Government Area Of Lagos State Research Articles

Mothers’ Characteristics and Immunization Status of Under-Five Children in Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria

Immunization is a key element of public health, a pre-requisite to social and economic development, and a crucial element that enables every child to reach his or her full physical and intellectual potential. It is a prevention against various child killer diseases such as tuberculosis (Bacillus Calmette Gurine [BCG]), tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, yellow fever, and measles. The main objective of this study is to examine the relationships between household characteristics, social mobilization, and immunization status of under-5 children in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria. To achieve this objective, a non-experimental research design was adopted. The research method utilized in the design is cross-sectional survey. The sampled study location is Ojo local government area of Lagos State. A total of 265 respondents were randomly sampled for the survey using multistage random sampling technique. Generated data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistical techniques. The findings of the study reveal significant relationship between women’s level of education and full immunization of their children. Specifically, 38.9% of women without any formal education had fully immunized their children compared with 86.9% of women with secondary education. In addition, 90.9% of women who assessed themselves to be average on wealth assessment compared with 45.3% of the poor had fully immunized their children. On the basis of the study’s findings, there is a need for a holistic approach that will involve all social classes and communities on child immunization to have 100% immunization coverage and minimal child morbidity and mortality in all areas of the city.

AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FIELD TRIPS ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF BASIC SCIENCE STUDENTS IN LAGOS STATE

This study investigated the effectiveness of field trips on the academic performance of basic science students in Lagos State. A total of four research questions and four null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The population comprised of all the basic science students in all the twenty public junior secondary schools in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State out of which two co-educational schools were randomly selected using the balloting system. The research design was a pre-test, post-test experimental control group design. There were two research instruments. These were the Achievement Test in Basic Science (ATBS) and Attitudinal Questionnaire in Basic Science (AOBS). The data collected from the study were processed and analyzed using frequency counts and percentages while the four hypotheses were analyzed using Analysis o f covariance (ANCOVA). The result of the hypotheses revealed that field trip strategy was found to be more effective in improving the academic achievement of, basic science students. It was therefore recommended that field trip strategy o f teaching should be emphasized and collaborated with other methods o f teaching science.

Integration of Oral Health into Primary Health Care System: Views of Primary Health Care Workers in Lagos State, Nigeria.

The limited access to oral health care in developing countries can be greatly improved by integrating oral health into the Primary Health Care (PHC) system. This study was designed to assess the views of PHC workers on integrating oral health care into the PHC system. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted in two selected local government areas of Lagos State. The instrument contained three sections assessing sociodemographic features, knowledge of common oral diseases and views on integration of oral health into PHC respectively. The mean knowledge score was 7.75 (SD=±1.81), while 60.4% of the respondents had average knowledge scores. Educational status (P=0.018) and designation (P=0.033) were significantly related to the mean knowledge scores. There was no significant difference in the oral health knowledge of the various cadres (P=0.393). Majority (85.4%) of the respondents were willing to include oral health education in their job schedule and 82% believed they needed more training on oral health. The knowledge of the respondents on the causes of the common oral diseases was deficient. Oral health education should be included in the future curriculum of these personnel.

Song Texts, Theme and Roles of Vocal Music in Egungun Traditional Festival in Akesan, Awori land of Lagos State

Music plays vital roles in various aspects of celebrations among societies in Nigeria. In traditional festivals for example, music is an expression of the culture of the people. Akesan which is a town in Alimosho local Government Area of Lagos State is blessed with rich musical heritage. This paper examined the theme and content of music used in traditional festivals in Akesan, and the roles of song texts in the festival. The study relies on primary data collected through oral interviews conducted with indigenes, Egungun devotees, singers and drummers from Akesan in Lagos, south west Nigeria as well as music recordings and their transcriptions collected through participant observation method. While, we found that traditional festivals in this community has been buffeted by modernity through acculturation, the role and contextual performance of various song texts and their themes in this community provides some evidence that traditional festivals are still religiously observed and they are an integral part of the Awori community in Akeasn land. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n7p615

