OBJECTIVES: (i) To emphasise that incidental appendicectomy has indications and, to highlight this indications. (ii) To teach that, even when indicated, this procedure should not convert a clean surgical wound into a clean contaminated or even less optimal wound. (iii) To recommend that if an incidental appendicectomy is to achieve (ii) above, inversion appendicectomy is the better option to choose. (iv) To prove that inversion appendicectomy is fast, easy and achieves a similar result as the more popular excision appendicectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was carried out in the paediatric surgical unit of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Accra, Ghana - between March 2003 and May 2004. PATIENT SELECTION: Fifteen patients qualified for enrollment into this study. These were (i) Those who had clear cut indications for incidental appendicectomy, and had it done as an inversion appendicectomy. (ii) Cases of incidental appendicectomy. METHODS: Eleven of these cases were done for intussusceptions and four for malrotation. Only wounds that qualified as clean surgical wounds were included in this study. There was no age or sex discrimination. RESULTS: Follow up on these patients did not reveal any complications. CONCLUSION: Incidental appemdicectomy has well-defined indications. When indicated in clean wound, inversion appendicectomy is the procedure of choice.

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of 3 different traction weights on neck pain and range of motion/mobility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety subjects, 42 men and 48 women, with neck pain due to cervical spondylosis participated in the study. They were assigned into three groups, each of which was subjected to a different cervical traction(CT) weight namely: group A = 7.5% total body weight(TBW), group B = 10%TBW, and group C =15%TBW CT respectively. Pain intensity and neck mobility, pre-treatment and post-treatment, were assessed using visual analogue scale(VAS) and universal goniometer respectively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference(p < 0.05) pre-treatment, but existed post-treatment (p < 0.05) between the groups for neck pain and mobility. Nineteen subjects had reactions due to the CT application: 3,5 and 11 in groups A,B and C respectively. The least reactions were recorded with the use of 7.5% TBW traction and the highest with the 15% TBW traction. The 10%TBW CT recorded the most significant pain relief and neck flexibility/mobility compared with the 7.5% TBW and 15% TBW CT therapy. CONCLUSION: This study established the 10% TBW CT as the ideal weight with minimal side effects and with highest therapeutic efficacy. Therefore clinicians could adopt this weight in managing neck disorders requiring traction.

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Health care received in health facilities depends on adequate consultation, correct prescription and dispensing with relevant information given to the patient. These are some of the indicators for rational drug use. The objective of the study was to determine the pattern of prescription among prescribers in twenty Primary Health Care Centers of Lagos State using some of these indicators used in investigating health facilities by the World Health Organisation and International Network for Rational Use of Drugs. The study was carried out using multi-stage random sampling in selecting the Primary Health Care Centers from each of the twenty Local Government Areas of Lagos State. Both prospective and retrospective data were collected and analysed using Epi-Info version 6. The results showed that there was polypharmacy, misuse of antibiotics and injections. There was no statistically significant difference between the retrospective and prospective indicators of mean drugs prescribed per encounter, percentage antibiotics prescribed and percentage of generic prescription. It was concluded that there was irrational prescription pattern in all the selected health facilities as evidenced by poly-pharmacy, misuse of antibiotics and low generic prescriptions. There is need for educational intervention to improve the prescribing habits of health professionals in these health facilities.

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The metabolic syndrome incorporates into a single entity, insulin resistance and its associated cluster of related cardiovascular metabolic risk factors including type 2 diabetes mellitus, essential hypertension, dyslipidamia and central obesity. Various hypotheses (thrifty genotype/phenotype, limbic-hypothalamic and altered homeostatic mechanisms) have been used to explain the interaction between genetic, intrauterine and environmental factors, leading to this enigmatic concept. Current interest addresses the roles of fat-derived adiponectin, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, leucocytes, interleukin and tumour necrosis factor), endothelial dysfunction and disordered haemostasis (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and fibrinogen). Angiotensin II, endothelin-1 and increased salt sensitivity contribute to the development of hypertension in metabolic syndrome. The main significance of the syndrome is the heightened risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality arising from increased atherogenic potential. Therapeutic interventions are multidimensional in approach, and aimed at enhancing insulin sensitivity and ameliorating the consequences of insulin resistance. Promotion of African native lifestyle characterised by high degree of physical activity and fibre diet is and appropriate tool for primary prevention of metabolic syndrome.

