| 1 |
Author(s):
Gill Nelson.
Page No : 1-3
|
Working Towards Better Health in Africa: Where Should We Concentrate Research Efforts?
Abstract
Research efforts are targeted towards infectious diseases that affect large numbers of people globally,
outstripping research into non-communicable occupational diseases in smaller worker populations.
Several studies has been conducted in the mining and construction industries, while the large
agricultural andservicessectorshavebeenlargelyneglected.Thisisdue,somewhat, to the geographical
dispersal of agricultural workers, and diversity of those in the services sector. Africa's large and
vulnerable informal worker population – many of whom are women or children - also deserve
attention, to reduce their exposure to modifiable risk factors that affect their health. As technology
progresses, opportunities for employment in new industries emerge, together with unique health and
safety risks. Africa needs high quality research to protect workers and safeguard countries' economies.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Jerome Nriagu.
Page No : 5-12
|
Sleep Disruption Epidemic in Nigeria is a Public Health Paradox
Abstract
Sleep is a prominent feature in nearly every facet of human health and well-being. Sleep determines
our ability to think (cognition), dream (neuronal control), feel (emotional regulation), socialize
(interacting positively with others), adapt to environmental challenges (synchronizing with the
circadian and seasonal rhythms and with the geophysical cycles), and preserve our health (immune
functioning, andmaintenanceof criticalhomeostaticprocesses).Although,sleepiswidelyrecognized as
one of the most powerful predictors of a healthy and happy long life. The amount of teaching and
research on this subject in Nigeria remains abysmal. It is hoped that this new journal will position itself
as a leading venue for communicating and promoting the results of research on sleep in Nigeria and
Africa in general to the whole world.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Aishah Shittu, James B. McQuaid, Kirsty Pringle, Sophia Arthurs-Harnett, Ana Godson.
Page No : 13-17
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Particulate Pollution and Childhood Health: Citizen Science Approach
Abstract
Air pollution is one of the most serious threats to children worldwide. Measuring air quality is crucial
for effective responses and actions. The use of static sensors in local communities helps to inform
people about air pollution in their area and raise awareness of the need to reduce pollution levels. This
paper aims to highlight the usefulness of these new low-cost portable sensors in assessing personal
exposure, identifying hotspots as well as aid advocacy for cleaner air in the local community. Citizen
science entails the public's participation in scientific research and the use of this approach in our
ongoing study in Bradford, UK using low-cost sensors has proven to be beneficial because it allows
citizens to be involved in the research and data collection process. The study results show the level of
harm they are exposed to, which might evoke behavioural change in lifestyles that can improve public
health. Although, short targeted citizen science campaigns cannot replace static sensor data. They can
however, supplement static data, increase engagement and can also be used in regions with limited air
quality data.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Samba Camara, Buba Bah, Lamin F. Barrow, Lamin M. Ceesay, Bambo Bayo.
Page No : 19-22
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COVID-19 Pandemic and Water Supply Services in the Greater Banjul Area, The Gambia
Abstract
In March 2020, The Gambia registered its first COVID-19 case. Since then, the government and its
partners have taken series of public health measures, which includes self-isolation, keeping physical
distances, use of face masks, trade and travel restrictions, and advocacy for water, sanitation, and
hygiene (WASH) services in homes and public places. These measures impacted lives and livelihoods
in The Gambia, including water supply services. The Greater Banjul Area, where a majority of the
population depends on municipal water for domestic use experienced an increased demand for water
due to improved sanitation and hygiene measures. GBA occupies 16% of the land area and accounts
for more than 50% of the country's population. This high population density and human activity in
GBA promotes the high transmission rates of COVID-19. Thus increasing the demand for water
supply services. During the peak of COVID-19 in The Gambia, water quality in the Kanifing
Municipality water samples collected from Fajara Water Treatment Plant were analyzed for field
parameters using the spectrophotometer DR6000. The results showed that pH was 6.03, Electric
o Conductivity 151 siemens per centimeter,Total Dissolved Solids 98mg/l,Temperature 28.7 C, Salinity
0.07%,Residual Chlorine 0.016 mg/l, and Dissolved Oxygen was 24. In Brikama, 60 households were
interviewed regarding their perception of the availability and quality of pipe-borne water. Up to 55%
of the population were not satisfied with the amount of water supplied, citing odor, color, and hiking
water bills with limited supplies during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Many opted
to change from the public water supply system to private or have both water source systems in their
households. Therefore, to prevent the reoccurrence of water problems in COVID-19, NAWEC and the
Gambia Public Utility Regulatory Authority should factor in clean and wholesome water supply in
emergencies.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Geofrey Musinguzi, Rhoda Wanyenze.
