Ekiti State Research Articles

Effects of Knowledge of Mathematics on Student’s Performance in Physics in Senior Secondary Schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study examined the effects of knowledge of mathematics on student’s performance in physics in senior secondary schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The sample size for this study consisted of Forty (40) secondary school physics students from two public schools were randomly selected in Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State. Self-Structured Test was used for data collection. The Pearson Correlation statistical and t-test tools were used to test all the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that knowledge in Mathematics helps to provide a basic foundation for study of physics. Thereby, allows learners to have better understanding of physics contents and improve their procedural knowledge to inter-relate various symbols during solving of physics problems. Student’s mathematics knowledge should be lay more emphasis on because it helps in others aspect of sciences, students demonstrate conceptual understanding when they provide evidence that they can recognize, it also helps to develop their procedural and problem solving skills. Students absent during Mathematics class might lack knowledge which can leave lasting impact on them. In line with the findings of the study, appropriate recommendations were made.

Job Involvement and Work Satisfaction as Correlates of A Responsiveness Behaviour Among Nurses in Abua Multi-System Hospital, Ado-Ekiti

Objective: Literature has attributed low responsiveness to poor incentive, lack of motivation, and ‘red tapism’, while attitudinal predisposing factors remain under-researched among nurses in public health institution. Therefore, this study investigated how job involvement, work Satisfaction, age, and sex predicted responsiveness behaviour among nurses. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey in which 68 nurses comprising 25 males and 43 females purposively selected were sampled. Participants were drawn from among Nurses in Abua Multi-System Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, using simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire divided into four sections and contained standardized scales that measured responsiveness, job involvement, and work Satisfaction was the instrument used for data collection. The scales were revalidated during pilot study to ascertain their reliability and suitability for use within the Nigerian cultural context. They all yielded high Cronbach alpha coefficients. Three hypotheses were tested in the study. Data were analyzed with multiple regression and t-test analysis at 0.05 level of significance. Results and discussion: Results showed significant joint influence of work Satisfaction and job involvement on empathic behavior, F (2,68) = 12.68; p<.01); female nurses were significantly higher on empathic behavior than male nurses t (68) = -2.40; p< .05; and younger nurses displayed higher level of responsiveness than older nurses, t (234) = 12.15; p<.01. Research implications: The results of the study and its implications were discussed in line with the findings.

Exploration of Mental Health and Well-Being of Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In response to curbing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, healthcare professionals (HCPs) encounter a multitude of mental stresses. The primary intent was to explore the mental health and well-being experienced by HCPs in Ekiti State, Nigeria, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analyzed using inductive qualitative methodology. The study was undertaken among HCPs in two teaching hospitals in Ekiti State during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Convenience sampling techniques were employed to select participants for this study. A comprehensive interview ranging from 30 to 50 minutes per participant was administered to a sample of 14 HCPs (doctors and nurses) representing various departments within the hospital. The interviews were conducted between March 2020 and May 2020. COVID-19 stressful situations, the physiological consequences of stress, personality, disposition, stress management techniques, and coping mechanisms were evaluated. The study outcomes indicate that a significant proportion of HCPs currently face mental well-being. The primary sources of stress identified in this study included heavy workloads and pressure from social media platforms and government agencies. The outbreak crisis significantly influenced on their lives and work, with the fear of catching diseases and their anxiety about spreading infections to their loved ones. HCPs require a secure working environment during the current circumstances, along with an enhanced support system to alleviate stressors. This study contributes to a significant proportion of HCPs currently facing stress.

Influence of Information Communication and Technology in Teaching of Senior Secondary School Students in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The research is based on the influence of information Communication and Technology (ICT) facilities in teaching senior secondary school students and the challenges encountered in the use of the facilities. The use of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in learning institutions is an order of the day in various parts of the world. The study examined the availability, functionality and utilization of ICT facilities for effective teaching by the teachers. The study adopted descriptive research design of the survey type which was questionnaire based. Findings from the study show that there are provisions for ICT facilities in the schools and there are provisions for studying staff development in ICT. Based on the findings, appropriate recommendations were made.

