Control In Nigeria Research Articles

Efficacy of a new glyphosate formulation for weed control in maize in southwest Nigeria

A field trial in 2003 and 2004 assessed the efficacy of a new formulation of glyphosate, Touchdown Forte HiTech (glyphosate-TF) and two older versions, Roundup (glyphosate-RP) and Touchdown (glyphosate-TD) for weed control in Nigeria. Treatments were glyphosate-TF at 0.25–1.25 kg a.i./ha, glyphosate-RP at 1.8 kg a.i./ha, and glyphosate-TD at 1.0 kg a.i./ha. Weeded and unweeded treatments were controls. Visual evaluations of weed control at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment (WAT) in both years indicated that glyphosate-TF at all doses gave moderate to complete control of all major weeds (50–100%). At 4 WAT, control of Ageratum conyzoides L., Commelina benghalensis L., Ipomoea involucrata P. Beauv., Brachiaria comota [Hochst ex A. Rich] stapf, and Acalypha ciliata Forssk was at a level similar to that in the weeded control. In 2003, all herbicide formulations and the weeded control reduced Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. shoot dry biomass to the same level at 8 WAT (91–100%) and at maize harvest (83–88%). In 2004, 0.50–1.25 kg a.i./ha of glyphosate-TF and 1.8 kg a.i./ha of glyphosate-RP gave 95% reduction at 8 WAT and 97% at harvest, similar to the weeded control. Maize grain yield in the weeded control and herbicide treatments was 2.8 times higher than that in the unweeded control in both years. These results indicate that glyphosate-TF is effective for weed control in maize at herbicide doses lower than the older formulations.

Formal and Informal Crime Control Views in Nigeria and the United States: An Exploratory Study Among College Students

Formal and informal crime control is used to deter individuals from engaging in criminal behavior. Formal crime control relies on the law and official government agencies to curb criminal actions. Informal crime control relies on moral and social institutions (e.g., family or church) to promote lawful behavior. This study examined the importance of formal and informal crime control in Nigeria and the United States. Using the data collected from 758 college students, the study found that the Nigerian and U.S. respondents differed on most of the formal and informal control questions. Nigerian respondents were more likely to feel that the formal control mechanisms of the police and law deterred crime, whereas U.S. respondents were more supportive of the courts and prisons as effective forms of control. Nigerian students were more likely to feel that shame, neighborhood watches, and surveillance by neighbors were effective forms of informal social control. Both Nigerian and U.S. respondents felt that being rejected by family, neighbors, and peers was effective at deterring crime except for repeat offenders when formal punishment was viewed as being more effective. When asked to rank formal and informal crime control mechanisms, Nigerian students ranked family first, followed by corrections, courts, police, neighborhood, peers, and schools. U.S. students ranked family first, followed by police, corrections, courts, peers, schools, and neighborhood.

Challenges of DOTS implementation strategy in the treatment of tuberculosis in a tertiary health institution, Ilorin, Nigeria

Despite the fact that Directly Observed Treatment Strategy (DOTS) short course has recorded significant improvement in the tuberculosis (TB) disease detection, treatment and control in Nigeria, neither the set target for the TB detection rate nor the cure rate has been achieved nationwide, as several challenges detract its effective implementation. The objective of this study was to examine the challenges of DOTS implementation strategies in the treatment of TB patients with the view to determine factors militating against its effective implementation. Majority (75.3%) of the patients were within the age bracket of 16 - 45 years, while half (52.8%) of the patients that received proper counseling on medication at the hospital did not adhere to anti-TB drug dosage regimen. However, dark urine features prominently (72.1%) as side effects of anti-TB drugs among the patients followed by nausea and vomiting (25.4%), impaired vision (1.8%) and yellowish eyes (0.7%). There is a positive effect of finance on the TB patients and only very few patients could afford to purchase anti-TB drugs during stock-out due to financial constraints. Patients’ defaulted rates were 22.3 and 14% among the males and females respectively. Low treatment failure rates of 7.2 and 7.9% were also recorded in both men and women respectively. For effective DOTS strategy in eliminating TB nationwide, there is dire need for holistic approach in reaching all the patients with high-quality health care services even in the remote areas. Also, literacy level and social economic status of Nigerian citizens should be improved to enhance effective DOTS implementation. Key words: Tuberculosis treatment, DOTs strategy, Nigeria.

