Archive 2009 - No 1

GM ASHIR, AI RABASA, MG MUSTAPHA, F BASHIR, AB IBRAHIM

Correspondence to: DR GARBA MOHAMMED ASHIR Department of Paediatrics, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, P M B 1414, Maiduguri, Nigeria E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Background: Health education intervention is a combination of activities aimed at facilitating positive changes in behaviour and practices that may decrease risk of disease and thus reduce mortality and morbidity. Methods: In this study we have assessed the short term effectiveness of health education (clinical presentation) on the prescription of co-trimoxazole (CTX) as prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in a cohort of HIVinfected children at the University of Maiduguri teaching hospital (UMTH). Results: The study showed a significant improvement in correct prescription of CTX for PCP prophylaxis after health education intervention. Conclusion: We concluded that health education intervention within a unit is appropriate, achievable and worthwhile..

IBRAHIM SA* UGWA EA* AGU, OC** ONUORAH, CC***
Correspondence to: DR SA IBRAHIM, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Background: Vaginal discharge is a common complain in gynaecological and general practice. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis and how age, marital status and stages of reproduction affect this disease. Methods: High vaginal swab samples were collected from 859 women who presented with vaginal discharge at the gynaecological clinic. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS 14.0 statistical software. Absolute numbers and simple percentages were used to describe categorical variables. Similarly, quantitative variables were described using measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion as appropriate. Results: The prevalence of vaginal discharge in this review was 7%. Candida albicans infection constituted 84.5 % of cases presenting with vaginal discharge. Vulvovaginal candidiasis was commoner among those 15-45 years (96.2%), than those <15 years (3.2%) and >45 years (0.6%). Moreover, the unmarried bear a greater burden of the infection (52%) than the married (48%) and this difference was statistically significant (p═0.001). Conclusion: Candida albicans infection is the commonest cause of pathologic vaginal discharge in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria and it is commoner in the unmarried and in those within the reproductive age group.

I UMMATE, BM MUBI, I GEZAWA

Correspondence to: DR IBRAHIM UMMATE Department of Medicine, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, PMB 1414, Maiduguri E-mail; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hyponatraemia in patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in our centre. Methods: One hundred patients with CKD comprising 68 males and 32 females were enrolled into the study. Patients' demographic data were compared with controls. Serum samples were taken for electrolytes, urea and creatinine, calcium, phosphate, total protein albumin and virology. Ultrasonography was also done on all the patients. Results; 100 patients aged between 15 and 74yrs (mean±SD of 35.29±14.17) and 57 controls aged 15 to 75yrs (mean±SD of 39.9±13.58) were studied. There was no significant difference in the ages of the patients and controls (p=0.79). The cases comprised 68 males and 32 females. Mean±SD age of males was 41±13.27yrs and that of the females was 36.06±13.64yrs. Two (2%) of the study population had severe hyponatraemia with serum Na less than 120mmol/l, while 47 (47%) had mild to moderate hyponatraemia with serum Na between 120-134mmol/l; in contrast to 49 (49%) who had normal serum Na between 135-145mm0l/l, and 2 (2%) who had hypernatraema with serum Na greater than 145mmol/l. There is no age or sex predilection in the distribution of hyponatraemia in the study group (p=0.854 and p=0.436, respectively). We conclude that there is no statistical difference in the serum Na concentration among patients with CKD regardless of the aetiology and degree of renal dysfunction (p=0.076 and p=0.722). Hyponatremia is common among ESRD patients undergoing haemodialysis and this problem should always be looked for because majority of patients with this condition are asymptomatic.

WAKIL MA* SALAWU FK** ABDULMALIK JO*** AHIDJO A**** BEIDA O*****

Correspondence to: DR. MUSA ABBA WAKIL Department of Mental Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Background: A significant proportion of patients presenting to general practitioners and non-psychiatric specialists have been shown to suffer from underlying or co-morbid psychiatric conditions. The detection rate and appropriate treatment or referral of such psychiatric conditions varies widely depending on the attitude, expertise and level of familiarity of the physician with psychiatry. A negative attitude towards psychiatry often precludes efforts to understand and manage such disorders thus worsening the hidden burden of mental illness. Objectives: To evaluate the attitudes of postgraduate resident doctors toward psychiatry. Method: A cross-sectional survey on a convenience sample of 100 postgraduate resident doctors from the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital was conducted using a modified version of the self-rated Kumar 12-item questionnaire and a brief socio-demographic questionnaire. Results: The subjects comprised of 74.3% males and 25.7% females, with age ranges of 25-45 years and mean of 32.6+ 4.1. The majority (95.7%) opined that psychiatry was a valid and important specialty, while 80% of the respondents had encountered psychiatric cases in their respective specialties. Furthermore, 91.8% of the respondents appreciated that psychosocial factors may influence the presentation, course and outcome of physical illnesses. Conclusion: Postgraduate resident doctors in Maiduguri displayed a high level of awareness about psychiatry and its relevance. This positive approach needs to be built upon via the strengthening of reciprocal consultation-liaison services, in order to enhance holistic care for patients.