Browsing by Author "Oladepo, O."

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A cross-sectional study of the knowledge and screening practices of diabetes among adults in a south western Nigerian city
(Pacini Editore Srl (Italy), 2021) Osiberu, A. A.; Oluwasanu, M. M.; Omobowale, M. O.; John-Akinola, Y.; Oladepo, O.
Introduction. The control of diabetes depends largely on preventive actions often influenced by knowledge and awareness of the condition, its risk factors, complication, and management. This study assessed the awareness, knowledge, and practices regarding diabetes among adults in two communities in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among five hundred randomly selected non-diabetic respondents, aged 18 to 65 years. Data was collected using the pretested, modified version of the WHO STEPS instrument translated into Yoruba language. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results. Majority of the respondents (89.6%) had previously heard about diabetes. Of these (n = 448), 31.8% were knowledgeable about diabetes and only 28% have ever had their blood glucose level measured by a doctor or other health professionals. Sex and monthly income were statistically associated with respondents’ diabetes knowledge while age, religion, monthly income, employment status, marital status, ethnicity and level of education were statistically associated with screening practices (p < 0.05). Monthly income was found to be a significant predictor of the level of knowledge adjusted by sex. Earning N20,000 ($ 52.60) or less had higher odds of being knowledgeable compared to earning no income (OR 0.54, CI 0.35, 0.83). Conclusion. Though Diabetes awareness is high, knowledge gaps and poor screening practices is of concern. This calls for tailored multi-component, community-based, health education interventions.
A cross-sectional study of the knowledge and screening practices of diabetes among adults in a south western Nigerian city
(Pacini Editore SRL, Pisa, Italy, 2021) Osiberu, A. A.; Oluwasanu, M. M.; Omobowale, M.; John Akinola, Y.; Oladepo, O.
Introduction. The control of diabetes depends largely on preventive actions often influenced by knowledge and awareness of the condition, its risk factors, complication, and management. This study assessed the awareness, knowledge, and practices regarding diabetes among adults in two communities in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among five hundred randomly selected non-diabetic respondents, aged 18 to 65 years. Data was collected using the pretested, modified version of the WHO STEPS instrument translated into Yoruba language. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results. Majority of the respondents (89.6%) had previously heard about diabetes. Of these (n = 448), 31.8% were knowledgeable about diabetes and only 28% have ever had their blood glucose level measured by a doctor or other health professionals. Sex and monthly income were statistically associated with respondents’diabetes knowledge while age, religion, monthly income, employment status, marital status, ethnicity and level of education were statistically associated with screening practices (p < 0.05). Monthly income was found to be a significant predictor of the level of knowledge adjusted by sex. Earning N20,000 ($ 52.60) or less had higher odds of being knowledgeable compared to earning no income (OR 0.54, CI 0.35, 0.83). Conclusion. Though Diabetes awareness is high, knowledge gaps and poor screening practices is of concern. This calls for tailored multi-component, community-based, health education interventions.
Analysis of tobacco control policies in Nigeria: historical development and application of multi-sectoral action
(Springer Nature, 2018) Oladepo, O.; Oluwasanu, M.; Abiona, O.
