Calabar South Local Government Area Research Articles

Disparities in Vaccination Coverage and Timeliness among Children Aged 12 to 23 Months within Calabar South, Cross River State, Nigeria

Immunization serves as a cost-effective shield against vaccine-preventable diseases, promoting population health and sustainable prosperity. This study aimed to determine vaccination coverage and assess the timeliness of vaccination (BCG, PENTA1, and measles vaccines) among children aged 12 to 23 months in the wards of Calabar South Local Government Area (LGA) in Cross River State. A community-based cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, with the number of children sampled being 460 to account for non-response and design. Information about children were obtained through interviews with proxy caregivers. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Ethical approval was obtained from the CRS Ministry of Health. There were 190 male children (41.3%) and 275 female children (58.7%) in the study. The age group of 12-15 months (55.2%) represents the largest category. The overall vaccination coverage was 88.3%, varying across wards (100% in ward 4, followed by 96.1% in ward 8, then 96% in ward 5, 91.6% in ward 12, and 80.8% in ward 11). The proportion of overall timely vaccination was 71.5%, with PENTA1 having the highest timeliness (88.3%). The proportions of timely vaccination for BCG and PENTA1 were highest in ward 4, followed by ward 5, but lowest in ward 11. Timeliness for all vaccines was also highest in ward 4, followed by ward 12, then ward 5, ward 8 and ward 11. Vaccination coverage and timeliness differed between locations, highlighting the need for Government interventions to be context-specific, addressing challenges within different ward locations rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Hydrogeological assessment and groundwater potential study in Calabar South Local Government Area: a vertical electrical sounding (VES) approach

Hydrogeological assessment and groundwater potential study in Calabar South Local Government Area: a vertical electrical sounding (VES) approach

Teachers’ Teaching Effectiveness and Students’ Academic Achievement in Chemistry in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State

Teachers’ Teaching Effectiveness and Students’ Academic Achievement in Chemistry in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State

The Effect of Cooperative Instructional Method on Students’ Achievement and Retention in Biology in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

The Effect of Cooperative Instructional Method on Students’ Achievement and Retention in Biology in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Teachers’ Characteristics and Academic Performance of Students in Secondary Schools in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Teachers’ Characteristics and Academic Performance of Students in Secondary Schools in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Teachers’ Utilization Of Learning Resources And Attitude To Work On Learners’ Performance In English Language In Selected Primary Schools In Calabar South Local Government Area Of Cross River State

The main purpose of this study was to investigate teachers’ utilization of learning resources attitude to work and learners’ performance in English Language in selected primary schools in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State. To achieve the purpose of this study, two research questions were posed, two hypotheses were formulated. Literature was reviewed based on the sub-variables of the study. Quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study using simple random technique with the sample of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents. Questionnaire instrument was used for data collection and the data was analyzed at 0.05 level of significant using independent t-test analysis to test the hypotheses. The results and conclusion of findings revealed that learning resources and teachers' attitude to work greatly influence learners' performance in English Language in Primary Schools in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Based on the findings, some recommendations such as; teachers should be encouraged in schools to utilize learning resources in teaching. Pupils should be involved in the production of learning resources, appropriate tasks be assigned to teachers to enable them put in their best for learners' good academic performance.
 

Determinants of Social Studies Curriculum Implementation by Teachers with Intellectual Disabilities in Selected Schools of Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria: Implication for Psychology

Teachers with intellectual disabilities frequently have cognitive processing or perceptual problems. Visual processing problems interfere with understanding text, illustrations, and written work associated with a social studies lesson. Most social studies textbooks include many maps and graphs. For most teachers, these maps clarify the topics covered and those that should be covered as well; however, teachers with visual-spatial and visual-processing disorders may have difficulty interpreting such information. Hence, this study evaluated the factors that affected how the social studies curriculum was implemented by teachers with intellectual disabilities in a sample of schools in the Cross River State, Nigeria, Calabar South Local Government Area; implications for psychology. Two survey factors have been developed to guide the study. The variables under review were used to guide the literature review. The survey study's template was employed. Purposeful selection approaches were used to choose the 60 respondents that made up the study's sample. A structured questionnaire with 10 items and a four-point Likert scale was used to collect the results. Using the Cronbach Alpha reliability method, the instrument's approximate correlation was 0.78. The data was examined using a descriptive methodology. The findings of the study indicated that a teacher's teaching style and level of training among teachers with intellectual disabilities had an impact on how they instruct students in social studies. It was suggested that secondary school teachers with disabilities be given the opportunity to participate in curriculum development and implementation so that they can use student-centered methods in teaching.

