AWARENESS AND PRACTICES TOWARDS PREVENTION OF MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION OF HIV AMONG MARRIED MEN ATTENDING THE ANTIRETROVIRAL CLINIC IN AMINU KANO TEACHING HOSPITAL, KANO, NIGERIA.

Background: The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programme was introduced as a comprehensive package of interventions with the aim of reducing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. The programme offers an opportunity to capture pregnant women and their partners in order to prevent the transmission of HIV to the baby. This study is aimed at assessing the awareness and practices of married HIV-positive male partners towards PMTCT. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study that interviewed 220 HIV-positive male partners using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: The study revealed that more of the respondents 145 (65.9%) were between the age group of 31 to 40 years. More than half 130 (59%) of the respondents were aware of PMTCT while 135 (61.4%) of the respondents had good practice of PMTCT. Respondents with formal education were 1.5 times more likely to be aware of the PMTCT programme than those having informal education [p=0.03, AOR=1.53, 95%CI=(1.98-4.54)]. Similarly, respondents with formal education were 2.5 times more likely to practice PMTCT programme than those having informal education [p=0.03, AOR=2.53, 95%CI= (1.63-4.54)].In addition, Male partners who were above 30 years of age were 3 times more likely to participate in PMTCT activities compared to those who were less than 30 years [p=0.02, AOR=2.17, 95%CI=(0.01-4.12)]. Conclusion: Raising awareness about the need for male partners' involvement in the PMTCT programme as well as encouraging male partners to partake in PMTCT activities will further increase its uptake.

Train-the-trainers intervention for national capacity building in infection prevention and control for COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Background: The first case of COVID-19 in Nigeria was reported on February 27, 2020, and over time, spread across the country leading to many healthcare worker infections. The risk of transmission of COVID-19 within healthcare facilities makes it necessary to establish infection prevention and control measures. The World Health Organisation supported the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to conduct a train-the-trainers workshop on infection prevention and control for key healthcare workers across Nigeria. Aim/Objectives: This study aims to describe the process and results of train-the-trainers as an intervention for national capacity building in infection prevention and control for COVID-19 among healthcare workers in Nigeria. Methods: Eight-hour sessions were held over three days with face-to-face instruction and practical hands-on experience in April 2020. A total of 61 healthcare workers participated across the six geographic zones of Nigeria: North Central, North East, North West, South West, South East, and South South. The training included slide presentations, case-based scenarios, and practical hands-on sessions with plenary discussions. Pre- and post-test assessments were used to evaluate knowledge of COVID-19, triage, and infection prevention and control among healthcare workers. Finding/Results: 69 % (42) of the participants were male 31 % (19) were female, and the majority (67 %) were medical doctors. Others attending were nurses or health administrators. Of the 70 % (26) of the states with existing infection prevention and control structures within the COVID emergency response, only 40 % were functional. The average percentage of pre-test and post-test scores were 60.8 ± 13.4 and 67.8 ± 9 0.3 respectively, showing a statistically significant difference (p > 0.001) in trainee knowledge. Additionally, 70 % of participants evaluated the training workshop as "satisfactory" or higher in training format, relevance for daily clinical work, active participation, learning new concepts, and logistics. Conclusion: Nationwide infection prevention and control training is feasible during a national health crisis. Infection prevention and control is cardinal in the containment of epidemic-prone diseases like COVID-19 and is invaluable in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in healthcare settings.

Traditional birth attendants and reproductive health services in the context of covid-19: a scoping review

Background: In developing countries, the lack of accessible, affordable and acceptable orthodox care makes a significant proportion of the populace patronize the nearby available and cheap traditional birth attendants (TBAs) that share similar local custom and tradition. Although there are widely diverging shreds of evidence regarding their effectiveness as health care providers, they may have a limited role as a workforce during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic where the more community-based distribution of commodities is increasingly considered due to movement restrictions. However, it is still doubtful if their integration into the formal health system may substantially contribute to basic health care delivery especially in the rural often hard to reach areas. Objectives: To explore the various roles of TBAs in reproductive health service delivery with implication for redefining their roles especially with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: We searched and reviewed relevant literature on TBAs in PubMed, Africa Journals Online (AJOL) and Google scholar and relevant institutional websites for the role of TBAs pre and during the pandemic. The databases searched yielded 92 articles of potential significance to this review. After title/abstract review, 65 articles were moved to full document review. Nineteen articles explicitly and strictly focusing on TBAs concerning reproductive health were included in this review. Results: TBAs are providers of a wide range of reproductive health services and training to expand their roles and makes them safer is necessary for any consideration of their engagement; this implies the fight against COVID-19. TBAs should only be engaged if the gap in the resources for health must be filled by leveraging on their existing traditional roles and acceptance in the community. Conclusion: TBAs are widely utilised providers of care to their communities especially in the area of maternal care. With increasing emphasis on community-based services in healthcare delivery and the emergence of COVID-19, their roles must be reviewed and updated regularly to redefine their role in the health care delivery system especially because of the myriad personal and technical limitations associated with them. Any engagement with them should be with caution and as a stop-gap measur.

