Individual and ecological analyses of antenatal care: Prospects for delivery assistance and use of modern family planning in Nigeria

Despite the availability of healthcare centres for the provision of antenatal care (ANC) services in Nigeria, the services are still underutilized by pregnant women. ANC services not only reduce maternal mortality and birth defects, but also have a strong link to many causes of maternal deaths. This study explored the individual and ecological relationships between antenatal care, skilled birth assistance during delivery, and family planning use across states in Nigeria. This study was a secondary analysis of data from the 2018 National Nutrition and Health Survey (NNHS) carried out among 24,985 women aged 15-49 years in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria. Analysis was carried out at the level of individual women and at the ecological level. Only 68.3% visited a health professional (doctors, nurses, midwives, community health extension workers, and community health officers) for ANC in the most recent pregnancy before the survey. At delivery, 44.9% were assisted by delivery attendants with about half (50.1%) assisted by non-professional (traditional birth attendants, relatives and friends) during delivery. There was a significant variation in use of modern family planning (FP) across types of ANC provider. There was a strong positive correlation between ANC utilisation and skilled birth attendance (SBA) (r=0.706, p <0.001), and between SBA and FP (r=0.730, p <0.001). These results have implications for the design of appropriate interventions for strengthening the role of healthcare providers to enhance ANC patronage, utilization of safe delivery services and sustained use of reproductive health services.

Missed opportunities for HIV counselling and testing service delivery among pregnant women in Nigeria: Evidence from the 2018 National nutrition and health survey

According to UNAIDS, the 90-90-90 strategy calls for 90% of HIV-infected individuals to be diagnosed by 2020, 90% of whom will be on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and 90% of whom will achieve sustained virologic suppression. HIV counselling and testing (HCT) is an important entry point for effective prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. However, evidence abounds that HCT is often missed by pregnant women during antenatal care in Nigeria. We used secondary data from the 2018 Nigerian National Nutrition and Health Survey (NNHS) to determine the pattern of missed opportunities within the HCT algorithm and the factors associated with the missed opportunities. Of the 8,329 eligible women, 2,327 (27.9%) missed HCT because of lack of antenatal care; 1,493 (24.9%) missed HIV pre-test counselling; 180 (4.0%) missed HIV testing after participating in pre-test counselling, while 793 (18.2%) missed collection of HIV result and post-test counselling. Generally, most of the women that missed HCT were from the North West (43.3%) and had their antenatal care with traditional birth attendants. The odds of missing ANC were higher in women in the Northern and Southern regions. Concerning pre-test HIV counselling, the odds of missing it were higher among women in the Northwest and Southeast while the odds of missing post-test counselling of HIV test were higher among women in the Northeast and Southeast relative to other regions. Using TBA as a care provider was associated with higher odds of women missing pre-test and post-test counselling of HIV during ANC compared to those that used doctors or midwives or CHEWs. Missed opportunities are common in different stages of HIV counselling and testing pathway in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern regions. Future studies would need to identify the specific reasons for these missed opportunities, enabling the targeting of more specific policy reform and interventions.

Prevalence and predictive factors for early initiation of breastfeeding in Nigeria: Evidence from the Nigerian demographic and health survey (2003-2018)

Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is an essential first step in exclusive breastfeeding that is expected to commence within an hour after childbirth. This study examined the prevalence and the factors associated with EIBF among nursing mothers in Nigeria based on an analysis of the 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018 Nigerian Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) data. The prevalence of early breastfeeding initiation by women's demographic, socio-economic and reproductive characteristics were computed for each of the survey rounds. The differences in the prevalence estimates for early breastfeeding initiation between the last two survey periods were calculated. A crude and adjusted model to examine association between explanatory variables and early breastfeeding initiation were fitted using Poisson regression model. The mean age of respondents was 29 years (SD=7.3). The prevalence of EIBF increased from 31.5% in 2003 (95% CI 28.4-34.5) to 43.8% in 2018 (95% CI 42.6-45.0), with a decline to 35.3% in 2013 (95% CI 34.0-36.7). The identified risk factors associated with EIBF were being 35-39 years, having at least a primary education, lower wealth quintiles, multiparity, and delivery in a public hospital. EIBF was lower among women that had skilled occupation, access to media, decided to delay pregnancy, history of previous caesarean section, small size baby at birth, and women who received antenatal care. The results indicate that the proportion of women with EIBF in Nigeria is low. Addressing the barriers identified in this paper will help promote EIBF practices in the country.

Assessment of diagnostic accuracy and adherence to maternal and child health guidelines as a measure of clinical competence of frontline healthcare workers in Nigeria

Clinical competence of primary healthcare (PHC) workers is important in the delivery of maternal and child health care and services. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy and adherence to clinical guidelines for the management of some clinical conditions such as malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, neonatal asphyxia and postpartum hemorrhage, as a proxy to measure the clinical competence of frontline health workers in PHCs in selected states in Nigeria. Ninety PHC facilities were randomly selected in each State and the FCT. Of the 3330 health workers, only 36.0% were able to correctly diagnose the five selected medical conditions. There was a significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy of the health workers with the doctors having highest diagnostic accuracy (65.5%) compared to other health workers (p <0.001). Adherence to the management guidelines was generally poor across all cadres of health workers and this pattern appear similar across the geopolitical regions in the country. The highest adherence to guidelines was observed among medical doctors (38.2%). The diagnostic accuracy and adherence to national guidelines for managing patients was poor among health workers, particularly, among other cadres except doctors. PHC workers in Nigeria need continuous training to enhance their clinical competence to improve quality of maternal and child health care.

Uptake of modern and traditional contraceptive methods in Nigeria: Lessons from a nationwide initiative on programming for results (2015-2018)

In general, family planning uptake promotes healthy living among couples and their children, in addition to aiding national development. This study was a secondary analysis of data collected from two nationally representative data - 2015 and 2018 National Nutrition and Health Surveys (NNHS) - aimed at measuring the uptake of modern and traditional contraceptive methods among women of reproductive age in Nigeria. The data were analysed by presenting differentials in prevalence of modern and traditional contraceptives between 2015 and 2018. The results showed that during the periods modern contraceptive uptake in Nigeria ranged between 10% and 17%. By contrast, the prevalence of the traditional methods was 8.3% and 10.0%. Within four years (2015-2018), the average national modern contraceptive uptake among women increased by 7%, while the traditional contraceptive uptake reduced by 2%. The uptake of both modern and traditional contraceptive methods varied by ages group of women, geo-political regions, and State of residence. We conclude that the uptake of modern contraception is below expectation in all regions in Nigeria. The uptake is worse in the northern regions as compared to the southern regions. Government needs to invest more to increase access to and utilization of modern contraceptive methods.

