Nigeria

Assessment of Benthic Invertebrate and Planktonic Communities in Agba-Ndele and Ikiri Rivers, Rivers State, Nigeria (Published)

This study was to determine the heavy metal pollution study of fresh water Ecosystem in parts of Sombriore and Orashi River catchement area at Agba-Ndele and Ikiri River, Rivers State. Field sampling was conducted across several locations along the Rivers, with laboratory analysis carried out to measure water quality parameters, sediment characteristics, and heavy metal concentrations. Twenty-five species of benthic macro-invertebrates belonging to Seven (7) classes were identified in Agba- Ndele River, while twenty-nine (29) species were also recorded in Ikiri River, with the class insect having the highest percentage of 44.0% in Agba-Ndele followed by Gastropoda and Olgochaeta with (6.0%) each, Hirudinea and Crustacea (8.0%) each, and Chetellata and Arachnida (4.0%). Ikiri recorded percentage composition of (48.3%) in Insecta, followed by Oligochaeta and Gastropoda (13.8%) each, Crustacea (10.3%), Hirudinea (6.9%), while Chitellata and Arachnida recorded the same percentage of (3.4%) each. In terms of abundance, Agba-Ndele recorded (60.0%) of Oligochaeta, followed by Insecta (24.9%), Gastropoda (5.9%), Crustacea (4.5%), Hirudinea (2.5%), Chitellata (1.3%) and Arachnida had the least of (0.8%). Bacillariophyceae dominated the planktonic community, making up (83.9%) in Ndele River and (50.9%) in Ikiri River, zooplankton populations were represented by protozoa, copopoda and Nematoda. The diversity index were to assess species richness which recorded 1.029 in Agba-Ndele and 0.032 in Ikiri River. This search contributes significant to the understanding of aquatic biodiversity and the ecological impacts of pollution in the Niger Delta region.

Keywords: Agba-Ndele, Assessment, Ikiri Rivers, Nigeria, Rivers State, benthic invertebrate, planktonic communities

Socio-demographic variables and utilization of Insecticide Treated Bed Net among pregnant women in Southern Cross River State, Nigeria (Published)

This study investigated socio-demographic variables and utilization of insecticide treated nets among pregnant women in Southern Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, two null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05level of significance. There was a detailed review of related literature on the variables of the study. Survey research design was employed in the study. Simple random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the health facilities used for the study while the systematic random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the health facilities used for the study while the systematic random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the seven hundred and forty one respondents used for the study. A structured questionnaire was the instrument utilized for data collection. The instrument was subjected to validity by relevant experts. Cronbach alpha method was employed to establish the reliability of the research instrument. Totest the various hypotheses that were formulated for the study, one-way analysis of variance and Pearson product moment correlation statistics were utilized for analysis of data. The result obtained from data analysis and hypotheses testing in the study revealed that there was a significant influence of age, educational status on utilization of insecticide treated  nets among pregnant women. it was recommended among other that pregnant women across various groups especially the younger ones should be adequately sensitized on the need to effectively utilize insecticide treated nets in order to prevent the incidence of malaria during pregnancy

Keywords: Nigeria, Pregnant Women, Socio-Demographic Variables, southern Cross River State, treated bed net, utilization of insecticide

Effectiveness of Reproductive Health Education among In-School Adolescents in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria (Published)

Reproductive health knowledge is significant in the growth and development of young people and this significantly impact on their educational and personal outcome as they proceed to adulthood. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of reproductive health education among in-school adolescents in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. The study used a randomized control-group pretest-posttest research design. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to randomly select samples for the study. Data was collected using pretested questionnaire with reliability co-efficient of 0.89 for knowledge questions. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for windows (Version 21). Data were presented using descriptive statistics to answer research questions and inferential statistics such as ANOVA was used to test hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Cohen criterion for interpretation of the eta value was used to interpret the effectiveness of reproductive health education with 0.01 as small effect, 0.06 moderate effect, and 0.14 as large effect. The study findings indicated that intervention group had a higher mean knowledge score 23.76±2.98 while the control group had a mean score of 22.31±22.3. The study recommended that teachers of senior secondary schools should periodically use mixed teaching method to better incorporate old and young adolescents to increase better reproductive outcomes.

