Enugu Urban Research Articles

Knowledge of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding among lactating young mothers in Enugu Urban, Nigeria

This study focused on knowledge of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding among young lactating mothers in Enugu urban, Nigeria. Four hospitals the young mothers used for their antenatal/ postnatal care were used for the study. They were Poly General Hosiptal, Asata, Enugu, New Haven Health Centre, Enugu, Balm of Gilead Hosiptal Achara Lay-out, Enugu and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu. The population of the study was made up of all the lactating young mothers who visited the hospitals with their infants for service. However, for data collection purpose, 80 copies of the questionnaire (20 copies to each hospital) were randomly shared among the young mothers in not less than two visits to each of the hospitals by the researchers. Sixty copies (70%) of the questionnaire were properly completed and returned. Data collected were analyzed using percentage, frequencies and mean scores. Mean scores of 2.5 and above represented positive responses to the question items.The study has shown that 53(88.3%) of the respondents had knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, while 7(11.6%) of them did not have it. Majority of the young mothers were within the ages of 26-35 years old and most of them 42(70%) had tertiary education. Many of them 23(38.3%) were civil servants, followed by traders 19(13.6%). 55(91.3%) of the young mothers got information on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding from their hospitals and during antenatal/post-natal care. 28(46.6%) others got the information from their friends. The importance of exclusive breastfeeding had the following mean scores: Best food for infants 3.7; Baby looks healthy 3.3; Baby receives immunity against disease 3.0; strong bond between mother and child 3.0; it saves money 2.9; delays re-occurrence of menstruation 2.5, and fights against breast cancer 2.5. Uploading exclusive breastfeeding had the following mean scores: mother should feed on balanced diet (3.6); drink water adequately (3.4); and should be available 24 hours (2.7). Problems included maternal poor feeding (3.4); nature of mother’s work (3.4); state of health (3.2) and maternal education (2.6).Keywords: knowledge, Importance, Exclusive breastfeeding, Lactation, Young mothers

An Assessment of Parallel Foreign Exchange Market as a Veritable Source of Low Income Residential Real Estate Development Finance in Enugu Urban Area, Nigeria January – December, 2017

An Assessment of Parallel Foreign Exchange Market as a Veritable Source of Low Income Residential Real Estate Development Finance in Enugu Urban Area, Nigeria January – December, 2017

Heavy Metal Contamination of Green Leafy Vegetables Cultivated in Residential Gardens in Enugu Urban, South East Nigeria

The accumulation of some essential (Cu, Mn and Zn) and toxic metals (Cd and Pb) in cultivated vegetablesTelfairia occidental is (fluted pumpkin), Talinum triangulare (water leaf), Amaranthus viridis (green vegetable), and Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) was investigated. The vegetables were cultivated in residential gardens in Enugu metropolis, the capital of Enugu State, South-East, Nigeria. Samples of these vegetables were randomly collected from three residential areas, dried, digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Buck 210VGP atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The relative abundance of the metals in the vegetables followed the sequence: Zn (2.28 mg/kg) > Mn (0.91 mg/kg) > Cu (0.45 mg/kg) > Pb (0.3 mg/kg) > Cd (0.05 mg/kg). The concentration levels of all the metals examined were within the FAO/WHO, Indian and the European Union (EU) recommended limits for metals in vegetables obtained from all the residential gardens. This implies that long term consumption of these vegetables does not pose any health risk to the inhabitants of Enugu urban. However, the presence of the metals indicates the gradual accumulation of heavy metals in leafy vegetables. Residential gardens should therefore not be sited close to main roads to avoid metal pollution from traffic emissions. Environmental authorities should prohibit the indiscriminate location of automobile repair shops contiguous to residential areas not only in Enugu Urban, but elsewhere across the country. The results showed that these vegetables are the good sources of essential trace metals.

