Festus Abasiubong

Assessing the psychological well-being of caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS in Niger Delta region, Nigeria

Abstract Despite the availability of anti-retroviral drugs and treatment, the care and support of people living with HIV/AIDS has continued to be a major challenge, with greater impact not only on the people living the disease. The burden associated with care often results in high level of stress among caregivers, usually manifesting as anxiety and/or depression. This study assesses the levels of stress among caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS in Niger Delta region of Nigeria, in order to determine their coping strategies. Between July and December 2008, 322 caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS attending HIV clinic of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital were randomly assessed for stress (anxiety and depression), using Zungs Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20). A total of 293 caregivers comprising 98 (33.4%) males and 195 (66.6%) females were analysed. Mean age of males was 44.0±4.5 years and females was 39.3±4.0 years. The difference in the mean was statistically significant (p<0.001). Of the 293 caregivers, 191 (65.2%) and 115 (39.2%) were scored high on SDS and SRQ-20, respectively (representing the levels of stress). Using SDS groups on SRQ-20 subscales, 134 (45.7%) had anxiety only, 23 (7.8%) depression only, 52 (17.7%) had a mixture of anxiety and depression, while 11 (3.7%) exhibited suicidal tendencies. There is increasing level of stress in caregiving. Therefore, adequate attention must be given to the psychological well-being of caregivers to enable them contribute positively to the care of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Quality of life in people living with HIV/AIDS in Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Background: Despite the global efforts and huge financial investment in HIV/AIDS, the quality of life in people living with the disease continues to deteriorate, posing serious problems with increased mortality. Aim: The objectives of the study were: (i) to assess the quality of life in people living with HIV/AIDS, and (ii) to compare quality of life in males and females living with the disease. Methods: A total of 309 people living with HIV/AIDS from the HIV clinic, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital were randomly assessed for quality of life, using HIV/AIDS-Targeted Quality of life (HAT-QOL) questionnaire. Results: A total of 265 (85.8%) respondents consisting of 113 (36.6%) males and 152 (49.2%) females were analyzed. The mean age for males was 36.8 ± 4.0 years and females 31.9 ± 3.3 years. The difference in mean was statistically significant (t = 31.831, p < 0.01), occupation was statistically significant (χ2 = 11.348, p < 0.02). Females showed lower quality of life in comparable domains than males. The differences in life satisfaction (χ2 = 10.362, p < 0.01) and health worries (χ2 = 9.944, p < 0.01) were statistically significant. Conclusion: The results showed impairment in quality of life, except in medication worries and sexual function in people living with HIV/AIDS. Improvement in HAT-QoL indices will enhance positive quality of life.

Quality of life in patients with erectile dysfunction in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria

Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) in men is increasingly becoming a major problem worldwide. The damaging effects on the psyche and the anxiety regarding sexual performance and overall life satisfaction could be irreversible. Aims The objective of this study was to compare domains of quality of life (QOL) in men with ED in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in order to determine the contextual social variables. Method. In a cross-sectional study, 400 male patients attending the general outpatient clinic between January and March 2009 were randomly assessed for ED and QOL, using abridged version of the International Index of Erectile function and the World Health Organization Quality of life instrument. Results A total of 166 (41.7%) subjects suffered from ED, 80 (48.2%) from medical illness, 56 (33.7%) from surgical problems and 30 (18.1%) from undiagnosed problems. Social relationships and psychological health indices of QOL were severely impaired in men with ED than the general, overall, physical and environmental health. Conclusion An inference from this study suggests that sexual function promotes psychological well-being as well as interpersonal relationships. Therefore, monitoring these indices of QOL in men with ED is important to boost their confidence and self-esteem needed for a better QOL.

Demographic Risk Factors in Domestic Violence Among Pregnant Women in Uyo, a Community in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

There has been increasing global concern about the level of violence against pregnant women. Anecdotal evidence from general observations shows that there may be higher prevalence in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Unfortunately, in spite of the emerging and alarming social indicators for violence against women in the area, little effort has been made to address this dangerous trend. One major concern has been the effects of violence on pregnancy and the difficulty in protecting the pregnant women, since managing violence is often unsuccessful. There is therefore the need to evaluate the magnitude, as well as the risk factors for violence and the sociodemographic characteristics of the women, for purposes of prevention.

