scholarly journals Coverage and factors associated with mother and newborn skin-to-skin contact in Nigeria: a multilevel analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Ekholuenetale ◽  
Amadou Barrow ◽  
Faith Owunari Benebo ◽  
Ashibudike Francis Idebolo
Keyword(s):  
Formal Education ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Skin Contact ◽  
Individual Household ◽  
Skin To Skin

Abstract Background Mother and newborn skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is an immediate postpartum intervention known to improve the health of newborn and mothers alike. Albeit, there is paucity of data that explored the coverage or factors associated with SSC in Nigeria. Therefore, we aimed to explore the coverage and hierarchical nature of the factors associated with SSC among women of reproductive age in Nigeria. Methods The 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data was used for this study. Data on 29,992 women who had ever given birth were extracted for analysis. SSC was the outcome variable as determined by women’s report. A multivariable multilevel logistic regression model was used to estimate the fixed and random effects of the factors associated with SSC. Statistical significance was determined at p< 0.05. Results The coverage of SSC was approximately 12.0%. Educated women had higher odds of SSC, when compared with women with no formal education. Those who delivered through caesarean section (CS) had 88% reduction in SSC, when compared with women who had vaginal delivery (OR= 0.12; 95%CI: 0.07, 0.22). Women who delivered at health facility were 15.58 times as likely to practice SSC, when compared with those who delivered at home (OR= 15.58; 95%CI: 10.64, 22.82). Adequate ANC visits and low birth weight significantly increased the odds of SSC. Women from richest household were 1.70 times as likely to practice SSC, when compared with women from poorest household (OR= 1.70; 95%CI: 1.04, 2.79). There was 65% reduction in SSC among women with high rate of community non-use of media, when compared with women from low rate of community non-use of media (OR= 0.35; 95%CI: 0.20, 0.61). Conclusion SSC coverage was low in Nigeria. Moreover, individual, household and community level factors were associated with SSC. More enlightenment should be created among women to bring to limelight the importance of SSC specifically to newborn’s health.

scholarly journals Unmet need for family planning and associated factors among currently married women of reproductive age in Bishoftu town, Eastern Ethiopia

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0260972
Author(s):  
Megersa Girma Garo ◽  
Sileshi Garoma Abe ◽  
Worku Dugasa Girsha ◽  
Dawit Wolde Daka
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Married Women ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Family Planning Services ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia ◽  
Factors Associated

Background Unmet family planning is one of the common causes for low contraceptive prevalence rates in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Rapid urbanization had profound effect on population health, however, little is known about the unmet need of family planning in settings where there was increased industrializations and internal migrations in Ethiopia. This study aims to determine the unmet need for family planning services among currently married women and identify factors associated with it in Bishoftu town, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st January to 28th February, 2021 among 847 randomly sampled currently married women of the reproductive age group. Data were collected using semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the outcome variable and a 95% confidence interval was used to declare the presence of statistical significance associations. Results Eight hundred twenty-eight women were participated in the study. The prevalence of unmet need for family planning among currently married women was 26% [95% CI: 23,29]. Maternal age [AOR, 3.00, 95% CI:1.51–5.95], educational status [AOR, 2.49, 95% CI:1.22–5.07], occupational status of self-employee [AOR, 1.98, 95% CI:1.15–3.39] and housewife [AOR, 1.78, 95% CI:1.02–3.12], being visited by health care provider in the last 12 months [AOR, 1.81, 95% CI: 1.26–2.60] and desired number of children less than two [AOR, 1.53, 95% CI:1.01–2.30] were significantly associated with unmet need for family planning. Conclusions Unmet need for family planning was higher in the study area compared with the United Nations sphere standard of unmet need for family planning and the national average, and slightly lower than the regional average. Socio-demographic, economic, and health institution factors were determinants of the unmet need for family planning in the study area. Therefore, health education and behaviour change communication related to family planning services should be strengthened and access to family planning services should be improved.

scholarly journals Individual and contextual factors associated with barriers to accessing healthcare among women in Papua New Guinea: insights from a nationwide demographic and health survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul-Aziz Seidu ◽  
Ebenezer Agbaglo ◽  
Louis Kobina Dadzie ◽  
Bright Opoku Ahinkorah ◽  
Edward Kwabena Ameyaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Papua New Guinea ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
Wealth Quintile ◽  
Demographic And Health Survey ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Factors Associated

