FOOD-RELATED COPING STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY SOME HOUSEHOLDS DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN IN NIGERIA

As part of the measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Nigeria during the early stages of the pandemic, a lockdown of movements within and from outside the country was declared by the federal government. This article presents findings on food-related coping strategies adopted during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria. A cross sectional survey using an online based questionnaire received responses from 883 households regarding information on food consumption, health seeking behaviour and food coping strategies during the COVID-19 lockdown. Food Coping Strategy Index (FCSI) was computed from the data received based on standard methods. Analysis and presentation of data was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The key findings show that daily mealtimes generally reduced from an average of 3 to 2 times. The storage capacity of households showed an average of 2-week food stock of staples, and most of the respondents had started reducing either their usual portion sizes or frequency of meals in order to cope with food shortages. As regards health seeking behavior, older respondents were more likely to take prophylactic medication (p<0.004) and there was a higher preference for fruits and Vitamin C as prophylactic items. A negative correlation between FCSI with mealtime during COVID-19 lockdown (p<0.000) and monthly income (p<0.000) was observed. The findings presented provide information for policy intervention in the areas of social safety nets and palliatives disbursement in the event of similar lockdown restrictions in the future.

BREAST CONSERVING SURGERY AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE AMONG FEMALE NURSES IN IRRUA SPECIALIST TEACHING HOSPITAL

Introduction: Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS) is oncologically safe for eligible patients with breast cancer and has enormous physical and psychological benefits. Despite this, the mastectomy rate in many centres is still very high. Nurses are frontline staff in healthcare settings and have great contact with the patients. The level of their awareness would have a great impact on patients eligible for breast conservation seeking expert opinion. This study explored the awareness, perception and acceptance of BCS among female nurses in a rural Nigeria tertiary hospital. Methodology: A quasi-structured self-questionnaire was distributed to 235 nurses using a convenient sampling method. The responses on 219 adequately filled questionnaires were entered into an IBM SPSS Statistics Data Document (version 21.0) for analysis. Categorical variables were presented in counts and percentages. Association between the acceptance of BCS versus its awareness, equivalence to TM and years of nursing practice were tested using Chi-square probability test and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: The 219 participants had a good representation of junior and senior nurses among whom 80.4% were at least 45 years old and 82.2% were married. The nurses were mostly general nursing practitioners (76.7%) and 49.3% of the nurses had practised for a duration not less than 10 years of age. The 126 (57.5%) nurses, who described BCS as the surgical removal of a cancerous breast lump short of mastectomy, were considered to be aware of BCS irrespective of their understanding of complementary treatment modalities, eligibilities, comparative advantages to TM and certainty of its oncologic safety. The lack of ready access to radiotherapy centres (54.3%) and delay/overcrowding of these facilities (42.5%) were recognised respectively as major local challenges to BCS practices. The equivalence of BCS to TM was affirmed in 44.3% of the nurses and 35.6% had participated in managing breast cancer patients using the conservative surgical approach. 57.1% were willing to accept BCS or recommend it for an eligible friend or relative and no statistically significant association was observed among those who accepted BCS when matched with the level of awareness or the duration of nursing practice. A higher and significant level of acceptance of BCS was noted among those aware of its oncologic equivalence to TM (p-value = 0.000) Conclusion: This study demonstrated gaps in knowledge of BCS among nurses who are stakeholders in assisting patients make the right decision. This knowledge gap in the perception of BCS will interfere with the ability of the nurse to adequately counsel patients in need of their expert opinion. The awareness of the oncologic equivalence of BCS to TM increased its acceptance significantly. An increase in public awareness and education of nurses is required to improve the acceptance rate of BCS in our practice. Caregivers should also devise effective means of communication to encourage eligible patients for breast conservation

OBSERVED EFFECTS OF BODY MASS INDEX ON BLOOD PRESSURE DIPPING PATTERN, IN A PRIVATE HOSPITAL IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

During a normal 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), there should be a more than 10% drop in average nighttime blood pressure (BP), compared to the average daytime BP. This is called the normal ABPM dipping pattern. Abnormal dipping patterns occur when the average night-time blood pressure drop is lower than 10%. A high body mass index has been described as a contributing factor for unusual ABPM dipping patterns, which predisposes an individual to a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. The goal of this research was to assess the link between the body mass index (BMI) and the dipping pattern during ABPM in the adult population who underwent ABPM at Cardiocare Abuja. Anthropometric data from 100 patients who had done ABPM were used, together with data obtained from the CONTEC ABPM50 device. The BMI was calculated with the weight and height, and they were grouped into weight classes using their BMI. The proportions of the various dipping patterns were then determined within each class. Majority of the participants involved in the study had BMI between 30-39 kg/m2. Those who presented with higher BMI classes were also discovered to have unusual dipping patterns, indicating a link with relation to the BMI and the ABPM dipping pattern. In the morbidly obese class, with BMI >40 kg/m2 there was a trend of the reverse dipping. It concluded that ABPM should be done routinely for persons with a high BMI for early detection of unusual dipping patterns and prompt intervention.