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BACKGROUND/AIM: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease(GERD) is not an uncommon disease in Nigeria. The otolaryngologic (ORL) symptoms associated with GERD are varied. In the management of patients with ORL symptoms and disease, GERD is often not considered as a differential diagnosis The aim of this study is to identify patients with ORL complications of GERD from patients with ORL disease who have symptoms that mimic GERD using defined criteria in the light of limited diagnostic facilities. MATERIALS/METHODS: A prospective study was conducted over a two year period at Lagos University Teaching Hospital Lagos and two private Otolaryngology clinics,within Lagos, among patients who presented primarily with laryngeal and pharyngeal symptoms . They were evaluated using structured questionnaire for duration of regurgitation, heartburn ,symptoms of peptic ulcer disease, clinical examination, esophagogastro - duodenoscopy findings and outcome of laryngopharyngeal symptoms following anti-reflux therapy. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients were evaluated over a two year period .ORL diseases and symptoms at presentation were chronic laryngitis, chronic pharyngitis, globus pharyngeus, globus and chronic laryngitis, laryngeal carcinoma, cricopharyngeal spasm and throat hawking. History of symptoms of peptic ulcer disease and regurgitation was obtained in 47.8% and 65.2% respectively. Endoscopic findings revealed oesophageal reflux with gastroduodenits in 4.3%, Non specific gastritis in 17.4%, duodenal ulcer in 56.4%, and normal findings in 21.7%. Patients were treated medically with antacids, H2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors and were followed up for 9-12 months. GERD was diagnosed in 4 (4.34%), 68 (73.9%) were diagnosed as non erosive reflux disease (NERD) and 20 (21.74%) with probable acid related problem that will need further evaluation . Following anti-reflux therapy 68 (73.9%) had disappearance of their laryngopharygeal symptoms for up to a year. ORL complications of GERD/NERD was seen in 72 (78.3%). CONCLUSION: GERD should be a differential diagnosis in patient with pharyngeal and laryngeal symptoms not associated with sinus disease in the presence or absence of positive peptic ulcer disease or regurgitation and the management should be multidisciplinary.

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OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical presentations and management of patients with acute laryngeal obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 36 patients with acute laryngeal obstruction to the accident and emergency unit (A&E), emergency paediatric unit (EPU) and the Ear, Nose and Throat diseases clinic (ENT) of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital between January 1998 and the December 2002 are presented. RESULTS: The age ranges of the patient were between 1.5 years to 46 years (mean age 29.6 years with male/female ratio of 2:1 Breathlessness (83.3%), hoarseness (66.7%), and noisy breathing (50%) were the main symptoms at presentation. CONCLUSIONS: These 36 patients represented 4.9 % of the in-patients seen by the Otolaryngologists during the period under review and 75% of cases of acute upper airway obstruction managed during this period. The commonest cause of obstruction in this study was laryngeal tumours (47.2%)-laryngeal carcinoma (27.8%) in the adults and juvenile laryngeal papillomas (19.4%) in the paediatric age group; other causes were laryngeal infections (acute and chronic) represented 20% of aetiologic factors. Impacted laryngeal foreign bodies occurred in 5(13.9%) all in the paediatric age group. Eleven (30.6%) were managed conservatively with antibiotics and antikoch's therapy; 12(33.3%) had emergency tracheostomy prior to definitive treatment of direct laryngoscopy in 10 patients (27.8%) for biopsy, removal of foreign bodies and extirpations of juvenile laryngeal papillomas and 3(8.3%) were managed by endotracheal intubations. Health education of the public is recommended to ensure early presentation in hospital as soon as symptoms of laryngeal tumours are noticed and health care providers should refer such cases early.

