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ObjectiveThe aging population in developing countries demands parallel improvements in brain health assessment services to mitigate stigma, promote healthy aging, and diagnose cognitive impairments including dementia in primary health care (PHC) facilities. The lack of culturally appropriate cognitive assessment tools in PHC facilities delays early detection. This study aims to culturally adapt a brief digital cognitive assessment tool for PHC professionals in Southeast Nigeria.MethodA total of 30 participants (15 healthcare workers HCW and 15 community members) were selected to be culturally representative of the community. We completed focus groups and pilot testing to evaluate and refine the Brain Health Assessment (BHA) a subset of tools from the Tablet-based Cognitive Assessment Tool (TabCAT) known to be sensitive to cognitive impairment in other settings. We examined BHA subtests across local languages (Pidgin and Igbo) spoken at two geriatric clinics in Anambra State Southeast Nigeria.ResultsFollowing structured approaches in focus groups, adaptations were made to the Favorites (memory) and Line Length (visuospatial) subtests based on their input. Participants found the new adaptations to have good construct validity for the region.ConclusionsThe BHA subtests showed content validity for future work needed to validate the tool for detecting early cognitive changes associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in PHC settings. The use of culturally adapted and concise digital cognitive assessment tools relevant to healthcare professionals in Southeast Nigeria's PHCs is advocated.

Objectives: Primary health care remains the widely available first point of medical care in Nigeria and in other low- and middle-income countries. Recognizing the rising prevalence of dementia in these settings, primary healthcare providers should be trained on cognitive assessment. However, little is known about the current Nigerian primary healthcare providers’ knowledge of dementia, cognitive assessment tools, and use in elderly populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate primary healthcare providers’ knowledge of dementia and cognitive assessment tools in Southeast Nigeria in preparation for the introduction of digital tablet-based assessment tool. Methods: This is a cross-sectional mixed method descriptive pilot survey carried out in a comprehensive healthcare center affiliated with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital. Fifty healthcare workers participated. Convenience sampling was employed involving all consenting primary healthcare providers in comprehensive healthcare center-Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital. A structured questionnaire was distributed for generation of both qualitative and quantitative data. Result: The mean age of the 50 primary healthcare providers was 36.6 years, with females constituting 80%. Mean practice duration was 10.8 years. Their response on the mean age at which patients may need a cognitive assessment was reported as 52.8 years. Primary healthcare providers reported that dementia is associated with memory loss and can be genetically inherited. None of the respondents were familiar with Montreal cognitive assessment, or any form of tablet-based cognitive assessment tool. Most (86%) knew about the mini mental state examination. Conclusion: Primary healthcare providers are deficient in knowledge of dementia Alzheimer’s or cognitive assessment tools, and so they do not routinely carryout cognitive screening in elderly patients during clinic visits. It is important to train all cadres of primary healthcare staff on the use and benefit of cognitive assessment using culturally validated user-friendly tool to improve quality of care for the elderly population.

Background: Effective viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) control demand adequate emergency preparedness among healthcare workers (HCWs). Objective: This study assessed the emergency preparedness for VHF control among HCWs at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra state, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted among 345 HCW at the NAUTH, Nnewi, Nigeria. Data was analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, IBM, Chicago IL, USA) software version 21. Chi square and student’s t-test were used to test associations between categorical and continuous variables, respectively. A p-value of

Objectives: Routine dipstick urinalysis is a useful and inexpensive method for the early detection of asymptomatic diseases. Our study was carried out to detect the prevalence of urinary abnormalities among an apparently asymptomatic healthy female group and emphasize the value of routine dipstick urinalysis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among second to sixth (final)-year female medical students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus between 8 and 30 September 2019. A total of 100 subjects were enrolled. First-morning midstream urine samples were collected and promptly tested with dipstick strips. Subjects with abnormal findings were informed and treated appropriately. Results: In all, 54 (54%) of the subjects had urine abnormalities. Trace proteinuria was the commonest abnormality seen with a prevalence of 33%, followed by abnormal urine appearance (17%), leucocytes (14%), nitrites (8%) and urobilinogen (2%). Urine abnormalities were commoner in students who resided in the school hostel. Abnormal urine appearance was significantly associated with nitrites (0.003) and leucocytes (0.001). Conclusion: Routine dipstick urinalysis should be performed among students and apparently healthy individuals for early detection and diagnosis of renal diseases to facilitate quick interventions and prevent further progression.

