Government Area Of Abia State Research Articles

Group Based Learning And Academic Achievement Of Upper Basic 2 Students’ In Pre-Vocational Studies In Umuahia North Local Government Area Of Abia State

The study assessed the effect of Group based instructional strategy on upper basic two (junior secondary school two) students’ achievement in Prevocational studies in Umuahia North Local Government of Abia State. The study adopted a quasi-experimental control design; specifically the pre-test post-test non-equivalent control group design was used. Two research questions were posed, and one hypothesis formulated to guide the study which was carried out in a Government co-education school in Umuahia North Council Area in Umuahia Education Zone of Abia State. Eighty-seven (87) JSS two students were used for the study. The study is a quasi- experimental study which employed pretest posttest control design and a 2x2 factorial design. Instrument used for data collection was Pre-vocational Studies Achievement Test (PSAT) developed by the researchers. PSAT was validated by three experts and the reliability coefficient using Kuder Richardson (KR-20) was found to be 0.81. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) statistics was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 significance level. The result revealed a significant factor on students’ achievement in Pre-vocational studies. Thus, it was confirmed that students taught Pre-vocational studies using Group based instructional strategy performed better than those taught using the lecture method. The result also revealed that gender was not a factor in achievement of students in Pre-vocational studies. It was recommended among other things that efforts should be made by curriculum experts to incorporate Group based instructional strategy, teaching strategy into the teaching of pre-vocational studies.
 

Knowledge of childhood immunization among mothers in Umueze in 0sisioma Ngwa local government area of Abia State

Background: Childhood immunization almost guarantees protection from many major diseases, it is widely considered to be ‘overwhelmingly good’ by the scientific community. It averts an estimated 2.5 million deaths per year in all age groups from vaccine preventable diseases (VPD). Objective: To determine the knowledge of childhood immunization among mothers in Umueze in OsisiomaNgwa Local Government Area (LGA). Methods and materials: A cross-sectional study performed in Umueze Community in OsisiomaNgwa (LGA) in, Abia State, Nigeria. Self/interviewer questionnaires were administered to 480 women for the study. The collected data were cleaned, coded and entered into SPSS version 26 for analysis, Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables having a significant association with maternal knowledge. Result: A total of 480 women selected with a non-response rate of 30 (6.3%). Mean age was 35 ± 7.246. Majority of mothers 264 (58.7%) got information on immunization from health workers. Majority of mothers 300 (66.7%) believed that immunization is important. Three hundred and seventy (82.0%) believed that there was a benefit of immunization, 360 (80.0%) believed that immunization was free, 350 (77.8%) believed that lack of centres was the cause of reduced child immunization, 370 (82.2%) started immunizing their children after birth, 245 (54.4%) mothers gave their children all the immunization and 235 (54.7%) knew route of administration of BCG, while 355 (78.9%) women had good knowledge of immunization. Mothers who attended primary schools and above (AOR; 5.210 p = 0.002), married mothers (AOR; 4.224, p =0.03) Mothers age ≤ 35 years (AOR; 2.415 p = 0.001were statistically associated with maternal knowledgeable of immunization. Christian mothers (2.309, p = 0.12) were not statistically associated with maternal knowledge of immunization. Conclusion: Maternal knowledge of immunization is very important in immunization services.

Urinalysis, Malaria Random Diagnostic Methods and Clinical Symptoms in the Prediction of Malaria Parasitaemia among Pregnant Women in Umuahia and Ikwuano, Abia State, Nigeria

