Nigerian Journal of Medical and Dental Education

Computed Tomographic Diagnosis of Aneurysmal Dilatation of the Great Vein of Galen in a Male Infant

A OWOLABI — 2021-03-01

A case of great vein of Galen aneurysmal dilatation diagnosed on cranial CT scan in a male infant has been presented. The clinical, radiological features as well as the prognostic factors were also discussed.

Cigarette Smoking, Knowledge of Associated Health Risks and Legislation Amongst Undergraduate Students of a Nigerian University

AS SALAMI — 2021-03-01

Objective: University undergraduate students are majorly young adults and are vulnerable to the harmful habit of smoking. However, scanty information exists about university undergraduate students’ smoking habit and knowledge. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking including its associated knowledge and legislation amongst undergraduate students in a Nigerian university.

Methods: The study was cross-sectional in design and was conducted amongst students of University of Medical Sciences Ondo, Nigeria. Data collection on age, gender, prevalence and knowledge of smoking was via structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done at 95% confidence interval and p was set at 0.05 using IBM SPSS version 21.0 software.

Results: The respondents were 331 in number with a mean of age of 22.8 ± 3.8 years. Males and females were 178(53.9%) and 152(46.1%) respectively. The prevalence of cigarette smoking was 7.6% while 95.2% started smoking at ≤ 18 years. Also, 68.0% of those who smoke were willing to quit if assistance is offered. Initiation into smoking was by friends (72.0%) and relief of anxiety (44.0%) was the main reason for smoking. The respondents had good knowledge on health associated risks to smoking but had suboptimal knowledge on smoking and its legislation. Non-smokers had better knowledge of smoking, its associated health risks and legislation than smokers. This relationship was significant in knowledge of addictive properties of nicotine (p=0.004) and legislation for smoking in public places (p=0.006).

Conclusion: University undergraduate students had good knowledge of smoking-associated health risks but inadequate knowledge of smoking and associated legislation. Non-smokers had better knowledge in smoking-related information than smokers. Recommended interventional activities include early access to smoking education and cessation therapy.

Oral Health Knowledge and Practices among Pregnant Women in a Teaching Hospital in North-West, Nigeria

2021-03-01

Objective: Oral health is an important component of general health and should be maintained during pregnancy and through a woman’s lifespan. Pregnancy is a special state which results in physiological changes which also manifest in the woman’s oral health. Preventive dental care at the primary level will broaden the scope of pre-natal care. The objective of the study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practices of oral health among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna.

Methods: The study was carried out at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna from January to June 2018. Questionnaires were administered to 320 pregnant women who consented, to get information on demographic and reproductive characteristics, oral health knowledge and practices. Intraoral examinations were also performed.

Results: The results showed that the majority of the respondents were within 26-33 years of age (45.3%), had secondary school education (45.95%), Hausa (57.09%) by tribe, were into various business women (48.6%). However, a very high number had never visited the dentist (n=134, 45.3%) and this was affected by parity.

Conclusion: More pregnant women need to be educated on proper oral health care, to improve pregnancy outcome.