Effects of household drinking water choices, knowledge, practices and spatio-temporal trend on the prevalence of waterborne diseases in Enugu Urban, Nigeria

Background: The inadequacy of drinking water supply to households in Enugu Urban, Nigeria, has forced many to depend on unimproved water sources, thus, exposing them to infection by waterborne pathogens (WBP). Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional multi-stage sampling was adopted. Standard methods of stool samples examination was used to determine the prevalence of waterborne diseases. Well-structured close-ended questionnaire aided assessment of households’ drinking water choices, knowledge and practices. Retrospective records of waterborne diseases (WBD) from January, 2013 to December, 2016 were also reviewed. Results: A total of 403 samples were examined, 344 (85.4%) were infected with at least one WBP. Ordered by prevalence, nine genera of WBP were isolated: Escherichia (38.0%), Giardia (35.2%), Entamoeba (33.0%), Salmonella (19.9%), Proteus (13.2%), Shigella (9.4%), Klebsiella (7.4%), Enterobacter (5.5%) and Cryptosporidium (5.2%). Prevalence of WBP was highest in children within 0 - 5yrs (90.6%). Out of six communities, Ogui in Enugu North Local Government Area had the highest prevalence (91.5%) of WBP. Respondents who source their drinking water from “public wells” (OR = 2.487, CI95 1.296 -4.774), “borehole/vendors” (OR = 2.175, CI95 1.231–3.843), and those that have poor sanitation level (OR = 4.495, CI95 2.358–0.371) were significantly associated with increased odds of WBD (p < 0.05). Furthermore, having very good sanitation level (OR = 0.179, CI95 0.094–0.343), not storing drinking water (OR = 0.166, CI95 0.064–0.429), boiling drinking water (OR = 0.546, CI95 0.307–0.907), and always filtering drinking water (OR = 0.398, CI95 0.174–0.909) reduced the risk of WBD (p < 0.05). Analysis of retrospective records shows an increase in temporal trend from 2013-2015, with slight decrease in 2016. Conclusion: Against the background of this study, most households in Enugu Urban are vulnerable to consuming water contaminated at many points in their journey from source to mouth. This portrays the importance of adequate provision of safe drinking water, and need for appropriate “point of use” household water treatment and storage methods that will effectively curb the prevalence of WBD.

Effects of Hydrochemistry of Urban Runoff in Surface Water Quality in Enugu Urban Area, Enugu State, South-East Nigeria.

Bacterial contamination of water and its associated human health problems are of concern to most people because surface water diseases have troubled human populations for centuries. The aim of this research is to determine the effects of hydrochemistry of urban runoff on surface water quality in Enugu urban area. The water samples were collected from six major rivers in the study area (Ekulu, Asata, Aria, Idaw, Ayo and Ogbete river) with 13 stations of runoff measurement in Enugu urban area. Physico-chemical data was collected by dividing the basin into 13 sub-catchments areas and these were confined mainly within the existing layout. The water samples collected from various strategic points from the study area were analyzed through laboratory tests. The first layer consists of Physical, chemical, and microbiological parameter. These were summarized and imported for statistical analysis and data processing. The result shows that rivers in the study area were highly polluted. The average quantity of Faecal Coliform in Enugu urban River was 17066.67cfu, and average Total Coliform pollution 25400 cfu. These changes were as a result of human and animal excreta flushed into surface water via runoff. The study noted that the physical, chemical and microbiological parameter of the basin, as well as geographical dispositions, combined with anthropogenic factors, are strong causative factors of runoff which causes pollution in surface water quality in the study area. Physio-chemical characteristic shows the hydrochemistry properties of runoff and the extent of pollution in surface water in the study area. The work recommends that there should be effective enforcement of legislation and improve in construction of modernize drainage channel which will collect discharge instead of channelling waste to rivers.

An assessment of level of people’s awareness of government policies on the management of e-waste in Enugu urban area, Southeast Nigeria

E-waste is regarded as any electrical equipment or object which the holder disposes of or is required to dispose of in accordance with the provisions of the national environmental law enforcement. The objective of this paper are to investigate the categories of frequently used and repaired household electronics Enugu Urban area and to determine the disposal practices, policies and regulations that regulate the disposal and management of E-waste in Enugu Urban area. The study area is located within latitude 06o 00’N and 07o 00’N and longitude 07o 00’E and 07o 45’E. The Cochran sample size formula for the 722,664 population was used to determine sample size for the study. This study observed that 31.3% of household electronic products are stored at homes and offices, 38.3% are sold to scavengers who recycle in a crude way, 11.8% said the sale to waste recycling companies which in-turn are scavengers because there are currently no formal e-waste recycling company in Enugu Urban, 29.5% are disposed at ESWAMA dump sites around Enugu Urban who collects and dump at Ugwuaji dumpsite which is currently a residential area, while 19.3% are being disposed anywhere through landfill. Based on the findings and observations of this study, the Study recommends that the State Government through the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with other Ministries should create awareness programs and develop an all-encompassing strategic plan, sustainable models, and policy for E-waste checking, controlling and Management in Enugu Urban