This study was targeted at assessing malaria prevalence, clinical symptoms and urine abnormalities associated with malaria in  pregnancy. A cross-sectional study involving 250 pregnant women selected from five healthcare facilities in three local government areas  of Abia state, was conducted. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires and patients’ blood and urine samples  collected. Thick and thin blood films microscopy as well as malaria random kits were used to diagnose malaria. Medi-test combi 9 urine  test strip was used to check urine abnormalities. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. An overall malaria prevalence of 56% (95% CI:  0.42-0.60) was observed. Of the five centres, the highest prevalence was reported at PHC III in Umuahia North LGA with prevalence at  72% (95% CI: 0.51-0.98), while the lowest was reported at PHC IV in Umuahia North LGA with a prevalence of 36% (95% CI: 0.21-0.49).  Pregnant women who had headache (OR=3.316, p=0.009, 95% CI: 1.288-7. 400), catarrh (OR=3.972, p=0.032, 95% CI: 1.028-15.352) and  fever (OR=9.459, p<0.001, 95% CI: 3.767-23.753) had higher odds of malaria infection, compared to those without headache, catarrh and  fever. Malaria was largely recorded among the primigravids 71% (53/75), followed by the secundigravidae 61% (43/70) and the least,  observed among the multigravidae 43% (45/105). High malaria prevalence was observed among subjects who did not use preventive  measures (100%) with the least observed among subjects, using window nets (22%). Malaria among subjects in this study is significantly  prevalent. Proteinuria, bilirubinuria, urobilinogenuria as well as amber and clear urine macroscopy showed significant associations with  malaria in pregnancy; thus, women with these clinical features should be further tested for malaria even in asymptomatic states to  prevent the negative consequences of malaria in pregnancy.

Oil Palm Production and Economic Development in Nigeria: A Study of Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State

This study examines the profitability of oil palm production and its determinants in Isiala- Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. The qualitative paper, which is quantitative inapproach adopts a two-stage sampling technique for data collection and analysis. Five oil palm-producing communities were purposively selected out of which a random sample of 400 households where chosen for the study. The research instrument was a questionnaire. Out of the 400 copies of the questionnaire administered analysis was basedon 315 that were retrieved. Using profitability analysis and a linear regression model, this study showed that the average profitability ratio of oil palm production in the area was N2.71 but was statistically not significant. The most important endogenous factors determining oil palm production and profitability in the area include number of children, size of land area cultivated, number of employees and output. The study recommends, among other things, the urgent amendment of the provision of the 1978 Land Tenure Act and the allocation of more land area for agricultural purposes especially for oil palm production.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of public primary school teachers on school health programme in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

Background: The National School Health Policy recommends School Based Committee for schools which is responsible for the implementation of school health programmes (SHP). There are not enough medical doctors to deliver healthcare services in the primary schools hence teachers are looked upon to assist in healthcare delivery in schools. Teachers are in a vantage position to facilitate health among school-aged children. Children spend greater part of their time in school and have opportunity to regularly receive instructions in healthy living from their teachers. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 34 public primary schools in Bende Local Government Area (LGA), Abia State. All the primary school teachers (320) in the LGA were studied. Data were collected using pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPPSS version 26 and presented in frequency tables. Chi-square was used to test association between categorical variables. P<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Ages of the participants were positively skewed with a mean value of 39.5±6.793 and a skewness of 0.136. From the findings, 204(63.7%) had good knowledge, 124 (38.7%) had positive attitude and 150 (46.9%) had good practice to school health services. There were statistically significant differences between socio-demographic characteristics and good knowledge and positive attitudes. There was statistically significant difference between socio-demographic characteristics and practice of school health services except marital status with a p-value of 0.108. Conclusion: The participants had good knowledge but negative attitude and poor practice of school health services. There may be need for training intervention studies in school health services to upgrade teachers’ knowledge, attitude and practice. There should be a legislation in the state and country requiring prospective teachers to obtain a diploma in school health services before engaging in teaching profession.

