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Acceptability of Babies Conceived through Assisted Reproductive Technology among Married Women in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
(CHRISMED Journal of Health and Research, 2021-01-25) Olorunfemi, Olaolorunpo; Osian, Eunice Amaechi; Oahimijie, Florence Onyemaechi
Infertility is a condition whereby a married woman is unable to et pregnant despite having frequent unprotected sex for at least a year. This has been an area of medicine in which health care practitioners has limited means to help their patients. The landscape of this fields changed dramatically with the announcement of birth through the of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) by Louise Brown in 1978. This has given hope to millions of couples suffering from infertility
Acceptability of mentor mother peer support for women living with HIV in North-Central Nigeria: a qualitative study
(Spinger Nature, 2021-08-07) Odiachi, Angela; Al‑Mujtaba, Maryam; Torbunde, Nguavese
Background Mentor mothers provide psychosocial and other support to pregnant and post-partum women living with HIV (WLHIV), which has been shown to enhance maternal-infant outcomes in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Our objective was to assess the acceptability of mentor mothers as a PMTCT intervention, and to explore opinions on mentor mother program composition and delivery among stakeholders in North-Central Nigeria. Methods We conducted nine focus group discussions and 31 in-depth interviews with 118 participants, including WLHIV, pregnant women, male partners, health workers, traditional birth attendants, community leaders, PMTCT program implementers, and policymakers. Participants were purposively recruited from health facilities and surrounding communities in the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State. Transcripts were manually analysed using a Grounded Theory approach, where theory was derived from the data collected. Results Most participants were female (n = 78, 67%), and married (n = 110, 94%). All participant groups found mentor mothers acceptable as women providing care to pregnant and postpartum women, and as WLHIV supporting other WLHIV. Mentor mothers were uniquely relatable as role models for WLHIV because they were women, living with HIV, and had achieved an HIV-negative status for their HIV-exposed infants. Mentor mothers were recognized as playing major roles in maternal health education, HIV treatment initiation, adherence, and retention, HIV prevention for male partners and infants, and couple HIV disclosure. Most WLHIV preferred to receive mentor mothers’ services at health facilities rather than at home, due to concerns about HIV-related stigma and discrimination through association with mentor mothers. Key mentor mother needs were identified as training, remuneration, and validation as lay health workers. Conclusions Mentor mothers are an acceptable PMTCT intervention among stakeholders in North-Central Nigeria. However, stigma and discrimination for both mentor mothers and their clients remain a critical challenge, and mentor mother needs such as training, pay, and a sustainably supported niche in health systems require focused attention.
Access to antivenoms in the developing world: A multidisciplinary analysis
(2021-11-01) Potet, Julien; Beran, David; Ray, Nicolas
Access to safe, effective, quality-assured antivenom products that are tailored to endemic venomous snake species is a crucial component of recent coordinated efforts to reduce the global burden of snakebite envenoming. Multiple access barriers may affect the journey of antivenoms from manufacturers to the bedsides of patients. Our review describes the antivenom ecosystem at different levels and identifies solutions to overcome these challenges. At the global level, there is insufficient manufacturing output to meet clinical needs, notably for antivenoms intended for use in regions with a scarcity of producers. At national level, variable funding and deficient regulation of certain antivenom markets can lead to the procurement of substandard antivenom. This is particularly true when producers fail to seek registration of their products in the countries where they should be used, or where weak assessment frameworks allow registration without local clinical evaluation. Out-of-pocket expenses by snakebite victims are often the main source of financing antivenoms, which results in the underuse or under-dosing of antivenoms, and a preference for low-cost products regardless of efficacy. In resource-constrained rural areas, where the majority of victims are bitten, supply of antivenom in peripheral health facilities is often unreliable. Misconceptions about treatment of snakebite envenoming are common, further reducing demand for antivenom and exacerbating delays in reaching facilities equipped for antivenom use. Multifaceted interventions are needed to improve antivenom access in resource-limited settings. Particular attention should be paid to the comprehensive list of actions proposed within the WHO Strategy for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming.
