Showing papers by "University of Nigeria, Nsukka published in 2007"

Use of complementary and alternative medicine by cancer patients at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract: The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by cancer patients is very common and varies between populations. The referenced English literature has no local study from Africa on this subject. This study was conducted to define the prevalence, pattern of use, and factors influencing the use of CAM by cancer patients at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu (UNTH-E), Nigeria Face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaire were used to determine the use of CAM by cancer patients. All consenting cancer patients were interviewed as they presented at the core surgical units of the UNTH- E, from June 2003 to September 2005. 160 patients were interviewed; 68 (42.5%) were males and 94 (57.5%) were females. Ages ranged from 13–86 years. Breast, urogenital system, gastrointestinal system, and soft tissue cancers predominated. One hundred and four patients (65.0%) have used CAM at some time during their current cancer illness; 56 (35.0%) patients have not used any form of CAM. There were more females than males among the non-CAM users. The use of CAM was not affected by age, marital status, level of education, religious affiliation, or socioeconomic status. The most frequently used CAMs were herbs (51.9%), faith/prayer healing (49.4%), aloe vera (23.1%), Forever Living Products (16.3%), medicinal tea (14.4%), and Blackstone (12.5%). Over 23% of those who used CAM were satisfied, but 68.3% were disappointed. Most users (67.3%) did not see any benefit from the CAM, but 25% could describe some specific benefits. More than 21% of users reported various unwanted effects. While 86.5% of CAM users will use orthodox medicine instead of CAM in the future, 9.6% will use the two together to help each other. Most users (79.8%) will not repeat CAM or recommend its use for cancer. The majority of patients (55.8%) did not mention their use of CAM to their doctors – mostly because the doctor did not ask. CAM use is common among cancer patients in Nigeria. Most users do not obtain the expected benefits, and adverse events are not uncommon. Every clinician in the field of oncology should ask his/her patients about the use of CAM; this knowledge will enable them to better counsel the patients.

The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women at booking in Enugu, South Eastern Nigeria.

Abstract: Background More than half of the pregnant women in the world have hemoglobin levels indicative of anemia. Knowledge of the current situation of the condition in our environment is necessary. This knowledge will motivate antenatal caregivers toward early detection and prompt management of anemia in pregnancy.

Preliminary assessment of trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediments

Abstract: Total concentrations of Cd, Cr, Co, Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn and Zn were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the surface sediments of Taylor Creek, Southern Nigeria. The most concentrated trace metals, ranging from 113.2 to 5160.7 mg/g-dry weights were Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni and Zn. There was no significant variation in sediment-associated metal levels (P>0.05). The Metal Pollution Index (MPI) was highest at Agbia/Nedugo and is attributed to local contamination of the Creek. The concentrations of low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were also detected and quantified in the sediments by capillary gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector. The concentration levels of 178.1-1266.3 mg/g-wet weights were high for the PAHs. The results indicate that the pollutants, which are bio-accumulatable, could contribute to inferior biodiversity, and shifts in community composition from sensitive to tolerant taxa.

Epidemiology of congenital malaria in Nigeria: a multi-centre study.

Abstract: Summary objective To determine the burden of congenital malaria in newborns in Nigeria. methods In a prospective multi-centre study, 1875 consecutive mother–baby pairs were enrolled over a continuous 12-month period. Blood smears were prepared from mothers, neonates, placental aspirates and cord blood within 4 h of delivery. Outcome variables were patent parasitaemia in the mother, placenta, cord and neonate in addition to maternal and neonatal haematocrit. results Patent parasitaemia was detected in 95 neonates (5.1%). The occurrence varied between study centres, but was found year round in all sites. The mean parasite density among infected neonates was low (48 asexual forms per ll, range 8–200 ⁄ll). Maternal and placental parasitaemia were the most important risk factors for patent neonatal parasitaemia (P < 0.0001 1 ). Spontaneous clearance of parasitaemia occurred in 62.1% of neonates before day 2. 33.7% were symptomatic within 3 days of birth. conclusion Congenital malaria is often asymptomatic, clears spontaneously and may not warrant treatment. However, newborns with unexplained fever and refusal to feed in malaria endemic areas should be tested for malaria.

Potentials of leaves of Aspilia africana (Compositae) in wound care: an experimental evaluation.

