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Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has a high prevalence rate in Nigeria. Disclosure of infection status to close partner and the public attracts support for infected people. This study looks at disclosure and social challenges of infected persons. Methods: Mixed methods of patients’ administered questionnaire and an in-depth interview conducted on HBV-infected respondents in a hospital in Nigeria were used. The study recruited all participants who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Data were entered into SPSS version 20 and analyzed using simple and inferential statistics and content analysis for the in-depth interview. Results: A total of 205 participants completed the questionnaire study. Mean (standard deviation) age was 35.3 (±11.0) years. There were 121 married, 37 singles with noncohabiting partners and 47 singles without partners with disclosure rates being 96.7% versus 97.9% versus 89.2%, respectively. Singles disclosed infection more to their parents while married respondents disclosed infection more to their spouses. Singles had high rate of denial of sexual relationship (22.6%), emotional trauma (34.5%), broken relationships (11.4%), and surreptitious use of contraception for protection (67.6%). Married respondents had the highest rate of HBV vaccination of their family members (40.1%). Infection prevention and allaying fears of family members were their counseling needs. In-depth interview revealed that infected respondents usually expressed shock and depression at a positive test leading to fear and deception that put close associates at risk. Conclusion: Hepatitis B virus–infected respondents have high rate of disclosure. Family problems of these people can therefore be solved through public enlightenment and individual counseling.

To determine the level of nonadherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and to explore the association of factors militating against adherence and nonadherence to therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) at an Antiretroviral Clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was employed to determine the prevalence of nonadherence. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was applied to consecutive PLWHA who had been on therapy for a minimum of three months. The completed questionnaires were entered into a computer and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with nonadherence. Three hundred and eighteen people living with HIV/AIDS completed the questionnaire. Their mean age was 39.1+/-9.6 years. There were 173 (54.4%) females and 145 (45.6%) males. The median duration on HAART was 19 months (Range 3 to 28 months) and the prevalence of nonadherence was 118 (37.1%) using the less than 95% adherence profile. About a third (31.5%) of those missing therapy reportedly missed their medication because of fasting. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that patients who felt healthy or simply forgot to take their drugs and those not willing to disclose their HIV status were independently, significantly associated with less than 95% adherence. The study showed that nonadherence to HAART is a problem in the ARV clinic and that the feeling of being healthy, forgetfulness, and unwillingness to disclose HIV status by PLWHA were significant barriers to adherence. Efforts to improve adherence in the clinic will have to address these issues among others.

•Awareness of Ebola viral disease was high among respondents; radio was major source of information about EVD.•While willingness to participate in vaccine trial was low among respondents, they were ready to accept the vaccine when ready.•Vaccine safety was a major determinant of participation and acceptance of EVD vaccine among respondents. Ebola viral disease (EVD) epidemic need to be contained through means which include vaccination of susceptible population. Vaccination has eradicated major killer diseases. The study determined the health workers willingness to participate in EVD vaccine clinical trials and receive EVD vaccine. A descriptive cross-sectional study design involving 370 consenting health workers of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife that completed a self administered semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Mean age was 34.4±8.6years (range, 19–60years). Most were females (60.3%), and had worked <10years (74.3%). The health workers were mostly medical doctors (22.7%) and nurses (52.4%). EVD awareness (84.9%) was high among respondents with radio (37.2%) as major source of information. A higher proportion of respondents willing to participate in clinical trials were willing to receive vaccine (93% vs. 68%, p=0.0001). The significant variables associated with willingness to participate in EVD vaccine trials include being male [AOR 1.58, 95%CI 1.04–2.40, p=0.033], medical doctor [AOR 2.28, 95%CI 1.31–3.96, p=0.003] and having safe vaccine [AOR 2.10, 95% 1.58–3.98, p=0.0001] while the significant variable associated with willingness to receive EVD vaccine was vaccine safety [AOR 3.19, 95%CI 2.13–6.03, p=0.029]. Male gender, medical doctor and vaccine safety determine willingness to participate in Ebola vaccine trials while vaccine safety determines willingness to receive vaccine when ready. Researchers should ensure gender equality and vaccine safety in vaccine trials.