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF MOTHERS TOWARDS MEASLES AND MEASLES, MUMPS AND RUBELLA (MMR) VACCINE IN IDI- ABA COMMUNITY ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA

Measles has remained endemic in some part of the world where the vaccine is not easily accessible. Although vaccine is available in some parts of the world, with routine immunization services and campaigns, many children are yet to be vaccinated. Hence, this study assessed the knowledge and attitude towards measles and Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (MMR) among mothers in Idi-aba community. This was a descriptive research design using multistage sampling technique to choose participants for the study. A self-constructed questionnaire was used to collect information from participants. After the distribution and collection of the questionnaires, data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that 93.2% (386) and 65.9% (273) participants indicated that they knew what measles and MMR vaccines are respectively. However, overall analysis revealed that only 165 (39%) participants had high knowledge of measles and MMR vaccine while 303 (74%) had good attitude towards measles and MMR vaccine. This study showed that there are some knowledge gaps. Factors significantly associated with high percentage of mothers having good attitude are occupation (????2=20, P=0.000), income (????2=5.9, P=0.009) and parity (????2=23, P=0.000). In conclusion, this result implies that in order to sustain the good attitude displayed by the mothers, there is need for strategic intensive health educational programs for the mothers of the community.

ASSOCIATION OF INFANT FEEDING PRACTICES AND FOOD NEOPHOBIA AMONG PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN OROGUN COMMUNITY, IBADAN

This study determined food neophobia (FN) and the relationship of infant feeding practice (IFP) and (FN) among pre-school children in Orogun community, Ibadan. Three hundred and seventy mothers of pre-school children were chosen using a systematic random sampling technique from a pre-survey house to house list of eligible children. A semi-structured questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics, retrospective breastfeeding practice, retrospective complementary feeding practice (CFP) and FN scales were used to collect information. Data were analyzed using descriptive and logistic regression. The exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate was 26.8% and 38% of the mothers had a good breastfeeding practice. Timely initiation of complementary feeding was 54%. The prevalence of FN was 35%. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds for FN was higher among children who were initiated to breastfeeding late (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.886 – 2.31), children that were not breastfed on demand (OR = 1.766, 95% CI: 0.925 – 3.372), those not exclusively breastfed for six months (OR = 1.366, 95% CI: 0.834 – 2.240) and children introduced to complementary food before 6 months (OR = 1.473, 95% CI: 0.787 – 2.760). Most rejected foods were from the fruits and vegetable group. There were suboptimal IFP in the study and prevalence of FN was high. Poor IFP were associated with FN. Community-based nutrition education programs should be encouraged to improve IFP.

STRESSORS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY STUDENT NURSES IN AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY NIGERIA

Stress reduces productivity and increase pressure that can influence student nurses learning and academic performance negatively. The stressors faced by student nurses are enormous and their impact is huge. It is important to enhance positive and adaptive behavior in student nurses as it might affect their coping method in practice. Aim: To examine the different stressors and stress management strategies adopted by student nurses of the Department of Nursing Science, at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: This study used a cross-sectional survey, using structured questionnaires. Using the census approach, the 314 undergraduate students of the department of nursing, at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma were used. Results: Out of 314 of the respondents, 301 (95.9%) agreed that academic work was their main source of stress. When faced with stress, majority of the respondents (73.6%) reported to always become religious; they pray for guidance and strength. Some also reported that they always rest when they experience stressful situations (70.4%), 45.5% reported to always seek support from healthcare workers, friends, family and their lecturers, while 51.6% respondents claimed they occasionally go for recreational activities. Conclusion: There should be a continuous effort to counsel student nurses; create some diversional therapies and revision of the academic workload. These are essential in creating an enabling and motivating environment for learning and practice.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING (EBF) AMONG MOTHERS IN AMUKOKO, NIGERIA

This study assessed mothers’ knowledge on, the practice of, and factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding in the initial 6 months after birth. A descriptive cross-sectional research design and purposive sampling technique were used to pick 323 mothers that attended immunization at Community Health Project Amukoko and who had at least 1 child and a well-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from them. Data collected were analyzed using frequency distribution, Chi-square test, t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to test significant differences in the knowledge of EBF and demographic characteristics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results show that the mean age of the mothers is 29.47 (18 - 47 years). The rate of exclusive breastfeeding was found to be 72.1% and the knowledge of mothers on exclusive breastfeeding was very good (81.81%). The mode of delivery, introduction of prelacteal feed and introduction of water before breastfeeding have significant related to the practice of exclusive breastfeeding (p < 0.05). The study concluded that most of the mothers had good knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding rate at six months, mode of delivery, offering of prelacteal feed and introducing of water before breastfeeding is significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding. The study recommended healthier talks and support from health care workers on breastfeeding for mothers and the use of expressed breast milk promoted among mothers.

