Browsing by Author "Ndikom, C. M."

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A Scoping Review of the Health of African Immigrant and Refugee Children
(MDPI, 2021) Salami, B.; Fernandez-Sanchez, H.; Fouche, C. A.; Kwankye, S. O.; Evans, C.; Sibeko, L.; Tulli, M.; Bulaong, A.; Kwankye, S. O.; Ani-Amponsah, M.; Okeke-Ihejirika, P.; Gommaa H.; Agbemenu K.; Ndikom, C. M.; Richter S.
Migration is a growing phenomenon around the world, including within the African continent. Many migrants, especially African children, face challenges related to health and social in-clusion and can face increased health risks. A systematic scoping review of available literature on the health of African migrant children across the globe was conducted to offer insight into these health risks. The review was conducted over a 15-month period from January 2019 to April 2020, yielding 6602 articles once duplicates were removed. This search included electronic databases, reference lists of articles reviewed, and searches of libraries of relevant organisations. A total of 187 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 159 were quantitative, 22 were qualitative, and 6 used mixed methods. The findings reveal decreased health in this population in areas of nutrition, infectious diseases, mental health, birth outcomes, sexual and reproductive health, physical and developmental health, parasitic infections, oral health, respiratory health, preventative health, endocrine disorders, health care services, and haematological conditions. The findings offer insights into factors influencing the health of African immigrant and refugee children. Further studies, especially qualitative studies, are needed to determine barriers to service access after migration and to investigate other underexplored and overlooked health concerns of African migrant children, including pneumonia and child maltreatment.
A Study of Anxiety on First Time Pregnant Women in Ibadan
(The International Journal of Development Studies, 2008) Olanisimi, B. O.; Ndikom, C. M.
As a result of previous studies that anxiety has deleterious effect on pregnancy, 146 primigradae were tested, on the modified Sarason s General Anxiety scale, at the ante-nata! clinics of the three biggest hospitals in Nigeria. The data generated was analyzed using simple frequency count and percentages. The result indicated that 81% of the primigravidae, representing about 109 of the subjects, were anxious. Similar result was obtained far young, elderly, educated, uneducated and subjects in their second and third trimesters. The counselling implication of the findings includes the need to provide young women with basic childbirth information and counselling before and during pregnancy. Added to this is the need to subject every pregnant woman, who comes far ante-natal clinic, to anxiety test so that remedial action could be taken on those who were found to have anxiety
An Overview of Consultant Nursing Specialist in Clinical Practice
(West African College of Nursing, 2011) Adejumo, P. O.; Adejumo, A. O.; Ilesanmi, R. E.; Ofi, A. B.; Oluwatosin, O. A.; Okanlawon, F. A.; Oyetunde, M. O.; Odetola, T. D.; Ndikom, C. M.; Awonuga, O.; Ojewale, L. Y.
As most health care systems around the world are undergoing major restructuring, nurses in Nigeria are moving at a slow pace. However, a giant stride was taken and history was made when the first set of nurse consultants were appointed in University College Hospital, Nigeria. The establishment of this groundbreaking post will help develop our health services and provide clear development opportunities for nurses at a time when the success of modernization of our services and implementation of new ways of working relies so heavily on nursing staff. This paper provides an overview of the consultant nurse specialist in clinical practice. Recommendations for successful implementation in Nigeria were provided.
Assessment and Screening for Gynaecological and Breast Cancers
(University Press PLC, 2015) Ndikom, C. M.
Availability and utilization of skilled attendants for child birth: implications for maternal and human resources development in Nigeria
(Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, 2015) Ndikom, C. M.; Oyetunde, M. O; Kolawole, I. O.
