Congenital anomalies, including those of the central nervous system (CNS), are among the leading ... more Congenital anomalies, including those of the central nervous system (CNS), are among the leading causes of morbidity, mortality, and fetal loss. To determine the prevalence and associated factors of CNS congenital anomalies in children. A cross-sectional retrospective study of children managed with CNS anomalies was undertaken. Relevant clinical data of identified cases based on standard case definitions were retrieved from their case record files. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 while the level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Seventy-two cases of CNS anomalies were identified over the period under review; out of 7329 total pediatric admissions giving a prevalence of 0.98%. Spina bifida cystica, 49 (68.0%) was the most common of the five anomalies seen followed by congenital hydrocephalus 11 (15.3%). Fifty-seven (79.2%) of the mothers did not take periconceptional folic acid supplementation (P < 0.05) whereas 25 (34.7%), 6 (8.3%), and 1 (1.4%) reported hist...
Psycho-active substance use among adolescents is a national and global problem and its attendant ... more Psycho-active substance use among adolescents is a national and global problem and its attendant effects on adolescents cannot be overemphasized. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence and pattern of psychoactive substance use among adolescents; the substances involved and the extent of the problem in this locale. This is a cross-sectional study that assesses the pattern of psychoactive substance use among secondary school adolescents in Enugu, south East, Nigeria. The study was carried out among adolescents attending six secondary boarding schools in Enugu metropolis of Enugu State of Nigeria. The WHO Student Drug Use Questionnaire was adapted for this study. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program (SPSS), version 17. Chi-square and multivariate regression were used as a test of significance for qualitative variables. A p-value less than 0.05 were accepted as significant for each statistical test. Out of 900, a total of 896 respondents, comprising 400 and 82 boys (482) (53.8Â %) and 400 and 14 girls (414) (46.2Â %) completed the questionnaires. This gave a response rate of 99.6Â %. The study revealed that the prevalence of current use for psychoactive substances ranges from 0.4 to 34.9Â % while that for life use ranges from 0.8 to 63.5Â %. The least being cannabis and the most being kola nuts. Kola nut is the most widely used psychoactive substance both for current use, past year use and the respondents&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; life time use. It shows a lifetime prevalence of 63.5Â % and a current use prevalence of 34.9Â %. More than half of the users of each of the psychoactive substances take it occasionally, using them on 1-5Â days in a month. On the other hand, almost one-quarter of the users of each of the substances take it on 20 or more days in a month. The study revealed that the prevalence of current use for psychoactive substances ranges from 0.4 to 34.9Â % while that for life use ranges from 0.8 to 63.5Â %. The least being cannabis and the most being kola nuts.
It is a documented fact that upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is more of a viral illness.... more It is a documented fact that upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is more of a viral illness. This study aims at documenting the prevalence of the use of unprescribed antibiotics in children aged &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;5 years with upper respiratory symptomatology. Four hundred twenty-three mother-child pairs were enrolled for this study. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were used to find association between use of unprescribed antibiotics and variables of interest. The prevalence of unprescribed antibiotics in children aged &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;5 years in the management of URTI is 75.9%. The antibiotics abuse was commoner in older children with URTI (45.9% in children aged 12-24 months) and among mothers with higher educational attainment. Antibiotics abuse among mothers is high. Government, through its responsible agencies, should enforce stricter control or outrightly stop sale of antibiotics over-the-counter to prevent the dreaded antibiotics resistance.
Depression among adolescents is an uncommon and frequently unrecognized issue in pediatrics. Chil... more Depression among adolescents is an uncommon and frequently unrecognized issue in pediatrics. Children and adolescents however suffer from both depression and associated symptoms. The study was carried out among adolescents in secondary schools from two states; Enugu and Ebonyi metropolises within the age range of 9-18 in Enugu metropolis. The instrument employed for data collection was a structured self-administered questionnaire developed from the Goldberg Depression Questionnaire, a Screening Test for Depression. It is particularly suited for students in this age group. The families were assigned socio-economic classes using the recommended method (modified) by Oyedeji. The aims and objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of several levels of depression among adolescents attending secondary schools in two states. A total of 453 adolescents who are attending secondary schools from two states were recruited in this study. Depression is non-existent before the age of 10 years according to this study. The prevalence of moderate depression was lowest (2.3%) at the age of 10 and highest at (6.2%) the age of 13. The prevalence of severe depression was lowest (1.9%) at the age of 11 and highest (7.4%) at the age of 12. Female gender is a risk factor for depression. Children whose parents are separated showed higher incidences of depression in all the spectra studied. Adolescents exhibit different levels of depression with a female preponderance.
