Communities In Southwestern Nigeria Research Articles

Religion and the everyday citizenship of people with dementia in Nigeria: A qualitative study.

Research on the lived experience of dementia is burgeoning across the social and health sciences. Yet, very little is still known about the experience of dementia for many tribes and ethnoreligious groups, as most studies are conducted in Western countries. The aim is to advance the understanding of the role of faith and prayer in the lives of people with dementia in Nigeria through a lens of everyday citizenship. Interviews were conducted with 17 older people with dementia in a low-income, Yoruba-speaking community in Southwestern Nigeria. After transcription, the data were analysed thematically. The major theme identified in participants' accounts was that prayer served as a space for active and agentic participation. This theme was further elaborated upon through four subthemes: (1) agency in routine and daily prayer, (2) cognitive (re)framing through prayer, (3) prayer as a vehicle for active social interaction and support, and (4) prayer as work and transaction. Participants described religious practices as important to their acceptance of the situations, their feelings of hope in everyday lives, and their connection and contributions to the community. Analysis also shows the centrality of relationality in the everyday experiences of people with dementia. This article contributes to advancing the understanding of the socially orientated everyday experience of dementia. It contributes to a small body of literature on the social aspect and everyday experiences of living with dementia in Africa and stands out as the first of its kind study in Nigeria.

Attitude and predictors of exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers attending under-five welfare clinics in a rural community in Southwestern Nigeria.

Much previous research on exclusive breastfeeding has focused on urban and semi-urban communities, while there is still a paucity of data from rural areas. We assessed the attitude and practice of exclusive breastfeeding and its predictors among mothers attending the under-five welfare clinics in a rural community. A cross-sectional study was conducted among consecutively recruited 217 mothers attending the three health facilities under-five welfare clinics in Ido-Ekiti, Southwest, Nigeria. Information was collected with a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from previously published research works. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. More than half of the mothers, 117(53.9%) were ≥30 years old, and 191(88.0%) were married. Almost all, 216 (99.5%) attended an ante-natal clinic; however, 174(80.2%) delivered in the health facility. The respondent's mean ± SD exclusive breastfeeding attitudinal score was 29.94 ± 2.14 (maximum obtainable score was 36), and the proportion of mothers that practiced exclusive breastfeeding was 40.6%. Married mothers were more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding than their unmarried counterparts (AOR:6.324, 95%CI:1.809-22.114). The common reasons for not practicing exclusive breastfeeding were work schedule 57(26.3%), cultural beliefs and the need to introduce herbal medicine 32(14.7%), and insufficient breast milk 30(13.8%). This study revealed a good disposition with a suboptimal practice towards exclusive breastfeeding. Also, being married was a positive predictor of exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore, we recommend policies that will improve exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in rural areas, especially those targeting the unmarried, to achieve the World Health Organization's target.

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN PSYCHOSEXUAL FACTORS, FAMILY VARIABLES AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Links between psychosexual factors (sexual communication and sexual satisfaction), family variables (marital satisfaction, years in marriage, and the number of children), and psychological well-being among Yoruba older adults of Southwestern Nigeria were investigated. A cross-sectional research design was used for the study. Two hundred and nine (209) older adults aged 60 to 92 years (M = 68.2, SD = 8.05, Females = 81, Males = 128) were conveniently drawn from five (5) communities in Southwestern Nigeria. Data collected from the samples using a self-administered paper and pencil questionnaire were analyzed using Structural equation modelling (SEM). Results showed that sexual satisfaction has a direct and significant effect on marital satisfaction and psychological well-being among older adults; sexual satisfaction mediates the effect of years in marriage on psychological well-being; increased number of children leads to lower marital satisfaction and poor psychological well-being in old age, and sexual communication enhances psychological well-being in old age. Notwithstanding the fact that sexual behaviour is shrouded in secrecy among older adults in some African cultures like Nigeria, the study concluded that it plays a significant role in enhancing their psychological well-being.

Culture and the illegal trade in vultures in southwestern Nigeria: conundrums and recommendations.