Shortage of manpower has been a major concern in health care delivery system. Poor utilization of skilled attendants for childbirth has been linked with high maternal mortality in developing nations. The effect has been quite deleterious and has contributed to the shortfalls in the achievement of set health goals. This shortage heavily influences the effective and efficient delivery of services especially in rural communities in Nigeria. Preventable complications of childbirth have resulted in the death of many women during the process of bringing life. The countries that have identified and addressed the issue of skilled attendance at childbirth have witnessed a tremendous reduction in Maternal Mortality. This paper presents a review of availability and utilization of skilled attendants for child birth: Implications for Maternal Mortality and human resources development in Nigeria. It is aimed at highlighting the need for more attention in improving Human resources for maternal and child health care. Anderson’s model of Health care utilization was used to illustrate Health care utilization. Publications on skilled birth attendants, maternal mortality, human resources for health were also reviewed. This review identified that Nigeria is among the countries with shortage in human resources for health and utilization of skilled attendants was below expectation, with slow decline in maternal mortality. Therefore, there is need for more political will in ensuring that the resources needed to improve health care receive more investment. More effort should be made to improve infrastructures in the rural communities to enhance staff retention and access to care.
Awareness and attitudes of women towards cervical cancer screeningin Oyo state, Nigeria
(MA Healthcare, 2014) Bammeke, O. O.; Ndikom, C. M.
"Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women especially in the developing world. This study examined the awareness and the attitude of women towards cervical cancer screening in Agbowo Primary Health Centre in Ibadan, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional study design and convenient sampling, a questionnaire was administered to collect data from 100 women who utilised postnatal and immunization services in the health centre. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson product moment correlation at significance level of P<0.005. The findings showed that the majority (52%) of the participants were aware of cervical cancer, 58% were aware of cervical cancer screening but only 5.0% had utilised cervical cancer screening services. There was significant positive relationship (r=0.369; P=0.001) between awareness and utilisation of cervical cancer screening services and educational background and utilisation of cervical cancer screening services (P=0.002) as well as economic status and use of the screening services (r=0.276; P=0.001). Attitude and uptake of cervical cancer screening services also showed a positive correlation (r=0.276; P<0.006) some of the factors that influenced uptake include lack of awareness about where to get screened, cost, attitude of health workers and delay in hospitals. The study has shown that cervical cancer screening uptake is still very poor, although, the awareness of cervical screening was fairly high. There is no doubt that education improve uptake of cervical cancer screening. There is still the need to create more awareness and make the services available so as to improve the uptake of cervical cancer screening.
Awareness, perception and factors affecting utilization of cervical cancer screening services among women in Ibadan, Nigeria
(BioMed Central, 2012) Ndikom, C. M.; Ofi, B. A.
Background: Over the years awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening services has remained poor in developing countries. Problems associated with cervical cancer incidence include late reporting, ignorance and cultural issues relating to cervical cancer screening. This study sought to explore the awareness, perception and utilization of cervical cancer screening among women in Ibadan as well as factors that influence utilization. Method: This is a qualitative study that utilized Eight Focus Group Discussions to collect information from women in selected health facilities in Ibadan, South West, Nigeria. The 82 participants were purposely recruited from women attending Antenatal clinics in 4 secondary and 4 primary health care facilities after approval was received from the Institutional Review Board in charge of the facilities. The focus group discussions were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analyzed into themes. Findings: The study provided qualitative information on the awareness, perception of the utilization of cervical cancer screening services among women in Ibadan. Participants were mainly married women (92.7%), mean age =27.6, SD =4.5, mainly traders (39%) and from Yoruba ethnic backgrounds (87.8%) and had secondary education (39%). The respondents reported not being aware of cervical cancer and were not utilizing the services. Though they did not know what cervical cancer screening entailed or the screening methods, they still believed that it is important since like for other diseases will help in early detection and treatment. The participants were eager to get more information from nurses on cervical cancer about cervical cancer screening. The major factors identified by the women that influence screening utilization were ignorance, Illiteracy, belief in not being at risk, having many contending issues, nonchalant attitude to their health, financial constraint and fear of having a positive result. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for more enlightenment about cervical cancer especially by health workers. Also, cervical cancer services should be made available at very affordable cost so that women can easily access the services in order to reduce incidence of invasive cancer.
