Local Council Development Area Research Articles

An investigation into the impacts of dredging on aquatic and terrestrial lives in Oto-Awori local council development area, Lagos state, Nigeria

This study investigated the impacts of dredging on aquatic and terrestrial lives in the Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (OALCDA) of Lagos State, Nigeria. Descriptive Survey Design was adopted for the study. The target population of the study comprised all the residents of OALCDA. Two hundred respondents were sampled using a simple random technique. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was personally administered by the researcher and collected by him. Seven research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. Frequency count, bar chart, percentage, and mean were used to answer the research questions while the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using t - test and Chi-square. The findings of the study were as follows: plant and animal species were high before the commencement of the dredging operation, but became low after its commencement. The main reason for embarking on dredging operation in the study area was found to be for monetary gain from the sale of excavated materials. The relationship between aquatic organism loss and dredging was found to be significant. It was therefore recommended among others that there should be pre and post-dredging environmental impact assessments to better understand the extent of impacts of dredging on living things and the environment, and proper awareness should be created on the consequences of dredging operations. The elected chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area and his team should raise awareness among the people on the impact of their actions on both aquatic and terrestrial species and initiate a comprehensive remediation program with stringent monitoring. Higher institutions within the study area should partner with relevant bodies to organize seminars on educating the residents on what dredging is, the purpose of dredging, and its impacts on the ecosystem as a whole, since the loss of medicinal and research species has an efficacy impact on the teaching and learning of science.

INFLUENCE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT

This research scrutinized the impacts of waste management systems on environmental health and socio-economic development in the Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos, employing a sample survey as the research design. The study included 800 respondents from the public residing within the targeted area, yielding a representative sample size of 227 as determined by the Yamane formula. Stratified sampling was used to assess respondents that were readily accessible and amenable to participation. The data were gathered via structured questionnaires and subsequently evaluated through Frequency Tables and Percentages. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Statistical method was employed for hypotheses testing. The findings revealed a significant correlation between the current waste management system in Yaba LCDA and employment opportunities. Likewise, there was a noted relationship between waste collection methodologies in Yaba LCDA and the economic opportunities for residents. Moreover, a relationship between the challenges confronting waste collection and management in Yaba LCDA and environmental sanitation was also observed. The study proposes several recommendations. First, the necessity for establishing and enforcing robust waste management legislation to streamline the current waste management system in Lagos State. Secondly, continued public education campaigns are necessary to underline the benefits of efficient waste management for environmental and societal health. Additionally, remuneration for Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) staff needs to be fair and sufficient to ensure their dedication to their work. Finally, the Lagos State government should furnish modern equipment, suitable vehicles, and waste disposal tools to support LAWMA and Private Sector Participants (PSP) officials in waste collection efforts.

Evaluation of Noise Level in Selected Primary Schools in Ikorodu Division Area of Lagos State, South-Western, Nigeria

Noise pollution is a significant issue of concern other than air and water pollution since it harms physical, psychological and social wellbeing. This research work is to evaluate the noise (dB) levels in twelve primary schools selected using stratified random sampling from six Local Council Development Area (LCDA) within Ikorodu Division of Lagos State. Noise level, humidity and temperature measurements were carried out at three points within the school premises of selected schools at time intervals of 8 am to 9 am, 10 am to 11 am and 12 noon to 1 pm using a factory-calibrated Digital Sound Level Meter AS844+. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis both descriptive and inferential. The results obtained revealed that the average noise levels are 71.54 dB between 8 am and 9 am, 73.65 dB between 10 am and 11 am and 71.75 dB between 12 noon and 1 pm. Average humidity ranges from 66.45% and 61.01% while average temperature ranges from 31.09 0C to 33.19 0C. These noise levels were significantly above the World Health Organization’s recommended school noise levels of 35 dB for classrooms and 55 dB for playgrounds. This study creates awareness on the level of noise in primary schools and also promotes a simple method for regular assessment of the noise levels in these environments towards encouraging an action plan on the part of Government.

Tax Awareness Among Micro-Business Owners in Informal Settings

This paper broadly seeks to examine the determinants of tax awareness among micro-entrepreneurs in informal settings in the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Nigeria. Specifically, this paper examines the effects of business size, business records and tax education on tax awareness among microentrepreneurs in informal settings there. Tax awareness in this study is treated as a dichotomous variable to test the statistical significance of each of the predictors. The study uses a multiple logistic regression analysis. The findings show that gender, education, business records and tax education are significant predictors of tax awareness among the micro-entrepreneurs in informal settings. The study makes a significant contribution to an understanding of taxation in informal sector, especially in the African context where the size of informal settings significantly impacts the sustainable development of the economy at large.

