Benue State Nigeria Research Articles

English

Brucellosis is an endemic disease in the animal population in Nigeria and of great public health importance, particularly among livestock owners and workers who are ignorant of the risk of Brucella infection. A total of 102 milk samples comprising 62 from cattle herds and 40 from milk vendors in Benue State, Nigeria were screened for Brucella antibodies by the milk ring test (MRT). The herds for the study were randomly selected within randomly selected local governent areas from the three geopolitical zones of the state. All herds sampled had no history of vaccination and cows with mastitis were excluded. 17.7% of milk samples from herds and 12.5% samples from milk vendors were positive for Brucella antibodies. The overall prevalence was 15.7%. The result shows significantly (P 0.05). These findings are of public health significance as about 90% of the milk sold to the public within the study area is neither pasteurized nor boiled. Local milk producers and milk vendors should be educated on the importance of pasteurization or boiling of milk. Adequate pasteurization or boiling of milk before sale and consumption must be enforced. These regulations should be mandatory for milk intended for human consumption. Key words: Prevalence, Brucella antibodies, unpasteurized milk, milk ring test, Benue State Nigeria

Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in indoor dust and human exposure estimates from Makurdi, Nigeria

Information on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the indoor environment in developing countries is still relatively scarce. In this study, house (n=10) and office (n=11) dusts samples collected from Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria were extracted and analysed for most abundant PBDEs congeners in the environment. Soxhlet extraction followed by GC-EIMS was employed for the measurement of PBDEs (BDE-47, -100, -99, -154, -153, -183 and -209). The mean concentration of ∑7 PBDEs ranged from 57ngg−1 to 80ngg−1 and a median value of 45ngg−1and 63ngg−1 were obtained for house and office dust respectively. The daily exposure and ingestion dose estimates were calculated based on the assumption that 30mg and 60mgday−1 dust represent the ingestion rate. In addition, the corresponding time spent indoors was assumed to be 87.5% (adult) and 69% (children) in homes and 22% in offices and day care. The average value exposure rate of ∑7PBDEs for children and adults were 2ngday−1 and 0.84ngday−1 respectively. The results in the present study, showed higher exposure estimates for both children and adults’ in house dust from Nigeria compared to South Africa.

Risk Factors Associated with Limb Amputation in a Referral Hospital in Benue State Nigeria

Background: Trauma, diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease are age old known risk factors associated with amputation. However, at the Nongu Kristi U Sudan hen Tiv (NKST) Rehabilitation hospital, Mkar, Gboko, Benue state Nigeria, HIV/AIDS is increasingly becoming a major risk factor for upper limb amputation, and this is investigated in this study. Objectives: To determine the risk factors involved in amputation in a referral hospital located in Benue State Nigeria. Methods: A Descriptive cross sectional study design was adopted for this study where the preoperative assessments for HIV testing, serum Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) level, Full Blood Count (FBC), CD4 counts, Hepatitis B and C antigens were carried out using standard laboratory Original Research Article Amaefula et al.; BJMMR, 10(10): 1-7, 2015; Article no.BJMMR.14715 2 investigation techniques. Dopplar ultrasonographic assessment of the affected limb was done preoperatively to determine the nature and level of vascular obstruction while post-operative histocytology of the amputated stump was performed to determine the pathology at the Benue State University. Data obtained were entered into a profoma already designed for the study while statistical analysis was performed with the aid of SPSS (Version 20) with level of significance set at 95%. Results: A total of 60 patients booked for amputation within the study period were enrolled for this study. Majority were Males 41 (68.3%), out of which amputation cases in individuals below 10 years of age were mainly due to trauma (8.3%). The age range of 21-40 years recorded the highest number of amputations 24 (40%). In the female patients, trauma was responsible for 8 (42.1%) cases while HIV was associated with 1 (5.3%) of all amputations. In males trauma and HIV/AIDS were indications in 25 (61%) and 10 (24.4%) respectively. Other risks factors in males responsible for amputation were diabetes 2 (4.9%) and vascular diseases 1 (2.4%). In females, diabetes mellitus was associated with 6 (31.5%) of amputations. There is a statistically significant difference in the indication for limb amputation in male and female patients where HIV/AIDS was significantly higher in males 10 (24.4%) than in females (x = 13.1; p= 0.01). Lower limbs 49 (81.7%) amputations were more than upper limbs 11 (18.3%) amputations. This study revealed that HIV/AIDS ranked second as an indication for upper limb amputations although trauma was the main indication for most upper limb amputations. Conclusion: This study showed that trauma remains the predominant risk factor for amputation, however HIV/AIDS is emerging as a major indication for upper limb amputation.

