Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki Research Articles

Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Myomectomy-Associated Blood Loss among Patients with Uterine Myomas at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki: A Randomized Control Trial.

Myomectomy can be associated with life-threatening conditions such as bleeding. Excessive bleeding usually necessitates blood transfusion. Interventions to reduce bleeding during myomectomy will help reduce the need for blood transfusion with its associated complications. Tranexamic acid has been used to reduce bleeding in other surgical procedures, and its usage during myomectomy merits evaluation. To assess the efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing myomectomy-associated blood loss. This is a prospective double-blinded randomized trial conducted on women who had abdominal myomectomy. Patients were randomized into two groups. The study group received perioperative intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) while the control group received a placebo. Intraoperative blood loss was calculated by measuring the volume in the suction apparatus and weighing the surgical swabs. In addition, blood collected postoperatively from the wound drains and drapes were measured. Haemoglobin concentrations were determined preoperatively and on second postoperative day for all cases. Any adverse effect was noted in both groups. The data was processed using Epi Info software (7.2.1, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia). The relationships between categorical data were analyzed using X2 and Student's t-test to determine relationships between continuous variables, with a P value of 0.05 considered statistically significant, and correlation coefficients were calculated using Pearson's formula, and probability of 0.05 was set for statistical significance. Symptomatic uterine myomas constituted 17.3% of all gynaecological admissions and 21.3% of gynaecological operations at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. The mean intraoperative blood loss among patients that had perioperative tranexamic acid infusion was 413.6 ± 165.6 ml, while that of patients with placebo infusion was 713.6 ± 236.3 ml. Perioperative tranexamic acid infusion therefore reduced mean intraoperative blood loss by 300 ml, and this was statistically significant (SMD = -0.212, 95% CI: -403.932 to -196.067, P < 0.0001). Perioperative tranexamic acid reduced mean total blood loss by a value of 532.3 ml, and this is statistically significant (SMD = 30.622, 95% CI: 393.308 to 670.624, P < 0.0001). Tranexamic acid also improved postoperative haemoglobin concentration by 1.8 g/dl compared with placebo, and this is statistically significant (SMD = -0.122, 95% CI: 1.182 to 2.473, P < 0.0001). Tranexamic acid infusion decreased hospital stay by about 2 days, and this difference was statistically significant (SMD = -3.929, 95% CI: -3.018 to -0.983, P = 0.0003). There was no adverse drug reaction in the course of the study. The use of tranexamic acid during myomectomy reduced intraoperative and postoperative blood loss. It is also associated with decreased hospital stay. This trial is registered with NCT04560465.

English

The study determined the frequency of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-PEc) in HIV-infected individuals with urinary tract infections (UTIs) attending Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA II), and the responses of these bacterial pathogens to colistin, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and ertapenem. Exactly 200 urine samples (mid-stream) were collected from HIV-infected individuals. Standard microbiological techniques were used to characterize bacterial isolates. Phenotypic screening for the production of ESBLs was done by double disc synergy test. Antibiotic susceptibility study was carried out by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Results showed the presence of ESBL-PEc in the urine samples of HIV-infected individuals. ESBL-PEc were highly resistant to gentamycin (85%), ofloxacin (75%), ciprofloxacin (75%), nalidixic acid (70%), tobramycin (65%), kanamycin (64.3%), and norfloxacin (60%), but susceptible to ertapenem (60%) and amikacin (57.1%). The ESBL-PEc isolates were multidrug-resistant. Average multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARI) value of isolates was 0.8, further depicting misuse/abuse of these antibiotic classes in our study area. Thus, it is pertinent to carry out antibiotic susceptibility testing before the commencement of antibiotic therapy, especially in HIV-positive patients with UTIs so as to attain effective treatment regimens and reduce the incidence of antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings. &nbsp; Key words: Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), multidrug resistance, antibiotics, urinary tract infections (UTI), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients.

