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Background: Nutritional status of children has become a worldwide public health issue and its assessment has been adjudged the best global indicator of well-being in children. One in three children under the age of five (178 million children) in developing countries are stunted due to chronic under-nutrition and poor quality diets. Without addressing malnutrition, the Sustainable Development Goal 2 of ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition may not be attained. This study assessed the nutritional status and its possible determinants among children attending Early Child Care Centres in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out on 544 under-five children attending ECCCs in Benin City. Data was obtained with pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurement. Data was analyzed with IBM SPSS version 21.0 and statistical significance was determined using Chi square with p value set at < 0.05. Results: Seventy nine (14.5%) of the children were stunted, while 68 (12.5%), 67 (12.3%) and 13 (2.8%) were underweight, wasted, and obese respectively. Significant possible determinants of being underweight and wasted among the children were age of child (p = 0.041) and exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.011) while the predictor for wasting was exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Over a tenth of the respondents were either stunted, underweight or wasted while a few of the children were obese. All stakeholders involved in ensuring and promoting proper nutrition among under-five children should work as a team in order to develop intervention programmes and ensure adequate nutrition in children.

Background: Determination of abnormal blood pressure (BP) in children is dependent on comparison with normal percentile values. The commonly used National Institute of Health (NIH) standard is generated from children outside of Africa. Objective: To develop BP percentile values for Nigerian children based on BP cuff width 40% to 50% of arm circumference. Methods: Subjects were pupils from nine primary schools in Midwestern Nigeria recruited using a multi-stage sampling technique. Their BP was measured using a cuff width of 40 to 50% of arm circumference and cuff length of at least 80% of arm circumference respectively. The mean of two BP readings were taken. Hypertension was defined as systolic and or diastolic BP >95th percentile of the study population. Results: There were 1549 subjects, aged 5 to 15 years, of which 757 (48.9%) were males. Prevalence of hypertension was 2.6%. Only age and weight were independent predictors of both elevated systolic and diastolic BP. The 5th, 10th, 50th, 90th and 95th percentiles of Systolic and diastolic BP were generated for both males and females pupils. Conclusion: BP Percentiles have been generated using BP cuff width 40 to 50% of the arm circumference for Nigerian children.

Background: Risk factors of intestinal helminthiasis include helminths isolated. Behavioural aberrations were represented more behavioural aberrations such as finger sucking, nail biting and pica which had been found to enhance intestinal ova transmission. Objectives: To determine risk fac tors of intestinal helminthiasis in poor personal hygiene/care, and in infected subjects than the non Subjects and Methods: Fresh stool samples from 140 children (0 – 17 years) living in 10 orphanages in Benin City, were analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique for the detection of ova of helminths between January-April, 2011. Results: Prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis was 20.7%. Children ages 12 – 17 years had highest prevalence of intestinal helminths. Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were the intestinal infected children (χ2= 3.94, p = 0.047, O.R = 2.3). use of common towel were the most significant independent predictors of intestinal helminthiasis (p = 0.017 and 0.028 respectively). Hand washing with water and soap after defeacation was significantly asso ciated with decreased prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis (p = 0.016). Conclusion: Behavioural modifica tion, good personal hygiene and provision of towels for each child living in the orphanage should be integral part of intestinal helminths control in orphanages.

Adolescence is a phase of life characterized by several reproductive health challenges that require support to navigate. However, access to adolescent and youth-friendly health service (AYFHS) centers to provide this support is limited. Perspective of healthcare workers (HCW) towards understanding the challenges to service provision has not been systematically documented. This study therefore documents the perspectives of HCWs on the types of services accessed by adolescents, and associated challenges in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. The facility-based descriptive qualitative study used an in-depth interview guide among program officers in the 11 youth-friendly health centers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. The provision of HIV prevention services and AYFHS was appropriate while adolescents have preferences for facilities where their confidentiality is protected, and other needs are met. Reported challenges were lack of privacy, high cost of transportation to facilities, high staff attrition, poor awareness of the facilities and services, and parental consent. Suggestions for improvement included prolonged retention of youth-friendly trained staff, better client confidentiality, and economic empowerment of the adolescents to access services when needed. While the providers' perspective on AYFHS for adolescents was positive, related challenges were also identified. Government and other stakeholders should collaborate to ensure the right environment for accessibility and utilization of AYFHS., Competing Interests: The Authors declared no conflict of interest, (African Journal of Reproductive Health © 2024.)

