Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory Research Articles

Household Solid Wastes: Collection and Disposal Methods in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Objectives: This study was to assess the composition and quantity of solid wastes and their collection and disposal methods in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Method: A total of 420 well-structured questionnaires (in English language) were administered to consenting participants to obtain information on methods of waste collection and disposal. Secondary data such as waste characteristics and types generated were collected from the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) records from January to December 2020. Results: Proportion of solid wastes generated in AMAC were in the order Food and other organic wastes, Papers, water sachets, plastics, metals, glass and textiles, 46.23%, 20.27%, 13.23%, 8.53%, 4.88%, 4.37% and 2.45% respectively. On waste collection, significant 55.71% proportion of the respondents choose government-approved bins, 25.23% use household items while 19.04% employed commercial waste collectors (X2 = 32.5454, df= 12, P= 0.00113). An insignificant 47.4% of the respondents in the study claimed to patronize only government approved dumpsites in disposing off their household wastes, 24.5% at any available open spaces while 24.3% dumped their wastes in their private backyards, 3.80% disposed the wastes in drainages (X2 = 18.8314, df= 18, P= 0.4022). Conclusion: This study successfully achieved the objective for which it was set. This study successfully assessed the composition and quantity, collection and disposal methods of waste generated in AMAC, FCT, Nigeria.

Assessment of Natural Background Radiation Exposure in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria

The detrimental effects of environmental contamination and deterioration on health are a worldwide concern and Nigerian environmental and public authorities continue to be concerned about the risk to public health. The water, the sky, construction materials and the earth's crust all release natural background radiation that contaminates the environment around us. Additionally, people are exposed to background radiation that comes from internal, cosmic, and terrestrial sources, although, the altitude determines the amount of cosmic radiation exposure, and high altitudes result in large radiation doses. Monitoring the amounts of radiation to which humans are exposed, either directly or indirectly, requires an understanding of the natural background radiation in the environment. The current study attempted to create a baseline of outdoor background radiation in FCT for exposure rate, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent, and excess life cancer risk. The study used a very sensitive survey meter to measure the BIR. The average BIR value found in the research areas is marginally below the 0.013mRh-1 global BIR level, indicating an almost high BIR level for the FCT while the absorbed dose rates of 105.85nGy/hr was greater than the 59nGy/hr global population weighted average gamma dose rates estimate. The obtained annual effective dosage equivalent value is greater than the global average normal annual effective dosage level for outdoor environments, and the excess lifetime cancer risk values were higher than the 0.29×10-3 allowable level as reported by UNSCEAR & ICRP. Therefore, the general people and those who live in environmentally sensitive areas may experience immediate health effects from contamination and radiation levels at the current rates.

Sustainable Energy Management in Tertiary Educational Buildings: A Case Study of Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory

This article presents a case study conducted in Nigeria Federal Capital Territory, examining the current status, challenges, and potential strategies for sustainable energy management in tertiary educational buildings. The research analyzes the energy consumption patterns, prevalent sources, and the diverse appliances used in lecture halls across six (6) selected institutions. Findings reveal lights, fans, projectors, computers, speakers, and microphones as the most combined and essential items for lecture environment as recorded by 25.7% of the respondents and about significant 72.2% of respondents lack awareness regarding their lecture hall's energy consumption, emphasizing an information gap that may hinder the adoption of sustainable energy management practices. Despite this, a considerable proportion 27.5% expresses satisfaction with current energy consumption levels, indicating potential complacency and a need for heightened awareness. Notably, varied perceptions of about 58.2% exist regarding excessive energy usage and the potential for reduction without compromising service quality. The study identifies barriers to implementing sustainable energy management practices, with staffing limitations, complex decision-making processes, and initial costs ranking highest with an Relative Importance Index (RII) of 0.772, 0.759 and 0.762 respectively. Conversely, strong leadership commitment, sustainability education in the curriculum, and environmental regulations emerge as key drivers for fostering sustainable energy management practices with an average RII of 0.791, 0.779 and 0.778 respectively. Proposed strategies for enhancing sustainable energy management include the deployment of smart grid systems, educational initiatives for students and staff, efficient building designs, and the implementation of renewable energy sources. Respondents exhibit a willingness to embrace these strategies, contingent on the availability of necessary resources and support. In conclusion, this research underscores the need for improved data collection on energy consumption, heightened awareness campaigns, and strategic policy interventions to facilitate the transition to sustainable energy practices in educational buildings.

