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Aisha Abubakar Usman, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025
Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) is a vital tool for optimal diabetes control, enabling patients to track their blood sugar levels at home, make well informed decisions about their treatment as well as follow directions of their physicians on diet modification and improve adherence to medications. Despite its proven benefits, the knowledge, perception, and utilization of SMBG among diabetic patients remain suboptimal, particularly in low-resource settings like Nigeria. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the level of knowledge, perception, and utilization of SMBG among diabetic patients attending the Endocrinology Clinic at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria.
Read more...Jeremiah OJOGBA-JACOBS, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025
Neonatal healthcare quality and caregiver satisfaction are critical for improving outcomes in Special Care Baby Units (SCBUs), particularly in low-resource settings. Nigeria faces high neonatal mortality rates, with suboptimal healthcare systems contributing to preventable deaths. Caregiver satisfaction influences compliance, communication, and overall neonatal care quality, yet limited research exists in this area, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed caregivers' perspectives on the quality of care and their satisfaction with services provided to neonates admitted at the SCBU of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika-Zaria.
Read more...Abdul Usman Ibrahim, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025
The resurgence of Mpox, particularly in Nigeria, has underscored the importance of infection control measures among healthcare workers. Nurses, being frontline care providers, are particularly vulnerable to Mpox transmission and play a critical role in curbing its spread. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and preventive practices related to Mpox among nurses at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika, Zaria, and identify factors influencing their preventive behaviors. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 159 nurses of ABUTH Zaria using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, Mpox-related knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices were collected and analyzed using descriptive analysis and associations between variables were tested using Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests where appropriate. Bivariate analyses were performed to identify associations between sociodemographic variables and preventive practices. The majority of respondents (67.3%) demonstrated good knowledge of Mpox, and an overwhelmingly a positive attitude towards the disease was exhibited by a 100%. Preventive practices were appropriate among 84.9% of participants, with high adherence to hand hygiene (98.7%) and glove usage (76.1%). However, only 24.5% had received training on Mpox prevention and management. The highest level of education was significantly associated with appropriate preventive practices (p=0.001). Although nurses in ABUTH, Shika-Zaria displayed good knowledge and overwhelmingly positive attitudes toward Mpox, gaps remain in training and consistent use of protective measures. Regular educational interventions and targeted training programs arerecommended to enhance preparedness and compliance with infection prevention protocols.
Read more...Adejoh Charles Achile, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a constellation of affective, behavioural, cognitive and physical symptoms that occur cyclically during the luteal phase of menstrual cycle and resolve shortly at or within few days of the onset of menstruation. The exact cause of PMS is unknown. PMS is associated with various psychological, socio-demographic factors (age, marital status). Dietary and lifestyle. The common premenstrual symptoms are irritability, abdominal cramps, breast tenderness, fatigue, decreased concentration, mood swings, headache, and anxiety. The study aimed to access the knowledge, prevalence and effects of premenstrual syndrome on female undergraduate students of Federal University of Education Zaria, Kaduna State. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 255 eligible students. Analyses were done using IBM-SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistic measures were done and presented as tables and graphs. Chi Square test was applied for the comparison of proportions and associations between categorical variables and p value was set at <0.05 for statistical significance. The mean age of Respondents was 22.0 ± 2.89. Majority (48.3%) were Hausa, predominantly Muslims (61.2%), almost all were single (88.2%), and more than half (51.0%) were in faculty of sciences and department of biology (24.3%). The knowledge of PMS was very poor among respondents with only 17.3% having good knowledge and 82.7% had poor knowledge. The prevalence of PMS was high (83.6%) and the common symptoms were abdominal cramps, mood swings, breast tenderness. and fatigue. Common effects of PMS on respondents were difficulty concentrating, absenteeism from class, and avoidance of social gathering, with menstrual pain, regular consumption of caffeine containing drinks, sugary food and high level of work before periods were found to be associated with PM. The study showed a wide gap in the knowledge and a high prevalence of PMS among female students of Federal University of Education, Zaria.