Parental Background And Learners’ Class Skipping In Calabar South Local Government Area Of Cross River State

Parental Background And Learners’ Class Skipping In Calabar South Local Government Area Of Cross River State

Parental involvement and school indiscipline among secondary school students in calabar south local government area of cross river state, nigeria

Indiscipline in secondary school has persisted over the years, taking a new and frightening tone that seems like a bone in the throat. This study investigated the influence of parental involvement in terms of interference with child punishment and confronting teachers openly on school discipline of secondary school students. Two research questions were raised to guide the study. The literature review was done according to the variables under study. The survey design was adopted for the study. The population consists of all parents of Public Secondary Schools. Ninety three (93) parents purposively selected from the Parents Teachers Association of the 7 Public Secondary Schools in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State constituted the sample for the study. A Four (4) point Likert questionnaire titled “Parental Involvement and School Indiscipline Questionnaire"(PIASDQ) was the instrument used for data collection. The validity of the instrument was determined by four (4) experts in Educational Psychology and Measurement and Evaluation units respectively, all from the Department of Educational Foundations. While Crunbach Alpha reliability was used to determine the reliability at .73 level of significance. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that parents should be encouraged to correct their children's wrongdoings at home as the home is the first school, modalities for effective disciplinary measures should be discussed strongly in PTA meetings to get the views of parents, and also check brutality on the part of the teachers.

Sexual and reproductive health services awareness and utilisation among young people in a semi-Urban community in Cross River State, Nigeria.

Young people's unawareness and poor utilisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services is one of the contributing variables that increase the susceptibility of youths to many challenges in SRHR. This study sought to assess young people's level of awareness and utilisation of available sexual and reproductive health and rights services in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. The available SRHR services in the study area were identified. A community-based cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted for the study, whereby a sample of 325 youths aged 15-24 years were recruited from households within the 6 selected out of 12 political wards of Calabar Local Government Area, using a multistage sampling technique. A validated self-developed questionnaire was used for data collection which were analysed using SPSS version 22.0. Findings revealed low awareness (94.8%) of young people to available SRHR services, and the proportion of SRHR services utilisation by youths was also low (21.5%). There was a statistically significant influence of SRHR services awareness on youth's utilisation (P <0.05). Also, in the logistic regression, the P-value for all the variables showed that there is no significant influence of the predictor variables (age, religion, marital status, educational qualification, means of livelihood, mother's, and father's educational background) on the outcome variable (awareness and utilization). Limited awareness on SRHR services was a rationale for low utilisation of such services among young people. The study recommended training of health care providers on SRHR services with periodic monitoring to ensure that providers are maintaining standards of care. More community enlightenment through government-community partnership is required to strengthen the concept of SRHR, increase awareness for service utilisation and sustainable development.

A Cross-sectional study on the Prevalence, Behavioural and Environmental Risk Factors of Malaria Transmission in Two Senatorial Districts of Cross River State, Nigeria

There is a dearth of information on the behavioural and environmental risk factors enhancing malaria transmission in the Cross River State. This study,  therefore, investigated the prevalence of malaria and the behavioural and environmental risk factors enhancing malaria parasite transmission in four  Local Government Areas in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional design involving 400 participants aged 5-60 years and was  conducted between August and November 2021. Thick and thin blood films prepared were examined using microscopy at ×10 magnification. A standard  questionnaire was also used to collect data on socio-demographic and environmental factors. The overall prevalence of malaria infection recorded in the  study is 18.2% (73/400). All malaria infections were observed to be caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The prevalence of malaria infection was higher in  the age group 11-20 years (22.2%) (P&lt;0.001). According to gender, males (23.3%) were more infected with malaria than females (12.9%) (P=0.007). An  overall mean (±S.D) parasite density and parasites count of 250.00±18.80 and 15.60±1.20 parasite/μLof blood, respectively, was recorded in the study. In  Calabar South Local Government Area (LGA), there was a negative correlation between the use of bed nets and malaria infection (r= -0.226) (P=0.024).  Mud houses, use of bed nets, and the availability of refuse dump around households were significantly (P&lt;0.001) associated with the presence of  mosquitoes. A negative correlation was observed in the relationship between the presence of mosquitoes and the use of insecticide in Calabar South LGA  (r= -0.390) (P&lt;0.001). There was a negative correlation between the use of bed nets and the presence of mosquitos in Calabar Municipal (r= -0.286)  and Obudu (r= -0.286) LGAs (P=0.004). In conclusion, this study suggests that malaria management efforts should take an integrated strategy that  includes good environmental sanitation. 

