Tuberculosis infection among health care workers is capable of worsening the existing health human resource problems of low - and middle-income countries. Tuberculosis infection control is often weakly implemented in these parts of the world therefore, understanding the reasons for poor implementation of tuberculosis infection control guidelines are important. This study was aimed at assessing tuberculosis infection control practices and barriers to its implementation in Ikeja, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study in 20 tuberculosis care facilities (16 public and 4 private) in Ikeja, Lagos was conducted. The study included a facility survey to assess the availability of tuberculosis infection control guidelines, the adequacy of facilities to prevent transmission of tuberculosis and observations of practices to assess the implementation of tuberculosis infection control guidelines. Four focus group discussions were carried out to highlight HCWs’ perceptions on tuberculosis infection control guidelines and barriers to its implementation. The observational study showed that none of the clinics had a tuberculosis infection control plan. No clinic was consistently screening patients for cough. Twelve facilities (60 %) consistently provided masks to patients who were coughing. Ventilation in the waiting areas was assessed to be adequate in 60 % of the clinics while four clinics (20 %) possessed N-95 respirators. Findings from the focus group discussions showed weak managerial support, poor funding, under-staffing, lack of space and not wanting to be seen as stigmatizing against tuberculosis patients as barriers that hindered the implementation of TB infection control measures. Tuberculosis infection control measures were not adequately implemented in health facilities in Ikeja, Nigeria. A multi-pronged approach is required to address the identified barriers to the implementation of tuberculosis infection control guidelines.

Cervical ectropion (also known as cervical erosion) is a common finding on routine pelvic examination during the fertile years. The decision to treat or not remains controversial. According to studies in support of routine treatment of cervical erosion, there is a possible relationship between squamous metaplasia and squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. To determine the prevalence of cervical ectropion and associated risk factors among clients with intra-uterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) attending a family planning clinic of a tertiary health institution in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background: Dengue fever, (df) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus. Infection with dengue virus is a major cause of morbidity in the tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. In about 60% of cases, it gives rise to undifferentiated fever which is clinically indistinguishable from other viral infections. Dengue fever is known to occur in Nigeria, but the magnitude of this disease remains unclear. This study was done to determine the prevalence and determinants of df immunoglobulins (Ig) among patients attending a military hospital in Lagos.Methods: Systematic random sampling was used to recruit participants. Study participants were patients presenting with febrile illness at Naval Medical Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data and 3 millilitres venous blood was drawn from each participant. Anti-dengue IgM and IgG was determined from whole blood using lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay in line with manufacturer’s instructions. Thick blood film was used for malaria microscopy. Epi-info version 7.2 was employed for data analysis using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis at 5% level of significance.Results: Mean age of study participants was 30.1 ± 13.6 years and 182 (59.9%) were males. The prevalence of df IgM and IgG was 8.5% and 18.0% respectively. Malaria-dengue fever co-infection was 10.8%. Individuals with malaria were twice less likely to have df (OR: 0.46, 95%CI: 0.27 - 0.78). Military personnel and their relations were about 3 times less likely to have df (OR: 0.35, 95%CI: 0.18 - 0.66). Joint pain was significantly associated with df (OR: 1.78, 95%CI: 1.05 - 2.99).Conclusions: A significant proportion of study population had both df IgM and IgG. Screening for df should be part of routine tests amongst patients that presents with febrile illness particularly those with joint pain.

Background: Prognostic tools, including the ocular trauma score, are critical for clinicians in guiding management decisions and counseling patients about visual prognosis. This concern is especially relevant in developing communities with a high burden of visual impairment and blindness due to ocular trauma. This study compared the predictive value of the ocular trauma score (OTS) with actual visual outcomes following closed and open-globe injuries. Method: A prospective comparative analysis of Kuhn et al.’s ocular trauma score-predicted visual acuity and final visual outcome was conducted. Patients with mechanical ocular trauma managed at a tertiary care facility in Nigeria were enrolled. Ocular injuries were classified according to the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System (BETTS). The primary outcome was final visual acuity at 3 months post-presentation. The association between presenting and final visual acuity and the correlation between the ocular trauma score predicted and final visual acuity were analyzed. Result: Seventy-nine patients participated, with 34.2% sustaining open-globe injuries and 65.8% closed-globe injuries; the male-to-female ratio was 2.8:1. The mean age was 21.16 years (SD ± 12.63). Approximately 31.6% presented within 24 h of injury. Injury types included contusions (59.5%), penetrating injuries (16.5%), ruptured globe (13.9%), lamellar lacerations (6.3%), and intraocular foreign bodies (3.8%). Zonal distribution was 30.4% in Zone 1, 48.1% in Zone II, and 21.5% in Zone III. Medical management was provided to 49.3% of patients, while 38% underwent surgical intervention. Presenting visual acuity was hand motion or worse in 48.7% of patients and 6/12 or better in 23.1%. Final visual acuity was 6/12 or better in 58% of patients. The presenting visual acuity showed association ( p < 0.001) and correlation (Spearman’s r = 0.53, p = < 0.001, 95% CI [0.32, 0.69]) with the final visual acuity. The ocular trauma score predicted and the final visual outcomes were not statistically different ( p = 0.835) but showed positive correlation (Spearman’s r = 0.60, p = < 0.001, 95% CI [0.42, 0.74]). Conclusion: The visual acuity trends predicted by the ocular trauma score were consistent with the outcomes observed in this study. The ocular trauma score is a valuable predictor of final visual outcome three months after open- and closed-globe injuries. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.