Amaka N. Ocheke

Awareness and knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus post exposure prophylaxis among Nigerian Family Physicians

Background: To determine the level of awareness and knowledge of HIV postexposure prophylaxis (HIV PEP) and determinants of adequate knowledge among Family Physicians in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey conducted among 175 Family Physicians at two national conferences. Results: Majority (97.7%) of the respondents was aware of the concept of HIV PEP and 99.4% believed it was effective in preventing HIV transmission. Over two third of our respondents had been exposed to NSI; however, less than 25% of those exposed received PEP. There was high level of knowledge of the various high-risk body fluids as well as types of high-risk exposures. 93.9% of our respondents knew that HIV PEP should commence within 1 h of exposure, 83.3% knew the correct duration of HIV PEP, but only 57.0% knew the ideal PEP regimen for high-risk exposures. The total mean score for our respondents was 17.8±2.9 with 79.4% having an adequate score. Being a junior doctor and male sex were associated with adequate knowledge. Conclusion: This study shows that despite high levels of awareness and knowledge of HIV PEP, access to its use among family physicians in Nigeria is still sub-optimal.

Hydatidiform mole in Jos, Nigeria.

Background: Hydatidiform mole is a relatively common gynecological problem which could present like spontaneous abortion, one of the commonest gynecological emergencies. It has the propensity to become malignant but can easily be identified and treated. The aim of this study was to determine the demographics, clinical features, treatment options and outcome of patients with hydatidiform mole in our environment. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective review of all the cases of hydatidiform mole seen at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos, Nigeria over a 5-year period. Results: There were 34 cases of hydatidiform mole giving an incidence of 1 in 357 deliveries. However only 25 case notes were available for analysis and the mean age of patients was 28±3 years. Vaginal bleeding (92%), honeycomb appearance on ultrasound scan (84%), and passage of vesicles (60%) were the most common clinical findings while suction curettage was the mode of treatment for all the patients in this study. Twenty-eight percent of cases were confirmed by histology. No patient came for follow-up after the third month of diagnosis. Twenty percent of the patients booked for antenatal care within 9 months of diagnosis while 12% of patients presented as gynecological emergencies with features of malignant disease within six months of diagnosis. Conclusion: Hydatidiform mole is common in Jos, North Central Nigeria, and presents most commonly with vaginal bleeding with over 10% becoming malignant. Hence all patients who present with vaginal bleeding should be screened for HM. None of the patients completed the recommended duration of follow-up and only about ¼ had histology reports. Concerted efforts need to be made to address the challenges of patients adhering to recommended follow-up protocols and having to pay first before investigations are done.

Correlation between maternal weight and insulin resistance in second half of pregnancy

Background: In pregnancy, routine measurement of maternal weight gives a crude assessment of maternal and foetal well-being. Excess weight gain in pregnancy is related to increased risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertension in pregnancy and foetal macrosomia. In the Nigerian context, lack of knowledge of pre-pregnancy weight coupled with late booking of women in pregnancy hinders accurate assessment of weight gain in pregnancy. The absolute maternal weight is often used as surrogate. This study evaluates the relationship between absolute weight in the second half of pregnancy and insulin resistance. Patients and Methods: The weight of hundred pregnant women was measured between 24 to 32 weeks of pregnancy and their insulin resistance was measured using Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) from fasting serum glucose and fasting serum insulin. Results: Twenty-six women had weight ≥95 kg and 74 women had weight of <95 kg. There was a significant positive correlation between weight and HOMA-IR (r = 0.248), fasting glucose (r = 0.198), and fasting insulin (r = 0.228), (P < 0.05). The mean weight, HOMA-IR, fasting glucose and fasting insulin were higher in women with weight ≥95 kg compared to those with less weight. Also maternal weight ≥ 95 kg was associated with severe insulin resistance, (Odds Ratio = 3.1). Conclusion: Absolute weight in pregnancy correlates well with insulin resistance. Women having weight ≥95 kg between 24-32 weeks of gestation were more likely to have severe insulin resistance with implications for increased risk of GDM and other complications.

Incidence and risk factors for pre-eclampsia in Jos Nigeria

Objective We sought to estimate the incidence and risk factors associated with development of pre-eclampsia (PET) in Jos, Nigeria. Methods An open cohort study of singleton pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Nigeria between November 2010 and August 2011. Eligible healthy women at ≤ 20 weeks gestation were enrolled and followed up until delivery or development of pre-eclampsia. Baseline demographic characteristics including weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were collected at enrollment. Incidence, risk factors and hazard ratios for developing PET were estimated with corresponding 95% confidence intervals and p-values. All statistical analyses were done with STATA version 11, college station, Texas, USA. Results A total of 2416 pregnant women were screened for eligibility out of which 323 were eligible for inclusion. The incidence of PET was 87.9 per 1,000 pregnancies (8.8%). The significant risk factors for PET were previous history of PET (RR=5.1, 95% CI: 2.2–12.1) and BMI at booking ≥ 25 kg/m2 (RR=3.9, 95% CI: 1.5–10.0). Conclusion The incidence of PET was relatively high in our cohort in Jos, Nigeria and a previous history of the disease and overweight or obese pregnant women have a significant hazard of developing the disease in the course of gestational follow up. Targeting women with these characteristics for early preventive intervention and close surveillance at the antenatal booking clinic may help in prevention of the disease and its complications.

