Obstetrics. & Gynecology

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Acceptability of counseling and testing for HIV infection in women in labour at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
(Makerere University, 2011-03) Bello, F.; Ogunbode, O. O.; Adesina, O. A.; Olayemi, O.; Awonuga, O. M.; Adewole, I. F.
Background: Many patients are referred to labour ward as emergencies, and therefore do not benefit from the antenatal HIV counselling and testing and treatment offered to registered patients. Objective: To assess the acceptability and suitability of offering HIV counselling and testing to women of unknown HIV status presenting in labour. Methods: A cross-sectional study comprising counselling and obtaining consent for HIV testing among 104 unregistered patients who presented in labour over a 3-month period. Rapid and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay screening was performed for 90 consenting respondents. Reactive results were confirmed by Western blot. Appropriate therapy was instituted. Results: Acceptance rate for HIV testing was 86.5%, prevalence of HIV was 6.7%. Women of lower educational status were more likely to accept testing in labour (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.7; p=0.01); age, parity, occupation and knowledge of HIV had no influence. Most women (66.3%) had satisfactory knowledge of HIV. No one admitted to feeling coerced to test in fear of being denied care. Most refusals for screening were to avoid needle pricks (28.6%). Compared to ELISA screening test, specificity of the rapid test was 100%, sensitivity 85.7%, positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 98.8%. Attitude to testing was maintained on post-partum re-evaluation. Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV amongst unregistered parturients showed the importance of offering point-of-care HIV testing and intervention, especially in an environment where antenatal clinic attendance is poor. Rapid testing appeared to be acceptable and feasible in labour to prevent the mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Anaesthesia considerations for the HIV positive parturient
(Association of Resident Doctors, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2009-06) Adesina, O.; Oladokun, A.
The HIV epidemic in children parallels that among women on account of perinatal transmission. A combination of antiretroviral therapy and elective caesarean section reduces the rate of vertical transmission to <2%. Elective caesarean section independent of antiretroviral therapy decreases the risk of HIV vertical transmission from mother to baby. However, a caesarean section is a major surgical intervention that has well-reported complications. Women infected with HIV have been reported to be more susceptible to such complications. The multi-organ nature of HIV poses challenges at the time of surgery and anesthesia. Preoperative evaluation will allow a good prediction for the perioperative risk of the HIV-patient. The anesthesiologist should be aware of the possible toxic side effects or the possible interaction of antiretroviral drugs with the anesthetics. Some of these adverse effects may mimic signs and symptoms of the HIV disease itself. Regional anesthesia has been shown to be associated with reduced morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients, including HIV positive parturients. Finally, the possibility of transmission in the health care setting highlights the need for anesthetists to enforce rigorous infection control policies to protect themselves, other health workers and their patients.
Anemia in pregnancy at two levels of health care in Ibadan, south west Nigeria
(Annals of African Medicine Society, 2011-12) Adesina, O.; Akinyemi, O.; Oladokun, A.
Background: In Africa, anemia in pregnancy contributes to non-attainment of the MDG goals 4 and 5. This study examined the prevalence and some risk factors for anemia at two levels of health care in the Ibadan metropolis. Methods: This was a retrospective study of the booking records of pregnant women at the University College Hospital (UCH, a profit-making tertiary institution) and Adeoyo Maternity Hospital (AMH, a secondary level institution offering free services) in Ibadan, September 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008. Eligible women had singleton pregnancies and no known chronic illnesses. Anemia was defined as packed cell volume (PCV) <30%, and degrees of anemia as mild (PCV 27–29%), moderate (PCV 19–26%), and severe (PCV below 19%). Statistical analysis was done by the Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and t-test. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Data from 2702 women (384 and 2318 from UCH and AMH, respectively) were available for analysis. About 30% of the women were anemic. The patients in UCH had higher mean PCV (33.03± 4.32 vs. 31. 04 ± 4.09, P = 0.00). A higher proportion of anemia was seen in patients presenting in Adeoyo (32.4% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.00). Factors associated with anemia included young age (P = 0.00), low parity (P = 0.00), and hospital type (P = 0.00). Parity and hospital type remained significant on logistic regression. Conclusion: Lower prevalence of anemia at the tertiary hospital maybe attributed to the higher socioeconomic status of the clientele. Short-term early antenatal management of anemia and long-term economic/educational empowerment is advocated.
