Communities In Southeastern Nigeria Research Articles

Ecological and health risk assessments of heavy metals in surface water sediments from Ifite Ogwari community in Southeastern Nigeria

The hydrosphere becomes contaminated secondarily by accumulated heavy metals in sediments which may be released into the aquatic environment, thereby increasing the risks to human health. To evaluate the pollution characteristics of heavy metals in surface water sediments of Ifite Ogwari, nine sediment samples were collected from surface water sources used by the residents for drinking and other household activities. The concentrations of eight heavy metals: cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) and Risk Assessment Code (RAC) were conducted. Results of heavy metal concentration indicated that Cu < Cr < Ni < Pb < Cd < Zn < Mn < Fe based on the average metal concentration. Human health assessment showed high cancer risk for children and adults in a ratio of 1 in 10000 population. PERI indicated that sediment samples from Iyiutu and Ahala streams have low potential ecological risk while samples from Ube, Tabasi and Ogbu showed moderate ecological risk whereas samples from Isiachala, Nabaloku and Atammele streams as well as Omambala river sediments were high. RAC shows no ecological risk by Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu and Mn but in Omambala river, Cr and Cd contributed to ecological risk while Fe contributed to ecological risk in all the samples. Consequently, there is need for proper monitoring from health base evaluation and conscious effort to live in a clean environment devoid of any kind of exposure.

Ecological dynamics and multidimensional analysis of phlebotomine sandflies in potentially prone communities in southeastern Nigeria

Ecological dynamics and multidimensional analysis of phlebotomine sandflies in potentially prone communities in southeastern Nigeria

Heritage and Cultural Affiliation: Archaeological Materials in the Performance of Identity and Belonging in Igbo Ukwu, Southeastern Nigeria

This paper explores the use of images of archaeological objects as a conduit for members of a social group to establish a connection with the past, shape new realities of identity, and express a sense of belonging. With a focus on Igbo Ukwu, a renowned archaeological community in southeastern Nigeria, this paper follows the discourse on images as realistic claims to truth situated within heritage studies. Specifically, we conceptualize archaeological objects as a materiality of belonging, examining how their affect among community members extends beyond the tangible objects to include images of the objects reproduced across different media. By examining the elevation of images of archaeological objects to index cultural affiliation between the past and the present, we highlight the emergence and (re)production of corporate notions of belonging in Igbo Ukwu community. This paper contributes to discourse on a holistic approach to the use of archaeological objects in the (re)construction of identities and ideologies. We argue that by tracing the history of representation and the role that images play in it, we are able to isolate and reconstruct the process through which new, or reimagined, realities emerge.

Theatre-for-Development as Information Panacea for Rural Dwellers in Nigeria during a Pandemic: Lessons from COVID-19

The subject of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Nigeria emerged with various misrepresentations and conspiracy theories, such as the notion of COVID-19 as a forerunner of the Anti-Christ or the commencement of a 'New World Order' occasioned by the 5G network. COVID-19 information in Nigeria was managed by the Presidential Task Force through daily media briefings. This paper examined the PTF's information dissemination structure and its impact on four indigenous communities in south-eastern Nigeria: Ikwo in Ebonyi State, Iva-Valley Forestry Hill Camp 1 in Enugu State, Umualumu Old Road in Imo State, and Ogbagu Obukpa in Enugu State. TfD was used during lockdown to inform indigenous communities and promote necessary health precautions. The project used TfD and Brecht's Epic Theatre Theory in 4 Nigerian communities to show how TfD can complement other media in informing rural residents about COVID-19. TfD mobilized indigenous communities in southeastern Nigeria to understand Igbo and take COVID-19 precautions despite PTF's robust information dissemination structure. TfD could have helped the PTF share vital COVID-19 info with rural communities in Nigeria. The Nigerian government should establish a robust infrastructure for raising awareness and combating COVID-19 and other pandemics in rural areas through TfD

Bridging the care gap: Harnessing telehealth for enhanced care access among adults with chronic health conditions in South-Eastern Nigeria

