School of Health Technology

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Open Access
Diabetes mellitus and some of its effect on the eyes among adults of rural communities at Ohafia LGA of Abia State Nigeria
(U. P., 2011) Azuamah, Y. C.; Amadi, A. N.; Amadi, C. O. A.
This study was carried out on adults at Ohafia Local Government of Abia State in Nigeria to determine the presence of ocular effects that resulted from diabetes mellitus. This study was a field based study in which subjects were made to assemble at a health center and the examinations and tests carried out. Out of the 213 subjects examined and tested, 48 of them (27 males and 21 females) were found to have a history of diabetes mellitus. The presence of ocular effects of diabetes on these subjects showed that 31.25% of the subjects (33.3% of the males and 28.6% of the females) had diabetic cataract. Diabetic retinopathy was found on 6.25% of the subjects (0% of the males and 14.3% of the females). Also 6.25% of the subjects showed diabetic macular edema, 0% were males and 14.3% were females. Diabetic papillopathy was found in 31.25% of the subjects out of which 22.2% were males and 42.8% were females. 37.5% of the diabetic subjects were found to have glaucoma, 22.2% of them were males and 57.1% of them were females. One or a combination of these ocular effects of diabetes was seen on some subjects. Data analysis with the SPSS statistics software using the T test showed that there was no significant difference between the male and female subjects to the ocular effects of diabetes mellitus.
Open Access
Visual acuity and imparment among hypertensive adults in Okagwe Ohafia, Abia State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2011) Azuamah, Y. C.; Amadi, A. N.; Esenwah, E.; Amadi, C. O. A.; Azuamah, E. C.
The objective of this study is to determine the level of reduction in visual acuity and visual impairment arising from ocular diseases among adults with hypertension. A community based study was conducted in a rural community in Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 213 subjects were screened for ocular diseases and impairments. Eighty seven (40.8%) males and 126 (59.2%) females were used for the study. The demographic data of the participants were taken. Furthermore, the arterial blood pressure was measured using the KODEA electronic sphygmomanometer. The case history of those who participated in the study, the visual acuity and other ocular examinations were taken. Out of the 213 subjects used for this study, 117 subjects had high blood pressure comprising of 54 (46.2%) males and 63 (53.8%) females. The visual acuity of both right and left eyes of the subjects with hypertension revealed a poor or absent visual acuity of 6/60 or less was seen in 58% of the male subjects and 53.9% of the female subjects. The major causes of visual impairment in this population were attributed to cataract and glaucoma which was present in 37.6% and 32.8% of the subjects respectively. Other associated factors of visual impairment recorded were hypertensive retinopathy, optic neuropathy, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Open Access
Co-occurrence of diabeties mellitus and hypertension in some rural communities of Southeast Nigeria
(U. P., 2011) Azuamah, Y. C.; Amadi, A. N.; Amadi, C. O. A.; Esenwah, E. C; Azuamah, E. C.; Iloh, J. U.
Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are common diseases that coexist at a greater frequency than chance alone would predict. This study was conducted on subjects living in rural communities in Southeast Nigeria namely Nkwebi, Elu, Okagwe Ohafia in Abia State and Ezeala Owerre, Umueze, Umunakanu, Umunumo, Umualumaku in Imo State. The objective of the study was to assess the co-occurrence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. A total of 446 subjects were examined, 186 (41.7%) males and 260 (58.3%) females. All the subjects were above 20 years with a mean age of 58.7 years. Out of 446 subjects studied, 93 subjects had diabetes mellitus, 53 (57%) males and 40 (43%) females. The record also revealed that 254 subjects comprising of 111 males and 143 females had arterial hypertension with a mean blood pressure of 184/113mmHg and 172/102mmHg respectively. Among these subjects, 43 had both diabetes mellitus and hypertension, 26 (60.5%) males and 17 (39.5%) females. From the results obtained, out of the 93 subjects with diabetes mellitus, 43 of them making 46.2% had hypertension. We concluded that there was a close co-occurrence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
Open Access
A review of sociological factors associated with diabetes mellitus
(TIJOSS & ARF, 2013-05-30) Azuamah, Y. C.; Imaseun, A. F.; Onoseta, O. H.; Onuoha, P. C.
