The PMTCT counselling service is an important entry point into the national programme for the pre... more The PMTCT counselling service is an important entry point into the national programme for the prevention mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). This study assessed clients' satisfaction with the PMTCT counselling service provided at health facilities in Benin City, Edo State. The study design was a descriptive crosssectional survey. New ANC attendees were recruited from seven health facilities providing comprehensive PMTCT services in Benin City. Satisfaction with the counselling service was assessed using exit interviews. A total of 259 new ANC attendees were recruited for the study. Majority of the new ANC attendees (60.7%) were dissatisfied with the PMTCT counselling service. Satisfaction with the service was significantly associated with waiting time and the type of counselling received. Reducing waiting time for PMTCT counselling is crucial to improving client satisfaction.
THE STEPHENA HANDWASHING STATION AND THE STEPHENA HANDWASHING PROTOCOL, 2022
ABSTRACT
The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) with its Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP), is... more ABSTRACT The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) with its Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP), is a Patented Scientific Invention. The Creative Work won 1st prize in School of Medicine, in the 1st UNIBEN Research Day Conference, 2015. Patented by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on 21st July, 2019 and sealed on 4th December, 2019 by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).
Figure 1: The Stephena Handwashing Station illustrating the mobility of the stand
The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) is a patented, model, self-sufficient, mobile, collapsible technology, handwashing facility that transports a combination of devices, including: portable WASH and RINSE basins, soap holder, bucket of ‘still water’ with tap, waste water receptacle, disposable paper napkin cubicle, receptacle for used disposable hand towels and laundry bag for used re-usable cloth hand towels. The SHS is a novel Two-Bowl Initiative (TBI). The Stephena Handwashing System (Stephena Handwashing Station and Stephena Handwashing Protocol) is a Public Health Response to the observable risks of contamination of clean water source and re-contamination of washed hands, during handwashing with a ‘still water’ source. Structurally, the Stephena Handwashing Station is highly adaptable to locally available, accessible and affordable resources, with variable options of materials, including: wood, bronze, gold, aluminum, clay, marble, plastics or re-cycled materials, etc, depending on individual preference, socio-economic status, level of affluence and corporate propriety.
The operational protocol is called the ‘Stephena handwashing Protocol (SHP). Operationally, the SHP complies with the WHO standard 7-step Handwashing Protocol. Duration of each Hand-wash with SHS using SHP (A) = 2 minutes, consisting of 40-60 seconds of handwashing, in compliance with the WHO Standard 7-step handwashing protocol , and another 40-60 seconds to dispose the waste water and refill the WASH and RINSE bowls, for the next user, using hand towels, to ensure the protection of the water source from contamination, and the prevention of re-contamination of clean washed hands. The Stephena Handwashing Protocol ENSURES that before departure from the SHS, after handwashing, the client with clean washed hands disposes of the waste water and refills the two bowls, in readiness for the next user/client, in the unique ‘spirit of self-reliance’, and mutual responsibility for the protection of the clean water source from contamination by the soiled/dirty hands of the next user/client. Stephena Handwashing Station using the Stephena Handwashing Protocol, has an operational capacity of 20 Hand washings per hour, 480 Hand washings per day, and if efficiently managed, one(1) SHS, using the SHP, has the potential to fully support the handwashing requirements in most homes, work places, many worship centres, institutions, eateries, restaurants, public places and even a 30-bedded ward with bed occupancy of 67% and an estimated 200 Hand washings per day. The efficiency and effectiveness of the Stephena Handwashing Protocol relies on the mutual responsibility to promote the culture of handwashing in homes, schools, workplaces, public washrooms and health care institutions, especially in resource-limited environments, when there is no piped running water. Compliance with the Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP) is recommended, to prevent the client with unwashed dirty or soiled hands, from making contact with either the still water source and/or the inside of it’s container (Tapped still water source) and also protects the clean washed hands from re-contamination by contact with fomites, in the spirit of self-reliance. Keywords: Stephena Handwashing Station; Stephena Handwashing Protocol; Potable Mobile Handwashing Station; Patented Stephena Handwashing Station and Protocol
Unsafe, induced abortion is one of the three major causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria. Impor... more Unsafe, induced abortion is one of the three major causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria. Important surgical complications of unsafe induced abortions include post-surgical sepsis and haemorrhage due to trauma to the uterus, cervix and intestines. This study examined the case records of patients with induced abortion requiring major surgical intervention to manage the complications during a five-year period at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. The results show that the most frequent surgical intervention was drainage of pelvic abscess in 38% of the patients. About 30% of` the patients ended up with severe structural damage to the pelvic organs, especially the uterus, with severe implication for the future fertility of these patients. This high risk of infection and significant structural damage is ascribed to the illegal status of abortion in Nigeria. The challenges that these surgical complications pose to the gynaecologist are discussed. The need to adequately equip and train clinicians to recognise and aggressively manage these complications is also discussed. Sahel Medical Journal Vol.7(3) 2004: 95-97
International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion, 2006
(Received 21 June 2005; in final form 7 February 2006)1. IntroductionRoad traffic accidents (RTAs) a... more (Received 21 June 2005; in final form 7 February 2006)1. IntroductionRoad traffic accidents (RTAs) are a common cause ofdisability and also a leading cause of death all over theworld (Andrade and Jorge 2000, Ansari et al. 2000, Kopitsand Cropper 2005). For example, in Saudi Arabia, 81% ofdeaths in Ministry of Health hospitals are due to RTAs and20% of their hospitals beds are occupied by traffic accidentvictims (Ansari et al. 2000). Different patterns of RTAsmay be observed in different parts of the world and atvarious times.No two countries have exactly the same pattern of RTA.Whilst some countries may be seeing high rates of RTAs asthey develop, others may be experiencing decreasing ratesas they develop. Several reasons have been cited for this(Asogwa 1992), including poor state of the roads, poorstate of the vehicles, use of alcohol whilst driving, lack ofproper training in driving, etc.The purpose of this study is to review 48 years of data onRTAs in Nigeria and to compare the findings with otherstudies on the trend of RTAs in other parts of the worldand to cite possible reasons for the observations.2. Materials and methodsThe information on RTAs was obtained from the recordsof the Federal Road Safety Commission, Police Force andthe Save Accident Victim Association of Nigeria. Theperiod covered was from 1955 to 2003, and the dataanalysed were on the total number of cases of RTAreported, the number of persons injured and the number ofpersons killed in the accident. The records for 1961 wereincomplete and so the year 1961 was excluded from thestudy.3. ResultsTable 1 shows the number of reported cases of RTAs, thenumber of persons injured and the number of personskilled during the accident. Over the years, there