Perception and Practice of HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Among Secondary School Adolescents in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.

A large proportion of Nigerian adolescents are sexually active and the country has one of the highest HIV prevalence among youths globally. This study was done to assess the perception and practice of HIV/AIDS counseling and testing (HCT) among secondary school adolescents in a rural community in Southwest Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out using multistage sampling method. The results showed that despite high level of HCT awareness, majority of the adolescents (62.9%) had negative attitude toward it. The practice of HCT was poor among majority of the respondents as less than 15% of the adolescents had ever done HCT. This study recommends that adolescents should be better informed on the locations of the health centers within the community and services rendered by them. Peer education on HCT should also be intensified in schools to promote positive healthy sexual lifestyles among adolescents.

Influence of Knowledge of Spousal Fertility Cycles on Male Reproductive Health Participation in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria.

In spite of the established roles and influence of men on women's uptake and utilization of reproductive health care interventions, the degree of involvement with intimate issues within the household which could help to understand male involvement and support remains an under-researched topic. The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of involvement at the family level of men within sub-urban communities of Ibadan in South-West Nigeria. A cross sectional survey design was conducted among 380 men selected from sub-urban communities in Ibadan, Oyo State using multi-stage sampling. Data was obtained using pre-tested, semi-structured, interviewer administered questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and logistic regression with level of significance set at 5%. Mean age of respondents was 41.1 ± 7.6 years. Men who were knowledgeable of spouse's menstrual cycles and ovulation dates were significantly more likely to have supported some form of public health intervention before (p <0.001). Age over 30, above secondary education, and men aware of menstrual dates of spouse were significant predictors of reproductive health interventions. Men who were aware of menstrual cycles of spouse were 96.6% more likely to be supportive or involved in reproductive health matters compared to those who were not (OR =0.034; 95% CI = 0.02 - 0.07; p <0.001). Involvement of men at family level as demonstrated in this study serves to influence and explain the level of involvement with reproductive health. Further research investigating other proximal factors that influence male participation is recommended.

Comparative assessment of determinants of health-related quality of life in hypertensive patients and normal population in south-west Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in hypertensive patients may be influenced by the presence and the knowledge of disease, beliefs associated with the disease, blood pressure (BP) control, and drug utilization. The impact of hypertension on HRQOL in hypertensive patients compared to the normal population has not been assessed in Nigeria, the most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa. This study compares HRQOL in hypertensive patients and the normal population; the effect of BP control and medication on HRQOL of hypertensive patients is also assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study of 713 individuals, 606 were hypertensive patients attending the University College Hospital in Oyo State, Nigeria, while 107 were normal persons residing in Ibadan. Data on sociodemographic status, clinical variables, and drug utilization were collected. World health organization-quality of life short version (WHO-QOL-BREF) questionnaires were used to assess HRQOL of participants. RESULTS: Hypertensive patients had poorer HRQOL compared with normal individuals in the physical health (p<0.05), psychological (p<0.01), and total quality of life domains. Blood pressure control had no effect on HRQOL in domain (p>0.05). Drug use significantly worsened HRQOL of hypertensive patients in the psychological (p˂0.01), social relationship (p<0.01), and the total quality of life domains (p<0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that while income per month was positively predictive of physical, psychological, and total quality of life domains (r2=1.988, p=0.001; r2=3.710, p<0.001; r2=2.748, p<0.001), symptom count was negatively predictive of the same (r2=-0.746, p=0.005; r2=1.869, p<0.001; and r2=-1.094; p<0.001), respectively. Reduced symptoms and higher income improved quality of life in hypertensive patients. CONCLUSION: The presence of hypertension and antihypertensive medication reduced HRQOL of hypertensive patients, although BP control surprisingly did not impact HRQOL. However, lower symptom count and higher income improved quality of life.

