Sociology

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Adherence to malaria treatment during pregnancy: does availability and utilization of medical facilities translate to compliance?
(2014-12) Nwokocha, E. E.
Malaria is a major health issue in sub-Saharan Africa with pregnant women and children at greater risk of exposure to the disease than other population cohorts. Studies on malaria related maternal mortality in Nigeria have focused largely on preventive behaviour and healthcare providers’ knowledge of treatment regimen. Negligible attention has been paid to adherence of care seekers to treatment in relevant contexts. Employing the cross-sectional survey method, 927 pregnant women in Ondo state, Southwest Nigeria were selected through a multistage sampling technique. In addition, 12 In-depth Interviews (IDIs) were conducted among relevant stakeholders. Results showed that adherence to malaria treatment among pregnant women was influenced by social, residential and demographic factors in both rural and urban areas of the state. Expectant mothers without formal education reported higher level of adherence to medication (r=-631 p< .034) than those of higher educational status, indicating that the level of education does not necessarily influence adherence to medication. Policy and national programmes aimed at maternal mortality reduction should recognise the important role that culture plays in people’s perception and behaviour and by implication aetiology of diseases. Without a feasible, people-oriented and context specific intervention, malaria induced maternal morbidity and mortality will remain high not only in Ondo State but Nigeria in general.
Adolescent sexuality and Life skills education in Nigeria: to what extent have out-of-School adolescents been Reached?
(Women's Health and Action Research Centre, 2014-12) Isiugo-Abanihe, U. C.; Olajide, R.; Nwokocha, E.; Fayehun, F.; Okunola, R.; Akingbade, R.
The introduction of school-based adolescent sexuality and life skills education in Nigeria’s formal education sector raises the misgiving that out-of-school youths who constitute more than half of the youth population might be neglected. This study investigated the extent to which out-of-school adolescents have been reached with sexuality education in Nigeria. The study took place in the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, and involved out-of-school adolescents, Non-Governmental Organizations, and community leaders. The qualitative research approaches were employed. Most of the youths had been exposed to sexuality education through seminars, trainings and workshops organized by different organizations. However, states in the south were better served than those in the north. Sexually Transmitted Infections including HIV/AIDS prevention accounted for more than 40% of the content of sexuality and life skills education received by out-of-school adolescents. The programmes have impacted positively on adolescents’ disposition and relationship with the opposite sex, knowledge and skill building.
Adolescent sexuality and life skills education in Nigeria: to what extent have out-of-School adolescents been reached?
(2014) Isiugo-Abanihe, U. C.; Olajide, R.; Nwokocha, E. E.; Fayehun, F.; Okunola, R.; Akingbade, R.
The introduction of school-based adolescent sexuality and life skills education in Nigeria’s formal education sector raises the misgiving that out-of-school youths who constitute more than half of the youth population might be neglected. This study investigated the extent to which out-of-school adolescents have been reached with sexuality education in Nigeria. The study took place in the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, and involved out-of-school adolescents, Non-Governmental Organizations, and community leaders. The qualitative research approaches were employed. Most of the youths had been exposed to sexuality education through seminars, trainings and workshops organized by different organizations. However, states in the south were better served than those in the north. Sexually Transmitted Infections including HIV/AIDS prevention accounted for more than 40% of the content of sexuality and life skills education received by out-of-school adolescents. The programmes have impacted positively on adolescents’ disposition and relationship with the opposite sex, knowledge and skill building.
Adolescents' socio-economic and cultural vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and other STIs - Research needs and priorities
(Research and Documentation on Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health in Nigeria, 2011) Nwokocha, E. E.
AN ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY POLICING-ORIENTED TRAINING PROGRAMME IN BENUE AND LAGOS STATES, NIGERIA
(2014-03) OGADIMMA, C. A.
