Gombe Metropolis Research Articles

Disclosure Rate and the Associated Factors Among Adolescents Living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria

Disclosure Rate and the Associated Factors Among Adolescents Living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria

Risk Factors and Occurrence of Salmonella enterica in Ready-to-Eat Vegetable Salad Sold in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study investigates the bacteriological safety of ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetables in the Gombe metropolis, Nigeria, focusing on their contamination with Salmonella enterica. It identifies a significant contamination rate of 36% and establishes a strong association between poor handling practices and the presence of Salmonella, providing critical insights into the public health risks posed by these RTE vegetables. The study's findings on antibiotic sensitivity patterns of Salmonella isolates further highlight the urgent need for targeted health interventions and improved food safety practices to mitigate typhoid transmission in this region. Full Abstract The worldwide twelve-monthly typhoid fever manifestations range amid 16–20 million ailments, ensuing in roughly 600,000 human mortalities, particularly amongst low-income and middle-income nations. Numerous typhoid outbreaks had previously been linked to contaminated vegetables. In the Gombe metropolis of Gombe state, Nigeria, ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetables are hawked around and handled using unhygienic methods. Hence, this study aimed to investigate and bridge the knowledge gap regarding the bacteriological safety of these ready-to-eat vegetables and the risk factors for their contamination with Salmonella enterica. A total of 100 samples were sourced from various locations in the Gombe metropolis, homogenized and inoculated on nutrient agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar, and MacConkey agar. Identification was executed by utilizing standard procedures of Gram’s staining and biochemical tests. Antibiotic sensitivity assessment was executed per CLSI guidelines, a questionnaire was utilized to acquire data for ascertaining the association amongst handling and contamination of the RTE vegetable salad, and this data was analyzed using a chi-square test. Findings revealed 36% of the samples were contaminated with Salmonella enterica, which were grey-white on nutrient agar, colorless colonies with black centers on Salmonella-Shigella agar, non-lactose fermenters on MacConkey agar, Gram-negative rod-shaped, motility and catalase positive, indole negative, urease negative, citrate negative, and KIA positive. Sensitivity showed the isolates were 100% sensitive to ofloxacin and chloramphenicol, 100% resistant to ceftazidime, cotrimoxazole, and ceftriaxone, but 95.4% were sensitive and 4.6% resistant to ampicillin. Data analysis revealed a significant association between contamination and some handling practices. The findings in this study have shown that the RTE vegetable salad is a source of public health hazard to the community, and also the information generated by this study can be used to create targeted health interventions against the RTE vegetable salad-transmitted typhoid in Gombe, Nigeria.

Impact of Metals Scrap Yard on the Presence of some Heavy Metals Concentration within Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria, using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

The Metal scrap yards play a crucial role in the recycling and reuse of metals, contributing significantly to the economy and conservation of natural resources. However, the processing and storage of metal scraps can lead to the release of heavy metals such as lead, chromium and cadmium, into the environment. The presence of heavy metals in metal scrap yards poses a significant risk to nearby communities, workers and the environment, also causing air and water pollution, soil contamination, and health problem. Study of impact of metals scrap yard on the presence some of some heavy metals in soil samples was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Top soil sample were collected from eight metals scrap yards and their corresponding control areas. One gram (1 g) each of the soil samples was digested and then heated slowly and steadily, the solution appears colorless. The samples were allowed to cool and ready for analysis. The result obtained was, the mean elemental concentration element was of the order ofMn (41.022±41.202)> Cu (4.416±4.274) >Pb (2.685±1.399) > Mg (0.500±10.122) > Cr (0.460±0.187) > Cd (0.125±0.027) > Co (0.04±0.000)> Ni (0.000±0.000). The comparison of the elemental concentration of the heavy metals of (Mn, Mg, Cu, Pd, Cr, Cd, Co and Ni) in the study area ware shows the metal scrap yard has impact in the presence of heavy metals in soil. In addition, the Contamination factor (CF), and Pollution load index (PLI) of each trace element in soil of the study area and their respective control area were all < 1 which implies that they all have low contamination factors, less polluted and low contaminated.

