Clinical Profile and Outcome of COVID-19 Cases Admitted at a Tertiary Health Facility In South-West Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is anemerging disease with a global spread that has affected millions of lives. In Nigeria, the third wave of the outbreak is being experienced with many patients requiring hospitalization. Being a novel disease, we characterized the clinical profile and outcomes of patients admitted into our isolation centre. METHODS: A case series of 65 COVID-19 patients admitted at theIsolation Centre of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, from June 2020 to March 2021 is presented. Information on demographic characteristics, medical history, symptoms, treatment and outcomes was obtained. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. RESULTS: Most (47; 72.3%) patients were less than 65 years old and 39 (60.0%) were males. The commonest symptoms were cough (42; 64.6%), breathlessness (41; 63.1%), fever (40; 61.5%), muscle aches (40; 61.5%), and anosmia (16; 24.6%). Hypertension (41; 63.1%) and diabetes (18; 27.7%) were the most predominant comorbidities. Forty-three patients (66.2%) had supplemental oxygen therapy. The majority (44; 70%) of patients were admitted for 10 days or less and 58 (89.3%) patients were discharged home. However, 6 deaths (9.2%) were recorded among patients with advanced comorbidities and severe sepsis with all deaths occuring within 5 days of admission. CONCLUSION: There was a male predominance among patients admitted at the Isolation Centre and all mortalities occurred within five days of admission. Early detection, prompt management of cases with hypoxaemia and optimal treatment of comorbidities are recommended for good outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

CONTEXTE: La maladie de la coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) est une maladie émergente dont la propagation mondiale a affecté des millions de vies. Au Nigéria, la troisième vague de l'épidémie est en train de se produire avec de nombreux patients nécessitant une hospitalisation. S'agissant d'une nouvelle maladie, nous avons caractérisé le profil clinique et les résultats des patients admis dans notre centre d'isolement. MÉTHODES: Une série de cas de 65 patients atteints de COVID-19 au Centre d'isolement de l'Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, de juin 2020 à mars 2021 est présentée. Des informations sur les caractéristiques démographiques, les antécédents médicaux, symptômes, le traitement et les résultats ont été obtenus. Les données ont été à l'aide de SPSS version 25. RÉSULTATS: La plupart des patients (47 ; 72,3 %) étaient âgés de moins de 65 ans et 39 (60,0 %) étaient des hommes. Les symptômes les plus fréquents étaient la toux (42 ; 64,6%), l'essoufflement (41 ; 63,1%), la fièvre (40 ; 61,5%), les douleurs musculaires (40; 61,5%) et l'anosmie (16 ; 24,6 %). L'hypertension artérielle (41; 63,1%) et le diabète (18 ; 27,7%) étaient les comorbidités les plus prédominantes. Quarante-trois patients (66,2 %) avaient une oxygénothérapie complémentaire. La majorité (44 ; 70%) des patients ont été admis pour 10 jours ou moins et 58 (89,3%) ont été renvoyés chez eux. Cependant, 6 décès (9,2 %) ont été enregistrés parmi les patients présentant des comorbidités avancées et une septicémie grave, tous les décès étant survenus dans les 5 jours suivant l'admission. CONCLUSION: Il y avait une prédominance masculine parmi les patients admis au centre d'isolement et tous les décès sont survenus dans les cinq jours cinq jours après l'admission. La détection précoce, la prise en charge rapide des cas l'hypoxémie et le traitement optimal des comorbidités sont recommandées recommandés pour obtenir de bons résultats chez les patients atteints de COVID-19. Mots clés: COVID-19, Profil clinique, Résultat, Gestion des cas, Centre d'isolement.