Effect of Road Rehabilitation on Housing Renovation in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Infrastructure provision has been identified as a potent tool for the improvement of neighborhoods globally. One such infrastructure is a good road network. Road rehabilitation, therefore, has the capability of promoting land use development and housing development/renovation. Despite the obvious effect that road rehabilitation has on predicting property development and renovation, there appears to be a paucity of studies as it relates to Calabar South Local Government Area where road several roads have been rehabilitated. It is against this backdrop that this study was conceived. The study, therefore, analysed the relationship that exists between road rehabilitation and housing renovation in Calabar South Local Government Area between 2002 and 2021. Six residential neighbourhoods were randomly sampled. Furthermore, a total of 399 copies of the questionnaire were distributed and 389 copies were retrieved and used for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and simple percentages were used in carrying out the analysis. It was noted that road rehabilitation drastically triggered the renovation of properties in the study area. For instance, there was an increase in the extent to which housing units were fenced, painted among other renovation exercises in housing units before and after the rehabilitation of the roads.  

Environmental contamination by soil-transmitted helminths ova and subsequent infection in school-age children in Calabar, Nigeria

The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) is linked to poverty, poor environmental hygiene, and poor sanitation. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2021 targeting school-age children (7–15 years) in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Two hundred and forty-four (244) school-age children participated in the study and 240 soil samples were collected from the selected schools. Faecal and soil samples collected were analysed following standard methods. One hundred and thirty-two [132/244; 54.1%] of 244 faecal samples analysed were positive for STHs. Three STHs were present in faecal samples examined; Ascaris lumbricoides (31.6%), Trichuris trichiura (11.9%) and hookworm (8.2%). The prevalence of STHs was highest amongst the 13–15 years age-group (57.4%) and least in the 7–9 years age group (40.7%) (p = 0.319). Females had the highest prevalence rate (55.6%) while 52.3% was recorded in males (p = 0.164). The overall intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides (68.82±3.605 epg) infection was higher than that recorded for hookworm (58.80±7.279 epg) and T. trichiura (55.71±4.460 epg). There was no significant gender and age-related difference in infection intensities (P>0.05). Out of 240 soil samples examined, 156 (65%) were positive for STHs which included Ascaris lumbricoides (23.3%), hookworm (17.5%), Trichuris trichiura (16.3%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (15.8%). Dumpsites recorded the highest prevalence of STHs (72.5%). Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest mean parasite intensity in soil (148.78±12.28). Overall intensity of STHs in soil was significantly higher in dumpsites areas (164.32±20.58) compared to playground and toilet areas (p = 0.030). Our findings reveal that soil-transmitted helminthiases remains a burden amongst school-age children. Furthermore, the high level of contamination of soil with ova/larvae of parasites is a serious public health concern pointing to the need for proper sanitation and health education within the study area. Data present will aid policy makers in establishing measures to reduce the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiases in children as well as the level of contamination in the environment.

Awareness and preventive practices of obesity among young women in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State

Abstract Study aim: The purpose of this study was to ascertain how young women in Calabar South, Cross River State, were aware of the reasons and preventative measures for obesity. Material and methods: The study adopted the descriptive survey design using simple random sampling technique to select 400 participants (14–26years of age). Self-made and approved questionnaire was employed as a tool for data collection. With the use of descriptive statistics, the data was analyzed using frequency and percentages while chi square analysis was used to test hypothesis. Results: According to the results, a majority of respondents 65.9% had high understanding of the factors that contribute to obesity, compared to just 34.1% who had poor awareness. It was also revealed that short sleep duration, excessive use of technology, parenting and social hindered the preventive practice of obesity. Chi-square analysis showed that the calculated value 28.005a was greater than the critical value 7.81 (p-value = 0.000), thus the null hypothesis was rejected. This shows that there is a significant correlation between level of awareness of the causes of obesity and the educational level of young women. Conclusion: Nurses and midwives should educate young women about obesity during health consultations and prenatal clinic appointments in other to elevate their awareness to enhance their preventive practices

Achieving Its Objective: Has the Universal Basic Education Policy Increased the School Enrolment of the Girl Child?

Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of out of school children globally, with the girl child accounting for 60 per cent of this figure. To find a solution to the high number of out-of-school children and the dire state of public-run schools, improve the existing curriculum and educational policy.  The Government of Olusegun Obasanjo introduced the Universal Basic Education Policy. The policy objective is to provide nine (9) years of free and compulsory primary and junior secondary education from ages 6 to 15.  Adopting the ex-post facto research method, the study examines the impact of the Universal Basic Education policy on school enrollment of the girl child in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.  Data for the study was collected using qualitative and quantitative methods from 390 participants from Calabar South, Cross River State, Nigeria.  Data analysis was carried out hypothesis by hypothesis at a 95 per cent confidence level. Data analyzed revealed a significant impact of the Universal Basic Education policy on school enrolments of the girl child. The government should increase and improve its supervisory mechanism in public schools to check for illegal school fees being collected by school management, among others.

