Local Government Area Research Articles

Socio-economic Costs of Treating Malaria Parasitic Disease in Nigeria: A Household Unit Investigation of Two Local Government Areas in Rivers State, Nigeria

Socio-economic Costs of Treating Malaria Parasitic Disease in Nigeria: A Household Unit Investigation of Two Local Government Areas in Rivers State, Nigeria

Cost of COVID-19 vaccine delivery in nine States in Nigeria via the U.S. Government Initiative for Global Vaccine Access

BackgroundIn 2022, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collaborated with implementing partners, African Field Epidemiology Network and Sydani Group, to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts in Nigeria. To characterize the costs of COVID-19 vaccination, this study evaluated financial costs per dose for activities implemented to support the intensification campaign for COVID-19 vaccination.MethodsThis retrospective evaluation collected secondary data from existing expenditure and programmatic records on resource utilization to roll out COVID-19 vaccination during 2022. The study included incremental financial costs of the activities implemented to support an intensification campaign for COVID-19 vaccination across nine states and six administrative levels in Nigeria from the perspective of the external donor (U.S. Government). Costs for vaccines and injection supplies, transport of vaccines, and any economic costs, including government in-kind contributions, were not included. All costs were converted from Nigerian Naira to 2022 U.S. Dollars (US$).ResultsThe estimated financial delivery cost of the COVID-19 vaccination intensification campaign was US$0.84 per dose (total expenditure of US$6.29 million to administer 7,461,971 doses). Most of the financial resources were used for fieldwork activities (86%), followed by monitoring and supervision activities (8%), coordination activities (5%), and training-related activities (1%). Labor (58%) and travel (37%) were the resource inputs that accounted for the majority of the cost, while shares of other resource inputs were marginal (1% for each). Most labor costs (79%) were spent on payments for mass vaccination campaign teams, including pay-for-performance incentives. By administrative level, the largest share of costs (46%) was for pay-for-performance incentives at the community, health facility, or campus levels combined, followed by local government area level (24%), community level only (15%), state level (9%), national level (3%), campus level only (1%), and health facility level only (< 1%).ConclusionsFindings from the evaluation can help to inform resources needed for vaccination activities to respond to future outbreaks and pandemics in resource-limited settings, particularly to reach new target populations not regularly included in routine childhood immunization delivery.

Correlates of Intention to Utilize HIV Screening Services Among Adolescents In Selected Secondary Schools In Osogbo, Osun State Nigeria

Background The spread of HIV/AIDS among the productive age group particularly young adults is a major public health concern in Nigeria. HIV screening services are affordable interventions that offer chances to raise knowledge about HIV and preventive measures. They are crucial parts of HIV prevention initiatives. This study investigated the level of knowledge, and attitude as correlates of intention to Utilize HIV Screening Services Among Adolescents in Selected Secondary Schools in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. Methods Data were collected from 120 respondents who were conveniently selected from two senior secondary school at the two Local government areas in Osogbo, Osun state with semi-structured questionnaire (83% reliability). Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. Results Most of the students were in the middle adolescence (14 – 16 years) age group. The Knowledge responses were grouped on a scale and the results showed that most of the adolescents had a moderate level of knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and HIV Screening Services. Further results showed a fairly high and positive attitude for the participants (76.66%). There were significant correlations (at p &lt; 0.05) between knowledge level (R = 0.348), attitude (R = 0.432), and Intention to Utilize HIV Screening Services. These factors are still quite modest, though. Additionally, knowledge level indicated that most participants were unaware of any importance of the utilization of HIV Screening services. Conclusions The report suggested launching vigorous campaigns of public health education and awareness that highlight the importance of utilizing HIV Screening services.

