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This paper examines the various labels ascribed to males in the heterosexual discourse among female undergraduates in Nigeria. Insights from Community of Practice and Sexual Script Theory were used to demonstrate the use of situated linguistic choices to establish the differentials in male sexual behaviours. Data for the study were generated through participant observation and unstructured interviews with the aid of audiotape recordings and field notes. The study involves a representative sample of 22 female undergraduates who served as participants and research assistants. The findings reveal that situated language practices stimulate heterosexual discourses where female undergraduates creatively ascribe labels to the different males' sexual scripts. The labels include those related to male sexual performance, body size and size of sex organs, financial and marital status, familial and gatekeeping roles, and other routine sexual behaviours shown by men in sexual phases such as advances, arousal and intercourse. The scripts are also combined to re-enact the peculiar sexual narratives by the female students that show emerging sexual orientations. It is believed that the categorisation of such males' sexual behaviours in the University social contexts, would provide a basis for comparison with the sexual practices of other young adults' social groups across the globe. The paper discusses the various strands of sexual scripts shown by men in their heterosexual relationships with female undergraduates in a Nigerian University. The students ascribed labels based on the sexual performance, economic and marital status, and other routine behaviours that have an impact on the male sexual lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predatory publishing is an emerging but worrisome trend among academics, including librarians, in Nigeria. It is in line with this that the paper investigated the awareness and knowledge of predatory journals among academic librarians in five selected Nigerian universities. The study is a survey design that is based on both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The population of the study comprised 50 academic staff that were purposively selected for the questionnaire distribution. In addition, five principal librarians, one from each of the universities, were purposively selected for the interview session. The findings of the study revealed that academic librarians are aware of the existence of predatory journals and are also aware of the negative implications of publishing in predatory journals. The study recommended an effective mentoring programme for academic librarians on how to publish their research works in accredited journals. The study contributes to knowledge by providing fresh data for policy-makers, library management and university management on ways to eradicate publishing in predatory journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate on-campus student accommodation in Sub-Saharan higher educational institutions triggered the need for private sector intervention in the off-campus student private housing (SPH) delivery within university communities. This paper examines students' experiences of off-campus accommodation in terms of satisfaction indicators and driving factors in a vulnerable university's communities in South-southern Nigeria. The paper drew upon a sequential exploratory mixed method, comprising semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey. The paper explored interconnectivity of satisfaction indicators and factors within the threshold of building's physical attributes, community-related attributes, contract-related covenants, academic and social environment capability, through CAQDAS; Atlas.ti. The paper found disproportionate students' satisfaction level within the filtered elements and scored the overall satisfaction low. Methodologically, a convergence of results pointing to the factors for improving physical, locational, landlord commitment to tenancy agreement on services and management, and flexible regulation of students' social activities, from the two approaches, was observed. Variation surfaces from the individual rating of each indicator and the driving factors. Five distinct recommendations emerged; policy on planning, environment, and building regulations compliance, reform on SPH governance, stakeholders democracy, parent' involvement in off-campus governance, and a committee on private housing accreditation in the university communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies showed that rapid urbanization creates encumbrance for affordable housing in many developing world cities. Community participation has been proved as a successful platform of infrastructural facilities provision in developing cities but how far regarding affordable housing provision is yet to receive in-depth studies in Nigeria. Therefore, the study investigated the role of community in the provision of affordable housing and proffer possible solutions to enhance home ownership. Five communities in Benin City were engaged as the case study to achieve the study's objectives via a phenomenology type of qualitative research design. The study combined MAXQDA 2018 with thematic analysis to explain the data. Absence of recognition by government, inadequate infrastructural facilities, housing finance inaccessibility, lax policy to engage community leaders, and high cost of available land emerged as the root cause of factors impeding community participation in housing provision. Findings show that addressing the root cause will determine the success or failure of community within Benin and in other developing cities (with related cultural, economic, and social attributes) to participate in affordable housing provision. As part of this paper's implications, findings will enhance policymakers and lawmakers in decision-making concerning community-based housing policy toward achieving urban futures for Nigerian cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting research on sensitive subjects such as terrorism in sensitive places has the potential to cause both participants and researchers discomfort and distress. Therefore, identifying ways through which experiencing difficult emotions and researcher burnout can be prevented is imperative to the integrity of the research. This paper explores the challenges of interviewing people about terrorism in sensitive situations. It draws on existing literature regarding sensitive topics and the first author's field experience in Nigeria when collecting data about tourism and terrorism. It also highlights solutions employed and strategies that can assist during the data collection process. This paper is based on the study of fifty-two Nigerians who took part in semi-structured, personal interviews on domestic travel risks associated with terrorism. It is clear that participants may find discussing terrorism distressing due to its complex interaction with religion, politics, and ethnicity as well as personal experiences. This paper contributes to the literature by explaining the strategies that were employed and their implications for researcher and participant wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health burden due to mental health has historically been underestimated with focus on communicable diseases and deaths and little consideration of disability and comorbidity effects of poor mental health. Recent data show increasing trends of mental health disorders as a share of global health burdens and vulnerability of adolescents. This paper aims to explore social determinants of mental health as experienced by adolescent girls, drawing attention to gendered risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews with twenty-two adolescent girls in urban informal settlements in Kenya and Nigeria reveal unique environmental, socio-cultural, economic and educational factors that threatened their mental wellbeing. The pandemic exacerbated these determinants. An equitable recovery will require a consideration of not only disproportional mental health outcomes, but also social determinants that contribute to these outcomes. As more than half of the urban population in sub-Saharan Africa reside in informal settlements, this study has implications for youth-focused mental health interventions in these and similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper documents environmental health conditions and healthcare access challenges faced by internally displaced people (IDPs) from Borno State living in informal