Serum proteins in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and controls in Nigeria

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important communicable disease especially in the developing world. The complex relationship that exists between TB and poverty, homelessness, Human Immunodeficieny Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and malnutrition has made the devastating effects of TB well known. We therefore undertook to evaluate this complex relationship. Methods: A total of 420 subjects were studied, comprising 210 newly diagnosed sputum smear positive Pulmonary TB (PTB) patients (aged 18 years and above from Lagos metropolis) and 210 controls. We determined serum total proteins levels in the study population colorimetrically using the Biuret method, while serum albumin was measured by the bromocresol green method. Screening for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies was done using ELISA (Wellcome Diagnostics, pasteur, Marnes-la-cognetee, France). Positive samples were subjected to Western Blotting (Dupont de Nemours, USA) for confirmation. Results: Hypoalbuminaemia was found in 184 (87.60%) of the cases vs. 26 (12.38%) of the controls (P = 0.001) (see Table 1). The protein sub-fraction, gammaglobulin was however, much higher in the cases than in the controls [mean 41.45± 11.21% vs. 29.42± 6.76% (p = 0.005)] (see Table 2). HIV antibody test was positive in 11/153 (7.19%) of those who accepted to be screened for HIV co-infection. Conclusion: PTB cases had lower total serum proteins and lower serum albumin but higher plasma gammaglobu-

Diphtheria in Nigeria: is there resurgence?

Reported cases of diphtheria from Nigeria have been reducing since the beginning of the millennium even though coverage with diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT) vaccine has only been low to moderate. Accordingly only sporadic cases of diphtheria have been managed in the past in our hospital. However the occurrence of five cases in the period of one year raises questions on the status of diphtheria control in Nigeria. We present the clinical and sociodemographic features of the cases and discuss the implications of a rising incidence of diphtheria. We conclude by noting the need for health care workers to have a high index of suspicion in children with no, incomplete or uncertain immunization status who present with symptoms of pharyngo-tonsillar disease and by a call for the strengthening of routine immunization services in Nigeria.

The use of intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine in pregnancy in Ibadan, Nigeria: Implications for policy

Malaria in pregnancy (MIP) remains a major public health concern, inspite of the adoption of WHO recommended intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for its control in Nigeria. Using interviewer administered questionnaires, information on knowledge of the burden, consequences and the use of SP for malaria control in pregnancy was obtained from 800 mothers within 24 h after delivery at two health centres in Ibadan. Women who attended antenatal care (ANC) at the secondary facility were less likely to demonstrate poor knowledge of causes (OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.08, 0.38), consequences (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.24, 0.55) and control strategies (OR = 0.32, 95% = 0.18, 0.59) compared with tertiary facility. Only 56.4% of all the mothers were aware of IPTp SP as government policy for prevention of MIP out of which 16.9% used IPTp SP in index pregnancy. Overall, only 18.4% of all mothers used IPTp SP. Being unaware of the existing government policy and educational attainment of ≤9 years independently predicted non-usage of IPTp SP. This study revealed that the uptake of IPTp SP in pregnancy is poor in spite of good knowledge of burden of malaria in pregnancy and underscores the need to scale up awareness campaign and monitor implementation at all levels of health care. Key words: Malaria in pregnancy, intermittent preventive treatment, sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine.

