Ilorin East Local Government Area Research Articles

Occupational Hazard Exposure: Assessment of Hypogonadism and Dyslipidemia in House and Automobile Painters in Ilorin, Nigeria

Aims: To investigate the impact of human exposure to the constituents of paint on serum reproductive hormone and Lipid profile among occupationally exposed House and Automobile spray painters in Yakuba district of Ilorin East Local Government area of Kwara State. Nigeria. Study Design: Experimental./ Cross sectional. Place and Duration of Study: Yakuba district of Ilorin East Local Government area of Kwara State. Nigeria, 6months; between July 23 and January 2024. Methodology: 120 male participants were recruited for this study with the mean age 33.15±0.86 years. The participants included 40 automobile painters, 40 house painters, and male artisans who were not painters and served as the control group .Venous Blood samples were collected from both the test and control subjects for the measurement of serum lipids and testosterone using reference techniques. Results: Total Cholesterol, Triglyceride, HD and LDL cholesterol were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the exposed automobile and house painters than the control groups. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the serum lipid values of the automobile and the house painters. The serum testosterone level in both group of exposed painters was statistically similar(P>0.05). There was no significant correlation (P>0.05) between the frequency of cars or houses painted per month and work experience with the lipid profile parameters and testosterone levels in the occupationally exposed house and automobile painters. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to some chemical constituents of paint is associated with dyslipidemia and decrease serum testosterone which may precipitate adverse ill health among the painters.

EKOWISATA DAN GEOPARK : SEBUAH POTENSI UNTUK SIMBIOSIS YANG BERKELANJUTAN

This study examined the effect of classroom wall design on pupils’ literacy in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State. Eighty primary two pupil’s in both private and public schools in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State were selected to participate in this study, the simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample. The research instrument titled Pupil’s Literacy Achievement Test (PLAT)was used for data collection. The research instrument was validated and tested for reliability. The reliability index of PLAT was determined using Pearson Product moment correlation (PPMC) which yielded (0.74) level of significance. Inferential statistics of Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) were used. Based on the findings, it shows that classroom wall design had no significant effect on pupil’s literacy, gender had no significant effect on pupil’s literacy, school type had no significant effect on pupil’s literacy, gender and school type had no significant effect on pupil’s literacy, interaction of gender and school type had no significant effect on pupil’s literacy, treatment and school type had no significant effect on pupil’s literacy, classroom wall design, gender and school type had no significant effect on pupil’s literacy in Ilorin East local government Area of Kwara State. It was concluded that learners should be encouraged to learn using classroom wall design, read the words on the wall design every day to improve their literacy.

Health information needs of rural women in ilorin east local government area of Kwara State, Nigeria

The study assessed the health information needs of the rural women in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. The study used primary data. The primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. Multistage sampling technique was use to select respondents for the study. A total number of eighty rural women were selected for the study. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean and Likert type rating scale. The result of the study revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 37.7 years, their average income was 27,637.50 Naira. The result revealed that majority (98.8 %) of respondents’ source of health information were radio/television (98.8%), Neighbors and friends (92.5%), drug hawkers (90.0%), family members (77.5%), local chemist shops (75.3%) and Doctors/Nurses (67.5%). The common health challenges in the study area are typhoid fever (40.0%), malaria (43.8%) and (28.8%) miscarriages. Also, the result identified that First aid treatment with a mean score (2.21), Drug/Pharmaceutical care information (2.20) and infant’s health care (2.10) were areas where the respondents highly needs health information. The result also reveals that Illiteracy (2.51) and low level of income (2.08), communication barrier (1.93), poor electricity (1.91) and poor attitude of health personnel (1.91) were some of problems preventing rural women from getting health information. The study concluded that there is information need among rural women in the study area. The study therefore recommends that for government to achieve its vision of good health for all, there is need for targeted policies in the areas of health information needs of rural women and there should be provision of health facilities in the rural areas by the government and donor agencies.