Assessment of tubal factor contribution to female infertility in a low resource setting (southwest Nigeria): hysterosalpingography vs laparoscopy
(2005) Okunlola, M. A.; Adebayo, O. J.; Odukogbe, A. A.; Morhason-Bello, I. O.; Owonikoko, K. M.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria among HIV positive pregnant women
(Taylor and Francis, 2010-06) Awolude, O. A.; Adesina, O. A.; Oladokun, A.; Mutiu, W. B.; Adewole, I. F.
The prognostic significance of asymptomatic bacteriuria resides in the observation that the prevalence is, relatively, high in persons with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and pregnancy. This prevalence might, even, be higher in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Hence, this study set out to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among symptom free and newly enrolled HIV infected pregnant women attending PMTCT unit of Antiretroviral Clinic of University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between 1st May and 30th September 2007. Information was obtained on the socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects, CD4 count and viral load. Microbial culture was carried out on aseptically collected urines from the patients. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS 12 package. There were 161 analyzable samples from the participants. The mean age and gestational age at presentation of participants was 30.49 ± 4.3 years and 27.3 ± 3.2 weeks, respectively with modal parity of 2. Twenty-five (15.5%) of the urine samples significantly grew bacteria. The CD4 cells were significantly lower and the viral loads significantly higher (250.52 vs. 355.57 cells/mm3; 88,731 vs. 55,384 copies/ml; p = <0.0000) for the urine culture positive patients. Eshcherichia coli were isolated in 48%, Proteus in 16.0%, Klebsiella in 8.0% and Staphylococcus aureus in 28.0% of the urine positive cultures. The study showed that the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among PLWHAs is high. The microbial isolate from the urine samples were not different from those of HIV-negative patients.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria among HIV positive pregnant women
(2010) Awolude, O. A.; Adesina, O. A.; Oladokun, A.; Mutiu, W. B.; Adewole, I. F.
The prognostic significance of asymptomatic bacteriuria resides in the observation that the prevalence is, relatively, high in persons with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and pregnancy. This prevalence might, even, be higher in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Hence, this study set out to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among symptom free and newly enrolled HIV infected pregnant women attending PMTCT unit of Antiretroviral Clinic of University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between 1st May and 30th September 2007. Information was obtained on the socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects, CD4 count and viral load. Microbial culture was carried out on aseptically collected urines from the patients. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS 12 package. There were 161 analyzable samples from the participants. The mean age and gestational age at presentation of participants was 30.49 ± 4.3 years and 27.3 ± 3.2 weeks, respectively with modal parity of 2. Twenty-five (15.5%) of the urine samples significantly grew bacteria. The CD4 cells were significantly lower and the viral loads significantly higher (250.52 vs. 355.57 cells/mm3; 88,731 vs. 55,384 copies/ml; p = <0.0000) for the urine culture positive patients. Eshcherichia coli were isolated in 48%, Proteus in 16.0%, Klebsiella in 8.0% and Staphylococcus aureus in 28.0% of the urine positive cultures. The study showed that the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among PLWHAs is high. The microbial isolate from the urine samples were not different from those of HIV-negative patients.
Attitude and preferences of Nigerian antenatal women to social support during labour
(Cambridge University Press, 2007) Morhason-Bello, I. O.; Olayemi, O.; Ojengbede, O.A.; Adedokun, B. O.; Okuyemi, O. O.; Orji, B.
