IntroductionChild undernutrition is a major public health problem in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries. However, few analytical studies have quantified the role of risk factors. This study was conducted to determine the socio-economic and family related risk factors for undernutrition among children in Ibadan, Nigeria.MethodsA case-control study was conducted among children100 cases and 200 controls aged 6-23 months. A semi-structured interviewer- administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-economic status, infant feeding practices of the mothers, children's immunization status and recent episodes of common childhood illnesses. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors.ResultsOn bivariate analysis, the maternal factors associated with undernutrition were maternal level of education below secondary level, monthly income below $20 and polygamous marriage. Socio-economic factors significantly associated with malnutrition were residence in a high density area, family accommodation in a single room apartment and family weekly expenditure on food below $55. Children's characteristics associated with child malnutrition included incomplete immunization for age, recent episodes of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection. The significant risk factors on multivariate analysis were maternal monthly income <$20, monthly household food expenditure <$55, residence in a one room apartment, higher birth order and incomplete immunization of the child.ConclusionThe multiplicity of risk factors identified is indicative of the need for a multidisciplinary approach in developing preventive strategies child undernutrition.

This study was conducted among married Igbo women in Nigeria who have the lowest median birth interval coupled with a culture of sex preference and low use of modern contraceptives. We examined the relationship between access to information on family planning and sex preference on the use of modern contraceptive (MC). The 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data were used. The data of 1,661 women of reproductive age were analyzed in this study. Access to information on family planning was low, and almost half (48.6%) of the women had a score of zero. Controlling for possible confounding variables, the data show that women who have good (odds ratio [ OR]= 3.92; CI [2.28, 6.75], p < .001) and poor ( OR = 2.56; CI [1.85, 3.56], p < .001) access to information on family planning were more likely to use MC than those with no access to information on family planning. Sex preference showed no relationship with the use of MC. Families where husbands want more children than their wives inhibit ( OR = 0.62, CI [0.42, 0.90], p < .05) the use of MC compared with those families where husbands and wives fertility desire is the same. Public health programs by government and donors should intensify interventions to increase access to family planning information to promote the use of MC among married Igbo women.

BackgroundStreet youths are faced with a number of health challenges that could be linked to their exposure to the risk elements, accessing medical care including motivation and /or ignorance to utilise available health care.ObjectiveThis qualitative study therefore aimed at determining the behavioural risks for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and health seeking behaviour of street youths in Ibadan.MethodsSixteen focus group discussion (FGD) sessions were conducted among 160 street youths aged between 15–24 years.ResultThe result showed that most of the respondents had low perception of risk of contracting STIs in spite of their risky behaviours which included multiple sexual partnering, sharing of personal effects, malnourishment and sexual harassment. Most of the street youth could not identify the various types however; Gonorrhea and HIV were commonly mentioned by them. The major treatment regimen for STIs was traditional remedies and drugs obtained from patent medicine vendors. Traditional remedies were preferred by most of the participants and considered to be more effective.ConclusionMajority of the street youths were sexually active, engaged in high risk sexual behaviours and had inappropriately treated sexually transmitted infections. Development of risk reduction and appropriate sexual health interventions targeted at prevention and appropriate treatment is recommended.

Childhood diarrhea remains a problem in countries like Nigeria where access to potable water, good hygiene and sanitation are lacking. Maternal education is an important determinant of health status of under-five children. Very few studies have investigated the relationship between maternal education and diarrhea in children in Nigeria. Therefore, this study was implemented to fill the gap. The study design was cross-sectional and 2013 National Survey was used. Children aged 0-24 months were investigated and the dependent variable was diarrhea status of the index child in the last two weeks prior the survey. The main independent variable was maternal education. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Logistic regression models (α=0.05). Diarrhea prevalence was 13.7% and higher (15.5%) among children of women who have no formal education, and mothers living in the North East region of Nigeria experienced the highest prevalence (26.4%). Children whose mothers had no formal education were 2.69(CI= 1.800-4.015, p<0.001) more likely to have diarrhea as compared to those who had higher education. Maternal education is an important predictor of diarrhea among children aged 0-24 months in Nigeria. Policies to reduce diarrhea among children in Nigeria should target children of the illiterate, less educated mothers and those living in the North-West. (Afr J Reprod Health 2017; 21[3]: 27-36). Keywords: Maternal Education, Childhood diarrhea, Nigeria RésuméLa diarrhée infantile demeure un problème dans des pays comme le Nigéria où l'accès à l'eau potable, à la bonne hygiène et à l'assainissement manque. L'éducation maternelle est un déterminant important de l'état de santé des enfants de moins de cinq ans. Très peu d'études ont étudié la relation entre l'éducation maternelle et la diarrhée chez les enfants au Nigeria. Par conséquent, cette étude a été mise en oeuvre pour combler l'écart. La conception de l'étude était transversale et l'enquête nationale de 2013 était utilisée. Les enfants âgés de 0 à 24 mois ont été étudiés et la variable dépendante était le statut de diarrhée de l'index chez les deux dernières semaines avant l'enquête. La principale variable indépendante était l'éducation maternelle. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de modèles de régimes de Chi-carré et de régression logistique (α = 0,05). La prévalence de la diarrhée était de 13,7% et plus élevée (15,5%) chez les enfants des femmes qui n'ont pas reçu l'éducation formelle, et les mères qui habitent dans la région nord-est du Nigeria ont connu la plus forte prévalence (26,4%). Les enfants dont les mères n'ont pas reçu une éducation formelle étaient 2,69 (IC = 1,800-4,015, p <0,001) plus susceptibles d'avoir une diarrhée par rapport à ceux qui avaient fait des études supérieures. L'éducation maternelle est un indice important de la diarrhée chez les enfants âgés de 0 à 24 mois au Nigéria. Les politiques visant à réduire la diarrhée chez les enfants au Nigéria devraient cibler les enfants des analphabètes, des mères moins instruites et des perso...