Review and Follow up Findings on HIV Serodiscordance among Couples in Benue State Nigeria

Background: Sexual contact with an HIV infected individual is a significant risk in HIV transmission. We observed occurrence of HIV sero-discordance among some couples in our environment and went further to determine the prevalence of such discordance in Benue state, Nigeria. Aim: To report HIV discordance rate among couples attending some antenatal care clinics in Benue state, Nigeria in order to stimulate search for factors responsible for such discordance. Methodology: This study was carried out in collaboration with the Site Coordinators of Preventionof-Mother-to-Child-Transmission (PMTCT) programs in Benue State, Nigeria. Antenatal care clients attending HIV/AIDS Counseling T BMRJ, 5(2): 180-185, 2015; Article no.BMRJ.2015.019 181 requested to come along with her spouse at the next follow up visit for partner counseling and screening. Socio-demographic data were obtained from all subjects. A group of discordant couples were followed up till December, 2012. Results: A total of 3,508, 5,531, and 4,475 women were counseled and screened annually from 2006 to 2008. HIV positive patients recorded in those years were 15.8%, 17.4% and 46.5% respectively. The peak HIV prevalence occurred in the 21-30 years age group. Among the positive patients, the following percentages accepted partner notification; 53.5% (2006), 72.0% (2007), 67.3% (2008) and came back on consequent follow up visit with their partners while 25%, 15.7%, 47.0% partners accepted to be screened in 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively. Among the partners screened, there was a sero-discordance of 46% (n=34/74) in 2006. 57% (n=62/109) in 2007 and 45.3% (n= 298/658) in 2008. The highest incidence of HIV sero-discordance occurred among couples < 5 years old in marriage(40%), couples with history of sexually transmitted infections in the past one year(55%) and male circumcision(30% in uncircumcised, 70% in circumcised). Among a cohort of 20 discordant couples consecutively followed up, 80% of the couples were still seen and sero discordant four years after the initial discovery. Conclusion: We recommend risk-reduction behavior, empowerment of vulnerable groups, effective life planning skills as well as behavioral and cultural change among couples. This group of patients can be a major study point for identification of possible factors responsible for prevention of HIV transmission. These findings should guide prevention interventions in order to achieve maximal impact.

Medicinal Plants Used in Antenatal and Perinatal Care Among the Tiv People of Benue State, Nigeria

An ethnobotanical survey of plants used in prenatal or antenatal and perinatal care in the Tiv speaking areas of Benue State Nigeria is reported. A structured questionnaire was administered to informed respondents to document the traditional practices surrounding conception and contraception, abortion, delivery, prevention of preterm birth and infant mortality. The part of the plants used and purpose are presented. A scientific evaluation of these plants could lead to the development of new drugs to combat preterm birth and save the lives of millions of children worldwide especially in Africa and the developing countries. © 2014

Nosocomial infection in surgical site wounds caused by staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa: case study of four major hospitals in Benue State

Surgical sites wound swab specimens were collected from four major hospitals in Benue State Nigeria namely; Federal Medical Centre Makurdi, General hospital Gboko, General hospital Otukpo and General hospital North bank, Makurdi over a period of seven months and were examined bacteriologically.. Out of a total of 300 samples examined, 170 had bacterial isolates and of these 61(35.9%) were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 39(22.9%) Staphylococcus aureus and 25(14.7%) co-infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Other bacterial isolates were Klebsiella species 12(7.1%), Escherichia coli 10(5.9%), atypical coliform 8(4.7%), Proteus species 7(4.1%), Enterococcus faecalis 4(2.4%) and Streptococcus pyogenes 4(2.4%). The incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was higher at Federal Medical Centre Makurdi (33; 25.3%) than at other hospitals namely General Hospital Gboko (24; 34.3%), General Hospital Otukpo (14; 20.6%) and General Hospital North Bank Makurdi (15; 23.8%). Staphylococcus aureus occurred also more at the Federal Medical Centre Makurdi (24; 24.2%) than at General Hospital Gboko (16; 22.9%), General Hospital Otukpo (12; 17.6%) and General Hospital North Bank Makurdi (12; 19.0%). There were no significant differences between the hospital facilities and the microbial infections at significance level of (p>0.05). The findings in this study suggest that patients, patient’s caregivers and health workers should adhere strictly to guidelines and policies on nosocomial infection preventions and control.