Page No : 23-27
|
Time to Revisit Dietary Practices in Young People: An Opinion Paper
Abstract
Unhealthy diet is a global risk factor for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality across all
regions of the world. A combination of healthy diet and active lifestyle is associated with decreased
cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in adolescents and later in life. This opinion piece explores dietary
practices among adolescents and concludes that sedentary behaviours and poor dietary practices
characterized by increased consumptions of sweetened beverages such as soda and fast foods is on the
rise among adolescents. Unfortunately, these practices are characterized by increased BMI and risk of
developing CVDs in future. Strategies to revisit dietary practices among adolescents are urgent to
mitigate the increasing burden of CVDs in adolescents and in later life.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Iyanu Adufe, Ademola J. Ajuwon.
Page No : 29-37
|
Experience, Help Seeking Behaviour, and Perceived Self-Efficacy to Prevent Sexual Coercion among Female Secondary Schools Students in Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
Sexual coercion (SC) is a major public health problem with short- and long-term reproductive and
mental health consequences among survivors. This study assessed the experience, help-seeking
behaviour, and perceived self-efficacy to prevent SC among female secondary school students in
Akinyele Local Government Area (LGA), Oyo State, Nigeria. The descriptive cross-sectional survey
involved 399 consenting students who were interviewed using a 43-item questionnaire that explored
respondents'socio-demographic characteristics, experience of SC(physical,sexual, and psychological
form), help seeking behaviour and perceived self-efficacy to prevent SC. Data collected were analysed
using descriptive and Chi- square analysis. Respondents' mean age was 15+1.4 years. Ten percent of
the respondents have had sex; the majority of those sexually experienced reported that their sexual
debut was non-consensual. More than half (59.1%) of the entire students had experienced at least one
form of SC, 16.4% had experienced the three forms of SC; 7.3% had been raped. Most survivors of SC
revealed that the perpetrators were close persons (friends) and most incidents of SC occurred in
schools. More than half of the survivors did not seek help either during (56.8%) or after (53.8%) the
incident of coercion. The study also found an association between confidence level, and lifetime
experiences of SC (p<0.05). SC is a common experience among secondary school students.
Appropriate multiple interventions including training of students via peer, teacher and parent-led
approaches as well as actions at policy levels are recommended to address this challenge.
| 7 |
Author(s):
David Adewole, Temitope Ilori.
Page No : 39-46
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An Assessment of Human and Physical Resources in Selected National Health Insurance Scheme Accredited Health Facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
Poor or inadequate resources have been attributed to inequality of access to, and dissatisfaction with
available healthcare services. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) of Nigeria was
established in the year 2005. However, current population coverage is presently low at less than five
percent of the total population. In addition to this, population health indices in almost all the selected
areas of the health sector and the United Nations health-related development goals are very poor.
Previous national surveys in the public health sector indicated poorly equipped healthcare facilities.
This study aimed to assess the present human and material resources as a proxy for quality of care
under the NHIS in these facilities. Findings will enable stakeholders to know the degree of need for the
infrastructure in the affected health facilities. This could serve as an impetus to address the deficits in
the infrastructure's facility, not only in the study area but also in the health system of the country and
other similar settings. This study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. NHIS accredited
facilities were selected, one in each of the eleven Local Government Areas within Ibadan metropolis.