This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study of 224 randomly selected antenatal women receiving care at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. The study aimed to seek the attitude and preferences of respondents about social support during childbirth and also identify variables that may influence their decisions. Seventy-five per cent of respondents desired companionship in labour. Approximately 86% preferred their husband as companion while 7% and 5% wanted their mother and siblings as support person respectively. Reasons for their desire for social support were emotional (80•2%), spiritual (17•9%), errands (8•6%) and physical activity (6•8%). Socio-demographic variables found to be statistically significant on logistic regression analysis for the desire of a companion in labour were nulliparity (OR 3•57, 95% CI 1•49–8•52), professionals (OR 3•11, 95% CI 1•22–7•94) and women of other ethnic groups besides Yoruba (OR 2•90, 95% CI 1•02–8•26), which is the predominant ethnic group in the study area. Only those with post-secondary education were found to want their husbands as doula (OR 2•96, 95% CI 1•08–8•11). More than half of the respondents wanted information about labour prior to their experience. It is important that Nigerian women are allowed the benefit of social support during childbirth, particularly as there is a lack of one-to-one nursing care and other critical services, including epidural analgesia in labour, at many of the health care facilities in Nigeria. Men could play a pivotal role in the process of introducing support in labour so as to improve the outcome for both the mother and her newborn
Attitudes of women and men living with HIV and their healthcare providers towards pregnancy and abortion by HIV-positive women in Nigeria and Zambia
(Routledge, 2015) Moore, A. M.; Bankole, A.; Awolude, O.; Audam, S.; Oladokun, A.; Adewole, I.
Fertility decisions among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are complicated by disease progression, the health of their existing children and possible antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, among other factors. Using a sample of HIV-positive women (n = 353) and men (n = 299) from Nigeria and Zambia and their healthcare providers (n = 179), we examined attitudes towards childbearing and abortion by HIV-positive women. To measure childbearing and abortion attitudes, we used individual indicators and a composite measure (an index). Support for an HIV-positive woman to have a child was greatest if she was nulliparous or if her desire to have a child was not conditioned on parity and lowest if she already had an HIV-positive child. Such support was found to be lower among HIV-positive women than among HIV-positive men, both of which were lower than reported support from their healthcare providers. There was wider variation in support for abortion depending on the measure than there was for support for childbearing. Half of all respondents indicated no or low support for abortion on the index measure while between 2 and 4 in 10 respondents were supportive of HIV-positive women being able to terminate a pregnancy. The overall low levels of support for abortion indicate that most respondents did not see HIV as a medical condition which justifies abortion. Respondents in Nigeria and those who live in urban areas were more likely to support HIV-positive women’s childbearing. About a fifth of HIV-positive respondents reported being counselled to end childbearing after their diagnosis. In summary, respondents from both Nigeria and Zambia demonstrate tempered support of (continued) childbearing among HIV-positive women while anti-abortion attitudes remain strong. Access to ART did not impart a strong effect on these attitudes. Therefore, pronatalist attitudes remain in place in the face of HIV infection.
An audit of the uptake of key PMTCT interventions in the pre and post WHO rapid advice periods at the University College Hospital, Ibadan
(2015-05) Adesina, O. A.; Kuti, M. A.; Ogunbosi, B.; Akinyemi, O. J.; Fayemiwo, A.; Awolude, O. A.; Adewole, I. F.
Prevention of vertical transmission of HIV may require the uptake of the culturally unacceptable options of cesarean delivery and formula feeding. The successful use of HAART, as enumerated by the WHO 2009 rapid advice, has the potential for facilitating the uptake of the more culturally acceptable vaginal delivery and breast feeding. These recommendations became operational at the PMTCT unit, University College Hospital, Ibadan. This retrospective study describes the impact of these recommendations on the uptake of PMTCT interventions at our center. The pre-rapid advice period was June 2009 to April 2011 and the post rapid period May 2011 till December 2012. Pre-rapid advise, antiretrovirals administered was zidovudine or Combivir for women with CD4 The new WHO guidelines appear to have facilitated a shift in uptake of the more culturally acceptable options of vaginal delivery and breast feeding. A follow-up evaluation of the infant HIV status will ascertain the ultimate impact on MTCT. >200cells / ml and Combivir/nevirapine for CD4 <200 Cells/ ml. Post-rapid, all were eligible for HAART (mostly efavirenz/ truvada or efavirenz/ Combivir). Six weeks post-natally, the options adopted were documented and are presented here. Information from 1165 women was available. Thirty three (2.8%) did not have adequate information and were excluded. There were 711 women pre-rapid advise and 421 women post rapid. The women's characteristics were not significantly different over both periods, 69.0% had >6 years of education, 97.0% were married and slightly over half (56.9%) were involved with traders. Overall, more women were delivered by the vaginal route than Caesarean Delivery (70.5% vs. 29.5%), while more breastfed compared to formula feeding (67.2% vs. 32.8%). In the post rapid period (compared to the pre- rapid) advise, more women had vaginal delivery (73.5% vs. 64.8%, p = 0.54), more women breast-fed (77.0% vs. 50.1%, p= 0.00) and fewer women used contraception (21.5% vs. 27.3%, p= 0.023). The commonest method was the condom (83.4%). The new WHO guidelines appear to have facilitated a shift in uptake of the more culturally acceptable options of vaginal delivery and breast feeding. A follow-up evaluation of the infant HIV status will ascertain the ultimate impact on MTCT
An audit of the uptake of key PMTCT interventions in the pre and post WHO rapid advice periods at the University College Hospital, Ibadan
(Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, 2015-04) Adesina, O. A.; Kuti, M. A.; Ogunbosi, B.; Akinyemi, O. J.; Fayemiwo, A.; Awolude, O. A.; Adewole, I. F.