Lipid profile in an apparently healthy Nigerian population.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the pattern of lipid profile of members of staff of a tertiary education institution in South-West Nigeria with a view to assessing risk of cardiovascular disease among them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and ninety three (193) members of staff of the Institution were involved in the study. Questionnaires were administered to obtain information on demographic characteristics and medical history of respondents. Weight, height and blood pressure of participants were measured and the Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated. Fasting plasma lipid profile parameters--Total cholesterol (TC), High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) , Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and Triglycerides (TG)) were also determined in all the participants using standard assay methods. RESULTS: Mean TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and TG were 4.04 mmol/L, 1.63 mmol/L, 1.98 mmol/L and 0.92 mmol/L respectively . Mean BMI was 25.98 kg/m2. Twenty-eight (14.5%) participants had mean cholesterol values e" 5.2 mM/L, 19 men had HDL values<1.0 mM/L and 28 women had HDL values<1.3 mM/L (making a total of 24.3% of the study population). Twenty (10.4%) had LDL cholesterol e"3.3 mM/L, while 14 (7.3 %) had triglyceride valuese" 1.7 mM/L. One hundred and thirty one (67.8%) participants had values of all lipid parameters within reference range while 62 (32.8%) had abnormality in 1 or more of the parameters. Sixty two participants (32.1%) were overweight while 45 (23.3%) were obese. Statistically significant differences were found when TG and BMI levels of male participants were compared with those of their female counterparts. Abnormalities in lipid profile parameters were found mostly in participants who were 40 years and above. Age of participants correlated positively with total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels while LDL-C levels correlated negatively with HDL levels. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of the population had abnormality in one or more Lipid profile parameters, the most common being low HDL cholesterol levels. A considerable number of participants were also either overweight or obese. Most of the abnormalities in lipid profile were found in participants e" 40 years. The study underscores a need to sensitise members of the community to regular lipid profile check up .

Impact of intestinal helminthiases on the nutritional status of primary-school children in Osun state, south-western Nigeria.

In January-March 2000, the impact of intestinal helminthiases on the nutritional status of 749 pupils (353 boys and 396 girls) attending public primary schools in the Ife Central local government area of Osun state, in south-western Nigeria, was investigated. Demographic, socio-economic and other relevant information was collected on the pupils, on the same day that a single stool sample was collected from each subject and examined, using Stoll's dilution egg-count technique. The weights, heights and ages of the subjects were recorded and converted to percentages of the reference medians for weight-for-height, weight-for-age and height-for-age. The overall prevalences of helminth infection detected among the 465 malnourished pupils (i.e. those with any form of under-nutrition) and the 284 well-nourished pupils were 32.9% and 25.4%, respectively (P=0.029). The nutritional indices of the pupils who were found helminth-infected were generally lower than those of the pupils who appeared free of intestinal helminths. The mean values for weight-for-height, for example, were higher in the apparently uninfected pupils than in those found infected with any intestinal helminth (P=0.02) or only with Ascaris lumbricoides (P=0.05). Similarly, the mean height-for-age of the pupils who were apparently uninfected was higher than the corresponding value for the pupils found hookworm-positive (P=0.003). The pupils who were each found infected with two or more species of intestinal infection had significantly lower weights-for-heights, weights-for-ages and heights-for-ages than the pupils who appeared to be helminth-free. The results of a multivariate logistic-regression analysis indicated that hookworm infection was a significant risk factor for underweight (P=0.015), wasting (P=0.033) and stunting (P=0.015) whereas Trichuris was only a significant risk factor for stunting (P=0.025). It appears that intestinal helminthiasis may play a causal or contributory role in the occurrence of childhood malnutrition, at least in the present study area. Steps should be taken to control both of these important health problems, through functional school-health programmes that provide regular deworming, supervised school meals and health education.

Birth preparedness and emergency readiness plans of antenatal clinic attendees in Ile-ife, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adequate birth preparedness and emergency/complication readiness (BP/CR) planning could determine the survival of a pregnant woman and her unborn child in maternal emergency. The study assessed adequacy of BP/CR plans of antenatal clinic attendees in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. METHODS: Pregnant women (less than 36 weeks gestation) attending antenatal clinics in selected health facilities were serially recruited into the study after they had given verbal informed consent. Data were collected with a purpose-designed questionnaire. SPSS version 11 statistical software was used for data entry and analysis. RESULTS: Four hundred pregnant women were recruited; 284 (71%) registered for antenatal care by 20 weeks of gestation. Concerning delivery planning, 350 (87.5%) had decided their place of delivery although 32 (9.1%) of these planned to deliver in mission houses or at home; 351 (87.8%) had started to purchase items needed for delivery or newborn care, 289 (71.0%) had identified someone to accompany them to health facility for delivery while 259 (64.8%) were saving money for delivery. Regarding emergency or complication readiness, knowledge of signs of severe maternal illness for which immediate care should be sought in an appropriate health facility was low, 113 (28.3%) respondents were able to mention 4 or more of such signs without prompting; 249 (62.3%) had made arrangements for transportation and 45 (11.3%) had identified potential blood donor. CONCLUSION: By the study criteria, 61% of the pregnant women studied made adequate preparations for delivery while 4.8% were ready for emergency/complication. It is recommended that greater emphasis be given to emergency/complication readiness during antenatal care sessions.