Evaluation of the Vertical Profile of Radio Refractivity and its Gradients in a Tropical Atmosphere

This paper evaluates radio refractivity and its gradients over Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, using five years upper air meteorological data obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). From the results obtained, radio refractivity was observed to decrease with increasing altitude. Also, higher refractivity values were observed in wet season, while lower values were recorded in dry season. An average refractivity value of 326 N-Units was obtained at 1 km altitude, while average refractivity gradient values of -34 N-Units/km and -40 N-Units/km were recorded for the dry and wet season months respectively. A total average value of -38 N-Units/km for refractivity gradient was obtained for the five-year study period, thus making the atmospheric condition over Abuja to be sub-refractive. The effective earth radius factor (k-factor) computed for the location was also observed to be higher in the wet season months than the dry season months. An average k-factor value of 1.32 was obtained for the study period.

Domestic Water Conservation in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria: Perceptions and Practices

Many regions in Nigeria currently experience physical or economic water scarcity; a situation that isexpected to worsen because of the nation’s rapid population growth, which has resulted in increased pressure on available freshwater resources. This study, therefore, examines water conservation practices in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), one of the fastest-growing areas in Nigeria. A questionnaire was administered to 649 respondents, from across the six Area Councils that make up the Territory. The findings revealed that water investments in the FCT have not yielded 100% public water supply coverage for residents. About half of the respondents (48.7%) reduced their water use by minimizing the water used for washing, and a slightly higher proportion (53.5%) minimized water used for bathing. While rain harvesting was the most widespread conservation practice, with 65.3% of the respondents adopting it, the least practised conservation method is wastewater reuse, where only about 41% of the respondents adopted it. Although themajority of the respondents were literates, education did not impact their conservation practice. The age and gender of respondents played no significant role in the adoption of conservation practices. More public awareness and water education are needed to promote greater domestic water conservation among residents.

The Leveraging of Support by Faith-Based Social Groups in Rural Villages of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Social networks and social groups are often regarded as being important elements of social capital. The research set out in this paper is designed to explore whether social groups in villages located close to the Nigerian capital city of Abuja seek to lever benefits from the connections (networks) they may have with the government and others in that city. Of special interest is whether there is a significant difference between secular and faith-based social groups in terms of the leveraging of such support. The research builds upon a previous study that employed a questionnaire-based survey of 26 social groups spanning two area councils (ACs; Bwari and Kwali) in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria followed by a series of in-depth interviews with leaders of the groups (e.g., chairperson, secretary, and treasurer) to explore the findings. The results were analysed using regression and suggest that most groups (14) had sought to lever support from their connections in Abuja. Those more likely to leverage support were registered with their respective ACls, a requirement for accessing credit from formal lenders, and tended to be smaller in size in terms of membership. There was also some suggestion that leverage was more likely with male social groups than female ones. Registration with an AC was more likely for secular groups than religious ones. Religious-based groups in the villages did not see their activities as being ‘project orientated’ and instead regarded their role as being in community support. Social groups cannot be thought of as static and exclusive and the diversity of such groups at the village scale is a source of strength for their communities. The results have important ramifications for those institutions, especially faith-based ones, wishing to work with social groups to help in the design and implementation of development initiatives.