Prevalence and patterns of anthropometric failure among under-five children in Nigeria: Evidence from the National nutrition and health survey, 2018

Globally, malnutrition among under-five children remains a public health concern. There is increasing concern at research and policy levels about anthropometric failure and the double burden of child malnutrition across different groups of children. The objective of this study was to describe the magnitude and distribution of various forms of anthropometric failure (AF) among children under age five in Nigeria. We used the 2018 National Nutrition and Health Survey data collected among 19,471 under-five children in Nigeria. The most prevalent AF was stunting only (17.7%) followed by stunting and underweight (13.9%). Wasting, stunting and underweight was found among 3.5% of the sample. Wasting, stunting and underweight was most common in age 6-11 months (7.0%) and 12-23 months (6.9%). Overall, about 1 out of 5 under-five children has multiple anthropometric failure. The peak age group for multiple AFs was between six months and 35 months. Multiple AF was less likely among females compared to males (RR=0.74, CI: 0.69, 0.80). The risk of multiple AF was higher in both North East (RR=2.15, CI: 1.78, 2.59) and North West (RR=2.98, CI: 2.51, 3.55) relative to the North Central. In contrast, the risk was lesser in the South East (RR=0.75, CI: 0.59, 0.95) and other southern regions. The study showed that multiple anthropometric failure is a common problem among children in Nigeria. Programmes that will support prevention and early identification of different types of malnutrition among under-five children across States in Nigeria are recommended.

Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Elevated blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) is a significant cause of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to estimate national and zonal prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Nigeria to help guide targeted public health programs.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a systematic review and synthesis of publicly available epidemiologic data on hypercholesterolemia in Nigeria.

METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, and Africa Journals Online for studies on the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Nigeria published between 1990 and 2018. We used a random-effects meta-analysis (Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation) and meta-regression model to estimate the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Nigeria in 1995 and 2015.

RESULTS

In total, 13 studies (n = 16,981) were retrieved. The pooled crude prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Nigeria was 38% (95% confidence interval: 26-51), with prevalence in women slightly higher (42%, 23-63) compared with men (38%, 20-58). The prevalence was highest in the South-south (53%, 38-68) and lowest in the South-west (3%, 2-4) and North-east (4%, 2-7). Urban dwellers had a significantly higher rate (52%, 24-79) compared with rural dwellers (10%, 6-15). We estimated over 8.2 million persons (age-adjusted prevalence 16.5%) aged 20 years or more had hypercholesterolemia in Nigeria in 1995, increasing to 21.9 million persons (age-adjusted prevalence 25.9%) in 2015.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a high prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Nigeria. Urbanization, lifestyles, diets, and culture appear to be driving an increasing prevalence, especially among women. Population-wide awareness and education on reducing elevated cholesterol levels and associated risks should be prioritized.

HCV co-infection is associated with metabolic abnormalities among HAART naive HIV-infected persons

OBJECTIVES

To determine the metabolic abnormalities among Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) co infected HAART naïve HIV infected persons within the adult ARV clinic of the University College Hospital/University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Methods: This was a retrospective study involving the review of clinical records of newly recruited HIV-infected persons in the adult antiretroviral (ARV) clinic over a 12 month period (January - December 2006). Baseline results for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting lipid profile were retrieved.

RESULTS

Out of the 1,260 HIV infected persons seen during the study period, HCV co-infection was found in 75 (6%) persons. The median values for total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were lower in the HCV co-infected persons. HIV-HCV co-infection was associated with a 0.31 mmol/L depression in Total Cholesterol (TC). The median FPG concentration was significantly higher in HIV-HCV co-infected than HIV only infected persons (5.33mmol/L vs. 5.00mmol/L, p = 0.047). However, regression analysis showed there was no relationship between the HIV-HCV co infected state and fasting glucose levels.

CONCLUSION

HIV-HCV co-infection may be associated with a predictable decline in plasma cholesterol, but FPG may not be sufficient to demonstrate insulin resistance in these persons.

Discordant rapid HIV tests: lessons from a low-resource community

OBJECTIVES

HIV rapid antibody tests are widely used in Africa, but dual testing sometimes produces discordant results. It is not clear if discordant rapid HIV tests should always heighten suspicion by frontline health workers that early HIV infection is present. Some studies have reported that discordant rapid tests have value for identifying early HIV infection in high HIV prevalence populations. It is not known if rapid test performance influenced this conclusion, or if this observation will hold true for low HIV prevalence populations. We therefore explored the occurrence of discordant rapid HIV tests in a low-resource community.

METHODS

A cross-sectional sample of HIV status-unaware adults with recent exposure to unsafe sex was assessed using a validated risk-based tool (University of North Carolina (UNC)-Malawi Risk Screening Score) for acute HIV infection. Participants received rapid testing with Determine™ HIV 1/2 and Uni-Gold™ HIV assays, plus plasma HIV-1 antigen testing with the COBAS^® Ampliprep/COBAS^® Taqman^® HIV-1 assay, followed by western blot in those with detected HIV-1 antigen.

RESULTS

Of 408 participants, 1.0% were confirmed to have established HIV infection. The discordance between rapid tests at initial screening was 2.45 and 2.94% when the two assays were used sequentially and simultaneously, respectively. Discordant rapid tests were strongly associated with risk scores > 2 [odds ratio (OR) 10.88; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.35-50.43], and with detected HIV-1 RNA (OR 26.06; 95% CI 3.91-173.60).

CONCLUSIONS

When the sample occurrence of discordance between the first and second tests is below 5%, discordant rapid tests in an adult with sexual risk behaviour should trigger strong suspicion of early HIV infection in low HIV prevalence populations.

Is there any relationship between hearing threshold levels and CD4 cell count of human immunodeficiency virus infected adults?

Background The role of viral load level and/or CD4 (Cluster of differentiation 4) cell count in the aetiopathogenesis of hearing loss in HIV infection is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between CD4 cell counts, viral load and hearing threshold of HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) infected adults.

METHODS

This cohort audiometric study involved consecutive HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected adults as controls. Clinical data relating to hearing loss, HIV status, and highly -active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were obtained. Audiornetric evaluation was performed. The most recent CD4 cell counts and RNA viral load-of HIV-infected participants were obtained from clinic records.