Sexual functioning and health-related quality of life in men

Background: Although erectile dysfunction (ED) is common, little is known about the impact of ED on the quality of life (QoL) among African men. Materials and Methods: We used the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) to evaluate ED and the WONCA charts to assess QoL among employees of a university. Results: A total of 508 men with a mean age of 43 ± 10 years were studied. IIEF5 scores of <22 were present in 406 participants (77.9%). Mild ED, mild-to-moderate ED, moderate ED, and severe ED were present in 34.6%, 26.6%, 10.4%, and 5.7%, respectively. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower in those with ED. Marital status, alcohol, cigarette, physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and antihypertensive drug use were not associated with ED. ED was associated with poor QoL in the domains of social activities (odds ratio [OR] = 4.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–18.7), and overall health (OR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.07–4.82). However, there was no association of ED with poor QoL in the domains of physical fitness (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 0.82–2.59), feelings (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 0.75–2.72), daily activities (OR = 4.72; 95% CI: 0.61–36.4), and change in health (OR = 1.75; 95% CI: 0.58–5.26). Conclusion: ED negatively impacts QoL in men.

Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea risk among Nigerians

Background: The contribution of obesity to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is poorly described in Nigeria. We aimed to compare OSA risk between obese and nonobese adults in urban Nigeria. Materials and Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants were interviewed using the World Health Organization Non-Communicable Disease questionnaire. OSA risk assessment was performed using the STOP-BANG questionnaire. A total score of ≥3 on the STOP-BANG questionnaire indicated OSA risk, whereas a score ≥5 indicated high OSA risk. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2. Relationship between obesity and OSA was tested using chi-square and logistic regression models used to control for confounding factors. Results: There were 744 respondents, with a mean age of 44 (standard deviation 10) years. A total of 206 [27.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 24.46–30.9] respondents were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). A total of 307 (41.3%, 95% CI 37.7–44.9) respondents scored ≥3 on the STOP-BANG questionnaire, whereas 37 (4.9%, 95% CI 3.6–6.7) scored ≥5. More number of obese than nonobese [57.8% (119/206) versus 34.9% (188/538)] respondents met the criteria for OSA risk (P < 0.001). Similarly, more obese persons [10.3% (21/206)] met the criteria for high-risk OSA compared to the nonobese [3% (16/538)]; P < 0.001. In logistic regression models adjusted for cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, the odds for OSA risk was 15.76 (95% CI 7.44–33.9) in persons with BMI >35 kg/m2 compared to those with a BMI range of 18.5–24.99. Conclusion: Obesity and OSA may be more prevalent in Nigeria than previously predicted. Obesity independently increased OSA risk in this population.

Prevalence and predictors of severe menopause symptoms among HIV-positive and -negative Nigerian women:

We compared the prevalence of menopause symptoms between women living with HIV to their HIV-negative peers and determined predictors of severe menopause symptoms in Jos, Nigeria. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 714 women aged 40–80 years. We compared prevalence and severity of menopause symptoms using the menopause rating scale (MRS). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of severe symptoms. Six-hundred and seven (85.0%) were HIV-positive, with a mean duration of infection of 5.6 ± 2.7 years. The mean age of the cohort was 46 ± 5 years. The most prevalent menopause symptoms were hot flushes (67.2%), joint and muscle discomfort (66.2%), physical/mental exhaustion (65.3%), heart discomfort (60.4%), and anxiety (56.4%). The median MRS score was higher for HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative women (p = 0.01). Factors associated with severe menopause symptoms included HIV-positive status (aOR: 3.01, 95% CI: 1.20–7.54) and history of cigarette smoking (aOR: 4.18, 95% CI: 1.31–13.26). Being married (aOR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.32–0.77), premenopausal (aOR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.39–0.94), and self-reporting good quality of life (aOR: 0.62. 95% CI: 0.39–0.98) were protective against severe menopause symptoms. We found HIV infection, cigarette smoking, quality of life, and stage of the menopause transition to be associated with severe menopause symptoms. As HIV-positive populations are aging, additional attention should be given to the reproductive health of these women.

