HEALTH CARE SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF MOTHERS/CARE GIVERS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MALARIA IN CHILDREN

                       Abstract

Background

Malaria remains one of the most important public health problem in tropical and sub-tropical areas of which Nigeria belongs. Malaria can progress from mild illness to severe  illness, to death over a brief eriod of time. The mothers/caregivers ability to recognize childhood malaria-related morbidity is crucial as knowledge; attitude and healthcare seeking behaviour of the caregivers towards malaria could influence response.

Objectives

The general objective of the study was to ascertain the healthcare seeking behaviour among women and caregivers in the management of malaria in children in Enugu metropolis. The specific objectives were: (i) determine the influence of socio-demographic factors on the healthcare seeking behaviour of caregivers (ii) determine the influence of socio-economic status on the healthcare seeking behaviours of caregivers. (iii) determine the perception and knowledge of caregivers on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment pattern the caregivers use for the management of the disease. (iv) determine the factors which may delay prompt and appropriate treatment seeking behaviour of the caregivers.

Method

Interviewer guided questionnaire were administered to mothers/caregivers of children under 12 years old in 400 households using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

In this study, 71.60% of the caregivers have correct knowledge of the signs, symptoms and danger signs of malaria and 60% of the caregivers could associate mosquito bite as cause of malaria. Also, fever and convulsion were correctly identified as major danger signs of malaria. The high socioeconomic status group 69.20% utilized the pharmacies and health centres in the management of malaria while the low socioeconomic status group 81.08% made more use of patent medicine stores. Reasons given for none use of health facilities were severity and length of illness, high cost of treatment, lack of prompt attention, poor attitude of staff, and distance of the health centres. 80% of the caregivers still use home treatment to manage their cases. The mean   duration before attending a health facility was 72 hours and the decision for seeking treatment at health facility of other healthcare options were both parents.

Conclusion

Even though mothers/caregivers of children under 12 years in the metropolis studied have correct knowledge of signs, symptoms and   management of malaria, majority still utilize self-medication with information obtained from previous experience or drug sellers (pharmacists and patent medicine stores). This leads to inappropriate care for the children. There is need to promote appropriate treatment of malaria by creating nearby health facilities and developing strategies to improve on home management in this   endemic areas.

CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF STRESS AMONG POST BASIC NURSING STUDENTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the various causes of stress, the effects of stress and the coping strategies adopted by the post basic nursing students of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Stress is a subjective psycho-somatic pressure or instability posed by a stressor to a student either positively or negatively. The aims were to find out the factors causing stress, the effects of stressors on the students as well as identify the coping strategies adopted by the post basic student nurses. The significance of the study is to help educate and enlighten students more on stress and the strategies to cope with it. The study population comprised of all the students of: Post Basic Ophthalmic Nursing School, School of Peri operative Nursing, School of Cardiothoracic Nursing and School of Nurse Anesthetists. In total, there were 103students. The descriptive method was used for the study and structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The collected data was analyzed and presented in tables and charts. After data analysis, findings revealed that students of Post Basic Nursing Schools of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu experience a lot of stress in the course of their post basic programme. Some factors were identified as the stressors. Analysis also, showed that these stressors have both positive and negative effects. Furthermore, the analysis showed that the students adopted scientific tested and proven strategies in coping with stress which help them to overcome the negative effects of stress. Based on the findings, it was recommended that: the unit responsible for the design and development of curriculum should review the current curriculum with the view of reducing the content. Entities that employ nursing services should sponsor their nurses in further training to reduce the financial constraints. Moreover, significant others, should support these students while in school. Finally, the students should help themselves to overcome the negative aspects of stress while in the school for training. This will help them to experience a less stressful post basic training. 

