Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Research Articles

Effect of methanol stem bark extract of Ochna schweinfurthiana (Ezeata) on liver enzymes in Wistar rats

1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka. Anambra State. Nigeria. 2 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli campus. Anambra State. Nigeria. 3 Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Royal Bournemouth Hospital (University Hospital Dorset NHS Foundation Trust) Bournemouth, England, BH7 7DW United Kingdom. 4 Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Royal Bournemouth Hospital (University Hospital Dorset NHS Foundation Trust) Bournemouth, England, BH7 7DW United Kingdom. 5 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Abia StateUniversity Teaching Hospital, Aba. Abia State. Nigeria.

Survey of Man-biting Mosquitoes in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka, South-Eastern Anambra, Nigeria

Mosquitoes are responsible for transmission of several harmful diseases. Their identification is therefore crucial for effective vector control strategies. This study was carried out between March and May, 2023 at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka-South L.G.A., Anambra State, to determine mosquito species biting on the hospital premises. The human Landing Catch and CDC light traps were used for adult mosquito collection. A structured questionnaire was distributed to the patients to obtain information on mosquito bites in the hospital. Data were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square test. The findings revealed a diverse array of manbiting mosquito species including Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Anopheles gambiae, Culex quinquefasciatus and Cx. tigripes. In total, 17 adult mosquitoes were collected outdoors using the Human Landing Catch method of which 52.94% were Culex quinquefasciatus, 41.18% were Aedes aegypti and least dominant was Aedes albopictus with 5.88%. One hundred and sixteen adult mosquitoes were collected indoors using Human Landing Catch method and these include Cx. quinquefasciatus (87.8%), An. gambiae (9.4%), Cx. tigripes (2.2%) and Ae. albopictus (0.7%) while 23 mosquitoes comprising Cx. quinquefasciatus 18(78.29%), An. gambiae 2(8.69%) and Ae. albopictus 1(4.35%) were collected using CDC light trap. Questionnaire results revealed complaints of severe mosquito bites on the hospital premises. The result of this study showed that Cx. quinquefasciatus was the most abundant man-biting mosquito in the study area. Control measures should be taken to reduce mosquito bites in the hospital through public awareness and adequate vector control measures.

Retinitis Pigmentosa in Awka, Nigeria: A Survey Study

Background: Retinitis pigmentosa which causes irreversible blindness and affects all gender is usually inherited.
 Objectives: To describe the incidence and pattern of retinitis pigmentosa at the Eye Unit of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka, Nigeria.
 Materials and Methods: The case files of all the new patients seen at the Eye Unit of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka between January 2014 to December 2021 were reviewed. Those with clinical diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa were selected and information bordering on age, sex, occupation, disease duration. associated morbidity and fundus findings were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
 Results: Out of the 5461 new patients seen at the Eye Clinic within the study period, 29(0.5%) were diagnosed of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Of the 29 patients 18 (62.1%) were males and 11(37.9%) females, with male to female ratio of 1.6:1. The age range was 7 years to 69 years. Thirteen patients (44.8%) were between 16 years and 44 years. Median age was 33 years while the mean age was 34. 8+15. 2 years. Nine (31.0%) patients were students. The most common complaints of the patients were poor vision, 27(93.1%) and refractive error 8(27.68). Seven patients (24.18) were blind at presentation while retinal pigmentation was the most frequent fundus finding 29 (100%).
 Conclusion: Retinitis Pigmentosa is a cause of visual impairment and blindness which reduces the quality of life of affected persons. Early diagnosis and visual rehabilitation should be encouraged.

