Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among healthcare workers in Katsina state: a cross-sectional study in Northwest Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: Healthcare workers were prioritised to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. Administration of COVID-19 vaccination in Nigeria was challenging because of a lack of trust in vaccine safety and vaccine effectiveness among healthcare workers, who are expected to provide reliable information about vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases in the communities. Hence, their acceptance and attitudes towards COVID-19 preventive practices could influence the acceptance of the vaccine by the local population. This cross-sectional study assessed the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in Katsina State. We predicted the variables that increased the vaccine acceptance using logistic regression analysis. SETTING: This hospital-based study was conducted at primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities in Nigeria. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 793 healthcare workers were included in this study. Of these, 65.4% (n=519) were male. OUTCOME MEASURES: To assess acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine measures, and factors increasing acceptance among healthcare workers. RESULTS: Of the healthcare workers, 80% (638) were tested for the SARS-CoV-2, of whom 10.8% (n=65) tested positive. Approximately 97% (n=765) of them believed that the COVID-19 vaccine was safe, and 90% (n=714) received the first dose of the vaccine. Healthcare workers between 30 and 39 years were more likely to accept the vaccine (aOR: 7.06; 95% CI 2.36 to 21.07; p<0.001). Those who had been tested for COVID-19 were more likely (aOR:7.64; 95% CI 3.62 to 16.16; p<0.001) to accept the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that the age and prior COVID-19 testing were the main factors influencing the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. There was high acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in Katsina State, Nigeria. Future studies should focus on the completion of doses and serological testing for immunity.

Viral suppression among HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy in northwestern Nigeria: an eleven-year review of tertiary care centre records, January 2009-December 2019.

BACKGROUND: Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) remains one of the world's significant public health challenges. Viral suppression is the key indicator for treatment success in People living with HIV (PLHIV). We determined the level of viral suppression, and its associated factors among PLHIV attending Federal Medical Centre Katsina (FMC Katsina), Nigeria. METHODS: This retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 913 HIV positive adults enrolled in care between January 2009 and December 2019. Information on socio-demographics, clinical, immunological, Viral load (VL), and other relevant parameters were extracted from the patients' care records. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients that achieved viral suppression. We also analyzed variables that were associated with VL suppression. RESULTS: Of 913, records of 831 (91.0%) registered patients were analyzed. During the period, 751 (90.4%) achieved viral suppression, 427 (51.4%) had CD4 counts ≥ 500 and 477 (57.4%) were on HAART for ≥ 5 years. Majority, 793 (95.4%) were on first-line HAART regimen (Tenofovir-Lamivudine-Dolutegravir or Abacavir-Lamivudine-Dolutegravir), and 809 (97.4%) in the non-advanced stage (WHO stages 1 and 2). The median (interquartile range) of viral load was 20 (20-40) vs 19,989 (3311-110,340) cp/ml in virally suppressed, and unsuppressed  respectively. Factors associated with viral suppression included being unemployed (Adjusted OR [AOR] 4.9, 95% CI 2.771, 8.539), educated (AOR 4.2, 95% CI 1.098, 16.223), having a baseline CD4 count ≥ 500 cells/µl (AOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.588, 4.625), and being on first line HAART regimen [AOR 7.0, 95% CI 3.220, 15.648]. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated a good viral suppression among PLHIV on HAART. Variables associated with viral suppression included unemployment, formal education, high baseline CD4 count, and first line HAART regimen.

Use of a district health information system 2 routine immunization dashboard for immunization program monitoring and decision making, Kano State, Nigeria.

