Gboko Local Government Area Research Articles

Assessment of cardiac function in farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides in gboko local government area, benue state

Any compound or combination of substances meant to prevent, eradicate, repel, or mitigate any pest is known as a pesticide. Despite the benefits of using pesticides for pests, weeds, and disease control, there have been concerns about adverse effects of these compounds on the human health. This cross-sectional study was designed to assess the cardiac function of farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides, in Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria.One hundred ten (110) participants comprising 70 farmers and 40 controls were recruited for the study using a multi-stage random sampling technique. They were aged between 20-60 years and were age-matched. Five (5) ml of fasting blood samples were collected from each participant for the determination of Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), Apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB100) and Troponin I level using standard laboratory methods. Also, the body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the participants were also determined. The results showed significantly lower mean BMI (23.02±3.94 Vs 24.94±3.12; p= 0.031) and serum ApoA1 (150.73±13.52 Vs 167.27±15.65; p=0.024) while the mean SBP (140.49±19.34 Vs 119.75±10.30; p=0.000), DBP (82.86±12.16 Vs 77.53±7.76; p=0.014) and mean serum Troponin-I (3.11±5.46 Vs 1.38±0.15; p=0.049) levels were significantly higher in the farmers compared to control respectively. However, there was no significant difference in the mean serum ApoB-100 level in the farmers when compared to the control group (p=0.104). : This study showed that the farmers had lower body mass index and higher serum levels of apoA-I, apoB-100, and Troponin I, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as compared to the control group. Nonetheless, in both the test and control groups, these results fell within the typical reference ranges. Further longitudinal research is required to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of pesticide exposure on cardiac function in farmers.

Evaluation of cardiac and liver function parameters of farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides in Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Evaluation of cardiac and liver function parameters of farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides in Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Effect of recreational physical activities on health related components of physical fitness of adolescents in secondary schools in Gboko local government area of Benue state, Nigeria

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of recreational physical activities on the five health-related components of physical fitness of adolescents in secondary schools in Gboko Local Government Area. Methodology: The study employed the Quasi-experimental research design. The population of the study comprised of Twenty-four thousand, six hundred and thirty-four- (24,634) Secondary School adolescents’ students in private and public secondary schools in the 2020/2021 academic session in Gboko Local Government Area. 200 participants (students) were sampled for the study using the multistage sampling technique. The University of Pretoria’s HRF index protocol was used for data collection in the study. The HRF index was used to calculate the health related components of physical fitness of the adolescents. Inferential statistics of t-test was used to analyse the differences in health related components of physical fitness between the Control Group and the study Group at 0.05 level of significance. Results: Results of the study revealed that: Recreational physical activities have a significant effect on body composition; cardiovascular fitness; muscular strength; muscular endurance and flexibility of adolescents in secondary schools in Gboko Local Government Area. Recommendations: Based on the findings, it was recommended that adolescents should further improve on their intensity of participation in recreational activities both at home and school in order to maximise total physical fitness.

Capture-recapture Techniques in Estimating the HIV/Hepatitis Prevalence in Gboko, Benue State Nigeria

Capture-Recapture technique is used to estimate the number of individuals in a population. This study aimed at estimating the number of HIV/Hepatitis co-infection individuals in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue state, in order to plan or create more awareness of HIV/Hepatitis and to take control measures and prevention. The data were sourced from three data sources namely; General Hospital Gboko, Myom Hospital Gboko and NKST Hospital Mkar. The records showed that, between year 2015-2018, 1,205 HIV/Hepatitis patients registered in Gboko Local Government Area, 662 (54.94%) were identified in General Hospital (GH), 357 (29.63%) in Myom Hospital (MH) and 186 (15.44%) in Nongo Kristu u ser u Sha Tar (NKST) Hospital. Matching the records revealed that, 62 HIV/Hepatitis co-infection individuals or patients were captured by the three data source all together; 31(50%) were captured in General Hospital and Myom Hospital, 15(24.19%) in General Hospital and NKST Hospital, 5(8.07%) in Myom and NKST Hospitals and 11(17.74%) in General Hospital, Myom and NKST Hospitals. The three (3) health facilities were treated as 3 source capture-recapture (C-R) data to estimate the population size of HIV/Hepatitis co-infection in the study Area. The data was analyzed using record linkage/matching and log-linear model techniques, also R statistical package software was used to run the data. The results show that, the model that best fit the data is model (4) with interaction GH+MH+NKST+NKST*GH+NKST*MH with the estimated HIV/Hepatitis co-infected patients at 7182 with a 95% confidence interval of, 5348-10128. The total coverage stood at 16% , this implies that only 16% of the HIV/Hepatitis infected persons are recorded in the study area. Thus expanded data collection and analysis is recommended.