Introduction: Telehealth is a term that refers to the use of information communication technology to access both clinical and non-clinical health services. It bridges the long-distance barrier between the patient and the clinician. It allows for patient care, advice, reminders, education, intervention, monitoring, and remote admission. The objective of this study is to determine the use of telehealth for health care by adults with chronic health conditions among households in an urban community in South-Eastern Nigeria. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey. Data was collated using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Their mean age was 39.9years with a range of 19 – 95years. Overall, 83.9% of the participants were aware of telehealth while 37.3% had a good knowledge of telehealth. 64% of the respondents had used telehealth before, and 38.7% of users used telehealth in emergencies only. 95.9% of the respondents owned either a phone or a laptop and speaking with a doctor or nurse on the phone about current health status was the commonest form of telehealth used by respondents [128(58.98%)]. Furthermore, the commonest facilitator to participants’ use of telehealth was level of computer literacy, while the commonest barrier noted was poor mobile network. There was statistically significant relationship between at least fair level of knowledge of telehealth and use of telehealth (P&lt;0.001). Discussion: To improve the awareness, level of knowledge and use of telehealth for healthcare, concerted efforts between individuals, health care professionals, telecommunication agencies, NGOs and the government is required.

Prevalence of hypertension in a rural community in southeastern Nigeria; an opportunity for early intervention.

Hypertension is a leading cause of non-communicable morbidity in Sub Saharan Africa. Recent studies suggest and increase in the prevalence of hypertension in rural Sub-Saharan Africa. Using a three-phase approach, a structured questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of hypertension in a rural settlement is Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria. Blood pressure measurement was done according to the guidelines of the European Society of Hypertension. Out of 1576 participants aged 18 years and above, 1082 (68.7%) completed the full survey, their blood pressure was measured, and data analyzed. The prevalence of hypertension in this study was 27.6%, (95%CI 25-30.4), similar in males 29.2, (95%CI 24.7-30.4) and females 26.8%, (95%CI 23.5-30.2). p = 0.39. The prevalence of hypertension increased with age reaching a peak of 32.8% (95%CI 26.2-40) in the 40-49 age group, however this was not statistically significant P = 0.22. This age-related increase in the prevalence of hypertension tended towards significance in males (p = 0.05) but not in females (p = 0.44). Awareness of hypertension was 7.2%. Systolic blood pressure positively correlated with older age, higher blood glucose levels and waist-hip ratio. Diastolic blood pressure correlated with the type of work the patients is involved in and blood glucose levels. In conclusion, the prevalence of hypertension in a rural southeastern Nigeria community was 27.6%, however awareness was very low (7.9%). Most participants had mild hypertension thus offering a window of opportunity for public health educators in preventing the complications of hypertension. There is therefore the need for awareness campaigns to be intensified in rural communities.

Pattern of microbial flora and antibiotic sensitivity among healthy adults with bacteriuria in a university community in south-eastern Nigeria

Background: Knowledge of common urine microbial flora and the sensitivity pattern are essential in determination of empirical antibiotic usage Aim: To determine the common microbiological flora in the urine of apparently healthy adults and the sensitivity and resistivity pattern. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey of the pattern of urinary microbial organisms and their sensitivity and resistivity antibiotic pattern among adult population in a university community. Multi staged random sampling was used to obtain up to 465 respondents. Clean catch mid-stream urine samples were collected and prepared. Culture was done in three different media for identification and isolation of bacteria. The antimicrobial sensitivity was determined using sensitivity disk by Kirby-Bauer method. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 at 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Data was presented in frequencies and percentages as appropriate. Results: Female respondents (76.97%) were more. 20-24 age group had the highest number of respondents (50.66%). 36.29% had bacteria growth in their urine. Escherichia coli (63.6%) is the commonest microbial agent found in the urine of the population, followed by staph aureus (20%), then Klebsiella (16.4%). The isolated organisms were mostly resistant to the common antibiotics. However, E. coli was slightly susceptible to Levofloxacine (37.1%), Ciprofloxacine (31.4%) and Gentamycin (30%). Klebsiella showed mild susceptibility to Levofloxacine (15%), Ciprofloxacine (12%) and Ceftriazone (9%). Conclusion: E.coli, staph aureus and Klebsiella are the dominant microbial flora found while levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ceftriazone and augmentin are the most sensitive antibiotics.

