Misconceptions exist in Nigeria about the effects of hormonal contraceptives on weight, which may have negative effects on contraceptive use. Data from case notes of clients attending the reproductive health centre at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, between 1993 and 1995, were analysed to determine the effects of hormonal contraceptives on body weight, comparing them to clients using intrauterine contraceptive devices. Weight changes were not significantly different in clients using hormonal contraceptives and those using intrauterine contraceptive devices. This information will be beneficial in contraceptive counselling for clients in this environment and provide a baseline for further research. RÉSUMÉIl existe des idées erronnées au Nigéria concernant les effets des contraceptifs hormonaux sur le poids, chose qui pourrait avoir des effets négatifs sur l'usage des contraceptifs. Les données recueillies des dossiers des clientes qui fréquentaient le centre de santé de la reproduction au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ahmadu Bello à Zaria, entre 1993 et 1995, ont été analysées pour déterminer les effets des contraceptifs hormonaux sur le poids corporel, en les comparant aux clientes qui utilisent les dispositifs inter-utérins comme méthodes contraceptives. Il n'y avait pas des différences importantes en ce qui concerne les modifications de poids chez les clientes qui utilisent les contraceptifs hormonaux et ceux qui utilisent les dispositifs intra-utérins. La consultation contraceptive profitera de ce renseignement pour les clients de ce milieu et fournira une ligne de base en vue d'une recherche plus approfondie. (Rev Afr Santé Reprod 2005; 9[2]: 92-100)

The annual incidence of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) in Greater Glasgow area from 1980 to 1996 was calculated. An increasing incidence was observed between 1980 and 1988 but not thereafter. There is a suggestion that environmental factors may play a role in the aetiology of this condition.

Objective: To determine the knowledge and use of modern contraceptives among Muslim women in Zaria, Nigeria and recommend ways to increase uptake thus reducing maternal morbidity and mortality related to high parity. Methods: 200 Muslim women in Zaria were interviewed between August 1 and October 31, 2003. Results: Majority (92.5%) had some knowledge about modern contraceptives but only 9% knew >3 methods and hospitals were their most common source of information. The rate of previous contraceptive use was 21% while current use was 13%. Unmet need for contraception was 7.5% mainly due to fear of side effects (60%) and husband's disapproval (26.7%). Contraception was believed to be unIslamic by 16% of the women. of the women who had Islamic education alone, 58.1% believed that contraception was unIslamic (p = 0.04). Conclusion: There is inadequate knowledge of modern contraceptives and misconceptions exist about the position of Islam on contraception. Muslim women and men, and Islamic leaders and teachers should be adequately informed on these issues.