Abstract: The potentials of the leaves of the haemorrhage plant, Aspilia africana C. D Adams (Compositae) in wound care was evaluated using experimental models. A. africana, which is widespread in Africa, is used in traditional medicine to stop bleeding from wounds, clean the surfaces of sores, in the treatment of rheumatic pains, bee and scorpion stings and for removal of opacities and foreign bodies from the eyes. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the potentials for use of leaves of this plant in wound care. The effect of the methanol extract (ME) and the hexane (HF) and methanol (MF) fractions (obtained by cold maceration and graded solvent extraction respectively) on bleeding/clotting time of fresh experimentally-induced wounds in rats, coagulation time of whole rat blood, growth of microbial wound contaminants and rate of healing of experimentally-induced wounds in rats were studied as well as the acute toxicity and lethality (LD50) of the methanol extract and phytochemical analysis of the extract and fractions. The extract and fractions significantly (P ME>HF. Also, the extract and fractions caused varying degrees of inhibition of the growth of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as typed strains of Ps. aeruginosa (ATCC 10145) and Staph. aureus (ATCC 12600), and reduced epithelialisation period of wounds experimentally-induced in rats. Acute toxicity and lethality (LD50) test in mice established an i.p LD50 of 894 mg/kg for the methanol extract (ME). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, resins, sterols, terpenoids and carbohydrates. The leaves of A. africana possess constituents capable of arresting wound bleeding, inhibiting the growth of microbial wound contaminants and accelerating wound healing which suggest good potentials for use in wound care.

Risk factors for tungiasis in Nigeria: identification of targets for effective intervention

Abstract: Background: The parasitic skin disease tungiasis (caused by the flea Tunga penetrans) affects resource-poor communities in Latin America, the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa. Prevalences in endemic areas are high, and severe pathology occurs commonly. However, risk factors for infestation have never been assessed in Africa. Methods and Findings: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Erekiti, a rural community in Lagos State (Nigeria), where tungiasis is endemic. Individuals were examined clinically for the presence of tungiasis, and a questionnaire was applied. Data from 643 individuals (86.6% of the target population) were analyzed; 252 (42.5%) were infested with T. penetrans .I n the multivariate logistic regression analysis, presence of pigs on the compounds (adjusted odds ratio=17.98; 95% confidence interval: 5.55–58.23), sand or clay floor inside houses (9.33; 5.06–17.19), and having the common resting place outside the house (7.14; 4.0–14.29) were the most important risk factors identified. The regular use of closed footwear (0.34; 0.18–0.62) and the use of insecticides indoors (0.2; 0.05–0.83) were protective against infestation. The population attributable fractions associated with tungiasis were: sand or clay floor inside the house (73.7%), resting usually outside the house (65.5%), no regular use of closed footwear (51.1%), and pigs on the compound (37.9%). Conclusion: The presence of tungiasis in Erekiti is determined to an important extent by a limited number of modifiable variables. Effective and sustainable intervention measures addressing these factors need to be implemented in this and other West African communities with high disease burden.

Survey of heavy metals in the catfish synodontis clarias

Abstract: Elevated levels of heavy metals in the catfish Synodontis clarias can be a good indication of pollution of an aquatic ecosystem due to anthropogenic influence. The concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, Mn and Ni were determined in Synodontis clarias caught along a section of Taylor Creek and its associated tributaries. Samples were collected bimonthly between July 1999 and June 2000 in five stations. The metals: Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb and Mn were recorded in appreciable quantities, signifying their bioavailability. The levels of Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb and Mn may have obvious health implications on the rural communities that depend on fish species as fish supplement in view of its rich protein content and its bio-economic value. Generally, the sources of the metals in the catfish appear to be point and diffuse which include rural and agricultural runoff sources in the catchments area. However, the presence of an oil industry activity (Etelebou oil field and flow station) in one of its tributaries appears to be the major point source of the metal pollutants.

Factors associated with domestic violence in south-east Nigeria.

Abstract: A cross-sectional survey was carried out at two tertiary health institutions in south-east Nigeria from 1 January 2005 to 31 March 2005 to determine the factors associated with domestic violence (DV). The study group comprised of 600 consecutive men seen at the General Outpatient department of the two hospitals during the study period. More than two-thirds (70%) of respondents reported abuse in their family, with 92% (n=385) of the victims being female partners and the remaining 8% (n=35) male. DV was significantly associated with lower social class, alcohol consumption, increasing age disparity between couples and spouse unemployment (p<0.05). The male victims of DV are associated with financial disparity in favour of the female, influential in-laws, educated women and couples within the same age group. The most common form of abuse was shouting at partner (93%), slapping or pushing (77%) and punching or kicking (46%). A total of 348 (83%) respondents reported physical abuse. Only one-fifth (21%) of the abuse occurred during pregnancy and financial constraints was the major reason. There was gross under-reporting (8.1%) of DV because of cultural factors, embarrassment and the repercussions that follow such reports.