Cervical cancer and human papillomavirus vaccine knowledge, utilisation, prevention educational interventions and policy response in Nigeria: a scoping review
(SAGE Publishing, 2022) John-Akinola, Y. O.; Ndikom, C. M.; Oluwasanu, M. M.; Adebisi, T.; Odukoya, O.
Purpose: This review evaluated the knowledge, utilisation, prevention education, and policy response across the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria to inform national efforts for the prevention and control of cervical cancer. Methods: A keyword-based systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE (NCBI), Google Scholar, and AJOL electronic databases, including a manual scan of papers, journals and websites to identify relevant peer-reviewed studies. Articles were screened and assessed for eligibility. Results: Many (158) articles were downloaded and after duplicates were removed, 110 articles were included in the final analysis. These were made up of qualitative, quantitative (cross-sectional), intervention and policy studies. Studies have generally reported poor knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer screening but those carried out in urban areas demonstrated a slightly higher level of awareness of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, HPV vaccination uptake and utilization of cervical cancer preventive services than the rural studies. The studies did not show strong government support or policies in relation to cervical cancer control. Conclusion: Knowledge and uptake of cervical cancer preventive services across diverse groups in Nigeria remain poor. These could be linked to socio-cultural factors, the lack of an organised cervical cancer screening programme and low financial resource pool for cervical cancer prevention. Therefore, it is necessary to increase government, donor prioritisation and political support in order to ensure increased investment and commitment to cervical cancer elimination in Nigeria.
Determinants of cervical cancer screening uptake among women attending selected family planning clinics in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
(2020) Ndikom, C. M.; Ajibade, A. B.; Oluwasola, T. A. O.
Background: Cervical cancer screening (CCS) continuously has low awareness and is poorly utilized in developing countries despite higher incidence of cervical cancer (CC). Increasing incidence of CC has been associated with late reporting of symptoms, ignorance about the disease, and its preventive measures. This study was conducted to further investigate the determinants of CCS uptake among women attending selected family planning clinics in Ibadan, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Adopting a cross‑sectional design, 205 consenting respondents attending family planning clinics were interviewed using an interviewer‑administered questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21. The hypotheses were tested using Chi‑square, odds ratio, and logistic regression at P < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 33 ± 8 years; 176 (85.9%) were married and 72 (35.1%) had tertiary education. Although 71% of the respondents were aware of CC, only 37.1% had good knowledge and 16.1% had previously utilized CCS. About two‑thirds (68.8%) of the respondents were willing to uptake CCS, except for perceived barriers such as lack of understanding of the disease and inadequate information about the services coupled with limited availability of the CCS services. There was a significant association between uptake of CCS and knowledge (χ2 = 17.944, P < 0.001), education (χ2 = 7.724, P < 0.024), and income (χ2 = 32.22, P < 0.001). On logistic regression, the uptake CCS remained influenced mainly by income of >40,000 Naira (OR = 5.355, CI = 1.678–17.083) and knowledge (OR = 3.112, CI = 1.247–7.768). Conclusion: Family planning clinics are readily available centers for increasing the knowledge base of the women on the need for regular CCS. This needs to be duly incorporated into our routine services.
Determinants of Outcome of Neonates Admitted in the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
(West African College of Nursing, 2018) Ike, E. U.; Ndikom, C. M.