The adoption of community policing-oriented strategy in Nigeria in 2004 has led to a shift in police training focus and curriculum contents. Studies on community policing-oriented training have largely been general in nature without paying much attention to the training content, competence of trainers and post-training challenges. This study therefore, assessed the perceived influence of community policing-oriented training on police interactions with the public in crime prevention in Benue and Lagos States. A combination of gap, community-driven development and skill acquisition theories were adopted as theoretical framework. Ex-post-facto research design was employed. The capitals of Benue and Lagos states were purposively selected, with the police and community leaders constituting the study population. Six divisional police headquarters were selected from each of the two locations through a purposive sampling method. The questionnaire focused on demographic data, policing experience of respondents, adequacy, relevance and challenges of community policing-oriented training in Nigeria. Questionnaire was administered to 600 respondents selected through simple random sampling method, while post-training observations, twenty one in-depth interviews (IDI) and six Focus Group Discussions (FGD) sessions were conducted among purposively selected police trainers, divisional police officers and key community leaders. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and T-test while qualitative data were content-analysed. The respondents’ mean age was 34±6 years, 65.0% were males and 52.0% had secondary education. Respondents with 1-5 years of policing experience were 41.8%. Perceived friendliness of the public to the police was 23.7% and 89.0% before and after training respectively. There was a significant relationship between years of policing experience and the perceived relevance of training materials to daily policing experience (p<0.05). There was a significant relationship between years of policing experience and effectiveness of community policing-oriented training in crime prevention among the trainees p<0.05). The curriculum for training was considered relevant within the backdrop of community policing-oriented training objectives revolving mainly around human rights, communication, leadership, intelligence gathering, conflict management, community engagement, attitudinal change, accountability, vigilante support and relationship-building skills. The practical component was not undertaken as training modules were designed mainly for use in the class rooms. However, post-training field observation indicated the complaints of unfriendly attitude on the part of officers towards the public. The IDI showed poor treatment of the public, logistics and welfare concerns by the police. The FGD showed that the complaints of extortion, disrespect, corruption and brutality by the public still persisted, while the police post-training challenges included posting trainees to crime fighting beats, skeptical public, uncooperative colleagues and lack of equipment and kits from the government. The public in Benue state were more eager to partner with the police in crime prevention than the Lagos state public. The police in Benue and Lagos states have embraced community policing-oriented training programme, but their attitude towards the public have not improved. There is therefore a need to expose trainees to practical demonstrations of crime prevention in the community to make them relate better with the public.
Attitude and decisions regarding personal healthcare: the case of women under microfinancein Edo state, Nigeria
(Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, 2020-12) Taiwo, P. A.
The paper examined women’s attitude towards their personal health using the Health Belief Model as theoretical framework. Questionnaire was administered to 750 purposively selected respondents consisting of 400 from 3 branches of a microfinance banks (MBs) with integrated health services (IHS), and 350 from 3 other MBs without IHS in Edo state Nigeria. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with 20 microfinance officials. Questionnaire was administered to 750 purposively selected respondents consisting of 400 from 3 branches of a microfinance banks (MBs) with integrated health services (IHS), and 350 from 3 other MBs without IHS in Edo state Nigeria. Twenty Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with microfinance officials. Women displayed positive attitude towards their personal health with mean score for clients in both MBs with IHS and without IHS being 63.9±8.2 and 47.9±5.6 respectively (where mean score for positive attitude is ≥ 40). Furthermore, although 62.0% agreed “they cannot take their health for granted no matter what”, those who agreed and were undecided that “they won’t make decisions about their health without their spouses” were 47.8% and 32.8% respectively. Women’s roles as caregivers and dependants on their spouses make them prioritize their household needs and spouses’ decision over their personal health. Enlightening women on the relevance of prioritizing their personal healthcare is recommended to reduce poor health conditions among women.
Attitude of women towards family planning in selected rural communities of Ibadan
(2012-09) Taiwo, P. A.
The immediate need to control the high fertility rates among women in the rural part of Nigeria has attracted the interest of scholars in the academic world. Lots have been done by international agencies and other stakeholders to encourage the use of family planning methods among women both in rural and urban areas of developing countries including Nigeria. This notwithstanding, there still exist a great challenge of unmet needs regarding family planning especially in the rural part of Ibadan as the desired attitudinal and behavioral changes towards family planning is yet to be achieved. This study attempts to examine the attitude of women from selected rural areas in Ibadan towards family planning using the Health Belief Model and Social Action as frameworks for explanation. The qualitative and quantitative methods of research were employed with a survey of 136 randomly selected mothers from 5 rural communities in Ibadan, 15 IDI', 5 KIIs and 5 FGDs. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was utilized in analyzing the quantitative data, while the qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The study revealed that the socio-economic status of mothers significantly influenced their attitude towards family planning. Most of the women had only primary education and more women had no formal education compared to those who had secondary and tertiary education, hence few of them displayed positive attitude towards family planning methods. Majority of the women hardly gave birth in hospitals and depended on their husbands to decide what ever method will be used to space or limit the number of children they will have. The study also revealed that women perceived benefits of family planning as measures: to control population, reduce infant and maternal mortality and also make mothers healthy and strong after child birth. However, these were learnt after they had given birth to more than four children in other places aside the hospitals. The study recommends that couples in rural areas be encouraged to make effective use of contraceptives and adequately educated to appreciate the essence of utilizing family planning methods in order to give birth to quality children. Ante-natal and delivery cost should be highly subsidized in rural areas for women to be encouraged to give birth in the hospitals from the very first child and learn about family planning methods. It was also recommended that family planning programmes that will attract couples to increase their knowledge and positively influence their attitudes towards practicing family planning especially in the rural parts of Ibadan be sponsored and supported by the government
Attitude of women towards family planning in selected rural communities of Ibadan
(2012) Taiwo, P. A. J.
