Perception of Blood Donation among Medical and Pharmaceutical Science Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Background: Safe blood is a vital component in improving healthcare globally and millions of lives are saved each year through blood donation. But most hospitals in the developing countries face challenges of constant supply of blood to carry out different life saving procedures that require blood, due to paucity of blood donors. Many studies have been done on the perception of blood donation but only a few have been on Medical and Pharmaceutical Students. Aim: To determine the perception of blood donation among Medical and Pharmaceutical Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi and Agulu Campuses respectively. Material and Methods: Stratified sampling technique was used to divide the students into strata (200, 300, 400, 500, and 600), then simple random sampling was used to select different respondents from each class and self-administered questionnaires were given to the respondents. Data was collected and results were analyzed. Results: 294 respondents, 147 medical students and 147 pharmaceutical students participated in the study 141 (95.9%) of medical students and 137 (93.2%) of pharmaceutical students had heard of blood donation. 139 (94.6%) of medical students and 140 (95.2%) of pharmaceutical students knew their blood groups. 59.5% of the respondents had donated blood. The commonest motivating factor towards blood donation is “to save a friend or family member”. Conclusion: The knowledge of the students regarding blood donation was high but the practice of blood donation was low.

Albumin and Lipid Profiles Following Treadmill Exercise among Student Volunteers of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Nigeria

The albumin and lipid profile changes following treadmill exercise were assessed among 160 apparently healthy student volunteers made up of 80 males and 80 females within the age bracket of 18 - 30 years, the physically active age group within the universities. The anthropometric indices (weight, height and BMI) of the subjects were taken using reference/standard methods. The blood pressures and pulse rate, then albumin and lipid profiles were also taken before and after exercise. The participants ran on a treadmill and their physical conditions were assessed using the Bruce protocol. Immediate post-exercise blood samples were again analyzed in the laboratory. There were significant increases (P 0.5). There were gender variations in response to the treadmill exercise. Some of these findings indicate the expected functional alterations in the life of the students and there is a need to recommend the adoption of regular moderate exercise pattern to the students. These can bring about positive changes in their serum lipid and albumin profiles for better health in the face of stressful academic life.

Radiation Field Preference for Radiographic Anatomical Markers by Radiographers in a University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria

Objective: The work aims to determine the radiographers’ preference between primary and secondary radiation fields for imprinting anatomical markers on radiographs. Methodology: Processed radiographs from the darkroom with evidence of radiographic anatomical markings were selected randomly and reviewed using a viewing box, within a 4-week period. The radiation field in which markers were placed was noted for each radiograph. Faintly-appearing and partly coned- off markers were excluded. Simple statistical tools were used to derive central tendency. Result: 623 radiographs were assessed. 89.0% (n = 555) had markers in the primary radiation field while 11.0% (n = 68) were in the secondary radiation field. 98% (n = 611) of markers did not obstruct essential anatomy while 2% (n = 12) did, but the radiographs were neither repeated nor rejected because of the twin reason of reportability and the need to avoid additional radiation dose to patients. Conclusion: Radiographers in the centre preferred the primary radiation field for marker placement to avoid cone-off, cut-off and illegibility which leads to repeat. This, however, does not offer superior advantage to markers placed in secondary radiation field. It is recommended that marker placement preference should be guided by the need for legibility, aesthetics and avoidance of essential anatomy.