Adequacy of Fire Safety Measures of Residential Buildings in Peri-Urban Neighbourhoods of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

The spate of fire outbreaks and the lack of capacity to mitigate the incidence in most urban areas reflect the violation of physical planning regulations and relevant building codes. In the past two decades, the peri-urban neighbourhoods have witnessed rapid developments as a result of the growing population in these areas. However, the level of compliance of various developments with the provisions of the existing National Fire Safety Code remains unclear. Consequently, an assessment of the adequacy of fire safety provisions vis-à-vis the effectiveness of the fire safety standards in rapidly urbanising communities became imperative. This study examined the adequacy of fire safety measures of residential buildings in peri-urban neighbourhoods of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Relevant studies were reviewed while structured questionnaires were administered to 320 respondents across four towns in Lagelu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA). A total 296 questionnaires were retrieved representing 92.5% rate of response. Responses were analysed with basic descriptive statistic tools. The mean scores were interpreted using cut-off points and results presented in tables and charts. The study found that human activities and attitudes constituted the principal causes of fire incidence and that there is good compliance with passive fire control guidelines in the study area. However, the active fire control systems were grossly deficient in residential buildings. Moreover, lack of active fire control equipment, lack of community fire safety apparatus, and lack of reliable water supply constituted the principal challenges against effective fire control measures facing the neighbourhoods. Whilst filling the gap in literature especially on fire hazards in peri-urban areas, the study recommended the strict compliance with extant fire safety codes by property owners, provision of community fire safety apparatus by the government, residents’ awareness programs on fire safety measures, subsidized active firefighting equipment and improvement of road and water infrastructure, amongst others.

Effect of Covid-19 on the Socio-Economic Well-Being of Households in Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of COVID-19 on the socio-economic well-being of households in Nigeria. The main objective is to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on households’ income, employment, expenditure and savings in Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. The descriptive non-experimental qualitative study used structured questionnaire to collect data from men and women of working ages between 25 and 65 in Ayobo-Ipaja. Convenience non-probability random sampling technique was used to select 384 participants. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and chi-square test. The findings revealed that there are 186 (52.7%) male and 167 (47.3%) female who participated in the survey. 229 (64.9%) study participants were employed either in public or private establishments. 211(59.8%) earned less than N90,000, while 84(23.8%) earned more than N90,000, and at least 219 (62.0%) households were affected by COVID-19 outbreak. The chi-square results revealed that COVID-19 outbreak has significant effect on households’ income, employment, expenditure and savings in Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area of Lagos State. 204 (57.8%) participants agreed that their daily/weekly/monthly earnings fell; 177 (50.1%) agreed that customers were restricted from patronizing their wares/goods/stocks; 240 (68%) opined that their family financial upkeep increased, and 235 (66.6%) suggest that their family lived on savings during the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown. It is recommended that government should intensify policy efforts towards economic growth recovery and poverty alleviation programs for increased social inclusion by creating jobs and providing support for the vulnerable citizens

Individual Agency and the Diversity of Traditional Practice: The Iji Nla Association of Ijede

The history of the Yoruba is replete with individuals who through their activities changed the face of local tradition. In Ijede town, a suburb of Ikorodu in Ijede Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, exists the Iji Nla Association, an ancient traditional group that rose to local power through the agency of Prince Ajanaku during the first half of the twentieth century. Over time, it increasingly functioned as an institution providing traditional social control mechanisms and security. This article focuses on the origin, structure, and diversity of the Iji Nla Association as a traditional social mechanism and its continued relevance in Ijede. The methodology of this research is descriptive and analytical. It relies essentially on information from in-depth interviews and secondary sources such as books and journals.

Anthropometric Breast Measurements of Nulliparous Women in Lagos Nigeria.