Perception of Genetic Testing for Deafness and Factors Associated with Interest in Genetic Testing Among Deaf People in a Selected Population in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Understanding the perceptions of genetic testing by members of the deaf community may help in planning deafness genetics research, especially so in the context of strong adherence to cultural values as found among native Africans. Among Yorubas in Nigeria, deafness is perceived to be caused by some offensive actions of the mother during pregnancy, spiritual attack, and childhood infections. We studied attitudes towards, and acceptance of genetic testing by the deaf community in Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered to individuals sampled from the Vocational Training Centre for the Deaf, the religious Community, and government schools, among others. The main survey items elicited information about the community in which the deaf people participate, their awareness of genetic testing, whether or not they view genetic testing as acceptable, and their understanding of the purpose of genetic testing. There were 150 deaf participants (61.3 % males, 38.7 % females) with mean age of 26.7 years ±9.8. A majority of survey respondents indicated they relate only with other members of the deaf community (78 %) and reported believing genetic testing does more good than harm (79.3 %); 57 % expressed interest in genetic testing. Interest in genetic testing for deafness or in genetic testing in pregnancy was not related to whether respondents relate primarily to the deaf or to the hearing community. However, a significantly higher number of male respondents and respondents with low education reported interest in genetic testing.

Willingness of reproductive-aged women in a Nigerian community to accept human papillomavirus vaccination for their children.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the willingness of reproductive-aged women in a Nigerian community to allow human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in their children and the associated factors with this decision. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multistage household survey of 1002 women who participated in the HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Prevention Survey from 26 August to 29 September 2012 at Ibadan North Local Government Area, Mokola Ibadan, Nigeria. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed, and statistical significance was set at 95% confidence level (CI). RESULTS: There was high willingness (88.6%) to vaccinate, and this attitude was associated with previous history of genital discharge or sores (adjusted odds ratio, 1.91; 95%CI, 1.05-3.45), and knowledge that cervical cancer is preventable (adjusted odds ratio, 1.67; 95%CI, 1.07-2.59). On the likely acceptability of Nigerian HPV vaccine policy, about two-thirds strongly agreed to its incorporation into the routine immunization program (66.9%), it being free (66.7%) and mandatory (64.3%), amongst other factors. The commonest concerns raised were cost/expenses (10.2%), that it might encourage promiscuity (9.9%), or stimulate early sexual debut (6.7%), and fear of infertility (6.3%). CONCLUSION: This study found that the majority of Nigerian women are willing to vaccinate their children against HPV infection and would prefer free universal HPV vaccination with regulation to ensure better uptake. The concerns expressed would need to be addressed by policy-makers to increase its acceptability.

Implementing genetic testing in diabetes: Knowledge, perceptions of healthcare professionals, and barriers in a developing country.

INTRODUCTION: Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is an unusual type of diabetes often missed in clinical practice, especially in Africa. Treatment decisions for MODY depend on a precise diagnosis, only made by genetic testing. We aimed to determine MODY knowledge among Nigerian healthcare professionals (HCPs), their perceptions, and barriers to the implementation of genetic testing in diabetes patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among doctors and nurses in three levels of public and private healthcare institutions in Ibadan, Nigeria, from December 2018 to June 2019. In all, 70% and 30% of a total 415 participants were recruited from public and private centers, respectively. HCPs were recruited in a 60:40% ratio, respectively. A 51-item instrument was used to assess MODY knowledge, perceptions of HCPs, and barriers to the implementation of genetic testing in diabetes patients. RESULTS: In the survey, 43.4% self-rated their current MODY knowledge to be at least moderate. About 68%, 73% and 86%, respectively, correctly answered 3 of 5 questions on basic genetics' knowledge. However, only 1 of 7 MODY-specific questions was answered correctly by 72.7% of the respondents. The mean basic genetics and MODY-specific knowledge scores were 2.6/5 (SD=1.0) and 1.8/9 (SD=1.3), respectively. Multiple linear regression showed higher mean scores among those aged 30-49 years, those with degrees and fellowships (except PhD), and general practitioners; 360 (80.0%) perceived that genetic testing plays a central role in diabetes care. Barriers to genetic testing were lack of access to testing facilities, guidance on the use of and updates/educational materials on genetic testing (82.7%, 62.1% and 50.3%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The level of MODY awareness and knowledge among Nigerian HCPs is unacceptably low with a lack of access to genetic testing facilities. These can hinder the implementation of precision diabetes medicine. Increased awareness, provision of decision support aids, and genetic testing facilities are urgently needed.