Assessment of the Nutritional and Ethno-medicinal Uses, Domestication, Production and Conservation of Senecio biafrae Among Farmers in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria

Assessment of the Nutritional and Ethno-medicinal Uses, Domestication, Production and Conservation of Senecio biafrae Among Farmers in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria

Influence of Information Communication and Technology in Teaching of Senior Secondary School Students in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The research is based on the influence of information Communication and Technology (ICT) facilities in teaching senior secondary school students and the challenges encountered in the use of the facilities. The use of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in learning institutions is an order of the day in various parts of the world. The study examined the availability, functionality and utilization of ICT facilities for effective teaching by the teachers. The study adopted descriptive research design of the survey type which was questionnaire based. Findings from the study show that there are provisions for ICT facilities in the schools and there are provisions for studying staff development in ICT. Based on the findings, appropriate recommendations were made.

Influence of Job Burnout on Employee Performance Among Academic Staff Of Tertiary Institutions In Ekiti State, Nigeria

The study examined the influence of job burnout on employee performance among academic staff of tertiary institutions in Ekiti State. Specifically, the study investigated the influence of emotional exhaustion; examined the influence of depersonalization and determined the influence of personal accomplishment on employee performance among academic staff of tertiary institutions in Ekiti State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised academic staff of tertiary institutions in Ekiti State. The sample size was 344 respondents and was determined through Yamani sampling model. Primary data used for the study were gathered through the administration of structured questionnaire. Data gathered were analyzed using multiple regression. The result showed that emotional exhaustion has significant effect on employee productivity (t=3.454, t= 2.776 and t=-2.910, p<0.05); It further showed that depersonalization has significant effect on employee performance (t=1.397, t=3.314 and t=2.697, p<0.05); Furthermore, it showed that personal accomplishment has significant effect on employee performance (t=4.054, t=4.452, and t= 5.086, p<0.05). The study concluded that all the constructs (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment) of the explanatory variables were significantly related to employee performance among academic staff of tertiary institutions in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Keyword: Depersonalization, Emotional Exhaustion, Employee, Performance, Job Burnout, Personal Accomplishment. Proceedings Citation Format Faleye, O.C. & Adelugba, I.A. (2024): Influence of Job Burnout on Employee Performance Among Academic Staff Of Tertiary Institutions In Ekiti State, Nigeria. Proceedings of the 38th iSTEAMS Multidisciplinary Bespoke Conference. 15th–19th July, 2024. University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. Pp 143-162. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/ACCRABESPOKE2024P15

Emerging psychoactive drugs and the common life events among adolescents in a Nigerian rehabilitation centre

ABSTRACT Adolescence is characterised by intense experimentation. This study examined the prevalence and pattern of psychoactive substance use and common life events among adolescents abusing psychoactive substances in a Nigerian Hospital. The study employed cross-sectional descriptive method of 385 patients admitted for drug rehabilitation in the ABUAD Multisystem Hospital Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State Nigeria. Smoking and eating Marijuana (47.6%), eating Datura stramonium leaf (32.2%) and drinking alcohol (11.4%) were psychoactive substances commonly used among the respondents. The predominant life events among respondents included: heavy load of study (34.3%), study pressure from family (26.5%), family member serious illness (23.5%), scolding by parents (21.1%), and tired of learning (20.8%). Datura stramonium leaf abuse is an emerging psychoactive substance among the respondents. Relevant stakeholders should be aware of the new trend in drug use among adolescents and coordinated effort should be made to stop the trend.

Herbicide residues as a possible risk factor in semen quality and spermatogenesis

Background Reports from various countries have consistently demonstrated a correlation between herbicide exposure, arising from agricultural practices, and a decline in semen quality, leading to male infertility. This study was conducted at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, a rural community characterized by a predominantly agrarian population to determine the relationship between semen quality and herbicides residues. Methods The study focused on males whose spouses were seeking assistance at infertility clinics. Routine semen analyses were performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, categorizing samples into normospermic, asthenospermic, oligospermic, and azoospermic groups. Seminal plasma samples from each group (twenty samples per group) were subjected to analysis for the presence and concentration of herbicides using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The following herbicides were investigated: halosulfurum, linuron, fluometuron, chlo-rimuron, imaxamox, cloransulam, dicamba, fluroxypor, trichlopyr, propanil, cloclinafop, clethodim, quizalofop, fluazifop, pinoxaden, bentazon, atrazine, and bromoxynil. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 24. Results The analysis revealed significantly higher concentrations of most herbicides in the asthenospermia, oligospermia, and azoospermia groups compared to the normospermic group (P<0.05). These findings suggest a strong association between herbicide exposure and poor semen quality in the studied population.Conclusion This study provides compelling evidence supporting the hypothesis that herbicides exposure could be a contributory factor to diminished semen quality in the investigated rural com-munity. The results underscore the importance of considering seminal herbicide determination as a routine component in male infertility testing. Additionally, the study advocates for the implementation of relevant legislation to mitigate potential risks associated with herbicide exposure.