Impact of nutritional education on nutritional status of under-five children in two rural communities of south-west Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the impact of nutritional education on knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of mothers concerning infants and young children feeding and their children's nutritional status in two semi-urban communities of south-west Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a community intervention study. We recruited 150 mothers of children aged 0-18 months independently from the intervention and control communities through a multi-stage sampling technique. We collected data with the aid of an interviewer-administered questionnaire at baseline and at six months after intervention from both communities to obtain information on feeding of infants and young children. In addition, we measured weights and heights of recruited children. Intervention involved group counselling of mothers and food demonstrations at designated health facilities. Data analysis for quantitative data was done using Epi-Info software, and for qualitative data, content analysis of major themes was used. RESULTS: Before intervention, recruited mothers and their children from the two communities were comparable in terms of all the parameters assessed (P>0.05 in all cases). After six months of intervention, mothers who had nutritional education demonstrated better knowledge and attitudes to key infant and young children feeding recommendations. There was also limited improvement in feeding practices. Mothers from the intervention community exclusively breastfed their infants longer with mean age at introduction of complementary foods at 5.3 months compared to 4.5 months in the control community (P<0.05), breastfed their children longer (P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant improvement in the weight of their children. CONCLUSION: In this study, nutritional education of mothers only had positive impact on their level of KAP on infant and young children feeding.

Utilization of primary health care facilities: lessons from a rural community in southwest Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed service/organisational factors and clients' perceptions that influenced utilisation of Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in a rural community in Nigeria. METHOD: A cross-sectional household survey in the community as well as key-informant interviews of opinion leaders and health care providers and participant observations of health facilities and utilisation pattern was used to collect data. RESULTS: Forty-four percent of respondents to the survey who were ill in the preceding six months visited a PHC facility for treatment, while others relied on self-medication/self-treatment. Education was positively associated with utilisation of PHC services (P<0.05). Maternal and child health (45.4%), prompt attention (23.0%), and appropriate outpatient (20.5%) services attracted respondents to use PHC services. Poor education about when to seek care, poverty, perceived high cost of PHC services, lack of drugs and basic laboratory services, and a regular physician on site at the facility were identified as barriers to utilisation. CONCLUSION: We conclude that community perceptions of poor quality and inadequacy of available services was responsible for low use of PHC services.

Determinants of consistent condom use among adolescents and young adults attending a tertiary educational institution in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the determinants of consistent condom use among adolescents and young adults aged 15 - 29 years. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey to which 600 (300 of each gender) adolescents/young adults who had never married were recruited. Information was collected from respondents by means of a purpose-designed, self-administered questionnaire. Information sought includes the respondents' social and demographic characteristics, sexual practices and issues relating to condom use. RESULTS: Five hundred and thirty-six (89.3%) of the 600 questionnaires were suitable for analysis; 372 (69.4%) had had sexual intercourse. A third reported that they were having sex frequently or fairly frequently; 145 (41.7%) had more than one partner while 74 (19.9%) were aware that their partners had other sexual partners. Two-thirds of currently sexually active respondents reported that condoms were readily available and cheap although only 90 (24.2%) reported using condoms consistently. The factors that were statistically significant predictors of consistent condom use among the males were age; younger respondents were more likely to be consistent users (p = 0.015), having more than one sexual partner (p = 0.030) and ability to refuse sex with a partner who would not want to use condom (p = 0.008). Among the females, statistically significant predictors were frequency of sexual intercourse; respondent who had sex frequently were more likely to use condoms consistently (p = 0.018) and having more than one partner (p=0.018). CONCLUSION: Inconsistent condom use is rampant and females were probably disadvantaged as far as condom negotiation is concerned.

Hospital biohazard control: low-cost device for safe collection and disposal of hypodermic needles.

This paper describes experience with a low-cost initiative for safe collection and disposal of hypodermic needles in health facilities in developing countries. Produced locally, a purpose-made container for collecting 500-1000 used hypodermic needles should cost no more than 20-50 US cents. Trial in our immunization clinic and injection room for the last year has shown its potential for injection safety generally and particularly during immunization campaigns.

