HIV/AIDS and economic growth: Evidence from West Africa

Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in West Africa. Prevalence among the most productive age group in West and Central Africa stood at 1.5%, 3.4.0%, 2.5%, and 2.1% in 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2015 respectively. This study examined the effect of HIV/AIDS on economic growth in West Africa with focus on 11 countries. The augmented Solow model, rooted in the neoclassical growth theory, was used, which was operationalized using dynamic panel data modeling approach. Incidence, prevalence, number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), and AIDS‐related deaths were used to measure HIV/AIDS. Estimations using system GMM returned statistically significant results while those of first difference and difference GMM were not. From the outcome of system GMM analysis, a percentage increase in incidence, prevalence, PLWHA, and AIDS deaths correspondingly reduced growth significantly through their effects on life expectancy by 0.15%, 0.02%, 0.004%, and 0.03%. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome deaths and PLWHA lowered economic growth through enrolment but not significantly. The import of the findings is that HIV/AIDS threatens growth through life expectancy in West Africa. Therefore, its spread in the subregion should be effectively contained while proper treatment should be provided for all infected persons.     

Histopathologic characteristics and clinical behavior of superficial bladder tumors

The authors analyse the histopathological features and clinical behaviour of 325 superficial (Ta, T1) tumours of 232 patients with bladder cancer. Each of the tumours was treated by TUR using differentiating resection technique and multiple cold biopsy was performed in 197 patients. The recurrence and progression of superficial tumours are examined during the 3-192 months follow up time. It is stressed the role of incomplete TUR in the "recurrence" (tumour persistence). The opinion of the authors is, that superficial bladder tumours can not be considered a homogen group, there are significant differences between Ta and T1 stage in recurrence, neoplastic progression and histopathological features as well.     

Otitis media with effusion in Nigerian children with cleft palate: incidence and risk factors

Otitis media with effusion is common in children with cleft palate, and the aim of this study was to find out its incidence and risk factors in Nigerians. We prospectively studied 84 patients (42 with cleft palate and 42 control subjects); 27 were male and 15 female, who were age and sex matched with control subjects. The extent and size of the clefts were measured using a dental cast and Vernier calipers, and the otitis media was diagnosed with otoscopy and tympanometry. The mean (SD) age of the groups was 11 (7) months (range 1–33). Twelve children in the cleft group had otitis media compared with three in the control group. Infants and boys were more likely to be affected. There was a significant association between age (p = 0.02), sex (p = 0.01), and size of cleft (p = 0.00). However, only the size of the cleft was confirmed to be an independent predictor, with children who had extremely wide clefts being more likely to develop otitis media than those with narrow clefts (OR = 8.71, 95%CI = 1.07 to 70.5).We conclude that the incidence of otitis media with effusion was higher among children with cleft palate than among those who did not have a cleft. Infants had a higher incidence than older children, and boys had a higher incidence than girls. Age, sex, and the size of the palatal cleft were significantly associated with otitis media, but not the extent of clefting.     

Systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the knowledge and use of the female condom among Nigerians

BackgroundThe female condom (FC) is a critical component in a comprehensive and sustainable approach to prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.ObjectivesThis review provides comprehensive information about Nigerian''s knowledge and use of FC.MethodsWe screened search output, evaluated study eligibility, and extracted data in duplicate. Data from similar studies were combined in a meta-analysis.ResultsThere was a significantly (p < 0.0001) high-level of awareness amongst the respondents. However, the use of the FC was very low at 5.5% among female respondents. There was a significant (p < 0.0001) difference between FC awareness and use. The main reasons for FC use were prevention of unintended pregnancy (55%) and STIs/HIV (31%). We observed a significant difference between reasons of non-use of the FC [F (5, 13) = 5.195, P = 0.0077]. Furthermore, there were significant differences between the sources of information on FC [F (3, 8) = 32.89, P < 0.0001].ConclusionDespite the high levels of awareness, especially among the female respondents, the use of the FC has remained extremely low even among the young, educated undergraduate students. There is aneed for robust and consistent advocacy to make the FC available and affordable.     

Using Local Culture and Gender Roles to Improve Male Involvement in Maternal Health in Southern Nigeria

Group health talks were conducted in Ekiadolor, Southern Nigeria, to improve male attitudes and practices regarding their involvement in prenatal care and family planning. Intervention planners highlight the importance of embedding local cultural norms along with co-opting gendered beliefs for purposes of planning and implementing the group talks. The authors facilitated 9 groups of adult males mostly from the traditional hierarchy of the community. Using gender theory as an analytical lens along with the application of local cultural beliefs and norms, a useful communication intervention was developed that increased the possibility of positive male engagement in maternal health in 1 Nigerian community.     

Visual field constriction as a cause of blindness or visual impairment.

Reported are the results of a study of onchocerciasis in communities mesoendemic for savanna onchocerciasis in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria. The study involved 6831 individuals aged > or = 5 years who underwent an extensive screening examination for visual function including Friedmann field analysis. A total of 185 (2.7%) were bilaterally blind by acuity and an additional 28 (0.4%) were blind by visual field constriction. Also 118 (1.7%) individuals were visually impaired by acuity criteria. No criteria for visual impairment by field constriction have been established, and we therefore investigated three potential criteria. As a result, a further 60 (0.9%) individuals were identified with significant visual impairment due to field loss by the various definitions. Small islands of remaining peripheral field occurred in 50 individuals, while 40 individuals had marked reduction of binocular visual field below the horizontal meridian. Concentric visual field constriction to < 20 degrees was found in seven individuals. The WHO definition of blindness currently includes visual field damage criteria for blindness but not for visual impairment. Visual field loss is recognized as a major disability. We hope that these findings stimulate international discussion leading to the development of satisfactory definitions for visual impairment by visual field constriction.     

Significance of seemingly intact urothelium in patients with bladder cancer

During 9 years (from 1979 to 1988) the authors performed 412 multiple cold biopsies taken from 9 different points of the cancerous bladder in 263 patients. In 42 per cent of the patients the hystopathological examination of biopsy materials discovered dysplasia, carcinoma in situ or tumor of the grossly normal urothelium. The frequency of these proliferative lesions is closely connected with number, configuration, grading and depth of infiltration of overt bladder tumor. These lesions indicate the probable recurrence-rate as well as danger of the more progressive recurrence.