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Responsiveness and Acceptability for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine Among Parents of Adolescent Girls in Port Harcourt City, Rivers State Bright-Okere Ugochi N; Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 2 No 1 (2025): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v2i1.4536

Abstract

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections and cervical cancer in Nigeria is of high prevalence. Despite this, the acceptance and utilization of the HPV vaccine which has a high effective preventive measure remain low. The aim of the study was to examine the responsiveness and acceptability of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine among parents of adolescent girls in Rivers State, particularly Port Harcourt City. A descriptive cross-sectional study was adopted for this study. A multi-stage sampling method was used for recruiting a total of three hundred and fifty-seven (357) parents with one hundred and eighty (180) males and one hundred and seventy-seven (177) females used in the study across different age groups (21–60) years for the investigation. The results data obtained using an interviewer based semi-structured questionnaire and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 was used in the data analysis. The findings disclosed varying degrees of awareness and understanding of HPV, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine, with healthcare providers being the primary source of information 120 (33.6%). Cultural beliefs and religious factors significantly affect vaccine acceptance by 180 (50.4%) and 120 (36.4%) respectively. In terms of Responses on attitude and perceptions regarding safety and efficacy of HPV vaccine, 210 (58.8%) are aware and ready to accept the vaccine, 70 (19.6%) are not ready to take the vaccine while 77 (21.6%) are not sure if they are ready to accept the vaccine. Barriers like cost and accessibility also influence willingness to vaccinate, as findings showed majority of the participants feel the high cost, location and availability of the vaccines is an issue. Statistically, a positive and statistically significant correlation (r = 0.230, p < 0.01) was found between cultural beliefs in the community and the likelihood of vaccinating daughters if religious leaders encourage it. On the other hand, the correlation between cultural beliefs and perceived affordability of the HPV vaccine were negative (r = -0.115, p < 0.05), indicating that parents who consider cultural beliefs in their decision-making may also perceive the vaccine as less affordable, potentially limiting access for financially constrained families. Similarly, there is a positive correlation between the likelihood of vaccinating if religious leaders encourage it and the perceived affordability of the vaccine (r = 0.187, p < 0.01). This suggests that religious influence may reduce the perceived financial barrier, perhaps by increasing the perceived importance of vaccination among parents. Interestingly, the perceived affordability of the vaccine is also negatively correlated with refraining from healthcare services This study in all, revealed important influences between socio-cultural, economic, and service delivery elements in shaping vaccine uptake and emphasizes the need for enhanced education, reduced logistical obstacles, and a focus on addressing cultural concerns to improve both acceptability and accessibility of the HPV vaccine in the study area. Also, the result provides essential baseline data on HPV prevalence among individuals in Port Harcourt City, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and targeted interventions in this area to reduce the risk of HPV transmission.
Menstrual Hygiene Management Among Adolescent Girls in Selected Secondary Schools in Ahoada, Rivers State Onyenanu Obiageli Afoma; Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 2 No 2 (2025): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v2i2.6066

Abstract

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a critical public health and educational issue affecting adolescent girls, particularly in low-resource settings. In Ahoada, Rivers State, Nigeria, many adolescent girls face significant challenges in managing menstruation due to limited access to sanitary products, inadequate sanitation facilities, and insufficient knowledge about menstrual health. These challenges contribute to adverse outcomes such as poor self-esteem, emotional distress, increased absenteeism, and diminished academic performance. This study investigated MHM practices among adolescent girls in selected secondary schools in Ahoada, aiming to provide evidence to inform policy and programmatic interventions. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and data were collected from 300 adolescent girls using a structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that 73% of respondents lacked access to sanitary pads, 60% reported missing school during menstruation, and 67% experienced menstrual-related stigma. Emotional distress or anxiety during menstruation was reported by 70% of participants, while 63% indicated that menstruation negatively impacted their academic performance. Additionally, 27% of the respondents demonstrated inadequate knowledge of menstrual hygiene. The study highlights the pressing need for comprehensive, school-based interventions, including menstrual hygiene education, improved water and sanitation infrastructure, and access to affordable sanitary products. These findings contribute to the limited body of literature on MHM in Rivers State and underscore the importance of addressing menstrual health to support adolescent girls' well-being and educational attainment.
Hepatitis B and D Virus Co-Infection: A Study of Seroprevalence and IgM Response among Patients in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria Okosigha Saviour Azibanyam; Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth; Anyiam Vivian Ifeoma
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 2 No 3 (2025): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v2i3.7485

