BACKGROUND:Over 85% of NCD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), particularly Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where marked increases from preceding decades have been recorded. Physical inactivity and consumption of unhealthy diets are major precursors for hypertension, which has been reported as the most prevalent and important Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk factor. There are several reports on increased prevalence of hypertension, physical inactivity, and consumption of unhealthy diets among commercial vehicle drivers. AIMS:The study aimed to determine factors associated with hypertension and predict 10-year CVD risk in commercial vehicle drivers in Calabar, southern Nigeria. METHODS:This study was a cross-sectional investigation of 380 commercial drivers, recruited using systematic sampling. Data were collected using an adapted World Health Organization STEP instrument. Binary logistic regression analysis was done at 5% significance level. RESULTS:The prevalence of hypertension was approximately 40%. Age >44 years (odds ratio [OR] = 4.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9, 5.4), high body mass index (OR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.9, 5.3), years of professional driving (>5 years) (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.5, 3.0), and fasting blood sugar >7 mmol/L (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.5, 2.9) were associated with developing hypertension. The long-distance drivers had nearly two-fold increased odds (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.9, 2.7) of a 10-year CVD risk compared to the short-distance drivers. CONCLUSION:The high prevalence of hypertension and a two-fold increase in the 10-year predicted risk of CVD events found among the study population necessitate frequent health awareness campaigns and periodic health screening among the higher-risk group. This will aid in the early detection of CVD risk factors and prompt treatment.

Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is an umbrella term for any harmful act against a person's will based on socially ascribed differences between males and females. It can manifest as various forms of physical, sexual or psychological/emotional violence. Violence survivors and their families suffer greatly from the impact of GBV, which has major health, social and economic ramifications. This study assessed the prevalence and pattern of GBV among undergraduates, and respondents’ knowledge of its effects. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was employed in which self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 413 students in 7 faculties at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. The questionnaire inquired about the experience of GBV and the knowledge of its effects. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results and Discussion: The overall prevalence of GBV among the respondents was 80 (19.4%), with emotional violence being the most prevalent experienced by the victims (18.6%). ; GBV was slightly higher in males compared to females; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Other variables such as age, marital status and year of study were also not significantly associated with GBV (p>0.05). Most respondents agreed that GBV has psychological, social and health implications. Conclusion: The study showed that Gender-based violence is a problem in Nigeria, affecting both genders. Efforts should be geared towards addressing the factors that promote violence among both sexes through increased awareness and education. The university authority should implement precise and clear-cut sanctions and penalties against GBV

Introduction:there is little or no progress towards the attainment of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in many developing country settings. Key SRH gap in these settings includes suboptimal knowledge-based safe sexual practices, especially among adolescent girls as a vulnerable subpopulation. Unique features of school environmental settings including gender segregation have not been harnessed for cost-effective sexual health education, perhaps due to the current paucity of literature. This study was aimed at comparing sexual health knowledge and practices, between sexually active adolescent girls in co-educational and girl-only secondary schools in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods:cross-sectional comparative study design was used. Sexually active adolescent girls were randomly recruited from co-educational and girl-only secondary schools in Calabar, Nigeria. Validated questionnaire developed by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), was used to assess sexual health knowledge and behavioral practice. Factors associated with a satisfactory level of knowledge were assessed using the Chi-square test. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24.0, with the p-value set at 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained before data collection. Results:one hundred and twenty respondents were studied, comprising an equal proportion of sixty (60) in co-educational and girl-only schools. Mean age and age at sexual debut were 16.4 ± 1.8 and 14.3 ± 2.2 years, respectively. Compared with group 1 (co-education), respondents in group 2 (girl-only) had significantly higher mean knowledge scores (26.1 vs. 30.4, p<0.05). Fifty respondents (41.7%) had a satisfactory level of knowledge of sexual health. There was no significant difference in mean practice scores comparing groups 1 and 2 (20.4 vs. 21.5, p>0.05). Internet use, unmarried parental status, and not living with both parents, were associated with unsatisfactory levels of knowledge on sexual health. Conclusion:compared with co-educational schools, girl-only schools have better sexual health knowledge, but a similar level of behavioral practices. There is a need for improvement in sexual health education efforts among adolescent girls, perhaps with more focus on coed schools, within the context of potential inherent disadvantage in the school environmental setting.