Economic Assessment of R ural Women Participation in Processing and Marketing of Soybean in Tarka LGA of Benue State Nigeria

The study was carried out in four markets namely: Wanune, Asukunya, Tiortyu and Gwarche markets from which 109 women processors and marketers were sampled. Structured questionnaires were used to elicit relevant information from the women. The first objective described the socio-economic characteristics of processors and marketers of soybean in the study area; the second identified the different forms of soybean product in the study area; the third determined the level of rural women participation in the processing and marketing of soybean product in the study area; and the fourth determined the profitability of processing and marketing of soybean products. The gross margin analysis for marketing of soybean gave a positive sign (₦1,583), an indication that soybean marketing is a profitable as well as lucrative business in the study area. The role of the women can be improved upon with better education through promotion o farmers/women cooperative and government strategies involving women. This study however recommends that government should facilitate he availability o credit facilities, inputs and infrastructural facilities and also revitalize and encourage ago-based industries so as to improve the efficiency in processing and marketing of soybean.

Economic Benefits of Food Legume Cultivation in Benue State-Nigeria

There has been an increased advocacy on food legume cultivation as an economical and sustainable means of soil fertilization due to the inherent problems of inorganic fertilizers such as unavailability, high cost, environmental hazards and soil degradation. This study was therefore undertaken to assess the effect of food legume cultivation on farmers’ output, income, household inventory and inorganic fertilizer usage. The study adopted “adopters and non-adopters”method in assessing the effect of food legume technology adoption on farmers’welbeing. The study which was carried out in 2007 & 2009 respectively employed multi-stage sampling techniques in selecting 300 respondents and data were collected using structured questionnaire. Simple descriptive statistics, correlation and t-test were used to analyse the data. The result of correlation analysis shows that a significant positive relationship exist between age, household size, farming experience, quantity of inorganic fertilizer used and the number of legumes planted by farmers. The result shows that a significant positive difference (t = 7.04, 2.84, 2.33, 4.09 and 2.62; P = .05) was found between household inventories of the cultivators and noncultivators of legume crops in terms of household ownership, quality of roof, wall, water source and possession of phone. Similarly, the mean aggregate crop yield of adopters

Average Solar UV Radiation Dosimetry in Central Nigeria

The measurement of solar UV radiation at a typical market setting (Gboko, Central Market, Benue State Nigeria) was done using a broadband UV meter and Polymer Polysulphone Dosimeters. The dosimeters were fitted on strategic solar radiation access areas on a plastic human figure and placed in the sun from 9:30am- 4:00pm. The dosimeter fitted on the fore head recorded the highest reading of 595 J/m2 whereas the one positioned in the pocket (beneath the cloth) gave the least reading 2.7J/m2. The dosimeter placed in the Shade (Shop Canopy) also gave a low value of 45.4 J/m2 and the mean UV radiation exposure was determined as 432 ± 47 J/m2. The work sets a reliable baseline data for solar UV radiation monitoring in central Nigeria. Appropriate recommendations have also been made to create awareness on the harmful effects of solar UV radiation.

The Use of Audio-Visual Materials in the Teaching and Learning Processes in Colleges of Education in Benue State-Nigeria

The work is the use of audio-visual resources in Colleges of Education in Benue State: with specific reference to the College of Education, Katsina-Ala. The study was based on achieving the following purposes: To evaluate how the library meets the needs of the teachers in supply of audio-visual materials; the types and quality of audio-visual materials available in the college, their frequencies of use and inhibitions and finally what steps the librarian has taken in promoting or creating an awareness of the available audio-visual resources in the library. Two sets of questionnaires were administered to lecturers and staff in order to elucidate the needed information. The researcher also went to the college to observe and also to administer the questionnaire. Through the questionnaire and observation made by the researcher, data were collected, organized and analysed using non-parametric statistical techniques like percentages and frequencies; mean was also used in research question three for easy analysis and discussion because of the number of the items involved. It was finally discovered that:The College collection of audio-visual materials is fairly adequate. The lecturers in the college rarely use audio-visual resources in teaching. The chalkboard is the only audio-visual material frequently used by the lecturers. Non-availability, lack of supporting infrastructures and human factors are hindrances to the use of audio-visual aids in the college. There are numerous benefits that students derive from the use of audio-visual aids. The awareness of available audio-visual resources created by the librarian is not impressive.

The Impact of Women Entrepreneurship on Economic Growth In Benue State-Nigeria

The Impact of Women Entrepreneurship on Economic Growth In Benue State-Nigeria

A Comparative Analysis of the Performance of Selected Rural Banks in Enchancing Agricultural Development in Benue State, Nigeria: 2010-2012.