Taxonomic Classification and Suitability Evaluation of Selected Soils of Gboko for Yam and Cassava Production.

This study evaluated soil fertility status of Gboko-South in Gboko Local Government Area and their suitability for cassava and yam production. Auger point investigations were carried out at 100 m intervals along traverses spaced at 100 m apart. Three soil units were identified on the field based on soil colour, structure, textures, surface characteristics and topography. The results showed that the soil units were deep (102 – 141 cm) and well drained except unit I that was poorly drained. The soils were coarse-textured and slightly to moderately acidic in reaction with pH values which ranges from 5.38 – 6.50. They had low organic matter contents ranging from 0.20 to 0.95 % and high base saturation which ranged from 76 to 86 %. The soils were classified as Typic Epiaqualfs/Epigleyic Stagnosols, Arenic Haplustalfs/Eutric Luvisols, and Eutric Haplustept/Eutric Haplic Luvisols. Soils of unit I (Pedon I and II), unit II (Pedon III and IV) and unit III (Pedon V and VI) were evaluated to be moderately suitable for cassava and yam production.Keywords: Soil, Taxonomic classification, Suitability evaluation, Land suitability assessment, Yam and Cassava.

The KAPP Study of Malaria and its Prevalence amongst Boarding School Students in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease caused by a protozoan of the genus Plasmodium and is one of the most important parasitic diseases of man globally especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This research was done to assess malaria infection and its relationship with the knowledge, attitude, perception and prevention among students of boarding schools in Gboko Local Government Area. Five boarding schools within Gboko Local Government were selected for the study. A total of 370 students were sampled to represent the population. Malaria in the schools selected for this study was determined through malaria test via the examination of stained thick blood smears under the microscope. Structured questionnaires were administered to the participants to get information pertaining to their demography, knowledge, attitude, perception and preventive methods towards malaria. Thick blood films were stained using Romanowsky Field Stains. Chi-square was used for comparing infections and to determine the significant relationships at 95% level of significance. The results showed an overall prevalence of 20.8%. The prevalence of malaria was higher among female students (22.3%) than in male students (19.5%). Malaria was found most (10.8%) among students who use insecticide treated nets (ITNs). This study revealed that the knowledge and ownership of insecticide treated net (ITN) was high (86.2%) among the students. However, only 60.0% of the ITN owners actually use it. Thirteen percent of the students have phobia for the use of ITN while many students do not use the ITN for diverse perceived reasons. The treatment seeking behavior of the students showed that majority of the students (84.9%) access the school clinic when they have fever. This study has revealed that there are misconceptions on the knowledge of malaria among students and these are some of the factors leading to the risk and exposure of students to the bites of mosquitoes. The perceived beliefs on malaria in this study have no scientific basis and can easily be overcome through proper health education. Providing a mosquito free environment and promoting ITN usage as well as use of mosquito repellent cream among boarding school students may help achieve the desired protection against mosquito bites and subsequently prevent malaria.

Effect of Multimedia Teaching Technology on SSS 1 Student’s Interest and Achievement in Mechanics in Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria

This work was carried out to determine the effect of multimedia teaching technology on SSSI student’s interest and achievement in mechanics. 160 students were randomly selected from two secondary schools in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. The research design employed for this study was Quasi-Experimentation research of two groups pre-test, post-test control design. The study lasted for the period of one week due to the experimental nature of the research, the pre-test was administered to all the participants in order to sure of their equivalent entry behavior. The treatment was administered to the experimental class with the use of multimedia teaching approach. The pre-test and post-test scores of the students in the conventional and multimedia teaching group were used for the purpose of data analysis. The result were analysed using T-test, four hypothesis were postulated. The result showed that (a) tcal (8.91)>tcritcal (2.83) where the hypothesis is rejected which confirmed that there is no significant difference in the academic interest of student taught mechanics with multimedia method against the students taught mechanics with conventional method. (b) tcal (0.56) tcritcal(2.09) hence the hypothesis is not rejected, this implies there is no significant difference between the mean interest ratings of male and female student taught mechanics using multimedia teaching approach. (c) tcal (9.01) >tcritcal (3.02) the hypothesis is rejected, which implies that there is a significant difference in the academic achievement of student taught mechanics with multimedia method against the students taught mechanics with conventional method. (d) tcal (0.60) tcritcal (2.10) hence hypothesis is not rejected, this implies that there is no significant difference between the achievement scores of male and female student in mechanics who were taught using multimedia. All at 0.05 level of significance. The findings therefore revealed that there is significance difference in the interest and achievement of students exposed to multimedia teaching approach than those that were conventionally taught and also there was no significant difference in the interest and achievement of male and female students taught using multimedia taching approach. It was therefore recommended that the use of multimedia taching approach should be adopted to encourage so as to complement other methods of teaching science in schools and colleges.