Factors Restraining Choice of Nursing as a Career among Male SSSIII Students in Enugu Urban Nigeria

Factors Restraining Choice of Nursing as a Career among Male SSSIII Students in Enugu Urban Nigeria

Determination of Factors Influencing Male Students from Choosing Nursing as a Career in Enugu Urban Nigeria

Determination of Factors Influencing Male Students from Choosing Nursing as a Career in Enugu Urban Nigeria

Effects of Music Piracy on the Nigerian Public: A Case Study of Enugu Urban

Piracy is the unauthorized use or reproduction of copyrighted material. Some people view it as a violation of copyright law or the illegal duplication and distribution of sound recording or computer software. Definitely it is not a natural occurance but a deliberate misappropriation of the fruit of another man’s labour [1,8,15]. The paper examines the magnitude of the crime “piracy” in the Eastern part of Nigeria especially in their markets like to the damaging effect it has on intellectual property rites of the individuals. A 20-item questionnaire was designed, distributed, collected and analysed. The effect revealed that it had far reaching negative consequences on the individuals as well as the government of the day. Strategies for the combating of piracy in Nigeria were also outlined.

Carrier Rate of Typhoid Organisms in Enugu, Nigeria

Aims: To determine the carrier rate of typhoid and paratyphoid organisms in Enugu community. Place and Duration of Study: The project was carried out in Enugu Urban in South Eastern part of Nigeria. Those enrolled in the study that lasted for one year are students, traders and civil servants. Methodology: Ninety six apparently healthy adults without any complaints, comprising of forty eight males and forty eight females were selected for the study. Blood, urine and stool samples were collected from all in the study group. The samples were subjected to standard bacteriological culture for enteric organisms at the Medical Microbiology Laboratory of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Results: Salmonella typhi was isolated from the stool of two (2.08%) of the candidates while S. paratyphi was recovered from the stool of another individual (1.04%) of the study group. No candidate gave Widal titre greater than 40 to , O , agglutinin which is statistically significant (Anova F value 597.7, P value <0.0001). Only Two Candidates positive for S. typhi culture gave titre of 160 to

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Malnutrition in Enugu Urban and Suburban Area

Introduction: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition among school children in urban and suburban of Enugu metropolis was carried out. Methods: Anthropometric measurements consisting of weight, head circumference and mid arm circumference were measured. Weight for age, head and mid arm circumference were used as indicators to determine the nutritional status (malnutrition). Examination of stool specimens was done using direct wet mount examination and concentration techniques .The parasitosis and malnutrition was studied in 98 (40 urban and 58 suburban) school children aged 1 to 12 years. Results: The overall prevalence (positive) of intestinal parasites in this study was 38(38.8%), while 60(61.2%) were absent (negative). The prevalence of infection was significantly higher among the suburban (%) children than among the urban (%) children. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides 11(27.5%) was higher in suburban than in urban Ascaris lumbricoides 5(12.5%) than all other parasites encountered from suburban and urban area respectively. The study does not really show a significant association between nutritional indicators and intestinal parasitic infection but shows a slight association to Ascariasis and hookworm infection. Conclusion: This study shows that there is a slight improvement in the level of malnutrition, hygiene and sanitation in Enugu metropolis. Since intestinal parasitic infections are associated with malnutrition, controlling these parasites would increase the physical development and well-being of the affected children.

Assessment and Prospective Application of Information and Communication Technology Usage among Secondary School Teachers in Enugu Urban, Nigeria\

Aims: To assess the secondary school teachers’ usage of ICT in Enugu Urban, Nigeria. Study Design: Descriptive survey design (Questionnaire). Place and Duration of Study: Department of Education, Institute of Ecumenical Education Thinkers Corner, Enugu, Nigeria, between April 2011 and December 2011. Methodology: 253 teachers were randomly selected from 40 public secondary schools in Enugu Urban, Nigeria. Assessments were made on ICT facilities available to teachers, adequacy level of exposure to these ICT facilities, perceived benefits and challenges facing ICT usage and adoption among teachers. Results: It showed that most of the ICTs were not available in schools and the teachers were not too well exposed to ICT facilities. The study also x-rayed the teachers’ perceived benefits to ICT usage and challenges facing ICT usage in secondary schools. Conclusion: It was recommended among others that there should be: inclusion of ICT programmes at various teachers educational institutions, provision of functional and Original Research Article British Journal of Education, Society & Behavioural Science, 4(3): 336-349, 2014 337 adequate ICT facilities in schools by school administrators, proper funding of education by the government, provision and improvement of infrastructures especially electricity and finally establishment of ICT crash programmes for teachers and subsequent update.