Abstract Background This study sought to assess the individual and contextual factors associated with barriers to accessing healthcare among women in Papua New Guinea. Methods The study was conducted among 14 653 women aged 15–49 y using data from the 2016–2018 Papua New Guinea Demographic and Health Survey. The outcome variable was barriers to accessing healthcare. Descriptive and multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted. Statistical significance was declared at P &lt; 0.05. Results Women aged 15–19 y were more likely to experience at least one barrier compared with those aged 40–49 y (adjusted OR [AOR]=1.48; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.86). Women with secondary/higher education (AOR=0.68; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.81), women in the richest wealth quintile (AOR=0.36; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.46) and those in the least disadvantaged socioeconomic status (AOR=0.46; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.64) had lower odds of having challenges with at least one barrier to healthcare. However, living in rural areas increased the odds of facing at least one barrier to healthcare (AOR=1.87; 95% CI 1.27 to 2.77). Conclusions This study has demonstrated that both individual and contextual factors are associated with barriers to healthcare accessibility among women in Papua New Guinea. To enhance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 3.1, 3.7 and 3.8, it is critical to deem these factors necessary and reinforce prevailing policies to tackle barriers to accessing healthcare among women in Papua New Guinea.

scholarly journals From Dyad to Triad: a Survey on Fathers’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Breastfeeding

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice Letizia Crippa ◽  
Alessandra Consales ◽  
Daniela Morniroli ◽  
Flavia Lunetto ◽  
Maria Enrica Bettinelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Roc Analysis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Term Neonates ◽  
Skin Contact ◽  
Breastfeeding Rates ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Maternal Social Support ◽  
Basic Characteristics ◽  
Skin To Skin ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Abstract Background Maternal social support has a critical impact on breastfeeding outcomes. Fathers in particular are known to be especially influential. However, little is known about what they know and how they feel about breastfeeding. We aimed to explore paternal knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding and possible association with breastfeeding rates at discharge. Methods We enrolled fathers of healthy term neonates born at our hospital from March to May 2019. At discharge, a self-administered structured questionnaire was proposed to fathers. Fathers were required to rate their degree of agreement to 12 items on a 5-point Likert scale. A total score was obtained from their answers. Subjects’ basic characteristics and mode of feeding at discharge were collected. Results Fathers showed a generally solid knowledge of maternal (87%) and neonatal (98%) benefits of breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact (99.5%), rooming-in practice (79%) and responsive feeding (67.5%); conversely, only 51% of them knew about the recommended use of pacifiers. Fathers felt personally involved in their babies’ feeding in 79% of cases, regardless of type of feeding. A positive correlation was found between total score and exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge (p = 0.04, OR 1.07; 95%C.I 1.002–1.152). ROC analysis showed a trend toward statistical significance (AUC 0.58, p = 0.083, 95%C.I 0.485–0.683). Conclusions This study underlines the importance of including fathers in the promotion of breastfeeding, expanding the classic mother-baby dyad to a more modern mother-father-baby triad. This may ultimately impact breastfeeding outcomes, although further studies are needed to confirm our results.

scholarly journals P100 Factors associated with educational needs in patients with inflammatory arthritis

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice R Johnston ◽  
Mwidimi Ndosi
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Educational Needs ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Multivariable Model ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Educational Priorities

Abstract Background With an overarching aim to inform person-centred patient-education, this study had two objectives: (i) to identify factors that may be associated with educational needs in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) (ii) to assess whether educational needs and priorities differ between subtypes of inflammatory arthritis i.e. rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods Secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data originally used to validate the Educational Needs Assessment Tool (ENAT) was conducted. The outcome variable was educational needs, summarised as ENAT domain scores. The explanatory variables were: Age, gender, IA subtype, school leaving age and disease duration. ENAT scores were Rasch-transformed prior to analysis. Univariable analyses were conducted to explore differences between groups and multivariable analyses (multiple regression) to determine factors associated with educational needs. All explanatory factors were entered into a preliminary multivariable model. Factors that achieved statistical significance at the 10% level were entered into the final multivariable model. Those that achieved a statistical significance at the 5% level were associated with educational needs. To determine educational priorities, percentage contribution of each domain score to the total score was calculated and compared between factors with one-way analysis of variance. Results The evaluable population comprised 388 patients, 125 with RA, 133 with AS and 130 with PsA. Their mean (SD) age was 48 (13.95) years and male/female ratio 177/210. Those with early arthritis (disease duration &lt;2 years) were 36 (9.2%), RA = 15, AS = 3 and PsA=18, and 116 (29.7%) left school before the age of 16. Table 1 presents the final multi-variable models. The proportion of variance explained by the model varied across ENAT domains, the highest being movement (25%). Female gender was found to be an independent predictor of educational needs across all ENAT domains. Significant differences in educational priorities were observed between disease groups in all domains except disease process and support. Conclusion Female gender is independently associated with educational needs across all three sub-types of IA. Results of this secondary analysis are inconclusive due to limitations in the available data. Further research should include factors such as disease severity, treatments, disability and self-efficacy. Disclosures A.R. Johnston Other; Work conducted as part of Nurse and Allied Health Professional Internship Programme funded by versus Arthritis (Grant number 20867). M. Ndosi None.

