The reported outbreak of Avian Influenza (H5N1) in August through September, 2015 prompted this cross-sectional study carried out between February and April, 2016. The study sought to appraise the knowledge and attitude of poultry farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria, regarding biosecurity against Avian Influenza. A total of 112 poultry farmers randomly selected from two of the three sensational zones in the state were interviewed using a pretested structured questionnaire Primary data generated were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The socio-economic characteristics of the respondents revealed a mean age of 39.5 years, predominance of male farmers and a reasonably high level of educational attainment. Majority of the respondents (58.0%) were small scale operators; 30.4% medium scale and 11.6% large scale. The level of awareness of disease was found to be high (86.6%), while only 38.4% had knowledge of the cause and nature (clinical signs) of infection. Results also revealed poor observance of biosecurity measures (BSMs) among the respondents. The regression analysis of socio-economic variables showed that only educational status and flock size significantly influenced adoption of BSMs. Constraints limiting strict compliance with BSMs were identified, and recommendations aimed at enhancing biosecurity against H5N1 were proffered. Contribution/ OriginalityThis article contributes to (a) ascertaining the level of awareness of Biosecurity measures (BSMs), (b) identifying socio-economic factors that significantly influence the adoption of BSMs and (c) proffering vistas for increasing awareness and knowledge of BSMs.
Information is valuable, increases understanding and reduces uncertainty. Limited knowledge and access to health promoting and disease prevention programmes are more pronounced in rural than urban areas of Nigeria. Furthermore, the paucity of healthcare services in these rural communities also contributes to the prevalence of health challenges in the rural sector. This study investigated the perception and information seeking behavior of rural households in Maigana District of Kaduna State, Nigeria towards health promoting practices. A random sample of 152 respondents selected from five of eleven wards in the district was interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The results, based on a 4-point Likert type scale and benchmark of 2.5 showed a very poor perception of health promoting practices among the respondents. Also, the information needs of the respondents were shown to be enormous. Three of the six socio-demographic variables regressed were found to significantly influence the information seeking behavior of the respondents regarding health promoting practices. Constraints limiting the embracement of health promoting practices were identified and measures aimed at promoting healthier living standards in rural communities were recommended. The study concludes that vast knowledge gaps do exist coupled with the poor perception of HPPs by the respondents.
Introduction: It is estimated that more than 330 million persons are living with HIV-infection globally and in Nigeria about 3.4 million persons are living with the infection, with an annual death rate of 180,000. Psychological morbidity often accompanies chronic illnesses and may be associated with substance abuse, poor health seeking behaviour and adherence to treatment program; it may worsen existing health problems and the overall quality of life. Until the burden is effectively identified, intervention cannot be planned. Until there is cure, the goal is to manage and cope effectively with HIV-infection. Little if any studies have been done in this area in the North West geo-political zone of Nigeria, the study would help to identify high risk groups and prevent the progression and spread of the infection. Objectives: To identify HIV-infected persons with psychological morbidity, accessing HIV-clinic at Shika Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State; and analyze their socio-demographic profile. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out to assess and analyze the socio-demographic characteristics of HIV-infected persons attending Shika hospital Zaria Nigeria, who screened positive for psychological morbidity. A total of 109 HIV-infected persons receiving HAART at Shika clinic, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, were administered questionnaires; the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) measuring psychological morbidity and socio-demographic data. The participants ranged in age between 18 and 75 years. Results: Data were analyzed using SPSS software 15. Both descriptive and inferential Statistics were performed on the data. Results indicate a total prevalence rate of psychological morbidity of 78 percent among participants. Of this, about 16.2 percent were severely distressed, 25.1 percent moderately distressed and 36.7 percent were mildly distressed. The females were more likely to be distressed
Introduction: HIV-infection is associated with many factors including: physical, social, cultural and psychosocial factors. Physiological changes associated with HIV infection may generate psychological morbidity. However, specific psychosocial factors contributing to psychological morbidity remain unclear. Identifying factors contributing to psychological morbidity may help in prevention and planning intervention. Aims/Objectives: 1) To identify significant predictors of psychological morbidity from specific dysfunctional coping traits/dimensions among HIV-infected persons; 2) To assess/determine the association between predictor variables (specific coping dysfunctional traits) and psychological morbidity; 3) To identify other correlates of psychological morbidity; 4) To make recommendations on how to reduce levels of dysfunctional coping and psychological morbidity. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to examine data collected from 110 participants, HIV patients receiving HAART services from Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Results: Results indicate that HIV-patients with high levels of psychological morbidity were more likely to use dysfunctional coping more frequently. Therefore, greater psychological distress and symptoms reporting may be associated with dysfunctional coping. Conclusion/Recommendation: The study recommends that specific dysfunctional coping dimensions should also be targeted in interventions designed to reduce psychological morbidity in HIV patients.
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