Area In Southwest Nigeria Research Articles

Domestic water quality and the discriminatory influence of socio-economic stratification on accessibility to safe water in a part of Osun State, Nigeria

The status of the water supplied to households in an urban local government area in southwest Nigeria was examined. Specific objectives were to characterize household water sources, assess the per capita usage of potable water sources and examine quality of the household water in the area. The purposively selected study area, Olorunda local government area in Osun State, Nigeria (being an urban local government area) was stratified into ‘urban core’ (central business district, CBD or high population density area), ‘transition’ (medium population density area but with less social infrastructure) and ‘sub-urban’ (typically government reserved area and low population density area) based on household density and associative socio-economic status. The methods were a mix of questionnaire administration to heads of 120 households (40 per stratum) and collection of the drinking water samples from the supply sources at four randomly selected households in each stratum. The water samples were analysed for the concentrations of nitrite (NO2-), nitrate (NO3-), fluoride (F-), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) as well as E-coli bacteria contents based on their importance in determining water quality in urban areas. The results showed that domestic water sources are mainly hand dug well (55.8%), borehole (37.5%) and pipe borne (6.7%). Residents averagely consumed at most 4L of water per day. Furthermore, the investigated chemical parameters varied as NO2 (0.37-0.94 mg/l), NO3 (0.29-0.70 mg/l), and F- (0.003-0.97 mg/l). As and Pb occurred in trace quantities, and there were no pollution threats to consumers. The amount of E coli and total coliform contents were however outside the safe limits for residents, suggesting contamination of household water by the bacteria sources. The study concluded communities with low socio-economic status which do not have access to state-provided tap water source are more likely to consume polluted water than those with high socio-economic status or that are supplied with state-provided tap water. The study advocates improve urban water management for the urban fringe dwellers.

Biogas substrates performance ranking based on sustainability potential, biodegradability, and yield characterization: the case of an area in Southwest Nigeria

The characteristics of biogas materials (BMs) and the preference for their bio-methane production effectiveness and efficiencies differ by geographical location and are currently an active discussion. This study assessed and ranked BMs based on their biogas production sustainability potential. BMs including Cow dung (CD), food waste (FW), poultry dung (PuD), and fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) were selected from an area in South-West Nigeria. Questionnaire responses on six sustainability criteria (𝐶𝑖) [Population, availability, non-competing substrate, acceptability, biodegradability, and yield] were collected for the selected BMs. The criteria preference weight (𝜔𝑖) was determined using AHP, while a part-subjective, part-objective method was employed to score the BMs based on the 𝐶𝑖. The Sustainability Ranking Model (SRM) was formulated to rank the BMs' sustainability performances. 𝜔𝑖 results showed that acceptability and non-competing substrate were the most and least preferred criteria while most to the least sustainable BMs were FW, CD, FVW, and PuD.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with dry eye disease among adults in a population-based setting in South-West Nigeria.

Dry eye disease (DED) occurs as a result of an abnormality in tear production, tear consistency, and tear evaporation. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with dry eye disease in a population-based setting in Southwest Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical outreach at Iperu Remo in Nigeria. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 415 participants. Symptoms of dry eye were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire. Tear film break-up time (TBUT), fluorescein staining, Schirmer test with anesthesia, and meibomian gland were evaluated. The diagnosis of DED was confirmed when the OSDI score is ≥13 and TBUT is less than 10 seconds. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and logistic regression analyses at a 0.05 level of significance. The overall prevalence of DED was 28.2%. Adults aged between 31 and 40 years were 23 times more likely to be diagnosed with dry eyes (aOR = 23.13; 95% CI: 1.32 - 405.99; P = 0.032) compared to those between 16 and 20 years. Female adults were about four times more likely to be diagnosed with dry eyes (aOR = 3.59; 95% CI: 1.44 - 8.94; P = 0.006). The use of drugs was also significantly associated with dry eyes. This study shows a fairly high prevalence of DED among adults in a semi-urban area in Southwest Nigeria. Ophthalmologists and other eye care workers need to be cautious about the DED and offer appropriate treatment options to patients.

