Calabar Municipality Research Articles

Composition and Physicochemical Characteristics of Milk of the West African Dwarf Goats in Cross River, Nigeria

Goat milk is a suitable alternative to human milk owing to its high beta casein content which makes it very digestible unlike cow milk. Moreover, the West African Dwarf goat is highly trypano- tolerant and thrives excellently in the humid forest zone of Nigeria. It therefore necessitated the need to expound its potential in human nutrition in the study area. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the proximate, mineral composition and physicochemical characteristics of milk of West African Dwarf goats in Cross River State, Nigeria .Twenty five lactating West African Dwarf does within the age of 3-5 years were milked from five Local Government Areas of Cross River State (Calabar South, Calabar Municipal, Akamkpa, Biase and Odukpani) in which three goat milk samples were obtained by hand milking from each location. Data collected were presented using descriptive statistics. Completely randomized design was used to study the relationship between components of the milk samples. Proximate components of milk were crude protein (3.91-6.35%), ether extract (2.69-5.04%), Ash (1.51-1.95%), Nitrogen free extract (88.68-90.32%) and moisture content (77.72-85.56%). Values of physicochemical components were: Total Acid (0.16-0.21%), Total solid (12.30-13.30%), Density (0.90-1.95%) and pH (6.50-6.90%). Elemental components (mg/100g) were potassium (202-64-204.39), sodium (49.06-49.96), calcium (133.18-133.98), magnesium (13.96-14.07), iron (0.04-0.07), zinc (0.30-0.32) copper (1.32-1.35) and phosphorus (110.32-110.98). Proximate composition of milk samples from the different locations varied significantly (p>0.05).Similarly, the physicochemical composition from the locations also varied significantly (p<0.05) with exception to milk pH with no significant difference. Mineral elements of milk samples from different locations were not significantly different except the potassium content in milk from Odukpani which was significantly lower than the other locations. Goat milk from the study locations met the nutritional standards in terms of proximate, mineral and physicochemical composition. Results from this research provides veritable information of the nutritional content of goat milk in the study locations particularly and help encourage the incorporation of goat milk in the diet of Nigerians generally.

Breast Cancer Knowledge and Mammography Uptake among Women Aged 40 Years and Above in Calabar Municipality, Nigeria

Background: Breast cancer is the commonest cancer among women globally. Early screening remains a critical approach to reducing morbidity and mortality. Mammography, one of such screening tools, is vital in improving outcomes and survival. However, poor knowledge and ignorance have been touted as major barriers to health services uptake in Low/Middle-income countries. This study therefore determined breast cancer knowledge and mammography uptake among women aged ≥40 years in Calabar Municipality.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to elicit information from 365 women that were randomly selected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20. The results were descriptively presented by frequencies and percentages. Pearson Chi-Square (ꭓ2) analysis was performed to detect the association between variables at 5% level of significance (p-value of ≤ 0.05).
 Results: Majority of the 365 study participants 121 (33.3%) were aged between 40 – 44 years and had attained tertiary level of education 231 (63.2%). Most of the respondents had low knowledge score 214 (58.6%) of breast cancer and mammography. Only 36 (9.9%) of the respondents have had mammography out of which most 22 (61.0%) used it only once. Knowledge level of breast cancer and mammography was statistically significantly associated with uptake (p = .00001). Conversely knowledge of breast cancer and mammography was not statistically significantly associated with educational attainment (p = .54).
 Conclusions: Knowledge level of breast cancer and uptake of mammography among women aged ≥40 in Calabar Municipality was very poor. The need to increase awareness about breast cancer and breast cancer screening are highly advocated.

Teachers Usage of ICT in Physics Instructions in Secondary School

This influence of ICT utilization on teachers’ effectiveness in teaching of physics was investigated. This study was conducted in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of Cross River State. The survey design was adopted, the target population comprised of 48 secondary schools, 107 physics teachers and 2000 physics students in SS II class in Secondary School, Calabar Municipality. The samples of the study were selected using the simple random sampling procedure. It employed questionnaires and physics achievement test (PAT) as a guide in data collection. The data collected were analyzed using Pearson Correlation. And the study showed that three variables: knowledge accessibility and utilization of ICT were related to the academic achievement of the physics students. This study recommended among others that physics teachers should make use of technology in their lessons to enhance learners understanding of concepts.

