Oseni Rasaki Olaiya, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2007

Reports have it that malaria places significant burden on households with rural households relatively bearing the overwhelming burden in terms of prevention and treatment. This development has forced households into diverting family resources into financing malaria expenditure. Since Nigeria lies in a region of the world known to be endemic for malaria, it is proposed that rural families’ expenditure on malaria would be a significant proportion of their income. This study therefore sought to determine household expenditure on suspected cases of malaria in Shika village in Giwa local government area of Kaduna state, Nigeria. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out using interviewer administered questionnaire. The village was divided into four regions and a cluster sampling with equal allocation was employed, thus 20 households were randomly selected from each region, making a total of 80 households. Fever was taken as proxy for malaria and household heads of 80 households were questioned about household income and household expenditures on the treatment and prevention of malaria using a recall period of 3 months preceding this study. The data was analyzed manually and with Microsoft excel software package and presented in tabular form and also using appropriate statistical charts. Households sampled consisted mainly of 6-10 people (43.75%) while majority of household heads were farmers (31.35%). The average monthly family income was mainly between 1000-5000 Naira (62.5%). In the sampled households, over 70% of them had had at least a family member who had fever during the preceding 3 months. The households that made expenditure on treatment of fever was 84% and cost was mainly responsible for choice of place of care, accounting for 61% of reasons. The expenditure on treatment was mainly on drugs (76.2%). The households that prevented malaria were 76% of the sample and mosquito coil was the most favoured method of prevention (62%). The cost of prevention was the major factor (57%) for the selection of this method of prevention. Most households that spent on treatment (77.55%) have spent 1-5% of family income on treatment and most households that spent on prevention (55.4%) have spent 1-3% of family income on prevention. The direct household expenditure on malaria was about 5%. The main source of financing the treatment and prevention of malaria was family income (71.43%) and 16.33% of the households had to borrow money to offset the treatment bill, while 12.24% had to collect credit from chemist shops. The findings indicate that malaria still places significant economic burden on households and coping strategies adopted can have negative implications, influencing households’ ability to withstand malaria and other contingencies in future. It is therefore imperative to protect the poor and vulnerable by intensifying and integrating malaria control policies into development and poverty reduction programmes.

Atta Amos Aku, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2007

Self medication is a problem that is practiced world wide especially in the developing countries which Nigeria is one , due to some factors like easy accessibility to drugs and inadequate medical personnel. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among health staff of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria with the aim of determining the knowledge, attitude and practice of self medication and their perception of its consequences. A structured self administered questionnaires containing the socio-demographic data, knowledge, drugs used and conditions frequently used for, presence of unwanted effects and perception of the consequences of self medication was administered. The sample size was 130 and stratified random sampling technique was used. Information obtained was analyzed and it showed that majority of the health staff had knowledge about self medication. The prevalence of self medication was found to be 93.8%, nurses have the highest number of respondents self medicating and the conditions that were frequently self medicated for were fever, headache, cough and catarrh and the drugs frequently used were analgesics, anti-malarial drugs. About 27.9% of them that have had unwanted effects following self medication with more than half of them still desirous to self medicate when next they are ill with majority of them having the knowledge of the its consequences. There is high level of self medication among health staff with less than half of them have at least had one form of unwanted effects from self medication and more than half still desirous to self medicate because they feel by virtue of the knowledge they have acquired, they should be able to treat themselves of minor ailments. It is recommended therefore that a comprehensive approach that will involve enlightenment campaign programme, adequate demarcation between prescription and non-prescription drugs, ensure efficient drug control policies and regulation.

Mohammed Halimat Mono and Shuaibu Usman Yahaya, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2006