The illegal wildlife trade problem is worldwide in scope, affecting biodiversity conservation and human wellbeing. However, the trade has cultural dimensions. In addition to economic gain, cultural influences drive the illegal wildlife trade. This paper examines the cultural drivers of illegal trade in vultures in southwestern Nigeria, a pressing but understudied example which is believed to be a major driver of population declines in West Africa. Semi-structured interviews revealed that Yoruba communities in southwestern Nigeria have practiced belief-based use of wildlife for generations, with participation in vulture trade passed vertically within families and horizontally between unrelated persons. Vulture products are used for a range of purposes, from healing to spiritual protection or good fortune. The cultural beliefs underlying use of vultures have a strong syncretic religious component and evolved from primordial myths based on the behavioural and morphological characteristics of vultures. We propose potential interventions that include re-establishing existing social norms that forbid the killing of vultures and engaging religious leaders to discourage trade.

Imaging the distribution of bitumen contaminants in shallow coastal plain sands in southwestern Nigeria using electrical resistivity

Naturally occurring bitumen seeps migrating within the shallow subsurface contaminates soil and groundwater in communities within the eastern segment of the Dahomey Basin in southwestern Nigeria. Managing these contaminations require an understanding of the distribution of the bitumen seeps to isolate contaminated regions to avoid farming activities or drilling shallow drinking water wells within them. Several studies have assessed the shallow occurrence of bitumen in the region, focusing on their economic potentials but ignores the challenges with soil and groundwater contamination in these communities. This study focuses on using electrical resistivity imaging techniques with limited soil cores to delineate the distribution of bitumen seeps within the shallow subsurface in Imakun-Omi community in southwestern Nigeria. We used both 1D and 2D numerical and field approaches in this study. 13 vertical electrical soundings using a Schlumberger electrode array were first acquired to obtain the bulk resistivities and layer thicknesses. The 1D resistivity alongside well lithologic data served as prior data for a forward modelling study to assess the capability of resolving the bitumen seeps within electrically resistive coastal sands. Results of the forward modelling studies guided the acquisition of five 2D electrical resistivity profiles used to image the distribution of bitumen seeps using a Wenner electrode array with a unit electrode spacing of 2 m. Results of this study show that bitumen seeps with resistivities greater than 3000 Ohm-m are distributed within the top 4 m in the area and extends down to 10 m in some locations. Our numerical studies show that despite difficulties in imaging bitumen seeps within sediments overlain by higher electrical resistivity layers, reliable results can be derived, thus proving the versatility of electrical resistivity in delineating areas contaminated by bitumen seeps within shallow coastal sands.

Pattern and predictors of medication use among adults in southwestern Nigeria: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Population-based drug utilization studies are scanty in Nigeria. The aim was to determine the pattern and predictors of medication use among adults in the communities of Southwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults selected by multi-stage sampling from Oyo State communities. The questionnaires, adapted from the WHO Students' Drug Use Questionnaire and previous studies, were pretested and interviewer administered. The respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, the pattern of medication use, prescribers, and sources of drug acquisition were obtained. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictor of medications used. Of the 999 respondents, 501 resided in rural communities while 498 dwelled in urban areas. The mean (±SD) age of the respondents was 38 ± 15 years. The median (range)% prevalence of medication use were as follows: lifetime use, 58.2 (17.7-81.0); current use, 31.2 (8.9-65.9); and past use, 20.3 (9.2-28.9). Medications were mainly obtained from patent medicine stores, median (range%), 71 (65-80). The commonly used drugs were paracetamol, 626 (67.6); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 174 (18.8); artemether/lumefantrine, 422 (68.2); ampicillin/cloxacillin, 220 (48.6); and chlorpheniramine, 59 (39.9). Factors predictive of current medication use, adjusted odd ratio (95% confidence interval) were as follows: antimalarial [male, 0.7 (0.5, 0.9)]; antibacterial [male, 0.6 (0.4-0.9)]; analgesics [married, 1.5 (1.1-2.2); presence of health facilities, 0.5 (0.3-0.7); and shorter distance to health facility, 1.5 (1.1-2.1)]. Antimalarials, antibacterial, and analgesics were commonly used and inappropriately obtained by adults in Southwestern Nigeria. Factors predictive of current medication use were gender, marital status, the presence of health facilities, and distance to health facilities. There is a need for more extensive countrywide medication use studies and enlightenment programs to ensure the appropriate use of medications.

