BackgroundDue to the health and economic benefits of breast milk, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that for infants who cannot receive breast milk from their own mothers, the next preferred option is donated breast milk. This recommendation is however rarely practiced in most developing countries where donor milk is not widely accepted.MethodsThis cross-sectional multi-center study enrolled mothers attending antenatal or pediatric clinics in six tertiary institution in south-east Nigeria using purposive and convenient sampling method. Data collection was done using pretested questionnaires. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, acceptability and willingness to donate breast milk and/or use donated breast milk for their infants It also explored factors that determine this behavior.ResultsA total of 1235 mothers participated; 39% (480/1225) have heard about the concept of donor milk, while only 10% (79/759) and 7% (81/1179), respectively, had adequate knowledge of the concept and policy on donor milk. Sixty percent indicated willingness to use donor milk or donate breast milk if need arises. Respondents with lower age (p = 0.049) and with higher occupational status (p = 0.001) were more likely to have adequate knowledge of donor breast milk, while respondents with lower educational attainment (p = 0.002) and those who are non-Christians (p = 0.004) were more likely to request financial inducement for donating their breast milk. Adequate knowledge of the concept of donor milk (p = 0.001), preference of donor milk to infant formula (p = 0.001) and requirement of financial remuneration (p = 0.001) were the only significant predictors of willingness to donate and/or receive donated breast milk.ConclusionThe knowledge of the concept of donor breast milk and awareness of policies regulating its practice in Nigeria is low, but the prospect of its acceptability is high among mothers surveyed in south-east Nigeria. Targeted public education by relevant government agencies in collaboration with clinicians, community and religious leaders about the concept of donor breast milk to families may help increase the acceptance and practice of donating breast milk and/or use of donated breast milk among mothers in the region.

Background:Given the rising incidence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) globally, especially bronchial asthma, there is the need to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality by adopting an objective means of diagnosis and monitoring.Aim:This article aims to review the trends and challenges in the use of spirometry for managing childhood bronchial asthma especially in developing countries.Methods:We conducted a literature search of published data on the use of spirometry for the diagnosis of childhood bronchial asthma with special emphasis resource-poor countries.Results:Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood asthma recommend the use of spirometry, but this is currently underused in both tertiary and primary care settings especially in developing countries. Lack of spirometers and proper training in their use and interpretation of findings as well as a dearth of asthma guidelines remains core to the underuse of spirometry in managing children with asthma. Targeting education of health care staff was, however, observed to improve its utility, and practical implementable strategies are highlighted.Conclusions:Spirometry is not frequently used for asthma diagnosis in pediatric practice especially in resource-poor countries where the NCD burden is higher. Strategies to overcome the obstacles are implementable and can make a difference in reducing the burden of NCD.

Otitis media is one of the most common infectious diseases of childhood. It is not uncommon for clinicians to miss the diagnosis of the acute form especially in younger children. Late and missed diagnoses result in poor management and increased risk of complications. This review highlights the epidemiology, presenting features, diagnosis, treatment and complications of otitis media.

IntroductionSeveral factors including the parental literacy, illness, socioeconomic status, poor sanitation and hygienic practices affect the physical growth of children. The aim of this study was to determine the socio-demographic determinants of malnutrition among primary school aged children in Enugu, Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study involving primary school children in Enugu was carried out over a 3 month period. Subjects were selected using multistage sampling technique. Weight and height were measured using a digital scale and a wooden stadiometer, respectively. Body Mass Index (BMI), weight-for-age (WAZ), Height-for-age (HAZ) and BMI-for-age z scores were then derived using the new WHO reference standards.Results348 children (40.4%) were recruited from 5 public schools while 512 (59.6%) were recruited from 9 private schools. The mean age of the study participants was 9.2 ± 1.8 years. 7 (0.8%) children were stunted, 26 (3.3%) wasted and 28 (3.3%) underweight. Of all the study participants, overweight and obesity were observed in 73 (8.5%) and 35 (4.1%) children, respectively. Children of lower socioeconomic class were more stunted, underweight and wasted, while overweight and obesity were more prevalent among children from the upper socioeconomic class.ConclusionFactors such as age and sex, parental education and socioeconomic class had a significant impact on nutritional status. Overweight and obesity were more prevalent among the children from the upper socioeconomic class, attending private schools, while stunting and wasting were more in children of the lower class attending public schools.