Secondary School Teachers Utilization of ICT in Physics Teaching

This influence of ICT utilization on teachers’ effectiveness in teaching of physics was investigated. This study was conducted in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of Cross River State. The survey design was adopted, the target population comprised of 48 secondary schools, 107 physics teachers and 2000 physics students in SS II class in Secondary School, Calabar Municipality. The samples of the study were selected using the simple random sampling procedure. It employed questionnaires and physics achievement test (PAT) as a guide in data collection. The data collected were analyzed using Pearson Correlation. And the study showed that three variables: knowledge accessibility and utilization of ICT were related to the academic achievement of the physics students. This study recommended among others that physics teachers should make use of technology in their lessons to enhance learners understanding of concepts.

Teacher Utilization of Instructional Materials and Academic Performance of Upper Basic Students in Social Studies in Calabar Municipality of Cross River State

The main purpose of this study was to investigate on the teacher utilization of instructional materials and academic performance of upper basic students in social studies in Calabar municipality of Cross River State. To achieve the purpose of this study four hypotheses were formulated to direct the study. Literature related to the variables under study was reviewed according to the hypotheses for the study. Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total sample of three hundred and fifty (350) respondents were randomly selected for the study. The selection was done through the simple random sampling technique. The questionnaire was the main source of data collection analysis was adopted to test the hypotheses under study. The result of the analysis revealed that the use of radio, use of television broadcast, use of print materials and use of projector. Significantly relate with students academic performance in Calabar municipality. Based on the findings of the study, it recommended that training on different aspect of instructional materials should be made compulsory for teachers, education administrators and school heads to equip students ability while learning in schools.

SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS KNOWLEDGE AND APPLICATION OF ICT IN TEACHING PHYSICS IN CALABAR MUNICIPAL, CROSS RIVER STATE

This study sought to investigate secondary school teachers' knowledge and application of ICT in the teaching of physics. It investigated: physics teachers' knowledge of ICT and the academic achievement of physics students; physics teachers' accessibility to ICT facilities and the academic achievement of physics students and physics teachers' utilization of ICT facilities and academic achievement of physics students. This study was conducted in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of Cross River State. The survey design was adopted, the target population comprised of 48 secondary schools, 107 physics teachers and 2000 physics students in SS II class in Secondary School, Calabar Municipality. The samples of the study were selected using the simple random sampling procedure. It employed questionnaires and physics achievement test (PAT) as a guide in data collection. The data collected were analyzed using Pearson Correlation. And the study showed that three variables: knowledge accessibility and utilization of ICT were related to the academic achievement of the physics students. This study recommended among others that physics teachers should make use of technology in their lessons to enhance learners understanding of concepts.

Teacher’s Characteristics and Academic Performance of Biology Students in Secondary Schools in Calabar Municipality of Cross River State.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of teachers’ characteristics (qualification, years of teaching experience and attitude) and students’ academic performance of Biology in secondary schools in Calabar Municipality of Cross River State, Nigeria. A survey research design was used. And two instruments were used for data collections. Questionnaires and Biology Achievement Test (BAT). Simple random sampling was used to select one hundred and fifty SS2 Biology students and five teachers. Data collected were analyzed using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The researcher posited three null hypotheses (two were tested at 0.05 level of significance). The result revealed that teachers’ qualification and teachers’ years of teaching experience inextricably has a significant influence on students’ academic performance in Biology, while teachers’ attitude did not influence students’ academic performance. Based on these findings, the researcher recommended that Government should put in place measure and incentives to encourage and motivate experience teachers in the school system and students should learn to be studious not relying on only for their academic performance.

Management of Solid Waste and Environmental Sustainability in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area

This study was designed to investigate the management of solid waste and environmental sustainability in Calabar Municipal Local Government Area. The three null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The estimated population of the study area is One Hundred and Ninety Thousand (190, 000). A stratified random sampling technique was used to sample hundred (100) respondents from six (6) locations in Calabar Municipal. A thirty (30) items structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The data collected was analyzed using Pearson product moment correlation technique which tested the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that there was a significant management of solid waste and environmental sustainability of Calabar Municipal. The study also revealed that there was a significant relationship among monitoring, recycling and incineration of solid waste on environmental sustainability in Calabar Municipal. Based on these findings, it is concluded that there is nor or poor monitoring, recycling and incineration and management of solid waste which pose health hazards to Calabar Municipal. It was recommended that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise would be re-introduced to both the resident dwellers and industries within the municipality government area.