HOUSEHOLDS’ COOKING ENERGY TRANSITION IN GOMBE METROPOLIS, NIGERIA: A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH APPROACH

Sustainable energy transition has the potentials to providing a lasting solution to the contending problem of climate change globally. This study investigated the current energy transition situation in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria. The study used qualitative research method where data was obtained through two (2) sessions of focus group discussions (FGDs) and 5 key informant interviews (KIIs) with different households as well as energy vendors around the study area respectively. The data were analyzed using thematic method of analysis involving manual coding and themes generations. Result revealed on one hand that some of the households have started to adopt modern energy services for cooking while on the other hand some households have been using energy mix consisting solid forms of energy and modern energy services concurrently while some still rely heavily on solid forms of energy for their cooking energy requirements. It was found that energy access, affordability, cost, family size, income and education are the main factors influencing energy transition in the area. The study suggests that the government should provide easy access via feasible subsidies and also engage in public awareness campaigns on the dangers associated with reckless deforestation as well as environmental and health benefits of modern energy consumption for domestic cooking.

Determination of the Rate of Expansion of Magarya River Channel Upstream of Doma Bridge in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria

Determination of the Rate of Expansion of Magarya River Channel Upstream of Doma Bridge in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria

Assessing the awareness and perception of waqf among business owners in Gombe State, Nigeria

PurposeThe literature about the dynamics of Muslims' awareness and perception of waqf has been generally scarce,especially in Nigeria. As renewed efforts are emerging to develop a new waqf regime in the country, this study examines this aspect in Gombe metropolis, Nigeria, with a view to identifying the key factors shaping people's perception and awareness towards waqf.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the objective of this study, primary data were collected through a survey among 494 business owners in the Gombe metropolis. The data were then analysed using probit and Tobit regression models.FindingsThe study found that altruistic behaviour, religiosity level, educational level and young age are among the factors that determine people's perception and awareness towards donating to waqf among business owners in Gombe. Altruism and young age embolden businesspersons to recognise the effectiveness of waqf institutions in solving socioeconomic challenges.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study imply that waqf has huge potential in the study area and that with well-structured, organized waqf education programmes within the business community using diverse avenues, a robust waqf sector can be developed.Originality/valueAs far as the study area and the entire Nigerian Islamic economics and finance landscape is concerned, the study has explored a novel research area. Given the infant stage of empirical studies on waqf in Nigeria, there are virtually no previous attempts to examine the awareness and perception of businesspersons towards waqf; variables that are key to the development of an effective sector.

Determination of Chemical Explosive Remnants in Soils of Boko Haram’s Affected Areas of Gombe State Nigeria

Aim: This research was conducted to ascertain the level of pollution of our physical environment as a result of years of Boko Haram’s activities in Gombe State, North-Eastern Nigeria.
 Study Design and Place of Study: Samples for this research were collected from Bajoga, Nafada and Gombe metropolis and environs all in Funakaye, Nafada, and Gombe Local Government Areas respectively. Samples were taken only from places with recorded Boko Haram’s explosion activities. A control sample for each study area was taken from an area that has no record of Boko Haram attacks. Gombe State is located in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria on latitude10015’00’’N and longitude 11010’00’’E bordering Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi states.
 Methodology: The concentrations of explosive remnants (4-Nitrotoluene, 4-Propyl Benzaldehyde, 1,3-Dinitrotoluene, 2,4-Dinitrotoluene, 3,5- Dinitrotoluene, Trinitrotoluene, RDX and HMX) in the soil samples of the attacked areas were investigated using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometer, GC-MS.
 Results: The result indicates 4-Nitrotoluene; 0.05-0.085µg/kg, 4-Propyl Benzaldehyde; 0.07-0.19µg/kg; 1,3-Dinitrotoluene; 0.005-0.060µg/kg, 2,4-DNT; 6.16-6.86µg/kg, 3,5-DNT; 0.40-0.90µg/kg, TNT; 0.29-0.66µg/kg and RDX and HMX were not detected. All the samples in the study area had 4-Nitrotolene and 4-Propyl Benzaldehyde concentrations above those in their respective controls. 1,3-DNT in Bajoga samples, 2,4-DNT in K Police station and K/mata, 3,5-DNT in Gombe metropolis, and TNT in NFD Police station were all found to be below the concentrations in their control
 Conclusion: There is possible 4-Nitrotolene and 4-Propyl Benzaldehyde contaminations in all the studied sites and absence of pollution by 1,3-DNT in Bajoga, 2,4-DNT in K Police station and K/mata, 3,5-DNT in Gombe metropolis, and TNT in NFD Police station.