The greatest health problem threatening the human race in our time is the HIV/AIDS pandemic where the burden is greatest in sub-Saharan Africa. According to estimates from the UNAIDS/WHO AIDS epidemic update (December 2004), 37.2 million adults, 17.6 million women and 2.2million children were living with HIV at the end of 2004. This is more than 50% higher than the figures projected by W.H.O in 1991. (2) During 2004, some 4.9 million people became infected with the human immunodeficiency virus with 3.1million deaths from aids. Around half of the people who acquire HIV become infected before they turn 25 and typically die of aids before their 35th birthday. The data collection was carried out using an interviewer administered close-ended questionnaire with questions arranged in sections that reflected the objectives of the study these were administered over a period of one week. data analysis ‘Tables were used to present relevant data. analysis of data using calculations and representations on tables illustrating the study done.’ Most of the respondents 94.7% have heard about HIV/AIDs. The commonest source of knowledge is breadth workers (27.8% followed by radio (20.6%). The least is posters bills and magazine (5.7%). The commonest route of transmission to the respondents is sexual intercourse is (18.2%), followed by transfusion (16.2%) than infections needed and sharp objects (15.7%) the lest is circumcision (11.19%. Most of the women (24.1%) say that weight loss is a manifestation of HIV about 20.6% said they don’t know any manifestation of HIV. Rashes had 18.1% and diarrhea 17.1%. Majority 28.8% say that abstinence is a means of prevention of HIV/AID 25% that being faithful and avoidances of sharing sharp instrument 16.9%. 8190 say they don’t know any means of prevention 86.0% said that HIV/AID is preventable while 4.70 said they did at know and 7.3 said it is not preventable. 83.3% of the respondents have heard of voluntary counseling and testing of HIV (VCT) the commonest source of information is from health workers 52.6% next is radio with (23.0%) and then Television (15.8%). The last among source is Relatives with 20%. 46.9% of the respondents have undergone voluntary counseling and testing of HIV and 53.3% have not. The commonest reason for VCT amongst respondents is the fact that they have been assured of its confidentiality 47% of the respondents have had VCT during the index pregnancy while 53% have not. Of those who have not been tested, 47% are willing to be tested while 47% are not willing and 6% are undecided.

Yusuf A.A. and Oguche O.E, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2006

Breast cancer is a leading malignancy among women worldwide, with more than half a million new cases being diagnosed every year.5,6 Over 40 percent of these cases occur in developing countries. In Nigeria, the incidence doubled from 15 per 100,000 women in 1976 to 34 per 100,000 in 1992, and it is still rising.9 This study was carried out to assess the level of awareness, attitude and practice of Breast self-examination among female students of Federal College of Education, Zaria. One hundred and fifty eight (158) respondents were administered close-ended, self administered questionnaires. 51.6 % of the respondents were in the age group of 21-25 years. Hausa Fulani was the predominant single ethnic group accounting for 25.9% of the respondents and the predominant religion was Christianity accounting for 60.1 percent of respondents. Seventy five point three (75.3) percent of the respondents were single. 89.9% of the respondents had heard of breast cancer and for 41.7 percent of this, the media was their source of information. Health care personnel accounted for only 23.8 percent of the source of information. A lump in the breast was the most recognizable features sign of breast cancer, though by only a dismal 20.7 percent of the respondents. 70.1% of the respondent had heard of breast self examination, but only 54.4% of this practice it; and of this, only 24.4% practice it monthly. Given this low level of awareness and practice of breast self-examination, the implication is that early detection of breast cancer would be unlikely and this would account for the large cases of late presentation of cancer of the breast in this environment, hence the need for more concerted efforts towards improving awareness on breast cancer and breast self examination, given its role in reducing the breast cancer burden.

Pembi Emmanuel, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2011

While exchange of sex for money is a common practice around the world, commercial sex workers are often treated as less than human, both in cultural attitudes and public policy. There are four main categories of health risks faced by workers in the commercial sex industry. These relate to the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections (STI), harm through violence from clients or pimps, factors associated with the use of drugs and mental health. The practice of contraception can go a long way in preventing health hazards. The purpose of this study was to investigate the health needs and contraceptive practices among commercial sex workers in Sabon Gari Zaria. A descriptive study was carried out using a structured, interviewer administered close ended questionnaires which were administered to 78 commercial sex workers. A total survey was carried out using 12 brothels in Sabon Gari Zaria. The study revealed that knowledge of contraception and practice was exceptionally high.98.7% is aware of the male condom, and 80.8% use condoms every time they have sex. Knowledge of HIV and its prevention is also high in this population.100% heard about HIV/AIDS, knew that it is preventable, that a healthy looking person may be infected and that is important to know one’s HIV status.98.7% knew their HIV status.65% drink alcohol while 34.6% smoke cigarette. Use of intravenous drug was 1.3%. 29.1% had abortion with complication while 19% had no complication after abortion. They were also exposed to variety of violence. The good knowledge of contraceptives and knowledge of HIV indicates relatively low transmission of HIV and other STIs. Other issues however need to be addressed such as violence to commercial sex workers.