settlements in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study with 32 IDPs suggests a high vulnerability to COVID-19. Their accommodation often lacked basic sanitation including water and toilet facilities; overcrowding and high population density restricted ability to adhere to social distancing; and IDPs experienced serious consequences from lockdown, as the majority depended on daily wages, and did not receive food packages or other support from the State. Finally, there were obstacles to accessing healthcare. We highlight the importance of an integrated approach, consolidating the efforts of communities, non-governmental organisations, environmental and public health, and international organisations to address the health and well-being issues of IDPs in urban informal settlements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights are fundamental human rights. Previous studies on gender and sexuality in displacement settings have often focused on sexual and gender-based violence and the reproductive health problems of women while underplaying their needs for sexual expression, pleasure and procreation. This paper examines the influence of conflict and displacement on gender relations, sexuality and natality of internally displaced women in Nigeria. It draws on data from a larger study in which focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to explore 52 women's gendered experiences with Boko Haram insurgency and displacement. A critical thematic analysis of data revealed that the women's relationships with their men were complex and ambiguous, characterised by both tensions and solidarity. The women saw their men as partners in their struggle against multi-level oppression, including the structural barriers that undermine their mutual sexual expressions and pleasure, as well as their desire to procreate and repopulate their decimated ancestral communities. We recommend collaborative efforts to promote and protect the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of displaced women which includes building physical structures and living conditions that promote healthy, safe and pleasurable sexual expressions, and socio-political structures that create access to the long term social security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small proportion of women are found in the prison population worldwide and consequently they have been ignored in prison studies and policy engagements designed to mitigate their "pains of imprisonment." Despite the growing literature on prison science, only a few data-based studies have investigated the negative experiences of women prisoners in Nigeria. This research, therefore, sets out to empirically examine the gender-specific problems facing female inmates. A thematic analysis of the in-depth oral interview data generated from 25 inmates purposively selected from the women population revealed that their dietary, medical, personal hygienic and motherhood needs were grossly insufficient and dehumanizing. The situation is so debilitating that they have no option but to reuse such personal hygienic requirements as sanitary/menstrual pads and sometimes, use toilet papers and pieces of cloths in its stead. Other needs were occasionally met by their family members, churches, charity organizations, and individual donors. Confining women in correctional facilities established and equipped for men rather intensified their plight. The study calls for continuous determined efforts by governments, civil liberty organizations, faith-based institutions, and the academia to obtain – through policy, research, and practice – empirical evidence that is capable of providing practical solution to the problem. The intervention is both multi-sectoral and cross-disciplinary based, demonstrating a new drive and potential for harm reduction, as well as strengthening the growing advocacy on the treatment of (women) prisoners for better results. The call for further studies was also discussed to justify any perceived limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young mothers often encounter stigma and discrimination, affecting their lives and that of their children. This paper explores stigma management strategies and their effectiveness for young mothers in rural Nigeria. Ten key informants and 24 young mothers were recruited from Ife-East in South-Western Nigeria. Data from semi-structured interviews showed that societal disapproval of pregnant teenagers and young mothers were common experiences. Women used a range of strategies to actively cope with stigma including: belief in predestination, avoidance, concealment, and cohabitation. These strategies could be seen as tools to mitigate negative stereotypes and discrimination. However, they also had the unintended consequences of compounding many young women’s difficult circumstances and exposing them to adverse outcomes, including gender-based violence, repeat pregnancies, poor mental health, and low uptake of services. The results show the need for policy frameworks to actively combat stigma by addressing the negative framing of early pregnancy and motherhood and promoting supportive environments for young mothers. Health professionals need to be trained to offer de-stigmatising services to encourage young mothers to seek help and reduce pre-existing inequities in access to services, and policies need to include measures that address the rights of young mothers and protect them from violence and abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internally displaced youth and adolescents may continue to suffer from displacement-associated trauma and stress many years after initial displacement. Hence, our study initially aimed to qualitatively explore how displaced youth and adolescents in Nigeria are coping with the trauma and stress associated with protracted displacement. However, through serendipity, results from the thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews from 22 displaced youths and nine professionals in Abuja revealed that in addition to some positive coping mechanisms, some displaced young males turn to drugs, while some young women turn to transactional sex and multiple sexual partners to deal with the impact of protracted displacement. This may lead to increased crime, morbidity, and mortality, thus requiring immediate intervention. This paper concluded by recommending that social workers help displaced youth and adolescents deal with their current stressors by advocating for the improvement of their living situation while also working with other professionals to intervene on the issue of drug misuse and unhealthy sexual behaviours through continuous education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a natural occurrence often associated with decline in body functioning and common health conditions. With the emergency of new diseases, vulnerable groups like older adults are prone and more possibly to be infected. In the era of COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, health management of older adults becomes demanding with increasing ill-health, morbidity and mortality. This paper aims to investigate caregivers' lived experiences in health care management of older adults amid and post COVID-19 pandemic for quality of life and wellbeing in Nigeria. With the phenomenological approach in qualitative research, we sourced our data using focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDI) from 21 caregivers purposively selected from three health institutions based on their ownership in Nsukka. Data were analyzed thematically. Results revealed that though care-giving is perceived to be filial, it is no longer effectively provided owing to financial and health status of the care recipient. Other findings indicated that factors predicting responds to preventive measures in older adults' health care include disregard of information, inadequate geriatric knowledge and noncompliance of health information. Suggestions to ease challenges in health care demand of older adults were brought to fore. Recommendations were on aligning geriatric professionals in health institutions and health care financing for all older adults in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continued pregnancy after an abortion attempt is a likely outcome in countries where unsafe abortions prevail. Yet there is a paucity of literature on the consequences and implications of failed abortions. This study explored young women's abortion decision-making, their experiences of failed abortion and its consequences in South-Western Nigeria. It presents findings