Background: Tobacco use is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases and policy formulation on tobacco is expected to engrain international guidelines. This paper describes the historical development of tobacco control policies in Nigeria, the use of multi-sectoral action in their formulation and extent to which they align with the World Health Organisation “best buy” interventions. Methods: We adopted a descriptive case study methodology guided by the Walt and Gilson Policy Analysis Framework. Data collection comprised of document review (N = 18) identified through search of government websites and electronic databases with no date restriction and key informant interviews (N = 44) with stakeholders in public and private sectors. Data was integrated and analyzed using content analysis. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Ibadan and University College Hospital Ethics Review Committee. Results: Although the agenda for development of a national tobacco control policy dates back to the 1950s, a comprehensive Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) compliant policy was only developed in 2015, 10 years after Nigeria signed the FCTC. Lack of funding and conflict of interest (of protecting citizens from harmful effect of tobacco viz. a viz. the economic gains from the industry) are the major barriers that slowed the policy process. Current tobacco –related policies developed by the Federal Ministry of Health were formulated through strong multi-sectoral engagement and covering all the four WHO “best buy” interventions. Other policies had limited multi-sectoral engagement and “best buy” strategies. The tobacco industry was involved in the development of the Standards for Tobacco Control of 2014 contrary to the long-standing WHO guideline against engagement of the industry in policy formulation. Conclusions: Nigeria has a comprehensive national policy for tobacco control which was formulated a decade after ratification of the FCTC due to constraints of funding and conflict of interest. Not all the tobacco control policies in Nigeria engrain the principles of multi sectorality and best buy strategies in their formulation. There is an urgent need to address these neglected areas that may hamper tobacco control efforts in Nigeria.
Attitude of health care workers to the involvement of alternative healthcare providers in the home management of childhood malaria
(Baywood Publishing Co., inc, 2005) Falade, C. O.; Osowole, O. S.; Adeniyi, J. D.; Oladepo, O.; Oduola, A. M. J.
The attitudes of 193 healthcare workers (Nurses (35.7%), auxiliary nurses' (35.7%), followed by community health officers (26.4%) in 55 primary and secondary healthcare facilities to home management of malaria were evaluated in four local government areas in Southwestern Nigeria. Results showed that mothers and patent medicine sellers were perceived as offering useful services in home management of malaria by giving first aid and selling antimalaria drugs, respectively. Although 79% of respondents expressed the opinion that mothers are the most appropriate to give first line management to children suffering from malaria, 56% were also of the view that such children should receive definitive treatment in a formal health care facility. Furthermore, 45% of the respondents felt that only formal healthcare workers should treat children who have malaria irrespective of the location of the treatment because mothers, patent medicine sellers, and traditional healers have not been formally trained. Healthcare workers were willing to train mothers and patent medicine sellers on effective management of childhood malaria, but were not favorably disposed toward collaboration with traditional healers in the home management of malaria. There is an urgent need for formal healthcare workers to seek better understanding of traditional healers' practices as well as their cooperation for improved home management of childhood malaria among indigenous groups.
Contribution of the indigenous health care givers to the herbal management of febrile illnesses in Rivers state, South-south, Nigeria
(2005-12) Ebong, O. O.; Ajaiyeoba, E. O.; Ononiwu, I. M.; Eteng, M. J.; Akinbiye, D. O.; Gbotosho, G. O.; Falade, C. O.; Bolaji, O. M.; Oladepo, O.; Osowole, O. S.; Happi, T. C.; Fawole, O. F.; Ogundahunsi, O. A. T.; Agbagwa, I. M.; Oduola, O.; Oduola, A. M. J.
This study was carried out in two rural communities; kaani and Boue, in Khana Local Government Area (LGA) and in one urban community, Elomo, in Elomo LGA, all in Rivers state, South-south, Nigeria. The investigations involved in-depth interview conducted with 104 health care givers comprising indigenous healers: herberlists, sellers of herbal remedies and community elders. Information was obtained on types of fevers (febrile illnesses) treated, symptoms and methods of establishing illnesses, and traditional herbs used in the prevention and treatment of febrile illnesses. On types of febrile illnesses treated, respondents presented the following: malaria (78.8%), typhoid (23.1%), yellow fever (21.2%), high fever (19.2%), convulsion (15.4%), and pregnancy fever (2.9%). Other illnesses treated were yellow eyes (4.8%), headache (11.5%), waist pain (14.4%), and joint pains (8.7%). Respondents determined whether a person had fever by the following: physical examination (85.4%), listening to patients' complaints (9.4%), through divination and inspiration (9.4%), while others (0.2%) were not quite explicit on their methods of diagnosis. On the treatment of febrile illnesees, respondents used herb teas (88.5%), herb powders (42.3%), incantation (3.3%), and performance of sacrifice (4.8%) or use of special fluids (27.9%). Majority of the respondents in describing the best herbal medicines for the treatment of febrile illnesses, 62.5% said that dogonyaro (Azadiracta indica) was the best medicine. Other responses were: lemon grass (Cymbepegon papaya) leaf/fruit (20.2%): guava (Psidium guajava) leaf (18.3%), akpagbogoro (Salacia nitida), 7.7%, plantain (Musa sapientum) sucker (6.7%), lipton tea (3.8%) and scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum), 1.9%
Cultural categorization of febrile illnesses in correlation with herbal remedies used for treatment in Southwestern Nigeria
(Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd, 2003) Ajaiyeoba, E. O.; Oladepo, O.; Fawole, O. l.; Bolaji, A. M.; Akinboye, D. O.; Ogundahunsi, O. A. T.; Falade, C. O.; Gbotosho, G. O.; Itiola, O. A.; Happi, T. C.; Ebong, O. O.; Ononiwu, I. M.; Osowole, O. S.; Oduola, O. O.; Ashidi, J. S.; Oduola, A. M. J.