Diabetes Mellitus is not a single disease entity but rather a group of metabolic disorders sharing the common underlying feature of hyperglycemia. This review paper takes a look at the major sociological factors associated with increased blood glucose levels and its control. Among these factors include the socioeconomic status of individuals, their ethnicity, sex and religion. Other sociological factors mentioned in this paper are people’s lifestyle, obesity, consumption of alcohol, genetics, marital status, health education and age. Genetics is known to be a major factor in diabetes mellitus as many people with diabetes mellitus tend to have family members especially parents and siblings with the disorder. Socioeconomic status also plays a major role as people in the lower socioeconomic status tend to have diabetes more than those in the higher socioeconomic status. Age is also known to be a factor in Type 2 Diabetes as most people with this type of diabetes tend to show symptoms from the age of 40 and above. Other sociological factors mentioned are discussed in detail
Open Access
Water sanitation practices in Obowo, SouthEastern Nigeria
(U. P., 2014) Osuji, I. E.; Azuamah, Y. C.; Amadi, A. N.; Esenwah, E. C.; Agu, G. C.; Nwala, O. R.
This study was carried out to determine the level of water sanitation practices among residents in Obowo, Nigeria. A total of 360 respondents were interviewed for this study. Results showed that 90.8% of the respondents use boiling as their method of water purification. 42.8% always boil their water before drinking, 50.3% do not always boil their water before drinking. Water containers were the main source of water storage reported by 78.6% of the residents. Majority (54.7%) of them reported that they only wash their water storage facilities when dirt accumulates on them. Bore-hole water was the major source of water supply reported by 52.6% of the respondents followed by rain water (30.8%). Hand washing before eating with soap and water was reported by 24.7% while 75.3% washed their hands with water alone. Also 76.4% reported that they always washed their hands with soap and water after using the toilet while 23.6% washed their hands but not always. On waste disposal, 57.2% used improved water system for excreta disposal and 47.8% disposed their domestic waste by using them in their farms. Health education programs that will reach all parts of the rural areas on water sanitation were recommended to prevent the occurrence of water-borne diseases.
Open Access
Socioeconomic factors affecting attitude toward ocular Injuries among welders in Owerri, Nigeria
(U. P., 2014) Azuamah, Y. C.; Osuji, C. D.; Esenwah, E. C.; Agu, G. C.; Nwala, O. R.; Bazuaye, K. N.
This study was carried out in Owerri municipal, Southeastern Nigeria to determine the socioeconomic factors affecting the attitude of welders toward ocular injuries. One hundred male welders with a mean age of 32.17 ± 9.1 were interviewed with the use of questionnaires. Information obtained from the welders revealed that 48% had primary education, 48% had secondary education and 2% had tertiary education. The income of the welders per week showed 27% earning below ₦2000, 59% earned between ₦2000 and ₦5000, and 14% earned above ₦5000 weekly. Upon occurrence of an ocular injury, 34% of the welders visited the hospital, 50% embarked on self-medication while 16% opted for lay referral. While 22% used protective eye equipment when working, 78% did not. On the impact of ocular injury on their income, 79% said there was a significant financial impact while 21% said there was no impact on their income. Adequate education and enlightenment of welders and the general public toward proper prevention and management measures of ocular injuries at workplace was recommended.
Open Access
Impact of ocular stress on axial length of the eye among young adults
(U. P., 2014) Ahuama, Okezie C.; Nwala, Onyinye R.; Azuamah, Young C.; Ohiri, Martin O.; Igwebuike, Anthony
As our eyes face a new breadth of ocular stressors, it becomes imperative to understand and properly diagnose ocular effects related to stress. This study was aimed at determining the effect of stress on the axial length of young adults.50 subjects of both sexes and between the ages of 15-32 years (mean age of 20.98±3.65 years) were involved in the study. Comprehensive ocular examination including visual acuity using Snellen chart, examination of the anterior segment using penlight, funduscopy using direct ophthalmoscope and ophthalmometry using a one position keratometer to measure the radius of curvature of the cornea of each eye was carried out on all the subjects. The axial length of the subjects was measured twice through ultrasonography using the A-SCAN ultrasound machine. The cumulative mean baseline axial length of the subjects was 23.11mm while the mean induced value was 23.86mm showing an increase in axial length of +0.75mm after exposure to stress. There was a statistically significant (P<0.05) diurnal variation in axial length due to exposure to stress. This signifies a strong correlation between ocular stress and axial length. Stress reduction procedures which involve relaxation should be practised frequently to reduce eyestrain, fluctuations in the eyes axial length and ensure visual clarity.
