Omoyemi Olubunmi Ogwumike

Health-related and socio-demographic correlates of physical activity level amongst urban menopausal women in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the physical activity (PA) level of Nigerian women aged 40-60 years and examine possible association between the PA level and some health-related and socio-demographic variables. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of 547 women in which a purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants in urban centers of three states from three geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-short form, was used to assess PA level. A self-administered 13-item semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain health-related (menopausal status, perceived health status, health problems, menopausal symptoms) and socio-demographic (age, marital status, educational level, occupation, personal income) information from participants. Chi-square and logistic-regression analysis were used to assess association between PA level and these variables. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 49.21±5.2 years, comprising 184 (33.6%) premenopausal, 129 (23.6%) perimenopausal and 234 (42.8%) postmenopausal women. Most of the women in the three menopausal groups reported moderate PA level. No significant association was observed between PA level and menopausal status (P=0.348), health problems (P=0.079) or any of the menopausal symptoms and age-group (P=0.381) of the women. PA level had a direct significant association with perceived health status (P=0.001) and educational level (P=0.000). CONCLUSION Menopausal women in Nigeria reported a moderate PA level. Self-perception of good health, having secondary/post-secondary education, were directly associated with not being of a low PA level.

Physical inactivity is associated with low self efficacy and social support among patients with hypertension in Nigeria

Background Physical inactivity is a major factor in the development of many chronic illnesses, including hypertension. Evidence highlighting links among physical activity participation and psychosocial constructs such as self efficacy, social support and perceived barriers among hypertensive patients in the Nigerian population is scarce. This study explored the associations between physical activity and each of self efficacy, social support and perceived barriers. Methods Two hundred and twelve patients receiving treatment in two tertiary health institutions located in Ekiti State, Nigeria were surveyed cross-sectionally. Physical activity level, self efficacy, social support and perceived barriers were measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale, Medical Outcomes Social Support Scale and Exercise Benefits and Barrier Scale respectively. Results Level of physical activity was significantly associated with self efficacy (rs = 0.67, p < 0.01,  = 0.45) and social support (rs = 0.80, p < 0.01,  = 0.64), with most participants (56.1%) being physically inactive. However, no association was found between physical activity level and perceived barriers (rs = 0.07, p > 0.01,  = 0.005). Conclusion Most of the hypertensive patients presented with low levels of physical activity. Physical activity was associated with psychosocial constructs including self efficacy and social support but not with perceived barriers.

Children with paralytic poliomyelitis: a cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of parents in Zamfara state, Nigeria

BackgroundNigeria is one of the major African countries in which incidences of polio infection persist in spite of several eradication efforts. The preponderance of paralytic poliomyelitis particularly in the northern part of Nigeria raises the question as to whether parents of children affected with polio know how polio is contracted and spread, whether having a disabled child affects the parents’ attitude towards these children, and what they believe about poliomyelitis in view of their socio-cultural and belief system in the sub-region. Zamfara State, in the north-west of Nigeria is one of the endemic areas where resistance to the global campaign on polio eradication was very high. Therefore this study was conducted to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of parents/primary caregivers of children affected with paralytic poliomyelitis in Zamfara State.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional survey in which the multistage probability sampling technique was used to randomly select two local government areas in Zamfara State where consenting parents/primary caregivers of children with paralytic poliomyelitis were purposively selected. The knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of parents were assessed with the aid of a 4-part 52-item structured researcher administered questionnaire and the data obtained were analyzed.ResultsTwo hundred and seventeen parents/primary caregivers participated in the study. One hundred and forty-two, (65.4%) reported good, 51 (23.8%) reported fair, while 24 (11%) of participants reported poor knowledge of paralytic poliomyelitis. More respondents 120 (55.3%) showed a positive attitude towards children with paralytic poliomyelitis. Younger age (P=0.016) and paid employment (P=0.020) were positively associated with good knowledge of paralytic poliomyelitis. Female gender (P=0.020), higher educational level (P=0.015), being employed (P=0.010) and having from middle to high household income (P=0.016) were positively associated with a positive attitude toward children with paralytic poliomyelitis. Most respondents showed a reasonable belief over the cause of their children’s condition rather than the erroneous traditional belief that paralytic poliomyelitis is caused by spirit forces.ConclusionsIt is of great concern that the good knowledge, positive attitude and reasonable belief by parents/primary caregivers about paralytic poliomyelitis observed in this study did not play a prominent role in preventing susceptibility of children in north-west Nigeria to paralytic poliomyelitis. It is imperative that Nigerian policy makers should device more strategic measures toward the prevention of paralytic poliomyelitis in this sub region.

