Journal of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jcmphc
<p style="background: white;">The Journal of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care (JCMPHC) is a multi disciplinary journal that provides a platform for sharing research findings, theories, reviews, and information on all aspects of public health, primary health care, and community medicine. The journal welcomes a variety of submissions, including original research reports, invited commentaries, critical and analytical reviews, case reports, reports of professional conferences, updates, and articles on continuing education. It covers diverse specialties and practice areas that make up community medicine, such as epidemiology, environmental health, public health nutrition, occupational health, medical sociology, rehabilitative medicine, primary health care, reproductive health, maternal and child health, health planning and management, health policy, and health care financing.</p> <p>Other websites related to this journal: <a href="http://www.bioline.org.br/pc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://www.bioline.org.br/pc</a></p>Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeriaen-USJournal of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care0794-7410<h2 class="western"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Authors are required to transfer copyright of </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">accepted and published articles to the </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">journal. </span></span></h2>Knowledge, attitude and practice of preconception care among female National Youth Service Corps Members in Lagos State
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jcmphc/article/view/260999
<p><strong>Background:</strong> Maternal and neonatal mortality statistics in Nigeria are poor, and the burden of deaths from preventable causes is on the increase. Preconception care has been documented to reduce maternal mortality. This study was undertaken to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of preconception care among female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Lagos State.<br /><strong>Methodology</strong>: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 370 female corps members without a history of pregnancy. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the participants. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection, and data was analyzed with Epi-Info 7 software. The Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to determine the association between socio-demographic characteristics and the outcome variables with level of significance set at p<0.05.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 370 respondents with mean age 21 years ± 8.5), 48.9% had fair knowledge of preconception care, 30.5% and 20.5%had poor and good knowledge respectively. The majority of aware respondents (92.5%) exhibited a positive attitude to preconception care. Good practice was reported among 47.3%, fair practice 35.1% and poor practice by 17.6% of the respondents. A statistically significant association was found between education level (p = 0.047), course of study (p < 0.001) and knowledge. Education level (p= 0.037) and course of study (p = 0.026) were significantly associated with practice.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Preconception care knowledge was fair among study population; attitude was positive while practice was good. Preconception care health education should be implemented to create awareness among female corps members.</p>PC Omunakwe KA Odeyemi
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2023-12-132023-12-1335311410.4314/jcmphc.v35i3.1Knowledge of Childhood Cancer Case Detection among Primary Health Care Workers in Osun State
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jcmphc/article/view/261004
<p><strong>Background</strong>: Survival rates of childhood cancer in Nigeria is low because suspected cases of childhood cancer are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. It is hoped that assessing the knowledge gaps in the identification of warning signs and symptoms of childhood cancer among healthcare workers in primary<br>healthcare facilities would lead to an improvement in early diagnosis, detection, and referral, which will subsequently reduce mortality from childhood cancer.<br><strong>Objective:</strong> To assess the knowledge of childhood cancer case detection among primary health care workers in Osun state.<br><strong>Materials and Methods</strong>: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 210 primary health care workers recruited by multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis was done using SPSS software version 23.0 and level of significance set at p<0.05.<br><strong>Results</strong>: About 55.7% and 44.3% of the respondents had good and poor knowledge of childhood cancer respectively. There was a statistically significant association between respondents’ knowledge, their marital status (p=0.00) and years of experience with case detection practices of childhood cancers (p=0.006). Married respondents were 6 times less likely to have poor knowledge (OR 0.398, 95% CI 0.213 - 0.745, p=0.004). Also, those with 6-10 years of experience were 7 times less likely to have poor knowledge (OR 0.349, 95% CI 0.13 - 0.939, p=0.037)<br><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Respondents had good level of knowledge on detection of childhood cancer however, there is a need for continuous training to further build their capacities on detection of signs and symptoms of childhood cancers</p>O Omobuwa RO Akande CA Akinleye SO Olarewaju IO Faramade O Opakunle SC Adeyemo E Asekun-OlarinmoyeG Omisore OF Ariyo