Read more...Yunusa Isah Chiroma, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, N/A
Job stress is a mental and physical condition, which affects an individual’s productivity, effectiveness, personal health and quality of work while Job satisfaction is a feeling that supports or does not support employees who are related to their work and their conditions. The global average prevalence of job stress among workers is 55%. In Africa, Senegal recorded 50.1% of workers experience stress in the workplace, fairing a little better than Chad, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, which recorded higher stress rates of up to 58%. In Nigeria, 50% of workers experience stress in the workplace, a figure that has risen by 3% annually. The employees admit that 46% of their negative emotions are felt during a lot of days as a result of stress, with most workers actively seeking a new job. This study was aimed at the assessment of job stress and job satisfaction among Interns and House Officers at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria. A cross sectional-descriptive study using self-administered closed-ended questionnaire was carried out. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the total sample size of 105 respondents. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Descriptive statistics was done for the socio-demographic characteristics and categorical variables using simple frequencies and percentages. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi square test to test the significance of association between the independent and dependent variables at p < 0.05 level of significance. The study reveals that the majority of interns and house officers at ABUTH, Shika, Zaria, are young professionals, with 54.3% aged between 23-27 years and were males 53.3%. The predominant internship category is house officers (57.1%). Additionally, a higher percentage of interns work 40-79 hours per week (65.7%). The prevalence of job stress among interns and house officers was notable, with 81.9% reporting high stress levels. Job satisfaction levels were mixed, with only 31.43% expressing satisfaction with their internship experience. The bivariate analysis indicates that younger interns (aged 28-32 years) reported the highest stress (χ² = 9.751, p = .008). Work hours also had a significant effect, with those working 60 hours or more per week experiencing higher stress levels (χ² = 13.188, p = .004). Result also revealed significant statistical relationship between stress and job satisfaction (χ² = 5.221, p = .022). The findings suggest that interns and house officers at ABUTH experience high levels of job stress, primarily due to long working hours, excessive workload, and inadequate support systems. Job satisfaction is relatively low, with key concerns including unmanageable workloads, lack of mentorship, and insufficient compensation. It was recommended among others that the hospital should review duty hours and implement fair workload distribution to reduce excessive stress and burnout. Ensuring compliance with regulated working hours could improve job satisfaction.
Read more...Musa Abdulrasheed Olamilekan, Human Physiology - Ahmadu Bello University, 2024
Anhedonia refers to the inability to experience enjoyment or pleasure from usually gratifying activities. It is regarded as a central symptom of depression and serves as a common basis for diagnosing this disorder. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects over 300 million people globally. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aqueous bark extract of Cinnamomum verum on anxiety, anhedonia and oxidative stress biomarkers in Swiss albino mice. Thirty (30) animals were divided into 6 groups (n=5). The animals (except Group I (normal control)) were subjected to Open Space Forced Swim Test (OSFST) intermittently for two (2) weeks with daily administration of required drugs. Other groupings are; group II (Negative control), group III (OSFST + Cinnamon 100 mg/kg), group IV (OSFST + Cinnamon 200 mg/kg), group V (OSFST + Cinnamon 400mg/kg), group VI (OSFST + Fluoxetine 20 mg/kg). On day 14, administration stopped and mice were then subjected to Sucrose Preference Test (SPT) and also Open Field Test (OFT). At the end of neurobehavioral tests, the animals were sacrificed and various biological samples were extracted for laboratory analysis. The result obtained showed statistical significance (p<0.05) in main effect of time and treatment and also in the interaction between time and treatment on immobility time in mice subjected to OSFST model. In conclusion, aqueous bark extract of cinnamon demonstrates an antidepressant-like effect on depressed mice exposed to OSFST and SPT but did not significantly affect anxiety behaviors and locomotor activity of the mice subjected to OFT.
