Women In Southwestern Nigeria Research Articles

Contemporary representations of disability and interpersonal relationships of disabled women in south-western Nigeria

abstractAmid the sociocultural fluidity of modernisation, disability has risen to prominence in development debates. Disability has increasingly been viewed as neglect and sociocultural obstruction. The existence of these social realities has created a segregated society with respect to disability that both stems from and perpetuates cultural stereotypes of disability. In addition, the foregoing debate seemingly excludes analysis of oppression of women with disability from Nigeria's social-cultural discourse. This article examines the nature of the contemporary social construction of disability, and looks at the ways in which these constructions affect the interpersonal relationships of disabled women. For this article 40 young disabled adult women in south-western Nigeria provided information about their views of disabilities, and how these views continue to influence their interpersonal relationships. Findings from this study show that continued negative representations of women with disabilities as helpless, incompetent, asexual and intellectually challenged continue to affect the lives of disabled women in contemporary societies. In addition, the reproduction of disability stereotypes and gender serves to reinforce male and able-bodied hegemony in intimate relationships. In the face of contemporary socio-economic contraditions the article suggests that disability and social policy require a parallel renegotiation, because the experience of women with disabilities is an integral part of a society characterised by fundamental ideologies and social inequalities which misrepresent and destroy disabled peoples’ lives, and divide people against each other.

Obesity indices as predictors of pattern of self-reported arthritis among elderly women in Southwestern Nigeria.

Objectives:This study assessed obesity indices and pattern of arthritis among elderly women in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria.Methods:The cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 350 elderly women selected by multistage sampling technique. Research instruments used in data collection were semi-structured, interviewer-administered pre-tested questionnaires that were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 17.0.Results:The mean age of the participants was 69.1 (±1.4) years. A total of 232 (66.3%) of them had complaints of joint pains (Awoka as expressed in the local language). Pattern of arthritis showed that 172 (74.0%) had recurrent joint pains, while 35 (15.1%) had joint swelling; the knee joint was mostly affected. A total of 97 (28.0%) were overweight while 84 (24.0%) were obese. Obese women were twice more likely to have arthritis when compared to the nonobese (odds ratio: 2.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.8–9.4, p = 0.001).Conclusion:There is a need to give high priority to weight reduction strategies targeted at the elderly and the entire population.

Transvaginal sonography is feasible and universally acceptable to women in Ibadan, Nigeria: experience from the 1st year of a novel service.

Transvaginal sonography (TVS) is the standard route for gynecological and early pregnancy assessment scanning, due to the higher resolution that allowed for a better view of the pelvis. It had not been available in the study area prior to this, and it was anticipated that clients would find it intrusive and unacceptable, and thus decline it. The study was aimed at accessing the acceptability of TVS in women. A cross-sectional study of all clients who presented for gynecological and early pregnancy assessment scans at a private ultrasound diagnostic center in Nigeria during its 1st year of service. All suitable clients were counseled for TVS. This was carried out for them, while nonconsenters had transabdominal sonography. A questionnaire was administered to the consenting participants. Virgins and women currently experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding were excluded. Data were entered into SPSS-16 and analyzed with frequency tables. Five hundred and seventy-seven women of varied demographic characteristics were included into the study. Only one (i.e., 1/577; 0.2%) declined TVS. The procedure was abandoned in one (i.e., 1/576; 0.2%) due to severe discomfort. All 575 that completed the examination stated they would accept TVS again in the future, if indicated. TVS was universally accepted by a diverse population of women in South-Western Nigeria. It is recommended that ultrasound scan providers in this location should acquire skills for it, if necessary, and that TVS be offered routinely for gynecological evaluation according to international standards.

