Crystalising employment quality and behavioural outcomes of employees in the public service

The goals of equitable and fair treatment in employment relationships have become a growing concern due to demographic changes and globalisation. Consequently, the quality of employment and relationships appeared to be an anachronism in competitive conditions where an organisation may need to minimise costs by reducing the headcounts. The study investigated the determinants of employment quality on employee behavioural outcomes. The study adopted a descriptive research design to establish trends related to the objectives of this study. The survey questionnaire was adopted to elicit information from the staff of the selected public (corporation) service. Out of 350 copies of the questionnaire distributed, only 230 copies were duly filled and completed. A variance-based model, specifically, SEM was adopted to establish goodness fit. Results indicate that work flexibility, learning and development, organisational culture, involvement in the determination of reward system, and work relationship significantly impact on employee behavioural outcomes. On the contrary, it was evident that the organisational policy has the least predictive value for promoting desirable outcomes. This could probably be as a result of many written rules and bureaucratic structure that exist in the public service. Differences in employees' behavioural outcomes can be linked to age (λ² = 5.741, df = 4, P < 0.05), educational background (λ² = 7.723, df = 4, P < 0.05) and work experience (λ² = 9.672, df = 4, P < 0.05) while gender was not statistically significant. By implications, organisational policies should be tailored towards ensuring the quality of employment and should be targeted to facilitate commitment and positive work behaviour.

Distribution of ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infections in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Ascariasis, Trichuriasis and Hookworm infections poses a considerable public health burden in Sub-Saharan Africa, and a sound understanding of their spatial distribution facilitates to better target control interventions. This study, therefore, assessed the prevalence of the trio, and mapped their spatial distribution in the 20 administrative regions of Ogun State, Nigeria.

METHODS

Parasitological surveys were carried out in 1,499 households across 33 spatially selected communities. Fresh stool samples were collected from 1,027 consenting participants and processed using ether concentration method. The locations of the communities were georeferenced using a GPS device while demographic data were obtained using a standardized form. Data were analysed using SPSS software and visualizations and plotting maps were made in ArcGIS software.

RESULTS

Findings showed that 19 of the 20 regions were endemic for one or more kind of the three infections, with an aggregated prevalence of 17.2%. Ascariasis was the most frequently observed parasitic infection in 28 communities with a prevalence of 13.6%, followed by hookworm infections with a prevalence of 4.6% while Trichuriasis was the least encountered with a prevalence of 1.7%. The spatial distribution of infections ranges between 5.3-49.2% across the regions. The highest and lowest distribution of overall helminth infections was recorded in Egbado South and Egbado North respectively. Nine regions had infection status between 20.0%-49.2%, while 10 regions had infection status between 5.3%-15.8%.

CONCLUSION

This study provides epidemiological data on the prevalence and spatial distribution of ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infections which will add to the baseline data and guide the public health officers in providing appropriate control strategies in the endemic communities.

Abstract D034: Patient and provider concordance and trust in providers among West African Immigrants: Findings from the CaPTC Familial Cohort Study

Background Healthcare disparities among racial and ethnic groups have been well documented across all aspects of clinical healthcare, and disparities in attainment of preventive services are particularly prevalent. African immigrants may be particularly susceptible to factors that contribute to healthcare disparities but little is known about this population. The purpose of this study was to assess patient-provider concordance and trust of health care providers among West African immigrants in the US. In addition, we explored the relationship between these variables and the prostate cancer (CaP) screening behavior of participants. Methods Data collection was part of a global study of prostate cancer in West African men. A study questionnaire was used to collect data from West African male immigrants in the US between the ages of 35 and 70 years. Survey scales for this study included country of birth, years since immigration, patient–provider concordance, trust of healthcare provider, attitude and cues towards CaP screening (PSA and DRE), and CaP screening history. Results There were 38 African immigrants from Cameroon, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Ghana. Participants’ average age was 46.2 years and they had spent an average of 13.9 years in the US. Most of the participants (over 60%) stated that they had no preference in regards to their provider race, ethnicity or gender. Over 70% indicated that their physician was of different ethnicity and race while 50% indicated that their physician was of a different gender. Furthermore, most respondents noted that they trusted their physicians with health decisions. However, 61% and 68% of participants did not complete PSA or DRE testing, respectively. Most stated that they did not discuss the advantages or disadvantages of prostate cancer screening with their physicians, noting they mostly received cues to getting tested from reading information, radio, and/or TV. Conclusion Although health disparities can be explained by socioeconomic status such as lack of insurance and various other observable impediments to accessing health care, others barriers persist. It is important to explore other contributing factors such as patient-physician relationships. This study suggests that patient-provider concordance may not be a priority. Emphasis should be placed on encouraging physician-initiated discussion on CaP screening. Unfortunately, current physician guidelines do not stress CaP screening and fail to account for the documented increased risk and early onset of CaP in Black men.