was agradual reduction in the reported cases of RTAs, whilstthere was a steady increase in the number of injuredvictims and the number who died following a RTA(figure 1). In 1955, there were 6050 reported cases ofRTA, 4289 injured persons and 489 deaths followingRTAs, whilst in 2003, there where 16 795 reported casesof RTAs, 28 215 injured persons and 8672 deathsfollowing RTAs. The ratio of reported cases of RTA tonumber of deaths was 12.37:1 in 1955 while a similarratio in 2003 was 1.93:1.4. DiscussionRTAs are one of the leading causes of death in Nigeria withmany social, medical and financial implications (Asogwa1992, Oluwasanmi 1993). In the present study, it wasobserved that there was a progressive increase in thenumber of reported cases of RTAs and the fatalities up to1980. But after this, there was a decline in the reportedcases of RTAs, even though the fatalities had almostdoubled.In the present study, it was observed that between 1970and 1979, there were 285 699 reported cases of RTA, whilethere were 57 136 deaths, representing 20%. On the otherhand, the period between 1990 and 1999 recorded 188 012cases of RTA with 76 870 deaths, accounting for 41%.There may be several explanations for this. The oil boom inNigeria was experienced in the 1970s and many people werepossibly financially empowered and so were able to buy*Corresponding author. Email: clementosime@yahoo.com
Climate change includes both the global warming phenomenon, driven by greenhouse-emitting anthrop... more Climate change includes both the global warming phenomenon, driven by greenhouse-emitting anthropogenic activities and the associated large scale shift in weather patterns. Climate change is not just a global threat, but an unprecedented public health emergency. Climate change has been characterized by global warming, increased frequency and intensity of precipitation, catastrophic wind events, and extreme weather events, associated with heat waves, flooding disasters, and prolonged droughts. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has prescribed abatement agreements, based on precautionary principle and principle of cost and responsibility, amongst member nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, the most vulnerable regions, to hazardous impacts of climate change, are the mega-deltas of Africa and Asia, due to high exposure to sea level rise, storm surges, coastal erosion and river flooding, compounded by increasing humaninduced pressures on coastal areas. The vulnerability of the Niger Delta region is exacerbated by oil spillages, gas flaring and environmental degradation. This chapter draws attention to the vulnerability of the Niger Delta to the adverse impact of climate change and the urgency of the implementation of mitigation and adaptation as opportunities for full transformation of economies, of the Niger delta region, in line with sustainable developmental goals (SDGs).
Background: Adolescents constitute a significant proportion of the vulnerable group in the societ... more Background: Adolescents constitute a significant proportion of the vulnerable group in the society and often engage in risky sexual behaviours which predispose to HIV/AIDS. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, preventive practices of HIV/AIDS and its associated factors among adolescents in Ora community, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 440 secondary school students selected by stratified sampling technique. Data was obtained with pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results: Two hundred and forty-two (242; 55.0%) of the respondents were aged 10 – 14 years. Two hundred and seventy-one 271 (61.6%) of the respondents had good knowledge of HIV/AIDS, while 291 (59.3%) had a positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Age 15 – 19 years (p = 0.001) male sex (p = 0.049) and respondents in SS2 class (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with knowledge. A negative attitude was recorded among 139 (51.3%) students who had good kno...
Background: Adolescents constitute a significant proportion of the vulnerable group in the societ... more Background: Adolescents constitute a significant proportion of the vulnerable group in the society and often engage in risky sexual behaviours which predispose to HIV/AIDS. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, preventive practices of HIV/AIDS and its associated factors among adolescents in Ora community, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 440 secondary school students selected by stratified sampling technique. Data was obtained with pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results: Two hundred and forty-two (242; 55.0%) of the respondents were aged 10 – 14 years. Two hundred and seventy-one 271 (61.6%) of the respondents had good knowledge of HIV/AIDS, while 291 (59.3%) had a positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Age 15 – 19 years (p = 0.001) male sex (p = 0.049) and respondents in SS2 class (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with knowledge. A negative attitude was recorded among 139 (51.3%) students who had good kno...
International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 2019
Climate change is not just a global threat, but an unprecedented public health emergency. Climate... more Climate change is not just a global threat, but an unprecedented public health emergency. Climate change has been characterized by global warming, increased frequency and intensity of precipitation, catastrophic wind events, and extreme weather events, associated with heat waves, flooding disasters, and prolonged droughts. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) attributes climate change to anthropogenic or human activities. Globally, the most vulnerable regions, to hazardous impacts of climate change, are the mega-deltas of Africa and Asia, due to high exposure to sea level rise, storm surges, coastal erosion, and river flooding, compounded by increasing human-induced pressures on coastal areas. The vulnerability of the Niger Delta region, is exacerbated by oil spillages, gas flaring. and environmental degradation. This review article highlights, the urgent implementation of mitigation and adaptation as opportunities for full transformation of economie...
Purpose: The study was to determine the level of awareness and prevalence of the use of Lifestyle... more Purpose: The study was to determine the level of awareness and prevalence of the use of Lifestyle Drugs (LD) by Social Science Students (SSS) in the University of Benin, Nigeria. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, and Nigeria. Open and close ended questionnaires made up of 40 items on demographic, knowledge of LD, types of LD used by participants, frequency of use, quantity of LD used and reasons for the use of lifestyle drugs was administered to 400 participants. Results: Out of 400 students that filled the selfadministered questionnaire 210 (52.50%) were males and majority were single (91.25%) and between 18 24 years. High proportion of respondents (45.2%) was not aware of LD drugs even if they had used them before. Caffeine was the drug commonly used by respondents with 85% admitting taking it while65.3% used nutritional supplements. Other LD with high frequency of usage were topical sk...
Purpose: The study was to determine the level of awareness and prevalence of the use of Lifestyle... more Purpose: The study was to determine the level of awareness and prevalence of the use of Lifestyle Drugs (LD) by Social Science Students (SSS) in the University of Benin, Nigeria. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, and Nigeria. Open and close ended questionnaires made up of 40 items on demographic, knowledge of LD, types of LD used by participants, frequency of use, quantity of LD used and reasons for the use of lifestyle drugs was administered to 400 participants. Results: Out of 400 students that filled the selfadministered questionnaire 210 (52.50%) were males and majority were single (91.25%) and between 18 24 years. High proportion of respondents (45.2%) was not aware of LD drugs even if they had used them before. Caffeine was the drug commonly used by respondents with 85% admitting taking it while65.3% used nutritional supplements. Other LD with high frequency of usage were topical sk...
Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease endemic to Nigeria and the Mano River Union countries in West A... more Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease endemic to Nigeria and the Mano River Union countries in West Africa. This study determined the risk perception and rodent control within the university. Personal and public considerations about safety of agricultural produce and the general living environment were investigated among students and staff within the university community using selected socio-economic variables impacting risks of Lassa fever (LF). Results indicated that higher education was associated with hygiene-related knowledge of LF (73.4%), compared to 37.3% of respondents with basic education who demonstrated poor knowledge of transmission of the disease (p<0.0001). High risk awareness was linked to information dissemination on LF in media and campaigns (75.5%), in comparison with native oral transmission of information about the disease (24.5%). Risk perception was significantly associated with measures aimed at rat control amongst respondents (p<0.02). The inability of sta...
Purpose: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of prevention of Lassa fever, a... more Purpose: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of prevention of Lassa fever, amongst students resident in the campuses of University of Benin. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in the two campuses (Ugbowo and Ekenhuan) of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Three hundred students were selected by stratified random sampling technique. Pretested structured questionnaires were used to obtain socio-demographic data, knowledge, attitude and preventive practices against LF amongst students. Data obtained from consenting respondents were analyzed using SPSS v22. Results: The knowledge of the majority 276 (91.7%) of the study population about Lassa fever disease was poor. Good preventive practices were reported by 28 (73.3%) of respondents and fair practices was reported by 10 (24.3%) of respondents with good knowledge. It was found that preventive practices were significantly associated with level of study of students (p=...
Journal of the Nigerian Infection Control Association. 2(1): 13-18, 1999
The bane of effective hand washing is its association with water, flowing into hi technology (hi-... more The bane of effective hand washing is its association with water, flowing into hi technology (hi-tech) ceramic wash-hand basins. The high cost of purchase and maintenance make a hi-tech hand washing system inappropriate in homes and health care systems in poor communities. In Nigeria, over 50% of the population lives below poverty level; and less than 50% have access to continuous water-flow i.e. effective hand washing can only be sustained by a technology that is applicable to various water supply options. The Two-Bowl Initiative (T-BI) was born in the spirit of self-reliance. A T-BI hand washing station requires two bowls (each containing about 2 liters of clean water), water resistant surface, source of water supply, used-ware disposal facility, cotton napkins, soap or appropriate hand washing disinfectants, and used napkin bags or receptacles. The user washes dirty and soiled hands in one bowl and rinses in the other before drying the hands with laundered cotton napkins. The effectiveness of the T-BI increases with the safe disposal of the used waters in the bowl and refilling the two bowls with clean water to the 2 liters marks, immediately after use. Compliance ensures the convenience, health and safety of other users. In hospitals and health systems, completion of the T-BI protocol by all categories of health staff before departing the hand washing station should be considered as a mutual responsibility towards the control of nosocomial infection.
Unsafe, induced abortion is one of the three major causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria. Impor... more Unsafe, induced abortion is one of the three major causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria. Important surgical complications of unsafe induced abortions include post-surgical sepsis and hemorrhage due to trauma to uterus, cervix and intestines. This study examined the case records of patients with induced abortion requiring major surgical intervention to manage the complications during a five-year old period at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. The results show that the most frequent surgical intervention was drainage of pelvic abscess in 38% of the patients. About 30% of the patients ended up with severe structural damage to the pelvic organs, especially the uterus, with severe implication for the future fertility of these patients. This high risk of infection and significant structural damage is ascribed to the illegal status of abortion in Nigeria. The challenges that these surgical complications pose to the gynecologist are discussed. The need to adequately equip and train clinicians to recognized and aggressively manage there complications discussed.
European Scientific Journal. Vol. 6 No. 21 ISSN: 1857-7881, 2020
The extensive land-water interface (320 kilometers) between the Niger Delta and the Atlantic Ocea... more The extensive land-water interface (320 kilometers) between the Niger Delta and the Atlantic Ocean exposes the coastal and low-lying areas to climate related sea-level rise. This associated with hazardous ecological changes and unsustainable communities, compounded by social injustice, civil strife, conflicts, insecurity, and the overwhelmingly negative overall effects on health by the environmental degradation caused by petroleum oil spillages, extensive gas flaring, and frequent disastrous gas explosions. This paper focuses on reviewing the vulnerability of the Niger-Delta region to the adverse effects of climate change, and it also explored the potentials of social mobilization to change collective behavior towards reducing the carbon footprints, build public support for low-carbon climate change policies including focus on green economy, promote ecological resilience, and build sustainable communities. In the context of climate change, the goal of social mobilization is the application of science and policy to ‘turn vulnerability to adverse impacts of climate change, to resilience’. In the Niger Delta region, social mobilization can assist communities, individuals, groups, and organizations to learn, understand the causes and effects of climate change, and turn vulnerability into resilience. This can be achieved through self-reliance and participation in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of sustainable mitigation measures and strategies for adaption to climate change. Social mobilization enables ‘bottom-up’ informal, gender-diverse, youth-sensitive, organizational and institutional initiatives for ‘good governance’, political mobilization against social injustice, and the development of alternative forms of conflict resolution. Efficient social mobilization enables social inclusion of all stakeholders, irrespective of socio-economic status, to participate in the decision-making process, and also builds skills and capacity to lead happy and healthy lives. Federal and state government policies, in the Niger Delta region, must ensure that their political agenda for mitigation measures and strategies for adaptation to climate change adopts social mobilization as an effective tool to turn ‘vulnerability to resilience’ through a multi-sectorial, multi-jurisdictional, and multi-disciplinary participatory approach.
International Journal of Social Sciences 53(1):11-14, 2017
The message of Fatima was expressed through Sister Lucy at the novitiate of the Dorotheans at Tuy... more The message of Fatima was expressed through Sister Lucy at the novitiate of the Dorotheans at Tuy, Spain on June, 13, 1929. Our Lady of Fatima requested the public Consecration of Russia to her “Immaculate Heart”, by the Holy Father, in union with all the bishops of the world, promising to save Russia, by this means, from the risks of atheism. The risk of Russia spreading her errors of atheism, throughout world, causing religious wars and persecutions of the Church, was real. The President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency, Vladimir Putin, was received in audience by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, at the Vatican City, in Rome, on Monday afternoon, November, 25, 2013. It was reported that President Putin and the Pope Francis exchanged icons of Mary, with reverence and genuine signs of Christian Piety. It was not clear if this was mere diplomatic nicety or symbolic ‘Consecration of Russia’ to the “Immaculate Heart” of Mary, in fulfillment of the Message of Fatima. The Catholic Church interprets the Message of Fatima as a call to repentance, a life of prayer and sacrifice, with a rededication to the redemptive mission of Jesus Christ, through the merits of Our Mother Mary. It is believed that if the message of Fatima is heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be world peace.