The authors assessed the knowledge of obstetric danger signs and its determinants among 405 pregnant women in their 3 rd trimester receiving antenatal care. The study was cross-sectional. Those knowledgeable of danger signs during pregnancy were 24.9%, labor 29.9%, postpartum 15.6% and in the new-born 36.0%. There were associations between age, higher level of education, gestational age and social class and knowledge of obstetric danger signs. Our findings suggest the need to increase the awareness of obstetric danger signs through provision of information, education, and empower the family.

Background: Despite the proven effectiveness of immunization against vaccine preventable diseases, vaccination coverage among children remains low in many developing countries including Nigeria. A significant contributor is missed opportunity for vaccination (MOV). This study compared the prevalence and determinants of MOV among under-five children in an urban and a rural community in Edo State, Southern Nigeria., Methods: This comparative cross-sectional community-based study was carried out among 644 mothers of under-five children selected using a multistage sampling technique from an urban and a rural community. Data was collected using a modified structured WHO protocol for evaluation of MOV and analyzed with IBM SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done with p<0.05 considered statistically significant., Results: The prevalence of MOV was 21.7% and 22.1% in urban and rural communities, respectively (p=0.924). The measles vaccine was the most frequently missed in the urban 40 (57.1%) and rural 45 (63.4%) communities. The major reason for MOV in both communities was limited hours of vaccination (urban-58.6% and rural-62.0%). Poor knowledge of vaccination was a determinant of MOV in both urban (aOR=0.923; 95%CI=0.098-0.453) and rural (aOR=0.231; 95%CI=0.029-0.270) communities. Other determinants in the community included older maternal age (aOR=0.452; 95%CI=0.243-0.841) while in the rural community, they included older child (aOR=0.467; 95%CI=0.220-0.990) and ANC attendance (aOR=2.827; 95%CI=1.583-5.046)., Conclusion: MOV was common in both urban and rural communities in Edo State. Regular public awareness campaigns and capacity building workshops for health care workers to address the individual and health system factors are recommended., Competing Interests: The Authors declare that no competing interest exists., (Copyright © 2023 by West African Journal of Medicine.)

Background: Elder abuse is a growing concern globally and the consequences can be detrimental to the wellbeing of the elderly. In Nigeria, it is a hidden problem, under-reported with limited national response. This study compared the prevalence and pattern of elder abuse and its determinants between urban and rural communities in Benin-City., Methods: A comparative cross-sectional analytical studywas conducted among 445 urban and 468 rural elderly respondents selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed by IBM SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done with level of significance set at p<0.05., Results: The lifetime prevalence of elder abuse was 18.6% and 17.6% while the one-year prevalence was 14.7% and 13.3% in the rural and urban areas, respectively. The most common was psychological abuse (86.2% vs 84.2%) while the least was sexual abuse (3.4% vs 9.2%) in rural and urban areas, respectively. The predictors of elder abuse in the urban area were low level of education (aOR=2.080; 95%CI=1.031-4.196), poor social support (aOR=2.249; 95%CI=1.005-5.033) and social dissatisfaction (aOR=9.308; 95%CI=3.876-22.353) while predictors in the rural area included male gender (aOR=2.051; 95%CI=1.042-4.036), poor social support (aOR=3.555; 95%CI=1.642-7.696), social dissatisfaction (aOR=65.320; 95%CI=21.656-97.022) and good social network (aOR= 0.261; 95%CI=0.092-0.739)., Conclusion: Elder abuse is not uncommon in our environment and the pattern is in consonance with the global typologies. Appropriate strategies to raise awareness on this emerging public health concern and establishing a holistic policy to respond to the problem and care for the elderly are recommended., Competing Interests: The Authors declare that no competing interest exists., (Copyright © 2022 by West African Journal of Medicine.)