Background: Cognitive assessment is a key component of clinical evaluations for patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in primary health care (PHC) settings. The need for well-validated, culturally appropriate, and easy-to-use assessments is especially urgent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that are experiencing rapid growth in their older adult populations. Objective: To examine the feasibility and demographic determinants of performance for a tablet-based cognitive assessment tool (TabCAT) battery, which includes subtests for four cognitive domains, among older PHC patients in southeastNigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-method descriptive study evaluating the useability and performance of TabCAT. Results: We enrolled 207 participants (mean age of 64.7±13.5 years; 52% with only primary, 41% secondary, and 7% tertiary education). Most (91%) who initiated the assessment were able to complete it, requiring 10–15 minutes to complete. More years of education was associated with better test scores across all tests (p < 0.001). Living in a rural location was also associated with better performance (p < 0.05). Male compared to female sex did not associate with performance on any of the tests (all ps > 0.05). Conclusions: Tablet-based cognitive assessment was feasible in rural and urban settings of Nigeria. Better performance on cognitive subtests linked to more education and residing in a rural area; however, sex did not predict performance. Digital cognitive assessment tools hold potential for widespread use in healthcare and educational contexts, particularly in regions with varying levels of urbanization and educational access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: National tuberculosis (TB) programmes globally rely heavily on passive case finding for detecting TB in the community as advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO). TB case detection is low in Nigeria despite improvement in TB services and coverage. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of an active case-finding intervention utilizing community-based approaches and targeted systematic TB screening in Ebonyi State, Nigeria was done. The analysis was performed using Epi Info. Results: Using community-based and health-facility-based systematic screening strategies, 218,751 persons were screened, with 19.7% of them being presumptive TB cases. Among these, 23,729 (55.1%) submitted sputum samples for microscopy, and 764 (3.2%) had smear-positive TB. In addition, 683 individuals were diagnosed with other forms of TB using X-ray and clinical evaluation giving a total of 1447 all forms of TB cases. The overall number needed to screen (NNS) to find one person with all forms of TB through the project was 151. The NNS was 53 for general outpatients, 88 through contact tracing, and 110 among HIV-infected persons. Conclusions: Active case-finding strategies achieved good yields though early loss to follow-up was high. Active case finding is recommended for integration into national TB control policy and practice.

This was a prospective study designed to evaluate the impact of thyroid function abnormalities on reproductive hormones during menstrual cycle in HIV infected females at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, South-East Nigeria.The study randomly recruited 35 Symptomatic HIV infected females and 35 Symptomatic HIV infected females on antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for not less than six weeks from an HIV clinic and 40 apparently heathy control females among the hospital staff of NAUTH Nnewi. They were all premenopausal females with regular menstrual cycle and aged between 15-45 years. Blood samples were collected at follicular and luteal phases of their menstrual cycle for assay of Thyroid indices (FT3, FT4 and TSH) and Reproductive indices (FSH, LH, Estrogen, Progesterone, Prolactin and Testosterone) using ELISA method.The result showed significantly higher FSH and LH but significantly lower progesterone (prog) and estrogen (E2) in the test females compared to control females at both phases of menstrual cycle (P

Background: In some primary health care settings, even where the health services are not available, provisions are not made to ensure continuity of care. This study aimed to determine the availability and level of continuity of care for maternal health services in the primary health centers (PHCs) in Nnewi, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey. Using multistage sampling technique, 280 women utilizing maternal health services from four randomly selected public PHCs in Nnewi, Nigeria were chosen for the study. Data collection employed a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. Results: The mean ± standard deviation for age of the respondents was 29.2 ± 5.9 years. The facilities studied provided out-patient services, but the only in-patient services provided was for women who delivered or those in labor. None of the facilities is equipped to provide even basic essential obstetric care services. None had standardized a protocol for referring clients, referral forms, a transport system, or a community loan scheme in place. Forty-four (15.7%) women were referred for care outside of the PHCs for the following reasons: Lack of drugs and supplies (9.1%); lack of equipment (90.9%), lack of skilled personnel (45.5%) among others. Conclusions: This study showed that despite the unavailability of some services, appropriate strategies were not in place to ensure the coherent pattern of services within and between the PHCs and other levels of care. Delivery to the clients of comprehensive and integrated maternal health services, and efficient referral systems are thus recommended.

