The novel coronavirus pandemic has upended the world as we knew it and is a concern for governments globally. With cases still surging in different regions around the globe, the level of knowledge of COVID-19 and compliance with preventive measures still differ across cultural regions. Our study explored knowledge of COVID-19 and compliance with preventive measures among community members in Anambra State, Nigeria, using in-depth interviews (IDI). Data were sourced from 36 persons comprising 30 household heads age 48 years and above and six children age 13-17 years. Data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that a majority of the respondents believe that the COVID-19 pandemic is more of a hoax than reality. Other findings showed that this poor knowledge negatively affected their compliance with preventive measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. To improve knowledge on the coronavirus pandemic, we recommended dissemination of accurate information to ensure compliance with preventive measures.

BackgroundCoping with a relative with a learning disability could be a stressful experience for family members. The present study is aimed at exploring the coping strategies adopted by families in trying to make meaning of their situation.MethodA qualitative study design using focus group discussions (FGDs) was adopted. Ten FGD sessions were held with family members of persons with a learning disability.ResultsFindings revealed patterns of family coping to include problem-focused, emotion-focused, and spiritual/religious-focused. Also, coping responses to a learning disability varied based on the level of information available to families about the condition of their relative. In some cases, interspousal relationship was strained due to stress.ConclusionIt was recommended that families of persons with a learning disability need social support and professional help from social workers to facilitate the adoption of more positive-oriented coping strategies by family members.

Active case-finding strategies achieved good yields though early loss to follow-up was high. Active case finding is recommended for integration into national TB control policy and practice.

The novel COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by surprise and given the scale at which it is impacting individuals, families, communities, and countries globally, the recognition of social workers as frontline actors in response to this pandemic cannot be overemphasized. However, social workers in Nigeria, appear not to be aware of the roles they can play. The question then arises as to the adequacy of their training curriculum that probably made them not be aware of their roles. Eight social workers who work in health and welfare agencies were purposively selected and interviewed by telephone. Findings show that they were not aware of the role expected of them during the pandemic. Some noted that their training was somewhat deficient hence the need to introduce some courses and also enhance field practicum in future training of social workers. The study recommends the need for social work educators to be more proactive in their interpretation of courses, the need to revise the current curriculum for training social workers in Nigeria to make it more action-oriented as well as incorporate more courses in public health and disaster management.

BackgroundThe study investigated the factors associated with compliance to the recommended ≥90-day uptake of micronutrients for prevention of iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy in Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 1500 women who had babies within 6 months prior to the survey, drawn from six urban, peri-urban, and rural local government areas in Enugu and Imo States of Nigeria, was conducted, using a structured questionnaire. A focus group discussion was held with grandmothers and fathers of the new baby. In-depth interviews were held with health workers.ResultsThere were six demographic factors in the bivariate analysis: living in an urban center and close to health facility, and being wealthy, with post-secondary education as well as older and engaged in civil service showed significant association with compliance. The urban residents complied more than the peri-urban and rural residents (χ 2 = 12.749; p = 0.002). Those living close to the health facilities complied more than those living far away (χ 2 = 24.638; p < 0.001). Those in higher wealth quintile complied more (χ 2 = 13.216; p < 0.010). Utilization of antenatal clinics during pregnancy showed statistically significant association with compliance. Those who used the ANC services complied more than those that did not (χ 2 = 6.324; p = 0.010) and the more frequent the use of ANC services the more the compliance (χ 2 = 14.771; p < 0.001). These results were confirmed when the opinions expressed in the urban, peri-urban, and rural communities are compared. However, the multivariate binary logistic regression highlighted only urban residence, closeness to health facilities, and utilization of ANC services as positively associated with compliance.ConclusionThese findings could help in targeting health education program to increase compliance to the recommended uptake of micronutrients in prevention of anemia during pregnancy.