Level of awareness of mammography among women attending outpatient clinics in a teaching hospital in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Mammography has been used in developed countries with considerable success but very little is known about this imaging modality in low resource settings. This study examined the level of awareness of mammography and determined factors influencing the level of awareness. METHODS: We conducted a hospital based cross sectional study to investigate the level of awareness of mammography among 818 randomly selected women attending the General Outpatient clinics (GOP) of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria. Independent predictors of level of awareness of mammography were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The proportion of women who ever heard of mammography was 5%, and they demonstrated poor knowledge of the procedure. Those with primary or secondary levels of education were about three times less likely to be aware of mammography when compared with those with tertiary level of education (OR = 0.3, 95% CI, 0.12 - 0.73). Also, participation in community breast cancer prevention activities (OR = 3.4, 95% CI, 1.39 - 8.36), and previous clinical breast examination (OR = 2.34, 95% CI, 1.10 - 4.96) independently predicted mammography awareness. Newspapers and magazines appeared to be the most important sources of information about mammography screening. CONCLUSION: The level of awareness of mammography is poor among women attending outpatient clinics in the studied population. Interventions promoting awareness of this screening procedure should give particular attention to the illiterate and older women while clinicians performing breast examinations should utilize the opportunity to inform women about the mammography procedure. Promotion of educational articles on breast cancer and its screening methods via media remains vital for the literate.

Knowledge of the human papilloma virus vaccines, and opinions of gynaecologists on its implementation in Nigeria.

The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and perception of Nigerian Obstetricians and Gynaecologists towards human papilloma virus vaccine use in Nigeria. A cross sectional study was conducted amongst participants that attended the 42nd Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria. The findings revealed that 44.5% knew the correct HPV vaccine schedule. Regarding implementation in Nigeria, 87.4% suggested its incorporation into the national immunization program and about a third agreed that it should be a precondition for school enrolment. Regression analysis showed that senior residents were more likely to have adequate knowledge of the vaccine compared to junior residents (AOR 7.181 95% CI OR = 1.792 - 28.782). We conclude that the knowledge of eligibility and schedule is poor. It is recommended that adequate information should be provided to this group of health workers because of their strategic position in its implementation in Nigeria.

Prevalence and the associated trigger factors of urinary incontinence among 5000 black women in sub-Saharan Africa: findings from a community survey.

STUDY TYPE: Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and describe possible trigger factors of urinary incontinence (UI) among adult women in a Nigerian community. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study comprised a household community survey conducted among 5001 women aged≥18 years. Cluster multistage sampling was used to select eligible respondents. Information was obtained by an interviewer who administered a structured questionnaire on sociodemographics, obstetric and gynaecological characteristics, leakage of urine and trigger factors. RESULTS: The mean±SD age of the women was 33.2±14.7 years. The proportion of women currently experiencing leakage was 2.8% (95% CI, 2.6-3.0). The types of incontinence reported by women currently leaking included stress incontinence (2.3%), urge incontinence (1%) and mixed (0.6%). Severe incontinence was reported in 0.5% of women, 0.1% had moderate incontinence, whereas 2.2% had mild incontinence. Women with history of vaginal delivery only were approximately two-fold more likely (95% CI OR, 1.11-3.02), and those who delivered by other modes over four-fold more likely (95% CI OR, 1.96-9.27), than nulliparous women to report currently leaking urine. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows a prevalence of UI comparable to other settings, and the commonest type is stress is found to be UI. The mode of delivery is a significant correlate of UI amongst Nigerian women.

