Tertiary Hospital In Jos Research Articles

Knowledge of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Hepatitis B Vaccination Among Medical Students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Knowledge of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Hepatitis B Vaccination Among Medical Students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Non-specialized care of skin disorders: a cross-sectional survey of new patients attending dermatology clinic in a tertiary hospital in Jos, Northcentral Nigeria.

Given the paucity of skin health specialists in Nigeria and the low level of awareness amongst its populace, patients seek for care for skin related disorders from different sources and are given a variety of remedies before accessing specialist care. This study was aimed at describing outlets visited and medication received by patients with skin disorders prior to attending the dermatology outpatient clinic in JUTH. This was a cross sectional study conducted over one year. Information on socio-demography, sources and medication received prior to presentation was obtained and analysed using SPSS 23. The male: female ratio among 166 consenting new patients was 1:1.4. Prior to presentation patients sought care most frequently from Health facilities (68.1%), Patent medicine vendors-PMV (30.7%) and Traditional healers (21.7%). Overall, different steroid preparations were the most commonly used medications (56.6%) across all age groups with fixed combination preparations most frequently used (32.5%). Unconventional substances reportedly used by patients for skin disorders were urine, toothpaste, tomatoes, salt, water in which a life catfish had been kept and fats from a dead dog. Only 21.1% of the patients did not use any medication prior to presentation. There is need to increase capacity in the care of common skin diseases at all levels of the health care system to decrease patronage of unconventional providers. Raising awareness of the general public on the potential dangers of inappropriate treatment of skin diseases and strengthen referral system is imperative to reduce the burden of skin diseases in the country.

Diagnostic accuracy of direct ophthalmoscopy in the rapid assessment of avoidable blindness protocol: A cross-sectional study

Background: Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) relies mainly on direct ophthalmoscopy (DO) for the diagnosis of posterior segment eye diseases (PSEDs). There is, however, a growing concern that DO may not be sufficiently sensitive to detect PSED owing to inherent diagnostic limitations. Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of DO for the detection of PSEDs in RAAB, using indirect ophthalmoscopy (IO) as a reference standard. Materials and Methods: Participants were patients 50 years and older, presenting to the eye clinic of a tertiary hospital in Jos, between April and September 2016 who gave consent. Their visual acuity was assessed as is done in RAAB6. Those found to be unilaterally or bilaterally visually impaired underwent anterior and posterior segment eye examinations to identify the cause. Dilated fundoscopy was first performed by a senior ophthalmology resident with DO (index test), followed by IO (reference standard test) by a consultant ophthalmologist. Results: A total of 250 patients were recruited into the study, of which 188 took the index and reference standard tests. PSEDs were detected in 65 (34.6%) persons and glaucoma accounted for 87.7% of these. The sensitivity of DO for the detection of glaucoma was 95.3%, while the specificity was 91.0%. Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of diabetic retinopathy and central retinal vein occlusion were both 100%. Specificity for the detection of other PSEDs was good even though sensitivity was below acceptable limits. Conclusion: The performance of DO against IO in this study, suggests that it is a satisfactory modality for the detection of the most common PSEDs in RAAB.

Dietary knowledge, attitudes and practices: a cross-sectional survey of type 2 diabetic patients in two tertiary hospitals in Jos, Nigeria

Diet is a crucial aspect of diabetes management and healthy eating is one of the main focus in preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Despite mounting evidence of the role of the dietary approach in the management of diabetes mellitus, studies still show low adherence to dietary recommendations. This study aimed at assessing the dietary knowledge, attitudes, and practices of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in two tertiary hospitals in Jos, Nigeria. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among 448 type 2 diabetic patients using systematic random sampling. Quantitative data was collected using a self- administered questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. A 95% confidence interval was used and a probability value of P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study revealed that dietary knowledge of type 2 diabetic patients attending tertiary health care facilities in Jos, Nigeria was poor, their attitudes were positive, but they had poor dietary practices. A significant association was observed between marital status (P=0.022), religion (P=0.003), education level (P=0.000), employment status (P=0.000), family history (P=0.012), and dietary knowledge. This study highlights the importance of proper health education as this could possibly improve dietary knowledge, dietary practices that potentially change patient outcomes.

