Background: Benue state has been considered among the 'hot zones' for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria with a prevalence rate of 9.3 among adults aged 15 to 45 years. Yet, there is paucity of information on the socio-demographic factors associated with this level of prevalence. We hereby report the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with HIV among adults in Abwa-Mbagene, Benue state, Nigeria. Methods: Adults in Abwa-Mbagene community who accepted to participate between 9th and 24th of August 2007 were recruited. After counselling, screening was done using 'Determine HIV' kit. Results: 153 subjects (74 males and 79 females) were recruited. Their age ranges from 15 to 60 years (Mean: 26.2years). Fourty-two (27.5%) consisting of 12 (16.2%) males and 30 (38%) females were positive for HIV (male to female ratio, 2:5). The prevalence of HIV was higher among the divorcees (50%); those whose level of education was primary school (41.3%) and below and; farmers (60%). Majority (96%) knows AIDS exists, 85% are informed on mode and prevention of HIV transmission. Cases of AIDS deaths, unprotected casual sex, blood transfusion with unscreened blood and polygamy are common in the community. The single most important cultural factors in HIV transmission identified is indulgence in night parties, which increased the rate of unprotected casual sex. Conclusion: This community represents a high HIV/AIDS prevalence spot in Benue State, Nigeria. There is therefore the need for the establishment of HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT), Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT), save blood and antiretroviral treatment services in the community. Vocational centers to engage single women and improve their financial state will boost preventive strategies. Finally, partnership with community leaders towards discouraging night parties will reduce the prevalence of HIV in the community.
A name gives one identity, inspiration, strength, vision and an ability to see far into the future end from the beginning. Pathology disciplines therefore need correct and proper names that will carry along it all those attributes to enable them explore all her potentials unhindered in the 21st century practice of Medicine in the country. This study reviewed the functions of Medical Microbiologists and Haematologists in the midst of incessant inter-professional rivalry involving medical laboratory scientist in the country's teaching hospitals. Data was collected based on information from electronic, online and print media, and social media platforms. Questionnaires were administered to assess the knowledge of students of Adeyemi College of Education Ondo-City on the difference between Consultant Medical Microbiologists and Academic Microbiologists. We found out that in over 85% of the crisis in the medical laboratories in the country are from either Medical Microbiology and or Haematology laboratories; disciplines whose names have little to do with pathology, and that Anatomic Pathology and Chemical Pathology disciplines are usually only in solidarity with the two. Also other health personnel including scientists do not feel fully convinced that Consultants in the former two disciplines (Medical Microbiology and Haematology) are truly Pathologists. It was also found that 90% of members of the general public cannot differentiate between a Pathologist who specializes in Microbiology from an individual who graduated with BSc or MSc in Microbiology and so could hardly understand why such could not also practice as Consultant Microbiologist or Lecture in Clinical Pathology departments. At the University of Medical Sciences teaching Hospital Complex (UNIMED THC) where both the discipline and the Department are named Microbial Pathology, the tension has substantially been put under check. The two subspecialties should be properly named as: Microbial Pathology and Haematologic Pathology instead of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, and Haematology respectively along with their respective Departments.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.