Gender variation in self-reported likelihood of HIV infection in comparison with HIV test results in rural and urban Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Behaviour change which is highly influenced by risk perception is a major challenge that HIV prevention efforts need to confront. In this study, we examined the validity of self-reported likelihood of HIV infection among rural and urban reproductive age group Nigerians. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample of Nigerians. We investigated the concordance between self-reported likelihood of HIV and actual results of HIV test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess whether selected respondents' characteristics affect the validity of self-reports. RESULTS: The HIV prevalence in the urban population was 3.8% (3.1% among males and 4.6% among females) and 3.5% in the rural areas (3.4% among males and 3.7% among females). Almost all the respondents who claimed they have high chances of being infected with HIV actually tested negative (91.6% in urban and 97.9% in rural areas). In contrast, only 8.5% in urban areas and 2.1% in rural areas, of those who claimed high chances of been HIV infected were actually HIV positive. About 2.9% and 4.3% from urban and rural areas respectively tested positive although they claimed very low chances of HIV infection. Age, gender, education and residence are factors associated with validity of respondents' self-perceived risk of HIV infection. CONCLUSION: Self-perceived HIV risk is poorly sensitive and moderately specific in the prediction of HIV status. There are differences in the validity of self-perceived risk of HIV across rural and urban populations.

Childbirth method has an effect on non-fistulous urinary incontinence amongst sub-Saharan African women: fact or fallacy?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The association of mode of childbirth and non-fistulous urinary incontinence has been largely explored among Caucasians with little or no information from black female population living in developing countries. The aim of this study is to address this gap in knowledge. METHODS: A Household Survey of Urinary Incontinence was conducted in 2009. Of the 5,001 eligible respondents, 4,944 had information on childbirth. The relationships between mode of delivery (vaginal, caesarean and assisted--forceps and vacuum) and UI was explored using bivariate and multivariable analysis at 95% confidence level. RESULTS: Of significant factors on bivariate analysis, only mode of childbirth was significant on regression analysis. Women with history of assisted delivery were about 4.7 times more likely than those who delivered through other means and over seven times more likely than nulliparous women to report urine leakage. CONCLUSION: The outcome shows a linkage of childbirth methods with non-fistulous UI in a black population.

Gender and rural-urban differences in the nutritional status of in-school adolescents in south-western Nigeria.

This study assessed gender and rural/urban differences in height and weight, and the prevalence of stunting, underweight and overweight of school-going adolescents in south-west Nigeria, using 2007 WHO reference values for comparison. The influence of sexual maturity and the socio-demographic correlates of growth performance were also examined. In this cross-sectional study, 924 male (51.4%) and 875 female (48.6%) students (1799 in total) aged 10-19 years from eighteen schools in Ibadan (five rural, nine urban public and four urban private) were interviewed and examined. Although males were significantly taller than females (p<0.05), stunting was more pronounced for males, who were 7.5 cm shorter than the 2007 WHO reference, compared with females who were 3.5 cm shorter. Body mass index (BMI) for girls was also greater than for boys (p<0.05). Rural adolescents had lower heights and BMIs compared with those in urban areas. The mean height of male adolescents in rural schools fell below 2 SDs of the 2007 WHO reference between 14 and 17 years, while heights of males and females in private schools were similar to the median 2007 WHO standard. Low height-for-age was observed in 282 adolescents (15.7%), which, after multivariate analysis, was significantly associated with school type, gender, number of mother's children and puberty onset. Adolescents in rural schools were much more likely to be stunted than those in urban private schools (AOR 13.1; 95% CI 5.2-33.2) and males were three times more likely to be stunted compared with females (AOR 3.3; 95% CI 2.4-1.4). Low BMI-for-age was observed in 240 adolescents (18.9%), with correlates similar to stunting. Adolescents at the pre-puberty stage were twice as likely to have low BMI-for-age (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.6-2.5) than those with signs of puberty. There were 2.3% overweight adolescents, who were significantly more likely to be female, in private school and post-pubertal. Innovative interventions for Nigerian adolescents, especially rural inhabitants and males, are needed to reduce the prevalence of stunting and underweight.