Background: The Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (IMNCH) strategy which advocates for integrated care of mother and newborn requires skilled health care workers (HCWs) for effective implementation. This study assessed the capacity of HCWs in Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in Edo State to implement the IMNCH strategy., Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 333 HCWs drawn from PHC facilities in Edo State using multistage sampling technique. Data was collected by structured self-administered questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done with level of significance set at p<0.05., Results: One hundred and seventy-four (52.3%) of the respondents had good knowledge of IMNCH strategy, 223 (67.0%) had good practice of focused antenatal care (FANC) while 92 (27.6%) had good of routine and basic emergency obstetric care (BEOC) including essential newborn care (ENC). Respondents' designation was the only significant predictor of knowledge of IMNCH strategy (aOR=5.03, 95%CI=2.92-8.67, p<0.001). Respondents' designation (aOR=6.50; 95%CI=3.11-13.99, p<0.001) and good knowledge of IMNCH strategy (aOR=0.21, 95%CI=0.12-0.38, p<0.001) were the significant predictors of good practice of FANC. Respondents' designation (aOR=6.13, 95%CI=3.27-11.48, p<0.001) and good knowledge of IMNCH strategy (aOR=0.28, 95%CI=0.14-0.54, p<0.001) were the significant predictors of good practice of routine and BEOC including ENC., Conclusion: The study found overall good knowledge of IMNCH strategy, good practice of FANC but poor practice of routine, basic emergency obstetric and newborn care among HCWs in PHC facilities in Edo State. Engaging more skilled HCWs and continuous professional training of employed staff is recommended for effective implementation of the IMNH strategy., Competing Interests: The Authors declare that no competing interest exists, (Copyright © 2021 by West African Journal of Medicine.)

Background: Lassa fever is of significant public health concern due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. There is need for the general public, especially those in the rural communities, to have adequate knowledge of Lassa fever as well as engage in proper measures that will prevent the occurrence of future outbreaks., Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and preventive practices against Lassa fever of adult residents among a rural community in Edo State, Nigeria., Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among adult residents of a rural community in Etsako Central LGA, Edo State. The participants were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and data analysis was by IBM SPSS version 21.0. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05., Results: Four hundred and sixty-five respondents with a mean age of 34.6 ± 14.7 years participated in the study. Majority (89.0%) had heard of Lassa fever and of these, 82.9% and 85.3% had poor knowledge of Lassa fever and positive attitude towards preventive measures against Lassa fever, respectively. Over half (59.1%) had poor preventive practices against Lassa fever. Knowledge, attitude and preventive practice was found to be better among educated respondents., Conclusion: The study showed a gap in knowledge of Lassa fever and preventive practices against the disease among the respondents. Adequate measures such as enforcing policies against bush burning should be put in place by all stakeholders to ensure that this gap observed is bridged.

Background: Analysis of dietary patterns gives a more comprehensive impression of the food consumption habits within a population. Poor dietary habits among undergraduate students have been reported as a lifestyle challenge they face while in school. This study was carried out to assess the dietary pattern and nutritional status of undergraduate students in Igbinedion University, Okada., Methodology: This study applied a cross-sectional, descriptive study design and 800 undergraduate students selected by multistage sampling method participated in the study. Data were collected using pretested, structured self-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical package (version 22.0) and level of significance was set at p  < 0.05., Results: Mean age of respondents was 23.5 ± 2.4 years, with a higher proportion being females (468; 58.5%). Over half of the respondents 448 (56.0%) skipped breakfast and 608 (76.0%) ate in between meals. More females 280 (59.8%) compared to males 168 (50.6%) skipped breakfast and the association between gender of respondents and breakfast skipping was statistically significant ( p  < 0.010). Majority of the respondents 744 (93.0%) ate snacks and the association between age group and snacking status of respondents was statistically significant ( p  < 0.034). Three hundred and ninety-two (49.0%) of the respondents had high dietary diversity score while 212 (26.5%) had low dietary diversity score. The association between age group and dietary diversity was statistically significant ( p  < 0.001). More males 172 (51.8%) had a significantly ( p  < 0.004) higher dietary diversity score compared to the females 220 (47.0%). Over two-thirds of the respondents 564 (70.5%) had normal BMI, 112 (14.0%) were overweight, and 76 (9.5%) were underweight., Conclusion: Skipping of breakfast and eating in-between meals are common among the study population. Regular nutrition education program by the institution with emphasis on adequate dietary practices is recommended.