Correlation of mucocutaneous manifestations of HIV/AIDS infection with CD4 counts and disease progression.

Abstract: Background As the search for reliable clinical indicators for management of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in resource-poor settings continues, mucocutaneous disorders of HIV should be considered among key clinical indicators for prediction of underlying immune status, disease progression, and possible complications of highly active antiretroviral therapy in Africa. Objective To identify and correlate mucocutaneous disorders to CD4-positive cell count and total lymphocyte count in HIV/AIDS patients of southeast Nigeria. Methodology Data were collected through interview-administered survey followed by clinical and dermatological examination of recruited patients and controls. Result Mean CD4 cell count of HIV/AIDS patients was 303.81 cells/mm3 and was significantly lower to the control group – 807.3 cells/mm3 (z = 10.089 and P 100 cells/mm3 were readily observed in advanced stage. Conclusion Cryptococcus skin lesions occurred at low CD4+ counts of ≤ 50 cells/mm3; Kaposi sarcoma at CD4+ counts of ≤ 200 cells/mm3, while seborrheic dermatitis occurred at CD4+ counts of >200 cells/mm3 and as an early skin manifestation within our environment. Campaign for the skin as an important clinical organ for assessment, prediction of immune status, and management of HIV/AIDS, particularly for hard-to-reach and resource-limited health facilities, has to be undertaken.

Stabilization of Clay Using Woodash

Abstract: The potential of woodash to stabilize clay soil was evaluated. The evaluation involved the determination of the geotechnical properties of clay soil in its natural state as well as when mixed with varying proportions of woodash. The parameters tested included the particle size distribution, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, California bearing ratio (CBR) and the compressive strength. The CBR and strength tests were repeated after 28-day curing of the treated samples. Results showed that the geotechnical parameters of clay soil are improved substantially by the addition of woodash; plasticity was reduced by 35% and CBR and strength increased by 23–50% and 49–67%, respectively, depending on the compactive energy used. The highest CBR and strength values were achieved at 10% woodash. Results also showed that curing improved the strength of the woodash-treated clay. However, the strength gain was short lived as the strength quickly decreased after 7–14 days of curing. These resul...

Collusion and competition in colonial economies: banking in British West Africa, 1916-1960

Abstract: This article examines the collusion between the only two major banks to operate in British West Africa for most of the colonial period after 1916, Barclays and the Bank of British West Africa. The companies' records reveal that the alliance was more far-reaching than has previously been shown, escalating to include not only comprehensive price-fixing but also restrictions on the products offered. The article considers the reactions of African and European customers and the colonial governments, and analyzes the motives that sustained the collusion for so long and the political circumstances that permitted it. The arrangement was partly a defensive response to a perception that the market was too small for full rivalry, but there was a rent-seeking element too. Finally, the article explores the implications of the bank alliance for the broader economies, reflecting on the relation between the security that the banks achieved through their agreements and their very cautious lending policies.

Female Participation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) Education in Nigeria and National Development

Abstract: Over the past two decades, women limited participation in science, technology and mathematics (STM) courses in tertiary institutions has been a cause for concern in Nigeria. Women today, constitute over half of the world's population. This paper therefore, discusses the present situation of female participation in STM, some of the factors that tend to hinder females' participation in STM, vis-a-vis the effects of this limited participation on national development. The paper recommended some of the ways to overcome the barriers to female participation in STM.

Using a Contingent Valuation Approach for Improved Solid Waste Management Facility: Evidence from Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract: For most public projects, especially environmental projects that are partly funded by multilateral donor agencies, cost--benefit analysis has become a routine procedure for the approval of project funds. These agencies are very keen to know whether the target community or country possesses the aggregate willingness to pay for the project. The two most commonly applied techniques for such analysis are stated preference and behavioural techniques. In this study, we employ the contingent valuation method (CVM), the most widely applicable of the stated preference methods, to establish empirical grounds for pricing the services of a new solid waste management (SWM) improvement facility in Enugu State, Nigeria, initiated by the UK Department for International Development, the State's Environmental Protection Agency, and State and Local Government Programme. We find that CVM can be fruitfully used to support the design and implementation of new SWM facilities and that analysis of the valuation function can give qualitative information that is difficult to identify using baseline surveys or most conventional economic valuation techniques. Copyright 2008 The author 2007. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Centre for the Study of African Economies. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org, Oxford University Press.

