African Journal of Internal Medicine

African Journal of Internal Medicine ISSN 2326-7283 Vol. 7 (2), pp. 001-005, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

External ear anthropometry among Hausas of Nigeria; the search of sexual dimorphism and correlations

M. G. Taura*, L. H. Adamu and M. H. Modibbo

Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Bayero Univeristy, Kano, Kano state, PMB 3011, Kano Nigeria.

Accepted 13 September, 2018

Abstract 

External ear composed of three primary components: helix-antihelical complex, conchal complex, and lobe. The aim of the study was to determine the level of sexual dimorphism in ear length, width and index for both left and right sides. The correlation between the ear variables was also determined. The population consisted of 137 males and 82 females recruited among the students of Bayero University Kano, Nigeria. Direct method was employed in measurement of ear length and width. Independent sample t test and Pearson’s correlation were used to analyse the data using SPSS version 16. The result shows that mean value of ear dimensions is higher on the right side. Significant differences were also observed on ear length and width of the right side (P < 0.05), and the width and index show significant difference (P < 0.05) in the left side. In the entire variables, male tend to have higher mean value. A negative correlation between the ear length and index was observed. In conclusion, the study has established the existence of sexual dimorphism on ear linear dimensions among Hausas of Nigerian population. Therefore, the use of ear dimensions on anthropometry for characterization of the differences in sex was highlighted.

Key words: External ear, Hausas, morphometry, Nigeria, sexual dimorphism.

African Journal of Internal Medicine ISSN 2326-7283 Vol. 7 (2), pp. 001-003, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Short Communication

Autogenous platelet rich plasma in healing of bone defects

Altaf H. Malik¹*, Rubeena Tabasum², Manzoor Ahmad³ Ajaz A Shah¹ and Irshad Ahmad¹

¹Post Graduate Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Govt Dental College, Srinagar, Kashmir, India.

²Department of Ophthalmolgy, GMC, Srinagar, Kashmir, India.

³Department of ENT, GMC Srinagar, Kashmir, India.

Accepted 16 September, 2018

Abstract 

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in regeneration of bone in defects of the oral and maxillofacial region. A comparative nonrandomized study including 40 patients with bony defects of the maxillofacial region was carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Patients were divided into two groups: group A received PRP and in group B no graft was used. Postoperatively, the patients were monitored regularly by radiographs to evaluate new bone growth at 1^st, 3^rd and 6^th month clinically and radiographically. Faster bone healing was observed in the patients in whom PRP was used at every follow up. Defects filled with PRP showed comparatively earlier and faster bone regeneration.

Key words: Bony defects, platelet-rich plasma, platelets.

African Journal of Internal Medicine ISSN 2326-7283 Vol. 7 (1), pp. 521-525, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Assessment of public knowledge about medication use in order to identify the common problems in the community

Aga Ali¹, Bima Agarwal² and Anu Veena³

¹Department of Pharmacology, Midnapore Medical College, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India.

²Department of Community Medicine, Midnapore Medical College, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India.

³Department of Community Medicine, IPGME & R, Kolkata, India.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 03 July, 2018

Abstract 

The rational use of medicines is a healthy practice for both the prescribers and consumers with the help of responsible use of medicines. People’s knowledge plays a vital role in this issue. This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge of public about medication. Observational descriptive study was done during 2008. Study population was 500 general public chosen through convenient sampling. Study variables were age, sex, education, occupation, and knowledge about medicine use. The predesigned, pretested questionnaire was used to collect data after taking verbal consent. Participants’ age ranged from 18 to 53 years; out of which 84% were males and 16% were females. The level of education of the participants varied. Majority (87.8%) possessed the basic idea about drug. One fourth of the respondents (25.6%) had idea about the trade name and generic name of medicine. Just less than half (47.4%) did not know about the storage of drugs; less than one third (30.4%) did not ask about the side effects of medicines. Two-fifth of the respondents (39.0%) practiced self-medication. The interaction between the patient and the doctor was clearly inadequate about the proper use and understanding of medicines. How and when to take their medicines was similar to the findings of Abdo-Rabbo study. Gulf region study revealed the non-adherence (50%) with their prescription. Seventy one percent of the study population reported poor compliance in Gezira State, Sudan. The prevalence of self medication was similar to Oman study (43.0%) and Saudi Arabia study (43.5%) but lower than West Bengal study (89.0%) and Sudan study (81.8%). There was huge gap in knowledge with respect to rational drug use among the general population studied.

Key words: Drug use, peoples’ knowledge, West Bengal.

African Journal of Internal Medicine ISSN 2326-7283 Vol. 7 (1), pp. 526-530, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Kidney failure in rural areas in Togo: A case of Saint Jean de Dieu Afagnan’s Hospital

Djagadou Kodjo Agbéko¹*, TchamdjaToyi², Balaka Abago¹, Nemi Komi Dzidzonu¹ Djalogue Liganimpo², Mossi Edem¹, Assane hamadi³, Tsevi Yawovi mawufemo⁴, Djibril Mohaman Awalou¹

¹Internal Medicine Service, CHU Sylvanus Olympio, University of Lomé

²Internal Medicine Service, CHU Kara, University of Kara.