Prevalence, sociodemographic features and risk factors of Hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Southwestern Nigeria

IntroductionHepatitis B virus is responsible for 50%-80% of Hepatocellular carcinoma cases worldwide. In Nigeria, vertical transmission remains a major route of Hepatitis B virus infection. Primary (vaccines and post-exposure prophylaxis) and secondary prevention of HBV transmission by appropriate sexual and sanitary practices are not yet optimal in the country yet measures for early detection (serological, molecular) and treatment of infected pregnant women is not a practice. This study aimed at identifying the prevalence and risk factors for Hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study was done at the Ante-natal clinic of the University College Hospital Ibadan. One hundred and eighty pregnant women were recruited from March to August 2013, and tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (BIORAD FRANCE) using third generation ELISA, as well as HIV-1 and 2 using Uni-Gold Recombigen and ALERE determine (a rapid immunoassay designed to detect antibodies to HIV 1 and/or 2). Positive HBsAg samples were tested for Hepatitis B envelope antigen, antibody and Hepatitis B core antibody (DIAPRO Italy) while serum HBV DNA was detected using PCR. Data were obtained using questionnaires to establish and analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.ResultsThe seroprevalence of HBsAg was 8.3% out of which 26.7% were positive for HBeAg, 53.3% had HBeAb, 20% had neither HBeAg nor HBeAb, 100% had total HBcAb and 86.7% had HBV DNA in their serum. The mean age was 32.1years, the highest HBV infection rate occurred in 25-29 year age group. Multiple sexual partners (OR- 3.987, P- value=0.026) and early age at sexual debut (OR 11.996, P- value=0.022) were independent risk factors for HBV infection.ConclusionHepatitis B virus infection is of high endemicity in Nigeria thus early detection, treatment of infected pregnant women, immunoprophylaxis for exposed newborns and surveillance for those with chronic infection is essential. Health education programs on prevention and control measures must be instituted.

Lower urinary tract symptoms are uncommon but troublesome in elderly women in Southwestern Nigeria

Results: One thousand and fifty-seven women (median age, 71 years) were interviewed. Overall, 1.4% of the women had significant LUTS but 2.4% had impaired health. Significant voiding/post-micturition LUTS affected 0.5% of participants of which 14% had impaired health. Also, 10% of participants had significant storage LUTS of which 60% had impaired health. The presence of significant voiding/post-micturition and storage LUTS correlated with increasing age and impairment of health respectively.

Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B virus among pregnant women in southwestern Nigeria

Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B virus among pregnant women in southwestern Nigeria

Seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM antibodies among pregnant women in Oyo State, Nigeria

Human parvovirus B19 causes a wide range of complications in pregnant women including abortion, severe fetal anemia, non-immune hydrops fetalis, and even intrauterine fetal death. However, there is a dearth of information on the prevalence of the virus among pregnant women in southwestern Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 231 pregnant women and screened for antibodies to human parvovirus B19 IgM and IgG using an enzyme immunosorbent assay kits. Of the 231 women, 31 were in their first trimester, 146 were in their second trimester, and 54 were in their third trimester. Forty-five (20%) were positive for parvovirus B19 IgG antibodies, 10 (4%) were positive for parvovirus B19 IgM antibodies, and 176 (76%) had no detectable parvovirus B19 antibodies. Twenty-eight (19%) of the 146 pregnant women in their second trimester were positive for parvovirus B19 IgG antibody while three (2%) of the 146 were positive for parvovirus B19 IgM antibody. It is evident that there is a high prevalence of human parvovirus B19 among pregnant women in south-western Nigeria. This suggests that there is an active transmission of the virus in the community; it is therefore necessary to conduct more studies on the virus in pregnant women in Nigeria to ascertain its effect on the fetus.

A Survey Of Marriage Pattern as Determinants of Fertility Among Women in Southwestern Nigeria