Approaches to epilepsy treatment among Yoruba traditional healers in southwest Nigeria

Traditional Yoruba medical practitioners are known for taking a holistic and specific approach to treating chronic diseases and illnesses, which may have implications for treatment efficacy and therapeutic outcomes. This study explores the therapeutic measures used by Yoruba traditional healers in managing clients who have epilepsy. Based on a qualitative descriptive case study approach, traditional healers with the requisite experience in treating epilepsy were recruited within two Yoruba communities in southwestern Nigeria. A snowball sampling technique guided the recruitment of 24 traditional healers for face-to-face interviews. All the audio-taped interviews were transcribed and translated into English in a back-to-back approach and analysed thematically with the support of Atlasti 8. It was stated by the traditional healers that divination is the first procedure in the treatment of epilepsy. Divination reveals aetiology, dictates the treatment approach and therapies for each case, and also assists healers in protecting themselves and their significant others from being afflicted with epilepsy. Findings revealed that, as a complex illness, epilepsy could sometimes occur in the life of an individual as an affliction. Thereafter, appeasements, sacrifices, spiritual baths, and concoctions would be introduced on a case-by-case basis. Animals and plant materials also formed parts of the contents used in making potent treatments or therapeutic remedies. Epilepsy is treated among traditional Yoruba healers using different approaches depending on the aetiology of the case and their divination of what works well for an individual. Internal regulations of traditional medicine are required to ensure the legitimacy of treatments and therapies and protect people living with epilepsy from exploitation.

Metabolic Syndrome and Its Association with Nutritional and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: Prevalence among Apparently Healthy Adults in a Rural Community in Southwestern Nigeria

Aim: The study assessed the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome among apparently healthy adults in rural settlements.
 Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration: Ejigbo, a rural settlement in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria, between September and December 2019.
 Methodology: 271 apparently healthy individuals were recruited using a multistage sampling technique with the WHO STEPS Instrument questionnaire, level of significance set at P= 0.05.
 Results: The prevalences of overweight and obesity were 96 (35.4%) and 66 (24.4%) respectively. The prevalence of hypertension among respondents was 83 (30.6%). High plasma levels of Total Cholesterol 64 (23.6%), triglyceride 20 (7.4%), LDL-Cholesterol 28 (10.3%) and very high LDL-Cholesterol 31 (11.5%) were found among the respondents. While 72 (26.6%) of the respondents have a low level of HDL-Cholesterol. The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance among the respondents was 34 (12.6%) when 45 (16.6%) had diabetic plasma glucose levels and 82 (30.3%) for metabolic syndrome.
 Conclusion: Cardiometabolic risk factors were very high among rural dwellers, especially people without metabolic syndrome. Therefore, public awareness, about those risk factors, should be intensified. Routine medical check-ups and screening should be encouraged.

The Prevalence and Pattern of Anaemia in Type 2 Diabetics in Ogbomosho, An Urban Community in Southwestern Nigeria

Anaemia is a frequent finding in type 2 diabetes, but it is typically seen with established chronic kidney disease and renal insufficiency. Cases, where anaemia predates renal insufficiency, are associated with a worse prognosis for the type 2 diabetes patient and an increased susceptibility to complications. This study aims to determine the prevalence and type of anaemia in persons living with type 2 diabetes without established chronic kidney disease in our environment. The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study that involved 141 people with known type 2 diabetes as the study group and 140 healthy persons as controls. The study population and the controls were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered semistructured questionnaire at the Endocrinology clinic, Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho. The data obtained were analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 23.0 (p value ≤0.05 was considered significant). The biochemical (fasting lipids, HBA1C, FBG, serum albumin, creatinine, urea, uric acid, and insulin) and haematological (FBC and red cell indices; PVC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RCDW) parameters of the respondents were analyzed using standard methods. The study showed a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of anaemia among subjects, 69.2% as compared to 30.8% of the control group. Normochromic normocytic anaemia was predominant among the subjects, whereas microcytic hypochromic anaemia was the predominant type in the controls. There was no statistically significant difference between MCV and MCHC of both subjects and controls. There was a positive correlation between the incidence of anaemia and the duration of diabetes among the subjects. More people with type 2 diabetes are now living longer, and the addition of haematological parameters should be part of their baseline investigations to aid in the early detection of complications.