Neonatal period is a crucial period compared to any other time during infancy as they are at high risk of dying during this period. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of UCH is a highly technical specialized unit in the hospital that provides medical/nursing care to sick and/or high-risk premature infants. Yet some babies admitted to this unit fail to survive. The aim of this study is to determine characteristics of neonates admitted at NICU and factors influencing outcome of care. A retrospective descriptive survey based on case record of babies admitted for a five year period between January 2007 and December 2011. Check list was used for data collection of the 1020 neonates admitted during the period. Analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 17 software. Out of the 1020 neonates, male babies were more 549(53.8%) than their female counterparts 468 (45.9%). Most 992(97.3%) of their mothers were not booked or registered for antenatal care and were not referred early to UCH causing the babies to be in fetal distress before arrival to the hospital. Mortality was less (16.6%) among the in-born than out-born babies (35.8%). It was observed that male neonates, preterm/low birth weight and their time of admission were associated with poor outcome. There is a significant association between mothers' occupation, pregnancy complication, place of birth, mode of delivery and neonates care outcomes (p<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis shows that mothers who had up to tertiary (university) level of education are three times more likely to have babies who survived and discharged home alive compared to those who had no formal education. There is need for nurses to educate women on the importance of early antenatal booking and delivery in a well-equipped facility. Prompt screening, identification and referral of women at risk and prompt resuscitation of new-born with asphyxia should be ensured.
Educational Empowerment of Women: A Major Tool in the Achievement of Millennium Development Goals of Reduction of Maternal and Child Mortality in Nigeria
(The International Journal of Development Studies, 2007) Ndikom, C. M.
Maternal and Child Mortality have remained issues of great concern in developing countries as effort to reduce them has not yielded much result. To achieve millennium development goals of reducing maternal and child mortality, issues of maternal education must he addressed. Educational empowerment enables women to utilize maternal health services, in order to maintain a healthy reproductive life and to bring up healthy children. This paper is based on findings from a study carried out in Akinyele local government in Oyo State. Nigeria. The study revealed that many of the women had low educational status and they utilized more of the services from the Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and church. Also educational status had association with utilization of Prenatal, Delivery, Postnatal and Family Planning services. Also, women with higher level of education were in better position to make independent decisions concerning their health and that of their children.
Effects of Educational Intervention on Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitude Towards Providing Cervical Cancer Screening Information in Selected Health Facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria
(Springer Science+Business Media, 2019) Ndikom, C. M.; Ofi, B. A.; Omokhodion, F. O.; Bakare, P. O.; Adetayo, C. O.
Cervical cancer is a major cause of death among women especially in developing nations. It can be prevented through screening yet many women are unaware of screening options. Nurses are in vantage position to provide cervical cancer screening (CCS) information and services especially in antenatal clinics. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of an educational intervention (EI) on nurses' knowledge and attitude towards providing CCS information. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in eight health facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria. The facilities were randomly divided into intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). A total of 133 consenting nurses (60 in the IG and 73 in the CG) participated. Baseline data were collected using self- administered questionnaire. The nurses in the IG received the EI and both groups were administered with a post-test questionnaire after 6 months. Data were analysed using chi square and Student's t test at p = 0.05. Nurses' mean age was 41.7 years. Knowledge scores for the IG (11.8 ± 3.3) and CG (11.7 ± 3.3) were comparable at baseline (p = 0.901) but was significantly higher among nurses in the IG (14.63 ± 3.12) than CG (12.7 ± 3.5) at 6 months PI (p=0.01). More nurses in the IG had high level of knowledge than CG. There was no significant difference in their attitude at baseline and at PI. There was a significant association between knowledge and attitude towards providing cervical cancer screening information (p<0.000). Education improved knowledge of nurses on cervical cancer screening. Regular education programmes for nurses may result in improved counselling on major health issues like cancer.
Effects of educational intervention on women’s knowledge and uptake of cervical cancer screening in selected hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria
(Taylor & Francis, 2017) Ndikom, C. M.; Ofi, B. A.; Omokhodion, F. O.; Adedokun, B. O.
