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.

Determinants of Health and Nutritional Status of Rural Nigerian Women

Abstract: This study was undertaken to determine the effects of socioeconomic and cultural factors on the health and nutritional status of 300 women of childbearing age in two rural farming communities in Enugu State, Nigeria. The women were engaged in farming, trading, and teaching. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative data-collection methods. The study involved focus-group discussions (FGDs), interviews using a questionnaire, measurement of food/nutrient intake, assessment of activity patterns, anthropometry, and observations of clinical signs of malnutrition. The better-educated women had higher incomes than those with little or no education. Poor education was mainly attributed to lack of monetary support by parents (34%), marriage while in school (27%), and sex discrimination (21%). The teachers had significantly (p < 0.05) better health status, health and nutrition knowledge, food habits, nutrient intake, and self-concept, and adhered less to detrimental cultural practices. However, none of the women met their iron, riboflavin and niacin requirements. More cases of chronic energy deficiency were observed among the farmers (16%) and traders (13%) than among the teachers (5%). Generally, the women worked long hours with reported working hours (6-7 hours) being lower than the observed working hours (11 hours) for the traders and teachers. Income had a significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation with all nutritional variables, except vitamin C, age-at-marriage (r = 0.719), and nutrition knowledge (r = 0.601). Age-at-marriage had a positive correlation with body mass index (BMI) and all nutritional variables but was significant (p < 0.05) for protein (r = 0.362), calcium (r = 0.358), iron (r = 0.362), riboflavin (r = 0.364), and vitamin C (r = 0.476). Workload was negatively correlated with protein intake (r = 0.346; p < 0.05). Meal frequencies for more than 70% of the farmers and petty traders and 42% of the teachers were dependent on the availability of food in the household. Food taboos had no effect on their nutrient intake, since only 5-11% of women adhered to taboos. Although most women gave their children and husbands preference in food distribution, not much difference was found in the amount of food consumed by these women. The ratio of wife's portion to husband's was 1:1.4 for the farmers, 1:1.3 for the traders, and 1:1.2 for the teachers. FGDs revealed that sex discrimination in education prevailed where resources were limited. The results of the study suggest that the basic determinants of health and nutritional status of women are socioeconomic and cultural, education having a mediating or modifying influence on cultural practices.

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.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning amongst women in a high density low income urban of Enugu, Nigeria.

Abstract: A total of 334 Nigerian, non-pregnant women, living in a high density, low-income urban area of Enugu, Nigeria, were interviewed on knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning. About 97.6% were found literate. Knowledge and approval of family planning was high, 81.7% and 86.2% respectively, but the practice of family planning was low, as only 20% of the women were on a family planning method. The commonest methods for both ever use and current use were safe period/Billings, condom, IUCD and injectables. The commonest source of family planning information was health workers, while the commonest single reason for non-practice of a method was rejection by the husband. It is concluded that despite their high level of education/literacy, with the attendant high knowledge and approval rate of family planning, the socio-cultural influence of men on their wives is a major stumbling block to the use of modern family planning in this part of Nigeria. Policy makers should, therefore, increase male involvement in family planning programs. (Afr J Reprod Health 2001; 5[2]: 83-89) RESUME Connaissance, attitude et pratique du planning familial chez les femmes du centre urbain d'Enugu de haute densite et d'une population des gens economiquement faibles. 334 femmes nigerianes qui n'etaient pas enceintes et qui vivaient dans un centre urbain economiquement faible ont ete interviewees sur la connaissance, l'attitude et la pratique du planning familial. Il s'est trouve qu a peu pres 97,6% etaient lettrees. La connaissance et l'approbation du planning familial etaient elevees, 81,7% et 86,2% respectivement, mais la pratique du planning familial etait faible,puisqu'il n'y avait que 20% des femmes qui pratiquaient le planning familial. Les methodes des plus communes jamais utilisees ou qu'elles utilisent a l'heure actuelle etaient la periode sans danger/methode Billings, les preservatifs, DIU et les injectables. Les membres du personnel de sante constituaient la source la plus importante du renseignement sur le planning familial alors que la raison la plus commune qui explique la non pratique d'une methode quelconque etait que le mari ne l'approuvait pas. L'etude conclut en affirmant que malgre leur haut niveau de scolarisation/alphabetisation, la haute connaissance et le taux d'approbation du planning familial, l'influence socio-culturelle des hommes sur leurs femmes demeure un obstacle majeur a l'utilisation du planning familial moderne dans cette region du Nigeria. Les decideurs doivent, en consequence, redoubler le role que jouent les hommes dans les programmes de planning familial. (Rev Afr Sante Reprod 2001; 5[2]: 83-89) KEY WORDS : Family planning, socio-cultural factors, Enugu, Nigeria