Covid-19 Vaccination Compliance Among Rural Farming Households in Kwara State: Characteristics and Drivers

The covid-19 Pandemic has contributed significantly to food crises in Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria inclusive. While vaccines have been successfully developed to ameliorate the impact of covid-19 infection, the level and drivers of compliance among farmers have not been adequately documented. This study examined the level of compliance as well as the drivers of compliance to covid-19 vaccination among farmers in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. We conducted a farm survey among 120 households drawn through a 3-staged sampling technique. The cross-sectional data obtained were analyzed with descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model. The results of the data analysis show that 87.5 % of the farmers have been vaccinated. 62.5% of the farmers reported that their farming activities were affected adversely by the pandemic. 42.5% of the affected farmers claimed that the effect of covid on their farming activities actually manifested in form of pest infestation. The majority (77.5%) of the affected farmers reported that they recorded financial losses with 71.1% of them recording severe wastages in their farm produce due to delayed harvesting. Household size and years of schooling were the significant determinants of Covid-19 vaccination compliance in the study area. It was thus recommended that efforts should be geared towards educating the rural populace to achieve 100% vaccination for sound health and higher productivity among farmers.

Assessing the Effects of Solid Wastes on Urban Flooding: A case study of Isale Koko

The management of solid waste continues to be a major challenge in urban areas throughout the world particularly in the rapidly growing cities of the developing world such as Ilorin. This study aimed at identifying the contribution of Solid Wastes to the incessant flooding and its primary cause in Isale koko in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara state. A reconnaissance survey was conducted for the purpose of observing the condition of the engineering structures, the residents, and the magnitude of loss caused after it experienced another episode of flood. Focal point interviews were carried out with use of 100 structured questionnaires, 94 returned for data collection. Solid wastes in drains were quantified and characterized to identify the classes of wastes present in the existing drainages. Descriptive statistical analysis was used on the data. Results showed 86 (91.7%) of the respondents have suffered loss or destruction of properties due to flood, while 8 (8.3%) had their houses destroyed. Of the respondents, 33 (35.2%) dispose their waste once a day, 19 (20.5%) dispose it once in 2 days, and 42 (44.3%) dispose once in a week. Also, 19 (20%) dispose their waste in the public bin, 12 (13%) inside the valley, 9 (9%) by the roadside and 40 (43%) on an open space, 14 (15%) dispose by burning, all ending up in drains during floods. Solid wastes in drains consist mainly plastics (80%), paper (10%), wood (10%), and occupied 20% of drainage volume. It is therefore concluded that uneven channeling and solid wastes in drains contributed to flood in Isale koko.

Rural Women’s Coping Strategies Against the Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

The study examined the rural women’s coping strategies against the effects of covid-19 pandemic in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Eight five respondents were randomly selected in seven communities for the study. The data was collected using frequency count, percentage, mean and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The result reveals that all the respondents (100%) were aware that covid-19 had been declared as a pandemic. The increase in price of goods and services (x ̅= 4.59) was the highest ranked perceived effect of covid-19 pandemic on the respondents. Rearing of animals (x ̅= 1.46) was the highest ranked coping strategy adopted by the respondents against covid-19. There is significant relationship between coping strategies and perceived effects (r=-0.207, p=0.057) at 10% level of significance. The study there recommended that there should be provision of more awareness on covid-19 pandemic and there should be creation of additional job opportunities in the rural areas for women who are affected by covid-19 pandemic.

Perception of the Effects of Charcoal Production on Rural Households in Kwara State, Nigeria.