Clinical characteristics and treatment patterns of pregnant women with hypertension in primary care in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria: cross-sectional results from the hypertension treatment in Nigeria Program

BackgroundHypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including hypertension, are a leading cause of maternal mortality in Nigeria. However, there is a paucity of data on pregnant women with hypertension who receive care in primary health care facilities. This study presents the results from a cross-sectional analysis of pregnant women enrolled in the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program which is aimed at integrating and strengthening hypertension care in primary health care centres.MethodsA descriptive analysis of the baseline results from the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program was performed. Baseline blood pressures, treatment and control rates of pregnant women were analysed and compared to other adult women of reproductive age. A complete case analysis was performed, and a two-sided p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsBetween January 2020 to October 2022, 5972 women of reproductive age were enrolled in the 60 primary healthcare centres participating in the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program and 112 (2%) were pregnant. Overall mean age (SD) was 39.6 years (6.3). Co-morbidities were rare in both groups, and blood pressures were similar amongst pregnant and non-pregnant women (overall mean (SD) first systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 157.4 (20.6)/100.7 (13.6) mm Hg and overall mean (SD) second systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 151.7 (20.1)/98.4 (13.5) mm Hg). However, compared to non-pregnant women, pregnant women had a higher rate of newly diagnosed hypertension (65.2% versus 54.4% p = 0.02) and lower baseline walk-in treatment (32.1% versus 42.1%, p = 0.03). The control rate was numerically lower among pregnant patients (6.3% versus 10.2%, p = 0.17), but was not statistically significant. Some pregnant patients (8.3%) were on medications contraindicated in pregnancy, and none of the pregnant women were on aspirin for primary prevention of preeclampsia.ConclusionsThese findings indicate significant gaps in care and important areas for future studies to improve the quality of care and outcomes for pregnant women with hypertension in Nigeria, a country with the highest burden of maternal mortality globally.

Determination of Passive Fire Readiness in Market Environments in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria

Determination of Passive Fire Readiness in Market Environments in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria

5613191 KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE OF GENOTYPE SCREENING AMONG UNDERGRADUATES MEDICAL STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA

Background: Sickle cell disease remains the most common life threatening genetic disorder worldwide. Globally about 312,000 children are born each year with sickle cell disease (SCD), half of which are from Nigeria1,2,4,5,7,8. The prevalence of sickle cell anaemia (SS) in Nigeria is estimated to be 20 per 1000 and 25% of the population have sickle trait (AS)2,6,9,10,11. Medical students in Nigeria are key in the future management of sickle cell disease. Therefore, it is important to understand what training in SCD is given to medical students in Nigeria and to identify any important knowledge gaps which may improve training curricula. Method: A student survey was conducted at the College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria (FCT) in the 2021/2022 academic year. At this University, all students undergo comprehensive medical tests before admission, which include genotype screening. All medical students were eligible to complete the survey and which was advertised through year group social platforms. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire through Google form, after the respondent indicated their consent. The questions focused on knowledge of the disease and attitude towards genotype screening, and whether the student had undergone screening and were aware of their status. Results: In the academic year of 2021/2022 there were a total number of 374 medical students from year one to year six of these 150 (40%) completed the survey. Survey respondents included similar numbers of males and females, with a mean age of 23.7 years and were from all years of study. All the respondents had heard about sickle cell disease and 85% stated that they had attended courses which covered Sickle cell disease topics (from 63% in 1st year of study rising to over 90% by year 3). A very high proportion knew that Sickle cell disease trait can be transmitted from both parents to offspring (95%), and 90% knew that SCD can affect anyone and can occur when both parents are carriers of the Sickle gene. Fewer students (79%) knew that SCD can be diagnosed at birth. Knowledge of common symptoms for sickle cell patients was variable, while most knew that one of the most common complaints was pain in the limbs (92%), only 23% were aware that yellow eyes is also a common symptom, and 10 students (7%) incorrectly identified skin rashes as a common symptom. A total of 93% of students had been genotype-screened for SCD, and attitudes towards genotype screening, was generally positive. Most agreed that genotype screening can help prevent SCD and that pre-conception genotype screening is important. Of those who had been screened and knew their status, 68.6% were AA (adult haemoglobin without any haemoglobin disorder), 28.6% were AS (had the sickle cell trait) and 2.9% were SS (sickle cell anaemia). Conclusion: Over 90% respondents knew their sickle cell status (Hb genotype) and 2.9% had SCD (HbSS), and 29% had sickle cell trait (HbAS) consistent with the national burden in Nigeria. Reassuringly, medical students had a good knowledge of and attitude towards SCD irrespective of their year of study. Although identifying symptoms, which may be important in diagnosis, could be improved. Given that almost half of the global burden of SCD is in Nigeria, this study reflects the importance of ensuring adequate health education towards sickle cell disease among Nigerian medical students.

