Kogi East Research Articles

PERCEIVED STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING QUALITY ASSURANCE ON SECONDARY SCHOOL PHYSICS TEACHERS IN KOGI EAST EDUCATIONAL ZONE

Quality assurance entails the systematic review of educational provision to maintain and improve its quality, equity and efficiency. It involves self-evaluation, external evaluation, staff evaluation, student evaluation and school evaluation. The purpose of the study was to investigate strategies for enhancing quality assurance in physics education in Kogi East Educational Zone. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population for the study comprised all the physics teachers in Kogi East. The sample size for the study consisted of 120 physics teachers which were selected from private and public co-educational secondary schools in the study area using random sampling technique. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The instrument used for collection of data was a structured questionnaire, titled: Physics Education Quality Assurance Questionnaire (PEQAQ), which was developed by the researcher and validated by experts. The reliability index of the instrument using Cronbach Alpha yielded 0.69. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed among others that ensuring functional quality assurance mechanisms in secondary schools in Kogi East provided positive feedback to educational management to enhance performance. Based on the findings, the following recommendation was made. Develop and implement targeted professional development programmes in Kogi State, focusing on research-based quality assurance, strategies and contextualized to address local challenges and needs.

TREND OF CASSAVA YIELD/PRODCUTION IN IN KOGI EAST SENATORIAL DISTRICT, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the trends in cassava yield and production in the Kogi East Senatorial District of Kogi State, Nigeria, focusing on the perceptions of local farmers regarding yield changes over the past five years and the factors influencing these trends. A total of 403 respondents were surveyed, revealing that 71.3% of the farmers perceived an increase in cassava yields, while 28.7% reported stable yields. The primary factors contributing to the perceived increase included the use of improved cassava varieties (58.1%) and climate variability (41.9%). Furthermore, the statistical analysis indicated a stationary R-squared value of 0.792, suggesting a robust model fit for predicting future production trends. Forecasts indicated a steady increase in cassava production per hectare from 2024 to 2033, with projected yields rising from 17.33 tons per hectare in 2024 to 18.54 tons per hectare by 2033. Despite these positive trends, the study identified significant challenges posed by climate variability, with 76.7% of respondents recognizing a high impact on production. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, including the promotion of climate-resilient cassava varieties, improved access to quality planting materials, and the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. Overall, this study provides critical insights into the cassava production landscape in Kogi East and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to enhance productivity and ensure food security in the region.

Spatial Assessment of the Effect of Income on Healthcare Facilities Patronage in Kogi-East Senatorial District, Kogi State, Nigeria

This study assessed the level of income on health facility patronage in Kogi East, Kogi State, Nigeria. Primary data necessary for this study were collected from patients, health workers and residents of Kogi East through the administration of questionnaires, personal observations and obtaining of satellite imageries for creation of digital health facilities distribution map of the study area, while the secondary sources includes published documents. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered; however, only 395 were returned for analysis. Results were presented in both tables and charts while the hypothesis was tested using Correlation Analysis. Findings from this research revealed that majority of the respondents (58.80%) do not patronize any health facilities due to the high cost of treatment. The study also found that the major illness that affects respondents in Anyigba is Malaria Fever (76.5%); the result also shows 87.5% of the respondents disclosing that money has prevented them from patronizing health facilities. The study further found that the socio-economic characteristics of the residents/patients play a significant role in determining the frequency of visits to healthcare facilities; this is substantiated with the Pearson correlation test result that revealed a significant relationship between patronage pattern and monthly income of the respondents. This research also revealed that the lower the incomes of an individual, the limited access such individual would have to health facilities and vice versa. Given the z-score of 0.288134438445, the distribution pattern of the health facilities does not appear to be significantly different than random, as the healthcare facilities map also support the above claim. It is therefore recommended that efforts should be put in place to improve the socio-economic status of individuals so as to improve their access and utilization of healthcare facilities. Government at all levels as well as the organized private sector should carry out massive public awareness on the importance of health insurance scheme.

Visceral adiposity index, fitness and clustered cardiovascular disease risk in adolescents.