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OBJECTIVE: The antispermatogenic and contraceptive importance of gossypol had been established in male animals, including man; in the present work, adult female Wistar rats weighing 110 - 160g were used to study the effect of cottonseed oil (gossypol) on oestrous cycle and ovulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five cyclic female rats were sorted randomly into three experimental groups of fifteen animals each. Oral doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg/body weight were administered once a day at 0900 hr for a period of 15 days. Vaginal swab of animals were taken each day between 0700 hr- 0900 hr to study their oestrous cycle; at the end of each cycle (4-5 days), a batch of 5 animals was sacrificed in each group to evaluate the number of ova shed. RESULTS: The results showed that gossypol had no disruptive effects on oestrous cycle; ovulation was not adversely affected, neither was there any significant reduction (p > 0.05) in the number of oocytes released. CONCLUSION: Because gossypol did not alter the oestrous cycle and ovulation patterns in the study animals, we suggest that certain factors exist in female animals that abolish or limit gossypol toxicity; these were extensively discussed.

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OBJECTIVE: This study aims at determining the histopathological findings in nephrectomy specimens in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. METHODS: A retrospective study of all cases of nephrectomies in UMTH between January 1993 and December 2003. RESULTS: There were 42 cases of unilateral nephrectomies, 26 (61.9%) males and 16 (38.1.9%) females giving a ratio of 1.6:1. Of these, 23 (54.8%) were benign and 19(45.2%) malignant. Chromic interstitial/pyelonephritis was the commonest indication for nephrectomy and this accounted for 28.6% of all cases. Nephroblastoma, the second commonest, accounted for 23.8% of all cases and is the major malignant indication for nephrectomies. Renal cell carcinoma and hydronephrosis accounted for 7(16.7%) cases each; polycystic kidney, transitional cell carcinoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. CONCLUSION: There is need to emphasise the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment of urinary tract infections, since chronic interstitial/pyelonephritis is the commonest indication for nephrectomy in our environment. This will go long way in reducing the rate nephrectomies on our patients.

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AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the incidence and sociodemographic factors associated with adult malignant lymphoma in Benin City, Niger Delta region of Nigeria. METHOD: A retrospective study of 205 patients with a diagnosis of lymphoma seen over a 13-year period (1990-2003) at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. They were analyzed in the context of gender, marital status, geographical abode, educational and occupational status. The patients had sufficient data recorded at diagnosis to allow retrospective assignment into the various subtypes. RESULTS: There were 70 males and 135 females with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1:9. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) was more frequent (83%) while Hodgkin's lymphoma had incidence of 17%. Marital status (P = 0.0002), geographical abode (p = 0.0046), educational (P = 0.0045) and occupational status (p = 0.0001) were significantly associated with the malignant lymphoma at presentation. All the lymphoma subtypes were most common in patients who resided in Delta state, a major oil producer. The majority of the lymphoma patients (46.3%) had tertiary form of education. The highest and lowest social classes were most likely to have lymphoma, which may have been related to age and industrial exposure. CONCLUSION: Poverty and illiteracy are additional problems with patients with malignant lymphomas. Living in Delta State where the petrochemical industries and gas flare sites are located may be a risk factor for the development of lymphoma.

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Congenital ocular anomalies are the result of defective development of the ocular tissues during intrauterine life. The aim of this study was to increase awareness amongst Ophthalmologists and other healthcare providers on some cogenital ocular anomalies seen in clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The 5 cases presented in this study were cases seen during our routine clinics at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State. Informed consent was obtained from the patients regarding the study and the illustrative photographs displayed in the study. Case reports of various congenital anomalies involving the eye and adnexae in Edo State, Nigeria seen over a 1-year period are presented. RESULTS: The first 2 cases were cases of clinical anophthalmos/micophthalmos. The causative factor in one of them was presumably maternal drug (traditional medicine) ingestion for a period of 5 months during pregnancy. The others were cases of dermoid cyst, congenital lid eversion and congenital corneal opacities. CONCLUSION: The literature on congenital anomalies of the eye and adnexae is briefly reviewed.

