-positive and negative adult clients in Faith Alive Foundation Hospital, Jos
(Nigerian Medical Journal, 2015-06-05) Shabbal,,Dalili Mohammed; Mustapha Abubakar; Abdulrahman3,Muhammad Bashir; Dalhatu2,Tijjani ,; Jamda1, Ibrahim
This study is to determine microalbuminuria in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients before commencement of highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART). Patients and Methods: Consecutive patients with the HIV infection seen in the HIV counselling and testing (HCT) unit of the Faith Alive Foundation Hospital, Jos, and a similar group of healthy uninfected patients were evaluated for renal disease: Urinary albumin and urinary creatinine were analysed. Results: Of the 200 patients with HIV infection and 100 uninfected controls studied, increased urinary albumin excretion (UAE) was present in 39 (19.5%) of the subjects and 5.0 (5.0%) of controls. The difference between the mean values for the UAE for both subjects and controls [182.3 ± 54.3 and 163.9 ± 39.3 mg/l, respectively (P = 0.006)] was statistically significant. On the other hand the urinary creatinine for both the subjects and controls [11.7 ± 5.2 and 12.0 ± 4.8 mmol/L, respectively (P = 0.6)] was not statistically significant. The difference between the mean urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) for both subjects and controls [1.8 ± 1.2 mg/mmol and 1.4 ± 0.4 mg/mmol respectively (P = 0.001)] was statistically significant. Conclusion/Recommendation: Increase UAE is a common complication of HIV infection due to a number of factors other than HAART. Early screening for renal disease using microalbuminuria is very useful since the use of medications such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, which could help reverse progression to end-stage renal disease
CONTRACEPTIVE UPTAKE AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN A SEMI URBAN AREA IN JOS SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE, NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA.
(THE NIGERIAN HEALTH JOURNAL, 2013-06) Moses Chingle, Mathilda Banwat, Luret Lar, Ayuba Zoakah
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 sub-Saharan 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 Gering community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. METHODS A cross sectional study design was used to assess knowledge and uptake of contraceptive among 400 respondents selected by multi stage sampling technique in Gering community using a semi structured interviewer administered questioner. Information about their knowledge, uptake, methods and factors that determine uptake of contraceptives was obtained. Data was analyzed using Epi Info statistical software and results were presented as tables. Chi square was used to test association between qualitative variables. RESULTS Majority, 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 contraceptives 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 contraceptives uptake among women included age, (p=0.000), 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.
Determinants and effect of girl child marriage: a cross sectional study of school girls in Plateau State, Nigeria
(International Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research, 2016-10-03) Envuladu EA; Zoakah AI; Umaru RJ; Iorapuu NO; Osagie IA; Okoh EO
Background: Child marriage is a major problem contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. It has effect on both social and health of not only the girl child but the children born to these young mothers. Aim: This study aimed at assessing the determinants of early marriage among secondary school girls in Plateau State and its effect especially on their health and education. Methods: The study was a cross sectional study of young girls in 21 secondary schools across the three geopolitical zones in Plateau state, selected through a simple random sampling technique after obtaining consent from the JUTH ethical committee and permission from the State ministry of education and the principals of the various schools. Results: The study found that while must marriages among girls are forceful marriages, the factors that influenced early marriage was poor educational level of parents, poverty and place of residence. The girls who married among them reported having had some health challenges and educational backwardness as a result of early marriage. Conclusion: This study found that poverty and poor education are the underlying cause of child marriage and child marriage is usually against the will of the girls who desire to be educated.
Determinants And Effect Of Girl Child Marriage: A cross Sectional Study Of School Girls In Plateau State, Nigeria
(Michael Joanna Publications, 2016-10-03) Envuladu EA; Umaru RJ; Iorapuu NO; Osagie IA; Okoh EO; Zoakah AI
Child marriage is a major problem contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. It has effect on both social and health of not only the girl child but the children born to these young mothers. Aim: This study aimed at assessing the determinants of early marriage among secondary school girls in Plateau State and its effect especially on their health and education. Methods: The study was a cross sectional study of young girls in 21 secondary schools across the three geopolitical zones in Plateau state, selected through a simple random sampling technique after obtaining consent from the JUTH ethical committee and permission from the State ministry of education and the principals of the various schools. Results: The study found that while must marriages among girls are forceful marriages, the factors that influenced early marriage was poor educational level of parents, poverty and place of residence. The girls who married among them reported having had some health challenges and educational backwardness as a result of early marriage. Conclusion: This study found that poverty and poor education are the underlying cause of child marriage and child marriage is usually against the will of the girls who desire to be educated.
