African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2756-3332 Vol. 10 (3), pp. 001-008, March, 2022. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Women and men’s perception of birth preparedness and complication readiness: a qualitative study in semi-urban communities in Nigeria

**Margaret Omowaleola AKINWAARE¹, Oyeninhun Abimbola OLUWATOSIN² and Olayinka Adekunmi ADEKOLA³

^1,2Department of Nursing, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

³Clinical Nursing Department, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. 

Accepted 26 January, 2022

Abstract

The prevailing trend of maternal mortality has constituted a burden to some countries across the globe, especially in developing countries. It has been empirically established that the majority of these deaths were related to inadequate birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR). This study, therefore, explored women's and men’s perceptions on BPCR. The study adopted a descriptive design using a qualitative approach. A total of 48 community men and women were engaged in focus group discussions (FGDs). The participants were purposively selected through consultation with the community leaders and primary healthcare centres in the selected communities. The perceived components of BPCR include; registration and regular antenatal clinic attendance, balanced diet, sleep and rest and having necessary laboratory investigations done. It was opined that complications could occur to pregnant women as a result of poor nutrition, lack of physical exercise as well as if the woman is involved in some house chores. It was concluded that the identified components of BPCR by the pregnant women, older women, and men in the community were at variance with the standard components by WHO. Hence, there is a need for public awareness of BPCR.

Keywords: Perception, Birth preparedness, Complication readiness, Semi-Urban, Communities Pregnant women, Nigeria.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2756-3332 Vol. 10 (3), pp. 001-009, March, 2022. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Hypoadiponectinemia: A link between visceral obesity and metabolic syndrome

Rosario Scaglione¹*, Tiziana Di Chiara¹, Christiano Argano², Salvatore Corrao¹ and Giuseppe Licata¹

¹Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy.

²Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Fondazione San Raffaele Giglio, Cefalù, Palermo, Italy.

Accepted 16 October, 2021

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a combination of cardio-metabolic risk factors, including visceral obesity, glucose intolerance or type 2 diabetes, elevated triglycerides, reduced HDL cholesterol, and hypertension. MetS is rapidly increasing and prevalent worldwide as a consequence of the “epidemic” obesity, with a considerable impact on the global incidence of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. At present, some authors are disappointed on the role of insulin resistance as unifying factor in the occurrence of all the MetS components, whereas the role of visceral obesity is increasing. This review summarizes and critically evaluates the clinical and scientific evidence supporting the existence of MetS as a “fatal consequence of visceral obesity”. In view of this, the effects of some adipocytokines and other proinflammatory factors produced by fat accumulation on the occurrence of the MetS have been also emphasized. Accordingly, the “hypoadiponectinemia” has been proposed as the most interesting new hypothesis to explain the pathophysiology of MetS.

Key words: Metabolic syndrome, visceral obesity, adipocytokines, adiponectin, cardiovascular disease.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2756-3332 Vol. 10 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2022. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Maternal seafood consumption in highly educated women is reduced in pregnancy: A pilot study

Marian K. Malde, Anita R. Alvheim, Linn Anne B. Brunborg and Ingvild E. Graff

National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), Bergen, Norway.

Accepted June 11, 2021

Abstract

Oily fish is a unique natural source to vitamin D and marine n-3 fatty acids. The aim of the present study was to investigate from where pregnant women get dietary advices and whether they eat seafood during pregnancy or not. A self-selected convenience sample (n = 43) of highly educated women responded to a self-administrated web based questionnaire. The women reduced their intake of both lean (p < 0.013) and oily (p < 0.003) fish during pregnancy, indicating that the women were not fully aware of the beneficial effects of seafood intake during pregnancy.

Key words: Marine n-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), vitamin D, recommendations, omega-3 fatty acids, pregnant, seafood.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2756-3332 Vol. 10 (2), pp. 001-007, February, 2022. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The effect of body weight on the incidence and prevalence of hypertension in Yaoundé

Azantsa Kingue Gabin Boris, Yangoua Mafo Cecile Huguette, Ngondi Judith Laure* and Julius Enyong Oben

Laboratory of Nutrition and Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon.

Accepted 21 January, 2022

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity and its related complications are on the increase in the industrialized as well as developing nations. This study assesses prevalence of hypertension, the influence of body weight on blood pressure variation and the relationship between obesity and hypertension in Yaoundé. A descriptive, cross- sectional study was conducted in 5 757 participants (61.6% females; mean age 33.7 ± 10.3 years old and 38.4% males; mean age 33.0 ± 11.5 years old) participated in health campaign program. Weight classification was done according to WHO criteria as 18.5 >BMI 24.9 (normal); 25 BMI 29.9 (overweight) and BMI 30 (obese). High blood pressure was recorded following both the National Cholesterol Education Program (ATP III) and World Health Organization criteria. Out of the 5757 participants, 34.5% were normal weight, 31.7% were overweight and 33.8% were obese individuals. Using the NCEP and WHO criteria respectively, diastolic high blood pressure was observed in 43% and 32.8% of participants. A positive correlation was found between BMI and both diastolic and systolic blood pressure. This study showed that there was a strong association of BMI with blood pressure and a high prevalence of diastolic hypertension among obese participants. The present result underpins the need for a consistent national emphasis on prevention and control of hypertension and obesity in younger adults.

Key words: Hypertension, body mass index, blood pressure.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2756-3332 Vol. 10 (2), pp. 001-005, February, 2022. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Patterns of left ventricular hypertrophy and geometry in newly diagnosed hypertensive adults in Northern Nigerians

Muhammad Sani Isa*, Garko Sani Bala, A. I. Oyati and S. S. Danbauchi

Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria.

Accepted 03 January, 2022

Abstract

In hypertensives, left ventricular hypertrophy predicts increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Adding to this burden is abnormality of left ventricular (LV) geometry. Knowledge of the left ventricular geometric patterns in our newly diagnosed hypertensives may have some prognostic significance. One hundred (100) newly diagnosed hypertensives (61 males and 39 females) and 78 normotensives (46 males and 32 females) were recruited for the study. All were clinically evaluated and an echocardiographic examination performed. Mean ages for the study subjects and controls were 51.40 ± 11.60 and 51.50 ± 11.50 years respectively (P = 0.47). Only 24% of the hypertensives had normal geometry with 76% being abnormal. Normal geometry was found in 63% of the controls with 37% being abnormal. Statistical significance was noticed when the geometric patterns of the hypertensive and controls were compared (p value < 0.001) . This study showed that only 24% of our hypertensives had normal LV geometric pattern at diagnosis while over 35% of the controls had abnormal geometry. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment to control hypertension should be taken with all seriousness.

Key Words: Hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, geometry, adults, Nigerians.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2756-3332 Vol. 10 (1), pp. 001-006, January, 2022. © International Scholars Journals