The PMTCT counselling service is an important entry point into the national programme for the pre... more The PMTCT counselling service is an important entry point into the national programme for the prevention mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). This study assessed clients&#39; satisfaction with the PMTCT counselling service provided at health facilities in Benin City, Edo State. The study design was a descriptive crosssectional survey. New ANC attendees were recruited from seven health facilities providing comprehensive PMTCT services in Benin City. Satisfaction with the counselling service was assessed using exit interviews. A total of 259 new ANC attendees were recruited for the study. Majority of the new ANC attendees (60.7%) were dissatisfied with the PMTCT counselling service. Satisfaction with the service was significantly associated with waiting time and the type of counselling received. Reducing waiting time for PMTCT counselling is crucial to improving client satisfaction.
THE STEPHENA HANDWASHING STATION AND THE STEPHENA HANDWASHING PROTOCOL, 2022
ABSTRACT
The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) with its Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP), is... more ABSTRACT The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) with its Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP), is a Patented Scientific Invention. The Creative Work won 1st prize in School of Medicine, in the 1st UNIBEN Research Day Conference, 2015. Patented by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on 21st July, 2019 and sealed on 4th December, 2019 by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).
Figure 1: The Stephena Handwashing Station illustrating the mobility of the stand
The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) is a patented, model, self-sufficient, mobile, collapsible technology, handwashing facility that transports a combination of devices, including: portable WASH and RINSE basins, soap holder, bucket of ‘still water’ with tap, waste water receptacle, disposable paper napkin cubicle, receptacle for used disposable hand towels and laundry bag for used re-usable cloth hand towels. The SHS is a novel Two-Bowl Initiative (TBI). The Stephena Handwashing System (Stephena Handwashing Station and Stephena Handwashing Protocol) is a Public Health Response to the observable risks of contamination of clean water source and re-contamination of washed hands, during handwashing with a ‘still water’ source. Structurally, the Stephena Handwashing Station is highly adaptable to locally available, accessible and affordable resources, with variable options of materials, including: wood, bronze, gold, aluminum, clay, marble, plastics or re-cycled materials, etc, depending on individual preference, socio-economic status, level of affluence and corporate propriety.
The operational protocol is called the ‘Stephena handwashing Protocol (SHP). Operationally, the SHP complies with the WHO standard 7-step Handwashing Protocol. Duration of each Hand-wash with SHS using SHP (A) = 2 minutes, consisting of 40-60 seconds of handwashing, in compliance with the WHO Standard 7-step handwashing protocol , and another 40-60 seconds to dispose the waste water and refill the WASH and RINSE bowls, for the next user, using hand towels, to ensure the protection of the water source from contamination, and the prevention of re-contamination of clean washed hands. The Stephena Handwashing Protocol ENSURES that before departure from the SHS, after handwashing, the client with clean washed hands disposes of the waste water and refills the two bowls, in readiness for the next user/client, in the unique ‘spirit of self-reliance’, and mutual responsibility for the protection of the clean water source from contamination by the soiled/dirty hands of the next user/client. Stephena Handwashing Station using the Stephena Handwashing Protocol, has an operational capacity of 20 Hand washings per hour, 480 Hand washings per day, and if efficiently managed, one(1) SHS, using the SHP, has the potential to fully support the handwashing requirements in most homes, work places, many worship centres, institutions, eateries, restaurants, public places and even a 30-bedded ward with bed occupancy of 67% and an estimated 200 Hand washings per day. The efficiency and effectiveness of the Stephena Handwashing Protocol relies on the mutual responsibility to promote the culture of handwashing in homes, schools, workplaces, public washrooms and health care institutions, especially in resource-limited environments, when there is no piped running water. Compliance with the Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP) is recommended, to prevent the client with unwashed dirty or soiled hands, from making contact with either the still water source and/or the inside of it’s container (Tapped still water source) and also protects the clean washed hands from re-contamination by contact with fomites, in the spirit of self-reliance. Keywords: Stephena Handwashing Station; Stephena Handwashing Protocol; Potable Mobile Handwashing Station; Patented Stephena Handwashing Station and Protocol
Unsafe, induced abortion is one of the three major causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria. Impor... more Unsafe, induced abortion is one of the three major causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria. Important surgical complications of unsafe induced abortions include post-surgical sepsis and haemorrhage due to trauma to the uterus, cervix and intestines. This study examined the case records of patients with induced abortion requiring major surgical intervention to manage the complications during a five-year period at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. The results show that the most frequent surgical intervention was drainage of pelvic abscess in 38% of the patients. About 30% of` the patients ended up with severe structural damage to the pelvic organs, especially the uterus, with severe implication for the future fertility of these patients. This high risk of infection and significant structural damage is ascribed to the illegal status of abortion in Nigeria. The challenges that these surgical complications pose to the gynaecologist are discussed. The need to adequately equip and train clinicians to recognise and aggressively manage these complications is also discussed. Sahel Medical Journal Vol.7(3) 2004: 95-97
International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion, 2006
(Received 21 June 2005; in final form 7 February 2006)1. IntroductionRoad traffic accidents (RTAs) a... more (Received 21 June 2005; in final form 7 February 2006)1. IntroductionRoad traffic accidents (RTAs) are a common cause ofdisability and also a leading cause of death all over theworld (Andrade and Jorge 2000, Ansari et al. 2000, Kopitsand Cropper 2005). For example, in Saudi Arabia, 81% ofdeaths in Ministry of Health hospitals are due to RTAs and20% of their hospitals beds are occupied by traffic accidentvictims (Ansari et al. 2000). Different patterns of RTAsmay be observed in different parts of the world and atvarious times.No two countries have exactly the same pattern of RTA.Whilst some countries may be seeing high rates of RTAs asthey develop, others may be experiencing decreasing ratesas they develop. Several reasons have been cited for this(Asogwa 1992), including poor state of the roads, poorstate of the vehicles, use of alcohol whilst driving, lack ofproper training in driving, etc.The purpose of this study is to review 48 years of data onRTAs in Nigeria and to compare the findings with otherstudies on the trend of RTAs in other parts of the worldand to cite possible reasons for the observations.2. Materials and methodsThe information on RTAs was obtained from the recordsof the Federal Road Safety Commission, Police Force andthe Save Accident Victim Association of Nigeria. Theperiod covered was from 1955 to 2003, and the dataanalysed were on the total number of cases of RTAreported, the number of persons injured and the number ofpersons killed in the accident. The records for 1961 wereincomplete and so the year 1961 was excluded from thestudy.3. ResultsTable 1 shows the number of reported cases of RTAs, thenumber of persons injured and the number of personskilled during the accident. Over the years, there