Background: Adherence to standard precautions (SP) is critical to reducing the burden of nosocomial infections. Objective: We assessed the knowledge and practice of SP among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi Anambra State, Nigeria using self-administered questionnaire and key informant interview. Results: Mean age and employment duration of subjects were 33.4±11.9 and 6.0 ± 6.7 years, respectively. Majority of the 341 HCWs had heard about SP (82.1%) and agreed that it should be applied to all patient care (78.0%). Only 45.7% of them correctly cited ≥2 components of SP. Two-third of participants reported that SP was poorly practiced in their unit mainly due to inadequate supply of materials (63.1%), inadequate staff training/retraining (62.2%), inadequate support by management (51.4%) and unavailable standard operating procedures (SOPs) on SP (37.8%). Compliance with SP and specifically, personal protective equipment (PPE) use were 65.1% and 76.2%, respectively. Profession (p=0.023), awareness about SP (p<0.001), SOP display in prominent places (p<0.001) and regular supply of running water (p<0.001) were significantly associated with SP compliance. Key informant interview revealed lack of written SP policies or its communication to HCWs, lack of training/retraining of HCWs and lack of materials required for SP practice. Conclusion: Knowledge of basic concept and practice of SP was not satisfactory among HCWs. Major barriers to SP were lack of materials, training and active support by hospital management. Awareness, SOP display in prominent places and regular supply of running water positively influenced SP compliance. Having written policies and communicating such to all HCWs, consistent supply of necessary materials, intensified training, and regular supervision are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses association of socio-demographics of female secondary school teachers with their cervical cancer health literacy in Nigeria. It mentions association of cervical cancer health literacy with age, years of teaching experience, educational qualification and number of children the respondents have; and also mentions relationship between socio-demographic characteristics of female teachers and their cervical cancer literacy in Nigeria.

Introduction: The choice and use of a particular contraceptive method and their sources varies globally. The common modern contraceptive methods used were; condoms, injectables, pills and Intra Uterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCD). Aim: The aims of this study was to determine the pattern of contraceptive method choice and commodity sources among women of reproductive age who are currently using any contraception in communities in Imo State, Nigeria. Methodology: This study was a community based cross-sectional study carried out among 1123 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) living in communities in Imo State, Nigeria. Eligible participant were selected using a multistage random sampling technique and data was collected using a pretested, semi structured and interviewed administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using computer software (EPI-INFO Version 3.3.2). Results: The mean age of the women was 32.0±8.0 years. Out of the 1123 women studied, only 305 (27.2%) were current contraceptive users. About two-third of the users (18.2%) were using any form of modern contraceptive method. The common contraceptive methods used were; condoms, periodic abstinence, injections and pills. Contraceptive choice varies with age, marital status, religion and resident of women. Overall most women sourced their contraceptives from the private sector. Most of the barrier methods and pills were sourced from the chemist while the injections, IUCD tubal ligation and implants were sourced from the hospitals. Conclusion: Use of modern contraceptive method was low and the choice of a particular contraceptive type and source of the commodity varies with socio-demographic characteristics of the women. There is need to make contraceptives available and family services accessible to women in a way that will be culturally acceptable to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This was a prospective study designed to evaluate the impact of thyroid function abnormalities on reproductive hormones during menstrual cycle in HIV infected females at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, South-East Nigeria. Methods: The study randomly recruited 35 Symptomatic HIV infected females and 35 Symptomatic HIV infected females on antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for not less than six weeks from an HIV clinic and 40 apparently heathy control females among the hospital staff of NAUTH Nnewi. They were all premenopausal females with regular menstrual cycle and aged between 15–45 years. Blood samples were collected at follicular and luteal phases of their menstrual cycle for assay of Thyroid indices (FT3, FT4 and TSH) and Reproductive indices (FSH, LH, Estrogen, Progesterone, Prolactin and Testosterone) using ELISA method. Results: The result showed significantly higher FSH and LH but significantly lower progesterone (prog) and estrogen (E2) in the test females compared to control females at both phases of menstrual cycle (P<0.05). There was significantly lower FT3 but significantly higher TSH value in Symptomatic HIV females (P<0.05). FSH, LH and TSH values were significantly lowered while prog and FT3 were significantly higher in Symptomatic HIV on ART compared to Symptomatic HIV females (P<0.05). FT3, FT4, Prog and E2 were inversely correlated while FSH and LH were positively correlated with duration of HIV infection in HIV females (P<0.05 respectively). There was a direct correlation between CD4+ count and FT3 while inverse correlation was found between CD4+ count and TSH levels (P<0.05). Discussion: The present study demonstrated hypothyroidism with a significant degree of primary hypogonadism in Symptomatic HIV infected females at both follicular and luteal phases of menstrual cycle which tends to normalize on treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: National tuberculosis (TB) programmes globally rely heavily on passive case finding for detecting TB in the community as advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO). TB case detection is low in Nigeria despite improvement in TB services and coverage. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of an active case-finding intervention utilizing community-based approaches and targeted systematic TB screening in Ebonyi State, Nigeria was done. The analysis was performed using Epi Info. Results: Using community-based and health-facility-based systematic screening strategies, 218,751 persons were screened, with 19.7% of them being presumptive TB cases. Among these, 23,729 (55.1%) submitted sputum samples for microscopy, and 764 (3.2%) had smear-positive TB. In addition, 683 individuals were diagnosed with other forms of TB using X-ray and clinical evaluation giving a total of 1447 all forms of TB cases. The overall number needed to screen (NNS) to find one person with all forms of TB through the project was 151. The NNS was 53 for general outpatients, 88 through contact tracing, and 110 among HIV-infected persons. Conclusions: Active case-finding strategies achieved good yields though early loss to follow-up was high. Active case finding is recommended for integration into national TB control policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In some primary health care settings, even where the health services are not available, provisions are not made to ensure continuity of care. This study aimed to determine the availability and level of continuity of care for maternal health services in the primary health centers (PHCs) in Nnewi, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey. Using multistage sampling technique, 280 women utilizing maternal health services from four randomly selected public PHCs in Nnewi, Nigeria were chosen for the study. Data collection employed a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. Results: The mean ± standard deviation for age of the respondents was 29.2 ± 5.9 years. The facilities studied provided out-patient services, but the only in-patient services provided was for women who delivered or those in labor. None of the facilities is equipped to provide even basic essential obstetric care services. None had standardized a protocol for referring clients, referral forms, a transport system, or a community loan scheme in place. Forty-four (15.7%) women were referred for care outside of the PHCs for the following reasons: Lack of drugs and supplies (9.1%); lack of equipment (90.9%), lack of skilled personnel (45.5%) among others. Conclusions: This study showed that despite the unavailability of some services, appropriate strategies were not in place to ensure the coherent pattern of services within and between the PHCs and other levels of care. Delivery to the clients of comprehensive and integrated maternal health services, and efficient referral systems are thus recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first seroprevalence survey in 1999, the HIV prevalence in Abia State has increased from 1.8% to 7.3% in 2010. The state is currently experiencing a generalized epidemic, with most transmission occurring through heterosexual low-risk sex. Drivers of the epidemic include low knowledge of HIV prevention, low risk perception, predominantly male factor-driven risky sexual behavior, and low condom use. This study reviewed the state HIV epidemic trend in relation to response, sought to identify the gaps between the epidemic and response, and recommended measures to strengthen the state response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study aimed at assessing antenatal care service attendees' perception of quality of maternal healthcare (MHC) services in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 310 pregnant women utilising antenatal care (ANC) services in three purposively selected primary health centres (PHCs) in rural communities in Anambra State were studied. Reponses were elicited from the participants selected consecutively over a 4-month period, using a pre-tested, semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, utilisation and perception of MHC services. Data collected were analysed using SPSS version 17. Results: Findings showed that utilisation of facility for both antenatal (97.0%; 95% CI, 94.4-98.4%) and natal services (92.7%; 95% CI 89.2-95.2%) were quite high. Generally, most of the women were satisfied with MHC services (89.7%). Most of them were satisfied with the staff attitude (85.1%), waiting time (84.1%) and cost of services (79.5%). Being ≥30 years (X² = 4.61, P = 0.032), married (X² = 9.70, P = 0.008) and multiparous (X² = 9.14, P = 0.028), as well as utilisation of formal health facility for antenatal (X² = 26.94, P = 0.000) and natal (X² = 33.42, P = 0.000) services were associated with satisfaction with maternal health services. Conclusions: The study showed high level of satisfaction with quality of maternal health services among antenatal attendees and highlights the need to strengthen interventions that increase uptake of formal MHC services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate some hormonal impact on menstrual cycle pattern of HIV infected women of child bearing age and to assess whether the changes observed are directly related to HIV infections. Methods: This was a prospective study that involved 214 female participants aged between 15 and 45 years conducted at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi. Based on the result of the screening, they were