This study evaluated the effects of an educational intervention (El) on women's knowledge and uptake of cervical cancer screening (CCS) services. A quasi-experimental study, conducted in the antenatal clinics of eight hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria. The hospitals were randomly clustered into four in intervention group (IG) and four in control group (CG), and 846 women were selected in the two groups using Systematic random sampling at baseline and post-intervention (PI). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The women in the IG received educational intervention provided by hospital nurses who were exposed to an educational programme previously. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and x2 at p <0.05. The mean age for women was 28 years ±5.8. The respondents' awareness of CC at baseline was IG: 12.9% and CG: 18.2% but this increased to 71.5% in IG and 22.1% in CG with net intervention effect (NIE) of 54.7% (p <0.0001), knowledge of the causative organism (NIE <37%, p < 0.0001), sexual intercourse as mode of transmission (NIE 53.7%, p<0.001). Screening for early detection of cervical cancer (NIE 75.6%, p < 0.001), awareness of where to receive screening (NIE 64.1%, p < 0.001). There was only a very slight increase in uptake of CCS from 1.4% at baseline to 3.6% in the IG and 2.1 to 2.3% in the CG. Over, 53.5% said unavailability of services was a major hindrance to their screening uptake. Cervical cancer screening knowledge improved in the intervention group but uptake only improved slightly with the intervention. Educational intervention is a useful tool for improving knowledge of Cervical Cancer Screening.
Evidence based measures for reduction of maternal and child mortality in developing countries
(MA Healthcare, 2009) Ndikom, C. M.; Fawole, A. O.
Improving maternal and child health in developing countries are critical components of the millennium development goals. The indicators for measuring progress in most developing countries remain poor reflecting poor access to quality maternal and child health care among other factors. Cost-effective interventions to save women's and children's lives are known. Failure to implement these interventions contributes significantly to the poor health indices prevalent in developing countries. Initiatives for improving quality of maternal and child health care must incorporate affordable and cost-effective evidence-based treatment strategies that are applicable in developing countries.
Exploration of the need for integration of cervical cancer Information into postnatal services at primary health care centers in Ibadan Nigeria.
(2023) Ndikom, C. M.; Oluwatosin, O. A.; Salami, K. K.; Owolabi, G. O.; Oluwasola, T. A. O.; John-Akinola, Y. O.; Akpa, M. O.; Barton-Burke, M.; Ayegboyin, M.; Adedimeji, A.; Adebisi, T.; Young, A. M.
Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is a preventable disease yet it is one of the leading causes of death, especially in low-income countries. In Nigeria, information on CC is yet to be part of routine health talk at Postnatal Clinics (PNC) at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level. The PNC would however have been a good avenue to reach women at risk of CC. This study explored health care workers (HCWs)’ willingness to integrate CCS services (CCSS), and women’s readiness to uptake the services at PHCs in Ibadan, Nigeria. Method: A qualitative study design was employed in this study. Data were collected through four sessions of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among the women attending PNC, and 20 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) for health workers in PHC facilities. The Atlas.ti software, version 8 was used for the analysis. Thematic contents from the study were presented as quotes and streams of thoughts. Results: Information on CCS is currently excluded from the list of PNC activities such that most women have never heard of the need for CCS. They were interested in receiving CCS information and services. Women pleaded for the integration of CCS information in PHC clinic activities but preferably in a free or subsidized format in order to encourage utilization of the services. Challenges identified were mainly a shortage of manpower and a lack of training on CCS. Conclusion: Health workers were willing to integrate CCS services in PHC activities, however, recommended recruitment of more hands to ensure effective service delivery in line with National health policy on PHC in Nigeria.
Extra fluids for breastfeeding mothers for increasing milk production (Review)
(John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2014) Ndikom, C. M.; Fawole, B.; Ilesanmi, R. E.
