Nnamdi Azikiwe University Research Articles

Gender Comparison of some Apolipoprotein and Lipid Profiles in Apparently Healthy Adult Male and Female Subjects at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-Eastern Nigeria

Apolipoproteins are a group of proteins that are found on the surface of lipoprotein particles and are involved in lipid metabolism. Lipoproteins are complexes of lipids and proteins that transport lipids in the bloodstream, transport triglycerides to peripheral tissues, and reverse transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver for excretion. They are important biomarkers of lipid metabolism and are known to be associated with an increased risk of CVD. This study aims to assess the effect of gender on some of the apolipoproteins and lipid profiles studied at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi. A total of 51 adult female and 49 adult male subjects were randomly recruited at the Voluntary and counseling center NAUTH. The apolipoproteins such as Apo A-1, Apo A-2, Apo B, Apo C-2, Apo C-3, and Apo E, and the lipoproteins such as Total cholesterol (Chol), Low-Density Lipids (LDL), High-Density Lipids (HDL), and Triglycerides (TG) were analyzed using routine laboratory analyses. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21, independent Students’-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare means. The Apo A-1, Apo A-2, Apo B, Chol, HDL, and TG levels were significantly elevated in the male subjects compared to the female subjects with p<0.05. Conclusively, the male subjects studied were more prone to cardiovascular conditions.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD): A Tertiary Centre Retrospective Study in Nigeria

Background: Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited condition. Due to recent advances in medical care for patients with sickle cell anaemia, more women with SCD are able to survive up to the reproductive age group. This has given rise to a higher number of pregnant women with SCD. It results in increased fetal and maternal risks due to the metabolic demands, hypercoagulable state and vascular stasis often associated with pregnancy. It has therefore become imperative to explore what progress has been made over the last decade as well as what can be done to achieve the best outcome in these women. 
 Methods: This was a retrospective study of women with SCD who accessed antenatal care (ANC) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi over a ten year period. Folder numbers were obtained from the obstetrics clinic and thereafter the folders were assessed and data retrieved using a checklist. Data analysis was done using SPSS 24.
 Results: The prevalence of sickle cell disease among pregnant women in this centre was 0.03%. All the women had the HbSS variants. The mean age of the subjects was 28.3 ± 5.6years. Majority of the women were gainfully employed. The mean gestational age at booking was 26 9.5 weeks. Half of the neonates had fetal distress at birth. Commonest maternal complication was anemia (100%) followed by vaso-occlusive crisis (89%). Eighty nine percent of the women were delivered by emergency caesarean section prior to 37 weeks gestational age. Preterm birth and fetal distress were the commonest neonatal complications.
 Conclusion: The study revealed that pregnancy associated with sickle cell disease still carries high maternal and fetal morbidity in this environment. Majority of the women with SCD in pregnancy did not receive preconception care and also did not commence their ANC early enough. There is need to educate women with SCD on the need for preconception care to ensure optimization of health prior to conception. They should also book early enough to facilitate close fetal monitoring throughout pregnancy.

ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY AND MULTIDRUG RESISTANCE TO MICROBIAL ISOLATES FROM FOMITES OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS AT HOLLY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, OCHADAMU, NIGERIA

Aim and objective: Microbial contamination of some fomites were screened for, in which over 100 samples were collected from table, mobile phone and biro pen from Holley Memorial Hospital Ochadamu, Kogi State, Nigeria. Methods: Using standard techniques, the samples were collected using a sterile swab stick dipped in normal saline and aseptically swabbing the surface of the fomites. The organisms; Staphylococcus aureus(40%), Escherichia coli (15%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5%), Bacillus cereus (10%), Proteus mirabilis (5%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae(20%) were isolated and identified using both morphological and biochemical techniques. The antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out using disc diffusion method. Results: this finding revealed that all the organisms were sensitive to tarivid but were resistant to septrin with varied zones of inhibition. However, the highest inhibition zone was recorded for perfloxacin (30.00 mm) on Klebsiella pneumoniae. All the isolates showed varying multidrug resistant pattern to the antibiotics used. Conclusion: The understudied fomites are cheap source of nosocomial infections and also showed varying degree of multidrug resistant pattern. Peer Review History: Received: 11 February 2023; Revised: 12 March; Accepted: 27 April 2023, Available online: 15 May 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye Dr. Ogbonna B. Onyebuchi, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, summitpharm@yahoo.com