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2023-12-132023-12-13353152610.4314/jcmphc.v35i3.2 Knowledge and practice of cervical cancer prevention amongst undergraduates of the Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jcmphc/article/view/261006
<p><strong>Background:</strong> In Nigeria, approximately 26 women die daily due to cervical cancer. About 90% of cervical cancer cases are caused by human papillomavirus infection (HPV), transmitted through sexual intercourse and can be prevented. This study assessed knowledge of cervical cancer and practice of its preventive measures, among undergraduates in a University in South-South Nigeria.<br><strong>Material and Methods</strong>: his study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted among 479 students of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Nigeria. Respondents were selected across Faculties through a multistage sampling technique and data was collected using a pretested self-administered structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science version 23 with statistical significance set at p<0.05.<br><strong>Results:</strong> The mean age of the respondents was 20.4 (±2.4) years. The majority of the respondents (85.0%) had a poor level of knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention methods. Age (p<0.001), study level (P<0.001), and faculty (<0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention. About 59.0% of respondents have an overall positive attitude towards cervical cancer and its prevention. The level of uptake of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination was 0.8% and 1.3% respectively, however, more than half of the respondents were willing to get screened (63.9%) and vaccinated (50.9%).<br><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The institution should organize and sponsor comprehensive health education programmes about cervical cancer and its prevention. Provision of screening and vaccination at subsidized rates or at no cost will provide widespread coverage of prevention both in local communities and among students. </p>EB Diedjomaho NS Awunor P Okonta IM EnemuweH Abedi M Ntaji
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2023-12-132023-12-13353273910.4314/jcmphc.v35i3.3 Acceptability, hesitancy and willingness to pay for COVID-19 vaccine among Lagos residents
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jcmphc/article/view/261007
<p><strong>Background</strong>: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that has plagued the world beginning from 2019 when it was first discovered, laudable efforts have been made by science to produce vaccines to mitigate the effects of this disease. This study sought to assess the knowledge of COVID-19 and vaccine acceptability, hesitancy, willingness to pay and associated factors among Lagos residents.<br><strong>Methods:</strong> The study design was cross-sectional and descriptive with a mixed methods approach. Respondents (2924) residing in Lagos were selected for the study using multi-stage sampling technique. Data collection was done using an intervieweradministered<br>questionnaire for quantitative data and a focus group discussion guide for qualitative data. Quantitative data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 23, while qualitative data was analysed thematically.<br><strong>Results:</strong> The study revealed that most respondents (81%) were aware that COVID-19 vaccines are available in Nigeria. Two-thirds (67%) of the respondents were willing to receive the vaccine (acceptance) and 48.2% were vaccine hesitant. Willingness to pay for the vaccine was quite low (18%) and this was also reflected in the focus group discussions. Educational status, income, occupation and knowledge were significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.<br><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The findings show higher than average rates of vaccine hesitancy although most respondents had good knowledge of COVID-19. Efforts by government agencies to improve community access to education, better occupations and incomes are recommended to improve vaccine acceptance. </p>MR Akinyinka OA Olofin B Fadeyi OQ Bakare BA Odugbemi BI Adebayo T Durojaiye A Adeniran O Goodman YA Kuyinu KO Wright OO Odusanya
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2023-12-132023-12-13353406010.4314/jcmphc.v35i3.4 Patterns and practices of child labour among mothers in rural and urban areas in Lagos, Nigeria- A comparative study
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jcmphc/article/view/261009