was agradual reduction in the reported cases of RTAs, whilstthere was a steady increase in the number of injuredvictims and the number who died following a RTA(figure 1). In 1955, there were 6050 reported cases ofRTA, 4289 injured persons and 489 deaths followingRTAs, whilst in 2003, there where 16 795 reported casesof RTAs, 28 215 injured persons and 8672 deathsfollowing RTAs. The ratio of reported cases of RTA tonumber of deaths was 12.37:1 in 1955 while a similarratio in 2003 was 1.93:1.4. DiscussionRTAs are one of the leading causes of death in Nigeria withmany social, medical and financial implications (Asogwa1992, Oluwasanmi 1993). In the present study, it wasobserved that there was a progressive increase in thenumber of reported cases of RTAs and the fatalities up to1980. But after this, there was a decline in the reportedcases of RTAs, even though the fatalities had almostdoubled.In the present study, it was observed that between 1970and 1979, there were 285 699 reported cases of RTA, whilethere were 57 136 deaths, representing 20%. On the otherhand, the period between 1990 and 1999 recorded 188 012cases of RTA with 76 870 deaths, accounting for 41%.There may be several explanations for this. The oil boom inNigeria was experienced in the 1970s and many people werepossibly financially empowered and so were able to buy*Corresponding author. Email: clementosime@yahoo.com
Climate change includes both the global warming phenomenon, driven by greenhouse-emitting anthrop... more Climate change includes both the global warming phenomenon, driven by greenhouse-emitting anthropogenic activities and the associated large scale shift in weather patterns. Climate change is not just a global threat, but an unprecedented public health emergency. Climate change has been characterized by global warming, increased frequency and intensity of precipitation, catastrophic wind events, and extreme weather events, associated with heat waves, flooding disasters, and prolonged droughts. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has prescribed abatement agreements, based on precautionary principle and principle of cost and responsibility, amongst member nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, the most vulnerable regions, to hazardous impacts of climate change, are the mega-deltas of Africa and Asia, due to high exposure to sea level rise, storm surges, coastal erosion and river flooding, compounded by increasing humaninduced pressures on coastal areas. The vulnerability of the Niger Delta region is exacerbated by oil spillages, gas flaring and environmental degradation. This chapter draws attention to the vulnerability of the Niger Delta to the adverse impact of climate change and the urgency of the implementation of mitigation and adaptation as opportunities for full transformation of economies, of the Niger delta region, in line with sustainable developmental goals (SDGs).
Background: Adolescents constitute a significant proportion of the vulnerable group in the societ... more Background: Adolescents constitute a significant proportion of the vulnerable group in the society and often engage in risky sexual behaviours which predispose to HIV/AIDS. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, preventive practices of HIV/AIDS and its associated factors among adolescents in Ora community, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 440 secondary school students selected by stratified sampling technique. Data was obtained with pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results: Two hundred and forty-two (242; 55.0%) of the respondents were aged 10 – 14 years. Two hundred and seventy-one 271 (61.6%) of the respondents had good knowledge of HIV/AIDS, while 291 (59.3%) had a positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Age 15 – 19 years (p = 0.001) male sex (p = 0.049) and respondents in SS2 class (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with knowledge. A negative attitude was recorded among 139 (51.3%) students who had good kno...
Background: Adolescents constitute a significant proportion of the vulnerable group in the societ... more Background: Adolescents constitute a significant proportion of the vulnerable group in the society and often engage in risky sexual behaviours which predispose to HIV/AIDS. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, preventive practices of HIV/AIDS and its associated factors among adolescents in Ora community, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 440 secondary school students selected by stratified sampling technique. Data was obtained with pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results: Two hundred and forty-two (242; 55.0%) of the respondents were aged 10 – 14 years. Two hundred and seventy-one 271 (61.6%) of the respondents had good knowledge of HIV/AIDS, while 291 (59.3%) had a positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Age 15 – 19 years (p = 0.001) male sex (p = 0.049) and respondents in SS2 class (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with knowledge. A negative attitude was recorded among 139 (51.3%) students who had good kno...
International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 2019
Climate change is not just a global threat, but an unprecedented public health emergency. Climate... more Climate change is not just a global threat, but an unprecedented public health emergency. Climate change has been characterized by global warming, increased frequency and intensity of precipitation, catastrophic wind events, and extreme weather events, associated with heat waves, flooding disasters, and prolonged droughts. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) attributes climate change to anthropogenic or human activities. Globally, the most vulnerable regions, to hazardous impacts of climate change, are the mega-deltas of Africa and Asia, due to high exposure to sea level rise, storm surges, coastal erosion, and river flooding, compounded by increasing human-induced pressures on coastal areas. The vulnerability of the Niger Delta region, is exacerbated by oil spillages, gas flaring. and environmental degradation. This review article highlights, the urgent implementation of mitigation and adaptation as opportunities for full transformation of economie...
Purpose: The study was to determine the level of awareness and prevalence of the use of Lifestyle... more Purpose: The study was to determine the level of awareness and prevalence of the use of Lifestyle Drugs (LD) by Social Science Students (SSS) in the University of Benin, Nigeria. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, and Nigeria. Open and close ended questionnaires made up of 40 items on demographic, knowledge of LD, types of LD used by participants, frequency of use, quantity of LD used and reasons for the use of lifestyle drugs was administered to 400 participants. Results: Out of 400 students that filled the selfadministered questionnaire 210 (52.50%) were males and majority were single (91.25%) and between 18 24 years. High proportion of respondents (45.2%) was not aware of LD drugs even if they had used them before. Caffeine was the drug commonly used by respondents with 85% admitting taking it while65.3% used nutritional supplements. Other LD with high frequency of usage were topical sk...
Purpose: The study was to determine the level of awareness and prevalence of the use of Lifestyle... more Purpose: The study was to determine the level of awareness and prevalence of the use of Lifestyle Drugs (LD) by Social Science Students (SSS) in the University of Benin, Nigeria. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, and Nigeria. Open and close ended questionnaires made up of 40 items on demographic, knowledge of LD, types of LD used by participants, frequency of use, quantity of LD used and reasons for the use of lifestyle drugs was administered to 400 participants. Results: Out of 400 students that filled the selfadministered questionnaire 210 (52.50%) were males and majority were single (91.25%) and between 18 24 years. High proportion of respondents (45.2%) was not aware of LD drugs even if they had used them before. Caffeine was the drug commonly used by respondents with 85% admitting taking it while65.3% used nutritional supplements. Other LD with high frequency of usage were topical sk...
Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease endemic to Nigeria and the Mano River Union countries in West A... more Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease endemic to Nigeria and the Mano River Union countries in West Africa. This study determined the risk perception and rodent control within the university. Personal and public considerations about safety of agricultural produce and the general living environment were investigated among students and staff within the university community using selected socio-economic variables impacting risks of Lassa fever (LF). Results indicated that higher education was associated with hygiene-related knowledge of LF (73.4%), compared to 37.3% of respondents with basic education who demonstrated poor knowledge of transmission of the disease (p<0.0001). High risk awareness was linked to information dissemination on LF in media and campaigns (75.5%), in comparison with native oral transmission of information about the disease (24.5%). Risk perception was significantly associated with measures aimed at rat control amongst respondents (p<0.02). The inability of sta...
Purpose: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of prevention of Lassa fever, a... more Purpose: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of prevention of Lassa fever, amongst students resident in the campuses of University of Benin. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in the two campuses (Ugbowo and Ekenhuan) of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Three hundred students were selected by stratified random sampling technique. Pretested structured questionnaires were used to obtain socio-demographic data, knowledge, attitude and preventive practices against LF amongst students. Data obtained from consenting respondents were analyzed using SPSS v22. Results: The knowledge of the majority 276 (91.7%) of the study population about Lassa fever disease was poor. Good preventive practices were reported by 28 (73.3%) of respondents and fair practices was reported by 10 (24.3%) of respondents with good knowledge. It was found that preventive practices were significantly associated with level of study of students (p=...
Journal of the Nigerian Infection Control Association. 2(1): 13-18, 1999
The bane of effective hand washing is its association with water, flowing into hi technology (hi-... more The bane of effective hand washing is its association with water, flowing into hi technology (hi-tech) ceramic wash-hand basins. The high cost of purchase and maintenance make a hi-tech hand washing system inappropriate in homes and health care systems in poor communities. In Nigeria, over 50% of the population lives below poverty level; and less than 50% have access to continuous water-flow i.e. effective hand washing can only be sustained by a technology that is applicable to various water supply options. The Two-Bowl Initiative (T-BI) was born in the spirit of self-reliance. A T-BI hand washing station requires two bowls (each containing about 2 liters of clean water), water resistant surface, source of water supply, used-ware disposal facility, cotton napkins, soap or appropriate hand washing disinfectants, and used napkin bags or receptacles. The user washes dirty and soiled hands in one bowl and rinses in the other before drying the hands with laundered cotton napkins. The effectiveness of the T-BI increases with the safe disposal of the used waters in the bowl and refilling the two bowls with clean water to the 2 liters marks, immediately after use. Compliance ensures the convenience, health and safety of other users. In hospitals and health systems, completion of the T-BI protocol by all categories of health staff before departing the hand washing station should be considered as a mutual responsibility towards the control of nosocomial infection.
Unsafe, induced abortion is one of the three major causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria. Impor... more Unsafe, induced abortion is one of the three major causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria. Important surgical complications of unsafe induced abortions include post-surgical sepsis and hemorrhage due to trauma to uterus, cervix and intestines. This study examined the case records of patients with induced abortion requiring major surgical intervention to manage the complications during a five-year old period at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. The results show that the most frequent surgical intervention was drainage of pelvic abscess in 38% of the patients. About 30% of the patients ended up with severe structural damage to the pelvic organs, especially the uterus, with severe implication for the future fertility of these patients. This high risk of infection and significant structural damage is ascribed to the illegal status of abortion in Nigeria. The challenges that these surgical complications pose to the gynecologist are discussed. The need to adequately equip and train clinicians to recognized and aggressively manage there complications discussed.
European Scientific Journal. Vol. 6 No. 21 ISSN: 1857-7881, 2020
The extensive land-water interface (320 kilometers) between the Niger Delta and the Atlantic Ocea... more The extensive land-water interface (320 kilometers) between the Niger Delta and the Atlantic Ocean exposes the coastal and low-lying areas to climate related sea-level rise. This associated with hazardous ecological changes and unsustainable communities, compounded by social injustice, civil strife, conflicts, insecurity, and the overwhelmingly negative overall effects on health by the environmental degradation caused by petroleum oil spillages, extensive gas flaring, and frequent disastrous gas explosions. This paper focuses on reviewing the vulnerability of the Niger-Delta region to the adverse effects of climate change, and it also explored the potentials of social mobilization to change collective behavior towards reducing the carbon footprints, build public support for low-carbon climate change policies including focus on green economy, promote ecological resilience, and build sustainable communities. In the context of climate change, the goal of social mobilization is the application of science and policy to ‘turn vulnerability to adverse impacts of climate change, to resilience’. In the Niger Delta region, social mobilization can assist communities, individuals, groups, and organizations to learn, understand the causes and effects of climate change, and turn vulnerability into resilience. This can be achieved through self-reliance and participation in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of sustainable mitigation measures and strategies for adaption to climate change. Social mobilization enables ‘bottom-up’ informal, gender-diverse, youth-sensitive, organizational and institutional initiatives for ‘good governance’, political mobilization against social injustice, and the development of alternative forms of conflict resolution. Efficient social mobilization enables social inclusion of all stakeholders, irrespective of socio-economic status, to participate in the decision-making process, and also builds skills and capacity to lead happy and healthy lives. Federal and state government policies, in the Niger Delta region, must ensure that their political agenda for mitigation measures and strategies for adaptation to climate change adopts social mobilization as an effective tool to turn ‘vulnerability to resilience’ through a multi-sectorial, multi-jurisdictional, and multi-disciplinary participatory approach.
International Journal of Social Sciences 53(1):11-14, 2017
The message of Fatima was expressed through Sister Lucy at the novitiate of the Dorotheans at Tuy... more The message of Fatima was expressed through Sister Lucy at the novitiate of the Dorotheans at Tuy, Spain on June, 13, 1929. Our Lady of Fatima requested the public Consecration of Russia to her “Immaculate Heart”, by the Holy Father, in union with all the bishops of the world, promising to save Russia, by this means, from the risks of atheism. The risk of Russia spreading her errors of atheism, throughout world, causing religious wars and persecutions of the Church, was real. The President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency, Vladimir Putin, was received in audience by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, at the Vatican City, in Rome, on Monday afternoon, November, 25, 2013. It was reported that President Putin and the Pope Francis exchanged icons of Mary, with reverence and genuine signs of Christian Piety. It was not clear if this was mere diplomatic nicety or symbolic ‘Consecration of Russia’ to the “Immaculate Heart” of Mary, in fulfillment of the Message of Fatima. The Catholic Church interprets the Message of Fatima as a call to repentance, a life of prayer and sacrifice, with a rededication to the redemptive mission of Jesus Christ, through the merits of Our Mother Mary. It is believed that if the message of Fatima is heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be world peace.
