Communities In Southeastern Nigeria Research Articles

Women Petty Trading and Household Livelihood in Rural Communities in South-Eastern Nigeria

Women Petty Trading and Household Livelihood in Rural Communities in South-Eastern Nigeria

Perceptions of the psychological experiences surrounding female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) among the Izzi in Southeast Nigeria.

Evidence about psychological experiences surrounding female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) remains weak and inconclusive. This article is the first of a series that deploys qualitative methods to ascertain the psychological experiences associated with FGM/C through the lifecycle of women. Using the free listing method, 103 girls and women, aged 12 to 68 years from rural and urban Izzi communities in Southeastern Nigeria, produced narratives to articulate their perceptions of FGM/C. Sixty-one of them had undergone FGM/C while 42 had not. Data was analysed using thematic analysis and the emerging themes were related to experiences and disabilities in the psychological, physical, and social health domains. While physical experiences were mostly negative, psychological experiences emerged as both positive and negative. Positive experiences such as happiness, hopefulness, and improved self-esteem were commonly described in response to a rise in social status following FGM/C and relief from the stigma of not having undergone FGM/C. Less commonly reported were negative psychological experiences, e.g., shame when not cut, anxiety in anticipation of the procedure, and regret, sadness, and anger when complications arose from FGM/C. Some participants listed disruption of daily activities, chronic pain, and sleep and sexual difficulties occurring in the aftermath of FGM/C. Most participants did not list FGM/C as having a significant effect on their daily living activities. In light of the association of FGM/C with both positive and negative psychological experiences in the Izzi community, more in-depth study is required to enable policy makers and those campaigning for its complete eradication to rethink strategies and improve interventions.

Lithium in drinking water sources in rural and urban communities in Southeastern Nigeria.

There is a dearth of data on lithium content of domestic water sources in Nigeria. This study reported the lithium concentration in ground and surface water sources used for drinking in Southeastern Nigeria. Thirteen (13) natural springs, 24 streams, 7 hand-dug wells and 80 boreholes, making a total of 124 water samples were collected from strategic locations and analysed by ICP-OES. The distribution of lithium according to water sources and lithostratigraphic units as well as dietary contribution of lithium through drinking water was investigated. Average lithium concentrations in water samples from all sources were between 0.09 and 1.54μg/L (overall mean±SEM: 1.0±0.2μg/L). Results according to the geological formations of the areas studied indicated that only water sources located within the Benin Formation and Bende-Ameki Formation contained lithium in the range of <0.21-7.24 and<0.21-1.97μg/L respectively, whereas lithium was not detected in samples located within the Nsukka and Mamu lithostratigraphic units. Total intakes of lithium from water consumption (0.64L for children and 2L for adults) for all water sources were 79 and 247μg/day for children and adults respectively, while the average daily intake of lithium from the water sources ranged from 0.004 to 0.066 and 0.002-0.044μg/kg body weight for children (15kg) and adults (70kg) respectively. Drinking water in the study areas contributes only about 0.02-0.47% of the U.S. EPA estimated daily intake (9.3-44.3μg/kg) of Lithium.

Breaking the Code: Female Cross-Dressing in Southeastern Nigeria

The southeastern Nigerian woman, during the precolonial era, was forbidden to wear a bifurcated loincloth, as such style had been customarily reserved for the men. The rule was extended to modern clothing such as pants, shorts and trousers introduced to some parts of the region since the late 19th Century. During British colonial rule (1900–1960), the tabooed dress had found its way to some women’s wardrobes amidst harsh criticism. An investigation on the history of female cross-dressing, this article explores how and why the ancient dress code that prohibited cross-dressing was broken and how the resulting trend has been resisted or tolerated in various local contexts. Relying largely on in-depth interviews conducted in several communities in southeastern Nigeria, the article examines the dynamics behind the practice and how the sartorial change fits into certain social theories and feminist perspectives. The article reveals that the phenomenon which disrupted the order of representation caused some remarkable cultural anxiety. It also argues that the practice is indicative of the increasing gender equality in sub-Saharan Africa.

