Benue State Research Articles

‘Until I go back home, I do not see justice’: Construction of justice among internally displaced farming and herding communities in Benue State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Recurrent violent clashes between pastoral herders and farming communities in Nigeria have resulted in human fatalities, livelihood losses and displacements. However, studies have yet to interrogate how displaced farming communities construct justice as a way to restore peace. Using Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Abegana, Makurdi Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, 25 participants responded to questions on their experiences and how they see justice from their victimhood as a way to peace restoration. I also balanced this with how herders construct justice. Findings show that justice is constructed as returning to their ancestral homeland where they were displaced by conflict; compensation to rebuild burnt houses and restart businesses and implementation of open grazing by government to check recurrence. Herders see anti-open grazing laws as injustice, exclusionary and persecutory rather than see them as victims with human and material losses that need to be protected. This study recommends injecting victims’ perspectives into peace building interventions in conflict zones.

Evaluation of cardiac and liver function parameters of farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides in Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Evaluation of cardiac and liver function parameters of farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides in Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

A GIS-based analysis of heavy metals around Otukpo rice mill in Benue state

Heavy metals are primarily sourced from natural pedo-geochemical backgrounds and anthropogenic occurrences like composting, sewage sludge, aerosol deposition, and waste animal manure. The study aims to determine the heavy metals within the rice mill in Otukpo to understand the spatial distribution with the objectives to examine the heavy metals within the identified activity areas in the Otukpo rice mill, to determine the spatial distribution of heavy metals within the study area and to compare heavy metal values with the acceptable limits. Soil samples were collected from ten locations at Otukpo Rice Mill to analyze heavy metal concentrations. The samples were collected using sterile bottles and a stainless trowel, and the soil samples were analyzed for the concentrations of Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Zinc, Mercury, Iron, Arsenic, and Chromium using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method. The result was analyzed using interpolation to see the variation of the Heavy metals within the various activity areas. The result of the study reveals that Iron has the highest concentration at the Entrance point and lowest at the Generator house with a range value of 3.92 – 1.12mg/kg respectively. The highest concentration of Zinc was recorded at the Mechanic workshop while the lowest is at the Drying point with a range value of 0.135 – 0.872mg/kg respectively. The Husk dumpsite recorded the highest concentration of Copper (0.666mg/kg) with the Drying point recording the least (0.088 mg/kg). The study reveals uneven concentrations and highlights the effectiveness of the Geographic Information System in mapping heavy metal concentrations.

Interaction between aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves and rabeprazole in treatment of ethanol induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats

Background: The effect of concomitant use of herbs and conventional drugs is not widely known because it hasn’t been a common practice especially among the elite and those resident at the urban centers but very common among the rural duelers for co-administered herbs/supplements and conventional drugs. This study was carried out to investigate the interaction between moringa oleifera and rabeprazole in gastric acid secretion. Methods: Twenty (20) adult Wistar albino rats of both sexes weighing 300-450 g were randomly allocated into four (4) groups of five (5) animals per group. Group 1 served as the control and was given normal saline without administration of acid alcohol. Animals in group 2 were given acid alcohol (0.25 ml 0f 36% HCl + 75% ethanol 0.25 ml/100 g body weight). Animals in group 3 were given 50 mg/100 g bw of Moringa oleifera 1 hour before acid alcohol was administered. Group 4 were given: Rabeprazole 20 mg /kg body weight + acid Alcohol (36% HCL 0.25 mls+ 75% Ethanol (0.25 mls). A 30% isoflorane (inhalational anesthesia) by API Manufacturer with FDA, UK, marketed by Macfes medical store, high level Markurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. And 3.5% isoflurane (of the mixture of isoflurane 30%) at 100% oxygen was soaked in a cotton wool and dropped in clean and covered plastic container, and was used to anesthetized the rats, for the purpose of the aqueous extracts administration through a gastric fistula created by a surgical procedure. 10 minutes after aqueous extracts administration, aliquot samples were collected over 4 hours. Gastric acid secretion was measured by titrating the aliquots to a phenolphthalein endpoint. Results: showed that Moringa Olefera significantly delayed the time of onset of action of rabeprazole when co-administered. Moringa alone was a better inhibitor of gastric acid secretion than moringa co-administered with rabeprazole. Conclusion: Moringa delays the time of onset of action of Rabeprazole when co-administered.

