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Research Article
Socio-cultural Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Nursing Mothers Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Nigeria
Samson Ayo Deji,
Temiloluwa Adeola Folayan*,
Olaoluwa Olumide Bakare,
Oluwadunsin Ololade Falade,
Oluwatosin Roseline Awoyemi,
Tolulope Oluwabunmi Famewo,
Damilola Dorcas Babalola,
Olabisi Catherine Adekamimo,
Ayomide Oluwagbenga Ayilola
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
59-69
Received:
4 June 2026
Accepted:
15 June 2026
Published:
11 July 2026
Abstract: The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life as the gold standard for infant nutrition and a low-cost strategy to reduce infant mortality. This has proven to have been effective when fully adhered to in both developing and developed countries. The major challenge among nursing mothers especially in developing countries is the issue of compliance as recommended by World Health Organization. Among the several factors contributing to full compliance of EBF, socio-cultural factors play a significant role. This cross-sectional descriptive survey examined sociocultural factors influencing EBF among 360 nursing mothers attending immunization clinics at primary health centers in Ado Local Government Area, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Using a multi-stage sampling technique and an interviewer-administered questionnaire, data were collected on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and sociocultural influences and analyzed with SPSS version 25. Findings showed that 78 (21.7%) respondents believed boys should be exclusively breastfed, 250 (69.4%) believed their breasts would sag after EBF, and 88 (24.4%) reported that mother-in-laws or traditional birth attendants could make them give herbal preparations to their babies before six months. These results indicate that the child’s sex, education level, family/spousal support, misconceptions about colostrum and breast milk adequacy, and community practices (such as herbal use) are important sociocultural determinants of EBF in this setting.
Abstract: The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life as the gold standard for infant nutrition and a low-cost strategy to reduce infant mortality. This has proven to have been effective when fully adhered to in both developing and developed countries. The major challenge among nursing mothers espec...
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Case Report
Acute Puerperal Uterine Inversion: A Rare Obstetric Emergency - Case Studies
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
70-73
Received:
16 February 2026
Accepted:
25 February 2026
Published:
22 July 2026
Abstract: Introduction: Acute puerperal uterine inversion is a rare yet critical obstetric emergency, commonly during the third stage of labor. The incidence stands at 1 in 20,000 deliveries. Though uncommon poses a serious threat to maternal and fetal wellbeing. The exact etiology remains unclear, factors such as high parity, ligament laxity, uterine abnormalities, abnormal placentation, umbilical cord traction, use of tocolytics, and fundal pressure have been reported as potential risk factors. Not to mention spontaneous cases of puerperal uterine inversion has also been documented. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, though it can be challenging for inexperienced providers, particularly in the case of first or second-degree inversion. Imaging has been used to aid in its diagnosis when in dilemma. Management of acute puerperal uterine inversion aims at restoring and maintaining hemodynamic stability, timely uterus repositioning either manually or surgical. We report two cases of acute puerperal complete uterine inversion, one managed surgically both patients had uneventful recoveries. Conclusion: Acute puerperal uterine inversion is uncommon but a life-threatening condition. Health care provider in delivery rooms should be well trained to promptly diagnose and manage this condition to ensure optimal patient care.
Abstract: Introduction: Acute puerperal uterine inversion is a rare yet critical obstetric emergency, commonly during the third stage of labor. The incidence stands at 1 in 20,000 deliveries. Though uncommon poses a serious threat to maternal and fetal wellbeing. The exact etiology remains unclear, factors such as high parity, ligament laxity, uterine abnorm...
