Biomedical subjects

G E Erhabor

Publications and source records attributed to G E Erhabor.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Prevalence of asthma symptoms among university students 15 to 35 years of age in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma continues to cause increasing morbidity and mortality among young adults in the developing world. There is scarcity of data on the prevalence of asthma among young Nigerian adults. METHODS: We studied the prevalence of asthma among students (15-35 years of age) of the Obafemi Awolowo University using a standardized questionnaire. One thousand self-administered questionnaires were distributed; 903 were retrieved and analyzed (469 males, 434 females). Symptoms indicative of asthma were cough, chest tightness at rest and on exposure to irritants, and the presence of nocturnal symptoms. Students with three or more symptoms or who had a diagnosis of asthma were considered probable asthmatics and those with one or two symptoms as suspected asthmatics. Students in any of these two categories were defined as symptomatic respondents. RESULTS: The 12-month prevalence of wheeze, night waking with cough, and chest tightness in the morning was 9.0% (n = 81) 9.4% (n = 85) and 8.0% (n = 72), respectively. One hundred and twenty-seven respondents (14.1%) comprising 49 males (10.4%) and 78 females (17.9%) had probable asthma. The remaining symptomatic respondents consisting of 20 males (4.3%) and 16 females (3.9%) had suspected asthma. Of these, only 32.5% (53/163) had been previously diagnosed and 22.1% were on occasional inhaled bronchodilator treatment. CONCLUSION: These results indicate a relatively high prevalence of asthma among the students. A greater proportion of them had not been diagnosed and were not receiving proper treatment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Pulmonary functions of wheat flour mill workers and controls in Ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The impact of grain dust exposure on lung functions of grain handlers in Nigeria has remained largely undocumented. Lung functions of wheat flourmill workers and control subjects were assessed, and the prevalence of lung function abnormalities was compared among the occupational groups. METHODS: Study subjects consisted of 91 flour-millers, 30 matched internal controls from the maintenance unit of the same flourmill factory and 121 matched external controls. A cross-sectional analytical design is utilized; data were collected using structured interviews, anthropometric measurements, spirometry, and area dust sampling. RESULTS: The flour-millers recorded significantly lower mean lung functions compared with control subjects (P < 0.05), for FEV(1) and FVC, when observed values were expressed as percentages of predicted normal values. Furthermore, 29% of flour-millers, compared with 15% of external controls and 10% of internal controls, presented with at least one abnormal test result of ventilatory function. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that wheat flour-mill workers in Nigeria are at an increased risk of developing abnormalities of lung functions compared with control subjects, and the dominant pattern of respiratory disease among them is airway obstruction.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Prevalence of respiratory symptoms among wheat flour mill workers in Ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: While investigations into occupational health problems of various groups of workers have been conducted in Nigeria, so far, very little attention has been paid to the health status of workers in the grain industry. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among wheat flour mill workers and control groups in a medium size industrial setting in Nigeria was studied. METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional analytical design. Data were collected using structured interviews, work-site observations, and physical examination. Respondents consisted of 91 flour-millers, 30 matched internal controls from the maintenance unit of the same flour mill factory, and 121 matched external controls. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent of the flour-millers reported at least one respiratory symptom compared with 30% of the internal controls (P < 0.05) and 19% of the external controls (P < 0.001). Most symptoms were significantly more prevalent among the flour-millers compared with control subjects, and this trend was more evident amongst non-smokers than ex-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that wheat flour mill workers in Nigeria, like grain workers elsewhere, were at an increased risk of developing both pulmonary and non-pulmonary symptoms compared with control subjects. The result has implications for improved dust control measures in the grain industry in Nigeria.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