Motivational Variables and Teachers’ Attritional Tendencies Among Physics Teachers in Public Secondary Schools in Calabar Municipality of Cross River State

Motivational Variables and Teachers’ Attritional Tendencies Among Physics Teachers in Public Secondary Schools in Calabar Municipality of Cross River State

The Effect of Electricity Supply on the Performance of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises in Nigeria: A Case Study of Calabar South and Calabar Municipality of Cross River State

This research work analyzed the comparative study of the effect of electricity supply on the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality,using small and medium scale businessmen and women as well as power holding company staff. The objectives of this study to analyze the comparative study of the effect of electricity supply on the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality.The survey research design was adopted and a twelve (12) item structured questionnaire was used to obtain a sample size of 248 small and medium scale business owners and power holding staff randomly selected from the population. The results of the study revealed that there is a significant effect of electricity supply on the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality. The results further revealed that insufficient electricity supply significantly affect the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality.The study concludes that there are enormous difficulties being experienced by businesses in Cross River State and other parts of Nigeria due to inadequate and unreliable electric power supply. Thus an inadequate and unreliable supply of electricity imposes costs and therefore constrained firms’ operational performance as firms suffer high overhead cost due to the deficient electricity supply from the national grid. The study recommends that the Nigerian government needs to consider the issue of power supply reliability very seriously by facilitating both private and public investment in electricity infrastructure.

Influence of Self-Concept on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students’ in Mathematics in Some Selected Public Secondary Schools in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Influence of Self-Concept on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students’ in Mathematics in Some Selected Public Secondary Schools in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Socio-Demographic Factors and Youth Participation in Community Development Programmes in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria

This study investigated socio-demographic factors and youth participation in community development (CD) programmes in Calabar Municipality. The objectives of the study were to examine the influence of age, gender, educational status, marital status, and employment status on youth participation in CD programmes. Five (5) research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Data were obtained by administering questionnaire to three hundred and ninety-nine (399) youths and in-depth interview with ten (10) community leaders, bringing the total number of participants to 409. Data were presented using descriptive statistics, charts, frequencies and percentages. The hypothesis were tested for significance 0.05 level of significance using Chi-square (X 2 ) test, while the possibility of youths’ participation in CD programs was predicted using regression analysis. Results of the study showed that: majority of youths(79.9%) in Calabar Municipalityhave participated in CD programmes, mostly at the implementation stage. There is no significant influence of age, gender, employment status and marital status on youth participation in CD programmes; however, there is a significant influence of educational attainment on youth participation in CD programmes in Calabar Municipal LGA. In conclusion, there is need to educate and create awareness so that youths can participate effectively in CD programmes. Based on the findings, it is recommended that Government should join efforts with policy makers to formulate and implement policies that will focus on educating the youths in general, especially those within 18-27 years, less educated and students/unemployed on the need to participate in CD programmes. Social workers should sensitize community leaders on the need to provide youths the opportunity to participate in all levels of CD programmes. They should work with youth to develop their capacity and provide them with training to enhance their community development and leadership potentials. Keywords: Socio-demographic factors, Youth participation, Community development programmes DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-24-06 Publication date: December 31 st 2020

STORY THEATRE AND THE COMMUNICATION OF ADOLESCENT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: THE RAPE OF WOMANHOOD IN CALABAR, NIGERIA

Young people in Calabar have diverse sexual and reproductive health challenges. Many argue that integrating gender into health programming will help reduce some of these issues because gender is central to shaping many sexual and reproductive health issues. This study used story theatre, as a qualitatively, narrative and participatory approach in trying to understand how gender relates to and influences adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Twenty story sessions were held for a hundred young people (aged 10-19) in four selected communities’ Akai Effa, Ikot Ekpo, Efut Uwanse and Nyakassang all situated in Calabar Municipality and Calabar South Local Government Areas of Cross River State, South-South Nigeria. Sessions were recorded and later coded and analyzed for sexual and reproductive health as well as gender themes. Key findings revealed that rape and gender-related sexual assault and violence, teenage pregnancy, intergenerational as well as the objectification of women ranked amongst the highest Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) and gender issues in the communities. Young females seem to be getting more of the negative effects than boys because they are seen as pleasurable and economic assets. It is recommended that out of the box approaches which will involve multi-systems and stakeholders be used in finding a solution to this worrisome issue.