HOUSEHOLD COOKING ENERGY CONSUMPTION SITUATION IN GOMBE METROPOLIS, NIGERIA: A MIX OF QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH APPROACHES


 Household energy use accounts for one-third of worldwide primary energy demand, and has a considerable impact on the environment and human health. This study investigated the household energy consumption situation in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria. The study used a mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods concurrently. Four hundred households were selected using systematic sampling technique. Questionnaire and Key Informant Interviews (KII) were used to collect data, while secondary data was obtained from the Gombe State Bureau of Statistics. Descriptive statistics was used to analyzed the quantitative data while thematic approach was used in qualitative data analysis. Result revealed that the majority of respondents obtained energy for domestic cooking from hydrocarbon sources, which are charcoal (33.2%) fuelwood (27.5%) and liquefied petroleum gas (22.9%) of the energy mix while 76.5% of respondents used a mixed of traditional (charcoal/fuelwood) and modern (LPG) energy sources. Similarly, result from the KII revealed that households in Gombe Metropolis rely heavily on traditional energy sources, such as fuelwood and charcoal, for cooking because of its affordability and availability. The choice of cooking fuel is influenced by factors such as affordability, household size, availability, and accessibility. The study recommended that Regular awareness campaigns through the media and public gatherings should be conducted to emphasize the significance of utilizing modern energy systems for domestic cooking. These efforts will encourage individuals in the study area to move away from heavily relying on hydrocarbon-based fuels towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

Information Technology in Audit Processes. An Evidence from Small Audit Firms in Gombe Metropolis

The use of Information Technology (IT) is becoming increasingly popular in business. The role of IT now hold ace in contemporary business around the world. From sole proprietorship to the desk of the corporate executive IT has completely taken the place or satisfactorily complimented manual data processing. The rapid changes and application of technology have motivated accounting firms to invest in technology to ensure that they are up to date with the current technology. In accounting, technology is broadly used in recording, bookkeeping, generating financial reports, auditing and designing a better costing system for an organization. This study evaluates the determinants of technology adoption among small audit firms in Gombe metropolis. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design and the primary means of data collection was questionnaire administered on audit firms. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The findings showed among others that individual intentions significantly influence the adoption of technology in small audit firms. The study recommended that principal audit partners should increase their commitment and readiness to provide trainings as well as infrastructure for audit technology adoption by their firms.

EXPLORING THE DRIVERS FOR HOUSEHOLD COOKING ENERGY TRANSITION IN GOMBE METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Transition to sustainable energy in the household sector is a one-way solution to significantly reducing the contending problem of forest exploitation on one hand and on the other hand an important effort to minimizing the challenging subject of climate change. This study aimed at exploring the drivers for household cooking energy transition in Gombe metropolis with a view to providing detailed information on the transition pathways in the area for policy implications. The study used quantitative research method with structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection, while secondary data was obtained from the Gombe State Bureau of Statistics. For data collection, systematic sampling strategy was used to select sampling locations and the households to be administered the questionnaire. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression analysis. Result from descriptive analysis revealed that household size (69.5%), households’ level of income (65.5%) and public influence (65.5%) were the major factors influencing modern energy choice in the study area on one hand and on the hand environmental consequences (35.8%), health risks (34%) and seasonal changes (49.5%) has no significant influence on household modern energy choice for cooking. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed the likelihood of respondent’s socio-demographics and modern energy adoption (p-value <0.05). The study recommends conducting public awareness campaigns on the benefits of modern energy services for cooking through media and public gatherings. It also suggests providing adequate access to affordable modern energy to encourage households to adopt and shift to modern energy consumption for cooking.

Effect of a conventional and modified-cognitive behavioural counselling techniques on aggressive behaviour among pupils of Almajiri Integrated Schools in Gombe Metropolis

Effect of a conventional and modified-cognitive behavioural counselling techniques on aggressive behaviour among pupils of Almajiri Integrated Schools in Gombe Metropolis

Households Water Purification Using Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria

Assessment of water quality has been an important issue nowadays as the available water supply is severely polluted and can be the cause of waterborne diseases like cholera, diarrhea and dysentery. Solar disinfection (SODIS) is an efficient, low technology and cost-effective method for inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms in low-income communities where clean drinking water is limited or absent. The study was designed to assess the information about sanitation behavior at the household level using a structured questionnaire and to provide cost-effective method for its treatment. The result of the bacteriological analysis shows that all the water samples were found to harbour coliforms organisms in numbers greater than the required WHO/FAO/NSDWQ standards. The isolated organisms were identified to be Enterobacter aerogenes, species. SODIS was proven to be a more environmentally friendly and low-cost method to disinfect water against the conventional methods of water treatment that require high technology and it is time-consuming. In addition, the chemical used in the treatment process might be toxic. Providing the community with simple water treatment techniques using the SODIS method, and intensive health education and sanitation practices for the community are highly recommended.