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OBJECTIVE: Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias are rarely diagnosed in our environment. However in in the year 2000 a group of new cases were histologically diagnosed in the Department of Morbid Anatomy of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). This study aims to review the clinical and morphologic features of the three cases or Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias seen at surgicals and autopsy over a 10 year period (March 1995 to March 2005) in LUTH; as well as discuss some clinicopathologic features of interstitial pneumonias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the cases seen at surgicals and autopsy from March 1995 to March 2005 was done by retrieving the relevant reports. Cases described with interstitial pneumonitis were re-evaluated and their respective paraffin blocks re-cut for special staining to better demonstrate the changes in morphology. RESULTS: A total of 3 cases were retrieved from the ten year period reviewed. Incidentally, all occurred in the year 2000. Their mean age was 57 years and the male to female ratio was 2:1. The 'Usual Interstitial Pneumonitis' pattern was more common. CONCLUSION: Interstitial pneumonias are rare in our environment; the apparent emergence of three cases in the year 2000 alone is a curiosity as a search over a ten year period (March 1995 to March 2005) yielded no other histologically convincing case. An increased index of clinical suspicion on the part of our clinicians and pathologists as well as collaborative research involving several specialists and Medical Institutions will be required to determine the true frequency of this disease in our environment and its peculiar clinicopathological features.

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BACKGROUND: Childhood hypertension is less common and not readily recognised compared to adult hypertension. It is being missed because of lack of routine blood pressure measurements in some health facilities in the developing countries. This setback is likely to affect the knowledge, attitude and perception of parents and caregivers to the disease. OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of childhood hypertension by adult respondents in a rural community in Nigeria. METHOD: The study was carried out with the aid of pre-tested questionnaires, which sought information on wide ranging issues bothering on knowledge, attitude and perception of childhood hypertension. RESULTS: Fifty-four 54/62 (89%) knew that hypertension implied high blood pressure. Fifty-eight 58/61(95%) also indicated that hypertension is detected by measuring the blood pressure. However 37/60 (62%) respondents did not think that childhood hypertension exist, while 53/59 (90%) respondents were not aware of any child diagnosed with hypertension. All our 62 respondents claimed to have seen 9 children with hypertension compared to 81 adults some of whom were related to them. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that there is still a low awareness about the existence of childhood hypertension by the rural populace. While this problem is not a priority health problem in the community, an increased awareness of it is crucial the successful management of any child that develops it. Periodic community survey for childhood hypertension and mandatory routine blood pressure measurement in all children presenting for consultation is suggested.

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OBJECTIVES: To determine the screening coagulation tests - PT, PTT(k), TCT, fibrinogen and absolute platelet counts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 97 children with 35 cerebral malaria (CM) and two control groups 30 acute malaria (AM) and 32 healthy controls aged 6 months--11 years. This is the first documented report of coagulation profile in Nigerian children above 6 months. RESULTS: The means of the PT in the three groups were normal. There was no significant difference between the means of PTT(k) and fibrinogen, p values 0.51 and 0.20 respectively. Nine of the CM group had deranged PT while eleven had elevated PTT(k). Four of the thrombocytopaenic CM patients were hypercoagulable. Three CM patients had bleeding episodes without laboratory evidences of DIC. Thrombocytopaenia occurred in 46% of the CM group compared with 23% of the AM. The role of hypercoagulable state observed amongst the thrombocytopaenic CM group could not be determined. CONCLUSION: We suggest close monitoring of platelet count and coagulation profile in those with haemorrhagic complications.

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OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of needle diameter of the same tip configuration in the causation of Post Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH). METHODS: This prospective, single blind, randomised study compares the incidence of PDPH from two spinal needles (Becton Dickinson Whitacre sizes 25 G and 26 G needles) in obstetric patients. One hundred women undergoing elective and emergency Caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia were recruited. Each of the patients was interviewed using a standard questionnaire and reviewed until the seventh day postoperative. Both intraoperative and postoperative complications that occur were promptly treated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the number of attempts at insertion in both groups, although a shorter time was achieved in group25. PDPH occurred in 6.0% of those in group25. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the insertion characteristics between the two needles.