Open Access
Common pathogenic organisms found in external eye infections among residents of Abuja, Nigeria
(U. P., 2015) Esenwah E. C.; Ojogbane G. E.; Azuamah Y. C.; Ezinne N; Ikoro N. C.; Daniel-Nwosu, E. M.; Ahuama O. C.; Kio F
This study was carried out to determine the common microorganisms present in external eye infections of residents of Abuja, Nigeria. A total of 250 patients, of both genders and of all age groups with external eye infections, who attended the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, were the subjects. The isolated pathogens seen among the subjects included Staphylococcus aureus (38.4%), Escherichia Coli (16.4%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (14%), Escherichia faecalis (8%), Aspergillum (1.6%) and Klebsiella species (0.4%). In 21.2% of the subjects, no microorganism was found. Conjunctivitis was the most prevalent of the eye infections accounting for 58.4%, followed by blepharitis, 13.6%; corneal ulcer, 10.4%; hordeolum, 8.8% and keratitis,8.8%. Public education and enlightenmentcampaigns on the need for proper personal hygiene and prevention against communicable diseases are recommended.
Open Access
Refractive power and blood glucose changes: Studies in alloxan-induced and insulin-treated diabetic rabbits
(U. P., 2015) Okorie, M. E.; Nweke, I. N.; Ahuama, O. C.; Azuamah, Y. C.; Unekwe, P. C.
This study was carried out to determine the refractive power and blood glucose changes in alloxan-induced and insulin-treated diabetic rabbits. Eighteen healthy Dutch rabbits of both sexes weighing between 1.1kg and 1.9kg were used for this study. A 5% solution of alloxan monohydrate was administered intravenously to create a diabetic state. Refraction and blood glucose measurement was measured at approximately 5 days interval for 15 days before and after induction of diabetes by Streak retinoscopy. Results show a significant increase in hyperopia from + 1.49 D (+/- 0.59) to + 2.00 D (+/- 0.52) with increased blood glucose level after induction of diabetes. There was a significant positive correlation (P = 0.01) between hyperglycemic and hyperopic changes in the diabetic rabbits (r = +0.913, P<0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant correlation between insulin-induced blood glucose and refractive changes in insulin treated diabetic rabbits (r = +0.31, P > 0.05).
Open Access
Co-occurrence of systemic hypertension and glaucoma in Southeast Nigeria
(U. P., 2015) Azuamah, Y. C.; Amadi, A. N.; Esenwah, E. C.; Agu, G. C.; Okorie, M. E.
The co-occurrence of systemic hypertension and glaucoma was investigated in rural communities of southeast Nigeria. Four hundred and forty six subjects were examined of which 186 (41.7%) were males and 260 (58.3%) were females. Three hundred and forty of the subjects had either hypertension, glaucoma or both. From this number, 183 (53.82%) subjects had hypertension, 157 (46.18%) had glaucoma and 106 (31.17%) had both hypertension and glaucoma. Among the subjects with hypertension, 46.99% were males and 53.01% were females. For the subjects with glaucoma,there were 42.04 % males and 57.96% females. For the subjects who had both hypertension and glaucoma, 44.34% were males and 55.66% were females. Proper awareness and health education campaigns toward mitigating the impact of hypertension and glaucoma was recommended.
Open Access
Age and gender variations of visual impairment in the distribution of cataract at Ehime Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2015-03) Azuamah, Y. C.; Amadi, A. N; Esenwah E. C.; Agu, G. C.; Okorie, M. E.
This study was carried out in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state, Nigeria, to assess the age and gender variations in visual impairment among individuals with cataract. Out of 233 subjects examined, 68 males and 68 females were found to have cataract. The mean age of the male subjects was 61.37±13.97 while the mean age of the female subjects was 56.78±14.05. Results of the best correctable visual acuity of the male and female subjects in the better eye using the WHO classification revealed that 33 (24.26%) males and 28 (20.60%) females were normal with a best correctable visual acuity of 6/6 to 6/18. Twenty four (17.65%) males and 25 (18.38%) females had visual impairment with a visual acuity of <6/18 – 6/60. Severe visual impairment was seen in 5 (3.67%) males and 4 (2.94%) females. Subjects in categories 3, 4 and 5 were labeled blind according to WHO definition with a male frequency of 1 (0.74%), 4 (2.94%) and 1 (0.74%) respectively. The female frequency was 4 (2.94%), 5 (3.67%) and 2 (1.47%) respectively. SPSS statistical software analysis using the paired sample T test showed that the age and gender variations in visual impairment was statistically significant at 0.05 level of significance and 95% confidence interval, t(67)= -4.394, (p<0.05).
