International Research Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences

56-62

Authors: Muhammad Akbar Malik and Hamza Malik

Children with epilepsy are known to be prone to educational underachievement as a result of learning and behavioural problems. Identification of these comorbidities and their early intervention will go a long way in improving quality of life of children with epilepsy. The objective of this paper is to study the incidence of behavioural disorders (BD) and school underachievement (SU) in newly diagnosed generalized idiopathic epileptic children, and to determine association of behavioural disorders and school underachievement with different antiepileptic drugs. The design is prospective observational cohort study. Settings and duration is private multidisciplinary neuropaediatric clinics, from 1st September 2010 to 31st August 2013. 305 school going (7 to 16 years) children, 205 children with newly diagnosed idiopathic generalized epilepsy (study group) and 100 non-epileptic peers (50 siblings of epileptic children and 50 healthy children without family history of seizures or other chronic neurological illness (control group) were evaluated for BD and SU for over a period of four years. Chi Square Test was used for statistical analysis. The prevalence of BD and SU were present simultaneously in most of the patients. BD and SU were 11% in the study group, 10% in siblings of epileptic children, while in the control group without family history of epilepsy was 6% and this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). All epileptic children and their siblings have higher incidence of BD and SU as compared to their normal counterparts. These are associated with all currently used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in children. A holistic approach, comprising medical, educational and psychosocial counselling of families and placement of the child both in society and school should form integral part of management of idiopathic generalized childhood epilepsy (IGCE). Keywords: Antiepileptic drugs, cognition, epilepsy, medication, neuropsychology, behavioural disorders, school underachievement.

67-72

Authors: Mohammed-Durosinlorun Amina, Akinlusi Fatimat, Adesiyun Adebiyi, Rabiu Kabiru, Ojabo Augustine and Kolawole Abimbola

Physicians with gynaecological training often have correct information about contraceptive technologies, their effects and benefits. Their personal choices may affect their practice. The objectives of this study are to find out what contraceptives Nigerian trainee gynaecologists use, and if this affects the way they counsel their clients. This was a cross-sectional survey. Participation was voluntary and 150 trainees were to fill out a pretested, self-administered questionnaire eliciting general demographic information, academic post and years of training, information on personal contraceptive use and choices, and how it may influence their practices. Analysis was done using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) computer software, version 20. Descriptive analysis was performed, using frequency tables. Chi-square test was used to compare variables and assess significance. P value of <0.05 was considered significant. There was a response rate of 62%. About 25.8% of respondents were not currently using any form of contraception and 53% were currently using modern methods of contraception, most commonly barrier methods and intrauterine devices. There was poor uptake of male sterilization. Twenty four respondents (25.8%) had several objections to contraceptive use. The choice of contraception used was significantly associated with gender. Sixteen respondents (17.2%) felt their personal choices may affect how they counsel patients and prescribe contraceptive agents. The level of respondents and number of children significantly affected counseling practices. In conclusion, trainees prefer to use natural forms of contraception. However, larger studies will be required to verify that personal objections to contraceptives introduce bias to contraceptive counseling practices. Keywords: Contraception, personal choices, gynaecologists, counseling practices.