OJHAS: The Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

2005;2-1
Editorial

Krishna Prasad MS, Karnekar V. HBV, HCV and HIV: Comparable Yet Contrasting

Abstract: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus infections have become a formidable challenge globally due to the chronic nature of the infection and life threatening complications. The common mode of transmission has led to co-infections and increased morbidity and requires concerted control efforts.
Key words: Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C virus, HIV

This Article

2005;2-2
Original Article

Inyama PU, Uneke CJ, Anyanwu GI, Njoku OM, Idoko JH, Idoko JA. Prevalence of antibodies to Hepatitis C virus among Nigerian patients with HIV infection

Abstract: Nigeria belongs to the group of countries highly endemic for viral hepatitis; unfortunately information on the prevalence of hepatitis C amongst patients with HIV in Nigeria is very scarce. This hospital-based investigation was conducted at two major hospitals in Jos, Nigeria from June 2002 through May 2003. Serum samples from 490 confirmed HIV infected patients were assayed for the presence of antibodies to HCV, using a third generation enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Twenty eight (5.7%; 95% CI 3.66-7.76%) of the patients had antibodies to HCV. The prevalence of HCV antibodies was higher among the males (7.5%; 95% CI 3.83-11.09%) than the females (4.5%; 95% CI 2.10-6.88%). Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (c2 = 1.917, df =1, p=0.05). Individuals of the age group 41-50 years had the highest prevalence of HCV antibodies (15.4%; 95% CI. 7.37-23.29%), followed by those of age group 31-40 years (7.4%; 95%, CI 3.70-11.20%). A significant difference was observed in the association between age and prevalence of HCV antibodies (c2 = 24.151, df = 4, p =0.05). Early diagnosis of HCV in people with HIV infection is advocated to reduce risk of HCV related advanced liver disease.
Key words: Hepatitis C virus, HIV, Nigeria

This Article

2005;2-3
Original Article

Britto AP, Ravindran G. Chromosome Segmentation and Investigations using Generalized Gradient Vector Flow Active Contours

Abstract: We investigated Generalized Gradient Vector Flow Active Contours as a suitable boundary mapping technique for Chromosome spread images which have variability in shape and size, expecting to yield a robust segmentation scheme that can be used for segmentation of similar class of images based on optimal set of parameter values. It is found experimentally that a unique set of parameter values is required for boundary mapping each chromosome image. Characterization studies have established that each parameter has an optimal range of values within which good boundary mapping results can be obtained in similar class of images. Statistical testing validates the experimental results.
Key words: Generalized Gradient Vector Flow, Active Contours, Deformable Curves, Chromosome, Boundary Mapping, Characterization

This Article

2005;2-4
Original Article

Ikaraoha CI, Mbadiwe INC, Igwe CU, Allagua DO, Mezie O, Iwo GTO, Ofori PI. Menarchial Age of Secondary School Girls in Urban and Rural Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: The menarchial age of 859 secondary school girls consisting of 508 from urban and 351 from rural area of Rivers State, Nigeria were determined, using questionnaires and interview method. Data collation revealed that 69.2% (243) of the rural population were menstruating, while 70.1% (356) of the urban population were menstruating. Mean ages of menarche were 13.19±1.32 years and 14.22±1.47 years for urban and rural areas respectively .A statistically significant lower mean menarchial age was observed in urban area girls, compared to their rural counterparts. Girls from families of high socio-economic class has significantly lower mean menarchial age in both urban and rural area. The mean age of menarche was significantly higher in girls involved in vigorous sporting activity in rural areas compared to their non-sporting counterparts. Urban school girls attain menarche earlier than those in rural area. High socio-economic class and vigorous sporting activity can be predisposing factors to low and high age of menarche respectively. There is need for redefinition of high socio-economic class in Nigeria.
Key words: Menarchial age, School Girls, Urban, Rural, Sports, Socio-economic class

This Article

2005;2-5
Opinion

Saha S. Dynamics Governing Women's Decision on Reproductive Health Matters: Reflections from a Qualitative Study in Central India.

Abstract: One of the major challenges of Reproductive and Child Health Programme in India is addressing the barriers in communication and improve dialogue between diverse stakeholders, particularly women in the community. Through a qualitative study conducted in one of the rural districts of India, it was attempted to understand the factors affecting women's decision-making process. It is observed that most of the factors are affected by strong intrinsic environment and hence it becomes important for programme managers to understand the environment first in order to design an acceptable and effective communication strategy. In this study, knowledge, tradition, stigma and accessibility of services are identified as the key primary factors affecting decision making of women in the community, particularly on their health related issues. These in turn are governed by various supporting factors. Finally, it is observed that communication strategies can achieve their desired objective only when the local intrinsic environment is taken into cognisance.
Key words: Reproductive health, Knowledge, Stigma

This Article