International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 2 (9), pp. 175-180, September, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Barriers to breastfeeding in male dominated society 

Christina M. Miller-Bellor

Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States. E-mail: [email protected].

Received 09 July, 2012; Accepted 17 September, 2012

Abstract

The U.S Department of Health and Human Services, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization and many others recommend breastfeeding for at least a year. Despite this recommendation, the Center for Disease Control (2011a) estimates that only 23.8% of infants are still breastfed until age 1 in the United States. The benefits of breastfeeding are well documented, yet, a December 7, 2011 headline reads, “Breast Milk or Formula: Why All the Drama?” Breastfeeding is a controversial issue, especially public breastfeeding. There have been several news stories over the last ten years about women asked to leave public places when breastfeeding. This review will address the attitudes and beliefs that create barriers to breastfeeding.

Key words: Breastfeeding, infant and maternal health, feminism.

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 2 (8), pp.171-174, August, 2012 © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Fire arm violence in northeastern Nigeria: University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital experience

 ¹Umaru H, ²Bwala ST, ³Bunu B

^1,2,3Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, PMB 1414 Maiduguri, Nigeria

*Correspondence author. E-mail [email protected]

Received 16 August, 2012; Accepted 30 August, 2012

Abstract

Background: Gunshot injuries (GSI) in Africa are often the manifestation of the twin evils of poverty and violence, frequently associated with profound morbidity and significant mortality.  The study was aimed at evaluating the current pattern and presentation of gunshot injuries in Nigerian Northeast sub region.

Patients and methods: This was a prospective study of gunshot injuries in a Nigerian teaching hospital. The study was conducted between March 2011 and April 2012, data extracted included patients demographic data, causes of gunshot injury, locations where victims were attacked, type of guns used and site of injuries. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0.

Results: Total number of patients was 121 and male: female ratio was 9:1. Eighty seven (71.9%) were below the age of 40years.Gunshot injuries was inflicted by Unknown gunmen(insurgents)  in 81(66.9%) and the weapon of attack was Rifle/AK 47 in 98 (80.9%).The most frequently injured sites were the extremities 81(66.9%) and abdomen 24 (19.8%).

Conclusion: Gunshot injuries occurred most frequently among young adult males, the limbs were the most frequently injured sites. Insurgence was responsible for most of the attacks and injuries resulted mainly from high caliber fire arms. Addressing poverty and unemployment among youths are desirable mitigating measures.

Key wards: Gunshot injuries, fire arms, Unknown gunmen, insurgents.

Key words: moderate underweight children, tempeh-date biscuit, nutritional status, weight, height 

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 2 (8), pp. 158-164, August, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Autobiographical Essay

Introduction of “Oncology” as a clinical discipline in the English-speaking world

Kamal Malaker

ICM Department, Ross university School of Medicine, Portsmouth, Dominica

*corresponding authors’ Email: [email protected]

Received 12 July, 2012; Accepted 30 August, 2012

Abstract

Cancer patients in the past had been treated by various clinical specialists, according to their training and knowledge. As it was realized that they are better treated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, several prominent Cancer Surgeons in London UK, conceived of bringing management of cancer under one clinical discipline. The word “Oncology “was imported from Soviet Russia to Hammersmith Hospital in London. Cancer Surgeons in London quickly realized the potential of the word “Oncology. With their initiative “British Association of Surgical Oncology” was formed in 1973 in London. From there the concept of “Oncology” as a clinical discipline spread to the rest of the English speaking world and elsewhere.

Key words:  Introduction, oncology, clinical discipline, clinical practice, cancer, Cancer patients

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 2 (7), pp.154-157, July, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Urinary tract infection and malaria co-morbidity in febrile children with sickle-cell anaemia in Sokoto, Nigeria 

**Jiya N M, FWACP,   Ibitoye PK, FWACP, Jiya F B, MBBS.

Department of Paediatrics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

*Corresponding authors’ Email: [email protected]

Received July, 2012; Accepted August 06, 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) accounts for 10% to 30% of end-stage renal failure in children. Sickle –cell anaemia (SCA) is one of the predisposing conditions for UTI in Nigerian children.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of UTI and malaria co-morbidity in febrile children with SCA and to determine renal ultrasound findings in them.

METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted amongst febrile children with SCA (Haemoglobin SS) that presented at the sickle-cell clinic, Department of Paediatrics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria over a one-year period (1st July 2008 to 30th June 2009). The results of urine microscopy, culture and sensitivity, blood smears for malaria parasite and abdominal ultrasounds were analyzed, and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Of the 259 febrile children with SCA that were studied, 72(27.8%) of them had UTI giving a prevalence rate of 27.8%. Uncomplicated malaria was present in 112(43.2%) of the 259 febrile children with SCA. Forty-five (40.2%) out of 112 that had malaria also had UTI. That is, 4 out of 10 febrile children with SCA with malaria may have UTI. Escherichia coli were the commonest cause of UTI in febrile children with SCA, in 37(51.4%). Normal renal ultrasound scans were in 228/259(88%) patients. Abnormal renal scans were more in those with UTI, 22/72(30.6%) compared to 4/112(3.6%) in those with malaria (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of UTI and malaria were very high in febrile children with SCA. It is therefore, recommended that every febrile child with SCA and malaria should be investigated for UTI.

Keywords: UTI, Malaria, Co-morbidity, Febrile Children, Sickle cell anaemia 

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 2 (7), pp.134-147, July, 2012.  © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The effects of tobacco smoking expenditures on household basic needs in urban slums of Yaoundé, Cameroon

Njoumemi Z¹³*, Epo Ngah B²³, Ngah A³

¹Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I,

²Department of Quantitative Techniques Applied to Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Yaoundé I

³HEREG Stop Tobacco Unit, Health Economic Research and Evaluation Group, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

*Corresponding author's Email: [email protected]

Received July 11, 2012; Accepted July 27, 2012

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the tobacco smoking status and cigarette expenditures among low, middle and high income households and to estimate the effects of tobacco smoking on basic needs across different income groups in urban slums of Yaoundé in Cameroon.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 372 households with 1,488 individual’s members aged 10-64 years was conducted in twenty urban slums of two health districts in 2009. Cross tabulations and the ordinary least squares regression model were used to assess tobacco smoking status and the effects of tobacco smoking expenditures on basic needs between low, middle and high income smoking households.

Results:  In urban slums, the majority (64.5%) of households surveyed were cigarette smoking households. The percentage of either income or expenditures allocates to cigarette smoking was higher (9.8% of income and 10.1% of expenditures) for low income households, following the middle income households (6.4% of income and 7.1 of expenditures) than for the high income households (4.2% of income and 5.8% of expenditures). The trends in cigarette expenditures were reflected in both the quantity of packs of cigarette smoked and the average price per pack paid by different income levels. Cigarette smoking by household’s members had an important opportunity cost by restricting the household limited budget available to spend on basic needs (food, water, housing, health care, clothing, electricity, transport, sport and leisure). Increasing cigarette price by raising tobacco tax rates would reduce consumption more among low income households than among high income households.

Conclusion: The actual monthly expenditures on cigarettes against expenditures on basic needs shows that all income groups would significantly improved their livelihood if they do not spend any money on cigarettes. Any country specific tobacco taxation policy aiming to increase the price of cigarettes without any consideration for the changes in households’ income, might not be most effective in reducing cigarette smoking across different income groups. Government interventions from outside the health sector – specifically – in social protection, poverty reduction, urban planning and economic regulations have the potential to strengthen tobacco control in Cameroon.

Key words: Tobacco smoking, expenditures, households, basic needs, urban slums, Yaoundé, Cameroon.