Background Self-care health interventions are innovative approaches for improving health and achi... more Background Self-care health interventions are innovative approaches for improving health and achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Men who have sex with men (MSM) have been disproportionately affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In spite of this, stigma from healthcare workers has reportedly prevented MSM from accessing HIV testing in health facilities. This paper explored the operationalization of using key opinion leaders (KOLs) to distribute HIVST (HIV self-test) kits to MSM. This qualitative survey used a combination of in-depth interviews (IDI) with HIVST users and focus group discussions (FGDs) with KOLs to collect data three months after the distribution of the test kits by the KOLs. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out. Result Three themes were generated namely: KOLs serve as a trusted resource to promote and support HIVST for the MSM community; Skills and qualifications required for KOLs to effectively distribute and promote uptake of HIVST...
Background The presence of COVID-19 has led to the disruption of health systems globally, includi... more Background The presence of COVID-19 has led to the disruption of health systems globally, including essential reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) services. This study aimed to assess the challenges faced by women who used RMNCH services in Nigeria’s epicentre, their satisfaction with care received during the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors associated with their satisfaction. Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Lagos, southwest Nigeria among 1,241 women of reproductive age who had just received RMNCH services at one of twenty-two health facilities across the primary, secondary and tertiary tiers of health care. The respondents were selected via multi-stage sampling and face to face exit interviews were conducted by trained interviewers. Client satisfaction was assessed across four sub-scales: health care delivery, health facility, interpersonal aspects of care and access to services. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the r...
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV in Nigeria. A key strategy... more Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV in Nigeria. A key strategy in reducing transmission is to increase HIV testing uptake and linkage to treatment for those who test positive. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an innovative strategy with the potential to increase uptake of HIV testing among key populations at higher risk for HIV. We conducted 23 in-depth-interviews with MSM and two focus group discussions with key opinion leaders to explore perceptions about the feasibility and acceptability of oral HIVST among MSM in Lagos, Nigeria. HIVST was highly acceptable because it was considered convenient to use, painless, private and addressed concerns about stigma. Concerns cited by participants included comprehensibility of instructions to perform and interpret results correctly, as well as lack of support mechanisms to facilitate post-test follow-up and linkage to care. Provision of adequate pre-test information was considered vital as part of the kit distri...
Disclosure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity by infected women is crucial in H... more Disclosure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity by infected women is crucial in HIV control. To determine the rates, patterns, effects, and determinants of disclosure of status among HIV-positive women in Lagos, Nigeria. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Simple random sampling method was used to select 364 HIV-positive women accessing care in HIV treatment centers in Lagos Island. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed with Epi Info (version 3.5.3). Inferential statistics done was Chi-square test and level of statistical significance was set at <5%. Mean age of respondents was 37.3 ± 3 years, and most were married or cohabiting in monogamous families. The disclosure rates were 81.9% to anyone (excluding a health care professional); 60.4% to spouse/sexual partners; and 67.7% disclosed on the same day of diagnosis. Main reasons for disclosure were failing health (49.3%) and a sense of responsibility to the spouse/sexual partner (33.6%). Major reasons for nondisclosure were negative public opinion (84.8%) and fear of losing relationships (40.3%). Positive reactions following disclosure were mostly acceptance: 75.2% (family member) and 72.3% (spouse/sexual partner) while blame was the main negative outcome. Longer duration of diagnosis significantly improved disclosure to anyone (P < 0.001). Older age (P < 0.001) and awareness of spouse/sexual partner's HIV status (P < 0.001) significantly improved disclosure to spouse/sexual partner. Many respondents had not disclosed their status and require support and counseling to do so. Community education regarding stigmatization should be intensified.
Journal of the International AIDS Society, Jul 19, 2017
Poor access of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to healthcare providers with ... more Poor access of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to healthcare providers with clinical and cultural competency contributes to health inequalities between heterosexual/cisgender and LGBT people. This systematic review assesses the effect of educational curricula and training for healthcare students and professionals on LGBT healthcare issues. Systematic review; the search terms, strategy and process as well as eligibility criteria were predefined and registered prospectively on PROSPERO. A systematic search of electronic databases was undertaken. Screening for eligible studies and data extraction were done in duplicate. All the eligible studies were assessed for risk of bias. The outcome of interest was a change in participants' knowledge, attitude and or practice. Out of 1171 papers identified, 16 publications reporting 15 studies were included in the review. Three were non-randomized controlled studies and 12 had a pre/post-design; two had qualitative compone...