The SPLASH/ICPC integrity marathon in Ibadan, Nigeria: incidence and management of injuries and marathon-related health problems

BackgroundThe growing interest in marathon runners and marathons in Nigeria has not been reflected in reports of injuries and other health problems associated with these events. This study therefore outlines the incidence of injuries, marathon-related health problems and delivery of physiotherapy at the maiden and second editions of the Splash 105.5 FM/ICPC Integrity Marathon in Ibadan city, south-west Nigeria in 2009 and 2010.MethodsUsing a data entry sheet, demographics and information on running experience, past and present injuries and other health problems reported en route and at the finish line by the runners were documented. The prevalence of injuries and other health problems reported by previous and first-time runners were compared.ResultsIn both events, 16.3% and 17.2% of the runners respectively reported injuries with significant occurrence in first-time runners (p = 0.003 for 2009; p = 0.002 for 2010) mostly at the finish line. The reported injury type and site were muscle cramps and the thigh (39.7% and 76.4% respectively). Heat exhaustion was reported by 42.8% of runners in 2009 and 56.3% in 2010. Cryotherapy was mostly used in combination with other physiotherapy modalities in both years.ConclusionMost of the injuries and other health problems were reported by first-time marathon runners mainly at the finish line. The most reported site of injury was the thigh while muscle cramps and heat exhaustions were the most reported types of injuries and health problems. First-time marathon runners should be adequately informed of the predisposition to injury during marathons and adequate body conditioning should be emphasized. Ample preparation and effective involvement of the physiotherapy team is essential for management of injured runners en route and at the finish line in a marathon.

An Analysis of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Butchers in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Background Butchering is often associated with high rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). However, published work on the prevalence of WRMSDs among butchers in Nigeria is scarce. This is important because meat processing practices differ across geographical and cultural locations. This study was therefore aimed at analyzing WRMSDs among butchers in Kano metropolis. Methods Sociodemographic and work-settings information was obtained from 102 male cattle butchers (age, 37.49 ± 11.68 years) through survey. Information on the prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal disorders was obtained from the respondents using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Additional information on health seeking practices was also obtained using a pro forma. Associations between the prevalence of WRMSDs and each of the sociodemographic data and work settings were explored using Chi-square analysis. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The 12-month and point prevalence rates of WRMSDs among butchers in this study were 88.2% and 74.5%, respectively. Whereas lower back complaints (66.7%) were the overall and lower body quadrants most commonly reported WRMSDs among the butchers surveyed, wrist/hand complaints were the leading upper quadrants (45.1%) most commonly reported WRMSDs among the respondents. There were significant associations between age and majority of WRMSDs in the body regions. Only 23.3% of the 90 individuals who had WRMSD visited the hospital to seek redress for their WRMSD. Conclusion The prevalence of WRMSDs is high among butchers in Kano Metropolis. Few individuals with WRMSD utilize healthcare facilities. Age is a major risk factor in this setting.

Perceived barriers to physical activity among Nigerian stroke survivors.

Introduction Benefits of physical activity in the prevention and management of stroke are well documented in the literature. There is increasing evidence that stroke survivors in South-West Nigeria are physically inactive. Data on barriers to the achievement of the recommended physical activity levels including its differences along socio-demographic characteristics among stroke survivors in South-West Nigeria are needed. Methods The Exercise Benefits and Barrier Scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered on 121 stroke survivors to determine their perceived barriers to physical activity and physical activity levels respectively. Information on socio-demographic data and clinical variables were also collected. Results The sample included 70.2% males, with majority of the participants reporting low physical activity levels (80.2%) and high perceived barriers (Mean = 48.13, SD = 7.88). The four most reported common barriers among stroke survivors were access to exercise facilities (95.0%), being embarrassed to exercise (94.2%), economic cost demands of exercise (94.2%) and notion that people in exercise clothes look funny (94.2%) respectively. There were no significant differences found in barriers to physical activity between gender (U= 1471.00, P= 0.74) and across each of: occupational status (H= 4.37, P = 0.22), age group (H= 0.82, P= 0.84) and educational levels (H= 4.56, P= 0.33). Significant difference however existed in perceived barriers across marital status categories (H = 12.87, P= 0.05) Conclusion Stroke survivors indicated high perceived barriers to physical activity and these barriers were associated with marital status.

Psychosocial adversities and depression in mothers of children with cerebral palsy in Nigeria

This study was aimed at examining possible correlation of psychosocial adversities with depression in mothers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Nigeria. The cross-sectional survey involved 45 consenting mothers of children with CP attending physiotherapy clinics of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, the Federal Medical Center and King Fahd Ibn Abdul-Aziz Women and Children Hospital Gusau, Nigeria. The psychosocial adversities scale (PAS) was used to assess psychosocial adversity while depression was measured with the patient health questionnaire depression scale. The mean age of the mothers was 32.0 ± 5.0 yr and that of their children was 2.4 ± 1.5 yr. Spearmans rank order correlation showed a significant positive correlation between PAS and patient health questionnaire depression scale scores (r = 0.4; P = 0.006). Significant associations (P < 0.001) were found between depression and each item on the PAS, i.e. separated household, problem with extended family, lack of confidants, feeling of loneliness and isolation of mother. Logistic regression analysis indicated negligible risk of depression for mothers with low educational status (odds ratio = 0.4; 95% confidence interval = 0.08–1.1; P = 0.08). The depression risk was more than fourteen-fold in mothers whose husbands earned low incomes (odds ratio = 14.6; 95% confidence interval = 2.6–82.1 P = 0.002). Psychosocial adversities are significantly associated with depression in mothers of children with CP. Poor marital relationships (separated household and problem with extended family) and inadequate social interaction (feeling of loneliness and lack of confidants) were the most important psychosocial stressors associated with depression among mothers of children with CP in Nigeria.

