Institution In South-West Nigeria Research Articles

Cancer risks from head radiography procedures

The goal of this study is to evaluate the risk of cancer induction in head radiography procedures with a view to promote dose optimization and enhance patient safety. Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD 100) was used to determine the entrance surface dose (ESD) of 20 patients presented for head radiography in two tertiary healthcare institutions in Southwest Nigeria. The corresponding effective dose and doses to the brain, oral mucosa and salivary gland were evaluated using PCXMC software. Incidence cancer risks were evaluated using BEIR VII model. The total entrance surface dose (ESDT) for mandible, paranasal sinuses and skull radiography ranged between 3.01-19.12 mGy with a mean of 7.52 mGy. The resulting effective dose, brain dose, oral mucosa dose and salivary gland dose has a mean of 0.25 mGy, 2.84 mGy, 3.06 mGy, and 4.97 mGy respectively. The least incidence of cancer risk obtained in this study is 1: 7000. Failure in the adoption of complete optimization technique was responsible for the increased risk. Periodic dose audit and enforcement of radiation protection policy will help to checkmate the lapses and alleviate patient risk.

A candle in the wind: An assessment of sanitation behavior among students of tertiary educational institutions in southwest Nigeria

Abstract This article examined sanitation behaviour among students’ of tertiary education institutions in southwest Nigeria. The study surveyed the behaviour of the students in the residential hostels across gender differences. A total of 125 students were selected for the survey using a systematic sampling technique. The study revealed that the majority 194 (96.8%) were below 28 years of age. Findings revealed that the number of occupants in a student room was higher than the number of students allocated to the room. Due to overpopulation in rooms within the hostels, the available sanitary installations are overstretched. The study found that the average per capita use of toilets and bathrooms in male and female hostels was 27 and 21 students respectively. The study reports on poor sanitation behaviour among the students in terms of washing of hands after defecation, hand cleaning materials used by the student after using the toilet, flushing the toilet after use, sanitary alternatives when the toilet is in a bad condition and cleaning of students’ rooms. It recommends a mind-set reorientation for the students about adequate sanitary behaviour through effective sanitation education and provision of adequate sanitary amenities to cater for the students residing in the hostels. The findings of this study will have implications for effective policy making on sanitation behaviour among students in tertiary education institutions with a similar background.

Prevalence of Antibodies to HIV among Students of Selected Tertiary Schools in Two Southwest States, Nigeria

Young adults generally have been identified as one of the groups of individuals who are particularly at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and under-graduates constitute a very significant subset among these young adults. Therefore this research was designed to study the specific factors that put undergraduates in ten selected tertiary institutions in southwest Nigeria at risk of contracting HIVAIDS, as well as determine HIV prevalence in these campuses and the viral load of positive subjects. 1000 undergraduates were enrolled in the study, over a period of forty-two months. Baseline retroviral screening was carried out, using a rapid commercial test-kit, DETERMINE®. Confirmatory tests were carried out on positive samples using Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) technique. The viral load of the positive samples was determined using Real Time PCR, while the CD4+ count was assayed using Cyflow technique. Four out of the 1000 subjects were confirmed to be positive, thus representing an overall prevalence rate of 0.4%. The CD4 count of the positive subjects were 479/L, 368/L, 420/L and 1063/L. Molecular analysis of the positive subjects’ samples using RT-PCR revealed that the level of viral RNA in two of the subjects’ was too low for detection, while the other two positive subjects had 20 cp/ml and 325 cp/ml of viral RNA in their samples. Analyses of both the negative and positive subjects’ questionnaires were carried out, so as to determine the probable risk-factors that predisposed the positive subjects to infection. Hypotheses tested at p < 0.05 revealed that there was a significant difference in the rate at which the subjects were infected with HIV among the age-groups.

NIGERIAN OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING LECTURERS’ DIFFICULTY IN CONSTRUCTING STUDENTS’ TEST ITEMS

 This paper examines the level of difficulty lecturers experience in constructing test items for various types of tests based on gender and institutional mode of delivery in an Open and Distance Learning higher education context. Descriptive cross-sectional survey research was adopted as the research paradigm, using lecturers from one single mode and one dual mode ODL institution in South West Nigeria as the study population. Stratified simple random sampling techniques were used to select 240 lecturers as the sample. Three research questions and two hypotheses guided the study’s investigation. A questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.78 using Cronbach’s alpha value was used as the research instrument. Frequency, percentages, t-test statistics and charts were utilised to analyse the data. The results showed that ODL lecturers exhibited moderate levels of difficulty in test item construction. Female ODL lecturers found case study, multiple choice, matching, essay, and completion items more difficult to generate than their male counterparts did. There was a significant difference in the difficulty male and female ODL lecturers experienced in constructing test items. Significant differences were also found in the difficulty experienced by single and dual mode ODL lecturers in construct test items. The findings of the study have implications for the capacity development of lecturers, ODL institution management, and test experts in order to improve lecturers’ capacities in test items construction.