Ocular morbidity among adult patients with chronic leukemia presenting to tertiary hospitals in Jos, North-Central Nigeria

Background Chronic leukemia is the most common leukemia subtype seen among adults in Jos, Nigeria, with few reported isolated cases of ocular morbidity. There are no published comprehensive data on adult leukemic ophthalmopathy from this region. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, pattern, and causes of visual impairment (VI) among adult patients with chronic leukemia in Jos, North-Central Nigeria. Patients and methods The study included adult patients diagnosed with either chronic myeloid leukemia or chronic lymphocytic leukemia, confirmed by bone marrow biopsy, in two tertiary hospitals in Jos, North-Central Nigeria, between January 2016 and June 2017. Visual acuity was assessed and categorized using the International Classification of Diseases. Detailed ocular examination was carried out and causes of vision loss were noted. Results A total of 104 eyes of 52 patients were examined within the study period. The mean age of the patients was 45±17.7 years, and 35 (67.3%) patients were males. The majority (63.4%) of the participants had chronic myeloid leukemia. Ocular disorders were present in 32 (61.5%) of all patients, and 10 (19.2%) patients were visually impaired. Of these, nine (90.0%) had moderate VI due to refractive errors, cataract, glaucoma, and disk swelling; and one (10.0%) person was bilaterally blind from exudative retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage. Only 27% of all causes of VI were leukemia specific and included disk swelling, exudative retinal detachment, and vitreous hemorrhage. Conclusion Although ocular disorders were frequent among adults with chronic leukemia in Jos, the magnitude of vision loss from chronic leukemia-specific ocular disorders was low.

Description of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Clonal Complex 30 Related to the Pandemic Phage Type 80/81 Isolated from Patients in Three Tertiary Hospitals in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Objective: The prevalence of phage 80/81 Staphylococcus aureus strains, the pandemic strains that were dominant in the 1950s, had declined in the 1960s and 1970s. However, these strains have reemerged in some countries in recent years. This study investigated the antibacterial resistance, virulence, and the genetic backgrounds of CC30-MSSA isolates obtained from patients in three tertiary hospitals. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two CC30-MSSA isolates cultured from different clinical samples were investigated using antibiotic sensitivity testing, spa typing, multilocus sequence typing, and DNA microarray analysis. Results: All 22 isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (MIC ≤2 μg/mL), teicoplanin (MIC ≤2 μg/mL), and cefoxitin but were resistant to penicillin G (n = 22; 100.0%), tetracycline (n = 12; 54.5%), ciprofloxacin (n = 15; 68.2%), cadmium acetate (n = 22; 100%), mercuric chloride (n = 13; 59.1%), and ethidium bromide (n = 3; 13.6%). The isolates belonged to sequence type, ST30, and five spa types: t012 (n = 12; 54.5%), t019 (n = 5; 22.7%), t017 (n = 2; 9.1%), t037 (n = 2; 9.1%), and t318 (n = 1; 4.5%). All 22 isolates were positive for agrIII, cap8, clfA, clfB, icaA, icaC, icaD, cna, and staphylococcal enterotoxin gene clusters (seg, sei, sem, sen, seo, seu). Eight isolates carried lukS-PV and lukF-PV that code for Panton-Valentine leukocidin. Conclusion: The current CC30-MSSA isolates share phenotypic and genotypic characteristics with the pandemic phage 80/81 isolates that were common in the 1950s and 1960s. Continued surveillance is recommended to keep abreast of the changing epidemiology of S. aureus causing healthcare and community-associated infections.

Prevalence and risk factors for admission hypothermia in neonates in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Hypothermia on admission in neonatal units is a well-recognized contributor of neonatal mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to identify risk factors for hypothermia on admission in a resource-poor setting which will help provide targeted preventive interventions. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from July 1, 2020 to January 31, 2022. A total of 567 neonates were included in the study, data were collected from the unit electronic database. The axillary temperature of each neonate was measured using a digital thermometer at the point of admission. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were used to assess associated risk factors. Results: The prevalence of admission hypothermia (AH) in the study population was 42.4% with mild and moderate hypothermia accounting for 46.3% and 53.7%, respectively. Maternal ages 20–29 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09–0.93) and 30–39 years (aOR 0.27, 95% CI 0.08–0.88) and primary education (aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21–0.92) were associated with reduced risk of AH. Age <24 h (aOR 3.61, 95% CI 1.70–7.66), gestational age 28–32 weeks (aOR 3.90, 95% CI 1.41–10.79) and 33–36 weeks (aOR 2.835, 95% CI 1.52–5.28), admission weight <2.5 kg (aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.18–3.43), and cold season (aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.06–3.14) were associated with increased risk of AH. Mortality in those with AH was 3 folds (crude odds ratio 3.38, 95% CI 1.6–6.82). Conclusion: Hypothermia on admission is common in neonates in resource-poor settings. Training of newborn care-providers in maintaining thermoneutral environment and temperature at delivery and postnatal periods will be a cost-effective intervention in reducing neonatal mortality.