Effect of Health Education Intervention on Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and Risky Sexual Behaviours amongst Prison Inmates in Kaduna State, Nigeria
(2014) Audu Onyemocho; , Ogboi Sonny Johnbull; Sabitu Kabir; Abah Emmanuel Raphael; , Abdullahi Abdujalil Umar; Anejo-Okopi Joseph Aje
The prison population worldwide accommodates a higher proportion of individuals at high risk of HIV infection compared to the general population, and there is recognition of risky sexual activities among the inmates. But for complex political, legal, social, cultural and religious reasons, preventive measures like use of condom in prison are often not permitted and access to community based intervention in prison is limited. In order to make meaningful decisions about their reproductive health, inmates need reliable information. This study assessed the effect of health education on HIV/AIDS related knowledge and risky sexual behaviours amongst prison inmates in Kaduna State, Nigerian. The study employed a quasi- experimental study design among 366 inmates in two prisons between 1st November 2010 and April 2011 using multistage sampling technique. Educational intervention with an integrated peer education was instituted in the study prison after baseline data was collected from both intervention and control prisons and the outcome of the intervention in the intervention prison was carried out immediately,and three months post intervention.
Endomyocardial Fibrosis: An Unusual Presentation
(Francesco Pelliccia, Department of Heart and Great Vessels University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, 2017-07-17) Chundusu C. M; Rapheal S. C; Kumtap Y. C; Gomerep V. S; Danbauchi S. S
ABSTRACT Endomyocardial fibrosis is a tropical disease, characterised by fibrosis in the endocardium and subjacent myocardium affecting particularly the inflow tract and the apex of one or both ventricles. This case highlights the occurrence of EMF in an elderly woman without the typical/characteristic physical findings of EMF.
FACTORS AFFECTINGHOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN A RURAL COMMUNITY IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA
(International Journal of Community Research, 2012-07-28) Banwat M.E.; Lar L.A.; Dakum L.B.; Igoh C.S.; Daboer J.C.; Ogbonna C
Although the proportion of hungry people in the world is slowly decreasing, there are presently 852 million people worldwide who are chronically undernourished; mostly rural dwellers in the lower socio-economic strata. This study therefore examines the factors influencing household food security in a rural community in North Central Nigeria. Using Multistage sampling technique, 235 households were sampled. Interviewer administered structured questionnaires were used to gather data which were collated and analyzed using Epi Info version 3.5.3. The value P<0.05 was considered statistically significant with a confidence level of 95%.The results showed that 66.2% of studied households grew most of their consumed food on their farmlands, while 43.8% of the households spent between 25–50% of their monthly income on feeding their members. Although most of the households (72.9%) dry and bag their farm produce after harvest, 77.8% lose 0-24% of the produce to spoilage or pests yearly. In addition, poverty (47.5%) was observed to be the commonest factor limiting access to sufficient food, while poverty and poor storage were notable factors affecting household food security among rural dwellers. Therefore, governments and non-governmental organizations need to employ strategies that will ensure poverty reduction and improve food storage and processing facilities
Increasing PMTCT knowledge and uptake of services among women of reproductive age using Community Resource Persons (CORPs) in Shendam, Plateau, Nigeria
(Michael Joanna Publications, 2014-07-09) Apagu D.G1; Tagurum Y.O; Hassan Z
Background: In Nigeria, the total number of infants at risk of MTCT, assuming no multiple pregnancies is 259,000 with an estimated MTCT rate of 25-40%. Aim: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of training Community Resource Persons (CORPs) on the knowledge and uptake of PMTCT services among women of reproductive age in the communities. Methods: The study was a community-based, interventional study conducted among 833 women. Trained CORPs carried out house to house health education intervention for three months. Results: There were 833 married women of reproductive age recruited for the study. The mean age of the respondents were 29.6 ± 7.0 and 28.8 ± 6.1 years respectively for the intervention and control groups, the median age for both was 29 years. The comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS was low as only 35.5% of the respondents in the intervention group had good knowledge. This rose to 40.8% following intervention. Those with fair comprehensive knowledge of PMTCT improved from 54.5% to 67.8% at pre and post-intervention respectively, while in the control group it slightly declined from 58.1% to 57.5% at the beginning and end of the study. Uptake of PMTCT services among pregnant women in the intervention population improved from 58.1% to 65.4% compared to 62.7% to 63.0% in the control group. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated that the use of CORPs has significantly improved the knowledge and uptake of PMTCT among women of reproductive age in the intervention population. Therefore, CORPs should be used to improve the knowledge and uptake of PMTCT services.
Increasing PMTCT knowledge and uptake of services among women of reproductive age using Community Resource Persons (CORPs) in Shendam, Plateau, Nigeria
(Michael Joanna Publications, 2014-07-09) Apagu D.G; Tagurum Y.O; Hassan Z.I
Background: In Nigeria, the total number of infants at risk of MTCT, assuming no multiple pregnancies is 259,000 with an estimated MTCT rate of 25-40%. Aim: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of training Community Resource Persons (CORPs) on the knowledge and uptake of PMTCT services among women of reproductive age in the communities. Methods: The study was a community-based, interventional study conducted among 833 women. Trained CORPs carried out house to house health education intervention for three months. Results: There were 833 married women of reproductive age recruited for the study. The mean age of the respondents were 29.6 ± 7.0 and 28.8 ± 6.1 years respectively for the intervention and control groups, the median age for both was 29 years. The comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS was low as only 35.5% of the respondents in the intervention group had good knowledge. This rose to 40.8% following intervention. Those with fair comprehensive knowledge of PMTCT improved from 54.5% to 67.8% at pre and post-intervention respectively, while in the control group it slightly declined from 58.1% to 57.5% at the beginning and end of the study. Uptake of PMTCT services among pregnant women in the intervention population improved from 58.1% to 65.4% compared to 62.7% to 63.0% in the control group. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated that the use of CORPs has significantly improved the knowledge and uptake of PMTCT among women of reproductive age in the intervention population. Therefore, CORPs should be used to improve the knowledge and uptake of PMTCT services.