Pattern of Neurological Disorders among Children Presenting at the Neurology Unit of Tertiary Hospital in Awka

Background: Many children in Nigeria suffer from detrimental, debilitating and lifelong neurologic disorders, many of which are highly preventable using simple, cost-effective interventions. Objective: To examine the pattern of neurological disorders among children presenting at the neurology unit of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku, Awka, Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective review of the hospital records of children who presented at the Paediatric Neurology Unit between 1st March 2020 and 31st March 2022 was carried out. Data were abstracted using a proforma and analyzed using SPSS Version 21. Results: A total of 138 children aged 0 to 15 years were seen in the unit during the period under review. 115 (83.35%) of these children were diagnosed with chronic neurological disorders. Those with chronic neurological disorders had a male:female ratio of 1.9:1, and the majority (65%) of them were below 5 years of age. The most common presenting complaints were delayed milestones (43.4%), seizures (23.8%), and speech disorders (17.2%). The most typical diagnosis was cerebral palsy (CP) (34.7%), seizure disorder (29.8%) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (8.9%). Perinatal asphyxia (47.7%), neonatal jaundice (17.0%) and central nervous system infections (CNS) infections (12.5%) were identified as the major risk factors responsible for these neurologic disorders. Conclusion: Cerebral palsy and seizure disorders constitute the major neurological disorders among children seen in our institution. Efforts should be intensified at reducing the incidence and impact of perinatal asphyxia, neonatal jaundice and CNS infections, identified as the major culprits, to curb the menace of these debilitating lifelong neurologic sequelae.

Characterization of TB/HIV Co-Infected Patients Receiving TB Treatment at a DOTS Clinic, in a Tertiary Hospital in South-Eastern Nigeria

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a specific infectious disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis while acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a fatal illness caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Both of them constitute the main burden of infectious public health disease in many parts of the world, particularly in resource limited countries like Nigeria. This study sets out to describe TB/HIV co-infected patients accessing care at the DOTS clinic in a tertiary hospital in South-Eastern Nigeria. Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively at the DOTS clinic of NAUTH Nnewi. A structured proforma was used to extract specific characteristics of TB/HIV co-infected patients who received TB treatment for the period of 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2013. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS version 20. Results: Ninety eight patients (40.6%) were TB/HIV co-infected, out of the two hundred and forty one patients treated for tuberculosis in the DOTS clinic during the period under review. These were the findings among the TB/HIV co-infected patients: there were more females (51%) than males (49%);the commonest age group affected was the group 30 - 39 years (34.7%);majority of the patients (91.8%) had pulmonary TB as against extrapulmonary TB (8.2%) and most of the patients had negative sputum AFB result (43.9%) as against those with positive result (36.7%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated some important characteristics of TB/HIV co-infected patients. Such knowledge if taken into consideration in both the tuberculosis control and HIV control programs will improve the outcomes of the programs.

Factors Influencing Inter-Pregnancy Interval among Antenatal Attendee in a Tertiary Hospital in Abakaliki, South-East, Nigeria

Background: World over, there has being an improvement in birth spacing resulting in a reduction in the perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality rates. Objective: To appraise the factors influencing inter-pregnancy interval (IPI) among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among antenatal attendee, with at least one previous delivery, in Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki over a six month period using a structured questionnaire. Data obtained was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 28.6 (95% CI 28.1 - 29.1) years. The majority (231, 70%) were multiparous. Most respondent (162, 49.1%) had their last delivery 6 - 12 months prior to conception. The significant determinants of IPI include: maternal age, marital status, place of residence, social class, baby’s sex, family income, use of contraceptive, parity and outcome of her last confinement. Contraceptive knowledge is high (300, 90.9%);more than 50% had the desire to use some form of contraceptive but majority (132, 40%) said they will never use contraceptive after delivery. Conclusions: Majority of the women had an IPI of 6 - 12 months. The major determinant of this includes having a live birth in last delivery, parity, marital status, and place of residence. The attitude to contraception is poor;effort needs to be directed into identifying the immediate and remote causes of this as this will help in proper education and counselling needed to increase contraceptive uptake.