Prevention of Lassa fever in Nigeria

Although specific treatment is available for Lassa fever, early diagnosis is still difficult in most Nigerian primary and secondary health centers. This study was carried out to compare the case-fatality rates of Lassa fever and other medical diseases commonly seen in adult medical wards, to determine the community habits that make Lassa fever endemic in Edo Central District of Nigeria, with the aim of prescribing preventive measures for its control in Nigeria. The records of 908 inpatients in the adult medical wards of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua and responses from respondents interviewed by trained interviewers on their knowledge, attitudes and practices pertaining to Lassa fever were used for this study. The case-fatality rate of Lassa fever in this center was 28%. Cultural factors and habits were found to favor endemicity of Lassa fever in Edo Central District of Nigeria. Preventive measures were prescribed for families and communities.

Common Occupational Health Problems In Disease Control In Nigeria

This article reviews some common occupational health problems among health workers due to exposure to hazardous or pathogenic biological, chemical and physical agents in the line of duty. Highlighted biologicalagents are pathogenic viruses, bacteria etc; chemical agents are laboratory reagents, mercury and beryllium exposures in dental clinics and laboratories, hazardous gases like ethylene oxide and nitrous oxides; physical agents like harmful radiations, mechanical injuries and stress. The exposure limits of these etiologic agents were reviewed. When duely exposed, health workers are at high risk of health problems like hepatitis C & B, HIV, Tuberculosis, Influenza, mercury poisoning, chronic beryllium diseases (CBD), work related injuries, death and fatigue, congenital abnormalities/defects in offspring, transfer of health problems to spouses and family members. Modern preventive and precautionary measures were discussed in this article also.Key words: Occupational Health; Disease Control; Health Problems

Educational intervention and the health seeking attitude and adherence to therapy by tuberculosis patients from an urban slum in lagos Nigeria

Community based participation has been advocated by a number of international health organisations including the World Health Organization (WHO) as a solution to the problems of poor patient adherence and default from Directly Observed Treatment Short course [DOTs] programmes for tuberculosis control. To determine the impact of a health educational intervention on the management of tuberculosis in relation to the outcome and adherence to therapy by Tuberculosis patients residing in a densely populated urban slum in Lagos, Nigeria. The study was conducted using forty tuberculosis patients (confirmed by acid fast bacilli positive sputum), and selected randomly from those who attend the Mainland Hospital in Lagos. They were divided into two groups of twenty each made up of those to be provided with education intervention at the community level and the control groups followed up at the hospital level only. An initial assessment of the knowledge about tuberculosis management was done through a structured questionnaire for both groups. This was followed by continuous health talks for intervention group in form of neighbourhood self help approach. The results showed that the intervention had a significant impact on the understanding of disease and its management (X(2) =11.842 p<0.05), DOTS and increased awareness (X(2) =17.289 p<0.05, X(2) =10.461 p<0.05), knowing the side effects of anti-TB drugs (X(2) =10.157 p<0.05), the meaning of resistance to anti-Tuberculosis drugs (X(2) =19.798 p<0.05, X(2) =11.192 p<0.05) and importance of contact tracing (X(2) =32.4 p<0.05, X(2) =3.360 p<0.05). An effective health education is therefore beneficial for TB control in Nigeria.

Transmission dynamics of malaria in four selected ecological zones of Nigeria in the rainy season

Two of the problems of malaria parasite vector control in Nigeria are the diversity of Anopheline vectors and large size of the country. Anopheline distribution and transmission dynamics of malaria were therefore compared between four ecotypes in Nigeria during the rainy season. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used in molecular identification after morphological identification microscopically. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the blood meal analysis and sporozoite detection. Five species were identified out of 16,410 anophelines collected. An. gambiae s.s made up approximately 29.2%-36.6% of the population in each zone. All five species acted as vectors for P. falciparum. An. gambiae s.s had the highest sporozoite rate. The most infected mosquitoes were found in the rain forest. More blood meals were taken from bovids, except the savannah forest, where 73.3% were on humans and Human Blood index (HBI) was 57.3%. The Entomological inoculation rate (EIR) was a mean of 13.6 ib/p but was highest in the rainforest zone. This study demonstrates the complex distribution of anophelines and the considerable variations in the intensity of malaria transmission in Nigeria. We highlight the need to consider diverse epidemiological situations when planning countrywide control programmes.