Prevention of vertical transmission of HIV may require the uptake of the culturally unacceptable options of cesarean delivery and formula feeding. The successful use of HAART, as enumerated by the WHO 2009 rapid advice, has the potential for facilitating the uptake of the more culturally acceptable vaginal delivery and breast feeding. These recommendations became operational at the PMTCT unit, University College Hospital, Ibadan. This retrospective study describes the impact of these recommendations on the uptake of PMTCT interventions at our center. The pre-rapid advice period was June 2009 to April 2011 and the post rapid period May 2011 till December 2012. Pre-rapid advise, antiretrovirals administered was zidovudine or Combivir for women with CD4>200cells / ml and Combivir/nevirapine for CD4 <200 Cells/ ml. Post-rapid, all were eligible for HAART (mostly efavirenz/ truvada or efavirenz/ Combivir). Six weeks post-natally, the options adopted were documented and are presented here. Information from 1165 women was available. Thirty three (2.8%) did not have adequate information and were excluded. There were 711 women pre-rapid advise and 421 women post rapid. The women's characteristics were not significantly different over both periods, 69.0% had >6 years of education, 97.0% were married and slightly over half (56.9%) were involved with traders. Overall, more women were delivered by the vaginal route than Caesarean Delivery (70.5% vs. 29.5%), while more breastfed compared to formula feeding (67.2% vs. 32.8%). In the post rapid period (compared to the pre- rapid) advise, more women had vaginal delivery (73.5% vs. 64.8%, p = 0.54), more women breast-fed (77.0% vs. 50.1%, p= 0.00) and fewer women used contraception (21.5% vs. 27.3%, p= 0.023). The commonest method was the condom (83.4%). The new WHO guidelines appear to have facilitated a shift in uptake of the more culturally acceptable options of vaginal delivery and breast feeding. A follow-up evaluation of the infant HIV status will ascertain the ultimate impact on MTCT.
Awareness and desirability of the Nigerian antenatal women about analgesia use during childbirth
(2007-12) Oladokun, A.; Morhason-Bello, I.O.; Eyelade, O. R.; Adedokun, B. O.; Akinycmi, J O.; Adewole, I. F.
Awareness and use of emergency contraceptive methods among Intern medical doctors at Ibadan
(IJEJAS Ventures, Printers and Publishers, 2008) Morhason-Bello, I. O.; Adesina, O. A.; Ifemeje, A. A.; Okunlola, M. A.; Adedokun, B. O.; Abdu-Salam, R. A.; Adekunle, A. O.
Bacterial antibiotic sensitivity pattern from urine of asymptomatic HIV positive pregnant women
(2011) Awolude, O. A.; Adesina, O. A.; Mutiu, W. B.; Adewole, I. F.