P1.04 Prevalence, Pattern and Factors Associated with Dual Tobacco Use in a Rural Community in South Eastern Nigeria

National prevalence studies have consistently shown higher rates of dual tobacco use in South Eastern Nigeria but little is known about the pattern and factors associated with dual tobacco use in these parts of the country. Dual tobacco use is a greater health problem than mono use and needs to be researched. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern and factors associated with dual tobacco use among residents of a rural community in South Eastern Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 490 residents of GBpo community selected using a two-stage sampling method. Data was collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey. Odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed and P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The results showed that respondents were mostly male 300(61.2%) and aged between 20 and 70 years with a mean of 42.2 ± 15.4 years. Almost a quarter of the respondents, 101 (20.6%) were ever- dual tobacco users. Also, 210(42.9%) use only smokeless tobacco while only 110 (22.4%) use only smoked tobacco Dry snuff (73.8% of smokeless tobacco forms) cigarettes 82.2% (of smoked tobacco forms) were the most common forms of tobacco used. The primary reasons for tobacco use were: to relieve stress (61.2%); to increase levels of alertness (56.4%); for personal pleasure (55.9%) and social acceptance (52.1%). Age (p<0.0001), male gender (p<0.0001) and lower educational attainment (p<0.0001) were associated with dual tobacco use. About half of the respondents (51%) were aware that dual tobacco is more dangerous to human health than mono use and only about (27.1%) were aware that tobacco use is associated with lung cancer and COPD. Many of the respondents agreed that tobacco is a way of promoting friendship (65%) and should be used within their community (73%). Efforts targeted at raising community awareness of the health effects of dual tobacco use are needed in rural communities where dual tobacco use is disproportionately high. Programs should be directed to males with lower educational attainment.

P2.10-14 Prevalence, Pattern, and Intention to Quit Use of Smoked Tobacco in a Rural Community in South Eastern Nigeria

Prevalence studies have consistently reported higher rates of tobacco use in the South-Eastern parts of Nigeria but little is known about the pattern and intention to quit use of smoked tobacco in these parts of the country. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, pattern, and intention to quit use of smoked tobacco, among residents of Ukpo community of southeastern Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 490 residents of Ukpo community selected using a two-stage sampling method. Data was collected using anonymous pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaires adapted from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey. Odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed and P values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The results showed that there were male respondents 300(61.2%) than females 190(38.8%). The age range was 20-70 years with a mean of 42.18 ± 15.412 years. About one quarter, 116 (23.7%) were ever-users of smoked tobacco with 69 (14.8%) remaining as current users. Cigarette 93 (80.2%) was the most common form used. Majority 41(59%) use within 5 minutes after waking up, 11 (15%) within 6-10 minutes, 3 (4%) within 31-60 minutes. The highest prevalence was among the age group 81-100 with 4 people (66.7%) followed by age group 71-80 with 4 people (36.4%). More males 105(35.0%) than females 11(5.8%) were ever users. For marital status, the highest prevalence was among widowed with 36 people (83.7%). Of 116 smokers who visited the hospital, only 36(16.7%) were asked if they use smoked tobacco and 29 (25%) were advised to stop and 68 (58.6%) were willing to quit. Majority of people tried to quit through counseling at a cessation clinic 22 (10.2%), followed by nicotine replacement therapy 15 (6.9%). Age (p<0.055) male gender (p<0.0001), tribe (p<0.003), and low educational attainment (p<0.003) were significantly associated with smoking. Efforts targeted at raising community awareness of the health effects of smoked tobacco use are needed in rural communities where tobacco use is disproportionately high. Programs should be directed at older males with lower levels of education.

The oil palm wine economy of rural farmers in Nigeria: evidence from Enugu Ezike, south-eastern Nigeria

AbstractThe study considers the economics of the oil palm (Elaeis guinensis) to rural farmers in a rural community in south-eastern Nigeria. It compares the economic benefits of all products of the oil palm industry – palm oil, palm kernel, timber, palm wine and brooms. It posits that the most important product of the oil palm to the Enugu Ezike farmer is oil palm wine. This contrasts with the view that holds palm oil and palm kernel as the chief products of the oil palm. In a study conducted in Enugu Ezike, findings reveal that annual revenue from palm wine surpasses the six-yearly income from palm oil, palm kernel and brooms together. The study employs an eclectic framework of data collection, involving oral interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and the use of secondary sources. The oil palm is by every standard the most economically important tree crop and proceeds from it have positively influenced the socio-economic life of the rural communities, and as a result it has improved their living conditions.