Effect of integrated pest management practices on the occurrence of pesticide residue in okra cultivated by farmers in Kwara state.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach for minimizing the negative impacts of pests on crops while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides. This study was conducted in Kwara State Nigeria in 2023, to investigate the effects of implementation of IPM practices on the occurrence of pesticide residues in okra cultivated by the farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria, and identify the factors affecting the use of IPM practices for pest control in okra production. A sample of 245 okra farmers was selected across 4 agricultural zones of Kwara State using a multistage sampling technique. Additionally, okra samples were collected from the farmers of each community of the local government areas. The data collected from the farmers were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including frequency count, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC). The collected okra samples were taken to the laboratory for pesticide residue extraction and analysis was performed using gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometer (MS). The results showed that most okra producers in Kwara State were smallholder farmers who, despite practicing IPM, had limited knowledge of the technology. Some pesticide residues were detected in okra, out of which two were present in quantities above the maximum residue limit, while others were below the maximum residue limit. Therefore, this study recommends that the government should improve extension services in the State by providing adequate funds and training extension agents who can provide comprehensive training to farmers on the types and application of IPM as an eco-friendly technology for preventing pesticide residue in okra.

Determinants of Prevalence and Factors Associated with Anemia among Pregnant Women in Gambia: A Multivariate Analysis using DHS Data

Background Anemia is a prevalent public health concern in The Gambia and other developing nations. While previous studies relied on binary logistic regression, the Multinomial Survey Logistic Regression Model was developed to address complexities in survey design, including sampling weights, stratification, and clustering. Multiple Imputation with Chained Equations (MICE) was employed to address missing data in variables such as anemia level, contraceptive use, and malaria drug intake during pregnancy. Aim/Objective This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors of anemia among pregnant women across eight local government areas in The Gambia. The research focuses on Kanifing, Kuntaur, Mansakonko, Kerewan, Janjanbureh, Basse, Brikama, and Banjul. Given the limited research on anemia among pregnant women in The Gambia, there is a need for further investigation into this topic. Methods MICE were utilized to address missing data due to their validity in handling uncertainty. This method generates multiple reasonable datasets for imputation and analyzes them accurately. A survey logistic regression model was employed to assess data fitness, considering the complex sample design. Anemia levels were measured among 11,865 pregnant women aged 15 to 49 using a systematic questionnaire. The multinomial survey logistic regression model was utilized to account for sampling weights, stratification, and clustering, relaxing the premise of observation independence violated by conventional logistic regression. Results The study involved 11,865 expectant mothers, revealing mild, moderate, and severe cases of anemia with a prevalence of 44.6%. Factors associated with anemia included place of residence, local government area, contraceptive use, age, literacy level, and current pregnancy status. Conclusion Socio-economic, demographic, and environmental factors significantly impact anemia levels among reproductive women in The Gambia. Addressing factors such as place of residence, local government areas, contraceptive use, literacy level, and current pregnancy status is crucial in mitigating anemia risk. Government initiatives, such as improving access to sanitation facilities and offering free check-ups, could effectively address this public health concern.

Physicochemical Properties of Oil Derived from Cucumeropsis mannii (Egusi) and Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) seeds

In this work, physicochemical characteristics of the oils extracted from Cucumeropsis manni (Egusi) and Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) seeds were determined, and the output for both vegetable oils was compared. Unshelled seeds of both C. mannii and C. lanatus were purchased from modern market, in Lafia local government area of Nasarawa state, Nigeria. Following dehulling, oil was extracted from both seed samples using the cold extraction technique. The physicochemical properties such as density, viscosity, iodine value (IV), acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), and saponification value (SV) of the seed oil samples were then examined. The result revealed that the density for both C. mannii and C. lanatus seed oil were 0.98 ± 0.16 and 0.98 ± 0.16 g/ml, and their viscosity are 72.5 ± 0.03 and 57.5 ± 0.11 Cp respectively. Both C. mannii and C. lanatus seed oil IV was 84.92 ± 0.24 and 80.91 ± 0.12 g/I2/100 g, AV was 2.92 ± 0.26 and 2.44 ± 0.04 mgKOH/g, and PV was 3.77 ± 0.01 and 4.28 ± 0.05 meq peroxide/g respectively. The SV for C. mannii is 243.85 ± 0.31 is higher than that of C. lanatus which is 187.12 ± 0.19 mgKOH/g. In conclusion, the iodine, acid, and peroxide values for both samples show that they are safe to consume. The C. mannii SV demonstrates that it is superior for soap manufacturing. Finally, the PV demonstrates that both samples are suitable for biodiesel production, which can help reduce the impact of climate change on our society as a whole.