The ethnographic study was conducted in two communities in Oyo state in Southwestern Nigeria. The study sites consisted of a rural and an urban local government area located in the tropical rain forest zone of Nigeria. The study was designed to obtain information on febrile illnesses and herbal remedies for treatment with the aim of identifying potential antimalarial drugs. The study revealed that fever is a general term for describing illnesses associated with elevated body temperature. The indigenous Yoruba ethnic population has categorized fever based on symptoms and causes. The present communication is the result of focus group discussion and semi-structured questionnaire administered to traditional healers, herb sellers, elders and mothers. This was on types of fevers, symptoms and causes of febrile illnesses. The investigation also included use of traditional herbs in the prevention and treatment of the illnesses in the two communities. A total 514 respondents were interviewed. This was made up of 266 (51.8%) from Atiba local government area (LGA), an urban centre while 248 (48.2%) respondents were interviewed from Itesiwaju LGA, a rural community. The LGAs are located in Oyo State of Nigeria. The respondents proffered 12 types of febrile illnesses in a multiple response answering system in Yoruba language. The most common ones (direct translation into English) were: yellow fever (39.1%), typhoid (34.8%), ordinary (28.8%), rainy season (20.8%) and headache (10.5%) fevers respectively. Perceived causes each of the febrile illnesses included stress, mosquito bites, unclean water, rains and over exposure to the sun. Methods of fever prevention were mainly with the use of herbal decoctions, powdered herbs, orthodox medications and maintenance of proper hygiene. Of a total or 112 different herbal remedies used in the treatment or the febrile illnesses compiled from the study, 25 recipes are presented. Recipes consisted of 2-7 ingredients. Oral decoctions (84%), oral powders (63%). use as soaps and creams (40%) in a multiple response system, were the most prevalent routes of administration of prepared herbs used in the treatment of the fevers. Boiling in water or alcohol was the most common method used in the preparation of the remedies. The four most frequently mentioned (multiple response system) plants in the Southwest ethnobotany for fevers were Azadirachta indica (87.5%). Mangifera indica (75.0%), Morinda lucida (68.8%) and Citrus medica (68.8%).
Down the miry clay avenue: engaging the 3/5 auxiliary gear
(Ibadan University Press, 2008) Oladepo, O.
Effect of peer education on deaf secondary school students' HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and sexual behaviour
(2000) Osowole, O. S.; Oladepo, O.
