School of Health Technology

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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
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
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
An investigation into the relationship between sanitation practices and water-borne enteric diseases in Ihechiowa Community, Arochukwu, Southeastern Nigeria
(U. P., 2020) Okereke, E. E.; Amadi, C. O. A.; Iro, O. K.; Obasi, K. O.; Azuamah, Y. C.; Iwuoha, G. N.; Igwe, C. N.; Amadi, A. N.
Universal, affordable and sustainable access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is a key public health issue. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between sanitation practices and occurrence of water-borne enteric diseases among residents in Ihechiowa community, Arochukwu L.G.A., Southeastern Nigeria. The study was a descriptive cross sectional study to investigate the sanitation practices and occurrence of water-borne enteric diseases in Ihechiowa community, Arochukwu, Southeastern, Nigeria. The multistage sampling technique was adopted to select samples for the study. A well-structured questionnaire was used to interview the subjects and obtain data for the study. Data was uploaded into the SPSS version 23 software and the Chi-square was used to test for association at 5% level of significance. All subjects used for this study gave an informed consent to be part of the study. A total of 242 subjects were used for this study. The waterborne enteric diseases identified among the respondents in the study area include diarrhoea (20.4%), typhoid fever (50.0%), dysentery (1.4%) and cholera (28.2%). There was a significant relationship [P (0.015) < 0.05] with the type of latrine used and the presence of water-borne enteric diseases. There was also a significant relationship [P (0.001) < 0.05] with the material used for anal cleansing and the presence of water-borne enteric diseases. Further investigations revealed that hand washing after toilet use had a significant relationship [P (0.015) < 0.05] with the presence of water-borne enteric diseases. In conclusion, sanitation practices were found to be associated with water-borne enteric diseases. Health promotion and awareness campaigns on water, sanitation and hygiene were recommended
Open Access
Anal cleansing and excreta disposal practices among young adults in Southeastern Nigeria
(U. P., 2020) Igwe, C. N.; Amadi, A. N.; Onwuzulike, N. M.; Ozims, S. J.; Amadi, C. O. A.; Achigbu, K. I.; Azuamah, Y. C.; Okereke, E. E.
Proper anal cleansing and excreta disposal practice is important in maintaining good sanitation and hygiene. The objective of this study was to investigate the anal cleansing and excreta disposal practices of young adults in tertiary institutions located in Southeastern Nigeria. A total of 1100 young adults comprising 430 (39.09%) males and 670 (60.91%) females participated in the study. Results showed that out of the 650 respondents in Universities, 407 representing 62.62% used tissue paper only for anal cleansing after defecation, 162 (24.92%) used water only, while 81 (12.46%) used water and soap for anal cleansing. Out of the 210 respondents in polytechnics/Monotechnic, 138 representing 65.71% used tissue paper only for anal cleansing after defecation, 44 (20.95%) used water only while 28 (13.34%) of used water and soap for anal cleansing. Results also showed that out of the 240 young adults in Colleges of Education, 155 representing 64.58% used tissue paper only in their anal cleansing practice, 39 (16.25%) used water only, while 46 (19.16%) of the young adults used water and soap for anal cleansing after defecation. The use of toilet facility was most practiced among young adults in Southeastern Nigeria. Data analysis using the one way ANOVA for testing the significance of the difference in the excreta disposal practices among young adults in tertiary institution of Southeastern Nigeria at 5% level of significance showed that the excreta disposal practices among the young adults was significantly different among the institutions (P<0.05).Adequate toilet facilities with running water in every tertiary institution were recommended.
Open Access
Association of erectile dysfunction with systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus in Rivers State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2020) Okey-Ewurum, I. G.; Amadi, A. N.; Nwoke, E. A.; Amadi, C. O. A.; Ibe, S. N. O.; Iwuoha, G.; Azuamah, Y. C.
Most men experience erectile dysfunction and this condition can be associated with various health problems. This study was carried out to investigate the association of erectile dysfunction with systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The study was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out among men above 20 years in Rivers State, Nigeria. The multi stage sampling technique was used to select 330 men across the city. Blood pressure of the subjects was measured with a digital sphygmomanometer and a glucometer was used to measure the blood glucose level. Results showed that were 115 subjects with hypertension, out of which 94 (81.7%) had ED. Among subjects of 21-30 years, no subject had ED; for 31-40 years, 3 (37.5%) out of 8 had ED; for 41-50 years, 12 (70.6%) out 17 had ED; for 51-60 years, 22 (84.6%) out of 26 had ED; for 61-70 years, 28 (87.5%) out of 32 had ED; for above 70 years, 29 (90.6%) out of 32 had ED. Data analysis with the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 using the chisquare test at 0.05 level of significance showed a significant association of ED with systemic hypertension (P<0.05). Results also showed that there were 91 subjects with diabetes mellitus, out of which 77 (44.6%) had ED. Among subjects of 21-30 years, 1 (50.0%) out of 2 had ED; for 31-40 years, 6 (75.0%) out of 8 had ED; for 41-50 years, 14 (87.5%) out 16 had ED; for 51-60 years, 22 (95.7%) out of 23 had ED; for 61-70 years, 15 (78.9%) out of 19 had ED; for above 70 years, 19 (82.6%) out of 23 had ED. There was a correlation of erectile dysfunction with both systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Data analysis with the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 using the chi-square test at 0.05 level of significance showed that the association of ED with systemic hypertension was significant with increasing age (P<0.05) but not with increasing age of people with diabetes mellitus (P>0.05). It was recommended that physicians counsel their patients with systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus on the possible association with erectile dysfunction.