Iyua Kuleve Othniel, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2011

Globally vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) cause 2 million or more deaths annually; approximately 1.5 million deaths are in children under five. These 1.5 million deaths represent perhaps 15% of annual global deaths in children under five. The National Immunization Cluster Survey, 2003, stated that in Nigeria, VPDs currently account for 22% of deaths nationally for children aged under five5. This study assesses the state of routine immunization services in primary health facilities in Sabon Gari Local Government Area. Using a cross-sectional descriptive study design, data was collected with self administered questionnaire. 90 questionnaires were distributed among the study population of which 87 were returned and analyzed using SPSS 17.0, and results presented in form of tables and charts. Majority of the health workers in the primary health centre (81.6 percent) have good knowledge of routine immunization. The study reveals that all the primary health care facilities (100%) visited were offering routine immunization services. Immunization coverage per antigen was lower than the set targets in most of the facilities. Only 25 percent of primary centres for which data are presented were drop-out rates less than 10%. Fifty percent (50%) of the primary health centres visited had either refrigerator or deep freezer; however these facilities were not used for vaccine storage. All the primary health centres visited have a map of their catchment areas, and their source of vaccine was only from the local government. In conclusion routine immunization is available at all the primary health care centres in Sabon Gari LGA, but the utilization of this service is poor. The study recommends regular training of primary health workers, public awareness on immunization, and ensuring availability of vaccines and its storage facilities as ways to improve routine immunization services at primary health centres in Sabon-Gari local government area.

Jacob Dusu Sambo, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2011

Scabies is a highly contagious, intensely pruritic disorder, caused by the human itch mite, sarcoptes scabeii var huminis acquired by direct contact with an infected person or indirectly through contaminated clothing, bed liners, and handholding materials. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence and distribution of scabies and to propose an effective health education and advocacy programme to address the problems of scabies among school age children in a Koranic school at Samaru, Zaria. Using a cross sectional study design, data was collected from a sample of 134 children age 5-14years drawn from a population of pupils attending Mallam Barau Koranic school at Samaru, Zaria. Data was collected on factors which may be associated with scabies using structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17 and Microsoft Excel and presented in charts and tables, and measures of central tendency and of dispersion were used to summarize it. The prevalence of scabies was found to be 19% with more males (20.5%) affected than females (11.7%). Age group 5-9years have a relatively high prevalence of 22.2% compared to the age group 10-14years with 17.9%. The commonest body part affected by scabies rash was the inter-digital webs of hands and feet (40.4%) and the least affected was the head and neck region (6.4%). The high prevalence of scabies recorded in this study may be due to low socio-economical status, poor living conditions, and poor personal hygiene among others. This shows that scabies is still a common health problem among children in Koranic schools that needs due attention from policy makers and other stakeholders.

Kadala Mivanyi, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2011

Sickle cell anaemia is a chronic genetic disorder which remains the most important hereditary disease in tropical Africa and it is particularly important in Nigeria because Nigeria is known to have the largest number of sickle cell disease patients of any country in the world. This study intends to assess the quality of care provided to sickle cell anaemia patients by the Ahmadu Bello University teaching hospital Haematology clinic. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out using simple random sampling technique to select the 60 respondents that participated in the study. Questionnaires were administered on their clinic days and the data collected was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences software, version17. A total of 60 patients responded to the questionnaires giving a response rate of 100%. The areas assessed majorly in the questionnaires include counseling in the various aspects of the disease and therapy especially in the management of complications. Most respondents strongly agree that they have been counseled adequately about the nature of the disease and its mode of inheritance (68.3 and 58.3% respectively) while 61.7% of patients believe strongly that they have been adequately counseled on the avoidance of crises and self care. Only 10% of patients strongly believe that they do not receive adequate emotional/psychological support at the clinic. The majority of respondents 55% believe strongly that the emotional support is adequate. Pregnancy and related care was rated poorly by respondents with only 13% of those who responded strongly agreeing with the fact that care is adequate. Most of them (25.5%) were undecided. It was also observed that 33.3% and 31.8% respectively which form the majority of respondents strongly disagree that eye and orthopaedic care is adequate in the clinic. 43.3% of patients which form the majority strongly agree that social services are adequate to meet their needs outside the hospital setting especially as it relates to disability and socio-economic consequences. The advanced modalities of cure such as stem cell transplant and gene therapy are not available in this centre as is evident from 58.1% of patients strongly disagreeing that such modalities have been adequately presented to them in the clinic. ABUTH haematology clinic offers a reasonably high quality of care especially in the basic areas of counseling (about the disease, its mode of inheritance, self care and avoidance of crises), drug management of the condition and giving emotional and psychological support to patients. Areas which were poor include the management of pregnancy as well as ophthalmic and orthopaedic complications and the availability of services that offer cure for the disease such as gene therapy and stem cell transplant.