Assessing Disaster Management Infrastructure and Strategies in South Eastern Nigeria

Natural disasters have continued to attract attention due to increased human, economic and environmental consequences. The study assessed the effects of disasters and the effectiveness of the response infrastructure in communities of South Eastern Nigeria. The questionnaire survey, participatory research method and field measurements were used to generate data from purposively sampled locations in the region. The data were analysed using descriptive and analytical techniques. The result showed that flooding, landslide and windstorm ranked as the most common disasters affecting the area. These disasters have significantly resulted in food scarcity (food insecurity) and property loss, representing 26% and 25% of the study population. Furthermore, the study reveals several infrastructures as mitigation measures, including financial donations, reconstruction of damaged buildings, bridges, provisions of household materials, and food, among others. The One-way Analysis Variance (ANOVA) results showed a significant difference in the effectiveness of stakeholder involvement in natural disaster mitigation (F-value of 7.737, > the table value of 2.17 at a 0.05 level of significance). This analysis implies that the activities of government, communities, and donor agencies were rated differently in terms of their overall performances in infrastructure provision to disaster-affected areas and people. It was recommended that disaster management education, early warning signs and participatory disaster management response be practised in South Eastern Nigeria.

The anti-seizure and anti-nociceptive potential of hexane fraction from the leaves of Detarium senegalense

Detarium senegalense, J.F. Gmelin (Fabaceae) is used in Nigerian folk medicine to treat different diseases including epilepsy, microbial infections, gastrointestinal diseases and inflammation; its efficacy is widely acclaimed among communities in South Eastern Nigeria. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-seizure and anti-nociceptive potential of hexane fraction from the leaves of D. senegalense The hexane fraction of D. senegalense leaf was evaluated to determine the effect of the oral administration of the extract (100 – 400 mg/kg) against seizure using the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), brucine, isoniazid (INH) induced seizure models and analgesic activity using the writhing and water tail immersion tests in mice. The hexane fraction of the extract significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the latency period in seizures induced by PTZ, brucine and isoniazid, and significantly reduced the duration of seizures induced by these three inducing agents. The extract also protected 67 % of animals against death. In acetic acid-induced writhing models and tail immersion models, the fraction showed a good analgesic effect characterized by a significant (p&lt;0.05 – p&lt;0.01) reduction in the number of writhes when compared to the control and a significant (p&lt;0.05 – p&lt;0.01 increase in the latency in a dose-related manner. The findings of the present study validated the folkloric use of Detarium senegalense leaves in seizure disorders as well as painful conditions.

Knowledge, Beliefs and Misconceptions about Epilepsy and its Treatment in a Rural Community in South-Eastern Nigeria

Knowledge, Beliefs and Misconceptions about Epilepsy and its Treatment in a Rural Community in South-Eastern Nigeria

Gender norms and ideologies about adolescent sexuality: A mixed-method study of adolescents in communities, south-eastern, Nigeria.