Psychosocial impact of caring for children with cerebral palsy on the family in a developing country

Having a child with cerebral palsy (CP) in developing countries of the world is particularly burdensome. This study investigated psychosocial impact on the family caring for a child with CP, examined possible association of severity of gross motor function impairment on the psychosocial impact and compared impact scores of families with CP child with that of fam- ilies with no CP child. Participants consisted of 117 parents/caregivers of children with CP and 117 parents/caregivers of children without CP whose children attended purposively selected secondary and tertiary health institutions in South-West region of Nigeria. Impact on family (IOF) scale was used to assess psychosocial impact while gross motor function classification system for CP was used to rate severity of motor function impairment in children with CP. Participants were mostly of low income 59 (25.2%) and middle income 85 (36.3%) categories. Children were mostly in the 1−3 year age range 116 (49.6%). Birth asphyxia was most reported cause of CP and no social support service was reported. Significantly higher mean subscale and total IOF scores were observed in families with CP child (37.4 ± 8.91) compared with families with no CP child (20.8 ± 4.98) P = 0.000. Significant differences did not exist in mean total IOF scores and severity of motor function impairment in children with CP (P = 0.16). Presence of a child with CP imposes tremendous psychosocial challenges on the family irrespective of severity of motor function impairment. Implementation of an effective and accessible social support system by Nigerian policy makers is imper- ative.

Musculoskeletal pain among postmenopausal women in Nigeria: Association with overall and central obesity

Background: Menopausal women experience musculoskeletal changes such as muscle atrophy, muscle weakness and osteoporosis—symptoms associated with advancing age coupled with depletion of the female sex hormone, estrogen. Estrogen is important in the maintenance of the integrity of the musculoskeletal system and its reduction in the circulation due to menopausal transition results in reduced resting metabolic rate, lowered energy expenditure, increase in fat mass, and central adipose tissue accumulation. Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) in postmenopausal women (PMW) in Nigeria. We examined the association of overall and central obesity with complaints of MSP and the screening potential of obesity measures for risk of musculoskeletal problems among PMW in Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of MSP in 310 PMW in Ibadan, Nigeria. MSP was assessed using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and overall and central obesity were assessed using body mass index (BMI), waist/height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference, and waist/hip ratio. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression models with the probability level at p = 0.05. Results: Participants were of the modal age group (51–60 years). The highest prevalence rates of MSP were in the lower extremity (189; 61.0%) and the back (164; 52.9%). A direct association was observed between the categories of BMI and lower extremity symptoms (p < 0.05), and the categories of WHtR and waist circumference were associated with back and lower extremity symptoms (p < 0.05). Postmenopausal women had greater odds of reporting MSP across various classes of BMI. WHtR revealed the greatest odds for back (odds ratio = 1.70, 95% confidence interval 1.07–2.75) and lower extremity symptoms (odds ratio = 2.33, 95% confidence interval 1.44–3.78). Conclusion: Lower extremity and back pain symptoms were the most prevalent. For overall and central obesity directly associated with MSP, WHtR seemed the best obesity screening tool for MSP in postmenopausal women.

Translation of the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire Into Hausa Language

Background: Self-report measures of fear-avoidance beliefs are widely used in clinical practice and research. To date there is no Hausa version of the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). This is important as the Hausa language is a widely spoken language in West Africa. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to translate and validate the Hausa version of the FABQ in patients with non-specific neck pain. Methods: Two independent bilingual Hausa translators translated the English version of the FABQ into Hausa which was thereafter back translated by one independent bilingual translator. A professional expert panel revised the translations to produce a consensus version. The psychometric testing of the final translated instrument was investigated by surveying 54 Hausa speaking patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. Cross-sectional construct validity was evaluated by comparing Hausa Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ-H) with the English version of the FABQ. Internal consistency of the FABQ-H was examined by Cronbach alpha by comparing the scores between the FABQ-H and its subscales. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by administering the Hausa version twice. Results: The translated Hausa version of FABQ proved to be acceptable. The FABQ-H showed strong correlations (r=0.94, p=0.000) with the original English version. There was also high internal consistency between the FABQ-H and its subscales (physical activity component-α=0.88, p=0.000 and work component- α=0.94, p= 0.000). The FABQ-H also showed a high test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient =0.98). Conclusion: The FABQ-H demonstrated excellent psychometric properties similar to other existing versions. The FABQ-H is recommended for clinical practice.