Mineralogical, fluid inclusion and oxygen isotope studies for the evolution of pegmatites in Igangan area, southwestern Nigeria

The fluid characterisation and oxygen isotope studies of pegmatites in the Igangan area in southwest Nigeria was carried out to delineate the source and evolution of mineralising fluid, and to determine the crystallisation temperature of the pegmatites that are associated with I-type metaluminous granites. The geochemical analysis was carried out using ICPMS, the mineralogical analysis was carried out with the aid of a Scanning Electron Microscope. In contrast, microthermometry measurements were carried out on pegmatitic quartz using a Linkam THMSG600 Conventional and laser fluorination was used to determine the oxygen isotope composition of selected minerals from the pegmatites.The geochemical analysis revealed a low concentration of Ta, Nb, W, Cs and low mineralisation potential for the pegmatites; while the mineralogical analysis of accessory spinels revealed a high concentration of Zn. Two types of hydrocarbon/CO2 free aqueous inclusions were observed; which were Primary/pseudo primary (Type 1) inclusion with 0–11 wt % NaCl eq. salinity and secondary (Type 2) inclusions with a salinity range of 15–22 wt % NaCl eq. The density of the inclusions ranged from 0.57 to 1g/cc. δ18O values in quartz varied from 9.88 to 14.63‰ with an average of 13.13‰; feldspar, 8.9–13.85‰ with an average of 11.9‰ and tourmaline, 10.63–11.96‰ with an average of 11.40‰. Homogenisation temperature ranged from 175 to 370 °C with all inclusions homogenising into the liquid phase.Bivariate plot of salinity against Thtotal reveals the possibility of magmatic-meteoric mixing with Na/Ca rich fluids in the pegmatite evolution and equilibrium temperature calculations yield values of 496–685 °C and 392–713 °C for the quartz–tourmaline pair and the quartz-feldspar pair, respectively. The pegmatites are muscovite class LCT pegmatites with low rare metal mineralisation potential and crystallised from a H2O–NaCl (±CaCl2) fluid which was preserved in the primary/pseudo-primary inclusions.

Spatial Distribution and Associated Risk Factors of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infection in a Semi-urban Community in Southwest Nigeria

Parasite distribution exhibit heterogeneity within households and communities. The aim of this study is to identify the spatial distribution, clustering and associated risk factors of Soil-transmitted Helminths infection in a semi-urban area in Southwest Nigeria. Geographical information System (GIS) was used to map the town into three density areas; low, medium and high density areas. Two hundred and thirty six soil samples were obtained from the surroundings of 137 households and stool samples were collected from the inhabitant of the households. Moran index was used to analyze the spatial distribution of STH within the community. A total of 137 households were sampled for human STH and environmental soil samples from the household were analyzed. The prevalence of human STH infection was 41.7% while that of soil parasite was 27.7% within the selected household. Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant STH infection in the community sampled with 24.1% prevalence followed by Hookworm. Spatial analysis showed that A. lumbricoides infection was significantly clustered only in the GIS mapped medium density area of Igbo-Ora (z-score 2.302, p=0.021), while hookworm infection was randomly distributed in all the GIS mapped areas of Igbo-Ora. There was a statistically significant association between human STH infection and presence of parasite in the household soil (x2 5.74, p-value 0.017). None of the risk factors evaluated was found to have significant association for the clustering pattern of infection found in the medium density area of the community. Meanwhile, factors such as; the physical presence of a popularly patronized local market in the area, lack of any visible public toilet and the use of bushes around the area by the people for defecation contribute to the reasons for the clustering of the Ascaris infection. Also, the ability of Ascaris to withstand environmental conditions than other STH parasite may contribute to the pattern observed. The differences in the pattern of distribution and associated risk factors revealed that environmental conditions and exposure factors are major determinant of STH infection.

Mathematical modelling and control of African animal trypanosomosis with interacting populations in West Africa-Could biting flies be important in main taining the disease endemicity?