Effects of Parental Influence on Adolescents’ Career Choice in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of parental influence on adolescents' career choice on secondary schools students in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State. The sample consisted of three hundred respondents who were randomly selected from ten purposely selected secondary schools (3 Model Colleges, 4 Non-Model Colleges, and 3 Private Colleges). The instrument used was a questionnaire which was administered to the respondents personally by the researcher. Five (5) null hypotheses were formulated and tested. Chi-square, using analysis of contingency table was used to test the hypotheses. All hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance of variable of sex, class of school, and type of school as to the effects of parental influence on adolescents' career choice on secondary schools students in the Local Government Area. The findings of the study showed that 48.36% of the respondents agreed to parents influencing their career choice. On the average, 21.5% of the respondents agreed that their parents' line of business influenced their career choice, while 78.5% disagreed. On the whole, 30% of the respondents agreed that they chose the family career because they need to sustain the family business. In addition, three (3) out of the five (5) null hypotheses tested were accepted because there were no significant differences in the variables compared. These were hypotheses 1, 3, and 5. Hypotheses 2 and 4 were rejected as there were significant differences in the variables compared. The results of these findings seem to indicate that adolescents in secondary schools in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State have some form of independence in making career choices.

Analysis of the Determinants of Food Expenditure Patterns among Urban Households in Nigeria: Evidence from Lagos State

Emerging body of knowledge suggest the need for food expenditure studies in the urban areas. This study identified the determinants of food expenditure among urban households in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. Respondents (household heads) were selected randomly and data gathered by means of structured questionnaire. Data analysis was accomplished using descriptive statistics and regression model. Results of the study showed that 60% of the household income was expended on food which is considered high, suggesting low income and possible high cost of food in the study area. When combined with existing large members (>5) in most households (66%), existence of food insecurity and vulnerability to poverty in the study area was implied. Regression analysis showed that 65.5% of the variation in household expenditure on food in the study area was accounted for by the explanatory variables. Household income, tribe, household size and the composition of the household had a significant effect on food expenditure. The authors, therefore, recommended a policy option for general food price subsidy and particularly to address urban food prices which would improve spatial pricing efficiency.

National health insurance scheme: How receptive are the private healthcare practitioners in a local government area of Lagos state

Background:National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is one of the health financing options adopted by Nigeria for improved healthcare access especially to the low income earners. One of the key operators of the scheme is the health care providers, thus their uptake of the scheme is fundamental to the survival of the scheme. The study reviewed the uptake of the NHIS by private health care providers in a Local Government Area in Lagos State.Objective:To assess the uptake of the NHIS by private healthcare practitioners.Materials and Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 180 private healthcare providers selected by multistage sampling technique with a response rate of 88.9%.Result:Awareness, knowledge and uptake of NHIS were 156 (97.5%), 110 (66.8%) and 97 (60.6%), respectively. Half of the respondents 82 (51.3%) were dissatisfied with the operations of the scheme. Major reasons were failure of entitlement payment by Health Maintenance Organisations 13 (81.3%) and their incurring losses in participating in the scheme 8(50%). There was a significant association between awareness, level of education, knowledge of NHIS and registration into scheme by the respondents P-value < 0.05.Conclusions:Awareness and knowledge of NHIS were commendable among the private health care providers. Six out of 10 had registered with the NHIS but half of the respondents 82 (51.3%) were dissatisfied with the scheme and 83 (57.2%) regretted participating in the scheme. There is need to improve payment modalities and ensure strict adherence to laid down policies.

Peer Pressure and Disposition to Alcohol Drinking Among Some Single Women in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Peer Pressure and Disposition to Alcohol Drinking Among Some Single Women in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Determinants of climate change adaptation strategies used by fish farmers in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Undesirable impacts of climate change have been a common occurrence that has made fish farmers in developing countries adopt some climate-change adaptation strategies. However, little is known about determinants of climate-change adaptation strategies used by these fish farmers. This study, therefore, articulates novelties on adaptation to climate change, as well ascertains determinants of adaptation strategies used by fish farmers in Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria. Climate change adaptation strategies mostly used by fish farmers include frequent seeking for early warning information about climate change (76.7%) and avoidance of areas susceptible to flooding (60.0%). Climate-change adaptation strategies used by fish farmers were significantly influenced by access to early warning information (β = 7.21), knowledge of farmers about climate change adaptation strategies (β = 8.86), access to capital (β = 28.25), and participation in workshop and conferences (β = 37.19) but were reduced by number of fish stocking (β = -2.06). The adaptation strategies used by fish farmers were autonomous and mostly determined by the access to credit facilities and information. Development policy should focus on carbon capture and storage technology in order to reduce adverse impacts of climate change, as well as making early warning information on climate change available to fish farmers. These will enhance adaptation to climate change.