Background: Breastfeeding is known to be the biological norm. Despite this, many women wean their babies because of perceived insufficient breast milk production. Mothers are sometimes advised to increase their fluid intake in the hope that this could improve breast milk production. The effect of extra fluid on human breast milk production is not well established, however. Objectives: To assess the effect of extra fluid for breastfeeding mothers on milk production/supply and infant growth. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group’s Trials Register (27 April 2014), MEDLINE (1966 to 27 April 2014), African Journals Online (27 April 2014) and reference lists of retrieved studies. Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised controlled trials on extra fluids for breastfeeding mothers. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently assessed the potential studies for inclusion and assessed trial quality. Main results: Five trial reports were retrieved using the search strategies. Four trials were excluded. We did not identify any randomised controlled trials for inclusion but we included one quasi-randomised study (involving 210 women) that evaluated the effect of extra fluid for breastfeeding mothers on breastfeeding outcomes. The study was considered to be at a high risk of bias. Only one of this review’s primary outcomes was reported (breast milk production (as defined by the trialist)) but data were not in a suitable format for analysis (no standard deviations or standard errors were reported). The trialist reported that advising women to drink extra fluids did not improve breast milk production. No data were reported for the review’s other primary outcomes: satisfactory weight gain in the infant (as defined by the trialists) and duration of exclusive breastfeeding (months). Similarly, no data were reported for any of this review’s secondary outcomes: duration of any breastfeeding; mother’s satisfaction with breastfeeding; hydration in mother; dehydration in the infant; or episodes of gastrointestinal illness.
Factors Influencing Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Post-Natal Women in Selected Primary Health Centers in Ibadan, Nigeria
(European Open Access Publishing, 2023) Adeteye, D. E.; Ndikom, C. M.; Akinwaare, M. O.; Dosunmu, T. O.
Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness is a strategic intervention to achieve a reduction in the rate of maternal mortality. However, despite the importance and ease of use of this intervention, it has been observed that several factors have hindered the practice. Hence, the need to consider the knowledge, attitude, practice, and factors that influences Birth preparedness and Complication readiness among post- natal women. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study used a multi-stage sampling technique to select 116 post-natal women in selected primary health centers in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo state. An adapted structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice and factors influencing the practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the social science (SPSS) version 21.0 software. Descriptive data were presented as frequency and percentages while the chi-square test was used to test the hypotheses at P value < 0.05. Result: The majority of respondents were highly knowledgeable (86.2%). The respondents had a positive attitude towards birth preparedness and complication readiness (75%). The practice level was high among the respondents (71.6%). However, the factors that influenced practice were lack of adequate knowledge (X2-4.578, P=0.032), pre-mature delivery (X2-19.929, P=0.000) and environmental insecurities (X2-6.556, P=0.010). Conclusion: There is a relationship between factors (lack of adequate knowledge, premature delivery and environmental insecurities) and the practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness. Hence, measures should be employed to address the identified factors to improve the practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness.
Factors Influencing the Choice of Health Care Provider during Childbirth by Women in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
(West African College of Nursing, 2017) Ndikom, C. M.; Ojoye, T. O.; Nkwonta, C. A.
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is known to have wide range of health benefits for mothers and children alike. The sustenance of lactation is found to be problematic for some women resulting in low achievement of EBF. Objective: To determine the perceived factors that influence lactation and breastfeeding duration amongst women in Ibadan. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey. Consecutive sampling method was used to select 160 respondents from selected infant welfare clinics. Data was collected using self- administered questionnaires after due approvals. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. (50.6% and 49.4% Results: Most (78.1%) of the respondents believe that breast milk is sufficient for the first six months of life and majority of the respondents (98.1%) intended to breastfeed. Perception on lactation and breastfeeding were on the average respectively). There was no significant association between decision to breastfeed and exclusive breastfeeding (p= 0.514). association between fluid intake and lactation (p=0.410). Exclusive breastfeeding was mainly influenced by perceived breast milk insufficiency (OR=0.174, CI=0.071-0.429, P=0.001). No Conclusion: Most women are interested in breastfeeding exclusively for six months but some are unable to, because of their perceived breast milk insufficiency. More information on process of lactation should be provided in Antenatal clinics.