The study compared the performances of Deposit Money Bank, Bank of Agriculture and Microfinance Banks in the rural communities of Benue State Nigeria: 2010 - 2012. Data were collected from 180 respondents using multistage sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was administered on randomly selected respondents who were beneficiaries of agricultural credits from these banks. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results obtained revealed a significant level of outreach in terms of savings deposit mobilized and loan disbursed. Comparatively, the Deposit Money Bank was most successful in terms of savings mobilization (N11,825,000). The Bank of Agriculture was next (N3,471,000) and the Micro Finance Bank (N429,000). With respect to funding rural agriculture, Deposit Money Bank was highest (54.24%) followed by Bank of Agriculture (45.18%) and the least was Micro Finance Bank (0.58%). The study recommended that increased financial resources should be made available by the State and Donor Agencies to the Rural Banking Institutions to reactivate them especially during their negative cash flow stages. The Rural Banking Institutions should also embark on aggressive mobilization of savings and recovering of their loans to enable them become self-sustainable.

Evaluating the Performance of Maize Farmers in Nigeria Using Stochastic Distance and Stochastic Production Frontiers

This study estimates the technical, allocative and cost efficiency of farm households using stochastic distance and stochastic production frontiers. Further, the study examines determinants of efficiency. Data was collected from a random sample of 240 maize farmers in Benue State Nigeria using structured questionnaires. Results from both distance and production frontiers show that farmers in the area are inefficient. Although the efficiency measures from the two frontiers are quantitatively different from each another, the overall consistency check shows that the farm households were ranked similarly by both approaches. This is particularly robust to allocative and cost efficiency. Improved maize seed, inorganic fertilizers, conservation practices, size of farm holdings, education, and access to extension services, credit and market were found to have significant impact on efficiency. Thus, investment in agricultural research coupled with complementary policies is an effective instrument for revamping agriculture and poverty reduction in Nigeria.

Agricultural productivity under &lt;em&gt;taungya&lt;/em&gt; and non-&lt;em&gt;taungya&lt;/em&gt; land-use options: A case study of Vandeikya Local Government area, Benue State, Nigeria

Taungya farming is a special arrangement between the forestry department and farmers, which combines the production of both arable and forest tree crops simultaneously on a piece of land. The practice was adopted in Vandeikya Local Government area of Benue State Nigeria, in mid 1950s up to 2000. This study evaluated the method as an option for food and fiber production compared to the traditional farming and forest management practices. Using Stratified random sampling, two sets of questionnaire were used to appraise the productivity of some arable crops and forest regeneration under taungya and non- taungya cultural practices. The yields of arable crops were significantly higher under taungya farming that in non- taungya plots in the study area. There was however no significant difference in the total forest area regenerated under the two landuse systems. The apparent land hunger among farmers is a favourable factor for adoption of taungya as a land use option in the study area. There is need to adopt multi-species planting approach in future programmes. Also, the land tenure system which limits access to land by strangers needs to be reviewed and greater awareness on the programme needs to be generated among the farmers and forestry staff alike. Keywords : Taungya , agroforestry, arable crop, productivity, forest

The psychological effects of giving birth to a child with meromelia

We present the case of an elderly multigravida from a rural area, who was unbooked, with a history of poor antenatal care in her previous pregnancies and bad obstetric history, who delivered a still baby with phocomelia at Tiwani Hospital Gboko Benue state Nigeria. She was a long standing tobacco smoker and an alcoholic with a history of regular ingestion of traditional herbs. Since bearing such a child is considered a taboo in this environment; she became psychologically depressed, but was successfully managed and rehabilitated. Such an occurrence would have been well prevented with proper antenatal care, bearing in mind the recognized possible causes. Key Words: Meromelia, Rural, Prevention, Psychological, Rehabilitate.

Agricultural Productivity under Taungya and Non-Taungya Land-Use Options: A Case Study of Vandeikya Local Government, Benue State, Nigeria

Taungya farming is a special arrangement between the forestry department and farmers , which combines the production of both arable and forest tree cops simultaneously on a piece of land. The practice was adopted inVandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State Nigeria in mid 1950s up to 2000. Using Stratified random sampling, two sets of questionnaire were used to appraise the productivity of some arable crops and forest regeneration under taungya and non-taungya cultural practices. The yields of arable crops were significantly higher under taungya farming that non-taungya practice in the study area. There was however no significant difference in the total forest area regenerated under the two land-use systems. The apparent land hunger among farmers is a favourable factor for adoption of taungya as a land use option in the study area. There is need to adopt multi-species planting approach in future programmes sustainability of the programme. Also, the land tenure system which limits access to land by strangers needs to be reviewed and greater awareness on the programme needs to be generated among the farmers and forestry staff alike. Key words: Taungya, Agroforestry, arable, productivity, forest.

