Background: Early diagnosis has been shown to improve the prognosis of breast cancer, hence breast self-examination (BSE) as a screening method may have its benefits. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of BSE practice, the correctness of the practice steps and the knowledge of breast cancer disease among women attending secondary health facility.Methods: The study was a descriptive study among women attending antenatal care and immunization clinics at State Specialist Hospital, Ikere-Ekiti between October and December 2015. A total of 238 women seen during the period and who consented to participate in the study were included. Structured self-administered questionnaire was used and data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Level of significance was set at P<0.05.Results: Of 238 respondents, 94.2% were between 20 and 39 years and mostly married (86.1%). Overall, 56.7% were aware of BSE mainly through health workers (44.4%) and information media (30.4%). A little above half (55.6%) practiced BSE and 24% could be adjudged to have good practice. Performing BSE was significantly related to respondents’ level of education (p=0.001) and marital status (p=0.032). There was high awareness (84%) of breast cancer but the vast majority (87%) had poor knowledge of breast cancer symptoms and signs.Conclusions: This study revealed poor quality of BSE practice and poor knowledge of breast cancer symptoms among our women despite good awareness. There is need for more health education to improve the quality of BSE practice and knowledge of breast cancer disease for early detection and treatment.

Background. Early sickle cell disease (SCD) diagnosis has shown promise in combating SCD in many countries. The aim of this study was to assess the practice and perception of early SCD diagnosis among a group of parents and physicians in Nigeria. Patients and Methods. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted to assess the opinions and practice of early diagnosis of SCD among 135 physicians caring for SCD patients and 164 mothers of children with SCD in a southwestern state of Nigeria. Results. Most physicians 132 (97.8%) were aware of prenatal SCD diagnosis, but only 51 (37.8%) would recommend it. Most physicians 129 (95.6%) routinely recommend premarital SCD genetic counseling and testing, and 89 (65.1%) were aware of the national government newborn screening program but lesser proportion 75 (55.6%) were willing to recommend it. Amongst the mothers, 154 (94%) and 158 (96%) had encountered genetic counseling for SCD and were willing to offer newborn screening to their children, respectively. On the contrary, fewer mothers 42 (25%) were aware of prenatal SCD diagnosis, 28 (17%) were willing to partake in it, and 44 (26%) were undecided. There were discrepancies in the willingness by physicians to practice early SCD diagnosis and its uptake by mothers (p<0.0001). The commonest reason given by both the physicians and mothers for not practicing SCD prenatal diagnosis was the high cost of the procedure. Conclusion. The perceptions and practice of early SCD diagnosis was suboptimal in the study locality. Scaling up awareness and universal coverage are required.

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Background: The heightened cardiovascular risk associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been documented by several researchers. The Framingham risk score (FRS) provides a simple and efficient method for identifying individuals at cardiovascular risk. The objective was to describe the prevalence of MetS and its association with FRS in predicting cardiovascular disease among a cohort of semi-urban women; Method: Clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated among 189 healthy women. The International Diabetes Federation definition was used to diagnose metabolic syndrome. FRS was calculated for each participant; Result: About two thirds of the participant make less than $US 90 per month. The mean systolic blood pressure was 131.80 ± 30. Eighty (42.3%) participants were overweight with a mean waist circumference of 91.64 ± 11.19 cm. MetS was present in 46 (24.3%). Individuals with MetS were more likely to have increased FRS, p = 0.012. One hundred and eighty seven (98.9%) were in the low risk category according to FRS. There was a significant difference in the mean FRS between participants with and without MetS (13.52 versus 10.29 p = 0.025); Conclusion: Prevalence of MetS in this study was comparable to the global rate, despite a low economic status. Individuals with MetS were more likely to have cardiovascular disease than persons without MetS, thus emphasizing the need for risk stratification and prompt management.

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