An appraisal of current management of childhood urinary tract infections among private medical practitioners.

BACKGROUND: Private medical practitioners manage substantial number of children with urinary tract infection in Nigeria. It is important to evaluate the management of urinary tract infection (UTI), because of complications that may arise form improper treatment. METHODS: This study was conducted during the 10th Annual General and Scientific Conference of Guild of Medical Directors in Kano. Study populations were private medical practitioners. The research tools were self administered questionnaires containing questions to illicit knowledge, attitude and treatment regarding childhood UTI. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty respondents returned their questionnaire. There were 98 (81.7%) males and 22 (18.2%) females. Twenty one (17.5%) had postgraduate qualification. Majority (87.5%) respondents preferred early morning and mid-stream urine for patients. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis were the commonest listed isolates. The knowledge of predisposing factors and complications following UTI was fair. Twenty-six percent would give chemoprophylaxis for repeat infections in females while only 7% would refer such patients to specialist. Reasons that warranted referral varied from inability to pay fees to the occurrence of complications in the course of therapy. Twenty-nine percent would use multiple therapy (antibiotics) because of the need to ensure adequate antimicrobial coverage, effective therapy and prevention of resistance and cost effectiveness. Ampicillin, Cotrimazole and Tetracycline featured as first line antibiotics among the respondents. CONCLUSION: Some practices are clearly at variance with recommendations. Continue medical education is recommended for bridging the gap between current practices, this will enhance patient's care.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Depression in HIV/AIDS Patients Aged 15-25 Years at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Nigeria

Objective: The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression in HIV/AIDS patients aged 15-25 years in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Kano; Nigeria. Method: The study is descriptive and cross-sectional; and was carried out over a period of 16 weeks at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Nigeria. The study population included HIV/AIDS patients in the age bracket admitted into the hospital's medical wards; and those attending the HIV/AIDS clinic. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) was administered to the respondents to screen for depression. Those who scored 8 and above were assessed clinically for depression using the International Classification of Disease Version 10 (ICD-10); and their depression classified into mild; moderate and severe. The severity of the depression of this group of patients was again classified as mild; moderate and severe using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Result: Of the respondents; 39.91were found to be depres-sed; with stage of the disease; inability to afford medication; unemployment; lack of social support; inability to tolerate HAART and other drugs in the management of HIV; and CD4 cell (Cluster of Differentiation 4 T-lymphocytes subgroup; the cells specifically targeted by HIV) count level found to be associated with depression. Conclusion: Depression is a highly prevalent disorder in the study subjects. Based on these findings; it is recommended that a comprehensive psychiatric treatment strategy should be initiated using a biopsychosocial framework that includes psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality in affected patients

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Depression in HIV/AIDS Patients Aged 15-25 Years at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Nigeria

Objective:The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression in HIV/AIDS patients aged 15-25 years in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Kano; Nigeria. Method: The study is descriptive and cross-sectional; and was carried out over a period of 16 weeks at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Nigeria. The study population included HIV/AIDS patients in the age bracket admitted into the hospital's medical wards; and those attending the HIV/AIDS clinic. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) was administered to the respondents to screen for depression. Those who scored 8 and above were assessed clinically for depression using the International Classification of Disease Version 10 (ICD-10); and their depression classified into mild; moderate and severe.The severity of the depression of this group of patients was again classified as mild; moderate and severe using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Result: Of the respondents; 39.91were found to be depressed; with stage of the disease; inability to afford medication; unemployment; lack of social support; inability to tolerate HAART and other drugs in the management of HIV; and CD4 cell (Cluster of Differentiation 4 T-lymphocytes subgroup; the cells specifically targeted by HIV) count level found to be associated with depression. Conclusion: Depression is a highly prevalent disorder in the study subjects. Based on these findings; it is recommended that a comprehensive psychiatric treatment strategy should be initiated using a biopsychosocial framework that includes psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality in affected patients

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Depression in HIV/AIDS Patients Aged 15-25 Years at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Nigeria

Objective:The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression in HIV/AIDS patients aged 15-25 years in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Kano; Nigeria. Method: The study is descriptive and cross-sectional; and was carried out over a period of 16 weeks at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Nigeria. The study population included HIV/AIDS patients in the age bracket admitted into the hospital's medical wards; and those attending the HIV/AIDS clinic. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) was administered to the respondents to screen for depression. Those who scored 8 and above were assessed clinically for depression using the International Classification of Disease Version 10 (ICD-10); and their depression classified into mild; moderate and severe.The severity of the depression of this group of patients was again classified as mild; moderate and severe using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Result: Of the respondents; 39.91were found to be depressed; with stage of the disease; inability to afford medication; unemployment; lack of social support; inability to tolerate HAART and other drugs in the management of HIV; and CD4 cell (Cluster of Differentiation 4 T-lymphocytes subgroup; the cells specifically targeted by HIV) count level found to be associated with depression. Conclusion: Depression is a highly prevalent disorder in the study subjects. Based on these findings; it is recommended that a comprehensive psychiatric treatment strategy should be initiated using a biopsychosocial framework that includes psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality in affected patients