Introduction: a district health information system 2 tool with a customized routine immunization (RI) module and indicator dashboard was introduced in Kano State, Nigeria, in November 2014 to improve data management and analysis of RI services. We assessed the use of the module for program monitoring and decision-making, as well as the enabling factors and barriers to data collection and use. Methods: a mixed-methods approach was used to assess user experience with the RI data module and dashboard, including 1) a semi-structured survey questionnaire administered at 60 health facilities administering vaccinations and 2) focus group discussions and 16 in-depth interviews conducted with immunization program staff members at the local government area (LGA) and state levels. Results: in health facilities, a RI monitoring chart was used to review progress toward meeting vaccination coverage targets. At the LGA, staff members used RI dashboard data to prioritize health facilities for additional support. At the State level, immunization program staff members use RI data to make policy decisions. They viewed the provision of real-time data through the RI dashboard as a "game changer". Use of immunization data is facilitated through review meetings and supportive supervision visits. Barriers to data use among LGA staff members included inadequate understanding of the data collection tools and computer illiteracy. Conclusion: the routine immunization data dashboard facilitated access to and use of data for decision-making at the LGA, State and national levels, however, use at the health facility level remains limited. Ongoing data review meetings and training on computer skills and data collection tools are recommended.

Determinants of improved data consistency across routine immunization data tools for health facilities in Kano State, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: in this study, determinants of improved data consistency for routine immunization information at health facilities was measured to identify associated factors. METHODS: between June and August 2015, 1055 HFs were visited across 44 Local Government Areas in Kano state. We assessed data consistency, frequency of supportive supervision visits, availability of trained staff and attendance to monthly LGA RI review meetings. We compared RI monthly summary forms (MSF) versus national health management information system summary form (NHMIS) and vaccine management form 1a (VM1a) versus HF vaccine utilization summary monthly summary (HFVUM) for consistency. Data consistency at HF was determined at <+10% between number of children reportedly immunized, and doses of vaccine opened using 3 antigens (BCG, Penta and Measles). Levels of discrepancy <10% were considered as good data consistency. Bivariate and multivariate analysis used to determine association. RESULTS: data Consistency was observed in 195 (18.5%) HFs between (MSF vs NHMIS) and 90 (8.5%) HFs between (VM1a vs HFVUM). Consistency between MSF vs NHMIS was associated with receiving one or more SS visits in the previous month (p=0.001), data collection tools availability (p=0.001), recent attendance to monthly LGA RI review meeting and availability of trained staff. Data consistency between VM1a form and the HF VU summary was associated with a recent documented SS visit (p=0.05) and availability of trained staff (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: low level of data consistency was observed in Kano. Enhanced SS visits and availability of trained staff are associated with improved data quality.

Blood donor safety, prevalence and associated factors for cytomegalovirus infection among blood donors in Minna-Nigeria, 2014.

INTRODUCTION: human cytomegalovirus (CMV) has remained a cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy and immunocompromised patients. CMV is transmissible through blood transfusion. We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study to assess blood donor safety and to determine the prevalence and associated factors for CMV infection among blood donors in Minna, Nigeria. METHODS: all consenting blood donors were screened for CMV antibodies (IgM and IgG) using ELISA kit and haematological indices using a haematological analyzer. We administered structured questionnaires to obtain socio-demographic and socio-economic data. Data were subjected to univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses using Epi Info version 3.5.4. Significant associations were presumed if p < 0.05. RESULTS: a total of 345 participantswere recruited, the majority were males 336 (97.4%). Monthly earnings of majority of the blood donors, 136 (40.6%) ranged from ₦18,000 to ₦35,000. The prevalence of CMV infection was 96.2%. The prevalence of anti-CMV IgG antibodies was 96.2% and that of IgM was 2.6%. Most of the study participants, 274 (79.4%) were family replacement donors. The majority of the blood donors 195 (56.5%) were anaemic (PCV < 36, Hb < 12g/dl). Those with positive CMV were more likely to be of high-income level (OR = 0.32, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: the seroprevalence of CMV was high with a significant proportion of donors capable of transmitting CMV infection to blood recipients. The majority of the blood donors were anaemic. High income level is associated with CMV infection. Quality of screening for anemia be improved.

Cholera outbreak in a naïve rural community in Northern Nigeria: the importance of hand washing with soap, September 2010.