Characterization of Defaulters from Tuberculosis Treatment in a Tertiary Hospital in South Eastern Nigeria

Background: Tuberculosis is second only to HIV/AIDS as the greatest killer worldwide, due to a single infectious agent. Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) is presently the WHO recommended programme to fight tuberculosis worldwide. There is a need to understand the characteristics of patients who default from treatment for tuberculosis. This will help modify the strategies to reduce such default to the barest minimum and achieve higher levels of adherence. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients that defaulted from treatment for TB at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi DOTS clinic for the period 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2012. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at the DOTS clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. The records of patients who received treatment from the clinic from 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2012 (2 years) were reviewed. The data collected include patients’ demographic characteristics, treatment category, patient type, baseline sputum smear result, and retroviral status. From the data, default rate was calculated and its relationship with other variables noted. Associations between patients’ characteristics were determined using chi square test of independence. The significance level was set at p = 0.05. Results: A total of 765 patients enrolled for TB treatment in the DOTS clinic of the study area within the study period of 1st January 2011 and December 31st 2012. The mean age at commencement of the treatment was 33.14 years (±18.09). The outcome of treatment showed that 260 (34%) had treatment completed, 230 (30.1%) cured, 120 (15.7%) defaulted, 103 (13.5%) died, 40 (5.2%) were transferred-out, and 12 (1.6%) failed in the treatment, giving a treatment success rate of 64.1%. Among the 120 (15.7%) patients that defaulted from treatment, majority 80 (66.7%) were males, and most 30 (25.0%) were in the 30 - 39 years age group. Conclusion: Defaulting starts with treatment interruption hence prompt management of interruption of treatment and default will largely help in preventing drug-resistant TB.

Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Obesity among Adolescents in Secondary School in Onitsha, South East Nigeria

Background: The prevalence of obesity among adolescent has been on the increase worldwide. This is probably a result of increase in the sedentary life style and the increasing shift to western diet. Obesity in children and adolescents has adverse consequences. These include increase in the rate of Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, etc with resultant increase in premature deaths. Objectives: To determine the socio-demographic and behavioral factors associated with overweight and obesity in apparently healthy secondary school adolescents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of secondary school adolescents aged 10 - 19 years randomly selected from two public schools and three private schools. The weight and heights of study subjects were measured using standard equipment. Body mass index (BMI) was appropriately calculated and the WHO growth reference standard for age and gender, specific percentile for BMI was used to define overweight 85th to 97th and obese (97th percentile and above). Results: Data were initially collected from 1250 participants, but 52 were excluded due to improperly completed questionnaires. Thus, a total of 1198 students were ultimately included in the study, giving a response rate of 95.8%. These included 621 females (51.8%) and 577 males (48.2%) aged 10 - 19 years giving a F:M ratio of 1:0.9. The mean age of the students was 15.07 ± 1.96 years overall, 15.13 ± 2.08 years for males and 15.03 ± 1.83 years for females. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female in the distribution of age groups (p = 0.12). The mean BMI was 21.51 ± 3.57 kg/m2 for females and 20.22 ± 3.16 kg/m2 for males. The BMI was significantly higher in females in all age groups (p < 0.001) except those aged 10 - p = 0.13). The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were higher in females than males (17.7% vs 10.7%, 5.6% vs 4.5% respectively;p ≤ 12 yrs;p = 0.04). The frequent consumption of sugar based beverages (p p p = 0.03) were significantly associated with both overweight and obesity (p p p < 0.001) were also significantly associated with obesity. Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors such as gender, socioeconomic status and behavioral patterns were major contributors to obesity. Behavioral interventions including regulating the intake of sugar based beverages and reducing the time spent on sedentary activities could be useful strategies in reducing the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents.