grouped as: HIV seropositive subjects (n=79), HIV seropositive subjects on Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) (n=80) and control HIV seronegative subjects (n=55). After due consent, a detailed medical history was obtained using questionnaire. Blood samples collected from the participants were used for double HIV seroreactivity by rapid immunoassay and immunochromatographic techniques and hormonal assay using immunoenzymometric method. Results: Menstrual abnormalities were reported in 76% of women in the study group. Secondary amenorrhea was observed in 32(40.5%) of HIV subjects, 20(25%) of HIV subjects on ART when compared with 1(1.8%) in control subjects. Hypomenorrhea was observed in 16(20.3%) of HIV subjects, when compared with 1(1.8%) observed in control subjects. Hypermenorrhea was observed in 18(22.5%) of HIV subjects on ART when compared with the 1(1.8%) in control subjects. The mean (±SD) serum FSH ( IU/ml) and LH ( IU/ml) were significantly higher at follicular and luteal HIV subjects whether on ART or not when compared with their corresponding control subjects (P<0.05 respectively). The mean (±SD) serum Prolactin (ng/ml) at follicular HIV subjects was significantly higher when compared with the follicular control subjects (P<0.05). Similar observation was made in luteal HIV subjects when compared with the counterparts on ART (P<0.05). Conclusion: the study suggests a marked hormonal impact on the menstrual cycle pattern observed in the study subjects which may be attributed to HIV infections and ART as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Respiratory problem is one of the major health hazards in dust-exposed workers; it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world. Objective: To determine the prevalence of respiratory problems and lung function impairment among quarry workers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Methods: Respiratory problems and lung function were studied in 403 quarry workers aged 10-60 years. Respiratory problems were investigated with a questionnaire based on international models adapted for the study population. Lung function was assessed by spirometry and chest roentgenography. Results: The respiratory problems found were chest pain (47.6%), occasional cough (40.7%), occasional shortness of breath (6.5%) and wheezing (5.2%). The mean±SD FEV1 and FVC values were significantly decreased with length of exposure--respectively, 3.52±0.77 and 3.91±0.72 L for <5 years; 2.79±0.68 and 3.09±0.87 L for 5-10 years; and 2.03±0.92 and 2.86±0.83 L for >10 years of exposure. Moreover, the mean±SD FEV1 and FVC values of smoker (3.37±0.81 and 3.56±1.02 L, respectively) were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of non-smokers (3.68±1.02 and 3.89±0.99 L, respectively) working in the quarry site. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to dust due to stone quarrying may increase the risk of respiratory problems and impaired lung function--cigarette smokers are at higher risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In developing countries, biological contaminants largely bacteria and other parasites constitute the major causes of food-borne diseases often transmitted through food, water, nails, and fingers contaminated with faeces. Accordingly, food-handlers with poor personal hygiene could be potential sources of infections by these micro-organisms. Objective: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and pattern of bacteria and intestinal parasites among food handlers in the Federal Capital Territory. Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive one in which a multistage sampling technique was employed to select 168 food handlers of various types. Subjects' stool, urine, and fingernail analyses were carried out and the result scientifically scrutinized. Results: Fingernail bacteria isolates include: E. Coli (1.8%), coagulase-negative staphylococcus (17.9%), Staphylococcus aureus(7.1%), Klebsiella species (2.4%), Serratia species (1.2%), Citrobacter species (1.2%), and Enterococcus species (1.8%). The subjects' stool samples tested positive: For A. lumbricoides (14.9%), T. trichuria (1.8%), S. starcolaris (3.0%), E. histolytica (10.7%), G. lambilia (1.8%), S. mansoni (1.2%), and Taenia species (4.8%). Furthermore, 42.3% and 15.5% of the stool specimen tested positive for Salmonella and Shigella species, respectively. Conclusion: Food establishments should screen and treat staff with active illness, and regularly train them on good personal and workplace hygiene practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and context: In Nigeria, cancer leads to >72,000 deaths per annum (30,924 for male and 40,647 for female). This number is set to increase given that there are 102,000 new cases of cancer every year. The estimated incidence for prostate cancer is (12%) and estimated mortality prostate (13%). Prostate cancer is the third leading cancer death in Nigeria and the leading cause of cancer deaths in Nigerian men. However, very little or nothing is said about prostate cancer in Nigeria. Every October, virtually all cancer NGOs roll out their drums of awareness focused on breast cancer, prostate cancer is always missing, while several men die in silence and pain because their prostate cancer was discovered at late stages. Men on Blue is a health intervention focused on closing the gap of awareness, education and screenings for prostate cancer in rural communities of Lagos, Abuja and Enugu. The intervention will use 3 core strategies, such as: prostate cancer awareness, prostate cancer screenings and social media campaigns. Our target is to screen 2000 men, reach 20,000 men directly, reach 30,000 women and youth directly in rural communities of Lagos, Abuja and Enugu and 5 million indirectly through traditional and social media in Nigeria. Aim: To reduce the incidence of