Histopathological patterns of childhood malignancies seen at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria: A 10 year retrospective study

Introduction: Childhood malignancies (CM) have been one of the major causes of death in the world. It appears to be increasing in significance due to the ongoing reduction in both infectious and nutritional diseases.Aims: The study was conducted to document the histopathological pattern, age and sex distribution of childhood malignancies in a University Teaching Hospital in Southeast Nigeria.Method: The materials consisted of histology slides, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks (FPTB), and requisition forms of all cases diagnosed with CM at a University Teaching Hospital between the periods January 2005 and December 2015Results: A total of 2,528 surgical biopsies were received at the Department. Only 60 (2.4%) specimens represented childhood malignancies. Thirty-one cases (51.7%) of the entire CM were lymphomas; 12 (20.0%) were non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 17 (28.3%) others were Burkitt’s type whereas 2(3.3%) were Hodgkin lymphoma. Childhood malignancies were more in males 36 (60.0 %) than females 24 (40.0%), giving a male to female ratio of 3:2. However, Burkitt’s lymphoma was higher in females 12 (70.6%) than males 5 (29.4%) with a male to female ratio of 1.2:3. Twenty-six (43.3%) cases of the CM occurred in children aged 0-5 years but 20 (36.7%) presented in children aged 11 to 15 years. Twelve (20.0%) cases were seen in children 6 to 10 years. Six (23.1%) of the children had Burkitt's lymphoma all of whom were under 5 years.Conclusion: Lymphomas were the commonest CM, Burkitt’s lymphoma being the dominant subtype in this study. There was a female preponderance of Burkitt’s lymphoma.

Monitoring of bone fractured healing using biochemical markers among patients attending federal teaching hospital abakaliki and bone setter home in onueke ebonyi state, Nigeria

The monitoring of bone fractured healing using Alkaline phosphatase, calcium ion and inorganic phosphate was evaluated among patients with fractured bone in two different centers, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki and Bone Setters Home, Onueke, Ezza in Ebonyi State between August 2017 and September 2018. : A total of 90 adults patients from 18 years to 78 years were examined using phenolphthalein monophosphate colorimetric end point method. Out of the 90 patients, 30 were healthy normal subjects, another 30 were patients in AE-FUTHA while the remaining 30 patients were in bone setter home. : Patients without bone fracture had the least mean serum level of alkaline phosphatase, 28.5 ± 9.0µl followed by those admitted in bone setter home with a mean serum level of 38.2±17.9µl while patients admitted in AE-FUTHA had the highest mean serum level of 41.4±6.5µl (P&amp;#60;0.05). The mean serum level of calcium was significantly higher 10.9± 2.6mg/dl in healthy normal patients compared to mean serum level of 9.2 ± 3.3mg/dl and 7.4 ± 1.3mg/dl for patients admitted in AE-FUTHA and bone setter home respectively. The mean serum level of inorganic phosphate indicate that patients admitted in bone setter home had the highest mean of 4.1 ± 1.0mg/dl followed by patients admitted in AE-FUTHA 3.4 ± 0.2mg/dl while that of healthy normal individuals had the least mean serum level of 3.2 ± 0.5mg/dl. : Out of the three parameters examined, alkaline phosphatase test was more precise, reliable and patient doctor friendly; hence it can be used as a veritable tool to monitor the process of bone fracture healing effectively.

Factors affecting usage of insecticide treated nets for malaria control by pregnant women in Enugu, South East Nigeria.

The National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP) was set up to ensure transition from malaria control to malaria elimination in Nigeria. One of the targets was to reduce malaria-related mortality by 50% by the year 2020, by ensuring that at least 80% of the targeted populations utilize appropriate preventive measures. This study was aimed at reviewing the success of insecticide treated net (ITN) malaria control efforts and understanding the failures and the need to boost up the intervention measures. The research design used for this study was the descriptive method. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 316 pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. Amongst the respondents, 180 (57.0%) owned an ITN while 136 (43.0%) did not. A greater percentage (72.9%) of those who used the ITNs purchased their nets, only 8.4% of mothers who received their ITNs free of charge used the net (P=0.159). Dislike by spouses (63.3%), hot weather discomfort (17.8%) and forgetfulness (17.2%) were some of the factors that contributed to failures of net usage by the pregnant women. Cost Free distribution of ITN did not necessarily improve usage. Rather, success of this strategy will require carrying out more awareness campaign.