from semi-structured interviews conducted with 14 women who had become unintentionally pregnant as unmarried teenagers, desired abortions, yet became mothers. Whilst the fear of the stigma associated with young unmarried motherhood gave rise to participants' desire for abortion, restrictive abortion laws influenced their experiences and abortion decision-making. Participants who attempted an abortion failed and were forced to carry their unwanted pregnancies to term. They then experienced continued discrimination, forced motherhood, and a rejection of maternalism. Their experiences are analysed as responses to the complex interplay between social norms, abortion restrictions, stigma and forced motherhood. The paper makes a case for improving women's reproductive autonomy in decision-making, – highlighting the social and mental health consequences of restricted access to abortion, and reinforce the importance of taking a holistic approach to addressing the sexual health of young women, by focusing not only on physical health but also on ensuring wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel COVID-19 pandemic and its containment measures such as lockdown and physical distancing are remarkedly affecting older adults' economic activities and well-being in ways deserving of urgent attention. To strengthen caregiving and promote targeted care for older adults during and after the pandemic, this paper investigates the impact of the coronavirus on the economic activities and well-being of older adults in Enugu and Anambra states, Nigeria. Hermeneutic phenomenology was adopted and 16 older adults aged between 60 and 81 years, with a majority of them still working as farmers and traders were phone-interviewed. Findings highlighted four key lessons for gerontological social workers including 1) the fear that impact of the containment measures could kill the older adults faster than the virus; 2) the measures generate a feeling of neglect and marginalization of healthcare needs among older adults; 3) altered positive health-seeking behavior among the older adults; 4) and concern about the absence of functional policy and plan to address the welfare of older adults. Therefore, the central focus of the gerontological social workers and Nigerian polity should not be on how to reduce the spread of the disease alone, but on an application of caution in instituting and implementing the measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While studies in social media and disability are growing globally, there is paucity in such studies in Nigeria. This study addresses this apparent gap by exploring the experiences and perceptions of Nigerian adults living with physical disability regarding social media, using an interpretive approach. A total of nine adults with physical disability between the ages of 20 and 34, living in urban areas, were interviewed in this study. Findings show that participants experienced diminished social contact and smaller social networks due to their disability. However, participants who used social media experienced increased social contact, developed social relationships, and had larger social networks. Participants also acknowledged social media as a useful platform for disability advocacy and awareness. Results support a call for continued efforts to support adults with physical disability experiencing diminished social contact to use social media to increase their social wellbeing. Implications for future research and practice are discussed. The paper examines the perceptions and experience of social media use among adults with physical disability in Nigeria. Analyses show that adults with physical disability in Nigeria experience some form of diminished social contact and smaller social networks due to their disability. Nigerian adults with physical disability who use social media experience increased social contact, establish and maintain social relationships, and have a larger social networks. Adults with physical disability in Nigeria acknowledge social media as a useful platform for disability awareness and advocacy. This research recommends that Nigerian adults with physical disability experiencing diminished social contact should use social media to increase their social wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the definitions and onset of an old person in South-Western Nigeria. Conventionally, anyone who has reached the age of 60 or 65 years is regarded as the onset of an old person. But on contrary, this recent study is strongly emphasizing that 50 years and above is the onset of an old person in South-Western Nigeria. Obviously, the definitions and onset of an old person are controversial, yet, revealing in this paper. The study captured 13 Local Government Areas in Lagos state while 11 Local Government Areas were covered in Oyo state. The study employed focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs). However, 938 old persons were interviewed through questionnaire administration in Lagos and Oyo states of South-Western Nigeria. The univariate, FGDs, and IDIs were employed in the analyses of this research. The major findings of this study are the following: firstly, that there are different dimensions of the definitions of an old person that include frailty, inactivity, loss of strength, respect, blessedness, sickness, growing old, and inability to do hard work. Secondly, that someone who has reached the age of 50 years and above can be regarded as an old person, which is the onset of an old person in South-Western Nigeria society. On the basis of earlier findings, the study hereby recommends that anyone who has attained the age of 50 years and above should be recognized, regarded, and honored as an Elder by the State Government of South-Western Nigeria society where they are presently residing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While studies have explored how health sector corruption, weak healthcare system, large-scale immune compromised population, misinformation and prevalence of highly congested slums contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria, they have glossed over the impact of political distrust on the spread of the virus. This study explores the impact of political distrust on the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. The study utilised qualitative dominant mixed methods approach comprising telephone interviews and a survey of 120 educated Nigerians purposively selected from four COVID-19 most affected states including Lagos, Oyo, Kano and Rivers as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The study also relied on secondary data on the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria sourced from Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control from 27 February to 31st August 2020. The study found that political corruption motivates large-scale political distrust. This undermines public compliance to government protocols, limits the outcomes of government responses to COVID-19 and facilitates the spread of the virus in Nigeria. The paper concludes that improving government accountability in the public sector management is relevant for building public trust, promoting citizens' compliance to COVID-19 safety measure and mitigating the spread of the pandemic in Nigeria and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2003 five northern Nigerian states boycotted the oral polio vaccine due to fears that it was unsafe. Though the international responses have been scrutinised in the literature, this paper argues that lessons still need to be learnt from the boycott: that the origins and continuation of the boycott were due to specific local factors. We focus mainly on Kano state, which initiated the boycotts and continued to reject immunisations for the longest period, to provide a focused analysis of the internal dynamics and complex multifaceted causes of the boycott. We argue that the delay in resolving the year-long boycott was largely due to the spread of rumours at local levels, which were intensified by the outspoken involvement of high-profile individuals whose views were misunderstood or underestimated. We use sociological concepts to analyse why these men gained influence amongst northern Nigerian communities. This study has implications on contemporary policy: refusals still challenge the Global Polio Eradication Initiative; and polio remains endemic to Nigeria (Nigeria accounted for over half of global cases in 2012). This paper sheds light on how this problem may be tackled with the ultimate aim of vaccinating more children and eradicating polio. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The United States Agency for International Development/Targeted States High Impact Project supported Sokoto State, Nigeria government in the development of a community-based intervention aimed at preventing post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) and cord infection among women and children, respectively. This paper describes the innovative intervention within the Nigeria health delivery system. It then explains the case study approach to assessing this intervention and summarises findings. Ultimately, the intervention was received well in communities and both drugs were added to the procurement list of all health facilities providing maternity services in the State. Key factors leading to such success include early advocacy efforts at the state-level, broad stakeholder engagement in designing the distribution system, early community engagement about the value of the drugs and concerted efforts to monitor and ensure availability of the drugs. Implementation challenges occurred in some areas, including shortage of community-based health volunteers (CBHVs) and drug keepers, and socio-cultural barriers. To maximise and sustain the effectiveness of such interventions, state government needs to ensure constant drug supply and adequate human resources at the community level, enhance counselling and mobilisation efforts, establish effective quality improvement strategies and implement a strong M&E system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It is well recognised that unsafe abortions have significant implications for women's physical health; however, women's perceptions and experiences with abortion-related stigma and disclosure about abortion are not well understood. This paper examines the presence and intensity of abortion stigma in five countries, and seeks to understand how stigma is perceived and experienced by women who terminate an unintended pregnancy and influences her subsequent disclosure behaviours. The paper is based upon focus groups and semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with women and men in Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru and the United States (USA) in 2006. The stigma of abortion was perceived similarly in both legally liberal and restrictive settings although it was more evident in countries where abortion is highly restricted. Personal accounts of experienced stigma were limited, although participants cited numerous social consequences of having an abortion. Abortion-related stigma played an important role in disclosure of individual abortion behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disability encompasses the limitations on an individual’s basic physical activities, and the consequent social oppressions such individual faces in society. In this regard, the limitation on the use of some parts of the genitals in a patriarchal system is considered a form of disability. This paper describes the perceptions of and the coping mechanisms employed by affected couples dealing with the consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) as a form of sexual disability. Cultural Libertarianism was employed as a theoretical framework. The paper presents the results of a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, with 10 male and 12 female respondents purposively selected through a snowball sampling for in-depth interviews. The findings present the justifications provided for the practice of FGM, and victims’ perceptions of how it affects their sexual relations. Furthermore, it highlights coping strategies employed by affected women and their spouses. The study shows that the disabling consequence of FGM is largely sexual in nature, leading to traumatic experiences and negative beliefs about sex, and requiring a myriad of coping strategies employed by the disabled women, and their spouses, which may have its own implications for marital and sexual bliss. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Health care costs incurred prior to the appropriate patient–provider transaction (i.e., transaction costs of access to health care) are potential barriers to accessing health care in low- and middle-income countries. This paper explores these transaction costs and their implications for health system governance through a cross-sectional survey of adult patients who received their first diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) at the three designated secondary health centres for TB care in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The patients provided information on their care-seeking pathways and the associated costs prior to reaching the appropriate provider. Of the 452 patients, 84% first consulted an inappropriate provider. Only 33% of inappropriate consultations were with qualified providers (QP); the rest were with informal providers such as pharmacy providers (PPs; 57%) and traditional providers (TP; 10%). Notably, 62% of total transaction costs were incurred during the first visit to an inappropriate provider and the mean transaction costs incurred was highest with QPs (US$30.20) compared with PPs (US$14.40) and TPs (US$15.70). These suggest that interventions for reducing transaction costs should include effective decentralisation to integrate TB care with services at the primary health care level, community engagement to address information asymmetry, enforcing regulations to keep informal providers within legal limits and facilitating referral linkages among formal and informal providers to increase early contact with appropriate providers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Infertility is a devastating problem around the world, particularly in the high fertility context of sub-Saharan Africa. Regardless of its medical origins, infertility causes African women personal grief and economic deprivation.This research was conducted among the Ijo who are organized into exogamous patrilineal descent groups. Women who marry into a patrilineage are perceived as bearers of sons who will eventually take their place in the lineage's genealogy. Women only figure in the lineage structure as mothers.In addition to extensive ethnographic research in this community, the paper is based on a combination of surveys of 246 women and interviews of 25 fertile and 25 infertile women.Women who have never given birth were characterized as 'useless'. Some managed to accumulate wealth or attained education but most feared a marginal old age. Respect was given to women who have had even one child, even if that child died. The biological process of gestation confers an adult status on women allowing them to undergo initiation and to function as mature individuals. In the life course the most prominent periods of suffering are the transition from the stages of ereso (girl) to erera (mature woman), and in the period of old age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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It is still unknown how the MDGs have impacted the socioeconomic situations of the elderly in Nigeria. This has become essential to appraise the attainability of the MDGs in Nigeria. Quantitative data were collected through an individual-based questionnaire. Multistage sampling was employed to select local government areas, enumeration areas, and individuals for the study. In all, 810 respondents were interviewed. The study shows that more than 3 out of every 10 female respondents mentioned trading; more than a quarter of their male counterparts mentioned the same. Only 3.5% of the female respondents and 7.5% of their male respondents mentioned investment as their sources of income. A few of the respondents live above a dollar daily. The general response among the respondents is that the impact of MDGs is yet to felt. The paper asserts that primitive capital accumulation via corruption causes poverty for some, increased social inequality, and geographical objectives, which are currently insufficiently alleviated by policy action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education contributes to poor SRH outcomes for adolescents and young people in Sub-Saharan Africa. School-based comprehensive SRH education programmes in low- and middle-income countries aim to advance gender equality and human rights and reduce risky sexual behaviours in adolescents. However, the implementation of these programmes in Northern Nigeria is opposed by community and religious institutions because of mistrust of health interventions perceived as being framed on Western ideologies. This study explored perceptions