Socio-economic Impacts of Rural Energy Poverty on Women and Students in Esa-Oke, Nigeria

Energy poverty is a growing global challenge with significant adverse effects on well-being and health. However, its social impacts on vulnerable population in deprived communities have been largely ignored. Consequently, this study examines the social-economic impacts of energy poverty among women and students in Esa Oke, a hilly and rural and energy-deprived community in southwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design approach was adopted, while purposive and random sampling technique was used in selecting respondents. Findings from the study revealed differences in energy consumption behaviour of women and students in rural settings; while women adopt traditional biomass for cooking, students adopt modern energy services. Additionally, the impacts of poor energy access differ per women and students. For instance, on one hand, the use of traditional biomass significantly affects rural women's health, as the majority (95%) of women respondents reported exposure to emissions through indirect combustion of fuelwood. On the other hand, students' academic performance and academic activities were significantly disrupted due to the poor electricity supply in the area. Based on the foregoing, the study recommends an inclusive rural energy policy that captures all social groups affected by energy poverty.

Assessment of some potentially harmful elements and their associated health risk in stream sediments of rural gold-mining communities in Southwestern Nigeria

Assessment of some potentially harmful elements and their associated health risk in stream sediments of rural gold-mining communities in Southwestern Nigeria

Risk Communication and Community Attitude to Corona Virus Disease 2019 Outbreak in Southwestern Nigeria

Background: The global community is racing to slow down and eventually halt the spread of COVID-19. The success of the ongoing battle against this pandemic all over the world depends on community knowledge and perception. The objective of this study was to assess risk communication, knowledge and community attitudes to COVID-19 outbreaks in southwestern Nigeria. Methods: Community based descriptive cross-sectional study of risk communication, knowledge and community attitude to COVID-19 prevention and control among 1200 community persons selected using multistage sampling methods. Research instrument was a semi-structure interviewer administered questionnaire, and data analyzed using the IBM SPSS software version 23.0. Findings: Mean age of respondents was 36.0 ± 12.1 years, 735 (61.3%) were females and 465 (38.8%) were males. Majority of the respondents (97.5%) had heard about COVID-19, with the radio (65.2%) and television (60.4%) being the major sources of information. Only 455 (37.9%) think that they can get COVID-19, 738 (61.5%) said they were ready to willingly observe staying indoors or lockdown, only 525 (43.8%) have been putting on face mask. Respondents with good knowledge of COVID-19 transmission, symptoms and prevention were 39.6%, 88.7% and 94.5% respectively, while for good perception towards COVID-19 was 72.2%. Predictors of good knowledge of transmission and symptoms of COVID were respondents being above 19 years, being a male and having education level above secondary school. Predictors of good knowledge and perception of prevention and control measures of COVID were respondents being above 19 years, being a female and having education level above secondary school. Conclusion: Good awareness and poor knowledge of COVID-19 transmission, but good knowledge of prevention and good perception were reported among communities in Southwestern Nigeria. Only few believed they could get the disease. This calls for enlightenment campaign and good communication messages directed at the general population.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice About Malaria Prevention in a Sub-Urban Community in Southwestern Nigeria

Background: Malaria is a complex disease that varies widely in epidemiology and clinical manifestation in different parts of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 241 million malaria cases in 2020. April 25 every year, the world comes together under "World Malaria Day" (WMD) to raise awareness of the burden of malaria around the world. Objective: This study was conducted on WMD 2022 to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice toward malaria prevention in a sub-urban community in south-western Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among residents in the Mushin local government area, Lagos State, on WMD 2022. A self-administered structured questionnaire was filled out by conveniently sampled participants in a strategic location in the venue. Descriptive analysis was carried out to determine participants’ knowledge and attitude to malaria and practices of malaria prevention. Results: One hundred and thirty-five (135) people participated in the study. Majority of the respondents were female (77; 57%) and between the ages 44 to 56 years (48; 35.6%). About (101; 75%) of the respondent had good knowledge of malaria but almost (79; 58.9%) had poor attitude to malaria. The majority (88; 65.2%) of the respondents had a poor practice towards malaria prevention. Conclusion: Most participants had good knowledge about malaria but poor attitude and practice of prevention of the disease. These findings stress the need to enhance community knowledge and sensitization efforts about malaria. Public health enlightenment efforts on malaria prevention should be intensified.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Clinical Correlates in a Rural Community in Southwestern Nigeria.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a burgeoning problem globally, and more than a billion adults were affected as of 2016, with 1.2 million people dying from renal failure in 2017. To arrest the seemingly relentless progression of CKD to renal failure, there is a need to detect CKD early in the community. A community-based study was carried out to look at the prevalence and risk factors of CKD. Anthropometric and other clinical variables were measured. Blood samples were taken for determining creatinine, uric acid, urea, and lipids. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Electrocardiograms and renal ultrasound scans were performed. In total, 201 people were recruited. Those with CKD had a male:female ratio of 1:3.9 and were older. The prevalence of autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease and CKD was 531.9 persons/100,000 population and 46.3%, respectively. Systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), uric acid, QTc interval, and electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy were higher in those with CKD. Age, female sex, and HDL were independently associated with CKD. There was a steep rise in CKD at the community level. Increased awareness of CKD and prompt interventions are therefore imperative.