Managing students’ academic failure among secondary school students for high productivity in Obingwa LGA of Abia State

The study investigated the management of students’ academic failure among secondary school students for high productivity in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses. Descriptive survey research design was used while the population of the study comprised thirty public secondary schools. A sample size of 10 secondary schools was selected from the 30 public secondary schools using stratified random sampling technique. Self-designed instrument entitled “Management Students’ Academic Failure Questionnaire” (MSAFQ) was utilized. The validity of the instrument was ensured. Test retest method was used and reliability co-efficient of 0.80 and 0.83 was obtained through Cronbach Alpha Statistics. Mean was used to answer the research questions while Z-test statistics was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significant. The findings include but not limited to: lack of instructional material and inability of the teachers to stimulate students are causes of academic failures among students. It is therefore recommended that the government or appropriate agency should ensure adequate supply of functional instructional resources and teachers’ should do well to motivate students to learn thereby save students from incessant failures that could mar their future and life expectations.

Assessment of the physico-chemical quality of Uturu section of Aku river in southeastern Nigeria

The physicochemical monitoring of water quality is very key both to aquatic life and public health. To date little is known about the water quality downstream of Aku river, located in Uturu, Isuikwato local government area of Abia state. Therefore the aim of the study is to determine the water quality downstream of Aku river in terms of several physicochemical parameters and heavy metals analysis to ascertain the water quality properties and reveal pollution problems. Samples were collected at 15m, 30m, 45m, 60m, 75m, 90m and 105m interval downstream for both seasons. Results of the study shows that temperature, conductivity, hardness, salinity, Total Dissolve Solid (TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), turbidity, pH, Dissolve Oxygen (DO), chlorine, nitrate, lead, iron, arsenic, copper and zinc, were ranged: 24.190C-26.500C, 165.18-275.46μs/cm, 100.26-139.11mg/L, 520.15-815.24ppt, 380.52-710.08mg/L, 15.12-30.68mg/L, 0.32-1.73NTU, 6.6-7.9, 6.21-11.63mg/L, 1.14-3.30mg/L, 65.01-128.05mg/L, 35.53-58.00mg/L, 0.0002-0.007ppm, 0.02-0.15ppm, 0.002-0.006ppm, 0.44-1.03ppm and 0.1-0.27ppm respectively. The presence of TDS, TSS, turbidity and nitrate above World Health Organization (WHO) tolerance limits, confirmed the presence of contaminants in the water body, and hence not suitable for drinking and thus poses a potential threat to aquatic life.

Women and Dispute Resolution: The ‘Isu-Aefifia’ Method in Item Community of Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

The study examines the involvement of women of Item in Bende LGA of Abia State, Nigeria using the ‘isu-aefifia’ technique in conflict resolution. Both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data was from interview while secondary data were collected from textbooks, peer-reviewed journals articles, among others. 30 people were interviewed and data was content analyzed. The study observed that while conflicts are part of human existence, some unscrupulous people who benefit from it, may not want it to end. Most importantly, because of the patriarchal nature of the Nigerian society, women are hardly included in the affairs of the community when it comes to serious matters such as dispute resolution or management because of their perceived feminine nature. However, the ‘isu-aefifia’ approach used by women has become a veritable tool for dispute resolution in Item Bende LGA. It is recommended that other communities explore the method of conflict resolution.

Phylogenetical Identification of Trichoderma species; an Antagonistic Isolate from South-East Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

The most significant food crops in West Africa are edible yam types (Dioscorea spp.). Farmers have been extremely worried about yam rot brought on by a fungal infection. The objective of the study was to discover environmentally friendly Trichoderma species from yam tubers using a phylogenic technique and to assess their biocontrol capabilities. Thirty samples of both healthy and diseased yam tubers were taken aseptically from farms in the Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, and sent to the laboratory for microbiological investigation. The samples were analyzed using conventional microbiological techniques, and dual culture assay method was also used to test antagonistic response. Fusarium sp., Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium sp. were the fungi isolated and identified as pathogens, while Trichoderma strains, Trichoderma asperellum (JN004180.1), and Trichorderma koningiopsis (MF5087061) were identified as the isolated biological control agent. A. Niger’s growth was inhibited by the biological antagonist T. asperelleum by 78.6%, Penicillium sp. by 51.2%, and Fusarium sp. by 69.2%, whereas A. Niger’s growth was inhibited by the antagonist fungus T. koningiopsis by 76.6%, Penicillium by 46.1%, and Fusarium by 61.5%. This study demonstrated the ability of two strains of the fungus Trichoderma, Trichoderma asperellum (JN004180.1) and Trichorderma koningiopsis (MF5087061), to biocontrol the common pathogenic fungi that destroy yam in South-Eastern Nigeria and other parts of the world. It is crucial that Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa commercialize the Trichoderma sp. biological control agent since doing so will make it easily accessible to low-income farmers.