Breastfeeding practices of mothers of young children in Lagos, Nigeria

Objective : To determine the breastfeeding practices (prevalence, initiation and exclusivity) of mothers of young children in Lagos. Methods: This was a communitybased, cross-sectional study carried out in 2010 in two Local Government Areas of Lagos State. Structured, intervieweradministered questionnaires were administered on 600 mothers whom were selected by multistage sampling technique. Data was analyzed with Epi-info 2008. Results: The majority, (91.8%) of respondents breastfed their babies and 59.2% of them initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour of delivery. Eighty-two percent practiced exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and 52.9% did for 6 months. Formal antenatal care (ANC) (OR 3.27, 95%CI 2.03- 5.29) and institutional delivery (OR 3.63, 95%CI 2.38-5.53) significantly increased early initiation of breastfeeding. These factors also significantly increased practice of EBF for 6 months; ANC- OR 2.54, 95%CI 1.49-4.35 and institutional delivery- OR 1.81, 95%CI 1.15-2.86. EBF for 6 months was significantly associated with lower parity (p=0.020) and higher maternal educational level. Those who had more than secondary education were 8 times more likely to practice EBF for 6 months than those with no formal education (OR 7.65, 95%CI 2.58- 24.28). Conclusion: Breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity for 6 months were inadequate. Promotion of good health-seeking behavior, maternal education and family planning are recommended in order to improve mothers’ breastfeeding practices and infant nutrition. Key words: Breastfeeding, healthseeking behavior, infant nutrition, maternal education, Nigeria

The psycho-social effect of parental separation and divorce on adolescents: Implications for counselling in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State

The study examines the psycho- social effect of parental separation or divorces on adolescents and its implications for counselling. A descriptive research survey was used while stratified random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the population sample. The sample population used is 120 adolescent students randomly drawn from twelve secondary schools in Surulere local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. The students responded to a well structured questionnaire which generated data for testing the hypotheses using the simple percentage and chi-square statistical method. The results of psycho-social effect of parental separation or divorce on adolescents include the poor academic performance, social development, interpersonal relation and pitiable emotional stability manifestations. A five point recommendations to reduce and eradicate divorce and separation of parents are made. Government, communities, courts, and religious organization should work jointly to ensure that all married couples as well as singles have access to child centred and affordable counselling services. Key words: Psycho-social, parental separation, divorce, adolescents, counselling and local government.

Socio-Psychological Impact of Indices of Spousal Incompatibility on Marital Stability Among Couples in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

The study investigated the effects of spousal incompatibility on marital stability in Lagos metropolis. In carrying out the research, a descriptive survey research design was employed. Cluster sampling method was used to select a sample of 200 respondents from the population of all married women in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State. Three research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A researcher-designed questionnaire was the major instrument used in collecting the data which were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient statistical tool. Results showed that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between the educational levels of spouses and marital stability. The findings also suggest that age differences between couples and religion also impacted on marital stability of couples. Based on these findings, it was recommended that youth who intend to marry should seek the informed counsel of a professional marriage counselor to help them in making the right choices and exposing them to the indices of spousal compatibility in marriage.

Assessment of Tree Planting Efforts in Lagos Island Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Investigations were carried out to review tree planting activities within the Lagos Island Local Government Area of Nigeria. The city is a center of commercial activity within a hot tropical environment. Efforts have been made by both governmental and private bodies to promote tree planting within the area in mitigating the effects of urbanization on the environment particularly in the area of climate change. However, it became necessary to assess the tree planting activities so as to properly place its achievements and positive contributions to the environment. The review is also to highlight the areas where more efforts are needed. An enumeration of existing trees was carried out with the aim of assessing the distribution, specie types and density of coverage. A handheld GPS device was used to acquire the coordinates of trees which were then mapped. Further analysis using GIS was done. Interviews with tree planting officials and public volunteers were also carried out. A total of 293 trees was identified within the study area which is about 8.7 km2 in size. The result indicates a paucity of trees in the area despite the various tree planting efforts. A high mortality rate of trees was observed. Further findings indicated that the public’s desire to support, manage and maintain the planted trees was poor. It was observed that the tree planting activities were seen as a curse rather than a blessing by market men and women within the study area. This study suggests more public enlightenment and that edible species should be planted in place of exotic ones being used.