Perception and Consequences Associated with Self-Medication Practice among Nnamdi Azikiwe University Undergraduates

Self-medication implies the use of any medicine for the treatment of ailments without a physician’s prescription. This study investigated perception and consequences associated with self medication practice among Unizik undergraduates. The study was designed as a survey. The study population comprised all undergraduate students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra State. (30,917). A sample of 390 respondents was selected from this population. Questionnaires were personally administered to 390 undergraduate students of Unizik. Major findings indicate that a large number of the respondents perceive that self- medicated drugs are as effective as the one prescribed by physicians. That the respondents’ major ailment is Malaria. And that the respondents mostly treat malaria using Lokamal Antimalarial drug. On the consequences associated with self medication, the study discovered that majority of the students are aware of the consequences and have experienced dizziness as a major consequences of self- medication. The study concluded that the respondents are aware and has also to a large extent experienced dizziness as a major consequence of self- medicating. It however suggests that health education on self-medication should be introduced into the undergraduate curriculum so as to enlighten the students on the consequences associated with unregulated self-medication practice.

OROMANDIBULAR DYSTONIA: PREVALENCE, CLINICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC DATA, THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES OUT-COME FOR HUNDRED PATIENTS IN SANA’A CITY, YEMEN

Background and aims: Dystonia is a movement disease characterized by persistent, uncontrollable muscle contractions that often lead to abnormal postures. The tongue, jaw, and mouth are all affected by OMD, which is an uncommon focal dystonia. OMD is a rare public health problem that takes time to diagnose and treat because it is frequently identified as psychogenic. This study sought to ascertain the frequency, demographics, clinical features, and treatment outcomes of patients with mandibular dystonia (OMD) in Sana'a, Yemen. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted; the study included 100 Yemeni adults attending the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Sana'a University Clinics and Departments of Oral, Maxillofacial and Neurosurgery at Kuwait University Hospital and some private centers for maxillofacial medicine and neurosurgery in the city of Sana’a during the year 2022. The selected patients were complaining of contraction or involuntary movement of the masticatory, lingual and/or lower facial muscles. Age, gender, age at onset of illness, duration of illness, personal habits, type of OMD, previous and current treatments, and their outcomes were recorded on a standard, pre-designed questionnaire. Results: The incidence rate of OMD is 19/100,000/year. Most of the patients (92%) are male while only 8% are female. The first episode onset is after stress (29%), 11% after illness, 6% after dental treatment, and 48% without causes. Jaw deviation dystonia was dominant at 65%, followed by jaw closing dystonia (42%), jaw protrusion dystonia (29%), and jaw opening dystonia (27%). After current treatment out-come, there was improvement on ability to eat ( from 12% to 24%, p=0.02), to speak (from 25% to 43%, p=0.007), the rate of no pain raised from 46% to 57%, the rate of no discomfort raised from 21% to 34% (p=0.04) and the score ≤ 5 of OMD raised from 47% to 72% (p=0.0003). Conclusion: The incidence of OMD in Sana’a city is remarkably high, predominantly male, and peaks at 30, 40, and 50 years of age. Jaw deviation dystonia was the dominant type followed by jaw closing dystonia. After the current treatment outcome, the ability to eat has improved, the rate of pain and discomfort has decreased. Peer Review History: Received: 25 February 2023; Revised: 17 March; Accepted: 28 April 2023, Available online: 15 May 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Sally A. El-Zahaby, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, sally.elzahaby@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Bilge Ahsen KARA, Ankara Gazi Mustafa Kemal Hospital, Turkey, ahsndkyc@gmail.com Dr. Ogbonna B. Onyebuchi, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, summitpharm@yahoo.com

Isolation and Characterization of Multidrug Resistant Bacterial Pathogens Present in Hospital Environment within Awka Metropolis