scholarly journals Breastfeeding and Overweight in European Preschoolers: The ToyBox Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2880
Author(s):  
Natalya Usheva ◽  
Mina Lateva ◽  
Sonya Galcheva ◽  
Berthold V. Koletzko ◽  
Greet Cardon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Formal Education ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Breastfeeding Rate ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
Duration Of Breastfeeding

The benefits of breastfeeding (BF) include risk reduction of later overweight and obesity. We aimed to analyse the association between breastfeeding practices and overweight/obesity among preschool children participating in the ToyBox study. Data from children in the six countries, participating in the ToyBox-study (Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Poland, and Spain) 7554 children/families and their age is 3.5–5.5 years, 51.9% were boys collected cross-sectionally in 2012. The questionnaires included parents’ self-reported data on their weight, height, socio-demographic status, and infant feeding practices. Measurements of preschool children’s weight and height were done by trained researchers using standard protocols and equipment. The ever breastfeeding rate in the total sample was 85.0% (n = 5777). Only 6.3% (n = 428) of the children from the general sample were exclusively breastfed (EBF) for the duration of the first six months. EBF for four to six months was significantly (p < 0.001) less likely among mothers with formal education < 12 years (adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.61; 95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.44–0.85), smoking throughout pregnancy (adjusted OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.24–0.62), overweight before pregnancy (adjusted OR = 0.67; 95%CI 0.47–0.95) and ≤25 years old. The median duration of any breastfeeding was five months. The prevalence of exclusive formula feeding during the first five months in the general sample was about 12% (n = 830). The prevalence of overweight and obesity at preschool age was 8.0% (n = 542) and 2.8% (n = 190), respectively. The study did not identify any significant association between breastfeeding practices and obesity in childhood when adjusted for relevant confounding factors (p > 0.05). It is likely that sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with breastfeeding practices may have an impact on childhood obesity. The identified lower than desirable rates and duration of breastfeeding practices should prompt enhanced efforts for effective promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding across Europe, and in particular in regions with low BF rates.

scholarly journals Determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding in Papua New Guinea: a population-based study using the 2016-2018 demographic and health survey data

2020 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul-Aziz Seidu ◽  
Bright Opoku Ahinkorah ◽  
Ebenezer Agbaglo ◽  
Louis Kobina Dadzie ◽  
Justice Kanor Tetteh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Papua New Guinea ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Early Initiation Of Breastfeeding ◽  
Skin Contact ◽  
Health Survey Data ◽  
Skin To Skin ◽  
Initiation Of Breastfeeding

Abstract Background Initiation of breastfeeding after birth comes with a wide range of benefits to the child. For example, it provides the child with all essential nutrients needed for survival within the first six months of birth. This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding (EIB) in Papua New Guinea. Methods We utilized the Demographic and Health Survey data of 3198 childbearing women in Papua New Guinea. We employed descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses. We presented the results as Crude Odds Ratios (COR) and Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI) signifying level of precision. Level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Women aged 20–29 [AOR = 1.583, CI = 1.147–2.185] and those aged 30+ [AOR = 1.631, CI = 1.140–2.335] had higher odds of EIB, compared to those aged 15–19. Women from the Islands region had lower odds [AOR = 0.690, CI = 0.565–0.842] of EIB, compared to those in Southern region. Women who delivered through caesarean section had lower odds of EIB, compared to those who delivered via vaginal delivery [AOR = 0.286, CI = 0.182–0.451]. Relatedly, women who delivered in hospitals had lower odds of EIB [AOR = 0.752, CI = 0.624–0.905], compared to those who delivered at home. Women who practiced skin-to-skin contact with the baby [AOR = 1.640, CI = 1.385–1.942] had higher odds of EIB, compared to those who did not. Women who read newspaper or magazine at least once a week had lower odds of EIB [AOR = 0.781, CI = 0.619–0.986], compared to those who did not read newspaper at all. Conclusion The prevalence of EIB in Papua New Guinea was relatively high (60%). The factors associated with EIB are age of the women, region of residence, mode of delivery, place of delivery, practice of skin-to-skin contact with the baby, and exposure to mass media (newspaper). To increase EIB in Papua New Guinea, these factors ought to be considered in the implementation of policies and measures to strengthen existing policies. Health providers should educate mothers on the importance of EIB.

