Browsing by Author "Chukwuocha, Uchechukwu M."

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    Awareness and compliance with intermittent preventive treatment of malaria (IPTp) among pregnant women in parts of South Eastern Nigeria
    (U. P., 2020) Chukwuocha, Uchechukwu M.; Ihejirika, Chigozirim O.; Obasi, Chidera C.; Chinedu-Eleonu, Pricella; Igwe, Chidinma N.; Ozoh, Florence C.; Akanazu, Chidinma O.; Ezelote, Judith
    The WHO recommends intermittent preventive treatments (IPTp) for the reduction of malaria episodes and its attendant consequences among pregnant women in malaria endemic areas. This study was done to ascertain the awareness and compliance with IPTp among pregnant women in parts of South Eastern Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was adopted for this study. About 200 pregnant women of different gestational ages attending antenatal clinics in primary care health centres in Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria two randomly selected. Data on awareness and compliance with IPTp was collected from the consenting pregnant women using structured pre-tested questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. Generally, about 106(53%) of the study women were aware of IPTp whereas only 65(33%) complied with the malaria prevention strategy. Socioobstetric factors such as parity, number of live births were significantly associated with awareness (P<0.05) whereas ethnic group and religion were significantly associated with compliance (P<0.05). This is an original study that investigated the level of awareness and compliance with IPTp for the prevention of malaria among pregnant women who attend antenatal clinics in primary care facilities in parts of South Eastern Nigeria. For there to be improved awareness and optimal compliance with IPTp among pregnant women in poor malaria endemic areas, it is very necessary enhance antenatal services in primary care facilities. This can be done through periodic training of health personnel particularly the nurses, adequate supply of necessary medicines and the use of the directly observed approach in ensuring compliance.
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    Non-classical symptoms of malaria in parts of South Eastern Nigeria: A preliminary report
    (U. P., 2019) Chukwuocha, Uchechukwu M.; Njoku, Princewill U.; Iwuoha, Gregory N.; Nwaokoro, Joakin C.; Njoku-obi, Njideka T.; Iwuala, Chimezie C.; Ezelote, Judith
    Malaria is associated with varied symptoms some of which are not documented or recognized. This study is a preliminary report on non-classical symptoms of malaria among a cross-section of 200 consenting patients in parts of South Eastern Nigeria. Socio-Clinico data was collected using structured pre-tested questionnaire. Malaria status was confirmed using Rapid Diagnostic Test. Data was analyzed with Chi-square at P<0.05 significance. Most of the study patients were 30-39 years (50.0%) and males (40.0%). All reported experiencing fever at onset of illness with 175 (87.5%) reporting non-classical symptoms particularly bitterness of the taste buds (5.0%), mostly as double symptoms (32.5%) or multiple symptoms (37.5%). About 133/175 (76%) tested malaria positive. Non-classical symptoms were significantly associated with period of last malaria treatment and current malaria status respectively (P<0.05). There is need to further investigate the dynamics, patterns, consistency and host factors involvement of non-classical symptoms of malaria and potential implications for malaria elimination plans.
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    Nutritional status and malaria risk in children under five years in Owerri Municipality, South Eastern, Nigeria
    (U. P., 2019) Chukwuocha, Uchechukwu M.; Njoku, Princewill U.; Ezelote, Judith; Nwaokoro, Joakin C.; Iwuala, Chimezie C.
    Nutritional status of children has been associated with disease conditions leading to morbidity and mortality. This facility based study assessed the relationship between nutritional status and malaria among under-five children in Owerri municipality South Eastern Nigeria. Nutritional status, Malaria status, Haemoglobin level, Serum Iron and Temperature were respectively measured by Z-score, Rapid Diagnostic Test, Hemocue Hb201+ analyzer, enzyme immunoassay and digital thermometer. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 200 under five children were involved in the study of which 37% were positive for malaria, 37% were anemic, 38% had iron deficiency, 44% were febrile and 49.5% were hospitalized due to malaria. There was significant association between nutritional status and malaria (χ2=9.254, p=0.002), nutritional status and anemia (χ2=5.552, p= 0.020) as well as nutritional status and hospitalization due to malaria (χ2= 11.691, p=0.001). Malnourishment is associated with malaria risk among the under five children. Reductions in malaria parasitaemia and anemia rates may require improving children's nutritional status. This will reflect on reducing malaria morbidity, progression to severe disease and possible death.