Acute, sub-acute, sub-chronic and chronic toxicity studies of four important Nigerian ethnomedicinal plants in rats
(Springer Nature, 2021-01-02) Abdullah M. Tauheed, Abdullah M.; Mamman, Mohammed; Ahmed, Abubakar
Background: Azadirachta indica, Khaya senegalensis, Anogeissus leiocarpus and Tamarindus indica are important ethnomedicinal plants used for health mitigation since the history of mankind. They are used discretionarily in folkloric medicine on the premise that they are natural products devoid of synthetic preservatives. However, nature endows plants with metabolites for warding off potential attacks from animals and the environment. Some of these metabolites are responsible for toxicity of some plants. Furthermore, drug-induced liver injuries and nephrotoxicity are the leading causes of pharmaceutical attrition of promising drug candidates in clinical trials. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the safety of four ethnomedicinal plants in short-, medium- and long-term usage. Methods: Rats dosed once with 5000 mg/kg extracts of each of these plants served as acute study (AS) while rats dosed daily with 2000 mg/kg for 2, 12 and 14 weeks served as sub-acute (SAS), sub-chronic (SCS) and chronic (CS) studies, respectively. Rats administered distilled water served as the negative control (NC). Results: A. leiocarpus and T. indica significantly reduced percentage weight gain in the SCS compared to the NC. A.leiocarpus significantly (P< 0.05) increased transaminases and alkaline phosphatase in the AS only; and total protein (TP) in the AS, SAS, SCS and CS compared to the NC. K. senegalensis significantly (P< 0.05) increased alanine aminotransferase but significantly (P< 0.05) decreased TP in the AS only compared to the NC. However, A. indica and T. indica significantly (P< 0.05) increased globulin and aspartate transaminase in the CS only. Whereas A. leiocarpus and K. senegalensis significantly (P< 0.05) increased urea and creatinine in the AS than SAS, SCS and CS; Na+ and K+ were significantly higher in the SCS and CS studies compared to the NC. The histological lesions seen ranged from cellular degeneration, congestion, fibrosis to necrosis. Conclusion: Thus, nonlethal, reversible toxic insults occur in short-term usage (AS); while, insidious lethal toxic effects occur in medium-term (SAS) and long-term usage (SCS and CS). The ability of these plant to maintain adequate hematological parameters, bodyweight and absence of mortality may explain free usage of preparations made from these plants in folkloric medicine
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV patients visiting HIV counselling centres in selected hospitals, Benin City, Edo State
(International Journal of Nursing, Midwife and Health Related Cases, 2020-05) EHWARIEME, Timothy .A; UNIGWE, Joy K; IDHIGU, Kingsley U
The introduction of antiretroviral drugs over the past two decades has helped greatly towards controlling HIV/AIDS infection outcome. However its effectiveness depends largely on adherence to the drug. This study was undertaken to assess adherence to antiretroviral drugs among HIV patients visiting HIV counselling centres in selected hospitals, Benin City, Edo state. The study was carried among 220 HIV patients visiting three selected counselling centre in Benin City using convenient sampling technique and a self-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as Chi square, multivariate logistic regression and ANOVA were used to test hypothesis at 5% level of significance. Result shows 78(35.9%) have poor knowledge, 60(27.6%)) have moderate, while the remaining 79(36.40) have good knowledge. majority 171(77.7%) have good adherence level. factors are food (2.66±1.03), Unavailability drugs (2.76±0.98), drug toxic effect (2.61±0.88), Stigmatization (2.60±0.96) were found to affect adherence. There was no significant relationship (p>0.05) between adherence of sociodemographic characteristics. However significant difference (p<0.05) was found in the level of knowledge among HIV patient. Multivariate logistic regression showed that respondents that are 18 – 20 years are ten times (O.R = 10.39; C.I = 1.01-107.10) more likely not to adhere than those above 50years. Also respondents with tertiary education are 19% (O.R. 0.81; C.I. = 0.15 – 4.20) less likely not to adhere than those with no education and Christians are 50% (O.R. = 0.50; C.I. = 0.12-2.05) less likely not to adhere than those with traditions/other religion. Conclusion more awareness campaigns and other interventions are needed to improve and sustain the present level of adherence.