<p><strong> Background</strong>: Child labour is a social phenomenon of global concern with serious consequences for child development, education and well-being. This study compared the pattern, attitude and child labour practices in urban and rural areas of Lagos State.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> This was a descriptive comparative cross-sectional study among mothers of children ages 5 to 17 years. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit 400 participants. The data was collected using a pre-tested, standardized questionnaire on child labour for household surveys. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences IBM (SPSS) version 20 software and the level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> Urban mothers were older (43.8± 1.8 years) compared to rural mothers (41.9± 12.7 years), and a higher percentage of urban mothers (52.5%) had secondary education in contrast to rural mothers (25.5%). Child labour was more prevalent among children aged 5 to 10 years in rural areas (55.5%) compared to urban areas (44.5%). Within the past year, 33.8% of urban children and 66.2% of rural children were involved in labour and hawking was the most prevalent work in 31.0% and 69.0% of urban and rural children. The majority of rural child labourers (68.4%) and 31.6% of urban child labourers worked 8 to 10 hours daily, with a statistically significant difference (p <0.001), primarily due to family support.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> There is a need for increased and continuous awareness campaigns aimed at educating communities, parents, and children about the detrimental effects of child labour on their overall well-being.</p>AO Ogunyemi FN Chukwu EO Oluwole FA Olatona E Otokpa U Ofonakara
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2023-12-132023-12-13353617110.4314/jcmphc.v35i3.5 Pattern and predictors of antibiotic prescriptions by physicians to paediatric outpatients in a Nigerian Tertiary Care Hospital: A call for antibiotic stewardship
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jcmphc/article/view/261012
<p><strong>Background</strong>: Irrational antibiotic use for childhood illnesses is prevalent, especially in developing countries. There is a need to provide evidence-based data for the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASP) in healthcare facilities. This study was conducted to describe the pattern and predictors of antibiotic prescriptions to paediatric patients at the outpatient clinic of Federal Medical Centre Umuahia Abia State, Southeast Nigeria.<br /><strong>Method</strong>: We conducted a retrospective review of patients’ encounters in one year at the outpatient paediatric clinics (2022). An electronic data extraction form was used to collect information from patient’s case notes. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using SPSS version 26. The level of significance was set at 5%.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> Records of 722 encounters were retrieved. A total of 694 antibiotics were prescribed. The antibiotic prescription rate was 74.4% (95% CI: 71.2–77.6). The most frequently prescribed antibiotic was amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (34.9%). Most prescribed antibiotics (53.6%) were in the ‘access’ group of antibiotics. The commonest indication for the use of antibiotics was the treatment of respiratory infections (28.1%). The predictors of antibiotic prescription included younger age (aOR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.50–3.80), four or more drugs prescribed (aOR = 9.43; 95% CI: 3.90 - 22.10), and therapeutic treatment type (aOR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.10–9.40).<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Irrational prescriptions of antibiotics by physicians were prevalent in the paediatric outpatient clinic of the facility. We recommend the implementation of the ASP in the hospital to address irrational antibiotic prescriptions in line with rational drug policy.</p>CI Amuzie UK Kalu UU Onyeonoro MO Izuka CC Iwegbulam K Metu UF Ossai EO Chigbata KE Achara
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2023-12-132023-12-13353728410.4314/jcmphc.v35i3.6Review Article : Economic abuse as a form of intimate partner violence in sub-Saharan Africa: A review of the literature
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jcmphc/article/view/261014
<p><strong>Background:</strong> Economic abuse (EA) is a form of intimate partner violence (IPV) whereby one partner controls the ability of the other to acquire, use and maintain economic resources. It is significant because economic concerns are a major reason survivors remain in abusive relationships, as they lack the means to cater for themselves and their children if they leave.<br /><strong>Aim:</strong> This paper reviews the literature on measurement, prevalence, and response to EA within the context of IPV in sub-Saharan Africa.<br /><strong>Method</strong>: A comprehensive desk-based review was conducted between November 2020 and February 2022. Google, Google Scholar, Pubmed, ResearchGate, Web of Science, and Science Direct were searched using relevant keywords such as IPV, EA, domestic violence and financial abuse. Full-text publications of quantitative and qualitative studies written in English were included.<br /><strong>Findings:</strong> Various measurement scales for EA have been created, revised, and adapted over the years with some being more inclusive. The prevalence of EA in sub-Saharan Africa varied across countries, and no context- specific measurement scale is available for the region. Economic abuse was found to be the form of IPV with the least legislative response and often absent from plans of action on violence against women.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: This review buttresses the need to develop measurement scales for EA specific to sub-Saharan Africa to properly assess the regional prevalence. There is also a need to heighten awareness of EA to promote recognition and appropriate response. </p>Chinelo NdukaVivian OmuemuAdedayo TellaDarlington Obi
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2023-12-132023-12-13353859510.4314/jcmphc.v35i3.7Determinants of unmet need for family planning among HIV-positive women of reproductive age in a treatment and care center Jos, Northcentral Nigeria
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jcmphc/article/view/261017
<p><strong>Introduction</strong>: About half of Nigeria’s population living with HIV are women. Therefore, the use of contraceptives is useful for HIV prevention. The aim of this study was to assess the unmet need for family planning and its associated factors among HIV-positive women of reproductive age in Jos, North-central. Nigeria.<br><strong>Method</strong>: This facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 335 HIV positive women of reproductive age attending the (APIN) Public Health Initiative Centre of the Jos University Teaching Hospital in Plateau State. A systematic sampling technique was used to select participants. Pre-tested intervieweradministered questionnaires were used for data collection and statistical analysis done using the SPSS version 23 software package. A logistic regression model was used to identify determinants of unmet needs for family planning. Ethical approval was obtained for the study.<br><strong>Results</strong>: The mean age of the respondents was 37.44 ± 6.40 years. Unmet need for family planning was 25.4% and the commonest reasons cited include partner opposition and fear of side effects. Marital status, duration of HIV diagnosis, duration on HAART, use of condom during the last sexual act, partner/husband support, and desire for more children were found to be associated with unmet need for family planning. Predictors of unmet need for family planning were marital status (AOR=0.15, P-value-0.030), duration of HIV diagnosis (AOR=5.09, P-value-0.005), duration on HAARTs (AOR=2.64, P-value-0.03) and desire for more children (AOR=0.42, P-value-0.001).<br><strong>Conclusion</strong>: HIV-positive women of reproductive age in Jos have high unmet needs for family planning and will benefit from early reproductive health education which includes couple counseling on contraceptive use.</p>GU Adah HA Agbo RO Adah DJ Meshak OO Chirdan AI Zoakah
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2023-12-132023-12-1335396 – 10896 – 10810.4314/jcmphc.v35i3.8Health literacy and adherence to care by people living with Human Immune Deficiency Virus (PLWHIV) in Nasarawa State
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jcmphc/article/view/261018
<p><strong>Background</strong>: Adherence to care among people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWHIV) has become a serious concern for healthcare practitioners. This study aimed to determine the health literacy (HL) and level of adherence to care among PLWHIV in Nasarawa State.<br><strong>Methodology:</strong> This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 396 HIV patients accessing antiretroviral therapy in Nasarawa State from June to July 2023. Two pretested interview-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on HL and adherence to care. Data entry and analysis were done using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe respondent’s characteristics. Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. The association of HL domains with the level of adherence to care was determined using F-stat.<br><strong>Results:</strong> The dimensions of health literacy, including feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers, the ability to actively engage with healthcare providers, and navigating the healthcare system, were found to be significantly associated with the age of the respondents (p< 0.05). High health literacy and a good level of adherence to care were found in 65.7% of the population. Adherence to care was significantly associated with HL, age, level of education, and marital status (p< 0.05).<br><strong>Conclusion</strong>: The level of adherence to care by PLWHIV in Nasarawa State is significantly associated with HL. To enhance treatment adherence, healthcare professionals should boost the HL of PLWHIV in Nasarawa State by providing clearer and more accessible health information to patients during clinic visits.</p>RT Kever EO Chukwu D. Hamina
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2023-12-132023-12-1335310912210.4314/jcmphc.v35i3.9