Effectiveness of Gardnerella vaginalis culture and Nugent scoring in identifying bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women

Background:Bacterial vaginosis(BV),a lower genital tract syndrome,has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes and is regarded as the prevalent type of vaginal infection in females of childbearing age.Objectives:To determine the accuracy of Nugent scoring and Gardnerella vaginalis culture in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis(BV)among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital,Nnewi,Nigeria.Method:This cross-sectional study evaluated biospecimen from 333 pregnant women enrolled through systematic random sampling technique.Biospecimens of vaginal discharge were tested for BV infection using Amsel’s criteria,Nugent’s score and culture of G.Vaginalis.Using Amsel’s criteria as a“gold standard”,the Nugent’s score and culture of G.vaginalis were estimated.Results:Prevalence of 26.12%,25.82% and 28.20% of BV was found using Amsel criteria,Nugent’s method and culture of G.vaginalis,respectively.No statistical relationship exists between socio-demographic characteristics and BV(P>0.05).Sexual exposure,and vaginal hygienic practices influences BV(P<0.05)infection and also with fishy odor during or after sexual intercourse,Gardnerella morphotypes,Bacteroides morphotypes and BV(P<0.05).An inverse relationship existed between lactobacilli morphotypes and BV.The prevalence of HIV was 5.41% and 16 out of 18 had BV diagnosed using Amsel criteria.Nugent method correlated strongly with Amsel criteria(P<0.05).In comparison with Amsel criteria,it had 78.16% sensitivity,92.68% specificity,79.07% positive predictive value,92.31% negative predictive value and 88.89% accuracy rate.This was in contrast distinction to the culture of G.vaginalis,which had 56.32%sensitivity,81.70% specificity,52.13% positive predictive value,84.10% negative predictive value and 75.08% accuracy rate.Conclusion:Nugent method correlated strongly with Amsel criteria(P<0.05)and had 78.16% sensitivity,92.68% specificity,79.07% positive predictive value,92.31% negative predictive value and 88.89% accuracy rate.Contrariwise,the culture of G.vaginalis had 56.32% sensitivity,81.70% specificity,52.13% positive predictive value,84.10% negative predictive value and 75.08% accuracy rate for BV diagnosis.

The impact of COVID-19 on the birth rate in Nigeria:a report from population-based registries

Background and objectives:Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a pandemic that has become a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide,affecting the physical and mental health of individuals influencing reproduction.Despite the threat,it poses to maternal health in sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria,there is little or no data on the impact it has on fertility,conception,gestation and birth.To compare the birth rate between pre-COVID and COVID times using selected months of the year.Materials and methods:This was a secondary analysis of cross-sectional analytical study data from the birth registries of three tertiary hospitals,comparing two years[2019(Pre-COVID)]versus[2020(COVID era)]using three months of the year(October to December).The data relied upon was obtained from birth registries in three busy maternity clinics all within tertiary hospitals in South-East Nigeria and we aimed at discussing the potential impacts of COVID-19 on fertility in Nigeria.The secondary outcome measures were;mode of delivery,booking status of the participants,maternal age and occupation.Results:There was a significant decrease in tertiary-hospital based birth rate by 92 births(P=0.0009;95%CI:-16.0519 to-4.1481)among mothers in all the three hospitals in 2020 during the COVID period(post lockdown months)of October to December.There was a significant difference in the mode of delivery for mothers(P=0.0096)with a 95%confidence interval of 1.0664 to 1.5916,as more gave birth through vaginal delivery during the 2020 COVID-19 period than pre-COVID-19.Conclusion:Tertiary-hospital based birth rates were reduced during the pandemic.Our multi-centre study extrapolated on possible factors that may have played a role in this decline in their birth rate,which includes but is not limited to;decreased access to hospital care due to the total lockdowns/curfews and worsening inflation and economic recession in the country.

Evaluation of HBsAg Quantification as Surrogate to HBV DNA Viral Load in Hepatitis B Infected Patients in Anambra State, Nigeria

