UnizikSpace Collection: Scholarly Works

Exercise Impacts Positively on Bone Mineral Density in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seropositive: Do Health Professionals Know?

2023-04-14T14:14:41Z

Title: Exercise Impacts Positively on Bone Mineral Density in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seropositive: Do Health Professionals Know? Authors: Maduagwu, Stanley, M; Zizighi, Samuel; Mohammad, Usman A; Nwanne, Chiamaka, A; Ani, Kenneth; Ihigihu, Ebere, Y; Nwosu, Ifeoma B; Okonkwo, Arinze C; Umunnah, Joe O; Okonkwo, Uchenna P; Muonwe, Chidile S Abstract: Background Despite the concomitant negative effects of human immunodeficiency virus on bone mineral density in HIV-infected persons, studies on knowledge of effect of exercise on this health parameter in HIV population among health professionals seem unavailable. This study therefore examined knowledge of effect of exercise on BMD in HIV-infected persons among health professionals. Methods This cross sectional survey employed researcher designed, experts - validated questionnaire to enroll 434 respondents. The reliability coefficient “r” of the questionnaire was 0.75 with 92% response rate. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarize and analyze the data respectively. The alpha value was set at 0.05. Results Age range and mean age in years of the respondents were 21–59 and 35.88 ± 9.09 respectively; age group of 30–39 years predominated (45.3%). Males were in preponderance (52.4%), and most (74.4%) were married; while majority (54.7%) were nurses. Substantial proportion (54.2%) had less than good knowledge on the subject examined in this study. Significant difference (p < 0.05; p = 0.015) in knowledge of effect of exercise on BMD in HIV population existed among the professions. Post hoc showed that knowledge of the physicians (p = 0.001) and laboratory scientists (p = 0.029) was significantly higher than that of the nurses. Physiotherapists’ knowledge on this subject compared to that of other health professionals was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusion -Knowledge of effect of exercise on BMD in HIV infected persons among health professionals was surprisingly below expectation, and therefore appalling Description: Preprint paper

Evaluation of Trunk Muscle Activities in Response to Four Common Infant Carrying Methods Utilized by African Women

2023-04-14T14:05:21Z

Title: Evaluation of Trunk Muscle Activities in Response to Four Common Infant Carrying Methods Utilized by African Women Authors: Ojukwu, Chidiebele, Petronilla; Ihegihu, Ebere, Yvonne; Ilo, Ijeoma, Judith Abstract: Infant carrying has been reported to be physically demanding with risks of physical challenges to mothers/caregivers. This makes it important to evaluate different Infant Carrying Methods (ICMs) to guide choices for the promotion of maternal health. This study evaluated the effects of four ICMs (A–back, B–front, C–side, and D-in-arms) on trunk muscular activities. Thirty women simulated four ICMs while the electrical activities of the right (Rt) and left (Lt) components of the erector spinae (ES), rectus abdominis (RA), and external oblique (EO) muscles were recorded simultaneously during the tasks. Within-subject comparisons of the muscle activities showed that only the front (p = 0.011) and side (p = 0.033) ICMs elicited significant differences with their highest activities recorded in the left and right EO muscles, respectively. Between-subject comparisons of the muscle activities showed a significant difference (p = 0.022) only in the right EO muscle, being most active during the side ICM. The side ICM was observed to elicit the highest activities in three of the four studied muscles. Side ICM has more potential for overexerting the trunk muscles, which could be a possible factor for muscular fatigue and resultant musculoskeletal impairments. Description: Scholarly Work

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Nnewi, Nigeria

2023-04-04T14:58:05Z

Title: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Nnewi, Nigeria Authors: Ihegihu, Ebere, Yvonne; Nnam, Ifeoma, Blessing; Amaechi, Ifeoma, Adaigwu; Umunna, Joseph; Maduagwu, Stanley, Monday; Akobundu, Uz0amaka, Nwakego Abstract: Pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) has been proven to be effective in the preventive and curative care of pelvic floor muscles, yet not many women seem to know about PFME and those who do, have several misconceptions or have not been properly taught. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge (K), attitude (A) and practice (P) of pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Nnewi, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A hundred and fifty-one pregnant women were sampled from four randomly selected antenatal clinics. All consenting pregnant women who received antenatal care in these clinics were consecutively recruited. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of PFME were assessed using the KAP questionnaire. Participants’ characteristics were summarized using frequency, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The relationship between knowledge, attitude, and practice was evaluated using the Spearman rank order correlation coefficient. Results: Pregnant women in Nnewi demonstrated poor knowledge (mean knowledge score = 32.08±34.21), poor attitude (49.27±35.45) and low practice (17.05±23.90) of PFME. A significant positive correlation was observed between each pair of knowledge and attitude (r= 0.61, p<0.01), knowledge and practice (r= 0.63, p<0.01) and attitude and practice (r=0.50, p<0.01). Age, parity, and gravidity showed no significant correlation with knowledge, attitude, or practice of PFMEs. Conclusion: Considering the poor knowledge, poor attitude, and low practice of PFME more effort should be given to the sensitization and education of women within childbearing age on the importance of PFMEs and on the correct way to perform these exercises. Description: Scholarly Work