Effect of Cognitive Restructuring Technique on Emotional Adjustment Among Sampled Single Mothers in Abia State, Nigeria

The study investigated the effect of cognitive restructuring technique on emotional adjustment among sampled single mothers in Abia State, Nigeria. The need for the research came as a result of high increase of single mothers in the area of the study and the quest to ameliorate the continuous increase in the subject area. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted thenon-randomized pretest-posttest control group quasiexperimental design. The population of the study consisted of 52 sampled single mothers in Umuahia and Isuikwuato Local Government Areas of Abia state. The entire populations of 52 single mothers were used as sample for the study because the number was manageable by the researchers. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire titled “Emotional Adjustment of Single Mothers Questionnaire (EASMQ)” developed by the researchers and validated by three professionals from the Faculty of Education at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The instrument yielded a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.83, which was dimmed sufficient for the study. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses at p 0.05 level of significance and answer research questions utilizing the data obtained for the study. The result of the study indicated that cognitive restructuring technique had significant effect on emotional adjustment of sample single mothers. The study also showed thatthere was no significant difference in the effects of cognitive restructuring technique on emotional adjustment among urban and ruralsingle mothers. In the other words, urban and rural single mothers benefitted almost equally from the CRT treatment. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that professional counsellors should employ all necessary avenues such as workshops, seminar and jingle to help the single mothers adjust emotionally using cognitive restructuring technique.

Youths’ Involvement in Rice Production in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

The study ascertained the level of youths’ involvement in rice production activities in Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 80 respondents from Bende Local Government Area rice cluster was purposively selected because of their high level in rice production in the State. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule and were analysed using mean, standard deviation and regression. The study revealed that youths were into land clearing (𝑥̅=2.00), raising of nursery (𝑥̅=2.00), buying and selling of rice seedling (𝑥̅=2.00)and planting of seedling (𝑥̅=2.00). Access to credit (t=-2.57) and number of extensions visit (t=2.46) significantly influenced youths’ involvement. Youths were constrained mainly by lack of capital to scale up production (𝑥̅=2.98), poor support from government (𝑥̅=2.73), poor access to improved seedlings (𝑥̅=2.49), high cost of production (𝑥̅=2.34), climatic factors (𝑥̅=2.10)and lack of information on agricultural business opportunities (𝑥̅=2.08). Youths were involved in rice production though, occasioned by lack of access to credit and extension visit. Extension should increase the frequency of visit to at least once in a month to allow for more productive engagement and should expose youths to lucrative opportunities in rice production coupled with linking them to available credit options that can meaningfully support their activities.

GCMS and FTIR analysis of ethanol and methanol leave extract of Urena lobata (Caesar weed) for bioactive phytochemical constituents

