This study assessed the prevalence and characteristics of intimate partner violence among women of childbearing age in a primary health centre. With interviewer-administered questionnaire, information on partner violence was elicited from three hundred women of childbearing age selected by systematic sampling in a primary health care (PHC) centre. Over 40% had experienced violence within the last 12 months. Type of marriage and partner's education had effect on violence. Perceived reasons for violence were economic demand (56.1%), reproductive issues (42.5%), alcohol and drugs (61.2%). Forty eight per cent reported to family members. Only 1% reported to the Police. Intimate partner violence is a prevalent public health problem in eastern Nigeria. Health workers and social organisations should recognise the problem and offer necessary support, and women should be empowered RÉSUMÉLa violence du partenaire intime chez les femmes en âge d'avoir des enfants dans un centre des services médicaux primaries au Nigéria. Cette étude a etude a évalué la prévalence et les caractéristiques de la violence du partenaire intime chez les femmes en âge d'avoir des enfants, dans un centre des services médicaux primaries. A l'aide d'un questionnaire administé par l'intervieweur, nous avons recueilli des renseignements sur la violence du partenaire de trios cents femmes en âge d'avoir des enfants. Elles ont été selectionnées à travers un échantillon systématique dans un centre des services médicaux primaries (SMP). Plus de 40% avaient vécu la violence ces douze derniers mois. Le type de mariage et le niveau de scolarité du partenaire avaient un effet sur la violence. Les raisons perçues de la violence étaient l'exigence économique (15,1%), les questions de la reproduction (42,5%), l'alcool et la drogue (61,2%). 48% ont signalé aux members de famille. Seul 1% ont signalé à la police. La violence du partenaire intime est un problème de la santé publique prévalent à l'Est du Nigéria. Il faut que les Assistantes Sociales et les organisations sociales reconnaissent le problème et qu'elles offrent le secours nécessaire. Il faut également rendre les femmes capables d'affronter le problème. (Rev Afr Santé Reprod 2002; 6[3]: 53-58)

Background:In developing countries, biological contaminants largely bacteria and other parasites constitute the major causes of food-borne diseases often transmitted through food, water, nails, and fingers contaminated with faeces. Accordingly, food-handlers with poor personal hygiene could be potential sources of infections by these micro-organisms.Objective:This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and pattern of bacteria and intestinal parasites among food handlers in the Federal Capital Territory.Materials and Methods:The study was a descriptive one in which a multistage sampling technique was employed to select 168 food handlers of various types. Subjects’ stool, urine, and fingernail analyses were carried out and the result scientifically scrutinized.Results:Fingernail bacteria isolates include: E. Coli (1.8%), coagulase-negative staphylococcus (17.9%), Staphylococcus aureus(7.1%), Klebsiella species (2.4%), Serratia species (1.2%), Citrobacter species (1.2%), and Enterococcus species (1.8%). The subjects’ stool samples tested positive: For A. lumbricoides (14.9%), T. trichuria (1.8%), S. starcolaris (3.0%), E. histolytica (10.7%), G. lambilia (1.8%), S. mansoni (1.2%), and Taenia species (4.8%). Furthermore, 42.3% and 15.5% of the stool specimen tested positive for Salmonella and Shigella species, respectively.Conclusion:Food establishments should screen and treat staff with active illness, and regularly train them on good personal and workplace hygiene practices.

Poor waste management has been a major problem to human existence and it affects both rural and urban areas. Various methods of waste disposal exist and this study assessed the waste management practices among residents of Owerri Municipal, Imo state, Nigeria. It was a descriptive cross sectional study in which a total of 282 residents of Owerri Municipal were selected by multistage sampling technique and studied using self and interviewer administered questionnaires. The results showed that 90% of respondents were aware of waste management while 97.5% had positive attitude towards it. The major types of waste generated from households were food residues (97.1%) and vegetable products (95.4%). Also poor waste management practices among residents include open dumping, practiced by 66.3% of the residents and burning as practiced by 62.4% of respondents. The commonest means of waste transport to final disposal site was by wheel barrow. Gender and educational status of respondents significantly influenced their knowledge, attitude and practice of waste management (p < 0.05). Good waste management is pivotal to sustainable healthy living conditions in any environment. The residents of Owerri need health education, regular supply of refuse collection facilities and designated final dump sites. These will encourage strict adherence to proper and appropriate waste management practices among them.

The health workers were not operating the DSN system in the State to optimal functionality. Recommendations were therefore made for the periodic training-retraining of health personnel on DSN, improved funding, provision of logistics, improved supervision, and feedback of information.