BackgroundThe family provides support in the care of their ill members and suffers some burden during caregiving. This study assessed the burden of family caregivers and associated factors in an ophthalmic clinic situated in a university teaching hospital in southwest Nigeria. MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study where consenting family caregivers of ophthalmic patients completed a semi-structured questionnaire containing information on their socio-demographic characteristics and caregiving burden using the Zarit burden interview. Descriptive and inferential statistics analyses were done. ResultsA total of 273 caregivers completed the study. The caregivers were parents (23.5%), spouses (20.1%), siblings (3.3%), children (35.9%) and other relatives (14.2%) with mean age (SD) of 38.9 (14.9) years (range 8-79 years). Majority (81.2%) experienced caregiver burden with prayer (89%) as a coping strategy. Financial support (56%) was a major caregiver need with majority (59.3%) satisfied with their relatives' hospital care. Neither the patients nor their caregivers were on health insurance scheme. Statistical significant factors associated with caregivers' burden included young age (AOR=4.63, 95%CI=1.55-13.90; p=0.01), higher education (AOR=5.51, 95%CI=2.30-13.2, p=0.01), being employed (AOR=1.72, 95CI=1.30-4.76, p=0.04), longer caregiving (AOR=3.37, 95%CI=1.27-7.02, p=0.02), and having patient on hospital admission (AOR=1.90, 95%CI=1.26-3.09, p=0.02). Conclusion Family caregivers of ophthalmic patients experienced significant burden. Hence, they need more assistance from the health care institutions and community, including policy makers, so that they can cope with their caregiving activities. Enrollment in the social health insurance scheme will reduce out of pocket payment of hospital bills.

Background Cigarette smoking has been linked to several cancers worldwide. The characteristics of smokers have not been well documented among Nigerians. Objective This study assessed the prevalence and characteristics of cigarette smokers among the residents of Osogbo, in southwestern Nigeria. Method The study, a population based cross-sectional study of randomly selected consenting adult residents of Osogbo, was conducted in September of 2011. Data was collected using a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire on cigarette smoking. Results A total of 759 respondents were interviewed. Mean age was 42.1 ± 12.5 years. There were 364 (48%) males and 395 (52%) females. About 22% had ever smoked while 8.7% were current smokers, smoking an average of 22.9 ± 10.1 cigarettes per day. Males constituted the majority of current smokers. Most smokers (71%) were introduced to smoking by friends and ill health was the most often reported reason for quitting. Conclusion Cigarette smoking is commonly practiced among males in the studied population and awareness creation and advocacy should be conducted throughout the city in order to inform current smokers about the hazards and cumulative effects inherent in smoking.

Background Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdomen in children. Late surgical intervention is often associated with increase morbidity and sometimes fatal outcome. We sought to determine the pattern of presentation of acute appendicitis, and the effect of late presentation on surgical outcome in children. Methods This is a retrospective descriptive study done at the paediatric surgical unit of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The hospital records of all 180 patients (15 years and below) treated for acute appendicitis, between January 1995 and December 2012, were reviewed; only 156 patients had adequate records out of which 139 cases confirmed histologically as having appendicitis were analyzed. Results There were 80 (57.6%) females and 59 (42.4%) males. The age range was 5-15years with mean (SD) age of 11.2 (±2.9) years. Most patients (64.7%) were more than 10 years old. Sixty-four (46%) patients had simple appendicitis while 75 (54%) patients had complicated appendicitis. More children with complicated appendicitis (63, 84.0%) presented after 24 hours of abdominal pain; and they had more vomiting (59, 78.7%), spent longer days on admission (57, 76.0%) and had more post- operative complications (34, 45.3%) compared with uncomplicated appendicitis (25, 39.1%; 29, 45.3%; 7, 10.9%; 1, 1.6% respectively), and this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). No mortality was recorded among these children. Conclusion Late presentation was common and was associated with longer duration of hospital stay and high morbidity. No mortality was recorded from the disease.