A case study of hospital contraceptive waste management practices in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Anambra State

Background: Effective management of hospital waste is a critical component of a hospital’s infection control program and is central to occupational safety for healthcare workers. Thus, this study focused on the assessment of hospital contraceptive waste management practices at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional analytical study was carried out among healthcare workers selected using multistage sampling technique in 6 categories of healthcare workers in COOUTH. Data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and a World Health Organization (WHO) checklist and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 22. Associations and correlations between variables were tested at the bivariate level using Chi-square and t-test. Results: A total of 86 healthcare workers were surveyed. The majority of the respondents were females, nurses with RN qualification. The mean knowledge score of the respondents was 94.8%. The attitude of healthcare workers towards segregation of hospital contraceptive waste at source point was 71% while the usage of gloves in handling hospital waste was 95.3%. The major factor affecting contraceptive waste management practices in the facility was the respondent’s cultural beliefs. The lack of funds to finance standard waste disposal methods was noted to be a significant barrier to optimum waste management practices. Conclusions: This study showed that despite the high level of knowledge of healthcare workers on hospital contraceptive waste management practice in COOUTH, the hospital contraceptive waste management practice is not functioning optimally in Anambra state. Hence, the need to reform the hospital waste management practice to achieve functional results.

Influence of TikTok as an Edutainment Platform on Female Students’ Awareness and Use of Contraceptives

This research study investigates the influence of TikTok, a popular social media platform known for its entertainment and educational content, on the awareness and utilization of contraceptives among female students at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU). With the widespread use of social media among the youth, platforms like TikTok have emerged as potential sources of information, creating new opportunities for disseminating knowledge on sensitive topics, such as sexual health and contraception. The main objectives of the study was to evaluate how exposure to contraceptive-related contents on TikTok influence female undergraduates’ awareness and responsible use of contraceptives among COOU female students. The study adopted the uses and gratifications theory in carrying out the study. The survey research method was adopted with a sample size of 400 drawn using Taro Yaame’s formula from a population of 12,552. A structured survey questionnaire is employed to collect data from a representative sample of COOU female students, assessing their knowledge and understanding of contraceptives before and after exposure to contraceptive-related content on TikTok. Preliminary findings indicate that TikTok plays a significant role in increasing the awareness of contraceptive methods among COOU female students. The platform's engaging and informative content fosters an informal learning environment that facilitates discussions around sensitive topics, breaking down barriers and reducing stigmas associated with contraception. Moreover, TikTok's interactive nature allows for peer-to-peer communication, enabling students to share experiences and advice, leading to enhanced knowledge exchange and increased confidence in contraceptive decision-making. The research recommended that TikTok creators should ensure that the information shared on contraceptives is accurate and reliable and partner with experts to add credibility to the content.

Representation of Drug and Substance Use in Tiwa Savage’s Musical Video Asake Loaded and Its Influence on Undergraduates

The representation of drug and substance use in contemporary media, particularly in music videos, has become a subject of increasing concern due to its potential influence on young audiences. This research investigates the portrayal of drug-related themes in Tiwa Savage's music video "Asake Loaded" and explores its impact on students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU). The study was anchored by Social Learning Theory adopting the Survey research method to obtain data from 370 respondents through Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination table. The findings reveal that the "Asake Loaded" music video presents drug and substance use in a glamorous and normalized manner. It prominently features images of drug consumption, partying, and extravagant lifestyles, potentially romanticizing drug use for impressionable viewers, including college students. The research further indicates that a considerable number of COOU students have watched the video, and some report being influenced by its depictions of drug-related content. Based on the findings, the study recommended that artists like Tiwa Savage should be encouraged to consider the potential influence of their music videos and promote responsible messages that discourage glamorization of drug and substance use.

Uses and Gratifications of TikTok Platform among University Undergraduates

Along with the vast development of social media, such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, more new social media platforms such as Tiktok have emerged in the public domain. TikTok, an application that is available for everyone to publish their videos, which length of the video varies from 15 seconds to 1 minute, has been rapidly used to gain popularity and cure boredom especially among teenagers. The videos include daily entertainment, talent shows, and popularization of knowledge and so on. This study therefore evaluated the uses and gratifications of the Tiktok platform by students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. The main objective of the study was to ascertain the frequency of usage and the gratifications students derive from using the Tiktok platform. Anchored on the Uses and Gratifications theory, the study adopted Survey Research method to draw a sample size of 400 from students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus using purposive sampling technique and the questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. The study found that there is a high frequency of usage of the Tiktok platform among students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. Learning new things, obtaining leisure and entertainment, expressing themselves freely and also making new friends are some of the gratifications the respondents derive from using the Tiktok platform. The study recommends among others that students should rather utilize the instrumentality of Tiktok for their academic improvement rather than all entertainment.