Contrast sensitivity assessment using the Mars letter contrast sensitivity test

Background: Contrast sensitivity (CS) represents an individual’s ability to detect differences in luminance between two areas and is an essential component of vision. Various studies have evaluated the relevance of different charts to assess CS in ophthalmology practice. We evaluated the CS of healthy individuals using the Mars letter CS chart. Methods: In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, we consecutively recruited healthy individuals older than 18 years with unremarkable ocular examinations who attended the general outpatient clinic at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria, between March 2021 and July 2022. Each participant was allocated to one of five groups with 10-year age intervals and 1:1 male-to-female ratios. All participants underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination. We tested visual fields using the 24-2 program on a Humphrey visual field analyzer with appropriate refractive correction. Monocular testing of CS with appropriate spectacle correction was performed using a Mars letter CS chart. The tribe, age, and sex of each individual, along with the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, mesopic pupil size, cup-to-disc ratio (C/D ratio), and mean deviation (MD) of the visual field for each eye were recorded. Results: A total of 100 eyes of 50 patients with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 44.6 (12.8) years and a 1:1 male-to-female ratio were enrolled. The mean (SD) CS score for the 100 included eyes was 1.67 (0.09) log units. The mean (SD) CS score was comparable between sex groups and tribes (both P > 0.05) yet differed significantly between age groups (P < 0.001). We found a significant good inverse correlation between CS score and age (r = - 0.60; P = 0.001), a low inverse correlation with BCVA (r = - 0.29; P < 0.003), and a low direct correlation with C/D ratio (r = + 0.23; P = 0.023); however, we observed no significant correlation with tribe (r = + 0.07; P = 0.053), sex (r = + 0.16; P = 0.123), IOP (r = + 0.07; P = 0.481), mesopic pupil size (r = - 0.02; P = 0.861), and mean deviation of visual field (r = + 0.02; P = 0.873). Conclusions: We observed a progressive decline in the mean CS score in healthy eyes with each decade of increase in age. Our findings are similar to those of previous studies and could be used as reference values for the healthy population among various age groups. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to encourage clinicians to incorporate CS into routine examinations. Further studies must compare these normative values with those of disease conditions to further understand the clinical application of the CS test.

Quality Evaluation of Fermented Pre Gelatinized Unripe Plantain and Soybean Based Complementary Foods 1: Physicochemical, Sensory and Rheological Properties

Aims: This study aimed at evaluating the effect of the degree (%) of starch gelatinization (G) and fermentation (F) on the physicochemical characteristics of the flours and also the sensory and flow properties of the gruels of unripe plantain fruits and soybean seeds based complementary foods. Study Design: Completely randomized design Place and duration of the Study: This study was carried out in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, between January and November 2023. Methodology: Plantain slices heated to obtain 10% to 100% starch gelatinization were subjected to accelerated natural fermentation followed by drying and milling to yield fermented (F) flours. Non-gelatinized (NG) and nonfermented (NF) lots served as controls. The flours were each combined with soybean flour to obtain 16 g protein/100 g of each mixture based on the proximate compositions of the inputs using material balancing technique. The flours’ oil absorption capacities (OAC), water absorption capacities (WAC), packed bulk densities (PBD), sensory attributes (taste, mouth feel, appearance, overall acceptability) and flow properties of their gruels were evaluated using standard methods. Significant differences and separation of the data means were achieved by Duncan multiple range and Turkey’s tests using an SPSS package, respectively. Results: Gelatinization and fermentation increased WAC and OAC, but decreased packed bulk density (PBD) of the flours with concomitant reduction in pH, viscosities and improved sensory attributes of the gruels. Generally, viscosities increased with increase in slurry concentration and decreased with increase in temperature and shear rates. The flow behavior indices ranged from 0.27 to 0.64, with lower values in gelatinized and fermented samples, showing more pseudoplastic behavior in pretreated samples. Conclusion: Gelatinization and natural fermentation are therefore adaptable technologies, especially at rural levels, to improve acceptability and bulk reduction of resistant starch-based complementary foods.

Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs) Among HIV Sero-Positive Patients Attending Selected Hospitals at Otukpo Benue State, Nigeria

Prevalence of uropathogenic bacteria among HIV sero-positive Patients attending selected Hospitals at Otukpo Benue State Nigeria was investigated. A total of 392 mid-stream urine samples from Patients with HIV infection attending St. Daniel Hospital, Royal Specialist Hospital, General Hospital and St. Charles Hospital was collected and analyzed using standard Microbiological and biochemical methods for isolation and identification of organisms. Prevalence of the infection was also determined. Socio-demographic variables were obtained using a pre-designed structured questionnaire. Data were entered into a data base designed using SPSS Statistical software version 20 and analyzed using Chi square. Out of 392 samples, 115 were tested positive for urinary tract infections and five different types of bacteria were isolated. The bacteria isolated and their prevalence were Escherichia coli 42(36.5%), Proteus mirabilis 32(27.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 17(14.8%), Staphylococcus aureus 12(10.4%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae 12(10.4%). The overall prevalence of urinary tract infection in HIV patients was 29.3%.The female had prevalence of 30.9%, while the male had 27.4%. The age group 16-25years had the highest occurrence 16(33.3%). Based on occupation, business people had the highest positivity rate of 38(31.1%). The married had 43(30.7%) positivity rate. The prevalence of urinary tract infections among the HIV negative individuals was 26.9%. The information provided in this report is useful in the clinical management of urinary tract infections among HIV sero-positive patients in the study area

Quality assessment of smoked catfishes (Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus longifilis and Synodontis clarias) from selected fish markets in Benue State, Nigeria

The quality assessment of smoked catfish from selected fish markets in Benue state was carried out. Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus spp. and Synodontis spp. each weighing 500g were collected from Abinsi and Wadata markets. The proximate composition, mineral composition and organoleptic assessment were carried out. Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods were adopted for the determination of proximate and mineral composition while a 9-point Hedonic scale ranging from 1(dislike extremely) to 9(like extremely) was a procedure for organoleptic quality determination. Results for proximate and mineral compositions showed good standard but varied from market to market. Abinsi fish markets showed that Heterobranchus spp. had 10.16%, 12.74%, 58.98%, 16.42%, 1.71%. Clarias gariepinus had 9.09%, 10.10%, 66.11%, 13.94%, 0.76%. Synodontis spp. had 8.19%, 11.07%, 55.80%, 22.68%, and 2.27% as values for moisture content, ash content, protein content, lipid content and carbohydrates content while Wadata fish market Heterobranchus spp. had 10.34%, 11.89%, 59.48%, 15.71%, and 2.59%. Clarias gariepinus had 8.88%, 11.37%, 68.97%, 10.37%, 0.38%. Synodontis spp. had 8.36%, 12.19%, 56.35%, 21.30%, and 1.81% for moisture content, ash content, protein content, lipid content and carbohydrates content respectively. The mineral composition for Abinsi fish showed that Heterobranchus spp. had 240.33 mg/100g, 395.48 mg/100g, 32.44 mg/100g, 0.03 mg/100g, 0.80 mg/100g, 5.37 mg/100g; Clarias gariepinus had 270.30 mg/100g, 278.05 mg/100g, 32.14 mg/100g, 0.21 mg/100g, 0.30 mg/100g, 5.06 mg/100g; Synodontis spp. had 330.05 mg/100g, 257.78 mg/100g, 34.24 mg/100g, 0.24 mg/100g, 0.40 mg/100g, 6.98 mg/100g; for Potassium, Calcium, Sodium, Copper, Zinc and Iron while in Wadata fish market Heterobranchus spp. had 250.30 mg/100g, 127.88 mg/100g, 39.84 mg/100g, 0.39 mg/100g, 0.68 mg/100g, 4.95 mg/100g; Clarias gariepinus had 410.15 mg/100g, 159.33 mg/100g, 33.03 mg/100g, 0.22 mg/100g, 0.60 mg/100g, 5.96 mg/100g; Synodontis spp. had 300.45 mg/100g, 295.48 mg/100g, 33.93 mg/100g, 0.30 mg/100g, 0.71 mg/100g, 12.0 mg/100g; for Potassium, Calcium, Sodium, Copper, Zinc and Iron. The sensory evaluation revealed that taste, appearance, texture and odour were accepted by the panellist and significant difference occurred (P<0.05) among samples from both markets. The three catfish species from this study were found to be rich in protein content, Potassium, Calcium, and Sodium with low presence of Copper, Zinc, Iron, lipid and carbohydrate contents.Keywords: Catfishes; markets; quality assessment; smoked