Presence of Meaning in Life Mediates the Relations Between Social Support, Posttraumatic Growth, and Resilience in Young Adult Survivors of a Terror Attack

This study aims to explore the relationship between social support, meaningful life, posttraumatic growth (PTG), and resilience among young adult survivors of a terror attack. A random sample of 392 young adults who survived the Fulani herdsmen attack three years prior to this study was drawn from a community in Southeastern Nigeria. Individuals reported high levels of PTG (M = 68.00; SD = 17.04) and resilience (M = 68.64; SD = 16.77). Social support had a significant positive relationship with PTG and resilience, yet this relationship was fully mediated by a meaningful life. The findings highlight the importance of identifying potential avenues for growth and resilience in survivors of herdsmen attacks and the key roles social support and meaningful life play in promoting PTG and resilience.

A Resilience Approach to Community-Scale Climate Adaptation

Climate risk is expected to impact rural communities in West Africa in multiple ways. However, most current research addresses resilience and climate adaptation at either the national or the household scale; very little is known about community-scale interventions. We interviewed 934 community members in six communities in southeastern Nigeria about sources of climate risk and community-based actions for climate change adaptation. We found these communities contained multiple active and engaged groups that have implemented a wide range of interventions to reduce climate risk, most of which are seen as effective by community members. Flooding was the most common form of risk in this region, but drought, windstorms, and irregular rainy seasons are also frequent, implying that effective climate adaptation will have to be sensitive to multiple types of risk. Structural interventions (constructing roads, bridges, etc.) were the most common type of intervention, suggesting that communities are capable of marshalling considerable organizational and human power for adaptation efforts, even in the absence of external assistance. Efforts to boost community resilience and adaptation to climate change would benefit from first understanding what community actions are currently underway, and working with the groups implementing these actions to support and extend them.

Comparison of Land use Practices and Their Limitations in Five Agrarian Communities in Southeastern Nigeria

Comparison of Land use Practices and Their Limitations in Five Agrarian Communities in Southeastern Nigeria

Knowledge of Prevention and Management of Childhood Diarrhoea among Nigerian Mothers: A Public Health Survey

Background: Diarrhoea accounts for 1,300 deaths every day globally. Mothers’ knowledge of preventive measures and practices in the management of childhood diarrhoea influences the disease’s morbidity and mortality. Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge of, and practices mothers adopt in childhood diarrhoea prevention and management. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among mothers in five rural communities in South-Eastern Nigeria using pretested questionnaires. Completed questionnaires were subjected to descriptive and associative analysis. Results: Two thirds of the mothers surveyed (N=374; 67.9%) had poor knowledge of diarrhoea. Less than half mentioned a good hygienic environment (33.5%) as being essential to keeping diarrhoea at bay, 16.5% boiled their drinking water while 70.9% could not prepare a simple oral rehydration solution (ORS) correctly. Two out of ten mothers (20.6%) used an antibiotic in the treatment of diarrhoea and 27% visited the hospital only when the child became very weak. Mother’s occupation (P = 0.002) and her monthly income (P = 0.004) significantly affected their knowledge while age, monthly income and level of education significantly influenced their practices (P&lt;0.05). A higher knowledge of diarrhoea was significantly associated with better feeding practice (P = 0.0001) and correct actions taken to treat diarrhoea (P = 0.003). Conclusion: Most of the mothers surveyed had poor knowledge about diarrhoea prevention and management and also exhibited poor practices. Educational strategies aimed at improving parental knowledge and practices towards diarrhoea in their children could produce better gains in reducing the menace of poorly treated diarrhoea.

