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Item 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 recommendedItem 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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).Item 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.Item Open Access Solid medical waste treatment methods by health care facilities in Abia State, Nigeria(U. P., 2019-12) Akingbehin, S. A.; Amadi, C. O. A.; Iro, O. K.; Azuamah, Y. C.; Amadi, A. N.Medical wastes include sharps, pathological wastes, chemical wastes, infective wastes, pharmaceutical wastes and radioactive wastes. This study was carried out to determine the solid medical waste treatment methods by health care facilities in Lagos, Southwestern Nigeria. A harmonized checklist and a well-structured questionnaire were used to obtain data from 15 health care facilities and 552 workers. All the respondents gave an informed consent to be part of the study. Results of the study showed that for the treatment of sharps, shedding was indicated by 122 (22.10%) respondents; autoclaving, 200 (36.23%); incineration, 282 (51.09%); thermal inactivation, 28 (5.07%); chemical disinfection, 50 (9.06%); no treatment, 218 (39.49%). For pathological waste, shedding was indicated by 190 (34.42%) respondents; autoclaving, 12 (2.17%); incineration, 115 (20.83%); thermal inactivation, 135 (24.46%); chemical disinfection, 170 (30.80%); no treatment, 278 (50.36%). For treatment of radioactive waste, shedding was indicated by 10 (1.81%) respondents; autoclaving, 47 (8.51%); incineration, 35 (6.34%); thermal inactivation, 53 (9.60%); chemical disinfection, 193 (34.96%); no treatment, 214 (38.77%). For treatment of chemical waste, shedding was indicated by 93 (16.85%) respondents; autoclaving, 132 (23.91%); incineration, 27 (4.89%); thermal inactivation, 81 (14.67%); chemical disinfection, 194 (35.14%); no treatment, 106 (19.20%). For infectious waste, shedding was indicated by 72 (13.04%) respondents; autoclaving, 131 (23.73%); incineration, 42 (7.61%); thermal inactivation, 173 (31.34%); chemical disinfection, 245 (44.38%); no treatment, 34 (6.16%). For pharmaceutical waste, shedding was indicated by 111 (20.11%) respondents; autoclaving, 159 (28.80%); incineration, 142 (25.72%); thermal inactivation, 82 (14.86%); chemical disinfection, 100 (18.12%); no treatment, 101 (18.30%)Item 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.Item 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 FThis 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.Item Open Access Spatiotemporal mapping of annual malaria incidence in Rivers State, Nigeria(Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, 2023) Egbom, S. E.; Nduka, F. O.; Nzeako, S. O.; Chukwuocha, U. M.Rivers State is the centre of Nigeria's oil industry and has the presence of oil prospectors including expatriates who are at risk of malaria infection. Periodic analysis of epidemiological data will enable malaria control programmers to appraise the interventions carried out over the years and assist in the development of sustainable and adaptive strategies directed from an informed local level. This study, therefore, examined spatiotemporal variations in malaria incidence in the State using Annual Parasite Incidence (API) as an indicator. Monthly reported malaria cases from 2007-2017 at the local government area (LGA) level were retrieved from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Response (IDSR) system of Rivers State Ministry of Health while projected population data for the same period were obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics. API of the LGAs from 2007 to 2017 were computed, integrated into GIS, and subjected to heighted overlay analysis to delineate the risk zones. The eleven-year retrospective study of malaria in Rivers State displayed geographical variations which were statistically significant between the LGAs. Malaria incidence fluctuated throughout the study period. API values increased from 13.746 in 2007 to 34.067 in 2013 and dropped to 8.721 in 2017. All the LGAs recorded API values below 100, indicating a very low malaria burden in a controlled setting. However, none of the LGAs has reached the WHO standard level for the elimination of transmission. Ikwerre, Eleme, Ogu-Bolo and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs were assigned to the very high malaria risk stratum (362.615 to 490.005) whereas Abua-Odual, Akuku-Toru and Degema LGAs were assigned to very low-risk malaria stratum (103.281 to 113.897). The findings of this research will aid stakeholders in evaluating the impact of control strategies employed over the years and possibly, revisit malaria extant interventions for improved malaria control outcomes.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item Open Access General Epidemiology(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2018) School of Health Technology, Department of Public Health.Item Open Access Introdction to Biomedical Technology(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2016-04-27) School of Health Technology, Department of Biomedical Technology.Item 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.