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Item Open Access Sociodemographic factors influencing the uptake of rapid diagnostic test kits for the management of malaria among mothers of under five in a typical Nigerian population(U. P., 2021) Dozie, U. W.; Ebirim, Chikere I. C; Nwobi, U. O.; Chukwuocha, U. M.; Ibe, S. N. O.; Dozie, I. N. S.Globally, malaria constitutes a crucial public health challenge since it is the third major cause of death among children under the age of 5. Prompt and effectual malaria diagnosis is the major approach to the control and management of the disease. Objectives: The study investigated sociodemographic factors that influence the uptake of rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for malaria management among mothers of under 5. Method of Study: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in the study in which 420 mothers of under 5 were randomly selected from five electoral wards in Owerri West L.G.A of Imo state. Structured questionnaire was used in data collection. Data were analyzed with SPSS statistical package (Version 21) in which Chi-square at 5% probability level was used to ascertain the association between sociodemographic and uptake of rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Results: Results showed that the mothers 161 (38%) were mostly in 30–49 years age bracket, were married (%). More than one-quarter of them was secondary school certificate holders who were civil servants who earn average monthly income of 10,000–17,000₦ 183 (44%). Less than half 180 (42.9%) of the mothers do test their child with RDT, particularly when their child has fever 103 (24.5%). Moreover, larger proportions 161 (89%) of this group know how to carry out RDT. Most of them indicated positive result of RDT to be double line on the strip 155 (86.1%). More than three-quarter of them 168 (93.3%) still use RDT even when they are aware that it involved finger prick of blood from the child. Majority of them 252 (60%) indicated that their custom/religion allows blood test when the child is ill. It was shown that the uptake of mRDT was more pronounced among mothers within the age group of 18–29 years (67.5%) (χ2 = 50.12; P < 0.001) who were single (75%) (χ2 = 74.77; P < 0.001). Uptake of mRDT was also highest (71.4%) among respondents who had tertiary education (χ2 = 91.35, P < 0.001) and are civil servants (57.1%) (χ2 = 65.80; P < 0.001) who earn average monthly income of 18,000 (68.8%) (χ2 = 34.65; P < 0.001). Within the communities, uptake of mRDT was highest among mothers from Obinze compared to other communities with significant association (χ2 = 22.17; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Uptake will, however, be enhanced if the cost of RDT-based management is reduced. Enhancing the health education through media, conferences, seminars, and workshops using local dialects will also help in raising the knowledge and understanding of less or non-educated mothers on the benefits of RDT.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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, AnthonyAs 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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, JudithMalaria 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.Item 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, JudithThe 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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).Item Open Access Socio-demographic factors associated with erectile dysfunction among men in Port-Harcourt, Southern 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.Erectile dysfunction is a health problem that involves the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection. The objective of this study was to investigate the socio-demographic factors associated with erectile dysfunction among men. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in Port-Harcourt, Southern Nigeria. The multi stage sampling technique was used to select the respondents and an informed consent was obtained from all the participants. A well-structured questionnaire was given to each respondent to fill out. A total of 330 males with a mean age of 48±2.3 participated in the study. Results showed that 210 (63.64%) respondents reported erectile dysfunction. The distribution of erectile dysfunction according to age was 21-30, 13(3.94%); 31-40, 19 (5.76%); 41-50, 37 (11.20%); 51-60, 48 (14.55%); 61-70, 45 (13.64%); and above 70, 48 (14.55%). The employment status of the respondents was 9 (2.73%) respondents who were peasants; civil servants were 12 (3.64%); private sector, 44 (13.33%); self-employed, 106 (32.12%); others were 39 (11.82%). 