BackgroundDisrespect and abuse (D&A) of women in health facilities continues to be a prevailing public health issue in many countries. Studies have reported significantly high prevalence of D&A among women during pregnancy and childbirth in Nigeria, but little is known about women’s perceptions and experiences of D&A during maternity care in the country. The aim of this study was to explore: 1) how women perceived their experiences of D&A during pregnancy, childbirth, and in the postnatal period in Benue State, Nigeria; and 2) how women viewed the impact of D&A on the future use of health facilities for maternity care.MethodFive focus group discussions with a sample of 32 women were conducted as part of a qualitative phenomenological study. All the women received maternity care in health facilities in Benue State, Nigeria and had experienced at least one incident of disrespect and abuse. Audio-recorded discussions were transcribed and analysed using a six-stage thematic analysis using NVivo11.ResultsThe participants perceived incidents such as being shouted at and the use of abusive language as a common practice. Women described these incidents as devaluing and dehumanising to their sense of dignity. Some women perceived that professionals did not intend to cause harm by such behaviours. Emerged themes included: (1) ‘normative’ practice; (2) dehumanisation of women; (3) 'no harm intended' and (4) intentions about the use of maternity services in future. The women highlighted the importance of accessing health facilities for safe childbirth and expressed that the experiences of D&A may not impact their intended use of health facilities. However, the accounts reflected their perceptions about the inherent lack of choice and an underlying sense of helplessness.ConclusionIncidents of D&A that were perceived as commonplace carry substantial implications for the provision of respectful maternity care in Nigeria and other similar settings. As a country with one of the highest rates of maternal deaths, the findings point to the need for policy and practice to address the issue urgently through implementing preventive measures, including empowering women to reinforce their right to be treated with dignity and respect, and sensitising health care professionals.

Our review suggests high prevalence of DV in pregnancy among women in Nigeria and higher lifetime prevalence. However, determining an overall, synthesized accurate prevalence rate of DV within this population based on existing evidence presents a challenge. The findings have important implications for stakeholders such as planners, policy makers, maternity care providers, and researchers in public health and social policy at national, regional, and international levels toward combating the issue.

ObjectivesTo explore healthcare providers’ perspectives of disrespect and abuse in maternity care and the impact on women’s health and well-being. MethodsQualitative interpretive approach using in-depth semi-structured interviews with sixteen healthcare providers in two public health facilities in Nigeria. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically.ResultsHealthcare providers’ accounts revealed awareness of what respectful maternity care encompassed in accordance with the existing guidelines. They considered disrespectful and abusive practices perpetrated or witnessed as violation of human rights, while highlighting women’s expectations of care as the basis for subjectivity of experiences. They perceived some practices as well-intended to ensure safety of mother and baby. Views reflected underlying gender-related notions and societal perceptions of women being considered weaker than men. There was recognition about adverse effects of disrespect and abuse including its impact on women, babies, and providers’ job satisfaction.ConclusionsHealthcare providers need training on how to incorporate elements of respectful maternity care into practice including skills for rapport building and counselling. Women and family members should be educated about right to respectful care empowering them to report disrespectful practices.

This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of geohelminth parasites of horses in Dutsinma metropolis between May to August, 2016. Fresh fecal sample were obtained from the rectum of 48 randomly selected horses. A floatation technique was used for the lab work experiment. From the result, out of the total sample collected 6 (12.50%) were positive with eggs of two parasites Strongyles and Oxyuris spp with the prevalence of (6.25%) for each. Among the three points of sample collection, the highest prevalence was recorded at Kadangaru (20.00%) followed by Unguwa Yandaka (18.18%) and no case recorded at Hayingada. X2 cal = 36.84 at P=0.05 and 2df. The highest prevalence was recorded among the males (18.52%) while only 1 female was affected with the prevalence of (4.76%) X2 cal = 36.57 at P=0.05 and 2df. Prevalence was recorded in adult of 14.29% while young horses recorded a prevalence of 10.00%, X2 cal = 36.84 at P=0.05 Strongyles and Oxyuris spp were recognized as important geohelminth parasites in Horses in Dutsinma Local Goverment Area of Katsina State with various rates of infection (12.50%). Managerial control tools should be integrated to improve prevention of geohelminth parasites by communication, information and health education.

Escherichia coli infections and poor nutritional status have implications on the growth and development of children under five years, physically, mentally and health wise with consequences such as diarrhoea, stunting, wasting, underweight and often times leading to death, depending on their severity. This study evaluated the antibiogram of Escherichia coli O157 and Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC)and the nutritional status of diarrhoeic children under five years in Kaduna State, Nigeria, using Conventional isolation methods, latex agglutination tests, VTEC-ELISA tests, Chi-square (SPSS Version 19) and WHO Antro (Version 3.2.2). Purposive sampling was used to select 350 children presenting with diarrhoea in six government hospitals within the three senatorial zones of Kaduna State. The results obtained revealed that 76(21.7%) of the 350 stool samples were positive for E. coli and 28(36.8%) were positive for E. coli O157:H7serotype and 1(1.3%) verocytotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) serotype. High susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol and high resistance to sulphamethoxazole, cefotaxime, amoxicillin, gentamicin and tetracycline by the isolates were observed. The study concluded that antibiotics have not been very effective in the treatment of E. coli-related diarrhoea, with VTEC now emerging in this part of the world, making it a serious public health issue. The study therefore recommends the implementation of programmes geared towards good hygiene, good nutrition and good health.