Prevention and Self-Care Practices for Lifestyle Diseases Among Civil Servants in Nigeria (Published)
This article examines lifestyle diseases, often referred to as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which present a significant threat to world health. Exposing the frequency and consequences of these chronic conditions, which include cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory disorders, the story emphasises why they are the primary cause of death globally. The paper explores the definitions, worldwide burdens, and the significant influence of lifestyle choices on the emergence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The crucial link between unhealthy behaviours and the emergence of lifestyle illnesses is shown by a comprehensive study of modifiable risk variables, underscoring the need of proactive lifestyle treatments. The importance of preventative measures in preserving cardiovascular health is discussed in detail, including diets low in sodium and potassium, physical exercise, weight loss, and stress management. With a focus on health exams, public awareness campaigns, and teamwork, the paper promotes a multimodal strategy to combat lifestyle disorders. The article ends by highlighting the significance of regular blood pressure checks as an essential part of preventative healthcare.
Keywords: Prevention, lifestyle disease, self-care practices
Effect of Health Education Intervention On Diarrhea Prevention Practices Among Mothers of Under-5 Children in Abia State, Nigeria (Published)
Delayed response to the onset of diarrhea in infants caused by poor sanitation and delay in responding to signs and symptoms can be fatal, as evidenced by mortality in children attributable to diarrhea, occasioned by inadequate understanding of the dangers and consequences involved due to poor knowledge of far-reaching consequences, inadequate prevention and skills to manage the condition as it develops. This study evaluated the effect of a health education intervention on diarrhea prevention practices among mothers with children under the age of five in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. This study employed a quasi-experimental research design. From population of 350 under-5 mothers in the Local government, a sample size of 60 was determined using power formula. Systematic sampling was used to select the mothers. The health education intervention involved a control and experimental group. The duration of program was one hour weekly didactic intervention for six weeks. A structured validated questionnaire was used to collect data at baseline, at 6th and 12th week post intervention. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.75 to 0.87. The mother’s prevention practices were measured on a 27-point rating scale. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at α = 0.05 level of significance.Findings showed that between the baseline and the post-immediate there was a significant difference in the mean prevention score in the experimental group (from 19.03±5.91 to 22.20±3.67 at p< 0.05. However, there was no significant difference (p >0.05) in the mean prevention score of the control group (from20.13 ± 4.89 to 20.8 ± 3.41). In conclusion, the health education intervention was effective increasing the mother’s prevention and home management practices of diarrhea. It is recommended that matrons and nurses in charge of antenatal and postnatal clinics should teach mothers about prevention andhome management of diarrhea.
Keywords: Abia, Health education, Mothers, Prevention, diarrhea, under-five children
Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Prevention and Screening Uptake Among Female Non-Health Care Providers in Two Selected General Hospitals in Lagos State (Published)
Cervical cancer is an abnormal growth of the cells of the cervix which is the lower-most part of the uterus. This cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina, and rectum. Therefore, this research was aimed at assessing the knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and screening uptake among female non-health care providers working in various departments in two general hospitals in Lagos. Annually, in Nigeria 14,943 cases of cervical cancer are reported: out of these 10,403 women die leading to 28 deaths daily from cervical cancer. However, this needless death can be prevented if the cases are diagnosed early through the cervical screening, knowledge and uptake. The research adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey. The population comprises of 350 female non-health care providers from two selected general hospitals in Lagos Island. The sample size of 165 was determined using Leslie Kish formula. A self-developed and validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that 108 (65.5%) of the respondents knew that abnormal vagina bleeding and bleeding after intercourse are symptoms of cervical cancer while 102 (61.8%) showed that having multiple sexual partners is among the factors for acquiring cervical cancer. Furthermore 113 (68.5%) showed that cervical cancer is preventable while 118 (71.5%) believes that regular cervical screening can prevent cervical cancer and 148 (89.7%) were interested in participating in cervical cancer screening. The knowledge and prevention revealed that there was a positive and significant relationship between them. The research concluded that despite the adequate knowledge of cervical cancer screening as reported by the result, the level of screening is still low. It is hereby recommended that female non-health care providers should do cervical cancer screening regularly.
Keywords: Knowledge, Prevention, and screening processes., cervical cancer, female non –health care providers