Asymptomatic bacteriuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in rural southwestern Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to identify the prevalence, bacterial isolates, antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and factors associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in rural southwestern Nigeria.

METHODS

We performed a hospital-based cross-sectional study of patients with T2DM and ASB. Demographic and clinical data were collected using questionnaires. Urine samples were cultured using standard laboratory procedures, and bacterial colonies were isolated and antimicrobial sensitivity was performed using the disc diffusion technique. Relationships between variables were assessed using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Of the 280 participants, 73 (26.1%) had ASB (95% CI: 20.9%-31.2%). The most commonly identified isolate was E. coli (45/73; 61.7%), 100.0% of which were sensitive to cefuroxime but resistant to ciprofloxacin. Female sex (AOR, 6.132; 95% CI: 2.327-16.157), living below the poverty line (AOR, 2.066; 95% CI: 1.059-4.029), uncontrolled blood glucose (AOR, 2.097; 95% CI: 1.000-4.404), and a history of indwelling urethral catheterization (AOR, 14.521; 95% CI: 4.914-42.908) were associated with ASB.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that cefuroxime should be used as an empirical treatment, pending urine culture and sensitivity, and that efforts should be made to prevent ASB in rural southwestern Nigeria.

Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection by microscopy and its determinants among residents of Ido-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Asymptomatic malaria infections have received less attention than symptomatic malaria infections in major studies. Few epidemiological studies on asymptomatic malaria infections have often focused on pregnant women and children under-five years of age as the most vulnerable groups. However, there is limitation on data regarding asymptomatic infections among the old adult populations, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection by microscopy and its determinants among residents of Ido- Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2021 among 232 consenting apparently healthy individuals aged 40 years and above who were recruited during a free health screening program using a standardised interviewer-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire sought information on respondents' socio-demographics, presence and types of co-morbidity, and the prevention methods being adopted against malaria infection. Venous blood samples were collected and processed for asymptomatic infections using Giemsa-stained blood smear microscopy. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with asymptomatic infections.

RESULTS

Of the total 232 respondents, 19.0% (48/232) were confirmed to be infected with Plasmodium falciparum (95% confidence interval (CI): 14.1% - 24.6%). Lack of formal education (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.298, 95% (CI): 2.184-13.997), being diabetic (AOR: 4.681, 95% CI: 1.669-16.105), and not sleeping under Long Lasting Insecticide Net (LLINs) (AOR: 4.594, 95% CI: 1.194-14.091), were the determinants of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum was 19%. Lack of formal education, being diabetic, and not sleeping under LLINs were the determinants of asymptomatic infections.

Malaria among the elderly in five communities of Osun East district, Southwest Nigeria: Prevalence and association with non-communicable diseases

Objective:

The level of immunity against pathogens decreases with old age. As a result, the elderly may be regarded to be at increased risk of malaria morbidity and fatality. There is paucity of studies on malaria among the elderly population in Osun East district, Southwest Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria and its association with medical comorbidities among the elderly.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, which involved 972 adult residents of five communities in Osun State, who were selected using a multistage random sampling technique. Data was collected with aid of a structured questionnaire. The medical history of respondents and anthropometric measures were obtained. The presence of malaria parasitaemia in the respondents was determined by rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Appropriate descriptive and inferential analyses were done.

Results:

Out of the 972 respondents, 504 (51.9%) were 60 years and above. The overall prevalence of malaria RDT positivity was 4%. The positivity rate was higher among the elderly (4.6%) compared to those less than 60 years (3.4%), albeit not statistically significant ( p = 0.36). Among these elderlies, 52.6% and 16.1% used insecticide-treated nets and insecticide sprays, respectively. There was no association between the prevalence of malaria positivity and comorbid conditions, such as hypertension ( p = 0.37), overweight/obesity ( p = 0.77), or diabetes ( p = 0.15). Malaria positivity rate was also not significantly associated with the use of insecticide-treated nets ( p = 0.64) or insecticide sprays ( p = 0.45).

Conclusion:

The malaria positivity rate was higher among the elderly in the study area, although not statistically significant. The prevalence was not associated with comorbid medical conditions.

Malaria infection and its association with socio-demographics, preventive measures, and co-morbid ailments among adult febrile patients in rural Southwestern Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Objectives:

The study determined the prevalence of malaria infection and its association with socio-demographics, environmental, housing, and co-morbid ailment factors.

Methods:

The study was a cross-sectional of 330 consented adult febrile patients who were recruited at a tertiary health facility in rural Southwestern Nigeria. The standardized interviewer-administered questionnaire sought information on their socio-demographics, environmental, housing, and co-morbid ailment factors. Venous blood samples were collected and processed for malaria parasite detection, retroviral screening, glycated hemoglobin, and hemoglobinopathy. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The strength of the association between independent and dependent variables was measured using odds ratio and 95% confidence interval with a significant level (p value <0.05).