Hepatitis B is an infectious disease of great public health importance. Nigeria is one of the countries with the highest incidence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection worldwide. However, the accessibility and affordability of HBV DNA quantification (viral load) assay is the key laboratory test for therapy initiation, and monitoring is a challenge to HBV management. This study aimed at determining the relationship between HBV DNA quantification and routine haemato-serological parameters in order to develop a more cost-effective diagnostic algorithm for Hepatitis B management. Cross sectional study design was used with a total of 264 subjects comprising of 88 HBsAg seropositive treatment naïve subjects, 88 HBsAg seropositive subjects on antiviral therapy as case subjects and 88 age-matched apparently healthy HBsAg seronegative individuals were recruited as control subjects. Hepatitis B Virus DNA assay was performed using real time PCR technique while ELISA technique was used for Hepatitis B surface antigen quantification. HBsAg quantification showed strong positive correlation with HBV DNA viral load both in treatment and non-treatment groups (r = 0.673;p < 0.001). However, the Receiver Operation Characteristics curve indicated a very poor performance characteristics (AUC = 0.537, p = 0.002). The non-treatment group has higher viral load (M = 805.50 IU/ml) compared with treatment group (M = 65.50 IU/ml) (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in HBV DNA levels among the four serological patterns observed in the study (p < 0.001). This study has revealed that HBsAg quantification has strong correlation with HBV viral load but might not be efficient in clinical practice as a predictor of serum HBV viral load due to its poor performance characteristics in identifying high positive viral load.

Effective Dose Levels from Computed Tomography of the Head during Contrast Studies in Nigeria

Background: Diagnostic reference levels for a number of common diagnostic radiological examinations against which individual centres could compare their performance have been recommended by relevant international agencies. Due to variations in different populations globally, local and national diagnostic reference levels are more reliable. To the best of our knowledge, no centre-specific study has been carried out and national surveys are not available. Objective: To establish a preliminary local and national diagnostic reference level in Nigeria. Methods: A pro-spective and cross-sectional study involving 30 conscious paediatrics and adult patients referred for head computed tomography scan. They were positioned supine and scanned according to the standard protocol for head computed tomography with manual mA selection. The total dose-length products were recorded at the end of the pre-contrast and post-contrast sequences respectively. The pre-contrast dose was taken into cognizance in the determination of the post-contrast value. The effective dose was established by multiplying the dose-length product by 0.0023 mSv.mGy-1.cm-1, a conversion coefficient for brain tissue adopted from the European Commission. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: 30 paediatrics and adult patients of mixed gender participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 1 to 74 years with a mean age of 41.47 ± 23.30 years. The pre-contrast effective dose ranged from 1.93 mSv to 3.32 mSv with mean of 2.56 ± 0.51 mSv and 75th percentile of 3.11 mSv while the post-contrast effective dose ranged from 4.06 mSv to 6.97 mSv with mean of 5.27 ± 0.97 mSv and 75th percentile of 6.13 mSv. The mean effective dose from this work and two other isolated studies was 3.0 mSv. Conclusion: Although our quantified doses are below threshold limits for occupational exposures they are higher than the recommended level for the public. A further optimization of scanning protocols by the radiographers could lower the effective dose for patients undergoing contrast head computed tomography in our centre and in the country.

Sexual Behaviour among Students in a Tertiary Educational Institution in Southeast Nigeria

Background: Sexual behaviour is the manner in which humans experience and express their sexuality. When it is risky, it can lead to untoward health consequences. Objective: The study was undertaking to assess the sexuality pattern of 276 students from a tertiary educational institution in Anambra state of south eastern Nigeria to determine the pattern of risk-behavior among them. Subjects/Methods: This is a cross-sectional questionnaire based study of undergraduates in a tertiary educational institution. Results: Majority of the respondents 190/276 (68.8%) are sexually active. Most of the sexually active respondents are unmarried 156 (82.1%) while only 34 (17.9%) were married. A considerable number of the respondents 34 (17.9%) had 2 to 5 sex partners in the past one year while 26 (13.7%) had at least 6 sex partners the past year also. Interestingly, 140 (73.7%) respondents were having sex for pleasure and while only 14 (7.4%) had sex for money. Conclusion: Majority of the undergraduates in this study indulge in premarital sexual intercourse and usually often with multiple partners. This constitutes high risk sexual behavior. Recommendations: Safer-sex sexuality education is recommended for students in tertiary educational institutions to minimize this ugly trend.

Safety evaluation in mice of the childhood immunization vaccines from two south-eastern states of Nigeria

Objective:To check the effects of the vaccines on the hematopoietic system and weight of mice after immunization.Methods:The study was done with the Expanded Programme on Immunization vaccines donated by the Ministries of Health of Abia and Imo States of Nigeria.The vaccines were collected from the cold-chain stores and transported in vaccine carriers to the cold-chain facility in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital within 3 hours of collection.They were used to immunize a total of 160 mice.The Ethics Committee of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital,Nnewi of Anambra State,Nigeria approved the protocol.Results:Mice body weight changes test showed that the mice all had increased body weight at Days 3 and 7 post-immunization and none died during the 7 d post-immunization observation.The percentage weight gains of the mice compared with the control were 69%.70%,64%.63%,65%and 68%for oral polio vaccine,diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus.bacillus CalmetteGuerin,measles,yellow fever and hepatitis B vaccines respectively collected from Imo State.The mice immunized with oral polio vaccine,pentavalent.bacillus Calmette-Guerin.measles,yellow fever and hepatitis B vaccines collected from Abia State had 123%.114%,121%.116%,142%and 119%weight gain respectively compared with the control.Leukocytosis promoting toxicity test showed that none of the vaccines was able to induce proliferation of leukocytes up to ten folds.Leukopenic toxicity test showed that all the vaccines had an leukopenic toxicity test value higher than 80%of the control(physiological saline).Conclusions:The vaccine samples tested were safe and did not affect the hematopoietic system adversely.The storage conditions of the vaccines in the States' cold-chain stores had not compromised the safety of the vaccines.

Detection of microbial antigenic components of circulating immune complexes in HIV patients:Involvement in CD4^+ T lymphocyte count depletion

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of microbial antigenic components of circulating immune complexes amongst grades of CD4 T lymphocyte counts in HIV sero positive and seronegative participants.Methods:Polyethelene glycol(PEG-600) and buffering methods of precipitation and dissociation of immune complexes was used to generate immune solution from sera of 100 HIV sero-positive and 100 HIV sero-negative participants.These were categorized into 3 grades based on CD4 count:】 500 cell/mm,200-499 cell/mm3 and 【200 cell/mm3.The immune solutions were assayed using membrane based immunoassay and antibody titration, along side its unprocessed serum for detection of various microbial antigens and or antibodies. CD4 T cell counts were estimated using Patec Cyflow SL-3 Germany.Results:Antigenic component of immune complexes of various infectious agents was detected in 99 and 70 HIV seropositive and HIV sero-negative participants,respectively.In group A,there were 10 HIV positive participants,including 4(40.0%) had circulating immune complexes(CICs) due to Salmonella species only:1(10.0%) due to Salmonella-Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum),SalmonellaP. falciparum-HCV and P.falciparum antigens,respectively.In group B,45(45.4%) HIV seropositive participants with CICs had CD4 T lymphocyte count between 200-499 cells/mm^3.Out of these,20(44.4%) had CICs due to Salmonella species only:9(20%) due to Salmonella-P. falciparum.In group C,there were 44(44.4%) HIV sero-positive participants,including 3(6.8%) due to Salmonella species only:24(54.4%) due to Salmonella-P.falciparum:2(4.5%) due to P. falciparum only.Conclusions:In HIV sero-positive participants,presence of heterogeneity of Salmonella species-P.falciparum antigens was highly incriminated in CD4 count depletion but not homogeneity of malaria parasites antigens.Malaria parasites antigens only were incriminated in CD4^+ count depletion amongst HIV sero-negative participants.Before taking any decision on the management of HIV-1-positive individuals,their malaria and Salmonella paratyphi status should be assessed,but not malaria status alone.