Background: With maternal mortality ratio of 2,000/100,000 live births and perinatal mortality rate of 40/1,000 total births, Cross River State is one of the states with the highest maternal and perinatal deaths in Nigeria. One of the causes of these poor health indices is low utilization of facility-based maternal and child healthcare services during pregnancy and childbirth. The objective of this study was to assess the predictors of utilization of antenatal care and delivery services in Akpabuyo, a rural community in Cross River State of Nigeria. Method: This was an analytical cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from 370 pregnant women between June and July, 2013 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Binary logistic regression showed that compared with women with tertiary education, women with non-formal education were less likely to attend antenatal clinic (AOR=0.510, 95% CI=0.219-1.188) although the difference was not statistically significant. Also, compared with farmers, full-time housewives were less likely to deliver in a health facility (AOR=0.650, 95% CI=0.305-1.389) while civil servants were nearly five times more likely to deliver in the health facility (AOR=4.750, 95%CI=1.61613.962). Conclusion: The predictors of antenatal care and facility delivery services utilization identified by the study were educational status and occupation. This raises the need for policies and programmes to ensure girl child education and the economic empowerment of women.

Introduction: Breastfeeding is essential for optimum childhood development. Although there is an increased awareness of the importance of breast milk, the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey of 2018 showed that less than one-third (29%) of mothers in Nigeria practice exclusive breastfeeding. This may be attributed to several factors, hence the need for this study to assess the indicators and predictors of breastfeeding practices among mothers in a tertiary facility in Calabar, Cross River State. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria. Consenting mothers of children aged six weeks to two years were sequentially recruited into the study using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. A test of association of categorical variables was done using Chi square test and pvalue was set at 0.05. Results: One hundred and twenty one children and their mothers were surveyed. Mean age of children was 6.2±3.8months and mothers was 28±25years. Exclusive breastfeeding rate for six months was 67.8%.Timely breastfeeding within one hour of life was 44.6%,ever breastfed rate was 86%. Practice of giving water alongside breast milk and use of breast milk substitute was 18.2% and 14.0% respectively. Mothers age was significantly associated with practice of exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.014) and giving water alongside breast milk (p=0.005) while birth order was associated with timely commencement of breastfeeding within one hour of life (p=0.022). Conclusion: The ever breastfed and exclusive breastfeeding rates were fairly high. However, the timely first suckling rate, increased use of breast milk substitute and giving of water alongside breast milk in the first six months of life were low. There is the need for continuous health education of mothers.

Introduction: To determine the knowledge and attitude of adolescents regarding sexually transmitted infections in IkotOmin community of Cross River State, Nigeria Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study where 115 adolescents were selected from IkotOmin community using a multistage sampling technique. Results: Although 110(96%) of the respondents were aware of STI, however the knowledge of different types of STI among study participants was poor ranging from 26.7% for HIV/AIDS to 4.1% for chlamydia. Knowledge of STI preventive practices among study participants was also poor as only 49.0% could correctly identify at least one STI preventive practice and more than 50% of the respondents have misconception regarding STI preventive practices. Overall 4 out of every 5 respondent had inadequate knowledge on STI. Attitude was equally poor as only 24.4% of the respondent felt that condom use protects against STI, and 21.8% felt condoms should be worn during sexual intercourse. At bivariate level, birth position of the respondents, educational level of mother, religion and good perception to condom use was statistically associated with knowledge of STI prevention (p<0.05). Conclusion: Adolescents in IkotOmin community have inadequate knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases. STI studies should be introduced into the school curriculum and media publicity/enlightenment campaigns intensified.

INTRODUCTION: Simultaneous pregnancy in each uterine cavity of a double uterus is unusual but is a recognized risk factor for preterm labour and other poor obstetrics outcomes. The work has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report an unusual case of simultaneous pregnancy in each uterine cavity of a double uterus in a young African grand multipara who presented with a retained second twin following a preterm labour at home. DISCUSSION: A double or didelphys uterus as reported in the literatures is still uncommon even in Africa. While infections are very important and always considered causes of preterm labour a high index of suspicion will help give a diagnosis of a uterine anomaly and this will lead to more precise clinical examinations and studies in cases of recurrent miscarriages and preterm birth where other causes such as infection and cervical incompetence has been ruled out. CONCLUSION: Double uterus is an important cause of recurrent preterm laboury and miscarriages as seen in the index case. Thorough pelvic examination should be conducted for women of reproductive age groups when they present for gynecological consultation to rule out the rare occurrence of double uterus and other uterine abnormalities. Health education should be intensified through different media on the reality of double uterus and its attendant complications as a means to boost ante natal care booking and attendance for early diagnosis and appropriate management of this congenital anomaly. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IJS Publishing Group Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license.