Communal conflicts in Nigeria: Assessment of the impacts on internally displaced persons and settlements amidst COVID-19 pandemic

Acknowledging that violent communal conflicts can lead to increased displacement and overcrowding in IDP camps, this study investigates the impact of such conflicts on internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their camps in Benue State, Nigeria, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing a mixed-method approach, 386 IDPs and 20 stakeholders were purposively selected. Based on the research objectives, descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the research objectives. Employing logistics and multi-linear regressions, the data reveal that unregulated access to IDP camps resulted in overcrowding, straining resources like food and shelter. The study identifies economic losses and various challenges stemming from communal conflict and COVID-19, causing chaos, anxiety, and uncertainty in the IDP camps. These findings highlight the urgent need for ongoing humanitarian assistance to alleviate the precarious conditions faced by IDPs and their camps nationwide and recommend that the IDPs camps across the country need constant humanitarian aid to mitigate the various precarious conditions in the camps.

Work Climate and Organisational Politics as Predictors of Organisational Commitment among Staff of Benue State University, Makurdi

This study investigated work climate and organisational politics as predictors of organisational commitment among employees of Benue State University, Makurdi. Employing an ex-post facto research design, three hypotheses were formulated, and a sample of 187 participants completed the Organisational Climate Questionnaire (OCQ), Perceived Organisational Politics Scale (POPS), and Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ). Data analysis involved regression and multiple regression techniques. Hypothesis one, positing that work climate significantly influences organisational commitment among Benue State University staff, was supported (R =.185, R2 =.034, F(1,177) = 6.229, P <.05). Hypothesis two, which suggested that organisational politics significantly affects organisational commitment, was also supported (R =.629, R2 =.396, F(1,181) = 117.960, P <.05). Additionally, Hypothesis three, indicating a joint influence of work climate and organisational politics on organisational commitment, was affirmed (R =.632, R2 =.400, F(2,173) = 56.950, P <.001). Recommendations derived from the findings include prioritising employees commitment to enhance productivity, mitigating favouritism within the organisation to facilitate effective task execution, and empowering managers to assess and improve work climate, thereby fostering a motivating environment conducive to ongoing performance enhancement.

Impacts of Population Trends, Agricultural Supply Chains, and Environmental Decline in Otukpo LGA, Benue State, Nigeria

This research delves into the intricate relationship between population dynamics, agricultural value chain, and environmental degradation in Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State, Nigeria. The burgeoning population in the region has precipitated notable shifts in land use patterns, agricultural methodologies, and the overall environmental landscape. A robust research methodology was employed to explore this phenomenon comprehensively. Both primary and secondary data were collected, with a sample size of 400 determined using Taro Yamane's formula. This sample was then strategically distributed among the 13 clans within the LGA, yielding 380 returned samples for meticulous analysis. Statistical analysis, facilitated by tools such as standard deviation and mean, was conducted using SPSS software. Employing a mean criterion of 3.0, questionnaires were administered via survey techniques to discern respondents' perspectives. The research findings illuminate the multifaceted impacts of population dynamics in Otukpo LGA. Notably, these dynamics have instigated challenges within the agricultural value chain, manifesting as farmland degradation and pollution. These repercussions have reverberated throughout the environment, precipitating biodiversity loss, soil contamination, and rampant deforestation. The research also underscores the nuanced nature of these challenges. While population growth undeniably exacerbates these issues, it is crucial to acknowledge the contributory role of ineffective public policies in perpetuating environmental and agricultural dilemmas within the region. In light of these findings, the research advocates for formulating sustainable policies and evidence-based solutions. Addressing these issues holistically demands a concerted effort to mitigate the adverse impacts of population dynamics on agricultural practices and environmental sustainability.