Citation: Ene-Bongilli, Goodness  and Akoko, Sokiprim (2021) Effectiveness of Reproductive Health Education among In-School Adolescents in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, European Journal of Biology and Medical Science Research, Vol.9, No.4, pp.48-60

 

Keywords: Andoni Local Government Area, Nigeria, Rivers State, in-school adolescents, reproductive health education

Ethnomedicinal Assets of Plants Collected From Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria (Published)

An ethno-medicinal survey of plants used in treating various diseases and ailments was carried out in the study area of Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria to obtain information on their uses and potentials. The ethno-medicinal survey was administered through structured questionnaires among local inhabitants from areas with high plant density and diversity within the various Local Government Areas of the State. A total of 82 (Eighty two) plant species belonging to 43 (Forty Three) families were found to be useful in treatment of various ailments such as diabetes, measles, fever, asthma, jaundice, pneumonia, sexually transmitted diseases(STDs), aches, diarrhea, cough, arthritis, yellow fever, typhoid, erectile dysfunction and excessive bleeding. Different parts of the plant such as the roots, leaves and stems are used in preparing herbal remedies which could be from dry or freshly collected plants. The main methods of preparation are decoction or infusion, while in some cases the plant parts used are consumed directly. Residents in the study areas find the herbal remedy cheaper and more accessible and claimed that there are no side effects compared to orthodox medicine. This study has confirmed the need towards the conscious conservation of plant genetic resources in order to ensure sustained access to these ethno-medicinal plant materials.

Keywords: Ethnomedicinal Assets, Nigeria, Plants, medicinal plants

Factors Influencing Medication Adherence among Patients With Diabetes Mellitus And Hypertension In Nigeria (Published)

Medication non-adherence results in increased morbidity, mortality and financial loss. Reasons for medication non-adherence are multifactorial. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of, and factors contributing to medication non-adherence among patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension attending some secondary and tertiary health care facilities in Lagos, Nigeria. Of the 100 patients, 32% were compliant with their medications. Most (39%) respondents were noncompliant because of lack of funds and cost of medication, 19% due to forgetfulness, 16% because they felt well, and 15% due to non-availability of drugs at the pharmacy. Other reasons for non-compliance include illnesses (9%), side effects of medications (1%) and misinterpretation of prescription (1%). Among the socio-demographic variables studied, only male gender was positively associated with medication compliance. Adherence to anti-diabetics and anti-hypertensives was low. Both health system and patients’ related issues contributed to poor compliance and these should be addressed to improve medication adherence.

Keywords: Adherence, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Nigeria

Knowledge, Practice and Perception of Contraception by Literate Adolescents in Calabar, Nigeria (Published)

The current prevalence rate for contraceptive use in Nigeria is approximately 11%–13%. This rate is very low in view of the fact that sexual activity is high and there is also widespread awareness of the various contraceptive methods among Nigerian adolescents and youths. There is sufficient research evidence identifying the various factors that contribute to the low prevalence of modern contraceptive use in Nigeria, with the most common factors being religious adherence and myths about the side effects of modern contraceptives. This survey aims to ascertain the knowledge, practice and perception of contraception among literate adolescents in Calabar. This was a self-administered questionnaire -based study carried out in Calabar metropolis. The information was obtained at three different higher institutions in Calabar. Information collected include age, knowledge and use of contraceptives, source of information, and awareness of other methods of contraception and myths about contraception. A total of 1,596 female adolescents were recruited into this study. Their age range was 16 to 19years, with a mean age of 17.6years. The respondents have all attained basic secondary education and were all currently pursuing tertiary education and have all had sexual intercourse and have heard about contraception or family planning.  Of this number, 968(60.7%) have used Emergency contraceptive pills, 26.6% used male condom, 6.1% use CopperT (CuT), 1.9% use injectables, 1.1% use implants  while 3.6% have not used any method. They all however had one form of concern or the other about modern contraceptive methods. Adolescents and youths are undoubtedly the bedrock to propagate any programme irrespective of the field. Adolescents are therefore in dire need of information on reproductive health issues not only on contraception but also on other issues concerning their reproductive health. They should be assisted and given unhindered access to various methods of contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortion.

Keywords: Adolescents, Contraception, Education, Literature, Myth, Nigeria

Malaria Prevalence and Drug Management in Pregnant Women Attending Remotely Located Daura General Hospital, North West Nigeria (Published)