Self-medication among health workers in a tertiary institution in South-West Nigeria.

IntroductionInappropriate self-medication results in wastage of resources, resistance to pathogen and generally entails serious health hazard. This study was undertaken to determine the knowledge, practice and reasons for practice of self-medication among health workers in a Nigerian tertiary institution.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among staff of Federal Medical Center Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 305 respondents that were interviewed via a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis was done using SPSS version 15 and while chi-square test was used to test significance between variables, significant (p value set<0.05).ResultsAmong the 305 respondents interviewed, the age range was 18-52yrs with greater proportion being males (51.8%). Majority of respondents were aware of self-medication (94.8%), but only 47.2% had good knowledge of it. Reasons for practicing self-medication were financial problem (10.8%), mild sickness (10.8%), lack of time (13.4%), knowledge of diagnosis (5.6%), convenience (2.3%) and non-availability of doctors (3.0%). The drugs used by respondents without prescription included analgesics (38.2%), antibiotics (19.0%) anti-malaria drugs (13.3%), and others (29.4%). Conditions for which respondents self-medicated were body pains (14.9%), catarrh (14.9%), headache (14.3%), sore throat (11.5%), diarrhea (11.2%), fever (9.0%) and toothache (5.6%).ConclusionThe study demonstrates that the prevalence of self-medication is relatively high. There is need for health education on the implication and danger of self-medication. There is also need for government to pass and enforce law to restrict free access to drugs.

THE PROPENSITY OF FINAL YEAR UNDERGRADUATE AGRICULTURE STUDENTS TO BECOME AGRICULTURAL ENTREPRENEURS: IMPLICATIONS FOR FOOD SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study examined the factors influencing the willingness of final year undergraduate agriculture students to become agricultural entrepreneurs after graduation using a sample of final year agricultural students in four tertiary institutions in south-west Nigeria. Data were obtained through structured questionnaire. Results indicate that fifty-one percent of the students had aspirations for other things apart from agriculture as a profession after graduation. Reasons given for lack of interest in the practice of agriculture include inaccessible agricultural funds, labour-intensive nature of farming in the country and perceived low profitability of agricultural enterprises. Factors which had significant effects on the probability that a final year agricultural student would become an agricultural entrepreneur after graduation include the first choice course on admission to tertiary institution, parents’ level of education and the person who made the final decision for a student to study agriculture in the tertiary institution. Students who had agriculture as the first choice course during admission into tertiary institution are more (0.78) likely to become entrepreneurs in agriculture after graduation. Students whose parent/parents had tertiary education are (0.59) less likely to become agricultural entrepreneurs. Students who personally made the decision to study agriculture are (0.78) less likely to become agricultural entrepreneurs. This implies that the students are not good decision makers in relation to career choice and thus need guidance when choosing their course of study. This will ensure that only interested students study agriculture with a view of becoming agricultural entrepreneurs after graduation thus helping the nation attain food self-sufficiency.

Emergency Peripartum Hysterectomy: A Multicenter Study of Incidence, Indications and Outcomes in Southwestern Nigeria.

Objective To determine the incidence, indications and outcomes of emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH) in three tertiary institutions in south-west Nigeria between January, 2010 and December , 2013. Methods A retrospective review of all cases of EPH over a 4year period was done. EPH was defined as hysterectomy performed at the time of delivery or within 24h of delivery for uncontrollable postpartum bleeding not responsive to conservative measures. Relevant information was extracted from the hospital records and operation notes. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 17.0. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results There were 102 EPHs performed among 39,738 deliveries within the study period, giving a rate of 2.6 per thousand deliveries. Indications were uterine rupture (44.1%), uterine atony (37.3%), morbidly adherent placenta (17.6%) and extension of caesarean section incision involving the uterine arteries (1%). Subtotal hysterectomy was performed in most cases (67.6%).Maternal case fatality rate was 11.8% and perinatal mortality rate was 55.9%. Blood transfusion, severe postoperative anaemia, wound sepsis, febrile morbidity and acute kidney injury were common morbidities associated with the procedure. Following multivariate logistic regression, the unbooked status [odds-ratio 95% CI=12.80 (1.22-133.97) p=0.03] was the only variable that significantly predicted maternal death. Conclusion The incidence of EPH from our study is high. Much more needs to be done in maternal health services, particularly provision of quality obstetric care to reduce the rates of EPH and the associated high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Point-of-care Information Resources use by Clinicians in A Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution: A Non-Uniform Distribution