IMPACT OF CASHLESS POLICY ENFORCEMENT AND NAIRA REDESIGN ON FRESH CATFISH MARKETING IN MAKURDI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the impact of Cashless Policy Enforcement and Naira Redesign on Fresh Catfish Production and Marketing in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 100 respondents for the study. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and farm budgeting techniques. The result revealed that fresh catfish producers were in their productive age with mean age of 34years. Majority (76%) of the fresh catfish producers were males and 84% married. The average household size and farming experience were 5 persons and 6 years, respectively. The results of the profitability analysis of catfish marketing in the study area before and during the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign revealed that before the policy, the catfish producers’ total variable costs and total fixed costs were N1701379 and N665689.22, respectively, making a total cost of N2367068.22. The results further revealed that total revenue of N2659284.66 and a net farm income of N292216.440 were realised. The profitability ratio shows that for every one naira invested, the catfish producers made about 89 kobo. However, the result revealed that, amid the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign, the total variable cost and total fixed cost were N827791.66 and N712688.47, respectively, making a total cost of N1540475.13. The results revealed total revenue of N1650800 and a net farm income of N110384.87. The profitability ratio shows that for every one naira invested, the catfish producers made about 92 kobo. The result of the impact of catfish marketing on the income level of the marketers in the study area before and during the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign revealed that before the policy, 30%t of the catfish marketers had an income of over N300, 000. However, during the policy, only 26% of the catfish farmer marketers had an income of over N300, 000 and 15% had an income of less than N50, 000. The result of the constraints to catfish marketing before and during the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign revealed that before the policy, the most constraints to catfish marketing were high electric charges (12.3%) and lack of credit facilities (9.1%). However, during the policy, the most constraints to catfish marketing were inadequate capital (8.3%), seasonality of commodity (7.8%), high cost of feed (7.4%), high cost of production (7.3%), high cost of labour (7.3%) and low demand of product (7.0%). The study concluded that Catfish production and marketing in the study area was more profitable before the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign. The study recommended that provisions for agricultural incentives such as short and long-term loans, with a single digit interest rate for the marketers in order to solve the problem of lack of credit facility. Also, Marketers should form marketing cooperatives to increase their access to credit from financial institutions and hence alleviate the problem of inadequate capital.

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES ON MAIZE PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY IN OTUKPO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the effects of climate change adaption strategies on maize production efficiency in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 100 respondents for the study. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). The results revealed that maize farmers were in their productive age with mean age of 31years. Majority (55%) of the maize farmers were married. The average household size, farm size and years of farming experience were 6 persons, 2.5 hectares and 8 years of experience in farming, respectively. The result on the climate change adaptation strategies used by the maize farming households revealed that most of the farmers adopted adjustment Improved/multiple varieties (17.6%), multiple planting dates (18%) and fertilizer application (20.6%) as climate change adaptation strategies in the study area. The result of predicted Stochastic Frontier model showed that the minimum and maximum technical efficiencies (TE) of the maize farmers were 0.11 and 0.98, respectively, with the mean efficiency of 0.88. This showed that if the efficiency of resources usage is increased by 12.0 percent, the maize farmers would operate on the production frontier given the existing technology. The result on the influence of climate change adaptation strategies used by maize farmers in the study area further revealed that the coefficient of farm size, fertilizer and agrochemicals had positive relationship with the value of maize output at P≤0.05, P≤0.10 and P≤0.01 levels, respectively. The result of the inefficiency model revealed that improved/multiple varieties and fertilizer application increased inefficiency of maize production at P≤0.05 and P≤0.10 levels, respectively, while alternative tillage practices decreased inefficiency of maize production at P≤0.01 level. The study concluded that maize production in the study area was not optimally efficient. The study recommended that farmers should be provided with credit facilities to help improve their capacity to adapt to climate change. Also, development partners should focus on awareness creation of farmers on better production techniques and climate change adaptation strategies through mass media and agricultural extension.