Clustering of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors have been observed in children and adolescents, but its association with visceral adiposity index (VAI) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in adolescents has rarely been studied. This study determines the independent associations of VAI and CRF with the clustering of cardiovascular disease risk (CVDr) among Nigerian adolescents. Adolescents from specific secondary schools in Kogi East, North Central Nigeria participated in the study. A cross-sectional sample of 403 adolescents (202 boys and 201 girls) aged 11 years - 19 years were evaluated for VAI, CRF and CVDr. Using identified risk factors, a clustered CVDr score was generated. The association between VAI, CRF and clustered CVDr was evaluated using regression models that controlled for age, gender and maturity status. Fitness was negatively associated with CVDr (β= -0.268,p 0.001), while VAI was positively correlated with CVDr (β= 0.379,p 0.001). After CRF or VAI adjustment, the independent association with the dependent variable remained significant. The odds of an adolescent with elevated VAI being at risk of CVD was 4.7 times higher than his peers. Unfit adolescents were 2.1 times more likely to develop CVDr. Both VAI and CRF were independently associated with the clustering of CVDr in Nigerian adolescents. The findings suggest that health promotion efforts focusing on healthy diet and aerobic-type physical activity programmes should be encouraged among the youth to reduce the risk of CVD.Contribution:This study shows that improving visceral adipose tissue and fitness may lower CVD risk factors in adolescents, which is significant for public health.

Comparative Analysis of Indoor Air Quality in Coal Mining Communities During Wet and Dry Seasons in the Coal Mining Belt of Kogi East, Nigeria

This study investigates the indoor air quality in coal mining communities during wet and dry seasons in the coal mining belt of Kogi East, Kogi State, Nigeria. The research was conducted at selected coal mining sites, specifically the Ika-Ogboyaga and Okaba mine sites, using a randomized sampling method. Indoor air quality data were collected from fifteen households in Ika and Odele villages within a 500-meter radius of the mining sites. Monitoring was performed using the Gasman autosampler to measure concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), and particulate matter (PM₂.5 and PM₁₀). Data collection spanned 7 days each for the wet season (October 2022) and the dry season (February 2023), with measurements taken thrice daily. Meteorological parameters such as temperature, wind speed, wind direction, and relative humidity were also recorded. The results indicated higher pollutant concentrations during the dry season. For instance, PM₂.5 levels in Ika during the wet season were 45.3±0.25 μg/m³ (morning), 74.6±0.49 μg/m³ (afternoon), and 56.26±0.1 μg/m³ (evening), while dry season values were 48.32±1.74 μg/m³ (morning), 74.12±0.30 μg/m³ (afternoon), and 56.9±0.75 μg/m³ (evening). Similarly, PM₁₀ levels in Ika during the wet season were 73.61±1.44 μg/m³ (morning), 105.53±0.44 μg/m³ (afternoon), and 99.01±0.5 μg/m³ (evening), whereas dry season values were 75.47±0.70 μg/m³ (morning), 102.08±1.48 μg/m³ (afternoon), and 96.98±1.33 μg/m³ (evening). CO concentrations in Ika during the wet season were 4.22±0.22 ppm (morning), 6.13±0.3 ppm (afternoon), and 3.1±0.05 ppm (evening), and during the dry season, they were 5.55±1.74 ppm (morning), 8.11±1.46 ppm (afternoon), and 7.04±1.184 ppm (evening). Meteorological analysis showed that the dry season had higher wind speeds (2-4 m/s) compared to the wet season (0-2 m/s), and lower relative humidity (mean of 51.18%) compared to the wet season (mean of 77.55%). Air Quality Index (AQI) values indicated that PM₂.5 levels in both seasons were unhealthy (155.8-156.4 in the wet season and 151-200 in the dry season), while PM₁₀ levels were moderate (65.5-66.9 in the wet season and 51-100 in the dry season). CO, NO₂, and SO₂ levels generally remained within permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Statistical analysis revealed significant seasonal variations in the concentrations of the monitored pollutants, with higher levels typically recorded during the dry season.