Qualitative Assessment of Knowledge, Perception and Experience of Physicians about Antimicrobial Stewardship in Nigeria during COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The critical role of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in mitigating antimicrobial resistance cannot be overemphasized, especially during COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to understand the perception of physicians about AMS as it relates to their training and practice experience. Method: A phenomenological qualitative study design was employed, and data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire-based interview of a purposive sample of practicing physicians in the federal capital territory of Nigeria. Eighteen physicians completed the interview and responded based on their perceptions and practice experience. Thematic analysis and coding of the data were performed through an iterative process. Results: 56% of the respondents were female physicians, 67% worked in a private hospital/clinic, and 44% have been practicing for 11 – 15 years. 83% of the respondents think auditing clinicians would promote antibiotics stewardship. 44% of the respondents were unaware of clinical guidelines for an empirical antibiotics prescription. 56% felt doctors were not provided thorough training on AMS. The participants suggest that AMS in Nigeria could be promoted through training of personnel, establishing antibiotics policy and protocol, cessation of over-the-counter sales of antibiotics, creating awareness, access to prompt laboratory investigation and inter-professional collaboration between physicians and pharmacists. They also believed inter-professional collaboration is necessary to achieve AMS. Conclusion: Physicians perceived a knowledge gap in AMS as a result of inadequate training and lack of clinical guidelines on antimicrobial stewardship in the healthcare system of Nigeria. Intensive education of healthcare providers and inter-professional collaboration are plausible approaches to improving antibiotic stewardship.

Characteristics and Patterns of Retention in Hypertension Care in Primary Care Settings From the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program

More than 1.2 billion adults worldwide have hypertension. High retention in clinical care is essential for long-term management of hypertension, but 1-year retention rates are less than 50% in many resource-limited settings. To evaluate short-term retention rates and associated factors among patients with hypertension in primary health care centers in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. In this cohort study, data were collected by trained study staff from adults aged 18 years or older at 60 public, primary health care centers in Nigeria between January 2020 and July 2021 as part of the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria (HTN) Program. Patients with hypertension were registered. Follow-up visit for hypertension care within 37 days of the registration visit. The main outcome was the 3-month rolling average 37-day retention rate in hypertension care, calculated by dividing the number of patients who had a follow-up visit within 37 days of their first (ie, registration) visit in the program by the total number of registered patients with hypertension during multiple consecutive 3-month periods. Interrupted time series analyses evaluated trends in retention rates before and after the intervention phase of the HTN Program. Mixed-effects, multivariable regression models evaluated associations between patient-, site-, and area council-level factors, hypertension treatment and control status, and 37-day retention rate. In total, 10 686 patients (68.3% female; mean [SD] age, 48.8 [12.7] years) were included in the analysis. During the study period, the 3-month rolling average 37-day retention rate was 41% (95% CI, 37%-46%), with wide variability among sites. The retention rate was higher among patients who were older (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.01 per year; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02 per year), were female (aOR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.23), had a higher body mass index (aOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02), were in the Kuje vs the Abaji area council (aOR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.25-4.04), received hypertension treatment at the registration visit (aOR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.07-1.50), and were registered during the postintervention period (aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06-1.26). The findings suggest that retention in hypertension care is suboptimal in primary health care centers in Nigeria, although large variability among sites was found. Potentially modifiable and nonmodifiable factors associated with retention were identified and may inform multilevel, contextualized implementation strategies to improve retention.