This study evaluated the effect of an AIDS education program on deaf secondary school students' knowledge, attitude and perceived susceptibility to AIDS using peer education. Two secondary schools matched for ownership (government), composition (mixture of hearing and deaf and teaching arrangement (separate teaching of deaf students using sign language) were used, and each school was randomly allocated the intervention or control status. All students completed a questionnaire on AIDS at baseline and post-intervention following baseline, volunteers from the intervention group received four weeks training as peer educators, after which they provided HIV/AIDS information to their peers on one-to-one basis and in group, using a variety of approaches for a period of eight months, while the control subjects did not Pre-post group differential scores for knowledge of the causes, modes of transmission and methods of prevention of AIDS among intervention group compared with the control group were significant (p<0,0000001) but not to perceived personal susceptibility (p=0.64217). This study suggests the influence of peer education on health knowledge of youth but a limitation in changing perception of susceptibility.
Efficacy of herbal remedies used by herbalists in Oyo State Nigeria for treatment of Plasmodium falciparum infections a survey and an observation
(2004) Ajaiyeoba, E. O.; Falade, C. O.; Fawole, O. I.; Akinboye, D. O.; Gbotosho, G. O.; Bolaji, O. M.; Ashidi, J. S.; Abiodun, O. O.; Osowole, O. S.; Itiola, O. A.|; Oladepo, O.; Sowunmi, A.; Oduola, A. M. J.
In the course of evaluating the contribution of phytomedicine to possible drug discovery of antimalarial drugs, an ethnomedical survey of specialized children traditional clinics was done. In the observational multi center study, efficacy of eight different herbal remedies, each consisting of 3-8 ingredients and administered by herbalists were investigated in clients enrolled in the six traditional clinics in Oyo (urban center) and Otu (rural center) of Oyo State, Nigeria. The clients, aged between six months and fifteen years with clinical symptoms of malaria were enrolled in the clinics of the herbalists, as their usual practice. Oral informed consents were obtained from their parents or guardians. Microscopic diagnosis of malaria infection was used, to evaluate parasitaemia and validate efficacy of herbal remedies. Results of the analyzed shows that, of the 163 clients of the herbalists, only 62 (30 Oyo, 32 from Otu) had microscopically confirmed P. falciparum infection. Only results from 54 clients (29/30 (Oyo) and 25/32 (Otu) with P. falciparurn infection could be evaluated. Plasmodium falciparum infection in 88% (23/29) of clients from Oyo responded to treatment with the herbal remedies while cure rate in clients from Otu was 42% (13/25). Parasite densities ranged from 171 to 53,613 parasites/ul blood and 87 to 36,209 parasites/ul blood in patients from Oyo and Otu respectively. The herbalists administered the remedies and Gossypium arboreum, Anarcudium occidentalis, Citrus medica, Phyllanthus amarus and Lippia multiflora were the main ingredients in the efficacious remedies. The herbalists gave detailed descriptions of each of the 8 herbal remedies proffered. The results confirm the efficacy of two of the eight herbal remedies, thereby validating the role of ethnomedicine as a possible source for the discovery of new cherno-therapeutic agents in the treatment of P. falciparum malaria.
Enhancing treatment compliance in the home management of childhood malaria: The use of a participatory approach in ensuring intervention appropriateness
(Baywood Publishing Co., inc, 2004) Asa, A.wole, O. S.||Oladepo, O.; Adegbenro, C. A.; Dare, F. O.; Adeniyi, J. D.; Osowole, O. S.; Oladepo, O.
The study employs a participatory approach in ensuring intervention appropriateness and compliance with prescribed chloroquine regimen for children perceived to be suffering from malaria. The study showed that tailoring education intervention to the special needs of mothers, health workers, and patent medicine sellers and involving them in the design of interventions are some of the best ways of achieving intervetion effectiveness. It also reveals that treatments with tablets predispose to higher compliance rates than syrups. Public participation in the diagnosis of management problems and proffering of interventions has shifted the role of researchers from interventionists to a supportive role of these populations. This strategy can save cost and ensure the permanence of interventions beyond the lifespan of research
Factors associated with malaria treatment failures in Ibadan
(2005) Yusuf, O. B.; Oladepo, O.; Odunbaku, S. O.; Alaba, O.; Osowole, O. S.