ESTABLISHMENT OF ORTHOMETRIC HEIGHT CONTROLS IN THE EASTERN PART OF KOGI STATE USING GNSS AND EGM 2008

The aim of this study was to model the orthometric heights in parts of Kogi East, Kogi State using GNSS and EGM 2008 with the objectives of establishing the best geoid undulation for height determination. The Hardwares used for this study include; Hi target V.30 dual frequency GNSS receiver and its accessories, Data logger, Computer hardware and software and Computer – HP Laptop and internet facilities. Softwares used included; Arc GIS, Google map, microsoft word, Microsoft excel, Hi target Geomatic offices, CSRS – PPP website andGeoid Eval Calculator. GNSS observations were conducted on 6 station monument. The dual frequency v30 Hi target instrument was used in the static mode to make observations on all the established points at an epoch rate of 30 seconds; for a period of one hour to one hour thirty minutes (session) per station. The secondary data were the EGM 2008, obtained from Geoid eval platform in https://www.geographiclib.sourceforge.ion/cgi-bin/GeoidEval. Geoid Eval platform makes provision for the geographical coordinates to be inputed before the geoidal-ellipsoidal separation values can be provided. Geoid Eval computes the height of the geoid above the WGS 84 ellipsoid using interpolation in a grid of values for the earth gravity models. To obtain the orthometric height, the geoid value is subtracted from the ellipsoidal height obtained from the GNSS-PPP observation. The accuracy of the geoid value is 1mm and that of the GNSS-PPP was adjudged to be 3cm respectively. It was recommended that, more orthometric heights be distributed for monitoring of the earth’s dynamisms.

Phytochemical and In vitro Antifungal Evaluation of Some Selected Leaf Extracts against Fungi Associated with Sesamum indicium (seeds) Spoilage within Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi East, Nigeria: A Molecular Approach

Phytochemical and In vitro Antifungal Evaluation of Some Selected Leaf Extracts against Fungi Associated with Sesamum indicium (seeds) Spoilage within Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi East, Nigeria: A Molecular Approach

Strategies For Managing Disruptive Behaviours Among Public Secondary Schools’ Students in Classrooms in Kogi East Education Zone Nigeria

The study investigated strategies for managing disruptive behaviours among public secondary school students in classrooms in Kogi East Education Zone. The purpose of the study was to find out the causative factors responsible for students’ classroom disruptive behaviours and strategies to be adopted by public secondary school teachers in the management of students’ classroom disruptive behaviours. Two research questions guided the study. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population of the study consisted of 2434 teaching staff from 208 secondary schools in the Kogi East education zone. A sample of 400 teachers representing 16% was purposively selected for the study. The Disruptive Behaviour Management Questionnaire (DBMQ) was used as an instrument for data collection. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions that guided the study with a benchmark of 2.50 for acceptance and rejection. It was revealed from the analysis that (1) hereditary factors, visual disability, mental disability, excessive intelligent quotient in an individual student, exposure of students to the use of computers, television, radios, internet, mobile phones and frustration resulting from emotional to be the causative factors responsible for students’ classroom disruptive behaviours in Kogi East Education Zone. (2) Finding the cause, inducing the desirable behaviour, eliminating the undesired behaviour, systematic desensitization, ignoring strategy, dealing directly with persistent behaviours and monitoring techniques to be strategies for managing students’ disruptive behaviours in the classroom in Kogi East Education Zone. Some recommendations were also made.

Assessment of Herbicides Adoption Among Maize Farmers in Kogi East of Kogi State, Nigeria

Assessment of Herbicides Adoption Among Maize Farmers in Kogi East of Kogi State, Nigeria

Teachers’ Attitude and Metacognitive Awareness as Determinants of their Perceived Professional Competence in Social Studies

The study was an investigation of teachers’ attitude and metacognitive awareness as determinants of their Perceived Professional Competence in Social Studies among post primary schools in Kogi, Nigeria. The study adopted correlational survey research design. The population comprised 3,957 Upper Basic Social Studies teachers from 1937 Universal Basic Education schools in Kogi East for 2019/2020 academic session with a sample of 980. The three instruments used are Social Studies Teachers’ Competency Scale (SSTCS), Social Studies Teachers’ Attitudinal Disposition (SSTAD) and Teachers’ Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (TMAI) with reliability coefficients of 0.88, 0.76 and 0.75 respectively. From the analysis it was found that teachers’ attitude towards Social Studies F(1,469) = 1.158; p = 0.000 < 0.05 and teachers’ metacognitive awareness F(1,469) = 15.638; p = 0.000 < 0.05 have significant contributions to their Perceived Professional Competence in public secondary schools. It was also found that teachers’ attitude towards Social Studies F(1,507) = 0.920; p = 0.038 < 0.05 and metacognitive awareness F(1,507) = 1.487; p = 0.023 < 0.05 had significant contributions to their Perceived Professional Competence in private secondary schools. Social Studies teachers’ metacognitive awareness and attitude towards Social Studies jointly also contributed significantly to their Perceived Professional Competence in public secondary schools F(2,468) = 8.234; p = 0.000 < 0.05 as well as in private secondary schools F(2,506) = 1.087; p = 0.038 < 0.05. It was recommended among others that the State Ministry of Education should employ only teachers that are professionally qualified and certified to teach Social Studies.