We report a case of Condylomata acuminata (CA) in an infant, a rare presentation of a fleshy, pai... more We report a case of Condylomata acuminata (CA) in an infant, a rare presentation of a fleshy, painful, soft and grayish mass (warts). In presenting this report, we wish to highlight the distinctive manifestation of CA and to provide a concise report of this disorder in infancy with the hope that such information will aid early recognition and treatment of this condition, especially in infancy and children. It needs to be mentioned that a high index of suscipicion should to be maintained to be able to make this diagnosis in early life.
Introduction: The term collodion baby refers to a clinical entity noted in newborns who are enmes... more Introduction: The term collodion baby refers to a clinical entity noted in newborns who are enmeshed by a translucent, corni-fied substance like sheets of uni-form texture so called (collodion membrane) which gives the whole body surface a varnished appear-ance. Although, some other dis-eases and conditions may lead to collodion membrane formation, in almost all the cases the cause is an autosomal recessive ichthyosi-form disease. Case Presentation: The first three cases are all from a consanguine-ously married couple of Fulani decent. The abnormal appearances of the babies' skin were all no-ticed at birth. Parents are first cousins. The last case is a female born at GA of 40wks through emergency caesarian section due to poor progress of labor. She was admitted into the Newborn with abnormal skin. These series are crucial so as to enable the pediatrician have a high index of suspicion of its existence and to be equipped with the skills to tackle the numerous complica-tions that ...
The Government of Enugu State plans to offer free perinatal services at the primary health care (... more The Government of Enugu State plans to offer free perinatal services at the primary health care (PHC) centers in order to improve perinatal outcomes in the state, but it was not clear whether there are skilled birth attendants (SBAs) at the PHC level to implement the program. To determine whether there are sufficient numbers of SBAs in the public PHC system in Enugu State of Nigeria. This cross-sectional survey involved enumeration of health workers who worked at each public PHC facility in Enugu State and included verification of the qualifications and trainings of each health worker. Data analysis was performed with the help of Stata statistical package version 13 and results were presented in tables and as simple proportions. There were 55 nurses and no midwife or doctor in the 152 PHC clinics studied. This number represents 0.36 nurses per health facility or about 9% (i.e., 55/608) of a minimum of 608 SBAs required for 24-h perinatal services at the 152 PHC clinics. There were 1...
Annals of medical and health sciences research, 2011
Neonatal malaria was thought to be uncommon, even in malaria endemic areas. Neonates with febrile... more Neonatal malaria was thought to be uncommon, even in malaria endemic areas. Neonates with febrile illness and / or related symptoms are often presumed to have neonatal septicaemia and examination of blood films for malaria parasites is rarely included in the initial work-up of these babies. To determine the existence, or otherwise, and the clinical features of malaria in neonates with clinical features suggestive of septicaemia. In a prospective study, all consecutive babies admitted in the neonatal unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital over an eighth month period with an initial diagnosis of neonatal septicaemia were screened for malaria in addition to an extensive sepsis work-up. Malaria parasitaemia was diagnosed on Giemsa stained blood smears. One hundred and five babies admitted in the neonatal unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital, The Gambia with an initial diagnosis of neonatal septicaemia were studied. Fourteen (13.3%) of these babies had positive blood smears for malaria paras...
This is a retrospective study of the demographic features, treatment and outcome of 28 cases of s... more This is a retrospective study of the demographic features, treatment and outcome of 28 cases of snake bite admitted to the department of paediatrics of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia over a 3-year period. The age range was 2-14 years and the male:female ratio was 2.1:1. Most bites were on the legs and occurred near home. Most snake bites presented early at hospital and marked swelling of the affected limb was the most common clinical sign. Shock, restlessness and regional adenitis of the affected limb were common in children who died. The case fatality rate was 14.3%. Most children did not receive specific antivenom therapy.