The contamination of hospital environment by bacterial organisms plays a vital role in the spread of nosocomial infections. This study was conducted to determine bacterial contamination, bacterial profiles, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and plasmid profiles of bacterial isolates from hospital air, water and fomite environment within Awka. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Crest Specialist Hospital, Regina Caeli Specialist Hospital and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Medical Centre, Awka. Using random sampling techniques (surface, air and water), culturing, Gram staining, antibiotic susceptibility test, biochemical tests and molecular identification, bacterial organisms from surrounding air, water and fomites were isolated and identified. A total of 112 samples were collected from the three hospitals. Of all the samples, 110 (98.2%) showed positive for bacterial growth. A total of 40 bacterial isolates underwent antibiotic sensitivity testing, of which 6 (15%) showed multidrug resistance. Bacterial organisms isolated from Regina Caeli Hospital showed the most resistance to the antibiotic drugs (41.8%), followed by Crest Specialist Hospital (30.9%) and then UNIZIK Medical Centre (27.3%). Interestingly, there was 100% sensitivity of isolates to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, augmentin (amoxicillinclavulanate), rifampicin and septrin. Out of the six multidrug resistant isolates, Staphylococcus hominis strain PCP01, Myroides odoratimimus subsp. xuanwuensis strain M2S3B6 and Bacillus cereus strain DS-2 were identified using DNA sequencing and PCR. The three identified microorganisms are opportunistic pathogens. While S. hominis has no plasmid, both M. odoratimimus and B. cereus showed the presence of plasmids. With proper prevention practices such as; disinfection of hospital surfaces, proper personal hygiene of health care workers, special air handling and ventilation and wearing of facemask within the hospital environment, possibilities of nosocomial infections can be reduced drastically, especially in Africa. Keywords: Isolation, Characterization, Multidrug Resistant and Bacterial

Prevalence of refractive error in paediatric age group in a tertiary eye center in Onitsha, south east, Nigeria

Paediatric ophthalmology is an emerging subspecialty in Nigeria and there is a paucity of data on refractive errors in the country. This study set out to determine the prevalence, type, and factors affecting refractive error among paediatric patients at Guinness Eye Centre, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Onitsha. A retrospective cross-sectional study of 685 patients seen over a 3-year period using the simple random sampling technique. Collected data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Of the 685 patients, 242 cases of refractive error were identified giving a prevalence rate of 35.3% with 66.5% of them being female and 33.5% males. The mean age range was 12.0 +/- 3.7 years. Prevalence increased with age from 1.7% among those 0-4 years to 46.3% among those 10-14 years. Myopia was the commonest type of refractive error (62%) while hyperopia was 22.7%. However, there was no case of astigmatism. Poor distant vision was the commonest presenting complaint (34.4%). There is a high risk for refractive error among children with eye complaints and females have a significantly higher proportion. It may be necessary to assess if the male children tend to shy away from complaining of any visual disturbance. Children with refractive errors may not be identified soon enough, and this could account for poor learning in childhood. So, children should be routinely screened for refractive error.

Trends of Contraceptive Usage among Women in Tertiary Hospital in Nnewi, Nigeria: A Five-Year Retrospective CrossSectional Study

Background: Maternal and infant mortality can be reduced with use of contraceptives which protects against unplanned pregnancies, high parity and high fertility and ensuring proper spacing between child births. Nigeria’s fertility rate is high, with 5.7 children per woman while the contraceptive prevalence rate is low, with a rate of 15%. Studying the trend will provide information on the uptake of diverse contraception approaches and provide information for counseling. Objective: To determine the trend and preferred methods of contraceptive usage among patients who attend the family planning clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi, Nigeria. Method: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study involving collection of data from the family planning register of women who attended family planning clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria, from 1st April 2014 to 1st March 2019. The information obtained from the case files were socio-demographic data such as the age and parity including the contraceptive methods, and yearly uptakes. The data obtained were analysed using statistical package SPSS version 26. Result: The total number of deliveries at the study center in the studied period was 3457, while the total number of contraceptive methods used was 578, giving an overall contraceptive prevalence rate of 16.7%. The prevalence rate showed a rise from 15.7% in 2014/2015 to as high as 19.1% in 2018/2019. The age group with most of the women from the study was 30 to 34 (29.2%) years. Majority of the women (251; 43.4%) used sub-dermal implants, 219 (37.9%) women used intrauterine contraceptive device (CUT380A), and this was followed by 96 (16.6%) women that used injectable hormonal contraceptive. We also observed an increase in preference for use of hormonal contraceptive methods (implants) as compared to the non hormonal methods (CUT380A). Conclusion: The trend so far, shows a rise in contraceptive use with the sub-dermal implants in the study center, with a notable improvement in the prevalence of contraceptive use within the last 5 years of the study. There is need for health information on the use of contraceptives to improve the uptake.