Read more...Shehu Maryam Ingawa, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025
Induced abortion is termination of pregnancy before the age of viability. Unsafe induced abortion contributes significantly to maternal mortality and morbidity especially in developing countries. Induced abortion occurs in Nigeria despite law restricting abortion. Despite several efforts to improve on abortion services, legal constraints, religious and sociocultural factors prevent the access to induced abortion. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and perception of induced abortion among women attending antenatal and reproductive health clinics in ABUTH, Zaria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Systematic random sampling was used to select 140 women of reproductive age. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS v27 with statistical significance set at p< 0.05. The mean age ± SD was 28.88 ± 5.31 years. About 53.6% of respondents had good knowledge of induced abortion, 96.4% showed positive attitude, and 97.1% had a positive perception. The major sources of information were friends (47.9%) and family (45%). Statistically significant associations were found between knowledge and source of income (p=0.002). Age had a significant association with attitude (p=0.013). Despite the majority having positive attitudes and perceptions towards induced abortion, knowledge levels remain moderate, indicating the need for improved educational interventions and awareness campaigns.
Read more...Maikano Abigail Stanley, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025
Cervical cancer remains a major public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where screening uptake is low. Early detection through regular screening is key to reducing cervical cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Female undergraduates, being in the sexually active age group, are at risk and their awareness is vital in the prevention of the disease. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and uptake of cervical cancer screening among female undergraduate students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed involving 312 female undergraduate students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, selected through multistage sampling. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The results were presented using tables and charts. The mean age of respondents was 23.23±2.43. Only 64.4% have heard of cervical cancer screening and 12.8% had good knowledge. Most of the respondents (98.4%) had a positive perception of cervical cancer screening. Only 7.4% had ever been screened for cervical cancer screening. There was a statistically significant relationship between marital status and the uptake of cervical cancer screening. There is a significant gap between positive perception and actual uptake of cervical cancer screening among female undergraduates at Ahmadu Bello University. While most respondents acknowledge the importance of screening, poor knowledge and several barriers, such as lack of awareness of screening centres and absence of symptoms, hinder utilization. There is a need for targeted health education and awareness programs to bridge knowledge gaps, correct misconceptions, and promote positive attitudes toward screening.
Read more...Yisa Abdulhammed Yinka, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025
First aid is an essential skill for secondary school teachers, who are often the first to respond to emergencies involving students. However, studies in Nigeria and other parts of the world have shown gaps in teachers’ knowledge, perception, and practice of first aid. In Nigeria, limited school health services have made it even more important for teachers to be well-prepared. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and practice of first aid among secondary school teachers in Sabon Gari Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 379 secondary school teachers from both public and private schools in Sabon Gari LGA. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected in March 2025 using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25, and results were presented in tables. Associations between selected variables and level of practice were tested using a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH). The mean age of the respondents was 34.31 ± 7.929 years, with most (49.6%) aged between 26 and 35 years. Good knowledge of first aid was recorded in 68.3% of respondents, and 95.3% had a positive perception toward its importance. However, only 59.3% had good practice, and 22.2% had never administered first aid. Practice was significantly associated with age (p = 0.009), educational qualification (p = 0.001), and type of school (p = 0.002), but not with perception (p = 0.340). Although most teachers had good knowledge and a positive perception of first aid, the level of practice was sub-optimal. Some teachers had never administered first aid, showing that more needs to be done to prepare them for emergencies. It is recommended that the Kaduna State Ministry of Education provide regular training and supply first aid materials to schools to improve emergency response.