Seizure frequency and risk of cognitive impairment in people living with epilepsy in a sub-urban community in South Eastern Nigeria

This study is aimed at assessing the impact of seizure frequency on the cognitive performance of epileptic adult patients in a rural community in South Eastern Nigeria. A total of 51 patients with epilepsy (33 males and 18 females) with a mean age of 30.7 ± 12.1 years and 51 age and sex matched controls participated in this study. The cognitive performances of the people with epilepsy and controls were assessed using the Community Screening Interview for Dementia (CSID) and the computerized cognitive assessment test battery, the FePsy. The control group performed better in almost all the neurocognitive tests compared with the low seizure frequency (LSF) and high seizure frequency (HSF) groups. Analysis of covariance revealed that patients with LSF performed better (p = 0.04) in visual reaction time – dominant hand (VRT-D) compared with the HSF group. There was lack of significant differences in mean total CSID scores and mean sub-total scores for language, memory, orientation, attention, constructional praxis, auditory reaction time-dominant hand and non-dominant hand, VRT – non-dominant hand and figure recognition. HSF patients indicated significantly greater prevalence (80% vs. 20%; p = 0.020) and risk (OR, 8.0; 95% CI, 1.8–33.8)) of memory impairment, but not in the other neurocognitive domains compared with the LSF group. In conclusion, the present study indicated that adults with epilepsy performed poorly in a wide range of neurocognitive variables compared with the controls. However, no significant adverse effects of high seizure frequency were observed on almost all the neurocognitive variables.

P2.10-12 Prevalence, Pattern and Factors Associated with Dual Tobacco Use in a Rural Community in South Eastern Nigeria

P2.10-12 Prevalence, Pattern and Factors Associated with Dual Tobacco Use in a Rural Community in South Eastern Nigeria

Knowledge of Stroke Signs and Symptoms Among Residents in a Rural South Eastern Nigerian Community

BackgroundStroke is a global epidemic. Treatment is predicated on recognition of its signs and symptoms. Materials and MethodWe collected data from 182 participants at a local 2017 health fair in Adu-Achi, Oji-River local government area, Enugu State in South Eastern Nigeria. Demographic data of age and gender, knowledge of 2 or more stroke signs or symptoms, and educational level were collected. The data from 31 (17%) subjects were incomplete and excluded from the final analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between the knowledge of ≥2 stroke symptoms and signs to age and education using Logistic and chi-square methods, respectively. ResultsA total of 151 eligible participants for analysis consisted of 121 (80.1%) females with a mean age of 56 (±14 years) and age range of 20-85years. Majority of the participants, 149 (98.7%) were unable to name 2 or more stroke signs or symptoms. Majority of the subjects, 137 (90.7%) attained highest education of elementary school. Postsecondary school education correlated with knowledge of 2 or more stroke signs and symptoms. ConclusionKnowledge of stroke signs or symptoms is poor among the inhabitants of this rural South-Eastern Nigeria with highest educational attainment of elementary school as represented by this cross-sectional population study. The need to increase education and awareness of stroke in rural communities in South Eastern Nigeria is critically needed.

Prevalence, perceptions and predictors of smokeless tobacco use in a rural community in South Eastern Nigeria

1. Smokeless tobacco: Knowledge, attitudes and use among adults in Lagos, South-West, Nigeria OA Opanuga, OO Ayankogbe, EO Oluwole, OO Odukoya Journal of Addiction Medicine and Therapeutic Science CrossRef

Principal component analysis of the effects of flooding on food security in agrarian communities of south eastern Nigeria

Principal component analysis of the effects of flooding on food security in agrarian communities of south eastern Nigeria

The Pervading Public Health Implications of Female Genital Mutilation among Women (20-40 Years) in a Rural Community in Southeastern Nigeria

Background: Female genital mutilation is a term used to describe the various traditional practices that involve the partial or total cutting off or removal of the external female genitalia for cultural and traditional reasons in many African societies. This research addressed the concept of this practice among the child bearing women (20-40 years old) of Amuzi, Obowo clan in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.Methods: Using a simple random sampling technique, 10% of the 1000 women present in the community, the sample size were determined. Thus, the study population of 100 women had structured questionnaire given to them to elicit data; by focusing on the experiences of the women who knew about the practice, by looking at their flashbacks, the prevalence, procedure, reasons for, health complications involved after the mutilation.Results: The research results indicated that female genital mutilation has complications that interrupt and disrupt the health and well-being of girls and women. It affects particularly their reproductive life and living.Conclusion: Female genital mutilation is a violation of women's right to health and wellbeing. It is recommended that empowering people in the community with more knowledge on the subject, and providing the necessary resources needed; will help considerably in stopping the practice of female genital mutilation.

Determinants of patterns of maternal and child health service utilization in a rural community in south eastern Nigeria

BackgroundWomen and children constitute a large proportion of any population. They are the most vulnerable to morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. In many situations the problem of poor maternal and child health stems from the poor use of available services even when they are not of optimum quality. This study seeks to describe the patterns of utilization of Maternal and Child health (MCH) services in a rural area of Enugu State, and identify factors that are associated with and responsible for determining them.MethodsThe study used a cross sectional analytic design. Pretested semi structured questionnaires were administered by interviewers to 602 women from a rural community in Enugu state, South east Nigeria. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 8–10 men/ women each were conducted to identify factors affecting service utilization. Chi square analysis was done to identify factors associated with Maternal and Child Health services utilization. Logistic regression was used to identify determinants of utilization patterns. N vivo software was used to analyze findings of the FGDs.ResultsThe study revealed that increasing age, educational level, monthly income, number of children and occupation of both women and their husbands were associated with increased MCH service utilization. Average monthly income (OR: 1.317, p = 0.048, CI: 0.073–0.986) and number of children (OR: 1.196, p < 0.01,CI: 1.563–7.000) were determinants of increased use of child care services while educational level (OR: 0.495, p < 0.001, CI: 1.244–2.164) and age (OR: 0.115, p < 0.001, CI: 0.838–0.948) determined better use of delivery and family planning services respectively.ConclusionsImproved use of MCH services is related to socio economic challenges women face such as illiteracy and low income. Furthermore, the way health facilities and their staff are perceived by rural women affect how they use some of these services and should be considered in programs which seek to reduce maternal and child mortality.Behavioral change programs with high local content need to be implemented within rural areas especially among younger, illiterate women .

Using Key Informant Method to Determine the Prevalence and Causes of Childhood Blindness in South-Eastern Nigeria

ABSTRACTPurpose: To determine the prevalence and causes of childhood blindness in an underserved community in south-eastern Nigeria using the key informant method.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Key informants (KI) appointed by their respective communities received 1-day training on identification of blind children in their communities. Two weeks later, the research team visited the agreed sites within the community and examined the identified children. The World Health Organization eye examination record for blind children was used for data collection. Data entry and analysis were done with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0.Results: Fifteen blind or severely visually impaired children (age range 3 months to 15 years) were identified in this community; nine of these were brought by the KIs. The prevalence of childhood blindness/severe visual impairment (BL/SVI) was 0.12 per 1000 children. By anatomical classification, operable cataract in 6 (40.0%) was the leading cause of BL/SVI in the series; followed by optic nerve lesions (atrophy/hypoplasia) in 3 (20.0%). The etiology of BL/SVI is unknown for the majority of the children (66.7%). It was presumed hereditary in four children (26.7%). Sixty percent of the blindness was judged avoidable. Only three children (20.0%) were enrolled in the Special Education Centre for the Blind.Conclusion: The prevalence of childhood BL/SVI in our study population is low but over half of the blindness is avoidable. There may be a significant backlog of operable childhood cataract in south-eastern Nigeria. The KI method is a practical method for case finding of blind children in rural communities.

River use, conservation and management among riverine communities in Southeastern Nigeria

Water holds important and diverse benefits for society. It is essential for economic and social development and is important for maintaining the livelihoods of people both in rural and urban areas. The connection between people and water dates back to the earliest origins of life and show the cultural values and social differences that are present in societies. With growing water scarcity, competition for the resource, climate change impacts and pollution, integrated water resource management has been increasingly enlisted as a way to better manage the resource. However the problem remains that many water resource planning and management regimes do not capture the views of the myriad of stakeholders and the many benefits of ecological services. This paper examines river use, conservation and management among riverine communities in South Eastern Nigeria using descriptive statistics on primary data collected from a survey of rural households along two rivers in southeastern Nigeria., Although more than 60% of the respondents in the Local Government areas sampled indicated uses of water for various domestic ends and that other uses like recreation, industry and ecosystem services were indicated and that they are able to attach economic values to these roles, the communities lack the capacity for resource management and conservation. It proposes a strong need for public enlightenment and empowerment for effective water resource management. Keywords: Water use, Conservation, Livelihoods, Participation, Common property