International Invention Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences

143-150

Authors: SOLADEMI Olaoluwa Bayo 1*(MPH), OSHINAME Fredrick O.3 (MPH, MA, PhD) and SOTUNSA John Obafemi2 (MD, MPH)

Testicular Torsion (TT) poses a serious health challenge to young men and Testicular Self-Examination (TSE) is recommended for its early detection and management. Radio and television are recognized media for public enlightenment. However studies related to the awareness and sources of information about TSE are not common in Nigeria. This study therefore assessed the level of awareness and sources of information about TSE among 500 male undergraduates of Babcock University in 2008. Respondents’ mean age was 21±3.2 years. Only 28.2% were aware of TT; while 39.6% were aware of TSE. Very few had heard about TT on television (9.2%) and radio (4.3%). Likewise, very few had heard about TSE on television (15.7%) and Radio (7.1%). Participants’ awareness of TT and TSE was low. Television and radio as sources of information was low. Integration of health education programmes focusing on TSE into television and radio programmes is recommended. Keywords: Testicular torsion, Testicular self-examination.

157-161

Authors: Belay Bezabih BEYENE1*, Aschalew Teka2, Richard Luce3

Mass psychogenic illness has been recognized for centuries and has the potential for significant adverse public health consequences. The objective was to determine the cause of illness, guide interventions and improve understanding of similar events in the future. Local health officials requested assistance with a suspected outbreak at a high school in rural eastern Ethiopia in April 2010. Data was collected using a line list containing socio-demographic characteristics and clinical symptoms. Detailed discussions were also conducted with the school principal, administrators, teachers and local disease surveillance officers. Then data was analyzed using Epi Info v3.3.2. The outbreak began on April 7, 2010 and cases continued to occur for 22 days. Forty four cases were identified. All were females and majorities (75%) of them were Muslims. The major clinical symptoms were breathlessness, fear and crying, anxiety, and inability to move limbs. The median duration of illness was 3 hours with a range of 2 to 96 hours. Thirteen (27.3%) and six (13.6%) of the cases reported the causes of illness were "evil-devil force" and stress, respectively. however 59.1% replied they didn’t know the cause. No environmental toxicity, food-borne illness, infectious disease or societal conflicts were identified to be associated with the illness. This outbreak was appeared to be the result of mass psychogenic illness. Conducting an investigation, providing immediate reassurance, and timely psychiatric support and counseling at the school and community level could minimize the impact of such events in the future. Keywords: Mass Hysteria, High School Girls, Ethiopia.