RESULTS

There were 299(66.7%) HIV-infected adults and 149(33.3%) controls with mean age of 39.64± 12.45 years and 39.60±12.45 years respectively (p=0.98). In both groups, there were more participants with left hearing loss. Mild to profound hearing loss was found in 65.9% HIV- infected participants and 53.7% controls. Majority (86.3%) of the HIV-infected participants were on HAART. The mean CD4 cell count was 654.58±289.15 in 41 HIV-infected participants not on HAART and 523.95±300.17 in 258 participants on HAART (p=0.01). Majority,- 197 (62%) HIV- infected participants with hearing loss had CD4 cell count ≤200 cells/mm3. Higher viral load significantly correlated with low CD4 cell counts (p<0.0 1; r=0. 18) and low CD4 cell count significantly correlated with high hearing threshold (p<O.01; r=0. 17).

CONCLUSION

There was a trend towards more hearing loss among the HIV-infected adults. The higher hearing threshold in those with low CD4 cell counts of <200 cells/mm3 suggests possible relationship between hearing status and severity of HIV disease.

Household survey on Human Papilloma Virus vaccine awareness among women of reproductive age in Ibadan, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is the commonest female genital tract malignancy associated with high mortality in sub-Saharan Africa due to poor prevention plan. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a necessary cause of cervical cancer, and the infection is vaccine preventable. Since the introduction of HPV vaccine, robust community surveys on awareness of the vaccine that capture end-users perspective is scarce. The aim of this study is to determine HPV vaccine awareness among women of reproductive age group.

METHODS

This was a household survey that used multi-stage random sampling conducted amongst 1002 women aged 18-49 years from August to September 2012 in Mokola area, Ibadan, south western Nigeria. A self-administered pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed, and statistical significance was set at 95% confidence level.

RESULTS

The mean age was 29.8 +/- 8.2 years and 49.9% had female children. Only 4.6% had heard of HPV vaccine. A significantly higher odds of HPV vaccine awareness was found among highly skilled women, those initiating sexual intercourse at older ages; women with multiple sexual partners and those aware that cervical cancer is preventable.

CONCLUSION

The awareness of HPV vaccine is low. Policies and programs that will improve awareness utilising culturally sensitive messages are imperative.

ASSESSMENT OF THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF RURAL BASED PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS WITH CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS IN NIGERIA

OBJECTIVE

To describe the living conditions of rural based people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and their clinical presentations

DESIGN

descriptive cross-sectional study,

SETTING

University College Hospital, Ibadan.

SUBJECTS

PLWHA on anti-retroviral therapy.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty PLWHA participated. The mean age of the respondents was 28.7 ± 8.9 years. Majority of the respondents visited had advanced disease (97%), were poor (75%) and presented with opportunistic infections such as oral candidiasis (92%), chronic diarrhoea (70%) and pulmonary tuberculosis (46%). Majority were treated for malaria (72%) and anaemia (61%). All respondents lived in homes predisposed to these opportunistic infections. They drink unsafe water and had poor disposal of their domestic wastes.

CONCLUSION

PLWHA visited lived in homes that predispose them to various opportunistic infections. Improved living conditions and economic empowerment will improve the health conditions of PLWHA.

Evaluation of Paracheck-Pf(TM) rapid malaria diagnostic test for the diagnosis of malaria among HIV-positive patients in Ibadan, south-western Nigeria

Febrile illnesses occur frequently among HIV positive patients and these are often treated presumptively as malaria in endemic areas. Parasite-based diagnosis of malaria will eliminate unnecessary treatment, reduce drug-drug interactions and the chances for the emergence of drug resistant Plasmodium. We evaluated finger prick blood samples from 387 people living with HIV (PLWHIV) and suspected of having malaria by expert microscopy and Paracheck-Pf(TM) - a histidine-rich protein-II based malaria rapid diagnostic test. The study was conducted at the PEPFAR supported AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN) Clinic of the University College Hospital Ibadan, southwest Nigeria. Outcome parameters were prevalence of malaria parasitemia, sensitivity and specificity of Paracheck-Pf as well as the positive and negative predictive values for Paracheck-Pf using microscopy of Giemsa-stained blood film as gold standard. Malaria parasites were detected in 19·1% (74/387) of enrollees by microscopy and 19·3% (74/383) by Paracheck-Pf. Geometric mean parasite density was 501/μl (range 39-749 202/μl). Sensitivity and specificity of Paracheck-Pf at all parasite densities were 55·4% and 89·3% while corresponding figures at parasite densities ≥200/μl were 90·9% and 90·3%. Sensitivity and specificity at parasite densities ≥500/μl was 97·6% and 90·3%. Positive and negative predictive values for parasite density ≥200/μl were 55·4% and 98·7%, respectively. Paracheck-Pf was found to be a useful malaria diagnostic tool at parasite densities ≥200/μl facilitating appropriate clinical management.

Prevalence of abnormal bone mineral density in hiv-positive patients in ibadan, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

There have been reports of high rate of abnormal bone mineral densities (BMD) among people living with HIV. Following the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (CART) into Nigeria, the country is now home to increasing population of HIV positive patients. There is paucity of data about osteoporosis/osteopaenia and bone mineral density in this population.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of osteopaenia/osteoporosis in a cohort of HIV-positive patients in Nigeria.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The BMD of a group of patients attending the outpatient clinic of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria was assessed using a DXA machine. The relationship of bone mineral density to body weight, CART status, protease inhibitor use, and gender was investigated. Their CD4 counts and viral load were also estimated.

RESULTS

A total of 1005 patients participated with a mean age of 41.3 ± 10 years. There were 724 females (72.0%) and 29.7% were single. The median length of diagnosis was 2 years (Range 1-18 years). The Median CD4 count was 371cells/ml and Median viral load was 200 copies/ml. Of this sample, 785 (78.1%) were on CART with 99 (12.6%) on protease inhibitor. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 23.7±4.7 with 9.2% underweight and 10% obese. The prevalence of osteopaenia and osteoporosis were 46.6% and 31.9% respectively, while 19.6% had normal bone mineral density (BMD). Osteoporosis was significantly higher in those aged above 40 years (p= 0.00001), the females (p= 0.022), the single (p=0.028) and the underweight (p=0.0001). There was no significant difference in BMD of those with or without protease inhibitor containing medications as well as treatment naïve patients.

