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Socio-demographic prole, lifestyle changes and co-morbid ailments as predictors of medication adherence among hypertensive patients attending federal teaching hospital, ido-ekiti, southwestern, Nigeria
Full text linkAbstract
Background: Non-adherence to anti-hypertensive medications is a modifiable risk factor for uncontrolled hypertension. Despite the availability of tolerable antihypertensive drugs, majority of patients are still not adherent to their medications.
Aim: To investigate Socio-demographic profile, lifestyle changes and comorbid ailments as predictors of medication Adherence among hypertensive patients
attending Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Southwestern, Nigeria.
Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 356 hypertensive patients on follow up. Systematic random sampling technique was adopted
to recruit the 356 respondents. Semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was employed to seek information on respondents’ socio-demographic
characteristics, lifestyle changes, comorbid ailments, and number of antihypertensive medications. Adherence level was determined using the Morisky’s Medication
Adherence Scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of medication adherence.
Results: The prevalence of medication adherence was 60.4%. In multivariate analysis; male gender (OR, 15.85, 95% CI: 4.33 – 58.11) level of education (OR, 16.94,
95% CI: 1.13 – 253.06) habits of salt usage (OR, 284, 95% CI: 29.35 – 2748.37) and two anti-hypertensive drugs (OR, 15.13, 95% CI: 4.78 – 47.867) were the
predictors of good medication adherence. On the other hand, trading (OR, 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02 – 0.78) was associated with poor medication adherence.
Conclusion: The prevalence of medication adherence was low. Trading was the predictor of poor medication adherence. Therefore, clinicians and other stakeholders
should target this set of occupation and provide qualitative health education to improve their medication adherence level
Integration of Information Communication Technology in Journalism Practice: A Survey of Journalists in Ekiti Metropolis, Nigeria
Full text linkThe aim of this study was predicated on the need to ascertain the extent to which Nigerian
Journalists, especially those in the state capital of Ekiti state; have integrated the use of
information communication technology (ICT) tools in their journalism practice which includes, but
not limited to; news gathering, dissemination etc. The objectives among others is to decipher the
extent of use and the adoption of new information communication technologies in journalism
practise. A total of thirty four (34) TV and radio journalists were sampled with a view to ascertain
their use and types ICT tools employed for the achievement of communication efficiency. Despite
the perceived importance of the role of ICT in improving communication efficiency (as opined by
97% of the respondents), findings from this study revealed that the use of modern ICT tools were
not fully employed for their day to day task execution. Also, only 24% of the respondents agreed to
the availability and free access to internet facility in their day to day operations while 64.7% own or
have personal access through their owned devices. The challenges enumerated by journalists
includes lack of corporate internet access and information, technology hardware and software
configurations that are crucial to journalism in new media practice. Hence, it is recommended
media proprietors should provide as part of the work environment, modern facilities to enable
journalists discharge their duties in line with international best practices
Relationship between Knowledge of Hypertension and 10-Year Cardiovascular Risk among Patients with Hypertension at a Primary Care Clinic in Nigeria.
Full text linkBackground:Good knowledge of the risk factors, course and consequences of high blood pressure by patients with hypertension can influence their lifestyle, drug adherence and the risk of subsequent development of cardiovascular disease. We aimed at determining the relationship between the knowledge of hypertension and 10-year cardiovascular risk among patients with hypertension. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional survey of 345 hypertensive patients attending the general outpatient clinic of the University College Hospital. Knowledge of hypertension and 10-year cardiovascular risk were estimated using hypertension fact questionnaire and Framingham General cardiovascular risk score respectively. Chi-square and t-test statistics were used for bivariate analysis with a p-value set at 0.05. Results: The age range of the respondents was 35-82 years. Coexistence of other cardiovascular risk factors such as physical inactivity, diabetes mellitus and obesity were found in 66.1%, 35.4 % and 71.3% participants respectively. Less than half (44.3%) of the participants had adequate knowledge about hypertension. There was a significant association between hypertension knowledge and 10-year cardiovascular risk (χ2= 14.70, p=.001). Also, a significant difference was found in the mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hypertension knowledge score, total cardiovascular risk and physical activity between respondents with adequate and inadequate hypertension knowledge. Conclusion: Given the high inadequate hypertension knowledge and its significant association with 10-year cardiovascular risk. Comprehensive health education on hypertension and its complications should be given to patients to promote their cardiovascular health
Otorhinolaryngologic, head and neck presentations among patients with chronic renal disease in a developing country
Full text linkBackground: Data on otorhinolaryngology and head and neck diseases in patient with chronic renal disease are rare in developing
African countries. This study was aimed to determine the epidemiology and management of otorhinolaryngology and head and
neck diseases among chronic renal disease patient seen in our tertiary health‑care facility. Materials and Methods: This was a
prospective, hospital‑based study that was conducted in the ear, nose, and throat department in a Nigerian University Teaching
Hospital. Informed consent was obtained, and pretested interviewers‑assisted questionnaires were administered to each patient.