Introduction: Vaccination has caused a dramatic reduction in the threat of diseases that were once widespread and often times fatal. The efficient practice of cold chain management is therefore key to ensuring that the benefits of vaccination are sustained. The objective of this study is to assess the practice of cold chain management among health workers in primary health care facilities in Benin City, Edo State., Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed in this study. The study population consisted of registered nurses, auxiliary nurses and community health extension workers in primary health care facilities in Benin City, Edo State. The tool for data collection was pre-tested, structured self-administered questionnaire. Bivariate analysis between socio-demographic variables and practice of cold chain management was done. Binary logistic regression was also done to determine significant predictors of practice of cold chain management. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05 for all associations., Results: A total of 425 respondents participated in this study. Over two-thirds of respondents 314 (73.9%) had good practice of cold chain management. Significant determinants of practice of cold chain management were cold chain management training (p = 0.004), presence of functional refrigerators (p = 0.016), NPI supervision (p < 0.001) and higher level of education (p < 0.001)., Conclusion: The practice of cold chain management among respondents was fair. All stakeholders should ensure they work collectively towards ensuring that favorable environments which would improve the practice among health workers are put in place.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of RHD among primary school pupils in Egor Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State of Nigeria., Design: A cross sectional study, Setting: The study was carried out among selected primary pupils in three public and six private schools in Egor LGA, (the smallest governmental unit) in mid-Western Nigeria., Subjects: Using a multistage sampling technique, pupils were selected from public and private primary schools in Egor LGA. They were clinically screened for evidence of RHD by auscultating for significant murmurs. The pupils with significant murmurs then had echocardiographic evaluation to confirm the presence of RHD., Main Outcomes: Pupils with significant murmurs and pupils with echocardiographically confirmed RHD., Results: Of the 1764 pupils recruited, 900 (51.02%) were females while 864 (48.98%) were males. The mean age of the pupils was 8.86 ± 2.14 years. 1065 (60.37%) and 699 (39.63%) respectively were recruited from public and private schools. Of the 1764 pupils, six (0.34%) had significant murmur. Only one of the six had RHD, giving a prevalence of 0.57/1000 pupils. The pupil with RHD was a male, from public school and in the low socioeconomic class., Conclusion: The prevalence of RHD in this study is low compared to similar studies conducted outside the country. The true prevalence may be underestimated since higher prevalence is obtained from echocardiographic based screening compared to clinical screening.

Background: Orphans may be envisaged to have sub-optimal care and may be predisposed to high worm burden. This study was undertaken to determine prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminthiasis in children living in orphanages in Benin City, Nigeria., Methods: Fresh stool samples from 150 children (0-17 years) living in 10 orphanages in Benin City, were analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique for the detection of ova of helminths between January and April, 2011., Results: The subjects consisted of 62 (41.3%) males and 88 (58.7%)females; mean age (+/- standard deviation SD) 7.0 +/- 4.6 years, and mean (+/- SD) years lived in the orphanage was 4.0 +/- 3.7 years. Prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis was 20.7% and this prevalence was highest in children ages 12-17years, children who had lived longer years in the orphanages and in orphanages with poor child/care-giver ratio (orphanage F = 12.0: 1 and orphanage H = 7.3: 1). Mean (+/- SD) age (8.7 +/- 4.5 years) of infected subjects was significantly higher than (6.6 +/- 4.5 years) observed in non-infected subjects (p = 0.023). Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were the intestinal helminths isolated. Intensity of intestinal helminths was light in 24/31 (77.4%) and moderate in 7/31 (22.6%) infected subjects. Median egg per gram was 999 eggs per gram and range was 48-8000., Conclusion: Improved child/care-giver ratio in orphanages will reduce worm burden in orphanages in Benin City.

