International Research Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences

68-71

Authors: Opaleye Oluyinka Oladele, Tijani Busira Adesina, Zakariyahu Tawakalitu Omolola and Taiwo Samuel Sunday

Important among the transfusion transmissible infection are hepatitis B (HBV) and HIV virus infections. Also, co-infection of these two viruses is a rapidly growing issue of public health concern. This study is embarked upon to determine the prevalence these two viruses and their co-infection among blood donors in our environment. HBsAg was detected in each serum sample by means of an immuno-chromatographic mini strip (Clinotech Diagnostics, Richmond, Canada). Antibodies to HIV-1 and 2 were detected in each serum sample by means of an immuno-chromatographic test strip (Abbot Determine HIV 1 and 2, Boehringer, Germany) strictly following the manufacturer’s instructions in all the processes. Of 624 donors screened (age range 18 to 65 years), 124 donors (19.9%) were positive for HBsAg; 19.6% males and 21.0% females (P = 0.7080, 95% CI 0.5654 to 1.493). Twenty one (3%) donors were positive for HIV-1 antibody; 3.4% males and 3.2% females (P=1.000, 95% CI 0.3488-3.196) and 3 donors (0.5%) were positive for combined HBsAg and HIV-1 antibodies, 0.4% males and 3.8% females (P = 0.4861, 95% CI 0.04440 to 5.495). HIV-2 antibody was not detected in any of the sample and there was no invalid result with both the HBsAg and HIV test kits. The result of this study shows that the prevalence of hepatitis B and HIV infections is high among apparently healthy blood donors of all gender and age groups and therefore the need to mandate all organization involved in blood banking to ensure proper screening of blood units prior to transfusion in order to reduce the risk of HBV and HIV infections among recipients of donated blood and the community at large. Keywords: Sero-prevalence, HBsAg, HIV, blood donor, Osun State.

80-84

Authors: Linda Akuamoah Sarfo, Dorothy Awuah-Peasah and Florence Asamoah

Diarrhea episodes among children under five years with its devastating consequences have been an issue of grave concern to stakeholders in child survival strategy programs. Stakeholders who are very key in the prevention of diarrhea among children are mothers or care givers of these children. The objectives of the study were to identify the associated causes of diarrheaamong children under five and to find out the knowledge of mothers on its prevention. A non-probability sampling method was used to select 300 respondents for this study. Self-administered questionnaires were administered to respondents for the study. The data obtained from the study was analyzed using SPSS. The study revealed that the majority of respondents started introducing complementary feeds and water to their children before the age of six months. In addition, the majority of respondents reported not washing their hands before breastfeeding, and after visiting the toilet. The majority of respondents had no idea of the causes of diarrhea; even though the majority of the respondents thought it can be prevented. It is recommended that in order to curtail the problem of diarrhea among children less than five years, mothers should adhere to nutrition and hygiene promotions programmers and give priority to exclusive breastfeeding, safe disposal of fecal matter, and effective hand washing before breastfeeding and after visiting the toilet. Keywords: Knowledge of mothers, prevention, diarrhea, children under five.