CONCLUSION

A high prevalence of abnormal bone mineral density was found in HIV positive patients in Nigeria. Patient age above 40 years and a body mass index class of underweight were significant associated factors. Routine bone mineral density assessment is recommended as an adjunct in the evaluation of HIV positive patients in Nigeria.

Socio-demographic characteristics and challenges experienced by disabled patients living with HIV/AIDS in a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

HIV/AIDS is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and few studies had looked at physically and mentally challenged people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in this environment. This study aimed to describe the socio-demographic characteristics and challenges faced by these patients attending University College Hospital, Ibadan.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was done. A semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was administered to consecutive disabled PLHIV over a period of six months. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS

A total of ninety-nine patients were seen during the study period. The mean age of these patients was 39.9 +/- 9.4 years (range 23-60 years). There were 30 (30.3%) males and 69 (69.7%) females. Twenty-four percent had no formal education while 12% had tertiary education. All respondents had suffered stigmatization/discrimination while most were poor. Eighty-seven percent had AIDS at presentation. Musculoskeletal impairments (46.5%), hearing loss (16.2%) and visual impairment (31.3%) were the commonest disability. Over twenty-three percent had prior history of road traffic accident as the cause of disability.

CONCLUSION

Physically and mentally challenged people living with HIV/AIDS are poor and highly stigmatized. They require special assistance to cope and need economic empowerment to reduce their poverty level.

Social problems of indeterminate and false positive hiv test results among clients attending a nigerian hiv treatment clinic

Increased availability of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screening test and more public enlightenment have resulted in more people coming forward to access counseling and testing at the HIV counseling and testing centers in Nigeria. Some of the clients however obtained indeterminate and false positive results leading to emotional disturbance and occasionally, dilemma to the attending physician. This article/case series looked at some of these situations and discussed how they were attended to.

Acceptability of counselling and testing for HIV infection in women in labour at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Many patients are referred to labour ward as emergencies, and therefore do not benefit from the antenatal HIV counselling and testing and treatment offered to registered patients.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the acceptability and suitability of offering HIV counselling and testing to women of unknown HIV status presenting in labour.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study comprising counselling and obtaining consent for HIV testing among 104 unregistered patients who presented in labour over a 3-month period. Rapid and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay screening was performed for 90 consenting respondents. Reactive results were confirmed by Western blot. Appropriate therapy was instituted.

RESULTS

Acceptance rate for HIV testing was 86.5%, prevalence of HIV was 6.7%. Women of lower educational status were more likely to accept testing in labour (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.7; p=0.01); age, parity, occupation and knowledge of HIV had no influence. Most women (66.3%) had satisfactory knowledge of HIV. No one admitted to feeling coerced to test in fear of being denied care. Most refusals for screening were to avoid needle pricks (28.6%). Compared to ELISA screening test, specificity of the rapid test was 100%, sensitivity 85.7%, positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 98.8%. Attitude to testing was maintained on post-partum re-evaluation.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HIV amongst unregistered parturients showed the importance of offering point-of-care HIV testing and intervention, especially in an environment where antenatal clinic attendance is poor. Rapid testing appeared to be acceptable and feasible in labour to prevent the mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Human papilloma virus vaccination for control of cervical cancer: a challenge for developing countries

Primary HPV prevention may be the key to reducing incidence and burden of cervical cancer particularly in resource-poor countries. Vaccination programmes are already established in several developed regions, but several grey areas stand in the path of similar success in developing countries. This review sought to identify challenges of HPV vaccination in developing countries and discuss vaccine use, pitfalls and controversies; areas requiring collaborative efforts were identified. A Pub Med search was done; key words included Human papilloma virus, HPV vaccine and sub-Saharan Africa. Other resources included locally-published articles and additional internet resources. The potential benefit of mass HPV vaccination appears enormous. However, the challenges of competing health demands, poverty, ignorance, religion, culture, weak health system, establishment of an effective intersectoral collaboration and underfunding must be overcome to make maximal vaccine uptake a reality. Education and effective communication is crucial in achieving successful immunization programmes.

The learning curve of radical hysterectomy for early cervical carcinoma

Cervical cancer remains a public health concern in developing countries that lack the wherewithal to cope with the associated challenges. Screening for premalignant cervical lesions and offering definitive care for early disease is the key to preventing the scourge. We conducted an audit of the radical hysterectomies performed on account of early cervical carcinoma at our centre between September 2006 and August 2008, following capacity-building by Operation Stop Cervical Cancer. Ten women aged 35 to 60 years were managed. All had type III radical hysterectomy. Three patients had adjuvant teletherapy (one was stage IIb, diagnosed intra-operatively). There was a linear reduction in the surgical blood loss and duration of surgery. Average blood loss was 1500 mls; four had blood transfusions. One case was complicated with rectovaginal fistula (the woman with stage IIb disease) and another had bilateral lymphoedema and left lower limb sensory neuropathy. There was no tumour recurrence on follow-up. Definitive surgery for early cervical cancer is feasible in developing countries despite limited resources. Audit of surgical care of cervical cancer will assist in strengthening the scarce skill. Determination of suitable cases during preoperative evaluation is crucial to the success of the surgery.

Attitude of infertile women to child adoption in Nigeria

Infertility has serious consequences especially in Africa where a high premium is place on child bearing. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered on 396 consenting women seeking infertility treatment at the gynaecological clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan in an attempt to assess the attitude of infertile women in Nigeria to child adoption and its acceptability as a management option for infertility. Most (64%) believed its culturally unacceptable and only 17% will try it as an option. Sustained advocacy, community mobilization and enactment of supportive laws were some of the suggestions made by respondents to improve its uptake.

Service uptake and performance of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme in Ibadan, Nigeria

The Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme in the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan has been in existence for more than five years and has scaled up to other sites. The study evaluated the service uptake and performance of the programme using national key indicators. Antenatal and delivery records of women enrolled between July 2002 and June 2007 were reviewed. A total of 51952 women attended first antenatal visits and received HIV pre-test counselling. Of these, 51614 (99.5%) accepted HIV test and 49134 (95.2%) returned for their results. Out of the tested patients, 2152 (4.2%) were identified to be HIV positive. Partners of positive patients accepting HIV testing were 361 (16.7%) with 87 (18.6%) testing positive. There were a total of 942 deliveries out of which 39.2% of the mothers and 95.2% of the babies respectively received ARV prophylaxis. In all, 85.8% (788/918) of the mothers opted for formula as the method of infant feeding. Out of the 303 babies eligible for ELISA testing, 68.3% reported for the test and 17 (8.7%) tested positive. There has been progress in the programme, reflected in the increase in the number of new clients accessing the PMTCT service. However, partner testing and follow up of mother-infant pairs remain formidable challenges that deserve special attention.