⁴ Nephrology service, CHU Sylvanus Olympio, University of Lomé

³Departement of physiology, University of Lomé.

Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]. 0028 91 51 83 38

Accepted 13 December, 2018

Abstract 

To determine the epidemiological, clinical and developmental renal failure in a religious hospital in a rural area southeast of Togo, a retrospective descriptive study on the viewed patient records and / or hospitalized from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011 hospital Afagnan was conducted. A total of 203 cases of patients with renal impairment (22% had an IRA, 50% had CKD and 28% of undetermined) were collected. There was a male predominance with a sex ratio in renal failure 1.57. The average age of onset was 45 years in renal failure. The cause of kidney disease could not be determined in 40% of cases. Chronic kidney disease glomerular accounted for 29.41%. Acute tubular necrosis accounted for 57.9% of acute renal parenchymal. Overall mortality of renal failure was 33%. This study confirms the problem of renal failure in developing countries and especially in rural areas.

Keywords: Kidney failure, IRC-CKD, IRA-AKF, risk factors, rural areas, religious.

African Journal of Internal Medicine ISSN 2326-7283 Vol. 7 (1), pp. 501-504, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Hemoptysis: A symptom not well explored in the primary care setting in the developing world

Eric Njoku¹, Charles Okorafor² and Fred Arimah³

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

²Department of Otorrhinolaryngology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

³Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia. Abia State, Nigeria.

Accepted 04 May, 2018

Abstract

Hemoptysis is the expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract. It occurs in many clinical entities. In our primary care setting, treatment of many patients with hemoptysis begins with the administration of anti- tuberculosis drugs without investigation. The aim of this study is to review the relevant literature on the pathophysiology, causes and management of hemoptysis; with emphasis on differential diagnosis and appropriate management. Literature review was carried out on the pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, patient evaluation and management of hemoptysis using computerized search including Google, PubMed and African Journal Online. Additional information was obtained by cross referencing and using texts and journals in the medical libraries of Federal Medical Centre and University of Nigeria Enugu. Most of the literatures were from developed countries. Comprehensive management plan was lacking in many text books. However, we were able to explore the main differential diagnoses of hemoptysis and discuss their management within the limits of our literature search. Hemoptysis is a common presenting symptom in our chest clinics. Though pulmonary Tuberculosis tops the list of differential diagnosis of hemoptysis in most developing countries; we advice that all cases of hemoptysis should be well investigated as accurate diagnoses will ensure correct treatment.

Key words: Hemoptysis, differential diagnosis, investigations, management.

African Journal of Internal Medicine ISSN 2326-7283 Vol. 7 (1), pp. 505-520, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Women’s perceptions influencing uptake of the second dose of intermittent prophylactic treatment for malaria in pregnancy

Jacob Kwasi¹, David Nyagah² and Abdul Nyamweya³

¹Kenya Red Cross Society, Kenya.

²Narok University College, Kenya.

³Moi University, Kenya.

Accepted 22 April, 2018

Abstract

Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is a key intervention for malaria prevention. Bungoma East District falls within the malaria-endemic zone of Kenya, with an infection risk class of 20%, or higher. Even though malaria accounts for about 41% of maternal deaths in the District, uptake of the second dose (IPTp₂) remains below the Roll Back Malaria target. Perceptions about a disease and prophylactic interventions are likely to influence health behavior. This study set to determine women’s perceptions influencing IPTp₂ uptake to support the need for appropriate interventions to strengthen IPTp programs in malaria-endemic countries. We applied the cross-sectional survey design and sourced primary data from 278 women who were at the twenty-fourth week, or more of gestation, aged between 15 and 49 years, had not experienced malaria during the pregnancy, and were not on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. Analysis techniques included independent samples t-test, cross-tabulations with Chi Square statistic and binary logistic regression. Women believing that they were ‘very susceptible’ to malaria infection had about 2.3 times the odds of taking IPTp₂+ as those indicating that they were ‘not susceptible’ (β = 0·813, SE = 0·239, 95% CI = 1·41-3·60). Women perceiving that SP tablets were ‘very useful’ had 1·7 times the odds of taking IPTp₂+ as those believing that SP tablets were ‘not useful’ (β = 0·552, SE = 0·139, 95% CI = 1·32-2·28). Women perceiving that SP tablets were ‘very safe’ for use during pregnancy had about 25·4 times the odds of taking IPTp₂+ as those believing that SP tablets were ‘not safe’ (β = 3·235, SE = 0·63, 95% CI = 21·54-29·40). The stronger the conviction about personal susceptibility to infection, as well as usefulness and safety of SP tablets, the higher the odds of IPTp₂+ uptake. Strengthening health education interventions at the antenatal clinics is likely to re-orient negative perceptions, dispel misconceptions, and clear the way for IPTp₂+ uptake.

Key words: Perceptions, service uptake, intermittent prophylactic treatment, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine.