Background: Selective mass chemotherapy is known to be very effective in reducing and controlling the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis. However, re-infection and resurgence of Schistosoma (S) haematobium infection after effective mass chemotherapy is also common in the absence of other control programmes. Objective: To determine the prevalence of S. haematobium infection among primary school children in a rural community, ten years after effective mass chemotherapy in the same school. Subjects and Methods: The prevalence and intensity of S. haematobium infection were determined in a rural primary school by the nytel milipore filter method in 2003. The results were compared with those of a similar study carried out in the same primary school ten years earlier, before and after effective mass chemotherapy. Results: In the current study, two hundred and twenty six of the 443 children studied had urinary schistosomiasis giving a prevalence of 51.0 percent. One hundred and seventy five (77.4 percent) of those infected had infection of mild intensity (<49 ova/10ml). A previous study, carried out 10 year's earlier in the same school had shown a drop in prevalence of infection from 69.0 percent to 21.7 percent following treatment and re-treatment with praziquantel within a two-year period. Compared to the 21.7 percent prevalence obtained after two years of retreatment ten years previously, there was a rise of prevalence to 51.0 percent in this study (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study shows that the prevalence of S. haematobium among the school children was high, 10 years after effective mass chemotherapy in the same school. However, the intensity of infection was milder. We conclude that there is a need to control infection through a multifaceted approach.

Ibeno estuary is a mangrove belt which occupies a larger part of the Atlantic waistline of more than 129km and this study was carried out in a period of 4months to identify the phytoplankton (which are the bases of the aquatic food web) community. The phytoplankton were sampled using Standard methods. The study showed 52 species of phytoplankton belonging to 4 division. The result obtained followed regular pattern as reported for water bodies and falls within acceptable data of highly productive.

Sustained ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening emergency contributing to cardiac mortality worldwide. Antiarrhythmic medications, Implantable cardioverter defibrillator and catheter ablation are the cornerstones for its management. Unfortunately, they are not accessible and/or affordable to patients seen in our setting. 42year old obese, retroviral positive, known ischemic heart disease patient, was admitted twice due to recurrent monomorphic ventricular tachycardia and successfully cardioverted with amiodarone infusion and automated external defibrillator respectively, He could not have coronary angiography and electrophysiology studies done due to unavailability and cost. Optimal management of ventricular tachycardia continues to be a challenge for cardiologists in developing countries.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic. Older people and those with poorly controlled co-morbidities have higher risk of mortality. This study was conducted to highlight the clinical features, challenges of management and outcome for the patients we have seen in our centre over the past one year.METHODS:This was a retrospective cross-sectional study involving all patients admitted in the COVID-19 Isolation unit of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) from June, 2020-May, 2021. Clinical and laboratory information were obtained from the patient case notes. Ethical clearance for the conduct of the study was obtained from the Ethics committee, UUTH, Uyo. Data was analysed with STATA version 13.RESULTS:Thirty-three (37.9%) patients were COVID-19 PCR positive. The mean ± SD age of COVID-19 PCR positive patients was 57.3 ± 13.4 years with majority (69.7%) being above 50 years. There was a male preponderance (75%). Eleven (34.4%) patients died while 21(65.6%) were discharged. The highest co-morbidity associated with COVID-19 mortality was diabetes mellitus (7 out of 11; 63.6%). There was a poor uptake of supportive investigations for the management of COVID-19 patients. A raised body temperature (P=0.0006), a low SPO2 (0.00004), high respiratory rate (0.0009) on admission and shorter duration of admission (0.0002), were associated with mortality.CONCLUSION:The presence of co-morbidities, fever, low SPO2 and high respiratory rates on admission are associated with increased mortality from COVID-19 disease. A paucity of supportive investigations was a major challenge to COVID-19 management. We therefore recommend the strengthening of our laboratory capacity.

Background: Treponema pallidum, the causative organism of syphilis has been a public health challenge for centuries. Syphilis is a significant cause of morbidities and mortalities in pregnant women, and information regarding its prevalence in Nigerian pregnant women is scanty particularly from the south-south zone.Objective: To determine the prevalence of syphilis in women receiving antenatal care in twelve health care centres in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.Methodology: Pre-coded structured questionnaires were administered to 911 participants over an eight week period. Venous blood samples were collected from each participant and tested with a Treponema pallidum immunochromatographic test.Results: There were about 18 women (1.98%) tested positive to syphilis. Prevalence rates in urban and rural areas were 2.63% and 1.32% respectively. The women from urban areas had a 3.22 (95% CI 1.05-9.85) increased risk of acquiring syphilis when compared to the rural dwellers. Women with tertiary level of education had a significantly reduced risk of acquiring syphilis compared to those with primary level education while having an unemployed husband increased the risk of acquiring the infection by 10 times.Conclusion: Though VDRL is part of routine antenatal care screening, a policy of its use in the screening of all women receiving antenatal care in Akwa Ibom state should emphasized and it should be incorporated into the state Government's free antenatal care program. Preferably, a single rapid test should be employed for screening, so that women testing positive could be treated at same clinic visit. Economic empowerment of women should be accorded priority and the practice of safe sex and use of contraception, especially barrier methods should be promoted.