Read more...Jega Abdulmajeed Ibrahim, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is a common health issue among university students, influenced by risk factors like Helicobacter pylori infection, NSAID use, and lifestyle habits. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and prevalence of PUD risk factors among students at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to address gaps in awareness and inform health interventions. A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2025 with 240 ABU undergraduate students, selected via multistage sampling across 16 faculties. Data was collected using a semi-structured electronic questionnaire on sociodemographics, knowledge, perception, and prevalence of PUD risk factors. Knowledge was scored as good (≥50%) or poor (<50%), perception was assessed via a Likert scale, and prevalence was based on self-reported behaviours. Data was analyzed using SPSS with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Of the 240 respondents (mean age 22.86 years, 57.5% male), 57.1% had good knowledge of PUD risk factors, though misconceptions (e.g., spicy foods as a cause) persisted. Perception was accurate in 60%, with 40% showing misconceptions. Prevalence of risk factors was low (95%), with occasional NSAID use (54.6%) and meal skipping (62.5%) most common; only 10% tested positive for H. pylori. No significant link was found between knowledge and prevalence (p = 0.163). While many ABU students have reasonable knowledge and perception of PUD risk factors, gaps and misconceptions remain, and prevalence of modifiable risk factors is low. Health education and screening programs are recommended to improve awareness and reduce PUD risk.
Read more...Ibrahim Adam, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025
An estimated 3.6% of the world population is affected by chronic hepatitis B infection and is responsible for about 820,000 deaths in 2019. The prevalence of HBV varies throughout the world but the burden is highest in tropical regions. About 60 million people have chronic HBV infection in Africa with an estimated prevalence of 6.2% in the region. There are relatively fewer studies regarding knowledge, perception and preventive practice of HBV infection in Nigeria. The aim of this research is to assess the knowledge, perception and preventive practices toward HBV infection in Shika community, Giwa LG, Kaduna State. A community-based cross-sectional descriptive study using a multi-staged sampling technique was carried out amongst 149 people. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection and the data was analyzed with a statistical package for social sciences software (SPSS), version 25. Descriptive analyses were performed by calculating simple frequencies and carrying out cross-tabulations. Associations between categorical variables were tested for significance using the Chi-square test. Statistical significance was said to be achieved where the P-value is less than 0.05. The ages of the respondents ranged from 15 years upward. The majority (18.1%) of them were aged 25-29 years. Most (75.8%) of the respondents were male and majority (97.3%) are Muslims and Hausas (79.9%). Most (67.8%) of the respondents are married. Majority (53.0%) of the respondents have secondary level of education and most of them (37.6%) are business men and women. Majority (81.2%) of the respondents had poor knowledge of HBV infection and majority (74.5%) of the respondents had poor preventive practices toward HBV infection. However, majority (96.0%) of the respondents had a good perception towards HBV infection. A statistically significant relationship was observed between knowledge and preventive practice toward HBV infection (p = 0.00). The study showed that a significant proportion of people in Shika community had poor knowledge and preventive practices toward HBV infection. In order to reduce the burden of HBV infection and its complications there is still need for increased community awareness of the importance of HBV screening and vaccination.
Read more...Abdullahi Umar Faruk, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025
HIV/AIDS remains a significant global public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where stigma and discrimination exacerbate its impact. Misconceptions and fear fuel prejudice against people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), hindering prevention, testing, and treatment efforts. Stigma manifests as social exclusion, workplace discrimination, and poor healthcare experiences, often leading to mental health issues and reduced healthcare access. Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART), societal attitudes persist, driven by associations with immorality, fear of transmission, and lack of education. This study assessed the knowledge, perception, and experiences of stigma and discrimination among PLWHA attending the Nasara Clinic at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Training Centre (NTBLTC) in Zaria, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 424 PLWHA selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 25.0. The study revealed that 94.8% of respondents were aware of HIV-related stigma, primarily learning about it from friends/family (32.8%) and healthcare professionals (27.4%). Similarly, 96.9% knew about HIV-related discrimination. Societal perceptions of PLWHA were neutral (25.5%) or somewhat negative (22.6%), with lack of awareness (31.1%) cited as a key driver. Notably, 72.6% reported experiencing stigma or discrimination, predominantly in social gatherings (25%) and family settings (19.8%). Common forms included rejection by family/friends (32.3%) and job loss (28.5%). Stigma significantly affected mental health (77.1%) and healthcare-seeking behaviour (67.9%), with 67% reporting denial of medical treatment. Stigma and discrimination remain pervasive among PLWHA in Zaria, negatively impacting social, economic, and health outcomes. Recommendations include implementing anti-discrimination policies, enhancing public awareness campaigns, and providing counselling services to support PLWHA.