A comparative study of aggression amongst Nigerian University students in Niger Delta region

There is genuine concern over social violence and aggression among youths in many countries. Despite considerable efforts directed toward molding the pattern of model behavior, frequent disturbances and various antisocial vices among youths in our environment may be due to failure to acknowledge the risk factors associated with aggression. The objective of this study was to assess the level of aggressive traits among students in higher institutions, as well as identifying the possible predictive factors. Using a two-stage random sampling method, 515 fifteen students, comprising 306 from arts and 209 from medicine faculties, University of Uyo were screened for aggressive traits; using Buss-Perry Aggression (BPAQ) Questionnaire. A total of 306 arts students and 209 medical students fully completed the questionnaire. Among the arts students, 127 (41.5%) were males and 179 (58.5%) females. Similarly, of the 209 medical students, 143 (68.4%) were males and 66 (31.6%) females. The mean age for arts students was 28.7 years (SD = 7.9); while that of medical students was 23.6 years (SD = 4.9). The difference in the mean was statistically significant (t = 8.15, P = 0.001). A total of 139 (45 .4%) of arts students showed abnormal overall score for aggression as against 74 (35.4%) of medical students. This difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 5.139, P = 0.01). There was also significant difference in the physical and verbal aggression subscales as 123 (40.2%) of arts against 53 (25.4%) medical students showed physical aggression (χ2 = 12.15, P = 0.001), while 82 (26.8%) against 109 (52.2%) showed verbal aggression (χ2 = 34.218, P = 0.001). Verbal aggression was positively correlated with female students; males have 2.98 odds ratio of being aggressive (P = 0.001). There is a high level of aggressive traits among students in higher institutions of learning. This can manifest in behaviors and vices capable of disturbing public peace and academic activities in schools. Therefore, there is need to curb aggression in order to create conducive learning environment and maintain societal norms.

Overweight and obesity profiles in Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Abstract Introduction Overweight and obesity are global public health problems because of their effect on individuals, families and communities. The objective of this study was to describe the profile of overweight and obesity amongst adult outpatients in Uyo in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Method This was a cross-sectional descriptive study done between October 2011 and March 2012. Using a systematic sampling technique, 584 subjects aged 18–65 years were recruited; data were collected with a structured questionnaire. Subjects were measured for height, weight, waist and hip circumferences. Body mass index (BMI) and waist–hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. Subjects with a BMI of 25.0 kg/m2 – 29.9 kg/m2 were regarded as being overweight whilst a BMI of > 30.0 kg/m2 was regarded as obese. Subjects with a WHR of > 0.90 for men or > 0.85 for women were regarded as having abnormal WHR. Results Of the 584 subjects, 196 (36.6%) were men and 388 (66.4%) women. The mean age for men and women was 43.3 ± 17.8 years and 50.2 ± 13.6 years, respectively. The prevalence of overweight amongst men was 39.8% versus 31.7% for women; obesity in men was 28.0% versus 52.0% in women. Overweight and obesity were more prevalent in subjects aged 25–54 years and amongst married subjects. There was a significant relationship between obesity and television viewing (p = 0.003). Hypertension (p = 0.008) and osteoarthropathies (p = 0.043) were more prevalent amongst the obese than the non-obese subjects. Conclusion Overweight and obesity are now common in our environment. There is therefore a need for more public education about the health consequences of big body size.