The study examined the rural women’s coping strategies against the effects of covid-19 pandemic in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Eight five respondents were randomly selected in seven communities for the study. The data was collected using frequency count, percentage, mean and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The result reveals that all the respondents (100%) were aware that covid-19 had been declared as a pandemic. The increase in price of goods and services (= 4.59) was the highest ranked perceived effect of covid-19 pandemic on the respondents. Rearing of animals (= 1.46) was the highest ranked coping strategy adopted by the respondents against covid-19. There is significant relationship between coping strategies and perceived effects (r=-0.207, p=0.057) at 10% level of significance. The study there recommended that there should be provision of more awareness on covid-19 pandemic and there should be creation of additional job opportunities in the rural areas for women who are affected by covid-19 pandemic.

Perceived Health Benefits of Exercise on Lifestyle of Civil Servants in Ilorin East Local Government, Kwara State

Abstract
 This study examined the health benefits of exercise on lifestyle of Civil servants of Ilorin East Local Government Area. The objective of this study were to find out if cardiovascular health, muscular endurance, body composition and flexibility as a result of exercise will influence positive lifestyle among Civil servants in the Area. Descriptive research design of survey method was adopted. The population for this study comprised all Civil servants in the area . Systematic sampling technique was used to select 10% of the population. A researcher designed structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondent. A reliability coefficient of 0.65 was obtained through Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Four null hypotheses were tested using inferential statistics of Chi-square at 0.05 alpha level.
 The result revealed that Cardiovascular health, Muscular endurance, Body composition, Flexibility as a result of exercise significantly influenced lifestyle among civil servants in Ilorin East Local Government positively. It was concluded that health benefits of exercise on lifestyle among Civil servants in Ilorin East. Local Government were significantly influenced by cardiovascular health, muscular endurance, body composition and flexibility as a result of exercise. Therefore, it was recommended that Civil servants should be encouraged to participate in exercise to improve their cardiovascular health.

A Comparative Study of Predictors of Health Service Utilization among Rural and Urban Areas in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State

Objective: Health facilities utilization among Nigerians is affected by access to hospitals and, availability of personnel. This study compared the predictors of health service utilization in rural and urban areas of Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State. Method: A cross-sectional study, involving 250 rural and 250 urban respondents selected through multi-stage sampling techniques. Quantitative data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Qualitative data collection was done with an FGD guide. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Chi-square, t-test, and z-test were used to test for significance. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of urban respondents was 37.1±7.9 years and 42.6 ±13.7 years for rural. Utilization among the urban respondents were 71.2%, and 89.2% among rural (z-score = 27.93; p-value = 0.01). Health services factors such as waiting time (Adjusted OR=1.012; p-value=0.989) were found to be a strong predictor of utilization among urban respondents compared with the availability of drugs (Adjusted OR= 1.696; p-value=0.407) and availability of drugs (Adjusted OR= 1.696; p-value=0.407) which were the strongest predictor among rural respondents, though they were all not statistically significant. Other factors identified were lack of staff 46.5% among rural and lack of drug 26.1% among urban communities respectively. Conclusion: The study demonstrated higher utilization among the rural community. Knowledge of available health services was important for utilization; waiting time, and availability of drugs were major predictors of health service utilization among urban and rural communities respectively.

Rural-Urban Disparities and Factors Associated with Clients’ Satisfaction with Healthcare in a Nigerian population

Background: Clients’ satisfaction surveys are required to identify gaps and challenges in providing healthcare services; to ensure the quality of care and patient satisfaction.
 Objectives: To compare and assess factors responsible for healthcare satisfaction among rural and urban communities in Ilorin East Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State to improve service provision among the communities.
 Methods: This was a comparative, cross-sectional study involving rural (250) and urban (250) respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling technique and surveyed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Focus Group Discussion was also used to collect qualitative data. Participants were selected through the purposive sampling technique.
 Results: The proportion of clients who expressed satisfaction was 172 (68.8%) among urban and 175 (70.0%) among rural respondents, (z = 0.57; p = 0.45). The attitude of healthcare personnel influenced satisfaction among both the rural (56.0%) and urban (63.3%) respondents, respectively; short waiting time (12.8%) and privacy of the consulting rooms (13.7%) were reasons influencing satisfaction with service.
 Conclusion: Short waiting time and privacy of consulting room were reasons for service satisfaction among clients. Waiting time was a strong predictor of satisfaction. There is a need to improve health personnel’s attitude to work to ensure clients’ satisfaction with healthcare services.