Background: The fertility rate is high and the contraceptive prevalence rate is very low in Nigeria. Thus, women in Nigeria are exposed to the dangers of unwanted and unplanned pregnancies. Objective: The current study aimed to determine the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and contraceptive preferences among couples in selected health facilities in Ebonyi State so as to recommend a package of intervention to increase contraception uptake. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study used questionnaires administered by the researchers themselves among 128 postpartum women who were current users of contraceptive methods in Izzi, Ezza South, and Ikwo local government areas of Ebonyi State, Nigeria from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. Informed consent was obtained from participants. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Simple percentages were used to report categorical variables. Results: The study results showed that most of the respondents (49%) had a secondary education, were aged above 20 years, and were mainly employed as civil servants with an average monthly income of $47.20. About 69% had less than 5 living children. Most respondents knew about contraception as a means of delaying pregnancy or limiting the number of children (37%) and recommended its use for family/society (46%). The most commonly used contraceptive methods were implants and injectable ones, while the IUD was the least preferred. Both implants and injectable contraceptives were recommended by friends and believed to be highly effective. Conclusion: The current study showed that knowledge and positive attitude of participants towards family planning was high, comparable to studies in other parts of the world. Further research on determinants of postpartum use of family planning methods among this population is recommended.

Background: The advent of novel therapies to hepatitis C infection highlights the importance of better epidemiological data in regions with poor mapping to target the infection. There are few epidemiological data on the prevalence of HCV infection in Nigerian adolescents. Aim: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of HCV infection in apparently healthy Nigerian adolescents. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional analytical study was conducted among 744 secondary school adolescents in Calabar, Cross River State, South-south, Nigeria. A validated structured interviewer administered questionnaire was administered to obtain relevant information from participants subject to parental consent. Blood samples were obtained for qualitative detection of Hepatitis C antibody using rapid chromatographic immunoassays with test kits from ABON (China) having sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 98.6%, 99% and 99.3% respectively. Results: Seven hundred and forty-four adolescents were screened. Four hundred and seventy four (63.7%) were females and 270 (36.3%) males. The mean age was 14.78 ± 2.10. Two of the 744 adolescents were positive for HCV antibody with overall prevalence of 0.3% (95% Confidence Interval 0.00 0.001). In view of the low number of infected adolescents, further statistical analysis could not be done. Conclusion: The prevalence of HCV infection was low in the study population. The infected participants had a history of unsafe traditional scarification. However, in view of the public health importance of this infection, there is the need to address primary prevention of Hepatitis C in Nigeria including the traditional practice of scarification that could transmit other infections.

CONTEXT:Disclosure of HIV-positive status to sex partners is viewed as a preventive measure and as a social and legal responsibility for HIV-infected individuals.AIMS:The aim of this study is to determine the proportions and factors responsible for disclosure of HIV seropositivity among residents of Cross River State, Nigeria.SETTINGS AND DESIGN:This was a cross-sectional comparative study.SUBJECTS AND METHODS:It involved 320 HIV-positive individuals equally selected from the urban and rural settings of Cross River State and use questionnaires.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:Data analysis used SPSS version 20.0. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to identify determinants of HIV status disclosure.RESULTS:Among urban respondents, 93.8% had disclosed compared with 79.4% among rural respondents, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant association between HIV status disclosure and age (P = 0.008), marital status (P = 0.027), number of nonspousal sexual partner (P = 0.006), and area of residence (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant association between HIV status disclosure and gender (P = 0.622), between occupation (P = 0.495) or income (P = 0.351 and head of household (P = 0.241). There was statistically significant association between HIV status disclosure and level of education (P = 0.015), house ownership (P = 0.008), time from diagnosis (P = 0.003), and duration of treatment (P = 0.002).CONCLUSIONS:This study has shown that HIV seropositive status disclosure was higher when compared with other local studies, and age, marital status, and area of residence were factors associated with HIV seropositive status disclosure.