Background: Food security is access at all times to adequate, safe and nutritious food for healthy and active life. In recent times food insecurity has been a global concern particularly in developing countries., Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out among households selected by multi-stage sampling method in Egor Local Government Area. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) for measurement of food access was used to assess the household food security situation., Results: A total of 416 households were studied. The prevalence of food insecurity was 61.8%. Food insecurity was higher among households with younger heads (P = 0.159), female headed households (P = 0.114) and those with larger households (P = 0.228). Lower education status (P = 0.001) and lower household income (P = 0.001) were the significant factors affecting food insecurity., Conclusion: This study has revealed a very high level of food insecurity among these urban households. An urgent call to all stakeholders for strategies to improve this trend is needed.

Introduction: Zinc supplementation reduces the severity, duration and recurrence of childhood acute diarrhoea. These beneficial effects of zinc in the treatment of diarrhoea led to the inclusion of a 10-14 days treatment regimen by the WHO/UNICEF. This study assessed the level of knowledge and use of zinc supplementation in the management of childhood diarrhoea among health care workers in public primary health facilities in Benin-City, Nigeria., Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out among the total population of health care providers in public primary health facilities in Benin-City. Data collection was done using a pre-tested, structured, self-administered questionnaire and data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0., Results: A total of 168 health care workers participated in the study. Two-thirds of them were aware of zinc supplementation but specific knowledge of zinc supplementation in the management of childhood acute diarrhoea was poor. Thirty-five percent of them prescribed zinc when managing childhood diarrhoea and only 10% of these do so for every case of childhood diarrhoea. About 84.6% of them prescribed the correct dose of zinc while less than half of them prescribe it for the correct duration. All but one of them prescribed zinc in addition to ORS in line with the WHO guideline., Discussion: The study revealed a gap in the knowledge and practice of use of zinc supplementation in the management of childhood diarrhoea. It is recommended that nationwide campaigns should be embarked on to promote the use of zinc supplementation in the clinical management of childhood diarrhoea.

Objective: To assess the level of noise generated by music shops in an urban city in Nigeria., Study Design: Cross-sectional, descriptive study., Methodology: The study involved music shops in three out of eight identified clusters of market areas in Benin City. A semi-structured, researcher-administered questionnaire was also used to collect data from music shop owners. Noise levels generated by speakers in the music shops were measured using a sound level meter, and blood pressure measurements were taken with a mercury sphygmomanometer., Results: Of the 250 music shops studied, more than 90.0% generated noise levels >85 dB, and 54.8% had a continuous pattern of noise. Longer duration of working years was significantly associated with decreased hearing (P = 0.01), shouting when talking (P = 0.04) and high blood pressure (P = 0.003). The position of music dealers in relation to the speakers was significantly associated with shouting when talking (P = 0.000). A significant association was found between higher levels of noise and high blood pressure (P = 0.004)., Conclusion: This study found very high levels of noise in music shops, which could be a source of occupational noise exposure among music dealers. Enlightenment campaigns on the hazards of exposure to loud noise and periodic audiometry examinations are recommended for this occupational group., (Copyright © 2011 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Late presentation has been observed as the hallmark of breast cancer in Nigerian women and an earlier onset has been reported in this population. This study was designed to assess the awareness of female health workers about risk factors and screening methods for early detection of breast cancer., Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among female health workers in the two major government health institutions in Benin City, Edo State capital in Nigeria.Data analysis was by SPSS version 10 and test of significance was done with differences considered significant at p < 0.05., Results: Three hundred and ninety-three (393) female health workers out of five hundred and five eligible subjects completed and returned the questionnaires, giving a response rate of 77.8%. One hundred and two (26%) were Doctors, two hundred and fifty-four (64.6%) Nurses, and thirty-seven (9.4%) were Radiographers, Laboratory Scientists and Pharmacists. A high proportion of our respondents had very poor knowledge about risk factors for breast cancer (55%). The awareness of mammography as a diagnostic method was very high (80.7%), but an extremely low knowledge of mammography as a screening method was found. Mammography practice of only 3.1% was found among those above 40 years of age who qualify for routine annual screening. Relatively low knowledge (45.5%) about Breast Self Examination (BSE) as a screening method was found., Conclusion: These female health workers who are expected to act as role models and educate the public had poor knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer and practice of breast cancer screening. There is very urgent need for regular update courses for health workers concerning breast cancer education including screening methods.