Introduction: Fertility levels in many parts of the world continues to rise despite huge resources committed to fertility reduction programmes, with resultant effects on man and his environment. The objective of this study is to assess and compare marriage pattern as determinants of fertility among women living in rural and urban communities in south western Nigeria: Methodology: Descriptive, cross sectional comparative study among 1024 women of reproductive age group in rural and urban communities using multistage sampling method. Research instrument used were pre-coded, pre-tested, semi structured interviewer administered questionnaires, and data analyzed using the SPSS software. Results: Mean age at first marriage was 19.6 +3.3 years for rural women and 22.6 +3.9 years among urban women, and the mean difference was statistically significant(p=0.001). Polygamy featured more prominently in rural setting with 212 (41.5%) of respondents compared to 111(21.7%) of urban respondents. In rural setting, 9(27.2%) of respondents remarried among the divorced, separated and widowed (all combined) compared to 11 (32.4%) of same group of urban respondents, and bear children for the new husband in re-marriage. Mean number of births per woman (index of total fertility rate) was 3.4+1.8 births per woman in rural, and 2.9+1.5 births per urban woman. Women with formal education in both settings had about a half (OR=0.59, 95% C.I=0.45-0.95 and p=0.001) fold fertility level and about one-eighth fold (OR=0.08, 95% C.I=0.06-0.12 and p=0.019) chance of having first marriage below 20 years compared to women with no formal education. Conclusion: Fertility reduction programmes should remove socio cultural barriers influencing early marriage and indiscriminate remarriages in order to achieve her aims.

Prevalence and Correlates of Elder Abuse Among Older Women in Rural and Urban Communities in South Western Nigeria

Elderly women face the same health, economic, and social issues that all elderly people face, but often encounter more challenges compared with men and are more prone to abuse. Elder abuse has hitherto been uncharacterized among women in South Western Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to describe the prevalence, patterns, and factors associated with elder abuse among elderly women in Nigeria. The abuse of elderly women is quite prevalent in the two communities studied, especially physical abuse. Positive predictors of elder abuse were urban dwelling, financial dependency, and a high level of educational attainment. Appropriate interventions should be targeted toward reducing the occurrence.

The effect of caesarean section on self-esteem amongst primiparous women in South-Western Nigeria: A case-control study

Objective. This study aims to assess the level of self-esteem of newly delivered mothers who had caesarean section (CS) and evaluate the sociodemographic and obstetrics correlates of low self-esteem in them.Methods. Newly delivered mothers who had CS (n = 109) and who had spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) (n = 97) completed questionnaires on sociodemographic and obstetrics variables within 1 week of delivery. They also completed the Rosenberg self-esteem scale.Results. Women with CS had statistically significant lower scores on the self-esteem scale than women with SVD (p = 0.006). Thirty (27.5%) of the CS group were classified as having low self-esteem compared with 11 (11.3%) of the SVD group (p = 004). The correlates of low self-esteem in the CS group included polygamy (odd ratio (OR) 4.99, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.62–15.33) and emergency CS (OR 4.66, 95% CI 1.55–16.75).Conclusions. CS in South-Western Nigerian women is associated with lowered self-esteem in the mothers.

The effect of caesarean section on self-esteem amongst primiparous women in South-Western Nigeria: A case-control study

Objective. This study aims to assess the level of self-esteem of newly delivered mothers who had caesarean section (CS) and evaluate the sociodemographic and obstetrics correlates of low self-esteem in them.Methods. Newly delivered mothers who had CS (n = 109) and who had spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) (n = 97) completed questionnaires on sociodemographic and obstetrics variables within 1 week of delivery. They also completed the Rosenberg self-esteem scale.Results. Women with CS had statistically significant lower scores on the self-esteem scale than women with SVD (p = 0.006). Thirty (27.5%) of the CS group were classified as having low self-esteem compared with 11 (11.3%) of the SVD group (p = 004). The correlates of low self-esteem in the CS group included polygamy (odd ratio (OR) 4.99, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.62–15.33) and emergency CS (OR 4.66, 95% CI 1.55–16.75).Conclusions. CS in South-Western Nigerian women is associated with lowered self-esteem in the mothers.

Sex-negotiation strategies and safer-sex practices among married women in South-western Nigeria

Adverse reproductive health outcomes such as unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, are significant reproductive-health challenges of contemporary Nigerian women. Available statistics indicate that only 31% of currently married Nigerian women consistently use a modern family planning method. This study examined the strategies used by married women in negotiating sex with their partners, with the underlying hypothesis that safer sex practices are related to women's sex negotiation skills. Study participants were 167 married women selected by convenience sampling from two towns in Osun State, Nigeria. A self-report questionnaire was administered on participants to collect information on their practice of safe sex as well as strategies used to negotiate sex with partners. Findings from descriptive analysis of data revealed that only 32% of women had the ability to comfortably discuss sexual matters with their husbands. The most widely used strategy for negotiating safer sex was bargaining, followed by disengagement and begging. It was also found that safer-sex practices by women were not significantly related to their sex negotiation skills. The findings bring into focus the need to understand women's patterns of sex negotiation before their exposure to interventions aimed at addressing their sexual and reproductive health challenges.