Abstract

Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver commonly caused by viral infections, exists in five primary forms: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Among these, Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective virus that requires co-infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication. Hepatitis may present as acute or chronic, and early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications. This study investigated the seroprevalence of HBV and HDV co-infection among patients in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, involving 1,000 patients who attended the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) and Mile 4 Hospital Ishieke. Serological testing was conducted using ELISA kits in accordance with the manufacturer’s protocols and standard laboratory procedures. Of the 1,000 participants, 89 (8.9%) tested positive for HBsAg, indicating HBV infection, while 5 (5.6%) of these were also positive for HDV-IgM, confirming co-infection. The prevalence of HBV/HDV co-infection was higher among females (7.7%) compared to males (2.7%) and more pronounced among married individuals (6.9%) than singles (3.2%). These findings indicate a notable burden of HBV and HDV co-infection in the study area. The results underscore the importance of routine HDV screening for all HBsAg-positive patients and the implementation of targeted public health interventions to prevent HDV transmission and reduce the severity of HBV-related disease.
Diarrhoea among Children under Five Years Old in Relation to Household Safe Storage Practices in Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth; Boyi Hassan; Opara Christiana Ngozi; Efere Yarwadum Samson
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i1.8285

Abstract

Diarrhoea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among under‑five children in Nigeria, particularly in rural settings where unsafe water handling and inadequate storage prevail. Diarrhea is defined as the passing of three or more watery or loose stools per day, or more frequent passage than normal for an individual. This cross‑sectional study assessed the determinants of diarrhoea in relation to household water practices in Wukari Local Government Area (LGA), Taraba State. The aim was to identify water‑related risk factors—source type, treatment method, storage container, and hygiene behaviours—that influence diarrhoeal occurrence among children <5 years. A community‑based survey was conducted across randomly selected areas of Wukari LGA. Structured questionnaires captured socio‑demographics, water source (protected well, borehole, surface, sachet), treatment (boiling, chlorination, filtration, none), storage (covered narrow‑necked jerry can, open bucket, other), and hand‑washing practices. A total number of 200 sample were collected for this study among children of five (5) years of age. The result shows a prevalence of 34% (n=200) representing 34% (68) respondents of positive and 66% representing 132 respondents of negative. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that despite relatively high access to improved water sources (protected wells/boreholes) in Wukari, the prevalence of diarrhoea among children under five remains elevated (34%) because of pervasive unsafe practices downstream—principally failure to treat water before consumption, storage in uncovered buckets that permit re‑contamination, and fetching water with unclean hands. Microbiological evidence confirmed significantly higher faecal coliform counts in open‑bucket water, substantiating the causal pathway. Maternal education acted as a buffer, underscoring the role of health literacy. The findings indicate that interventions must shift focus from mere source improvement to promoting point‑of‑use safety—treatment, covered storage, and hand hygiene—to achieve meaningful reductions in diarrhoeal disease. To this end, it is recommended that; Community‑based water safety education, provision of affordable safe‑storage vessels, point‑of‑use water treatment promotion, strengthen maternal health literacy, microbial monitoring, policy advocacy and research follow‑up. Implementation and follow‑up practices which has to do with giving priorities to areas with highest diarrhoea prevalence (identified in survey) for rapid rollout; monitor via existing Integrated Disease Surveillance & Response (IDSR) system will reduce the prevalent rate of under-five diarrrhoea in Wukari which by extension Taraba State and North East in general.
Evaluating Public Awareness of Glaucoma and Their Associated Risk Factors in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State Onwunali Juliet Chinwendu; Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth; Efere Y. Samson
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i1.9087

Abstract

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease and a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, often developing without early symptoms, which makes timely detection and treatment crucial for reducing vision loss. This study assessed the level of glaucoma awareness and knowledge of its risk factors among adults in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, and explored barriers to accessing eye care. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 440 consenting adults aged 18 years and above using a standardized questionnaire to collect socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of glaucoma, knowledge of its severity and risk factors, and willingness to seek eye care. The sample comprised 60.9% females and 39.1% males with diverse employment and educational backgrounds. While 85.7% of respondents had heard of glaucoma and many recognized it as a cause of blindness, only 26.6% knew it could be asymptomatic, and detailed knowledge of its severity profile and risk factors was limited; the main sources of information were health workers (34%), schools/lectures (24.5%), and radio/television (18.9%). A large proportion expressed willingness to undergo free eye screening, yet lack of health insurance emerged as a notable barrier to accessing timely care. These findings indicate that general awareness of glaucoma in the community is not matched by adequate understanding of its silent progression and risk factors, potentially delaying care-seeking behavior. The study concludes that awareness campaigns alone are insufficient and that comprehensive public health education, stronger collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations, and improved access to routine vision screening are essential to promote early detection and effective management of glaucoma, particularly among high-risk populations in Obio/Akpor and similar settings.