Adsorption of Heavy Metals Contaminants in Used Lubricating Oil Using Palm Kernel and Coconut Shells Activated Carbons
(2020-03-10) Opoku, Boadu Kwasi; Friday, Joel Ogbonna; Kofi, Essumang David
Abstract: This research work investigated the adsorption of some heavy metals contaminants in used lubricating oil using chemically activated carbon adsorbents produced from palm kernel and coconut shells. The adsorption mechanism was able to remove some heavy metals such as zinc, chromium, cadmium and magnesium contaminants from the used lubricating oil to appreciable levels. For instance, zinc from initial concentrations of 16.475±0.950 ppm before to 10.375±0.171 ppm after filtration processes for used lubricating oil sample A. Also, for coconut shell from an initial concentration of 14.575±0.272 ppm to 5.450±0.3000 ppm after filtration processes. It was observed that the coconut shell activated carbons was effective in the removal of lead metals while palm kernel cannot. However, the activated carbons produced from palm kernel and coconut shells are not suitable for the removal of both copper and iron metals. For example, after the filtration process with the palm kernel shell activated carbon, the mean concentration of copper metal increases for virgin (C) 0.001± 0.000 to 0.075±0.013 ppm and used lubricating oil samples (A&B) from 0.150±0.008 to 0.400±0.018 ppm and from 0.220±0.096 to 0.230±0.008 ppm respectively. Also, in the case of the coconut shell activated carbon, the mean concentration of copper in virgin lubricating oil remains the same 0.001±0.000 whereas for used lubricating oils samples (i.e. A&B) it increases from 0.150±0.008 to 0.780±0.014 and from 0.220±0.096 to 0.790±0.026 respectively. Also, the equilibrium adsorption data were analysed using the Langmuir isotherm model. The fit of this isotherm model to the equilibrium adsorption data was determined, using the linear coefficient of correlation (R2). The following R2 values were obtained; Copper (0.8185), Cadmium (0.8347), Lead (0.9349), Chromium (0.9378), Iron (0.9927), Zinc (0.9953), and Magnesium (0.9997) respectively. From the results obtained and statistics point of view, it can be concluded that the Langmuir model shows a better fit due to the high coefficient of correlation (R2 ≈ 1). The recovered oil could be also re-used.
Africa needs to prioritize One Health approaches that focus on the environment, animal health and human health
(Nature Medicine, 2021-05-20) Namisango, Eve; Ochu, Chinwe; Effa, Emmanuel
Urbanization, armed confict, and deforestation in African countries have increased the risk of zoonotic infections, which requires a One Health approach focused on the environment, animal health and human health.
Alteration of neutral-alpha glucosidase in seminal plasma and correlation with sperm motility among men investigated for infertility Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
(Fertility Science and Research, 2020-06-30) Moronkeji, Muyiwa Adeleye; Emokpae, Mathias Abiodun
Introduction: Proteomic studies are becoming popular lately among reproductive biologists in the diagnosis and management of several diseases including male infertility. Objective: To evaluate the level of Neutral-alpha Glucosidase (NAG) in the seminal plasma of men being investigated for infertility in and to correlate its activity with sperm motility. Materials and Methods: Four hundred men age range 23–60 years were consecutively recruited in the study. After physical and clinical evaluation, the semen was collected by self or assisted masturbation and analysis was done according to the World Health Organization guidelines. The semen was then centrifuged and seminal plasma separated for the assay of NAG activity by ELISA technique using reagents supplied by Melson Medical Co, Shangai, China within one week of collection. The participants were categorized in to normozoospermia (191), oligozoospermia (98), severe oligozoospermia (70) and azoospermia (41) based on sperm count. Results: The mean levels of NAG activity decreased with decreasing levels of sperm count with values lowest among azoospermia and highest among normozoospermic subjects. The comparison of NAG activity between the various categories and control subjects was significantly different (P<0.001) except for normozoospermia which was not significantly different (P>0.05) when compared with controls. The mean NAG activity level was significantly lower among the asthenozoospermia (P<0.001) compared with normozoospermia. The NAG activity correlated positively with percentage sperm motility (r=0.126; P<0.02) and percentage sperm count (r=0.107; P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that NAG can be used for the assessment of semen quality as an adjunct to traditional semen analysis.