Perceived cognitive load and students’ performance in social studies

The aim of this study was to investigate impact perceived cognitive load could have on basic eight students’ performance in social studies. A correlational survey research design was used in the study. The population consisted of 3,957 upper basic eight students of secondary schools in Kogi east education. This study employed a sample size of 250 basic eight social studies students. Two instruments: social studies performance test and students' perceived cognitive load were used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using regression analysis. The findings revealed that there was significant impact of cognitive load on basic eight students’ mean performance scores in social studies. There was significant impact of cognitive load on basic eight male and also female students’ mean performance scores in social studies. The study recommends among others that School authorities and administrators should make provision for activities that would lead to reduction in cognitive load in social studies among others to enhance performance.

Comparative Assessment of Soil Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Agroforestry Systems in Kogi East Nigeria

This study was conducted to assess the below ground carbon sequestration (soil carbon stock per unit land area) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from agroforestry systems (AFSs) in Kogi East (Ankpa, Dekina, Ofu, Olamaboro, and Omala local government areas) Nigeria. Stratified random sampling was used to select study locations of the agroforestry systems in Kogi East, Nigeria. Four AFSs were selected in each local government area (LGA) - this consisted majorly of smallholder farmer’s farm with silvoarable systems in the region (4 communities per LGA, total of 20 communities). The selection criteria for AFS was based on farm size not less than 1 hectare. The results from the analysis revealed that highest soil carbon stock [C stock (Mg Cha-1)] was recorded from AFSs in Dekina (334.43 Mg Cha-1) while no significant difference in carbon stock was observed from the soils of AFSs in Ankpa, Ofu, Olamaboro, and Omala LGAs (69.01, 159.21, 142.58, 117.33 Mg Cha-1 respectively). Nonetheless, the soils from AFSs in Dekina LGA had highest CO2 emissions followed by Ofu LGA (186.23 and 159.40 gCO2 emitted/50g wet soil slice respectively) while the lowest CO2 emissions (104.15 and 88.88 gCO2 emitted/50g wet soil slice) were recorded from Ankpa and Omala LGAs respectively. The highest carbon sequestration recorded from soils of AFSs in Dekina LGA may depend on the soil C input and soil stabilization processes including tree species and density and again highest CO2 emissions from the same Dekina LGA can be attributed to the coarse texture of the soils as coarse soils are considerably more susceptible to releasing their carbon. On the other hand, the absence of variation in CO2 emission levels in some of the locations studied can be attributed to similar land management practices like tillage, bush burning and soil fertility management.

Characterization and Suitability Evaluation of Upland Soils for Maize, Cassava and Oil Palm Production in Kogi East, Nigeria

This research aimed at characterization and suitability evaluation of upland soils in Kogi East for maize, cassava, and oil palm production with the specific objective of optimizing production as ensuring food security in the region through adequate data generation. The survey adopted a free technique method, using four dug soil profiles denoted as 22a₁, 22a₂, 22a₃ and 22a4.

Characterization, classification, and suitability evaluation of some soils in the floodplains of River Niger, Kogi East, Nigeria for rice, maize, cassava, and oil palm production

