IntroductionStroke has become a problem of public health importance worldwide. Knowledge and practices related to stroke prevention among hypertensive and diabetic patients are important in the control of the disease. In Nigeria, recent reports indicate an emerging epidemic of stroke. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and practices related to stroke prevention among hypertensive and diabetic patients in Sokoto, Nigeria.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study among 248 patients attending hypertension and diabetes clinic of Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria, selected by systematic sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the research variables. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20 statistical package.ResultsThe mean age of respondents was 48.21 ± 15.07 years and they were predominantly females (65.7%). The respondents had good knowledge of stroke (70.3%), organs or parts of body affected by stroke (89.1%), signs or symptoms of stroke (87.0%), stroke risk factors (86.6%) and stroke prevention (90.8%). Formal education was the sole predictor of good knowledge of signs or symptoms of stroke (aOR = 3.99, 95% CI = 1.58-10.13, p = 0.004), stroke risk factors (aOR = 4.24, 95% CI = 1.68-10.67, p = 0.002) and stroke prevention (aOR = 3.45, 95% CI = 1.09-10.93, p = 0.035). Stroke prevention practices were sub-optimal and significantly associated with formal education and being employed.ConclusionThese findings suggest the need for all stakeholders to focus on both patients' education and empowerment in halting the rising burden of stroke across the globe.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection threatens the health of populations across the globe. It is an important occupational risk for health care workers (HCWs); they are known to be at high risk of the infection following needle stick injuries and accidental exposure to infected blood and other body fluids. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, risk perception and hepatitis B vaccination status of HCWs in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study among 124 HCWs selected by multistage sampling technique was conducted in the months of February to April 2013. Informed consent was taken and information was collected by a pre-designed questionnaire, data analysis was done using computer software, SPSS version 20. Majority of respondents (86.3%) demonstrated good knowledge of HBV infection. Most of the respondents (92.7%) perceived themselves to be more at risk of HBV infection as compared to the general population by virtue of their profession. Only 50 (40.3%) of the 124 respondents have been vaccinated against HBV infection. In addition, only 28 (56.0%) of the 50 respondents that have been vaccinated against HBV infection had the recommended three doses of the vaccine. This study demonstrated poor uptake of hepatitis B vaccination among HCWs in UDUTH, Sokoto, Nigeria, despite good knowledge and high risk perception. Periodic education of staff on prevention of transmission of blood and other body fluids borne pathogens in the hospital setting, and promotion of accessibility to vaccines against relevant vaccine preventable diseases in the healthcare facilities are hereby suggested.

Poor diet (high consumption of sugar, salt, saturated fat, etc) and unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity) have been identified as major risk factors of cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs are the leading causes of death globally, killing more people each year than all other causes combined. This study was conducted to assess the dietary pattern, lifestyle, nutrition status and prevalence of hypertension among traders in Sokoto, Nigeria. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among 390 traders selected by multistage sampling technique from November to December, 2012. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were done for the participants, together with questionnaire administration. High prevalence of unhealthy eating habits was recorded among the participants; 50.7% eat their largest meal at dinner, 49.9% eat snacks everyday, 66.7% eat fatty foods, 27.1% and 33.0% drink fruit juice and carbonated drinks, respectively thrice weekly or more, 56.0 and 58.8% eat fruits and vegetables, respectively less than thrice in a week or not at all. Also, 50.7% live a sedentary lifestyle, 5.2% currently smoke cigarette and 10.8% had consumed alcohol within the past 30 days. Similarly, the prevalence of overweight (28.9%), obesity (28.1%) and hypertension (29.1%) was high among the participants. This study demonstrated high prevalence of unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle; together with high prevalence of overweight, obesity and hypertension among traders in Sokoto. Health education and other interventions to promote healthy eating habits and lifestyle, especially among high risk groups are suggested.

This study demonstrated poor radiation protection practices despite good knowledge of radiation hazards among the participants, but radiation exposure and prevalence of abnormal clinical conditions were found to be low. Periodic in-service training and monitoring on radiation safety was suggested.

IntroductionSexual violence is an important public health problem of growing concern all over the world. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and pattern of sexual assault managed in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria.MethodsIt was a retrospective study that looked into cases of sexual assault admitted into the hospital between January 2010 and December 2014. Information on patients’ biodata, and relevant details on the cases were extracted from the patients’ case files and analyzed.ResultsOut of the 5317 gynecological admissions during the period under study, 45 (0.84%) were cases of sexual assault. Of these, only 34 case files were available for data extraction. The patients’ ages ranged from 2 to 37 years (mean = 12.6 + 8.3). About two thirds (61.8%) of those affected were young children (aged 12 years and below). In majority of cases (70.6%) the assault was penetrative, and in most of the cases (91.2%) only a single assailant was involved. In close to two thirds of cases, the assailant was either an acquaintance (38.2%) or a family member (20.6%). Although law enforcement agents were informed in majority (58.8%) of cases, arrests were made in less than half (41.2%).ConclusionAlthough the prevalence of sexual assault in this study appears to be low, a major cause for concern is the fact that those affected were predominantly young children. Parents should be more vigilant in monitoring their children’s movement, and stringent laws should be enacted and enforced to curb this heinous act.