BackgroundThis study was designed to examine the knowledge, attitude and beliefs about causes, manifestations and treatment of mental illness among adults in a rural community in northern Nigeria.MethodsA cross sectional study design was used. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 250 adults residing in Karfi village, northern Nigeria.ResultsThe most common symptoms proffered by respondents as manifestations of mental illness included aggression/destructiveness (22.0%), loquaciousness (21.2%), eccentric behavior (16.1%) and wandering (13.3%). Drug misuse including alcohol, cannabis, and other street drugs was identified in 34.3% of the responses as a major cause of mental illness, followed by divine wrath/ God's will (19%), and magic/spirit possession (18.0%). About 46% of respondents preferred orthodox medical care for the mentally sick while 34% were more inclined to spiritual healing. Almost half of the respondents harbored negative feelings towards the mentally ill. Literate respondents were seven times more likely to exhibit positive feelings towards the mentally ill as compared to non-literate subjects (OR = 7.6, 95% confidence interval = 3.8–15.1).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates the need for community educational programs in Nigeria aimed at demystifying mental illness. A better understanding of mental disorders among the public would allay fear and mistrust about mentally ill persons in the community as well as lessen stigmatization towards such persons.

No abstract

Neonatal morbidity and mortality still poses a serious challenge in developing countries. Low level of obstetric care, unsupervised home deliveries and late referrals lead to poor outcome even in special care baby units (SCBU). To identify the common causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality among babies admitted to the SCBU in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) the case-notes of all admitted neonates from January 1998 to December 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 2963 (98.3%) babies had complete records. There were 1455 (49.1%) in-born (delivered in AKTH) and 1508 (50.9%) out-born (delivered elsewhere) babies. The sex ratio was 1.25:1 in favour of males. A total of 1868 (63.0%) were of normal birth weight, while 951 (32.1%) and 134 (4.5%) were low birth weight and macrocosmic, respectively. The leading diagnoses were birth asphyxia (27%) (severe birth asphyxia 18.1%, moderate asphyxia 8.9%), neonatal sepsis (25.3%) and prematurity (16.0%). Out of the 2963 babies, 501 (16.9%) died. The risk of dying was significantly higher (20.5%) among out-born babies compared with those delivered in AKTH (6.4%) (odds ratio = 1.71, 95% confidence interval = 1.4-2.1). In conclusion, the causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality at this centre are similar to those reported from other units. They could be prevented through effective antenatal care, supervised delivery and appropriate care and early referral of sick neonates.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Concerns about stigma and confidentiality limit the uptake of HIV testing and counseling (HTC) among young adults. HIV self-testing has been offered as a youth-friendly alternative to conventional HTC. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess HTC uptake, willingness to self-test, and their predictors among university students ( n =  399) in Kano, Nigeria. Anonymous self-administered questionnaires were provided to participants. Adjusted odd ratios were generated for predictors with logistic regression models. The results showed that only 35.8% ( n =  143) of participants had previous HTC.Most respondents (70.4%, n =  281) were willing to self-test. HTC was associated with year of college (500 Level vs. 100 Level), adjusted odds ratio (AOR, [95% Confidence Interval (CI)] = 0.44 (0.19–0.97), campus residence (off- vs. on-campus, AOR = 0.45; 95%CI: 0.28–0.73), sexual activity in the past six months (AOR = 0.39; 95%CI: 0.24–0.64), willingness to self-test (AOR = 0.38; 95%CI: 0.22–0.66), and consistent condom use (AOR = 4.45; 95%CI: 1.41–14.08). Students who were older (≥ 30 vs. <20 years, AOR = 0.20; 95%CI: 0.05–0.90) and female (AOR = 0.56; 95%CI: 0.32–0.98) were less likely to be willing to self-test, whereas students who were more senior (500 Level vs. 100 Level, AOR = 5.24; 95%CI: 1.85–14.84), enrolled in clinical science programs (vs. agriculture, AOR = 4.92; 95%CI: 1.51–16.05) or belonging to “other” ethnic groups (vs. Hausa–Fulani, AOR = 2.40; 95%CI: 1.11–5.19) were more willing to self-test. Overall HTC uptake was low, but acceptability of self-testing was high. College seniority, age, ethnicity, and program of study were associated with willingness to self-test. Our findings support the feasibility of scaling up HIV self-testing among university students in Nigeria.

No abstract