This study was conducted to characterize, classify and evaluate four soils along River Niger in Kogi East for rice, maize, cassava and oil palm production. The soils developed predominantly from alluvium. The soils were located in four communities namely Ejule-Ojebe, Shintaku, Bagana and Kpata all in the floodplains of River Niger in Kogi East. The soils were investigated using a free survey technique. Four pedons representing four soils located at different sites in the floodplain were studied. The environs and the profiles of the soils were described according to standard field procedures. Soil samples were then taken from genetic horizons for laboratory analysis. The soils were also characterized and classified according to Soil Taxonomy and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB). The colour of the soils ranged from shades of brown to grey generally due to poor drainage. The soils also varied in depth and horizonation due to differences in profile development. Due to the relatively higher sand content of the soils, especially in the surface and subsurface horizons, the texture of the soils generally ranged from sand to clay loam. The pH (H2O) of the soils ranged from 4.8 to 7.3, strongly acidic to slightly alkaline, and tended to increase with depth. The soils containedmoderate amounts of organic carbon in the surface soils but lower levels in the lower horizons. Based on their properties, the soils were classified according to Soil Taxonomy as Alfisols (Ejule-Ojebe), Entisols (Shintaku), Inceptisols (Bagana) and Alfisols (Kpata) and according to WRB as Planosols, Arenosols, Gleysols and Planosols, respectively. The soils were found to be highly suitable for rice production but moderately suitable for maize, cassava and oil palm. Apart from rice cultivation, wetness of soil was found to be the major limiting factor for optimum rainfed cultivation of maize, cassava and oil palm.

Evaluation of School-Based Health Education Intervention on the Incidence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Pupils of Rural Communities of Eastern Kogi State, North Central Nigeria.

The negative impact of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) in Nigeria is enormous, and it poses serious public health issues and concerns. This study was undertaken to investigate the impact of health education intervention on reinfection of STHs in pupils of rural schools of Kogi East, North Central Nigeria. A total of 10 schools with the highest prevalence of STHs at baseline were selected from the 45 schools assessed during the baseline survey. These 10 schools were randomly paired into two groups of 5 schools per group. Five schools were dewormed and given health education (DHE) intervention while the other 5 schools were dewormed only (DO) without health education. Reassessment of schools for reinfection was carried out for a period of 12 months. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Student's t-test was used to make comparison between interventions in the incidence of infections. Analysis was carried out at p < 0.05. Reinfection with STHs was observed from the 28th week (7th month) of both interventions with incidence of 0.29 (2 pupils) and 1.00 (7 pupils) in DO and DHE schools, respectively. In the 36th week (9th month), incidence observed in schools given DHE was 0.56 (5 pupils) while incidence of 0.89 (8 pupils) was observed in DO schools, and there was no significant difference (t = −1.000, p = 0.347) between the interventions. At 48th week (12th month), there was no significant difference (t = −0.547, p = 0.599) in incidence between the DHE and DO schools with incidence of 1.00 (12 pupils) and 0.83 (10 pupils), respectively. Hookworms had an incidence of 0.78 (7 pupils) at DHE schools and 0.56 (5 pupils) at DO schools in the 36th week while an incidence of 0.92 (11 pupils) and 0.83 (10 pupils) at DHE and DO schools, respectively, in the 48th week. Ascaris lumbricoides was only observed in DHE schools in a pupil with an incidence of 0.11 (1 pupil) and 0.08 (1 pupil) at 36th and 48th weeks. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of the parasites between DO and DHE intervention groups (p > 0.05). School-based health education intervention had no significant impact on STH incidence in pupils of rural schools in Kogi East. Community-based deworming should be encouraged alongside improvement in the water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructures and practices at both school and home.

Poor Kidney Function and the risk of Prostate Cancer among Aged Men in Kogi East, Kogi State, Nigeria

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein that is produced by cells in the male prostate gland. An increase in PSA levels is associated with prostate inflammation, prostate cancer, and benign prostatic hypertrophy. This work provides information on the values of Kidney function indices and PSA in apparently normal ageing men residing within the Eastern zone of Kogi State, Nigeria. The subjects were divided into different groups based on their age range. There was a gradual increased in PSA and serum urea as the age increases.&#x0D; Keyword: Kidney, Prostate cancer, Prostate Specific Antigen, Blood Urea Nitrogen and Creatinine

Bulk Density of Soils from Oil Palm Agroforestry Systems in Kogi East, Nigeria

This study was conducted to assess the bulk density and textural class of soils of selected oil palm agroforestry systems in Kogi East (Ankpa, Dekina, Ofu, Olamaboro and Omala local government areas- LGAs), Nigeria. Random soil sampling was used to collect a total of 100 core samples from the five LGAs (20 from each of the LGA). Soil bulk density was determined using core sampler technique. Data collected were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of GENSTAT Discovery Software. Significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5 % level of probability. The results revealed that the soil bulk density of the oil palm agroforestry systems in Kogi East, Nigeria were within moderate range of 1.15-1.47 g/cm3. Most of the soils in the studied locations were observed to be sandy clay: Ofu and Olamaboro LGAs were sandy clay while Dekina, Ankpa, Omala were loamy sand, sand, and sandy loam respectively.