Data were collected on the state of human and physical infrastructures such as the source of electric
power supply, toilet facility, and source of water supply. These were documented as appropriate. Most
of the facilities had dilapidated physical infrastructure, sourced water from unsafe sources, and had
electricity supply from many sources. Human health resources were inadequate when compared with
the facilities' workload. Inadequate physical and human health resources are major factors that
weakened the health system. Aweakened health system can be a hindrance to the achievement of the
SDGs. Appropriate steps should be taken to address the deficits.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Aniekan Eric Ulor, Godson Ana, Adedayo Faneye.
Page No : 47-54
|
Predictors, Prevalence and Spatial Analysis of Lassa Virus among Household Rodents in a Low Socioeconomic Community in Southwestern Nigeria
Abstract
Lassa fever is an acute viral endemic disease of public health importance in West Africa. The main
reservoir for Lassa virus is the multimammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis. Due to increased
outbreaks of Lassa fever, investigations for the presence of this virus in household rodents are
pertinent. This study assessed the predictors and prevalence of the Lassa virus, providing spatial
analysis of the virus among household rodents. Atotal of 35 households were systematically sampled.
Traps were placed in each of the sampled households for four weeks and rodents captured were
identified using morphological characteristics. The viral screening was done on trapped rodents using
reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with primers targeting the s-gene of the
virus. Maps arising from the spatial analysis were generated using ArcMap 10.1 to show rodentinfested areas and areas prone to an outbreak of the disease. The frequency of rodents captured was
presented in percentages. A total of forty-four (44) rodents were captured. Three species of rodents
were trapped from the selected households with Rattus rattus(43.2%) being the dominant species in
the households followed by Rattus fuscipes (38.6%) and Rattus norvegicus (18.2%). From the PCR
results, two samples of the Rattus rattus tested positive followed by Rattus fuscipes and Rattus
norvegicus which had one rodent each, respectively testing positive for the virus. Geo-spatial maps
were generated to show rat infestation density and areas prone to an outbreak.Common household
rodents such as Rattus rattus, Rattus fuscipes, and Rattus norvegicustested positive and these species
of rodent were previously not known to be a host. Therefore, awareness should be encouraged.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Opeyemi Olamide Akintimehin, Rasaki Ajani Sanusi.
Page No : 55-68
|
Diet Quality of Adults with Overweight and Obesity in Southwestern, Nigeria
Abstract
Poordietqualityis a leadingandpreventable causeof adversehealth,whichincludesnon-communicable
diseases (NCDs). However, there is little information regarding the quality of diet of overweight and
obese adults in Southwestern, Nigeria. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the diet
quality of adults with overweight and obesity in Southwestern, Nigeria. The study was descriptive and
cross-sectional. It involved 223 participants from three states in Southwestern, Nigeria. Dietary intake
was assessed using 24-hours dietary recall and analysed to determine the energy and nutrient intake.
Adequacy of energy and nutrients was determined using estimated energy requirement and estimated
average requirements, respectively. Height (m) and weight (kg) were taken to determine the Body
2 Mass Index (BMI) (kg/m ). Diet quality was assessed using the 100-point Diet Quality Index –
International (DQI-I) and categorized as low (0-33), average (34-66) and high (67-100). Descriptive
statistics, analysis of variance and Pearson correlations were used to analyse data at p< 0.05 level of
significance. High quality diet was achieved by 21% of the participants and majority did not meet
recommendations for fruits, vegetables, calcium and vitamin C. Moreover, in the proportion that met
food-group and nutrient recommendations: rural vs urban: fruits (1% vs 0%), vegetables (5% vs 2%),
root/tubers/grains (12% vs 24%), and protein (86% vs 92%). Participants' diet quality had a positively
weak correlation with BMI (r=0.07; p<0.05). Continued recommended fruits and vegetables intake
should be considered as effortsto improve the diet quality and health outcome of adults with overweight
and obesity
| 10 |
Author(s):
Mesagan, I. C, Dipeolu, I. O.
