Publications by authors named "Bn Azuogu"

Article Synopsis
  • Lassa fever, recognized by the WHO as a potential pandemic threat, is a disease with significant health-economic impacts, particularly in West Africa, where it causes millions of infections and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) each year.
  • A study models vaccination strategies and estimates that a preventive campaign targeting endemic regions could save over $20 million in lost DALY value and around $128 million in societal costs over 10 years.
  • In the scenario of a new variant, 'Lassa-X', emerging, effective 100 Days Mission vaccination could significantly reduce the potential health burden, illustrating the importance of vaccination in managing Lassa fever and preparing for future pandemics.
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Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having pandemic potential. This study estimates the health-economic burden of Lassa fever throughout West Africa and projects impacts of a series of vaccination campaigns. We also model the emergence of "Lassa-X" - a hypothetical pandemic Lassa virus variant - and project impacts of achieving 100 Days Mission vaccination targets.

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Objective: To assess the adherence, adverse drug reactions (ADR), and virologic outcomes of dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy.

Design: This was a retrospective chart review.

Setting: A tertiary health facility-based study in Abakaliki, Nigeria.

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Background: Oncogenic types of human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection cause substantial morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Nigeria has low cervical cancer screening and vaccination rates, suggesting the need for community engagement to enhance reach and uptake. We organised a designathon to identify community-led, innovative approaches to promote HPV screening and vaccination for women and girls, respectively, in Nigeria.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study examines the implementation of rapid diagnostic tests for malaria (MRDT) among primary healthcare workers in Ebonyi state, Nigeria, to address issues of over-treatment with anti-malarial drugs.
  • It involved a survey of 490 healthcare workers, revealing that the majority (81.4%) use MRDT for malaria diagnosis, but a significant portion (32%) still inadequately prescribes anti-malarial drugs despite negative test results.
  • Factors influencing the proper use of MRDT and appropriate prescribing practices included employment at health facilities supported by the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative.
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Introduction: Health workers have increasingly become victims of workplace violence. However, negligible action has been given to developing workplace violence (WPV) prevention programs in hospital settings in low-middle-income countries. An effective workplace violence prevention program is crucial for preventing violence and managing the consequences of incidents.

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Article Synopsis
  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice affecting approximately 200 million girls and women worldwide, and this study focused on the factors influencing married women in Nigeria regarding the practice and intention to perform FGM.
  • The cross-sectional study involved 421 married women in Abakaliki, Nigeria, with data collected through a validated questionnaire; analysis revealed a significant awareness of FGM but also a concerning continuation of the practice among respondents.
  • Results indicated that education level influences FGM practices, with women having at least a secondary education being less likely to mutilate their daughters, while women who have undergone FGM themselves are more likely to continue the cycle with their children.
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Introduction: Knowledge and uptake of maternal vaccination has been reported to be low in low- and middle-income countries.

Objectives: To determine the knowledge, uptake and determinants of uptake of maternal vaccination among women of child-bearing age.

Methods: A cross sectional study was done among 607 women of childbearing age selected from rural communities in Ebonyi State using multi-staged sampling technique.

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Background: Lassa fever (LF), a haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa fever virus (LASV), is endemic in West Africa and causes 5000 fatalities every year. The true prevalence and incidence rates of LF are unknown as infections are often asymptomatic, clinical presentations are varied, and surveillance systems are not robust. The aim of the Enable Lassa research programme is to estimate the incidences of LASV infection and LF disease in five West African countries.

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Introduction: The National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) was re-launched in Nigeria in 2016, eleven years after it was first introduced in the country, with Enugu as one of the beneficiary States. The objectives of the programme are to improve the health of school children and aid in the realization of Universal Basic Education (UBE) goals. This study explored the opinions of heads of public primary schools on the implementation and policy benefits of NHGSFP in Enugu, southeast Nigeria.

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Article Synopsis
  • Physicians in Nigeria are increasingly considering emigrating due to factors like poor pay, rising insecurity, and lack of adequate resources.
  • A study involving 913 physicians showed that only 13% are satisfied with their work and willing to continue practicing in the country.
  • Addressing the dissatisfaction and improving working conditions are crucial for retaining physicians and ensuring a stable health system in Nigeria.
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Introduction: Adequate intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) uptake (≥3 doses) routinely delivered at antenatal clinics is effective in preventing malaria during pregnancy. Whereas, low IPTp uptake (24.0%) had been reported among pregnant women in Ebonyi State, there is paucity of studies comparing the uptake and its predictors in the urban and rural areas of Ebonyi State.