English

The physicochemical, microbial and heavy metal contamination of palm oil samples randomly selected from three different markets (Ankpa, Anyigba and Idah Markets) in Kogi State, Nigeria, was investigated. The results revealed the presence of moisture (0.5, 0.4, 0.4%); impurity (0.4, 0.4, 0.3%) and free fatty acid (13, 12.8, 12.3%) for Ankpa, Anyigba and Idah Markets respectively. The microbial contaminants isolated were Enterobacter sp, Bacillus sp, Proteus sp, Micrococcus sp, Staphylococcus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Aspergillus sp, Candida sp, Mucor sp, Rhizopus sp and Penicillium sp. The presence (ppm) of heavy metals in the samples was analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy for chromium, cadmium, lead, arsenic, copper and iron. All the tested metals except chromium and lead were detected in samples from Anyigba Market with the mean concentration of arsenic (0.29), iron (4.66), cadmium (0.001) and copper (0.006). The metals detected in samples from Idah Market were cadmium (0.46), arsenic (0.19), iron (7.34), chromium (0.04) and copper (0.03). Only three metals, arsenic (0.04) cadmium (0.01) and iron (1.88) were detected in samples from Ankpa Market. From the findings, the microbial load of the samples fell within the acceptable limits stipulated by World Health Organization limits. However, most of the heavy metals assayed for were above acceptable limits. The present findings indicate the need for refining of locally produced palm oil to eliminate metal contaminants because of the health implication of their accumulation in the body. &nbsp; Key words: Heavy metals, microbial contamination, palm oil, Kogi East, Nigeria.

Variability of micronutrient status and hazard potential in soils of six mapping units within Eastern part of Kogi state, Nigeria

Micronutrient imbalance in some soils is a major challenge for cultivation of crops. Hence the need to assess their status and variability in agricultural soils. The aim of this research was to assess the micro-nutrient status, variability and hazard potential in some soils within eastern part of kogi state of Nigeria. Six mapping units, 2a, 17a, 19a, 19c, 21b and 22b from soil map of Nigeria, which dominated this region were chosen for the experiment. These represent wetland and savannah areas, with well drained and poorly drained loamy sand, sandy loam or sandy loam surfaces over sandy clay loam subsurface. Surface samples were collected in each mapping unit using soil auger. Samples were well-labelled in sampling bags and used for laboratory analyses of micronutrients. The results showed that the available zinc in the surface soils was moderate with exception of high values recorded at two points within the 2a mapping unit. The boron levels were low to moderate while moderate to high contents of iron were observed. The findings also showed that harmful effects of zinc were not likely in pedons 17a4, 19a1, 19a3, 19c2, 21b1, 21b3, 21b4 and 22a4 where the Hazard Quotient (HQ) values obtained were less than 1. Other pedons in Kogi East have likely harmful effects of iron as their calculated HQ values were greater than 1.

Edaphic and climatic factors influence on the distribution of soil transmitted helminths in Kogi East, Nigeria

The need for a reliable risk map in the control of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) in Kogi East, North Central Nigeria is very important. This study was carried out to determine the effect of environmental risk factors on geospatial distribution of STHs. Epidemiological data were obtained from a district-wide survey conducted in 2018 in Kogi East. Edaphic and climatic factors were downloaded as spatial layers from international recognised health data resources centres. A total of 24 environmental factors were used in determining the risk map of STHs using MaxEnt tool. The predicted high-risk areas of A. lumbricoides, hookworms and S. stercoralis were the central part of Kogi East covering parts of Dekina, Ofu, Igalamela-Odolu, Olamaboro and Omala LGAs with probability of 0.8 to 1.00. Among the factors investigated; Temperature [mean diurnal temperature range (BIO2), temperature annual range (BIO7) and maximum temperature of the warmest month (BIO5)], precipitation [precipitation of the wettest quarter (BIO16)], and soil clay contents were the five factors that exerted most significant influence on the geospatial distribution of STHs in Kogi East, Nigeria. Public health control programmes on STHs should target high-risk areas by including them in mass drug administration, health education as well as provision of water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructures.