Emergency medicine
Julius Gbenga Olaogun; Amarachukwu Chiduziem Etonyeaku; Joshua Taye Ige; Obafemi Kayode Wuraola
Volume 6, Issue 1 , January 2020, , Pages 7-12
Abstract
Objective: There has been a worldwide rise in the prevalence of penetrating abdominal injury (PAI), and there are both inter-country and intra-country variations in frequencies. This study evaluates the mechanisms and pattern of penetrating abdominal injuries and the treatment outcome in our center.Methods: ...
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Objective: There has been a worldwide rise in the prevalence of penetrating abdominal injury (PAI), and there are both inter-country and intra-country variations in frequencies. This study evaluates the mechanisms and pattern of penetrating abdominal injuries and the treatment outcome in our center.Methods: This descriptive study of adult patients managed for PAI was conducted at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti from January 2015 to December 2018. Data were prospectively collected and analyzed by using descriptive statistics from Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.Results: There were 96 patients managed for abdominal injuries during the study period. Forty-six (47.9%) of them had PAI, while 50 (52.1%) others sustained blunt trauma. Patients ages ranged from 17-72 years (mean = 34.2±10.8 years; median = 34 years). Majority, 42 (91.3%), were males, while 4 (8.7%) were females (M: F=11:1). The most afflicted age group was in the 4th decade. Majority of the injuries were due to gunshot (60.9%) followed by stab (26.1%), unsafe abortion (6.5%), road traffic injury (4.3%) and fall (2.2%). Gastrointestinal injuries were the most common with small bowel perforations predominating. Solid organ injuries were only seen in 3 (7.9%) patients. Eight (17.4%) had associated extra-abdominal injuries. Thirty-eight (82.6%) patients required exploratory laparotomy, while 8 (17.4%) were managed non-operatively. The negative laparotomy rate was 2.6%. Seven (15.2%) patients developed complications which were mostly wound infection (10.8%). The duration of hospital stay was 1-58 days (mean 12.7±10.5). Three patients (6.5%) with gunshot injuries died.Conclusion: Gunshot wounds were the major variant of PAI, and the highest cause of mortality from it. Gut injuries were most common, and exploratory laparotomy remains the main-stay of treatment, while non-operative management is practicable in carefully selected cases.
Emergency medicine
Samuel Olufemi Bolarinde; Isaiah Oyewole; Adesola Felix Abobarin
Volume 5, Issue 2 , July 2019, , Pages 41-46
Abstract
Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the major complaints in the work place. This study investigated the prevalence and pattern of work-related MSDs, risk factors and the strategies of management among nurses working in various specialty areas in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria.Methods: ...
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Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the major complaints in the work place. This study investigated the prevalence and pattern of work-related MSDs, risk factors and the strategies of management among nurses working in various specialty areas in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria.Methods: This cross-sectional survey recruited 150 nurses working in various specialty areas of a government own tertiary institution in South-west, Nigeria. Data were obtained on demographic characteristics, occupational profile, work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, perceptions on job risk factors and management strategies. Data were presented using descriptive statistics of percentages and frequency tables.Results: The most common MSD among the respondents was low back pain (LBP) (60.0%), followed by neck pain (48.0%), while elbow pain was the lowest work-related musculoskeletal pain (5.3%). Findings indicated that respondents working in Intensive Care Unit (100.0%), Dental Unit (100.0%), Accident and Emergency (77.8%), Orthopaedics (75.0%), Ear Nose and Throat (75.0%) and Medicine (72.7%) suffered from LBP more than other respondents in other specialty areas. Results also revealed that frequent bending (64.0%), prolonged standing (49.3%) and frequent lifting of patients (48.0%) were major factors that contributed to LBP among the respondents. Rest (56.0%), pain killer drugs (50.7%), and exercise (36.0 %) were the most preferred pain management strategies among the respondents, while only 12.0% preferred physiotherapy management.Conclusion: A great percentage of Nigerian nurses suffer from work-related MSDs in their professions with the low back being the most injured body part. Nurses working in Intensive Care Unit, Dental, Accident and Emergency and Orthopedics are more prone to work-related LBP. Education programs on back care and workplace ergonomics are recommended for reduction and prevention of occupational hazards among nurses.
Internal Medicine
Lawson Ekpe; Kingsley Osuji
Volume 4, Issue 2 , July 2018, , Pages 73-76
Abstract
Objective: Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, renal failure, and heart failure globally. This trend of complications has been seen even among our rural and urban dwellers in the tropics. This study aims at determining the prevalence and pattern of hypertension and body mass index (BMI) in ...
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Objective: Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, renal failure, and heart failure globally. This trend of complications has been seen even among our rural and urban dwellers in the tropics. This study aims at determining the prevalence and pattern of hypertension and body mass index (BMI) in six rural communities in Southern Nigeria.Methods: Adult participants, aged 18-80 years of age from six rural Biase communities who presented for a health screening were recruited. This was a rural community-based cross-sectional study involving 419 adults. Information was obtained from questionnaires which were administered to assess and obtain demographic data. Blood pressure and anthropometric indices were measured from participants to assess the BMI and risk factors associated with hypertension, and pattern of blood pressure.Results: A total of 419 enrolled for the study, but 137 had hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg) and this was made up of 86 females (62.8%) and 51 males (37.2%). Only 29 of the hypertensives (21.1%) were aware of their condition. The prevalence of hypertension was 32.7%. Moderate hypertension was the commonest presentation. High blood pressure, obesity and overweight was common among the women folk compared to the men that had isolated systolic hypertension (P < 0.05).Conclusion: In recent times, hypertension is seen to be high even in rural settings; hence strict screening should be enhanced to allow for quicker diagnosis and early intervention.