Violence against mental health staff: a survey in a Nigerian psychiatric hospital

Aims and method A survey was conducted to investigate physical assaults against mental health staff of a Nigerian psychiatric hospital in a 12-month period and also during their working career in the hospital retrospectively using a questionnaire method. Results In total, 101 out of 120 questionnaires were completed (response rate 84.2%). Within the period of their employment in the hospital 49.5% of staff had been physically assaulted at least once, and over the previous 12 months 33.7% had been physically assaulted. Nursing staff (82.3%) were more frequently assaulted than doctors, most often during routine assessment of patients (44.3%). In total, 88% of staff sustained injuries requiring medical attention. Vulnerability to assaults was not associated with attending a course on prevention and management of psychiatric patient violence. Clinical implications Assaults by patients against mental health staff, especially nurses, are quite widespread in Nigeria. There is a need to formulate policies on prevention and management of violence in people with mental disorders in Nigerian psychiatric hospitals.

Perceived sexual attitudes and HIV/AIDS-health seeking behaviours of people living in the fishing community of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Background: Despite the tremendous efforts made to reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS in many countries, there are still gaps in the control of spread of HIV-infection in Nigeria, especially in the coastal areas due to inappropriate life style and preference for traditional care of people living with the disease. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the sexual attitudes and HIV/AIDS-healthcare seeking behaviours of people living in the fishing community of Okposo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 600 people living in the fishing community, who were assessed for perceived sexual attitudes and HIV/AID-health care seeking behaviours, using Attitude and Sexual Behaviour Questionnaire. Results: Of the 600 participants, 339 (56.5%) were males and 261 (43.5%) females. Inspite of the Original Research Article Abasiubong and Idung; BJMMR, 7(12): 1006-1016, 2015; Article no.BJMMR.2015.416 1007 increasing awareness of the existence of HIV/AIDS, sexual attitudes were variable and inimical to the fight against the disease; sexual urge was high; 27.7% males and 15.3% females had at least two or more sexual partners; 13.8% males and 10.8% females hardly used condom during sexual intercourse, while 15.5% males and 18.8% females would not undergo HIV testing. Perception on the cause and mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS were poor. Perceived efficacy, confidentiality, affordability and accessibility were reasons for choice of traditional care; about 61.0% of the participants would not attend to infected individuals because of fear of being infected with the virus. Conclusion: This study has shown that a lot still need to be done in Nigeria, especially in areas with difficult terrain to reverse the trend of HIV/AIDS. Massive enlightenment campaigns are necessary to serve as continuous efforts to increase and maintain high levels of motivation for lifestyle modification.

Complementary And Alternative Medicine Use Among Hiv- Infected Patient's On Anti-Retroviral Therapy In The Niger Delta Region, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Since the first case of HIV/AIDS was reported in Nigeria in 1986, HIV/AIDS has continued to penetrate the fabrics of all sectors of the Nigerian population. The plight of HIV/AIDS patients in Nigeria is made worse by inadequate supply of anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs. METHODS: A prospective study was done between April and October 2013. Using a systematic sampling technique, 290 adult consenting male and female HIV/AIDS patients aged between 18 and 69 years who were on ARV drugs were recruited. They were assessed for use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) along with ARV drugs. Two research assistants assisted in data collection in a rural hospital using a semistructured questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 290 subjects recruited, 259 (89.3%) had their data analyzed, while data for 31 (10.7%) subjects were discarded due to incomplete information. Subjects consisted of 101(39.0%) males and 158(61.0%) females. Of the 101 males 50(19.3%) used CAM; compared to 100(38.6%) females who also used CAM (p= 0.028). The mean age of CAM users was 34.39 (sd=10-62) years. Subjects between 29 and 49 years constituted the largest number of HIV- infected respondents who also used CAM. Subjects in the low income cadre patronized CAM more than those in the middle or higher income cadre (p=0.004). Herbal products were the most preferred CAM used by subjects in this study (31.7%); and was followed by faith and prayer healing (14.7%). Five (1.9%) subjects drank urine as a form of therapy. Most subjects in this study preferred CAM because of the naturalness of their source and also because of concern that ARV drugs alone may not effectively manage their HIV/AIDS infection. CONCLUSIONS: CAM use is high among HIV/AIDS patients on ARV drugs in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Because of the possible risks of interactions following the concurrent use of CAM and ARV drugs, care givers involved in the care of HIV/AIDS patients should be vigilant in this regard.