Objective: To assess the awareness, attitude and practice of HIV testing among antenatal clients in Benin-city., Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out among 200 pregnant women. Respondents were selected at the weekly booking clinic using systematic sampling technique. Pre-tested, semi-structured and researcher-administered questionnaire was tool for data collection., Results: All the respondents were aware of HIV testing. Majority (85.5%) supported antenatal HIV testing with a higher proportion supporting mandatory testing (51.0%). About 25.0% of the respondents had undergone HIV testing and only 27.5% of them were counseled. Previous HIV testing was associated with higher educational status (p = 0.0443) and a higher parity (p = 0.0191). About 59.1% of those who had not been tested were willing to undergo the test. Predictors of willingness to test were a positive reaction to a positive test result (p = 0.0015) and support for mandatory testing (p = 0.0021). Age, educational status and parity were not associated with willingness to test. (p > 0.05), Conclusion: The practice of HIV testing was low and indicates the need to increase public enlightenment programmes on voluntary HIV testing and its benefits.

Background: Mother to child transmission is the major route through which children below the age of 15 years acquire HIV infection. The most effective way to reduce childhood HIV infection is to prevent the infection in mothers and for already infected mothers use appropriate strategies to prevent transmission to their children. This study was conducted to determine the level of awareness and acceptability of strategies for preventing mother to child transmission of HIV., Method: Exploratory multi-centric descriptive study involving 400 antenatal attendees in Federal, State and a Private health facility was used. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was the tool for data collection., Result: Majority of the respondents (94.7%) were aware of transmission of HIV from an infected mother to her child. Respondents were more aware of the use of antiretroviral drugs in pregnancy (63.2%) than they were of avoiding breastfeeding (58.5%) and Cesarean delivery (22.8%) as strategies for preventing mother to child transmission. They were also more likely to accept the use of antiretroviral drugs (78.2%) than they would avoid breastfeeding (69.0%) and accept Cesarean delivery (38.0%) for preventing mother to child transmission of HIV High educational status was significantly associated with a positive attitude to these strategies., Conclusion: There is need for more educational programs and social support to bridge the gap between the levels of awareness and acceptability of strategies for preventing mother to child transmission of HIV among the populace.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Udo, a rural community in Ovia South-west LGA of Edo State to assess the level of awareness of high blood pressure status, treatment and control. Cluster sampling method was used to select participants and data collection was by researcher administered questionnaire. Blood pressure measurement was by standardized method. A total of 590 respondents with mean age 30.7 +/- 14.6 years participated in the study. The prevalence of hypertension was 20.2% using the WHO/ISH criteria of SBP > or = 140 mmHg and/or DBP > or = 90 mmHg. Twenty two (18.5%) of the hypertensives were aware of their high blood pressure status. Awareness was higher in females, increased with age and decreased with higher educational status. Of those aware of their condition, 77.3% were on treatment and ofthese, 29.4% had adequate blood pressure control. This study has revealed a low level of awareness of high blood pressure status and control in this rural community. Therefore, there is urgent need for regular community-based hypertension screening programmes.

Background: There is a growing concern globally to reverse the growing incidence of HIV especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to determine the level of awareness, attitude and practice of antenatal HIV screening in Calabar., Method: Descriptive multi-centric study of 400 antenatal attendees in Calabar, carried out in October 2005 using pre-tested, semi-structured and interviewer-administered questionnaire for data collection., Result: Of the 96.7% women with knowledge of HIV infection, 41.2% were assessed to have excellent knowledge of the mode of transmission. Awareness of antenatal HIV screening was observed in 96.2% women; while 93.7% approved of antenatal HIV screening. Awareness and approval of antenatal HIV screening was significantly related to age and educational status. The proportion of women who had HIV test in current pregnancy was 70.2%. Pre-test counseling was done in 65.8% of women. Most women (78.2%) who had not been screened were willing to undergo HIV testing. Spousal disapproval (23.1%) was the main reason for unwillingness to undergo HIV testing., Conclusion: The study revealed high levels of awareness, approval and practice of antenatal HIV screening. However, pre test counseling was not consistently given in cases tested.