Browsing by Author "Osamor, P. E."

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Complementary and alternative medicine in the management of hypertension in an urban Nigerian community
(2010) Osamor, P. E.; Owumi, B. E.
Hypertension is a common non communicable condition worldwide. In developing countries (including Nigeria), the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common. This study investigated the frequency and factors associated with use of CAM among hypertensive subjects in an urban Nigerian community. Perspectives about the management of hypertension were obtained from CAM practitioners in the community. Methods: Four hundred and forty hypertensive subjects in Idikan community, Ibadan, were interviewed using a semi-structured survey instrument. Association between categorical variables was tested using the chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify independent predictor variables of CAM use, with CAM use as the outcome variable and the demographic and belief items as predictor variables. In-depth interviews were conducted with all known CAM practitioners in the community on issues relating to their beliefs, knowledge, practice and experiences in managing patients with hypertension in the community. Results: In the study sample, 29% used CAM in the management of their hypertension. Among those using CAM, the most common forms used were herbs (63%) and garlic (21%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that four variables were independent predictors of CAM use: being male (OR 2.58, p < 0.0001), belief in supernatural causes of hypertension (OR 2.11, p = 0.012), lack of belief that hypertension is preventable (OR 0.57, p = 0.014) and having a family history of hypertension (OR1.78, p = 0.042). Other factors such as age, educational level and occupation were not independent predictors of CAM use. Interviews with CAM practitioners revealed that they believed hypertension was caused by evil forces, stress or "too much blood in the body". They also thought they could cure hypertension but that reduced costs (compared to hospitals) was one of the reasons most of their clients consult them. Conclusions: The use of CAM is common among hypertensive subjects in this urban Nigerian community. Men were more than twice as likely to use CAM and belief in supernatural causes of hypertension was the most notable belief predicting CAM use. Interviews with CAM practitioners yielded useful perspectives about the role they play in hypertension management in the community. This study adds to the small but growing literature about the use of CAM in hypertension in sub Saharan Africa. Further studies in hypertension and other non communicable disease are needed.
Contemporary and alternative medicine in the management of hypertension in an urban Nigerian community
(2010) Osamor, P. E.; Owumi, B. E.
Hypertension is a common non communicable condition worldwide. In developing countries (including Nigeria), the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common. This study investigated the frequency and factors associated with use of CAM among hypertensive subjects in an urban Nigerian community. Perspectives about the management of hypertension were obtained from CAM practitioners in the community. Methods: Four hundred and forty hypertensive subjects in Idikan community, Ibadan, were interviewed using a semistructured survey instrument. Association between categorical variables was tested using the chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify independent predictor variables of CAM use, with CAM use as the outcome variable and the demographic and belief items as predictor variables. In-depth interviews were conducted with all known CAM practitioners in the community on issues relating to their beliefs, knowledge, practice and experiences in managing patients with hypertension in the community. Results: In the study sample, 29% used CAM in the management of their hypertension. Among those using CAM, the most common forms used were herbs (63%) and garlic (21%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that four variables were independent predictors of CAM use: being male (OR 2.58, p < 0.0001), belief in supernatural causes of hypertension (OR 2.11, p = 0.012), lack of belief that hypertension is preventable (OR 0.57, p = 0.014) and having a family history of hypertension (OR1.78, p = 0.042). Other factors such as age, educational level and occupation were not independent predictors of CAM use. Interviews with CAM practitioners revealed that they believed hypertension was caused by evil forces, stress or "too much blood in the body". They also thought they could cure hypertension but that reduced costs (compared to hospitals) was one of the reasons most of their clients consult them. Conclusions: The use of CAM is common among hypertensive subjects in this urban Nigerian community. Men were more than twice as likely to use CAM and belief in supernatural causes of hypertension was the most notable belief predicting CAM use. Interviews with CAM practitioners yielded useful perspectives about the role they play in hypertension management in the community. This study adds to the small but growing literature about the use of CAM in hypertension in sub Saharan Africa. Further studies in hypertension and other non communicable disease are needed.
Factors associated with treatment compliance in hypertension in Southwest Nigeria
(2011) Osamor, P. E.; Owumi, B. E.
Hypertension is an important condition among adults, affecting nearly one billion people worldwide. Treatment with appropriate medication is a key factor in the control of hypertension and reduction in associated risk of complications. However, compliance with treatment is often sub-optimal, especially in developing countries. The present study investigated the factors associated with self-reported compliance among hypertensive subjects in a poor urban community in southwest Nigeria. This community-based cross sectional study employed a survey of a convenience sample of 440 community residents with hypertension and eight focus-group discussions (FGDs) with a subset of the participants. Of the 440 hypertensive respondents, 65.2% were women, about half had no formal education, and half were traders. Over 60% of the respondents sought care for their condition from the hospital while only 5% visited a chemist or a patent medicine vendor (PMV). Only 51% of the subjects reported high compliance. Factors associated with high self-reported compliance included: regular clinic attendance, not using non-Western prescription medication, and having social support from family members or friends who were concerned about the respondent’s hypertension or who were helpful in reminding the respondent about taking medication. Beliefs about cause of hypertension were not associated with compliance. The findings of the FGDs showed that the respondents believed hypertension is curable with the use of both orthodox and traditional medicines and that a patient who ‘feels well’ could stop using antihypertensive medication. It is concluded that treatment compliance with antihypertensive medication remains sub-optimal in this Nigerian community. The factors associated with high self-reported compliance were identified. More research is needed to evaluate how such findings can be used for the control of hypertension at the community level.