scholarly journals The association between unmet need for contraception and unintended pregnancy among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 239920262110334
Author(s):  
Awoke Giletew Wondie
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Pregnancy Termination ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Unmet Need For Contraception

Objectives: An unintended pregnancy and unmet need for contraception remains a serious public health issues both in developed and developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the relation between unmet needs for contraception and unintended pregnancy, and identify other factors contributing for unintended pregnancy in Ethiopia. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. A total of 7590 mothers were included. The planning status of the last pregnancy was the main outcome variable, and the unmet need for contraception was the primary explanatory variable. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were carried out. SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Results: More than one-fourth of mothers (26.6%) gave either mistimed or unwanted birth. The rate of unmet need for contraception was 26.5%. Women with unmet need for contraception had (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 10.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 8.70–12.10) higher odds of experiencing unintended pregnancy than those who met their contraception need. Age, history of pregnancy termination, parity, women’s autonomy, and fertility preference were factors associated with unintended pregnancy. Conclusion: An unintended pregnancy and the unmet need for contraception remain a major public health issue in Ethiopia. A strong positive association between the unmet need for contraception and unintended pregnancy suggests that interventions targeting the unmet need for contraception could reduce unintended pregnancy. Furthermore, empowering women, promoting a clear fertility goal, and improving men’s involvement would reduce unintended pregnancy.

scholarly journals Prevalence and factors associated with skin-to-skin contact (SSC) practice: findings from a population-based cross-sectional survey in 10 selected districts of Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazia Binte Ali ◽  
Sabrina Sharmin Priyanka ◽  
Bal Ram Bhui ◽  
Samantha Herrera ◽  
Md. Rashidul Azad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Outcome ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Facility Delivery ◽  
Public Facility ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Skin Contact ◽  
Birth Attendance ◽  
Skin To Skin

Abstract Background Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) practice improves newborn survival and child development through preventing hypothermia in newborns, improving early initiation of breastfeeding practice, and strengthening mother-child bonding. Despite having numerous benefits, it is one of the least practiced interventions in low and middle-income countries (1 to 74%). In Bangladesh, the prevalence of SSC was 26% in 2014. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of SSC in the study districts and identify factors that facilitate or inhibit SSC practice so that context-specific recommendations can be made to advance the use of this intervention. Methods We used baseline household survey data of USAID’s MaMoni MNCSP project conducted in 10 districts of Bangladesh in 2019. Our analysis included 13,695 recently delivered women (RDW) with a live birth outcome. Our primary outcome was the mother’s reported practice of SSC. We examined various antepartum, intrapartum, newborn, and sociodemographic factors associated with SSC using a multivariable generalized linear model. Our findings were reported using adjusted Prevalence Risk Ratios (aPRRs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). Results Overall, 28% of RDW reported practicing SSC across the 10 surveyed districts. Our multivariable analysis showed that public facility delivery (aPRR 2.01; 95%CI: 1.80, 2.26), private facility delivery (aPRR 1.23; 95%CI: 1.06, 1.42) and ≥ 4 antenatal care (ANC) visits at least one from a medically trained provider (MTP) (aPRR 1.17; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.26) had a significant positive association with SSC practice. Caesarean section (aPRR 0.64; 95%CI: 0.56, 0.73) had a significant negative association with SSC practice compared to vaginal births. We also found a significant positive association of SSC practice with mothers’ who perceived the birth size of their baby to be small, mothers with a higher education level (≥10 years), and mothers from households in the highest wealth quintile. Conclusions The prevalence of SSC is very low in the surveyed districts of Bangladesh. Considering the factors associated with SSC, relevant stakeholders need to increase their efforts on improving ANC and facility delivery coverages as well as improving SSC practice in the facilities especially after caesarean deliveries. Countries with a high burden of home deliveries, also need to emphasize community-based interventions and increasing coverage of skilled birth attendance for improving this life-saving intervention.