Knowledge and Intake of Fruit and Vegetables Consumption among Adults in an Urban Community in North Central Nigeria.
(The Nigerian Health Journal, 2012-01) Banwat,Mathilda Edmund; Lar,Luret Albert; Daboer,Jonathan; Audu,Sunday; Lassa.Samuel
Background: Fruit and vegetable consumption is an essential source of vital nutrients for the body's micronutrient requirements. However, the knowledge and intake of this essential aspect of nutrition is globally poor. This study therefore aimed at assessing the knowledge and intake of vegetables and fruits among adults in Tudun Wada Community of Jos North LGA, Central Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study where 250 respondents were selected using a Multistage Sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data, which were analyzed using Epi info version 3.5.1. Qualitative data are presented as frequencies and percentages while Chi-square is used to evaluate associations between outcome variables and demographic variables. Results: There was an overall fair knowledge of the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables among majority (92.4%) the respondents, with a statistically significant association between level of education attained and knowledge (p<0.05). Females were also noted to have a better practice of fruit and vegetable consumption than their male peers (p < 0.05). The appropriate practice of fruit and vegetable consumption was however not as high as knowledge: with only 69.2% of the respondents having appropriate consumption practices. Conclusion: The low level of appropriate practice of fruit and vegetable consumption by adults in the study area needs to be improved by health workers using the mass media, health talks and one-on-one health education of patients and clients during health facility visits.
Knowledge and use of oral rehydration solution in the home management of diarrhea among mothers of under fives in Jos, Plateau State
(International Journal of Biomedical Research, 2017) Danjuma A Bello; Tolulope O Afolaranmi; Zuwaira I Hassan; Faith C Ogbonna; Patrick G Inedu; Cecilia Ejiga; Olubunmi O Chirdan
Background: Diarrheal disease is one of the leading causes of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an estimated 1.8 million childhood deaths annually, accounting for 17% of childhood deaths. Death can occur following severe dehydration if body fluids and electrolytes are not replenished either through the use of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) solution or intravenous fluid. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the level of use of ORS among mothers of under fives. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 158 mothers of under-fives attending the FHC between November 2014 and April 2015 using quantitative method of data collection. Epi info statistical software version 3.5.4 was used for data analysis with a 95% confidence interval was used in this study and a p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: The mean age of the respondents in this study was 29 ±5 years. Good knowledge of ORS was found among 94 (59.5%) of the respondent with a corresponding 96 (60.8%) engaging in good use of ORS in the management of diarrhoea disease for their under five children. Use of ORS in management of diarrhoea disease was significantly influenced by level o knowledge of ORS, age of the mothers, availability of prep-packed ORS and tertiary education. Conclusion: This study revealed a fairly high level of knowledge and practice of ORT in the home management of diarrhoea amongst mothers of under–fives.
Knowledge of Scabies Among a Cohort of Medical Students
(Open Science Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2015-09) Halima Mwuese Sule1, Zuwaira I. Hassan2, Mark D. Gyang3, Kenneth Yakuba1
Scabies is a common skin infestation, endemic in developing countries, usually affecting families and large groups of people living together. The intense discomfort caused by the primary disease, the life threatening complications from secondary bacterial infection, along with the challenges and costs of correct diagnosis and proper treatment make it a public health problem. Sufficient knowledge about scabies by healthcare professionals is an essential tool in fighting the scourge of scabies. Methods: We undertook a survey to assess the level of knowledge about scabies among clinical medical students, potential doctors who had completed postings in dermatology and paediatrics where the subject of scabies is routinely taught, with the aim of identifying any possible needs for an improved education on this topic. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to a cohort of clinical medical students in a university, selected by multi-staged random sampling. Results: Of 140 medical students surveyed, the overall mean knowledge score was 7.8±2.4 out of a maximum of 14 correct answers. Only 13(9.3%) of them had satisfactory scores (≥ 75%). Neither gender, number of years in medical school or having seen at least one clinical case of scabies influenced the knowledge. Conclusion: There exists a poor knowledge of scabies among clinical students who are potential doctors.
Knowledge, Risk Perception and Vaccination against Hepatitis B Infection by Primary Healthcare Workers In Jos, North Central Nigeria
(The Nigerian Health Journal, 2010) Jonathan C Daboer; Moses .P. Chingle; M.E. Banwat.
ABSTRACT Background: Hepatitis B infection remains a major occupational health hazard among healthcare workers in Nigeria where the disease is hyperendemic. Primary healthcare workers are at an even greater risk due to poorer compliance with standard safety precautions by them. The objective of this study is to determine the knowledge, risk perception and vaccination status of primary healthcare workers in Jos regarding Hepatitis B infection.