Jos North Local Government Area Research Articles

A GIS-based assessment of flood impact on agricultural farm activities along river Dilimi, JOS north local government area of Plateau state

Flood is a natural disaster that impacts lives, food security, and ecosystems. Hence, this study sought to investigate the impact of urban flooding on agricultural farm activities along river Dilimi, Jos North LGA Plateau State Nigeria. The study identified urban agricultural farm activities along River Dilimi, and flood-prone areas along the river, and evaluated the economic impact of flood on farmer’s activities in the study area. The study utilized a satellite image of 2021 to digitize urban agricultural farmland along River Dlimi while, DEM, slope, and the landuse of the study area were utilized in an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) on ArcGIS version 10.4 to determine areas prone to flood in the study area. Concerning the economic impact of flooding, the study revealed that loss of farm was ranked 1st, hunger and starvation, loss of properties, and high incidence of poverty with a weighted mean score of 1.22, 1.21, and 1.20 ranked 2nd, 3rd, and 4th while loss of family members, displacement from a natural domain with a weighted mean score 1.19, 1.15 ranked 5th and 6th. Other impacts of floods include damaging roads (1.14), causing malaria (1.13), adding nutrients to the soil (1.11), and causing environmental pollution (1.09). loss of farmland, hunger, and starvation, loss of properties, high incidence of poverty were perceived as serious economic impacts of flood on farmers in the study area. In addition, the result further reveals that river Dilimi covers 1.5%, agricultural landuse covers 2.82%, and other landuse covers 95.66%.

Integrated GIS-based and geophysical techniques in groundwater potential zonation: a case study of Jos North local government area

Integrated GIS-based and geophysical techniques in groundwater potential zonation: a case study of Jos North local government area

Co-occurrence of non-communicable disease risk factors among adolescents in Jos, Nigeria.

The co-occurrence and clustering of risk factors for non-communicable disease (NCD) is a global public health concern. This study aimed to assess the co-occurrence and clustering of risk factors for NCDs among in-school and out-of-school adolescents in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Secondary schools and markets in Jos North Local Government Area. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 377 in-school and 377 out-of-school adolescents, aged 10-19 years of age. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on behavioural and physical risk factors for NCDs. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparisons at a 5% level of significance. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 23.0. Of the 754 sampled adolescents, 386 (51.2%) were females and 368 (48.8%) were males. Adolescents aged 10-14 years made up 37.8% of the participants, 15 to 17 years of age accounted for 46.9% and 18-19 years 15.3%. Risk factors with the highest prevalence were a sedentary lifestyle (94.2%) and an unhealthy diet (92.4%). Majority (97.2%) had two or more risk factors while 1.9% of adolescents had no risk factor. More in-school adolescents (24.1%) had two risk factors compared to 14.1% of out-of-school adolescents (p 0.001); 14.1% of out-of-school adolescents had five or more risk factors compared to 2.9% of those in school (p 0.001). Co-occurrence and clustering of behavioural and physical risk factors was found among both in-school and out-of-school adolescents.Contribution: This study highlighted the burden of risk factors for NCDs among both in-school and out-of-school adolescents in the North-Central part of Nigeria. This is especially useful in developing targeted interventions to tackle these risk factors.

Attitude of Medical Students Towards Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) Prevention in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Attitude of Medical Students Towards Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) Prevention in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Knowledge of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among Medical Students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Knowledge of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among Medical Students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Comparative Analysis of the Physico-Chemical Properties and Trace Metal Content of Palm Oil, from Selected Markets in Jos South and Jos North LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria.