African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) is transmitted cyclically by tsetse flies and mechanically by biting flies (tabanids and stomoxyines) in West Africa. AAT caused by Trypanosoma congolense, T. vivax and T. brucei brucei is a major threat to the cattle industry. A mathematical model involving three vertebrate hosts (cattle, small ruminants and wildlife) and three vector flies (Tsetse flies, tabanids and stomoxyines) was described to identify elimination strategies. The basic reproduction number (R0) was obtained with respect to the growth rate of infected wildlife (reservoir hosts) present around the susceptible population using a next generation matrix technique. With the aid of suitable Lyapunov functions, stability analyses of disease-free and endemic equilibria were established. Simulation of the predictive model was presented by solving the system of ordinary differential equations to explore the behaviour of the model. An operational area in southwest Nigeria was simulated using generated pertinent data. The R0 < 1 in the formulated model indicates the elimination of AAT. The comprehensive use of insecticide treated targets and insecticide treated cattle (ITT/ITC) affected the feeding tsetse and other biting flies resulting in R0 < 1. The insecticide type, application timing and method, expertise and environmental conditions could affect the model stability. In areas with abundant biting flies and no tsetse flies, T. vivax showed R0 > 1 when infected wildlife hosts were present. High tsetse populations revealed R0 <1 for T. vivax when ITT and ITC were administered, either individually or together. Elimination of the transmitting vectors of AAT could cost a total of US$ 1,056,990 in southwest Nigeria. Hence, AAT in West Africa can only be controlled by strategically applying insecticides targeting all transmitting vectors, appropriate use of trypanocides, and institutionalising an appropriate barrier between the domestic and sylvatic areas.

A remote sensing-based evaluation of an ungauged drainage basin in Southwestern Nigeria

ABSTRACT Paucity of scientific information about many river basins in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, has been linked to poor datasets and expensive monitoring technology. This study assessed the capability of freely available Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and Landsat imageries to provide management decision support on river basins in the region. Main objectives are to examine landuse/landcover change over the Opa river basin in Ife area in southwest Nigeria, characterize the basin morphometrically and compare the morphometric characteristics from different sensors and resolutions. Results showed that the ecosystem of the river basin is vulnerable to urban intrusion and disturbance from human activities as urban population increases. Also, analysis of the DEMs allowed the drainage basin to be delineated into relatively homogenous and manageable sizes that can ease management, organization and evaluation of their eco-hydrological systems. The study concluded that complementary use of SRTM and ASTER DEMs with Landsat imageries that are freely available spatial data for researchers, is capable of providing useful decision support system for management of river basins in the region, to a level of uncertainty occasioned by sensors’ characteristics.

Geochemical Detection of Soil Discontinuities in a Relatively Stable Terrain: Wonu, South-West Nigeria

Movement of soil materials resulting in transported overburden occur in relatively stable terrains as described from the Wonu area of South-West Nigeria. The effect of such transported soils may be serious in pedogeochemical studies as they could lead to false anomalies, masked anomalies and incorrect bedrock identification during geological mapping in highly weathered terrains. Several techniques and parameters have been successfully used to detect discontinuities in soil. A lot of these are based on ‘abrupt changes’ expressed by a departure in depth trends mostly physical between zones of otherwise relative uniformity. This study shows that plots of bases/alumina versus silica/alumina from geochemical analysis can be used to separate the transported soil material from that of the soil formed in-situ. Keywords: Lithologic discontinuities, pedogeochemistry, bedrock, anomalies, profile DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-3-02