Management and outcomes of suspected pulmonary tuberculosis in a resource-poor setting

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the management and outcomes of suspected pulmonary tuberculosis admitted to the medical wards of a tertiary and referral hospital in Nigeria Methods: It was a retrospective study of the case records of all suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients on admission in the medical wards of the hospital between July 2003 and June 2007Result: 166 (9.9%) of 1680 admissions were pulmonary tuberculosis suspects, with 97 (58.4%) males and 69 (41.6%) females. 92 (55.4%) had pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis confirmed. Other diagnoses made were: pneumonia, 48 (28.9%), bronchogenic carcinoma, 6 (3.6%), congestive heart failure, 7 (4.2%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 15 (9.0%). Median length of time between admission and institution of antituberculosis drugs was 11 daysConclusion: The study shows that the tuberculosis control in Nigeria is in a crisis state. There is need for all stakeholders to find lasting solutions to failure of tuberculosis program in Nigeria and, by extension, sub-Saharan Africa.

Problems Of Resource Control In Nigeria And The Way Forward

In recent times, the issues of Resources Control in Nigeria have generated a lot of controversies. In discussing these issues, this paper focuses primarily on Crude Oil and its allied products from an historic standpoint, the issues of Federalism, Inter-governmental Relations in Nigeria, Fiscal federalism and the distribution of Resources, Equity and Justice amongst others. The paper after exhaustively discussing some of these issues, proffers policy recommendations regarding the way forward. JORIND Vol. 4 (2) 2006: pp. 127-132

Measeles control in Nigeria: the case for a two-dose vaccine policy

Measeles control in Nigeria: the case for a two-dose vaccine policy

Malaria case management among Primary Health Care workers in Sokoto

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: Among the current strategies for malaria control in Nigeria include early recognition and adequate treatment of cases through capacity building of health workers. This therefore forms the basis of this study; so that an evidence based intervention programme will be designed for area and cadre specific identified gaps among PHC Workers in Sokoto with a view to achieve better control measures. A total of 195 PHC Health workers in Sokoto who met the eligibility and inclusion criteria were enlisted and enrolled into the study (descriptive cross-sectional) using table of random numbers. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire containing relevant questions on respondent biodata and Knowledge on the management of cases of malaria. Overall, only 71 (36.4%) of respondents were found to have adequate and effective treatment practices of malaria infection. However, age (p=0.4294), professional cadre (p=0.2988) and years of experience (p=0.1922) are not important determinants of malaria treatment pattern observed among respondents. This finding highlights ineffective treatment practices that may hinder the attainment of the goals of roll back malaria to reduce malaria cases by 50% by the year 2015. Hence periodic training and re-training of health workers based on identified gaps must be undertaken.

Counselling and Population Control in Nigeria

In 1988, the Federal government of Nigeria, under the Military presidency of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, introduced a National Population policy targets for the country. The main focus of the policy target was on how to control or reduce the population growth rate of the country. Eight out the ten specific objectives were directed on how to reduce the level of fertil ity and one on how to reduce the mortality rate, particularly the infant mortality rate. When one examines the present population situation of Nigeria vis-a-vis the National Population targets expectations, it is clear that not much has been achieved. The question that comes to any one evaluating the situation is, why has these objectives of the policy being difficult to realized. The simple bu t not too obvious reason is that policy formulators failed to appreciate the difficulties associated with attempts at changing tradit ional and internalized attitudes, habits, beliefs and behaviour of people. For example, how easily can you make people to appreciate the need for a woman to have only four children in a lifetime marriage, where a large family size is a cherished and valued thing around the people? How do you make government officials (who are the implementors of government policies) to be more committed to their duties, be less corrupt in order for the policy implementation to succeed? Changing internalized habits and beliefs require a long and consistent education. Such education when channeled through a well organized counselling system will achieve better result. Thus, the role of counselors in the desire for a reduced population growth rate by any Nation should not be over looked or undermined. This paper presents the relationship between population control and counselling processes, particularly for a country like Nigeria.