Urbanization factors and the vagaries of the rural health care industry in Nigeria: an analysis of the accessibility of healthcare services by older adults in the Nsukka Local Government Area

This study sought to determine the effects of urbanization on access to healthcare services by older adults in Nsukka Local Government Area. The Nigerian healthcare industry is organized under the three tiers of government: Federal, State and Local governments. As such, most of the healthcare facilities are located in urban areas while majority of older adults reside in different local governments in rural communities where there are a few of the facilities. This has led to poor utilization of medical services by older adults in rural areas. This study adopted a mixed method approach. While questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data, interviews were used to collect qualitative data for the study. Questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 1180 older adults between the ages of 60 years and above from six communities in the study area. Descriptive statistics and Chi square were used to analyze the data while frequency distribution tables and percentages were used to present the results. The research showed that there are inadequate health facilities for the older adults in rural communities in Nsukka LGA. It also found that the older adults suffered challenges arising from lack of medical doctors, nurses, equipments, and drugs for effective healthcare delivery. It is recommended that more efforts should be geared towards providing adequate health facilities and health workers by government at public hospitals in rural communities to increase accessibility and adequate utilization by the older adults.

Imperatives of Small-Scale Businesses and Employment Generation in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom state

The study investigated the relationship between small scale enterprises and employments generation in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. A cross-sectional survey research method was adopted for the study. A sample of 361 respondents was drawn from the population of 3725 using Taro Yamane’s scientific sampling formula. For the objectives of the study to be achieved, three hypotheses were formulated and tested. The study utilized structured questionnaire as a major instrument for data collection. 361 questionnaire were distributed and 334 were returned in useable form. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentage and regression. The results of the regression analysis indicated positive relationship between the variables of small scale enterprises and employment generation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. It was recommended that; there should be simplified loan application processes and reduced collateral requirements for small scale enterprises to encourage access to funding, there should be government policies that promote and ensure regular maintenance of existing infrastructure to prevent deterioration and reduce disruptions to business operations, and there should be development of entrepreneurship and business management training programs tailored for small scale enterprise owners, covering essential skills like book-keeping, marketing and customer service.

Evaluations of Groundwater Quality using Principal Component Analysis and Associated Multivariate Techniques: A Case History in Ewekoro Communities, South-West Nigeria

The quest for quality water consumption is comprised of integration of numerous techniques from different professionals whose contributions go a long way in determining overall health status and wellness of any given society. The water quality status of boreholes in Ewekoro communities of Ewekoro Local Government Area, South-West Nigeria was investigated in this work. Water samples were collected from 25 boreholes at various sampling stations across the study area. Standard analytical water quality methods using Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)/Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Pour Plate Techniques were respectively employed in the laboratory for the samples’ geochemical and bacteriological analyses. The raw data were processed and analyzed using Principal Component Analysis and other multivariate techniques with Excel and SPSS 20.0 statistical software packages with the corresponding outcomes systematically compared with water quality standards. For the PCA, the varimax rotation converged in 23 iterations with 6 components extracted which accounted for 92.76% of the total cumulative variance respectively observed for geochemical parameters. Na2+, K+, Ca2+, Cl-, SO42-, NH4+, PO43-, and HCO3-, Mg3+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, Ni, S , Si, Fe3+, NO3− and Al3+ played a significant contribution with higher factor loading supported by the dominance of HCO3− among the water quality determinants. The rotation converged in 8 iterations with 3 extracted components that accounted for a total cumulative variance of 90.99% % with pH, TEMP, EC, BOD, TS, TURB, ALK, TH, TDS, THC, and DO in the Physico-chemical Parameters series. Most quality determinants in the sampled water are within allowable limits of the approved water quality standards including WHO except Alkalinity, HCO3−, MgCO3−, Cl−, BOD, Cd2+, Fe3+ and Zn2+. The overall ionic dominance pattern follows the same trend K+ &gt;Na2+ &gt; Fe3+ &gt;Mn2+ and Cl- &gt;NO3- &gt;NO2-. The results of the microbial analyses revealed the highest Total Coliform Count of 17 x 102 MPN/100 ml while that of THBC and FCC were reported as 7.8 ×102 cfu/ml and 1.2×102 cfu/ml respectively. The hygienic status of the water sources was found to be poor. High BOD, Coliform Count and BOD5:NO3- ratios of 248.23 recorded for the groundwater samples were suggestive of possible organic pollution due to faecal invasion with the lowest measured depth of 35m. Multivariate statistical approaches namely Correlation, Principal Component Analysis and Descriptive statistics simplified and identified the interrelationship among the analyzed physicochemical parameters and the pollution sources. This study has therefore revealed that boreholes in Ewekoro were polluted and posed potential risk to biomedical safety and overall human health. Intervention measures are therefore necessary to safeguard the inhabitants from water-related diseases and their consequences.

Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence among Male Local Government Workers in Ekiti State

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against men is a global prevalent issue. It is the abuse that transpires within or outside a romantic relationship. It affects men and women equally but the cases of men are under-reported. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of intimate partner violence among male local government workers in Ekiti State. The study adopted a cross sectional descriptive research design using a quantitative method approach of data collection. Multistage sampling technique was used to select two hundred and eighteen (218) respondents from six local government areas in Ekiti State. Data were collected with the aid of adapted questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The result showed that the average age of the respondents was approximately 43 years with 67.9% being within 36-51 years old and 79.4% were married with an average length of 13 years in relationship. The overall prevalence of IPV was 94.5% with psychological violence being the most prevalent (89.0%), followed by psychological violence (78.9%), then by sexual (39.9%) and physical (19.3%). IPV against men is prevalent and it is mostly psychological. The fact that physical assault is minimal does not mean that men are undergoing IPV. Hence nurses and other health workers should screen men who present with psychological symptoms for necessary help.

This Is the Sacrifice: Language, Ideology and Religious Identity Performance in Erei Personal Names

This paper examines personal names derived from traditional religious beliefs and practices among the Erei people in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State in South-South, Nigeria while utilising insights from the multidisciplinary inferences of socio-onomastic theory to account for the cultural, social and situational contexts that create the religious content of the names. Data were obtained by means of participant observation and semi-structured interviews during six months of fieldwork involving 40 participants who were the name-givers, name-bearers and name-users. Our findings highlight the socio-onomastic tradition of Erei people in which personal names are bestowed through a conscious application of symbolic linguistic resources to express and perform ideologies and identities that are rooted in the traditional religion’s foundations and sociocultural practices that represent Erei people’s indigenous beliefs system and spiritual worldview. Focused on the ideals of African traditional religion, religious identities are constructed through the use of personal names related to idol worship, the mysteries of death, reincarnation and commemoration, cultural festivals and performances, symbolic objects, familial rankings and other aspects derived from their environment that also bear traditional religious significance. And because this set of personal names is now predominant among the ageing population and is losing contemporaneity due to an increasing subpopulation with a new (Christian) beliefs system, this study serves to preserve a transiting and endangered Erei socio-onomastic practice that represents the people’s traditional cosmology.

Assessing the Knowledge Gap in Paediatric Emergency Management among Primary Healthcare Workers in Zaria, Nigeria

Paediatric emergencies remain a significant cause of mortality in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where primary healthcare centres (PHCs) often serve as the sole source of medical care. This study aimed to assess the knowledge gap among healthcare workers in PHCs in Zaria regarding the management of common paediatric emergencies. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 139 randomly selected healthcare workers in Sabon Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analysed using SPSS version 21. Results revealed a generally low level of knowledge among healthcare workers regarding both the causes and treatment of common paediatric emergencies. Only a small percentage of respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge in these areas. A statistically significant association was found between academic qualifications and knowledge levels. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve the skills and knowledge of healthcare workers in PHCs. Collaborations between academic institutions and local health departments can play a crucial role in organising regular training programs to address these deficiencies and enhance the quality of care provided to children in need.