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To present a 5 years experience on the pattern and outcome of emergency operations in a new teaching hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study carried out between April 1998 and March 2003 with appropriate data extracted from the available case notes. RESULTS: Two thousand and seventy operations were performed within the period of study. Seven hundred and twenty six of them were done as emergency. Obstetrics' and Gynaecology cases were 66.6% while 33.4% (including six cases of perforated uterus and gangrenous bowel from unsafe abortion) belong to the general surgery and specialty emergencies. Waiting time, mean of which was 39.5+/-2.7 hours, was unduly prolonged. Mortality was 10.3%. CONCLUSION: The high morbidity and mortality as reflected in this study could be reduced through prompt surgical interventions, education on contraceptive awareness and legistilation against unsafe abortion.

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OBJECTIVES: That women with cancer of the breast seek medical help late is a common occurrence in developing countries. We decided to see if education and environment play any role in this and in cancer screening. A semi-structured questionnaire was drawn to inquire about knowledge, attitude (beliefs) and practices of women to breast cancer and available cancer screening methods in their environment- particularly Self and Clinical Breast Examination. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The questionnaires, prepared in English and vernacular, were given to women and women relations seen in the surgical clinics and wards of Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo and some primary health centers, for various ailments. Traders in market places and rural communities were included. RESULTS: Analysis was by SPSS, chi-square, percentage frequency and tested at probability level of 0.05. Eight hundred and thirty two respondents were collected. Six hundred and twenty five (72.2%) were from Semi-urban while 207(27.8%) were from the rural regions. The age range was between 15 and 72 years with a mean age of 30.89+/-11.58. The educational level showed that 304(36.4%) had tertia1ry education. Six hundred and four (72.6%) have previous knowledge of cancer of the breast, 149(17.4%) offered possible aetiological reasons, and 341(41.1%) have some knowledge of associated symptoms. Available screening methods of Self and Clinical breast examination was practised by 393(47.2%) of the respondents. One hundred and fifty five (32.3%) would give consent to mastectomy while as many as 619(74.4%) have deep fear of the disease. CONCLUSION: Despite a relatively high literate level in the study group, knowledge of aetiological causes of breast cancer, including risk factors is abysmally low; so is knowledge and attitude to symptoms. Because of this poor/inadequate knowledge, as well as available screening methods, efforts should be made to upgrade the knowledge of our women through Information, Education and Communication (I.E.C) on cancer of the Breast and the consequences of late presentation.

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BACKGROUND: Infections of open musculoskeletal injuries, especially open fractures, continue to pose a challenge to the Orthopaedic and Trauma surgeons. There is a dearth of information on the early bacterial contaminants of these open wounds and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns in our environment. OBJECTIVE: To determine the bacteriology of open wounds of the musculoskeletal system at initial presentation in hospital and their antibiotic susceptibility profile in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 86 consecutive patients over an eight-month period (March to October 2002). Eighty-six patients with 96 open wounds of the musculoskeletal system admitted to the Accident and Emergency unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife. Bacteria were isolated from swabs taken from the depth of the wounds and their antibiotic susceptibility determined. RESULTS: A total of 126 bacterial isolates were recovered from 96 wounds in 86 patients (61 males and 25 females) with mean age of 31.4 years +/- SD. About 73.3% of the wounds were from road traffic accidents and 72.3% of the wounds were severe open fractures (Grades IIIA to C). Staphylococcus aureus constituted 22.2% while coagulase negative Staphylococci (CONS) accounted for 21.4% with Staphylococcus. epidermidis leading the group with 13.5%. Gram negative rods constituted 40.5% of the isolates with Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounting for 11.1%. Antibiotic sensitivity profile revealed that many of the isolates were multiply resistant to the antimicrobials employed but were sensitive to Ofloxacin. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that open wounds of the musculoskeletal system are usually contaminated at presentation with pathogenic organisms. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolates shows that the quinolones, represented by Ofloxacin, is the most effective antibiotic.

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OBJECTIVE: to determine the knowledge and current infection control practices among dental laboratory technologists in Nigeria. METHOD: a cross-sectional descriptive study using self-administered questionnaires distributed through the Dental Technologist Board. RESULT: 86 questionnaires were returned out of the 200 distributed (response rate=43%). Knowledge of risk of transmission of infections was poor with a remarkable percentage of non-responders. More than half (61.9%) considered HIV infection as the greatest infectious occupational hazard for them while only 25.5% correctly responded that Hepatitis B(HBV) was the greatest risk. Infection control practices were inadequate with 53.5% of them never sterilising their hand instruments and 74.4% treat impressions by rinsing in water while as high as 39.5% never wear gloves while working in the laboratory. Only 21(24.4%) had received HBV vaccination and 38.4% were not aware of the need to be vaccinated. CONCLUSION: the knowledge and practice of infection control was poor and below acceptable standards. The paper recommended ways by which improvements can be made.

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OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of low birth weight deliveries in a Nigerian mission hospital. METHODS: A descriptive analysis of the records of 332 live, low birth weight babies delivered between 1st January, 1999 to 31st December, 2001 in a Nigerian mission hospital in Benin City was carried out. A standardised questionnaire was used and the mothers of low birth weight (LBW) babies were interviewed soon after delivery. RESULTS: The overall incidence of LBW was 8.1% with a female preponderance. Of the 332 LBW babies, 3.9% were extremely LBW, 12.0% very LBW, 20.5% moderately LBW while 36.4% of the babies weighed less than 2000 g. Preterm babies were significantly more frequent than term small-for-gestational age babies. A lower incidence was found in the year 2001 compared with the immediate preceding two years. A significantly greater number of LBW babies were born during the dry season compared with the wet season. The leading maternal factor associated with delivery of LBW infants was absent or inadequate antenatal care. CONCLUSION: Using the World Health Organisation definition of low birth weight of < 2500 g, a lower incidence of LBW was found compared with other studies that defined LBW as birth weight < 2500 g.

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BACKGROUND: Stigma is still a strong barrier to provision and utilisation of mental health services and every effort should be made to reduce it. Since there have been contradicting reports about the level of stigma in Africa and developing nations, more studies are needed to assist stakeholders to address the challenges. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study strives to determine the level of stigma (stereotypes, prejudices and discriminating behaviours) among residents of a traditional Nigerian town of Osogbo to psychiatric patients. It also attempts to proffer ways of further reducing stigma, if any, in the studied population. METHOD: During a three-month period, a semi-structured interview schedule was administered to a stratified random sample of all consenting eligible adults in the study area. FINDINGS: It was found that a significant proportion of the 84 respondents had less stigmatising attitude towards people with psychiatric illness. Respondents' age, levels of education and belief in causation of mental illness were found to be significantly associated with their responses as regards stigma. CONCLUSION: In spite of the limitations of sample size and the relatively high level of education of the respondents (as compared with the national literacy rate), the study showed that public stigma towards psychiatric patients in Osogbo is generally low. While this finding is in keeping with some earlier reports, it was suggested that future studies should employ larger sample size and wider geographical coverage in order to put to rest the conflicting opinions about the level of stigma towards psychiatric patients among Nigerians and Africans as compared to western countries.

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The present study was to find out through histopathological records the most frequently occurring disease of the prostate from suspected prostate diseases in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. A total number of 324 cases of prostatic biopsies and autopsy materials recorded in the histopathology laboratory of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar between 1986 and 1995 were used for this study. Benign prostatic hypertrophy was observed as the major pathology among all the diseases of the prostate gland recorded in UCTH in Calabar having accounted for 76.3% (261 out of 342) while prostatic carcinoma accounted for 19% (65 out of 324), rest 4.7% (16 out of 342) were inflammatory lesions. The result indicated that benign prostatic hypertrophy occurs in men from 40 years and above. The frequency increased with age, reaching a maximum of 34.5% (90 out of 261) in the age group (70-79) years old. The people in Cross River State should be informed of the high frequency of benign prostatic hypertrophy and should be advised to seek health care promptly in suspected prostate related illness.

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