Isolation and Screening of Amylase-producing Fungi from Spoiled Fruits

Amylase is the enzyme that is employed in the breakdown of starch into its simpler components. The research was aimed at isolating and screening Aspergillus niger from spoiled fruits for amylase enzyme production. The spoiled fruits utilized in this study were orange, tomato, banana, mango, hot pepper and pineapple, and were taken from fruit sellers in Kasuwar Mata within the Gombe metropolis. Six different fungi were isolated from spoiled fruits and were identified using cultural and morphological characteristics. They were screened on starch agar for amylase production. A. niger isolated from banana produced the biggest zone of hydrolysis (76 mm) on starch agar while A. niger from tomato produced the smallest zone of hydrolysis (38 mm). The result of this research indicates that A. niger from spoiled fruits are capable of producing amylase enzyme which can be utilized for different industrial processes.

Assessing the Factors Influencing Waqf Contribution Among Public Employees in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria

Waqf is a significant socio-economic tool utilized by Muslim societies worldwide for the betterment of the public. Despite its recognized potential, empirical research on the factors influencing waqf contribution among Muslims in Nigeria, particularly in Gombe Metropolis, is limited. This study addresses this gap by examining the factors affecting public employees' participation in waqf initiatives. Data for this study is obtained through administration of structured questionnaire and analysed using Poisson and Tobit regression models. Our results indicate that waqf contribution among public employees is notably influenced by income level and trustworthiness. Additionally, the interaction between income level and factors like trustworthiness, religiosity, and altruism plays a significant role in enhancing employees' contributions to Waqf institutions. The policy implications suggest that stakeholders should encourage collaboration and integration of Waqf initiatives into public institutions, making it easier for employees to make regular contributions. There should also be specific awareness and educational programs designed to inform public employees about the significance and advantages of Waqf in promoting socio-economic development.

Hanehalkı Gıda Güvensizliği ve Öngörücüleri: Nijerya Gombe Metropolü'nden Kanıtlar

Achieving food security, especially at household level, is very fundamental for every country in the world especially African countries. It is to this end that this study set out to identify the factors determining food insecurity among households in Gombe metropolis, Gombe State of Nigeria. The household data used in this study were collected through administration of questionnaire. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression technique to analyse the data. Although a total of 400 copies of questionnaire were administered to the respondents but 381 questionnaires were filled and returned. The descriptive analysis showed about 40 percentage of the respondents was food insecure. The logit regression results suggest that household size and income were the significant predictors of household insecurity in the area. As expected, household size positively determines the probability for household to be food insecure whereas income negatively affects the probability. Therefore, the study recommends among others include; government should create more job opportunities that will enhance the income level of people in order to reduce the magnitude of food insecurity. Secondly, government should, if possible, introduce and advocates for the importance of the family planning in order to curtail the population size.

Bacteriological Investigations on the Quality of Herbal Medicinal Concoctions Vended in Gombe Markets.

Background: The use of medicinal plant products for the treatment of diseases is still highly valued globally due to several rationales,  especially in low-income countries. The recognized potency of herbal medicines based on their vast pharmacological functions has  enabled their uses to produce modern pharmaceutical drugs. However, the unregulated production and widespread use of nonsterile  pharmaceutical medicinal products like herbal medicinal concoctions have instigated public health experts to question  their quality and wholesomeness for consumption. This prompted the study aimed at investigating the quality of herbal medicinal  concoctions vended in Gombe markets.  Methods: A total of sixty (60) herbal medicinal concoctions were randomly sampled from four different vending outlets or markets for  this study. Microbiological culturing techniques which include ten-fold serial dilution and spread-plating method were adopted for the  isolation of bacteria in herbal medicinal concoction samples, and viable plate counts were established in colony-forming units per  mL  according to standard practice. Identification of bacterial isolates was achieved by colony morphology determination/macroscopy,  gram staining and microscopy, while the identified bacteria were further confirmed using several biochemical analyses.  Results: The  mean viable plate count for all the different concoctions sampled was high and above the safe level of the established  standards for non-sterile herbal preparations. Consequently, this initially signifies the unsafe status of the herbal concoctions for  public consumption. Also, eight (8) bacteria genera/species among which are pathogenic strains were isolated and identified from the  herbal concoctions. These bacterial contaminants with different percentages of occurrences include Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli,  Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella spp., Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii, Salmonella typhi.  Conclusion: Herbal or medicinal concoctions vended in different markets within the Gombe metropolis where samples were collected  were grossly contaminated beyond the established allowable limits for non-sterile pharmaceuticals, thus depicting the unsafe quality  status of the medicinal products for consumption. &nbsp