This study aims to find out factors associated with anti-malaria drug resistance in some selected areas in Ibadan. One thousand one hundred and two subjects were interviewed viewed using a semi structured questionnaire. Respondents were put into two different groups (high and low resistant areas). The result revealed a high level of drug use for treating malaria particularly chloroquine and sulfadoxinepyrimethamine (“Fansidar”). The Results also showed that the two groups were not significantly different with respect to clearance of infection, but there was a significant difference between clearance of infection and whether or not the respondent completed the course of treatment in each group (P<0.05). When both groups were combined, the Mantel-Haenszel test showed that the response difference between the two groups was significant. (OR= 3.44 (Cl= 1.8 to 6.51) i.e those that completed the treatment were 3 times more likely to have their infection cleared than those that did not complete the treatment. A significant finding was that non-compliance with treatment was a major factor associated with treatment failure. The prevalence of drug resistance was a little higher in the high resistant group compared to the low resistant group but this difference was not statistically significant. These results underscore the need for adequate health education about the treatment of malaria and the importance of compliance in this community.
Indigenous surgical practices in rural southwestern Nigeria: implications for disease prevention
(Oxford University Press, 1995) Ajuwon, A. J.; Brieger, W. R.; Oladepo, O.; Adeniyi, J. D.
A qualitative, community-based study was conducted in the rural community of Ago Are in southwestern Nigeria to learn about indigenous surgical practices and their potential for disease transmission. Community leaders as key informants assisted in identifying two types of indigenous practitioner whose work involved blood contact, whose work was observed. The olola are surgeons who specialize in circumcision and making traditional facial-markings, while the generic term for healer, onisegun, performed gbeere, that is making incisions into which medicinal herbs are rubbed. Although the onisegun used a clean blade for his procedures, he rubbed the herbs into the cuts with his bare hands. The olola used the same knife for all operations and cleaned it simply by rinsing it in a bowl of water. The potential for HIV transmission between practitioner and clients and among clients during these procedures is discussed-as is the potential of health education for reducing the demand for female circumcision and training indigenous healers in hygienic methods.
Knowledge dissemination and evaluation in a cervical cancer screening implementation program in Nigeria
(Elsevier Inc., 2007) Miller, D.; Okolo, C. A.; Mirabal, Y.; Guillaud, M.; Arulogun, O. S.; Oladepo, O.; Crain, B.; Follen, M.; Adewole, I. F.
Objectives: Our goals were to train health professionals in Nigeria using the text, "Planning and Implementing Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Programs: A Manual for Managers", and then evaluate the knowledge dissemination process using a pre- and post-test assessment. The manual was developed by the ACCP, WHO, TARC, PATT-T,Engender Health, TI-TPTEGO, and PAT-TO with funding from the Gates Foundation. It is an inclusive guide to implementation and maintenance of screen-and-treat cervical cancer prevention clinics and is ideally suited for programs operating in the developing world. Methods. Training took place at a conference in Ibadan, Nigeria. Participants included teams of physicians, nurses, bioengineers, data managers, and administrators who met in joint and parallel sessions to "train the trainers". This meeting was designed to provide both training and equipment to personnel to be involved in the implementation of a cervical cancer control initiative in Nigeria. A 36 item pre-test was administered prior to a group study sessions. A slide presentation summarized salient points before the post-test was given. The results were entered into an MS Excel spreadsheet for descriptive statistics about (I) the participants, (2) the test, (3) an examination of profession, years of work experience, years of education, and gender as predictors of two outcomes (low pre-test score and large difference between pre- and post-tests) and (4) overall performance on the exam. Results. There were 70 participants and trainers, of which 53 took the exam. Most of the examinees were physicians. Some participants did not fill out the post-test, leaving their tests inevaluable. A closer look at the test revealed eight questions that were confusing and nine that were too easy. All participant subgroups performed better on the post-test than the pre-test; the improvements were statistically significant. While profession impacted the results, profession was not statistically significant. Years of work experience, years of education, and gender did not affect test results. Conclusions. While the study suffers from a small sample size, a few ambiguous questions, and the need for pilot testing the instrument prior to the meeting, the report evaluates the manual very favorably. The authors showed a significant gain in knowledge. The manual gives "the big picture" and does so with clarity. The text and supplementary material outline the work that needs to proceed in an organized program, and the material was easily understandable in Nigeria. Future evaluations could benefit from more participants and varied learning structures.