Citation Format: Nissa Askins, Ruth Agaba, Oluwaseyi Adeniji, Adaora Ezeani, Ernest Kaninjing, Folakemi Odedina, Catherine Badejo, Anthonia Sowunmi, Omolara Fatiregun, Ayo Salako, A. A Popoola, Mohammed Faruk, Emeka Iweala, Iya Bassey, Chidiebere Ogo, O. P. Oluwole, H. A. Nggada, Paul Jibrin, Ifeoma Okoye, Abidemi Omonisi, Iheanyi Okpala, A Adeniji, Toye Adeniji. Patient and provider concordance and trust in providers among West African Immigrants: Findings from the CaPTC Familial Cohort Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr D034.

Abstract C086: The effect of length of residence in the US on risk of developing chronic disease in West African male immigrants

Background African immigrants represent one of the fastest growing groups of immigrants in the US, resulting in increased diversity of Blacks in the US. Therefore, there is a growing need to assess the healthcare needs and practices of this population. The main public health concern has been on infectious disease but priority should also focus on chronic disease. Specifically, the literature has yet to provide consistent results regarding the “healthy immigrant effect”, specifically that immigrants are in relatively better health on arrival before their health converges with native-born levels after time. Using the data collected by the Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC), this study explores chronic disease history and healthy behaviors of male immigrants from West Africa with length of residence in the US. Methods A study questionnaire was used to collect data on West African (WA) Black men residing in Nigeria, Cameroon, and the United States. Data from 709 respondents, Black men between the ages of 35-70 years, recruited from community settings, was collected. Variables analyzed included age, education level, income, smoking and alcohol use, weight, height, physical activity levels, country of birth, country of residence, years since immigration, chronic disease history, and health insurance status. Descriptive analysis was used to determine the frequency of each condition among participants. Results There were 37 respondents, WA males, residing in the US; 26 born in Cameroon, 10 born in Nigeria, 1 born in Sierra Leone, 1 born in Ghana. The average age was 46.2 years and the average length of residency was 13.9 years. Participants were placed in two groups: length of residence in the US of less than or equal to 10 years (LT10Y) and greater than 10 years (GT10Y). This study focused on the most common chronic diseases in the US: high blood pressure (HB), high cholesterol (HC), diabetes (D), stroke/transient ischemic attack (ST), COPD, Alzheimer’s (AZ), and arthritis (AT). Although there was no statistical significant differences between participants who lived greater than 10 years in the US compared to those who resided 10 years or less, there was practical differences. For example, 39% in the LT10Y group had been diagnosed with HBP versus 42% in the GT10Y group. With larger sample size, it is likely that there may be statistical differences. There was statistical significant differences in HC diagnosis with 5% in LT10Y and 22.2% in GT10Y. The GT10Y group showed decreased alcohol use, increased frequency of physical activity, and frequent annual physician visits and had higher income and education level. Conclusion Based on our results, we found length of stay of WA Black males in the US to impact HC diagnosis, alcohol use, physical activity, and physician visits. The “healthy immigrant” phenomenon is likely to be moderated by several factors and need to be studied more among African immigrants.

Citation Format: Adaora Ezeani, Ernest Kaninjing, Folakemi Odedina, Catherine Badejo, Anthonia Sowunmi, Omolara Fatiregun, Ayo Salako, A. A. Popoola, Mohammed Faruk, Emeka Iweala, Iya Bassey, Chidiebere Ogo, O. P. Oluwole, H. A Nggada, Paul Jibrin, Oluwole Kukoyi, Ifeoma Okoye, Abidemi Omonisi, Iheanyi Okpala, Lasebikan Nwamaka, A. Adeniji, Nissa Askins, Ruth Agaba, Oluwaseyi Adeniji. The effect of length of residence in the US on risk of developing chronic disease in West African male immigrants [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C086.