The quality of palm oil samples collected from three different markets in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State were analyzed and evaluated using standard analytical laboratory procedures. The relative ranges of the physicochemical values obtained were as follows; Moisture Content (MC): 0.56 - 1.89, Iodine value (IV); 51.88 - 55.57 g I2/100g, Peroxide Value (PV): 0.98 - 4.16 mEq02/kg, Saponification Values (SV): 198.46 - 201.54 mgKOH/g, Acid Value (AV): 9.93 - 57.65, and Refractive Index (RI), 1.4576 - 1.4580. The moisture content, iodin value, pH values and acid values were found to exceed the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) permissible limits of moisture content (0.29 mgKOH/g), iodine value (45 - 53 mg I2/100g), pH (5 - 7 mg/L), and acid value (0.7 max mg/L) for edible oils respectively while the refractive index, saponification values, peroxide values falls within the SON allowable limits of refractive index (1.4612-1.4707 mg/L), saponification value (195-205 mgKOH/g) and peroxide value (10 mEq02/kg) respectively . The amounts of trace metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb and Cd) determined in the palm oil using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer ranged from Cu(0.34 - 0.52 mg/l), Zn(1.58 - 2.33 mg/l), Fe(19.18 - 26.74 mg/l), Pb(2.87 - 4.06 mg/l) and Cd(1.58 - 2.24 mg/l). However, the levels of Zn, Fe, Pb and Cd exceeded the WHO/FAO recommended values of (1.50, 1.00, 0.05 and 0.02 mg/L) respectively while only Cu concentration was below the WHO/FAO limits of 2.00 mg/L for trace metals in edible palm oil. Consequently, the results of this study shows that the palm oil consumed from these selected markets does not meet the standard quality specification for edible palm oils and hence can post significant health threat to consumers. Therefore, food regulatory agencies should strengthen their surveillance to promote food and health safety of the populace.

Effect of Health Education on the Uptake of breast cancer screening among nursing students in Plateau State, Nigeria: A quasi-experimental study

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of health education on breast cancer screening uptake among female nursing students in Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: A quasi-experimental study involving 50 female nursing students that were selected using a systematic random sampling each from the Colleges of Nursing Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) (experimental group) and Jos North LGA (control group) both in Plateau State. The intervention involved health education training in the experimental group only for six (6) weeks. The tool used was a structured questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.782. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS Version 22. ANOVA was used to compare mean changes in uptake scores as appropriate. Results were presented in tables and p< 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The mean breast cancer screening uptake scores were 1.00 ± 0.700, 2.46 ± 0.706 and 2.54 ± 0.676 at baseline, one-month and three-month post-intervention respectively among the experimental group with a statistically significant difference in mean uptake score, (F[2, 147] = [77.982], p <0.001) (Effect size, R2=0.515). In the control group, the uptake scores were 1.04 ± 0.755, 1.16 ± 0.738, and 1.26 ± 0.694 at baseline, one month post-intervention and three-month post-intervention respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in mean uptake scores between at least two phases (F [2, 147] = (1.140), p =0.323). Conclusion: Health educational intervention can significantly improve breast screening uptake. There is a need to constantly educate youths on this benefit.

ETHNO-RELIGIOUS CRISIS AND NIGERIA’S FEDERALISM: A STUDY OF JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE

Ethnic, political and religious crises are challenging Nigeria’s existence and its democracy. The issues at stake question Nigeria’s ethno-religious crisis and federalism: a study of the Jos North Municipality in Plateau State. The study adopts the survey design and the questionnaire was used as a tool to collect data. The analysis was performed using the simple percentage data analysis method. After careful analysis and interpretation of the data collected, it was found that issues such as the federal character, the quota system, and “indigenousness” that have entered the vocabulary and practice of federalism in Nigeria tend to generate ethnic, religious, and ultimately political tensions and instability. This calls into question the rationality of introducing the federal character principle in the first place. The research also shows that the federal character principle has had a negative impact on political, social and economic development in the Jos North Local Government Area. In the final presentation, the study recommends, among other things, strict compliance with the constitutional provisions on citizenship rights in relation to indigenous colonisation issues.

Assessment of the Physico-chemical Parameters and Heavy Metal Concentration of Delimi Wastewater in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State.