“When We Believe in State Power, It Tends to Fail Us”: Insights Into the Management of Herder-Peasant Farmer Conflicts in Benue State, Nigeria

This paper examines management of herder-peasant farmer conflicts and internal security challenges in Benue state, Nigeria. It relied mainly on descriptive and cross-sectional survey designs. Four hundred and seven participants were collated and analyzed from 430 questionnaires distributed in 10 Local Government Areas with an age range of 20–79 years and mean age of 42.84 years. A structured questionnaire was adopted for measuring farmer-herder conflicts and analyzing the strategies deployed in tackling the conflict. The findings showed that certain laws and policies of the government significantly contributed to the onset and protraction of the herder-farmer conflict in Benue state, F (5, 406) = 186.51; p < 0.05. Further findings show that the inherent contradictions in the different policies and laws enacted by the government created obstructions to land access and utilization by the warring parties (herders and farmers). Pursuant to this, the paper linked the obduracy of the conflict to government’s poor handling of land and land-based resources. To address the conflict, the article recommends that land management policies should be unbundled to limit the influence of federal and state governments in land distribution and control.

Spatial patterns of intra-urban mobility and urban residential choices in Makurdi town, Benue State, Nigeria

Spatial patterns of intra-urban mobility and urban residential choices in Makurdi town, Benue State, Nigeria

Dietary Quality and Associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Six Sub-Saharan African Countries.

The burden of micronutrient malnutrition is high among women of reproductive age (WRA) in sub-Saharan Africa. We examined the dietary quality and associated factors for WRA in Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania. Data were collected from women aged 15-49 years using representative Diet Quality Questionnaire surveys. The Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W), All-5 (key food group) consumption, noncommunicable disease risk (NCD-Risk), and Global Dietary Recommendation (GDR) indicators were assessed. Participants included N = 16,584 women [Cameroon: N = 2073; Côte d'Ivoire: N = 242; Kenya: N = 864; Adamawa State (Nigeria): N = 1283; Benue State (Nigeria): N = 1047; Nasarawa State (Nigeria): N = 1151; Senegal: N = 7232; Tanzania: N = 2692]. The MDD-W ranged from 43.0% in Tanzania to 81.4% in Côte d'Ivoire and was higher in urban, compared to rural, areas in Cameroon, Kenya, Nasarawa, Senegal, and Tanzania (p < 0.001). Increased education and wealth were positively associated with MDD-W in Kenya, Benue, Senegal, and Tanzania. Fewer than half of all women attained All-5 consumption. NCD-Risk scores ranged from 1.13 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.17) in Tanzania to 2.28 (95% CI: 2.16, 2.40) in Nasarawa, and women's GDR scores ranged from 10.47 (95% CI: 10.40, 10.54) in Cameroon to 11.45 (95% CI: 11.25, 11.64) in Côte d'Ivoire. Our findings highlight key aspects of women's diets in sub-Saharan African settings to enable greater awareness and more targeted responses to the specific areas needing the most improvement.

Sociodemographic Correlates of Integrated Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Services Utilization Among Childbearing Mothers in Nigeria.

Background Some social and demographic factors might limit the ability of childbearing mothers (CBMs) to use healthcare services for themselves and their children, thereby exposing them to maternal, infant, and child morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic correlates of the utilization of integrated maternal, newborn, and child health (IMNCH) services by CBMs in Benue State, Nigeria. Methodology A community-based, correlational survey study was conducted among a random sample of 1,200 CBMs. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a pretested, structured questionnaire, the Integrated Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Services Utilization Questionnaire (IMNCHSUQ), and study participants were chosen using a multistage sampling procedure. Of the IMNCHSUQ issued, only 896 copies had complete data, which were used for the analysis. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The data were evaluated using the mean, standard deviation, and point-biserial correlation, and the null hypotheses were tested using linear regression at the 0.05 level of significance. Results The majority of the CBMs were married (79.7%) and unemployed (66.0%) while the predominant age group was between 15 and 24 years (42.7%). CBMs had a high level of utilization of IMNCH services (x= 3.30, SD = 0.94). The sociodemographic factors studied had little or no influence on the utilization of IMNCH services among CBMs. The most significant demographic predictor was the place of residence. Marital status, educational level, parity, and age were also found to be significant predictors in a few services. Conclusions Uneven distribution of IMNCH centers may be a major cause of the failure of CBM's lack of utilization of IMNCH services, especially in rural settlements with sparse distribution of facilities.