Basic Health Care Provision Fund Scheme: Assessment of Clients' Satisfaction at Primary Health Care Facilities after Two Years of Implementation in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory

Basic Health Care Provision Fund Scheme: Assessment of Clients' Satisfaction at Primary Health Care Facilities after Two Years of Implementation in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory

Prevalence of Induced Abortion and Contraceptive Use among University Students in a Tertiary Institution in Nigeria

Abortion can be defined as the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus. The main point made by the majority of the definitions of abortion upholds the fact that pregnancy is not wanted. Throughout the world, female students are exposed to the risk of unplanned pregnancies as a result of ineffective or non-use of contraceptives. This may result in failure to complete their education, inability to maintain gainful employment, and inability to make independent marital decisions. Young students’ sexual activities are a communal, municipal, and public health concern. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of induced abortion and contraceptive use amongst female undergraduate students of the University of Abuja. Methodology: The study was conducted at the University of Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative survey was used to assess the prevalence of induced abortion and contraceptive use amongst unmarried female undergraduate students, using a multistage sampling method. The sample size was calculated to be 289. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23, p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant at a 95% confidence level. Results: A total of 325 questionnaires were shared and 318 were filled and adequately answered, giving a response rate of 97.8%. The mean age in this study was 21.8 ± 3.01 standard deviation. There was a prevalence of contraceptive use amongst the respondents in which more than half (165; 51.9%) of the respondents have practiced contraception at one point or the other in their reproductive years while 163 (48.1%) of the respondents said they did not practice any form of contraception. 90 (28.3%) of the respondents have had induced abortion at one point or the other while the remaining 228 (71.7%) have not. The majority (87; 52.7%) of the respondents who practice contraception have also had an induced abortion at one point or the other while about 78 (47.3%) of those who practice contraceptive use had no history of induced abortion. Conclusion: Remarkably, and in contrast to conventional understanding, these results showed that less contraception does not appear to be associated with a higher incidence of abortion. Similarly, more contraception does not appear to be protective against incurring a pregnancy. Recommendation: There should be frequent awareness campaigns and health education on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of contraception by the Students Union Government, school media and publicity team, and non-governmental and charitable organizations targeted on effective contraceptive practice as a means of preventing unintended pregnancies.

Profitability assessment of catfish farming in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria

This study assesses the current economic performance of catfish production in Nigeria using profitability analysis taking the Federal Capital Territory as a case study. Aquaculture production in Nigeria has grown significantly in the last two decades. The farming of catfish accounts for more than half of the total national aquaculture production. However, a decline in production has been observed since 2015 and it has been reported that some catfish farmers are abandoning fish farming. A survey was carried out using a structured questionnaire and oral interviews. The farms sampled were categorised into small and large-scale farms for analysis of their profitability and operational management. While the overall assessment of most of the performance indicators portrayed catfish farming in the study area to be profitable, large-scale farms perform better than the small-scale farms in all the indicators assessed with Net Farm Income (NFI), Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), Operating Profit Margin (OPM) and Gross Ratio (GR) of N2,611,811, 1.25, 18.5 and 19.5 respectively for large-scale farms and N-17,247, 0.97, −11.06 and − 6.93 respectively for small-scale farms. Management of inputs affected the profitability of the farmers with small-scale farmers expending on average N703 per kg fish produced against N598.5 kg−1 fish produced by large-scale farms. Profitability of the farms was influenced by farmers' years of experience. The majority of small-scale farmers (84%) had less than 10 years of experience. Aside from the operational cost, poor fish performance was also considered a major constraint by the farmers. There is a need to improve broodstock management and carry out a feasibility of establishing a broodstock production programme that will facilitate an adequate supply of quality fingerlings. Effective training and improved extension services are also recommended to ensure profitable and sustainable catfish farming in Nigeria.

Abstract MP19: Characteristics And Patterns Of Retention In Hypertension Care In Primary Care Settings: Findings From The Hypertension Treatment In Nigeria Program

Introduction: More than 1.2 billion adults have hypertension globally, which contributes to more than 19 million deaths due to cardiovascular diseases each year. High retention in clinical care is essential for long-term management of hypertension, but 1-year retention rates are &lt;50% in many resource-limited settings. Objective: To describe retention rates and associated factors among patients with hypertension in primary health care centers in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Methods: Data were collected by trained study staff from adults ≥18 years at 60 public, primary healthcare centers between January 2020 and July 2021 as part of the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program. The 3-month rolling average 37-day retention rate in hypertension care was calculated by dividing the number of patients that had a second visits within 37 days of their first visit by the total number of registered hypertensive patients over multiple consecutive 3-month periods. Regression models were created to evaluate associations between patient-, site-, area council-level factors, treatment and control status, and 37-day retention rate. Results: In total 10,686 patients (68.2% female, mean [SD] age = 48.8 [12.7] years) were included. Over the study period, the 3-month rolling average 37-day retention rate was 41% (95% CI: 37% – 46%, Figure 1 ) with wide variability. The retention rate was higher among patients who were older (adjusted OR (aOR) [95% CI]: 1.01 per year [1.007, 1.014]), female (aOR [95% CI]: 1.11 [1.002, 1.22]), higher BMI (aOR [95% CI]: 1.01 [1.002, 1.02]), Kuje area council (aOR [95% CI]: 2.29 [1.28, 4.09]), being treated at the first visit (aOR [95% CI]: 1.20 [1.08, 1.33]), and being controlled at the second visit (aOR [95% CI]: 1.33 [1.20, 1.47]). Conclusions: Retention in hypertension care is suboptimal in primary health care centers in Nigeria, although variability was seen. Modifiable factors associated with retention were identified and may be targets for multilevel, contextualized implementation strategies.

Analysis on Resource Use Efficiency of Smallholder's Rice Production Farmers in Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria: Probit Model Approach

This study examined the resource-use efficiency of smallholder rice production farmers in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. The problem of resource use among small-scale rice production farmers is preponderance in the country. Hence, the study investigated the drivers of the problem in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Specifically, the study was designed to determine the factors influencing the resource-use efficiency of the respondents. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total sample size of one hundred and seventy-five (175) rice farmers in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Seven estimators such as age, household size, farming experience, educational level, extension services, access to credit, and off-farm income in the Probit model were found statistically significant. Results show that the probability of resource use efficiency of inputs used by the farmers increases with age, farm size, household size, educational level, extension services, experiences in farming, access to credits, but decreases where they have off-farm income. Mc Fadden Pseudo-R2 gives 0.6772, and the Probit model explains a significant proportion of the variations in smallholder farmers' resource use. The study concluded that the socio-economic variables in the model play an important role in influencing resource use efficiency. The study recommends that government agencies and donors should provide simplified, accessible and obtainable credits and grants to existing and prospective rice farmers in order to sustain the current giant stride in rice production in the country.

Derangements of liver enzymes in a study of 201 COVID-19 patients in Abuja, Nigeria's federal capital territory