Community-based antenatal and perinatal interventions and newborn survival.

BACKGROUND: As part of the millennium development goal (MDG) 4 to reduce by two-thirds the mortality rate among children under five, neonatal mortality rate (NMR) needs to be reduced by half. This is a selective review of the literature of the morbidity and mortality patterns among newborns as well as cost-effective interventions and community aspects of newborn care. METHODS: Documented causes of morbidity and mortality among newborns were examined in the overall context of developing and developed countries. Cost-effective interventions that have been proven to be inexpensive with evidence or potential to save newborns' lives by international agencies concerned with health, journals and other publications were reviewed. Community aspects of newborn care and what is required at the individual, household and community levels to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality were also reviewed. RESULTS: A score of recent publications by the World Health Organization (WHO), Save-the-Children, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), journals, and other scientific publications reported consistently that neonatal mortality constitute 40-70% of deaths in infancy and that 99% of these deaths occurred in developing countries, with highest neonatal mortality rates (NMRs) in sub-Saharan Africa. The global burden of newborn illness shows that a disparity of up to 30-folds exists between countries with highest and lowest NMRs. Four million babies die in developing countries and about 42% of these deaths are due to infections. Other major causes include perinatal asphyxia (21%), birth injuries (11%), prematurity and low birth weight (10%) and congenital abnormalities (11%). It was also observed that two-thirds of the deaths in the neonatal period occur in the first week; among these deaths, two-thirds occurred within the first 24 hours. Review findings also revealed that an integrated, proven and cost-effective intervention such as the mother-baby packages incorporated into a functional and sustainable healthcare delivery system and improved household practices will save newborns' lives. Reports showed that to achieve meaningful development, neonatal mortality will need to be reduced in developing countries. CONCLUSION: Programmes that are necessary for the reduction in neonatal morbidity and mortality rates are for countries to employ rational mix of quality clinical services, effective public health measures and inexpensive community-based interventions in public and private sectors and to scale-up known cost-effective interventions.

Determinants of neonatal mortality at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: More than 10 million under five children die each year of preventable and easily treatable conditions in developing countries. Of these, eight million are infants, half of whom are newborns in their first month of life. A high proportion of babies die in their first month of life, many of them during their first week. The objective of this study is to assess sociodemographic and other determinants of neonatal mortality in Wesley Guild Hospital (WGH), Ilesa, Nigeria. METHODS: This is a record review of 235 neonatal deaths reported at WGH from January 01 2001 to December 31 2003. Similarly, records of equal number of neonates (235) admitted to the same hospital during the same period but who were discharged alive was also reviewed for comparison. Four hundred and seventy records were reviewed. The two groups were matched for age, sex and within a 7-day period of admission. Information was collected with the aid of predesigned schedule from the patients' case notes, death registers and discharge summaries in the Records Department of the hospital. Information collected included the bio-data of the mothers, birth weight of neonates, estimated gestational age at delivery, age at death or discharge, date of admission, duration of the illness and date of discharge. Others included mode and place of delivery, maternal booking status and complications of pregnancy and birth. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics by computer software, Epi-Info 2002. RESULTS: Teenage pregnancy, low birth weights (LBW), prematurity and neonatal tetanus were positively associated with neonatal death. Unbooked mothers, deliveries at missions and homes and low socioeconomic status were also positively associated with neonatal death (P < 0.05 in all cases). There was no statistically significant association between the sex of neonate, parity of mother and complications in pregnancy with neonatal death (P > 0.05 in all cases). CONCLUSION: The major determinants of neonatal deaths were teenage pregnancy, prematurity, LBW, poverty and lack of skilled attendance at delivery. Addressing the basic determinants of neonatal mortality will improve newborn survival and health and this will significantly reduce mortality among under five children in developing countries.

