Impact of zinc on sexual maturation of female sickle cell anemia (SCA) children in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.

Adolescence is an important developmental period of childhood. Good health and adequate nutrition consisting major food constituents and trace elements like zinc are fundamental for optimal sexual maturation. To determine the relationship between zinc levels and pattern of breast and pubic hair development, as well as menarcheal age of female SCA children aged 6-18 years and their matched controls with hemoglobin genotype AA.

Relationship between zinc levels and anthropometric indices among school-aged female children with sickle cell anemia in enugu, Nigeria.

Background: Sickle cell anaemia is one of the most common inherited disorders globally. Some affected children have retardation of physical growth which is also seen in those with zinc deficiency.

Objective: To assess the relationship between zinc levels and anthropometric indices of SCA children.

Somatization disorder among adolescents in southeast Nigeria: a neglected issue.

Background: Adolescents do present with somatization disorder which is often neglected by pediatricians. This could have serious consequences if not curbed early.

Objectives: This study is aimed at determining the pattern and types of Somatization disorder among adolescents attending secondary schools in south east Nigeria.

Prevalence and socioeconomic correlates of autism among children attending primary and secondary schools in south east Nigeria.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence and socio-economic determinants of autism among children attending primary and secondary schools in South East, Nigeria.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that assessed the prevalence and socio-economic pattern of childhood autism among children attending primary and secondary schools in Enugu and Ebonyi states, South East Nigeria. The questionnaire was adapted from American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR, 2000).

Psychosomatic problems among medical students: a myth or reality?

Background: Medical students are exposed to stress and this can predispose them to psychological and behavioral consequences.

Methods: Psychosomatic disorders were investigated among 385 medical students from two teaching hospitals using a stratified random sampling. The Enugu somatization Scale (ESS) was used to evaluate for presence of somatization in the participants.