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Papers by Mairo Hassan

Pan African Medical Journal, 2015

Introduction: Kell antigen is highly immunogenic and is the common cause of antibody production i... more Introduction: Kell antigen is highly immunogenic and is the common cause of antibody production in mismatched blood transfusions, haemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR) and maternal alloimmunization, which causes severe anaemia in neonates. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and ethnic variation of the Kell phenotype among pregnant women in Sokoto, Nigeria. Methods: Kell antigen status of 150 pregnant women aged 18-45 years and mean age 27.19 ±4.69 years attending antenatal clinic in UDUTH Sokoto Nigeria was determined using the conventional tube method and anti-Kell reagents (Lorne Laboratories, UK). Results: Among the 150 subjects studied, 3 (2.0%) of subjects were positive and 147 (98.0) were negative for K antigen. Of the 150 pregnant subjects; 32 (21.3%) were primigravidae while 118 (78.7%) were multigravidae. Kell phenotype was more prevalent among primigravidae (3.1%) compared to multigravidae (1.7%) women. The distribution of Kell phenotype among the pregnant subjects was compared based on ethnicity. The prevalence of Kell antigen was significantly higher among the Hausa ethnic group (3.2%) compared to other ethnic groups which indicated zero prevalence (p=0.001). Kell negative phenotype was ≥ 96.8% among all the ethnic groups. Conclusion: Our observed prevalence of Kell phenotype is consistent with previous studies among Blacks and Asians but significantly lower than values observed in previous studies among Caucasians. We recommend that all pregnant women should be screened for the presence clinically significant red cell antigens including Kell antigen on their first antenatal visit. Kell negative red cell should be routinely provided for all pregnant women and women with child bearing potential to reduce the risk of Kell-associated HDFN. There is need to introduce routine screening of pregnant women for clinically significant red cell antibodies to facilitate the effective management of HDFN as well as prevent HTR. There is also need for sustained health education of pregnant women in the area to encourage early booking for antenatal care.

International journal of reproduction, contraception, obstetrics and gynecology, Oct 25, 2018

Background: Mother to child transmission of HIV (MTCT) is globally known to be the major route of... more Background: Mother to child transmission of HIV (MTCT) is globally known to be the major route of spread of HIV to the unborn fetus and neonate. Many factors related to the mother, infant or the type of HIV virus interplay to increase the risk of MTCT of the virus. Antepartum antiretroviral drugs administration reduces the maternal viral load therefore lowering the risk of transmission. The objective is to determine infection rate and assess determinants of MTCT of HIV exposed infants delivered in UDUTH Sokoto. Methods: It was a 5-year retrospective study. Records of all HIV positive pregnant women and their babies managed in UDUTH were reviewed from the E health system of the hospital. Patient's details were recorded from booking to delivery for the period under study. The infant's records were retrieved and information from delivery to 18 months post-delivery obtained. Structured data collection tool was developed to compile the required information. Data was analyzed using SPSS IBMS 22. Descriptive statistics and comparisons between variables were made statistically using Chi square. P value of ≤ 0.005 was considered as significant. Results: Records of all the patients recruited were all available for evaluation because authors use the E-health system of records keeping in our hospital. MTCT rate was 0.92%. Majority 60 (47.2%) were within age group 26-30yrs. The subjects were predominantly house wives 97(71.4%) and multipara 77 (60.6%). Viral load ranged between 112 to 28228 copies/ml. Twenty-two (17.3%) had CD4 count less than 250 cells/µl while 61 (48%) had counts above 500cells/µl. All were in WHO clinical stage 1-3. All were on triple regimen anti-retroviral drugs. Spontaneous rupture of membranes for over 4 hours occurred in 51(32%). Vaginal delivery was recorded in 89.7%. Breast feeding was practiced by 48%. Conclusions: Breast-feeding still remains a risk factor for MTCT OF HIV Early administration of maternal antiretroviral drugs significantly reduces the rate of mother to child transmission of HIV.