Results:

The prevalence of malaria parasitemia was 63.3% (95% confidence interval: 57.9%–68.5%). Being a farmer (p = 0.002), lack of formal education (p = 0.043), low-income earners (p = 0.031), presence of bushes (p = 0.048), stagnant water (p = 0.042), not sleeping under long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (p < 0.001), and sickle cell disease (p = 0.041) were significantly associated with malaria infection.

Conclusion:

The study revealed that there is a high prevalence of malaria infection in rural Southwestern Nigeria. There may be a need to pay greater attention to adult populations in rural areas for malaria intervention and control programs.

Agreement among rapid diagnostic tests, urine malaria tests, and microscopy in malaria diagnosis of adult patients in southwestern Nigeria

Objective

We determined the malaria prevalence and ascertained the degree of agreement among rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), urine malaria tests, and microscopy in malaria diagnosis of adults in Nigeria.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study among 384 consenting patients recruited at a tertiary health facility in southwestern Nigeria. We used standardized interviewer-administered questionnaires to collect patients’ sociodemographic information. Venous blood samples were collected and processed for malaria parasite detection using microscopy, RDTs, and urine malaria tests. The degree of agreement was determined using Cohen’s kappa statistic.

Results

The malaria prevalence was 58.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53.0–63.1), 20.6% (95% CI: 16.6–25.0), and 54.2% (95% CI: 49.0–59.2) for microscopy, RDTs, and urine malaria test, respectively. The percent agreement between microscopy and RDTs was 50.8%; the expected agreement was 45.1% and Cohen’s kappa was 0.104. The percent agreement between microscopy and urine malaria tests was 52.1%; the expected agreement was 50.7% and Cohen’s kappa was 0.03.

Conclusion

The malaria prevalence was dependent on the method of diagnosis. This study revealed that RDTs are a promising diagnostic tool for malaria in resource-limited settings. However, urine malaria test kits require further improvement in sensitivity prior to field use in malaria-endemic settings.

Factors Influencing the Booking Gestational Age Among Antenatal Clinic Attendees at Primary Health Centers in South West, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Antenatal care (ANC) is a recognized factor for favorable pregnancy outcomes. Despite the benefits associated with early initiation of antenatal care, late booking still predominates in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the factors, including family dynamics, associated with the booking gestational age among women attending ANC clinics in a Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 255 pregnant women attending ANC at the Primary Health Centres in Osun State, who were selected by stratified random sampling technique. Data were obtained with aid of a semi-structured questionnaire and subjected to descriptive and inferential analyses.

Results

The mean age of respondents was 27.3 ± 5.1 years. Their mean booking gestational age was 23.0 ± 6.6 weeks, while the majority (85.3%) booked late for ANC. Most (122, 54.2%) of the respondents booked in the second trimester. The opinion of the husband influenced most women (54.2%) in the decision regarding the time of ANC booking. There was no association between the booking gestational age and each of respondents’ age, education, parity, perceived family support, level of family functioning, and other sociodemographic characteristics. The booking GA was however significantly related to the previous booking GA at the last pregnancy ( p = .004).

Conclusion

Late initiation of antenatal care was high among pregnant women attending PHCs in the study area and it was not associated with measures of family dynamics. The predominant influence of husbands’ opinion on time of booking suggests the need for strategic outreach to males through relevant reproductive health educational campaigns.

Unmet needs for family planning and its determinants among women of reproductive age in Ilesha Southwest Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Background:

A high rate of unintended pregnancy is said to be driving population growth, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where approximately half of all pregnancies are unintended, coming too soon or even unwanted. Most of these unintended pregnancies could have been prevented with effective family planning services. There, however, remains an unmet gap between the women’s reproductive intention and their contraceptive behaviour.

Objectives:

This study determined the prevalence of unmet needs for family planning and examined its determinants among women of reproductive age group at a tertiary health facility in Southwest Nigeria.

Design:

This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Two hundred eighty-five sexually active women were recruited using a pre-tested, semi-structured, validated, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed the respondent’s socio-demographic characteristics, obstetrics and gynaecological history, and contraceptive history. Relevant clinical parameters were measured and recorded. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done using a 5% significance level to identify the determinants of unmet needs for family planning.

Results:

The prevalence of unmet family planning needs for prevention, spacing and limiting were 28.8%, 33.1% and 38.1%, respectively, with 58.2% overall prevalence of unmet needs. The commonest reason for the non-uptake of contraceptives among those with unmet need was the fear of side effects (66.3%). The odds of having unmet needs for family planning were higher for respondents with four or fewer children (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 7.731; 95% confidence interval (CI): 28.504–2.907, p = 0.002) and those with one partner (AOR: 2.008; 95% CI: 3.669–1.090, p = 0.025).