Alterations in Lipid Profile and Indices of Atherogenicity among Infertile Women Seeking Conception by Assisted Reproductive Technology
(Jornal of Infertility Reproductive Biology, 2020-09-20) Emokpae, Mathias Abiodun; Eromosele, Claudius Osakhuemen; Ajibad, Hope Oluwadara
Female infertility is common all over the world and lipid disorders are suggested to play a role. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma lipid profile and indices of atherogenicity among infertile women attending assisted reproductive technology clinics. Serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low- density lipoprotein cholesterol, high- density lipoprotein cholesterol, and calculated indices of atherogenicity were determined in 140 infertile women and 50 healthy age-matched women of proven fertility. The lipid profile was assayed by the spectrophotometric method using reagents supplied by Randox Laboratories, Crumlin, Antrim, UK. The means values of measured parameters were compared between cases and controls by unpaired Students-test. The results showed that age (p<0.001), total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, AIP, some cardiac risk ratios, and atherogenic coefficients were significantly higher (p<0.001) while high-density cholesterol was significantly lower (p<0.001) among infertile women than control subjects. The difference in the mean body mass index between the cases and controls was not significant. The calculated indices of atherogenicity except high density/low-density ratio were significantly higher among infertile women seeking assisted reproductive technology for conception than control subjects. The higher indices of atherogenicity among this group of subjects might predispose them to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, routine evaluation of lipid profile and indices of atherogenicity is suggested.
Ameliorative effect of Kolaviron, an extract of Garcinia kola seeds, on induced hypertension
(J Complement Integr Med ., 2021-05-11) Olatoye, Francis J.; Akindele, Abidemi J.; Onwe, Samson
Objectives Early diagnosis and management of known cardiovascular disease risk attributes such as hypertension lessens morbidity and mortality as well as increase quality of life of patients. This present study was modelled to investigate the ameliorative effect of Kolaviron, an extract of Garcinia kola Heckel seeds, in ethanol- and sucrose-induced hypertension. Methods Test animals were divided into six groups of six animals each for each hypertensive model. Animals were treated daily with distilled water (10 ml/kg); 35% ethanol (3 g/kg) or sucrose (5–7%); Kolaviron (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) separately plus ethanol or sucrose and Amlodipine (0.14 mg/kg) separately plus ethanol or sucrose for 8 weeks. Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures were determined using non-invasive BP system after 8 weeks. Blood was obtained for the assessment of biochemical parameters, lipid profile and antioxidant indices. Vital organs were collected for approximation of tissue antioxidant levels. Results Results show that Kolaviron at various doses and Amlodipine significantly reduced (p<0.05–0.001) the elevated systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures produced by ethanol and sucrose administration. Additionally, Kolaviron and Amlodipine significantly overturned (p<0.05–0.001) the reduction in GSH, SOD and CAT, and elevation in MDA levels elicited by ethanol and sucrose. Furthermore, Kolaviron and Amlodipine produced significant reduction (p<0.001) in levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, as well as significant increase (p<0.01–0.001) in levels of high-density lipoproteins. Conclusions Results from this study demonstrate that Kolaviron possibly possesses significant antihypertensive effect which may possibly be attributed to its antioxidant effects and relative improvement of lipid profile.
Amended STRONG-HF study design
(European Society of Cardiology, 2021-10-04) Cotter, Gad; Davison, Beth; Metra, Marco
No abstract
Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Ventilago maderaspatana Leaf Extract on Streptozotocin-Induced Albino Rats
(Trop J Nat Prod Res, 2021-07-01) Karuppannan, Periyasamy; Saravanan, Kaliyaperumal; Egbuna, Chukwuebuka
An abnormally high presence of lipid in human blood is a prelude for the emergence of cardiovascular complications. In this study, effort was made to elucidate the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced through the help of Ventilago maderaspatana on the hyperlipidemic conditions in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Wistar rats. AgNPs were synthesized biologically using ethyl acetate leaf extract of V. maderaspatana. The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed when the color of the solution turned dark brown following the addition of V. maderaspatana ethyl acetate leaf extract. To confirm further, UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis was conducted which gave a peak at 430 nm. The results obtained from the FT-IR studies shows that the compounds in the plant extract may have influenced the formation of AgNPs. The result obtained from further characterization showed that the synthesized nanoparticles were spherical and ranged between 10-50 nm. The XRD study indicates crystal nature of the particles with the size of 50 nm. After the injection of STZ, the lipid profiles were altered abnormally. This can be found in group II rats (hyperlipidemic control) which had the highest level of serum total cholesterol (189.1 ± 0.80 mg/dL), triglyceride (177.9 ± 0.88 mg/dL), VLDL-c (42.5 ± 1.80 mg/dL), and LDL-c (55.2 ± 3.83 mg/dL) with the exception of HDL-c which was found low (10.4 ± 1.04 mg/dL). However, hyperlipidemic groups treated with AgNPs recorded low levels of cholesterols. Based on this, it can be concluded that biosynthesized AgNPs could be helpful in lowering cholesterol level