The association of anxiety with asthma among a sample of asthmatics in Ile-Ife Osun State Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The association between asthma and anxiety has been a subject of various studies in developed countries, but there has been little work done in this area in developing countries. The goal of this study is to determine whether asthmatics are more anxious than orthopaedic patients and healthy individuals. METHOD: Fifty consecutive asthmatics were assessed. All completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ--30) and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI--1 and 2). Healthy individuals (30) and orthopaedic patients (30) were also recruited as controls; they also completed the GHQ and the STAI--1 and 2. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, occupation, and marital status. The asthmatics had a mean GHQ score of 4.2 (SD+/-4.6) while orthopaedic and healthy control groups scored 1.6 (SD+/-1.8) and 2 (SD+/- 1.8), respectively. There was a significant difference in the mean score of the index population (Asthmatics) and the comparison groups (F=7.09, DF=2/107, P=0.004). With GHQ, cutoff point of > or =5.34% of asthmatics scored above 5 while 10% and 13.3% of the orthopaedic patients and healthy controls each scored > or =5. A significant difference was obtained in the mean scores on the STAI--1 questionnaire (F=4.6, DF=2/107, P=.012) indicating state anxiety whereas there was no significant difference on the STAI-2 questionnaire (F= 1.2, DF=2/107, P=0.31). CONCLUSION: Although asthmatics have higher anxiety compared to controls, this is not an inherent problem or trait among them.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in OAUTHC Ile-Ife: a ten-year review of hospital mortality.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a spectrum of chronic lung disease. The prevalence and incidence of COPD is on the increase globally with an attendant increase in morbidity and mortality. There is a lack of data on the prevalence and incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD in developing countries, which is what prompted this study. We reviewed mortality due to COPD in order to identify risk factors for death and possible preventive measures. Out of 161 admissions during the review period-1990 to 1999-there were 41 deaths, accounting for a mortality rate of 25.46%. The highest mortality occurred in the sixth and seventh decades of life with a male to female ratio of 3:1. Chest infections, cor pulmonale, and respiratory failure were the most common complications. Extremes of age, lower socio-economic group, smoking (>10 packs per year), and respiratory tract infection were the most commonly identified risk factors for death. Attention should be paid to preventive measures to halt the development and progression of the disease. This offers the best hope of minimizing mortality.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Specific psychiatric morbidity among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a Nigerian general hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to explore specific psychiatric morbidity among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in Nigeria. METHOD: The mental status of 30 COPD patients was compared with those of 30 uncomplicated hypertensive patients and 30 apparently healthy controls using the 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30) and Present State Examination (PSE). The sociodemographic characteristics of the three groups were also compared. RESULTS: The COPD population was significantly least educated and predominantly subsistent farmers. Thirty percent of the COPD population, 13.3% of the hypertensive patients and 3.3% of apparently healthy controls had psychiatric morbidity (P<.05). The COPD population, with psychiatric diagnoses consisted of 16.7% depressive episode, 10% generalized anxiety disorder and 3.3% delirium. This pattern is similar to data from industrialized countries. No sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with psychiatric morbidity. CONCLUSION: Improving the psychiatric knowledge of the primary physician will result in better management of the COPD patient.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Pulmonary functions in ARC-welders in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occupational effects of Arc-welding on small scale welders in Modakeke, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. DESIGN: A community-based, cross-sectional study. SETTING: A semi-urban area Modakeke, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. POPULATION: A semi-urban area with a population of about 300,000 (three hundred thousand). STUDY POPULATION: Forty four Arc-welders in Modakeke, Ile-Ife and fifty age and sex-matched controls working in the Maintenance Department of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. INTERVENTION: Structured questionnaires adapted from the Medical Research Council, UK respiratory questionnaire with some modifications were administered to all subjects and controls. Physical examination and lung function tests were also carried out on all subjects and controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Occupational-related symptoms of welders and controls were compared. Ventilatory function of welders and controls were also compared using the Student's 't'-test. Chi-square was adopted to test the strength of relationship between smoking and lung function abnormalities. RESULTS: The most frequent symptoms found among the subjects were eye irritation (95.43%), rhinitis (50.09%) and skin irritation (43.19%). The arc-welders were found to have characteristically lower lung function parameters than controls (p < 0.05). Ten (22.7%) of the subjects had obstructive lung disease compared to four (8%) of the controls; while 18 (40.9%) of the subjects had restrictive lung disease. Their lung abnormalities had no relationship to their smoking history. CONCLUSION: Workers exposed to arc-welding are at risk of occupational-related symptoms and chronic lung disease. Adoption of protective devices and monitoring of welders' breathing zones for toxic levels of gases and fumes are necessary to reduce the risk associated with arc-welding.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Factors influencing compliance in patients with tuberculosis on directly observed therapy at Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Increased morbidity and mortality of tuberculosis have been blamed on neglect of the human dimension of tuberculosis control. One of such factors included in human dimension is non-compliance, a behavioural parameter, which has led to the emergence of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, and poor treatment outcome. OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of directly observed therapy (DOT) on compliance and the factors influencing it. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: Chest clinic of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. METHODS: Directly observed therapy (DOT) was employed. Records of the socio-demographic characteristics, treatment categories, complications developed, results of investigations, level of compliance and treatment outcome for the patients were kept. The data for the patients seen between May 1996 and April 1997 were retrieved and analysed. Those that complied were compared with those that did not comply. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety nine patients comprising ninety one males and 108 females, were seen during the period. They were mostly between the ages of 16 years and 45 years (mean +/- SD = 31.7+/-14.98). One hundred and fifty eight (73%) complied and all of them were cured. The only factor that significantly influenced rate of compliance was proximity to the chest clinic. CONCLUSION: DOT improves the rate of compliance. No socio-demographic factors considered significantly influenced the rate of compliance under DOT, and as such they are not reliable predictive factors. Locating chest units in the existing primary health care facilities will improve the rate of compliance with antituberculosis therapy. More attention should be paid to behavioural aspect of tuberculosis control.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Demographic/socioeconomic factors in mental disorders associated with tuberculosis in southwest Nigeria.