Clinicians have been found to need more than mere primary information from sources such as MEDLINE and medical journal outlets. Information that will be useful for busy clinicians during patient care or at the bed side must be filtered for relevance, have labels for strength of recommendation and must be easily accessed. Point-of-care (POC) information resources belong here. However, their usage and distribution of use among clinicians in Nigeria have not been studied and the reason for this paper. Survey research was employed and questionnaire used to collect data from clinicians in a tertiary health institution in Southwest Nigeria on their use of fifteen selected POC information resources. The study found that while the doctors mostly (68.57%) use search engines such as Google to meet their POC information needs, very few (17.14%) will however use POC information resources. On their usage of POC information resources, the study found that eMedicine (14.29%) and 5-minute Clinical Consult (14.29%) and Clinical Evidence (11.43%) were mostly used on daily basis where eMedicine (17.14%), Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews (11.43%) and Clinical Evidence (8.57%) were the ones used more on weekly basis. On the overall use average, the study found that eMedicine (21.91%), BMJ's Clinical Evidence (16.19%), and Clinical pharmacology-Elsevier (13.33%) and Cochrane Library (10.47%) were the mostly used POC information resources by clinicians in the tertiary health institution. However, the test of hypothesis on how users are distributed on POC information resources in the hospital shows a non-uniform distribution. Recommendations were made based on these findings.

Reshaping maternal services in Nigeria: any need for spiritual care?

BackgroundHigh maternal and perinatal mortalities occur from deliveries conducted in prayer houses in Nigeria. Although some regulatory efforts have been deployed to tackle this problem, less attention has been placed on the possible motivation for seeking prayer house intervention which could be hinged on the spiritual belief of patients about pregnancy and childbirth. This study therefore seeks to determine the perception of booked antenatal patients on spiritual care during pregnancy and their desire for such within hospital setting.MethodA total of 397 antenatal attendees from two tertiary health institutions in southwest Nigeria were sampled. A pretested questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic features of respondents, perception of spiritual care during pregnancy and childbirth; and how they desire that their spiritual needs are addressed. Responses were subsequently collated and analyzed.ResultsMost of the women, 301 (75.8%), believe there is a need for spiritual help during pregnancy and childbirth. About half (48.5%) were currently seeking for help in prayer/mission houses while another 8.6% still intended to. Overwhelmingly, 281 (70.8%) felt it was needful for health professionals to consider their spiritual needs. Most respondents, 257 (64.7%), desired that their clergy is allowed to pray with them while in labour and sees such collaboration as incentive that will improve hospital patronage. There was association between high family income and desire for collaboration of healthcare providers with one’s clergy (OR 1.82; CI 1.03-3.21; p = 0.04).ConclusionOur women desire spiritual care during pregnancy and childbirth. Its incorporation into maternal health services will improve hospital delivery rates.

Lipid profile in an apparently healthy Nigerian population

To describe the pattern of lipid profile of members of staff of a tertiary education institution in South-West Nigeria with a view to assessing risk of cardiovascular disease among them. One hundred and ninety three (193) members of staff of the Institution were involved in the study. Questionnaires were administered to obtain information on demographic characteristics and medical history of respondents. Weight, height and blood pressure of participants were measured and the Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated. Fasting plasma lipid profile parameters--Total cholesterol (TC), High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) , Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and Triglycerides (TG)) were also determined in all the participants using standard assay methods. Mean TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and TG were 4.04 mmol/L, 1.63 mmol/L, 1.98 mmol/L and 0.92 mmol/L respectively . Mean BMI was 25.98 kg/m2. Twenty-eight (14.5%) participants had mean cholesterol values e" 5.2 mM/L, 19 men had HDL values<1.0 mM/L and 28 women had HDL values<1.3 mM/L (making a total of 24.3% of the study population). Twenty (10.4%) had LDL cholesterol e"3.3 mM/L, while 14 (7.3 %) had triglyceride valuese" 1.7 mM/L. One hundred and thirty one (67.8%) participants had values of all lipid parameters within reference range while 62 (32.8%) had abnormality in 1 or more of the parameters. Sixty two participants (32.1%) were overweight while 45 (23.3%) were obese. Statistically significant differences were found when TG and BMI levels of male participants were compared with those of their female counterparts. Abnormalities in lipid profile parameters were found mostly in participants who were 40 years and above. Age of participants correlated positively with total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels while LDL-C levels correlated negatively with HDL levels. A significant proportion of the population had abnormality in one or more Lipid profile parameters, the most common being low HDL cholesterol levels. A considerable number of participants were also either overweight or obese. Most of the abnormalities in lipid profile were found in participants e" 40 years. The study underscores a need to sensitise members of the community to regular lipid profile check up .

Prevalence of Filaria Worm Amongprospective Blood Donors Attending a Tertiary Health Institution In Southwestnigeria

The prevalence of microfilaria parasite was carried out among prospective blood donors at Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Ido Ekiti, Nigeria. A total of 863 blood samples were examined for the parasite using microscopic diagnosis method. 22(2.5%) samples were positive for different species of microfilaria with highest prevalence observed in Loa loa. All the 22 microfilaremia subjects were male donors and were asymptomatic with highest prevalence among the blood group O Rhesus D positive (77.3%). Age group 21-30 years were more infected with filarial worm. The results therefore indicate that there is possible warning of problematic transfusion filariasis in this study location as there might be misdiagnosis of the parasite among blood donors and this call for the attention of the relevant authority that blood donors should be adequately screened for microfilaria parasite before such blood is transfused to avert its consequences on the recipients, hence the need for the study. Keywords: prevalence, Filarial worm, blood donor

Waste Generation and Management Practices in Residential Areas of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

This study was carried out to assess the generation and management of solid wastes in residential areas of some selected tertiary institutions in southwest Nigeria, to provide insights into existing waste management approaches, so as to provide sustainable avenues for institutional policy improvement. It was conducted for a period of six months (June to November 2012). The wastes were collected, sorted, weighed and classified according to their components. Also, questionnaires were administered to the unit heads in charge of waste management in the different institutions. The study shows that of the average waste generated per day in the residential areas of the institutions, food waste exhibited the highest percentage generation at 48%, 62% and 32% in the student, senior and junior staff residential areas, respectively. This was followed by plastic related materials with respective percentage generation at 18%, 7% and 19%. Other important waste materials identified in the study include e-waste, metals and textiles. The results also revealed that high income earners generate more wastes than low income earners. The high composition of non-biodegradable wastes from these results bears implication of the requirement for alternative waste management solutions for sustainable and environmental friendly waste management system in the university community. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n4p45

Neurological and intellectual disabilities among adolescents within a custodial institution in South-West Nigeria

A total of 67 adolescents from a juvenile remand home were matched with 67 other adolescents by age and gender, with a view to determine the prevalence and spectrum of neurological and intellectual disabilities. Intelligence quotient (IQ) was estimated using an adapted version of the Slosson's Intelligence Test and a full neurological evaluation was carried out. The mean IQ score for the remand home participants was significantly lower than the controls (77 ± 11 vs. 99 ± 14; t = 1.6, P = 0.001). Almost half (46.7%) of the participants in the remand home had intellectual disability of varying degrees, including borderline intellectual functioning, compared with only two (3.3%) of the comparison group (P < 0.001). Epilepsy and neurological deficits were significantly more prevalent among the remand home group, particularly those admitted as victims of neglect, compared with the comparison group (P ≤ 0.02). These findings and recent literature were used to speculate the possible underlying factors. Policy implications for child social welfare in Nigeria were suggested.

Factors affecting utilization of University health services in a tertiary institution in South-West Nigeria

Most university health services have extensive health infrastructures, for the provision of effective and efficient health services to the students. In this study, we have tried to determine student's perception of factors affecting their utilization. To determine students' perception of health care services provided in a tertiary institution and assess students' attitude towards utilization. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 540 respondents, comprising of 390 males and 150 females. A structured and self-administered questionnaire was the instrument used to collect data for the study, while data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentage. High cost of drugs (72.0%), non availability of essential drugs (54.8%), time spent waiting for treatment (67.2%), inadequate referral services (81.7%), and satisfaction with services (60.6%) were considered by the respondents as factors affecting the utilization of university health services. Students-medical staff relationship and accessibility to health facility (77.6% and 74.3% respectively) were, however, not considered as factors that affect utilization of university health services. It is recommended that to improve utilization and cost of care, government should make necessary efforts to incorporate tertiary institution into National Health Insurance scheme so that students above the age of 18 years can benefit from free treatment.