Causes of Environmental Degradation in the Coastal Areas of South West, Nigeria

Environmental degradation is an increasing problem in many parts of the world and the type of ecology prevalent in an area plays a major factor that determines the extent of degradation. The study examines causes of environmental degradation in coastal areas of south west Nigeria. It was propelled by environmental challenges, and identified responsible factors in the study area. Environmental degradation is the major concept in this study and the DPSIR framework was used in understanding the concept. The study was carried out using primary and secondary sources of data collection. The main techniques for primary data collection were questionnaire survey and focus group discussions. Data were collected from one thousand, seven hundred and eighty-two (1,782) sampled respondents who are coastal dwellers that are involved in economic activities within the coastal areas. The FGD was conducted in 54 settlements with a minimum of 10 discussants which constitute a mix of the elderly men and women in all the sampled communities. Secondary data were obtained from National Population Commission (2006). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics as well as cartographic method, and the information from the FGD were analysed using a thematic approach. The study shows that waves breaking along the coastline are the main explanatory factors responsible for coastal erosion (84.0%). Flooding in the settlements where it occurs was mostly attributed to tidal rise/tidal waves (97.0%). Tidal wave was believed to be the major cause of water hyacinth (51.8%). Pollution is caused by a mixed factor of over development of coastal areas, migration to coastal areas, population growth and increased tourism. Soil infertility is caused mainly by sea water infiltration into farmlands especially when farmlands are located too close to coast lines (73%). Over development of the coastal area is mainly responsible for sand mining (67.0%). The study concludes that environmental influence remains strong in the coastal environment. Therefore, concerted community efforts are needed to provide leadership and modalities for the management of environmental challenges in coastal communities. Fundamentally, official attention should be geared towards reducing the rate at which the environment becomes degraded in the coastal communities.

Evaluation of deterioration index in soil nutrients due to cultivation of different cocoa species in southwest Nigeria

The study uses the index of soil deterioration to evaluate the soil nutrient status as a result of cultivating different species of cocoa in Idanre, Odigbo and Owo areas of Southwest Nigeria. Soil samples were randomly taken and analyzed using standard methods. The results indicated variation in soil properties under both species due to the difference in nutrient uptake. Results also show that soil properties deteriorate more under hybrid than on indigenous cocoa plantations. Amongst the nutrients, phosphorus had the highest rate of increase for indigenous than hybrid cocoa plantations. Average weight of cocoa pod ranges from 0.50 to 0.60kg in indigenous and 0.56 to 0.85kg in hybrid species. Removal of the nutrients is directly linked to the rapid development of the hybrid species, their weight and size as opposed to the indigenous species. The study recommends seasonal relocation of podhusk deposit sites and spread of accumulated podhusk across the farm, application of chemical and podhusk fertilizer, and development of cocoa variety with low soil fertility tolerance. Keywords: Cocoa, hybrid, indigenous, species

Body Image Objectification and Disordered Eating Attitudes Among Secondary School Students of South-West Nigeria

Background: Research on body image objectification in Nigeria is scanty, particularly with regards to disordered eating attitudes. Thus, this study examined the relationship between the 2 constructs among secondary school students in the country. Methods: Overall, 270 students were selected through convenience sampling from 3 schools randomly selected from a local government area in South West Nigeria, and completed a questionnaire containing the 26-item eating attitudes test (EAT-26) and objectified body consciousness scale (OBCS). The students were classified to 2 groups using the EAT-26 cut-off point of 20, and the differences in the mean scores of the 3 sub-scales of OBCS were determined between the groups. Results: There were more females than males (56.7% vs. 43.3%) with a mean age of 16.1 years. Eighty-five students scored above the cut-off point of 20, thus, prevalence rate of disordered eating attitudes was 31.5%. There was no significant association between the socio-demographic variables and disordered eating attitudes. The appearance control belief (a subscale of OBCS) was significantly lower in students with disordered eating attitudes (t = 2.18, P = 0.03), whereas, the remaining 2 subscales of OBCS was not significantly associated with disordered eating attitudes. Conclusions: Appearance control belief seems to be the most important in the eating attitudes of Nigerian adolescents in self-objectification. However, more research is needed to shed more light on this matter.

Urban air pollution control: selection of trees for ecological monitoring using anticipated performance indices in a medium-size urban area in Southwest Nigeria