Background Studies in Nigeria have shown that the main route of HIV transmission is sexual intercourse and that effective condom use protects people against infection. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of condom use among clients of a friendly HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) Centre in Osogbo southwestern Nigeria. Methods This was a review of the HCT Centre records from 2006 to 2010 retrieving socio-demographic information, sexual behaviour, condom use and result of HIV testing. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results One thousand nine hundred and twenty-one client records were reviewed. The mean age of the study population was 35.4 (SD 10.5) years. The majority (53%) of the respondents were females, 232 (12%) were HIV positive, and 38.2% had multiple sexual partners. Only heterosexual vaginal sex was reported among the clients. Overall 45.2% of the clients did not use a condom in their last sexual act. Factors identified to be significantly associated with non-use of condoms were; younger age, having had higher education and positive HIV status. Conclusion Unprotected heterosexual intercourse was common among the study population, indicating a need to step up HIV preventive programme through behavioural change communication strategy.

The purpose of health care institution is to satisfy the health care needs of their patients. Measuring patient satisfaction has improved services provided by health care institutions. Among factors that influence patient satisfaction, self-esteem of the clients has not received much attention in research. The aim of this study was to assess patient satisfaction with nursing care in a maternity unit and its relationship with self-esteem. A descriptive cross-sectional study in which 100 women were interviewed at the immunization clinic of the Wesley Guild Hospital within six weeks post-delivery was used. Respondents completed socio-demographic questionnaire, the modified La Monica-Oberst Patient Satisfaction Scale (LAOPSS) and the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale. The mean age of respondents was 29.9 years while mean satisfaction score was 97.98 (SD-15.3; Range-79) with mean self-esteem being 30.15 (SD-6.59; Range-38). Factors associated with higher levels of patient satisfaction were having tertiary education, having 1-3 children, being employed, higher income, higher levels of self-esteem and longer duration of hospital stay. Predictors of patient satisfaction were self-esteem and duration of hospital stay. Self-esteem of women has a strong influence on their satisfaction with nursing care in maternity units. Measures towards enhancing their understanding of the care given to them and promoting their self-esteem are strong components of improving their satisfaction with nursing care.

HIV infection from occupational and nonoccupational exposures can be prevented through risk assessment and management with antiretroviral drug therapy (ART). This study sought to examine the pattern of presentation and outcome of clients who were given postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. A retrospective review of case notes of clients presenting for HIV PEP from January 2005 to December 2006 was carried out. A total of 48 clients with a mean age of 27.9 ± 12.3 years underwent PEP during the period under review. Rape constituted 50% of reasons for PEP, while needle pricks and blood splash into mucous membranes constituted 25% each. Among those who received therapy, 10 (23.8%) could not complete drug therapy because of side effects. Although no client was HIV positive after the recommended 6 months of follow-up, 8 (16.7%) clients did not complete attendance to the clinic during the period.

Objective. To assess the awareness and attitude of antiretroviral clinic workers to HIV/AIDS and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study design using a self-administered questionnaire was used. Results. Of the 43 staff, 39 (92.5%) completed the questionnaire. Their mean age was 35.1 + 7.6 years. There were 19 (48.7%) males and 20 (51.7%) females. The majority (87.2%) had tertiary education. More than three fifths (61.5%) were married. There were 20 (51.3%) professional staff and 19 (48.7%) support staff. Only 28.2% of staff members had ever received on-the-job training in HIV/AIDS care. None of the adherence counselors had ever received any training in HIV/AIDS care and HAART adherence counseling. Despite this lack of training, this majority of the clinic staff had good knowledge about and a positive attitude to HIV/AIDS and HAART adherence. Conclusion. Adherence counselors and support staff required on-the-job training for optimum job performance.