Home Environment and Biology Students’ Academic Performance in Senior Secondary School

This study investigated the relationship between Home Environment and Students’ Academic Performance in Biology in Senior Secondary School in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of Cross River State. Four hypotheses were formulated with the following variables parental financial status and academic performance of students, parental marital status and student academic performance, parent educational background and student academic performance, and parent attitude towards their children education and students’ academic performance. Literature was reviewed based on the variables, ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study, a questionnaire was constructed and administered to five secondary schools in Calabar Municipality consisting of fourty (40) students each and a total of two hundred (200) students were randomly selected for the purpose of collecting data to test the hypotheses. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Statistics was used to test these hypotheses. The hypotheses were tested at 198 degree of freedom and at 0.05 level of significant. The following findings emerged. There was no significant relationship between parent financial status and student academic performance, there was a significant relationship between parent marital status and student academic performance. There was significant relationship between parent educational background and student academic performance, there is significant relationship between parent attitude towards their children education and students academic performance in Biology in secondary schools in Calabar Municipality. Based on these, it was recommended among others that parents should learn to live together and bring up their children with love.

The Synergy between Burden and Anticipatory Grief among Caregivers of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Calabar Municipality, Nigeria

Contents: Caregiving remains the crux of management in terminal diseases, but little attention is given to the effects of terminal illnesses on the caregivers and the associated anticipatory grief that aggravates caregivers' burden.
 Aim: This study assesses the correlations between burden and anticipatory grief experienced among caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria.
 Methods: Correlations and descriptive cross-sessional design were utilized to assess and purposefully recruit 231 eligible caregivers of PLWHA, respectively. Validated revised Zarit Burden Interview scale (ZBI) and Anticipatory Grief Scale were the primary data collection instruments. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0.
 Results: Study findings revealed that the highest percentage, 36.4% (84) participants experienced a moderate burden, while 22.1% (51) experienced a severe burden. Similarly, the highest percentage, 33.3% (77) of the participants experienced moderate anticipatory grief at the range of 57-76, while 30.7% (71) participants experienced severe anticipatory grief within 77- 135. Positive and significant correlations (r = 0.61, P < 0.05; r = 0.53, P < 0.05; r = 0.66, P < 0.05) were obtained for the relationship between no anticipatory grief/burden; mild anticipatory grief/ burden and severe anticipatory grief/ burden respectively) during the study. These positive correlations revealed a strong synergy between the two variables, caregiver’s burden and anticipatory grief.
 Conclusion: As sub-Saharan African disproportionately bears the burden of HIV, more persons will have to take up family caregivers' roles despite the high level of burden and associated anticipatory grief. The need for educational intervention backed by the policy cannot be over-emphasized and should be implemented to enhance and acquaint caregivers on the nature of anticipatory grief and its connection with a terminal disease like HIV/AIDS.

Cascade Variabilities in TB Case Finding among People Living with HIV and the Use of IPT: Assessment in Three Levels of Care in Cross River State, Nigeria

TB is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) as it accelerates the progression of HIV infection. Every PLHIV is at an annual risk of 10% and a lifetime risk of 50% to acquiring TB and TB is responsible for the death of 30-40% PLHIV. We undertook to assess the WHO recommended intensified TB case finding among PLHIVs in three of levels of ART clinics in cross River State, Nigeria. We used quantitative method to review retrospectively collected routine TB and HIV facility data from University of Calabar Teaching hospital, Calabar; Infectious disease Hospital, Calabar and primary Health Centre, Calabar Municipal ART clinics. The study population for intensified case finding and IPT comprised of available records of HIV- positive patients ≥15 years old seen at the selected facilities for clinical care and treatment from January to December 2016 and January to December 2018. A cohort sampling strategy was used to assess the ICF cascade and IPT uptake. Data collection lasted from 15th to 31st November 2019 in the first phase and had extension to February 2020 due to delayed ethical clearance from the University of Calabar Teaching hospital. Quantitative data was analysed using Stata 13.0 to produce descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. Of the 326 PLHIVs (115 females) in the records, 311 had their TB screening recorded (95%). 155(50%) were screen positive while 326(210%) were evaluated for TB in the lab, out of which 182 (56%) were TB confirmed. PLHIVs ages 25-29 years were most affected, with more persons being evaluated for TB before the `test and treat` policy. Of the 207 PLHIVs started on IPT, 103 (99%) started before `test and treat` compared to 102(91%) after policy. IPT uptake was highest among ages 25-29 years. This evaluation shows that intensified case finding among PLHIV is feasible and has a high prospect for TB case finding among PLHIVs. However, critical gaps exist- poor documentation and linkages on the clinical and diagnostic arm of the cascade makes it impossible to estimate yield in a cohort and present the situation of weak clinical interphase with people seeking care.