Congenital anomalies, including those of the central nervous system (CNS), are among the leading ... more Congenital anomalies, including those of the central nervous system (CNS), are among the leading causes of morbidity, mortality, and fetal loss. To determine the prevalence and associated factors of CNS congenital anomalies in children. A cross-sectional retrospective study of children managed with CNS anomalies was undertaken. Relevant clinical data of identified cases based on standard case definitions were retrieved from their case record files. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 while the level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Seventy-two cases of CNS anomalies were identified over the period under review; out of 7329 total pediatric admissions giving a prevalence of 0.98%. Spina bifida cystica, 49 (68.0%) was the most common of the five anomalies seen followed by congenital hydrocephalus 11 (15.3%). Fifty-seven (79.2%) of the mothers did not take periconceptional folic acid supplementation (P < 0.05) whereas 25 (34.7%), 6 (8.3%), and 1 (1.4%) reported hist...
Psycho-active substance use among adolescents is a national and global problem and its attendant ... more Psycho-active substance use among adolescents is a national and global problem and its attendant effects on adolescents cannot be overemphasized. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence and pattern of psychoactive substance use among adolescents; the substances involved and the extent of the problem in this locale. This is a cross-sectional study that assesses the pattern of psychoactive substance use among secondary school adolescents in Enugu, south East, Nigeria. The study was carried out among adolescents attending six secondary boarding schools in Enugu metropolis of Enugu State of Nigeria. The WHO Student Drug Use Questionnaire was adapted for this study. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program (SPSS), version 17. Chi-square and multivariate regression were used as a test of significance for qualitative variables. A p-value less than 0.05 were accepted as significant for each statistical test. Out of 900, a total of 896 respondents, comprising 400 and 82 boys (482) (53.8Â %) and 400 and 14 girls (414) (46.2Â %) completed the questionnaires. This gave a response rate of 99.6Â %. The study revealed that the prevalence of current use for psychoactive substances ranges from 0.4 to 34.9Â % while that for life use ranges from 0.8 to 63.5Â %. The least being cannabis and the most being kola nuts. Kola nut is the most widely used psychoactive substance both for current use, past year use and the respondents&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; life time use. It shows a lifetime prevalence of 63.5Â % and a current use prevalence of 34.9Â %. More than half of the users of each of the psychoactive substances take it occasionally, using them on 1-5Â days in a month. On the other hand, almost one-quarter of the users of each of the substances take it on 20 or more days in a month. The study revealed that the prevalence of current use for psychoactive substances ranges from 0.4 to 34.9Â % while that for life use ranges from 0.8 to 63.5Â %. The least being cannabis and the most being kola nuts.
It is a documented fact that upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is more of a viral illness.... more It is a documented fact that upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is more of a viral illness. This study aims at documenting the prevalence of the use of unprescribed antibiotics in children aged &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;5 years with upper respiratory symptomatology. Four hundred twenty-three mother-child pairs were enrolled for this study. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were used to find association between use of unprescribed antibiotics and variables of interest. The prevalence of unprescribed antibiotics in children aged &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;5 years in the management of URTI is 75.9%. The antibiotics abuse was commoner in older children with URTI (45.9% in children aged 12-24 months) and among mothers with higher educational attainment. Antibiotics abuse among mothers is high. Government, through its responsible agencies, should enforce stricter control or outrightly stop sale of antibiotics over-the-counter to prevent the dreaded antibiotics resistance.
Depression among adolescents is an uncommon and frequently unrecognized issue in pediatrics. Chil... more Depression among adolescents is an uncommon and frequently unrecognized issue in pediatrics. Children and adolescents however suffer from both depression and associated symptoms. The study was carried out among adolescents in secondary schools from two states; Enugu and Ebonyi metropolises within the age range of 9-18 in Enugu metropolis. The instrument employed for data collection was a structured self-administered questionnaire developed from the Goldberg Depression Questionnaire, a Screening Test for Depression. It is particularly suited for students in this age group. The families were assigned socio-economic classes using the recommended method (modified) by Oyedeji. The aims and objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of several levels of depression among adolescents attending secondary schools in two states. A total of 453 adolescents who are attending secondary schools from two states were recruited in this study. Depression is non-existent before the age of 10 years according to this study. The prevalence of moderate depression was lowest (2.3%) at the age of 10 and highest at (6.2%) the age of 13. The prevalence of severe depression was lowest (1.9%) at the age of 11 and highest (7.4%) at the age of 12. Female gender is a risk factor for depression. Children whose parents are separated showed higher incidences of depression in all the spectra studied. Adolescents exhibit different levels of depression with a female preponderance.