A 10-Year Retrospective Analysis of Uterine Rupture in a University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, Nigeria

Background: One of the most serious obstetric emergencies that seriously endanger both mother and fetus and dramatically increase maternal and perinatal mortality in our community is uterine rupture. The aim of the study is to ascertain the prevalence of uterine rupture and the various aetiologies/predisposing factors associated with it. Methods: From January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2016, patients with ruptured uteruses were studied retrospectively and cross-sectionally at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, Nigeria. Outcome measures included prevalence rate, surgical choices, maternal and fetal outcomes, and maternal case fatality rate. Stata 13.0 (StataCorp LP, Texas, USA) was used to analyze the data. Results: There were 10,777 deliveries and a total of 66 cases of ruptured uterus were treated, giving a ratio of 1 in 163 deliveries or prevalence of 6.0/1000 deliveries. Sixty four case notes were retrieved giving retrieval rate of 97.0% and prolonged obstructed labour was the commonest aetiologic factor identified (42.2%). Other associated factors were grand multiparity (36.0%), previous caesarean section (28.1%), previous myomectomy (3.1%), injudicious use of oxytocin (25.0%), use of misoprostol (3.1%) and abnormal lie (17.2%). Twenty of the patients (31.3%) had repair of the ruptured uterus alone, and 28(43.8%) had repair with bilateral tubal ligation. Six of the patients (9.4%) had total abdominal hysterectomies while 10(15.6%) had sub-total hysterectomies. There were a total of 4 maternal deaths giving a case fatality rate of 6.3%. The fetal outcome was poor with only 11 (17.2%) survivors. Conclusion: Only 17.2% of surviving fetuses had a good result, and 6.1 per 1000 deliveries involved uterine rupture. The rupture of gravid uterus will be decreased, if not completely eliminated, by adequate health education, widespread availability of comprehensive obstetric care facilities, enhanced antenatal care, a decline in the prevalence of primary caesarean sections, and population empowerment of women

Histopathologic profile of cutaneous cystic lesions in teaching hospital, Nnewi, South-east, Nigeria

Background A cyst is an enclosed space or abnormal sac within a tissue, usually containing fluid or semisolid matter and lined by epithelium. Aims and objectives To study all the cutaneous cystic lesions with respect to age, sex, anatomic site, and histologic types in a population of Nnewi, South-East Nigerian. It also aimed at highlighting the importance of histology in evaluating and preventing misdiagnoses encountered in cutaneous cystic lesions. Patients and methods A retrospective review was performed on the histopathology register on all histologically diagnosed cutaneous cysts at the Histopathology Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria from 2011 to 2019. Results A total of 94 cutaneous cystic lesions, accounting for 1.3% (94/7204) of all surgical biopsy specimens, were included in this study. An overall clinicopathological correlation showed 26.6% (25/94) accuracy, but 73.4% were incorrectly diagnosed, with 7.4% (5/69) of cases misdiagnosed clinically as malignant lesions and one case of malignant cystic lesion diagnosed clinically as benign cyst. There were 49 males and 45 females, giving a slight male predominance, with male to female ratio of 1.1 : 1. The age ranged from 6 weeks to 79 years, with a mean±SD age of 26.5±21.1 years, and a peak age group of 0–10 years, representing 29.8% (28/94). Benign cutaneous cystic lesions were far commoner than malignant ones and included majorly epidermal inclusion cyst [37.2% (35/94)], pilar cyst [17.0% (16/94)], thyroglossal cyst [12.8% (12/94)], and dermoid cyst [8.5% (8/94)]. The only malignant cutaneous cyst was immature cystic teratoma [1.06% (1/94)]. The anatomic site most frequently affected was the head and neck [63.8% (60/94)]. Conclusion Histopathologic evaluation is still the gold standard in eliminating misdiagnosis of these lesions. Epidermal inclusion cysts followed by pilar cysts were commonest cutaneous cystic lesions in our environment and occur more at the third decade and above, whereas cystic hygroma, dermoid cysts, and brachial cyst were predominant at the first decade of life.

