University of Nigeria, Nsukka

About: University of Nigeria, Nsukka is a education organization based out in Nsukka, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 10211 authors who have published 13685 publications receiving 138922 citations.

Gender Issues in the Prevention and Control of STIs and HIV/AIDS: Lessons from Awka and Agulu, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract: The study examined perceptions, practices and norms underlying sexuality and gender relations that constrain the prevention and control of STIs and HIV/AIDS. It was carried out among the Igbo of Awka and Agulu in Anambra State of Nigeria. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used for data collection. Findings indicate that cultural practices that encourage the establishment of sexual networks by men persist in the study communities. Some married women who are not able to achieve pregnancy with their husbands get involved in such networks to have children. Some parents who do not have male children encourage their unmarried daughters to have children out of wedlock so as to perpetuate the lineage. Inequality in gender relations and fear of repercussions constrain women from negotiating safe sex. Sexuality education is, therefore, necessary to improve the knowledge base, perceptions and sexual behaviours of the study communities. Women should be empowered to make informed decisions about sexuality and childbearing. Male responsibility in reproductive health should also be encouraged. (Afr J Reprod Health 2003; 7[2]: 89–99) Resume Questions de genre dans la prevention et la lutte contre les IST et le VIH/SIDA: lessons tirees d'Awka et d'Agulu, Etat d'Anambra, Nigeria. L'etude a examine les perceptions, les pratiques et les normes qui sous-tendent la sexualite et les relations de genre qui limitent la prevention et la lutte contre les IST et le VIH/SIDA. L'etude a ete menee aupres des Ibos d'Awka et d'Agulu dans l'Etat d'Anambra au Nigeria. Pour collecter les donnees, nous avons employe les methodes quantitative et qualitative. Les resultats montrent que les pratiques culturelles qui encouragement l'etablissement des reseaux sexuels par les hommes, demeurent toujours dans les communautes qui ont fait ‘objet de l'etude. Certaines femmes mariees qui n'arrivent pas a devenir enceintes de leurs maris, deviennent impliquees dans de tels reseaux pour avoir des enfants. Certains parents qui n'ont pas d'enfants de sexe masculin encouragent leurs filles celibataires d'avoir des enfants hors mariage afin de prolonger la lignee. L'inegalite dans les relations de genre et la peur des repercussions obligent les femmes a ne pas negocier la sexualite sans danger. L'education sexuelle est donc necessaire pour ameliorer la base de la connaissance, les perspectives et les comportements sexuels des communautes qui ont fait l'objet de l'etude. Il faut donner le pouvoir aux femmes qui leur permeltra de prendre des decisions en connaissance de cause sur la sexualite et l'accouchement. Il faut egalement encourager la responsabilisation de la part des hommes en matiere de la sante reproductive. (Rev Afr Sante Reprod 2003; 7[2]: 89–99) Key Words : Gender, sexuality, STIs, HIV/AIDS, prevention, safe sex

Effect of calcination on the microstructural and magnetic properties of PVA, PVP and PEG assisted zinc ferrite nanoparticles

Abstract: The effects of calcination on the synthesis of polymer (P) assisted zinc ferrite ( Ζn 0.5 P x Ϝ e 2 − x Ο 4 ) ( 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.10 ) nanoparticles by the biological thermal method were investigated. The zinc ferrite synthesized was doped with 0.1 g in situ by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP) and Polyethylene glycol (PEG) respectively. The properties of the formulated nanoparticles were determined by various characterization techniques. The XRD confirmed the formation of a single-phase spinel with intense crystallinity for samples calcined at 500 °C. SEM revealed the spherical morphology of the calcined samples. FTIR analysis shows the existence of the spinel ferrite phases with a slight variation in the two main bands. The VSM showed a transformation from ferromagnetic to superparamagnetic behavior. Thus, the calcined sample yields favorable structure, low crystallite size, uniform morphology and good magnetic properties. These controllable and improved properties obtained by calcination help the nanoparticles to attain its maximum functionality for various applications.

Pattern of Blood Pressure Indices among the Residents of a Rural Community in South East Nigeria

Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main causes of death in industrialized countries, and are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease in Nigerians, and the risk of CVD associated with hypertension is independent of other risk factors. Despite the high level of awareness of its presence in the developed countries, the level of control is still poor. CVDs tend to be commoner in urban settlements, and it has been hypothesized that rural sub-Saharan Africa is at an early stage of epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCD) because of the gradual adoption of unhealthy lifestyles. This study aimed at describing the pattern of blood pressure indices among the hypertensive residents of a rural community in South East Nigeria. A total of 858 individuals comprising 247 males and 611 females took part in the study. 46.4% of the subjects had hypertension. Hypertension was commoner in the males (50.2% vs. 44.8%) (χ(2)(1) = 1.484; P = 0.223). The males were significantly older and heavier than the females while the females had higher mean values of BMI and WC. The prevalence of hypertension is becoming alarmingly high in the rural communities of sub-Saharan Africa.

State of Diabetes Care in Nigeria: A Review

Abstract: Background : The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rising in Nigeria and its complications present an immense public health burden. Objective(s) : The objective of this discourse is to review the state of diabetes care in Nigeria with focus on the needs, priorities and recommendations, which should guide our clinicians. It will discuss the definition, pattern, landmark Nigerian studies on diabetes care, matters arising, morbidity/mortality and proposed strategies for improving diabetes care in Nigeria. Methods (Data Sources /extraction) : The data search used in this review covered studies published from 1959-2010, obtained from prevalence studies, hospital statistics, registry reports, landmark hospital-based studies, recent international conference proceedings, world health reports, government estimates, United Nations resolutions on diabetes, international diabetes federation (IDF) declarations and clinical practice guidelines. The medline database, the internet (e-medicine, medscape resource etc), journal articles, World Health and international diabetes federation (IDF) monographs were used. Results: The rising prevalence of diabetes as well as its associated morbidity / mortality, preventive measures and effective treatments are well recognized. However, in practice this knowledge is under- utilized because only about a third of Nigerians living with diabetes achieve optimum targets (glycaemic control, blood pressure, lipids and weight). Conclusion: Most Nigerians living with diabetes have suboptimal control, are hypertensives and have chronic complications. Improved quality of care and treatmentto- target is recommended to reduce diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. Keywords: State, diabetes care, recommendations, NCDs, United Nations.