Antioxidant activity in HIV and malaria co-infected subjects in Anambra State,southeastern Nigeria

Objective:To determine the antioxidant status of HIV and malaria co-infected participants. Methods:Blood samples collected from the 193 randomly recruited participants were used for HIV screening,Plasmodium falciparum antigen screening,malaria parasite density count, CD4^+ T cell count,glutathione reductase,glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant status measurement.Standard laboratory methods were used for the analysis.Results:The results showed that glutathione reductase,glutathione peroxidase,total antioxidant status and CD4^+ T cell count were significantly lowered in symptomatic HIV participants with and without malaria co-infection(P【0.01) in each case compared with control participants.Also,glutathione reductase,glutathione peroxidise,total antioxidant status and CD4^+ T cell count were significantly lowered in asymptomatic HIV participants with and without malaria co-infection(P【0.05) in each case,compared with control participants without malaria.Similarly,these antioxidants were significandy lowered in control participants with malaria infection(P【0.05) compared with control participants without malaria.The malaria parasite density in symptomatic HIV infected participants was negatively associated with glutathione reductase(r = -0.906,P【0.01),glutathione peroxidase(r = -0.719,P【0.01) and total antioxidant status(r = -0.824,P【0.01).Conclusions: The antioxidant activity was affected in HIV infected participants with malaria co-infeclion. Malaria co-infeclion in HIV seems to exert additional burden on antioxidants.This calls for concern in malaria endemic areas with increasing prevalence of HIV infection.

A Derived Exposure Chart for Computed Radiography in a Negroid Population

Background: Computed radiography has a wider exposure latitude when compared with film-screen imaging system. Consequently, the risk of dose creep is high. A conscientious effort is there-fore, needed by the radiographer to keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable. Objective: To derive a computed radiography exposure chart for a negroid population using AGFA photostimulable phosphor plates and a GE static X-ray machine. Materials and Method: A static X-ray machine, a digitizer, and photostimulable phosphor plates were used for the X-ray examination. Chest examinations were done at a Focus-Film-Distance (FFD) of 150 - 180 cm while all other examinations were conducted at 90 - 100 cm FFD. The range of exposure factors (kVp, mA and mAs) used by radiog-raphers in the centre was noted and the 90th percentile calculated. Over a three-month period, the patients were examined with the 90th percentile of tube potential (kVp) while keeping other factors constant. The kVp was gradually decreased and halted if radiologists and radiographers uncon-nected with the work expressed misgivings about the quality of the image. A similar procedure was adopted for the tube current (mA). The threshold adopted as low as reasonably achievable was the factor preceding the point of observation by other personnel. Metrics for central tendency from the statistical packages for social sciences, version 17.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: 335 subjects of both gender aged 0 - 92 years were examined by the researchers. Adult exposure factors used by the radiographers (and those derived by the researchers) had a range of 45 - 130 kVp (62 - 94 kVp), 63 - 320 mA (100 - 250 mA) and 4.0 - 25.0 mAs (5.0 - 20.0 mAs) respectively. Pediatric chest (and researchers-derived) factors were 50 - 75 kVp (52 - 65 kVp), 50 - 250 mA (100 - 220 mA) and 3.20 - 10.0 mAs (3.2 - 6.5 mAs) respectively. Conclusion: Upper threshold of adult (and paediatric) exposure factors in computed radiography with comparable equipment and accessories should not exceed 94 kVp (65 kVp), 250 mA (220 mA) and 20.0 mAs (6.5 mAs) respectively. The derived exposure chart is also adequate to address motion unsharpness in chest examinations.