Physical Exercise and Job Performance of Lecturers in State Universities Across South-East Nigeria: A Stress Management Approach

This study examined physical exercise and job performance of lecturers in state universities across south-east Nigeria. The health belief model was adopted as framework for this cross-sectional descriptive survey. A sample size of 1,422 respondents; made up of 1,414 quantitative respondents and 8 qualitative interviewees who were randomly drawn from the four selected universities namely: Abia State University, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Enugu State University of Science and Technology and Imo State University. A structured questionnaire formulated and proportionally administered to respondents using Yamane’s (1967) formula. The multi-stage sampling techniques was adopted to select respondents across faculties and departments. In each faculty, 3 departments were random sampled, thereafter, each department was proportionately sampled, while quantitative data was presented using descriptive statistics such as simple frequency distribution tables, percentages, weighted mean score. The chi-square statistical tool was used to test the stated hypothesis. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interview. The study found that, although, lecturers understand the importance of physical exercise, they do not engage in it owing to challenges such as poor remuneration, none availability of fitness centers among others. It recommends that university management should prioritize sensitization of staff on the benefits of physical exercise to their wellbeing and the need for provision of fitness centers as a stress management strategy to improve job performance.

Phenotypic and genotypic detection of antibiotic resistance among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from orthopedic wounds from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (Coouth), Awka Anambra Nigeria

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is well known orthopedic wounds-associated bacterial pathogen, responsible for prolonged wound treatment, due to its resistance, mediated by different types of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL). The present study was undertaken to find the prevalence of extended-spectrum β lactamase (ESBL), Metallo-β lactamase (MBL), and AmpC β lactamase in P. aeruginosa isolated from orthopedic wound samples. Wound swabs were processed and P. aeruginosa was identified by standard protocols. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used in ascertaining the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates. Special screening and confirmatory tests were performed for the phenotypic and genotypic detection of resistance. The resistance rate to gentamicin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime were 2.6%, 2.6%, 2.6, and 5.1% respectively. P. aeruginosa expressed very high resistance to amoxicillin (97.4%), nitrofurantoin (100%), and two of the 3rd generation cephalosporins: cefuroxime (100%), and cefixime (100%). The aminoglycoside and the quinolones were the most effective drugs against the P. aeruginosa isolates with susceptibilities of 97.4% and 94.9% respectively. Out of the 38 isolates of P. aeruginosa, 11 (28.9%) and 14 (36.8%) were ESBL and MBL positive, respectively. The blaTEM genes were the only prevalent genes detected in all 38 (100%) isolates and mediated the phenotypic and genotypic resistance observed. MBL production was observed in 14 (36.8%) while AmpC and co-expression of genes were not observed. The blaTEM genotypic resistance was observed to be common among the isolates. This calls for great concern and continuous monitoring of antimicrobial resistance with the implementation of stringent mediation practices toward infection prevention and control.

Neutrophil-Lymphocyte, Platelet-Neutrophil, and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratios as Indicators of Sickle Cell Anaemia Severity.

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) imposes a substantial healthcare burden, affecting millions of people worldwide. Understanding the determinants influencing SCA severity is crucial for enhanced disease management and optimized patient outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-Neutrophil Ratio (PNR), Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and SCA severity. A cohort of 45 children diagnosed with SCA and undergoing treatment at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, was included in this study. Demographic and clinical data, along with laboratory measurements of the aforementioned ratios, were collected. The severity of SCA was assessed using numerical scoring. The analysis revealed that PNR and PLR emerged as significant predictors of SCA severity, irrespective of the level of adiposity. In contrast, NLR demonstrated no predictive value in relation to SCA severity. The findings challenge the conventional notion that neutrophils alone play a central role in the pathogenesis of sickle cell crises. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the disease and provide insights into possible alternative mechanisms underlying SCA severity. Further research is warranted to explore the intricate interplay between platelets, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and other biological factors within the context of SCA. Ultimately, this knowledge may pave the way for targeted interventions and improved management strategies for individuals living with SCA.