P4.072 Sexual Risk and Preventive Behaviours Among Young People in Nigeria

BackgroundYoung people, especially teenagers, between 12 and 19 years are very vulnerable and very susceptible to different kinds of behaviours, most of which are risky and destructive in nature thereby...

Land Holders and Fire Insurance: Case of Lagos Nigeria 2013

Land is a commodity whose ownership maintenance and protection is essential and indispensable to the development of every modern society as ours. Land holders therefore have a duty to maintain and protect same from risks including the fury of fire. Fire insurance protects against damage to land or building as a result of fire outbreaks resulting from riots, electrical malfunctions, arson and natural disaster etcetera. The work canvassed fire insurance as a viable method for the protection and mitigation of effects of fire outbreaks on Land. The work observed the present unpopularity of fire insurance practice among landholders and the fact that insurers and their agents are yet to earn the trust of Landholders by improving their performance and effectiveness in the area under research. Questionnaires were administered to randomly sampled Landholders in the 20 main Local Government Areas of Lagos state, Nigeria, while interviews were also conducted. It was the finding of the work that although in its present state, the fire insurance scheme or business seem to be in a tutelage stage, that it however has the potential of being greatly improved by a joint action of the government and other stakeholders, to serve as an effective and viable risk bearer for landholders not just located in Lagos but indeed all over the Nigerian State. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n6p91

Relative Communication Power of Selected Advertising Media

Advertising is a major communication tool employed to impart information, develop attitude and induce action. DAGMAR communication spectrum theory specifies that in order to attain its objectives, an advertisement must create awareness, ensure message comprehension and conviction; and stir purchase action. Achieving marketing and communication objectives have become more daunting with the present upsurge in media cost and fragmentation as consumers are exposed to ever-increasing number of media daily. Thus, attaining communication effectiveness requires pragmatic management of multimedia channels. Unarguably therefore, exploring different ways in understanding the potentialities of the many media types available is imperative. Hence, the present study sought to explore the relative strengths of some selected media such as television, radio, transit and packaging in moving prospects through the entire levels of the communication spectrum. The study was purely descriptive. Closed-ended structured questionnaires served as study instrument administered on 350 randomly selected respondents from Surulere local government area of Lagos state, Nigeria. Using SPSS (version 19) the generated data was rightly analyzed through the aid of pertinent statistical tools. Results show television to have relatively higher strengths than the other media under study in all four elements of the communication spectrum. Radio and transit have their best strengths in awareness creation while packaging’s strength lies best in moving prospects from message comprehension and conviction to stirring them to purchase action. A combination of television, radio and transit is recommended as the right media mix to achieve awareness creation. Also, a cocktail of television, packaging and radio will provide the best media mix when the overriding communication goals are to enhance adequate understanding of product/service, convince and persuade prospects to purchase action. Further study to unveil the strengths of the rest of the media, is suggested. Key words: Advertising; Media; Marketing communication; Promotion

Incidence and 30-day case fatality rate of first-ever stroke in urban Nigeria: The prospective community based Epidemiology of Stroke in Lagos (EPISIL) phase II results

BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of death worldwide and a major contributor to global disease burden. Although epidemiologic information from a community perspective is important in determining the magnitude of the burden in specific regions, and directing equitable distribution of health resources, data on the incidence of stroke in developing countries in Africa are scarce. AimsTo determine the current incidence rate and short-term (30-day) case fatality rate (CFR) of stroke in urban Nigeria, and provide age-adjusted and gender-specific incidence rates to enable comparison with global populations. MethodsThe study was a prospective community-based stroke registry enrolling hospitalized and non-hospitalized first-ever in a lifetime stroke cases presenting at all health facilities (hospitals, homeopathic caregivers, physiotherapy clinics) located in the designated community. Pre-hospitalization deaths due to stroke were not included in our study. The study was conducted between January 1st and December 31st 2007 in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State, south western Nigeria, a mixed-income urban locality with a population of approximately 750,000 based on data from the National Population Commission. Stroke was defined using the World Health Organization (WHO) clinical criteria. Case fatality at 30-days post stroke was determined at follow-up on 160 hospitalized stroke cases. Results189 first-ever strokes, comprised of 112 men and 77 women (mean±SD age 58.5±13.5years) were documented, giving a crude incidence rate of 25.2 per 100,000 per year (95% confidence interval 21.6– 28.8). The gender-specific rates were 28.3/100,000 and 21.3/100,000 for males and females respectively. The age-adjusted incidence rate was 54.08 per 100,000 per year (adjusted to the WHO New World Population). Hospitalization rate was 84.6%, while the CFR (hospitalized) was 16.2%. ConclusionsThe stroke incidence in this urban sub-Saharan African community remains lower than that in emerging and developed economies, although the age- and gender-related trends and CFR are comparable to that in developed countries.

