Ndifreke Udonwa | University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria. (original) (raw)

Papers by Ndifreke Udonwa

Cross River Journal of Medicine

Urbanisation and advances in health technology have led to a reduction in communicable diseases. ... more Urbanisation and advances in health technology have led to a reduction in communicable diseases. However, poverty, population growth, and the globalisation of unhealthy diets have resulted in a global upsurge of non-communicable diseases (NCD) like cancers, cardiovascular diseases, nutritional and metabolic diseases, endocrine disorders and respiratory diseases. Healthcare for NCDs remains a significant public health challenge. The primary management in Nigeria is currently pharmacological. However, non-pharmacological measures that are cost-effective and safe, with minimal side effects, are available for the prevention (primary and secondary) and treatment of NCDs. The impact of behavioural medicine in Nigeria remains limited despite the potential to significantly reduce the burden of NCDs and improve health and clinical outcomes. This is mainly due to insufficient investment in behavioural medicine research, inferior quality evaluation methods, lack of implementation of research o...

West African journal of medicine, 2020

BACKGROUND Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal... more BACKGROUND Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal diseases. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine the risk factors for Hypertension among adults attending the general outpatient clinic of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. METHODS A cross-sectional study of three hundred and eightyfive (385) adults (18 years and above) attending the General Outpatient Clinic of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria, was carried out between March and June, 2013. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, presence or absence of hypertension, symptom counts, duration of illness as well as risk factors for hypertension were sought. RESULTS The study 385 subjects consisted of 166 males and 219 females (male: female = 1:1.3). The mean age of respondents was 37.7± 14.4 years. After multivariate analysis, age, family history of hypertension and obesity were identified as independent risk factors for hypertension in this...

Background: Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of quality of care. Satisfied patients... more Background: Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of quality of care. Satisfied patients have been shown to be more likely to adhere to treatment plans and guidelines. They also exhibit better care seeking behaviour and this leads to a reduction in mortality. Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out at the NHIS clinic of UUTH between August and October 2014. A total of 418 eligible respondents were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique and a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from respondents. Results: The mean age of respondents was 41.6 ± 9.1 years. The overall level of satisfaction with services rendered was 80.6%. Statistically significant factors positively affecting patient satisfaction were duration of consultation (χ 2 = 26.41, p < 0.001), consultation process (χ 2 = 24.03, p < 0.001), attitude of the doctor (χ 2 = 44.10, p < 0.001), access to specialists (χ 2 = 29.39, p < 0.001),...

Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine, 2010

Asian Journal of Medicine and Health, 2019

Background: Despite the fact that anaemia is a preventable morbidity in most cases, its prevalenc... more Background: Despite the fact that anaemia is a preventable morbidity in most cases, its prevalence among pregnant women is still unacceptably high especially in rural and sub-urban settings. This is worrisome considering the enormous contribution of anaemia to maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Objective: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of anaemia at booking, identifying and describing its risk factors among pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic of General Hospital, Etinan, a sub-urban area in Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving 375 pregnant women seen at the antenatal (booking) clinic of General Hospital, Etinan, between April and October 2018, recruited through non-probability consecutive sampling technique. A pretested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographic, family and nutritional characteristics and obstetric and ...

International Journal of Medical Science, 2019

Family Medicine & Medical Science Research, 2016

Background: Non-specific low back pain is a common health problem incurring immense health and so... more Background: Non-specific low back pain is a common health problem incurring immense health and social costs with concomitant disability, which has assumed significant public health importance in our setting. The impact from this condition is multi-factorial, and includes pain, activity limitations and impairment of quality of life. This study therefore aimed to examine the level of low back pain disability, its correlates and predictors, and the impact on selfperceived quality of life. It also sought to determine the predictors of health-related quality of life among low back pain patients in a Family Practice setting in Calabar, Nigeria. Method: This was a cross-sectional analytical study involving 350 consecutively selected patients with nonspecific low back pain. Standardized questionnaires were used including: the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Short-form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Pain Scale. These were used to assess low back pain disability, psychological distress, healthrelated quality of life and pain intensity respectively. Result: The mean age of the respondents was 36.16 ± 9.93 years. Majority (70.6%) were females and had chronic pain lasting more than three months. Most of the respondents (88.9%) characterized their pain as severe. The mean health-related quality of life score was 45.82 ± 4.3. Factors associated with severe disability were: psychological distress and pain intensity. Significant correlations were observed between disability, pain intensity and psychological distress using Pearson's correlation analysis. Independent risk factors for disability were psychological distress and those with chronic pain lasting more than 3 months. Overweight and obese subjects were more likely to have poor health-related quality of life when compared with those with normal body mass index (X 2 =8.81, P<0.05). The significant predictors of poor health-related quality of life using logistic regression were overweight/obesity and those with severe disability. Conclusion: This study identified significant correlations between low back pain disability, pain intensity and psychological distress. These correlations could be informative and should guide family physicians in the management of the index problem in our environment. The perception of quality of life in individuals with low back pain should also raise awareness of issues connected to the problem and encourage more research into this area.

South African Family Practice, 2015

Hypertensive patients' expectations are a major determinant of treatment outcomes. This study was... more Hypertensive patients' expectations are a major determinant of treatment outcomes. This study was undertaken to determine the pattern of expectations of hypertensive patients as a basis for modification of the care given to them. Methodology: This was a descriptive hospital study involving 260 hypertensive patients aged above 20 years, randomly selected. Study participants were engaged in patient-centred consultation during each visit. Their socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, while the expectations of the hypertensive patients were also assessed. Their blood pressure was measured on three (3) occasions at two-monthly intervals. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0 and data were presented in tables. Results: The majority of the respondents (161, 61.9%) were females while the males numbered 99 (38.1%). Most (219) of the respondents were older than 40 years and had some form of education. The majority of the respondents needed information on hypertension (85.3%), expected that the hypertensive medication they would be given wouldlower their blood pressure (88.5%), and expected a cure of their hypertension (70.4%). There were some respondents who did not have any expectations. Conclusion: Hypertensive patients have varying illness expectations that can be explored using the patient-centred consultation strategy to improve treatment outcomes.

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Owing to the novel nature of COVID-19, management strategies are poorly understood by... more Background: Owing to the novel nature of COVID-19, management strategies are poorly understood by most Primary Care Providers (PCPs) especially in the Low and middle-income Countries (LMIC) of the world. If the knowledge of PCPs concerning COVID-19 is enhanced, awareness, perception and attitude towards patient care will improve. Consequently, maximum prevention and control will be achieved. This study aims at assessing the awareness, knowledge and willingness of the PCPs to care for COVID-19 patients in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was used to evaluate one thousand one hundred and twenty-six (1126) PCPs actively working in government primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities in Calabar, Nigeria. A total population sampling method was employed and a validated, semi-structured, 33-item questionnaire was used to explore the objectives of the study. Results: Majority (99.4%) of the study participants were aware of COVID-19. Most (68.4%) inf...

www.internationaljournalofcaringsciences.org Abstract Introduction: Discharge against medical adv... more www.internationaljournalofcaringsciences.org Abstract Introduction: Discharge against medical advice (DAMA) is a major problem in our hospitals. This study aimed at identifying the determinants of DAMA, while suggesting how to curb it. M et ho d s: This was a cross sectional study conducted to all patients (779) on admission at Federal Medical Centre, Owo within 4 months. Data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics, Chi square test and logistics regression were done. Level of statistical significance was 5 %. Re su lt : The median age of respondent was 27 years (range <1-90 years), 70.2% were 18 years and above, females were 57.9%. DAMA occurred in 7.4% of the patients. To 6.5% hospital bill was not affordable. DAMA occurred in 54(9.9%) of patients 18 years and above, 19(15.

Recent Advances in Biology and Medicine, 2017

CD4 count estimation which is not readily available in most resource poor settings in Nigeria is ... more CD4 count estimation which is not readily available in most resource poor settings in Nigeria is an important index determining commencement of antiretroviral therapy (ART). It is imperative for physicians who come in contact with these patients in such settings to recognize other parameters to evaluate these patients. The clinical correlates of diarrhoea and gut parasites amongst HIV- seropositive patients attending our special treatment clinic were studied. Three hundred and forty consenting HIV-positive adult subjects were enrolled. Their stool and blood samples were collected over a period of three months. Stool samples were analyzed for the presence of diarrhoea and gut parasites. The Patients were clinically evaluated by physical examination for the presence of Pallor, dehydration, oral thrush, wasting lymphadenopathy, dermatitis, skin hyperpigmentation and finger clubbing. Participants with diarrhoea represented 14.1% of the population, while 21.5% harboured one or more paras...

Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, Nov 30, 2017

Background: The burden of HIV/AIDS has reduced following sustained interventions especially with ... more Background: The burden of HIV/AIDS has reduced following sustained interventions especially with introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HIV/AIDS has become a chronic condition for which adherence to therapy is of public health relevance. This study was aimed at assessing the relationship between adherence to HAART and clinical and laboratory outcomes in a tertiary centre. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of three hundred and forty eight (348) respondents on HAART. Adherence was measured using an adapted adult AIDS clinical trial group (AACTG) with optimal adherence set at ≥95%. Clinical stage, anthropometry, CD4, total lymphocyte and haemoglobin were used to monitor clinical, immunological and haematological outcome of adherence. Result: The mean (SD) age of respondents was 34.8 (5.3) years, ranging from 18-68 years, with male: female ratio of 1:1.7. Adherence to HAART was 89.1%. Non-adherent compared with adherent respondents, had marginally significantly higher proportion of WHO AIDS Stage 3 disease (44.7% vs. 26.4%, p=0.05). Comparing baseline with current values, change in mean CD4 cell counts was significantly higher among adherent compared with non-adherent respondents (187 vs. 125, p=0.00). Also, change in mean total lymphocyte counts was significantly higher among adherent compared with non-adherent respondents (508 vs. 314, p=0.00). Change in CD4 cell count significantly correlated with adherence (t=0.15, p<0.05). Conclusion: Self-reported optimal adherence significantly correlated with immunological recovery, which is a key determinant of good clinical outcome in HIV patients. Measures aimed at sustaining adherence to HAART, and regular assessment of CD4 count should be strengthened.

Profile of Neurologic Emergencies At The Accident & Emergency Department of A Tertiary Hospital i... more Profile of Neurologic Emergencies At The Accident & Emergency Department of A Tertiary Hospital in South Nigeria Ekanem Eyo PHILIP-EPHRAIM, Komomo I EYONG, Sidney K OPARAH, Uduak E WILLIAMS, Ndifreke UDONWA, Abraham N GYUSE, Rhoda Philip EPHRAIM Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria Department of Family Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar; Nigeria Department of paediatrics, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria

Science Journal of Public Health, 2015

This study investigated the relationship between family support and coping strategy of women livi... more This study investigated the relationship between family support and coping strategy of women living with

Recent Advances in Biology and Medicine

The emergence of a chronic medical illness such as Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Imm... more The emergence of a chronic medical illness such as Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) may be the time when people turn to the Sacred through spirituality and religion. HIV is a chronic illness that requires strict adherence to medication regimens that may be influenced by spirituality/religion. This study was aimed at finding the association between spirituality/religion and adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in adult HIV/AIDS patients. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of 370 patients. Adherence was measured using an adapted adult AIDS clinical trial group (AACTG) and visual analogue scale (VAS) tools. Spirituality was assessed using Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spirituality Expanded (FACIT-Sp-Ex) scale, religiosity with Duke University Religion index (DUREL), and religious coping with Brief Religious Coping (RCOPE) scale. Adherence rates were 86.2 and 43.8% using AACTG and VAS tools, ...

Recent Advances in Biology and Medicine

The emergence of a chronic medical illness such as Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Imm... more The emergence of a chronic medical illness such as Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) may be the time when people turn to the Sacred through spirituality and religion. HIV is a chronic illness that requires strict adherence to medication regimens that may be influenced by spirituality/religion. This study was aimed at finding the association between spirituality/religion and adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in adult HIV/AIDS patients. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of 370 patients. Adherence was measured using an adapted adult AIDS clinical trial group (AACTG) and visual analogue scale (VAS) tools. Spirituality was assessed using Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spirituality Expanded (FACIT-Sp-Ex) scale, religiosity with Duke University Religion index (DUREL), and religious coping with Brief Religious Coping (RCOPE) scale. Adherence rates were 86.2 and 43.8% using AACTG and VAS tools, ...

Recent Advances in Biology and Medicine

The emergence of a chronic medical illness such as Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Imm... more The emergence of a chronic medical illness such as Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) may be the time when people turn to the Sacred through spirituality and religion. HIV is a chronic illness that requires strict adherence to medication regimens that may be influenced by spirituality/religion. This study was aimed at finding the association between spirituality/religion and adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in adult HIV/AIDS patients. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of 370 patients. Adherence was measured using an adapted adult AIDS clinical trial group (AACTG) and visual analogue scale (VAS) tools. Spirituality was assessed using Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spirituality Expanded (FACIT-Sp-Ex) scale, religiosity with Duke University Religion index (DUREL), and religious coping with Brief Religious Coping (RCOPE) scale. Adherence rates were 86.2 and 43.8% using AACTG and VAS tools, ...

Cross River Journal of Medicine

Urbanisation and advances in health technology have led to a reduction in communicable diseases. ... more Urbanisation and advances in health technology have led to a reduction in communicable diseases. However, poverty, population growth, and the globalisation of unhealthy diets have resulted in a global upsurge of non-communicable diseases (NCD) like cancers, cardiovascular diseases, nutritional and metabolic diseases, endocrine disorders and respiratory diseases. Healthcare for NCDs remains a significant public health challenge. The primary management in Nigeria is currently pharmacological. However, non-pharmacological measures that are cost-effective and safe, with minimal side effects, are available for the prevention (primary and secondary) and treatment of NCDs. The impact of behavioural medicine in Nigeria remains limited despite the potential to significantly reduce the burden of NCDs and improve health and clinical outcomes. This is mainly due to insufficient investment in behavioural medicine research, inferior quality evaluation methods, lack of implementation of research o...

West African journal of medicine, 2020

BACKGROUND Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal... more BACKGROUND Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal diseases. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine the risk factors for Hypertension among adults attending the general outpatient clinic of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. METHODS A cross-sectional study of three hundred and eightyfive (385) adults (18 years and above) attending the General Outpatient Clinic of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria, was carried out between March and June, 2013. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, presence or absence of hypertension, symptom counts, duration of illness as well as risk factors for hypertension were sought. RESULTS The study 385 subjects consisted of 166 males and 219 females (male: female = 1:1.3). The mean age of respondents was 37.7± 14.4 years. After multivariate analysis, age, family history of hypertension and obesity were identified as independent risk factors for hypertension in this...

Background: Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of quality of care. Satisfied patients... more Background: Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of quality of care. Satisfied patients have been shown to be more likely to adhere to treatment plans and guidelines. They also exhibit better care seeking behaviour and this leads to a reduction in mortality. Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out at the NHIS clinic of UUTH between August and October 2014. A total of 418 eligible respondents were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique and a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from respondents. Results: The mean age of respondents was 41.6 ± 9.1 years. The overall level of satisfaction with services rendered was 80.6%. Statistically significant factors positively affecting patient satisfaction were duration of consultation (χ 2 = 26.41, p < 0.001), consultation process (χ 2 = 24.03, p < 0.001), attitude of the doctor (χ 2 = 44.10, p < 0.001), access to specialists (χ 2 = 29.39, p < 0.001),...

Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine, 2010

Asian Journal of Medicine and Health, 2019

Background: Despite the fact that anaemia is a preventable morbidity in most cases, its prevalenc... more Background: Despite the fact that anaemia is a preventable morbidity in most cases, its prevalence among pregnant women is still unacceptably high especially in rural and sub-urban settings. This is worrisome considering the enormous contribution of anaemia to maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Objective: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of anaemia at booking, identifying and describing its risk factors among pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic of General Hospital, Etinan, a sub-urban area in Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving 375 pregnant women seen at the antenatal (booking) clinic of General Hospital, Etinan, between April and October 2018, recruited through non-probability consecutive sampling technique. A pretested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographic, family and nutritional characteristics and obstetric and ...

International Journal of Medical Science, 2019

Family Medicine & Medical Science Research, 2016

Background: Non-specific low back pain is a common health problem incurring immense health and so... more Background: Non-specific low back pain is a common health problem incurring immense health and social costs with concomitant disability, which has assumed significant public health importance in our setting. The impact from this condition is multi-factorial, and includes pain, activity limitations and impairment of quality of life. This study therefore aimed to examine the level of low back pain disability, its correlates and predictors, and the impact on selfperceived quality of life. It also sought to determine the predictors of health-related quality of life among low back pain patients in a Family Practice setting in Calabar, Nigeria. Method: This was a cross-sectional analytical study involving 350 consecutively selected patients with nonspecific low back pain. Standardized questionnaires were used including: the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Short-form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Pain Scale. These were used to assess low back pain disability, psychological distress, healthrelated quality of life and pain intensity respectively. Result: The mean age of the respondents was 36.16 ± 9.93 years. Majority (70.6%) were females and had chronic pain lasting more than three months. Most of the respondents (88.9%) characterized their pain as severe. The mean health-related quality of life score was 45.82 ± 4.3. Factors associated with severe disability were: psychological distress and pain intensity. Significant correlations were observed between disability, pain intensity and psychological distress using Pearson's correlation analysis. Independent risk factors for disability were psychological distress and those with chronic pain lasting more than 3 months. Overweight and obese subjects were more likely to have poor health-related quality of life when compared with those with normal body mass index (X 2 =8.81, P<0.05). The significant predictors of poor health-related quality of life using logistic regression were overweight/obesity and those with severe disability. Conclusion: This study identified significant correlations between low back pain disability, pain intensity and psychological distress. These correlations could be informative and should guide family physicians in the management of the index problem in our environment. The perception of quality of life in individuals with low back pain should also raise awareness of issues connected to the problem and encourage more research into this area.

South African Family Practice, 2015

Hypertensive patients' expectations are a major determinant of treatment outcomes. This study was... more Hypertensive patients' expectations are a major determinant of treatment outcomes. This study was undertaken to determine the pattern of expectations of hypertensive patients as a basis for modification of the care given to them. Methodology: This was a descriptive hospital study involving 260 hypertensive patients aged above 20 years, randomly selected. Study participants were engaged in patient-centred consultation during each visit. Their socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, while the expectations of the hypertensive patients were also assessed. Their blood pressure was measured on three (3) occasions at two-monthly intervals. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0 and data were presented in tables. Results: The majority of the respondents (161, 61.9%) were females while the males numbered 99 (38.1%). Most (219) of the respondents were older than 40 years and had some form of education. The majority of the respondents needed information on hypertension (85.3%), expected that the hypertensive medication they would be given wouldlower their blood pressure (88.5%), and expected a cure of their hypertension (70.4%). There were some respondents who did not have any expectations. Conclusion: Hypertensive patients have varying illness expectations that can be explored using the patient-centred consultation strategy to improve treatment outcomes.

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Owing to the novel nature of COVID-19, management strategies are poorly understood by... more Background: Owing to the novel nature of COVID-19, management strategies are poorly understood by most Primary Care Providers (PCPs) especially in the Low and middle-income Countries (LMIC) of the world. If the knowledge of PCPs concerning COVID-19 is enhanced, awareness, perception and attitude towards patient care will improve. Consequently, maximum prevention and control will be achieved. This study aims at assessing the awareness, knowledge and willingness of the PCPs to care for COVID-19 patients in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was used to evaluate one thousand one hundred and twenty-six (1126) PCPs actively working in government primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities in Calabar, Nigeria. A total population sampling method was employed and a validated, semi-structured, 33-item questionnaire was used to explore the objectives of the study. Results: Majority (99.4%) of the study participants were aware of COVID-19. Most (68.4%) inf...

www.internationaljournalofcaringsciences.org Abstract Introduction: Discharge against medical adv... more www.internationaljournalofcaringsciences.org Abstract Introduction: Discharge against medical advice (DAMA) is a major problem in our hospitals. This study aimed at identifying the determinants of DAMA, while suggesting how to curb it. M et ho d s: This was a cross sectional study conducted to all patients (779) on admission at Federal Medical Centre, Owo within 4 months. Data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics, Chi square test and logistics regression were done. Level of statistical significance was 5 %. Re su lt : The median age of respondent was 27 years (range <1-90 years), 70.2% were 18 years and above, females were 57.9%. DAMA occurred in 7.4% of the patients. To 6.5% hospital bill was not affordable. DAMA occurred in 54(9.9%) of patients 18 years and above, 19(15.

Recent Advances in Biology and Medicine, 2017

CD4 count estimation which is not readily available in most resource poor settings in Nigeria is ... more CD4 count estimation which is not readily available in most resource poor settings in Nigeria is an important index determining commencement of antiretroviral therapy (ART). It is imperative for physicians who come in contact with these patients in such settings to recognize other parameters to evaluate these patients. The clinical correlates of diarrhoea and gut parasites amongst HIV- seropositive patients attending our special treatment clinic were studied. Three hundred and forty consenting HIV-positive adult subjects were enrolled. Their stool and blood samples were collected over a period of three months. Stool samples were analyzed for the presence of diarrhoea and gut parasites. The Patients were clinically evaluated by physical examination for the presence of Pallor, dehydration, oral thrush, wasting lymphadenopathy, dermatitis, skin hyperpigmentation and finger clubbing. Participants with diarrhoea represented 14.1% of the population, while 21.5% harboured one or more paras...

Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, Nov 30, 2017

Background: The burden of HIV/AIDS has reduced following sustained interventions especially with ... more Background: The burden of HIV/AIDS has reduced following sustained interventions especially with introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HIV/AIDS has become a chronic condition for which adherence to therapy is of public health relevance. This study was aimed at assessing the relationship between adherence to HAART and clinical and laboratory outcomes in a tertiary centre. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of three hundred and forty eight (348) respondents on HAART. Adherence was measured using an adapted adult AIDS clinical trial group (AACTG) with optimal adherence set at ≥95%. Clinical stage, anthropometry, CD4, total lymphocyte and haemoglobin were used to monitor clinical, immunological and haematological outcome of adherence. Result: The mean (SD) age of respondents was 34.8 (5.3) years, ranging from 18-68 years, with male: female ratio of 1:1.7. Adherence to HAART was 89.1%. Non-adherent compared with adherent respondents, had marginally significantly higher proportion of WHO AIDS Stage 3 disease (44.7% vs. 26.4%, p=0.05). Comparing baseline with current values, change in mean CD4 cell counts was significantly higher among adherent compared with non-adherent respondents (187 vs. 125, p=0.00). Also, change in mean total lymphocyte counts was significantly higher among adherent compared with non-adherent respondents (508 vs. 314, p=0.00). Change in CD4 cell count significantly correlated with adherence (t=0.15, p<0.05). Conclusion: Self-reported optimal adherence significantly correlated with immunological recovery, which is a key determinant of good clinical outcome in HIV patients. Measures aimed at sustaining adherence to HAART, and regular assessment of CD4 count should be strengthened.

Profile of Neurologic Emergencies At The Accident & Emergency Department of A Tertiary Hospital i... more Profile of Neurologic Emergencies At The Accident & Emergency Department of A Tertiary Hospital in South Nigeria Ekanem Eyo PHILIP-EPHRAIM, Komomo I EYONG, Sidney K OPARAH, Uduak E WILLIAMS, Ndifreke UDONWA, Abraham N GYUSE, Rhoda Philip EPHRAIM Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria Department of Family Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar; Nigeria Department of paediatrics, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria

Science Journal of Public Health, 2015

This study investigated the relationship between family support and coping strategy of women livi... more This study investigated the relationship between family support and coping strategy of women living with

Recent Advances in Biology and Medicine

The emergence of a chronic medical illness such as Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Imm... more The emergence of a chronic medical illness such as Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) may be the time when people turn to the Sacred through spirituality and religion. HIV is a chronic illness that requires strict adherence to medication regimens that may be influenced by spirituality/religion. This study was aimed at finding the association between spirituality/religion and adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in adult HIV/AIDS patients. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of 370 patients. Adherence was measured using an adapted adult AIDS clinical trial group (AACTG) and visual analogue scale (VAS) tools. Spirituality was assessed using Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spirituality Expanded (FACIT-Sp-Ex) scale, religiosity with Duke University Religion index (DUREL), and religious coping with Brief Religious Coping (RCOPE) scale. Adherence rates were 86.2 and 43.8% using AACTG and VAS tools, ...

Recent Advances in Biology and Medicine

The emergence of a chronic medical illness such as Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Imm... more The emergence of a chronic medical illness such as Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) may be the time when people turn to the Sacred through spirituality and religion. HIV is a chronic illness that requires strict adherence to medication regimens that may be influenced by spirituality/religion. This study was aimed at finding the association between spirituality/religion and adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in adult HIV/AIDS patients. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of 370 patients. Adherence was measured using an adapted adult AIDS clinical trial group (AACTG) and visual analogue scale (VAS) tools. Spirituality was assessed using Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spirituality Expanded (FACIT-Sp-Ex) scale, religiosity with Duke University Religion index (DUREL), and religious coping with Brief Religious Coping (RCOPE) scale. Adherence rates were 86.2 and 43.8% using AACTG and VAS tools, ...

Recent Advances in Biology and Medicine

The emergence of a chronic medical illness such as Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Imm... more The emergence of a chronic medical illness such as Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) may be the time when people turn to the Sacred through spirituality and religion. HIV is a chronic illness that requires strict adherence to medication regimens that may be influenced by spirituality/religion. This study was aimed at finding the association between spirituality/religion and adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in adult HIV/AIDS patients. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of 370 patients. Adherence was measured using an adapted adult AIDS clinical trial group (AACTG) and visual analogue scale (VAS) tools. Spirituality was assessed using Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spirituality Expanded (FACIT-Sp-Ex) scale, religiosity with Duke University Religion index (DUREL), and religious coping with Brief Religious Coping (RCOPE) scale. Adherence rates were 86.2 and 43.8% using AACTG and VAS tools, ...