TEACHER TECH-CREATIVITY FOSTERING BEHAVIOUR AS DETERMINANT OF PRIMARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS TEACHER CLASSROOM PRACTICES

This research investigated teacher technological-creative fostering behaviour as determinant of teacher classroom practices in private primary schools in the Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. This study adopted the correlational research design. The population was all teachers in private primary schools in Makurdi. A sample of 70 mathematics teachers was drawn from 50 private primary schools. Two researcher-structured instruments were used for data collection, namely; the Mathematics Teacher Tech-Creativity Inventory (MTTI) and the Mathematics Teacher Classroom Practice Inventory (MTCPI). Correlation, scatterplots, and histograms were used to answer research questions, while analysis of variance was used to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The following were the findings: the top three technological tools among others which mathematics teachers at the primary school level use most often to facilitate their teaching practices are, first interactive whiteboard, second, the calculator and third, internet surfing. Teacher tech-creativity fostering behaviour has a significant impact on teacher clarity, teacher classroom discussions, teacher feedback, teacher formative assessment and, teacher-teacher collaboration as teacher classroom practices. It was recommended that teachers of mathematics consider utilizing technology creatively during lessons as a catalyst to advance classroom teaching practices of teacher classroom clarity, class discussions, teacher feedback, formative assessment, and teacher-teacher collaboration.

Gravida and maternal age group effect on the weight of an infant

This paper makes use of Two-way Analysis of Variance approach to check whether significant difference exists in the weight of an infant as it relates to gravida and maternal age or not. Five hundred and thirty-three (533) samples on the weight of an infant, maternal age and gravida sourced from Family Support Programme (FSP) Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria was used. Maternal age was divided into five (14-19, 20-25, 26-31, 32-37 and 38-43); the level of gravida (number of pregnancies) considered are gravida one (1), gravida two (2), gravida three (3) and gravida four (number of pregnancies greater than or equal to four). The results revealed that significant difference exist between the maternal age as it relates to the weight of an infant since the p_value of 0.0001 is less than 0.05 alpha level of significance. Significant difference was also seen in gravida since the p_value of 0.0001 is less than 0.05 alpha level of significance. As a result of significant difference observed in both maternal age and gravida, multiple mean comparison was carried out to identify the mean weight that actually differs. It was discovered that the mean weight of an infant in gravida four (4) is different from that of gravida one (1) and two (2), in addition, gravida 3 and 1 were statistically significant. Maternal age one (14-19) was also found to be different from every other age group.

Evaluation of the Factors Influencing Needle stick Injury And Bloodborne Pathogens among Healthcare Workers in Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria

It is well recognized that the danger of needle stick injuries and the blood-borne diseases they can cause is higher for healthcare professionals. In order to do this, a survey on the variables influencing blood-borne infections and needle stick injuries among medical personnel at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Benue State, North Central Nigeria, was carried out. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used as the methodology, and questionnaires were given to medical professionals at BSUTH in Makurdi, Benue State, including doctors, nurses, and medical laboratory scientists. Using a straightforward random sample method, the participants who fulfilled the inclusion requirements were chosen. Findings: The questionnaires were distributed to participants between the ages of 20 and 35. Of those, 190 (68.8%) were female, and 177 (64.10%) were single. The study’s findings also showed that 39% of the respondents were physicians. In addition, 74% of respondents had worked for less than five years, 13% for six to ten years, and a further 13% for ten years or more. The most reliable source of information for blood-borne infections (89.1%) and needle stick injuries (78.4%) was the Teaching Hospital. Of the 109 people who had needle stick injuries at that time, 84.4% had done so fewer than five times in the previous six months, and 4.6% had done so more than ten times. For the last six months, Tin. According to the results, 16.5% of the participants in this category suffered an intravenous insertion needle stick injury, 18.3% during an injection, and 60% while recapping a needle. Males were also found to have a greater frequency of needle stick injuries (66.3%) than females, with medical professionals and those with six to ten years of experience having the highest prevalence. However, medical lab scientists had a greater prevalence of blood-borne infections (20.7%). The outcome demonstrated negative opinions regarding blood-borne infections and needle stick injuries.