International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research [IJCMR], 2018

Introduction: Vesico-vaginal Fistual (VVF), an abnormal communication between the bladder and the... more Introduction: Vesico-vaginal Fistual (VVF), an abnormal communication between the bladder and the vagina causing urinary incontinence occurs all over Nigeria. This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, effect of VVF and satisfaction with its repair related services in a fistula repair center in North west Nigeria Material and Methods: The study population comprised of VVF patients attending a State Government-owned specialized service hospital, dedicated to VVF patients. The study design was descriptive cross sectional in nature. Ninety-nine VVF patients were recruited into the study, data was obtained using a structured questionnaire administered in their local language (Hausa). Data obtained was entered into and analysed using IBM statistical software package 21. Level of significance was set at 5%. Results: More than half of the respondents believed that VVF is due to evil spirit (55.6%) and a third believed that VVF is due to punishment from the Gods (33.3%). Less than a third of respondents reported that it led to their divorce, while 17.2% reported that they were rejected by the community as a result of developing VVF. Majority of the respondents were satisfied with ease of access to care (91.9%), waiting time to receive care (93.9%), hospital treatment facilities (96%) and ward environment (88.9%). Conclusion: Most of the respondents knew some of the risk factors associated with development of VVF. Most reported developing VVF related psycho-social problems. Most of the respondents were satisfied with the repair related services provided at the facility.

International Surgery Journal, Mar 26, 2020

Genital fistula is a physically and psychosocially debilitating condition in which an abnormal co... more Genital fistula is a physically and psychosocially debilitating condition in which an abnormal connection exists between the genital tract and the urinary or intestinal tract. 1,2 The major aetiological types of genital fistulae include those occurring in the course of prolonged obstructed labour, iatrogenic injuries due to damage to the vagina, bladder or ureteral tissues during obstetric or gynaecological surgeries as well as those resulting from trauma such as violent sexual assault, forced insertion of objects into the vagina as well as genital fistulae resulting from traditional genital mutilation. 3-7 Genital fistulae are usually classified based on the organ of origin in the urinary tract and the termination of the fistula. 8 The common types of genital ABSTRACT Background: Management of complex genital fistulae is challenging due to the cost and technical skill required. This study reports our experience in the management of patients with complex genital fistulae and to highlight the crucial role of the reconstructive urologists. Methods: This was a retrospective review of female patients managed at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria from 2006 to 2017 for complex urinary fistulae. Data were extracted from patient case notes and the data analysed using the SPSS software. Results: Twenty-four female patients mean age 28.9±11.1 years. Fistulae resulted from prolonged obstructed labour 10 (41.6%), caesarean hysterectomy 7 (29.2%), caesarean section and abdominal hysterectomy 2 (8.4%) respectively. The fistulae were vesicovaginal 16 (66.7%), ureterovaginal 3 (12.5%). Others were vesicocutaneous, urethrovaginal and rectovaginal. Prior attempts at repair were done in 7 (29.2%) and the number of attempts ranged from 1 to 4. Surgical procedures included direct closure in 9 (37.5%), closure and uretero-neocystostomy 7 (29.2%), ureteroneocystostomy only 3 (12.5%) closure and abdominal hysterectomy 2 (8.3%), closure and continent catheterizable neo-bladder 2 (8.3%) and 1 (4.2%) closure, abdominal hysterectomy and uretero-neocystostomy. Post-operative complications were noted in 2 (8.3%) and consisted of gynaeatresia and recurrent RVF. Repair was successful in 70.8% of patients while failed repair was recorded in 16.7% and while stress incontinence was present in 12.5%. Conclusions: Complex genital fistulae in our practice are of obstetric origin involving the bladder, ureters and rectum. The reconstructive urologist has a crucial role the management for a favourable outcome.

Journal of Gynecology and Neonatal Biology, 2016

Rhesus (Rh) antigen was discovered in 1940 by Karl Landsteiner and Wiener. In later years, becaus... more Rhesus (Rh) antigen was discovered in 1940 by Karl Landsteiner and Wiener. In later years, because of its immunogenicity along with ABO antigens, Rh D antigen testing was made mandatory before issuing a compatible blood. Presently there are five major Rh antigens (D, C, E, c and e) in the Rh blood group system. The aim is this study is to determine the prevalence of Rh c and e phenotype among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto. The prevalence and distribution of Rh c and e phenotype was determined among 200 consecutively recruited pregnant women aged 18-45 years and mean age 27.19 ± 4.72 years. Samples were tested for Rh c and e phenotype using the conventional tube agglutination method using Lorne Laboratories (UK) anti c and e antisera. Out of 200 samples studied, the prevalence of Rh c was 92% while Rh e was 98.5%. We observed a statistically significant ethnic variation in the distribution of Rh c and e antigens among the pregnant subjects (p = 0.05 and 0.02) respectively. The prevalence of Rhesus c and e antigens was significantly higher among the Hausa ethnic group compared to the other ethnic groups. A significant number of antenatal attendees were better educated with secondary and tertiary education compared to those with primary and non-formal education. We recommend that all pregnant women in the area be screened for the presence of clinically significant red cell antigens including Rh c and e blood group antigens on their first antenatal visit. There is need to introduce routine alloantibody screening for clinically significant red cell antibodies to facilitate the effective management of anti-c and e related haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn as well as to prevent haemolytic transfusion reactions. Policy should be developed to facilitate optimum stocking of c and e negative cell in blood bank for emergency use in the area.

Introduction: The burden of cervical cancer is disproportionately high in the less developed regi... more Introduction: The burden of cervical cancer is disproportionately high in the less developed regions where it is the second most common cancer in women. The progressive decrease in the burden of cervical cancer in the developed regions has been attributed to interventions targeting the risk factors of the disease. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of cervical cancer and uptake of Pap smear test and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among gynecologic clinic attendees in Sokoto, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 270 women (selected by multistage sampling technique) attending the gynecologic clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. A structured intervieweradministered questionnaire was used to collect data on the research variables. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20 statistical computer software package. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 32.8 ± 9.3 years. Majority of resp...

Annals of Basic and Medical Sciences, 2021

Background: Caesarean section is the most significant obstetrics operative intervention globally.... more Background: Caesarean section is the most significant obstetrics operative intervention globally. Good postoperative experience after caesarean section is important because there is need for the mother to recover from surgery and take care of her baby. The aim of this study was to assess the experience of women that had caesarean section in the first 24 hours postoperatively. Materials/methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among women that had elective and emergency caesarean section. They were followed up to 24 hours post-operative. The primary outcome measures were pain score and satisfaction. Secondary outcome measures were time of mobilization, time of commencement of oral feeds and time of initiation of breastfeeding. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. Results: The median pain scores among those that had emergency and elective caesarean section ranged between 2 and 3 at all points of pain assessment. The satisfa...

Sahel Medical Journal, 2017

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse can have a detrimental effect on woman's quality of life by... more Background: Pelvic organ prolapse can have a detrimental effect on woman's quality of life by limiting physical, social, psychological, and sexual functions. We determined the prevalence, predisposing factors, and complications of pelvic organ prolapse at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of the cases of pelvic organ prolapse managed at UDUTH, Sokoto, between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2012. Results: The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse was 1.4% of all gynecological admissions. The mean age of the patients was 45.3 ± 16.1 years. Majority of the patients, i.e., 63.7% were premenopausal. The grand multiparous women constituted 65.9% of the patients. The most common presenting symptom was a mass protruding through the vagina. The prolapsing organs included uterus 75.8%, bladder 12.1%, rectum 6.6%, and a combination of bladder and rectum 5.5%. The most common predisposing factor identified was un...

Orient Journal of Medicine, 2014

Background : Laparoscopy provides excellent visualization of the pelvic structures and often perm... more Background : Laparoscopy provides excellent visualization of the pelvic structures and often permits the diagnosis of gynaecological disorders and performance of pelvic surgeries without laparotomy. It has become an invaluable tool in both diagnostic and operative gynaecological procedures. It is a cost effective procedure. Objective : The objectives of this study were to determine the rate, indications, findings and complications of diagnostic laparoscopy at Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Methodology : This was a five-year retrospective review of all cases that underwwent diagnostic laparoscopy from 1st October, 2008 to 31st October, 2013. All the case notes of patients that had diagnostic laparoscopy during the stated period were retrieved and analyzed. Results : A total of 975 gynaecological surgeries were carried out in the department within the study period, out of which 7.4% were diagnostic laparoscopies. Of these case notes 82% were available for analys...

Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2018

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a rare benign soft tissue tumor usually affecting the female pelvi... more Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a rare benign soft tissue tumor usually affecting the female pelvis and perineum. A 16-year-old girl presented on June 23, 2016, with vaginal protrusion of 1-year duration. Examination revealed protrusion through the introitus; it was hyperemic with necrosis. Investigation revealed urinalysis that revealed blood (+), leucocytes (+), and others normal; Swab (taken from purulent discharge on the protruded mass) microscopy revealed numerous pus cells; and culture yielded no growth. Abdominopelvic ultrasound (USS) showed left-sided pelvic soft tissue mass with no features of metastasis. Other investigations were normal. She had polypectomy with subtotal abdominal hysterectomy. Histology revealed benign AA. A rare tumor of the genital tract had been presented with a diagnostic dilemma. However, confirmation of diagnosis was easy with histology.

World Journal of Research and Review, 2018

A. BACKGROUND: Destructive operations are a group of obstetric procedures that are performed via ... more A. BACKGROUND: Destructive operations are a group of obstetric procedures that are performed via the vaginal route by reducing the size of the head, shoulder girdle, or trunk of the dead foetus to allow vaginal deliveryto avert caesarean section and its complications. B. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:TO determining the incidence rate, indications, complications and outcome of destructive operations in UDUTH, Sokoto. C. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a 10 year retrospective study of destructive operations performed at UDUTH. Sokoto, from 1 st January 2005 to 31 st December 2014. Information was extracted from patient's case files retrieved from the medical records department. D.RESULTS: There were 28,422 deliveries during the period under review. The incidence of destructive operation was 0.31% and the mean age of the patients was 20 ± 4.7 years. Majority are in their 2 nd decades of life and they presented mainly as emergencies. The mean gestational age at presentation was 38.55 ± 1.401 weeks and the procedures were successful in all the cases. The most common procedure was craniotomy in 76/84 (90.50%) and the main indication was prolonged and obstructed labour in 76/84 (90.5%) of cases. The most frequent complication encountered was anaemia in 52/84 (61.9%) of the patients and there were four cases of maternal deaths (4.76%). E.CONCLUSION: Destructive operations still have a role in the management of obstructed labour particularly if the foetus is dead. However, the trend is on a decrease due to risk of complications that may lead to litigation.

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH, 2019

Contraception involves all actions aimed at either preventing fertilisation of the gametes or imp... more Contraception involves all actions aimed at either preventing fertilisation of the gametes or implantation of the zygote. It is immaterial whether the means of doing so are traditional or orthodox or even whether they are effective or not [1]. The use of family planning should be an informed decision that should be made by couples. This is in order to limit the number, timing and spacing of the children that they want, to promote the health and welfare of the family group and contribute to the advancement of the society [1-3]. It essentially refers to practices that help individuals or couples to attain the objectives of, avoiding unwanted births, bring about wanted births, regulate intervals between pregnancies, control the time at which births occur in relation to the ages of the parents and to determine the number of children in the family [1,2]. There is a lot of evidence on the benefits of family planning [1-9]. The main aim of family planning is to improve the quality of life of the populace. Family planning empowers women and is a proven and cost-effective health intervention [3-5,7]. It can reduce up to 32% of all maternal deaths and nearly 10% of childhood deaths if it were readily available [1-5]. Family planning directly reduces the number of maternal deaths because it reduces the chance of pregnancy and its associated complications [5-7]. Furthermore, it lowers the risk of having an unsafe abortion for unintended pregnancy, delays first pregnancy in young women who might have premature pelvic development, and reduces hazards of frailty from high parity and closely spaced pregnancies [5,6]. Contraception has the potential to ensure optimum spacing between successive pregnancies thereby improving perinatal, infant, and child health [5-7]. Evidence shows that, in developing countries, when conception occurs within six months of a previous birth the risk of prematurity and low birthweight doubles [1,2,4,6]. Contraception improves health, economic and social outcomes for women and their families as well as impacting positively on public and environmental health [6-8]. Reports suggest that contraception has been a contributor to halving the number of maternal deaths worldwide between 1990 and 2010 [5,6]. For example, east Asia has made the maximum advancement in preventing maternal deaths and has a contraceptive frequency rate of 84%; in contrast, sub-Saharan Africa, which has the highest rates of maternal death, has an average Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) of 22% [5,6]. Despite the high maternal mortality rates in Nigeria the use of modern contraception has been found to be low especially in the area under study, the Northwest [8,9]. The low CPR is due to interplay of social, economic, cultural and religious factors with a persistent strong preference for large families [9-13]. The aim of this study was to find out the preferred methods of modern contraception and to determine the trend of acceptance of contraception in the new Fertility Research Unit (FRU) of the

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 2019

Background: Preconception care is an interventions aim to identify and modify biomedical, behavio... more Background: Preconception care is an interventions aim to identify and modify biomedical, behavioral and social risks to pregnancy through prevention and management, emphasizing factors that must be acted upon before conception or in early pregnancy to have maximal impact. Objective: The aim of the study is to assess awareness and perception of preconception care among women. Method: A cross-sectional study conducted at UDUTH Sokoto, Nigeria, from 5 February to 1 March, 2018. A total of 131 women were recruited by simple random sampling technique via the ante-natal care clinic, using semi-structured interviewer questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and the results were presented in tables and charts. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There ages ranged between 16 years to 46 years and 32.8% (43/131) were within 26-30 years with a mean of 28.10 ± 6.064. Only 20.61% of them were aware of preconception care. There was significant association between awareness and the patient's tribe as well as employment status at P value 0.004 and 0.017 respectively. Among those who were unaware, 88.46% will accept if offered while, about 45.75% of those who declined believed it was not necessary. Conclusion: There was poor awareness but good perception and acceptability of preconception care. Therefore, there is a need to create awareness and incorporate it into routine maternal healthcare services to achieve better feto-maternal outcome.

Annals of African Medicine, 2019

Acquired gynatresia is a common gynecological condition in developing countries where puerperal c... more Acquired gynatresia is a common gynecological condition in developing countries where puerperal complications and unskilled interventions prevail. A 23-year-old primipara who had spontaneous vaginal delivery complicated by gynatresia had vaginoplasty that failed due to erectile dysfunction in the spouse. She subsequently developed secondary amenorrhea and was relieved with dilatation and evacuation. She was planned for definitive surgery, however,she incidentally conceived with q pin-hole vagina. She was delivered of a live fetus at term via an elective cesarean section. This case is peculiar as spontaneous conception occurred with a pinhole opening. There is a need to adequately evaluate cases before definitive management to maximize success.

Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2019

Background: Prolong obstructed labor is a preventable obstetric complication in the developing co... more Background: Prolong obstructed labor is a preventable obstetric complication in the developing countries with devastating consequences and comorbidities. This study aimed to determine the frequencies of the common comorbidities in patients managed for obstetrics fistula at Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto, and also to identify the association of age and parity on the occurrence of some of the comorbidities observed. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 179 patients with obstetric vesicovaginal fistula seen at Maryam Abacha women and Children VVF center, Sokoto, from January to December 2017. A proforma was used to assess the sociodemograhic features and also to record comorbidities during preoperative evaluation. Results: Foot drop was the commonest comorbidity seen in 106 (59.2%), followed by depression in 104 (58.1%). There was statistically significant association between age, parity, and foot drop P = 0.025. Depression was found to be higher in the primipara P = <0.001.Urinary dermatitis occurred more frequently in the older age group and multipara 62.7% and 80%, respectively. Amenorrhea was commoner among age group 30 years and above 62.7%. Out of 179 patients analyzed, 36 (20.1%) had eclampsia whereas gynaetresia was present in 29 (16.2%). Conclusion: Significant comorbid conditions accompany obstetrics trauma and vesicovaginal fistula. Foot drop had statistically significant association with age. Depression was common in all age groups. There was significant association between depression and parity. Urinary dermatitis occurred more frequently in the older age group and multiparae.

Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 2018

Background: Despite the availability of inexpensive and effective tetanus-toxoid-containing vacci... more Background: Despite the availability of inexpensive and effective tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccines, elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus worldwide has become a herculean task, particularly in low-income countries, due to poor immunization coverage. This study aimed to assess the perception and utilization of tetanus toxoid immunization among pregnant women attending a tertiary centre in North-West Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 254 pregnant women (selected by systematic sampling technique) attending the antenatal clinic of Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the research variables. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20 statistical computer software package. Results: Most, 221 (87.0%) of the 254 respondents had heard of tetanus toxoid immunization. Of these, only about half (51.1%) believed that it protects both mother and newborn baby from t...

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2018

Background: Genitourinary fistulas are devastating, with obstetric fistula being the most common ... more Background: Genitourinary fistulas are devastating, with obstetric fistula being the most common type and a major public health problem in the developing world.Aims and Objectives: This study was designed with an aim to determine the epidemiology of genitourinary fistulas in our centre.Materials and Methods: A 5 year (1st January 2013 to 31st December 2017) retrospective review based on data extracted from the case files of patients managed for gynecological fistulas at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria, was conducted. A proforma was used to extract data on the research variables. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 24 computer statistical software package.Results: A total of 52 patients with genitourinary fistulas were managed in the period under review. The mean age of the patients was 28.25 ± 10.0 years, and majority of them (65.4%) were aged less than 30 years. Most of them (94.2%) had no formal education, and were ful...

International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2018

Background: PCOS is a condition with significant decrease in antioxidant with an increased risk o... more Background: PCOS is a condition with significant decrease in antioxidant with an increased risk of oxidative stress. Antioxidant supplementation has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in PCOS and may improve outcome of management of PCOS. Objectives of this study were to determine the oxidative stress level of PCOS patients, to assess the effect of antioxidant supplementation on the outcome of management of PCOS and to compare with a control group.Methods: The study was a single blind randomised control trial involving 200 patients with PCOS. The study was conducted at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto. They were randomly divided into intervention and control groups and base line serum levels of oxidative stress marker, antioxidant enzymes, vitamins and minerals were determined. Antioxidant supplementation and placebo were given to the intervention and control groups respectively. All the patients had ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate and were fol...

Pan African Medical Journal, 2016

Introduction: Sexual violence is an important public health problem of growing concern all over t... more Introduction: Sexual violence is an important public health problem of growing concern all over the world. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and pattern of sexual assault managed in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria. Methods: It was a retrospective study that looked into cases of sexual assault admitted into the hospital between January 2010 and December 2014. Information on patients' biodata, and relevant details on the cases were extracted from the patients' case files and analyzed. Results: Out of the 5317 gynecological admissions during the period under study, 45 (0.84%) were cases of sexual assault. Of these, only 34 case files were available for data extraction. The patients' ages ranged from 2 to 37 years (mean = 12.6 + 8.3). About two thirds (61.8%) of those affected were young children (aged 12 years and below). In majority of cases (70.6%) the assault was penetrative, and in most of the cases (91.2%) only a single assailant was involved. In close to two thirds of cases, the assailant was either an acquaintance (38.2%) or a family member (20.6%). Although law enforcement agents were informed in majority (58.8%) of cases, arrests were made in less than half (41.2%). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of sexual assault in this study appears to be low, a major cause for concern is the fact that those affected were predominantly young children. Parents should be more vigilant in monitoring their children's movement, and stringent laws should be enacted and enforced to curb this heinous act.