Conclusion:

A high rate of unmet family planning needs was found in the study. This requires specific interventions and policies towards increasing contraceptive uptake, such as intensified health education aimed at allaying fears related to the side effects.

Landfill air and odour emissions from an integrated waste management facility

A mixture of gases and obnoxious odours are major components of landfill emission. A dispersion modelling on air pollutants and odour emissions anticipated from a proposed Integrated Waste Management Facility was conducted considering five operating scenarios. Impacts of the predicted ground level concentrations of air pollutants (including carbon monoxide, CO; oxides of nitrogen, NOX; sulphur dioxide, SO2; particulate matter, PM and hydrocarbons, HC) and odour on ambient air quality were investigated using the 10-min 1 OU/m3 odour limit, CH4 Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) and the daily limits of CO, NOx, SO2, PM and HC. The anticipated maximum ground level concentration of emitted odour and CH4 are 0.0040 OU/m3 and 0.0349 ppm, respectively. Simultaneous operations of all the major components of the facility will generate the daily maximum concentrations of 7.34, 2.60, 7.31, 29.72 and 0.42 μg/m3, for CO, NOX, SO2, PM and HC, respectively. Generally, the facility impacts on ambient air quality will be within the acceptable limit.

In-school adolescents' weight status and blood pressure profile in South-western Nigeria: urban-rural comparison

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a risk factor for hypertension. The study observed the relationship between adolescent weight status and blood pressure (BP) and the determinants of the BP pattern in urban and rural areas.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 1000 randomly selected respondents (500 from urban and 500 from rural areas) who had anthropometry and BP measurements done. The pattern of BP measurements based on the weight status by location was observed. Statistical inferences were drawn via Chi-square and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The mean age for all the respondents was 13.73 years ±2.04 (13.63 ± 2.05 for urban and 13.82 ± 2.03 for rural). Systolic and diastolic BP generally increased with increasing respondents' age, with mean pressures higher in urban areas. About 3% were obese, while 7.7% were overweight. The overall prevalence of high BP was 4.1%, with two-thirds coming from urban areas. On logistic regression analysis, the significant variables associated with high BP include being female (AOR 2.067, 95%CI1.007-4.243, p = 0.048), overweight (AOR 5.574, 95%CI 2.501-12.421, p = 0.0001) and obese (AOR 12.437, 95%CI 4.636-33.364, p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

High BP was associated with being female, overweight and obesity in both urban and rural areas. Urgent measures are needed to address increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents and consequent high blood pressure.

The pattern of malaria infection in under-fives in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Over 90% of the burden of malaria occurs in sub-Saharan Africa. Children, especially under-fives, are the most vulnerable. In Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, it accounts for 25 and 30% of infant and childhood deaths, respectively. One hundred and seventy-six children who fulfilled clinical and parasitological criteria for the diagnosis of malaria, 26.4% of all under-fives, who presented to the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital in Ile-Ife during the months of May to September 2005 were studied to identify the factors that were associated with severe malaria in the target population. The proportion of children with severe malaria in the study was 17%, while the case-fatality rate was 3.5%. Of the 17 variables examined, high malaria parasite density, non-use of mosquito-bite preventive measures and poverty remained independently and significantly associated with an increased risk for severe malaria. Progress in stemming the burden of malaria depends on accurate knowledge and understanding of the epidemiology and control of the disease in the affected populations.

Patterns of presentation and mortality in tetanus: a 10-year retrospective review

BACKGROUND

Tetanus, an ubiquitous disease still ravages our population despite the fact that it is totally preventable. The mortality had remained high with its attendant socio-economic implications as it affects mainly farmers in their prime of life. We conducted this retrospective review to be able to determine pattern of presentation, case fatality rate and factors influencing mortality with a view to mapping out control strategies.

PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

The case records of all managed patients aged 16 and above over a ten-year period (1992-2001) were retrieved and socio-demographic and clinical data as well as results of laboratory investigations were collated. Analysis was done using SPSS package. Chi-square analysis and student t-test were used for comparison of means as appropriate. P-values of <0.05 were taken as significant.