Clients' reasons for prenatal ultrasonography in Ibadan, South West of Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal ultrasonography has remained a universal tool but little is known especially from developing countries on clients' reasons for desiring it. Then aim was to determine the reasons why pregnant women will desire a prenatal ultrasound. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional survey of consecutive 222 women at 2 different ultrasonography facilities in Ibadan, South-west Nigeria. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 30.1 +/- 4.5 years. The commonest reason for requesting for prenatal ultrasound scans was to check for fetal viability in 144 women (64.7%) of the respondents, followed by fetal gender determination in 50 women (22.6%. Other reasons were to check for number of fetuses, fetal age and placental location. Factors such as younger age, artisans profession and low level of education significantly influenced the decision to check for fetal viability on bivariate analysis but all were not significant on multivariate analysis. Concerning fetal gender determination, older age, Christianity, occupation and gravidity were significant on bivariate analysis, however, only gravidity and occupation remained significant independent predictor on logistic regression model. Women with less than 3 previous pregnancies were about 4 times more likely to request for fetal sex determination than women with more than 3 previous pregnancies, (OR 3.8 95%CI 1.52 - 9.44). The professionals were 7 times more likely than the artisans to request to find out about their fetal sex, (OR 7.0 95%CI 1.47 - 333.20). CONCLUSION: This study shows that Nigerian pregnant women desired prenatal ultrasonography mostly for fetal viability, followed by fetal gender determination. These preferences were influenced by their biosocial variables.

Assessment of the effect of psychosocial support during childbirth in Ibadan, south-west Nigeria: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of psychosocial support on labour outcomes. METHODOLOGY: A randomised control trial conducted at the University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria, from November 2006 to 30 March 2007. Women with anticipated vaginal delivery were recruited and randomised at the antenatal clinic. The experimental group had companionship in addition to routine care throughout labour until two hours after delivery, while the controls had only routine care. The primary outcome measure was caesarean section rate. Others included duration of active phase, pain score, time of breast-feeding initiation and description of labour experience. Multivariable analyses were used to adjust for potential confounders. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: Of the 632 recruited, 585 were eventually studied: 293 and 292 were in experimental and control groups, respectively. Husbands constituted about two-thirds of the companions. Women in the control group were about five times more likely to deliver by caesarean section (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.98-12.05), had significantly longer duration of active phase (P < 0.001), higher pain scores (P = 0.011) and longer interval between delivery and initiation of breast-feeding (P < 0.001). However, those in experimental group had a more satisfying labour experience (odds ratio 3.3 95% CI 2.15-5.04). CONCLUSION: Women with companionship had better labour outcomes compared to those without. It is desirable to adopt this practice in our health-care settings as an alternative strategy to provide comparable quality services to would-be mothers in labour.

Long-lasting insecticidal net use and asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia among household members of laboratory-confirmed malaria patients attending selected health facilities in Abuja, Nigeria, 2016: A cross-sectional survey.

INTRODUCTION: In Nigeria, malaria remains a major burden. There is the presupposition that household members could have common exposure to malaria parasite and use of long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) could reduce transmission. This study was conducted to identify factors associated with asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and LLIN use among households of confirmed malaria patients in Abuja, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to August 2016 in twelve health facilities selected from three area councils in Abuja, Nigeria. Participants were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Overall, we recruited 602 participants from 107 households linked to 107 malaria patients attending the health facilities. Data on LLIN ownership, utilization, and house characteristics were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Blood samples of household members were examined for malaria parasitaemia using microscopy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and logistic regression (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Median age of respondents was 16.5 years (Interquartile range: 23 years); 55.0% were females. Proportions of households that owned and used at least one LLIN were 44.8% and 33.6%, respectively. Parasitaemia was detected in at least one family member of 102 (95.3%) index malaria patients. Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia among study participants was 421/602 (69.9%). No association was found between individual LLIN use and malaria parasitaemia (odds ratio: 0.9, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.6-1.3) among study participants. Having bushes around the homes was associated with having malaria parasitaemia (adjusted OR (aOR): 2.7, 95%CI: 1.7-4.2) and less use of LLIN (aOR: 0.4, 95%CI: 0.2-0.9). Living in Kwali (aOR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.0-0.2) was associated with less use of LLIN. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and low use of LLIN among household members of malaria patients portend the risk of intra-household common source of malaria transmission. We recommend household health education on LLIN use and environmental management. Study to explore the role of preventive treatment of household members of confirmed malaria patient in curbing transmission is suggested. Strategies promoting LLIN use need to be intensified in Kwali.