Care-seeking behaviour of caregivers for common childhood illnesses in Lagos Island Local Government Area, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The objectives were to estimate a 2-week prevalence for common childhood illnesses targeted by the National Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) Initiative and to determine care-seeking behaviour of mothers/caregivers for these illnesses. METHODS: A cross-sectional community survey was conducted in the Lagos Island Local Government Area of Lagos State. Eligible children aged 0-5 years and their mothers/caregivers were recruited into the study by cluster-sampling technique. RESULTS: Four hundred and ninety-five children of 450 mothers were identified. Of these, 426 (86.1%) children belonging to 390 mothers/caregivers had symptoms suggestive of malaria, acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea and measles. Care was sought Outside the home at the onset of symptoms for 280 (65.7%) while 146 (34.3%) were treated at home. Of the 280 who were taken for care outside, 23 (8.2%) were taken for care at the onset of illness while the others were taken for care after an attempt at self-treatment (68.6%), use of traditional medicines (12.5%) and provision of traditional home care (10.7%). Only 65 (23.2%) of the children were taken for care within 24 hours of perceived onset of the illness. CONCLUSION: IMCI targeted childhood illnesses were prevalent and poor maternal response that could contribute to complicated outcome was identified.

First clinical experiences with a new ovine Fab Echis ocellatus snake bite antivenom in Nigeria: randomized comparative trial with Institute Pasteur Serum (Ipser) Africa antivenom.

During the past decade, effective snake antivenoms have become scarce in northern Nigeria. As a result, many patients severely envenomed by the saw-scaled or carpet viper (Echis ocellatus), which is responsible for more than 95% of the snake bites in the region, did not receive effective treatment and mortality and morbidity increased. To combat this crisis, a new monospecific ovine Fab antivenom (EchiTab) is being developed. Its theoretical advantages over conventional equine F(ab')2 antivenom are a more rapid tissue penetration and larger apparent volume of distribution (the volume of [tissue] fluid in which the the antivenom would be uniformly distributed to achieve the observed plasma concentration). In a preliminary study, two vials (20 ml; 1.0 g of protein) of EchiTab rapidly and permanently restored blood coagulability and cleared venom antigenemia in seven envenomed patients. Four experienced early reactions that responded to epinephrine. In a randomized comparative trial of one vial (10 ml; 0.5 g protein) of EchiTab or four ampules (40 ml; 2.12 g of protein) of Institute Pasteur Serum (Ipser) Africa polyspecific F(ab')2 antivenom, there were fewer reactions, but only 36% and 35% of patients, respectively, showed permanent restoration of coagulability, with the remainder requiring further doses. This suggests that 0.5 g (one vial) of EchiTab is approximately equivalent to 2.12 g (four ampules) of Ipser Africa antivenom, and that a higher initial dose will be required for most patients. Measurements of circulating venom and antivenom levels reflected the clinical events.

Health benefits of selected global breastfeeding recommendations among children 0-6 months in Nigeria.

The survey examined the appropriateness of selected global breastfeeding recommendations in an environment where the recommendations contradicted local knowledge and culture. Specifically, the survey assessed the implications of pre-lacteal feeding, feeding of colostrum, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and the use of feeding bottles for child health. Eligible mother-infant pairs were recruited for the survey by cluster sampling technique. Data was collected about the mother-infant pairs with the aid of a pre-designed questionnaire that sought information on the social and demographic characteristics of the mothers and infants, current breastfeeding practices and illnesses that the index infants had in the 2 weeks preceding the survey day. Information was canvassed from 2466 mother-infant pairs. All the infants were aged 0-6 months. Compliance with the selected recommendations were: 74.4% reported exclusive breastfeeding; 87.5% did not give pre-lacteal feeds, 78.3% were not using feeding bottles while 92.9 gave colostrum. Mothers who reported compliance with the recommendations also reported fewer episodes of the common signs of illnesses surveyed. The study confirmed the appropriateness and relevance of the selected recommendations in the study area.

Plasma glucose levels in exclusively breastfed newborns in the first 48 hours of life in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of exclusive breastfeeding of newborns in maintaining a normal blood glucose level in the first 48 hours of life. One hundred and twelve consecutive newborns were initially recruited and 91 completed the study. All neonates of mothers with complicated pregnancy such as diabetes, hypertension and infections were excluded from the study. Maternal and cord glucose estimation were carried out within 30 minutes of delivery. All mothers were assisted in positioning and attaching their babies to the breast. All newborn were weighed and glucose levels were measured at 24 and 48 hours of life before breastfeeding. All mothers were euglycaemic while seven neonates had plasma glucose level less than 1.7 mmol/l at birth. Only one neonate had persistent hypoglycemia from birth to 12 hours of age and required treatment. All other neonates had blood glucose level above 1.7 mmol/l at 24 and 48 hours of life. The weight loss was 0.176 +/- 0.134 kg and 0.211+/-0.157 kg at 24 and 48 hours respectively. We therefore conclude that the exclusively breastfed newborns have adequate glucose supply and are not at risk of having hypoglycemia in the first 48 hours of life.