Effect of Infrastructure on Rural Transformation of Gboko Local Governement Area of Benue State, Nigeria

This research examined the effect of infrastructure on rural transformation of Gboko local government area of Benue state, Nigeria. Both primary and secondary source of data and information were used for the study and questionnaire was used to obtained information from the primary source while journals and internet constituted secondary source of information. The population for this study is four hundred and seventy two (472) respondents from the study area. The statistical tools employed were the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficients (r) to examine all the hypotheses of the study. The findings of the study indicates that a positive or direct relationship exists between Rural Transformation (RUT) and Agricultural Activities ACA in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State and the relationship is statistically significant (p<0.01). Hence, we accept that there is relationship between agricultural activities and rural transformation. A positive or direct relationship between Rural Transformation (RUT) and Small Business Development (SBD) in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. The result of the study indicates that the strength of the relationship is 0.174** or 17.4% and the relationship is statistically significant (p<0.01). There is an inverse relationship between Rural Transformation (RUT) and Social Challenges (SOC) in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. It was concluded that infrastructure enhances rural transformation. It was recommended among others that The individual communities should come up with ideas of training their children in the small business development while at the same time reach out to the government to help with all the necessary help needed to improve the development of small business in the study area.

Analysis of Wood- Based Enterprise in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Analysis of Wood- Based Enterprise in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Programme in Meeting the Job Needs of Teachers in Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria

This study was designed with an objective to assess the effectiveness of the PGDE programme in meeting the job needs of teachers in secondary schools in Gboko local government area of Benue state. A cross sectional descriptive survey design was used in the study. The instrument used for the data collection is a well-structured questionnaire consisting of 26 questionnaire items. 320 respondents were sampled from sixteen schools in Gboko using the purposive and stratified sampling techniques. The results obtained were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and variance. Findings revealed that secondary school teachers in Gboko were mainly HND holders (39%). The findings also showed that majority of the respondents were aware of the PGDE programme (both holders and non-holders of the PGDE certificate). Furthermore, the study indicated that PGDE holders were more proficient in the utilisation of teaching aids. All four hypotheses were tested and the researcher observed that there was no significant difference in knowledge of the PGDE programme among teachers who were PGDE holders and those without the certificate. The researcher noted a significant difference in the effectiveness of PGDE holders and non-holders in terms of their methodological competencies. The researcher further discovered that there existed a significant difference in the level of utilisation of teaching aids between PGDE holders and non-holders. It also revealed clearly that students understood lessons better when taught by PGDE holders than when taught by those without the certificate. The study then recommended among others that employment of teaching staff should be anchored on technical expertise while teachers without the PGDE certificate should be encouraged to acquire the certificate through sponsorship.

Records Keeping and Good Governance in Gboko Local Government Area Benue State

Records Keeping and Good Governance in Gboko Local Government Area Benue State

An Assessment of Work Stress among Secondary School Teachers in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

An Assessment of Work Stress among Secondary School Teachers in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Analysis of resource use efficiency among soybean (<i>Glycine max</i>) farmers in Gboko local government area of Benue state, Nigeria

The study examined the efficiency of resource use in soybean production in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to identify and describe the socio economic characteristics of soybean farmers and to determine resource allocation among soybean farmers. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 120 respondents. Data collected were subjected to Descriptive statistics and production function analysis. The result revealed that 93.3% of the farmers had one form of formal education, or the other with over 65% cultivating between 1-4 hectares. Also, 87.5% of the farmers were in their active age, and 81.7% utilized their personal saving as a major source of finance for production. The result of the production function analysis indicated that 87.21% of the variation in the output of soybean is explained for by the independent variables. Resource-use efficiency revealed that quantity of seed, farm size, herbicide and inorganic fertilizer were underutilized while labour was over utilized. Provision of adequate and timely farming inputs, making loans accessible to farmers and reasonable market price of soybean are essential to boost production.KEYWORDS: Analysis, Resource use efficiency, Farmers, production function analysis, Benue, Nigeria.