scholarly journals Factors Associated With Uptake of Iron Supplement During Pregnancy Among Women of Reproductive Age in Tanzania: an Analysis of Data From the 2015 to 2016 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicators Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiola Vincent Moshi ◽  
Walter C. Millanzi ◽  
Ipyana Mwampagatwa
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Reference Population ◽  
Demographic And Health Survey ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Iron Supplement ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Working Status

Background: Pregnant women are vulnerable to iron deficiency due to the fact that more iron is needed primarily to supply the growing fetus and placenta and to increase the maternal red cell mass. Little is known on the factors associated with uptake of iron supplement during pregnancy.Methods: The study used data from the 2015 to 2016 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicators Survey. A total of 6,924 women of active reproductive age from 15 to 49 were included in the analysis. Both univariate and multiple regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with uptake of iron supplement during pregnancy.Results: Majority of the interviewed women 5,648 (81.6%) always took iron supplement during pregnancy, while a total of 1,276 (18.4%) women never took iron supplement during pregnancy. After controlling for confounders, the predictors for uptake of iron supplement during pregnancy were early antenatal booking (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 1.603 at 95% CI = 1.362–1.887, p &lt; 0.001); rural residence (AOR = 0.711 at 95% CI = 0.159–0.526, p = 0.007); wealth index [rich (AOR = 1.188 at 95% CI = 0.986–1.432, p = 0.07)]—poor was the reference population; level of education [primary education (AOR = 1.187 at 95% CI = 1.013–1.391, p = 0.034)]—no formal education was the reference population; parity [para 2 to 4 (AOR = 0.807 at 95% CI = 0.668–0.974, p = 0.026), para 5 and above (AOR = 0.75 at 95% CI = 0.592–0.95, p = 0.017)], para 1 was the reference population; zones [mainland rural (AOR = 0.593 at 95% CI = 0.389–0.905, p = 0.015) and Unguja Island AOR = 0.63 at 95% CI = 0.431–0.92, p = 0.017]—mainland urban was the reference population; and current working status [working (AOR = 0.807 at 95% CI = 0.687–0.949, p = 0.009)].Conclusion: The study revealed that, despite free access to iron supplement during pregnancy, there are women who fail to access the supplement at least once throughout the pregnancy. The likelihood to fail to access iron supplement during pregnancy was common among pregnant women who initiated antenatal visits late, were from poor families, had no formal education, reside in rural settings, had high parity, were from mainland rural, and were in working status. Interventional studies are recommended in order to come up with effective strategies to increase the uptake of iron supplement during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Incident, pattern and trends of scabies on randomly selected secondary schools’ students in Anambra State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 019-029
Author(s):  
Nweze Kenneth Emeka ◽  
Ekekwe Evelyn Nkechi ◽  
Anaebonam Emeka ◽  
Okeke Chimaobi ◽  
Eze Chinwe Catherine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Study Data ◽  
The Body ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Skin Contact ◽  
Skin To Skin

This study explored the determinants of Scabies infections in Secondary Schools across Anambra State to understand the dynamics and identify measures that will help reduce disease burden. A survey of Scabies infection was conducted on 5000 Students selected from fifty (50) randomly selected secondary schools in Anambra State. Focus group discussions, direct clinical observations and microscopic examinations were employed in this study. Data were categorized based on clinical features and was analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The result revealed itching to be the most prevalent in both the males (23.69%) and females 10.93%) followed by sleeping disturbances in males (15.40%) and females (7.02%). The findings also revealed that the distribution of scabies based on topographical locations and lesions were more prone to abdomen, inter-digital, legs, elbows, wrists and armpits than other parts of the body in both the male and female students examined. The risk factors associated with scabies infection in this research include sharing of beds, pillows, clothes and overcrowding which had a big effect on the infestation while others such as bathing habits, use of soaps had little effect. The majority of the participant was not aware of the real causes of scabies. Skin-to-skin contact was recorded as the most prevalent mode of transmission. On the treatment, most students patronize traditional medicine dealers, few consults patent medicine dealers, physicians and pharmacists. Public health enlightenment campaigns and school/community education programs may help in controlling these emerging epidemics in Anambra State and Nigeria in general.

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