Page No : 67-76
|
Barriers to Accessing Healthcare Services and Coping Strategies among People with Hearing Impairments in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria
Abstract
Barriers experienced by people with hearing impairment when accessing healthcare facilities have
resulted in their avoidance of healthcare facilities, misdiagnosis, frustrations and lack of confidence in
the health system. Across-sectional survey design with a purposive sampling technique and snowball
approach was used to select 80 respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered and
analysed using descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test at á . Respondents (68.8%) were single, 0.05
63.8% were between 18 and 25 years old, and 66.3% had high school education. The commonly used
method of communication among the respondents was sign language (92.5%), and most respondents
(63.8%) earned no monthly income. More than half (57.5%) indicated that their health status was very
good. However, 66.3% indicated they took ill in the last 12 months before the study. Common barriers
on the individual/demand side include lack of finance (65.0%), inability to communicate (62.5%), and
fear of misdiagnosis (55.0%). High treatment cost (75.0%), delay before seeing a doctor (68.8%), and
absence of sign language interpreters (66.3%) topped the list of the institutional/supply-side barriers.
Coping strategies adopted by the respondents include seeking help from other sources (73.8%) and
being accompanied by family members to the facilities (67.5%). There was no significant association
between the variables stated. Sensitising the deaf about the healthcare facility where they can access
health services will improve deaf patients' health seeking behaviour. Training health workers on sign
language and its uses will help enhance the deaf's health-seeking behaviour to access healthcare
services.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Ugonma Winnie Dozie, Michael Chimereze Agoha, David Chinaecherem Innocent, Kelechukwu Celestine Nosike Dozie, Uchechukwu Madukaku Chukwuocha, Rita Ogechi Chukwu , Nkechi Joy Osuoji, Promise Nwanyinma Uzowuihe, Ikechukwu Nosike Simplicius Dozie.
Page No : 77-90
|
Exploring the Knowledge, Perception and Uptake of Prostrate Cancer Screening among Men Aged 40 Years and above in Owerri West, Imo State, South Eastern Nigeria
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a major public health issue associated with a significant increase in morbidity and
mortality among adults. Despite earlier research indicating limited community uptake of prostate
cancer screening, no studies on male population above 40 years in Imo State have been conducted.
This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception and uptake of prostate cancer screening among
men aged 40 years and above in Owerri West. A cross-sectional study design was employed for the
study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Multistage sampling technique was
adopted for this study in recruiting 439 men aged 40 years and above in Owerri West LGA who
participated in the study. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used in the
analysis of the data. Results from the study showed that 257(58.5%) of the respondents were between
the age of 55 and 69 years. From the study, 305(69.5%) of the respondents have never heard about
prostate cancer screening. Also, 165(37.6%) of adult men believed it is right to go for prostrate
screening irrespective of the symptoms. The study revealed that 289(65.8%) of the respondents have
never screened for prostate cancer prior this study. Age (p< 0.001), marital status (p= 0.001), parity (p<
0.001), health plan (p= 0.001), occupation (p< 0.001) and level of income (< 0.001) were significantly
associated with uptake of prostate cancer screening among men. The study concluded that the level of
knowledge about prostate cancer and screening services is low among men in Owerri Municipal LGA.
Utilization of screening services for prostate cancer are rare in this population. This is associated with
poor perceived disease risk. It is advocated that relevant stakeholders should ensure that proper and
consistent health education is provided
| 12 |
Author(s):
Onome Bright Oghenetega, Gloria Ewele Oghenetega, Godson Rowland E.E. Ana.
Page No : 91-97
|
Household Fuel Choice and Infant Mortality in Rivers State, Nigeria: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study
Abstract
Household air pollution primarily from unclean cooking fuel is a public health challenge that has been
associated with increased morbidity and mortality among children. Studies have linked mothers' type
of cooking fuel to child mortality. However, there is still a dearth of knowledge on household fuel
choice and infant death in Nigeria. This study was designed to examine the association between
household cooking fuel choice and infant death in Rivers State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling
techniquewas used to select 354 respondents amongwomen attending antenatal clinicsfromSeptember
16, 2019, to October 9, 2019, in two randomly selected zonal hospitals in Rivers State. Copies
structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.Bivariate and multivariable logistic
regression analyses were used to control for potential confounders of infant death at a 0.05 level of
significance. Unclean household cooking fuel usage (COR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.15, 5.12) wassignificantly
associated with infant death at the bivariate model level. In the multivariate model, unclean household
cooking fuel usage remains significantly associated with infant death (AOR: 3.81; 95% CI: 1.53, 9.45)
even after adjusting for potential confounders. The study showed that women using unclean
household cooking fuel are more likely to experience infant death. This calls for increased public
awareness of the adverse health effects of polluting cooking fuel usage on young children. This will be
effective in reducing preventable infant death. Also, the government and relevant stakeholders should
promote interventions and policies that will make clean household cooking fuel more accessible and
affordable
| 13 |
Author(s):
Mobolaji Modinat Salawu, Oluwatomisin Temiloluwa Laoye.