Read more...Fauziyah Maimako Muhammad, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025
Privacy and confidentiality are fundamental ethical principles in patient care, ensuring trust and compliance with medical ethics. It is imperative that all health care providers, including professionals and interns at all levels should be well-informed about the importance of confidentiality and privacy However, adherence among healthcare workers may vary due to gaps in knowledge or attitude. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of privacy and confidentiality among interns (nurses, physiotherapists, dentists, radiologists and doctors) at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured questionnaires to evaluate interns' KAP levels. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Age(years): Mean ± SD = 26.7 ± 2.274, majority of respondents were house officers (65.8%). The study showed that majority of the respondents (54.2%) had good knowledge of privacy and confidentiality, 51.0% had a neutral attitude towards maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality, and 64.5% of respondents had good level of practice of privacy and confidentiality. Several factors were perceived to influence the practice of privacy and confidentiality in ABUTH, Shika which included the large number of patients, staff shortage, open recordkeeping system, technological impairment, inadequate health facilities, improper infrastructure. There was also a significant relationship between level of knowledge, attitude and the practice of privacy and confidentiality in patient care in ABUTH, Shika.
Read more...Ahmad Muhammad, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025
Adverse drug reactions represent a significant global public health concern, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality. Spontaneous reporting by healthcare professionals, particularly medical doctors, is crucial for pharmacovigilance. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes and ADR reporting practices and identify factors influencing the knowledge, attitude, and reporting practices of ADRs among medical doctors in ABUTH Shika-Zaria, Kaduna State. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire among 110 medical doctors at ABUTH Zaria. The respondents were selected using stratified sampling technique and data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and reporting practices of adverse drug reactions were collected and analysed using descriptive analysis and associations between variables were tested using Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests where appropriate. Results showed that 91.8% of medical doctors demonstrated good knowledge of ADRs, while 60% had positive attitudes toward pharmacovigilance. However, only 29.2% of those who had encountered ADRs had ever reported them. Among those who reported ADRs, 52.4% demonstrated good reporting practices. Knowledge was found to be significantly associated with attitudes towards ADR reporting (p=0.028). Major barriers to ADRs reporting included unavailability of forms (52.7%), poor knowledge of ADR reporting process (40.9%), complex reporting processes (29.1%), and time constraints (29.1%). Despite adequate knowledge and favourable attitudes by the respondents, ADR reporting remains suboptimal among medical doctors at ABUTH Zaria. Interventions addressing xvi identified barriers, including regular training programs, simplified reporting procedures, and establishment of an institutional ADR reporting system, are recommended to enhance pharmacovigilance activities and patient safety.
Read more...Samson, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2007
Alcoholic beverages have been widely consumed since prehistoric times by people around the world seeing use as a component of a standard diet , for hygienic or medical reasons, relaxant and euphoric effects, for recreational purposes, for inspiration, as aphrodisiacs, and for other reasons . Some have been invested with symbolic or religious significance suggesting the mystical use of alcohol example by Greco- Roman religion in the ecstatic rituals of Dionysus ( also called Bacchus ), god of drink and revelry, in the Christian Eucharist , and on the Jewish Shabbat and festivals ( particularly Passover ). About two billion people across the world consume alcoholic drinks. Alcohol consumption can harm health as well as social relations; possible injuries, alcohol dependence and chronic diseases can lead to losses in quality of life and to premature deaths. Around 76 million people worldwide currently have alcohol use disorders, such as excessive drinking and alcohol dependence. The highest level of knowledge about each drug among the males shows alcohol 98.80%,Kolanut 97.01%,and Tobacco 98.79% (Table5).However, among the females, all the respondents have knowledge of alcohol and kolanut100%,with the least known being LSD13.33%. The most commonly abused substance among the males shows alcohol to be high (47.37%), Kolanut (19%), Caffeine (17.54%), there was no reported case of cocaine and LSD use(Table 10).Among the females, Caffeine(35.71%), Analgesics(25%), are the most abused, 46 there is a reported case of cocaine use but no case of LSD use(Table 10).Most respondents admitted to taking alcohol and other drugs in a bar/night club(47.37%), with only 10.53% taking it in the school premises.