TB Infection Control in TB/HIV Settings in Cross River State, Nigeria: Policy Vs Practice

TB and HIV remain a dangerous duo of significant public health concern across the globe. Both diseases require significant community and health system activities to be successfully managed. TB infection control is an important disease prevention strategy among the general population and among people living with HIV, in cost and management. We undertook to assess the situation of TB infection control at three levels of health care in Cross River State of Nigeria. A qualitative method was used to assess TB infection control (TBIC) knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the health care workers at each of the purposefully selected facilities using a semi-structured questionnaire - University of Calabar Teaching hospital, Calabar; Infectious disease Hospital, Calabar and primary Health Centre, Calabar Municipal, between 15th to 31st November, 2019 in the first phase, and an extension to February, 2020 due to delayed ethical clearance from the University of Calabar Teaching hospital. Data was collected and entered on an excel template and cleaned by trained data entry clerks. Charts and color diagrams were developed to compare specific descriptive data. There is wide variation between the written policies of TB infection control and the practices among health workers. Even though there are strong administrative protocols to support TB infection control in the higher levels of care, it is better practiced in the lower level PHC where the protocols were not spelt out.

Prevalence of Human Intestinal Helminthic Infections among School-Age Children in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

Aims: The study aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors for intestinal helminth infection among school-age children in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
 Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study was conducted in two Local Government Areas (Calabar South and Calabar Municipality) in Calabar.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Calabar, from May to October, 2018.
 Methodology: Faecal samples were collected from pupils in sterile dry specimen bottles with the use of applicator sticks and analyzed using sedimentation and floatation techniques. Data obtained was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.
 Results: Overall prevalence of intestinal helminth was 18.5%. Parasites recovered were Ascaris lumbricoides (9.3%), Trichuris trichiura (4.0%), Hookworm (2.6%), Taenia solium (0.9), Enterobius vermicularis (0.9), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.4%) and Schistosoma mansoni (0.4%) (P = 0000). Males (22.1%) were more infected than females (14.0%) in the study area (P = 0.031). Prevalence of intestinal helminths was lowest in age group 11-15 years (14.4%) and highest in age group 6-10 years (23.5%) (P = 0.005). After multivariate analysis, source of water [OR=3.355, 95% CI 1.448 – 7.770], type of sewage system [OR=7.547, 95% CI 5.011 – 8.358], hand washing before meal [OR=4.069, 95% CI 1.719 – 9.631] and hand washing after defecation [OR=2.281, 95% CI 1.059 – 4.917] were statistically associated with the detected intestinal helminthic infections in faecal samples (p = .05).
 Conclusion: The presence of these intestinal parasites in these schools is a public health problem and there is therefore a need to prevent these infections by improving individual personal hygiene through health education, general sanitation and provision of adequate social amenities.

Peer Group Influence and Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in English Language

The study was on the influence peer group on the academic performance secondary school students in English language in Calabar Municipality of Cross River State, Nigeria. To carry out the purpose of the research, a null hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. The descriptive research design was utilised for the research. A sample size of two hundred (200) respondents was selected randomly for the study through the simple random sampling technique. A questionnaire and an English Language achievement test were the instruments used in the collection data. The instruments were subjected to face and content validation by experts in measurement and evaluation. The reliability estimates of the instruments were established through test-retest reliability method. Pearson moment product correlation analysis was the statistical tool adopted to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The result of the finding revealed that peer group significantly influences the academic performance secondary school students in English Language. Based on the finding, it was recommended that students should be on the type of friends they keep so as not to fall into the company of bad friends (peer) who may influence them negatively.

School Administration and Academic Performance of Secondary School Students

The research investigated the relationship between school administration and performance in English language among secondary school students in Calabar Municipality of Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, four null hypotheses were formulated to direct the study. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A sample size of two hundred (200) respondents was randomly selected for the study. The selection was done through the simple random sampling technique. A questionnaire and an English Language achievement test were the instruments used for data collection. The instruments were subjected to face and content validation by experts in measurement and evaluation. The reliability estimate of the instrument was established through test-re-test reliability method. Pearson Moment Product Correlation Analysis was the statistical analysis technique adopted to test the hypotheses under study. Each hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The result of the findings revealed that school administration significantly related to the academic performance of students in English Language of secondary school students in Calabar Municipality of Cross River State, Nigeria. Based on the findings, it was recommended that school administrators to effectively play their roles in order to enhance academic achievement of students.