Comparative Analysis of Solid Waste Collection in Enugu UrbanNigeria

Current system of waste collection methods and facilities in Enugu Urban in Nigeria have become a significant and growing problem because it is grossly inefficient and ineffective. This research work evaluated the methods of solid waste collection in Enugu Urban by ESWAMA and suggests a plan for further comprehensive management. To collect data for the study, the collection crew of the existing ten zones were used. Random sampling was used in the zone to collect appropriate number and quality of respondents for our questionnaires and interview. Analysis of the data showed that there is a problem of indiscriminate dumping of solid waste in all the zones due to irregular and inefficient collection of solid waste and lack of suitable and adequate dust bins for the solid waste collection. The available and required total number of containers for haul container system are 28 and 265 respectively while for stationary container system are 684 and 1062 respectively. The average total cost in haul container system is N4,782,507.67 while that of the stationary container system is N17,585,808.41. The average efficiency of the collection crew for both haul and stationary container systems are 75.5% and 63.9% respectively. These results show that the haul container system is associated with higher efficiency and more less cost when compared to the stationary container system and as such is preferable. In order to improve waste management in Enugu state more suitable dust bins should be provided and professionals employed to manage waste. The government should provide more funds to the Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) to set up basic infrastructures needed for effective solid waste collection. Adopting these measures will improve the state of the Enugu urban environment with regard to solid waste collection.

Air Pollution Tolerance Indices (APTI) of Six Ornamental Plants Commonly Marketed at “Ebano Tunnel” Floral Market, in Enugu Urban, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Enugu Urban Local Government Area is the capital of Enugu State in the South Eastern Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. Ebano Tunnel is an important link road between the two busiest parts of Enugu Urban- the Ogui Urban area and the Abakiliki road/GRA. Owing to this strategic location, the Ebeano Tunnel, recently is witnessing massive floral market where ornamental plants are displayed. Six species of ornamental plants commonly marketed (Ficus, Hibiscus, Ixora, Phitis, Toja and Red rose) were evaluated for their Air pollution Tolerance Indices (APTI). The APTI of each plant was computed from four physiological and bio-chemical parameters namely: - P H of the leaf extract, Relative water content, Ascorbic acid and chlorophyll content. The APTI values ranged between 9.04-15.26 on Hibiscus and Toja respectively. The ornamental plants with high APTI (Tolerant) are recommended for use in domestic, industrial and urban land scapping both for their aesthetic values and phytoremediation potential of air polluted environment, while the plants with low APTI (Sensitive) are to be used as bio-indicators of environmental air quality.

Patterns of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use, Perceived Benefits, and Adverse Effects among Adult Users in Enugu Urban, Southeast Nigeria.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is now on the increase. Evidence from studies carried out globally has established that CAM use is very common and varies among populations. This study investigated patterns of CAM use, perceived benefits, and associated harm with CAM use among adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three local government areas of Enugu urban, Southeast Nigeria. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from all consenting adult participants aged between 18 and 65 years. Of the 732 participants interviewed, 62.8% were females while 37.2% were males. Majority (84.7%) of the participants had used CAM at one time or another. The most commonly used CAM product was the biological products, followed by spiritual therapy. The major route of administration for CAM products was oral and about 40% of the participants combined CAM with conventional medicine. Majority (78.6%) of CAM users benefited from CAM products after using them while a few complained of adverse reactions. As CAM is gaining widespread acceptance and use, there is need for clinical trial on the benefits and adverse effects associated with the use of CAM to facilitate proof of efficacy and safety of the products.

Rapid detection of antimicrobial residues in poultry: A consequence of non-prudent use of antimicrobials

A cross sectional survey was conducted in three major poultry markets at Enugu Urban area of Enugu State, South Eastern, Nigeria, to determine the prevalence of antimicrobial residues in commercial broiler birds using Premi? Test Kit. Antimicrobials generally due to their availability over the counter and non-enforcement of legislature on irrational use are often abused in both veterinary and medical practice in most developing countries. The misuse and overuse of these drugs lead to deposition of violative levels of antimicrobial residues in animal tissues meant for human consumption with several health consequences when consumed. Premi? Test like all other microbiological tests is based on the principle of inhibition and was able to detect antibiotic residues in 42 (60%) of the 70 sampled commercial birds from three major poultry markets in the study area. It detected also residues in 90 out of the 280 different organ matrices made up of 70 samples of each organ, of which Kidney was the highest at 48.6%, Gizzard (30.1%), liver (25.8%), and muscle (24.3%) in that order. No association was found between the occurrence of antibiotic residues and the location of the poultry markets sampled at P