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Research Article
Magnitude of Central Obesity and Its Associated Factors among Civil Servants in West Gojjam Zone District Government Offices, Northwest Ethiopia
Haimanot Degu*
,
Abraham Degu,
Agumas Degu
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
74-85
Received:
7 April 2026
Accepted:
1 June 2026
Published:
11 August 2026
Abstract: Central obesity is defined as its excessive accumulation of visceral fat around the abdomen. It has become a significant public health concern and a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in developing countries like Ethiopia. The study fills the knowledge gap and detects central obesity in civil servants in the West Gojjame zone office workers. Objective: To assess the magnitude of central obesity and its associated factors among civil servants in West Gojjam Zonal government office, North West Ethiopia, 2024. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 567 civil servants in the West Gojjam Zone government office from August 7 to September 1, 2024. Study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and then exported to Stata version 17 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with central obesity. Variables with a p-value of ≤ 0.25 in the bivariable binary logistic regression analysis were included in the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. The odds ratio with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was calculated to assess the strength of the association. Results: The prevalence of central obesity among civil servants was 27.8% (95% CI: 24.1, 31.8). Factors positively associated with central obesity included older age (AOR=4.5, 95% CI: 2.3, 8.8), being female (AOR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.5, 4.2), and having an income above the poverty line (AOR=18.4, 95% CI: 7.9, 42.9). In contrast, a borderline food consumption score (AOR=2.2, 95% CI: 1.1, 4.2) and physical inactivity (AOR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.4, 4.5) were negatively associated with central obesity. Conclusion and Recommendations: Central obesity is prevalent in the West Gojjam Zone government office, affecting one in two women and one in five men, with factors like Being a female, older age, richest monthly income, inadequate food consumption score and physical inactivity significantly associated with central obesity among civil servants. Workplace health programs and campaigns targeting women and older adults are crucial, along with government policies promoting physical activity. Office workers should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous weekly aerobic exercise.
Abstract: Central obesity is defined as its excessive accumulation of visceral fat around the abdomen. It has become a significant public health concern and a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in developing countries like Ethiopia. The study fills the knowledge gap and detects central obesity in civil servants in the West Gojjame zone of...
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Research Article
Injectable Levetiracetam in the Management of Acute Neonatal Seizures: Evidence from Term and Preterm Neonates
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
86-93
Received:
7 July 2026
Accepted:
21 July 2026
Published:
17 August 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ejpm.20261404.14
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Views:
Abstract: Background: Acute neonatal seizures are a neurological emergency and a frequent marker of serious brain injury during the first 28 days of life. Injectable levetiracetam is increasingly used in neonatal units because it can be administered intravenously and has a favorable short-term cardiorespiratory tolerability profile. Objective: To present injectable levetiracetam as a management option for acute neonatal seizures and to describe clinical evidence from term and late-preterm neonates using the author's original clinical dataset. Methods: This original clinical manuscript was revised from the existing word file into an IMRAD format. The clinical data were derived from neonates aged 0-28 days admitted with acute seizures to the Special Care Baby Unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Eligible mature and late-preterm neonates had gestational age above 34 weeks and below 42 weeks and birth weight above 2000 g. Injectable levetiracetam was administered as the active treatment arm, and outcomes were assessed by seizure control, need for additional antiseizure medication, time to seizure control, adverse effects, treatment outcome, and hospital stay. The original randomized dataset included a comparator arm, but the present manuscript is framed around the levetiracetam management profile in term and preterm neonates. Results: Among 50 neonates who received injectable levetiracetam, 44 (88.0%) were term and 6 (12.0%) were preterm. Mean gestational age was 38.00 ± 1.43 weeks and mean birth weight was 2776.00 ± 267.50 g. Seizure control was achieved in 33 neonates (66.0%), while 17 (34.0%) required additional antiseizure medication. Forty neonates (80.0%) achieved seizure control within 12 hours, and the mean time to seizure control was 6.88 ± 15.47 hours. Adverse effects were reported in 5 neonates (10.0%), mainly somnolence and irritability. Mean hospital stay was 6.22 ± 2.20 days. Conclusion: Injectable levetiracetam showed clinically useful seizure control and acceptable short-term tolerability in this cohort of term and late-preterm neonates with acute neonatal seizures. The findings support its role as a structured component of neonatal seizure management, with careful attention to gestational age, renal maturity, seizure etiology, and local neonatal protocols.
Abstract: Background: Acute neonatal seizures are a neurological emergency and a frequent marker of serious brain injury during the first 28 days of life. Injectable levetiracetam is increasingly used in neonatal units because it can be administered intravenously and has a favorable short-term cardiorespiratory tolerability profile. Objective: To present inj...
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