Prevalence and genotypic characteristics of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin-producing Staphylococcus aureus isolates obtained in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that colonizes and causes infections in humans. Panton Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) is a cytolytic toxin produced by some strains of S. aureus and are mostly associated with skin and soft tissue infections and necrotizing pneumonia. Aim: To investigate the prevalence and genotypic characteristics of PVL-positive S. aureus strains cultured from patients in three tertiary hospitals in Jos, Nigeria. Methods: Two hundred and fourteen clinical S. aureus isolates were obtained from three tertiary hospitals in Jos. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect lukSF-PV gene that encodes PVL, and sensitivity to antimicrobial agents was performed on PVL-positive S. aureus. Genotypic characteristics of the PVL-positive S. aureus was determined by spa typing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Results: The genes for PVL were detected in 67/214 (31.3%) of S. aureus isolates. Majority of the PVL-positive isolates were obtained from wound (n=37; 55.2%), blood (n=11; 16.4%) and urine (n=10; 14.9). Most of PVL-positive isolates (n=58; 34.7%) were methicillin sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) while nine isolates (19.1%) were methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Spa typing identified 14 different spa types, dominated by t355 (n=33; 49.3%), followed by t174 (n=7; 10.4%), t019 and t159 (n=5; 7.5%). MLST revealed six sequence types (ST) namely, ST152 (n=35), ST121 (n=9), ST1 (n=8), ST30 (n=8), ST772 (n=6) and ST15 (N=1). Conclusion: This study revealed that 31.3% of S. aureus isolated in Jos hospitals carried genes for PVL, belonged to six sequence types and 14 spa types with t355-ST152-MSSA as the dominant genotype.

Prevalence and predictors of Kaposi’s sarcoma among HIV patients receiving care at a tertiary hospital in Jos, Nigeria

Background Kaposi’s sarcoma became prevalent with the appearance of human immune deficiency virus (HIV) in the 1980s. However, the widespread use of the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) reduced its prevalence in communities with good access to the antiretroviral drugs. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of Kaposi’s sarcoma among persons receiving HIV care at a tertiary hospital in Jos, Nigeria. Methods The study used a cross-sectional study design, based on secondary data related to patients who had received HIV care between January 2004 and December 2017. Logistic regression was then used to determine the variables that were predictors of Kaposi’s sarcoma risk. Results The prevalence of Kaposi’s sarcoma among the patients was 1.2% (95% confidence interval, CI=1.06-1.34). Patients whose baseline viral loads were higher than 10,000 copies/mm3 were three times more likely to develop Kaposi’s sarcoma than those with lesser viral load (OR: 3.13, CI: 2.19-4.47). Gender, duration of HAART and education had modifying effect on the Kaposi’s sarcoma risk. Conclusions Kaposi’s sarcoma is a substantial public health problem among the HIV population in Jos. Universal access to HAART by the Federal Government of Nigeria and its partners is recommended to reduce its prevalence. In addition, education, skill acquisition and income generating programs should be targeted at girls and women by governments and other stakeholders in order to reduce the inequality that worsens their vulnerability to HIV infection and Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Hospital-Based Assessment of the New Visual Acuity Level in Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness

Background: There are currently two versions of rapid assessment of avoidable blindness (RAAB) method in use: RAAB5 and RAAB6. While RAAB5 uses visual acuity (VA) of 6/18 as cutoff for visual impairment (VI), RAAB6 uses VA of 6/12. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the average additional time it will take to test from 6/18 to 6/12 VA levels and to compare the causes of VI across these VA cutoffs. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study of patients aged 50 years and above attending a tertiary hospital in Jos between April and September 2016 (6 months). RAAB6 methodology was used to test presenting VA of all participants. The time taken to obtain a VA of 6/18 and to test from 6/18 to 6/12 was recorded separately for each eye. Those with VA worse than 6/12 in one or both eyes had their eyes examined to determine the cause of VI. The data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences for windows software, version 20. Results: The average additional time taken to test VA from 6/18 to 6/12 was 42.11 seconds (95% confidence interval: 32.86–51.35). Cataract was the major cause of VI with both VA cutoffs with no significant difference in its proportion (P = 0.924). Uncorrected refractive error and glaucoma were the next important causes of VI with 6/12 (P = 0.041) and 6/18 (P = 0.041) cutoffs, respectively.Conclusion: The spectrum of disease causing VI may not differ significantly between the two RAAB versions, but survey duration will likely be prolonged with RAAB6.