Determinants of Proper Disposal of Plastic Waste among Health Workers at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Amaka, Awka, Anambra State

Improper disposal of plastic waste has being a huge global environmental issue over time. With the emergence of COVID-19 and high prevalence of various infectious diseases, production of single use personal protective equipment escalated. And they are mostly made of plastic, making plastic waste from healthcare services increase tremendously. These plastic wastes from the hospital may contain infectious or toxic substances that pose a significant threat to health workers, waste handlers and to the public at large for those that will come in contact with the waste if improperly disposed. The drastic increase in medical plastic waste is overwhelming the environment and so, has been tagged a major environmental burden. As a result, medical facilities are called upon to look into their waste management protocol to ensure they are safely disposing their waste to avoid infection of the public and waste handlers and also to ensure environmental safety. This study is to determine the proper disposal of healthcare waste among healthcare workers in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Anambra State. This study was carried out using a sample size of 712 staff. Simple random sampling without replacement was used in other to avoid obtaining a bias response. The association and predictability of the dependent variables by independent factors were determined statistically using Chi-square and regression methods, respectively. From the findings of the study, it was observed that 302(42.4%) of the total respondents used and disposed of their plastic wastes properly, whereas 410 (57.6%) disposed of their plastic waste improperly. Improper disposal of medical waste could be as a result of unavailability of proper means of waste disposal, bad or no healthcare management policy on waste management and other factors. Healthcare workers are advised to make use of proper means of plastic waste disposal so as to avoid the negative effect.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Hepatitis B among Clinical Medical Students at Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital

Hepatitis, a term used to describe liver inflammation has 5 identified strains (A, B, C, D and E). Hepatitis B infection, a disease caused by hepatitis B virus, is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinomas. It is a highly infectious disease that is responsible for numerous deaths worldwide. It is transmitted through contact with infected body fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluid and mucus membrane. This makes unprotected sex, blood transfusion and perinatal transfusion, the major means of transfusion. Medical students, who are part of health workers, are at greater risk of the infection than the general public. So, this research is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Medical students’ towards hepatitis B. Sample size was estimated based on the findings of knowledge regarding hepatitis B among Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital clinical medical students. A self-administered questionnaire that was written in English was used as instrument for data collection in this study. Descriptive analyses followed by normality test using statistical tests like Chi-square and Spearman’s correlation were used to analyze the data. The overall response rate was 86.91%. Out of 352 respondents, 199 (56.5%) were males and the 153 (43.5%) were females, all of which were within the ages of 20 and 40 years. There were significant positive correlation between knowledge and practice towards hepatitis B were 0.81 with P value <0.001 and 0.225 with P value <0.001 respectively. Correlation between attitude and practice towards hepatitis B is 0.312 p-value <0.004, thus, showing that more respondents have more knowledge of hepatitis B. The results showed that the percentages of medical students who knew more about hepatitis B were generally typical. A little over half of the respondents have a good attitude towards the disease.

Reasons Patients Seek Ophthalmic Medical Certificates/ Reports at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku, Awka, Nigeria