Breast milk has a high nutritional value for normal growth of an infant, but can also be a vehicle of HIV-1 transmission if there is no intervention. The objective of this study was to determine the HIV status of babies of HIV positive mothers who were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) whose babies were either exclusively breast fed (EBF) on exclusive breast milk substitute (EBMS). Out of 518 pregnant women screened for HIV at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, 418 tested positive and were enrolled into this study following informed consent. They were administered antiretroviral therapy (ART) after laboratory base line investigations, monitored till delivery when their babies were administered ART within 72 hours of birth and continued till 6 weeks. Their babies HIV status were determined by qualitative HIV-1 DNA PCR using Amplicore method. Out of 412 surviving babies,161 were exclusively breastfed (EBF) for 6 months and 251 were exclusively breast fed with breast milk substitutes. Among the 161 babies who were exclusively breast fed, 9 (5.6%) were infected with HIV while 152 (94.6%) were HIV negative. Among 251 who were exclusively fed with breast milk substitutes (EBMS), 44 (17.5%) were HIV positive while 207 (82.5%) were negative. The EBF babies had less percentage 9 (5.6%) of babies infected with HIV hence there is lower risk of HIV infection among babies who were exclusively breast fed whose mothers were on ART.

Infertility is the most· common reason for gynaecological consultation in Nigeria and tubo-peritoneal factors are its leading cause. Hysterosalpingography has been advocated as the primary procedure for assessing tubal patency in infertile patients. This study evaluates hysterosalpingiographic findings among infertile women in Uyo, SouthEastern Nigeria. Five hundred and eighty infertile patients aged between 18 and 42 years had hysterosalpingiography performed on them in the Radiology department of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, and aprivate radiological center both in Uyo,A a Ibom State Nigeriabetween 1st January 200 and 31st December 2005. Tubal occlusion was the most common pathology revealed in 45.5% of the patients followed by peritoneal adhesions (30.7%). One hundred and fifty patients (26.6%) had uterine fibroids, 22.8% had intrauterine synaechiae, 14.1% had hydrosalpinges and 1.0% of the patients had cervical incompetence. Only two patients had congenital anomalies ofthe uterus. Tubal occlusion and peritoneal adhesions were the most common pathological findings on hysterosalpingography. In our environment hysterosalpingography still remains an invaluable tool for assessing tubal patency in infertile patients.

Background: Vertical or mother-to-child transmission of HIV which accounts for over 90% of paediatric HIV infection is increasingly becoming a major mode of transmission in developing countries. Aim: To determine the prevalence of HIV infection among pregnant women that deliver at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and also review the interventions they are offered when they present in labour. Methods: The case records of all HIV positive patients who delivered between 1st July 2005 and 31st December 2007 were reviewed. Results: There were 2,851 deliveries out of which 188 patients were HIV positive giving a prevalence of 6.6%. The modal age group of the HIV-positive patients was 26-30 years (40.4%). Most (68.6%) of the patients were multiparous and 89.3% of them had regular antenatal care in the hospital. HIV was diagnosed in the antenatal clinic in 71.8% of the patients. Most (72.3%) of them had a single dose of nevirapine in labour while 5.8% received highly active anti-retroviral therapy. About 63.8% of the patients had spontaneous vertex delivery while 33.5% were delivered by Caesarean section. All the babies had single doses of nevirapine within 72 hours of birth. Most (84.0%) of the mothers chose to feed their babies exclusively with breast milk substitutes. There were 3 maternal (1.6%) and 16 (8.5%) perinatal deaths. Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV infection among women who deliver in our hospital (6.6%) is relatively high. The treatment of HIV positive pregnant women in labour with respect to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission fell short of acceptable standards in some of our patients. Efforts should be made to ensure the adoption of anti-retroviral therapy as recommended in the Nigerian national guidelines. Keywords: HIV prevalence, Delivery, Vertical transmission, Prevention, Uyo