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN A TERTIARY HEALTH INSTITUTION OF SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Introduction: Health professionals (HP) are frequently exposed to a high number of hazards at the workplace. Consequently, low ratings for their well-being and satisfaction with health care may adversely affect the quality of health services they provide. This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and determine the effects of socio-demographic variables on HRQOL across HP in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria, a low-middle-income economy. Method: This was a cross-sectional survey of 385 HP purposively recruited from different units of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Nigeria. All respondents completed the Medical Outcomes Study short-form (SF-36) questionnaire. Also, the socio-demographic information on the respondents was obtained. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages; and inferential statistics of independent t-test and one way ANOVA was used to analyze data. Alpha level was set at p<0.05. Results: Respondents comprised 273 males and 112 females. They scored well above the cut-off point of 50 in most subscales with higher physical (80.95±12.03) than mental (67.58±7.88) component score on SF-36. There were significant differences between gender in favour of male respondents with the highest mean score across each of the age groups, educational and professional qualifications (p<0.01) on most subscales. Conclusion: There are considerable inequalities in HRQOL among HP in this study. These inequalities are gender-biased and favour professionals with post-graduate degree. Findings from this study are comparable to other climes and advocate support for female HP, those on low cadre and higher degree training.

DETERMINATION OF THE FACTORS THAT AFFECT MOTHERS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS IMMUNIZATION IN THE SOUTH-SOUTH REGION OF NIGERIA

Vaccination demand and acceptance depends on several factors that are quite broad and complex. The knowledge and attitude of a mother to childhood immunization play a key role in immunization coverage. Low immunization coverage in Nigeria is mostly attributed to poor knowledge, compliance, accessibility and inappropriate attitude among other factors. Poor compliance with full immunization is believed to be the most significant reason for low immunization coverage in the country due to socio-cultural obstacles to the acceptance of immunization. Aim: This study aims to assess the factors that determine the attitude of mothers towards immunization. Methodology: A hundred (100) mothers were recruited into this cross-sectional descriptive study using a simple random sampling technique. Data collection was performed by using a structured questionnaire. This study was carried out in Ukpenu community in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. This study was carried out in the Ukpenu community in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. 100 mothers were recruited into the study using a simple random sampling technique. Result: The results showed that the respondents have a positive attitude towards immunization. This was evident in the immunization report. Their record revealed that most of their children were fully immunized. This is seen in their readiness to fully immunize their children against childhood vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), their willingness to recommend full immunization of children to their friends, relatives and other women, and their readiness to purchase the vaccines if they are no longer available free of charge to ensure that their children are fully immunized. It was discovered that educational status plays a contributory role in the knowledge and attitude of mothers towards immunization. Conclusion: Maternal health education should be sustained to ensure continuous compliance and a positive attitude of mothers towards immunization.

CLINICOPATHOLOGIC FEATURES OF CERVICAL CANCER PATIENTS SEEN IN A COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTRE IN NORTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the socio-demographic and clinicopathological features of patients with cervical cancer seen in a comprehensive cancer center in North-western Nigeria. It was a six years retrospective study of patients with cervical cancer treated in the Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, UDUTH, Sokoto. Data was obtained from the patients’ case notes using a semi-structured data extraction form. A total of 220 cases were reviewed for patients whose mean age was 49.9 years (SD ± 11.9); with the age range of 24-87 years. Results show that squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histological type seen in 182(82.7%) of the patients, followed by adenocarcinoma 22(10%) and clear cell carcinoma 9(4.1%). Vaginal bleeding 110(50%), foul-smelling vaginal discharge103 (46.8%), fatigue 67(30.5%), lower abdominal pain 65(20.5%) and weight loss 30(13.6%) were the commonest clinical features. 176(80%) patients presented late stages (IIB – IVB) of cervical cancer. Concluding, most of the women with cervical cancer presented with features of vaginal bleeding or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, weight loss, fatigue and lower abdominal pain, with commonest histological categorization being squamous cell carcinoma. Late presentation of the disease was obviously observed in most of the cases diagnosed. The clinical features of cervical cancer identified in the cases reviewed are indicators of advanced disease. Thus, it is imperative that advocacy for cervical cancer screening should be stepped up in order to ensure early detection and prevent the progression of the disease to advanced stages.