Effects of Indigenous Game Strategies on Academic Performance of Pupils in Numeracy in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

Effects of Indigenous Game Strategies on Academic Performance of Pupils in Numeracy in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

Prevalence and risk factors of superficial fungal infections among primary school pupils in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria

Superficial fungal infections are common in the tropics particularly in the rural areas where children are predisposed. The causative organisms include dermatophytes, yeasts and non-dermatophyte moulds. To determine the prevalence and risk factors of superficial fungal infections among primary school pupils aged 5- 16 years in Oke-Oyi, Kwara State. A cross-sectional survey was carried out from April through July 2017 among 602 pupils aged 5-16 years in Oke-Oyi, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State. Out of the 602 pupils screened during the study, 180 pupils were suspected clinically to have superficial fungal infection and a total of 180 skin specimens were collected from the pupils. The prevalence of clinically suspected fungal infection was 29.9% (180/602), dermatophytes accounted for 16.7% (30/180), while non-dermatophyte moulds accounted for about half of the isolates, 51.7% (93/180). Some of the factors that were significantly associated with the risk of acquisition of dermatophytic infections include age, past history of similar lesions, over-crowding, normal sweat pattern and unkempt socks worn by the pupils among others. This study has shown that superficial fungal infections are common among pupils in Oke-Oyi in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State and the risk factors include among others, young age, past history of skin infections, overcrowding and unkempt socks worn by pupils. Therefore sociodemographic and behavioural factors influence the occurrence of superficial fungal infections in the study area.

High risk sexual behavior among adolescent senior secondary school students in Nigeria.

The consequences of high risk sexual practices (HRSP) are enormous among adolescent senior secondary school students. They therefore need to have sufficient knowledge of HRSP. The study gauged the level of knowledge and perceptions of high risk sexual behavior among senior secondary school students in Ilorin, Nigeria with a view to improving their understanding of the current trends in HRSP.This was a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study of adolescent secondary school students in Ilorin East Local Government Area. Multi - stage sampling method involving 3 stages was used. A semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain data. Informed consent of respondents was obtained. The data was analyzed using SPSS windows software package version 17. Majority, 305 (69.5%) of the students were between 16 - 20 years. The major source of information was from movies, 42.5%, and the internet, 24.7%. Twenty-three percent (23.1%) had poor knowledge of HRSP. Thirty-eight percent (38.1%) did not consider indiscriminate sexual intercourse as HRSP while 27.9% still believed that unprotected sexual practice is safe. Thirty-four percent (34.2%) did not know that sex with multiple partners is a HRSP while 34.4% did not know that oral -genital sex is unsafe. Over thirty-two (32.9%) perceived that engaging in sex made them mature among peers. Twenty-four (24.7%) did not perceive any danger in keeping multiple sexual partners while 15.3% would still engage in unprotected sex. The students had relatively poor knowledge and perceptions of HRSP. Quite a number did not consider indiscriminate sexual intercourse as HRSP. An appreciable number did not perceive any danger in keeping multiple sexual partners or beingengaged in unprotected sex. Counselling on the dangers of HRSP should be a component of the school health services so as to curb the complications of HRSP in our secondary schools.