The study assessed the biochemical parameters, sensitivity and tolerance levels to air pollution of the leaves of selected tree species along major roads in Ile-Ife in order to determine the tree species that will be most suitable in developing greenbelts along roadsides. The air pollution tolerance index (APTI) ranged from 8.5 to 13.9 for the entire tree species studied with Gmelina arborea, Polyalthia longifolia, Mangifera indica, Terminalia catappa and Tectona grandis having the highest during the wet season, and Polyalthia longifolia with the APTI in the dry season. Newbouldia laevis, Spondias mombin, Gliricidia sepium, Senna siamea, Psidium guajava and Anacardium occidentale, Albizia zygia were classified as tree species sensitive to air pollution during both dry and wet seasons. With reference to the API grading, Mangifera indica, Tectona grandis, Gmelina arborea with percentage grading of 62.5% were classified as 'good' greenbelt performers. Anacardium occidentale, Terminalia catappa, Spondias mombin, Newbouldia laevis, Senna siamea, Polyalthia longifolia with percentage grading of 56.25%, each, were classified as 'moderate' performers while Gliricidia sepium (50%), Psidium guajava (50%) and Albizia zygia (43.75%) were classified as 'poor' performers for bio-indicators of air pollution. The study concluded that Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis and Mangifera indica were good biomonitors for greenbelt development.

Urban air pollution control: selection of trees for ecological monitoring using anticipated performance indices in a medium-size urban area in Southwest Nigeria

Urban air pollution control: selection of trees for ecological monitoring using anticipated performance indices in a medium-size urban area in Southwest Nigeria

Spatial patterns of soil-transmitted helminths in soil environment around Ibadan, an endemic area in south-west Nigeria

The dominant species and variation in prevalence pattern of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STHs) eggs and/or larva in soil around Ibadan metropolis south-west Nigeria were determined in order to project the monthly spread in relation to geographic location. A total of 720 soil samples collected between July 2014 and June 2015 from 3 locations within each of 5 selected Local Government Areas were examined for the presence of parasites using standard culture and concentration techniques. Mapping protocol was used for predictive risk prevalence of parasites. A total of 483 (67.1%) out of the soil samples examined had parasites. Ova of Ascaris and Trichuris species, adults and larva of Strongyloides and larva of hookworm species were encountered. The variation in distribution is statistically significant (x2=65.245; p&lt;0.05) in relation to months. November had the highest proportion (90.0%) of contaminated soil samples followed by February (78.3%) and the least proportion (50.0%) was observed in the month of September. Akinyele Local Government consistently had between very high and high rates of contaminated soil samples. Other local government areas had prevalence varying from high to low contaminated soil samples. The predictive patterns showed that Akinyele area in the northern suburb was the highest risk zone of STHs transmission. The high prevalence of parasites (67.1%) in soil samples examined showed a high risk of exposure to STH and explains the need for interventions to protect the population at risk of STH infections.Keywords: Endemic area; patterns, Ibadan; soil-transmitted helminthes; sanitation; Akinyele

Cytospecies Composition ofSimulium damnosumComplex (Diptera: Simuliidae) Breeding in Oyan River, Southwestern Nigeria

A cytotaxonomic study was carried out to determine the species composition and dynamics of Simulium damnosum sensu lato in Oyan River, an onchocerciasis mesoendemic area in southwest Nigeria. Simulium larvae were collected fortnightly from different attachments between March and November 2012 fixed in Carnoy's solution for laboratory identification using cytotaxonomic keys. A total of 255 Simulium larvae were obtained and identified from their polytene chromosomes. Simulium soubrense Beffa (56.5 %) and Simulium damnosum sensu stricto (43.5 %) were the two cytospecies observed. No new inversions were found in the larvae. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (P<0.05) in the abundance of S. damnosum s.s. and S. soubrense in relation to rainfall pattern. The sympatric breeding of both species in the area may suggest their involvement in the transmission of onchocerciasis in the area, as S. damnosum s.s. and S. soubrense Beffa are known vectors of Onchocerca volvulus in West Africa.

Payment for Health Care and Perception of the National Health Insurance Scheme in a Rural Area in Southwest Nigeria.

Health insurance coverage of the informal sector is a challenge in Nigeria. This study assessed the methods of payment for health care and awareness about the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) among members of selected households in a rural area in the southwest of Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling technique, a semi-structured, pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 345 households. The majority of the people still pay for health care by out-of-pocket (OOP) method. Awareness about the NHIS in Nigeria was poor, but attitude to it was encouraging; and from the responses obtained, the people implied that they were willing to enroll in the scheme if the opportunity is offered. However, lack of trust in government social policies, religious belief, and poverty were some of the factors that might impede the implementation and expansion of the NHIS in the informal sector. Stakeholders should promote socioculturally appropriate awareness program about the NHIS and its benefits. Factors that might present challenges to the scheme should be adequately addressed by the government and other stakeholders associated with prepayment schemes in Nigeria.

Ethnobotanical survey and phyto-anatomical studies of some common plants used for the treatment of epilepsy in some rural areas of South west Nigeria

The Aim: To survey some areas in the southwest Nigeria where epilepsy is treated with plant extracts and determine the commonest plant species that are used, for pharmacognostic analysis. Materials and Methods: Open-ended and semi-structured interviews were conducted for information from traditional medicine practitioners. Plant names given were authenticated in the herbarium and phytochemical and anatomical analyses were conducted on the plant parts that are used for treatment using standard approaches. Results: Fifty practitioners were interviewed and they gave 17 different plants; out of these, the 5 commonest ones were investigated. The plants are either used individually or in combination with other plant(s). Services may be rendered freely or by collecting a token which is supernaturally believed to have negative consequences. The practitioners engaged in out-patient and in-patient services and patients are usually totally cured. There are also some inexplicable practices such as oracle visitation, incantations etc. A total of 30 patients have been cured in the last decade by each practitioner. Saponin, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, phlobatannins and alkaloids were isolated using three different media (methanol, petroleum ether and water) and diagnostic anatomical characters of the leaf epidermis, fruit wall, bark and root of the plants are presented in a single account for the first time in the country. The plants studied were Newbouldia laevis, Securidaca longepedunculata, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Nicotiana tabacum and Senna occidentalis. Conclusion: The phytochemicals found are suggestive of the underlying medicinal potency of the plants and future work will help to establish the most active principles which will lead to development of drugs for treating the disease. The iagnostic anatomical characters can be employed in resolving doubts especially when the plant materials are in fragments. The least mentioned plant species can be saved from harvesting to conserve the rich flora diversity in the country.

High acceptance of artemisinin-based combination therapy for the home management of malaria in rural communities in southwest Nigeria.

Artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT) is the global gold standard for treatment of malaria. In sub-Saharan Africa the majority of malaria cases is treated at home. In rural southwest Nigeria we set out to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using artemether-lumefantrine (AL) at the community level to treat acute uncomplicated malaria. Following advocacy and community mobilisation in a rural area in south-west Nigeria, 60 community medicine distributors (CMDs: patent medicine sellers, selected mothers from the community and health-care workers) were trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of childhood malaria and to treat febrile children aged 6-59 months with AL, after ruling out certain danger signs. At the end of one year, the programme was evaluated by conducting a 2-week fever recall survey among caregivers, inspection of CMD records to evaluate caregivers' adherence to the treatment schedule, CMDs' performance and the coverage of febrile children with AL. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Based on CMDs' records, 97.6% (1019/1044) of the children treated with AL received the correct dose. Over half (52.3%) of the children (288/551) whose caregivers participated in the 2-week fever recall survey reportedly received AL from a CMD. Reasons for not receiving AL included non-availability of a CMD [35.7%; 94/263] or drug stock out [28.1%; 74/263]. Of the children treated with AL, 80.2% (231/288) received prompt treatment at the correct dose and for the correct length of time. Ninety-eight percent of the caregivers perceived AL to be effective and none reported severe adverse events. The use of AL at the community level is feasible and acceptable in the home management of malaria in rural southwest Nigeria. Challenges that must be addressed include avoiding stock outs, ensuring adequate number of CMDs and providing incentives to ensure their availability.

A Framework for Sustainable Land Management in Peri-urban Areas of South-West Nigeria

A Framework for Sustainable Land Management in Peri-urban Areas of South-West Nigeria

Risk factors associated with smokeless tobacco use and cigarette smoking among teenagers in a sub-urban area of south west Nigeria

Aims To evaluate the prevalence of, and identify risk factors associated with smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and cigarette smoking (CS) among Nigerian teenagers.