The immediate need to control the high fertility rates among women in the rural part of Nigeria has attracted the interest of scholars in the academic world. Lots have been done by international agencies and other stakeholders to encourage the use of family planning methods among women both in rural and urban areas of developing countries including Nigeria. This notwithstanding, there still exist a great challenge of unmet needs regarding family planning especially in the rural part of Ibadan as the desired altitudinal and behavioral changes towards family planning Is yet to be achieved. This study attempts to examine the attitude of women from selected rural areas in Ibadan towards family planning using the Health Belief Model and Social Action as frameworks for explanation. The qualitative and quantitative methods of research were employed with a survey of 136 randomly selected mothers from 5 rural communities in Ibadan, 15 IDT. 5 Klls and 5 FGDs. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was utilized in analyzing the quantitative data, while the qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The study revealed that the socio-economic status of mothers significantly influenced their attitude towards family planning. Most of the women had only primary education and more women had no formal education compared to those who had secondary and tertiary education, hence few of them displayed positive attitude towards family planning methods. Majority of the women hardly gave birth in hospitals and depended on their husbands to decide what ever method will be used to space or limit the number of children they will have. The study also revealed that women perceived benefits of family planning as measures: to control population, reduce infant and maternal mortality and also make mothers healthy and strong after child birth. However, these were learnt after they had given birth to more than four children in other places aside the hospitals. The study recommends that couples in rural areas be encouraged to make effective use of contraceptives and adequately educated to appreciate the essence of utilizing family planning methods in order to give birth to quality children. Ante-natal and delivery cost should be highly subsidized in rural areas for women to be encouraged to give birth in the hospitals from the very first child and learn about, family planning methods. It was also recommended that family planning programmes that will attract
Attitudes and behaviour of Nigerian university students towards voluntary HIV counselling and testing
(2009) Nwokocha, E. E.; Eyango, V.
Despite increased campaign for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria only a negligible number of young people participates in this activity. This study investigates the factors affecting the attitudes and behaviour of students at the University of Ibadan, which is a microcosm of other universities in the country, as a way of understanding the context in which apathy towards VCT occurs. The Health Belief Model and the Theory of Reasoned Action enable the study to highlight the variables that interact to influence students’ behaviour towards VCT. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews (IDIs). The survey involved 400 respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling technique, while 12 IDIs were conducted among undergraduate and postgraduate students identified as relatively knowledgeable about issues related to VCT – mainly as peer educators. The findings show that although 95.3% of the students were aware of VCT, only 15% of them had undertaken voluntary HIV testing. The specific results indicate that there is a wide gap between intention and action related to VCT. Of the 57.5% respondents who had discussed VCT and intended to participate in it, only 27.3% actually underwent VCT. A combination of overconfidence in not being HIV positive, fear of testing positive to the virus, the perceived non-confidentiality of test results and stigma and discrimination strongly discourage students from partaking in VCT. The study clearly indicates the need to bridge the gap between knowledge and behaviour through vigorous sensitization and enlightenment activities.
Awareness of antimalaria policy and use of Artemisinin-based combination therapy for malaria treatment in communities of two selected local government areas of Ogun State, Nigeria
(Longwoods Publishing, Corp, 2014) Adeneye, A. K.; Jegede, A. S.; Mafe, M. A.|; Nwokocha, E. E.