Background:The breast is an important aesthetic feature in a woman. It defines her body shape and is a measure of beauty and attraction. Anthropometric breast measurements done in different countries have shown anatomic variations, but there have been very few studies in the Nigerian females to aid the planning of aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgeries and serves as a guide in designing breast accessories and clothing.Objectives:The study measured anthropometric breast parameters in Nigerian females, assessed the degree of symmetry in volume of the right and left breasts and compared the measurements in females from the six geo-political zones in Nigeria and with values from women from other countries.Materials and Methods:This was a prospective descriptive analytical study of three hundred and seventy (370) female students chosen randomly from three higher institutions of learning in Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Lagos State Nigeria between ages 18 and 32 years. Fourteen parameters were measured using a measuring tape and long ruler.Results:The right sternal notch nipple length (RSNL), left sternal notch nipple length (LSNL), and the nipple nipple length (NNL) was found to be 21.88 cm, 22.31 cm and 21.70 cm, respectively. The mean mammary volume for the right and left breast were 395.78 mL and 437.65 mL, respectively. There was no significant difference in the parameters across the six geopolitical zones.Conclusions:There was no statistically significant difference in the anthropometric parameters measured across the six geopolitical zones. The anthropometric values of the left breast were significantly larger.

Prevalence and perception of drug use amongst secondary school students in two local government areas of Lagos State, Nigeria.

BackgroundDrug abuse, an excessive and persistent self-administration of a drug without regard to the medically or culturally accepted patterns, has been reported amongst teenagers and adolescents in various regions of the world.AimThis study aimed to measure the prevalence of drug use amongst students of junior and senior secondary schools (aged 10–15 years).SettingThis study was conducted at two local government areas in Lagos State.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was carried out in Ikotun or Igando local council development area (LCDA) and Ikoyi LCDA of Lagos State. Students were sampled using stratified random sampling with classes as strata and sampling performed by balloting. The modified WHO Model Drug Use Survey Questionnaire was distributed to the students for self-reporting. Ethical approval was received from district school boards.ResultsA total of 1048 students participated in the survey. In this study, alcohol had the highest lifetime drug prevalence rate (29.1%), followed by pharmaceutical opioids (9%). Gender, educational level, type of school management, and geographical economic distribution were found to be predictors of prevalence of drug use. This study demonstrated significant differences in the prevalence of tobacco and opioids use among students in private and public schools; and documented statistically significant differences in the prevalence of cocaine use between low income and high-income areas in two LCDAs in Lagos, Nigeria.ConclusionPrevalence of lifetime, recent use, and current use of drugs among secondary school students in two LCDAs located in Lagos State, Nigeria were documented with alcohol as the drug with the highest prevalence.

High Bride Price as Determinant of Marital Stability among Akwa-Ibom People in Surulere Area, Lagos State, Nigeria

Bride price represents a contract between families where material items and money are paid by the groom to the bride’s family for the bride for the purpose of marriage. This study investigated High Bride Price as determinant of Marital stability among Married Akwa-Ibom people in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to: (i) assess whether highbride price is a determinant of domestic violence (ii) examinewhether high bride price is a determinant of emotional problem among married Akwa-Ibom people in Surulere, Lagos State.A descriptive research design of survey type was adopted for the study. The population for the study comprised all married Akwa-Ibom people in Surulere, Lagos State.Multi stage sampling technique consisting of purposive, clustered, proportionate and simple random sampling technique was used to sample three hundred and seventy three (373) respondents from two associations in Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area. Researchers’-designed questionnaire with four point Likert rating scale was used for the study which was validated by experts from the Departments of Health Promotion and Environmental Health Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Kwara State. Cronbach alpha statistical tool was used to ascertain the internal consistency of the instrument and a reliability correlation of coefficient, ‘r’ 0.85 was obtained through split-half method. Data collection was conducted by the researchers and trained research assistants. Inferential statistics of Chi-square (χ2) was used to analyse the postulated null hypothesesat 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study showed that marital stability of married Akwa-Ibom people is affected because; i. High bride price is a significant determinant of domestic violence among married Akwa-Ibom people in Surulere because (cal. χ 2 value 146.678 is greater than critical x 2 value 21.03) at df 12 at 0.05 level of significance and High bride price is a significant determinant of emotional problems among married Akwa-Ibom people in Surulere because (cal. χ 2 value 143.062 is greater than critical x 2 value 21.03) at df 12 at 0.05 level of significance.The study concluded that high bride price led to domestic violence and emotional problems which determines marital stability among Akwa-Ibom people in Surulere, Lagos State.Therefore, the study recommended that high bride price should be reduced in order to avoid domestic violence which determines marital stability among Akwa-Ibom people and high bride price should be well modified in order to mitigate the occurrences of emotional problems which determine marital stability among Akwa-Ibom people in Surulere Area in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Prevalence and Predictors of Chronic Kidney Disease in a Semiurban Community in Lagos