Prevalence and Causes of Visual Impairment Among Nigerian Children Aged 3 to 5 Years

Objectives: This article determines the prevalence and causes of visual impairment (VI) in children aged 3 to 5 years in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Methods: The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional, school-based study of 464 children enrolled by multistage sampling. The sample size was calculated based on the prevalence of ocular morbidity of 19.9% found in a previous Ilorin study by Ayanniyi et al. (Causes and prevalence of ocular morbidity among primary school children in Ilorin, Nigeria. Niger J Clin Pract 2010;13:248-53) using the Fisher’s formula. Visual acuity (VA) of selected children was assessed using the Lea symbols chart. Children meeting the referral criteria of VA worse than 20/30 (6/9.5), two lines difference in VA between the eyes, visible anterior and posterior segment anomalies, and untestable children with the Lea symbols thereafter had a comprehensive eye examination. Results: Seventy (15.1%) of the children screened were 3 years’ old, 176 (37.9%) were 4 years, whereas 218 (47%) were 5 years’ old. Nine hundred twenty-eight eyes of 464 children were screened; 707 (76.2%) eyes in 332 (71.6%) children had VA 6/9.5 or better, whereas 184 (19.8%) eyes in 112 children (24.1%) had VA worse than 6/9.5 and 37 (4%) eyes in 20 children (4.3%) were untestable. An identifiable cause of VI was found in 36 eyes of 23 children, giving a prevalence of 5%. The causes of VI were myopia (2.5%), astigmatism (1.8%), hypermetropia (0.2%), anisometropic amblyopia (0.2%), and strabismus (0.2%). Conclusion: The prevalence of vision impairing conditions in this age group underscores the importance of preschool vision screening to ensure early detection and treatment to prevent the permanent damage of amblyopia.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Gastro – Intestinal Parasites among Primary School Pupils in Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Gastro – Intestinal Parasites among Primary School Pupils in Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria

Farmers’ perception of the activities of lower Niger Basin Authority in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

Owing to the huge amount of naira invested into the irrigation sub-sector by the Nigerian government, the study assessed the perception of farmers on the activities of Lower Nigeria River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) in Ilorin East local government area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Primary data were used for the study and the data were collected by means of a well-structured questionnaire coupled with interview schedule. A two stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and six (106) respondents from the list of registered farmers who had participated in the scheme. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation were used in analyzing the data. Findings of the study indicated that 98.1% of the famers had a positive perception on the effectiveness of the scheme. Also, 92.5% of the respondents reported flexibility in the payment schedule in participating in the LNRBDA irrigation scheme while 81.1% of the respondents paid for irrigation services install mentally. It was also found that 99.1% of the respondents experienced increased production output as a result of the use of irrigation facilities. There is a significant relationship between age, farm size and the perception of farmers on some of the activities in the scheme (pvalue < critical p-value of 0.05). The study concludes that farmers’ participation and perception in LNRBDA irrigation scheme in the study area is highly encouraging and there is association between age, farm size and the perception of farmers on effectiveness some of the activities of LNRBDA in the study area. It is therefore recommended that government should continue to enhance and strengthens the performance of LNRBDA in the study area.Keywords: Perception, Lower Niger Basin Authority, farmers, Irrigation, Scheme, Production

Indices of solid Wastes Environmental Impacts in Ilorin East Local Government Area using GaBi, modeling Tool

The problems of solid waste in Ilorin East Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State are uncontrolled dumping of wastes in the environment, lack of standard landfill and poorly located dumpsites. In this paper, the life-cycle of solid wastes in Horin East Local Government Area of Kwara State was examined using GaBi, modeling tool and the implications of their environmental impacts were identified. Three major dumpsites viz: Apado, Agbeyangi, and Oke-Oyi were selected and the concentration levels of CH, CO, SO, and CO gases were measured using ToxiRae gas sampler. Two waste management scenarios were developed and compared using GaBi,software version. Scenario 1 involved collection, transportation and landfilling, while Scenario 2 involved collection, transportation, and incineration. The impact indices determined for both scenarios were Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification Potential (AP), Eutrophication Potential (EP) and Ozone layer Depletion Potential (ODP) using the Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and other Environmental Impacts (TRACI) of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Methodology of the Centre for Environmental Studies (CML) of the University of Leiden in the GaBi, software version. The impact indices of landfilling scenario for GWP, AP, EP, and ODP were 2.63(kgCO, Equiv.), 1.50E-03 (kgSO,Equiv.), 3.22E-03(kg Phosphate Equiv.) and 9.98E-12(kg CFC 11-Equiv.), respectively. Those of the impacts of incineration scenario for GWP, AP, EP, and ODP were 3.32(kgCO, Equiv.), 9.20E-04(kgSO,Equiv.), 3.72E-04(kg Phosphate Equiv.) and 2.49E-08(kg CFC 11-Equiv.), respectively. Landfilling of wastes poses a lesser burden on the environment, using ODP index, as compared to incineration and therefore recommended for use in the study area.