The high-water demand for domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses has increased water scarcity and is becoming alarming as natural or anthropogenic sources sometimes pollute the available water resources. Wastewater at Delimi was analyzed for physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentration before and after the discharge of effluents into the water. Standard analytical methods were employed to analyze the physicochemical parameters, while the chemical analysis for the heavy metals was done using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results of the analysis showed the following ranges: temperature 20.30°C -24.40°C, pH 7.46 - 8.45, conductivity 310.40 - 481.68 µs/cm, total solids 318 - 481.00 mg/L, suspended solid 132.40 - 194.50 mg/L, dissolved solids 186. 40 - 287.00 mg/L, total hardness 496.20 - 651.00 mg/L, calcium hardness 121.37 - 147, 82 mg/L, magnesium hardness 103.00 - 124.00 mg/L, chloride 90.00 - 132.00 mg/L and sulphate 183.00 - 247.20 mg/L. All parameters assessed were within the WHO permissible limits except for chloride. Before the point of discharge, the wastewater recorded heavy metal concentration in the range of 0.00 – 5.80 ppm and 0.06 – 11.26 ppm after the point of effluent discharge. Iron recorded the highest value, which is above the WHO permissible limit, and lead, the lowest value, while Nickel and Manganese were not detected. Wastewater after the point of effluent discharge recorded higher concentration values, indicating the negative effects on the heavy metal concentration of the effluent discharges in the water. The resulting discharge increased the heavy metal concentration in the water, posing health challenges to the people within the environment. Using this wastewater for agricultural irrigation and laundry purposes could bring about exposure to heavy metals contained in it.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Male Infertility in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Male Infertility in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

Effects of Senior Secondary School Physics Students’ Self- Concept, on Performance in Jos North L.G.A Plateau State, Nigeria

The study investigated the relationship between Senior Secondary School physics student, self - concept and academic performance in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, three research questions and three hypotheses was formulated for the study. The instrument for data collection was self- concept conduct inventory questionnaires (SSCIQ) and physics achievement test questions (PAT). A correlation research design was used for the study. The correlation coefficient of 0.98 provides an estimate of reliability of a full test were half- test correlation is 0.96. The targeted population of the study comprises of SS II physics students in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, numbering 350 students of these numbers 227 were male and 123 were female students respectively. The sample size used for this study was 200 students. A simple random sampling technique was employed to draw a representative sample for the study. The Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient ‘r’ was used to determine the relationship between self-concept and students' academic performance. While the t- test for independence samples was used to examine the differences that existed between male and female self-concept and their academic performance in physics. The finding was that there is positive relationship between Senior Secondary school students' self-concept and their performance in physics. It also revealed that there is no significant difference between male and female students' self-concept and academic achievement in physics. The findings further revealed that the male and female students do not differ significantly in their academic performance in physics. The recommendations made among others were that necessary measures be put in place in our educational system to remove inferiority complex in our students and enhance the development of positive self-concept on their academic achievement students.

Effects of Senior Secondary School Physics Students’ Attitude on Performance in Jos North L.G.A Plateau State, Nigeria

The study investigated the relationship between Senior Secondary School Physics students’ attitude and academic performance in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated for the study. The instrument for data collection were students’ attitude questionnaire (SAQ) and Physics achievement test questions (PAT). A correlation research design was used for the study. The correlation coefficient of 0.98 provides an estimate of reliability of a full test where half- test correlation is 0.96. The targeted population of the study comprised of SS II physics students in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, numbering 350 students of these numbers 227 were male and 123 were female students respectively. The sample size used for this study was 200 students. A simple random sampling technique was employed to draw a representative sample for the study. The Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient ‘r’ was used to determine the relationship between attitude and students' academic performance. While the t- test for independence samples was used to examine the differences that existed between male and female attitude and their academic performance in physics. The finding was that there is positive relationship between Senior Secondary school students’ attitude on their performance in physics. The findings further revealed that the male and female students do not differ significantly in their academic performance in physics. The recommendations made among others were that necessary measures be put in place in our educational system to remove negative behaviour in our students and enhance the development of positive attitude of the students in their academic performance.