Building local capacity for genomics research in Africa: recommendations from analysis of publications in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2004 to 2013.

BACKGROUND: The poor genomics research capacity of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) could prevent maximal benefits from the applications of genomics in the practice of medicine and research. The objective of this study is to examine the author affiliations of genomic epidemiology publications in order to make recommendations for building local genomics research capacity in SSA. DESIGN: SSA genomic epidemiology articles published between 2004 and 2013 were extracted from the Human Genome Epidemiology (HuGE) database. Data on authorship details, country of population studied, and phenotype or disease were extracted. Factors associated with the first author, who has an SSA institution affiliation (AIAFA), were determined using a Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The most commonly studied population was South Africa, accounting for 31.1%, followed by Ghana (10.6%) and Kenya (7.5%). About one-tenth of the papers were related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer (6.1%) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) (4.3%). Fewer than half of the first authors (46.9%) were affiliated with an African institution. Among the 238 articles with an African first author, over three-quarters (79.8%) belonged to a university or medical school, 16.8% were affiliated with a research institute, and 3.4% had affiliations with other institutions. CONCLUSIONS: Significant disparities currently exist among SSA countries in genomics research capacity. South Africa has the highest genomics research output, which is reflected in the investments made in its genomics and biotechnology sector. These findings underscore the need to focus on developing local capacity, especially among those affiliated with SSA universities where there are more opportunities for teaching and research.

Sonographic breast pattern in women in Ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Sonographic breast density pattern like mammography is dependent on the relative proportion of connective and glandular tissue. Breast density is a marker for breast cancer risk and has received wide spread interest in many countries in recent times. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This paper aims at describing the sonographic breast pattern in women in Ibadan using the American College of Radiology in its breast imaging reporting and data system (ACR-BI-RADS) lexicon. It will also estimate the prevalence of the different sonographic breast patterns and attempt to find any association between the breast patterns and various demographic variables in the women studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, descriptive study of the sonographic breast pattern in 573 women carried out at the Department of Radiology, University College Hospital, Ibadan. Nigeria. Breasts scans were performed with an Aloka SSD and Logiq P5 machine. RESULTS: A total of 573 women were recruited into the study. Their age ranged between 14 and 74 years (mean = 38.91 ± 12.51 years and median = 38 years). The modal age group was 30-39 years (26.9%). The women attained menopause between 35 and 59 years (mean = 46.2 ± 5.1 years) while the median age for menopause was 47 years. The majority of the women studied were either obese or overweight (66.9%). Sixty-one (10.6%) women had a positive family history of breast cancer with the heterogeneous fibroglandular (60.7%) breast pattern being commonest in this high risk group; and in the entire study population (52.7%). Significant associations between the sonographic breast pattern, age, menopausal status, parity, body mass index (BMI), and waist-hip ratio (WHR) was found. BI-RADS 2 breast pattern appeared to decrease with increasing age while BI-RADS I breast pattern increased with increasing age (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography like mammography, can define the parenchymal breast pattern accurately. Strong correlation exists between parenchymal breast pattern and demographic, parity variables, and breast cancer risk factors.

Relationships between Plasma Micronutrients, Serum IgE, and Skin Test Reactivity and Asthma among School Children in Rural Southwest Nigeria.