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus infection is a major global health problem of public health importance. In a bid to control the infection, the Nigerian government in 2004 introduced hepatitis B vaccine into the National Program on Immunization. There are no studies on the prevalence of hepatitis B in adolescent prior to 2004. The study was aimed at determining the seroprevalence and predictors of viral Hepatitis B in Nigerian children aged 11-19 years. Methods: A cross sectional analytical study was conducted in July 2014. Multi-staged sampling technique was used to select 749 children from six secondary schools in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Cross River State Medical Ethical Committee. A validated structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from participants following parental consent. Blood samples were obtained for qualitative detection of HBsAg using rapid chromatographic immunoassays with test kits from ABON (China) having sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of >99%, 97% and 98.5% respectively. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.2. Results: Nine of the749 students screened were positive for HBsAg giving an overall prevalence of 1.2%. The sex specific prevalence was 0.8% for males and 1.8% for females. After multivariate analysis, age was the predictor of hepatitis B infection (OR 3.92; 95% CI 1.22-12.63; p-value 0.02). Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV infection was low. Despite the low prevalence, the introduction of the vaccine is justifiable in view of the public health importance of the infection.

Background: Vitamin C levels are low in pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine serum Vitamins C levels among pregnant women attending antenatal care at a General Hospital in Dawakin Kudu, Kano, and this can help further research to determine the place of Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy. Methods: This was a prospective study of 400 pregnant women who presented for antenatal care in General Hospital Dawakin Kudu, Kano, Nigeria. Research structured questionnaire was administered to 400 respondents. Determination of serum Vitamin C was done using appropriate biochemical methods. Results: Vitamin C deficiency was found in 79.5% of the participants. The values for Vitamin C were 0.20 ± 0.18 mg/dl during the first trimester, 0.50 ± 0.99 mg/dl in the second trimester, and 0.35 ± 0.36 mg/dl in the third trimester and P = 0.001. Conclusions: There is a significant reduction in the serum Vitamins C concentration throughout the period of pregnancy with the highest levels in the second trimester. Therefore, Vitamin C supplementation is suggested during pregnancy, especially for those whose fruit and vegetable consumption is inadequate.

Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in both urban and rural areas. This cross-sectional study was done in Adim, a rural village in Nigeria, to determine the prevalence of hypertension. All participants for the study were aged 20 - 65 years. Pretested structured questionnaires were administered to assess and obtain demographic data. Blood pressure and anthropometric indices were measured from participants. Atotal of 824 participants enrolled for the study. About 500 (60.2%) were females and 324 (39.8%) were males. Atotal of 164 had hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg); 124 were females (73.67) while 40 (24.4%) were males. Only 5 (3.1%) were aware of being hypertensive. The prevalence of hypertension was 19.9%. Hence, hypertension screening should be enhanced to allow for quicker diagnosis and intervention.

BACKGROUND Emerging data suggest that essential or primary hypertension occurs in the young. Parental socioeconomic status may play a role but the exact mechanisms still remain unclear. OBJECTIVE This study was aimed at determining the relationship between parental socioeconomic status and casual blood pressure in adolescents. METHODS One thousand and eight adolescents attending two secondary schools in Calabar, Nigeria were selected by stratified random sampling. Their blood pressure, weights and heights were taken using standard methods and sociodemographic data were obtained using a pretested semistructured questionnaire. RESULTS Blood pressure was increased with age with males having higher values. The other major determinants of blood pressure were weight, height, body mass index, level of physical activity and parental socioeconomic status (p <0.05). No relationship was established between these determinants as well as dietary habits with parental socioeconomic status (p > 0.05). Female adolescents with parents in the lower socioeconomic classes had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). In contrast, parental socioeconomic status showed no significant relationship with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in males (p >0.05).The prevalence of elevated blood pressure was higher in females than in males. CONCLUSION Low parental socioeconomic status appear to be associated with higher casual blood pressure especially in female coastal Nigerian adolescents. Traditional determinants did not appear to play a significant role. Psychological stress arising from environmental and economic stressors may be responsible.