No abstract

Hemorrhoids or piles, culturally known as <em>Jedijedi</em> among the people of southwestern Nigeria, are an anorectal disease surrounded by misconceptions. The consequences of these misconceptions are enormous. Therefore, the main objective of the present study is to understand the sociocultural explanation of piles among selected personnel of the Nigeria Police Force. We recruited 302 police officers for the exploratory survey through a multistage sampling technique. Five key informants were interviewed at the study area based upon their professions and proximity. Data interpretation was done through chi-square and content analysis. Results indicated a high prevalence (73%) of and misconceptions about hemorrhoids among the respondents. The majority (80%) of the respondents had a poor awareness of the risk factors, making a scientifically unfounded claim that sugar intake was responsible for piles. Their belief negatively influenced the treatments adopted. Furthermore, their choice of therapy was influenced by its affordability (<em>p </em>< .05) and the fear of hemorrhoidectomy (<em>p </em>< .05). The study established various misconceptions about hemorrhoids among herbal vendors and police officers, which influenced treatment choices. The study suggested that one potent tool for combating ignorance about the disease is sensitization, which will equip officers to adopt healthier behaviors and aid herbal vendors to give better treatment to their clients. In addition, experimental platforms should be set for herbal vendors and orthodox medical practitioners to form a synergy in combating the diseases.

Genomics, an emerging field to improve public health practice, has potential benefits to understanding ocular diseases. This study explored the social construction of genomics in ocular diseases in the blind community in Ibadan, Nigeria, through two focus group discussions and twelve in-depth interview sessions conducted among people living with ocular disorders. The data were thematic and content-analysed. Although the participants had limited knowledge about ocular diseases, genomics, and their nexus, they maintained a positive attitude toward its potential benefits. This informed their willingness to participate in genomics testing for ocular diseases. The participants preferred saliva-based sample collection over blood-based, and expressed concern for the procedure and accrued benefits of genomics studies. Thus, public sensitisation about ocular diseases and client-centred genomics testing procedures should be engendered.

Hemorrhoids (or piles) are an anorectal condition that affects many individuals who do not necessarily seek medical support. Many who suffer from this condition resort to home treatment, especially cultural diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, an herbal remedy, popularly known as <em>jedijedi </em>drinks, has gained high patronage but with contested effectiveness. Thus, this study explored the diagnosis and use of hemorrhoid herbal remedy. Using a mixed-methods research design, information was elicited from those who used or sold the remedy at the three points of sales: 107 consumer respondents were surveyed and three herbal vendors were interviewed in Ibadan, Oyo Town, and Ogbomoso in Oyo State, Nigeria. The selection of the three herbal vendors was based on their popularity and patronage. Data interpretation included the use of chi-square and qualitative content analysis. Results revealed a high prevalence (71%) of hemorrhoids among respondents who used <em>jedijedi</em> drinks for curative purposes; 90.7% of respondents claimed to know the risk factors for developing hemorrhoids. Specifically, respondents mentioned sugary and starchy substances (77.8%), sitting for long periods of time (6.1%), and stress (8.1%) as perceived causes of hemorrhoids, and 9.2% asserted that the cause was preternatural. Respondents reported irregular menstrual cycle, an inability to sit or stand for long and erectile dysfunction as symptoms of hemorrhoids. The experience of erectile dysfunction was significantly related (c²= 6.906) to respondents’ marital status. Herbal vendors reported that the common diagnosis method was vendor–customer oral dialogue that determined the type of herbal remedy prescribed. Findings support the recommendation for public sensitization through mass media to reduce misconceptions about hemorrhoids that affect its management.

Indiscriminate drug use consistently constitutes a public health threat in developing countries including Nigeria. Therefore, the study explored PMVs’ experiences to understand the socio-economic factors accountable for the demand and dispensation of multiple drugs to clients. The study was exploratory and qualitative. Through respondents determined survey (RDS), four patent medicine vendors and one pharmacist were recruited into the study for in-depth interviews. The PMVs had at least 7 years’ experience and were aware of the restrictions guiding drugs they could sell. Although PMVs were prohibited from clerking clients lowincome households would constantly request for the multiple drugs especially to treat malaria and body pains. The clients reportedly wanted faster relief and cheaper therapy -as low as 100 naira i.e. 0.28$. Also, such choices were made to treat under-five children however, the PMVs reportedly exercised caution on this. Consequent to that, the PMVs advised their clients to consult a physician. The PMVs believed their services and products were less expensive. Also, the vendors relied on experience, accommodation of local languages, follow up and referral to gain more patronage. The public should be exposed to the danger of consuming multiple drugs to promote a positive attitude towards the proper use of drugs. Keyword: Indiscriminate drug use, treatment, Patent Medicine Vendors, Nigeria