Health authorities in Nigeria have for many years promoted national malaria control measures such as the use of insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs), indoor residual spray of insecticides (IRS), intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) for pregnant women and children and the use of artemisinin combined therapy (ACT) as first line of treatment to reduce the prevalence of the disease in the country. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of these control measures, there is the need for continued disease monitoring and management across different zones of the country, especially among high risk cohorts such as children and pregnant women at remote locations. A 13 months study (July 2014 to July 2015) was carried out to establish the current prevalence of malaria among female patients attending Daura General Hospital in North West Nigeria, using standard laboratory procedures. Daura is a remotely located town that lies in the semi-arid zone of northern Nigeria at the intersection of roads from Katsina, Kano and Zinder in Niger Republic, with coordinates of 13⁰ 2’11’’ North, 8⁰ 19’4’’ East and 1,558 feet (474 meters) above sea level. Of the 8413 patients that tested positive for malaria parasite during the period, 1119 (13.30%) were children, 3721 (44.23%) were women, 2609 (30.99%) were men and 966 (11.48%) were the elderly. Among the infected women population, 2105 (56.57%) were pregnant (PGW), while 1616 (43.23%) were non-pregnant (NPW) women, indicating statistical significance in malaria prevalence between the two cohorts (p<0.05). Age related prevalence was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the 11 – 20 years group (32.68%) of the PGW and 21 – 30 years group (44.43%) of the NPW than the 25.89% recorded in the 21 – 30 years group and 21.05 and 20.38% recorded in the 31 – 40 years and 41 – 50 years groups of the PGW respectively. The highest seasonal prevalence rate was recorded during the late rainy season (LRS) months of July to September (10.86% for PGW and 8.83% for NPW) followed by the 7.73% recorded for PGW and 7.24% recorded for NPW during the early dry season (EDS) months of October to December. The lowest rates (5.67 and 5.46% for PGW and 6.50% for NPW) were recorded during the early rainy (ERS, April – June) and late dry season (LDS, January – March) months respectively. Monthly prevalence rates were highest during August (15.63%), September (15.11%) and October (11.26%) for the PGW, while corresponding prevalence figures for these months among the NPW were significantly lower (p<0.05) at 8.29, 9.22 and 7.80% respectively. Major drugs prescribed for the prevention of malaria during the second and third trimesters once foetal quickening is noticed include sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine given monthly, while for cure and treatment during all trimesters quinine SO₄, arthessunate, α-β arteate and arthessunate/lumefantrim were prescribed. Analgesics, electrolytes and vitamins were also indicated. Malaria is a major cause of hospital visits  pregnant women especially during the rainy season months, indicating the need to improve advocacy on intervention control measures among these groups in the study area.

 

Keywords: Hospital, Malaria, Nigeria, Pregnant Women, drug management

The Prognosis of Acute Stroke in a Tertiary Health Centre in South-East Nigeria (Review Completed - Accepted)

Background and purpose: Stroke is a common neurologic disorder and it is the third leading cause of mortality worldwide after ischaemic heart disease and cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognosis of acute stroke in Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) South-East Nigeria.

Methods: It was a retrospective, descriptive and hospital based study conducted in a tertiary health centre in Abakaliki south-east Nigeria. The stroke register of the neurology unit was reviewed and relevant data were extracted and analyzed.

Results: Stroke accounted for 12% of medical death with 24hour, 7day and 30day mortality rate of 5%, 10% and 15% respectively. Factors associated with mortality include advanced age, female sex, extremes of blood pressure, loss of consciousness and haemorrhagic stroke.

Conclusions: Stroke accounted for significant proportion of medical deaths and its mortality was highest within the first 24hrs post ictus though lower than most hospital based studies. There should be regular health education with emphasis on primary prevention. Also, stroke patients should be referred early to a stroke unit for adequate management

 

Keywords: Abakaliki, Mortality, Nigeria, South-East, Stroke

Pattern of Neurological admissions in the tropics: Experience at Abakaliki South-Eastern Nigeria (Review Completed - Accepted)

Background: The pattern of neurological admissions varies amongst different regions of the world and this depends on many factors including the regional burden of neurological disorders.

Objective: To study the pattern of neurological admissions in a tertiary health centre in Abakaliki South Eastern Nigeria and to compare it with that from other parts of the country.

Methods: A review of admissions into the medical wards of the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki south-eastern Nigeria from July 2012 to June 2013 was done using the register of admissions and discharges.

Results: Out of 1247 patients admitted in medical ward over the study period, 267 (21%) had neurological disorders with mean age of 55.1±20.2years. There were 154(58%) males and 113(42%) females, with a sex ratio of 4:3. Seventy two percent of the patients were between 30 and 69years. Stroke accounted for 62% (166) of the neurologic admissions. Others were central nervous system (CNS) infections, seizure disorders, hypertensive encephalopathy, myelopathies, CNS tumors and neurodegenerative disorders in descending order of frequency.

Conclusion: The burden of neurological disorders is high with male preponderance in Abakaliki south-eastern Nigeria mainly of the productive population. Stroke and CNS infections were the most prevalent neurological disorders identified which are both largely preventable. There should be good health planning that will address the enormous neurological disease burden and emphasize preventive health.

 

Keywords: Abakaliki, Neurological Admissions, Nigeria, Pattern