A 3-year review of elective hysterectomies performed at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital was carried out. The aim was to determine the indications and outcome of elective hysterectomies performed in the center. Elective hysterectomy made up 10.5% of all gynaecological operations and 24.9% of all major gynaecological surgeries. An abdominal mass (34.1%) and the protrusion of a mass from the vagina (24.4%) were the most common presenting complaints, while uterine fibroids (39.0%) and utero-vaginal prolapse (24.4%) were the most common indications. Total abdominal hysterectomy with conservation of both ovaries (41.1%) and vaginal hysterectomy with pelvic floor repair (24.4%) were the most common procedures performed. The morbidity rate was 39.0% which was mainly from postoperative pyrexia (12.2%) and abnormal vaginal discharge (7.3%). All post-operative complications were more common in patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy (34.1%) when compared to those following vaginal hysterectomy (4.9%). Hysterectomy is a relatively safe procedure in our center and uterine fibroids and utero-vaginal prolapse are its most common indications. With its increasing safety, more women in our environment would be encouraged to accept hysterectomy.Key words: Elective hysterectomy, incidence, Uyo

Sub-saharan Africa bears the major brunt of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and 10% of these infections are due to vertical or mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in the developed world have resulted in a dramatic decline in pediatric HIV/AIDS. A study of the awareness, knowledge and previous testing for HIV/AIDS among antenatal clinic attendees at the university of Uyo teaching hospital was carried out as a strategy to develop site specific counselling interventions for PMTCT, information was elicited from 263 women who booked for ante-natal care between September and December 2005 with the use of a self administered structured questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 26.9 ± 5.1 years, awareness of HIV/AIDS was high (95.8%) and general knowledge was good (86.7%), but with some misconceptions. There was a statistically significant association between knowledge of HIV/AIDS and the educational status of the respondents (P = 0.031) but none with occupation (P = 0.877). 117 women (44.5%) had previously been screened for HIV but there was no statistically significant association between knowledge of HIV/AIDS and previous HIV testing (P = 0.194). To reduce the burden of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, adequate counselling should be given to all pregnant women. This should contain correct information on the mode of transmission of the virus, benefits of antiretroviral prophylaxis, other non drug interventions and proper infant feeding. Key words: Awareness, knowledge, antenatal, HIV/AIDS, Uyo.

Abstract: Psychological symptoms are common complications of HIV/AIDS. More often, decision making during management neglects the use of counseling, a common but important therapy in people living with HIV/AIDS. The increasing morbidity due to maladjustment to supportive care often results in poor quality of life. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of counseling in people living with HIV/AIDS and compare the levels of anxiety and depression in them. Four hundred and twenty newly diagnosed persons living with HIV/AIDS referred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in January 2007 were randomly divided into two groups; 1 and 2. Group 1 was instantly assessed for symptoms of anxiety and depression, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while, Group 2 was assessed one month later after undergoing intensive counseling. A total of 392 respondents, consisting of 210 in group 1 and 182 in group 2 were analyzed, 28 (13.3%) respondents in group 2 defaulted from the clinic and were excluded from the study. The sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents in both groups were similar. Majority, 162 (77.1%) respondents in group 1 and 137 (58.8%) in group 2 aged between 20-49 years. Although, anxiety and depression were markedly reduced in 137 (34.9%) and 35 (19.2%) respondents in group 2 with counseling compared to 199 (50.8%) and 90 (42.8%) respondents in group 1 without counseling, the demographic variables of the respondents did not influence the level of anxiety and depression. However, depression was high in 24 (54.9%) respondents in group 2 who had counseling and were unemployed; depression was associated with occupation (P the disease to boost self-esteem needed for improved quality of life.

Myomectomy during Caesarean section is conventionally reserved for pedunculated myomas. When fibroids located in the lower uterine segment are encountered in pregnancy, due to fear of haemorrhage, obstetricians would prefer to perform a classical Caesarean section even with its high risk of subsequent uterine rupture and avoid the fibroids. We hereby present a case where removal of intra-mural fibroids in a 34-year old primigravida though inevitably performed, was successful.