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 erectile dysfunction was significantly associated with age (P<0.05), education level (P<0.05), and employment status (P<0.05). In conclusion, majority of the respondents reported that they have erectile dysfunction. Age, educational level and employment status were all found to have a significant association with erectile dysfunction. Health education and public enlightenment was recommended to educate men on erectile dysfunction and its risk factors.Item 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 SimpliciousThe 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.Item 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 detailItem Open Access Seasonal variation and geographical distribution of COVID-19 across Nigeria (March 2020–July 2021)(Licensee MDPI, 2023-01-29) Moroh, Jude Eguolo; Innocent, David Chinaecherem; Chukwuocha, Uchechukwu Madukaku; Vasavada, Advait; Kumar, Ramesh; Siddiq, Mohammad Arham; Rais, Mohammed Amir; Rabaan, Ali A.; Alshehri, Wafa M.; Alharbi, Areej M.; Binateeq, Mohammed A.; Halwani, Muhammad A.; Al-Ahdal, Tareq; Padhi, Bijaya Kumar; Sah, RanjitGlobally, the novel corona virus infection has continued to witness a growing number of cases since December 2019 when the outbreak was discovered and noted in China. Despite this has not been well studied for the case of COVID-19, human contact, public moveableness and environmental variables could have an impact onairborne’spropagation and virus continuance, such as influenza virus. This study aimed to determine the seasonal variation and geographical distribution of COVID-19 across Nigeria. An internet based archival research design was employed for this study on the seasonal variation and geographical distribution of COVID-19 across Nigeria. This involved the use of goggle mobility data and world map on Corona Virus Infection (COVID-19). The search strategy for getting information for this research was done electronically. The keywords in the case search using the goggle mobility software was “COVID-19 Update”, “COVID-19 Update in Nigeria”, ‘COVID-19 Winter Report’, “COVID-19 Case Fatality March 2020–July 2021”, “COVID-19 Case Fatality in Nigeria”. The data gotten from the goggle motor updates were entered into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) which was used in the analysis of the study. Results from the study, reported that official COVID-19 cases number was significantly higher in the Dry season (October 2020–April 2021) with 59.0% (127,213) compared to 41.0% (85,176) in the wet/rainy season (May–September) it revealed that the dry and rainy seasons had a COVID-19 prevalence of 0.063 and 0.041 respectively. Further results from the study showed that the prevalence of COVID-19 was 0.07% in the North-Central, 0.04% in both the North-East and North-West, 0.03% in the South-West, 0.09% in the South-South, and the highest prevalence of 0.16% in the South-East. Considering the case Fatality rate of COVID-19 during the Dry and Wet Seasons. The study revealed that North-Central had a death toll of 196 (10.4%) out of 9457 confirmed COVID-19 cases hence a fatality of 2.07. Fatality rate of 1.49% in South western Nigeria, South-South Nigeria, 1.49%, South-East accounted to a fatality rate of 1.25%. Nigeria based on the finding of this study records increased fatality in Dry season over wet seasons. The study concluded that prevalence of COVID-19 varies in seasons in Nigeria. Hence; further Data and Meteorological analysis on weather variations towards the SARS-CoV-2 Virus spread should be evaluated by future researchers. It is imperative to ensure strict and controlled application of social measures, such as social distancing, mandatory wearing of non-medical masks to prevent droplets from entering the respiratory tract, screening of affected patients along with quarantine is essential to defeat and improve infection control.Item Open Access Use of facemask during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southeastern Nigeria: An observational study(U. P., 2022) Chukwuocha, Uchechukwu Madukaku; Ogboeze, Joshua Chisom; Bosede, Ayoola Oluwaseun; Dozie, Ugonma Winnie; Ekeleme, Uzochukwu Godswill; Akam, Victoria Ngozi; Chukwu, Rita OgechiThe use of facemask for the control of the spread of the novel corona virus among the population has been recommended by the health authorities. This is as a result of its effectiveness in the control of various infectious respiratory diseases during past epidemics and pandemics. This observational study was carried out to assess the frequency of use, appropriateness of application, type, and the quality of the used facemasks among the residents of southeastern Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic and to be able to draw inference from this observation on whether facemask usage can aid in controlling the spread of the disease in the study area and the country at large. Using a two-stage sampling technique, a total of 3100 individuals were observed for the type, quality, appropriateness, and frequency of facemasks usage from both rural and urban settings in the study area. Frequency distribution tables were used to categorize and describe the observed variables, Chi-square (X2) test was used to check the association between categorical variables. Among the observed individuals, 46.4% used facemasks. The most common facemask used was cloth mask (28.6%). About 16.0% of the participants correctly used their facemasks. The highest usage was observed in the urban location (49.2%). More people used facemasks in urban areas (p<0.001), in the bank (p< 0.001), in the morning (p< 0.001) among the males (p< 0.001), and among the adolescents (p< 0.001). The observed rate of facemask usage, however, may not be good enough to protect the population against the spread of COVID-19, therefore adequate sensitization on the need for proper use of facemasks by the public should be prioritizedItem 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.