Abstract #1390249: Phenotypes of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Presence of Coronary Artery Disease in Asymptomatic Nigerian Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is the commonest lipid abnormality in Nigerian T2DM patients. The association of HDL-C subfractions (HDL-2 and HDL-3) and the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is still unknown among Nigerian T2DM patients. Asymptomatic T2DM patients attending the diabetes clinic of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria were identified and recruited for this study. History, physical examination and clinical evaluations were done for study participants. Data obtained were verified and analyzed with appropriate software. Tests for normality were done and comparison of variables in participants with and without CAD done with statistical tests appropriate for non-parametric data. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the odds at which independent risk factors predicted coronary artery disease. Four hundred study participants consisting of 174 (43.5%) males and 226 (56.5%) females participated in this study. The median (IQR) age of participants was 60(48,65) years. 64(16%) participants had coronary artery disease. The HDL-3 subfraction of HDL-C was significantly lower in those with CAD (Mann-Whiney U=254, p=0.02) with OR=4.6 (95%CI=3.2-7.9, p=0.01) after replacement of significant predictors of CAD in the logistic regression model. There was no significant difference in HDL-2 levels in subjects with CAD compared to those without CAD (Mann-Whitney U=21, p=0.21). The HDL-3 phenotype of HDL-C is a significant predictor of CAD in Nigerian T2DM patients.

Prospective study on blood donation awareness of medical science students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Prospective study on blood donation awareness of medical science students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Phylogenetic variants of Mycoplasma hominis from pregnant women and women presenting with infertility in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria

Background: Much controversies have been associated with the pathogenicity of Mycoplasma hominis but little has been done to unravel the mystery behind the different views. This study aimed at investigating the genetic variants abounding within M. hominis and the distribution of the virulent genes among the variants.
 Methodology: Twenty (20) M. hominis isolates from high vaginal swabs of women (11 from pregnant women and 9 from women presenting with infertility) attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology clinics of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria, were sequenced using 16S rRNA universal gene target for the purpose of phylogenetic analysis and epidemiological typing. The isolates were also screened for the presence of M. hominis variable adherence antigen (vaa) and p120 virulent genes using primer constructs from the respective genes in a conventional PCR protocol.
 Results: Of the 20 M. hominis vaginal isolates, 4 phylogenetic strains were detected; strain MHS43 constituted 10/20 (50.0%) [2/9 (22.2%) from infertile women and 8/11 (72.7%) from pregnant women]; strain MHBS constituted 3/20 (15%) [3/9 (33.3%) from infertile women and 0/11 (0%) from pregnant women]; strain MHSWP2 constituted 4/20 (20.0%) [3/9 (33.3%) from infertile women and 1/11 (9.1%) from pregnant women]; while strain MHKC87 constituted 3/20 (15%) [1/9 (11.1%) from infertile women and 2/11 (18.2%) from pregnant women]. Each of vaa and p120 genes was detected in 14 of 20 isolates, while 6 isolates did not carry the genes. A 2-way ANOVA test showed that none of the genes was significantly associated with a particular strain (p=0.8641).
 Conclusions: The different views regarding the pathogenicity of M. hominis may be linked to the heterogeneity within the species and lack of omogeneity in the virulent genes as witnessed both in the intra species and intra strain levels.

Effect of Exposure to Soot on Activities of Alanine Transaminase, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase and Lipase among Cooks in Nnewi

Exposure to soot can lead to hepatic and pancreatic dysfunction. This study determined serum alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and triacylglycerol lipase activities of cooks exposed to soot. Thirty (30) participants (cooks) were exposed to soot (test group), and thirty (30) participants not exposed to soot (control group) were recruited. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and informed consent from the participants was obtained. Alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and triacylglycerol lipase activities were determined using the spectrophotometric method while the Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using weight (kg)/height2 (m2). An Independent t-test was used for statistical analysis. The results showed that the mean serum activities of alanine transaminase (14.69±1.84), of cooks exposed to soot, were significantly higher compared with the control(12.83±0.94)(p<0.05). The mean serum activities of gamma-glutamyl transferase (7.81±4.08), of cooks exposed to soot, were significantly higher when compared with the control (3.54±2.00)(p<0.05). The mean serum activities of triacylglycerol lipase of cooks exposed to soot were significantly low compared with the control (p<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the BMI, systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure levels respectively in the test group, compared to the control. This study observed higher serum activities of alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and low serum activity of triacylglycerol lipase among cooks exposed to soot, this suggests a predisposition to hepatic and pancreatic dysfunction in the cooks
 Keywords: Soot, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lipase enzymes