Indoor Air and Surface Fungal Contamination in the Special Care Baby Unit of a Tertiary Hospital in Jos, Nigeria

Fungi frequently contaminate the indoor air as well as surfaces of hospital equipment and furniture. This pose a significant risk for neonates in the Special Care Baby Unit. This study aimed to determine the rate of fungal contamination of indoor air and surfaces of the special care baby unit of a tertiary health facility in Jos, Nigeria. The study was carried out at the special care baby unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Indoor air samples were obtained using sedimentation method whereas samples from surfaces were collected using sterile pre-moistened cotton tipped swab sticks. The swab sticks were inoculated onto sabouraud dextrose agar plates which were incubated along with indoor air culture plates for seven days. Univariate analysis was carried out using STATA (version 14IC). Fungal contamination rate of the special care baby unit was 20.2%. Aspergillus species (29.6%) was the most predominant fungus isolated. Most of the fungi were isolated from the outborn term and outborn preterm rooms of the special care baby unit. The fungi isolated include Aspergillus spp, Candida spp, Penicillium spp, Cladosporium spp, Curvularia spp, Fusarium spp, Paecillomyces spp, Alternatia spp, and Rhodotorulla spp. Fungi are a major cause of indoor air as well as surface contamination in special care baby unit of the hospital. Routine cleaning and disinfection will lead to a reduction in the fungal load.

Utilization of radiation monitoring devices among radio-diagnostic staff of secondary and tertiary hospitals in Jos, Nigeria: a comparative study

Utilization of radiation monitoring devices among radio-diagnostic staff of secondary and tertiary hospitals in Jos, Nigeria: a comparative study

Utilization of radiation monitoring devices among radio-diagnostic staff of secondary and tertiary hospitals in Jos, Nigeria: a comparative study

Radio-diagnostic staff are expected to always and routinely adorn a form of radiation monitoring device to enable objective monitoring of the exposure to each individual with such monitoring aimed at checking any ill effects of radiation. This cross-sectional study aimed at comparing the utilization of radiation monitoring devices among radio-diagnostic staff was conducted in 2 tertiary hospitals and 2 secondary hospitals in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria between August 2019 and October 2019. Consenting staff of radio-diagnostic departments of the 4 hospitals filled up a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. A total of 60 staff: 51(85%) in the tertiary, and 9 (15%) in the secondary hospitals participated in the study. A positive attitude to the proper use of radiation monitoring device was found to be higher among staff in the tertiary hospitals (44/51; 86.3%) compared to those in the secondary hospitals (7/9; 77.8%); χ2=0.4332, p=0.510. Statistically significant association was established between age of staff and attitude to use of the monitoring device in tertiary facilities: χ2= 9.379, p=0.05, and also between age of staff, years in service and years in the department and the practical usage of the radiation monitoring device among the staff of the secondary hospitals: χ2= 9.000, p=0.029; χ23.937, p=0.047; χ23.937, p=0.047 respectively. The utilization of radiation monitoring devices among the radio-diagnostic staff in Jos was predominantly positive. Age of the staff, years in service as well as years in the present department were significant associations to utilization of radiation monitoring devices among staff across the two hospital categories.

Congenital heart disease in neonates with external congenital anomalies in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) has been found to be more common in neonates with other congenital anomalies and may worsen prognosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of internal congenital anomalies including CHD will improve outcome and decrease neonatal mortality. This study determined the prevalence of CHD among neonates seen with external congenital anomalies in Jos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: We performed complete physical examinations on 2,340 neonates delivered in two tertiary hospitals in Jos, Nigeria. We identified neonates with external congenital anomalies and determined the prevalence of congenital heart defects in them using echocardiography. Data were analysed using STATA 14.0. Results: External congenital anomalies were present in 49 of the 2,340 neonates recruited − prevalence of 20.9 per 1,000, with a male to female ratio of 1.1:1. Fourteen (28.6%) neonates were syndromic. CHD was present in 15 of 49 (30.6%) neonates studied– prevalence 30.6 per 100. The mean age of the parents with neonates who had external congenital anomalies and CHD was significantly higher than those without CHD. Conclusion: CHD frequently co-exists with external congenital anomalies especially in syndromic neonates. Hospital-based surveillance systems are needed to capture accurately both internal and external congenital anomalies to improve outcome in these group of neonates.