prostate cancer through the creation of a platform for prostate cancer awareness, screening and support in Nigeria. Program/Policy process: The program use focused on phasing out late diagnosis of prostate cancer through screenings outreaches in local communities in Nigeria. Men are always missing in cancer awareness and programs, hence, the program will bring men to the fore of cancer awareness. Outcomes: It is expected that this program will increase the level of prostate cancer awareness in Nigeria through the translation of information materials in local languages, engage men to lead the campaign and the use of strategic social media campaign. What was learned: Preliminary results of the planning process of the program, showed that several men are battling with prostate cancer, however, very few is said about them and they are dying in silence. Their voice need to be heard in sub-Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and context: Through the UICC and Pfizer Oncology SPARC MBC grant, Project PINK BLUE - Health and Psychological Trust Centre implemented Breast Cancer Navigation and Palliative Program (BCNPP) with strategic activities focused on metastatic breast cancer with the goal "to empower women at risk of, or living with advanced breast cancer and to reduce incidence of stage III or IV breast cancer". The project established Nigeria´s first patient navigation program which trained 138 health workers and social workers across the 6 area councils of Abuja and connected 116 breast health facilities, 58 in Abuja and another 58 across Nigeria (diagnostic centers and hospitals) in a Web-based navigation map application. The program was designed to train only 18 patient navigators for Abuja only, however, we trained 44 patient navigators from National Hospital Abuja, Enugu and Kebbi states whom are currently working on establishing BCNPP programs in their respective states. The trained oncology nurse navigators are providing optimum palliative care and navigation to patients across the mapped health facilities in Abuja. While 72 institutions have been engaged through diverse partnerships, 27 resources were produced including videos, documents, and palliative/navigation book for healthcare workers; 10 ECHO palliative care training were organized for nurses and pain doctors, with additional 8 face-to-face workshops on palliative care and patient navigation and 5 patient support group meetings. Seventy-two news articles were published including TV, radio, and interviews. Aim: To empower women at risk for, or living with advanced breast cancer and to reduce incidence of stage III or IV breast cancer. Strategy/Tactics: The program used training of nurses, cancer survivors and nurses to become patient navigators at National Hospital Abuja and across the 6 area councils of Abuja. Currently, Niger state and Enugu state have also been trained on patient navigation and more cancer patients have been tracked and followed up through their journey with cancer in Nigeria. Outcomes: The program has transited to lead national advocacy at Nigeria's Parliament for the establishment of National Institute on Cancer Research and Treatment and has also establish some initiatives, such as Abuja's first cancer support group and patient-led advocacy and campaign. Several metastatic breast cancer patients were navigated through their journey with cancer. What was learned: Metastatic breast cancer patient needed more support to live a quality life, they needed more than just pain drugs. They need listening ear and caregiver who would show their care and love. Patient navigation is an emerging area of oncology, hence, there is a need to support the patient navigators to devote more time for the impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Daily, HCWs are exposed to needle stick and sharps injury (NSSI) and associated risk of life-threatening infections., Aim: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of NSSI and HBV vaccination among 341 HCWs at NAUTH, Nnewi., Methods: Data was collected using a self-administered. questionnaire and interview of key staff., Results: The mean age of participants was 33.4±11.9 years while male: female ratio was 1:1.7. Prevalence of NSSI in the preceding 12 months was 25.5% with doctors (43.0% [34/79]), laboratory scientists (27.5%[14/51]) and nurses (21.8%[17/78]) leading (p=0.014). Noncompliance with standard precaution (SP) and non-display of relevant SP SOPs in prominent places were significantly associated with NSSI (p=0.001). Among those exposed to NSSI, only 33.7% (28/83) consulted a doctor, while 16.9%(14/83) took post-exposure prophylaxis. Two-third (68.8% [190/276]) of respondents correctly cited HBV/HCV as vaccine-preventable blood-borne healthcare-associated infection (HAI) while half (50.9% [161/316]) had received HBV vaccination. Profession (p=0.018), display of SOPs in prominent places (p=0.015), ability to cite HBV/HCV as vaccine-preventable blood-borne HAI (p=0.001), and compliance with SP (p<0.001) were significantly associated with HBV vaccination. Unit heads' responses implied lack of written policy on HBV vaccination, adequate training on NSSI prevention, and HBV vaccination support., Conclusion: Among HCWs, NSSI is high but under-reported while HBV vaccination rate is unimpressive. Profession, display of relevant SOPs, and compliance with SP positively affected both NSSI occurrence and HBV vaccination while knowledge about vaccine-preventable blood-borne HAI also influence HBV vaccination status. Written policies on HBV vaccination and NSSI prevention/ management, their communication and enforcement among HCWs, adequate training/retraining, display of SOPs in prominent places, and free HBV vaccination are recommended., Competing Interests: The Authors declare that no competing interest exists, (Copyright © 2022 by West African Journal of Medicine.)