A survey of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors among university employees: a single institutional study

BACKGROUND The incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rising globally, with its attendant morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. This study evaluated the prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors among members of a university community. METHODS All employees of the university were invited to the University health clinic for screening, using the World Health Organisations STEPwise approach to NCDs. RESULTS A total of 883 (521; 59.0% males) employees with a mean age of 44 ± 10 years were studied. The median (IQR) number of NCD risk factors was three (two to three) per participant. The most common NCD risk factors were inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables (94.6%; 95% CI: 92.8-95.9), physical inactivity (77.8%; 95% CI: 74.9-80.5%) and dyslipidaemia (51.8%; 95% CI: 48.4-51.6%). Others included obesity (26.7%; 95% CI: 23.9-29.8%), alcohol use (24.0%; 95% CI: 21.3-27.0%) and cigarette smoking (2.9%; 95% CI: 2.0-4.3). Hypertension was the most common NCD (48.5%; 95% CI: 45.1-51.8%), followed by chronic kidney disease (13.6%; 95% CI: 11.4-16.1) and diabetes mellitus (8.0%; 95% CI: 6.4-10.1). There was no gender-specific difference in the prevalence of NCDs. CONCLUSION This study identified that NCDs and their modifiable risk factors are highly prevalent in this community. Workplace policy to support the adoption of healthy living is needed.Summary Background The incidence of non-communicable diseases(NCDs) is rising globally, with its attendant morbidity andmortality, especially in developing countries. This study evaluatedthe prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors amongmembers of a university community. Methods All employees of the university were invited to the University health clinic for screening, using the World Health Organisation’s STEPwise approach to NCDs. Results A total of 883 (521; 59.0% males) employees with a mean age of 44 ± 10 years were studied. The median (IQR) number of NCD risk factors was three (two to three) per participant. The most common NCD risk factors were inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables (94.6%; 95% CI: 92.8–95.9), physical inactivity (77.8%; 95% CI: 74.9–80.5%) and dyslipidaemia (51.8%; 95% CI: 48.4–51.6%). Others included obesity (26.7%; 95% CI: 23.9–29.8%), alcohol use (24.0%; 95% CI: 21.3–27.0%) and cigarette smoking (2.9%; 95% CI: 2.0–4.3). Hypertension was the most common NCD (48.5%; 95% CI: 45.1–51.8%), followed by chronic kidney disease (13.6%; 95% CI: 11.4–16.1) and diabetes mellitus (8.0%; 95% CI: 6.4–10.1). There was no gender-specific difference in the prevalence of NCDs. Conclusion This study identified that NCDs and their modifiable risk factors are highly prevalent in this community. Workplace policy to support the adoption of healthy living is needed.

An Audit of Perineal Trauma and Vertical Transmisson Of HIV

Restrictive episiotomy is recommended for the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV. The study compared the frequency of episiotomy use and the occurrence of perineal tears; and related factors in HIV positive and HIV negative women and to assess their effect on Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. A total of 110 HIV positive and 134 HIV negative parturients were enrolled in the study. The incidence of episiotomy was more in the HIV negative group (p=0.0000) while that of perineal tear was not affected by HIV status (p=0.17). The rate of episiotomy was significantly affected by primigravidity in HIV negative subjects (OR= 0.032, 95% CI 0.0072-0.13). The rate of perineal tear was significantly affected by primigravidity in HIV positive subjects (OR=8.55, 95% CI 1.91-38.7) and multigravidity in HIV negative subjects (OR= 0.030, 95% CI 0.133-0.71). Gestational age and mean birth weight had no effect on the rate of episiotomy (p value =0.57 and 0.30) and perineal tear (p value= 0.79 and 0.061). There was no mother-to-child HIV transmission. Episiotomies should be given when needed irrespective of HIV status because of the risk of consequent perineal tear and with HAART the risk of MTCT from perineal trauma is minimal.

Severe maternal insulin resistance in pregnancy: An independent predictor of fetal macrosomia

Objective: Macrosomia is associated with increased maternal and fetal complications in obstetric practice. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), maternal obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and other variables such as maternal age and gestational age at delivery may influence neonatal birth weight. It is not clear if a severe degree of IR in pregnancy is an independent risk factor for macrosomia. We therefore investigated the association between IR and macrosomia independent of GDM and other confounding factors. Materials and Methods: We measured the insulin sensitivity index (Matsuda index) in 118 pregnant women during a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at 24-32 weeks of gestation. The birth weights of their neonates were measured at delivery. Multiple logistic regression was use to assess the association between IR and macrosomia after controlling for confounders GDM and other confounding factors. Results: Twenty-four women (20.3%) were classified under IR, 20 women (16.9%) and 62 women (52.5%) had GDM and obesity, respectively. Eleven women (9.3%) had macrosomic babies. Although the fasting insulin and 2-h insulin were higher in women with macrosomic babies compared to the normal weight babies, the observed difference was not significant (P > 0.05). The Matsuda index was significantly lower among women with macrosomic babies. Severe IR (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 9.3 [2.4-35.1]) and GDM (OR [95% CI] = 12.7 [3.3-49.2]) were significantly associated with macrosomia. After adjusting for the confounding variables, IR remained significantly associated with macrosomia (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 10.0 [1.6-64.4]). Conclusion: IR is an independent risk factor for macrosomia, and its assessment during pregnancy should form a basis for categorizing women at risk of macrosomia.