Multisectoral approach and WHO ‘Bestbuys’ in Nigeria’s nutrition and physical activity policies
(Oxford University Press, 2020) Oluwasanu,M. M.; Oladunni, O.; Oladepo, O.
Unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Policies formulated in line with international guidelines are required for the implementation of population-level interventions to reduce the risks. This study describes the utilization of multisectoral approach (MSA) for the formulation of nutrition and physical activity policies and the extent to which they align with the WHO ‘Best Buy Interventions’. The research utilized a descriptive case study design and the theoretical model guiding the study was the Walt and Gilson framework for policy analysis. Data were obtained through the interview of 44 key informants using pre-tested guides and document review of 17 policies and articles obtained from government institutions or through the search of electronic databases. Data were integrated and analysed using thematic analysis. Between 2000 and 2016, Nigeria had formulated 10 nutrition-related policies and 5 guidelines with actions to promote physical activity. Only three nutrition and two physical activity policies adopted a high level of MSA. In line with the WHO best buy interventions, educational interventions for the general population are proposed to reduce sugar and salt intake and replace transfat with polyunsaturated fats but there are no legal regulatory acts to support these actions. Policy documents with actions to reduce physical inactivity do not include the WHO best buys. The country should adopt a wider range of actors to formulate and review policies, integrate all the WHO best buy interventions and develop effective legislation to regulate the salt and sugar content of processed foods.
Perceptions about sexual abstinence and knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention among in school adolescents in a western Nigerian city
(BMC Public Health, 2011) Oladepo, O.; Fayemi, M. M.
Background: Young people are becoming increasingly exposed to the risk of HIV infection. According to the 2008 HIV/Syphilis sentinel survey in Nigeria, 3.3% of young people aged 15-19 years are infected. Primary prevention especially abstinence, remains one of the most realistic interventions for reducing further spread of the virus. However, the adoption of sexual abstinence as a prevention strategy among adolescents remains low and factors influencing its practice among urban young people in Nigeria are relatively unknown. The aim of the study was to document the sexual abstinence behaviour of in-school adolescents, the factors influencing or obstructing abstinence, and knowledge of HIV and AIDS in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey of students in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area. A total of 420 respondents (52% males and 48% females), selected through a multistage sampling technique, completed a semi-structured questionnaire. This was supplemented with eight focus group discussions (FGDs) which had an average of 9 respondents within the 10 and 19 years age group. The data from the FGDs were transcribed and summarized manually while the quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to generate frequencies, cross tabulations of variables and logistic regression analysis. Results: Twelve percent of the entire sample had ever had sex. Overall, knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention was high and most respondents favoured the promotion of abstinence as an HIV prevention strategy. A smaller proportion of male respondents (79%) abstained compared with the females (98%). Major predictors of sexual abstinence were being a female, not having a boyfriend or girl friend, not using alcohol and having a positive attitude towards abstinence (P < 0.05). Sexual abstinence was also significantly associated with perceived self efficacy to refuse sex and negative perception of peers who engage in sexual behaviours (P < 0.05). Majority of the FGD discussants suggested the involvement of parents, media, schools, faith-based institutions and non governmental organizations in promoting the adoption of abstinence. Conclusions: The sexual abstinence behaviour of young persons is influenced by multiple factors and should be considered in determining the effectiveness of interventions targeting this behaviour. Coherent sexuality education interventions to promote the adoption of abstinence among young people are urgently needed.
The planning and writing of grant-oriented research proposals
(The Postgraduate School, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 2010) Bamiro, O. A.; Oladepo, O.; Olayinka, A. I.; Popoola, L.; Soyibo, A.