In spite of the high prevalence of tuberculosis worldwide, there are few studies on its psychiatric complications. The mental state of 53 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis seen in a Nigerian chest clinic was examined using the 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30), the Present State Examination (PSE), and a clinical evaluation based on the International Classification of Disease, tenth edition (ICD-10). Results were compared with two comparison groups: (1) a group of 20 long-stay orthopedic patients with lower limb fractures; and (2) a group of 20 apparently healthy controls. The sociodemographic characteristics of the groups were also compared. A significantly higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders was found in the tuberculosis group (30.2%) than in the orthopedic group (15%) and the apparently healthy controls (5%). The types of psychiatric disorders encountered included mild depressive episode, generalized anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder (ICD-10). Psychiatric morbidity was higher in tuberculosis patients with low educational attainment, and did not show a statistically significant relationship with other sociodemographic parameters. Ways of improving the mental health of tuberculosis patients are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Diabetic mortalities in Ilesa, Nigeria: a retrospective study.

Twenty five patients (15 males and 10 females) died out of a total of 114 diabetics (21.9 pc) admitted over a six year period. Fourteen of them were new cases diagnosed for the first time on presentation. Death occurred within 72 hours of admission for eight (57 pc) of these new cases. Among the 11 known diabetics who died, eight were clinic defaulters. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was the cause of death in eight (32 pc) of the patients studied and this proved to be the commonest cause of death. Results of laboratory tests for five patients were not available before their death and two patients with DKA could not afford the over the counter cost of insulin and normal saline as they were unavailable in the hospital pharmacy at the time of their presentation. This study clearly demonstrates that the risk of death among Nigerian diabetics is increased by a high defaulting rate and delayed diagnosis and treatment. This is further aggravated by the near absence of emergency laboratory services and drug shortages in the hospital.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Exercise induced bronchoconstriction in Nigerian asthmatics.

This study describes the result of free-running exercise performed on 40 asthmatic subjects and 40 age and sex matched controls. A percentage fall of more than 15% in PEFR was used for the diagnosis of exercise-induced asthma (EIA). 77.5% of our asthmatic patients had exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) while none of the control subjects exhibited EIB. Twenty-seven patients gave positive history of EIA out of which 25 (92.59%) had positive exercise testing. Conversely, 13 patients with asthma did not give history of EIA but 6 of this (46.15%) were found to have EIB on exercise. History alone is therefore insufficient to diagnose patients with exercise-induced asthma.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a ten-year review of clinical features in O.A.U.T.H.C., Ile-Ife.