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Bakare Sumayyah Ifedolapo, Primary Education Studies - University of Ilorin, 2025
The study examined teachers’ perception of the influence of school funding program on primary school enrollment in Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State. A descriptive research design was adopted for the study, where one research question and three hypotheses were raised to guide the study. The population of the study was based on 100 teachers selected across the LGA. A researcher self-constructed questionnaire titled Perceived Influence of School Funding on School Enrolment Questionnaire (PISFSEQ) was adopted and used to get information from the respondents. The instrument was validated by the experts from the Department of Adult and Primary Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, and the reliability test was carried out with the use of Cronbach’s Alpha Reliability Estimate, which yielded an index value of 0.80. Frequency distribution and percentages, mean and standard deviation were used for the demographic data and to answer the research question raised, while t-test and ANOVA were used to test the hypotheses formulated. The findings revealed Teachers have a positive perception of the influence of school funding program on primary school enrollment. Also, there was is no significant difference in the perception of teachers of the influence of school funding program on primary school enrollment based on gender, school location, and years of service. It was recommended that government should allocate funding fairly across schools in both urban and rural areas to maintain teachers’ positive perceptions and ensure consistent enrollment growth, and allocate funding in a way that addresses the unique challenges of rural and urban schools. Also, school management should encourage both male and female teachers to participate in school funding committees, and encourage teachers across all experience levels to contribute to planning and evaluating school funding programs to promote shared ownership and perception.
Read more...Hameedat Ahmad, MicroBiology - Kaduna State University, Kaduna, 2025
The consumption of tomatoes fruits is increasing on daily basis due to it appealing taste and nutritive value. However, tomatoes can serve as a vehicle for transmission of pathogens when contaminated. This study is therefore carried out to investigates the fungi species that causes tomato fruits rot. A total 10 spoilt tomatoes showing varying degree of rot will be obtained from Kawo Market in Kaduna metropolis. Each of the spoilt tomato sample was pulverized using a sterile electric blender. A stock solution of the sample was prepared by dissolving 1g of the pulverized sample into 9ml of distilled water. The stock solution of the samples was serially diluted into sixth quadrants before been inoculated on to Potato Dextrose agar using pour plates method. Each plate was incubated at 27 oC for 72 hours for fungi growth. The isolates obtained were examined using cultural and microscopy characteristics. The fungi isolated were, Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Rhizopus spp. The fungi colony counts ranges from 8.00 x 104 - 2.70 x 105 Cfu/g. These fungi can cause diseases that vary in severity from mild gastroenteritis to chronic or opportunistic infections. As a result, efforts should be made to discourage purchasing spoilt tomatoes from local markets.
Read more...Lawrence Ijimdiya Sylvanus, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2011
The patient-doctor relationship is central to the practice of medicine and the delivery of high quality medical. Without it doctors be effective and patients cannot be helped. This study was designed to assess patient-doctor relationship in medical care at Ahmadu Bello university teaching hospital (ABUTH), Shika, Zaria. This was descriptive cross sectional study involving 150 patients sampled from the clinical departments of medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, obstaetrics and gynaecology. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire which sought information on their sociodemograhic characteristics, nature of patient-doctor relationship, compliance and satisfaction and litigation in medical care as well as possible ways of improving the patient-doctor relationship. There were 200 respondents. Most of the respondents were males (61.3%). The modal age group was (35.3%) with a mean age of 37 years. Most of the respondents were Hausa (28.7%) by tribe and Christians by religion (64%). Most were married (52.7%), majority were students (38.7%) and 63.3% had tertiary education. Most (96.7%) of the patients had a good patient-doctor relationship. Compliance and satisfaction rates in medical care were both 91.3%. Only 6% of patients have ever sued for medical malpractice. A positive relationship was found between patient-doctor relationship and satisfaction in medical care. No relationship was observed between patient-doctor relationship and compliance or litigation in medical care.