Background: Several studies reveal abnormalities in liver function tests of COVID-19 patients. However, there are little data on African patients. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate liver function tests (LFT) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients admitted in Asokoro COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment Centre in Abuja, Nigeria. Patients, Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 201 laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2-infected patients hospitalized in Asokoro District Hospital COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment Centre between April 10 and July 31, 2020. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained, and the outcome measure was LFT abnormalities at presentation. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Version 24, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Patient median age was 39.3 years (IQR: 26–52); 65.7% were males and 33.8% were health workers. Approximately 49.2% of patients were overweight or obese. Hypertension (22.9%) and diabetes mellitus (7.5%) were the most common comorbidities and only 1% had a known history of liver disease. Abnormal LFTs were observed in 53% of patients (n = 106), most frequently elevated direct bilirubin (78.3%) and alanine aminotransferase (38.7%). Comorbidities were not found significantly associated with LFT abnormalities. Females (odds ratio [OR] = 0.367 P = 0.004 confidence interval [CI] 0.186–0.724) and patients aged 20–29 years (OR = 0.067 P = 0.043 [CI] 0.005–0.916) were found less likely to have abnormal LFTs. Conclusion: Regardless of clinical status at presentation, about half of SARS-CoV-2 patients admitted at the Asokoro Isolation and Treatment Centre in Abuja had abnormal LFT results. It is therefore recommended that LFT is included as a part of baseline investigations during the management of COVID-19 for improved outcomes.

Environmental Benefits of Urban Trees: A Case Study of Gwagwalada Town in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria

The study examined the importance of urban trees in Gwagwalada town in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used to select thirty respondents for the study. Data obtained for the study were collected in the months of June and July of 2021 and descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected. The findings of the study showed what residents of the town value most about urban trees is the natural ventilation that they provide as indicated by nearly 67% of the respondents while about 47% of them revealed that they like urban trees because of the fruits they produce. The respondents (73%) also indicated that it is very important to them to protect mature trees from being cut down either on private or public property; 90% of the respondents indicated that they will support one-way street and creative design in order to protect mature trees. In spite of the benefits of urban trees, 53% of the respondents revealed that they will support removal of trees from public property if they constitute threats to life and property. It is recommended that rural and urban dwellers should promote trees planting and protection as they play significant roles in providing natural ventilation, fruits and also help in pollutants removal, rain water interception and erosion prevention.

Analysis on Resource Use Efficiency of Smallholder's Rice Production Farmers in Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria: Probit Model Approach

This study examined the resource-use efficiency of smallholder rice production farmers in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. The problem of resource use among small-scale rice production farmers is preponderance in the country. Hence, the study investigated the drivers of the problem in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Specifically, the study was designed to determine the factors influencing the resource-use efficiency of the respondents. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total sample size of one hundred and seventy-five (175) rice farmers in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Seven estimators such as age, household size, farming experience, educational level, extension services, access to credit, and off-farm income in the Probit model were found statistically significant. Results show that the probability of resource use efficiency of inputs used by the farmers increases with age, farm size, household size, educational level, extension services, experiences in farming, access to credits, but decreases where they have off-farm income. Mc Fadden Pseudo-R2 gives 0.6772, and the Probit model explains a significant proportion of the variations in smallholder farmers' resource use. The study concluded that the socio-economic variables in the model play an important role in influencing resource use efficiency. The study recommends that government agencies and donors should provide simplified, accessible and obtainable credits and grants to existing and prospective rice farmers in order to sustain the current giant stride in rice production in the country.

The State of Internally Displaced Persons Camps in Nigeria: A Case Study of Durumi Camp in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria

This Investigation was conducted among a small group of IDP population living at the heart of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, which is the capital city of Nigeria. The study was conducted to determine the living conditions of Internally Displaced Persons in the Camp and their access to basic amenities as action research. It was conducted through an unstructured interview of the sampled population in the Camp to source relevant information. Data was collected by taking notes and recording of interview sessions. Results revealed that 2830 individuals live in the camp, mostly in family units. IDPs in the camp come from the Northeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria in the states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, with the majority of them from Borno state. They were all displaced as a result of insurgency. This IDP camp is organized with a leadership structure and defined system for the management of amenities such as the health clinic, water supply, allocation of shelter, and sharing of donated items received from philanthropists, the private sector, and other well-wishers. The camp has running water, a clinic for basic health care provision, a borehole, toilet facilities, a store for foodstuff and a security post within 500 metres to 1 kilometre of the Camp.