Background and Objectives The prevalence of noncommunicable diseases like chronic kidney disease is on the rise in third-world countries. In Nigeria and most sub-Saharan African countries, there is dearth of community-based studies on prevalence and predictors of chronic kidney disease, prompting us to undertake this study. Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study, aimed at ascertaining the prevalence and predictors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a semiurban community in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. The study's subjects were recruited from Agbowa community in Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area of Lagos state. The community was randomly selected. Questionnaires were used to obtain relevant information from the subjects. Body mass index, anthropometric measurements, and other relevant data were also collected. Results CKD was observed in 30 subjects given prevalence of 7.5% in the community. Nine out of the 30 subjects (30%) with CKD were males, while 21 (70%) subjects were females. The prevalence of CKD was significantly higher in the female population. 28 of the subjects with CKD were in stage 3, while 2 of the subjects with CKD were in stage 4. Age, hypertension, and hyperuricemia were significantly associated with CKD. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, 4 variables predicted CKD in the study population. These were age (P =0.01, OR = 0. 274, CI = 0.102 – 0.739), hypertension (p = 0.011, OR = 0. 320, CI = 0.132 – 0.773), hyperuricemia (p=0.001, OR = 0.195, CI =0.083 – 0.461), and female sex (p = 0.009, OR = 3.775, CI = 1.401 – 10.17). Conclusion The prevalence of CKD in the population is low compared with other studies from other parts of the country, and the predictors included age, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and female gender. This is the first community-based study in Nigeria to identify hyperuricemia as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease in the country.

Air Pollution Monitoring Around Residential and Transportation Sector Locations in Lagos Mainland.

Background.Industrialization and urbanization, while associated with increased productivity, are also potential causes of increased air pollution. Urban air quality has the potential to affect the health and wellbeing of residents of urban areas.Objectives.The present study investigated the levels of air pollutants around residential areas and transport sector locations (TSLs) in Lagos, Nigeria. Residential areas were defined as areas around inner streets and living quarters, while TSLs included busy roads, dual carriage roads, bus stops and major car parks in the Yaba Local Council Development Area of Lagos Mainland, Lagos, Nigeria.Methods.Air quality parameters were assessed in situ using calibrated hand-held devices at selected residential and TSLs. Each sampling location was geo-referenced and concentrations of the various parameters were used to plot distribution maps.Results.The findings from the monitoring exercise showed that levels of the measured air pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulphur dioxide (SO2), noise, temperature and humidity were within the ranges of 1.00 – 6.0 5.97 ppm, 43.345.2 – 127.2159.7 μg/m3, 20.3 23.25 – 69.058.16 μg/m3, 0.0 0 – 0.20.17 ppm, 47.7 50 - 65 70.1 dB, 26.2227.2 – 35.536.7°C and 57.0157.6 – 91.8492.3%, respectively, around residential areas. Values of the measured air pollutants at the TSLs ranged as follows: 2.011.0 – 5.397.7 ppm, 103.3360.7 – 179.77404.0 μg/m3, 50.2832.3 – 91.01184.0 μg/m3, 0.00 – 0.40 ppm, 64.2153.1 – 71.1376.3 dB, 27.1826.2 –27.9332.6°C and 60.3660.0 – 75.0178.0%, respectively. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), nitrogen oxide (NO2) were below detection limits in both sampling locations while volatile organic carbons (VOCs) ranged from 0.00 – 0.10 ppm in the TSLs.Discussion.Most assessed air quality parameters were significantly higher around bus stops (P < 0.05), except for CO and humidity. In addition, PM10 and PM2.5 were much higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The results indicated that the quality of air (particulate matter) in the study area was poor, especially in the TSLs.Conclusions.The Federal Ministry of Environment, through its relevant agencies, must create policies to address urban air pollution, taking into consideration long term exposures and people that are most vulnerable within the population.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Co-Infection of Malaria and Typhoid Fever among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Centre, Ojo Local Government, Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Co-infection of malaria and typhoid can result in serious complications and conditions in pregnant women. Objectives: This research was carried out to investigate the co-infection of malaria and typhoid fever among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Primary Health Care centre, Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ojo Local Government, Lagos. Methods: 170 blood samples of pregnant women were examined for the presence of malaria parasite and typhoid fever using standard methods and compared with equal number of non-pregnant women (170). Co-infection was characterized based on age group, trimester, gravidal, education status and employment status. Women’s data were collected through questionnaires. Results: Prevalence of co-infection of malaria and typhoid in pregnant women was high in age group 26-35 years 50 (63.3%), 50 (63.3%) of women in second trimester had coinfection, high prevalence of co-infection was observed in gravidal Co-infection of malaria and typhoid were high among the pregnant women of gravidal 1, 2 and 3. Also, co-infection of malaria and typhoid was high among women with secondary 41 (51.9%) and tertiary 31 (39.2%) education, semi-skilled women 37 (46.8%) and respondents had good knowledge of malaria and typhoid. Conclusions: This study revealed the prevalence of coinfections among the pregnant women; hence more attention should be given to this group.