Lawrence Ijimdiya Sylvanus, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2011

The patient-doctor relationship is central to the practice of medicine and the delivery of high quality medical. Without it doctors be effective and patients cannot be helped. This study was designed to assess patient-doctor relationship in medical care at Ahmadu Bello university teaching hospital (ABUTH), Shika, Zaria. This was descriptive cross sectional study involving 150 patients sampled from the clinical departments of medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, obstaetrics and gynaecology. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire which sought information on their sociodemograhic characteristics, nature of patient-doctor relationship, compliance and satisfaction and litigation in medical care as well as possible ways of improving the patient-doctor relationship. There were 200 respondents. Most of the respondents were males (61.3%). The modal age group was (35.3%) with a mean age of 37 years. Most of the respondents were Hausa (28.7%) by tribe and Christians by religion (64%). Most were married (52.7%), majority were students (38.7%) and 63.3% had tertiary education. Most (96.7%) of the patients had a good patient-doctor relationship. Compliance and satisfaction rates in medical care were both 91.3%. Only 6% of patients have ever sued for medical malpractice. A positive relationship was found between patient-doctor relationship and satisfaction in medical care. No relationship was observed between patient-doctor relationship and compliance or litigation in medical care.

Alfa Aishah Umaimah, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Traditional postpartum practices are widely observed in many rural communities, including Milgoma in Kaduna State. While some of these practices may be beneficial, others pose health risks. This is a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence and patterns of traditional postpartum practices among multiparous women in Milgoma Community, Giwa L.G.A, Kaduna State. It was conducted among 163 multiparous women using a multi-stage sampling method and an informed consent was obtained from the participants. A structured, interviewer- administered questionnaires was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The results were presented in frequency tables and charts. Chi-square test was used to assess the associations between categorical variables. The level of significance was set as <5%. The prevalence of traditional postpartum practices was 85.3%. Common practices included hot ritual baths (98.6%), seclusion (74.1%), and ingestion of potash gruel (55.4%). Most women (99.3%) believed the practices were beneficial, especially for faster recovery and pain relief. However, 11.5% reported side effects such as skin burns and heart-related issues. Key influencing factors included cultural beliefs, advice from elders, low education, and financial limitations. In conclusion, traditional postpartum practices remain highly prevalent in Milgoma. While many women view them as helpful, some practices carry health risks. There is a need for community-based education to encourage safe maternal care while respecting cultural norms.

Muhammad Bashir Yahaya, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that appear in early childhood, caused by injury to the developing brain, leading to permanent impairments in movement and coordination. Children with CP often experience reduced quality of life and restricted social participation, placing a substantial psychological, social, and economic burden on their caregivers. Despite its impact, limited studies have examined this burden in depth. This study aims to assess the psycho-social and economic burden on primary caregivers of children with CP attending the Pediatric Neurology Clinic at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Kaduna State. A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 136 primary caregivers of children with CP who attended the neurology clinic during the study period. Data were collected through semi-structured, interviewer- administered questionnaires. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and cross-tabulations, while associations between categorical variables were tested using the Chi-square test, with significance set at p < 0.05. The mean age of respondents was 27.32 years (SD ±4.63). The majority were Hausa (79.4%), Muslim (77.9%), mothers (68.4%), and married (79.4%). Most were self- employed (47.8%) and had secondary education (39.7%). A large proportion (81.6%) perceived caring for a child with CP as burdensome, while 81.1% reported experiencing depression. Over 62.5% of respondents reported loss of personal time, and 56.6% indicated that their focus on the child with CP negatively affected attention to their other x children. Financially, 58.1% spent between ₦1,000–₦7,000 each monthly on medical and non-medical expenses, while 79.4% lived below Kaduna State’s minimum wage of ₦72,000 (2025). Statistically significant associations were found between level of education and social burden (p = 0.002), and between occupation and economic burden (p = 0.009). The study reveals that the majority of caregivers are mothers who face substantial psycho-social and economic challenges. The findings highlight the need for emotional support services, such as caregiver counseling, peer support groups, and the inclusion of children with CP in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to alleviate these burdens.