Technical Efficiency of Enugu Urban Broiler Farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study measured the level of technical efficiency and among determinants in broiler farmers in Enugu urban of Enugu State, Nigeria using stochastic frontier production function. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 broiler farmers from which data were collected using well-structured questionnaire and oral interview. The estimated technical efficiency of urban broiler farmers ranged between 88.0% and 98.0% with a mean of 95.0%. The educational level, farming experience, access to credit, extension contact and membership of cooperative society were the determinants of technical efficiency of urban broiler farmer. Improving farmers’ access to education, credits, among others, would enhance farmers’ technical efficiency for the sustainability of urban broiler production.

Empirical Characterization of Propagation Path Loss and Performance Evaluation for Co-Site Urban Environment

The design of future generation communication systems depends so much on the suitability of path loss methods and their suitability to various regions. However, such models, no matter how accurate, will result in co-channel interference and wastage of power when they are used in environments for which they were not developed. So, the best bet is to perform site-specific measurements. This research work characterizes the propagation path loss in an urban environment for co-site CDMA2000-800MHz (CDMA2000 1x/UMTS800) and GSM900MHz. Received Signal Strength (RSS) measurements were gathered in Enugu from Mobile Telecommunications of Nigeria (MTN) Network (GSM900) and Visafone Network (CDMA2000 1x) in sites where each Network operates alone and where both Networks shared sites (co-site or coexistence). RSS data gathered was used to characterize Enugu Urban Environment and a propagation Path Loss model, suitable for scenario with Base Station antenna height above the average rooftop was subsequently developed. SINR was generated to evaluate the Link performance of co-site operation in comparison to Single Network operation in a site.

Health and Environmental Hazards Posed by Urban Livestock Keeping in Enugu Urban, Nigeria: Implication for Climate Change Mitigation

Livestock’s contribution to climate change is now an established fact and closeness of livestock to human beings in urban areas portends many health and environmental implications. The study ascertained farmer’s perception of health and environmental hazards posed by livestock keeping in Enugu Urban, Nigeria and its implication for climate change mitigation. Seventy five heads of households were freely characterized and data were obtained through interview. Data were analyzed using percentage and mean. Majority of the farmers kept improved chicken under intensive system. All the respondents were aware of health and environmental implications of livestock keeping in urban areas, though only few (4.0%) indicated being aware that livestock could cause climate change. Other environmental issues identified by them included: destruction of crops (89.3%) filth in urban areas (89.3%); noise making (88.0%). The health issues included spreading of diseases (50.7%); causing of accidents (46.7%); bad smell (86.7%). The control measures as perceived by the respondents included proper disposal of waste (M=1.79), seeking veterinary services (M=1.85), cleaning shed regularly (M=1.80) and provision of extension services (M=1.85). It was recommended that urban agriculture should be integrated into urban health and environmental policies. Extension services should also raise awareness among urban livestock keepers of the impact of livestock on climate change and offer them useful advice on appropriate mitigation measures.

Incidence and Public Health Significance of Yersinia enterocolitica in Enugu Urban-Enugu State,Nigeria.

studies were carried out on the incidence and public health significance of Yersinia enterocolitica in animals in Enugu Urban- Enugu State ,Nigeria. A total of 106 samples, comprising 50 chickens and 33 goats from Artisan market and 23 pigs from New market,all in Enugu urban, were examined for the presence of Yersinia enterocolitica .Cold enrichment in a phosphate buffered saline, culture and biochemical tests were used as the diagnostic laboratory tests. This includes incubating the swabbed sample in freshly prepared 0.5% KOH in 0.5% NaCl (pH 7.6) at 4°C for 3 weeks followed by culturing on nutrient agar at 37°C for 24h and then on MacConkey agar at 37°C for 24h.A total of 5 Yersinia enterocoiltica were obtained- two were found in goats ,one was found in chicken and 2 were found in pigs. Prevalence rates of 6.O6%, 8.7% and 2% were found in goats, pigs and chickens, respectively .The prevalence rate of the different animals sampled combined was 4.72%.This confirmed that pigs had the highest prevalence of Y. enterocolitica among the animals used for the study. Also the public health significance and recommendations to be followed in the processing and handling, of animals especially their chitterlings were discussed.