Growth pattern of exclusively breast-fed infants during the first six months of life in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.

Several studies to determine the growth pattern of exclusively breast fed infants have provided varying conclusions as to the sufficiency of breast milk alone to support adequate growth for the first six months of life. Disagreement exists concerning the optimal timing of introduction of complementary foods to exclusively breast fed infants. This prospective study thus examined the adequacy of breast milk alone to support normal growth during the first six months of life in our environment. The overall objective was to propose a scientifically sound national recommendation on the appropriate timing for the introduction of complementary feeding in Nigeria. Three hundred and fifty-two mother/infant pairs were serially recruited into the study; all babies were aged 14 days or less and weighed 2.5 kg and above. Three hundred and forty-five (98%) were successfully followed up till the infants were six months old. By six months, 264 (76.5%) were exclusively breast-fed, while 81 (23.5%) had commenced complementary feeding. Growth curves of exclusively breast-fed infants showed increasing weight from birth to six months. Although the 50th percentile birth weight for both boys and girls were the same (3.2 kg), boys gained weight faster than the girls from the age of one month to six months and were heavier at six months. Additionally, the 50th percentile curves of these infants (both genders) for the first six months were above the 50th percentile curve of the World Health Organisation and National Centre for Health Statistics (WHO/NCHS) reference currently used on our national "road to health" (growth monitoring) cards. It was concluded that exclusive breast-feeding supported adequate growth during the first six months of life for most of the children studied and that our national recommendation that infants be introduced to complementary feeding at six months is appropriate.

The first six month growth and illness of exclusively and non-exclusively breast-fed infants in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the growth and illness pattern of infants who were exclusively breast fed for six months with those of infants commenced on complementary feeding before the age of six months and ascertain reasons for the early introduction of complementary feeding. DESIGN: A comparative prospective study. SETTING: Urban Comprehensive Health Centre (UCHC), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife. SUBJECTS: Three hundred and fifty-two mothers and their normal birth weight babies, weighing 2.500kg or more, and aged less than 14 days were serially recruited into the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean/median monthly weights in the first six months of life, history/outpatient presentation for illnesses. RESULTS: Of the 352 mother-infant pairs recruited into the study, 345 (98%) were successfully followed up for the first six months of life. At six months, 264 (76.5%) were exclusively breast-fed, 45 (13.1%) were started on complementary feeding, between the ages of four and six months while 36 (10.4%) commenced complementary feeding before the age of four months. Infants who were exclusively breast-fed for six months had median weights above the 50th percentiles of the WHO/NCHS reference that is currently used in the national "road to health" (growth monitoring) cards. Furthermore, the mean weight of these babies at age six months was above those of babies who started complementary foods before six months. They also reported fewer symptoms and had fewer illness episodes (0.1 episodes per child) compared to those who started complementary feeding before six months. Infants who commenced complementary feeding before four months reported more symptoms and had more illness episodes (1.4 episodes per child) compared to those that commenced complementary feeding between four and six months (1.2 episodes per child). Common symptoms/illnesses seen or reported during the study among the groups were fever, diarrhoea and cough. Reasons given for early introduction of complementary foods include insufficient breast milk, thirst and convenience. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that exclusive breast-feeding supported adequate growth during the first six months of life for most of the infants studied. Early introduction of complementary foods did not provide any advantages in terms of weight gain in our environment, it was frequently associated with illness episodes and growth faltering. Many mothers however require support, encouragement and access to health care providers to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of life.