Mustapha Owuri, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Male involvement is crucial for maternal and infant healthcare service utilisation, particularly in patriarchal settings like Northern Nigeria where men are key decision-makers. However, spousal support often falls short of expectations, contributing to poor utilisation of maternal healthcare services. This study aimed to assess the factors that affect spousal support for maternal and infant healthcare service utilisation among men in Sabon Gari Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Sabon Gari LGA. A total of 100 spouses of mothers with infants aged 0-12 months were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographics, knowledge, perception, and participation in maternal healthcare (Antenatal Care - ANC, Intrapartum Care, Postnatal Care - PNC). Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test, and binary logistic regression using SPSS version 27. The mean age of respondents was 41.2 years. While most respondents (88%) had a positive perception towards maternal healthcare, overall knowledge was poor (87% had poor knowledge). Although awareness of ANC was high (92%), knowledge about when to start, the number of attendances, danger signs, and birth preparedness was limited. Overall participation in maternal healthcare was low, with only 43% demonstrating good participation. Participation was highest in PNC (81%), moderate in ANC (54%), and lowest during delivery (39%). While approval for wives to attend ANC (88%) and PNC (85%) was high, active support like accompanying wives to clinics (ANC: 8%, PNC: 9%) or providing physical support during labour was minimal. Significant factors influencing good participation included age (30-49 years), tribe (non-Fulani), higher education (tertiary), and good knowledge of maternal healthcare. Male spouses in Sabon Gari LGA generally hold positive perceptions but lack adequate knowledge and active participation regarding maternal healthcare service utilisation, particularly during ANC and delivery. Interventions focusing on improving male knowledge, addressing cultural barriers specific to certain groups, and targeting certain ages are needed to enhance their participation and improve maternal and infant health service utilisation in the communities.

Abdullahi Bilyamin Mohammad, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

One of the most important aspects of medical school education is research training. In order to maintain accreditation requirements, help students advance their careers, and produce a pool of researchers, medical schools are expected to teach students how to conduct research. Future doctors must receive sufficient research training during their undergraduate studies in order to foster critical thinking, cultivate critical appraisal abilities, and become research-oriented. A descriptive cross sectional study was done using a self–administered questionnaire. Data was collected from 242 undergraduate medical students of Ahmadu Bello University across three classes. Students were selected using a multistage sampling technique and the data gotten was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. The results were presented in tables and charts. Association between variables were tested for statistical significance. The level of significance was set at <5%. The mean age of the respondents 24.62 (SD+ 2.3) with more than half (51.3%) of the respondents in the age categories of 25-29. Majority of respondents have poor knowledge 51.7% while 45.3% have good knowledge. Also, majority of the respondents (55%) have good attitude towards research while 45% have poor attitude towards research. The result shows a significant relationship between level of study and knowledge on research and scientific publication. Many perceived barriers were highlighted by the students such as lack of time, lack of knowledge, and lack of mentorship or supervision. The study found that participants had a low knowledge score and a high attitude toward research. This may have something to do with the different perceived barriers to undergraduate research. For undergraduate medical research to increase in both quality and quantity, these obstacles must be removed and research must be incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum.

Abdullahi Saleh Yusuf, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Mental health is an important branch of optimal health based on the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health. Depression is one of the major mental illnesses prevalent in recent times, and it is a common mental disorder. Even though depression is a major mental illness is routinely disregarded or dismissed in most cultures globally, particularly among adolescents in Nigeria. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical features of depression and its management among patients attending psychiatric clinic in ABUTH from 2019 to 2024. Method: The study was descriptive cross sectional in nature and employed a systematic sampling technique. A total of 89 folders of the patients were surveyed by using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Low energy (78.2%), Suicidal attempt (75.2%), Persistently low mood (71.3%)decreased interest in pleasurable activities (70.3%) and poor concentration (56.4%)are found to be the common clinical presentation among the patients respectively and suicidal ideation(20.8%), low libido (24.8), agitation sleep change (35.6%) and feeling of guilt (48.5%) respectively are the least clinical presentation among the patients. Psychotherapy (84.2%), antidepressant (84.2%) and electroconvulsive therapy (67.3%) are common modalities of management of depression in ABUTH. The depressive features with the highest prevalence are low energy, Suicidal attempt, persistently low mood, decreased interest in pleasurable activities and poor concentration. Depressive symptoms are commonly managed by either Psychotherapy, antidepressant and electroconvulsive therapy or both depending on the severity.

Kazeem Oluwaseun Kareem, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Sickle cell disease is a global lifelong but preventable genetic blood disorder and it is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa within population of very similar geographical distribution. A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2025 with 80 sickle cell disease patients, selected via multistage sampling across 2 units. Data was collected using a semi- structured questionnaire on determinants of frequency of sickle cell crisis. Data was analyzed using SPSS with descriptive statistics. Out of the eighty respondents (mean age was 16.1, 52.5% male). 96.3% has bone pain crisis, and 75 % with 4 days duration of crisis. 23.7% has their last episode of crisis 3 months ago, with 61.2% having severe crisis where 40% were admitted twice in the last two years. 42.5% identified stress as a trigger factor and about 70% of the respondents were not on hydroxyurea. Strenuous exercise appears to be the leading risk factor that trigger the sickle cell crisis among the patients’ attending clinic in ABUTH. Therefore, the management intervention should health education of the risk factor and compliance on their medication.