Otoscopy, indirect laryngoscopy, and rhinoscopy were carried out. Renal functions were assessed by routine urine analysis and
biochemical tests. Audiological tests were carried out for hearing assessment. Data collected were collated and analyzed using the
SPSS software version 20.0. Results: The prevalence of chronic renal disease in otorhinolaryngology practice was 1.1%. There were
67.9% male with a male‑to‑female ratio of 2.1:1. The duration of illness was more than 1 year in 39.6% of our patients. The most
common presentation was 58.5% tinnitus, 34.0% neck pain, 28.3% nasal blockage, 28.3% sore throat, 26.4% rhinorrhea/epistaxis,
18.9%% pharyngeal wall nodularity, and 15.1% enlarged neck lymph node. The most common affected organ was the ear in 90.6%.
Major diagnosis was sensorineural hearing loss, rhinosinusitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis in 58.5%, 30.2%, 20.8%, and 7.5%,
respectively. Hearing impairment occurred in 69.8% of the patients, out of which 43.4% were found to be mild hearing loss. Only
19 (35.8%) had dialysis, while 34 (64.2%) of them had conservatively treated. Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic renal disease
in otorhinolaryngological practice was 1.1%, otological presentation was the most common in 90.6% of patients and 64.2% did well
on conservative treatment. Avoidable otorhinolaryngologic complications among patients with chronic renal disease were noted.
Periodic otorhinolaryngology referral for review and prompt management of this complication is advised
Otologic Presentation and Management of Allergic Ear Disorder in a Tropical Developing Country
Full text linkBackground: Allergic manifestation in ear is a common unrecognized otologic disorder worldwide. This
study aimed at determining the clinicoepidemiologic pattern and management of patients with allergic ear
disorder.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective hospital-based study of patients with clinical diagnosis
of allergic ear disorder. Interviewer assisted questionnaire were administered to the consented patient. Data
obtained were collated and analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 18.0.
Results: Prevalence of allergic ear disorder in this study was 4.2%. There was 59.8% male with male to
female ratio of 1.5:1. No allergen was identified in 7.3%. Common self-reported trigger factor were dirty/
earwax, water/Soap and eardrop/body cream in 72.0%, 53.7% and 39.0% respectively. There was family history
of allergy in 58.5% of respondents. Common symptoms were pinna pulling/ear picking, ear blockage,
hearing impairment and itchy ear in 81.7%, 56.7%, 54.3% and 49.4% respectively. A commonest finding on
examination was clean external ear canal 81.7%. Middle ear cleft was the commonest affected part of the ear
in 56.7%. A commonest associated comorbid illness was 64.6% allergic rhinitis. Commonest complication
recorded was otitis media with effusion in 42.1% respondents. Main quality of life affected were sleep disturbance,
depression, changes in mood and general health in 43.9%, 31.7%, 26.8% and 25.6% respectively.
Commonest treatment was conservative treatment in 86.6%.
Conclusion: Allergic ear disorder is a common ear, nose and throat disorder affecting all ages. At presentation
most cases were associated with comorbid illnesses, complications and impact on quality of life. Early
identification and referral of patient to a specialist and prompt treatment to reduce avoidable morbidity is
advocated. (Int J Biomed Sci 2020; 16 (1): 5-10
Socio-demographic profile, lifestyle changes and comorbid ailments as predictors of medication adherence among hypertensive patients attending federal teaching hospital, ido-ekiti, southwestern, Nigeria
Full text linkBackground: Non-adherence to anti-hypertensive medications is a modifiable risk factor for uncontrolled hypertension. Despite the availability of tolerable antihypertensive drugs, majority of patients are still not adherent to their medications. Aim: To investigate Socio-demographic profile, lifestyle changes and comorbid ailments as predictors of medication Adherence among hypertensive patients attending Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Southwestern, Nigeria. Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 356 hypertensive patients on follow up. Systematic random sampling technique was adopted to recruit the 356 respondents. Semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was employed to seek information on respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle changes, comorbid ailments, and number of antihypertensive medications. Adherence level was determined using the Morisky’s Medication Adherence Scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of medication adherence. Results: The prevalence of medication adherence was 60.4%. In multivariate analysis; male gender (OR, 15.85, 95% CI: 4.33 – 58.11) level of education (OR, 16.94, 95% CI: 1.13 – 253.06) habits of salt usage (OR, 284, 95% CI: 29.35 – 2748.37) and two anti-hypertensive drugs (OR, 15.13, 95% CI: 4.78 – 47.867) were the predictors of good medication adherence. On the other hand, trading (OR, 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02 – 0.78) was associated with poor medication adherence. Conclusion: The prevalence of medication adherence was low. Trading was the predictor of poor medication adherence. Therefore, clinicians and other stakeholders should target this set of occupation and provide qualitative health education to improve their medication adherence level
Interrogating the Effectiveness of Nigeria’s Counterterrorism Efforts and the Variation in Boko Haram Terrorism Trajectory
Full text linkThis paper examines the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts since 2009 from the perspective of the variation in Boko Haram sect’s trajectory and organisational capability. Given that the goal of counterterrorism is degradation of terrorists’ operational capabilities and circumvention of their armed hostilities, this study argues that Nigeria’s counterterrorism techniques, measures and campaigns have not been effective to the extent that the Boko Haram sect has remained resilient. By examining the group’s operational capacity, organisational basing, political ties, and myriads of armed hostilities, the study concludes that Nigeria’s counterterrorism approaches and efforts need to be holistic and more strategic to achieve desirable counterterrorism outcomes
PREVALENCE OF HIV AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN PATIENTS ATTENDING ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF A TERTIARY HEALTH INSTITUTION IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA.