of such programmes among secondary school staff in Northern Nigeria. We focused on knowledge and beliefs about comprehensive SRH education programmes, and views about barriers to delivery and ways to support their inclusion in schools. Sixteen semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with teachers and head teachers. Participants were aged 33–54 years and came from four public secondary schools in two states (Kano and Jigawa). Findings showed conflicting gender-based perspectives on the importance of comprehensive SRH education in schools. Barriers to delivery included lack of adequate skills and knowledge, beliefs/cultural norms and wider societal barriers. Involving traditional and religious leaders and schools in the design of tailored approaches could strengthen future delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview (ACASI) has become increasingly popular for collecting data on sensitive topics among populations with lower levels of literacy. However, the development of an ACASI tool is an involved process that can be further complicated when working in humanitarian contexts during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study describes the development of an ACASI tool to be used in a family-focused intervention evaluation. Participants included adolescent girls aged 10-14, adolescent boys aged 15-19, and caregivers in Borno State, Nigeria. Data to inform the tool's development were collected using cognitive interviews, ACASI demonstrations, and post-demonstration assessments with adolescent girls, adolescent boys, and caregivers, as well as a focus group discussion with enumerators. Data found high levels of acceptance for the tool and helped identify appropriate visual representations for various answer options to maximize usability. The survey was found to be too long to administer solely through ACASI; the final tool employs a combination of ACASI and computer-assisted personal interview formats. Findings highlight the importance of repeatedly piloting and testing these types of tools to ensure content and language resonate with intended users. However, the steps employed demonstrate that researchers can maintain a commitment to developing high-quality, community-grounded research tools despite challenges germane to humanitarian settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highest number of persons living with epilepsy (PLWE) are in Africa and the majority live in deplorable conditions, while dealing with varying layers of stigma, social exclusion, and discrimination. This study explored the lived experiences of PLWE in Ilorin. Adopting a qualitative design and a phenomenological lens, 10 PLWE between the ages of 18 and 60 were purposively selected from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) for in-depth interviews. Findings suggest that PLWE bear multiple and intersecting burdens, including physical injuries; institutional, cultural, and economic constraints; psychological strain; social exclusion; and stigma. These disadvantages are often sustained and reproduced by various assumptions about epilepsy; as such, PLWE conceal their condition, and this implicatively reinforce stigma. Difficulty sustaining intimate relationships, overt physical scars, and inferiority complexes are recurrent challenges for PLWE. The study showed that adherence to drugs, self-management, personal precautions towards seizure signs, and family support are important coping strategies. The study recommends that it is imperative to enhance and sustain systems, processes, and attitudes that prioritise the physical, social, and emotional needs of PLWE, because this is significant for their enhanced quality of life (QoL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is one of the most pervasive human rights violation which has negative impacts on the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of male civil servants in Ibadan, Nigeria about the perpetration of IPV and to document their suggested measures to prevent IPV in our communities in Nigeria. Four focus group discussions were conducted among 36 male civil servants selected from Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan using purposive sampling technique. Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic approach. Six major themes were identified; awareness of the forms of IPV, women and men as victims, causes, attitude, consequences as well as the suggested strategies for the prevention of IPV. Physical and psychological abuse were mentioned across the groups. The respondents pointed out that women experience IPV more than men, but that men also experience it. Some respondents stated that physical and psychological abuse against female intimate partners were acceptable in some circumstances according to the societal norms. The negative effects of IPV on physical, mental and social well-being of the individual, families and society were mentioned. Suggested ways of preventing IPV include tolerance and patience which will promote healthy, respectful and non-violent relationships among intimate partners. Considering the perceptions and attitudes of these men to IPV, it is important to reach out to both genders for appropriate preventive and educational intervention in ending IPV among women and men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been very little research and policy regarding the inclusion of older adults in new technological applications in Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African region. The study examined the use of social media among older adults in Ibadan, South-West, Nigeria using a semi-structured interview. A qualitative explorative study was set-up, involving six consenting members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ibadan branch whose age is above 55 years. Purposive sampling technique was used to include the participants who have access to a social media-enabled phone. A semi-structured was conducted to obtain information about the social media usage among the older adults. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts. The mean age of the older adults is 58.5. Two themes emerged from the interview session: experience and barriers to social media use. Participants had an exciting experience using social media to maintain social connectedness and barriers associated with privacy, poor access to the internet, illiteracy, and frustration. The study concludes that social media use is essential to sustaining social connectedness among older adults. Desire to use social media among the older adults is embedded in their social, personal, and cognitive context. The study advocates for inclusive digital programming for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the new and unprecedented challenges faced by older people during the COVID-19 pandemic globally, this study explored the social impact of COVID-19 on older people in rural Nigeria. Data was collected from 20 older persons using in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that the pandemic has limited the rural older people's social support and social contact with loved ones, leading to their increased poverty and loneliness due to their dependence on intergenerational support. The study recommends creative ways to safely maintain connectedness with older people, and expansion of the Nigerian pension policy to ensure income security for all older people as the pandemic has exposed the unsustainability of dependence on social networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Religion and spirituality are central to everyday life in Nigeria. Social work educators recognize that learning cannot be separated from the influence of context, including religion and spirituality. This study presents the first empirical inquiry into religion and spirituality in social work education in Nigeria. The qualitative study explored the inclusion of religion and spirituality on Nigerian social work programs from the viewpoints of social work educators, adopting a phenomenological approach. Data from key informants' semi-structured interviews with 12 purposively sampled social work educators based at three Nigerian universities (University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Benin, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University) were analyzed thematically. The findings highlight the importance of religion and spirituality in social work education; yet point to coverage being limited and located within elective modules, and for social work educators to recognize the relevance of religious and spiritual aspects of their