Preferred Treatment for Mental Illness Among Southwestern Nigerians

This study aimed to assess the southwestern Nigerian public's preferences for the treatment of mental illness in that region. Adults (N=2,078) selected from three Nigerian communities completed questionnaires on sociodemographic details and on their perceptions regarding causes of, stereotypes of, and treatment options for mental illness. The preferred treatment option was spiritual healers, endorsed by 41% of respondents. Thirty percent endorsed traditional healers, and 29% endorsed hospitals and Western medicine. Correlates of preference for spiritual and traditional healers included female gender, never having provided care for persons with mental illness, endorsement of supernatural causation of mental illness, and lower education. The southwestern Nigerian public preferred alternatives to Western medicine for the treatment of mental illness. Efforts to improve professional mental health services in Nigeria must consider and address beliefs and preferences of the public in regard to mental health treatment.

Preferred Treatment for Mental Illness Among Southwestern Nigerians

Preferred Treatment for Mental Illness Among Southwestern Nigerians

Predictors of request for antenatal sex determination among pregnant women in Osogbo, Nigeria

Prenatal ultrasonograpghy is a useful diagnostic tool in modern day obstetrics. However, its application in prenatal sex determination would continue to attract reactions and comments. The objective of the study was to identify factors associated with fetal sex determination during ultrasonography, A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among the pregnant women in SouthWestern Nigeria, to determine factors associated with willingness to know the sex of their unborn child using structured questionnaires. A total of 315 responses were obtained. Two hundred and nineteen (69.5%) respondents were interested in knowing the sex of their babies during ultrasonograghy. Younger mothers(= 29 years), primipara, those who had preference for a particular sex, those who planned to have more children based on desired sex, those who had problems detected in the index pregnancy and women who planned the index pregnancy were more willing to know the sex of their unborn child. Adjusting for other factors, pregnancies that were planned, determination to have more babies and house re-arrangement based on fetal sex of the index pregnancy were found to be significantly associated with desire to have prenatal sex determination. The study has demonstrated the factors that influence the request for prenatal sex determination among the pregnant women in Southwestern Nigeria and the effects of western influence.

Personal and Psychological Factors as Determinants of Attitude toward Multiple Role Planning Among Employed Women in Southwestern Nigeria

This study investigated the predictability of educational qualifications, age, achievement, motivation, career salience and problem solving ability on attitudes toward multiple-role planning (ATMRP) among employed women in Southwestern Nigeria. The participants were 254 employed women randomly selected from five state capitals in the southwestern Nigeria. The women were administered measures of problem-solving ability, attitude toward multiple-role planning, achievement motivation and work-role salience scale. The data collected were analysed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The findings indicated that achievement motivation was the best predictor of ATMRP followed by career salience, problem-solving ability and age in that order. Educational qualifications was the least predictor of ATMRP among the employed women. The results indicate the need for counselling psychologists to design interventions that consider the personal and psychological factors in order to help the women plan for multiple roles. Gender & Behaviour Vol.3 2005:314-333