This study was designed to apply the highly sophisticated biological and chemical characterization techniques–(GC-MS) Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and FTIR spectroscopy to screen for bioactive phytocompounds present in ethanol and methanol extracts of U. lobata .The leaves of the plant were collected from a farm in Umuode village in Osisioma Ngwa local government area of Abia state, Nigeria. Ethanol and methanol extracts of the leaves were prepared and analyzed using Buck M910 Gas chromatography system with HP-5MS column (30m in length x250µm in diameter x 0.25µm in thickness film). Analysis of functional groups in the phytocompounds were done using Buck scientific M530 USA FTIR.12 vibrational functional groups were revealed by the FTIR screening in the ethanol and methanol extracts of U. lobata leaves. Some of the functional groups were indicative of alcohols, phenols, aromatic compounds, unsaturated hydrocarbons, vinyl ethers, amines, isonitriles and aliphatic compounds. GC-MS analysis of the ethanol leaf extract revealed 41 bioactive compounds with the following being most abundant, 9-octadecenoic acid(16.8%), dodecenoic acid(13.43%),n-hexadecanoic acid(11.73%), octadecanoic acid (9.78%), 1-docosene(9.57%) while  the methanol extract revealed 47 bioactive compounds with the following  having the highest abundance, n-hexadecanoic acid (26.65%) and (9.11%), dodecanoic acid(6.89%), 1-docosene(6.06%), erucic acid(4.09%).These phytocompounds and many others present in the leaf have been reported to possess multiple therapeutic activities. This therefore explains the use of this leaf in ancient medicine to treat numerous disease conditions. It further implies that the leaf could be exploited for the formulation of therapeutic molecules.
 Keywords: Urena lobata, GC-MS, FTIR, Spectroscopy, Phytocompounds, Functional group, Phytoconstituents

Effect of Indiscipline on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students’ in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State

Effect of Indiscipline on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students’ in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State

ADOPTION OF ICT: A NECESSARY STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY NIGERIA

The worldwide economic system is increasingly becoming dependent on the ICT system. This article discusses ways in which ICT contributes to several aspects of global sustainability in the areas of Egovernment, E-learning, and E-commerce. The design employed in the study was a descriptive survey. The study was conducted in Aba North local government area of Abia State, Nigeria. Primary data was used for this research work. A sample size of 150 respondents was randomly selected for the study, covering the education sector using the Education Management Board Staff; commerce and industry, using a staff of the ministry; and government/public sector using the Local Government Staff; with each sector having a selected 50 respondents. The instrument used was a 12- item questionnaire on the adoption of ICT as a strategy for sustainable development using E-government, Elearning, and E-commerce as explanatory variables of ICT Adoption. The data collected for the study were analyzed using the appropriate percentage and the responses of the respondents were subjected to a rating scale using their boundary percentages as a basis for their score/rating. The finding revealed that Egovernment enhances the operations of the government and facilitates the effective delivery of government programs’-Learning provides convenient and flexible access to learning; whereas Commerce changed the way goods and services are produced, delivered, sold, and purchased. ICT has led to an ever-growing number of people and businesses connected digitally. Most Nigerians could participate in the International markets from the comfort of their offices and rooms.ICT adoptions have the potential to promote sustainability, productivity, and economic growth through job creation. We, therefore, conclude that ICT Adoption is a veritable tool for sustainable national development in Nigeria. We recommend among others, that Government and other stakeholders should mobilize resources for equipping businesses, education, and governmental sectors with ICT infrastructure and should also embark on Multilevel skill building (capacity improvement).

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHS) IN THE LEAVES OF PIPER GUINEENSE FROM TWO MARKETS WITHIN UMUAHIA METROPOLIS

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were probed in the leaves of Piper guineense obtained from Orieugba and Isigate markets within Umuahia metropolis in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State. Prior to drying, milling and extraction procedures, P. guineense obtained from each of these markets was divided into three portions. The first portion was not washed (UW), the second portion was washed with ordinary tap water (WTW) while the third portion was washed with about 0.17 mol dm-3 of NaCl solution (WSS). Quantitation of the PAHs was done using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) technique. Eighteen PAHs were analyzed and P. guineense samples from Orieugba market gave a total PAHs content of 30.71, 22.18 and 8.31 mg kg-1 for UW, WTW and WSS, respectively. The samples from Isigate market gave 18.27, 15.59 and 1.20 mg kg-1 for UW, WTW and WSS, respectively. This investigation showed that the level of PAHs in the leaf samples of P. guineense from the two markets decreased when washed with ordinary tap water but decreased more significantly when washed with the salt solution. In addition, the risk assessment of ΣPAH4 (the sum of benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and chrysene) in the vegetable sample indicated that there was no risk associated with the consumption of the vegetable samples. However, it is pertinent to wash vegetables with a salt solution before proper rinsing as this would help to reduce the quantity of PAHs in them. Keywords: PAHs; P. guineense; GC/MS; Vegetables; Leaf sample