Exploring Social Support Systems and Experiences of Older Women in Tede Community, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Rural communities in Nigeria are rapidly aging due to the massive movement of young adults to the cities, especially after marriage and/or in search of employment. This has adversely affected the social supports for older persons. The current study explored the experiences of older adults living in rural communities in Southwestern Nigeria. The study adopted an exploratory qualitative research design, in-depth interview techniques were adopted, and results were analyzed using thematic analysis. For this pilot study, conducted in Tede community in Oyo state in Nigeria, 10 older women, aged 70+ years were purposively selected for the study. The fact that all participants were women was due to the fact that older persons found in the community were mostly women. Consonant with previous research, this pilot study found that there was limited formal and informal support systems for older women in the community. The study additionally revealed that older women expressed feelings of abandonment by adult children, having insufficient funds, as well as inability to access health care. Consequently, these women resorted to alternative means to fend for themselves. For instance, despite having functional limitations, older women in the community would engage in physically demanding tasks such as going into the bushes to cut and gather firewood to sell, as well as engaging in other forms of petty trading, while others resorted to begging for alms for sustenance. This pilot study highlights the experience of poverty among older women and the need for more structural interventions for older persons in Nigeria.

Personal and Stigma -related Experiences among Clients Treated and Suspected for Lassa Fever in Selected Endemic Communities in Southwestern Nigeria

Personal and Stigma -related Experiences among Clients Treated and Suspected for Lassa Fever in Selected Endemic Communities in Southwestern Nigeria

Choosing informal ways to acquire land

PurposeThis paper examines why some sets of people choose an informal way to acquire land. It also examines challenges and drivers within indigenous communities in South-western Nigeria. Policy recommendations were proposed for formalization. What precisely are the contextual reasons that can be established empirically for the prevailing extra-legal practices in the developing land market? What are the challenges, and how can the informal land market be graduated into the formal system?Design/methodology/approachIt begins with identifying the contextual features, drivers and challenges of the informal land market through a combination of literature synthesis and a pilot survey. Subsequently, copies of questionnaires were developed, tested and distributed to the critical actors in the informal land market. Lastly, a structured interview was conducted to elicit possible solutions from key actors (both formal and informal stakeholders). Data were analyzed using descriptive, inferential statistics and computer-aided qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS, Atlas. ti).FindingsThe absence of administrative bureaucracy was the predominant characteristic of the informal urban land market, while household income is the strongest predictor of the informal land market drivers. Informal documentation of transactions is also one of the most severe challenges in the informal urban land market. Consensus between statutory and customary institutions and other 15 governance-related recommendations is proposed to confirm informality to formality.Originality/valueThe paper's outcome will provide a rational guide to landowners, land administrators and other stakeholders on relevant information needed to develop a viable and healthy urban and rural land market.

Prevalence, Parasite Density and Determinants of Falciparum Malaria Among Febrile Children in Some Peri-Urban Communities in Southwestern Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundMalaria remains a serious public health problem worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, including Nigeria. This study investigates the prevalence, parasite density and determinants of malaria among symptomatic children in some peri-urban communities in southwestern Nigeria.MethodsThis was a randomized cross-sectional and hospital-based study. The standard method of microscopy was employed. Thick and thin films were prepared and viewed under a light microscope to identify and quantify malaria parasites. A well-structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain the subject’s information on the demographic, socio-economic and environmental variables.ResultsA total of 380 (71.7%) participants were infected with Plasmodium falciparum with a mean parasite density of 1857.11 parasite/µL of blood. Malaria prevalence and mean parasite density were significantly higher among male compared to their female counterparts [80.3% vs 61.4% and 2026.46 vs 1619.63 parasite/µL of blood]. Similarly, age group ≤5 years had the highest malaria prevalence (92.2%) and mean parasite density (2031.66 parasite/µL of blood) than other age groups (AOR 2.281, 95% CI: 1.187–4.384, P < 0.05). The multivariate logistic analysis showed that malaria disease is significantly associated with having mother with no formal education (AOR 12.235, 95% CI: 3.253–46.021, P < 0.05), having well and river as a major source of household water supply (AOR 13.810, 95% CI: 3.012–63.314, P < 0.05 vs AOR 5.639, 95% CI: 1.455–21.853, P < 0.05) and presence of stagnant water around home (AOR 5.22, 95% CI: 2.921–9.332, P < 0.05). Furthermore, protective factors observed include ownership of mosquito bed net (AOR 0.474, 95% CI: 0.223–1.008, P < 0.05) and distance of home to hospital (AOR 0.279, 95% CI: 0.158–0.493, P < 0.05).ConclusionMalaria remains a serious public health problem in the study area. Adopting integrated malaria control measures including educating parents on malaria prevention and control strategies, distributing mosquito bed nets, and establishing larvae source management program is highly imperative.

Prevalence of Postpartum Depression Among Lactating Mothers of Infant Twins and Singletons in Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria

ObjectivesThe objective to assess the prevalence of postpartum depression among lactating mothers of infant twins and singletons in Igboora, Oyo state, Nigeria. MethodsThe cross-sectional study was carried out in Igboora, a twinning community in south western Nigeria. Snowballing technique was used to reach 85 and 90 mothers of twins and singletons respectively. Interview based questionnaires were administered to the mothers to assess their breastfeeding practices and Edingburgh Postpartum Depression Scale was used to assess depression. Analysis was done using IBM-SPSS version 21.0. Student T-test was be used to compare the mean score of postpartum depression for single mothers and twin mothers at p < 0.05. ResultsAbout 6 out of every ten respondents (55.6% for singleton; 64.7% for twins) had received previous education on breastfeeding and the main major source of information was hospital settings (55.6% for mothers of singletons and 61.2% for twin mothers). Twenty-seven and 36.5% of mothers of singletons and twins respectively indicated to have received adequate support from their spouses and mothers-in-law. Less than half (44.8% singletons; 44.7% twins) of the mothers-initiated breastfeeding within one hour of birth while majority of the mothers (94.4% for singletons and 83.5% for twins) introduced colostrum to their babies, just about half; 51.1% and 55.3% of the mothers of singletons and twins respectively introduced prelacteal feed to their children. Overall, breastfeeding was found to be better practiced among mothers of singletons than mothers of twins with less than half (48.2%) of the mothers reporting good breastfeeding practices while about two-thirds (64.4%) of the mothers of singletons had good breastfeeding practices. Mothers of singletons were more depressed than the mothers of twins (21.1% and 11.8% respectively). However, no significant association was observed between postpartum depression and breastfeeding practices among both the mothers of singletons and twins in this study. ConclusionsIncreased prevalence of postpartum depression was recorded among the respondents, mothers of singletons are more likely to have postpartum depression than mothers of twins. Funding SourcesThere was no funding for this study.

Urbanization and its effects on land and water resources in Ijebuland, southwestern Nigeria

The many widely reported significant environmental changes in sub-Saharan communities caused by population change and expansion of built-up areas have seldom been documented in detail. Poor documentation of environmental changes and their effects may contribute to poor governance and planning in parts of the region. This study examined change in the form and attributes of areas under different land cover in a relatively homogenous Yoruba ethnic group community in Southwestern Nigeria. It used a mix-method approach of remote sensing and social surveys analysis. Landsat images covering the area for 1986, 2000 and 2016 were evaluated for land use/cover change, and the impact of the changes was assessed with social surveys (questionnaire administration and key informant interviews). Results showed a 212.2% increase in the built-up area and a corresponding decrease in forest and surface water area (streams) by 74.4% and 66.3%, respectively. Coping strategies were weak and overtly reactive, as there appeared to be no evidence of any previous plan for response to such degrading effects. The study concluded that urbanization exhibits degrading effects on land and water attributes in the area, and therefore recommends improved monitoring of the region through relevant policy and institutional investitures.