-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We evaluated the effects of selected socio-demographic factors on late presentation and reasons why our breast cancer patients delay reporting for treatment. All female breast cancer patients referred to one of the general surgery out-patient clinics of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital between January 2009 and December 2010 were interviewed. Relevant socio-demographic and clinical data were obtained and reasons for patient delay documented. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to calculate odd ratio for delay. A total of 201 patients were enrolled. Mean duration of symptoms was 12.12 months (SD ± 5.18). Delay for more than 3 months before initial medical consultation was observed in 164 patients (81.6%). Increased risk of late presentation was associated with single women (OR=2.054), primary level of education (OR=3.059), negative history of benign breast disease (OR=1.648) and pre-menopause (OR=1.861). Ignorance of the nature of illness, belief in spiritual healing, fear of mastectomy and belief in herbal treatment were the leading reasons for delay. Women with higher risk of late presentation should be the target group during interventions aimed at raising breast cancer awareness. Reasons for patient delay should also be addressed.
Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland) 02/2012; 21(3):416-8. · 2.09 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Children are the most risk prone in cases of burns. The previous epidemiologic study of paediatric burns in Lagos-Nigeria was carried four decades ago. A new study becomes necessary in view of the increasing incidences of petroleum related fire disasters in Nigeria.
: Children up to the age of 14 years admitted for major burns at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja-Lagos, Nigeria between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2008 were studied. Information about the demographics, mechanism/circumstances of burns, associated injuries, surface extent (TBSA) and depth, modes of management and outcome, length of admission, and post mortem findings in cases of death were collected.
: A total of 298 children with major burns were seen; 198 were males and 100 females. The ages ranged from 1 day to 14 years with mean of 4.56 ± 3.95 years. Forty percent of the cases occurred among the toddlers and 25.5% in the 2-5 years age group. Fire was the leading cause of burns, occurring in 198 (66.4%) cases. The TBSA ranged from 1% to 100% with mean of 29.67 ± 21.98. The mortality rate was 29.9%. Autopsy showed asphyxia as the primary cause of death in 14 (48.27%) cases, multiple organ dysfunctions in 27.59% and septicaemia in 13.79%.
This study identifies the main causes of paediatric burns and the major factors responsible for morbidity and mortality at the present time in a low income country. The level of awareness about burns prevention among the populace and health care facilities should be improved.
Burns: journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries 12/2010; 37(3):528-34. · 1.95 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Abdominal cocoon is a rare cause of bowel obstruction. The condition was first described three decades ago and is found mainly among adolescent females in tropical and sub-tropical countries. It is characterized by a thick fibrous membrane encapsulating the small intestines partially or completely. Patients present with features of intestinal obstruction and diagnosis is usually made intraoperatively. Surgical excision of the membrane and adhesiolysis result in complete recovery. We report on an adolescent male patient who had acute intestinal obstruction due to abdominal cocoon detected at surgery.
Tropical Doctor 10/2009; 39(4):254-6. · 0.66 Impact Factor