RESULTS

There were a total of 114 patients managed during the period, which comprised 85 males and 29 females. The mean age (+/- SD) was 35.96 years (+/- 17.76). Sixty-six (57.89% ) patients are either jobless or farmers. Majority of the patients had injuries in the lower limb (59.65% ) when compared with 20.18% that had theirs in the upper limb. 107 (93.86% ) of the patients presented with trismus while only 82 (71.93% ) had opsthotomus. Only 51 (44.73% ) patients survived while 61(53.5% ) died. The mean age (+/- SD) of the survivors was 32.35 (+ 14.45) years while that of those that died was 39.4 (+/- 19.89) years (P = 0.036). Other factors that significantly influenced survival included severity of spasms (P = 0.003), tachycardia (P = 0.044), and degree of sedation (P<0.0001). No association was found between survival and incubation period, period of onset, site of injury and associated medical conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Tetanus is still associated with high mortality rate. Factors such as severity of spasms, age, sedation and tachycardia were found to significantly influence mortality. It is recommended that prophylactic life immunisation against tetanus be given to all Nigerians.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a review of clinical features, investigations and recent trends in management

BACKGROUND

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, though a common digestive disorder worldwide, is scarcely reported with very sparse literature in oursetting.

AIM

To review the clinical features, investigations and recent developments in the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

METHODS

We retrieved publications from local and international journals. We also searched Medline particularly for local references. Other sources of our data include Up-to-date in Medicine and standard texts in medicine and pathology.

RESULTS

Local literature is generally lacking; while the classical symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are heartburn, dysphagia and acid regurgitation, clinical examination is usually silent except when there are complications. There is no gold standard investigation but oesophageal pH monitoring, Bernstein test, oesophagoscopy and oesophageal manometry have been established to be useful in the evaluation of affected patients. Radiologic investigations, though insensitive in the diagnosis, are invaluable in diagnosing complications. Response to 14-day treatment with omeprazole (20 mg daily) has now been established to have a high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing the condition. Management strategies include lifestyle modification, medical and surgical therapies. Proton pump inhibitors are now recognized as first line therapy in management.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence and behaviour of this condition in Nigeria is not known and local references are scanty. This review article focused on the worldwide epidemiology, pathogenesis and recent trends in management to stimulate our interest in this area.

Patterns of presentation and mortality in tetanus: a 10-year retrospective review

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To highlight the indications, problems and prospects of bedside non-surgically inserted jugular and subclavian dual luman catheters.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Renal failure patients being managed in our centre with indications for central catheterisation were consecutively recruited at presentation. They had bedside non-surgical jugular and subclavian insertion using modified seldinger wire technique and the performance of the Gatheters monitored.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients aged between 23 and 65 years had 32 central catheterisations during the 12-month period. The indications included its use as haemodialysis access in all patients, additional indications were CVP monitoring in 5, and parenteral hyperalimentation in 1. Three catheterisations were in right subclavian vein, 4 in let internal jugular vein and 25 in right internal jugular vein. The duration of use ranged between 3 days and 11 weeks and blood flow rate used ranged between 50 and 350ml/min. Nine (28.1%) catheterisations were complicated with exit site and systemic infection. Catheter blockage and accidental catheter removal were recorded in 3 patients each. Carotid artery puncture was recorded in 2 patients but haemostasis was maintained with direct digital compression.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that percutaneous bedside internal jugular and subclavian (venous) catheterisation using dual lumen catheter is safe and devoid of major complications.

BACKGROUND

Tetanus, an ubiquitous disease still ravages our population despite the fact that it is totally preventable. The mortality had remained high with its attendant socio-economic implications as it affects mainly farmers in their prime of life. We conducted this retrospective review to be able to determine pattern of presentation, case fatality rate and factors influencing mortality with a view to mapping out control strategies.

PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

The case records of all managed patients aged 16 and above over a ten-year period (1992-2001) were retrieved and socio-demographic and clinical data as well as results of laboratory investigations were collated. Analysis was done using SPSS package. Chi-square analysis and student t-test were used for comparison of means as appropriate. P-values of <0. 05 was taken as significant.

RESULTS

There were a total of 114 patients managed during the period, which comprised of 85 males and 29 females. The means age (+/- SD) was 35.96 (+/-17.76). Sixty six (57.89%) patients are either jobless or farmers. Majority of the patients had injuries in the lower limb 59.65% when compared with 20.18% that had theirs in the upper limb. 107 (93.86%) of the patients presented with trismus while only 82 (71.93%) had opsthotonus. Only 51 (44.73%) patients survived while 61 (53.5%) died. The mean age (+/- SD) of the survivors was 32.35 (+ 14.45) years while that of those that died was 39.4 (+/- 19.89) years (P = 0.036). Other factors that significantly influenced survival included severity of spasms (P = 0/003), tachycardia (P = 0.044), and degree of sedation (P <0.0001). No association was found between survival and incubation period, period of onset, site of injury and associated medical conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Tetanus is still associated with high mortality rate. Factors such as severity of spasma, age, sedation and tachycardia were found to significantly influence mortality. It is recommended that prophylactic life immunisation against tetanus be given to all Nigerians.