Effect of pharmaceutical care programme on blood pressure and quality of life in a nigerian pharmacy

Abstract: Objective The study aimed at evaluating the effect of pharmaceutical care programme on blood pressure and quality of life of patients who visit a Nigerian community pharmacy. Method A non-randomised, single-site, crossover design was used. Patients served as their own control. They underwent 5 months of usual care and another 5 months of pharmaceutical care. Main outcome measure Blood pressure and quality of life measured before implementation of pharmaceutical care and at the end served as main outcome measures. Other end-points assessed at baseline and at the end of investigation included smoking cessation, adherence to therapy, exercise, salt restriction, alcohol moderation and self blood pressure measurement. Results Twenty four (24) patients out of the 40 recruited completed the study. Mean reductions were significant after pharmaceutical care intervention for systolic BP (14.3 ± 14.4 mmHg) and diastolic BP (10.8 ± 10.7 mmHg). There was a significant mean increase in number of patients that adhered to salt restriction (−36%), aerobic exercise (−46%), self BP measurement (−46%), alcohol moderation (−33%) and drug adherence (−16.7%). There was a positive increase of −11.4 and −3.2 for physical health and social health domain of quality of life evaluation respectively. Conclusion Pharmaceutical care programme could produce a beneficial effect on hypertensive patients.

Fractionated neem leaf extract is safe and increases CD4+ cell levels in HIV/AIDS patients

Abstract: The safety and effect of an acetone-water neem leaf extract (IRAB) on CD4 cells was investigated in 60 HIV/AIDS patients as part of an ongoing study to determine the influence of neem on immunity and viral load in HIV/AIDS. Patients were confirmed as HIV I or II positive, as having CD4 cell count, less than 300 cells/microL, and as antiretrovirally naive. They were given oral IRAB (1.0 g daily for 12 weeks). Clinical and laboratory tests were carried out at baseline and at 4 weekly intervals. Thus, the patients served as their own controls. Sixty patients completed treatment. Fifty (83.33%) were completely compliant with respect to laboratory tests. Increase in mean CD4 cells, 266 cells/microL (159%), for the 50 patients was significant (P < 0.001) between baseline and week 12. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (64 mm/hr at baseline) was 16 mm/hr at week 12, whereas total number of incidences of HIV/AIDS-related pathologies decreased from 120 at baseline to 5. Mean bodyweight, hemoglobin concentration, and lymphocyte differential count increased significantly by 12% (P < 0.05), 24% (P < 0.0001), and 20% (P < 0.0001), respectively. There were no adverse effects and no abnormalities in kidney and liver function parameters. The results support the safety of IRAB in HIV/AIDS, and its significant influence on CD4 cells may be useful in the formulation of multidrug combination therapies for HIV/AIDS. However, its antiretroviral activity is being evaluated in our laboratory.

Utilization of antimicrobial agents with and without prescription by out-patients in selected pharmacies in South-eastern Nigeria

Abstract: We conducted a study in out-patient pharmacies in South-eastern Nigeria in order to determine the extent of self-medication of antimicrobial agents in this area, assess the dosing error associated with this practice and to ascertain the extent of involvement of community pharmacies. A survey was carried out daily in selected community pharmacies for a period of 90 days. Data were collected on the number of patients visiting these shops for antimicrobial agents, the number getting their medication with a prescription, the number getting their order without prescription and on the type and dose of antimicrobial agents received. The percentage of patients with prescription and without prescription was compared. The percentage under-dosages or over-dosages associated with how each antimicrobial agent was obtained were compared. The total DDDs of antimicrobial agents dispensed within this period with and without prescription were compared. A total of 4,128 outpatients visited the shops for antimicrobial agents within the period and were involved in the study. Of this number, 1,742 (42.2%) came with a prescription from qualified medical personnel and 2,386 (57.8%) came without a prescription. A total of 13,693.13 DDDs of antimicrobial agents was dispensed, of which 56.38% was dispensed with prescription and 43.62% was dispensed without prescription. The degrees of under-dosing were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in regimen filled without prescription when compared to those filled with prescription. Majority of the patients in this region still obtains their antimicrobial agents without a proper prescription, which is associated with sub-therapeutic dosing of these agents. There is a need for better regulation of antimicrobial agents dispensing and utilization in the region.