Sero-Prevalence of HBV and HIV Co-Infection in the Senatorial Districts of Ekiti State, Southwest, Nigeria

Sero-Prevalence of HBV and HIV Co-Infection in the Senatorial Districts of Ekiti State, Southwest, Nigeria

Impact of Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) on Rice Production in Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study investigates the impact of the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) on rice production in the Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, Ekiti State. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 150 smallholder rice farmers, with 75 having access to ABP loans and 75 without access. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, multiple regression, and budgetary techniques were employed for data analysis. The return on investment (ROI) for farmers with ABP loans was 2.48, compared to 2.39 for those without, indicating higher profitability for loan beneficiaries. The average age of respondents was 60.3 years, with 87.3% males, 73.3% having formal education, and 62% married. The mean farming experience was 15.9 years, with an average household size of four members and a farm size of 3.8 acres. Significant factors influencing access to ABP loans included age, educational background, and household size (p<0.05). Additionally, educational background, household size, farm size, and access to ABP loans significantly affected net income from rice production (p<0.05). The study concludes that ABP loans positively impact rice production profitability and recommends that more farmers be given access to these loans to enhance rice production in the area.

Evaluation of pathogenicity and antifungal resistance of frequently occurred Aspergillus and Fusarium species in swimming pools in selected hotels in Ekiti state

Background: Swimming pools have been reported as critical fungal reservoirs. This study was designed to investigate fungal populations in swimming pools as well as detect the presence of virulence factors in the recovered isolates. Methods: Estimation of the mycobiota in the swimming pools sampled was done and isolates recovered were identified using colonial, morphology and molecular methods. Also, virulence factors: lipase, keratinase, laccase, hydrophobicity and biofilm formation were also determined using standard methods while antifungal susceptibility was done using clinically approved methods. Also, the presence of metalloprotease and protease gene was detected using PCR. Results: Out of the 75 samples, 47 showed fungal growth, with an isolation rate of 25.5%, 34.0%, and 40.4% from the surface, bottom, and edges of the pools respectively. Six fungi species were isolated viz: Candida tropicalis, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium verticilloides. C. tropicalis had the highest isolation rate at 41.7%. The fungi possessed virulence factors, with keratinase and lipase being the most common. All isolates were resistant to itraconazole, while none were resistant to fluconazole. The metalloprotease gene was detected in A. flavus, F. verticilliodes, and F. oxysporum. Conclusion: Our study revealed that the fungi recovered from the swimming pool possessed virulence factors that can enhance their infectivity.

Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Some Domesticated Animals in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Aim: This study is aimed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) total antibody in some domesticated animals in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Study Design: The study was a cross-sectional study conducted at Ekiti State, Nigeria. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted at Ekiti State, Nigeria between October 2023 and January 2024. Sample testing and analysis of serological test were performed at Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Methodology: 186 blood samples from four animal species were randomly collected. The serum samples were obtained from the following animals in the study area using the technique of venipuncture: dogs (n=56), pigs (n=29), sheep (n=59) and goat (n=42). Blood samples were collected and separated serum for testing of HEV total antibody using Human (HEV-Ab) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The overall seroprevalence of HEV total antibodies was 41.94%, among the four animal species sampled, Pigs had the highest seroprevalence (72.4%). Out of the five Local Government areas, Ido-Osi had the highest HEV seroprevalence (53.57%). The age group ranging from ˃12-≤18 months had higher HEV prevalence (29.41%) among the age group. All age groups of the domestic animals had statistically significant differences at (P ˂ 0.05). Among all the pregnant domestic animals, goats had a considerably higher seroprevalence of HEV total antibody (73.33%) than other pregnant animals in the study area. The HEV prevalence among the pregnant domestic animals was statistically significant (P˂ 0.05). Conclusion: Data suggest that HEV remains an under-recognized and significant public health problem, wanting further attention and research.