Level of Utilization and Provider-Related Barriers to Hydroxyurea Use in the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Hydroxyurea is one of the currently approved medications capable of modifying the pathogenesis of sickle cell disease (SCD), and its use has transformed the management of this disease worldwide.However, available evidences suggest that hydroxyurea is underutilized by sickle cell health-care providers in Nigeria despite the huge burden of the disease. Objectives: This study assessed the level of utilization and provider-related barriers to the use of hydroxyurea in the treatment of SCD patients in Jos, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among 132 medical doctors providing care for SCD patients in four tertiary hospitals in Jos using a multistage sampling technique. In this setting, SCD patients are cared for by the Hematologists, Pediatricians, Family Physicians and General Practitioners. Data on socio-demographics of the respondents, knowledge, utilization and barriers to the utilization of hydroxyurea were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were processed and analysed using SPSS version 23. Hydroxyurea was adjudged utilized if a provider has prescribed hydroxyurea to any SCD patient within the last 12 months. Chi square test was used to test the association between the demographic, provider-related barrier variables and the level of utilization of hydroxyurea. The barriers were fed cumulatively into logistic regression model as predictors of utilization of hydroxyurea. Adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used as point and interval estimates respectively. A P-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 132 respondents, 88 (67%) had been in medical practice for upward of six years while 80 (60.6%) of them affirmed that they have attended to more than 10 SCD patients in the last 6 months. Sixty-seven (50.8%) of the participants had inadequate knowledge of hydroxyurea use in SCD management while the level of utilization of hydroxyurea in SCD treatment was 24.2%. The odds of non-utilization of hydroxyurea was 5.1 times higher in providers with no expertise in its use (OR =5.1; 95% CI =2.65-9.05; P&lt;0.0001). Other barriers that predicted its non-utilization included inadequate knowledge (OR =0.17; 95% CI =0.29-0.71; P=0.017), fear of side-effects (OR =0.50; 95% CI =0.22-0.68; P=0.019) and doubt about the effectiveness of the medication (OR =0.30; 95% CI =0.20-0.90; P=0.002). Conclusion: The level of utilization of hydroxyurea in the treatment of SCD among the sickle cell care-providers is sub-optimal with the lack of expertise in its use identified as the most prominent barrier. Therefore, training of Nigeria sickle cell care-providers to attain and maintain competence in the use of hydroxyurea for the treatment of SCD is required. Keywords: Sickle cell disease, hydroxyurea, utilization, barriers, Jos, Nigeria Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Common Site of Urinary Calculi in Kidney, Ureter and Urinary Bladder Region: Jos Experience

Objective: To determine the common location of calculus along the urinary tract using CT scan. &#x0D; Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted using CT from November 2016 to September 2018, in a tertiary hospital in Jos, Nigeria. The CT images acquired from this period were evaluated and 50 patients were positive for urolithiasis. The data was subjected to statistical analysis based on age, gender and calculus location.&#x0D; Results: Out of the 50 patients with calculi, 34 were males and 16 were females with a male to female ratio of 2.13:1. 137 urinary calculi were documented in which 90 were in males and 47 in the female patients. Highest occurrence of calculi was seen in age group 31-40 years (34.0%). 112(82%) were renal stones, 12(9%) were ureteric stones, 8(6%) were found in pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ), 3(2%) were in the vesico-ureteric junction (VUJ), 2(1%) were in the urinary bladder and none in the urethra.&#x0D; Conclusion: Kidney stones are the most common followed by the ureter, the pelvi-ureteric junction, the vesico-ureteric junction and the bladder.&#x0D;

Attitude and Use of Pentavent Vaccine among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos, Nigeria