Focus group discussions involving 100 rural women in five communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria were carried out over a six-month period. The aim was to determine if the beliefs and practices of our rural dwellers are such that contribute to maternal morbidity. The discussions revealed that the participants had a shallow knowledge of the causes of complications in pregnancy. Complications were largely attributed to spirits and other harmless events. Reducing physically demanding activities in pregnancy was ascribed to laziness and sexual intercourse was largely to be avoided. There was no food taboos specific to pregnancy, but food restrictions were described. Antenatal and intrapartum care by spiritual and traditional midwives was considered superior to orthodox care. Practices by the midwives include turning a baby in an abnormal lie, massaging the vagina with oil in labour; conducting delivery without gloves, pulling on the cord, manually removing or squeezing out the placenta if delivery is not spontaneous. Management of complications involves divinations, use of herbs and other concoctions, anointing oil, prayers and fasting. Puerperal seclusion practiced to varying degrees and maybe beneficial. Most beliefs and practices of our rural women are potential contributors to maternal morbidity. A few are harmless or even beneficial. Public enlightenment and education of our rural dwellers while incorporating the harmless/beneficial practices into modern obstetric care services will help reduce maternal morbidity. KEYWORDS: Pregnancy, Beliefs and Practices

Background: The high maternal and infant mortality in sub-Saharan Africa has been associated with unplanned pregnancy, high parity and short birth intervals. Use of effective contraceptive methodssignificantly reduce maternal and infant mortality and improved quality of life. This study determines the contraceptive practice among clients in a tertiary hospital. Method: The record cards of all clients that accepted contraceptive methods in the family planning clinic at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo over a 7-year period were reviewed. Results: There were 1094 new contraceptive acceptors during the study period. The modal age group of the clients was 25 – 34 years (59.3%); majority of the clients were multiparous (59.8%), christians (99.6%) and 71.0% had at least secondary school education. The most commonly accepted contraceptive methods were the intrauterine contraceptive device (45.0%) and oral contraceptive pills (28.1%), while clinic personnel (63.1%), and friends and relatives (20.1%) were the most common sources of information on contraception. Conclusion: Intrauterine contraceptive device and oral contraceptive pills were the most frequently accepted methods of contraception. We advocate increase in the contraceptive options including implants. The print and electronic media should be more involved in the awareness programs on contraception.

The poor knowledge of epilepsy among traditional healers is due to cultural prejudices and environment. The resultant deep-rooted misconceptions and myths negatively affect the attitudes and encourage traditional care with high morbidity and mortality. The objectives of the study were to assess knowledge of epilepsy among traditional healers and to determine the modalities used in the care. One hundred and seventy three traditional healers from villages/communities in Uyo were assessed for knowledge; attitude and perception of epilepsy, using an interviewer assisted Attitude Questionnaire. Data from 166 (95.9%) healers, consisting of 123 (71.1%) males and 43 (24.8%) females were analyzed. Many of the healers, 139 (83.7%) had little or no formal education. Knowledge about causes, diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy was poor; 74 (44.6%) attributed the cause of epilepsy to witchcraft, 53 (31.9%) to spiritual attacks, 23 (13.9%) punishment for sins. A total of 121 (72%) of them diagnosed epilepsy through oracles/gods. Majority, 161 (97.0%) of the healers preferred native treatment; 54 (32.5%) appeased gods/ancestors, 47 (28.3%) used herbs, roots/animal residues as cure, 10 (6.0%) preferred spiritual/prayers; while 48 (28.9%) used a combination of the rituals. There were prevalent negative attitudes and perception about epilepsy among the healers, as 146 (88.0%) of them viewed it as contagious; 149 (89.8%) would decline either marrying or eating with epileptic persons. Although traditional healers are frequently involved in the care of epilepsy in our environment, they have little or no scientific knowledge about the condition. Adequate knowledge about epilepsy is essential for diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, there is need to improve the knowledge about epilepsy in order to encourage positive attitudes and care. KEY WORDS: Knowledge; Attitude; Perception; Epilepsy; Traditional healer.

BACKGROUND:Use of modern contraceptive methods has been shown to reduce unwanted pregnancy, high parity and maternal mortality. Intrauterine contraceptive devices which are among the safest and most effective reversible contraceptives available, are particularly suitable for women in developing countries as they are affordable, convenient to use, do not require re -supply visits and are very cost-effective. The aim of this study is to determine the socio-demographic characteristics of intrauterine contraceptive device acceptors, the pattern of insertions and complications at the University of Uyo Teaching hospital, Uyo.METHOD:The record cards of all clients who had intrauterine contraceptive device inserted at the family planning clinic over a six-year period were reviewed.RESULTS:During the study period, there were 852 new contraceptive acceptors out of which 39.7% accepted the intrauterine contraceptive device. The modal age group of the clients was 25-29 years (32.5%). Acceptance of intrauterine contraceptive device was most common among multiparous clients (65.1%). Majority of the acceptors were married (90.0%), Christians (98.8%) and 72.8% had at least secondary school education. Clinic personnel (65.7%) and friends/relatives (21.3%) were the most common sources of information on contraception. Most (93.5%) of the clients had their intrauterine contraceptive devices inserted within 7 days of menstruation. Lower abdominal pain (5.5%) and vulval/vaginal itching (5.3%) were the most common complications.CONCLUSION:The acceptors of intrauterine contraceptive devices in our center were young, multiparous and educated women. Increasing mass media involvement in the dissemination of accurate information about intrauterine contraceptive devices to the general populace, the introduction of postpartum and post-abortal intrauterine contraceptive device insertions and the encouragement of our grandmultiparous women to accept intrauterine contraceptive device would lead to an increase in its acceptance and use.