Risk Factors of Skin Diseases among School Children in South Eastern Communities in Nigeria

Background: Skin disorders frequently seen among primary school children are common causes of morbidity. Determining the risk factors of skin diseases, will enhance a better understanding of skin health and prevent skin diseases in school children.
 Aim: To determine the common risk factors of skin diseases among primary school children in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.
 Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out over a 4-month period among pupils of public and private primary schools. Diagnosis of skin diseases was based on clinical findings as well as laboratory investigations where indicated. A pre-tested, self-administered, close ended questionnaire was used to ascertain the risk factors of skin diseases.
 Results: Eight hundred and forty-seven (847) and seven hundred and thirteen (713) subjects were recruited from public and private schools respectively. Fifty-six percent of the subjects were males. The mean age of the study participants was 8.74 ± 2.08 years. The overall prevalence of skin diseases was 40.2%. Using a multivariate logistic regression, gender, number of people per room, frequency of bathing per week and source of water were found to be significant risk factors for skin diseases.
 Conclusion: Socio-demographic factors and living conditions are significant risk factors of skin diseases. Standard hygienic practices by school children and their parents/ caregivers will help to reduce the high prevalence of skin diseases in our environment.
 Authors
 O Ewurum 1, C A Ibeneme 2, T O Nnaji 3, A N Ikefuna 4

Hand washing hygiene, sanitation and sustainable development goals in Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria

study on practices of hand washing hygiene, sanitation and sustainable development goals (SDGs), was carried out in Umuahia North local government area of Abia state, Nigeria, to investigate the causes of outbreaks of health care-care associated infections (HCAIs). Questionnaires made up of 25 attributes were distributed to health care workers (HCWs) to elicit from them their perception of these practices in their units. Complete responses came from 63 respondents which represented 79.75% of questionnaires distributed. The 5-point Likert scale was used in measuring the relative impact indices (RIIs) of not observing health care rules. About 42 of the respondents (66.67%) fall within the low region of RII, 19 respondents (30.10%) belong to the moderate region of RII, while 2 respondents (3.33%) fall in high region of RII. Information from 96.77% of the respondents indicated that hand washing hygiene and sanitation is poorly practiced. Rank ordering of relative observance indices (ROIs) showed that of the 25 attributes used in the study, 16 fall in the principal negative variables (Type 3), 5 of the attributes fall in the moderately negative variables (Type 2), while 4 fall in the relatively acceptable variables (Type 1), evidencing that 84% of the attributes are poorly practiced by HCWs. This situation impacted on the achievement of SDG3 and SDG6. It is concluded that these are the reasons for outbreaks in the area and it is recommended that government should educate HCWs on the observed risk factors for poor adherence to recommended hand hygiene practices.

Consumption and utilization of fruits, leaves, and seeds of cola (pachycarpa and lepidota) in two southeastern States of Nigeria

Background: Cola pachycarpa and Cola lepidota are two varieties of fruit known as Monkey cola. They are from the same plant family. The plant was predominantly found in the wild until recently. There is basic information on the leaves, seeds, and fruits of this plant. However, there is paucity of empirical studies on their consumption and utilization pattern.
 Objective: The study evaluated the consumption and utilization pattern of the leaves, fruits and seeds of these two varieties of Monkey Cola, pachycarpa and lepidota in two South-Eastern States of Nigeria.
 Materials and methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey. The survey employed a multi-stage random sampling technique to select 808 adults from different communities in Isiala Mbano local government area of Imo State and Isiala Ngwa South local government area of Abia State. A structured validated questionnaire was used to obtain information on consumption and utilization pattern of the fruits, leaves and seeds in the survey areas. Data was analysed statistically using IBM-SPSS (Special Package for Social Sciences) version 20 software.
 Results: Cola pachycarpa was more popular (84.5%) and the fruits were consumed mainly raw (99.0%). The leaves and seeds are not eaten but used for medicinal purposes, though the seeds ranked highest in this regard (48.3%).
 Conclusion: The fruits particularly Cola pachycarpa were popular. They were consumed raw while the leaves and seeds were solely used in traditional medicine.