Introduction: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in pregnancy with adverse pregnancy outcome has been well documented with Escherichia coli and other gram-negative rods being the common organism associated. However, most of these studies were done in patients without additional immunosuppressant except for pregnancy. However; the additional risk of HIV infection in pregnant woman necessitates the evaluation of the microbial isolates and antibiotic sensitivity pattern from the urine samples of these patients without any symptom. Methods: A prospective cohort study was undertaken among HIV positive pregnant women attending our Antiretroviral clinic between 1st May and 30th September 2007. Information recorded from the patient questionnaire included age, parity, marital status, occupation, and level of education. Culture and antibiotic sensitivity was carried out on aseptically collected urines from the patients. Results: Twenty-five. (15.5%) of the 161 urine samples cultured significantly grew organisms. Four of the urine specimen had, in addition, Candida isolated. The mean age of participants was 30.6 ± 4.3 years .and the modal parity was 2. The mean gestational age at presentation was 27.3± 3.2 weeks. Escherichia coli was isolated in 48%, Proteus in 16:0%, Klebsiella in 8.0%, and Staphylococcus aureus in 28.0%. The antibiotic sensitivity test showed that the organisms were 100% sensitive to ciprofloxacin, 80% sensitive to cefuroxime, 60% sensitive to ofloxacin and augmentin but only 36%, 20%, 8.0% and 4.6% sensitive to co-trimoxazole, amoxycillin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, nitrofurantoin and gentamycin, respectively. The organisms were 100% resistant to tetracycline and ampicillin. Conclusion: This-study shows that the microbial isolates of the ASB among HIV positive pregnant women are similar to those of HIV-negative counterparts but with varying drug sensitivities.
Blood transfusion requirement during caesarean delivery: risk factors
(Association of Resident Doctors, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2015-06) Eyelade, O. R.; Adesina, O. A.; Adewole, I. F.; Adebowale, S. A.
Background: Group specific blood is often cross-matched ready for all patients scheduled for caesarean section in anticipation of haemorrhage during the surgery. This study was conducted to determine the risk factors for blood transfusion during anaesthesia for caesarean section. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. A total of 706 pregnant patients scheduled for emergency or elective Caesarean section at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between March and August 2011 were recruited. Participants were followed-up from the date of delivery till the end point of the study which could fall into either of the following conditions: satisfactory postoperative clinical status up to 48 hours post-delivery or death. Transfusion rate was determined and Chi-square test was used to determine if there exist an association between blood transfusion status and preoperative haematocrit level, years of experience of obstetrician, indication for Caesarean Section(CS), CS type (primary or repeat) and HIV status. Results: Transfusion rate was 9.1 %; variables found to be significantly associated with blood transfusion were; preoperative haematocrit less than 26%, increasing parity, years of experience of resident obstetrician, indication for CS (bleeding or not bleeding) and estimated blood loss. Being HIV positive does not increase the need for blood transfusion. Conclusion: Preoperative anaemia, increasing parity and severe blood loss at surgery significantly contribute to the requirement for blood transfusion in patients undergoing caesarean section.
Burden of cytopaenia among HIV positive women at University College Hospital, Ibadan
(2018-02) Adesina, O. A.; Fasola, F.; Adekanbi, O.; Ogunbosi, B.; Akinyemi, J.; Kuti, M. A.; Kuti, M. A.; Michael, O.; Fayemiwo, A.; Awolude, O.; Adewole, I.
Introduction: Few studies have examined cytopaenia among HIV positive pregnant women. Objectives: To assess burden of cytopaenia among HIV positive pregnant women. Methodology: This cross-sectional study of women on HAART <6months, defined anemia as hematocrit <33%, leucopenia as total white blood cell count <3,000 cells/mm3 and thrombocytopenia as absolute platelet count <100,000 cells/mm3. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. Results: Over 8 years, of 1,197 women, the mean age was 29.02(±5.4) years and mean gestational age 25.9(±8.1) weeks. Prevalence of anaemia was 76.8%, leucopaenia 6.9% and thrombocytopenia 4.7%. The mean haematocrit was 28.5%(±4.5); median white blood count 5,500/mm3 ; median platelet count 200,000/mm3 and median CD4 323 cells/mm3. Mean haematocrit was highest (29.7%±5.3) in women in the first trimester but lowest (28.4% ±4.6) in women in second trimester (p=0.04). Compared with earlier trimesters, women in the third trimester had higher median white blood count (5,600 cells/mm3), higher neutrophil (61.0% ±11.2) but lower lymphocytes (28.3%± 9.2) (p=0.18; 0.00, 0.00). Median absolute platelet count was highest (206,000 cells/mm3) in the first trimester but lowest (195,000 cells/mm3) in third trimester (0.04). Women with lower CD4 had higher prevalence of cytopaenias. Conclusion: Cytopaenias are not uncommon in this population especially with lower CD4.
Cancer Plan for the African Continent (2013-2017)
(2013) Adewole, I.F.; Dennis, L.; Odedina, F.; Rebbeck, A.; Morhason- Bello, I.O.
Cardiovascular changes in pregnancy
(2016) Adesina, O.A.; Morhason-Bello, I.O.
Care providers’ knowledge and practice of malaria control measures in pregnancy in Ibadan, South west Nigeria
(College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 2012) Oladokun, A.; Adesina, O. A.; Oladokun, R. E.
Background: Effective prevention and control of malaria during pregnancy include prompt and effective case management of malaria combined with prevention of infection by the use of insecticide-treated nets and intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp). Care givers knowledge and practice of malaria control is pivotal to effective implementation of these guidelines. The objective of this study was to determine the awareness of care providers in facilities offering maternity services in Ibadan of the National Malaria Treatment Guideline and Policy in Nigeria. The study also aimed to describe the prescription practice, for malaria chemoprophylaxis and case management in pregnancy, by these care providers. Materials and method: The study was a cross-sectional survey of the; lead care givers in all registered hospitals and maternity centres in Ibadan over one year (April 2008 to April 2009), using structured questionnaires. The list of the one hundred and thirty-two (132) registered centres was obtained from the State Ministry of Health. The lead care givers provided information, on their awareness of the new government policy and antimalarials believed to be effective and prescribed for malaria prevention and case management in pregnancy. Results: Over two thirds (84.2%) of the facilities were operated by either Medical Officers with only basic medical training or by Nurses/Mid wives. The modes of prevention most commonly reported as being effective were the use of insecticide spray, window nets and ITN. The drugs most commonly prescribed for chemoprophylaxis were sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) (65.2%), Proguanil (45.5%) and pyrimethamine (42.4%). The drugs most commonly prescribed for case management were ACIfe (66.7%), amodiaquine (59.8%) and artemether (47.7%). Quite a number of respondents were unsure of the frequency (81.8%) and timing (56.5%) of administration of sulphadoxine- pyrimethamine for prophylaxis. Conclusion: This study demonstrates awareness but lack of in-depth knowledge of control measures. Also, there is poor use of the recommended agent for IPT. The factors militating against the use of these preventive measures need to be urgently explored and addressed.
Cervical cancer worldwide
(2018) Vu, M.; Yu, J.; Awolude, O. A.; Chuang, L.
Cervical cancer is the forth most common cancer among women globally. The burden faced by low- and middle- income countries is significantly greater than high-income countries. The disparity is a direct result of the differences in resources. Developed nations have organized vaccination and screening programs that have decreased their cervical cancer incidence. More readily available personnel and technology exists to implement appropriate treatment modalities. However, for many underdeveloped nations, the scarcity of resources and infrastructure make such preventative and treatment programs limited or even nonexistent.
Cervical cytology service in Nigeria: providers’ perspective
(Taylor and Francis, 2003-07) Adesina, O. A.; Babarinsa, I. A.; Fawole, A. O.; Oladokun, A.; Adeniji, R. A.; Adewole, I. F.
It has been noted that efforts to organise an effective screening programme in developing countries will have to find adequate financial resources, develop the infrastructure, train the necessary manpower and elaborate surveillance mechanisms. In our study, we set out to determine (a) just how frequent is cervical cancer, to warrant the investment of funds in screening programmes; (b) what proportion of surveyed health facilities offer a cervical cytology screening programme; and (c) what basic facilities are currently available where such programmes exist? A pretested, self-completed questionnaire was sent to heads of department of obstetrics and gynaecology in public tertiary and secondary care hospitals in Nigeria as well as major mission hospitals. The response rate was 63%, monthly consultations included a mean of 114 (±11.7) new gynaecological patients and an average of 5 (4.7±0.8) cervical cancer cases. One-half of the institutions had a hospital-based cervical screening programme with an average of 27 patients being screened monthly. Finance was the main difficulty encountered in maintaining a screening service. Only four had a certified gynaecological oncologist. In conclusion, there is dismal utilization of available services and a dearth of trained specialists should any cervical cancer screening programme be considered.