No abstract

Globally, youths are more sexually active than any subgroup of the population. In Nigeria, the prevalence of condom use among youths is low. This study explored and compared condom use among in-school youths and out-of-school youths in south western Nigeria. This population based study used multistage random sampling technique to select eligible 600 youths aged 15-24 years which included 300 high school students and 300 out-of-school youths in Ekiti West Local Government area of Ekiti state, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics, t-test, chi square test and logistic regression were used for analysis. The mean age of in-school youths and out of school youths were 18.1±2.2 years and 19.0±2.7 years respectively. Overall, 35.5% of all sexually active respondents, 29.8% in-school and 40.8% out-of-school youths reported to have ever used condom during sexual intercourse (p<0.05). Regular condom use was recorded among 10.7% in-school youths or their partners and 20.6% among the out-of-school youths. Out-of-school youths are about one and half times more likely to use condom than in-school youths, (p<0.05). The study concluded that although, condom use is low across the study population, but higher among out-of-school youths. Youths aged 15-24 should be given free access to condom particularly the in-school youths.

Background: The advent of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is associated with improved clinical and laboratory outcomes resulting in prolonged life and well-being of people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV). However, the needs for lifelong therapy, medications' side effects and stigma have raised concerns about their quality of life (QOL). This study assessed the determinants of Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among HIV-positive patients at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Zaria. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 353 HIV-positive adults on HAART attending the HIV clinic of ABUTH, Zaria. The participants were recruited into the study using a systematic sampling technique. Data on sociodemographics, medical parameters, QOL and family functionality were collected using structured, intervieweradministered questionnaire. The World Health Organization (WHO) Quality of Life HIV short form instrument (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) item and Family APGAR tool were respectively used in assessing the QOL and family functionality of the participants. We performed univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Mean age was 39.1(±10.9) years, 239 (67.7%) were females, 208 (58.9%) were Hausa-Fulani, 240 (68.2%) married and up to 210 (59.4%) had at least a secondary education. The overall mean scores on the scale of 4-20 for HRQOL were similar in three domains: environment domain 14.5(±2.8); social relationship 14.4(±3.1) and level of independence 14.4(±2.5). Lower scores were recorded in spirituality/religion/personal beliefs 12.3(±4.3). Identified determinants of HRQOL were spousal HIV-positive status (AOR = 3.37; CI; 1.46-7.74) and high family function (AOR = 2.57; CI: 1.51-4.39). Conclusion: Having highly functional family and having HIV-positive partner were the major determinants of HRQOL. Routine family counselling and strengthening the HIV social-support network should be incorporated into the routine patients' care in HIV treatment centers.

Background: In recent times, Nigerian media have carried multiple reports of violent and traumatic social vices. These are well-known trigger factors for fear, worries, and anxiety for corp members and their families. Core member's presentations at the NYSC primary care clinic are commonly triggered by change in environmental, biological, and psychosocial factors which invariably affect their social and occupational functioning. Aims: The objective of the study was to screen for depression symptoms among young recent Nigerian graduates with the view of further evaluating those positive on screening test with subsequent diagnostic tests. Methods: The survey was conducted on 327 participants of the April 2017 batch of graduates during the Delta State National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp period in Issele-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria. They were requested to complete a self-administered questionnaire comprising of 2 sections (i) Socio-demographic profile and (ii) Patient-Health Questionnaire -9 (PHQ-9) - a Depression screening tool. Results: The prevalence of depression symptoms in the study was found to be 57.2%. Family size (P < 0.001) and sibling rank (P < 0.001) were the socio-demographic factors found to be related to depression. Independent predictors of depression were family size and sibling ranking. Conclusion: The study found the prevalence of depression symptoms among young adults to be 57.2% which is quite high. Family size and sibling rank were found to be independent risk factors.