Health-seeking behaviour for infants by caregivers in a semi-urban area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Nigeria was unable to meet the Millennium Development Goal target for child mortality. Progress has been hampered by a host of factors which include poor maternal response to childhood illness and inappropriate health-seeking behaviours. This study was done to assess the health-seeking behaviours for infants by caregivers in Orile Agege Area. Materials and Methods: A community-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study using an interviewer-administered questionnaire was done among the caregivers of infants in Orile Agege Local Council Development Area. Three hundred and two caregivers were recruited using a multistaged sampling method. Analysis was done using SPSS. T-test and Chi-square were used to test for association among variables. Results: About half of the caregivers who said their infants had been sick in the study took the child for treatment within 24 h of the onset of the illness, most (40%) of them sought treatment from a health facility. The barriers to seeking healthcare at health facility that was mostly mentioned in this study were financial constraints (15.1%) and poor service (5.7%). Conclusion: Most of the caregivers in the area sought treatment outside the home for their infants when they were sick and they mostly patronised health facilities and health workers. About half of the respondents promptly sought healthcare for their infants in the case of their illness.

Pattern and treatment needs of traumatized anterior permanent teeth in a sub-urban area in Lagos State

Aims: The main goal of this study was to determine the prevalence, pattern and treatment needs of traumatized permanent anterior teeth of secondary school children aged 11–15 years in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Lagos (South West Nigeria). Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out among 1265 secondary school children from both private and public secondary schools in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Lagos State. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select study participants. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection and school children with positive history of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) had intra-oral examination to determine the type of fracture sustained, tooth involved, number of tooth/teeth affected and type of treatment received. Results: The prevalence of TDI was 16.7%. Private school children had a higher prevalence (24.3%) compared with those in public schools (15.1%) [p = 0.001]. More males were affected with a male to female ratio of 1.5:1 (p = 0.003). The maxillary arch was more involved (95.7%) and majority of the respondents (93.8%) had a single tooth injury. The maxillary central incisors were mostly affected (86.3%); the most common type of fracture was enamel fracture (56.4%) and most of these injuries occurred at home. Conclusion: Traumatic dental injuries require prompt attention to prevent the ensuing complications of delayed treatment. School and community based oral health education should be carried out in order to create the neccessary awareness about traumatic dental injuries and to encourage prompt management.

Remittances, Home Towns Association And Sustainable Development At The Communal Level: A Case Of Ikorodu North Local Council Development Of Lagos State, Nigeria

Hometown Associations (HTAs) are migrant organizations in host communities, with members from the same community of origin, which send collective remittances back to their hometown for community development Purposes. This study examined HTA formation and institutional partnership arrangements with Community Development Associations (CDAs) in Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews conducted on 100 participants comprising migrants families, CDAs’ and government officials purposively selected for the study. The findings from the study suggest there is a role for CDAs to help leverage remittances to support community development in migrant source communities in the LCDA. The results highlight the importance of HTA and CDA partnership and the need to involve beneficiaries in development projects to make sure partnership arrangements are effective. Specifically, the empirical evidence showed that institutional partnerships have potential to help HTAs evolve to become a lasting development institution. Key Words: Collective remittances, Home Town Association, Community Development Association, Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Awareness, perception and coverage of tetanus immunisation in women of child bearing age in an urban district of Lagos, Nigeria