Objective. Increasing prevalence of asthma has been attributed to changes in lifestyle and environmental exposures. We conducted a case-control study to investigate the relationship between serum micronutrients and asthma in rural school children in Nigeria. Methods. We administered questionnaires to 1,562 children to identify children with asthma. Serum concentration levels of 12 micronutrients were determined in asthma cases (N = 37) and controls (N = 30). Allergy skin prick test and spirometry were also performed. Results. Plasma levels of the following micronutrients were significantly different between cases and controls: calcium (7.48 ± 2.16 versus 8.29 ± 1.62 mg/dL; P = 0.04), manganese (44.1 ± 11.5 versus 49.3 ± 7.9 mg/L; P = 0.01), selenium (76.1 ± 14.9 versus 63.3 ± 26.8 µg/L; P = 0.02), and albumin (3.45 ± 0.90 versus 3.91 ± 0.99 g/dL; P = 0.04). Plasma concentrations of iron and selenium were positively correlated with lung function, r = 0.43 (P < 0.05 in each case) while manganese serum concentration was negatively correlated with asthma (r = -0.44; P < 0.05). Conclusions. Children with asthma had reduced levels of plasma manganese, calcium, and albumin but raised level of selenium. The protective or risk effects of these micronutrients on asthma warrant further investigation.

Maternal demand for cesarean section: perception and willingness to request by Nigerian antenatal clients.

BACKGROUND: Contrary to the widely reported aversion to cesarean section in the West African subregion, maternal demand for cesarean section (MDCS) seems to be on the increase, and there is little evidence to explain this trend. The purpose of this study was to determine the perception and attitudes of Nigerian antenatal clients towards MDCS, their willingness to request MDCS, and the relationship between willingness to request MDCS and sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 843 antenatal clients at Agbongbon/Orayan primary health care centers (PHCs), Adeoyo Maternity Hospital (SHC), and UCH Ibadan (THC), representing the three different levels of health care in Nigeria, ie, primary, secondary, and tertiary. RESULTS: The proportion of women aware of MDCS was 39.6%. Predictors of awareness were education and type of health facility. Women from THC and those with tertiary education and above were more likely to be aware of MDCS than others (P = 0.001). Doctors were major sources of information on MDCS (30.8%) as well as friends (24.3%). Common reasons reported for MDCS were fear of labor pains (68.9%), and fear of poor labor outcome (60.1%), and fear of fecal (20.2%) and urinary incontinence (16.8%). More women from the THC than other facilities believed that requests for MDCS should be granted (P < 0.001). However, willingness to request MDCS was low (6.6%). More than 50% of those willing to request MDCS would likely be criticized, mainly by their husbands. On multiple logistic regression, respondents at the THC were significantly more likely than those at the SHC or the PHCs to request cesarean section and to favor a woman's right of autonomy to choose her mode of delivery. CONCLUSION: The decision for MDCS is a difficult one, because willingness is low and criticism by partners of those who choose MDCS is high. Provision of epidural anesthesia and improved safety of vaginal delivery is recommended. This may prevent Nigerian women from making a difficult choice for MDCS based on fear of pain and poor labor outcome. The role of the male partner should be taken into consideration in order to make sustainable policies or guidelines for MDCS in developing countries.

Theories of urinary incontinence causation: aetiological descriptions by sub-Saharan African women.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the perceived causes of urinary incontinence (UI) and factors associated with awareness of causes of UI among women in the community. STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data extracted from the Ibadan Urinary Incontinence Household Survey (IUIHS), a multi-stage community survey conducted among 5001 women in Nigeria. RESULTS: The mean age was 34.8 years (SD=14.2). The majority had at least secondary education and were currently married. Within this population, 13% had ever leaked urine. On their perception of possible aetiological factors of UI, 20.5% mentioned pelvic floor or bladder-related causes such as stress incontinence triggers and bladder problems; 14.6% mentioned uncontrollable factors such as medical comorbidity, age and prior surgery; 8.8% attributed the cause to being female; and 6.8% mentioned sex-related factors. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significantly lower odds of awareness of the aetiology of urinary incontinence among women aged less than 30 years, those with lower level of education, rural women, those with five or more children and women without history of urine leakage. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows a low level of awareness of possible cause of UI amongst women surveyed. We recommend health education and mobilization of women on the right aetiological factors of UI.