Background: Medical certificates or medical reports are often requested by patients for varying reasons which include permission to absent from work, school or certain duties or as evidence of ill health or ocular injury.
 Aim: To explore the reasons patients seek medical certificate/medical report at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Nigeria.
 Methods: This is a retrospective hospital based study conducted at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka. The case files of new patients seen at the Eye Unit of the hospital from January 2016 to December 2021were examined. Those who requested for medical certificates/reports were identified and relevant information were extracted for the study. The results were analyzed and presented with frequency tables.
 Results: Out of the 4407 new patients seen, 290(6.6%) requested ophthalmic medical certificate. Among the 290 patients, 170 (58.6%) were males while 120 (41.4%) were females, with male to female ratio of 1.4:1. The age range was 9 years to 75 years, while the mean age was 35.9years. Obtaining tinted vehicle wind shield permit 49 (16.9%) was the most common reason for seeking ophthalmic medical certificate followed by voluntary retirement. Civil servants 75 (25.2%) constituted the most common group, followed by students/pupils 57(26.2%). Among those that applied, 214 (73.8%) were granted while 76 (26.2%) were not granted. Ninety seven (33.4%) cases had ocular morbidities of which assault cases 19(19.6%) were responsible for most of the ocular morbidities. Refractive error was the commonest diagnosis and some people had more than one diagnosis. Most patients 221 (96.2%) had presenting visual acuity of 6/6 – 6/18. Four patients had presenting visual acuity of <3/60 in both eyes.
 Conclusion: Ophthalmic medical certificates/reports are requested for many reasons by patients. While some reasons are genuine, others are not. It behooves the certifier to obtain proper information about the patient. The certificate/report should be accurate, not misleading and devoid of sentiments.

ANTIFUNGAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF OROFUNGAL INFECTIONS AMONG HIV- POSITIVE PATIENTS IN CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, AWKA ANAMBRA STATE

Fungal diseases are life-threatening and are responsible for a largely silent epidemic, often hidden killers causing substantial morbidity and mortality in susceptible individuals. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, risk factors and antifungal susceptibility of orofungal infections among HIV positive patients in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Awka. The study was a hospital based cross sectional study carried out between January 2022 and August 2022. A total of 120 patients who gave their consent were used for the study. Oral swab sample of the patients were taken with the aid of sterile swab sticks, and cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar, Chrome agar and blood agar at 37°C incubation. Fungal organisms isolated were characterized accordingly using Gram stain, germ tube tests, sugar fermentation and assimilation tests, and also with fungal atlas for mold identification. ITS region molecular typing was also used to identify the top four most frequently occurring isolates. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain demographic details of the participants and for risk factors evaluation. Isolates were also evaluated for pathogenicity using haemolysis and enzyme assays. Antifungal susceptibility testing of the isolates was conducted using the disc diffusion method. Data obtained were statistically analyzed. The oro-fungi organisms isolated are Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, Candid neoformans, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Overall prevalence of the isolates in the participants (n=120) showed that C. albicans was the most prevalent isolate with an occurrence of 90% while Cryptococcus neoformans were the least occurring isolates with the occurrence 2.99%. Gender distribution were: COOUTH 71 male (59.17%) 49 female (40.83%), Age range 36-45 years had the highest frequency of 45.83% while age range 56-65 years had the lowest patient frequency of 10.83%. The distribution based on marital status, of which married subjects accounted for 43.33% and single patients were 56.67 % frequency. It was observed that 56.67% of patients that participated in the study had university education as their highest educational level, and they accounted for the most population that took part in the study. A 5.83% frequency that took part in the study had no education and accounted for the least participation frequency in the study. Students had the highest participation frequency of 47.5% while artisans participated the least with a frequency of 7.5%. 6.67% of the participants had Hepatitis B vaccination while 97.5% of the participants were already participating in HAART. The clinical history of examined patients showed that 68.33% had white patches on the tongue which is the highest frequency, followed by bad breath which accounted for 67.17% of the participants. Antifungal exposure profiling of the participants showed that they have significant (p<0.05) exposure to fluconazole while they had least exposure to vericonazole and itraconazole.

Challenges of Teaching and Learning the Igbo Language at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Nigeria (lay summary)

Challenges of Teaching and Learning the Igbo Language at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Nigeria (lay summary)

The Effect of Inoculum Size and Medium Volume on Methionine Production by Bacillus species EZ-13 and ZM-10