Bacteriological Contamination of Soya Bean Flour Sold in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State Nigeria.

Soya bean ( Glycine max ) is a leguminous crop that is used as a staple food worldwide. The raw harvest is processed into various food forms like soya bean flour and processing methods increase the chances of bacterial contamination. This research work assessed the bacteria contamination of soya bean flour sold in and around Makurdi metropolis to determine their fitness for consumption. This assessment included different parameters like moisture content, pH, bacterial distribution and counts. One hundred and twenty samples of soya bean flour from different market locations within Makurdi metropolis were sampled using bacterial cultural methods for isolation and identification. A 100% bacterial contamination was recorded from all samples. Isolates included: Escherichia coli 52(32.7%), Staplylococcus aureus 38(23.9%), Proteus spp . 21(13.2%), Bacillus spp . 16(10.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 12(7.5%), Klebsiella spp . 10(6.3%), Yersinia enterocolitica 7(4.4%) and Salmonella paratyphi 3(1.7%). From the market locations, samples from Wadata market showed the highest level of contamination followed by Wurukun market, Modern market and Northbank market. High moisture content and unhygienic practices by producers and food vendors may be responsible for the high rate of contamination. This poses a public health risk in the area under study as the number of consumers of this food type expands daily, due to increased awareness of the nutritive value of the food. Keywords : Soya bean flour, bacterial contamination.

Prevalence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus infestation and Babesia canis infection in dogs with respect to breed type and degree of freedom in Makurdi, Benue State-Nigeria

An investigation on the prevalence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus infestation and Babesia canis infection among domestic dogs in Makurdi metropolis was carried out. The blood samples were collected from the tip of the ear of randomly selected 108 dogs; thin blood smears were stained with Giemsa stain and then examined under the microscope. Stereoscopic examination was used for the identification of ticks collected. 11 (10.2%) dogs were found positive for babesiosis, male dogs recorded an infection rate of 13.8% while female had 6.0%. No significant difference was observed between male and female dogs(X =2.59, P > 0.05). A total of 89(82.4%) dogs were found to be infested with ticks mainly Rhipicephalus sanguineus. With regards to the degree of restriction, infection among free-roaming, semi-confined and confined dogs was significantly different (X =1.32, p<.05) with the freeroaming dogs recording the highest prevalence 18.7%. Prevalence of Babesia canis among the breed was not significant (X = 12.52, p<.05), with 6 (8.6%) local, 3 (18.7%) hybrid and 2 (9.1%) foreign dogs being positive. Generally, the most preferred predilection site for ticks (irrespective of breed or degree of restriction) was the paws/interdigital spaces (96.6%) and the back (92.1%). The relatively high prevalence of both tick infestation and babesiosis in Makurdi is of public health significance because of the possibility of zoonotic transmission. Since dogs are man’s closest companions in the animal world, this relationship must be encouraged for obvious reasons. Thus curative and preventive measures such as regular deticking and bathing, clearing of bushes around houses, fumigating of kernels and surroundings, and administration of prophylactic treatments (Carbesia, Samorenil) are essential and should be enforced for the good health and benefits of dog services to man and prevention of zoonosis.

Tick infestation of dogs in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State-Nigeria

Tick infestation of dogs in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State-Nigeria

Prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school children in Makurdi, Benue State- Nigeria

In order to identify the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and to determine the impact of some factors such as age, sex and complaints related to these infections, this cross sectional study was carried out on 1000 stool specimen of primary school children in Makurdi, Benue State-Nigeria. Using direct smear and formol ether sedimentation techniques to process the faeces, 585(58.5%) of the samples were found positive for various intestinal parasites with Hookworm species accounting for 34.2%; Ascaris lumbricoides 16.1%; Trichuris trichiura 15.9%; Enterobius vermicularis 6.2%; Strongyloides stercolaris 1.7%; Taenia spp 3.9%; Hymenolepis nana 1.8%; Schistosoma mansoni 0.6%; Entamoeba histolytica 2.2%; Entamoeba coli 1.5%; Giardia lamblia 1.3%. Cases of polyparasitism were also detected but none of the pupils had more than three parasite species. Sex and age did not affect the pattern of infection (P>0.05) since the parasites were similarly found in both sexes and all age groups though with observable varying degree. Results also showed that the average school pupil in Makurdi carry heavy intestinal parasites burden. It is concluded that sanitary measures and deworming program should be conducted in primary schools to decrease the rate of intestinal parasitic infections.