Perception of Labour Pain by Pregnant Women in Southwestern Nigeria

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the Yoruba woman\'s perspective of labour pain, to ascertain what methods of pain relief in use during labour and the effectiveness of these methods. Methods: With the help of an epidemiologist, we designed a questionnaire to apply to women who have had at last one normal delivery. Women attending the antenatal booking clinic in three big hospitals in South-western Nigeria, with a predominant population of Yorubas, were interviewed. Questions asked were : Labour pain rating using a 3- point Verbal rating Scale (VRS), (2) what they would want done to pain when in labour, (3)analgesic use in previous labour (s), (4) patient\'s greatest worry during labour. Results: A total of 486 multiparous women were interviewed. Over 70% rated labour pain as moderately to severely painful. 32% would not want any pain relief while in labour but another 33% would want it eliminated. Labour pain was the greatest worry of 14% during labour while 40% claimed they had no worries. 95% claimed not to have had any analgesia during previous deliveries. All those who had analgesia were given only intramuscular injections while in labour. Conclusions: Though most Nigerian women find labour painful, they appear to tolerate it well. Methods available for pain relief in developed countries are not in use here. The only method in use is not very effective. Key Words: Labour Pain, Analgesia, Verbal Rating Scale. [Trop J Obstet Gynaecol, 2004; 21:153-155]

Effect of Self-Medication with Antimalarial Drugs on Malaria Infection in Pregnant Women in South-Western Nigeria

Objective: To determine the effect of self-medication with chloroquine and pyrimethamine on malaria infection and anaemia during pregnancy. Subjects and Methods: The study involved 210 women who attended Ade Oyo Maternity State Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Of these, 156 were pregnant women while 54 were not pregnant (controls). Of the pregnant women, 66 were primigravidae, while 90 were multigravidae. History of treatment of malaria with antimalarial drugs was obtained from the subjects. Gravidity and gestation period were also documented. Two millilitres of blood was withdrawn from each subject, for haematological parameters. Thin and thick films were prepared for malaria parasite identification and quantification. Results: Of the primigravidae and multigravidae 68 and 16.4%, respectively, had taken antimalarial drugs prior to booking. Among primigravidae, only18% of those with drugs compared with 32% without drugs were malaria-positive. The parasite density was significantly lower among those who took antimalarial drugs than among those who did not (976 ± 60 versus 2,421 ± 78, p < 0.05). Similarly, among multigravidae, only 16.4% of those who took antimalarial drugs compared with 34% of those who were not malaria-positive. The parasite density was also significantly lower in multigravidae with drugs than among those without drugs (350 ± 45 versus 1,000 ± 65, p < 0.05). The prevalence of anaemia (packed cell volume, PCV <33) was high, 89% in primigravidae and 70% in multigravidae. Severe anaemia (PCV <21) was more common in malaria-positive primigravidae and multigravidae than in malaria-negative women. Conclusion: The findings indicate that self-medication with chloroquine and pyrimethamine at booking was able to reduce the prevalence of malaria and anaemia in pregnancy.

Keeping Children Healthy: The Challenge of Preventive Care Among Women in Southwestern Nigeria

The study analyzes lay preventive health care for children in a provincial town in Southwestern Nigeria. Data were collected among 36 market women who had all raised children. This sample is a subset of a larger study on health care among low income women in Yoruba land. Both personal interviews and observations were used in the methodology. Within the Nigerian context, health care activities occur within a deteriorating economic environment and a pluralistic medical sector both of which have been on the decline since the mid- 1980s. The study found that women work hard to prevent illness among children, often using more than one medical system in child care. The consequences of declining medical and physical environments were analyzed. Local or indigenous drugs were reviewed. Finally, problems arising from the simultaneous use of several systems were discussed.

The fatty acid composition of human milk in northern Nigeria.

The authors previously reported that the milk of Yoruba women in southwestern Nigeria was deficient in alpha-linolenic acid and contained a high percentage (42%) of medium chain-length fatty acids (MCFA, C10-C14). In the present study, the authors used capillary gas-liquid chromatography to analyze the milk of Hausa women in the northern region of Nigeria. The milk of the Hausa women contained 27% MCFA, 10.6% linoleic acid, 0.41% alpha-linolenic acid, 0.52% arachidonic acid, and 0.32% docosahexaenoic acid. The proportion of alpha-linolenic acid in the serum phospholipids of a subset of exclusively breastfed infants (n = 15; mean age, 6.2 +/- 0.3 months) was below the limit of detection (< 0.03%). While the milk of women in northern Nigeria is adequate with regard to n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, to satisfy the requirements for alpha-linolenic acid, it may be necessary to supplement the infants of these women after the first 6 months of life.