Open Access
Introdction to Biomedical Technology
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2016-04-27) School of Health Technology, Department of Biomedical Technology.
Open Access
Socio-economic factors associated with ocular problem among auto-mechanics in Southeast Nigeria
(U. P., 2017) Esenwah, E. C.; Amadi, A. N.; Nwoke, B. E. B.; Azuamah, Y. C; DanielNwosu, E. M; Ikoro, N. C.; Akpalaba, R. E.
This study was carried out to determine the socio-economic factors affecting auto-mechanics and how they relate to the ocular problems seen among them in Southeast Nigeria. Six hundred subjects all of whom were males were used for this study. The ages ranged from 11years to 66years, with a mean age of 36.08 ± 11.4. Results showed that 39.8% of the auto-mechanics had primary education, 43% had secondary/vocational education while 17.2% were unable to complete either their primary or secondary/vocational education. 16.7% of the subjects made a profit of less than N1000 per week while none of the subjects made profit higher than N3000. The major ocular problems seen among the subjects were conjunctivitis (27.67%), foreign bodies (11.5%) and pterygium (7.0%). We concluded that there is high level of risk of ocular problems facing the auto-mechanics which is related to their unfavorable socio-economic condition that increase their susceptibility to diseases.
Open Access
General Epidemiology
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2018) School of Health Technology, Department of Public Health.
Open Access
Accomodation lag among corrected myopes and emmetropes: A comparative study
(IJRSFP, 2018-12-28) Azuamah, Y. C.; Kalakeya, L. C.; Esenwah, E. C.; Ikoro, N. C.; Megwas, A. U.; Azuamah, E. C.
Accommodation lag is the amount by which the accommodative response of the eye is less than the dioptric stimulus to accommodation. This study was carried out at the Optometry Teaching Clinic, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria to compare the accommodation lag of corrected myopes and emmetropes. A total of 68 subjects between the ages of 18 and 30 and a mean age of 23.15±2.85 were used for this study. The accommodation lag was determined by taking the difference between the static and dynamic retinoscopic findings of each subject. Results obtained showed that 18(26.47%) myopes recorded a value of between -0.25DS and -1.00DS for both static and dynamic retinoscopy. For a finding of -1.25DS to -2.00DS, there were 7(10.29%) and 8(11.76%) myopes for static and dynamic retinoscopy respectively. The distribution of retinoscopic findings among emmetropes showed that 17(25%) and 7(10.30%) emmetropes recorded a value of between plano and -0.25DS for static and dynamic retinoscopy respectively. For a finding of +0.25DS to +0.50DS, there were 16(23.53%) and 20(29.41%) emmetropes for static and dynamic retinoscopy respectively. The mean value for accommodation lag among the myopes was 0.35±0.24D. For the emmetropes, the mean accommodation lag was 0.24±0.27D. Data analysis with SPSS version 21 using the Independent Sample T test revealed that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in accommodation lag between the corrected myopes and the emmetropes used in this study. Myopes were advised to always put on their prescription glasses to ensure an improvement of their accommodative response.
Open Access
Color coding of solid health care waste in Lagos, Southwestern Nigeria
(U. P., 2019) Akingbehin, S. A.; Amadi, C. O. A.; Iro, O. K.; Azuamah, Y. C.; Amadi, A. N.
Color coding ensures identification of the hazards associated with the type of health care waste that is handled or treated. The objective of this study was to investigate the compliance of health care facilities in Lagos, Southwestern Nigeria to the color coding system of waste segregation. A harmonized checklist and a well-structured questionnaire were used to obtain data from the health care facilities and their workers. A total of 507 workers in 16 health care facilities were interviewed in this study. Results showed that for the color identification of sharps, 472 (93.10%) respondents said black; brown was 26 (5.13%); yellow, 10 (1.97%). For pathological wastes, black was 470 (92.70%); brown, 28 (5.52%); yellow, 6 (1.18%). For radioactive wastes, black was 475 (93.69%); brown, 5 (0.99%); yellow, 35 (6.90%). For chemical wastes, black was 483 (95.27%); brown, 20 (3.94%); yellow, 5 (0.99%). For infectious wastes, black was 461 (90.93%); brown, 32 (6.31%); yellow, 15 (2.96%). For pharmaceutical wastes, black was 467 (92.11%); brown, 36 (7.10%); yellow, 10 (1.97%). In conclusion, the health care facilities in Lagos did not adhere to the proper color coding for segregation of solid health care waste. It was recommended that awareness programs be organized for health care workers so that they will be familiar with the color coding system and abide by it.