Fertility regulatory methods and development of complications after evacuation of complete hydatidiform mole

In a prospective, simple randomised study, we evaluated the relative efficacy of hormonal (oral contraceptive pill) and non-hormonal (intrauterine contraceptive device) methods of contraception as fertility regulatory agents in patients with complete hydatidiform moles and assessed the development of complications and sequelae if any, following their use. Fifty-six patients each on oral contraceptive pills (OCP) and intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) were recruited into the study. Ten patients, six on OCP and four on IUCD discontinued for varying reasons. Five patients (two on OCP, and three on IUCD) developed a gestational trophoblastic tumour and were admitted for chemotherapy. There was no complication attributable to any of the methods.

Obstetric pubic symphysis arthropathy: a study of nine cases

Nine Nigerian women who were either pregnant or recently delivered presented with a symptom complex comprising severe pain or tenderness over the symphysis pubis with ambulatory difficulty. Radiography and ultrasonography were used as complements to confirm diagnosis, and management was non-operative. Seven of the nine women recovered completely, but two died from presumed pulmonary embolism. There is no evidence that pelvic radiography influences diagnosis or management. We suggest routine thromboprophylaxis in the management of the entity and use of obstetric pubic symphysis arthropathy as a specific, descriptive and all encompassing nomenclature.

Determinants of utilisation of cervical cancer screening facility in a low socio-economic setting in Nigeria

A prospective randomised structured questionnaire survey of 254 women in the low socio-economic class attending the general outpatient clinic at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan revealed a high level of ignorance concerning cervical cancer prevention programmes. Only 3.5% of subjects have heard of a Papanicolaou smear and only 1.2% have had the test prior to this study. Peers (36%) were the most common source of information on cervical smears. The majority (84.6%) of the women were willing to be screened, however only 5.1% of those willing (4.3% of the women studied) actually reported for the test. Twenty-two percent (219) had high knowledge about cervical smears while moderate and poor knowledge were demonstrated in 33% respectively. Eleven per cent had no knowledge whatever. No significant association was found between the knowledge score on Papanicolaou smear and other variables. The cost of the test appeared to have prevented many of the women from having the test. It is recommended that more efforts need to be put into health education of women stressing the importance of the test and its availability.

Haematological profile of healthy pregnant women in Ibadan, South-western Nigeria

There is a dearth of information on the reference values for haematological indices particularly according to the relevant trimesters of pregnant women in Nigeria. The objective of this study was to provide reference values for Nigerian pregnant women. The study took place at the Adeoyo Maternity Hospital and the University College Hospital, both in Ibadan. This descriptive study was carried out over a period of 8 months. Subjects were apparently healthy pregnant women that satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean values (and 95% confidence intervals, CI) of haematological indices were as follows -- First trimester: Haemoglobin (Hb) 112.44 (101.64 - 123.25) g/l, haematocrit (hct) 35 (32 - 38)%, WBC 5.488 (4.025 - 6.950) x 10(9)/l and platelet counts 227.56 (165.21 - 289.90) x 10(9)/l;Second trimester: Hb 100.39 (97.85 - 102.92) g/l, hct 29.3 (28.5 - 30.1)%, WBC 6.57 (6.19 - 6.95) x 10(9)/l, platelet count 229.56 (211.86 - 247.26); and the Third trimester: Hb 98.06 (96.12 - 100.00) g/l, hct 29.4 (28.7 - 29.9)%, WBC 6.92 (6.53 - 7.30), platelet count 186.52 (177.67 - 195.38) x 10(9)/l. These results were compared with those of 52 non-pregnant age matched women volunteers as controls whose mean haematological indices and 95% CI were: Hb 120.51 (116.61 - 124.41) g/l, hct 36 (25 - 48)%, WBC 5.28 (2.9 - 8.7) x 10(9), platelet count 330.87 (176 - 538) x 10(9)/l. The following haematological indices: WBC, platelet counts, RBC, PCT, and PDW, of women between the trimesters showed statistical significance (p value < 0.001 in each case). The WBC is inversely proportional to the PCT and the MCV in the pregnant women was slightly raised. In this study, pregnancy is characterised by lowest values of haemoglobin parameters in trimester three and there are statistically significant differences between the WBC, platelet counts, RBC, PCT, and PDW of women between the three trimesters.

Ovarian cancer in Ibadan: characteristics and management

Ovarian cancer has the highest case fatality rate among gynaecological cancers worldwide because of lack of effective screening methods and non-specific early warning symptoms with late presentation. A reinvigorated study is necessary in the developing countries because of a projected increase in its incidence. The decreasing fertility rate and increasing use of ovulation induction drugs are some of the reasons. The Ovarian Cancer Service of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria commenced the first longitudinal study of this malignancy from 1 December 1998 in order to establish a regional management and research centre. It is a questionnaire survey detailing the demography, clinical and staging laparotomy findings and histology of all confirmed cases. Twenty-one staging laparotomy and histologically confirmed ovarian cancer cases were managed from 1 December 1998 to 31 July 2002, about 1.5% of the 1387 gynaecological admissions. It is the third most common of the gynaecological cancers, representing 9.8% of the 214 cases. More than 60% of the patients were 50 years or younger. Only 19% were nulliparous, with 47.6% having had five or more deliveries. Only two patients (9.5%) had used the oral contraceptive pill, for a maximum period of 1 month. Only one patient (4.8%) had a positive family history of cancer. Abdominal swelling was the most common presenting symptom. Eighty-one per cent of the patients presented in Stages III and IV. Epithelial ovarian cancer constituted about 76.2% of the cases. Only 23.8% had adjuvant therapy, consisting of combination chemotherapy using cisplatin-based regimes. The case fatality rate 6 months after surgery was 76%. The ovarian cancer patients in this environment are younger and of higher parity than expected. The risk factors for this disease require further study.