Background: Non - communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality ... more Background: Non - communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in many developed and developing societies. Overwhelming evidences from epidemiological, prospective cohort and intervention studies, have linked most NCDs to unhealthy lifestyle. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and hypertension among bankers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out using multistage sampling method to select 260 professional bankers from 56 bank branches. Data collection was carried out using self-administered questionnaire. Result: The mean age of the respondents was 33.5 years + 5.7, majority (64.6%) were married and 51.9% were males. About half (52.7%) of the respondents had a first degree The study showed that 40.4% of the respondents had BMI above 24.9 more of the females (71.5%) had truncal obesity compared to 35.1% of the males. Increasing age was associated with being overweight. Al...
Background: Non - communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality ... more Background: Non - communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in many developed and developing societies. Overwhelming evidences from epidemiological, prospective cohort and intervention studies, have linked most NCDs to unhealthy lifestyle. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and hypertension among bankers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured in 260 professional bankers from 56 bank branches in Lagos. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 33.5 years + 5.7, majority (64.6%) were married and 51.9% were males. About half (52.7%) of the respondents had a first degree The study showed that 40.4% of the respondents had BMI above 24.9more of the females (71.5%) had truncal obesity compared to 35.1% of the males. Increasing age was associated with being overweight. Almost one third (29.6%) of the respondents had elevated blood pressure, males, obese and bankers above the age of 40years were more likely to have elevated blood pressure. Conclusion: The study showed that a significant proportion of individuals in the banking profession are overweight and hypertensive. The management of every bank should invest in periodic health promotion, screening and wellness programs for their employees.
After signing of the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013 in Nigeria, media reports portray w... more After signing of the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013 in Nigeria, media reports portray widespread societal intolerance toward the lesbian, gay, and bisexual population. This study was conducted to assess the attitudes of university undergraduates in Lagos state, Nigeria, toward provision of healthcare services for men who have sex with men (MSM), because the 2014 same-sex marriage prohibition law stipulates a jail sentence for organizations providing services to MSM. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by using self-administered questionnaires to collect information, including homophobic attitudes and views on access to healthcare from 4000 undergraduates in 10 randomly selected faculties in two universities. During analysis, inter-university and inter-faculty comparison was carried out between medical and nonmedical students. Outright denial of healthcare services to MSM was supported by 37.6% of the 3537 undergraduates who responded, whereas denial of HIV prevention services was supported by 32.5%. However, compared with 38.7% and 34.1% of undergraduates from other faculties, 23.7% and 18.2% of medical students agreed that healthcare providers should not provide services to MSM and that MSM should not have access to HIV prevention services, respectively (P = 0.000). Although a significant proportion of the medical students supported the statement that doctors and other healthcare workers should be compelled to give priority to other groups before MSM (29.4% of medical vs. 47.2% of students from other faculties), a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups of students. The homophobic statement with the highest support was that doctors and healthcare workers should be compelled to report MSM who come to access treatment (48.1% of medical vs. 57.4% of students from other faculties). A very high proportion of the undergraduate students had a negative attitude toward provision of healthcare services to MSM in Nigeria; the medical students were, however, less homophobic than their nonmedical counterparts. If attitudes translate to a lack of healthcare service provision to MSM, with the high burden of HIV among MSM in Nigeria, it is unlikely that the country will achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target of 90% of the population knowing their HIV status, 90% of people living with HIV receiving sustained antiretroviral medication, and 90% of those receiving antiretroviral medication having viral suppression by 2020.
Background: Hygiene refers to the condition or practices of people to maintain or promote good he... more Background: Hygiene refers to the condition or practices of people to maintain or promote good health by keeping themselves and their surroundings clean. Good hygiene practices in bakeries include proper construction and layout of premise, cleaning and sanitation, pest control, hygiene of personnel, storage and waste management. Important as this strategy is in the food industry, little has been reported on the practice of hygiene among bakers especially in developing countries including Nigeria. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and hygiene practices of bakers in Amuwo Odofin Local Government area of Lagos state and compare it with the national policy on food hygiene and safety. Methodology: This was a cross sectional descriptive study with a sample size of 201; simple random sampling method was used for selection of study subjects; information was collected with a standardized structured, self-administered questionnaire and observation checklist. Data generat...