Policies and practices of child adoption in Nigeria: a review paper
(MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy, 2015) Ojelabi, O. A.; Osamor, P. E.; Owumi, B. E.
Child adoption, which could be a socially-responsive gesture or a solution for infertility, is gradually becoming culturally acceptable in Nigeria. This paper focuses on analyzing policies and practices of child adoption in Nigeria. It examines policies regulating adoption practices and explores knowledge and attitude towards child adoption, as well as socio-cultural issues in child adoption practices across Nigeria. Secondary data mainly policy documents, existing studies and reviews from scholars, local and international organizations were explored. Nigeria has a National Child Right Act enacted in 2003 that seeks to regulate the welfare of children including child adoption practices. Despite this legislation, most Nigerians are only aware of the term “child adoption” barely few understand the concept of child adoption and the policy regulating it. More so, a large number of infertile couples are familiar with the term “child adoption”, but various social and cultural factors and misconceptions associated with adoption have impaired its full acceptability as a management option for infertility. Adequate support by social welfare system, non-government organizations and health practitioners involved in infertility management will ease pre-existing fears and socio-cultural misconceptions and allow for improved child adoption practices.
Socio-cultural context of developmental milestones in infancy in South West Nigeria: a qualitative study
(2015) Osamor, P. E.; Owumi, B. E.; Dipeolu, I. O.
Developmental milestones are generally understood to be milestones of neurological development such as neck control, sitting without support, crawling and standing. Child health care providers routinely use normative data on such milestones to evaluate child development. However, there is often a cultural context to expectations of developmental milestones. The goal of this research is to explore the socio-cultural context of developmental milestones in infancy in a Nigerian community. In-depth interview was conducted with 30 mothers enrolled from an infant welfare clinic, southwest, Nigeria The transcripts were coded and analyzed using the Atlas ti 7.0 software package in a combination of thematic and narrative approaches. Mean age of participants was 33.3 (SD 5.1) years, 73% were married, 80% had two or more older children. Mothers expect that a child will be able to sit unaided, crawl and be able to stand by the age of one year. Opinion was divided about if it was possible to predict the age a child will attain a specific milestone. Most mothers reported that the age at which babies attain developmental milestones depends on childrearing practices utilized by the mother. Other factors they perceive as influencing developmental milestones include: having siblings, the age at which siblings and/or parents achieve similar milestones and the environment the child is reared in. Teething was considered an important milestone which has specific culture-bound connotations. Walking was considered one of the most significant milestones, not only indicating normal development but also signifying some independence for both mother and child. In this study of Nigerian mothers, developmental milestones in the first year of life have recognized influencing factors and a number of specific culture-bound associated beliefs. This exploratory study provides insights into intersections between biomedical and cultural concepts of childhood development.
Socio-cultural of developmental milestones in infancy in South West Nigeria: a qualitative study
(2015-06) Osamor, P. E.; Owumi, B. E.; Dipeolu, I. O.
Developmental milestones are generally understood to be milestones of neurological development such as neck control, sitting without support, crawling and standing. Child health care providers routinely use normative data on such milestones to evaluate child development. However, there is often a cultural context to expectations of developmental milestones. The goal of this research is to explore the socio-cultural context of developmental milestones in infancy in a Nigerian community. In-depth interview was conducted with 30 mothers enrolled from an infant welfare clinic, southwest, Nigeria The transcripts were coded and analyzed using the Atlas ti 7.0 software package in a combination of thematic and narrative approaches. Mean age of participants was 33.3 (SD 5.1) years, 73% were married, 80% had two or more older children. Mothers expect that a child will be able to sit unaided, crawl and be able to stand by the age of one year. Opinion was divided about if it was possible to predict the age a child will attain a specific milestone. Most mothers reported that the age at which babies attain developmental milestones depends on childrearing practices utilized by the mother. Other factors they perceive as influencing developmental milestones include: having siblings, the age at which siblings and/or parents achieve similar milestones and the environment the child is reared in. Teething was considered an important milestone which has specific culture-bound connotations. Walking was considered one of the most significant milestones, not only indicating normal development but also signifying some independence for both mother and child. In this study of Nigerian mothers, developmental milestones in the first year of life have recognized influencing factors and a number of specific culture-bound associated beliefs. This exploratory study provides insights into intersections between biomedical and cultural concepts of childhood development.