Volume-9, Issue-3, March 2023

Abstract

Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by mood changes, and traits of impulsivity are often reported in these patients. Alcohol use disorder is also reported among patients with BD. Protein kinase C is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of BD, and there are reports on its link to impulsivity as well as alcohol use disorder. Thus, the use of a protein kinase C inhibitor, such as endoxifen, could address all three conditions. We present a case of a male patient with BD who displayed impulsivity and alcohol abuse. Initial management with combination therapy was not successful in reducing symptoms. The addition of endoxifen to the treatment allowed the reduction of dosage of sodium valproate and lithium and led to a rapid improvement in symptoms. This report showcases the utility of endoxifen in the management of bipolar disorder.

Keywords: Endoxifen, bipolar disorder, impulsivity, protein kinase C

References

References not available

Abstract

This research study centered on determining the knowledge, attitude, and practice of standard precautions among selected healthcare workers in the University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The specific objectives are to examine the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, assess the level of awareness of standard precautions among healthcare workers, ascertain the attitude of healthcare workers in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State towards standard precautions, and determine the level of practice of standard precaution. Related literature reviewed. A descriptive survey design was employed in this study. Out of the 400 health workers, Taro Yamane's sample size determination gave a sample size of 200. A well-structured questionnaire was used to extract information from the respondents. Descriptive statistics such as means, and frequency distribution and percentages were used to analyze all the objectives. ChiSquare was used to analyze the hypothesis posed to the study. The result revealed that there were more females (67.5%) who participated in the studies than their male counterparts (32.5%). The majority (42.0%) of the respondents were still within their mid-age of 30 – 39 years, followed by 26% who were within the age range of 40 – 49 years of age. Furthermore, the study showed that all participants (100%) had at one time or the other previous knowledge of standard precaution as a concept in the health system. However, their sources of information varied from formal training (65%), colleague/friend (26%) media (5.5), and other means (3.5%). Also, the respondents opined that every employer in the health system should as a matter of utmost importance make provision for training on standard precautions. They believed that standard precaution is helpful in the protection against health hazards in the workplace (= 3.40). Some (50%) thought that recap of the needle after use is a safe way to prevent needle injury and transmission of diseases. Safety measures agreed upon by the respondents 98% include disposal of needles and syringes immediately after use. Method of needle disposal in UPTH include the use of waste bin (50.5%) and enclose and burn (60%). The Chi-Square value (9.88) and p-value (p>0.05) means that we do not have sufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis which states that there is no significant impact of knowledge of standard precaution on practice.

Keywords: Port Harcourt, health care workers, standard precautions, blood, attitude.

References

References not available