CAUSES AND PREVENTION OF REFRACTIVE ERRORS AMONG NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

This study was carried out to ascertain the causes and prevention of refractive errors among students of Federal Government College, Enugu. The rationale were to ascertain the level of knowledge of students about refractive errors, to find out the level of knowledge of students on the causes of refractive errors and to determine what they know about the various ways of managing refractive errors. The findings from the study will help to raise the level of awareness of both parents and school administrators on the causes of refractive errors, measures to prevent refractive errors and various management strategies. Related literature on the topic was reviewed and relevant theory applied. The study population was made up of 1,100 JSSI students admitted into Federal Government College Enugu in 2013/2014 academic session. Sample size of 293 was derived using Taro Yamane statistical formular. Descriptive method was used for the study and questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The collected data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages and presented in tables and charts. After data analysis, findings revealed that majority of the students rightly identified refractive error as “problem of the eye and vision” as well as attributed not seeing clearly as due to refractive error. Most of the respondents equally indicated injury to the eye through throwing of objects like rubber band, stick, pen or pencil on the eye as causes of refractive error. Majority of the students also rightly identified “inability to read/see near objects clearly and “inability to read/see far objects clearly as symptoms of refractive error. Finding also showed that most of the students believe that refractive error can be managed through  wearing of prescribed eye glasses. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended among other things that there is need for periodic school eye health visits by health team made up of ophthalmologist, optometrists and ophthalmic nurses which will help in early diagnosis and management of refractive errors in school children.

                                                                                                          

FACTORS INFLUENCING PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING AND TREATMENT DECISION AMONG NIGERIAN MALES

Abstract

Introduction

            Cancer of the prostate is a major contributor to morbidity, mortality on men of African descent. Multiplicities of factors are influence men’s decision to present themselves for screening and treatment services. Inequities in the utilization of prostate cancer screening and treatment aligns with such variables as income, age, language, cost, knowledge, transport, fear, embarrassment, worry, pain, and social factors such as lack of trust of personnel, unfriendly staff, and time. The purpose of this study was to understand the factors that influence decision by males to undergo prostate cancer screening and by extension treatment in Nigerian men.

Method

            The study involved the use of qualitative data administered as interviewer guided survey questionnaire to one hundred and thirty-one (131) men attending the Out-patient Clinic of UNTH, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the demographic variables, and independent t-test to determine the level of significance of the personal, social, economic and health-facility related factors on men’s decision to undergo prostate cancer screening and treatment services. Analysis was done using SPSS 16 stats transfer, to ascertain frequencies, mean, standard deviation, and p-values.

Results

            The study revealed that a good percentage of men attending the clinic, 35% were aged 65-69, married (92.9%), attained primary education (39.4%), engaged in various forms of trade (36.2%) and are Christians (100%). Personal factors that influence their prostate cancer screening and treatment decision were: Afraid that I might be told I have prostate cancer, I feel embarrassed to expose my private parts to other persons for examination, prostate cancer is not common in African men, I don’t have the heart to withstand prostate cancer screening, Going for prostate cancer screening will lower my image as a man, not of prostate cancer screening, whether one screens or not, one will surely die, belief that it is better not to know ones prostate cancer status. The health-facility related factors include facility being very far from their homes, difficulty accessing healthcare service in the hospitals, not having enough strength to move around the hospital because the places of care are far away from each other, poor attitude of healthcare providers and favouritism. For the social factors, the following were found to be significant inability to get permission from their place of work, prostate cancer screening takes time, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) not covering prostate cancer screening, and prostate cancer screening taking much time. The economic factors include inability to afford cost of screening and screening taking time that would have been used to fend for family.

Conclusion

            This study found that personal, social, economic and health-facility-related factors combine to influence men’s decision to access prostate cancer screening and treatment services. An understanding of these roles played by these factors in men’s decision to avail themselves of  prostate cancer screening and treatment services may provide healthcare professionals with the information they need to develop and implement interventions/strategies to address these factors with intent to increase prostate cancer screening and early treatment which will lead to decrease in morbidity and mortality and increase in survivorship.

Recommendations

Based on the findings, the researcher recommended among other things that healthcare providers especially general practitioners need to do their part in promoting prostate cancer screening by disseminate information that focus on educating men about prostate cancer risks, prevention and early detection to enhance uptake of screening practices.