THE STEPHENA HANDWASHING STATION AND THE STEPHENA HANDWASHING PROTOCOL, 2022
ABSTRACT
The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) with its Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP), is... more ABSTRACT The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) with its Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP), is a Patented Scientific Invention. The Creative Work won 1st prize in School of Medicine, in the 1st UNIBEN Research Day Conference, 2015. Patented by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on 21st July, 2019 and sealed on 4th December, 2019 by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).
Figure 1: The Stephena Handwashing Station illustrating the mobility of the stand
The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) is a patented, model, self-sufficient, mobile, collapsible technology, handwashing facility that transports a combination of devices, including: portable WASH and RINSE basins, soap holder, bucket of ‘still water’ with tap, waste water receptacle, disposable paper napkin cubicle, receptacle for used disposable hand towels and laundry bag for used re-usable cloth hand towels. The SHS is a novel Two-Bowl Initiative (TBI). The Stephena Handwashing System (Stephena Handwashing Station and Stephena Handwashing Protocol) is a Public Health Response to the observable risks of contamination of clean water source and re-contamination of washed hands, during handwashing with a ‘still water’ source. Structurally, the Stephena Handwashing Station is highly adaptable to locally available, accessible and affordable resources, with variable options of materials, including: wood, bronze, gold, aluminum, clay, marble, plastics or re-cycled materials, etc, depending on individual preference, socio-economic status, level of affluence and corporate propriety.
The operational protocol is called the ‘Stephena handwashing Protocol (SHP). Operationally, the SHP complies with the WHO standard 7-step Handwashing Protocol. Duration of each Hand-wash with SHS using SHP (A) = 2 minutes, consisting of 40-60 seconds of handwashing, in compliance with the WHO Standard 7-step handwashing protocol , and another 40-60 seconds to dispose the waste water and refill the WASH and RINSE bowls, for the next user, using hand towels, to ensure the protection of the water source from contamination, and the prevention of re-contamination of clean washed hands. The Stephena Handwashing Protocol ENSURES that before departure from the SHS, after handwashing, the client with clean washed hands disposes of the waste water and refills the two bowls, in readiness for the next user/client, in the unique ‘spirit of self-reliance’, and mutual responsibility for the protection of the clean water source from contamination by the soiled/dirty hands of the next user/client. Stephena Handwashing Station using the Stephena Handwashing Protocol, has an operational capacity of 20 Hand washings per hour, 480 Hand washings per day, and if efficiently managed, one(1) SHS, using the SHP, has the potential to fully support the handwashing requirements in most homes, work places, many worship centres, institutions, eateries, restaurants, public places and even a 30-bedded ward with bed occupancy of 67% and an estimated 200 Hand washings per day. The efficiency and effectiveness of the Stephena Handwashing Protocol relies on the mutual responsibility to promote the culture of handwashing in homes, schools, workplaces, public washrooms and health care institutions, especially in resource-limited environments, when there is no piped running water. Compliance with the Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP) is recommended, to prevent the client with unwashed dirty or soiled hands, from making contact with either the still water source and/or the inside of it’s container (Tapped still water source) and also protects the clean washed hands from re-contamination by contact with fomites, in the spirit of self-reliance. Keywords: Stephena Handwashing Station; Stephena Handwashing Protocol; Potable Mobile Handwashing Station; Patented Stephena Handwashing Station and Protocol
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Papers by Stephena Ighedosa
The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) with its Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP), is a Patented Scientific Invention. The Creative Work won 1st prize in School of Medicine, in the 1st UNIBEN Research Day Conference, 2015. Patented by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on 21st July, 2019 and sealed on 4th December, 2019 by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).
Figure 1: The Stephena Handwashing Station illustrating the mobility of the stand
The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) is a patented, model, self-sufficient, mobile, collapsible technology, handwashing facility that transports a combination of devices, including: portable WASH and RINSE basins, soap holder, bucket of ‘still water’ with tap, waste water receptacle, disposable paper napkin cubicle, receptacle for used disposable hand towels and laundry bag for used re-usable cloth hand towels. The SHS is a novel Two-Bowl Initiative (TBI).
The Stephena Handwashing System (Stephena Handwashing Station and Stephena Handwashing Protocol) is a Public Health Response to the observable risks of contamination of clean water source and re-contamination of washed hands, during handwashing with a ‘still water’ source.
Structurally, the Stephena Handwashing Station is highly adaptable to locally available, accessible and affordable resources, with variable options of materials, including: wood, bronze, gold, aluminum, clay, marble, plastics or re-cycled materials, etc, depending on individual preference, socio-economic status, level of affluence and corporate propriety.
The operational protocol is called the ‘Stephena handwashing Protocol (SHP). Operationally, the SHP complies with the WHO standard 7-step Handwashing Protocol. Duration of each Hand-wash with SHS using SHP (A) = 2 minutes, consisting of 40-60 seconds of handwashing, in compliance with the WHO Standard 7-step handwashing protocol , and another 40-60 seconds to dispose the waste water and refill the WASH and RINSE bowls, for the next user, using hand towels, to ensure the protection of the water source from contamination, and the prevention of re-contamination of clean washed hands.
The Stephena Handwashing Protocol ENSURES that before departure from the SHS, after handwashing, the client with clean washed hands disposes of the waste water and refills the two bowls, in readiness for the next user/client, in the unique ‘spirit of self-reliance’, and mutual responsibility for the protection of the clean water source from contamination by the soiled/dirty hands of the next user/client.
Stephena Handwashing Station using the Stephena Handwashing Protocol, has an operational capacity of 20 Hand washings per hour, 480 Hand washings per day, and if efficiently managed, one(1) SHS, using the SHP, has the potential to fully support the handwashing requirements in most homes, work places, many worship centres, institutions, eateries, restaurants, public places and even a 30-bedded ward with bed occupancy of 67% and an estimated 200 Hand washings per day.
The efficiency and effectiveness of the Stephena Handwashing Protocol relies on the mutual responsibility to promote the culture of handwashing in homes, schools, workplaces, public washrooms and health care institutions, especially in resource-limited environments, when there is no piped running water.
Compliance with the Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP) is recommended, to prevent the client with unwashed dirty or soiled hands, from making contact with either the still water source and/or the inside of it’s container (Tapped still water source) and also protects the clean washed hands from re-contamination by contact with fomites, in the spirit of self-reliance.