Correlation of cervical cytology and visual inspection with acetic acid in HIV-positive women

The prevalence of squamous intraepithelial lesion is higher among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive women. These lesions when they occur in these patients are also more difficult to treat. A total of 205 consenting HIV-seropositive women were recruited. A cervical cytology (Pap smear) was taken, followed by visual inspection with freshly prepared 5% acetic acid and cervical biopsy taken from the squamocolumnar junction as the reference for diagnosis to avoid verification bias. The sensitivity of VIA was 76.0% (95% CI 52.0-91.0); specificity 83.0% (95% CI 77.0-88.0); positive predictive value 34.0% (95% CI 21.0-49.0). The sensitivity of cervical cytology (Pap smear) was 57.0% (95% CI 34.0-77.0), specificity of 95.0% (95% CI 90.0-97.0), and positive predictive value of 55.0% (95% CI 33.0-75.0). In HIV-seropositive women, the sensitivity of VIA is 76.0%, making it a useful screening test for preinvasive lesion of the cervix in low resource settings.

Emergency obstetric patients in developing countries and prevalence of HIV infection

The availability of VCT for HIV for booked antenatal patients offers a unique opportunity for best obstetrics practice but not for patients presenting with emergencies and unknown HIV status. Health workers who attend to such patients are at higher risk of acquiring HIV infections. Between 1st March 2005 and 30th September 2007, unbooked emergency obstetric patients in the labour ward of a teaching hospital who consented were tested using double rapid immunodiagnostic technique and confirmed by Western Blot. HIV positive patients were post-test counselled and offered single dose nevirapine tablet (200 mg) in labour with syrup given to the baby at birth at 2 mg/kg followed by syrup zidovudine for 6 weeks. The results showed that 275 (89.0%) of the 309 women pre-test counselled agreed to testing. The mean age of clients was 27.7 years (+/- 4.4 SD). The mean gestational age at presentation was 36.4 weeks (+/- 4.2 weeks). Primigravidae constituted 37.5% of the patients. Twenty-one (7.6%) of these consenting patients were HIV positive. In conclusion, the HIV prevalence of 7.6% among these unbooked obstetric patients is higher than the 4.7% among our booked antenatal patients and National prevalence of 4.4%. This poses substantial risk of transmission of HIV to attending health workers considering the readiness with which needle prick accident can occur in emergency situations.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium africanum in stools from children attending an immunization clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis is a global challenge making early treatment a mirage. In this study we investigated the stools of children for the presence of mycobacteria.

METHODS

Stool samples from children aged 3 days to 3 years who presented for postnatal immunization at a large university-based clinic in Nigeria, were subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Samples with acid-fast bacilli were further processed using mycobacterial culture, spoligotyping, and deletion typing.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-two stool samples from different children were collected and processed. Thirty (15.6%) had acid-fast bacilli. Of these, eight had Mycobacterium tuberculosis and one had Mycobacterium africanum.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 5% (9/192) of apparently well children had evidence of potentially serious tuberculosis infection. The usefulness of stool specimens for diagnosing pediatric tuberculosis warrants further investigation.

Polymerase chain reaction assay of ureaplasma strains isolated from high vaginal swabs of women in Ibadan, Nigeria

Human ureaplasma previously had one species known as Ureaplasma urealyticum but was recently separated into 2 species, U. urealyticum and U. parvum. This study was carried out to separate the ureaplasma strains isolated from women attending a tertiary-care hospital in Nigeria. Thirty (30) Ureaplasma strains isolated from the vaginal tracts of 13 pregnant and 17 non-pregnant women were assayed. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was employed using two primer pairs: UMS-170/UMA-263 specific for U. urealyticum and UMS-57/UMA-222 specific for U. parvum. The positivity bands of the primer pairs were 476 bp and 326 bp for U. urealyticum and U. parvum respectively. All isolates were found to be U. urealyticumn (100%). Eleven (84.6%) of the 13 U. urealyticum from pregnant women were from asymptomatic women while from the non-pregnant women; 6 (35.3%) were from women with complaint of infertility problems; 5 (29.4%) from those who complained of vaginal discharge, one (5.9%) was asymptomatic while the remaining 5 (29.4%) had various other complaints. U. urealyticum is thus the prevalent species of Ureaplasma among pregnant and non-pregnant women in the study population and this to the best of our knowledge is a pioneer study to speciate human ureaplasmas in this country.

Presence of mycoplasma and ureaplasma species in the vagina of women of reproductive age

OBJECTIVE

Against the background of genital mycoplasmas being implicated as pathogens in the genital tracts of adult humans, this study was carried out to determine the prevalence of genital mycoplasmas among women of reproductive age attending a tertiary-care hospital in Nigeria.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty-eight high vaginal specimens from 114 pregnant and 54 non-pregnant women with or without complaints were studied for the presence of genital mycoplasmas using selective bacteriological culture techniques. Isolates were identified biochemically and serologically.

RESULTS

Sixty (35.7 %) isolates of genital mycoplasmas were obtained from the study population. Identification showed 30 (17.9%) as Mycoplasma species, 13(7.7%) as Ureaplasma species and 17(10.1%) were positive for both organisms. Thirteen (11.4%) ureaplasma isolates were from pregnant women and 17 (31.5%) from non-pregnant women (p< 0.05). Thirty-eight (80.8%) of the Mycoplasma species were identified as Mycoplasma hominis, 6(12.8%) as M.fermentans and 3(6.4%) as M. penetrans. High prevalence of the Mycoplasma species were obtained from asymptomatic pregnant women (84.8%) while the Ureaplasma species were found more from symptomatic non-pregnant women- 35.3 % from infertility patients, 29.4% from those with vaginal discharge and 29.4% from those with other gynaecological complaints.

CONCLUSION

These findings could be important since genital mycoplasmas have been associated with various adverse conditions especially in pregnant women and neonates while Ureaplasma species have been implicated in infertility. Their specific roles need further investigations.

Biochemical and serological characterization of mycoplasma strains isolated from the genital tracts of humans in Nigeria

Fifty-five (55) Mycoplasma strains isolated from the genital tracts of humans were biochemically characterized using various biochemical tests and also serologically identified by growth inhibition technique using 5 mycoplasma antisera namely M. hominis PG2 1: M. genitalium G37: M. penetrans GTU54 and 2 strains of M. fermentans PG18 (HRC 6-62-S-170 and MB713-501-069). Biochemically, 43 (78.2%) strains were identified as Mycoplasma hominis, 8 (14.5%) strains as M. fermentans and 4 (7.3%) as M. penetrans. The M. hominis strains hydrolyzed only arginine while the M. fermentans and M. penetrans strains in addition to arginine hydrolysis also broke down glucose fermentatively and oxidatively. The M. fermentans strains showed varying reactions to phosphatase activity and to the reduction of tetrazolium chloride. Serologically, 4 (7.3%) mycoplasma strains were confirmed as M. penetrans GTU54 and of the 8 M. fermentans strains, 4 (7.3%) were identified as M. fermentans PG18 serotype HRC 6-62-S-170 and the other 4 (7.3%) as M. fermentans PG18 serotype MB 713-501-069. Only 13 (30.2%) of the 43 M. hominis strains were identified as M. hominis serotype PG2 1. None was identified as M. genitalium. The heterogeneity of the mycoplasma strains especially M. hominis was observed in this study and the need for the use of multiple antisera in growth inhibition test is hereby supported.