Open Access
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.
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
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
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
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
Comparative analysis of the antibacterial effects of emilia sonchifolia (tassel flower) and selected antibiotics on ocular bacteria, in vitro
(U. P., 2021) Ugwoke, G. I.; Ikoro, N. C.; Esenwah, E. C.; Azuamah, Y. C.; Megwas, A. U.; Nwakamma, G. I.; Ibe, C. N.; Ogbonna, U. C.; Umunnakwe, O. L.
Developments of bacterial resistance to available antibiotics have necessitated the screening of medicinal plants for bioactive compounds which is gaining increasing popularity in the world. Emilia sonchifolia (Emilia s.) is a multipurpose plant that has exhibited antimicrobial effects against a wide range of microorganisms. The antibacterial activity of Emilia s. (tassel flower) extracts were compared with selected antibiotics against ocular bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Neisseria gonorrhoeae) in vitro using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Phytochemical screening of the plant in Ethanol, Methanol and Aqueous solvents showed the presence of Saponin, Tannin, Flavonoid, Phenol, Alkaloid, Steroid and Glycoside in all the extracts but Flavonoid was not present in the Aqueous extract. Bacteria used were isolated from the eyes of infected patients that visited the Federal University of Technology, Optometry Teaching Clinic and St Joseph’s Eye Hospital Mgbirichi all in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria and were identified and characterized macroscopically using standard laboratory methods. Diameter of zones of inhibition was measured for the different extracts of tassel flower and selected antibiotics. The data collected were tabulated and analyzed using Paired T-test and one-way ANOVA at 95% confidence interval and at a 0.05 level of significance. Results showed that aqueous, ethanol and methanol extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against the isolates with mean diameter of inhibition zone 13.33±2.89, 9.33±1.16 and 7.67±2.52 respectively. Their effect on the isolates was significant with p(0.01) <0.05 while that of the antibiotics were 12.00±3.46 for gentamicin, 17.00±10.58 for ofloxacin and 5.00±0.00 for erythromycin. A Comparison of the effects of Emilia s. and antibiotics on the bacterial isolates using one-way ANOVA showed the effects of Emilia s. does not differ significantly from the antibiotics as p(0.58) >0.05. This shows that Emilia sonchifolia could become a promising natural antibacterial agent with potential application in pharmaceutical industries for the production of plantbased ocular drugs.
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.
Open Access
Design and fabrication of a portable obstruction detection device for visually impaired persons
(ABC Publications Incorporated, 2020) Nnadiekwe, C. A.; Iwuji, S. C.; Azeez, T. O.; Nosiri, O.; Banigo, A.
The cow-horned cased Obstruction Detection Device (ODD), powered by 9V battery, is designed for visually impaired persons. It is constructed using two HC-SR04 ultrasound sensors for front obstacle and depression detections. The device detects an obstacle by emitting ultrasonic sound that hits the interface and interprets the echo. The emission of this sound is triggered by the PIC16F877A microcontroller programmed to send out feedback to the user’s earphone in form of a musical note peculiar to the range of distance of the obstacle. The device is integrated with Radio Frequency (RF) Module that locates the device when misplaced. This Module has LM555 timer that regulates the signal emitted by the misplaced device. The device is incorporated with a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) that detects any change in illumination. This project designed and fabricated a cheap locally cased ODD with comparative advantages of informing the visually impaired of the range of distance and position of the obstacle and the location of a misplaced device.
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
General Epidemiology
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2018) School of Health Technology, Department of Public Health.
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
Intraocular pressure changes in different degrees of myopia
(U. P., 2020) Megwas, A. U.; Onuoha, S. U.; Ugwoke, G. I.; Okorie, M. E.; Ibe, C. N.; Azuamah, Y. C.; Daniel-Nwosu, E. I.; Nwawume, I. C.; Umunnakwe, L. O; Ogbonna, U. C.
Myopia is a refractive condition of the eye in which the images of distant objects are focused in front of the retina when accommodation is relaxed. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the pressure within the eyeball. This study was carried out to investigate the intraocular pressure changes in the different degrees of myopia. The study was a clinical study carried out at the Department of Optometry Teaching Clinic, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria. Clinical tests performed on the subjects include case history, visual acuity, external eye examination, ophthalmoscopy, static retinoscopy and subjective refraction. The subjects with myopia were grouped into three according to the degree of myopia. Their intraocular pressure was measured using the indentation tonometry. A total of 50 subjects were used for this study. Twenty-five (50.00%) of the subjects had low myopia; 21 (42.00%) had medium myopia and 4 (8.00%) had high myopia. Results showed that for subjects with low myopia, those with IOP of 10 - 15 were 10 (20.00%); 16 -20, 13 (26.00%); 21 – 25, 2 (4.00%); 26 – 30, 0 (0.00%). For subjects with medium myopia, those with IOP of 10 - 15 were 11 (22.00%); 16 -20, 10 (20.00%); none of the subjects had IOP above 20mmHg. For subjects with high myopia, none had IOP of 10 – 15 and above 20 mmHg; 4 (8.00%) had IOP between 16 and 20 mmHg. The mean IOP values were 17.13±3.97, 16.63±3.09 and 20.15±1.29 mmHg for low, medium and high myopes respectively. SPSS data analysis using the one-way ANOVA at 0.05 level of significance showed that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the IOP values between the different degrees of myopia. Eye care practitioners were advised to closely monitor the IOP of their myopic patients.
Open Access
Introdction to Biomedical Technology
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2016-04-27) School of Health Technology, Department of Biomedical Technology.
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.