With limited data on the awareness of change in the use of antimalaria drugs and availability and use of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in the context of the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) program, we conducted the descriptive cross-sectional study of 262 registered women attending antenatal clinics and 233 mothers of under-five children. We used a questionnaire to assess the awareness, availability and the use of ACT in Ijebu North and Yewa North Local Government Area (LGAs) of Ogun State. Malaria is holo-endemic in these areas, and the RBM program has been implemented for years prior to the 2010 RBM deadline. Data were also collected through focus group discussions, along with secondary data from hospital records. Hospital stock records showed inadequate and inconsistent supplies of ACT drugs in hospitals surveyed. Only 23.0% of respondents knew about Act drugs. About 48% preferred analgesics over ACT drugs (0.6%) for malaria treatment. Lack of awareness was the major reason for non-use of ACT drugs (86.1%). Communities in Yewa North had more supplies of ACT drugs and knew more about ACT than those in Ijebu North. Adequate information on ACT needs to be made available and accessible under a public-private partnership if 2010 RBM targets (now past) and the 2015 Millennium Development Goal (ongoing) for malaria are to be realized in the study communities and Ogun state in general.
Challenges faced by community- oriented policing trainees In Nigeria
(2013) Arisukwu, O. C.; Okunola, R. A.
Community oriented policing training prepares the police trainees on how to partner with the public in crime prevention and control in Nigeria. The trainees after leaving the training grounds still find it difficult to integrate with their colleagues and members of the public in crime prevention and control in Nigeria. The crisis of theory and practice of community oriented policing in Nigeria emerges as the trainees are confronted with both organizational and environmental obstacles in the field. The training of community oriented policing officers need not be in isolation of the operational environment after training. This study unveiled some of the challenges and difficulties experienced by community oriented policing trainees after the training in Nigeria. The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. The Gap theory of George J. Thompson was adopted to understand the effects of police interactions with the public after training in community oriented policing in Nigeria.The study revealed some of the challenges faced by police trainees after community oriented policing training in Nigeria and recommended adequate posting and monitoring of the police after training.
Changing familty structures/values and the incidence of human trafficking in Edo state
(2007) Owumi, B. E..; Jerome, P. A.
This paper attempts to unravel the underpinning factors that account for the upsurge of human trafficking in Edo State, Nigeria. The discourse is hinged on the Mertonian concept of innovation which explains the circumvention of societal mainstream values and employed as a circuit and routes to achieving societies collectively subscribed goals. The aims and objectives of the study include: identifying the changes in family structures that predispose parents to trafficking their children; examining the changes in family values that predispose parents to trafficking ;discussing the perception o parents about trafficking their children and finally explaining the reasons for the persistence of human trafficking despite attempts to curb it. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and in-depth interview methods were used in collecting data. The study revealed that parents are predisposed to trafficking their children due to poverty, unemployment, greed, ignorance, illiteracy, polygyny, distortion of social values, dysfunctional families among others
Changing family structures/values and the incidence of human trafficking in Edo State
(2007) Owumi, B. E.; Jerome, P. A.
This paper attempts to unravel the underpinning factors that account for the upsurge of human trafficking in Edo State, Nigeria. The discourse is hinged on the Mertonian concept of innovation which explains the circumvention of societal mainstream values and employed as a circuit and routes to achieving societies collectively subscribed goals. The aims and objectives of the study include: identifying the changes in family structures that predispose parents to trafficking their children; examining the changes in family values that predispose parents to trafficking ;discussing the perception o parents about trafficking their children and finally explaining the reasons for the persistence of human trafficking despite attempts to curb it. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and in-depth interview methods were used in collecting data. The study revealed that parents are predisposed to trafficking their children due to poverty, unemployment, greed, ignorance, illiteracy, polygyny, distortion of social values, dysfunctional families among others.
Changing family structures/values and the incidence of human trafficking in Edo State
(2007) Owumi, B. E.; Jerome, P. A.
This paper attempts to unravel the underpinning factors that account for the upsurge of human trafficking in Edo State, Nigeria. The discourse is hinged on the Mertonian concept of innovation which explains the circumvention of societal mainstream values and employed as a circuit and routes to achieving societies collectively subscribed goals. The aims and objectives of the study include: identifying the changes in family structures that predispose parents to trafficking their children; examining the changes in family values that predispose parents to trafficking; discussing the perception of parents about trafficking their children and finally explaining the reasons for the persistence of human trafficking despite attempts to curb it. Focus group discussion (FGD) and in-depth interview methods were used in collecting data. The study revealed that parents are predisposed to trafficking their children due to poverty, unemployment, greed, ignorance, illiteracy, polygyny, distortion of social values, dysfunctional families among others
Child labour in Fostering Practices: A study of Surulere Local Government Area lagos State, Nigeria
(Medwell Journals, 2010) Okunola, R. A.; Ikuomola, A. D.