Preparation and evaluation of mucin-gelatin mucoadhesive microspheres for rectal delivery of ceftriaxone sodium

Abstract: Soluble mucin (S-mucin) processed from the small intestines (ileal region) of freshly slaughtered pigs via homogenization, dialysis, centrifugation and lyophilization and its admixtures with type A gelatin were dispersed in an aqueous medium and used to formulate ceftriaxone sodium-loaded mucoadhesive microspheres by the emulsification cross-linking method using arachis oil as the continuous phase. The release profile of ceftriaxone sodium from the microspheres was evaluated in both simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without pepsin (pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) without pancreatin (pH 7.4). The microspheres were further evaluated as possible novel delivery system for rectal delivery of ceftriaxone sodium in rats. Release of ceftriaxone sodium from the microspheres in both release media was found to occur predominantly by diffusion following non-Fickian transport mechanism and was higher and more rapid in SIF than in SGF. The results obtained from this study may indicate that ceftriaxone sodium could be successfully delivered rectally when embedded in microspheres formulated with either type A gelatin alone or its admixtures with porcine mucin; hence providing a therapeutically viable alternative route for the delivery of this acid-labile third generation cephalosporin.

Mucuna gum microspheres for oral delivery of glibenclamide: In vitro evaluation.

Abstract: An investigation into the suitability of mucuna gum microspheres for oral delivery of glibenclamide is presented. Mucuna gum microspheres were formulated under different conditions of polymer concentration and crosslinking time at constant speed. The formulated microspheres were thereafter loaded with glibenclamide by the remote loading process. The microspheres were evaluated according to particle size, yield, loading efficiency and swelling. In vitro release of glibenclamide from the microspheres was studied in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.4). The release data was fitted into two release models to investigate the mechanism of glibenclamide release from the microspheres. All the microspheres showed good swelling characteristics in distilled water. The investigation revealed that the microspheres produced with 5% (m/V) mucuna gum with a crosslinking time of 5 h had the optimum prolonged release pattern. The microspheres produced using 10% (m/V) mucuna gum with a crosslinking time of 1 h had the highest delayed release of the incorporated drug, whereas those without crosslinking had the fastest release. The Ritger-Peppas case I transport model appeared to have adequately described the release process as about 54% of the batches of microspheres conformed to this model. This implies that a formulation of glibenclamide-loaded mucuna gum microspheres is likely to offer a reliable means of delivering glibenclamide by the oral route.

Where do tuberculosis patients go for treatment before reporting to DOTS clinics in southern Nigeria

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Artifactual changes in PCV, hemoglobin concentration, and cell counts in bovine, caprine, and porcine blood stored at room and refrigerator temperatures.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Blood samples collected from farm animals for hematology testing may not reach the laboratory or be examined immediately upon collection, and in some cases may need to be transported for hours before reaching a laboratory. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the artifactual changes that may occur in PCV, hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration, and cell counts in bovine, caprine, and porcine blood samples stored at room (30 degrees C) or refrigerator (5 degrees C) temperature. METHODS Baseline values for PCV, Hgb concentration, and RBC and WBC counts were determined immediately after blood collection from 36 cattle, 32 goats, and 48 pigs using manual techniques. Blood samples were split into 2 aliquots and stored at 30 degrees C or 5 degrees C. Hematologic analyses were carried out at specified intervals during 120 hours of storage. Results were analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA; results at different temperatures were compared by paired t-tests. RESULTS Compared to baseline values, there were no significant changes in Hgb concentration, RBC count, or WBC count in samples from cattle; in Hgb concentration and RBC count in samples from goats; and in Hgb concentration and WBC count in samples from pigs throughout the 120 hours of storage at both 30 degrees C and 5 degrees C. Significant changes (P <.05) from baseline occurred in PCV after 14 hours of storage at 30 degrees C and after 19 hours of storage at 5 degrees C in cattle and goats; and after 10 hours of storage at 30 degrees C and 14 hours of storage at 5 degrees C in pigs. Significant changes also were observed in Hgb concentration at 96 hours at 30 degrees C and 5 degrees C, and in RBC counts at 48 hours at 30 degrees C and 96 hours at 5 degrees C in porcine samples; and in total WBC counts at 120 hours at 30 degrees C and 5 degrees C in caprine samples. Artifactual changes were more pronounced in the samples stored at 30 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS At both 30 degrees C and 5 degrees C, blood samples from cattle and goats can be stored for up to 12 hours, while blood samples from pigs can be stored for up to 8 hours without any significant changes in PCV. Blood samples from all 3 species can be stored for more than 24 hours without significant changes in Hgb concentration, RBC count, and total WBC count.