BackgroundSexual and reproductive health choices and behaviors of adolescents are shaped by gender norms and ideologies which are grounded in cultural beliefs. This study examined the perspectives of adolescents about the influence of gender norms and ideologies on sexuality.MethodsA cross-sectional study was undertaken in three urban and three rural communities in south-eastern Nigeria using quantitative and qualitative research methods. A modified cluster sampling procedure was used to select respondents. Data were collected from 1,057 adolescents and twelve focus group discussions with unmarried adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. For the quantitative data, univariate, bivariate and probit regression analyses were performed using Stata while the thematic framework approach was used to analyze qualitative data.ResultsThe dominant beliefs among adolescents are that: it is wrong for unmarried adolescents to have sex (86.4%); unmarried adolescents should abstain from sex (89.3%); consent should be obtained before sexual intercourse (89.1%); it is a girl's responsibility to ensure she does not get pregnant (66.5%), and sex should be initiated by boys (69.6%). Gender (boy or girl) was a predictor of belief in premarital abstinence (t-value = −3.88), belief that premarital sexual intercourse is acceptable provided contraceptive is used (t-value = 3.49, CI 1.14–0.49), belief that premarital sexual intercourse is wrong (t-value = −2.24) and, belief that sex should be initiated by boys only (t-value = −4.37). Adolescent boys were less likely to believe in pre-marital abstinence and less likely to believe that pre-marital sex among adolescents is wrong compared to girls. They were also more likely to believe adolescents can have sex provided contraceptive is used compared to girls. Qualitative findings revealed adolescents' beliefs that girls feel shy initiating sex and that boys experience more urge for sex hence, boys were perceived to be responsible for initiating sex. Both boys and girls experience pressure to have sex however, boys were described to experience more pressure from peers to have sex. Peer-to-peer communication, quest for material possessions and low socioeconomic conditions contribute to peer pressure to engage in sex.ConclusionAdolescents' beliefs about sexuality underline the need to contextualize interventions to address these norms and ideologies.

Comparative analysis of phytoconstituents in commonly used vegetables in gas flaring and non-gas flaring communities in southeastern Nigeria

A comparative study to determine the impact of gas flaring (GF) on some phytoconstituents of five commonly used green leafy vegetables was done. Two locations in south-east states in Nigeria, Ibeno in Akwa Ibom State, a gas flaring (GF) community and Nsukka in Enugu State, a non-gas flaring (NGF) community, were used. Five fresh green leafy vegetable samples were used for this study (Amaranthus hybridus, Gnetum africanum, Talinum triangulare, Telfairia occidentalis, and Vernonia amygdalina) and were obtained from community farmlands during the rainy season between August and November, 2016. After collecting and identifying the green leafy vegetables from five different farmlands in GF and NGF areas and at a distance of about 2km radius from the flare site in GF communities, detailed laboratory analysis was done for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. For A. hybridus, the flavonoid and tannin contents in NGF community were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than in GF community; G. africanum, the alkaloid and tannin contents were higher in NGF community; T. triangulare, the alkaloid content alone was higher in NGF community; T. occidentalis, the alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin and tannin contents were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in the NGF community; V. amygdalina, the tannin content alone was higher in NGF community compared to the GF community. Most green leafy vegetables from NGF community produced higher and better phytoconstituent concentrations than the GF community. This can be attributed to the non-pollution of the former environment.

Perceived Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake among Women of an Urban Community in South-Eastern Nigeria.

Objective:This survey examined the barriers to cervical cancer screening uptake by adult women in Nnewi, a town located in southeast Nigeria. Methods:In this descriptive survey, data were collected data from 379women aged between 21 and 65 years using the adapted version of the Health Belief Model Scale for Cervical Cancer and Pap smear test questionnaire. Results:The major perceived barriers to the practice of cervical cancer screening were fear of the result (2.32±1.05), lack of knowledge of what pap smear is (2.32±0.90), and lack of information about when and where pap smear could be done (2.25±1.07. The logistic regression model showed that the following perceived barriers predicted uptake of cervical cancer screening (P< 0.05): time constraint (P = 0.001, OR= 3.368, CI= 1.455, 4.11); attitude of healthcare workers (P = 0.008, OR= 6.642; CI= 2.764, 18.196); knowledge of test frequency (P = 0.005, OR= 1.443; CI 0.946, 3.811); fear of result(P = 0.001, OR= 3.660, CI=0.679, 4.061); lack of information on when and where pap smear could be obtained (P = 0.010; OR= 6.732; CI= 2.286, 10.490); distance from test centre (P = 0.003; OR= 1.387; CI=0.126, 2.193); not knowing what it is for (P = 0.024, OR10.895, CI = 2.938, 14.401).