The case notes of all patients admitted for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) between 1990-1999 were reviewed. A total of 160 cases satisfied the American Thoracic Society criteria for COPD and were subsequently analyzed. The age of the patients ranged from 41-90 years: with a mean of 65 years. The male-female ratio was 4:1. Indoor pollution and smoking were found to be the commonest aetiological factors; while farming and trading were the major occupational groups at risk. The clinical features of the patients showed a mixed pattern of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The study identifies the need to make an early diagnosis and commence appropriate treatment to retard progression to severe disease and death.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever: a retrospective study.

Sixty-eight proved cases of typhoid and paratyphoid fever were reviewed in a retrospective study covering 5 years (1986-1990). Patients within the age range of 10 to 39 years constituted 82.3 per cent of cases and there was equal incidence in both sexes. The mean duration of illness before presentation was 9.67 days. The major clinical features were fever (97%), abdominal tenderness (-9.4%), headache and abdominal pain (70.58%) each). Intestinal perforation was the commonest complication (27.9%) with a male preponderance (M:F-3:1). Perforation occurred after the first week of illness in 73.7 per cent of cases. Fourteen out of the nineteen patients who perforated were not on therapy at the time of perforation and they constituted 80 per cent of those cases of mortality in which perforation played a role. Surgical management of perforation gave better results than conservative management (mortality rates of 16.7% and 40% respectively). Salmonella was sensitive to Chloramphenicol in all the cases where the organism was grown. There were 10 recorded deaths (14.9%) of whom 60 per cent (i. e. 6 patients) presented after two weeks of illness.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Patients attitude towards asthma in Ile-Ife.

BACKGROUND: There seems to be a paucity of data concerning the attitude of asthmatics towards asthma, its treatment and its effects on their lives in most developing countries. Inadequate attention paid to the psychological and social aspects of asthma could be a significant factor responsible for increase in morbidity and mortality from asthma despite major advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. This study aimed at investigating the attitude of asthmatics to the disease (using an asthma dislike questionnaire) to form the basis of a more comprehensive health education programme for asthmatics. METHODS: An asthma-dislike questionnaire was administered to asthmatic patients who were invited for an Asthma Education Programme. This was done prior to the commencement of the lectures. Information elicited was on dislike of physical condition, emotional dysfunction, dislike of psychosocial effects, public-life interference and dislike of medication. RESULTS: Two-third of the asthmatics complained of interference with physical activities. Over 25% indicated being more intolerant towards others. 50% of the patients expressed the fear of dying from sudden asthmatic attack. Two-thirds of the patients expressed concern over the increasing cost of medication and adverse effects of asthma on their public lives. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that asthma is not just a physical condition, but also has psychosocial components, which varies from person to person. The use of a biopsychosocial approach to augment asthma therapy is advocated.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A five-year review of tuberculosis mortality amongst hospitalised patients in Ile-Ife.

BACKGROUND: Death from tuberculosis (TB) is the longest recorded indicator of the TB epidemic in industrialised countries. This study aims at investigating into various factors associated with death in hospitalised patients with tuberculosis in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. METHODS: A retrospective study of all admissions into the medical wards, total number of deaths and number of cases of deaths due to TB during the period 1998-2000 was done. RESULTS: Tuberculosis represented 8% (268) of all admissions (n=3464). The overall hospital mortality during the period under review was 1030 (30%). Tuberculosis was responsible for 5% of all deaths while TB specific mortality was 18.3 percent. The highest mortality was observed among patients between the 3rd and 4th decade of life with a male to female ratio 1.3: 1. About 70% of the patients died within a week of admission. Pulmonary TB was responsible for 69% of deaths followed by tuberculous meningitis (14%), retroviral illness (24%), anaemia (60%). Delayed presentation and diagnosis were identified as factors commonly associated with death rate. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed presentation and diagnosis were commonly associated with death. There is a need for more awareness among patients and health care providers about tuberculosis.

Adolescent↗