Many studies in Nigeria have been carried out to examine the trend and outcome of fostering practices and child labour independently but such have generally overlooked the issue of child labour in fostering practices. The study therefore, attempts to examine the existence of child labour in fostering practices: through a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study exposes how children are being used as economic support by foster parents and the exploitation of the socialization process which sees research as part of the upbringing of a child. This is explicated through the increasing level of poverty in cities and rural areas which have necessitated the act of child labour in fostering practices. Major findings from the study revealed that child labour is on the increase and the effects were negative on the children. Findings were linked to the downturn of the economy which prompted child labour as a coping strategy. Among the sampled respondents, the effect of the economic activities on their education was negative. The need for househelp, economic crises and schooling were major reasons sustaining fostering practices vis-a-vis child labour. Biological parents influence had minimal effect on foster parents control over the economic activities they engaged the foster children which was also observed to be gender based. On the whole, child labour was viewed as important irrespective of the menance of child labour. Based on these findings, the study suggested that there is need for government as well as civil society groups' intervention to alleviate the problem of child labour in fostering practices.
Community perceptions and home management of malaria in selected rural communities of Ogun state, Nigeria
(2013-08) Adeneye, A. K.; Jegede, A. S; Mafe, M. A.; Nwokocha, E. E.
Home Management of Malaria (HMM) is a component of the roll back malaria (RBM) programme being implemented for over a decade to reduce the malaria burden. This study examined the extent to which HMM has raised the ability in promptly recognising and treating malaria at home. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 262 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics and 233 mothers of under-five children using semi-structured questionnaire in Ijebu North and Yewa North local government areas of Ogun State. Data collection also involved focus group discussions. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using EpiInfo 6.04a and Textbase Beta softwares respectively. Only 32.7% of respondents knew about HMM. About 48% preferred analgesics unlike ACTs (0.6%) for malaria treatment. While 45.5% (61.1% Yewa North vs. 29.2% Ijebu North) knew LLIN, only 23.6% used it. Lack of awareness was the major reason for non-use of ACTs (86.1%) and LLINs (71.3%) in HMM. Locality, age, and education significantly determined awareness and use of ACTs and LLIN (p<0.05). Adequate information and stock of ACTs and LLINs should be made available and accessible for the RBM and MDG targets to be realised in the study communities.
Commuters' fear of crime and road transport industry: A case study of Ibadan-Sokoto Transport Corridor.
(2009) Okunola, R. A.
Human activities are conducted over space and this includes movement from one geo-location to another. This major need for movement is mostly serviced by the road transport industry made up of public and private investors. To protect consumers in this sector, various policies and regulations have been put in place not only to ensure value for money and standard but also for the safety and security of commuters and transport operators alike. This however seems like a mirage as criminal activities are steadily shifting from neighbourhoods and settlements to the highways. This paper is an effort towards understanding the situation of things in terms of validity of various reports and extent of such crimes along the Ibadan-Sokoto transport corridor, the state of fear amongst commuters, the effects of this on the road transport industry and stakeholders (transport owners, community and the commuters). The findings showed the apprehension of commuters along this highway and increasing criminal activities in specific points on the highways. Aside from measures taken by commuters and commercial drivers to 'beat' such criminals, communities along the corridor have established local guards to protect commuters who often pay tokens to maintain their services. It is concluded that there is need to re-address the country's highway policing strategy and thus look for ways to integrate and provide technical assistance to local vigilantes who are becoming increasingly relevant on long distance routes in Nigeria.
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.
Contraceptive knowledge, attitude and practices among Catholic and non-Catholic couples in Ibadan, Nigeria.
(Serials Publications, 2014) Nwokocha, E. E.; Bakare, , M. A.
Employing the neo-Malthusian and Voluntary Social Action Theories, this paper argues that irrespective of denomination Christians in Ibadan perceive family planning as an essential mechanism for achieving fertility reduction and moderate family size. Data were collected through questionnaire survey, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), In-depth Interviews (IDIs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Results indicate that 98 percent of the respondents claimed to be knowledgeable about contraceptives; while 67 percent of respondents who are Catholics approved of contraception, only 42 percent of them actually used these contraceptives. Condom was mostly used by the respondents generally; cost/non-affordability and side effects are the main reasons why respondents may not use contraceptives even when they approve of it. Church leaders in both groups stressed the importance of family planning for achieving a moderate family size. Prioritizing advocacy to religious groups will go a long way in ensuring positive attitudinal and behavioural change towards adoption of context specific family planning strategies.