Full text linkBackground: HIV infection, a major health problem worldwide, has been reported to be prevalent in patients
in Accident and Emergency department, thus presents an occupational hazard to health care workers (HCW)
who careforthesepatients.
Objective: The purpose of thisstudy wasto establish the prevalence of HIV and associated risk factors among
patients attendingAccidentandEmergency departmentof Federal TeachingHospital(FETHI),Ido-Ekiti.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a pre-tested,
coded questionnaire and blood samples. A total of 100 patients were recruited and studied. Human
Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV) 1 and 2 screening was conducted on consecutive consented conscious patients
using the STAT PAK™ (Chembio Diagnostic Systems Inc, USA) and Determine™ (Abbott Laboratories, IL, USA)
kitsfor HIV 1 and 2. Data collected were entered into and analysed with SPSS 20 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago,
IL,USA).
Results: Out of 100 patients recruited for the study, males accounted for 49% while females accounted for
51%. Those positive for HIV were 2 (2.0%) while 98 (98.0%) were confirmed negative. Both that were positive
forHIVwerefemales. The affectedage-groupswere31-40 years and51-60 years.
Conclusion: A risk of exposure to HIV exists in HCW who care for these patients in our institution. Thus, all
emergency health care workers need to practice universal barrier precautions in order to reduce the risk of
exposure to HIV infection
OPTIMIZATION OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM WASTE FRYING OIL OVER ALUMINA SUPPORTED CHICKEN EGGSHELL CATALYST USING EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN TOOL
Full text linkAn optimization of the biodiesel production from a waste frying oil via a heterogeneous
transesterification was studied. This present study is also aimed at investigating the catalytic behaviour
of the alumina supported eggshell (ASE) for the synthesis of biodiesel. A synthesized ASE catalyst,
at various mixing ratios of alumina to eggshell, was investigated and exhibited a better activity for
the reaction when the eggshell and alumina were mixed via incipient wetness impregnation in 2 : 1
proportion on a mass basis and calcined at 900 °C for 4 h. The as-synthesized catalyst was characterized
by basicity, BET, SEM, EDX, and FTIR. The 2k factorial experimental design was employed for an
optimization of process variables, which include catalyst loading, reaction time, methanol/oil molar
ratio and reaction temperature and their effects on the biodiesel yield were studied. The optimization
results showed that the reaction time has the highest percentage contribution of 40.139% while the
catalyst loading contributes the least to the biodiesel production, as low as 1.233 %. The analysis of
variance (ANOVA) revealed a high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.9492) and the interaction between
the reaction time and reaction temperature contributes significantly to the biodiesel production process
with percentage contribution of 14.001 %, compared to other interaction terms. The biodiesel yield of
77.56% was obtained under the optimized factor combination of 4.0 wt.% catalyst loading, 120 min
reaction time, 12 : 1 methanol/oil molar ratio and reaction temperature of 65 °C. The reusability study
showed that the ASE catalyst could be reused for up to four cycles and the biodiesel produced under
optimum conditions conformed to the ASTM standard
Perceived stress and stressors among first-year undergraduate students at a private medical school in Nigeria
Full text linkObjectives: Medical training has long been globally recognised
as involving numerous stressors that can affect
the well-being of students. This study, the first to be
conducted among first-year medical students at a private
university in Nigeria, aims to identify factors associated
with students’ perceived stress.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was
employed. A semi-structured pretested and validated
questionnaire was administered to first-year medical
students. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS
version 25.0. Descriptive and analytical statistics were
presented as frequencies, percentages, means, and
standard deviations. The chi-square test was also used
to identify the associations between categorical
variables.
Results: The majority of the respondents were females
(72.2%) and Christians (85.8%). Sixty seven percent of
the participants perceived medical school as being
stressful. More females than males were stressed. Statistically,
ethnicity and intrapersonal factors were correlated
with perceived stress.
Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of perceived
stress among first-year medical undergraduate students
was high. Students should be prepared on how to cope
with stress by developing coping strategies such as
healthy lifestyle patterns, availing of social support,
engaging in physical activity, and seeking counselling
when needed