We conducted a 3 x 4 factorial experiment fitted into a randomized complete block design, using three intercrops: cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) at 0, 50,000, 100,000, 150,000 plants/ha; groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) at 100,000, 200,000, 300,000 plants/ha; and egusi-melon (Colocynthis vulgaris L.) at 10,000, 20,000, and 30,000 plants/ha to evaluate their influence on incidence of stem borer (Chilo zacconius) (Blesz) and the green stink bug (Nezara viridula (L.)) in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) .The experiment was conducted during the wet and dry seasons of 2004. Rice/cowpea recorded the highest incidence of N. viridula(3.1, 3.3%) compared to rice/groundnut (1.3, 1.3%) and rice/egusi, (1.8, 1.8%) during the wet and dry seasons respectively. Intercrop with groundnut significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced stem borer (C. zacconius) incidence to 7.4 and 13.2% respectively for wet and dry season cultivation compared with the control (12.0 and 18.0%). Rice and groundnut (100,000 - 200,000 plants/ha) intercrop is recommended for reduced incidence of C. zacconius and N. viridula. This result demonstrates that a careful selection of crop combination and plant population could lead to reduced insect pests’ incidence in upland rice. Key words: intercrops, plant populations, pest incidence, Oryza sativa, Chilo zacconius, Nezara viridula

Background Postpartum depression is a common psychiatric complication of childbearing among women. The increasing rate in addition to poor clinical diagnosis is attributable to poor health care services and inadequate medical attention. The implication is the high morbidity with adverse social and medical consequences. Aims The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of postpartum depression among women in Uyo and to determine the association between some sociodemographic variables such as parity, pattern of deliveries and postpartum depression. Method Three hundred and thirty five women who delivered at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital between January and March 2007 were followed up at 6 weeks. They were screened for postpartum depression, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Results Of the 315 women assessed, 287 (91.1%) were aged between 20-39 years and the mean age of the women was 21.3 ± 4.7 years; 260 (82.5%) were married and 286 (90.8%) had secondary school education and above with 134 (42.5%) being employed. A total of 81 (25.7%) of them saussffoecrieadti ofrnosm b eptowstepeanr taugme (dXe2p=r8e.s1s7io9n, .d Tf=he4r;e P w

Background: There is an increasing evidence of significant psychological symptoms (anxiety and depression) among a large percentage of women with gynaecological conditions. These symptoms are often neglected in the course of managing of physical problems, thus leading to an increased morbidity. Aim: The objectives of the study were: (1) To screen the women attending gynaecological clinic for anxiety and depression and (2) To determine their sociodemographic variables. Methods: Three hundred and sixty eight women with gynaecological conditions were randomly screened for psychological symptoms (anxiety and depression) at the gynaecological outpatient clinic of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), between May and July 2006. Results: Data from 321 (87.2%) women who filled the questionnaires completely were analyzed. The mean age of the women was 29.9  10.3 years. Ninety seven (30.2%) and fifty five (17.1%) of them scored high on the anxiety and depression subscales respectively. Forty five (46.4%) of the 97 women with anxiety were mild, 33 (34.0%) moderate and 19 (19.6%) severe. Similarly, 28 (50.9%) of 55 women with depression were mild, 19 (34.5%) moderate and 8 (14.6%) severe. Majority of the women aged between 20-39 years, with a mean age of 29.9 10..3 years; 46.7% of them were either separated, divorced or widowed, while 15.5% were single. Conclusion: The results of this study show that anxiety and depression are prevalent among women with gynaecological conditions. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach aimed at improving the quality of life is necessary for the management of these women with physical symptoms. Keywords: Burden; Psychological Symptoms; Women; Gynaecological Conditions.Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol. 11 (1) 2007: pp. 11-15