Effect of Cola pachycarpa and Cola lepidota fruit juices on liver function parameters and histopathological indices of alloxan-induced adult male diabetic Wistar rats

Background: Diversity is a potential source for immense untapped material wealth in the forms of food, medicine and other amenities. One of these neglected plants is Monkey Cola.
 Objective: The study evaluated the effect of Cola pachycarpa and Cola lepidota fruit juices on the liver function parameters (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase & total protein) and histopathological indices (liver tissue) of alloxan- induced diabetic rats.
 Materials and methods: Fresh Cola pachycarpa and Cola lepidota fruits were obtained from local markets and home farms within communities in Isiala Mbano local government area of Imo State and Isiala Ngwa South local government area of Abia State. The fruits were processed into raw and undiluted fruit juice using an electric juicer. Forty healthy adult albino male rats with an average weight of 239.35g were randomized into eight groups, six experimental and two control groups, based on body weight. All the rats in each group were induced with alloxan to become diabetic. Samples of blood were collected for use as basal biochemical and hematological indices as well as after induction with diabetes. Standard diabetic drug, glibenclamide and Cola fruit juices (pachycarpa and lepidota) were administered differently and in varied concentrations (5ml/kg and 10ml/kg body weight). The experiment lasted for 21days after which the animals were sedated with mild anesthetic and sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The liver of the animals were excised, packaged, labeled and stored for subsequent chemical analysis and histopathology. Data was analyzed statistically using IBM-SPSS (Special Package for Social Sciences) version 20 software for means and standard deviation.
 Results: Monkey Cola fruit juices significantly (p < 0.05) decreased alkaline phosphatase (28.95%, CPV1, Group that received Cola pachycarpa very rough epicarp fruit juice at 5ml/kg body weight), aspartate transaminase (29.81%, CPV1) comparative to those of the standard diabetic drug (29.58% and 17.58% respectively). Histopathological studies indicated abnormal hepatocyte structure in only the untreated group of rats. Rats that received standard diabetic drug reported significant (p < 0.05) better liver architecture from other treatment groups, though damage to the liver was not noticed in rats that received the fruit juices. All the Cola juices especially those administered at 10mls/kg body weight impacted positively in improving body weight, haematological, biochemical and histopathological indices in diabetes control.
 Conclusion: Further research could be done to establish its prospect as an anti-diabetic agent.

Effectiveness of voluntary family planning services amongyoung married couples in Isiala Ngwa North LocalGovernment Area (LGA) of Abia State Nigeria

Unintended pregnancy is one of the major issues affecting reproductive health in Nigeria. In Isiala Ngwa NorthLocal Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, we noticed that one in every five pregnancies is unplanned. Many women who have mistimed pregnancies resort to abortions, which are essentially performed in dangerous conditions. Therefore, we sought to understand from 210 young married couples how effective voluntary familyplanning services are to curb the problem of unplanned pregnancies in Abia State’s Isiala Ngwa North LocalGovernment Area. The framework provided by contraceptive decision theory was helpful in the thematic analysisof the data. Findings reveal voluntary family planning is effective at averting pregnancies, but there are limitedcontraceptive options available for individuals. Our findings indicatedwhite-coriaandosu-oji(forms of traditionalcontraceptives) as efficacious in preventing pregnancy. Recommendations on the effectiveness of family planning services were made.