Background: Women all over the world engage in some forms of postpartum practices aimed at keeping mother and child healthy. Although some of the practices are beneficial, some are of no value while some are out rightly harmful. The objective of this study was to determine the prevailing postpartum practices engaged in by Igbo women of South Eastern Nigeria. The above knowledge could be used to reinforce the beneficial ones while discouraging the harmful ones., Methods: This is a questionnaire survey of mothers attending infant welfare clinic of our hospital augmented by in-depth interviews of patients, nurses and nurse midwives., Results: Three hundred and thirty (330) mothers were studied. The peak age group was 26 to 30 years (30%), 93% were currently married while trading was the most common occupation. Most of the mothers, 270 (81.8%) regularly drink hot water, 282(85.5%) bathed with hot water while another 270(81.8%) consistently took hot food. Three-quarter of the women or 250(75.8%) took very peppery food, 218(66.1%) tied cloth across the abdomen, 210(63.6%) applied hot compresses to the abdomen while 230(69.7%) regularly did sitz bath with hot water. One hundred and forty six (44.2%) resumed sexual intercourse within 12 weeks of delivery while menstruation returned within 12 weeks in 68(20.6%) of the mothers. Fifty four mothers(16.4%) test breast milk with ants to detect spoilt milk while 64(19.4%), 100(30.3%) and 176(53.3%) took hot water, palm wine and tea respectively to improve the flow of breast milk. Ninety four (28.5%) regularly apply mascara to their babies eyes to 'clear' the eyes., Conclusion: Although some of the postpartum practices engaged in by Igbo women were neither useful nor harmful, some were out rightly dangerous and should be discouraged. The findings would be incorporated in antenatal health talks.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of drug use among senior secondary school students within military locations in Ibadan, Nigeria., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2006., Results: Five hundred ten students participated with a mean age of 15.0 +/- 1.2 years. The prevalence of lifetime use of any substance was 15.3%. Alcohol (33.9%), solvents (17.3%), and tobacco (10.6%) were the most commonly used substances. Only gender and age were associated with the lifetime use of tobacco and solvents (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: The information provided a useful baseline on which subsequent interventions could be based and evaluated.

Objectives: This article assesses religious leaders' perceptions of young people's reproductive health in Anambra State., Patients and Methods: Through self-administered semi-structured questionnaires, and in depth interviews, religious leaders perceptions of young peoples reproductive health in Anambra State Nigeria was elicited from two hundred and fifty religious leaders selected by multistage random sampling., Results: Over 85% of the religious leaders thought that young people are sexually active, and are involved in high risk behaviour for unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and STD and HIV/AIDS. Eighty five per cent felt that there is need for sexuality education in schools, and that sexuality education will reduce unintended pregnancy, abortion, STDS and HIV/AIDS among young people. However 52.2% felt that sexuality education in school would increase promiscuity. Some religious leaders did not support teaching of contraception and safe abortion in schools., Conclusion: Religious leaders in Anambra State have a high awareness of young people's reproductive health problem, and are in support of sexuality education in schools. They differ however in what should be the content of the curriculum. There is need to harmonise and agree on programme contents to minimise sending conflicting and confusing messages to young people.