Gender-Based Comparison of Anthropometric and Hematological Parameters in Asymptomatic HIV Subjects at Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has posed a severe global issue with over thirty years of its epidemic. Nigeria is one of the African countries with higher number of HIV cases with over 1,700,000 cases in 2022. 43 adult female and 57 adult male asymptomatic HIV subjects, aged 18-65 years were randomly recruited at the voluntary counselling and Testing (VCT) Centre Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi. The anthropometric parameters such as Body Mass Index (BMI), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), and the hematological parameters such as CD4+ cell count, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Hemoglobin (Hb), and Absolute Neutrophil (Ab.neu) were analyzed using routine laboratory analyses. The data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 21, independent Students’-test and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare means. The SBP and DBP were significantly elevated in the female asymptomatic HIV subjects than in the male asymptomatic HIV subjects with p<0.05. There was no significant difference in the values of BMI, CD4+, WBC, ESR, Hb, and Ab.neu among the female and male asymptomatic HIV subjects with p>0.05. In conclusion, there are no difference in the hematological parameters.

Relationship between Gender and Academic Procrastination amongst Postgraduate Students in Anambra State

Objective: In Anambra State where there are two public universities that have postgraduate schools, postgraduate students have been observed procrastinating by the nature of their activities. This led to examining the relationship between gender and academic procrastination amongst postgraduate students in Anambra State in this study. Methods: A research question and a hypothesis guided the study. The study adopted a correlational research design and was carried out at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, Igboariam, both in Anambra State. The study population consists of 1,862 students, comprising all Masters and Doctorate students of the 2017/2018 academic session. The number of 2017/2018 postgraduate students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka are 1,088 while those in Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu Igbariam is 774. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample, which comprises 329 postgraduate students. The instrument for data collection was Academic Procrastination Scale (APS). The instrument was an adopted instrument. McCloskey originally developed the 25-item APS in 2011. The research question was answered using mean and standard deviation, while the hypothesis was tested, using z-test. Results: Findings indicated that there is no meaningful relationship between male and female academic procrastination of postgraduate students. Conclusion: It was concluded that male and female postgraduate students procrastinate in their academic endeavours.

DIGITALIZATION OF UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT FOR EMPOWERMENT IN THE ERA OF THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC IN NIGERIA

The study investigated the digitalization of university management for empowerment in the era of the covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study and two hypotheses were tested. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 252 lecturers from the Department of Educational Management in four public and private universities in Anambra State. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire which was developed by the researchers. The questionnaire was validated by three experts in the Faculty of Education in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The reliability of the instrument was determined through a pilot test. The application of the Cronbach Alpha Method on the data collected through the pilot test yielded coefficient values of 0.88 and 0.86 for clusters A and B respectively with an overall reliability co-efficient of 0.87. Mean, standard deviation and t-test were used to analyze data collected for the study. Findings revealed that the challenges hindering the digitalization of university management for empowerment in the covid-19 era include poor leadership, lack of government commitment to full digitalization of universities, poor funding, lack of ICT skilled personnel, poor collaboration between school and industry among others. Findings revealed that the establishment of ICT innovation hubs across all publicly and privately owned universities in Nigeria and engaging industry experts in the development of ICT frameworks for university management among others were some strategies for digitalizing university management for empowerment in the era of the covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Based on these findings, the researchers recommended that university should collaborate with ICT industry specialists in the integration of emerging technologies that would improve the management capacity of university staff and as well serve as a source of empowerment for students in the era of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gum-chewing after elective laparotomy with gut anastomosis in surgical patients