Open Access
Perception and uptake of malaria rapid diagnostic test among caregivers of under-five in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria
(European Centre for Research, Training and Development (ECRTD) UK, 2019) Dozie, Ugonma Winnie; Ebirim, Chikere Ifeanyi Casmir; Nwobi, Uchenna Onyeka; Okorie, Onyinye Mary; Ezelote, Chinelo Judith; Chukwuocha, Uchechukwu; Ibe, Sally Nkechinyere Onyeka; Dozie, Ikechukwu Nosike Simplicious
The launch of RDT is hoped to enable in reducing the rate of presumptive treatment of malaria. However, simply making RDTs available has not led to high uptake of the test, in light of this, it is crucial to understand the perception of RDT and its uptake among caregivers concerning the treatment of malaria in under five children, therefore the aim of the study was to determine the perception and uptake of rapid diagnostic test in the treatment of malaria among care givers of under five children in Owerri West Local Government. Descriptive study was employed and a multi stage cluster and systematic sampling techniques was used to select 420 respondents in the LGA. The Instrument for data collection was structured pre- tested questionnaire which was administered by trained researcher after gaining informed consent from the respondents. Results of the study showed that more respondents were aged 30 -49 years 161(38.3%), females 268 (63.8%), Married 216 (51.4%), Primary education 126 (63.8%) and civil servant was 196 (46%) respectively. Perception of malaria RDT showed that 175 (41.7%) respondents were of the opinion that mRDT was useful, 102 (24.3%) not useful, 101 (24%) dangerous while 16 (2.8%) felt it was not good. Malaria RDT uptake indicated that majority of the respondents 223 (53.1%) did not know about RDT and 215 (51.2%) did not carry out mRDT test. 300 (73.8%) indicated that malaria rapid diagnostic test is not very useful and 373 (88.8%) of caregivers were of the opinion that mRDTs w ere expensive. From the study it is evident that the perception of malaria rapid diagnostic is negative and low, therefore sensitization of the caregivers about mRDTs will be of benefit.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
Comparison of the effect of topical 0.5% timolol maleate and 4% pilocarpine on the ocular tear film pH of patients with primary open angle glaucoma
(U. P., 2019) Azuamah, Y. C.; Esenwah, E. C.; Ikoro, N. C.; Megwas, A. U.; Ugwuoke, G. I.; Ogbonna, U.
The pH is a logarithmic scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. This study was carried out to compare the effect of 0.5% timolol maleate and 4% pilocarpine eye drops on the ocular tear film pH of subjects with primary open angle glaucoma. The study was a clinical study carried out at the Optometry Teaching Clinic, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. The subjects were divided into two groups of 84 subjects each. The ocular tear film pH was measured using sterile pH strips. The base line tear film pH was taken first. The first group was administered with one drop of 0.5% timolol maleate eye drop and the ocular tear film pH was measured again after 4 hours and after 24 hours. The second group was administered with one drop 4% pilocarpine eye drop and the ocular tear film pH was measured after 4 hours and after 24 hours. Results showed the mean pH values before administration with timolol eye drop was 6.94±0.48 in group one and 6.98±0.51 before administration of pilocarpine in group two. After 4 hours, the mean pH was 7.02±0.29 among subjects administered with timolol and 6.14±0.57 among subjects administered with pilocarpine. After 24 hours, the mean pH was 6.97±0.46 among subjects administered with timolol and 6.95±0.48 among subjects administered with pilocarpine. SPSS statistical analysis using the Paired Sample T test at 0.05 level of significance showed there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in ocular tear film pH after 4 hours of administration among subjects administered with 0.5% timolol maleate eye drop and subjects administered with 4% pilocarpine eye drop. After 24 hours of administration, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the ocular tear film pH. Timolol eye drop (0.5%) was found to be safer with regards to changes in the ocular tear film pH.