Antisickling effect of chrysin is associated with modulation of oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin via alteration of functional chemistry and metabolic pathways of human sickle erythrocytes
(Sage, 2021-06-21) Nwankwo, H.C.; Idowu, A.A.; Muhammad, A.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) treatment and management remain a challenging puzzle especially among developing Nations. Chrysin’s sickling-suppressive properties in human sickle (SS) erythrocytes in addition to its effect on AA-genotype erythrocytes were evaluated. Sickling was induced (76%) with 2% sodium metabisulphite at 3 h. Chrysin prevented (81.19%) the sickling and reversed same (84.63%) with strong IC50s (0.0257 mM and 0.00275 mM, respectively). The levels of oxygenated haemoglobin in the two groups (before and after induction approaches) were similar but significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of SS erythrocytes (the ‘induced’ control), with chrysin-treated AA-genotype showing no effects relative to the untreated. The level of deoxygenated haemoglobin in the ‘induced’ control group was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of the chrysin-treated SS erythrocytes. Normal and chrysin-untreated erythrocytes (AA-untreated) were significantly more resistant to osmotic fragility than the SS-untreated. However, treatment with chrysin significantly reduced the osmotic fragility of the cells relative to the untreated cells. Furthermore, chrysin treatment significantly lowers the high level of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) observed in the sickle erythrocytes, with no effects on AA-genotype erythrocytes. Based on functional chemistry, chrysin treatment alters the functional groups in favour of its antisickling effects judging from the observed bends and shifts. From metabolomics analysis, it was observed that chrysin treatment favors fatty acid alkyl monoesters (FAMEs) production with concomitant shutting down-effects on selenocompound metabolism. Thus, sickling-suppressive effects of chrysin could potentially be associated with modulation of oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin via alteration of human sickle erythrocyte’s functional chemistry and metabolic pathways implicated in SCD crisis
Aphrodisiac Effect of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Ficus Sycomorus on Female Wistar Rats
(Nigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Science, 2018-06) Tijjan, U.; Mabrouk, M. I.; Yarube, I. U.
In the present study, the effect of aqueous stem bark extract of Ficus sycomorus was evaluated on female sex hormones and sexual behavior in female Wistar rats. Adult female rats having regular estrous cycle confirmed by daily cytology of the vaginal smear analysis were used. Rats were andomly divided into 3 groups (n=10): Group I served as a control; while group II, and III received 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of the extracts respectively. The results revealed significant increase (p<0.5) in serum concentration of the estradiol in group II and a significant decrease (p<0.5) in serum concentration of estradiol in group III in comparison with the control. There was also significant decrease (p<0.5) in serum level of progesterone in group II and no significant effect in group III in comparison with the control. The result also indicated no significant effect (p>0.5) of the extract on female sexual behavior, which may suggest no scientific basis for the use of the extract as an aphrodisiac in females.
Apolipoprotein-1 risk variants and associated kidney phenotypes in an adult HIV cohort in Nigeria
(2022-07) Wudil, U.J.; Muktar, H. A.; Heather, L. P.
HIV-positive adults are at risk for various kidney diseases, and apolipoprotein 1 (APOL1) high-risk genotypes increase this risk. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and ethnic distribution of APOL1 risk genotypes among a cohort of HIV-positive Nigerian adults and explore the relationship between APOL1 risk variant status with albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We conducted a cross-sectional study among 2 458 persons living with HIV who attended an HIV clinic in northern Nigeria and had received antiretroviral therapy for a minimum of six months. We collected two urine samples four-eight weeks apart to measure albumin excretion, and blood samples to measure eGFR and determine APOL1 genotype. The frequency of APOL1 high-risk genotype was 6.2%, which varied by ethnic group: Hausa/Fulani (2.1%), Igbo (49.1%), and Yoruba (14.5%). The prevalence of microalbuminuria (urine/albumin creatinine ratio 30- 300 mg/g) was 37%, and prevalence of macroalbuminuria (urine/albumin creatinine ratio over 300 mg/g) was 3%. The odds of microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria were higher for participants with the APOL1 high-risk genotype compared to those carrying the low-risk genotype ([adjusted odds ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.37-2.82] and [3.96, 1.95-8.02] respectively). APOL1 high-risk genotype participants were at higher risk of having both an eGFR under 60 ml/min/1.73m2 and urine/albumin creatinine ratio over 300 mg/g (5.56, 1.57-19.69). Thus, we found a high proportion of HIV-positive, antiretroviral therapy-experienced, and largely virologically suppressed adults had microalbuminuria. Hence, although the high-risk APOL1 genotype was less prevalent than expected, it was strongly associated with some level of albuminuria.
