Informatics Publishing Limited

A. Abdullahi ¹, E. U. Nwose ², S. D. Nwajei ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University, Ogume, NG
2 School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, Leeds Parade, Orange, NSW 2800, AU

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and the associated Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have remained a public health concern. While it has been identified that young adults including most undergraduate students are potentially risk factors for the spread of HIV/AIDS, studies have emphasized on vaginal sexual intercourse as it is the most probable method of transmission. Yet, there is a population of unmarried Muslim girls who are deterred from virginal sex by their religious demand for virginity until marriage. Thus, the objective of this work is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of research articles from Nigeria on sexual behaviour of undergraduate students in order to assess the validity of research findings to unmarried Muslim girls in north-east Nigeria. This mini-review was designed to be a critical appraisal of literature. The method employed a peer-reviewed protocol on ‘how to critically appraise an article’. Standard questions of the protocol were adopted verbatim to critically appraise two articles that were identified. The findings from the appraisal draw attention to the lack of, and need for investigation of the level of behavioural change wheel among Muslim undergraduate students. In particular, how awareness level of HIV/AIDS influences their sex behaviour has yet to be articulated. The paper articulates what is already known with a view to developing the community needs assessment program of work.

Keywords

HIV Awareness, Muslim Premarital Sex Abstinence, Sexual Behavior, Undergraduate Students, Unmarried Girls.

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S. E. Okpokumoku ¹, E. U. Nwose ², S. D. Nwajei ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University, Ogume, NG
2 School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, Leeds Parade, Orange, NSW 2800, AU

Abstract

The reproductive health of young adult women is integral to the well being of a society. The independence, lifestyle and sociocultural environment within an undergraduate institution predisposes to sexual behaviour that has become a serious concern in Nigeria and the global community at large. Previous studies have shown that there is significant or sufficient knowledge of contraceptives, especially among the youth in universities. This study is aimed at determining data on the sexual behaviour, knowledge and use of contraceptive, with a view to what may be known and unknown among undergraduate university students in Delta State from the contextual point. The methodology employed for this study was a narrative literature review approach. In order to guide the researcher, four composite focus of inquiry included (1) healthy and risky sexual behaviours, (2) contraception, (3) determinants of choice and use of contraceptives, and (4) knowledge and use of contraceptives among undergraduate students. The finding of this study indicates abundance of knowledge about sexual health. However, two themes are of particular mention needing further attention. Firstly, characteristics of being sexually healthy seem to be mixed up with healthy sexual behaviour. Secondly, contraception usage does not seem to match acclaimed knowledge, which translates to risky sexual behavior. How the undergraduate girls are successfully preventing pregnancies in order to maintain uninterrupted education also seems to remain a gap in the literature. Further research will benefit to provide adequate information on these two themes.

Keywords

Behavioural Change Wheel, Healthy Sexual Behaviour, Sexually Healthy.

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J. A. Ibobo ¹, H. Chime ¹, E. U. Nwose ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University Ogume, NG
2 School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, Leeds Parade, Orange, NSW 2800, AU

Abstract

Background: The global public health issue of Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV is being addressed with Prevention of MTCT (PMTCT) strategy. A narrative review has recently been published. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine from an early infant diagnosis program in Delta State if there is reduction in MTCT of HIV. Methods: This was a retrospective study. Three health institutions comprising of one from each of the three senatorial district in Delta State were used for the study. The records of 1080 prenatally exposed babies that had DNA PCR tests between 6 weeks to 18 months were evaluated descriptively. Data mining was from the period of August 2009 to December, 2016. Child followup register was reviewed for information that included, age the child had PCR done, commencement of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) at birth, if mother was on ART, result of PCR and test done at 18 months. Results: 98.0% of HIV positive mothers were on ART during pregnancy, 98.9% of the infants were on ART at birth, and 93.1% were exclusively breast fed. The outcome of the PMTCT program obtained shows that compared to 100% effectiveness among infants who were compulsorily treated on the basis of their mothers being on treatment, there is 89% efficiency among those who either themselves or their mothers received treatment; but only 17% efficiency was achieved where neither mother nor child is receiving treatment. Conclusion: This study shows that with effective PMTCT intervention, reducing MTCT of HIV is being achieved by the public health service.

Keywords

Early Identification, Infant HIV, PMTCT Efficiency.

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