Awareness and Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Perception and Screening Practices among Females in a Tertiary Institution in Southwest Nigeria

this study is aimed at assessing the practices of breast cancer screening and risk perception of women of reproductive age group in a tertiary institution in Osun state. It was a descriptive cross sectional study carried out at the Federal polytechnic, Ede. A total of 393 eligible respondents recruited using a stratified random sampling technique, were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire after obtaining a verbal consent from them. About two thirds (67.9%) of those who had heard of breast cancer knew that there were screening methods available. Of these 91.6% knew breast self examination, 93.2% knew clinical breast examination and only a third 32.8% knew mammography as a screening method. About half of respondents who were aware of breast cancer practice breast self examination. Only 28 (7.6%) of the respondents had ever visited any clinic for breast cancer screening, and 85.7% (24) of the visit was for clinical breast examination while mammography was rarely done (14.3%). Eighty one per cent of those who were aware of breast cancer believed that screening had a role to play. The study shows that though awareness of breast cancer among respondents was good, the practice of breast cancer screening was poor among the respondents and even worse with screening with mammography. A major recommendation is that initiatives to reduce morbidity and mortality due to breast cancer among young females in the southwest Nigeria should include education on risk factors, early signs and methods of screening for breast cancer.

Living Conditions of Students in Tertiary Institutions in Southwest Nigeria

Living Conditions of Students in Tertiary Institutions in Southwest Nigeria

The Incidence and Management of Conflicts in Secular and Non-Secular Tertiary Institutions in South West Nigeria.

This paper compared the incidence and management of conflicts in secular and non-secular tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The sample of this study was made of sixty staff, and two hundred and forty students randomly selected each from two secular and two non-secular tertiary institutions in south western Nigeria. A validated questionnaire was designed and administered to collect data on the occurrence of conflict and conflict management strategies. Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and percentage. In addition, t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that conflict is common to both secular and non-secular tertiary institutions. The study however revealed that the level of occurrence of conflict is low in the two types of institutions. It was also revealed that there is no significant difference in the conflict management strategies adopted by authorities of both secular and non-secular tertiary institutions. In addition, the study revealed that the conflict management strategies adopted by authorities of both secular and non-secular tertiary institutions are significantly related to their effectiveness. Based on the findings, it was recommended that authorities need to give prompt attention to addressing causes of conflicts. The use of dialogue in resolving conflicts should be embraced. In addition, all stakeholders in tertiary institutions are encouraged to employ religious exercises for divine intervention to reduce the emergence of conflict or for resolving existing conflicts. Key words: Conflict, occurrence of conflict, conflict management, secular tertiary institutions, non-secular tertiary institutions.

Awareness And Compliance Of Women Of Childbearing Age In A Nigerian Urban Community With The TT1 - TT5 Immunization Schedule

This cross-sectional survey assessed the level of awareness and compliance of the women of childbearing age in a tertiary institution in Southwest Nigeria with the TT1-TT5 immunization schedule, a major strategy, introduced in 1989 for the global elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus. The study revealed that only 36.3% of the respondents were aware of the schedule and only 35.8% have so far commenced the schedule. The higher educational level of the women surveyed not withstanding, was not positively associated (p>0.05) with their awareness or compliance of the TT1- TT5 immunization schedule. However, the respondents' occupation/profession was found to be positively associated (p

Perception and Practice of Emergency Contraception by Post-Secondary School Students in Southwest Nigeria

A survey of 1500 students in post-secondary institutions in southwest Nigeria showed that the concept of emergency contraception (EC) was well known. Respectively, 32.4%, 20.4% and 19.8% knew that combined pills, progesterone only pills and intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) were usable for EC, while 56.7% mentioned the use of traditional methods. Only 11.8% had ever used either pills or IUCD and 10.7% had used a traditional method. Few students (11.5% and 2.3% respectively) knew the correct timing of EC pills and IUCD. The respondents reported varying circumstances under which EC was indicated but the majority cited condom breakage and sexual assault. The popular media represent the commonest source of information while hospitals/clinics were the commonest sources of procurement. About 37% of the respondents planned to use EC in future while 58% would not and 4.7% were uncertain. Reasons for these responses were explored.

Knowledge and practice of emergency contraception among Nigerian youths

The knowledge and use of regular or emergency contraceptives (ECs) among Nigerian youths were assessed by a survey conducted among students with previous clandestine abortions in five higher institutions in Southwest Nigeria. 1000 questionnaires were distributed with a response rate of 75.8%. Analysis was made of the records of 166 respondents with previous clandestine abortions. Sexual intercourse was first experienced at a mean age of 15.7 +or- 3.6 years (range 11-24 years) while the mean number of induced abortions was 2.2 +or- 1.8 (range 1-14). Although most of the respondents were aware of the concept of EC only 30.1% knew about emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and 10.2% knew about the IUD. The percentage of those knowledgeable about ECPs and the IUD was highest among student nurse/midwives students in 26-30 years age group single respondents and Protestants. These results suggest that awareness and use of ECPs and the IUD by the respondents are inadequate but could be improved through readily available information.