We report a case of Condylomata acuminata (CA) in an infant, a rare presentation of a fleshy, pai... more We report a case of Condylomata acuminata (CA) in an infant, a rare presentation of a fleshy, painful, soft and grayish mass (warts). In presenting this report, we wish to highlight the distinctive manifestation of CA and to provide a concise report of this disorder in infancy with the hope that such information will aid early recognition and treatment of this condition, especially in infancy and children. It needs to be mentioned that a high index of suscipicion should to be maintained to be able to make this diagnosis in early life.
Introduction: The term collodion baby refers to a clinical entity noted in newborns who are enmes... more Introduction: The term collodion baby refers to a clinical entity noted in newborns who are enmeshed by a translucent, corni-fied substance like sheets of uni-form texture so called (collodion membrane) which gives the whole body surface a varnished appear-ance. Although, some other dis-eases and conditions may lead to collodion membrane formation, in almost all the cases the cause is an autosomal recessive ichthyosi-form disease. Case Presentation: The first three cases are all from a consanguine-ously married couple of Fulani decent. The abnormal appearances of the babies' skin were all no-ticed at birth. Parents are first cousins. The last case is a female born at GA of 40wks through emergency caesarian section due to poor progress of labor. She was admitted into the Newborn with abnormal skin. These series are crucial so as to enable the pediatrician have a high index of suspicion of its existence and to be equipped with the skills to tackle the numerous complica-tions that ...
The Government of Enugu State plans to offer free perinatal services at the primary health care (... more The Government of Enugu State plans to offer free perinatal services at the primary health care (PHC) centers in order to improve perinatal outcomes in the state, but it was not clear whether there are skilled birth attendants (SBAs) at the PHC level to implement the program. To determine whether there are sufficient numbers of SBAs in the public PHC system in Enugu State of Nigeria. This cross-sectional survey involved enumeration of health workers who worked at each public PHC facility in Enugu State and included verification of the qualifications and trainings of each health worker. Data analysis was performed with the help of Stata statistical package version 13 and results were presented in tables and as simple proportions. There were 55 nurses and no midwife or doctor in the 152 PHC clinics studied. This number represents 0.36 nurses per health facility or about 9% (i.e., 55/608) of a minimum of 608 SBAs required for 24-h perinatal services at the 152 PHC clinics. There were 1...
Annals of medical and health sciences research, 2011
Neonatal malaria was thought to be uncommon, even in malaria endemic areas. Neonates with febrile... more Neonatal malaria was thought to be uncommon, even in malaria endemic areas. Neonates with febrile illness and / or related symptoms are often presumed to have neonatal septicaemia and examination of blood films for malaria parasites is rarely included in the initial work-up of these babies. To determine the existence, or otherwise, and the clinical features of malaria in neonates with clinical features suggestive of septicaemia. In a prospective study, all consecutive babies admitted in the neonatal unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital over an eighth month period with an initial diagnosis of neonatal septicaemia were screened for malaria in addition to an extensive sepsis work-up. Malaria parasitaemia was diagnosed on Giemsa stained blood smears. One hundred and five babies admitted in the neonatal unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital, The Gambia with an initial diagnosis of neonatal septicaemia were studied. Fourteen (13.3%) of these babies had positive blood smears for malaria paras...
This is a retrospective study of the demographic features, treatment and outcome of 28 cases of s... more This is a retrospective study of the demographic features, treatment and outcome of 28 cases of snake bite admitted to the department of paediatrics of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia over a 3-year period. The age range was 2-14 years and the male:female ratio was 2.1:1. Most bites were on the legs and occurred near home. Most snake bites presented early at hospital and marked swelling of the affected limb was the most common clinical sign. Shock, restlessness and regional adenitis of the affected limb were common in children who died. The case fatality rate was 14.3%. Most children did not receive specific antivenom therapy.
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