Prevalence of physical activity and dietary patterns as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among semi-urban dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria
(African Health Sciences Publishing Association, 2022) Aduroja, P. E.; John‑Akinola, Y. O.; Oluwasanu. M. M.; Oladepo, O.
Background: Physical inactivity and unhealthy diet are leading risk factors for cardiovascular diseases globally. Limited studies have assessed the prevalence of these risk factors in community-based settings in Nigeria. Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of physical activity and the dietary pattern of residents in selected semi-urban communities in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 500 randomly selected residents from two semi-urban communities. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select households and participants. Data were collected using a pretested modified version of the WHO STEPS instrument. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were determined at 5% level of significance. Results: The mean age was 35.36 ± 12.24 and a mean household size of 4.07 ± 1.85. Majority (87.2%) of the respondents engaged in low physical activity (< 150-300 min/wk). Consumption of fruits and vegetables was low among respondents at 33% and 36.4% respectively. The employment status of respondents was significantly related to expected workplace physical activity level (χ2=11.27; P=0.024). Conclusions: This study highlights the need for the development and implementation of community-driven, multi-layered public health promotion initiatives across different settings.
A survey of treatment practices for febrile illnesses among traditional healers in the Nigerian middle belt zone
(2005) Osowole, O.; Ajaiyeoba, E.; Bolaji, O.; Akinboye, D.; Fawole, O.; Gbotosho, C. G.; Ogbole, O.; Ashidi, J.; Abiodun, O.; Falade, C.; Sama, W.; Oladepo, O.; Itiola, O.; Oduola, A.
This survey was conducted to investigate the pattern of treatment practices for febrile illnesses among one hundred and eighty five traditional healers from the Nigerian Middle belt zone ethnomedicine. Data collection was through use of the semi structure questionnaire administered by trained interviewers recruited from the study sites – Gboko and Katsina Ala Local Government Areas. A total of 176 (95.1%) reportedly diagnosed through the presenting complaints and symptoms and 3 (1.6%) made diagnoses through divination. All the respondents indicated their referral practices, with 100 (54.1 %) of the respondents reported that they had once referred clients. Respondents listed 164 plants used in the preparation of the various treatment modalities. Institution of treatment follows this diagnostic practice. Treatment of different febrile illnesses involve the use of 338 liquid herbs, powdered herbs, medicinal scarifications, incantations and sacrifices which suggests the confidence this group has in the efficacy of their herbs for treating febrile illnesses. An appreciable level of referral 54.1% practice was also found among the traditional healers. The findings of this study strengthen the need to recognize the traditional health practitioners in the treatment of health problems especially febrile illnesses, and to establish quality control mechanism in partnership with them to improve their treatment practices.
Urban Poor Community Settings’ Knowledge and Screening Practices for Cervical Cancer in Ibadan, Nigeria
(American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2021) John-Akinola, Y. O.; Oluwasanu, M. M.; Oladepo, O.
PURPOSE This study investigated knowledge and screening practices for cervical cancer among two urban poor community settings in Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS A cross-sectional design was used. ODK tool was used to collect quantitative data among a sample size of 500 respondents. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21 for descriptive and inferential statistics. Scores for knowledge were on a scale of 0-39 points (0-18 low, 19-23 fair, and 24-39 high knowledge). RESULTS A majority of respondents (77.2%) had low knowledge of cervical cancer and were not aware (93.6%) of the Papanicolaou test (Pap smear test) or cervical cancer screening (91.2%). Very few women (10%) were aware of the human papillomavirus vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer, 4% had been screened with the Papanicolaou test, and one woman (0.3%) with visual inspection with acetic acid. Four (1.1%) women had taken human papillomavirus vaccine before. CONCLUSION The findings of this study have underscored a necessity for increased awareness creation through health promotion interventions and strategies to alleviate low knowledge, prevention, and screening practices for cervical cancer in poor community settings in Nigeria.