The effect of inoculum size and medium volume on methionine production by Bacillus species EZ- 13 and ZM-10 was studied. The methionine-producing bacteria had already been isolated from within Anambra State University (now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University), Uli campus Anambra State. They were purified and identified as Bacillus species EZ-13 and ZM-10 using cultural and biochemical characteristics. Thereafter, they were used to evaluated the influence of inoculum size and medium volume on methionine production by Bacillus species EZ-13 and ZM-10 in 250 ml flasks containing 50 ml of sterile fermentation medium. The findings revealed that Bacillus species EZ-13 and ZM-10, at inoculum size of 4% v/v, recorded maximum methionine yields of 2.8 mg/ml and 2.1 mg/ml respectively. The methionine concentrations of both Bacillus species decreased beyond inoculum size of 4% v/v. The medium volume of 50 ml stimulated maximum methionine yield of 3.0 mg/ml in Bacillus species EZ-13 and 2.4 mg/ml in Bacillus species ZM-10. The methionine concentrations for both bacteria decreased beyond medium volume of 50 ml. The result of the study showed that varying the inoculum sizes and medium volumes, could influence methionine yield by fermentation.

Neonatal Malaria Prevalence Among Infant Aged 1-28 Days Adamitted in Chukwuemeka Odumaegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku Awka

A study of neonatal malaria infection was conducted between 1^st April 2021 to 30^th October 2021 to determine the prevalence of neonatal malaria among infant admitted in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOHT) Amaku Awka Anambra State South Eastern Nigeria. Four Hundred and Twenty (420) neonates admitted at the General Outpatient Department (GOPD) of the Paediatrics unit. Two hundred 200 (47%) of the population were randomly selected and enrolled for the study after informed consent was sort and obtained from their mothers before enrolling them in the study The mean age of the subject is Mean (±SD) 6.86±8.51 days. One hundred and eight 108 (54%) of the subject were male and 92 (46%) female. Neonate less than 7days were 125 (62%); neonate 7-14 days of age were 50 (25%) and 14-28 days were 25 (12.5%) respectively. Thick and thin blood films were prepared from the blood specimens obtained for the neonate persevered in Ethylene Diamine Tetracetic Acid (EDTA) on a microscopic slide stained with Giemsa solution and screened for malaria parasite under a microscope following the golden rule observing all the necessary precaution in the procedure. Grading parasitemia was done using Standard measure. The result showed an overall prevalence of malaria among neonates was 74 (37.0%), and 53 (26.5%) of the <i>Plasmodium </i>were negative while 73 (36.5%) of the screening test was not accessed (attrition). Recommendations were made and conclusion drawn.

Stressors among Healthcare Workers during Covid-19 Era at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka Anambra State Nigeria

Stressors among Healthcare Workers during Covid-19 Era at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka Anambra State Nigeria

Stressors among Healthcare Workers during Covid-19 Era Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka Anambra State Nigeria

Stressors among Healthcare Workers during Covid-19 Era Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka Anambra State Nigeria

Stressors among Healthcare Workers during Covid-19 Era Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka Anambra State Nigeria

The research on stress, its effect, sources and management cannot be over emphasized. The purpose of the study is to determine the stressors among healthcare workers at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka. Six research questions were posited and four hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The cross sectional survey research design was used for the study. The multi stage sampling technique was used to draw a sample of 267 out of 772 Healthcare workers (HCWs). The instrument for data collection was a researcher’s designed questionnaire. The instrument was subjected to reliability test using the pilot test method. The data collected were analyzed using frequency and percentages for research questions (1-6) while the null hypotheses were tested using Chi – square statistics. The result revealed ten stressors to healthcare workers during covid-19 era which were demanding workload which was endorsed by 96.2% of the respondents, Time pressure (84.5%), sleep deprivation (66.8%), role ambiguity and conflicts (54.3%), home/work interconnection (71.3%), emotional exhaustion (87.5%), limited break periods (78.5), fear of exposure to infection (95.8%), physical and psychological abuse (56.2%), and concerns about children not being taken care of properly when you are away (60.8%). Based on the findings and conclusions, the researcher recommended among other things that the demanding workload of the healthcare professionals can be reduced by employing more workers hereby reducing stress. Also, Annual leave, maternity leave, casual leave and break periods amidst work, etc should not be denied any job category in the healthcare system to avoid break down in health of the HCWs.