Appraisal of Nursing Care Received and it’s Satisfaction: A Case Study of Admitted Patients in Afe Babalola Multisystem Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State

Background Patients are the best recruiter of patients if given prompt treatment and comprehensive care. Patient satisfaction with nursing care has been strongly advocated to be an important indicator of the quality of nursing care delivery which raises concerns in many areas, including information communication, privacy, physical and psychological care, availability and accessibility of nurses, and emotional care. The aim of this study centred on identifying the domain of nursing care received by in-patients of Afe Babalola Multisystem Hospital (AMSH) and determining the level of patient satisfaction towards nursing care in AMSH.  Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional, descriptive design was employed. A convenience sampling technique was used to select 102 patients admitted to surgical wards (male and female), Medical wards (male and female), renal wards, accident and emergencies and maternity wards. The Qualipak nursing quality questionnaire (QUALPAC) was used to collect the required data. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 27. Pearson chi-square test and logistic regression analysis was used.  Results Patients received overall moderate nursing care (64.7%) in the framework of physical, communication and psychosocial care. Overall satisfaction with nursing care received was found to be 76.5%. Among the domains of nursing satisfaction, satisfaction towards communication care (89.2%) and physical care (80.4%) showed a high level and satisfaction towards psychosocial care (58.8%) care was lower compared to other dimensions. Respondents’ between the ages of 18-25 years (P< 0.05, Odd ratio- 14.569, CI: 679.461– 0.312), male patients (P< 0.05, Odd ratio- 8.850, CI: 7.477– 0.097), single patients (P< 0.05, Odd ratio- 5.130, CI: 7.569- 0.035), primary education (P< 0.05, Odd ratio- 40.123, CI: 2021.829– 0.076), patients admitted to male renal ward (P< 0.05, Odd ratio- 2.328, CI: 196.160– 0.028) and patients who chose expert doctors as a reason (P< 0.05, Odd ratio- 4.900, CI: 25.509– 0.009) were associated with patient satisfaction. Nursing care received was high among admitted patients in male medical wards, female medical ward and male renal ward.  Conclusion Patientsin this study received moderate nursing care in the three domains of nursing care. A high nursing satisfaction was received. To increase satisfaction with nursing care, greater emphasis should be given to the psychosocial care of patients.

Influence of Socioeconomic Status of Parents on the Scholastic Achievement of Mathematics Students in Selected Secondary Schools within Ado LGA of Ekiti State

The investigation explored the influence of socioeconomic status of parents regarding the academic successes of math students in chosen secondary schools located in the Ado LGAof Ekiti State. The study encompassed both public and private educational institutions, employing a straightforward random sampling technique to select five secondary schools and sixty students. Information was gathered via a self-designed questionnaire with distinct sections A and B, concentrating on demographic details and parental elements such as education level, family background, income, and occupational status in relation to students' performance in Mathematics. The instrument underwent face and content validity procedures, and the results were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient, yielding a value of 0.85. Hypotheses were evaluated through Chi-square analysis, and data were presented using pie charts and tables. The outcomes unveiled a significant influence of parent’ educational background, family background, occupation, and income level on the academic success of mathematics students. The researcher recommends the implementation of financial assistance programs for families with lower incomes to ensure equitable access to quality mathematics resources. Moreover, schools are encouraged to establish initiatives and parental engagement programs, fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment. The study advocates for policy changes to promote fairness in mathematics education for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Characterization of Anopheles Mosquitoes Larvae Breeding habitats in Selected Six Local Government Areas in Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria

This study explored the spatial distribution and attributes of Anopheles mosquito larvae breeding sites in six local government areas of Ekiti State, Nigeria. It employed a cross-sectional design, randomly sampling larvae habitats across three distinct locations, resulting in the assessment of a total of 18 breeding sites. The assessment of habitat characteristics and physico-chemical parameters of larvae breeding water-bodies was conducted through visual inspection and laboratory procedures, adhering to the standard protocol outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO). The objective of this study is to characteriseAnopheles mosquito larvae breeding habitats in six selected local government areas in Ekiti State using WHO protocol.. Two local governments were selected each from the three senatorial districts in the state and a survey was conducted to identify dams, rivers, swamps, marshlands, and temporary water ponds within each zone for Anopheles mosquito larvae using WHO protocols. Measurements of water temperature and pH were conducted twice in a week using a multi-parameter meter (PHB500- ww portable ph meter).Anopheles mosquito larvae were collected across the eighteen breeding sites in the selected six LGA in Ekiti using standard dipper, pasteur pipettes and scooping techniques and reared to adult in the laboratory. Most of the larvae habitats encountered were stagnant water bodies 10(56%) with the mean of 122.2 ± 41.20 followed by Tyre track 4(22%) with the mean of 129.8 ± 41.20, slowly flowing 2(11%) with the mean of 186.0 ± 16.97 and gutter 2(11%) with the mean of 170.0 ± 98.9. Types of breeding site across the six study area were all temporary sites 18(100%), more than half 13 (72%) of the habitats origin of water were natural, 11(61%) of the breeding habitats’ specific water body were stagnant water bodies. Furthermore, majority 14(78%) of the water bodies were polluted, 16(89%) were exposed to sunlight and it was also discovered that the all the breeding habitats across the six study area were around settlements (houses). Therefore physicochemical characteristics such as Temperature (r=0.896, p=0.016), pH (r=0.865, p=0.026) and Electrical conductivity (r=0.865, p=0.045) were significantly associated with larvae abundant with a strong positive correlation while the physicochemical characteristics such as DO and TDS were not significantly associated with larvae abundance .

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF MICRO-CREDIT ON POVERTY STATUS OF MICRO ENTREPRENEURS IN IKERE EKITI, NIGERIA

This study investigated how engagement in microcredit programs impacts the poverty status of microentrepreneurs in the Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti state, Nigeria. The study selected 126 respondents through random sampling, comprising 57 microcredit beneficiaries and 69 non-beneficiaries. Data was gathered via structured questionnaires and analyzed using various statistical methods including descriptive statistics, FGT poverty measure, Probit regression, and comparison of means.The average per capita household expenditure in the study area was N 13,877.49, which was used to establish poverty thresholds of N 9,251.66 and N 4,625.83 for categorizing households as moderately poor and core poor respectively. The findings revealed a poverty incidence of 27 percent among microcredit beneficiaries and 29 percent among non-beneficiaries.Probit regression analysis indicated that female-headed households tended to be economically disadvantaged compared to male-headed ones. Furthermore, each additional year of formal education, possession of assets, and participation in microcredit were associated with reductions in poverty status by 0.994, 0.0529, and 0.08 respectively.A comparison of expenditure between microcredit beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries revealed higher expenditure among the former. The study suggests that policies promoting the establishment of more microcredit groups for impoverished households could be effective in alleviating poverty.

Determinants and Pattern of Treating Haemorrhoid (JediJedi) in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Determinants and Pattern of Treating Haemorrhoid (JediJedi) in Ekiti State, Nigeria

An Overview of Teachers’ Development and Secondary School Effectiveness in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The study examined teachers’ development and secondary school effectiveness in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study sought to establish the relationship between teachers’ development training and secondary school effectiveness in Ekiti State. Descriptive research design of survey type was adopted in the study. The population of the study comprised all the teaching staff (teachers and principals) numbered 5,908 in public secondary schools in Ekiti State. The total number of public secondary schools in Ekiti State was 202. The sample of the study was made up of 240 teachers and 24 principals selected from 24 public secondary schools in each of the three senatorial districts in Ekiti State. Multistage sampling procedures which involved simple random sampling and stratified random sampling techniques were used to select sample of the study. The instruments tagged Teachers’ Development Training Questionnaire (TDTQ) and Secondary School Effectiveness Questionnaire (SSEQ) were used to collect data. The instruments were validated and found reliable with the reliability coefficient of 0.84 and 0.86 respectively. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages scores, mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions and Pearson’s Moment Correlation was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between teachers’ development and secondary school effectiveness in Ekiti State. Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, it was recommended that regular and relevant teachers’ development programmes should be organized for secondary school teachers in order to ensure continuous quality education delivery and secondary school effectiveness.

Peri-urban land administration and management: understanding the challenges in Ekiti state, Nigeria, using case study and soft systems methodologies

Achieving best practices in land administration and management systems supporting land rights for all requires sustainable land administration and management, contributing to successful and significant land administration and management systems. There is an increasing need for legal framework reforms to support land administration and management systems. These reforms may enable rural transformation and social inclusion. Central to reform strategies may be decentralisation to improve inclusivity and collaboration between the customary and statutory institutions. Using Soft Systems Methodology to analyse the current land administration and management systems in Ekiti State, Nigeria, will be helpful for policymakers, professionals and academics reforming land administration and management systems. The study findings reveal the need for improvement in land administration and management systems.