Total ovulating period: any contribution to ovarian carcinogenesis?

The etiology of ovarian cancer has many postulates including that of incessant ovulation. Women of high parity especially those that breastfeed in addition are supposed to be protected. Ovarian cancer patients in the developing world are of higher parity than their Caucasian counterparts. Our study compared the length of reproductive career (LRC), the physiological ovulation free period (PFP) and the total ovulating period (TOP) amongst histologically proven ovarian cancer patients and age - matched controls. This is a questionnaire survey of 21 ovarian cancer patients managed by us between 1st December 1998 and 31st July 2002 and 42 gynaecological patients not known to have ovarian cancer. The mean age among the patients was 45.7+16.9 years while among the controls it was 45.4 +/- 16.1 years. The mean parity of the patients was 3.6 +/- 2.2 compared to 3.4 +/- 2.9 in the controls. The patients had a mean LRC of 23.8 +/- 11.2 years while in the controls it was 25.7+10.8 years. The mean PFP of the patients was 7.4 +/- 5.6 years and for the controls 7.1 +/- 6.5 years. The patients had a mean TOP of 15.8 +/- 8.8 years while this was 18.6 +/- 8.1 years for the controls. None of these differences was statistically significant. Our study revealed no statistically significant differences in the total ovulating periods between ovarian cancer patients and age-matched controls. Further studies will be necessary.

Contraceptive prevalence among young women in Nigeria

In almost all societies in the world there is an increase in sexual activity among young persons (10-24 years). There is a need for contraceptive use among them to prevent high risk unintended pregnancies. This study was carried out to determine the contraceptive prevalence among young women in Nigeria. The study population was 832 young women between the ages of 15 and 24 years. Only 11.1% of the respondents had ever used contraceptives although 63.2% of them had had sexual intercourse. Contraceptive usage was significantly higher (p<0.05) among the single sexually active women (38.5%) than among the married women (7.7%). Only 7.3% of respondents are currently using a contraceptive method. The main methods in use were condoms and pills. There is an unmet need for contraceptives among young women in Nigeria. It is necessary to improve these young women's abilities to protect themselves against unwanted pregnancies.

Trends in postabortal mortality and morbidity in Ibadan, Nigeria

Illegally induced abortion at the University College Hospital, Ibadan increased steadily over a 10-year period (1980-1989) despite increasing availability of family planning services. Abortion was the commonest cause of death in the gynecology service during the period of the study and constituted 36.6% of fatalities. The majority of patients (76.2%) did not accept contraceptives. Almost one-third of the illegal terminations were performed by physicians. Although the percentage of deaths decreased, the contribution of physicians to these fatalities increased, and accounted for 6/9 (66.7%) of fatalities in 1989. This circumstance probably signifies a defect in physician training and ability to perform abortion aftercare. Physicians should be trained in abortion care and laws changed in conjunction with greater drive to improve contraceptive utilization and reduce the incidence of unsafely induced abortion.

Does screening for cervical intra-epithelial neoplasm in developing countries prevent invasive cervical cancer?

In a bid to evaluate the practical relevance of screening for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in reducing the incidence of invasive cancer in Nigeria, we performed a comparative study of CIN and invasive carcinoma in Ibadan, Nigeria over a period of 8 and 16 years respectively. 4.5% of patients with invasive cervical cancer were under the age of 30 years. It peaked at 28% in the age group 41-50 years. In comparison, <3% of patients with CIN were below 20 years of age while it had the highest incidence of 37%, 34% and 36% respectively in age 40 years and below. The mean age for CIN was 39.6 +/- 9.6 (SD) years compared to 51.3 +/- 11.1 (SD) years for invasive cervical cancer (p < 0.01). There was a 10 year interval between the onset and peak age incidence of invasive cancer and CIN respectively, even though there was an overlap of cases from the third decade. We therefore suggest a combined approach of public education to encourage early presentation and provision of health service outlets for cervical cancer screening in Nigeria to reduce the burden of cervical cancer.

Cervical cytology service in Nigeria: providers' perspective

It has been noted that efforts to organise an effective screening programme in developing countries will have to find adequate financial resources, develop the infrastructure, train the necessary manpower and elaborate surveillance mechanisms. In our study, we set out to determine (a) just how frequent is cervical cancer, to warrant the investment of funds in screening programmes; (b) what proportion of surveyed health facilities offer a cervical cytology screening programme; and (c) what basic facilities are currently available where such programmes exist? A pretested, self-completed questionnaire was sent to heads of department of obstetrics and gynaecology in public tertiary and secondary care hospitals in Nigeria as well as major mission hospitals. The response rate was 63%, monthly consultations included a mean of 114 (+/-11.7) new gynaecological patients and an average of 5 (4.7+/-0.8) cervical cancer cases. One-half of the institutions had a hospital-based cervical screening programme with an average of 27 patients being screened monthly. Finance was the main difficulty encountered in maintaining a screening service. Only four had a certified gynaecological oncologist. In conclusion, there is dismal utilisation of available services and a dearth of trained specialists should any cervical cancer screening programme be considered.

Breast and cervical cancer screening activities among family physicians in Nigeria

Breast and cervical cancers are the two commonest malignancies among Nigerian women; where they constitute about 50% of female cancers. A total of 63 out of 82 family physicians from 4 out of the 6 health zones in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria completed a self-administered questionnaire to determine their knowledge and screening practices for breast and cervical cancers. Forty nine percent (49%) of family physicians perceived cancer as one of the serious health problem facing women in Nigeria. Although 93.7% of responding physicians have heard of breast cancer screening facilities and 96.8% of cervical screening facilities, only 74.6% and 55.6% of these respondents offered screening services for breast and cervical cancers respectively. Breast examination was carried out monthly by 48.9% of the physicians on their regular patients. A comprehensive programme of continuing medical education and training in view of setting up facilities and offering service are recommended for family physicians. These stand to bridge the gap between the knowledge and the practice of breast and cervical cancer screening activities. The umbrella Association for Family Physicians and other regulating bodies should facilitate access to screening facilities and initiate training of willing physicians with a view to setting up services.