students' and service users' existence in developing educational curricula. The study calls for prioritizing the integration of religion and spirituality in social work degree programs. Strengthening the links between religion, spirituality, and social work will better prepare future practitioners to be cultural component and work with the profession's values of social justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the contextual factors mediating HIV transmission risk in barbershops using qualitative data from in-depth interviews with barbers (n = 16) in Nigeria. Barbers were aware of individual-level risk factors for HIV transmission. Accounts highlighted individualisation of risk responsibility, wherein the decisions and actions of individual barbers were seen as primary determinants of risk, while overlooking the role of factors beyond the individual in the production of risk. The implementation of HIV prevention measures (such as sterilisation of barbering equipment) was impeded by social and structural factors such as income insecurity and pressure and demands from clients. These exogenous factors interacted with individual-behavioural ones (fatigue, delay in restocking disinfectants) to create a risk environment for HIV transmission in barbershops. Barbers chose between competing risks when making decisions about HIV prevention. Concerns about maximising income by serving more clients often trumped HIV prevention through sterilisation of equipment. These findings contribute further insights and nuances to an existing literature which shows that risk is a highly contextualised phenomenon that reflects the different impacts of structural forces on lived experiences. The findings highlight a need for models that bridge cognitive and lived dimensions of risk understanding to optimise HIV prevention in barbershops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on cannabis subcultures has a long history in Western countries. In Nigeria, there is a dearth of such studies. This study explored cannabis use and community forming and how users manage police's extrajudicial practices and stigma from the broader society in Awka, Nigeria. We elicited data using participant observation and semi-structured interviews with men and women who use cannabis. Two forms of cannabis exchange rituals guided by reciprocity norms were common, facilitating social interaction and solidarity among cannabis users' networks. These sharing rituals include passing joints from lip to lip and purchasing a single-use quantity for someone in need with the receiver expected to reciprocate that goodwill in the future. Cannabis users encounter challenges, including structural stigma, fear of arrest, and extrajudicial practices such as being pressured to offer bribes or pay for bail (constitutionally free) when arrested. Another (gendered) challenge was heightened social stigma, which women who use cannabis mostly experienced. Cannabis users form communities or subcultures around the drug, which cushion the effects of persecution by corrupt law enforcement agents and social discrimination. They also employ innovative ways of using cannabis to avoid detection, arrest, and stigmatization. With culturally specific findings from a non-Western context, our study furthers knowledge on cannabis subcultures. The findings have demonstrated that cannabis subcultures still exist in Nigeria despite the changing drug landscape and widely discussed tendencies towards normalization in the Global North. Our findings also indicated that cannabis users suffer stigmatization and human rights abuses. There is a need to address drug-related social-structural stigma and police corruption in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beliefs and attitudes are essential in mental health discourse. However, cultural beliefs and attitudes towards mental health problems (ATMHPs) among the Berom people of Nigeria are under-researched. The present studies made original contributions using the Cultural Identity Model (CIM) as predictors to investigate ATMHPs, and semi-structured interviews to further explain the potential impact of cultural beliefs on MHPs. In study-1, N = 140 participants responded to questionnaires on ATMHPs and were analysed using multivariate multiple regression in RStudio. Study-2 interviewed N = 13 participants (n = 7 laypeople; n = 6 practitioners). Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Study-1 findings showed CIM as a non-significant predictor of ATMHPs. However, in study-2, four themes emerged: Cultural beliefs that MHPs are caused by spiritual forces; Berom indigenous preference for traditional healing; Christian religious healing in Berom communities; and Western-trained mental health practitioners' perception of lay service-users. The authors concluded that the Berom traditional and Christian religious healings are beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pain conditions associated with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) require alleviation with medications that may have potential for abuse. There is also an increased risk of abuse of non-prescription drugs. This study aims to assess the prevalence and correlates of substance use disorder (SUD) in an adult SCD cohort. A cross-sectional study of an adult SCD cohort (n = 200) undertaking face-to-face interviews which utilized a socio-demographic questionnaire, the alcohol, and substance use disorder modules of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, the Pain Visual Analogue Scale, Measures of Sickle Cell Stigma and the Oslo Social Support Scale. Ten (5%) participants were diagnosed with a SUD, with a majority dependent on opioids. SUD was significantly associated with poor social support (p <.01), stigma (p <.01), but not perceived pain (p: ns), or physical comorbidity (p: ns). A minority of persons with SCD were diagnosed with an SUD. Incorporation of prevention strategies focused on improved social support and minimizing stigma into routine care, may improve treatment outcomes and their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV-positive women are at risk of cervical cancer, but many barriers hinder them from adopting cervical screening. Therefore, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted to explore perceived HIV stigmatization and association with cervical screening adoption in a sample of HIV-positive women who never screened for cervical cancer. It was found that participants who had not disclosed their HIV status to others did not experience perceived HIV stigmatization. Further, perceived HIV stigmatization did not hinder cervical screening adoption due to assertiveness among participants. Those who had not experienced perceived HIV stigmatization due to non-status disclosure were unaware of their susceptibility to cervical cancer. Some participants who had not experienced perceived HIV stigmatization were aware of cervical cancer but were reluctant to screen due to religion-related denial. Some participants who experienced perceived HIV stigmatization perceived that the experience hindered cervical screening adoption. Our findings will inform psychological interventions that may strengthen cervical screening adoption in this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minority population groups are often excluded or marginalised within health systems and in health research and policy. This article argues that theories of intersectionality can help us to understand these issues and develops the concept of 'hidden healthcare populations' – using the case of people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Plus (LGBT+) in Nigeria, in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings present original qualitative data from a seldom heard population group about instances of abuse, rejection and marginalisation by healthcare providers working in public and private healthcare facilities, and the attempts of LGBT+ people to resist and survive in that context. We extend theoretical understandings of intersectionality in global public health and explore how the concept relates to the social determinants of health. The article has significant implications for policy and healthcare education and responds to a call from the World Health Organisation to generate context-specific data to guide interventions targeted at minority population groups. Additionally, our discussion has wider significance because it highlights the Western-centric nature of much theory in health policy – and offers analysis and reinterpretation that incorporates queer, postcolonial, African perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Are alcohol consumers aware of the recommended limit of alcohol consumption per day? What are the motivations for alcohol consumption? These questions constitute the major objective of this study. The study was carried out in Keffi town in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Exploratory research design was adopted while the qualitative research method and instrument were adopted for data collection. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 52 alcohol consumers in two different bars in Keffi. The study found that while all consumers expressed various reasons for alcohol consumption, all the interviewed respondents were not aware of the quantity of alcohol that poses immediate or future harm to the consumer. Consequently, all the interviewed drinkers consumed above the WHO recommended percentage of alcohol consumption per day. The study recommends that alcoholic drinks, and advertisements should carry more information about recommended daily intake, and quantity of alcohol that poses health and safety risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vital statistics are critical for effective public health and monitoring progress towards child survival. Nigeria has the highest global under-five mortality rate; however, deaths are often under- or misreported. We explored perceptions of child deaths and socio-cultural factors influencing the reporting of child deaths in Jigawa State, Nigeria. We conducted a triangulation mixed-methods study in Kiyawa local government area, Jigawa, including: four focus group discussions (FGDs) with 8–12 women, six key informant interviews (KII) with Imams, and process data from 42 verbal autopsies (VAs) conducted with caregivers of deceased children. Data was collected between November 2019-April 2021. Purposive sampling was used to recruit FDG and KII participants and two-stage systematic and simple random sampling was employed to recruit VA participants. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis; VA data was described with proportions. Five categories emerged from FGDs: culturally grounded perceptions of child death, etiquette in mourning and offering condolence, formal procedures surrounding child death, the improving relationship between hospital and community, and reporting practices. Women expressed that talking or crying about a death was not culturally accepted, and that prayer is the most acceptable form of coping and offering condolence. Many women expressed that death was God's will. These findings correlated with VAs, in which visible signs of emotional distress were recorded in 31% of the interviews. Three categories emerged from KIIs: religion as part of formal procedures surrounding child death, communities support the bereaved, and multilayered reasons for unreported deaths. Imams serve a key role as community leaders, involved in both the logistical and religious aspects of their community, though they are not involved in mortality reporting. Religion plays a central role in burial practices, community mourning rituals, and expression of grief, but does not extend to reporting of child deaths. Imams could provide an opportunity for improving vital registration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug-related problems are growing in Nigeria. Yet, there is a paucity of research on the motives for using cannabis and its contribution to drug-related problems. Understanding the underlying motives for taking cannabis from users' perspectives would facilitate the provision of harm reduction policies/interventions. Using normalization framework, semi-structured interviews were conducted with young adults who use cannabis in a city located in Anambra State, South-Eastern Nigeria. Data were analysed thematically. Participants shared extensive personal experiences of how cannabis was used for social, conformity, and enhancement motives. Cannabis served as a social lubricant and was taken when they meet for drug-related leisure. Social cannabis use facilitated enacting new friendships and fostering existing relationships. Taking cannabis in friendship networks cushioned the effects of discrimination and enhanced trust-building, which was essential for sharing secrets among drug-users. Cannabis use within friendship networks was normalised and seemingly compulsory; thus, interviewees conformed to group norms, without which peers would not accept them. Conforming to masculinity norms to avoid shaming necessitated excessive cannabis use among men, but women strategically used excuses to escape using large quantities. Academic enhancements also motivated cannabis use. Inspiration, alertness and assimilation, and enhancing better performance in oral and written examinations motivated cannabis use. Findings indicate that gender and the motives for taking cannabis determined the quantities participants used, thus, supporting differentiated normalization. More research is needed to understand better whether or not the strategy women employed to avoid excess cannabis use will help policy interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current research on drug use emphasizes harms and often neglects its pleasures and benefits. This one-sided view has supported policies that criminalize personal drug use. This study explores nuanced understandings of cannabis use from the perspectives of marginalized users in Nigeria. Methods: This study is based on qualitative research conducted with street-involved young adults (n=97) recruited through time-location sampling in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria. Data were collected through in-depth, individual interviews, transcribed, coded and analyzed thematically. Results: Cannabis offered corporeal and social pleasures, which were shaped by the socio-spatial context of use. It was also used in marginalized ways to relieve social stress, cope with trauma, enable daily functioning, and everyday survival struggle. This encouraged heavy use, which produced health harms including dependence as well as physical and mental health problems. Social and legal harms were of more concern to the participants than health ones. Unlawful policing practices, including physical abuses and financial extortion, exacerbated the health and social harms of structural violence they experience. Conclusions: Cannabis use is a more nuanced practice than is captured in the dominant medico-legal discourse. Harms owe more to the socio-legal contexts of use than to the drug's pharmacology. Reducing harms requires the provision of healthcare services and structural interventions, not criminalizing a population already situated on the margins of a resource-poor society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Aim: To describe how physiotherapists in northern Nigeria managed the environmental and socioeconomic determinants of mobility for older adults. Methods: We adopted a qualitative description approach, purposely selected and conducted telephone interviews with 20 physiotherapists from Abuja [the Federal Capital Territory], four of the six states in North-central, and one state in the North-west regions of Nigeria. Data were analyzed using qualitative content and constant comparative analyses. Result: The physiotherapists had between 5 and 11 years practice experience in managing older adults with mobility limitations. Three iterative stages of identification, intervention, and documentation emerged as clinical experiences of Nigerian physiotherapists in managing environmental and socioeconomic determinants of mobility for older adults. Identification stages included determining older adults with mobility limitation through patients'/physiotherapists' reports and identifying the environmental (e.g. staircase location, floor types, furniture, and the urban built environment) and socioeconomic (e.g. education, income, and occupation) factors. The clinical decision of the "best" individualized approach to intervention, providing reassurance and education during and after the intervention were sub-stages for the intervention stage. There is a potential gap in the documentation process of these stages as most of the physiotherapists (n = 15; 75%) reported not doing so. Conclusion: This study suggested three iterative stages of identification, intervention, and documentation of the environmental and socioeconomic determinants of mobility for older adults. While there was a potential gap in regard to documentation of these stages in patients' case notes, physiotherapists especially in North-central Nigeria believed that