Page No : 99-106
|
Knowledge and Use of Emergency Contraceptives among Female Undergraduate Students of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
Unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortion constitute a major challenge to the reproductive health of
young women in developing countries. Emergency Contraceptives (EC) offer a second chance in
preventing unwanted pregnancy and otherreproductive health consequences.Thisstudy was conducted
to assess the knowledge and use of emergency contraceptives among female undergraduate students
of the Polytechnic, Ibadan. A cross-sectional study was conducted among female undergraduate
students of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria in 2017. Respondents were selected using stratified
sampling technique and a self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were
analysed using SPSS version 21. The mean knowledge score was 8.7 (SD 1.5), and respondents who
scored higher were categorized as having good knowledge. Association between variables was
determined using the Chi square test at the 5% level of significance. The mean age of respondents was
20.1(SD 2.2 years). Majority (97.1%) were never married. Sixty-five percent of respondents were
aware of EC and friends (52.0%) were the commonest source of information. Sixty percent of
respondents had good knowledge of EC. The mean age at first sexual intercourse was 18.4 (2.0 years).
Only 16.9% had ever used EC, and pharmacy (11.4%) was the commonest place of purchase. About
sixty-four percent used EC during their last sexual intercourse and Postinor © (13.7%) was the
commonest type used. Respondents who had good knowledge of EC were more likely to have used EC
in their last intercourse p<0.05. Respondents had good knowledge and low use of emergency
contraceptives. There is a need to improve knowledge and promote use of EC among sexually active
adolescent girls to prevent unwanted pregnancy and abortion.
| 14 |
Author(s):
Adijat O. Elias, Adeyimika T. Desmennu, Musibau A. Titiloye.
Page No : 107-114
|
Knowledge and Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking among Public Adolescent Secondary School Students in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria
Abstract
Cigarette smoking constitutes a major threat to the health and wellbeing of teenagers. Information
relating to the knowledge and smoking behaviour among these adolescent secondary school students
in Ibadan North Local Government Area (IBNLGA) has not been systemically documented. This
study was therefore conducted to investigate the knowledge, attitude and prevalence of cigarette
smoking among public secondary school students in IBNLGA of Oyo State, Nigeria. A crosssectional study design targeted at 349 secondary school students within the ages of 10-19 years
selected from seven public secondary schools in IBNLGA using a three-stage sampling method. A
pre-tested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.
Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test at p<0.05 level of
significance. Mean age of the respondents was 14.7±2.4years. Majority of the respondents were males
(61.9%), and Christians (64.5%). 53.9% were within age group 15-19 years. Seventy-three percent of
the respondents had good knowledge on the dangers of cigarette smoking. Majority (95.1%) of the
respondents considered cigarette smoking dangerous to their health while 67.9% of the respondents
correctly mentioned nicotine as a constituent in cigarette. Eighty-five percent of the respondents had
positive attitude towards cigarette smoking. Majority of the respondents were influenced by their
peers' smoking behaviour (48.7%), while 59.9% by their parents' smoking behaviour. The prevalence
of cigarette smoking was 32.1% and 108 (97.3%) of the total population were current smokers. There
wasasignificantdifferencebetweenthesex,age,andareaofresidence(p<0.001).Prevalenceofcigarette
smoking was relatively high among study participants. This is as a result of peer influence and parental
smoking behaviour. Adolescent peer education and school-based enlightenment activities should be
implemented in schools.