Read more...Kadala Mivanyi, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2011
Sickle cell anaemia is a chronic genetic disorder which remains the most important hereditary disease in tropical Africa and it is particularly important in Nigeria because Nigeria is known to have the largest number of sickle cell disease patients of any country in the world. This study intends to assess the quality of care provided to sickle cell anaemia patients by the Ahmadu Bello University teaching hospital Haematology clinic. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out using simple random sampling technique to select the 60 respondents that participated in the study. Questionnaires were administered on their clinic days and the data collected was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences software, version17. A total of 60 patients responded to the questionnaires giving a response rate of 100%. The areas assessed majorly in the questionnaires include counseling in the various aspects of the disease and therapy especially in the management of complications. Most respondents strongly agree that they have been counseled adequately about the nature of the disease and its mode of inheritance (68.3 and 58.3% respectively) while 61.7% of patients believe strongly that they have been adequately counseled on the avoidance of crises and self care. Only 10% of patients strongly believe that they do not receive adequate emotional/psychological support at the clinic. The majority of respondents 55% believe strongly that the emotional support is adequate. Pregnancy and related care was rated poorly by respondents with only 13% of those who responded strongly agreeing with the fact that care is adequate. Most of them (25.5%) were undecided. It was also observed that 33.3% and 31.8% respectively which form the majority of respondents strongly disagree that eye and orthopaedic care is adequate in the clinic. 43.3% of patients which form the majority strongly agree that social services are adequate to meet their needs outside the hospital setting especially as it relates to disability and socio-economic consequences. The advanced modalities of cure such as stem cell transplant and gene therapy are not available in this centre as is evident from 58.1% of patients strongly disagreeing that such modalities have been adequately presented to them in the clinic. ABUTH haematology clinic offers a reasonably high quality of care especially in the basic areas of counseling (about the disease, its mode of inheritance, self care and avoidance of crises), drug management of the condition and giving emotional and psychological support to patients. Areas which were poor include the management of pregnancy as well as ophthalmic and orthopaedic complications and the availability of services that offer cure for the disease such as gene therapy and stem cell transplant.
Read more...Jacob Dusu Sambo, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2011
Scabies is a highly contagious, intensely pruritic disorder, caused by the human itch mite, sarcoptes scabeii var huminis acquired by direct contact with an infected person or indirectly through contaminated clothing, bed liners, and handholding materials. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence and distribution of scabies and to propose an effective health education and advocacy programme to address the problems of scabies among school age children in a Koranic school at Samaru, Zaria. Using a cross sectional study design, data was collected from a sample of 134 children age 5-14years drawn from a population of pupils attending Mallam Barau Koranic school at Samaru, Zaria. Data was collected on factors which may be associated with scabies using structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17 and Microsoft Excel and presented in charts and tables, and measures of central tendency and of dispersion were used to summarize it. The prevalence of scabies was found to be 19% with more males (20.5%) affected than females (11.7%). Age group 5-9years have a relatively high prevalence of 22.2% compared to the age group 10-14years with 17.9%. The commonest body part affected by scabies rash was the inter-digital webs of hands and feet (40.4%) and the least affected was the head and neck region (6.4%). The high prevalence of scabies recorded in this study may be due to low socio-economical status, poor living conditions, and poor personal hygiene among others. This shows that scabies is still a common health problem among children in Koranic schools that needs due attention from policy makers and other stakeholders.
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