Background Self-care health interventions are innovative approaches for improving health and achi... more Background Self-care health interventions are innovative approaches for improving health and achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Men who have sex with men (MSM) have been disproportionately affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In spite of this, stigma from healthcare workers has reportedly prevented MSM from accessing HIV testing in health facilities. This paper explored the operationalization of using key opinion leaders (KOLs) to distribute HIVST (HIV self-test) kits to MSM. This qualitative survey used a combination of in-depth interviews (IDI) with HIVST users and focus group discussions (FGDs) with KOLs to collect data three months after the distribution of the test kits by the KOLs. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out. Result Three themes were generated namely: KOLs serve as a trusted resource to promote and support HIVST for the MSM community; Skills and qualifications required for KOLs to effectively distribute and promote uptake of HIVST...
Background The presence of COVID-19 has led to the disruption of health systems globally, includi... more Background The presence of COVID-19 has led to the disruption of health systems globally, including essential reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) services. This study aimed to assess the challenges faced by women who used RMNCH services in Nigeria’s epicentre, their satisfaction with care received during the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors associated with their satisfaction. Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Lagos, southwest Nigeria among 1,241 women of reproductive age who had just received RMNCH services at one of twenty-two health facilities across the primary, secondary and tertiary tiers of health care. The respondents were selected via multi-stage sampling and face to face exit interviews were conducted by trained interviewers. Client satisfaction was assessed across four sub-scales: health care delivery, health facility, interpersonal aspects of care and access to services. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the r...
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV in Nigeria. A key strategy... more Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV in Nigeria. A key strategy in reducing transmission is to increase HIV testing uptake and linkage to treatment for those who test positive. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an innovative strategy with the potential to increase uptake of HIV testing among key populations at higher risk for HIV. We conducted 23 in-depth-interviews with MSM and two focus group discussions with key opinion leaders to explore perceptions about the feasibility and acceptability of oral HIVST among MSM in Lagos, Nigeria. HIVST was highly acceptable because it was considered convenient to use, painless, private and addressed concerns about stigma. Concerns cited by participants included comprehensibility of instructions to perform and interpret results correctly, as well as lack of support mechanisms to facilitate post-test follow-up and linkage to care. Provision of adequate pre-test information was considered vital as part of the kit distri...
Disclosure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity by infected women is crucial in H... more Disclosure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity by infected women is crucial in HIV control. To determine the rates, patterns, effects, and determinants of disclosure of status among HIV-positive women in Lagos, Nigeria. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Simple random sampling method was used to select 364 HIV-positive women accessing care in HIV treatment centers in Lagos Island. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed with Epi Info (version 3.5.3). Inferential statistics done was Chi-square test and level of statistical significance was set at <5%. Mean age of respondents was 37.3 ± 3 years, and most were married or cohabiting in monogamous families. The disclosure rates were 81.9% to anyone (excluding a health care professional); 60.4% to spouse/sexual partners; and 67.7% disclosed on the same day of diagnosis. Main reasons for disclosure were failing health (49.3%) and a sense of responsibility to the spouse/sexual partner (33.6%). Major reasons for nondisclosure were negative public opinion (84.8%) and fear of losing relationships (40.3%). Positive reactions following disclosure were mostly acceptance: 75.2% (family member) and 72.3% (spouse/sexual partner) while blame was the main negative outcome. Longer duration of diagnosis significantly improved disclosure to anyone (P < 0.001). Older age (P < 0.001) and awareness of spouse/sexual partner's HIV status (P < 0.001) significantly improved disclosure to spouse/sexual partner. Many respondents had not disclosed their status and require support and counseling to do so. Community education regarding stigmatization should be intensified.
Journal of the International AIDS Society, Jul 19, 2017
Poor access of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to healthcare providers with ... more Poor access of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to healthcare providers with clinical and cultural competency contributes to health inequalities between heterosexual/cisgender and LGBT people. This systematic review assesses the effect of educational curricula and training for healthcare students and professionals on LGBT healthcare issues. Systematic review; the search terms, strategy and process as well as eligibility criteria were predefined and registered prospectively on PROSPERO. A systematic search of electronic databases was undertaken. Screening for eligible studies and data extraction were done in duplicate. All the eligible studies were assessed for risk of bias. The outcome of interest was a change in participants' knowledge, attitude and or practice. Out of 1171 papers identified, 16 publications reporting 15 studies were included in the review. Three were non-randomized controlled studies and 12 had a pre/post-design; two had qualitative compone...