Quality Assessment and Evaluation of Groundwater Potentials in Parts of Buruku and Gboko Local Government Area Councils in Benue State

Hydraulic and layer parameters of groundwater aquifer have been evaluated in parts of Buruku and Gboko local government area councils, for the primary purpose of assessing quality and potential of groundwater in the areas. A total of 18 Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) stations were occupied along traverse lines using the Schlumberger electrode configuration. The results revealed a characteristic QQA, QHH and QH type curves, with 6 - 7 geoelectric subsurface layers. The geoelectric layers are dominantly sandy with intercalations of shale at shallow depths in most stations. The aquiferous layers were delineated at the fourth and fifth geoelectric layers with average aquifer resistivity and depth of 420.56 Ω·m and 69.1 m, respectively. Groundwater flow is generally from the northeast to the southwest in line with the tectonics of the Benue trough. Two potential groundwater zones were delineated. These are the zone of poor quality water to the north (central) and east of the area of high potential and the zone of quality groundwater to the northeast, west and southwest of low potential. The study revealed that productive boreholes for excellent and sustainable yields were more viable in the northern (central) and eastern parts of the study area than in the northeast, west and southwest parts.

Occurrence of Malaria in Children under Five Years: Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions among Mothers in a Nigerian Semi-Urban Area

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of malaria among children underfive years and to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the children’s mothers regarding malaria and preventive measures. Study design: The study was cross-sectional in design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria, between May-September 2012. Methodology: Children under five years that attended three hospitals (Atuna, NKST and General Hospital) for malaria diagnosis with their respective mothers were enrolled for the study. Thin and Thick blood films were prepared for parasitological examination. Questionnaires were administered to children’s mothers to collect socio-demographic

Contributions of Escherichia coli to Diarrhoea among HIV/AIDS Patients at a Hospital in Tropical West Africa

Aims: To ascertain the contributions of Escherichia coli to diarrhea among patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in a HIV endemic community. Study Design: Hospital based cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Mkar Christian hospital, Mkar, Gboko local government area of Benue state, Nigeria between January and June, 2009. Methodology: Close ended questionnaires were administered and relevant information such as age, sex, marital status, educational background, occupation and regular intake of antiretroviral drugs were obtained from HIV/.AIDS patients with diarrhea and non-HIV/AIDS patients which served as control. Stool samples were collected, stored, transported and processed using standard procedures of microscopy, culture and sensitivity. Research Article British Microbiology Research Journal, 2(3): 175-186, 2012 176 Results: Bacteria were found to contribute 59.9% (209) of the diarrhoea among HIV/AIDS patients at Mkar of which E. coli accounted for 111 (43.4%) of the cases and was significantly higher among HIV/AIDS patients on irregular or absent anti-retroviral treatment (ART) than those on regular ART, 64.0% (87) versus 36.9% (24) respectively (P< 0.05). Other bacteria recovered were Salmonella typhi (30.6%) and Shigella dysentheriae/flexneri (26.0%). Conclusion: E. coli should be accommodated in symptomatic management of diarrhoea among HIV/AIDS patients at Mkar while efforts should be made at provision of adequate antiretroviral drugs for the people while their strict intake and adherence enforced.

AN ASSESSMENT OF PREVALENT LIVESTOCK DISEASE IN IGARRA CATTLE RANCH IN AKOKO EDO L. G. AREA OF EDO STATE OF NIGERIA (JAN. 1998 DEC. 2002)

An assessment of Livestock Disease carried out in Igarra Cattle Ranch in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State for a period of 5years (Jan. 1998 - Dec. 2002) revealed that the prevalent diseases are Helminthiasis (31.55%), Ectoparasitism (37.3%), Trypanosomiasis(18.6%), Pneumonia (7.2%), Rinderpest (3.2%), Foot and Mouth Disease (2.2%). In Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State of Nigeria, for the same period, a similar investigation revealed the following disease conditions: Helminthiasis (33.1%), Ectoparasitism (22.01%) Pneumonia (20.28%), Trypanosomiasis (12.68%), Pneumonia Enteritis Complex (PPR) (11.97%). KEY WORDS: Prevalent, Livestock, Diseases in Igarra and Gboko. Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 64-66