INTRODUCTION: Cholera outbreaks in rural communities are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Effective interventions to control these outbreaks require identification of source and risk factors for infection. In September, 2010 we investigated a cholera outbreak in Bashuri, a cholera naïve rural community in northern Nigeria to identify the risk factors and institute control measures. METHODS: We conducted an unmatched case-control study. We defined a case as any resident of Bashuri community two years and above with acute watery diarrhea with or without vomiting and a control as any resident two years and above without acute watery diarrhea and vomiting. We recruited 80 hospital-based cases and 80 neighborhood controls. We collected and analyzed data on demographic characteristics, clinical information and risk factors. Laboratory analysis was performed on 10 stool samples and 14 open-well samples. RESULTS: Mean age was 29 years (± 20 years) for cases and 32 years (± 16 years) for controls; 38 (47.5%) of cases and 60 (75%) of controls were males. Compared to controls, cases were less likely to have washed hands with soap before eating (age-adjusted odds ratio (AAOR) = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10-0.72) and less likely to have washed hands with soap after using the toilet (AAOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.15-0.75). Vibrio cholerae O1 was isolated from six stool samples but not from any open-well samples. CONCLUSION: Unhygienic hand washing practices was the key risk factor in this outbreak. We educated the community on personal hygiene focusing on the importance of hand washing with soap.

Assessing Inactivated Polio Vaccine Introduction and Utilization in Kano State, Nigeria, April-November 2015.

Background: Kano State, Nigeria, introduced inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) into its routine immunization (RI) schedule in March 2015 and was the pilot site for an RI data module for the National Health Management Information System (NHMIS). We determined factors impacting IPV introduction and the value of the RI module on monitoring new vaccine introduction. Methods: Two assessment approaches were used: (1) analysis of IPV vaccinations reported in NHMIS, and (2) survey of 20 local government areas (LGAs) and 60 associated health facilities (HF). Results: By April 2015, 66% of LGAs had at least 20% of HFs administering IPV, by June all LGAs had HFs administering IPV and by July, 91% of the HFs in Kano reported administering IPV. Among surveyed staff, most rated training and implementation as successful. Among HFs, 97% had updated RI reporting tools, although only 50% had updated microplans. Challenges among HFs included: IPV shortages (20%), hesitancy to administer 2 injectable vaccines (28%), lack of knowledge on multi-dose vial policy (30%) and age of IPV administration (8%). Conclusion: The introduction of IPV was largely successful in Kano and the RI module was effective in monitoring progress, although certain gaps were noted, which should be used to inform plans for future vaccine introductions.

Outbreak of fatal childhood lead poisoning related to artisanal gold mining in northwestern Nigeria, 2010.

BACKGROUND: In May 2010, a team of national and international organizations was assembled to investigate children's deaths due to lead poisoning in villages in northwestern Nigeria. OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to determine the cause of the childhood lead poisoning outbreak, investigate risk factors for child mortality, and identify children < 5 years of age in need of emergency chelation therapy for lead poisoning. METHODS: We administered a cross-sectional, door-to-door questionnaire in two affected villages, collected blood from children 2-59 months of age, and obtained soil samples from family compounds. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed with survey, blood lead, and environmental data. Multivariate logistic regression techniques were used to determine risk factors for childhood mortality. RESULTS: We surveyed 119 family compounds. Of 463 children < 5 years of age, 118 (25%) had died in the previous year. We tested 59% (204/345) of children < 5 years of age, and all were lead poisoned (≥ 10 µg/dL); 97% (198/204) of children had blood lead levels (BLLs) ≥ 45 µg/dL, the threshold for initiating chelation therapy. Gold ore was processed inside two-thirds of the family compounds surveyed. In multivariate modeling, significant risk factors for death in the previous year from suspected lead poisoning included the age of the child, the mother's work at ore-processing activities, community well as primary water source, and the soil lead concentration in the compound. CONCLUSION: The high levels of environmental contamination, percentage of children < 5 years of age with elevated BLLs (97%, > 45 µg/dL), and incidence of convulsions among children before death (82%) suggest that most of the recent childhood deaths in the two surveyed villages were caused by acute lead poisoning from gold ore-processing activities. Control measures included environmental remediation, chelation therapy, public health education, and control of mining activities.