Acceptance of hepatitis B vaccine by workers in a Nigerian teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the pattern of vaccine uptake by hospital personnel in a specifically designed pioneer hepatitis B vaccination programme and to highlight major lessons for ensuring success in future programmes. DESIGN: A review of vaccination and employment records for a forty four-month period and comparative analysis on the basis of professional grouping and work units. SETTING: Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. SUBJECTS: A total of 2,548 employees of the teaching hospital that have worked for a minimum of one year on a continuous basis between April 1992 and December 1995. INTERVENTIONS: Procurement of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix, SmithKline Beecham) by the hospital management and provision of the same to all interested employees of the teaching hospital at no cost under a vaccination programme which was conducted on an on-site basis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 'Participation' in the vaccination programme was defined as the uptake of at least one dose of hepatitis B vaccine, and 'compliance' defined as the receipt of the three prescribed doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. RESULTS: The level of participation in the vaccination programme was high with 91.9% of the target population of hospital workers receiving at least a dose of the vaccine, while only about half (53.8%) of the group complied with receiving the required three doses of the vaccine. In terms of participation, by professional grouping, laboratory workers and nurses recorded the lowest rates (82.5% and 84% respectively), while 100% participation was recorded in respect of the staff of engineering, medical records, pharmacy and physiotherapy departments. The highest rate of compliance (receipt of three doses) was also found among non-clinical workers (medical record personnel--76.3% and engineering staff--69.5%) while the lowest rate was found among nurses (39.7%) and doctors (40.3%). CONCLUSION: Workers with the highest possibility of knowledge of, and exposure to hepatitis B infection within the hospital setting--doctors, nurses, and laboratory workers--showed the greatest apathy to the vaccination programme. Reasons for this trend demand close examination, and subsequently, identification of specific action that needs to be taken to improve the uptake of the vaccine by the target population, particularly the high-risk groups, in future programmes. Among others, targeting all groups of workers with appropriate education on the infection; active involvement of professional groups in the planning and execution of the vaccination programme; and review of the implementation logistics are some of the key points to note for future programmes.

Perceptions of occupational hazards amongst office workers at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

BACKGROUND: A Survey of 350 office workers at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife was conducted to determine respondents' perceptions of the occurrence of work-related hazards and to characterize the pattern of hazards found prevalent in the population. METHODS: The survey employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data were generated through the use of a structured self-administered questionnaire and a non-participant observation checklist. RESULTS: Between 39% and 47% of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the level of control of the factors of the work environment (heat, noise, illumination, space, ergonomics). Two-thirds of respondents presented with work-related low backache, and this was more so for respondents who had spent at least 10 years on the job than those who had spent less. Of the 227 keyboard operators interviewed, 130 (57%) experienced symptoms suggestive of the overuse syndrome and 70% of the 82 computer operators interviewed had experienced varying degrees of visual fatigue since their appointments. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that the present design and layout of offices/workstations and access to equipment at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife is not optimal and tend to promote unnecessary physical efforts. This, in turn, might reduce efficiency and productivity. Suggestions for improvement were made as a way forward.

Childhood poisoning at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

A retrospective study of children admitted into the Children Emergency Room of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, between 1989 and 1998 was undertaken. There were 127 cases constituting 0.52% of the total paediatric admissions over the study period. Poisoning was commoner among the lower socioeconomic classes and in males than females. 102 (80.3%) of the children involved were below the age of five years and poisoning was unintentional in 98.4%. Kerosene was the commonest agent accounting for 40.9% of all cases; followed by caustic soda (20.4%) and traditional mixtures (19.7%). Oral administration of palm oil is the commonest home remedy. Morbidity was commonest with caustic soda while traditional mixture was responsible for 80% of the mortality. Fifteen (11.9%) patients died constituting 0.84% of total childhood mortality during the study period. We conclude that childhood poisoning is still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children seen at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. Improvement in the socioeconomic status of parents and health education on proper storage of household chemicals will help in reducing the incidence and mortality from poisoning.

Experience of tubal surgery for infertility at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

The magnitude of fallopian tube disease and their contribution to infertility in Nigeria and in Africa are gross among the cohorts of women presenting with difficulty in childbearing. The objective of the study is to assess the trend and pattern of tubal disease in infertility and pregnancy rate among patients undergoing tubal surgery at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex. A descriptive retrospective study of all cases of tubal disease in infertility who admitted for surgery between January 1st 1993 and December 31st, 2000 at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex. There were 6144 infertile women among 29,011 females of reproductive age group attending the hospital during the study period giving an overall incidence of infertility of 21.2%. Among this group, 1352(22%) were due to tubal disease. One hundred and twenty five (125) of these patients showed up for surgery and thirteen pregnancies were recorded giving an overall pregnancy rate of 10.8%. About one in four of these patients had had previous tubal surgery for infertility. Salopingolysis had the best pregnancy rate with about 19.3% success. Tubal disease is a common cause of infertility in South Western Nigeria and success rates following surgery are low. We advocate the establishment of regional fertility centres as a cost effective way of improving access to modern assisted conception techniques.