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.

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 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