Analysis of machete cut fractures in Nigerian civilian trauma setting

Machete cut fracture is an important component of morbidity associated with machete injuries although it is under reported. This was a retrospective study to assess machete cut fractures in patients seen in Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki and National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu from 2009 to 2018. There were 91 patients with 154 fractures, male- to- female ratio was 10:1 and mean age was 31.6 ± 14.6 years. The aetiological factors were assault (57, 62.6%), armed robbery (29, 31.9%) and accidental injury (5, 5.5%). The three top bones involved were ulna, metacarpal and finger-phalanx. Fracture was communited in (17, 11.0%), and Gustilo Anderson grade IIIC in (22, 14.3%). Injury to hospital arrival interval later than 6 h was common and correlated with prolonged length of hospital stay (p < 0.001). Anaemia, wound infection and hemorrhagic shock were the three top complications. Nine (5.8%) fractures ended in extremity amputation. Eleven (12.1%) patients left against medical advice, and 5 (5.5%) were transferred. Normal union in 98.3% of the fractures treated and followed up for a minimum of one year. Case fatality rate was 2.2%; none of the patient that died had pre hospital care, and hemorrhagic shock accounted for all the mortality. These call for appropriate injury preventive mechanisms, and improved rates of early presentation of patients to hospital, and pre hospital care.

Maternal and neonatal anthropometric analyses: Determining birth outcomes in low-risk pregnancies at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.

To assess the input of maternal and neonatal body physique anthropometries to birth outcomes. A prospective study of 177 full-term births at Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki from July to December, 2019. Maternal and neonatal anthropometric parameters and birth outcomes: mode of delivery and Apgar score were considered in this study. The measurements followed the guidelines outlined by the Institute of Medicine. The prevalence of low birth weight (6.21%), cesarean delivery (14.12%), and abnormal Apgar score (9.04%) was relatively low in the study. Birth weight was dependent on maternal age, weight, body mass index, percentage body fat, and waist and hip circumference (P<0.05). Normal Apgar score at 1min after birth of male neonates was dependent on maternal BMI and neonatal head circumference whereas abnormal Apgar score in male and female neonates was dependent on maternal age and waist:hip ratio, respectively (P<0.05). Maternal and neonatal body physique anthropometries can be used to identify mothers and neonates at risk of having birth complications. This provided a practical alternative means to know the possible risk of undesirable birth outcomes with spontaneous vaginal delivery in low-risk pregnancies.

Cervical Ripening for Induction of Labor: A Randomized Comparison between Vaginal Misoprostol versus Foley’s Catheter Placement in a Nigeria Tertiary Hospital

Background: Cervical ripening is prerequisite of successful induction of labor. Vaginal misoprostol and Foley’s catheter placement have been widely used for this purpose but the data are not always sufficient. We attempted to determine which (misoprostol versus Foley’s catheter) is more effective/safer in Nigerian setting. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was performed at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria, involving 135 term pregnant women requiring cervical ripening and labor induction. Participants were randomly allocated to misoprostol versus catheter group. The following were recorded/measured/analyzed: Bishop’s score, age, parity, body mass index, gestational age, labor duration, indication, oxytocin use, mode of delivery, and Apgar score. Chi square test and t test were used where appropriate. Results: At 24 hours, all of misoprostol group were either in labor, had ripe cervix, or had delivered, whereas 35.4% of catheter group had still unripe cervix (x2 = 29.856, P = 0.0001). Misoprostol group was less likely to require oxytocin infusion (x2 = 52.600, P = 0.0001) and less likely to require cesarean delivery (cesarean: misoprostol versus catheter: 11% versus 34% (x2 = 9.800, P = 0.001)). Total medical cost for misoprostol was less than that of catheter (x2 = 14.703, P = 0.0001). Conclusion: 50 μg vaginal misoprostol, compared with catheter placement, was more effective, cheaper, and safe as a procedure of cervical ripening before induction of labor.

Presence of Chaperone during Pelvic Examination: Women’s Opinions and Preferences in a Tertiary Hospital in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Introduction: Pelvic examination in the evaluation of patients can be a source of dissatisfaction and litigation from patients. A chaperone is beneficial in militating against unforeseen circumstances surrounding this clinical examination. Aim: To access the opinions and preferences of patients in pelvic examinations and factors associated with the use of chaperones in Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study. Women were recruited between October 2017 to April 2018 among patients attending the Gynaecological Clinic at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data such as the socio-demographic characteristics, feelings towards pelvic examinations, and preferences about the gender of the examining doctor as well as the presence of a chaperone. Data analysis was done using International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) Statistics version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Out of 423 questionnaires distributed, 395 respondents completed the survey giving a response rate of 93.4%. The mean age of the respondents were 29.2±6.2 years. Majority of the respondents would prefer to be seen by a female gynaecologist 342 (86.6%). About 50 (12.7%) respondents would decline pelvic examination. The commonest reason given for refusing gynaecologic examination was uncomfortable environment 25 (50%). More than two-third 264 (76.5%) would prefer to have a chaperone present at any pelvic examination. Avoidance of sexual molestation was the commonest reason given for wanting a chaperone to be present 207 (78.4%). Nulliparous women (OR=2.25 95% CI 1.13-4.50) and those with at least a secondary education (OR=7.91 95% CI 4.54-13.78) were also more likely to request a chaperone. Conclusion: Majority of the women in present study wanted the presence of a chaperone during a pelvic examination. It is therefore recommended that chaperones should routinely be offered during pelvic examination in Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria.

Determinants of willingness to participate in community-based health insurance among People Living with HIV in South-East Nigeria

Background: Despite free antiretroviral treatment at designated facilities, many People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nigeria continue to face catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) due to direct non-medical and indirect costs of illness. Waning donor funding and poor country ownership of HIV care programs are challenges to the sustainability of care for PLHIV. Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) presents a viable alternative for funding HIV care services. The aim of this study was to assess the determinants of Willingness To Participate (WTP) in CBHI among PLHIV in a large tertiary hospital in South-east Nigeria. Methods and materials: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 371 PLHIV on treatment at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki Nigeria using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 20. Statistical tests were conducted at 5% level of significance. Results: Respondents were mostly males (51.8%) with mean age of 45.4 ± 10.3. The mean monthly income of respondents was N26, 665.77 ± 15,171.50 ($74,070 ± 42.14). Majority were willing to participate (825%) and to finance their participation in CBHI (65.2%). Major reasons given for unwillingness to participate in CBHI were poor understanding on how the system works, lack of regular source of income, health insurance not needed and fear of poor management of resources. On bivariate analysis, WTP in CBHI was associated with gender (p < 0.001), marital status (p < 0.001), employment type (p = 0.006), family size (p = 0.001), educational level (p < 0.001), monthly and monthly income (p < 0.001). Predictors of WTP were female gender (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.6–5.7), being currently unmarried (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI: 2.3–7.8), self-employed (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2–3.9), family size greater than 5 (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.7–5.9) and having less than a secondary school education (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI: 2.3–7.8). Conclusion: The majority of the respondents were willing to participate and finance their participation in CBHI. The vulnerable subgroups (females, unmarried, self-employed, poorly educated and those with large family size) had higher odds of WTP. To reduce CHE, there is a need to harness this high WTP among PLHIV in the design of subsidized and sustainable CBHI programs with special focus on the socially disadvantaged.

Socio-demographic Differentials in the Knowledge of E-Health Care Delivery among Health Care Professionals in Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Background: The emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in developing countries including Nigeria underscores the need for electronic health (e-Health) to improve health care delivery. This study thus determined the knowledge and socio-demographic differentials in the knowledge of e-Health care delivery among health care professionals in Federal Teaching Hospital Abakalik (FETHA) Ebonyi State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: The descriptive research design and a self-developed questionnaire was used for the study. Three objectives with three research questions and two null –hypotheses were postulated to guide the study. Out of a population of 2092 health workers in FETHA, 209 representing 10% were drawn through a multistage sampling technique and were studied. Frequency and percentage were used to answer research question one, while mean and standard deviation were used to answer research questions two and three. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used in testing null hypotheses one while Mann-Whitney U test was used in testing hypotheses two at .05 level of significance.&#x0D; Results: The overall mean percentage of respondents was 85.6% which indicates that health care professionals in FETHA possessed a good knowledge of e-Health care delivery. The findings further indicated that health care professional in FETHA differed in their level of education with diploma and below possessing higher knowledge of e-Health care delivery (x̅=1.23) than those with B.Sc. and above (x̅=1.14). Also differed by their age (P&gt;0.05), and level of education (P&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Nigerian government at all levels, through their various Ministries of Health should organize intensive ICT training and retraining of their employees, especially those with B.Sc and above.

