Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Coverage and Seropositivity amongst Nigerians 18 Years Old and Above.

BACKGROUND: This was a cross-sectional community-based survey to study the prevalence of serum antibodies against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-COV-1) and determine possible source of antibodies as to whether from vaccination or from natural infection as well as attempt to compare antibody levels in response to the different four types of vaccines administered in Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional community-based study of the prevalence of serum antibodies against all four vaccine types used in Nigeria amongst a representative sample of people aged 18 years and above in the six geopolitical zones of the country using a multistage sampling technique covering 12 states of the country with two states being randomly selected from each geopolitical zone. High-throughput Roche electrochemiluminescence immunoassay system (Elecsys Anti-SARS-COV-1 Cobas) was used for qualitative and quantitative detection of antibodies to SARS-COV-1 in human plasma. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the proportions with seropositivity for both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated (P = 0.95). The nucleocapsid antibody (anti-Nc) titres were similar in both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated, whereas the Spike protein antibody (anti-S) titres were significantly higher amongst the vaccinated than amongst the unvaccinated. Antibody levels in subjects who received different vaccines were compared to provide information for policy. CONCLUSION: While only 45.9% of the subjects were reported to have been vaccinated, 98.7% of the subjects had had contact with the SARS-COV-1 as evidenced by the presence of nucleocapsid (NC) antibodies in their plasma. The 1.3% who had not been exposed to the virus, had spike protein antibodies which most likely resulted from vaccination in the absence of NC antibodies. Successive vaccination and booster doses either through heterogeneous or homologous vaccines increased antibody titres, and this stimulation of immune memory may offer greater protection against coronavirus disease 2019.

Knowledge and risk perception of e-cigarettes and hookah amongst youths in Lagos State, Nigeria: An exploratory study.

INTRODUCTION: Limited research exists describing young people's knowledge and risk perception of e-cigarettes and hookah in Nigeria. This qualitative study explored the knowledge and risk perception of e-cigarettes and hookah amongst young people in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS: Participants (n = 20), aged 15-24 years who had used e-cigarettes or hookah at least once in the past 12 months, participated in three focus group (FG) discussions in January 2020. Each FG session consisted of 6-7 participants, was facilitated by a trained moderator and lasted approximately 60 min. Sessions were recorded, and notes were taken after informed consent. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using NVIVO 10 software. RESULTS: An essential element of our findings was that the majority of the participants seemed to be more aware of hookah and used hookah compared to e-cigarettes. The participants mentioned they used these tobacco products mainly to reduce stress, for pleasure and for social acceptance. Most of the study participants reported that they were aware of some adverse health effects associated with e-cigarette or hookah use. Although some participants felt that the use of e-cigarettes or hookah could transform to cigarette smoking, many felt that e-cigarette was a harm reduction tool. CONCLUSION: Young users of e-cigarettes and hookah continue to use these products though they are aware of some associated adverse health effects. These products are used primarily for relieving stress and for social reasons. Raising awareness of the risks associated with the use of these tobacco products may help to reduce the acceptability of these products amongst youths.

Cervical cancer awareness and risk factors among women residing in an urban slum in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

Background: Poor awareness of cervical cancer and high prevalence of its risk factors may be responsible for the large burden of cervical cancer in low-income countries. This study assessed awareness of cervical cancer and prevalence of risk factors among women residing in a slum in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out amongst 305 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Idi-Araba, a slum in Urban Lagos. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaires. Analysis was done with SPSS 20 software. Results: Mean age of respondents was 33.5(9.0) years. Only 12.8% of the respondents had heard of cervical cancer. Ninety-five percent of respondents were sexually active and 56.2% had more than one lifetime sexual partner. Close to half (47.3%) of respondents had their first sexual intercourse before the age of 20. One in five (22.2%) had 5 or more children. Half of the respondents (54.8%) had had abnormal vaginal discharge. Conclusion: Awareness of cervical cancer among the women was poor and prevalence of risk factors of cervical cancer was high. Campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of cervical cancer, and screening should be carried out by governmental and charitable organizations for women residing in slums.

A qualitative analysis of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Lagos, Nigeria: Client and provider perspectives on the plan, the process and the progress.

Mass vaccination has proven useful in the control of COVID-19, though vaccine rollout has met major challenges. The learning curve of this process has been valuable. This qualitative study aimed to assess the plan, the process and the progress of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Lagos, Nigeria. This study was conducted at vaccination centers in eight of the 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State from May to July 2021 among healthcare administrators, health workers and vaccine recipients. Data were collected by conducting three key informant interviews, 24 in-depth interviews and eight focus group discussions to explore the vaccination experiences of participants and the challenges facing the vaccination plan and process. The interviews and discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the thematic approach. The four-phased plan for the vaccine rollout was clear to all the key informants because the vaccination process was preceded by training. The process was strengthened by the electronic registration system, though riddled by the frequently unstable electronic and internet data capturing. This was mitigated by a stopgap manual registration and recording of client details. Challenges in the logistics of maintaining supplies of the disposable materials required for the vaccination process were overcome by the creativity of the health professionals. Vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation, myths and misconceptions about the vaccine and its side effects, played a huge role in the community response. The reported vaccine side effects were mild; fever, headaches, pain at the injection site, excessive eating and sleepiness. Though the COVID-19 vaccination process appeared to have largely made progress, the future of vaccination in Nigeria is predicated upon a bottom-up approach to programmatic planning, health education and local vaccine production. Collaborations such as public-private partnerships have the potential of boosting vaccine provision for Nigeria's large population to ensure equitable access to vaccines.