Background The wellbeing of family caregivers of mentally ill persons has often been ignored, despite that family caregivers can be predisposed to psychiatric morbidities and burden in caring for their mentally ill family members. This study examined the levels of psychological distress and burden of care experienced by family caregivers who care for their mentally ill relatives in Edo State, Nigeria. Methods This study assessed psychological distress using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Burden of care was measured using the 22-item Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was done to determine factors associated with burden of care and psychological distress, while factor analysis was used to determine the underlying forms of burden of care and psychological distress among participants. Results Caregivers studied were relatives of patients diagnosed for depression (25.1%), substance use disorder (22.2%), schizophrenia (20.2%) and bipolar affective disorder (11.1%). Approximately 15% experienced no-to-mild burden, 51.3% mild-to-moderate burden and 34.0% high-or-severe burden. Nearly halve (49.0%) of participants experienced psychological distress. Severe rate of psychological distress was observed among subjects caring for patients with schizophrenia (60.7%), epilepsy (60.0%), substance use disorder (52.2%) and depression (49.0%). High burden of care was more preponderant among caregivers of relatives with mental retardation and epilepsy (50% each) and schizophrenia (39.3%). Having a higher educational qualification and being self-employed was a predictor of psychological distress. Gender of caregiver and the diagnosis schizophrenia among relatives of caregivers predisposed to burden of care. Three factors including social and emotional dysfunction, psychological distress and cognitive dysfunction were identified as components of psychological health through factor analysis. On the burden scale, six factor components were identified as: personal strain, role strain, intolerance, patients’ dependence, guilt and interference in personal life. Conclusion There is a high prevalence of psychological morbidity and burden of care among family caregivers providing care for persons with mental illness.

Background Information. Monitoring outcome of tuberculosis treatment and understanding the specific reasons for unsuccessful treatment outcome are important in evaluating the effectiveness of tuberculosis control program. This study investigated tuberculosis treatment outcomes and predictors for unsuccessful treatment outcome in Ogbomoso town, Southwestern Nigeria. Methodology. Medical records of all tuberculosis patients registered from January 2008 to December 2011 in 5 Local Government areas, Ogbomoso, Southwestern Nigeria, were reviewed. Treatment outcome and tuberculosis type were categorized according to the national tuberculosis control guideline. Bivariate analysis was used to analyse the association between treatment outcome and potential predictor variables. Results. Out of the 965 total TB patients (579 males and 386 females) with mean age 42.4 ± 1.9 years, 866 (89.74%) were categorized as pulmonary tuberculosis and 109 (11.30%) as extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Treatment outcome among total 914 subjects was as follows: 304 (33.26%) patients got cured, 477 (52.19%) completed treatment, 87 (9.52%) died, 9 (0.98%) defaulted, and 1 (0.11%) failed treatment while 36 (3.94%) were transferred out. Higher treatment success rate was associated with those on Category 1 treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The treatment success rate of tuberculosis patients was high (85.45%) compared to national target. However, certain proportion of patients died (9.52%) and defaulted (0.98%), which is a serious public health concern that needs to be addressed urgently.

Background: There has been global concern regarding HIV/AIDS epidemic particularly in developing countries. The magnitude of the epidemic result not only in the loss of human life but enormous financial burden to health care system and loss of productivity to the country. It has created unparalleled social and medical challenge. Aims & Objective: This study assesses the knowledge, attitude and risky sexual practices on HIV/AIDS among commercial motorcyclist in Osogbo, Osun States. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of two local government areas in Osogbo town, Osun States, Nigeria was conducted in November, 2007. Study participants were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. A total of 298 participants were surveyed using a semi-structured, pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire over a two weeks period. Data entry and analysis were carried out using SPSS version 11. Results: Over 90% of the participants were aware of HIV/AIDS and a larger proportion (94%) believed in its existence, while comprehensive knowledge on its causative agent, mode of prevention and transmission are inadequate. Many of the respondents have poor attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (61.7%). High-risk behaviours that can predispose to HIV/AIDS are still predominant as 52.5% takes alcohol, 18.0 % smokes and 55.0% indulge in extramarital affairs. Conclusion: The findings in this study showed a high level of general awareness about the existence of HIV/AIDS but comprehensive knowledge remains low. Many of the respondents have poor attitudes towards People Living With Aids and also engage in high-risky behaviours that can predispose to HIV/AIDs. There is need for multi-pronged approach in the dissemination of information on the prevention and control of HIV/AIDs.