Background: Teenage pregnancy is a public and reproductive health issue globally because of its peculiar high risk nature, its burden is however more in the developing countries. This study assessed the sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric and perinatal outcomes among teenage mothers at a tertiary institution in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted over 5years on all parturients whose ages were less than 20years and whose pregnancies were 28weeks and above; and delivered at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, between 1st May, 2012 and 30th April, 2017. A comparison was made with pregnant women aged between 20years and 34years selected from the first woman in the birth registry who delivered after each study case and satisfied the inclusion criteria as control. Results: Teenage mothers were mostly uneducated and unemployed compared to the control group (P<0.050). The pregnancies of teenage mothers were more associated with complications such as anaemia, 12 (12.6%) vs 1 (1.1%); obstructed labour, 10 (10.5%) vs 2 (2.1%); cephalo-pelvic disproportion, 9(9.4%) vs1 (1.1%); preterm delivery, 22 (23.1%) vs 9 (9.6%); and operative delivery (Caesarean section), 26 (27.4%) vs 13 (13.6%) respectively. Similarly teenage mothers perinatal outcomes were poorer compared with older mothers as they had more cases of neonatal complications (P<0.05). Conclusion:Both the obstetric and perinatal outcomes of teenage mothers were poorer compared to the control group. There is need for concerted efforts by stakeholders to stem the tide of teenage pregnancy in our society.

Malnutrition and lack of economic sustainability are major problems in developing countries. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the nutrients‘ contents of three locally grown nuts in Nigeria (local groundnut, Kampala groundnut and breadnut) and highlight their health and economic potentials. Proximate analysis, chemical properties, minerals and fatty acids composition of the nuts were determined. The highest protein, crude fibre and carbohydrate contents were found in Kampala groundnut, local groundnut and breadnut respectively. Their sodium-potassium ratios were all less than 1.0 and their oils have mainly unsaturated fatty acids. Their acid values ranged between (2.41–6.34 mgKOH/g) while the iodine values were between 36.0 and 93.0 I2 g/100 g. Analysis of the nuts and their oils indicated that they could help in solving malnutrition problem and also boost nations’ economy. Encouraging their large scale production can enhance adequate nutrition and sustain industrial growth in developing countries.

Occupational exposures to blood borne pathogens including HIV have been well studied. However, limited studies exist about the utilization of post exposure prophylaxis and follow-up in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to describe the characteristics of occupational exposure to HIV, the utilization of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among health workers, and the proportion of exposed health workers reporting for follow-up three months after exposure. A cross sectional descriptive study involving ninety three health workers was carried out at a general hospital located in an urban area in North Central zone of Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was used. The prevalence of occupational exposure, utilization of post exposure prophylaxis and follow-up rate were assessed using self administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 16 and descriptive analysis was carried out. It was reported that, 73.1% of respondents at least one or more occupational exposures to HIV and other blood borne pathogens through accidental needle injury/prick, blood splash on a fresh wound or conjunctiva exposure in the last one year. Needle stick injury occurred in 83.8% of all respondents who had occupational exposures. 8.8% of exposed respondents commenced post exposure prophylaxis with two-thirds completing the post exposure prophylaxis regimen. Only one (25%) of those who completed the regimen reported for follow-up. Occupational exposures to HIV are common among health workers. The rates of utilization of post exposure prophylaxis and follow-up were low.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i1.6635   International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 3 No 1 (2013) 11-17

Introduction: Living conditions in most rural African communities favour malaria transmission and threaten global eradication. Prevention strategies and interventions such as the use of bed nets have reduced the prevalence of malaria. This study described the various methods employed to prevent malaria and their effects on malaria parasite prevalence among children living in a rural community in Nigeria. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted among 357 children aged 1–15 years, in a Nigerian rural community. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Chi-squared test of association with a level of significance of p < 0.050 was used. Results: Only 110 (30.8%) participants owned mosquito nets. Mostly those from the high social class (45; 40.9%) used the nets, and these were mostly ‘under-five’ children. Thirty-six (10.1%) were routinely given antimalarial drugs for malaria prophylaxis. Also, 102 (28.6%), 151 (42.3%), 278 (77.9%), 99 (27.7%) and 15 (5.0%) children used insecticides, local herbs, window nets, outlet door nets and mosquito repellent creams respectively. None of the methods employed to prevent malaria had statistically significant effect on malaria parasite prevalence among participants (p > 0.050). Conclusions: Malaria prevention methods were mostly practiced by participants of the high social class while children under-five considerably used mosquito nets. This study highlights the need to address the socio-demographic imbalance regarding malaria preventive measures in the community where the study was conducted. There is also a need to regulate the use of antimalarial drugs for malaria prophylaxis in the rural community. These suggest that the current malaria prevention methods in the community be reviewed.

Background: In sickle cell anemia (SCA), compromise of the renal vasculature due to sickled red cells has been recognized. Objectives: To assess the renal function and blood pressure pattern in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) presenting in a tertiary institution. Method: A cross-sectional study of patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) over six months involving the use of questionnaires, general physical examination, blood pressure, investigations for haemoglobin genotype, urinalysis, serum creatinine, screening for hepatitis B and HIV. Results: 51 children with SCA were seen. The prevalence of impaired renal function as defi ned by reduced eGFR <90mL/min/1.73m 2 in this study was 27.5%, previous hospital admission and blood transfusion were associated with reduction in eGFR but blood pressure did not have signifi cant correlation with the eGFR. The overall mean age at diagnosis of SCA was 4.09 ± 3.33 (years). Conclusion: Impaired renal function is a major comorbid condition in children with SCA. In countries/locations where there is no newborn screening for sickle cell disease, diagnosis is delayed, thus detecting impaired renal function may be delayed, therefore the need for early detection and management is imperative.