Assessment of Physicochemical Characteristics of Selected Borehole Waters in Oke-Oyi Community, Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State

The physicochemical parameters of seven different borehole waters in Oke-Oyi, Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria were assessed to determine it suitability for human consumption. The parameters examined include temperature (28 - 29⁰C), conductivity (414 - 1603 μs/cm), pH (5.71 - 6.57), total hardness (20.2 - 67.3 mg/L). The concentrations of heavy metals determined are Zn (0.010 – 0.022 mg/L), Fe (0.002 - 0.120 mg/L), Cr (0.075 - 0.12 mg/L), Cu (3x10 -4 – 2x10 -3 mg/L), Co (0.01 - 0.26 mg/L) and Mn (0.082 - 0.94 mg/L). There was no lead detected in two of the borehole water samples while those detected have low concentration range 1 x 10 -5 – 6 x 10 -5 . The results of physicochemical parameters obtained are within World Health Organisation (WHO) limits except for the pH that is slightly lower and the conductivity of OKY 1 that is slightly higher. Keywords : Borehole water, physicochemical parameters, Heavy metals, Community, Quality

Contributions of solid wastes disposal practice to malaria prevalence in Ilorin, Nigeria

Environmental control has been part of global reduction for malaria prevalence. However currently, its consideration for malaria control is very little. A community based study was conducted for malaria prevalence in Okelele, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 200 households were studied which comprise of 501 children, age ≥ 14 years, 241 females, and 260 males. Data was recorded on the study profoma and entered into the computer using statistical software package. The results indicated that 29.9% were found to be positive with use of RDT, open drainage, stagnation of water in drain, solid waste in drain and presence of weed were found to be significant factors to malaria increase at p-value < 0.05. Integrated Solid Wastes Management (ISWM) and community cooperation are being proposed in this study.

Assessment of indigenous methods of processing shea butter among women in Ilorin east local government area of Kwara State, Nigeria

This study assessed the indigenous methods of processing shea butter among women in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. The study made use of well-structured questionnaire to collect data from 180 respondents by means of four-stage random sampling technique. Analytical tools used include frequency, percentage and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Findings showed that the majority of respondents had no formal education (73.3%), were middle aged (52.2%), and married (81.1%). The indigenous processing techniques commonly used by the respondents include: picking/harvesting of fruits, washing of fruits, de-pulping, drying, seed selection, seed cracking, roasting of kernels, milling of kernels, boiling of ground kernels, kneading, mixing, filtration, solidification and packaging. The majority (75%) of sources for information on indigenous shea butter processing came from family members. Factors limiting the majority of respondents were: inadequate water supply (95%), inadequate processing equipment (86.1%) and inadequate credit facilities (81.7%). Correlation analysis results revealed that age (-0.153, p<0.05) and the years of experience (-0.270, p<0.01) of respondents showed a significant relationship with the indigenous techniques of processing shea butter. It was concluded that indigenous methods of processing shea butter are widespread among respondents, knowledge is acquired through family members and that they are faced with several challenges. Among others, the study recommends the need for extension agents to be posted to rural areas to educate rural women and build on their indigenous knowledge of processing shea butter in order to produce high quality butter.