Perception of Sexually Transmitted Infection-Preventive Measures among Senior Secondary School Students in Nnewi-North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: Sexually transmitted infections-preventive measures are effective methods employed in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections [STIs]. Sexually transmitted infections are among the most common infections in the world and therefore a major public health problem as they cause devastating long term consequences if untreated, especially in adolescents. Sexually transmitted infection-preventive measures, if correctly and consistently used, have been proven to be efficacious. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among SS2 and SS3 students in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra state, Nigeria. A structured, self administered questionnaire was administered to consenting senior secondary students to gather relevant information about socio-demogaraphic characteristics, knowledge about STIs, sexual behaviours. Three hundred and thirty four students participated in the study. Multi stage sampling technique was used. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. Results were represented in tables and graphs. Results: Three hundred and thirty four students participated in the study, of which females and males are 167 each. 89% understood the meaning of STI. The majority of the respondents got the knowledge from TV/radio (34.4%), teachers (28.1%) and mother (27.0%). The majority of respondents knew that HIV/AIDS (89.8%), syphilis (58.1%) and Gonorrhoea (56.9%) were STIs. Good numbers of respondents knew the symptoms of STIs and risk factors of STI with unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners (57.5%) and (42.2%) respectively, as the highest risk factors. About 75.7% of respondents knew that HIV/AIDS cannot be cured. The Majority knew that avoiding sexual intercourse, being faithful to one partner and use of condom are preventive measures respectively. The majority of respondents (71%) felt they cannot be infected with an STI. 92.8% believed that STIs can be prevented. Age range for first sexual intercourse was 13 - 18 years for females and 8 - 19 years for males. Of the 86 that have had sexual intercourse, 48.8% had experienced one or more of the symptoms of STIs and the majority (80.9%) went to a hospital for treatment. Males (31.4%) are more likely to have multiple sexual partners than females (4.7%). Conclusion: The majority of the students had an objective knowledge on STIs transmission and prevention. Their overall attitude was positive but their practices were not satisfactory, especially for the males. Females were more careful and health conscious than their male counterpart.

Characterization of Tuberculosis Cases Presenting in a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in South-Eastern Nigeria

Background: Tuberculosis is second only to HIV/AIDS as the greatest killer worldwide, due to a single infectious agent. Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) is presently the WHO recommended programme to fight tuberculosis worldwide. There is need to understand the characteristics of patients who receive treatment for tuberculosis. This will help modify the strategies to fight the scourge of tuberculosis. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at the DOTS clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. The records of patients who received treatment from the clinic from 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2012 were reviewed. Three hundred and fifteen patients were included in the study. Important characteristics of the patients were retrieved. Associations between patients’ characteristics were determined using relevant tests of significance. Results: Three hundred and fifteen patients were included in the study. There were more male patients (59%). The reproductive age group (37.5%) was more than the other age groups. Mean age was 33.1 (±18.5) years. There were more rural patients (50.2%) than urban patients (49.8%). There were more pulmonary TB patients (87.3%) than extrapulmonary TB patients (12.7%). There were more sputum AFB negative patients (45.4%) than positive patients (41.3%). There were more HIV negative patients (59.4%) than positive patients (40.6%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated some important characteristics of tuberculosis patients. Such knowledge if taken into consideration in the tuberculosis control programme will definitely improve the outcome of the programme.

Sonographic Estimation of Visceral Adipose Tissue in an African Population

Purpose: To establish normal values of sonographically-quantified visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in an African population and to correlate results with biomarkers. Patients and Methods: 100 male and 150 female volunteers were scanned for intra-abdominal adipose tissue thickness. Other parameters obtained include BMI, WC, and blood pressure (BP). Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to estimate the degree of relationship in VAT, BMI, WC, and blood pressure. Results: The mean VAT thickness was 25.36 ± 16.42 mm. VAT correlated positively and linearly with age (r = 0.651;p < 0.05), BMI (males: r = 0.745, p < 0.05, and females: r = 0.736;p < 0.05), WC (males: r = 0.797, p < 0.05;females: r = 0.779, p < 0.05), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. (Systolic: r = 0.524, p < 0.05, and diastolic: r = 0.535, p <0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound is a useful tool in assessing VAT during routine scans to identify patients at risk of increased blood pressure and cardiac diseases associated with obesity.