Increasing Burden of Childhood Severe Malaria in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital: Implication for Control

Malaria remains an important public heath concern in Nigeria because of its impact on child and maternal health, but the contribution of severe malaria to morbidity among Nigerian children was scantly reported. This study was undertaking to document the hospital-burden of severe malaria among children in Ibadan in order to reflect on the impacts and health implications of the current malaria control strategies. A review of 6-year case records of all children admitted to the emergency ward of the University College Hospital Ibadan was carried out. Cases of severe malaria were defined as those children in whom parasitaemia were confirmed with blood film microscopy and any of the WHO case definitions for severe malaria was documented. Severe malaria cases constituted 11.3% of 16 031 admissions (2000-05) with 89.1% being children <5 years old. Cerebral malaria accounted for about one-fifth (19.7%) of all severe malaria cases. The yearly proportional morbidity rate from severe malaria ranged from 8.7% to 13.2% with significant increase from 2000 to 2004 (X2 = 48.49; df = 5; P < 0.001). Severe malaria accounted for 12.4% of all paediatric deaths with an estimated overall case fatality rate of 9.6%. Deaths from malaria were significantly associated with wasting (Z-score for weight-for-height <or=2.0), age <2 years, hypoglycaemia and respiratory distress. Our data demonstrated an increased trend in morbidity from severe malaria over the study period. Severe malarial anaemia was a more common complication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria than cerebral malaria in hospitalized Nigerian children and it was associated with a high number of deaths. The consequences of high rate of severe malaria may be beyond health as it also affects the economy and the developmental prospects of the country. There may therefore a need to review the current strategies for malaria control in Nigeria.

College students in Nigeria underestimate their risk of contracting HIV/AIDS infection

Objectives To assess the perceptions of personal risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS infection among students of selected tertiary institutions in Osun State, Nigeria and to determine the correlates of perceptions of personal risk of infection.Methods The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was applied to the 405 study participants and correlates of perceptions of personal risk of HIV infection were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis, confidence intervals and odd ratios.Results Only 15% of the students perceived themselves to be at moderate-to-high risk of acquiring HIV infection compared with 85% who perceived themselves to be at little or no risk. Investigators' assessment of risk status of the participants revealed that 77% of the participants were actually at high risk of infection and only 23% at low risk. The sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value of the students' self-perception of personal risk compared with their assessed risk were 7, 58 and 16%, respectively, with a Kappa statistic of 0.178. The only significant correlate of self-perception of personal risk was a recent symptom of sexually transmitted infections.Conclusions College students exhibited an ‘optimism bias’ associating high rates of HIV risk indicators with low levels of perceived personal risk of infection. This has implications for HIV/AIDS control in Nigeria.

Operational research and its success in onchocerciasis control in Nigeria

Operational research and its success in onchocerciasis control in Nigeria

Human rights and ethical violations in HIV/AIDS control in Nigeria

Human rights and ethical violations in HIV/AIDS control in Nigeria

Integrated environmental biotechnology-oriented framework for solid waste management and control in Nigeria

Several environmental problems arising from man's activity have to be solved in a cost-effective and an environmentally friendly approach. In this paper, a framework for an integrated management and control of solid waste in the south-east zone of Nigeria is presented. The major activities include collection and transportation of solid waste to designated areas, separation of reusable components (recycling) and bioconversion of biodegradable (biowaste) components into organic fertiliser and biogas. These activities will involve the communities, the industries, Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) having the capacity of 'process and production integrated environmental technologies'. Biotechnological conversion of biowaste into enriched humus end product and biogas, and production of other goods and services using solid waste components as raw materials by the SMEs are the areas of 'additive environmental technologies'. The overall framework entails the application of modern- and future-oriented technologies that would provide the appropriate tools and direction for managing any backlog of solid waste and future pile-ups. Cooperation among government, public and research organisation is paramount.