The Unmet Supportive Care Needs of Nigerian Patients With Cancer

Background: Cancer is an important cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and its incidence has been on the increase in Nigeria, and the rest of the world. The diagnosis and treatment of cancer is associated with significant psychological distress and patients face a broad range of challenges which create a huge vacuum of “unmet needs” that patients feel as a loss of personal control and frustration. This impacts negatively on their quality of life and other care outcomes. Aim: This study was aimed at determining the magnitude, distribution, and predictors of unmet needs in Nigerian cancer patients. Methods: Using a descriptive cross-sectional approach, 205 cancer patients attending oncology outpatient clinics at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, were assessed for unmet needs. Eligible patients were given the self-administered Supportive Care Needs Survey - Short Form (SCNS-SF34) questionnaire with focus on five domains of need - psychological, health system and information, physical and daily living, patient care and support, and sexuality. Data analysis was carried out with SPSS version 20, and the level of significance was set at < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the 205 cancer patients was 47.4 ± 12.3 years, who are predominantly females (96.6%). The most common diagnosis was breast cancer (92.2%), and the mean duration since diagnosis was 20.9 ± 21.9 months for all the patients. The mean SCNS score was 83.9 ± 24.8, and at least 46% of the participants indicated unmet needs in 15 items of the SCNS. The most frequent unmet needs were related to the health information (53.4%), physical and daily living (49.4%), and psychological (48.5%) need domains. The most frequently met needs were in the sexuality, and patient care and support need domains. None of the factors considered (age, gender, marital status, family type, educational attainment, employment status, economic status, presence of financial support, social support, and cancer type) were significantly predictive of unmet needs in these patients ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: Nigerian cancer patients experience high levels of unmet needs, particularly in the areas of health information, physical and daily living, and psychological health. Hence, there is an urgent need to provide sustainable and long-term interventions and support for these patients to help them achieve increased care satisfaction, improved treatment outcomes, and a better quality of life.

Effect of acute uncomplicated malaria on platelet counts

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of uncomplicated malaria on platelet count.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Adult Nigerians (residing in the Lagos metropolis) who were diagnosed as having uncomplicated malaria were treated with a standard regime of chloroquine. Platelet counts were obtained before treatment, Day 0, and again on day 14 when parasitaemia had been cleared in the patients. There were 40 (21 males, 19 females) patients enrolled for the study. Their ages ranged from 15 years to 56 years with a mean +/- SEM of 27. 4 +/- 1.8 years. 28 (14 males, 14 females) patients had both day 0 and 14 platelet counts.

RESULTS

The malaria parasite counts ranged from 1020 /mm(3) to 72,000 /mm(3) at day 0 with a mean +/-SEM of 15,638.0 +/- 3,727.0/mm(3) and zero on day 14. The mean platelet count on day 0 was 137.0 +/- 58.4x 10(9)/L while the day 14 mean platelet count was 234.0 +/- 96.9 x 10(9)/L. Comparison of mean platelet counts on day 0 with those on day 14 showed a highly statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The degree of malaria parasitaemia was not significantly related to the level of platelet count. Transient thrombocytopenia is very common in uncomplicated malaria in semi -immune adults. The mechanism, aetiology, and clinical relevance of the phenomenon deserve further studies.

Selection and fusion of auxotrophic protoplasts of Candida albicans

Auxotrophic mutants of C. albicans obtained by the method described by Henson and McClary (1979) were conditioned in a tris buffered EDTA-dithiothreitol solution then converted to protoplasts by suspension in osmotically stabilized buffer containing beta-glucuronidase. Complementary protoplasts were mixed in an osmotically stabilized polyethylene glycol solution and at appropriate times were plated respectively in osmotically stabilized minimal and complete agar media. From colony counts resulting from growth on the respective media, the proportion of fused complementary protoplasts (prototrophic colonies) to the total viable number of colony forming units was determined. Stability tests of selected colonies from the minimal and complete agar revealed multiple revertants, but the numbers declined to low frequencies upon repeated selective plating and isolation. Acridine orange staining of cultures thus stabilized revealed various sizes of cells with their numbers of nuclei (DNA-staining regions) varying from one to five, such that it was not determined whether the prototrophic cultures were monokaryons, heterokaryons or a mixture of the two.