English

Risk factors for non-communicable diseases pose a huge burden among adolescents. This study used a qualitative approach to assess the knowledge and factors associated with non-communicable disease risk factors among adolescents in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State. Four focus group discussions were conducted, with sixteen (eight males and eight females) in-school and out-of-school adolescents, each selected purposively. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Most adolescents mentioned peer pressure and habits of parents and siblings as factors associated with smoking and alcohol use. The high cost of fruits and poverty were cited as the reasons for not consuming the required servings of fruits and vegetables. Some respondents cited a lack of awareness of the type of physical activity, and time-wasting effort as reasons for physical inactivity. Reasons for engaging in a lot of screen time included idleness and internet availability. A few respondents cited having family members who were overweight or obese as a reason for being overweight/obese. Some respondents cited overthinking, excess salt consumption, smoking, and alcohol consumption as a factor associated with hypertension. Key words: Non-communicable diseases, risk factors, determinants, adolescents, Nigeria.

Facebook and COVID-19 misinformation: Perception of residents of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

The concerns over COVID-19 misinformation on social media platforms, particularly on Facebook have attracted scholarly interrogations worldwide, particularly on the use of its platform to peddle lies and share falsehoods about the pandemic. Hence, the study examined Facebook and COVID-19 misinformation: Perception of residents of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. The work was guided by three research objectives and hinged on conspiracy theory. It employed a survey research design and a questionnaire for data collection. The population of the study was 4,200,400 while the sample size was 385 purposively selected and with 377 returned valid and analysed. Findings show that Facebook has been used to spread misinformation about COVID-19 and to a reasonable extent too. Further findings reveal that false information about COVID-19 on Facebook has compromised preventive actions. It, however, concluded that the menace could be curbed using multiple ways such as sourcing information from reliable Facebook accounts such as from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); monitoring and removing COVID-19 misinformation as well as using verifiable testimonials of survivors on Facebook, including encouraging stakeholders in the health sector to increase their campaigns. Consequently, the paper recommends that Facebook users need always make critical judgments regarding the information they post concerning the virus. It also recommends that there should be intensive campaigns by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other relevant health institutions and governments across the globe on the need to sensitize people to desist from spreading misinformation on COVID-19.

Role of Inclusive Leadership on Psychological Security: A Study of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc Business District

Some formal contextual factors influence on individual psychological security, has stated that employee perceived external risk and threat increase, thereby increasing the uncertainty, which will reduce psychological security in the workplace, the study aimed evaluating whether self-awareness, social awareness and relational agility leads to psychological security. The population is based 395 workforce of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) Jos business district in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis formulated in the study. The upshots stated Social-awareness does not have any significant impact on psychological security. The result shows that this hypothesis is rejected. The path coefficient from social-awareness and psychological security is statistically substantial with beta (β) value and robust t-value (β=0.167: t=4.036 p<0.020). Therefore, since P-value is<0.05 the null hypothesis which states that there is no significant relationship amid SOA and PS is disallowed and Hi, supported. The study concludes psychological security shows a key part in workforce’ performance of psychological security, as well as work engagement and recommends that there should be hint that even though psychological elasticity is usually considered an individual distinctive as it inclines to be stable over time, current interventions can also boost it among individual workforce.

Behavioural Risk Factors For Non-Communicable Diseases Among In-School and Out-of-School Adolescents In Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State

Behavioural Risk Factors For Non-Communicable Diseases Among In-School and Out-of-School Adolescents In Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State

An Assessment on the Information Needs and Seeking Behaviours of Rural Farmers in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

This study investigated assessment on the information needs and seeking behaviours of farmers in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. There were four primary goals for the study and four related research topics that helped direct the investigation. Descriptive survey methodology was utilized in this research, with a questionnaire serving as the primary data collector. There were 2,000 farmers in the population, and 190 of them were randomly selected to be in the sample. The information was gathered with the use of a well-structured questionnaire. Farmers in Jos North Local Government Area face challenges like a language barrier, insufficient extension services/workers, and an inaccessible agricultural information infrastructure, among others, according to the study’s findings. Farmers previously relied on word of mouth, cooperative societies, family, and friends for agricultural advice. It was determined that the agricultural information resources available to farmers in the Jos North LGA of Plateau State are uninspiring. There is a lack of language support, extension worker services, financial support, public awareness, and current information that prevents farmers in the Jos North LGA from making informed decisions. Many suggestions were made, including that politicians at all three levels of government keep their word, that rural areas establish adult education programs, that agricultural agents, such as extension workers, be made available in all rural areas, and that the government hire and send extension workers to the countryside to help them produce higher-quality crops.

Effects of Constructivist teaching Approach on Secondary School Students’ Geography Achievement in Jos North LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria

The study has investigated the effects of a Constructivist Instructional Approach on senior secondary (ii) school students’ geography achievement in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The study adopted the Quasi-experimental research design and random sampling method to select the sample of 110 students from the population of 859. The sample consisted of 46 students in the experimental group, 22 male and 24 females, and 64 students in the control 41 male and 23 females. Intact classes of two schools were used for the study. The research instrument was the Geography Achievement Test (GAT) that was adopted from the past questions of WAEC and NECO SSCE 2015 Gat was validated by three experts from the University of Jos in the department of science and technology education. A reliability coefficient of 0.73 was established through the Guttman split-half coefficient using SPSS 22. Two research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation while the null hypotheses were tested at α 0.05 level of significance using t-test, ANOVA and ANCOVA. Findings from the study revealed that there was a significant difference in the posttest score of the experimental and control group, in favour of the experimental group. The null hypothesis was rejected because (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the study revealed that there was no significant score difference between male and female students of the experimental group that received the treatment on constructivist learning approaches. Based on the outcomes of the study, few recommendations were made.

Performance Evaluation of Waste Stabilization Pond for Treatment of Wastewater from a Tertiary Institution Campus Located in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Appropriate treatment of wastewater before disposal into the environment or reuse is very important in the quest to protect the environment and safeguard public health. This paper investigated the performance evaluation of a waste stabilization pond (WSP) for treatment of wastewater from a tertiary institution campus located in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State in North Central Nigeria. The waste stabilization pond of the tertiary institution campus was designed for a wastewater flow rate of 12,945 m3/day. In order to evaluate the performance of the WSP, a model was developed following the Froude’s number dimensional analysis technique. The model was evaulated based on a wastewater flow of 0.4 m3/day. The final effluent from the maturation pond had 80 mg/L BOD, 195 mg/L COD, 75 CFU/100ml Total Coliforms, 610 mg/L Total solids, 19 mg/L Total Nitrogen, 210 mg/L Chloride, 28 mg/L Phosphate, 1.3 mg/L Ammonia and 7.0 pH. The WSP was able to achieve an overall efficiency of 77.78% reducing all quality parameters to recommended limited with exception of total nitrogen and phosphate. The implementation of this design will go along way to aid the treatment of wastewater from the campus of the university.

Infection status of mosquitoes in Kunga Community of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes constitute serious health, economic and social problems, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria. This study aimed to examine the salivary glands of Anopheles mosquitoes for sporozoites and the culicine mosquitoes for filarial worms in Kunga community of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Adult mosquitoes were collected by Pyrethrum Spray Catch (PSC) and identified with morphological keys. The salivary glands of the female mosquitoes were then dissected to check for Plasmodium sporozoites and third-stage infective nematode larvae (L3i). A total of 75 mosquitoes were collected from 20 households. Out of which 18 representing 24.0% were Anopheles gambiae and 57 representing 76.0% were Culex quinquefasciatus. There was a significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) in the species composition of the mosquitoes with sex. All the 18 (100%) of An. gambiae mosquitoes collected were females, while 55 (96.49%) out of the 57 Culex quinquefasciatus were females and 2 (3.51%) were males. The population of mosquitoes in relation to house types showed no significant variation (P &gt; 0.05). Although there was a significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) in the infectivity status of the mosquitoes, the distribution of the infection status by mosquito species showed that 12 females of An. gambiae representing 66.7% were infected with Plasmodium sporozoites, while 19 females represented 34.5% of Cx. quinquefasciatus were infected with L3i. The lack of good drainage and sewage systems in the study area could be one of the factors contributing to the mosquito burden and therefore health education will go a long way in sensitizing the inhabitants on the importance of environmental and personal hygiene.