Background: Non - communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality ... more Background: Non - communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in many developed and developing societies. Overwhelming evidences from epidemiological, prospective cohort and intervention studies, have linked most NCDs to unhealthy lifestyle. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and hypertension among bankers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out using multistage sampling method to select 260 professional bankers from 56 bank branches. Data collection was carried out using self-administered questionnaire. Result: The mean age of the respondents was 33.5 years + 5.7, majority (64.6%) were married and 51.9% were males. About half (52.7%) of the respondents had a first degree The study showed that 40.4% of the respondents had BMI above 24.9 more of the females (71.5%) had truncal obesity compared to 35.1% of the males. Increasing age was associated with being overweight. Al...
Background: Non - communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality ... more Background: Non - communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in many developed and developing societies. Overwhelming evidences from epidemiological, prospective cohort and intervention studies, have linked most NCDs to unhealthy lifestyle. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and hypertension among bankers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured in 260 professional bankers from 56 bank branches in Lagos. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 33.5 years + 5.7, majority (64.6%) were married and 51.9% were males. About half (52.7%) of the respondents had a first degree The study showed that 40.4% of the respondents had BMI above 24.9more of the females (71.5%) had truncal obesity compared to 35.1% of the males. Increasing age was associated with being overweight. Almost one third (29.6%) of the respondents had elevated blood pressure, males, obese and bankers above the age of 40years were more likely to have elevated blood pressure. Conclusion: The study showed that a significant proportion of individuals in the banking profession are overweight and hypertensive. The management of every bank should invest in periodic health promotion, screening and wellness programs for their employees.
After signing of the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013 in Nigeria, media reports portray w... more After signing of the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013 in Nigeria, media reports portray widespread societal intolerance toward the lesbian, gay, and bisexual population. This study was conducted to assess the attitudes of university undergraduates in Lagos state, Nigeria, toward provision of healthcare services for men who have sex with men (MSM), because the 2014 same-sex marriage prohibition law stipulates a jail sentence for organizations providing services to MSM. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by using self-administered questionnaires to collect information, including homophobic attitudes and views on access to healthcare from 4000 undergraduates in 10 randomly selected faculties in two universities. During analysis, inter-university and inter-faculty comparison was carried out between medical and nonmedical students. Outright denial of healthcare services to MSM was supported by 37.6% of the 3537 undergraduates who responded, whereas denial of HIV prevention services was supported by 32.5%. However, compared with 38.7% and 34.1% of undergraduates from other faculties, 23.7% and 18.2% of medical students agreed that healthcare providers should not provide services to MSM and that MSM should not have access to HIV prevention services, respectively (P = 0.000). Although a significant proportion of the medical students supported the statement that doctors and other healthcare workers should be compelled to give priority to other groups before MSM (29.4% of medical vs. 47.2% of students from other faculties), a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups of students. The homophobic statement with the highest support was that doctors and healthcare workers should be compelled to report MSM who come to access treatment (48.1% of medical vs. 57.4% of students from other faculties). A very high proportion of the undergraduate students had a negative attitude toward provision of healthcare services to MSM in Nigeria; the medical students were, however, less homophobic than their nonmedical counterparts. If attitudes translate to a lack of healthcare service provision to MSM, with the high burden of HIV among MSM in Nigeria, it is unlikely that the country will achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target of 90% of the population knowing their HIV status, 90% of people living with HIV receiving sustained antiretroviral medication, and 90% of those receiving antiretroviral medication having viral suppression by 2020.
Background: Hygiene refers to the condition or practices of people to maintain or promote good he... more Background: Hygiene refers to the condition or practices of people to maintain or promote good health by keeping themselves and their surroundings clean. Good hygiene practices in bakeries include proper construction and layout of premise, cleaning and sanitation, pest control, hygiene of personnel, storage and waste management. Important as this strategy is in the food industry, little has been reported on the practice of hygiene among bakers especially in developing countries including Nigeria. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and hygiene practices of bakers in Amuwo Odofin Local Government area of Lagos state and compare it with the national policy on food hygiene and safety. Methodology: This was a cross sectional descriptive study with a sample size of 201; simple random sampling method was used for selection of study subjects; information was collected with a standardized structured, self-administered questionnaire and observation checklist. Data generat...
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Papers by Adekemi Sekoni
Keywords: Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, Noncommunicable Disease, Obesity
Keywords: Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, Noncommunicable Disease, Obesity