Keywords: Stephena Handwashing Station; Stephena Handwashing Protocol; Potable Mobile Handwashing Station; Patented Stephena Handwashing Station and Protocol
The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) with its Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP), is a Patented Scientific Invention. The Creative Work won 1st prize in School of Medicine, in the 1st UNIBEN Research Day Conference, 2015. Patented by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on 21st July, 2019 and sealed on 4th December, 2019 by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).
Figure 1: The Stephena Handwashing Station illustrating the mobility of the stand
The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) is a patented, model, self-sufficient, mobile, collapsible technology, handwashing facility that transports a combination of devices, including: portable WASH and RINSE basins, soap holder, bucket of ‘still water’ with tap, waste water receptacle, disposable paper napkin cubicle, receptacle for used disposable hand towels and laundry bag for used re-usable cloth hand towels. The SHS is a novel Two-Bowl Initiative (TBI).
The Stephena Handwashing System (Stephena Handwashing Station and Stephena Handwashing Protocol) is a Public Health Response to the observable risks of contamination of clean water source and re-contamination of washed hands, during handwashing with a ‘still water’ source.
Structurally, the Stephena Handwashing Station is highly adaptable to locally available, accessible and affordable resources, with variable options of materials, including: wood, bronze, gold, aluminum, clay, marble, plastics or re-cycled materials, etc, depending on individual preference, socio-economic status, level of affluence and corporate propriety.
The operational protocol is called the ‘Stephena handwashing Protocol (SHP). Operationally, the SHP complies with the WHO standard 7-step Handwashing Protocol. Duration of each Hand-wash with SHS using SHP (A) = 2 minutes, consisting of 40-60 seconds of handwashing, in compliance with the WHO Standard 7-step handwashing protocol , and another 40-60 seconds to dispose the waste water and refill the WASH and RINSE bowls, for the next user, using hand towels, to ensure the protection of the water source from contamination, and the prevention of re-contamination of clean washed hands.
The Stephena Handwashing Protocol ENSURES that before departure from the SHS, after handwashing, the client with clean washed hands disposes of the waste water and refills the two bowls, in readiness for the next user/client, in the unique ‘spirit of self-reliance’, and mutual responsibility for the protection of the clean water source from contamination by the soiled/dirty hands of the next user/client.
Stephena Handwashing Station using the Stephena Handwashing Protocol, has an operational capacity of 20 Hand washings per hour, 480 Hand washings per day, and if efficiently managed, one(1) SHS, using the SHP, has the potential to fully support the handwashing requirements in most homes, work places, many worship centres, institutions, eateries, restaurants, public places and even a 30-bedded ward with bed occupancy of 67% and an estimated 200 Hand washings per day.
The efficiency and effectiveness of the Stephena Handwashing Protocol relies on the mutual responsibility to promote the culture of handwashing in homes, schools, workplaces, public washrooms and health care institutions, especially in resource-limited environments, when there is no piped running water.
Compliance with the Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP) is recommended, to prevent the client with unwashed dirty or soiled hands, from making contact with either the still water source and/or the inside of it’s container (Tapped still water source) and also protects the clean washed hands from re-contamination by contact with fomites, in the spirit of self-reliance.
Keywords: Stephena Handwashing Station; Stephena Handwashing Protocol; Potable Mobile Handwashing Station; Patented Stephena Handwashing Station and Protocol
The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) with its Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP), is a Patented Scientific Invention. The Creative Work won 1st prize in School of Medicine, in the 1st UNIBEN Research Day Conference, 2015. Patented by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on 21st July, 2019 and sealed on 4th December, 2019 by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).
Figure 1: The Stephena Handwashing Station illustrating the mobility of the stand
The Stephena Handwashing Station (SHS) is a patented, model, self-sufficient, mobile, collapsible technology, handwashing facility that transports a combination of devices, including: portable WASH and RINSE basins, soap holder, bucket of ‘still water’ with tap, waste water receptacle, disposable paper napkin cubicle, receptacle for used disposable hand towels and laundry bag for used re-usable cloth hand towels. The SHS is a novel Two-Bowl Initiative (TBI).
The Stephena Handwashing System (Stephena Handwashing Station and Stephena Handwashing Protocol) is a Public Health Response to the observable risks of contamination of clean water source and re-contamination of washed hands, during handwashing with a ‘still water’ source.
Structurally, the Stephena Handwashing Station is highly adaptable to locally available, accessible and affordable resources, with variable options of materials, including: wood, bronze, gold, aluminum, clay, marble, plastics or re-cycled materials, etc, depending on individual preference, socio-economic status, level of affluence and corporate propriety.
The operational protocol is called the ‘Stephena handwashing Protocol (SHP). Operationally, the SHP complies with the WHO standard 7-step Handwashing Protocol. Duration of each Hand-wash with SHS using SHP (A) = 2 minutes, consisting of 40-60 seconds of handwashing, in compliance with the WHO Standard 7-step handwashing protocol , and another 40-60 seconds to dispose the waste water and refill the WASH and RINSE bowls, for the next user, using hand towels, to ensure the protection of the water source from contamination, and the prevention of re-contamination of clean washed hands.
The Stephena Handwashing Protocol ENSURES that before departure from the SHS, after handwashing, the client with clean washed hands disposes of the waste water and refills the two bowls, in readiness for the next user/client, in the unique ‘spirit of self-reliance’, and mutual responsibility for the protection of the clean water source from contamination by the soiled/dirty hands of the next user/client.
Stephena Handwashing Station using the Stephena Handwashing Protocol, has an operational capacity of 20 Hand washings per hour, 480 Hand washings per day, and if efficiently managed, one(1) SHS, using the SHP, has the potential to fully support the handwashing requirements in most homes, work places, many worship centres, institutions, eateries, restaurants, public places and even a 30-bedded ward with bed occupancy of 67% and an estimated 200 Hand washings per day.
The efficiency and effectiveness of the Stephena Handwashing Protocol relies on the mutual responsibility to promote the culture of handwashing in homes, schools, workplaces, public washrooms and health care institutions, especially in resource-limited environments, when there is no piped running water.
Compliance with the Stephena Handwashing Protocol (SHP) is recommended, to prevent the client with unwashed dirty or soiled hands, from making contact with either the still water source and/or the inside of it’s container (Tapped still water source) and also protects the clean washed hands from re-contamination by contact with fomites, in the spirit of self-reliance.
Keywords: Stephena Handwashing Station; Stephena Handwashing Protocol; Potable Mobile Handwashing Station; Patented Stephena Handwashing Station and Protocol