Arsenic and toxic metals in meat and fish consumed in Niger delta, Nigeria: Employing the margin of exposure approach in human health risk assessment
(ScienceDirect, 2022) Okoye, Esther Amaka; Bocca, Beatrice; Ruggier, Flavia
This study provides information on the health risk of As, Cd, Hg, Pb and V exposure from Nigerian foods consumption (fish, cow, goat and chicken meat) in different age-groups (children, adolescent, adult, senior) and six areas of Niger Delta, Nigeria (Choba, Khana, Eleme, TransAmadi, Uyo, and Yenogoa). The health risk assessment was performed by estimating the weekly or monthly intake of metals from foods and Margin of Exposure (MOE) approach by using established benchmark dose levels (BMDLs). Regarding As, cow and chicken meat products contributed to As exposure intake especially in children resulting in values higher than BMDL0.1 for cancer risk in TransAmadi and Uyo areas. Cadmium exposure was due to cow, chicken and goat meat ingestion mostly in adolescent above the tolerable monthly intake limit in TransAmadi and Uyo areas. Concerning Hg and V, the exposure from Nigerian food did not constitute a potential health hazard. Lead exposure in children were above or close to BMDL0.1 for developmental neurotoxicity by ingestion of cow and goat meat in all the Nigerian areas. In adult and senior the Pb dietary exposure were above the BMDL10 providing a low to negligible risk for kidney effects. The potential concern for health effects in Niger Delta population needs further efforts to decrease As, Cd and Pb dietary exposure especially for children and adolescent, who are more vulnerable to adverse life events.
Assessment of service readiness for maternity care in primary health centres in rural Nigeria: implications for service improvement
(Pan African Medical Journa, 2021-11-01) Ntoimo, Lorretta Favour Chizomam; Ogungbangbe, Julius
Introduction: several scientific reports from studies across Nigeria revealed a higher incidence of maternal mortality in rural parts of the country as compared to the urban areas. Part of the reasons is the paucity of health care infrastructure and personnel. This study was designed as part of an intervention program with the goal to improve the access of pregnant women to skilled pregnancy care in rural Nigeria. The specific objective of the study was to determine the nature and readiness of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in two Local Government Areas (LGAs) in rural parts of Edo State, Southern Nigeria to deliver effective maternal and child health services. Methods: the study was conducted in 12 randomly selected PHCs in the two LGAs. Data were obtained with a semi structured questionnaire administered on health workers and through direct observation and verification of the facilities in the PHCs. The results obtained were compared with the national standards established for PHCs in Nigeria by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: the results showed severe deficits in buildings and premises, rooms, medical equipment, essential drugs, and personnel. Only 40% of items recommended by the NPHCDA were available for buildings; 41% of the PHCs had facilities available in the labour ward; while less than 30% had the recommended facilities in the antenatal care rooms. Only one PHC had a laboratory space, with only one item (a dipstick for urine analysis) identified in the laboratory. None of the PHCs had ambulances, mobile phones, internet or computers. There was no nurse/midwife in 4 PHCs; only one nurse/midwife each were available in 8 PHCs; while there was no Environmental/Medical Records Officer in any PHC. About 26% of the essential drugs were not available in the PHCs. Conclusion: we conclude that PHCs in Edo State, Nigeria have severe deficits in infrastructural facilities, equipment, essential drugs and personnel for the delivery of maternal and child health care. Efforts to improve these facilities will help increase the quality of delivery of maternal and child health, and therefore reduce maternal and child mortality in the country.