The deficient perineum: oblique presentation of a clinically obvious anomaly

The deficient perineum is a recognized anatomical defect attributable essentially to the trauma of vaginal delivery. We studied, retrospectively, 64 women with the deficient perineum who presented in our unit for other reasons. All were parous and had previous vaginal delivery. Eighty-four percent delivered recently outside a hospital. Presumed marital disharmony occurred in 45% and may have been profound. Perineorrhaphy in the women seen, had salutary effects.

Pattern of sexually transmitted diseases among commercial sex workers (CSWs) in Ibadan, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of STDs among commercial sex workers (CSWs) in Ibadan, Nigeria. The subjects were 169 CSWs randomly selected from 18 brothels, majority of who were examined and investigated in their rooms. Another 136 women without symptoms who visited the special treatment clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan were selected as a normal control group. Vaginal candidiasis was the most common STD diagnosed in both CSWs and the control group. The other STDs in their order of frequency were HIV infection 34.3%, non-specific vaginosis 24.9%, trichomoniasis 21.9% and gonorrhoea and "genital ulcers" had an incidence of 16.6% each. Other important conditions were tinea cruris 18.9%, scabies 7.7% genital warts 6.5% and 4.1% of them had syphilis sero-positivity. All the 13 CSWs that had scabies, the 4 (36.4%) with genital warts and the 19 (67.9%) with "genital ulcers" had HIV infection. While there was no significant difference between the CSWs with vaginal candidiasis, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and the control group, the HIV positivity was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in CSWs than in the control subjects. These findings suggest that women who exchange sexual services for money can no longer be ignored, and should therefore be identified and made to participate in STD prevention and control programmes.

Sixty-one day twin to twin birth interval in a low technology setting

Multiple pregnancy, whether spontaneous or from artificial reproductive techniques, is regarded as high risk. Limiting the twin-twin birth interval to within 30 minutes has been widely practised. However, conservative management of the retained live, immature second twin may be worthwhile. We report a case lasting sixty-one days in a low technology setting.

A clinico-pathological study of complete and partial hydatidiform moles in a Nigerian population

In a review of 208 cases of hydatidiform moles (HM) managed at the University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria between January 1966 and December 1996, there were 105 cases of complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) and 103 cases of partial hydatidiform mole (PHM). The ratio of PHM to CHM was 1:1. The institutional frequency for PHM is one per 667 deliveries, while that of CHM is one per 655 deliveries. In contrast to CHM, the presentation of PHM was less dramatic. The mean age for both types of HM was 28 years, although there was a slightly increased difference in the population of younger patients aged (21-30 years) for PHM (56.3%) as against CHM (40%), respectively. The pre-evacuation uterine size was larger than dates in CHM (40%) compared to PHM (8%), although the mean gestational age was higher in PHM (19.8 weeks) when compared to CHM (15.2 weeks). Sixty-five patients with CHM (61.9%) presented with heavy irregular vaginal bleeding before evacuation compared to five patients (4.9%) with PHM. Gestational trophoblastic tumour (GTT) occurred in 20 patients with CHM (19.0%) compared to two patients (2.1%) with PHM. We conclude that the incidence of PHM is higher in our environment than hitherto reported and consequently there is need for greater awareness among health-care providers of the clinicopathological features of this enigmatic but interesting disease entity and development of facilities for routine cytogenetics. It is advisable that the follow-up period in patients with PHM should not be more than a year, because of the rarity of post-evacuation sequelae.

Grandmultiparity--trends and complications: a study in two hospital settings

Pregnancy after the fifth delivery is viewed with anxiety, especially by obstetricians in developing countries working with inadequate facilities. High parity is still common with serious consequences to the fetus, the mother, the family and society. In the last 40 years, non-governmental, national and international efforts have been made to reduce fertility rates. We therefore intended to determine the trend in the grandmultiparity rates from 1 January 1987 to 31 December 1994 in the South Western part of Nigeria. The obstetric performance of these grandmultiparae in two different settings were to be compared. This was a retrospective, case-note analysis of all the grandmultiparae delivered at the University College Hospital (UCH) (Group A) and the Oluyoro Catholic Hospital (OCH) (Group B), both in Ibadan city. The former is a tertiary health care centre while the latter is a secondary centre. The socio-clinico-demographic characteristics of these patients were collated and analysis and comparison performed using EPI-INFO software. In Group A, 828 grandmultiparae were seen among 9215 deliveries, a rate of 8.99% (10.90% in 1987 to 3.36% in 1994). In Group B, there were 1940 cases among 22 587 deliveries, i.e. 8.59% (12.75% to 6.07%), respectively. The modal age group was 31-35 years, and women above 35 years formed one-third of cases. The parity group 5-7 was the most frequent in both groups (91.6% vs. 94.9%). Only two mothers (both in group B) had parity above 10. Booked patients formed a larger percentage in Group B than in Group A (85.8% vs. 69.7%, respectively). In Group B 85.9% had spontaneous vertex delivery as opposed to 66.3% in Group A. Caesarean section was the mode of delivery in 9.0% and 24.2% in Groups B and A, respectively. Equal percentages had breech delivery. The modal birth weight was 2.51-3.00 kg in both groups. Macrosomic babies formed 3.7% in Group A and 2.4% in Group B, while low birth weight babies formed 17.7% and 11.7% in Groups A and B, respectively. The crude perinatal death ratio was 123/1000 in Group A and 68/1000 in Group B. Antepartum haemorrhage, anaemia and premature rupture of membranes in Group A and anaemia, hypertension and antepartum haemorrhage in Group B were the most common pregnancy complications noted. In labour, abnormal lie/presentation, prolonged labour and premature labour in Group A and abnormal lie/presentation, antepartum haemorrhage and birth asphyxia in Group B formed the majority of the complications. The most common puerperal complications were primary postpartum haemorrhage, wound/genital sepsis in Group A and anaemia and primary postpartum haemorrhage in Group B, respectively. Maternal death ratio was 10.85/100 000 total deliveries in Group A and 35.42/100 000 in Group B. High parity is still common in developing countries, although the incidence is declining, with rates of 3.4% and 6.1% of total deliveries in Groups A and B, respectively. More patients are delivered per abdomen at UCH compared to OCH. The perinatal mortality rate is higher at UCH than OCH but the maternal mortality rates follow the reverse. Recommendations are made concerning the reduction in high parity rates and its associated complications.