Heavy Metals and Microbial Contents of Roadside Roasted Corn and Plantain

In Nigeria, West Africa, it is common practice to eat roasted food as snacks without being mindful of the health implications from the environment where it is roasted. This research work evaluated the level of heavy metals and microbial contents in roadside roasted corn and plantain from three locations in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State. Heavy metals and microbial concentration of 18 samples were analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and Standard Microbiological Techniques (SMT). The average concentration of heavy metals in all the samples ranged between 0.45 – 1.40mg/g, 2.45 – 4.80mg/g, 3.20 – 14.05mg/g and 9.95–18.05mg/g for copper, zinc, iron, and magnesium respectively. Furthermore, samples from heavy traffic areas had average concentration range of between 0 – 58.40mg/g and 0 – 1.95mg/g for lead and cadmium respectively. Most of the values are higher than World Health Organization permissible limits. The average microbial load of the samples ranged between 250×10−3 – 800×10−3 Cfu. Samples from locations close to refuse dumpsite had the highest microbial content. Four micro organisms isolated from the samples are Escheriachia coli, Bacillus species, Neurospora species and Aspergillus niger. These findings indicate that roadside roasted food are contaminated by the polluted environment which make them not healthy for human consumption.

Effect of Ill Health on Technical Efficiency of Dry Season Vegetable Farmers in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State Nigeria

This paper examined the effect of ill health on technical efficiency of dry season vegetable farmers in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, South-West, Nigeria. A total of 80 dry season vegetable farmers were sampled through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier analysis. The results showed that majority (68%) of the farmers were within the economic active age group of 25 and 35 years. The mean number of days absent from farm work due to illness was 3 days while majority (70%) of the farmers had contact with extension workers. The major problems confronting the farmers were inadequate land, capital and pest infestation among others. The return to scale value of 1.15estimated from the Stochastic Frontier Analysis revealed that farmers were operating in stage 1 of the production surface, hence, the need to employ more resources in order to maximize benefits. The mean technical efficiency was 0.701. This implies that the efficiency of the vegetable farmers can be improved at the existing technology by about 29.9% in the short run. The health variable which was captured by illness episodes and number of days absent from work due to illness had positive coefficient and statistically significant at p < 0.10. The study therefore concludes that ill health have adverse effect on the technical efficiency of the dry season vegetable farmers in the study area, thereby reducing their productivity levels.

Profitability and Constraints Analysis of Women Entrepreneurs in Lagos State, Nigeria

This research assessed the constraints limiting the success of women entrepreneurs in selected local government areas of Lagos State, Nigeria. A sample of 120 women entrepreneurs were selected from three Local Government Areas of Lagos State in a two-stage sampling procedure. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, constraint analysis, budgetary analysis and multiple regression analysis. The predominant primary occupation was found to be trading 45 with 92.5% of the women in their productive years. The finding also revealed that a vast majority (92.5%) of the women entrepreneurs had formal education above primary level with 43.3% of them spent not less than 10 years in their business, which was presumed to benefit their enterprises. The women entrepreneurs faced certain constraints which affect their businesses, the highest ranked ones include; poor shop location (ranked 1 st ), lack of long term finance (ranked 2 nd ) and competition from rivals (ranked 3 rd ) among others. The women entrepreneurs earned 40 kobo on every 1 naira sale revenue. The multiple regression results revealed that main occupation, business membership strength, initial capital outlay and total variable cost had significant effect on the net income of the women. Policy options from the findings include: Increment in funds invested in the business enterprises of these women entrepreneurs alongside reduction in cost could boost the possible expansion of their enterprises; provision of psychological, moral and financial support from members of the family is needed for entrepreneurial development and Government should provide cheaper sources of credit to the women with little or no collateral to encourage their enterprises growth, self-reliance which are necessary ingredients for nation's development.