Assessment of the Physicochemical Parameters of Bodo Creek, Rivers State, Nigeria: A Pre-spill, Post-spill and Post-clean-up Review
(J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage., 2021-07-01) NKEEH, D.K.; HART, A; ERONDU, E.S.
Water bodies are a source of ecosystem services such as water supply, production, recreation, and aesthetics. In 2008, two major oil spills took place in Bodo creek. A major challenge with the assessment and monitoring of an environment is the lack of baseline data. However, Bodo Creek has been studied extensively. This paper, therefore, reviews pre-spill, post-spill, and post-clean-up studies on physicochemical parameters in Bodo Creek. This paper revealed that the difference in the levels of the physicochemical parameters including pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and temperature in Bodo Creek, before and after the oil spill was not statistically significant (P > 0.05); other physicochemical parameters examined in this paper are alkalinity, total hardness, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total dissolved solids (TDS). This paper also revealed that pH and temperature were higher in the post-cleanup study, while DO and conductivity were higher in the pre-cleanup study. BOD was significantly higher in the post-spill study than the pre-spill study, indicating a high level of pollution as a result of the oil spill. This review also shows that there are higher pH and temperature levels in post-clean-up studies than the pre-cleanup studies. Pre clean-up DO and conductivity were higher than the levels in the post-clean-up study
Assessment of the Quality of Antenatal and Postnatal Care Services in Primary Health Centres in Rural Nigeria
(THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY, 2020-11) Okonofua, Friday Ehbodaghe; Yaya, Sanni; Omorodion, Blessing
Maternal mortality ratio in Nigeria is estimated to be 512 deaths per 100,000 live births. As with other low-income countries, a higher proportion of these deaths occur among women living in rural areas and in poor communities where access to maternal health care is limited by several barriers including quality of care in health facilities. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of antenatal and postnatal care in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in two rural Local Government Areas of Edo State in Southern Nigeria. The data were obtained from exit interviews with 177 women after completion of antenatal and postnatal care in eight randomly selected PHCs. The interview questionnaire was adapted from the 2017 results-based financing exit interviews conducted by the World Bank in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Bureau of Statistics. It consisted of questions on the treatment received by women. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The results showed the self-reporting by women of sub-optimal offerings of 20 signal antenatal treatments and 8 signal postnatal care treatments. Close to half (45.6%) of the respondents for antenatal care reported receiving sub-optimal antenatal treatments compared to about a third of postnatal care attendees. The predictors of sub-optimal offerings of standard PHC care included local government area, marital status and previous childbirths. We conclude that concerted actions by health providers and policymakers in the PHCs to develop policies and interventions will improve the quality of delivery of antenatal and postnatal services in rural PHCs in Nigeria.
Association of Copper-to Zinc Ratio with Sperm Concentration among Males Investigated for Infertility
(Journal of Infertility and Reproductive Biology, 2020-09-20) Abiodun Emokpae, Mathias; Moronkeji, Muyiwa Adeleye
Background: The importance of copper and zinc in the fertility potential of males are well understood. The close relationship and the antagonistic interactions between copper and zinc requires further investigation especially because of conflicting reports in literature on the association of the trace elements with sperm quantity and quality. This study evaluates seminal plasma copper and zinc concentrations, copper-to-zinc ratio and their associations with sperm concentration in infertile males. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 400 males investigated for infertility and 100 male control subjects. Seminal plasma copper and zinc were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry technique (Buck Scientific Model VGP-210, Germany). The subjects were grouped based on sperm count; normozoospermia (>15 x 106 cells/mL), oligozoospermia (<15 x 106 cells/mL) and azoospermia (no sperm cell). The levels of copper, zinc and Cu/Zn ratio were compared using unpaired Students-t-test and analysis of variance while Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between measured variables and sperm count. Results: Seminal plasma zinc was significantly lower ((p<0.001) while copper and Cu/Zn ratio were significantly higher (p<0.001) among infertile males than controls. Seminal plasma levels of copper and Cu/Zn ratio increased with decreasing concentrations of sperm cells while zinc levels increase with increasing concentration of sperm cells. Conclusion: Copper-to-zinc ratio correlated with sperm concentration in infertile males. The interaction between copper and zinc may be routinely considered in the clinical evaluation of the infertile men

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