Hydrochemical and Bacteriological Studies of Streams in Calabar South Local Government Area, Nigeria

This paper presents the results of hydro-chemical and bacteriological analysis of water obtained from streams in Calabar South Local Government Area in Nigeria. Water samples were collected from five different streams in the local government area. The water samples were analysed for physic-chemical and bacteriological parameters. From the analytical results obtained, the different parameters tested were as follows: pH (3.81 – 5.35), TDS ( 2.28mg/l – 152.75mg/l), turbidity (0.12NTU – 44.07 NTU), DO ( 7.10mg/l – 10.40mg/l), BOD ( 0.35mg/l – 0.56mg/l), Fe (0.14mg/l – 0.91mg/l), Pb (0.03mg/l – 0.59mg/l), Zn (0.02mg/l – 0.87mg/l), Mn (0.76mg/l – 1.82mg/l), Cu (0.02mg/l – 0.18mg/l), THC (28 per 0.1 ml – 96 per 0.1ml), and total coliform count (23mg/l – 88 mg/l). Most of these parameters were highly objectionable for portable water sources. The bacteriological analysis showed isolation of specified bacterium from all the samples. It was observed that the water sources were quite unreliable for drinking when compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) Standards.

Hydrochemical and Bacteriological Studies of Streams in Calabar South Local Government Area, Nigeria

Hydrochemical and Bacteriological Studies of Streams in Calabar South Local Government Area, Nigeria

Community-based survey on the myths and use of contraceptive methods among married adults in Calabar South, Nigeria

Background: Despite the enormous benefits associated with contraceptive use, only a few sexually active married adults in developing countries like Nigeria use contraceptive methods, this situation is even worst in rural areas across Nigeria. This study examines the influence of myths on the use of contraceptive methods in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Methods: Using the mixed approach, data were obtained from 600 respondents, using a multi-stage sampling technique which in this study entails the selection of community clusters, streets, villages, housing units and respondents through simple random and purposive sampling techniques. In the analysis and interpretation of study findings, descriptive statistics were employed, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: The study shows that fear of pregnancy-related complications and fear of infertility are significant determinants of contraceptive use in Calabar South LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria. Conclusion: The study, therefore, concludes that myths associated with contraceptive use are real and a strong factor that discourages most married adults from the use of contraceptive methods.

Environmental variables and academic performance of junior secondary school student’s in basic science in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

The main purpose of this paper was to evaluate the extent to which Environmental variables influences secondary school students’ academic performance in Basic Science in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State. To achieve the purpose of this study, two research questions were posed and two null hypotheses were formulated and tested at .05 level of significance. Review of literature was carried out according to the sub-variables of the study. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The population of the study is restricted to all junior secondary three (JSS 3) students in Calabar south L.G.A. of Cross River State with a population of 1830, comprising of 912 males and 918 females respectively. The instrument was “Basic Science Performance Test (BSPT)”. Face and content validity of the instrument was done by the supervisors and three experts in Test and Measurement Department Faculty of Education University of Calabar. Kuder Richardson formula 20. (KR-20) was used to determine the reliability of the instruments. From the administered test (BSPT), data was organized and analysed using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The findings of the study revealed that the two environmental variables used in the study significantly influences secondary school student’s academic performance in Basic Science in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State. The researcher recommends among other things that, the government should make science education free to motivate people to go into sciences discipline which is the bedrock of every economy.

A survey of virtual instructional competence among tourism teachers in secondary schools, Calabar South local Government Area, Nigeria.

This single variable research was carried out to survey virtual instructional competence among tourism teachers in secondary schools in Calabar South Local Government Area, Nigeria. Five research questions and one hypothesis were posed to assess virtual instructional competence variables. Descriptive Survey design was adopted for the study. Stratified Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select sixty (60) tourism teachers in both public and private secondary schools. The instrument for data collection was a well-structured questionnaire. Mean, simple percentage and independent t-test analysis were considered most appropriate for data analysis. The result of the analysis showed that professional competence has the highest status, followed by knowledge of subject matter and interpersonal skills. Male teachers were more competent with virtual instructional competence than their female tourism counterparts. The teachers with 1-5 years teaching experience and those with above 15 years of teaching experience readily embraced virtual competence. One challenge of virtual instruction is that tourism teachers found it difficult to cope with virtual instructional delivery but prefer the traditional face to face interaction. It was recommended that tourism teachers in secondary schools in Calabar South Local Government Area should be encouraged to adapt to the trending issue of virtual instruction delivery.