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) recommended the use of Pentavelent vaccines in Nigeria and other developing countries to replace the DPT (Diphtheria, pertusis and tetanus) vaccine. This was done to increase the uptake of the hepatitis B (HB) and Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) vaccines in these countries by capitalising on the uptake of DPT vaccine. Objective: This study aims to assess the attitude and use of pentavalent vaccine in pregnant women attending antenatal care in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos, Plateau State. Methods: The study was carried out among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in Plateau Specialist hospital, Jos using a descriptive cross sectional study design. The study was done over a period of four (4) months (August 2018 to December 2018). Simple Random Sampling was used to select 397 women who participated in the study. Results: Respondents were predominantly Christians 283 (71.3%) while Muslims represent about 114 (28.7%) of respondents. About 373 (94%) respondents were married, While 24 (6.0%) percent of the respondents were single parents. Also 213 (53.7%) were business women, Only 48 (12.1%) were civil servants while 85 (21.4%) of the respondents had no form of employment. Majority 257(97.0%) of them had a positive attitude towards the vaccine while only a few 8(3.0%) had a negative attitude.Eighty eight (32.2%) felt pentavalent vaccines were not important. A similar proportion 88 (3.2%) also stated that they would not give their child the vaccine. Most women 252 (95.1%) agreed that mothers should be encouraged to attend immunization regularly. Side effect experienced by children were fever 69 (87.3%), swelling at injection site 21 (26.6%), rash 6 (7.6%). Conclusion and recommendations: All most all pregnant women had a positive attitude towards the vaccine while only a few had a negative attitude. Nine in ten women had children who had received pentavalent vaccine.Health workers should improve efforts at health education on immunization especially on adverse effects following immunization (AEFI), reasons for missed opportunities, coverage of hard to reach areas or distant areas via special immunization or home visiting to administer vaccine.

The Effect of a Reminder Short Message Service on the Uptake of Glaucoma Screening by First-Degree Relatives of Glaucoma Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to determine the role of a reminder short message service (SMS) on the uptake of glaucoma screening by first-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in North-central Nigeria following a telephone invitation for screening.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the eye clinic of a tertiary hospital in Jos, North-central Nigeria. Two hundred FDRs of patients with POAG were invited through phone for free glaucoma screening and randomly allocated into two groups. The intervention group received a reminder SMS, whereas the control group did not receive a reminder. Those who failed to turn up for screening were contacted through phone to determine the reasons for their nonattendance. Chi-square test and bivariate analysis were used to compare attendance rate between the two groups.RESULTS:Sending a reminder SMS following a telephone invitation had no effect on the uptake of glaucoma screening. The response rate was lower in the phone call plus reminder SMS group (43.0% vs. 53.0%) though the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.157). Competing needs such as work and lack of transport fare were the most common reasons given for not attending the screening.CONCLUSION:A reminder text message is not an effective tool for increasing the uptake of glaucoma screening in at-risk individuals in North-central Nigeria. Existing barriers to health care in the country need to be addressed before mobile phone technology can be effectively used in increasing the utilization of any free eye screening service.

A diagnostic performance evaluation of rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy for malaria diagnosis using nested polymerase chain reaction as reference standard in a tertiary hospital in Jos, Nigeria.

Rapid diagnostic tests are frequently used in healthcare settings across Nigeria for diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, which is the commonest form of malaria in the country. In this study, the performance of a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was compared with expert microscopy using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the reference standard in a tertiary hospital in Jos, Nigeria. This study was a prospective, cross-sectional, hospital-based study. A total of 200 participants of all ages presenting to Jos University Teaching Hospital with a history of fever or an axillary temperature of >37.5°C were recruited. Blood specimens were collected and malaria testing was done using RDT, microscopy and PCR. The prevalence of malaria in this study was 17%, 15% and 13% by PCR, microscopy and RDT, respectively. Compared with microscopy, RDT had lower sensitivity of 75% (95% CI: 56.60-88.54) vs 88.24% (95% CI: 72.55-96.70), lower specificity of 98.80% (95% CI: 95.72-99.85) vs 100.0% (95% CI: 97.80-100.0), lower positive predictive value 92.31 (95% CI: 74.89-97.97) vs 100 (95% CI: 98.0-100.0), and lower negative predictive value 95.35 (95% CI: 91.83-97.39) versus 97.65 (95% CI: 94.30-99.05). The diagnostic performance of expert microscopy was better than RDT in the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Quality assurance procedures such as using expert microscopy to cross-check a proportion of RDT negative results in patients with clinical features of malaria is desirable.

Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of postpartum depression among women attending Postnatal and/or Children's Welfare Clinics in a Tertiary Hospital, Jos, Nigeria

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is of public health importance. Estimation of it occurrence in other parts of the developed world showed prevalence rates of approximately 10%–25%. Previous prevalence studies in crisis-ridden areas showed prevalence rates ranging from 28% to 58%. However, since the entrenchment of relative peace in Jos, Nigeria there has not been any other study to the best of the authors' knowledge. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of PPD in a postethno-religious crisis period among women attending the Postnatal and Children's welfare clinic in a tertiary hospital, Jos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: In total, 550 women were recruited in a cross-sectional study that involved a two-stage procedure in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos, Nigeria. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire and the Depression Module of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV axis I Diagnosis were used. Results: A weighted prevalence of 21.8% of PPD was found among the participants. Age (P