Evaluation of the anticonvulsant properties of the ethanol extract of Detarium senegalense leaves in mice

Detarium senegalense, J.F. Gmelin (Fabaceae) is used in Nigerian folk medicine to treat different diseases including epilepsy, microbial infections, gastrointestinal diseases and inflammation; its efficacy is widely acclaimed among communities in South Eastern Nigeria. The leaf extract (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) was evaluated for its anticonvulsant activity in mice. Three different study models were used; pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), brucine and isoniazid (INH) convulsion methods. The acute toxicity study and the phytochemical analysis of the extract were also determined. The extract produced significant (p&lt;0.05 and p&lt;0.01) dose-dependent delay in onset, frequency and duration of seizures in mice in the three models of convulsion which is comparable to the standard anticonvulsant drug. The oral acute toxicity test was greater than 5000 mg/kg in mice. The phytochemical screening revealed that D. senegalense leaf extract contains bioactive principles that are relevant in the management of seizure disorders. These findings suggest that D. senegalense leaf extract possesses anticonvulsant properties and justifies its use in traditional medicine.

Pharmacists’ Perception on Herbal-Orthodox medicine interactions in some communities of South-Eastern Nigeria

Background: Due to challenges in therapies, researchers have developed significant interest in herbal medicines during drug discovery and development programs. This study evaluates the knowledge of community pharmacists on interactions between herbal and orthodox medicines in some communities in Anambra State, Nigeria. Method: Descriptive cross–sectional study was adopted using structured questionnaires that were distributed randomly. Results: Male/female ratio was 1:1.2. Ages of respondents were between 21-60 years old and above. 49(31.6%) had practiced between 16 and 30 years and they were mainly fifirst degree holders. 96(61.9%) of the respondents claimed that patients had used both orthodox and herbal medicines concomitantly. 23(14.8%) and 101(65.2%) of them agreed that patients used herbal medicine before visiting the pharmacy and they were low income earners respectively. Most patients sourced their herbal medicines from hawkers and herbalists and open markets. Few stocked in Pharmacy shops. The preparations were mainly administered orally. 78(50.3%) of the respondents agreed that there could be herb-drug interactions. The common ailments that herbal medicines were mostly used were malaria and diabetes. Frequently reported adverse effffects in the use of herbal medicines were rashes, nausea and vomiting. There were significant differences in the claim of enhancing and inhibitory effect between orthodox and herbal medicines when used together (P&lt;0.05). 38(34.5%) of the respondents advised their clients that herbal and orthodox medicine should not be used concomitantly. Pharmacists preferred orthodox medicines because of clearer dose, better efficacy and approval by regulatory authorities. Conclusion: The study revealed the extent of knowledge of drug-herbal interaction and utilization among community pharmacists, and further improvement in their perception will enhance pharmaceutical care practice.

Assessment of ground water from some agrarian communities of South Eastern Nigeria

ABSTRACT Drinking water samples were collected from natural sources (groundwater and surface water) in rural villages in southeastern Nigeria, and the results were compared to WHO and Nigerian drinking water quality criteria. To meet the study’s goal, 21 drinking water samples were collected from sparsely populated rural settlements in Ebonyi State (Ugwulangu, Okposi, and Uburu). pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, alkalinity, chlorides, nitrates, sulphates, phosphates, and metals were all measured in the water samples. This study looked at eight metals: Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Pb, Cr, Mn, and Ni. Except for turbidity, conductivity, alkalinity, Pb, and Ni, all metrics were found to be within allowed ranges. The metal concentrations followed the order: Ca > Mg > Pb > Fe > Zn > Ni > Mn > Cr. Metal index, degree of contamination, and hazard index were all calculated using the metal concentrations. The metal index and degree of contamination results showed that the water sources were safe to drink. The hazard index assessed children’s and adults’ chronic risk levels. By ingesting metals in water samples, the Hazard Index assessed the risk that users of water are prone to. Children are more at risk than adults from drinking untreated water from Ugwulangu, Okposi, and Uburu, according to the findings of a hazard index study. To safeguard children’s health, it is strongly advised that they be provided with alternative drinking water.