RISING PROFILE OF ORAL CAVITY PROTOZOA AMONGST DENTAL PATIENTS IN SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA

The observed low knowledge of oral hygiene and the need to investigate the possible cause(s) of the existing oral diseases in our study area motivated this study. This study investigated the prevalence of human oral protozoan parasites amongst dental patients attending the clinic at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, South Eastern Nigeria. A total of 180 patients (72 males and 108 females) were sampled. Dental plaque, dental calculus, and saliva samples were collected from the patients. Samples were analyzed following standard methods. An overall prevalence rate of 40% occurred. Entamoeba gingivalis was the most encountered 28 (15.56%), followed by Trichomonas tenax 24 (13.33%) while mixed infections were recorded in 20 (11.11%) patients. The prevalence of both protozoans was higher in females 44 (40.74%) than in males 28 (38.89%). The highest prevalence was recorded among patients within the age range of ≤ 50 years (22 (81.48 %)) and least within the age range of ≤ 20 years 4(16.00%). There was an observed significant relationship between age and oral hygiene status. We, therefore report that poor oral hygiene is a predisposing factor that exposes the buccal cavity to frequent colonization by parasites. Constant oral health education should be encouraged especially among dental patients.

Clients’ Assessment of Quality of Antenatal Care Services at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria: Understanding Key Role of Health Providers

Clients’ Assessment of Quality of Antenatal Care Services at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria: Understanding Key Role of Health Providers

A Cross-Sectional Survey of Factors Influencing Choice of Medical Care Among Ill Patients Suffering from Chronic Diseases in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

The cross-sectional survey research design was used to the study the factors influencing choice of medical care among ill patients suffering from chronic diseases in Ebonyi State. The sample of the study comprised 325 in-patients with selected chronic diseases such as diabetics&amp;rsquo; mellitus, cardiac and renal diseases who were undergoing treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FETHA 1) Abakaliki. The instrument used for data collection was a 26-item questionnaire developed by the researchers. Data collected were analyzed using percentages in order to describe the data and chi-square (&amp;chi;2) statistic in order to establish whether there was any significant association between the independent variables of gender and level education attained and the dependent variables, that is, the factors influencing choice of medical care among chronic diseases patients. The results of the study showed that the association between gender and factors influencing choice of medical care is not significant except for culture, employer and strong hope of cure (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Secondly, the association between level of education attained by patients and factors influencing choice of medical care is significant except for finance, access to hospital, relationship with medical personnel and adequacy of hospital facilities (p &amp;gt; 0.05). The need for chronic diseases clinics and hospitals for prompt treatment of chronic diseases patients is advocated.

The Effect of Ultrasound-Measured Preinduction Cervical Length on Delivery Outcome in a Low-Resource Setting

Background Induction of labour is not without risk, and it calls for a method that will be sensitive enough to predict successful labour induction. Aim This study aims to evaluate the role of transvaginal ultrasonographic cervical length measurement at term in the prediction of successful induction of labour (IOL). Materials and Methods This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki between 1st of July and 30th of November 2015. Preinduction Bishop score and cervical length were assessed before induction of labour. Intracervical, cervical, extraamniotic Foley catheter was used to improve the Bishop score. The data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 20. Results The mean maternal age of the study group was 30.68 ± 6.38 years with a range of 19–43 years. The mean gestational age and parity were 39.57 ± 1.49 and 1.85 ± 0.63, respectively. All the women studied had successful induction of labour with mean induction delivery time of 8.1 ± 3.0 hours and mean duration of labour of 7.4 ± 2.9 hours. Preinduction cervical length is a good predictor of a short duration of labour (P = 0.001). Parturient with a preinduction cervical length of less than 3 cm was likely to have labour lasting less than 6 hours (RR = 4.20 (95% CI 1.85–9.529). Conclusion Transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length provides a useful prediction of the likelihood of duration of labour following the induction of labour. It is recommended that IOL should be considered and success anticipated in a parturient with a cervical length less than 3 cm.

Behavioural and Socio-economic Implications of HIV/AIDS Patients on Population and Development of Ebonyi State, Nigeria: 2010–2014

BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that HIV/AIDS has become one of the leading causes of death Worldwide since it was discovered over 30 years ago. The virus has challenged medical solutions and it poses serious socio-economic challenges to most African countries and Ebonyi state in Nigeria in particular. However, the relationship between the behavioural pattern of HIV/AIDS patients, population growth and economic development has not been established in Ebonyi state. Therefore, the study aims to determine the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS on population growth and economic development in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. &#x0D; &#x0D; METHOD: Survey research approach was adopted and information was generated from primary sources. The information was subjected to rigorous content and validity analysis to establish their consistency and reliability. Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA) was selected for the study due to the strategic location of the institution. 210 HIV/AIDS patients were selected randomly and the descriptive method of data analysis was used. Reported HIV/AIDS cases in the hospital between 2010 and 2014 were 2583.&#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS: Findings revealed that 61.9% of those living with the virus are female and the rest male, while 76.2% have tertiary education, 71.9% are between 26 to 64 years old, 46.2% are single, 56.7% contracted it through sexual intercourse, 94.3% have been living with it for between 1-8 years, 71.4% engage in unprotected sexual intercourse since they contracted it while 85.3% are desirous of transmitting the virus to others before they die. The spread of the virus is associated with causal/unprotected sexual habits, poverty induced prostitution, indecent dressing, uncontrolled access to social network and improper use of condom.&#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION: The study reveals a strong relationship between HIV/AIDS, economic development and population growth and recommends establishment of special task force to check indecent/offensive dressing, attitudinal/behavioural change/modification of the patients and control on the use of social network by the youth as measures to check the further spread of the virus in the state.

Dangerous Blood Group ‘O’ Donors Incidents at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki

Dangerous Blood Group ‘O’ Donors Incidents at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki

A Six-Year Review of Caesarean Sections at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria

Background: Globally, the rise in the rate of caesarean section is becoming a public health problem. This study examined the rate, indications and complications of caesarean section at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA). Subjects and Methods: This was a six-year retrospective study covering January 1st 2012 to December 31st 2017. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified from the theatre records and their case notes retrieved from the health information unit of the hospital. Information extracted includes sociodemographic data, indications and types of caesarean section performed and the complications. Data was collected using a structured proforma and entered into a secured personal computer. Data analysis was performed by means of Epi Info version 7. Results are presented in tables, means and simple percentages. Results: During this period, a total of 11,215 deliveries were recorded at FETHA, of these, 3908 were delivered by CS giving a caesarean section rate of 34.8%. The mean age of the study subjects was 29.3 ± 5.03 years. Almost half (49.7%) of the patients were in the 20 - 29 age group. Multiparous women made up 36.0% while nulliparous women were 12.6%. The most common indication for an emergency caesarean section was failure to progress in labour with 20.0% contribution and the most common indication for elective caesarean section was previous caesarean section with 13.5%. Majority of the babies were delivered at term (77.0%) with an average gestational age of 38 ± 2.6 weeks. Almost two-thirds of the subjects (62.5%) had emergency caesarean section. The average birthweight was 3.03 ± 0.71 kg. Maternal anaemia was the most common complication recorded 38.0%. There was direct maternal death in 2.0% of the study population. Severe birth asphyxia was recorded in 12.3% of the babies while there was 3.2% perinatal death. Conclusion: There is a high rate of caesarean section from this study. The World Health Organization has stated that there is no additional maternal or fetal benefit with caesarean section rate of greater than 10% - 15%. Stakeholders and policy makers need to do more to mitigate this rising trend.

Perspectives of clinical students toward organ donation and transplantation: A cross-sectional descriptive study in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Background: The terminal stages of most chronic organ-related diseases are often characterized by end-stage organ failure. Organ donation with subsequent transplantation represents the best clinical practice. Although several studies on the knowledge and attitudes of medical students toward organ donation and transplantation have been conducted elsewhere, similar reports are few in Nigeria. Aim: This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitudes of clinical students in a Nigerian tertiary hospital on organ donation and transplantation. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among clinical students of Ebonyi State Univesity (EBSU) Abakaliki at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) southeast Nigeria between January and July 2019, using standardized self-administered organ donation questionnaires. These questionnaires were self-administered to 204 medical students selected by systematic random sampling. The data were analyzed on descriptive statistics using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. The differences in proportions were tested for statistical significance with the chi-square test. Statistical significance was based on P value <0.05. Results: Majority (99.0%) of the students knew about organ donation and its indications and the common transplantable organs but believed the kidneys were the most commonly transplanted organs. Sixty four (31.4%) of the total students were willing to serve as donors because of “the need to save a life.” Students’ age (P = 0.78), year of study (P = 0.10), marital status (P = 0.15), and religion (P = 0.69) did not significantly influence their perspectives about organ donation and transplantation. However, gender (P < 0.001) and residential status (P = 0.02) had a significant influence. Conclusion: A substantial number of clinical students in this clime have the correct perspectives on organ donation and transplantation, irrespective of their sociodemographic characteristics.

Knowledge and Utilization of E-Health Care Delivery among Health Care Professionals in Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Knowledge and Utilization of E-Health Care Delivery among Health Care Professionals in Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria