Low birthweight delivery: Prevalence and associated factors as seen at a tertiary health facility
By -
HAA Ugboma (Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State)
and CN Onyearugha (Pediatrics, Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba, Abia State, Nigeria)
Abstract
Background: Low birth weight deliveries are major causes of a huge health burden on poor economies around the globe. It is even more worrisome in developing countries.
Materials and Methods: The obstetric records of all low birth weight (LBW) deliveries were reviewed from 1st June 2005 to 30th May 2009.
Results: The prevalence of LBW deliveries was 8.3%. Of the LBW babies, 68.4% were preterm, 53.6% were small for gestational age (SGA) and 12.6% were products of multiple gestations. Predominant factors associated with LBW delivery included nulliparity, low parities (1 and 2), parturient aged 25‑35 years (80.6%), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and short birth spacing (84.4%).
Conclusion: Most LBW babies were preterm delivered by low parity parturient aged 25-35 years with short inter‑pregnancy intervals. Effective family planning and antenatal services provided particularly for these categories of potential parturient could help to curb the incidence.
culled from http://www.ajol.info/index.php/njcp/article/view/89093/78652
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Low birthweight delivery: Prevalence and associated factors as seen at a tertiary health facility - HAA Ugboma, CN Onyearugha
Combating HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria: Responses from National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
Combating HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Nigeria: Responses from National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
Terhemba Nom Ambe-Uva
National Open University of Nigeria
National Open University of Nigeria
Abstract
Universities have come
under serious attack because of their lackluster response to HIV/AIDS. This
article examines the response of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and
its strategic responses in combating HIV/AIDS epidemic. This is achieved by
examining NOUN’s basic structures that position the University to respond to
the epidemic; and second, by assessing HIV/AIDS strategies and policy framework
the University has put in place. An interpretative epistemological stance was
used for this study, and a qualitative research involving focus group
discussion (FGD) and analysis of secondary data was carried out. Results showed
that NOUN has identified the impact the epidemic has on the university,
although it has yet to institutionalize an HIV/AIDS policy. NOUN’s Draft
Service Charter, however, has identified the fight against HIV/AIDS as a core
mandate of the University, and the introduction of HIV/AIDS certification
programs can be viewed as proactive policies in response to the epidemic.
Results of this study are discussed in terms of their relevance to future
research and the impact such policy frameworks may have on combating the
epidemic, both within the University and the wider community.
Keywords: National Open University of Nigeria;
HIV/AIDS; epidemic; institutional policy; basic structures; Nigeria
Introduction
The article is part of
a larger endeavor, the aim that was to explore the response of National Open
University of Nigeria (NOUN) in combating the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. While an earlier
study (Peters & Olugbemiro, 2005) focused on the efficacy of the
introduction of Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) program in HIV/AIDS Education and
Management at NOUN in fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the study reported here
focused on the strength of distance education (DE) in fighting the epidemic.
Specifically, it analysed various policy frameworks put in place, and measured
both staff and students’ perceptions about the University’s response to
HIV/AIDS.
A recent study by
Peters and Olugbemiro (2005) shows that the introduction of an HIV/AIDS program
at NOUN would contribute to raising the level of awareness in the different
segments of the Nigerian society, stimulate research, and create research
networks on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. It also notes that the program would
facilitate human resource capacity building and support positive behavioral
changes. An earlier study by Aderinoye and Ojokheta (2004) investigated the
links between DE and HIV/AIDS. This study shows that DE in Nigeria and
throughout the continent of Africa is helping to democratize and spread
knowledge, even to those living in remote, marginalized, and isolated
communities. The Aderinoye and Ojokheta study also acknowledged that DE has
helped individuals to acquire basic literacy and arithmetic skills, and in some
instances, earn certificates in higher degrees, as well as obtain a multitude
of broad-brush education skills that target whole populations (e.g., governance
skills, life skills, AIDS education aimed at preventing and reducing its
spread, improved farming techniques, etc.).
It is in recognition
of the above that the University of Ibadan (a dual mode university) was the
first university in Nigeria to establish a Diploma program in HIV/AIDS
Education at the Distance Learning Centre to assist in developing the capacity
of workers on HIV prevention. This challenge was soon taken over by NOUN (a
single mode university) to introduce a postgraduate diploma in HIV/AIDS
Education and Management. The success of this program has informed the decision
of the University to introduce the program at the diploma level.