Articles

The Study to Assess the Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia and Associated Risk Factors among Women

/in /by

Aim: The present study aims to assess the Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia and Associated Risk factors among women at SMCH.

Methods and Materials: A descriptive research design was used for the present study. A total 50 samples were collected using quota sampling technique. The demographic variable and level of prevalence of iron deficiency was assessed using structured questioner and, followed by that data was gathered and analyzed.

Results: The results the study revealed that there is a significant association with level of prevalence of iron anemia and associate risk factors among women at p<0.05.

Conclusion: Thus, the present study assessed the prevalence of iron anemia and associate risk factors among women and it was evident there is a lack of awareness and knowledge.

Cultural Practices against Women in Nigeria: The Media Frames and the Challenges

/in /by

This study set out to investigate the patterns of framing of cultural practices against women by the media in Nigeria; as well as the challenges of framing the practices in South East Nigeria. The major objectives were to determine the frequency of coverage, the framing patterns and the constraints to media coverage. The survey method was employed to study a sample of 276 journalists in South East Nigeria using the questionnaire as instrument for data collection to determine their opinions about the challenges of media coverage of the practices. Also, content analysis method was employed to study the frequency of coverage of the practices in select radio, television and newspaper contents; as well as to determine framing patterns. In the end, it was found that both radio and television stations gave adequate coverage to the practices while the newspapers’ level of coverage was low. It was also found that the patterns of framing ranges from condemnatory stance to revealing the consequences on the societal development and to clamouring for review, amendment and eradication of the practices. However, challenges of coverage were lack of enabling laws, family and religious link to practices, sacredness and secrecy of the practices, etc.  It is, therefore, recommended that the media, policy makers, NGOs, community leaders, etc should find ways of ameliorating the identified hitches so as to enable hitch-free coverage of cultural practices so that analysis would be pragmatic.

 

Sexual Dysfunction among Women Living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

/in /by

Diabetes mellitus is known to have multisystemic affectation including sexual dysfunction. The effect of diabetes on female sexual function is well documented globally but underreported in our study environment. Hence, this study attempted to fill this gap in knowledge by evaluating the sexual function of women living with diabetes in Uyo, Southern Nigeria. Methods: This was a crossectional descriptive study conducted in the Endocrinology Clinic of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. A total of 150 participants consisting of 100 diabetes patients and 50 controls were interviewed using the female sexual function Index questionnaire. They were physically examined and blood samples taken for laboratory investigations. Data obtained was analysed using descriptive/comparative statistics. Results: Among the diabetics, 62% had sexual dysfunction compared to 8% of the controls(p<0.001).The diabetics had a median total sexual function score of 9.25(2.15-26.6), compared to 28.15(27.1-29) for the controls ( p < 0.001). The diabetics with normal sexual function had a mean HBA1c of 7.08+/-0.27 compared to 8.37+/-0.73 for diabetics with abnormal sexual function( t=9.65,def=98,p<0.001). The total sexual function score of diabetics was negatively related to glycated haemoglobin (rho=-0.88,p<0.001). ). Diabetics with DM duration of 10 years and more were 2.87 times significantly more likely to have poor sexual function(p=0.02; 95%CI 1.20-6.83 ). Glycated haemoglobin was shown to be a strong predictor of female sexual function(OR= 228.15, p<0.001). Conclusion:There is a high prevalence of female sexual dysfunction among diabetics. Prolonged duration of diabetes and poor glycaemic control are the most likely reasons for this finding.

Current Status and Burden of Malaria in Pregnancy among Women in Some Selected Internally Displaced persons Camps in Maiduguri, Borno State

/in /by

Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among displaced populations in sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for an estimated 30 million women living in malaria endemic area become pregnant each year. Recent literature indicates that over 140 million people in Nigeria with 97% of the population are at risk from malaria infection. To assess the current status and burden of malaria in pregnancy among women in IDPs camps in Maiduguri, a cross sectional study on the relationship between pregnancy and malaria parasitaemia was conducted among pregnant IDPs women in Maiduguri. Of the 100 pregnant women enrolled in the study and screened for malaria infection, 40 (40%) were examined in Dalori camp, 37 (37%) were examined in Bakasi and 23 (23%) were examined in Aji ganaram camp. The prevalence of malaria infection among pregnant women based on different IDPs camps reveals that, 42(42.0%) out of the 100 pregnant women examined in all the three camps were infected with malaria parasitaemia. In Dalori camp 19(47.5%) out of 40 women examined were infected, while in Aji ganaram camp 16(43.2%) out of 37 women examined were infected, likewise in Bakasi 7(30.4%) out of 23 women examined were infected respectively. There is no statistically significant difference between camps and malaria infection (p˃0.5). Similarly, the prevalence of malaria infection based on age group. Of the sample examined 68 (68%) out of the 100 women examined were infected with malaria parasitaemia, the age group of <15 years had the lowest malaria infection rate with 2 (2.0%) and there was significantly higher prevalence rate of malaria infection  recorded in age group of 15-45 years old women with 66(66.0%). %).  However, prevalence of malaria parasitaemia based on marital status in study population reveals that 51(51.0%) out of 100 women examined were infected with malaria infection. There was significantly higher prevalence among widows with 29(54.7%), followed by 18 (48.6), and followed by 4(40.0%) in single (not married women) respectively. Chi-square analysis shows significant difference between widows, married, single and infection rate (p˃0.05).The study showed a strong correlation between age, marital status and malaria infection among pregnant women in IDPs camps. The morbidity and mortality burden of malaria in the study population among pregnant women in internally displaced persons camps could be reduced drastically by proper prevention strategies, good dietary feeding, good shelter and improving diagnosis.