Oral cancer in Enugu, Nigeria, 1998–2003

Abstract: Cancers of the oral cavity make up 3–4% of all cancers, being in eighth place in men and eleventh in women when the cancer is caused by smoking and alcohol misuse. In this study we recorded all oral cancers in Enugu, eastern Nigeria over the 6-year period from 1998 to 2003. We reviewed all patients who had a diagnosis of invasive oral cancer during this period from notes kept in the Records Department of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Nigeria. Carcinoma-in-situ, lymphoma, and leukaemia were not included. All cases were categorised by the site of the tumour and the age and sex of the patient. Eighty one cases of oral cancer were recorded during that period, accounting for 2.7% of all cancers. Forty-eight men and thirty-three women were affected, and the most common site was other sites of the oral cavity (28, 35%), followed by the tongue (24, 30%), floor of the mouth (17, 21%) and finally the lip (12, 15%). They were all advanced at the time of presentation. The patients gave no history of alcohol or tobacco misuse, and their conditions should be seen in terms of chronic illnesses, malnutrition, poverty, and ignorance. We need an urgent awareness campaign, and programmes for the prevention and early detection of oral cancer, in Nigeria.

Pre-term premature rupture of fetal membranes: the dilemma of management in a developing nation.

Abstract: This study aims at evaluating the outcome of pregnancies complicated by pre-term premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) in a developing country and to highlight the problems of managing such cases and ways of improving future management. This was a retrospective review of 344 patients with PPROM at a University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria over a 10-year period (January 1994-December 2003). The prevalence of PPROM in this study was 25 per 1,000 births and patients of low parity (para 0-2) accounted for the highest number (56.4%). Previous abortion was significantly more among these women of low parity and may be a factor in the aetiology of PPROM. The gestational age range 28-30 weeks recorded the highest incidence (29.7%) of PPROM. The most common associated aetiological factor was cervical incompetence (11.6%), while chorioamnionitis, a major complication in the patients showed a statistically significant reduction with early antibiotic administration (p 0.05). Two (0.6%) maternal deaths were recorded. Prompt patient referral, early institution of antibiotics and improvement of neonatal facilities in tertiary health institutions in developing countries is advocated as a way of improving fetal survival in PPROM.

Cost-sharing of Agricultural Technology Transfer in Nigeria: Perceptions of Farmers and Extension Professionals

Abstract: Cost-sharing, which involves government–farmer partnership in the funding of agricultural extension service, is one of the reforms aimed at achieving sustainable funding for extension systems. This study examined the perceptions of farmers and extension professionals on this reform agenda in Nigeria. The study was carried out in six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was applied in the selection of respondents. A sample size of 268 farmers and 272 Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) extension professionals participated in the study. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysing the data generated from this research. The results show that majority of farmers (80.6%) and extension professionals (85.7%) had favourable perceptions towards cost-sharing. Furthermore, the overall difference in their perceptions was not significant (t =0.03). The study concludes that the strong favourable perception held by the respondents is a pointer towards...

The impact of health education on reproductive health knowledge among adolescents in a rural Nigerian community.

Abstract: This intervention study was to evaluate the impact of reproductive health education on the knowledge and attitude of adolescents in a rural Nigerian community to reproductive health issues. It compared adolescents in a secondary school (study group), which received health education on reproductive health with another secondary school (control group), which did not receive any. The impact of the programme was evaluated with a pre-test baseline knowledge and post-test gain in the knowledge 6 weeks later, using the same questionnaire. A total of 180 students selected by systematic sampling from each of the two randomly selected schools in Item, a rural community in south-east Nigeria participated in the programme. While all the respondents have heard of reproductive health and could identify at least one of its components, their knowledge of it prior to the health education were defective and were obtained mainly from peers and the mass media. Such information was incomplete and often coloured with cultural and religious bias. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) gain in correct knowledge following the health education. The students in the study group showed a positive and permissive attitude towards reproductive health education and there was a drop in risky sexual behaviour following the intervention. Pre-marital sex (94.3%), pregnancy prevention and abortion (88.5%) and sexually transmitted infections (82.8%) were common reproductive health problems raised by the students. Reproductive health education as part of the school curriculum will provide an effective means of improving knowledge and reducing reproductive health problems among adolescents in developing countries.