Background: Gum-chewing has been listed as one of many factors that contribute to enhancing recovery after laparotomy due to its effects on postoperative ileus. Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare gum-chewing against controls on the reduction of postoperative ileus among patients undergoing elective laparotomy. Methodology: Consenting patients who had elective laparotomy with gut anastomosis in the Surgical wards of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital(NAUTH), Nnewi were randomised into Gum-chewing group and Control/ traditional delayed feeding group. In the first Group patients’ Naso gastric tubes(NGT) were left insitu as they chewed gum 3 times a day from 1DPO. Patients in the second group were used as controls and were managed in the traditional way-nil by mouth until passage of flatus or faeces. Assessed outcome measure was time from completion of surgery to passage of flatus and faeces. Results: During the study period, December 2014 to November 2016 (2 years), 70 consenting patients who had elective laparotomy in the Surgical wards were randomised into the two groups- Group 1 (n=34) and group 2 (n=36). The groups were similar in terms of gender, age, surgical procedures, and co morbidity. The age range was 20-81 years. The time from completion of surgery to first passage of flatus was 3.07days for Group 1 and 3.92days for Group 2. Time from completion of surgery to first passage of stool was 4.00days for Group1 and 4.76days for Group2. Time to flatus and faeces was significantly shorter in the Gum-chewing group compared to Controls (p0.05 for both). There were no significant differences noted in the complication rates among the groups. Conclusion: Gum-chewing reduced the length of postoperative ileus significantly

Work-related stress, quality of life, and coping mechanism among lecturers in a Tertiary Educational Institution in Anambra State, Nigeria

IntroductionWork-related stress (WRS) is a highly prevalent and pervasive problem that can result in loss of productivity and deterioration of a lecturer’s health. Lecturing work requires coping with some of the stressful situations found in any workplace to have a favourable quality of work life. The study determined the influence of sex, years of teaching experience, and academic rank on work-related stress, coping mechanisms, and quality of work life among lecturers at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU).MethodThis was a cross-sectional survey involving 283 lecturers consecutively recruited from NAU after proportionate randomization of the lecturers in 101 departments. The Health and Safety Executive Work Related stress (HSE-WRS), Work-Related Quality of life (WRQL), and Brief-cope Questionnaires (BCQ) were applied to assess the participant’s work-related stress, quality of work life, and coping mechanism (CM) respectively. Data were analyzed using Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests at a 0.05 level of significance.ResultSex, years of teaching experience, and academic rank had statistically significant influence on 14 subsets of coping mechanism with p-values </=0.01. Years of teaching experience had a statistically significant influence on work-related stress (p = 0.00). Sex, years of teaching experience, and academic rank did not influence work-related quality of life in a statistically significant way.ConclusionThere was a statistically significant influence of sex, years of teaching experience, and academic rank on coping strategies of lecturers. Also, a statistically significant influence of years of teaching experience on work related stress of lecturers was ascertained and revealed that male lecturers coped better with the rigorous demands of the job compared to female lecturers.

Antibiogram Pattern of Multidrug Resistance of Gram-negative Extended Betalactamase Isolates from Urine of Diabetic Patients

Background: The rate of multidrug resistant bacteria is the most worrisome in the health setting because it often associates with nosocomial infection. Objectives: This present study aim at, evaluating the antibiotic pattern of multidrug resistance of Gram-negative extended betalactamase isolates from urine of diabetic patients. Methods: This is a cross sectional study carried out at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital with a total of 110 diabetic patients and were recruited using convenient sample method. The patients were instructed on how to collect the mid-stream urine samples without contamination. The samples were cultured and characterized the isolates following standard bacteriological methods. The isolated bacteria were subjected to sensitivity test pattern using agar disc diffusion techniques. The multidrug resistant isolates were physically checked for the extended spectrum betalactamase production. Obtained data was subjected to these statistical tools; descriptive statistics, chi-square and pair-test using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS version 26). Results: Out of 110 urine samples assessed for significant growth of bacteria, it was found that, 55(27%) were the Gram negative bacteria (GNB).The highest prevalence of isolates were E. coli 30(54.6%), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia 14 (25.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 6 (10.9%), and Proteus species 5 (9.09%) respectively. The most occurrence of the MDR bacteria were found in Augmentin 46 (83.6%) as well as as Cefuroxime 43 (78.2%) respectively. The significant mean range of Augumentin and Cefixime resistant to ESBL producers were (0.53±1.2; p = 0.000) and (0.600 ± 0.974; p = 000) respectively. Conclusion: The study detected the high proportion of multi-drug resistant isolates and the most occurrence were found in E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Regular monitoring, conducting, supervising, or management of antibiotics and molecular biomarkers for drug resistance are paramount to curtail the rate of drug-resistant pathogens.