Effect of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on Reducing Marital Instability among Secondary School Teachers in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria

Effect of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on Reducing Marital Instability among Secondary School Teachers in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria

ASSESSMENT OF INDOOR NON-IONISING RADIATION OF SELECTED RESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS IN GOMBE METROPOLIS, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

A cross sectional design approach was employed to assess the indoor radiation exposure of population in selected residential apartments in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State Nigeria. Primary data was obtained aided by a hand-held radiation meter and a well-structured questionnaire. With the aim of ascertaining the radiation distribution pattern and occurrence rate of Electro Hypersensitivity Syndrome’ (EHS) in the study area. The analysis of variance test ‘ANOVA’, an inferential statistics was used to ascertain the radiation distribution pattern, while the descriptive statistics was used in determining the occurrence rate of (EHS) inpopulations of the study area. A convenience sampling technique was adopted, and 30 sampling unit of residential apartment were chosen for the study, relying on homogeneity, inclusion and exclusion criteria. The pre-tested questionnaire scored 74% Cronbach's Alfa reliability. Findings from the study revealed that total indoor radiation varied significantly across the study area, with F(2,27) = 38.599, P < 0.00, at (α = 0.05). The occurrence rate of the understudied EHS illnesses were determined to be in the following order: sleep disorder, fatigues, headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite and memory loss, with mean averages of 3.53,3.26, 2.97, 2.70, 2.17, and 2.03 respectively. Hence a recommendation for public sensitization on the occurrence, effect and necessary policy control measures, towards minimising public exposure to indoor non-ionising radiation, by relevant stakeholders such as: the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Federal and States Ministries of Environment and the Nigerian Customs was necessitated.

Microbial Quality Assessment, Proximate, Vitamins, and Elemental Analysis of Fermented Milk Vended in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria

Milk and milk products are highly nutritious substances and they are more prone to microbial attack and spoiled very easily. Fermented milk was analyzed to ascertain the level of contaminants and to also to quantify it is nutritional composition. Total aerobic and anaerobic bacteria contaminants as well as coliform bacteria in the fermented milk were determined. The proximate, vitamin and mineral concentration of the fermented milk were also ascertained. The pH, temperature, turbidity and acidity of the fermented milk were found to be 4.38±0.29, 10.26±1.70C, 6.22±4.89NTU, 0.16±0.04 respectively. The mean aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were 2.23x109cfu/mL and 6.15x103cfu/mL while the coliform count was 6.10±2.2MPN/100mL. However, the fermented milk analyzed was found to contain an appreciable amount of proximate constituent, vitamins and mineral element. Lack of cooling system in most of the study areas can significantly increase the pH and temperature of the milk and this will create a good environment for microorganisms which when fermented milk stay longer the bacteria will further ferment the milk and produce acid turn the milk sour.

Vocational Training and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria: Evidence from Informal Sector Operators’ Activity in Gombe Metropolis

This study was conducted to empirically examine the role of the informal sector in youths’ empowerment in Gombe metropolis. A structured questionnaire was used to gather first-hand information on variables of interest and both descriptive statistic and ordered logistic regression analysis were conducted to achieve the major and specific objectives of the study. The primary objectives of the study include to examine (i) how does Vocational training among informal sector operators influence youth empowerment in Gombe metropolis; (ii) how does customers' patronage of the informal sector's services influence youth empowerment in Gombe metropolis; and (iii) how does capital requirement among informal sector operators influence youth empowerment in Gombe metropolis. Empirical results obtained from the study indicated that Vocational training among informal sector operators has a positive and significant influence on the likelihood of youths empowerment in Gombe metropolis of Gombe state; customers' patronage, as well as capital requirements, were also found to have a positive and significant influence on youths’ empowerment in Gombe metropolis; and all the control variables included in the model (except gender) also have positive and significant probability on youth empowerment in Gombe metropolis. We conclude by presenting concluding remarks and policy implications for decision-making toward repositioning technical and vocational education in Nigeria to effectively curb incessant overdependence on the government for job creation in Nigeria.