Knowledge and Behaviour of Nurse/Midwives in the Prevention of Vertical Transmission of HIV in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria. A Cross Sectional Study
(Springer Science+Business Media, 2007) Ndikom, C. M.; Onibokun, A.
Background: Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV remains the main mode of acquisition of HIV in children. Transmission of HIV may occur during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. Studies have shown that some specific interventions help to reduce the transmission of the virus to the baby. In order to target safe, rational and effective intervention to reduce MTCT of HIV, it is necessary to ensure that the nurse/midwife has knowledge of the strategies for the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV. Method: The cross-sectional design was utilized to determine the knowledge and behaviour of nurse/midwives in the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The study sample consisted of 155 nurse/midwives drawn from three selected hospitals through stratified random sampling method. Official permission was obtained from the institutions and consent from participants. Data was collected through the use of a self-administered questionnaire. Information sought included respondents' demographic characteristics, knowledge about and behaviour of prevention of vertical transmission as well as factors influencing behaviour. Results: Findings revealed that nurse/midwives had moderate level of knowledge with mean score of 51.4%. The mean score on behaviour was 52.5%, major factors that influence behaviour in these settings were mainly fear of getting infected, irregular supply of resources like gloves, goggles, sharp boxes, and water supply was not regular also. Hypotheses tested revealed that there is a positive relationship between knowledge and behaviour (r = 0.583, p = 0.00). Knowledge level of nurse/ midwives who had educational exposure was not different from those who did not (t = 1.439, p = 0.152). There was a significant difference in the knowledge of nurse/midwives who had experience in managing pregnant women living with HIV/AIDS and those who did not (t = 2.142, p = 0.03). Also, there was a significant relationship between behaviour and availability of resources (r = 0.318, p = 0.000). Conclusion: The study revealed that the nurse/midwives though moderately knowledgeable still had gaps in certain areas. Their behaviours were fairly appropriate. There is need for improved knowledge through structured educational intervention. Resources needed for practice should always be made available and the environment should be much more conducive for practice.
Knowledge and behaviour of nurse/midwives in the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
(2007-10) Ndikom, C. M.; Onibokun, A.
Background: Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV remains the main mode of acquisition of HIV in children. Transmission of HIV may occur during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. Studies have shown that some specific interventions help to reduce the transmission of the virus to the baby. In order to target safe, rational and effective intervention to reduce MTCT of HIV, it is necessary to ensure that the nurse/midwife has knowledge of the strategies for the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV. Method: The cross-sectional design was utilized to determine the knowledge and behaviour of nurse/midwives in the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The study sample consisted of 155 nurse/midwives drawn from three selected hospitals through stratified random sampling method. Official permission was obtained from the institutions and consent from participants. Data was collected through the use of a self administered questionnaire. Information sought included respondents' demographic characteristics, knowledge about and behaviour of prevention of vertical transmission as well as factors influencing behaviour. Results: Findings revealed that nurse/midwives had moderate level of knowledge with mean score of 51.4%. The mean score on behaviour was 52.5%, major factors that influence behaviour in these settings were mainly fear of getting infected, irregular supply of resources like gloves, goggles, sharp boxes, and water supply was not regular also. Hypotheses tested revealed that there is a positive relationship between knowledge and behaviour (r = 0.583, p = 0.00). Knowledge level of nurse/ midwives who had educational exposure was not different from those who did not (t = 1.439, p = 0.152). There was a significant difference in the knowledge of nurse/midwives who had experience in managing pregnant women living with HIV/AIDS and those who did not (t = 2.142, p = 0.03). Also, there was a significant relationship between behaviour and availability of resources (r = 0.318, p = 0.000). Conclusion: The study revealed that the nurse/midwives though moderately knowledgeable still had gaps in certain areas. Their behaviours were fairly appropriate. There is need for improved knowledge through structured educational intervention. Resources needed for practice should always be made available and the environment should be much more conducive for practice