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Objective: To identify and compare the health service-related factors associated with male involvement in family planning services among the rural and urban areas in Abia State, Nigeria.

Design: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Setting: Twelve communities (six urban and six rural) in Abia State, Nigeria.

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Background: Male involvement in family planning (FP) remains low in male-dominant communities. Family planning contributes to the regulation of fertility and population growth in Nigeria. Increasing male involvement in family planning services is crucial in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in patriarchal societies such as Nigeria.

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Background: Occupational diseases can result in sickness absence, economic loss, disability, or death of workers. Several studies have revealed that occupational health and safety practice is still low in some occupational groups despite their knowledge and the occupational health legislation. This study assessed the level of knowledge, Background: Occupational health service delivery, includes the creation of a safe and healthy work environment.

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Background: To determine knowledge and perception of key danger signs of pregnancy among mothers in urban and rural communities of Ebonyi state, Nigeria.

Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study design was used. The two-stage sampling technique was used to select 660 women in four of thirteen local government areas in the state.

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Background: Despite efforts to control COVID-19 pandemic, the outbreak has continued to ravage the world with high morbidity, mortality and economic hardship. The World Health Organisation reported that people are becoming complacent and their risk perceptions are lowering. Commercial drivers play significant role in outbreak control because of their regular mix with commuters from various sources.

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Background: A major constraint to tuberculosis control is low case finding with under-reporting to national authorities. Evidence shows that Patent Medicine Dealers are first port of call for most people with symptoms of tuberculosis, yet there is poor referral of such clients to tuberculosis treatment facilities for further evaluation. This study investigated constraints to involvement of Patent Medicine Dealers in tuberculosis control.

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Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programme provides antiretroviral treatment to HIV-positive pregnant women to reduce the likelihood of transmission to their infants. Despite concerted efforts to scale-up PMTCT services in Nigeria, coverage and uptake of the services by Antenatal Care (ANC) attendees is below the acceptable. Private health facilities provide ANC services to large number of women, but they are sparingly involved in PMTCT capacity enhancement interventions.

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Background: A good understanding of the demand for malaria rapid diagnostic test (MRDT), malaria health care-seeking behavior, and drug use among community members is crucial to malaria control efforts. The aim of this study was to assess the demand (use and/or request) for MRDT, health care-seeking behavior, and drug use, as well as associated factors, among rural community members (both children and adults) with fever or malaria-like illness in Ebonyi state, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted between October 1st and November 7th, 2018, in 18 rural geographical clusters.

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Background: The high maternal death burden in developing countries when compared to the developed could be attributed to differences in use of antenatal and skilled delivery care.

Aim: To assess the differences in utilization of antenatal and delivery services in urban and rural communities of Ebonyi state, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study design was used.

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Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of ill-health and death globally but a serious challenge to its control is low case notification. In low- and middle-income countries, most patients with symptoms of the disease first seek care from patent medicine vendors (PMVs) who are not formerly trained to manage TB. The practices of PMVs toward presumptive TB are pivotal to control of TB.

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Article Synopsis
  • Despite WHO's recommendation in 2010, diagnostic testing for malaria remains low in Nigeria, prompting a study to assess interventions aimed at increasing demand for malaria rapid diagnostic tests (MRDTs).
  • The study involved a three-part, randomized trial in Ebonyi state, comparing a control group with one receiving education and sensitization on MRDTs and another receiving that plus provider training on health communication.
  • The primary focus was on measuring the proportion of children and adults who received MRDTs before and after the interventions, with results analyzed at the cluster level to determine the effectiveness of each approach.
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Background: Family planning is a cost-effective strategy for achieving population development. Family planning uptake is low in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. We assessed the perception, pattern of use, partner support and determinants of uptake of family planning methods among married women of reproductive age in rural communities of Ebonyi state.

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Introduction: Nigeria ranked 7th among the high TB burden nations globally and second most endemic in Africa. There are several highly effective interventions available for tuberculosis control. Operational challenges have been reported to interfere with the success of these interventions.

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