co-developing a pragmatic set of clinical questions focusing on these determinants of mobility could encourage physiotherapists to explicitly document them. As the approach used in our research is purely descriptive, a grounded theory approach would potentially provide more detailed sub-stages that could be a more effective guide for physiotherapists to use during clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines social and cultural factors influencing care and support for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in two selected Yoruba communities of Southwestern Nigeria. The increase in morbidity and mortality associated with HIV/AIDS especially in Nigeria is attributed to poor attention giving to PLWHA. Reasons for this poor attention seem to be relative on culture basis. Among the Yoruba, the cultural conception of HIV/AIDS and the perception of PLWHA by the people, have negative impacts on care and support for PLWHAs. Despite the various attempts to alleviate the burdens of HIV/ AIDS on PLWHAs, the problems continue as a nightmare in that society, and contribute to an increase in the number of people down with HIV/AIDS. To understand the problem, an ethnographic study was conducted in Ilesa and Ibadan where 217 respondents were interviewed through the combination of key-informant, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and case study analyses. Data revealed that Yoruba conception of HIV/AIDS and the people's perceptions of PLWHAs create barriers against better care for PLWHA. In addition, it was revealed that poverty, illiteracy and inadequate hospital facilities constitute other hindering factors affecting better care and support for PLWHAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the use of digital technology becomes more widespread across the globe, older people remain among the group with the lowest access and usage. The digital divide may lead to double exclusion as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to limited physical social contact as experts' recommendation of continuous social distancing and lack of access and usage of internet communication will leave older people socially isolated. The aim of this study is to explore how older people in rural Nigeria may be digitally excluded and its impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative data was obtained from 11 older people using interviews. The collected data was then transcribed and analyzed thematically. Findings show that older people in rural Nigeria were digitally excluded. However, the older people argued that the digital exclusion is not the reason for their social isolation and loneliness. The study concluded by suggesting how caregivers and social workers can assist rural older people through activity schedule and radio programs designed for older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study explored factors that could potentially influence help-seeking in men with symptoms of prostate cancer in Nigeria. A face-to-face interview was conducted with 27 men, between 54 and 84 years, diagnosed with prostate cancer ≤ 2 years prior to the interview. Data were analyzed using thematic framework approach. Several factors were identified and further captured as intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional/community level factors using an ecological perspective. These factors interact to impact negatively on the help-seeking behavior of men with symptoms of prostate cancer. These findings support the formulation of public health strategies to improve men's help-seeking behavior in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A good doctor–patient relationship (DPR) is important for quality health care delivery. Measures that improve such will improve health outcomes. Online social media (OSM) has become an important part of our lives. The DPR can be improved through OSM by increasing the interaction between the physician and the patient. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency and pattern of use of OSM by patients visiting our clinic. This was a cross-sectional study among 304 patients visiting the medical outpatient department of our hospital between January and July 2019. Patients visiting the clinic were randomly selected and interviewed. The data was analyzed using SPSS 25. 278 (91.4%) out of 304 participants used OSM. Facebook (87.8%) and WhatsApp (86.5%) were used more frequently. The use of OSM was associated with the level of education (p = 0.001). 158 (56.8%) patients had sent friendship requests to their physicians while 242 (87.1%) will like to be friends with their physicians through OSM. 111(39.9%) patients had discussed health issues with a doctor through OSM. 88.8% of the patients agreed that interactions through OSM can improve the DPR. A significant number of these patients will like to interact with their physician through OSM. The DPR can be improved through OSM by increasing access to health information and making access to physicians easier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Lack of social welfare programs for vulnerable households during the coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria caused severe pain and economic hardship to households as millions suffered hunger in Nigeria and Africa at large. Method: To explore the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, a qualitative study was conducted with 70 participants from Lagos, Nigeria. We conducted 52 individual and 2 group interviews with 18 key stakeholders involved with enforcing lockdown orders. Responses were analyzed in themes using content and discourse analysis. Result: The participants stated that the greatest challenge faced by many amidst the pandemic is hunger and starvation and described government palliatives as grossly insufficient. This is linked to the high population of Nigerians living below poverty line, who depends on daily earning for survival. Discussion: Therefore, these viewpoints must be taken into account by the policymakers and social welfare providers when designing social welfare policies and interventions for poor/vulnerable Nigerians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria has been found to be a significant contributor to the poor health problem in Nigeria and in Africa. It kills people more than any other infectious disease and about 80% of Nigerian population is exposed to malaria. Several factors influence the choices of households' treatment provider. This study examines the choices and determinants of malaria treatment seeking behaviour given the demographic characteristics of rural households. Household data were collected through a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire on 600 households selected from the three senatorial zones of Enugu state and analysed using frequencies and regression analysis. It was found that 43% of farmers, 44% of traders, 44% of skilled labourers and 30% of civil servants sourced treatment from 'chemists' while 12% of farmers, 20% of traders, 23% of skilled labourers and 40% of civil servants sourced treatment from hospital. Education level of household head, cost of treatment, severity and nearness to facility were found to statistically determine the choice of treatment provider (P < 0.005). The study concluded that educational attainment, distance to health facility, severity of illness and financial status of household head majorly determined the choice of malaria treatment and 'chemist' appeared the most-visited treatment provider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uptake of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services is predictive of HIV transmission; however, many barriers limit pregnant women living with HIV from this uptake. This study, therefore, aimed to explore some barriers to PMTCT services uptake among pregnant women living with HIV. A qualitative interview design was employed with pregnant women living with HIV, their husbands or relatives, and service providers in two Nigerian health facilities. Thirty-five participants were individually interviewed until data saturation occurred, and the data were thematically analyzed. Five barriers to PMTCT services uptake were found - "fear of stigmatization," "poor support from family," "conflict between attending to social role demands and PMTCT programs," "financial and time cost to health facilities," and "poor service provider-patient interaction." These data contribute to informing targeted interventions that strengthen the uptake of PMTCT services among HIV-positive pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]