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J E Okonkwo

Publications and source records attributed to J E Okonkwo.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Anal incontinence among Igbo (Nigerian) women.

Anal incontinence in patients who present to the gynaecology clinic for symptoms other than pelvic organ prolapse dysfunction is fairly common. A structured pre-tested 41-item pelvic organ prolapse questionnaire was administered by doctors to 3963 gynaecological patients, recruited from three states of south-eastern Nigeria, who were in the clinic for reasons other than pelvic organ prolapse dysfunction. This report considers only anal incontinence. We found a prevalence of 6.96% for anal incontinence. Of these, 2.67% were incontinent for liquid stool, 2.17% for solid stool and 2.12% for flatus. There appears to be a higher frequency of flatus incontinence in the reproductive years: 36.6% of primiparas aged <30 years had faecal incontinence. Flatus incontinence was present in 28 (43.7%) of 198 para 4 and below, and in 36 (56.3%) of 78 para 5 and above. There was thus a significant association between flatus incontinence and parity (chi2=32.4; p<0.001). Spontaneous vaginal delivery had a significant effect on anal incontinence (p=0.04). Physicians should, be able to detect this embarrassing condition and be alert to factors that may avert or ameliorate it.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Communication and sexuality in a Nigerian community.

The traditional lack of interest in discussing sexuality creates a problem in doctor-patient communication, and this can affect patient management adversely. The dearth, ease or comfort in discussing sex was examined by a self-administered questionnaire to respondents, mainly medical students, nurses and paramedics, 20-70 years of age, who were not seeking treatment for sexual problems. The respondents were mainly of Igbo extraction from Eastern Nigeria. Factors considered include age, sex, religion, marital status, and education. The results show that 71.9% of all the respondents indicated that they would like to be able to discuss freely whereas 28.1% never really bothered; 40.9% of all the respondents could discuss sex with anybody whereas 59.1% could not; 75% in the married group discussed sex freely with their spouses or friends and 25% were unable to do so. Education showed a very significant influence on the ability to discuss sex freely. It is suggested that a systematic approach to education, especially sexual health education, may be a major way to combat the prevailing cultural inhibition.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Cloacal dysgenesis.

Cloacal dysgenesis is a rare anomaly. Fifty cases have been reported in the literature. This condition differs from the usual imperforate anus. The diagnosis, evaluation, and therapeutic management require an understanding of the embryogenesis of the cloaca. The presence at birth of a single interlabial orifice or an abnormality sited anus is a surgical emergency. Early salvage of the kidneys and relieving intestinal obstruction are emphasized. There is a high incidence of multiple system congenital abnormalities.

Anus, Imperforate↗