This study assessed the level of awareness and perception of women of child bearing age to tetanus immunisation and determines the cover- age rate in Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Nigeria. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 288 women of child bearing age selected using multistage sampling technique. Information was obtained using structured close-ended questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Epi-InfoTM software, version 3.5.1. There was high level of awareness of tetanus immunisation among respondents (89%) and as a method of prevention of tetanus (76%). There was a positive association between the level of awareness and respondents' educational level and occupation (p < 0.05). However, there is a low level of awareness regarding the number of doses of the vaccine required in pregnancy(14.4%) and for life protection (19.5%). Those who ever received the vaccine,got it post-injury (48.9%) and in pregnancy (45.2%). Age, occupation and parity were positively associated with receiving the vaccine (p < 0.05), while parity and marital status were positively associated with number of dose of vaccine received (p < 0.05). Only about 20% of the respondents had received two or more doses of the vaccine. This study concludes that despite the high level of awareness about tetanus and tetanus immunisation, there is a low coverage rate of tetanus immunisation among women of child bearing age in Ojodu LCDA of Lagos State. Women of child bearing age should also be targeted at the community level in tetanus immunisation campaign programme.

Structure of Primary Health Care: Lessons from a Rural Area in South-West Nigeria

Introduction and Objective Primary health care (PHC) is the basic strategy towards national health development in Nigeria, and provision of its services has been devolved to the local government. However, the PHC system in Nigeria has been hampered by several factors which have produced a negative effect on quality. It is assumed that given the proper structure, quality medical care will follow. Hence this study seeks to assess the structure of PHC in a rural area of Lagos state, southwest Nigeria. Methodology The study was carried out in Ikosi-Ejinrin local council development area (LCDA) of Lagos state, which had 9 primary health care facilities catering for a population of about 100,000 people, using a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data was collected from health facilities and health workers using a health facility checklist and a structured questionnaire for the health workers. Results Most facilities (77.8%) had inadequate water and power supply, as well as inadequate sanitary toilet facilities. In addition 44.4% lacked basic equipment and none had a maintenance plan. Ambulance service was available in only 11.1% of the facilities. Only 33% of the facilities could be accessed easily by public transportation. Stewardship was unsatisfactory as no facility had a regular work schedule for its workers, none had a copy of the Essential Drugs List, and only 22.2% of the facilities enjoyed community participation in planning and management. There were only 19 health care workers for the LCDA. There was neither a medical doctor nor community health officer, and the workers comprised nurses/midwives (57.9%), senior and junior community health extension workers (CHEWs)-21.1% and 15.8% respectively, and pharmacy technician (5.2%). None of the workers had gone on any in-service training within the previous two years. No health care workers knew anything about the budget for the health facilities. None of the facilities had a functional 2-way referral system in place. Only 22.2% had adequate size, layout, utilities and furnishings. Conclusion The structure of PHC Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, a rural area in south-west Nigeria, is inadequate. There is a need for increased political will, funding and intersectoral collaboration. Technical supervision, manpower management, community participation and 2-way referral system need to be improved upon. Keywords: Structure of primary health care, rural area, southwest Nigeria.

Maternal and perinatal mortality in ward a, ikosi-isheri lcda in lagos state, nigeria: from “guestimates” to near actuals

The problem of authentic statistics on maternal and peri-natal mortality has persisted in Nigeria probably because of inadequate involvement of community members in data management. The objective of this study was to improve the accuracy of information on pregnancy outcome in a ward in Lagos state. Residents of Ward A of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State were educated on the importance of accurate health data. Youths selected based on criteria and community-based health care providers, following refresher training on research methods, assisted with the collection, analysis and presentation of data. The records of churches, mosques, Traditional Birth Attendants, the government owned Primary Health Care (PHC) centre and 7 private health facilities in the ward reported no (0) maternal mortality, but 14 out of 633 live births in the latter died, giving a peri-natal mortality of 22.1 per thousand in one year. However, neither the CDAs, nor LCDA nor the state received regular reports on pregnancy outcome. Under-reporting or over-estimation of pregnancy outcome can be reduced by involvement of the leaders of Residents Associations and other relevant community members in data management. Data should be collected by smaller units into which a ward is divided and collated at the ward level for transmission to the LGA/LCDA. Feedback to community members will improve awareness about the importance of appropriate antenatal, natal and peri-natal care. Health care providers are also more likely to take prompt action to prevent maternal and peri-natal mortality.