A Peer Group Education Intervention to Improve Awareness, Knowledge and Preventive Behavioral Intentions for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)Among Rural Communities in South-Eastern Nigeria

A Peer Group Education Intervention to Improve Awareness, Knowledge and Preventive Behavioral Intentions for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)Among Rural Communities in South-Eastern Nigeria

Rethinking ‘August Meeting’ in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract ‘August Meeting’ is the annual homecoming or convention of Igbo women hometown associations of Southeastern Nigeria. For local communities in Southeastern Nigeria, August Meeting is a veritable platform for driving development, managing conflicts and building peace. But August Meeting is also a tool for hatching and promoting conflicts. While the conflict resolution and peacebuilding role of August Meeting has been acknowledged and applauded, its capacity for producing conflicts has been largely ignored. Drawing on a Nollywood film, August Meeting, and empirical research findings, this article exposes the ways in which August Meeting promotes interpersonal and intracommunal conflicts in Southeastern Nigeria.

An assessment of nursing mothers\u2019 and young people\u2019s access to proprietary and patent medicine vendors\u2019 services in rural communities of south-eastern Nigeria: implication for review of national drug policy

BackgroundPatent and proprietary medicine vendors (PPMVs) form part of the informal healthcare system and are the first point of call for 75% of Nigerians who live in rural and underserved areas where there is limited access to healthcare services. This group of healthcare providers are located close to communities and are easily accessible to the people. This study seeks to determine how PPMVs influence access to medicines among nursing mothers and young people and how this progresses South Eastern Nigeria towards universal health coverage.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a purposive sampling technique. Two slightly different pre-tested and validated 5-point Likert scale questionnaires were used to survey the nursing mothers and young people (18–20 years old). The questionnaire for nursing mothers assessed the perception regarding PPMV services and community access to medicines used for the treatment of childhood infections. The questionnaire for young people assessed the services rendered by the PPMVs including family planning, and major enablers/barriers towards to access to medicine.ResultsA total of 159 nursing mothers and 148 youths participated in the study. Up to 60% of both population had a minimum of secondary school qualification. About 90% of the nursing mothers were married and 88% were nursing babies from 1 to 12 months. Results show that the PPMVs were the first point of call for healthcare needs among the respondents and they are easily accessible and sell affordable medicines. The nursing mothers frequently treat their children’s cough with antibiotics with a mean rating (MNR) of 4.7 out of 5 points and most source these antibiotics from PPMV shops. Up to 90% of the nursing mothers reported that the children got well after the treatment. The drugs mostly purchased by the youths from the PPMVs included antimalarials (95%), analgesics (87.7%) and antibiotics (81.3%). Only 25.5% of the respondents purchased family planning commodities. Most of the respondents sought health care from PPMVs with a MNR of 3.4. Patronage of PPMVs for and usage of family planning products by the respondents had MNRs ranging from 1.4 to 1.8.ConclusionPPMVs are bridging the gap in healthcare delivery in the rural and underserved areas. Training of this group of practitioners and appropriate monitoring will go a long way in ensuring that the services they render are efficient, effective and improve the health indices in a low-income setting.

Socio-cultural web and environmentally-driven community entrepreneurship: a portrayal of Abia Ohafia community in South-Eastern Nigeria

PurposeThis study is aimed at providing a deduction on the necessity of social and cultural capital for entrepreneurial outcomes on a community-wide scale.Design/methodology/approachThere is a drift from an individualised form of entrepreneurship to community-based entrepreneurship with a grand focus on social needs of current and emergent nature. This study is both archival and exploratory and has pictured culture and communality as drivers that are needful for enterprising communities.FindingsThis paper finds communality, social network, social capital and trust as push-factors for community-based entrepreneurship and development drives.Originality/valueThis study is an original exposé on the Abia Ohafia community’s Model of community-based entrepreneurship which thrives on strong institutions (like the Age Grade System) and age-long practices that have built trust and stability. This local community through its networks, culture and communalities creates relationships, rational innovation, consensual leadership and participatory followership under which resources, opportunities and solutions are deliberately advanced for meeting social and community purposes.