Health literacy and breast cancer preventive practices among market women in Oshodi Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Health literacy and breast cancer preventive practices among market women in Oshodi Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Lassa virus infection in South-West and North-Central Nigeria: a community-based cross-sectional study.

Understanding the level of exposure to Lassa virus (LASV) in at-risk communities allows for the administration of effective preventive interventions to mitigate epidemics of Lassa fever. We assessed the seroprevalence of LASV antibodies in rural and semiurban communities of two cosmopolitan cities in Nigeria with poorly understood Lassa epidemiology. A cross-sectional study was conducted in ten communities located in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abuja, and Ikorodu Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos, from February 2nd to July 5th, 2022. Serum samples collected from participants were analyzed for IgG and IgM antibodies using a ReLASV® Pan-Lassa NP IgG/IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. A questionnaire administered to participants collected self-reported sociodemographic and LASV exposure information. Seroprevalence of LASV IgG/IgM was estimated overall, and by study site. Univariate and multivariate log-binomial models estimated unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for site-specific risk factors for LASV seropositivity. Grouped Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) was used for variable selection for multivariate analysis. A total of 628 participants with serum samples were included in the study. Most participants were female (434, 69%), married (459, 73%), and had a median age of 38 years (interquartile range 28-50). The overall seroprevalence was 27% (171/628), with a prevalence of 33% (126/376) in Abuja and 18% (45/252) in Lagos. Based on site-specific grouped LASSO selection, enrollment in the dry season (vs. wet; aPR, 95% CI: 1.73, 1.33-2.24), reported inconsistent washing of fruits and vegetables (aPR, 95% CI: 1.45, 1.10-1.92), and a positive malaria rapid test (aPR, 95% CI: 1.48, 1.09-2.00) were independently associated with LASV seropositivity in Abuja, whereas, only a self-reported history of rhinorrhea (PR, 95% CI: 2.21, 1.31-3.72) was independently associated with Lassa seropositivity in Lagos. The LASV seroprevalence was comparable to that in other areas in Nigeria. Our findings corroborate those from other studies on the importance of limiting human exposure to rodents and focusing on behavioral factors such as poor hygiene practices to reduce exposure to LASV.

Parametric Analysis of Mobile Money Adoption and Women Financial Inclusion in Kogi State - Nigeria

An ever-increasing body of research and empirical evidence has demonstrated the positive impact of mobile money on individuals, households and businesses, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where there were almost 400 million registered accounts at the end of 2018. Mobile money reduces transaction costs for users and helps households to better manage their cash flows; it allows firms to invest and build capital over time, fostering the creation and expansion of business; and it facilitates faster and more efficient government transfers. These benefits have enabled many mobile money users to realise significant quality of life improvements. However, the impact of mobile money on women financial inclusion has not been fully analysed or investigated. To address this evidence gap, this study assesses the impact of mobile money across twenty-on (21) local governments areas of Kogi state - Nigeria. Something which, to our knowledge no previous study has done. This study explores the parametric effect of mobile money on women financial inclusion using cross-sectional data collected from 400 women across twenty-one LGAs of Kogi state in Nigeria. The probit regression results illustrate that mobile money is significant and positively related to women financial inclusion in Kogi state. In addition, economic activity positively plays a significant role in improving women financial inclusion, while gender discrimination and family financial resilience inversely reduces women financial inclusion in the state. Based on these empirical results, this study recommends the following. First, it is important that government at all level devise means to ensure and broaden usage of mobile money by of provision of communication networking, and internet services, especially in rural areas. This will go a long way in aiding and increasing individuals’ usage of mobile phone and money, hence promotion of financial inclusion among women. Secondly, there is need to enhance women economic engagement, most especially in the rural areas. This will boost their financial transactions, savings, and financial stability, thus stimulate their financial inclusion. Thirdly, while it may be unrealistic for gender equality but there is need to enforce gender discriminating law to give women sense of belonging and full participation to thrive their financial inclusion. Lastly, government at local level are also advised to increase and ensure financial stability and support families in building financial resilience. This can increase women financial inclusion.

Risk assessment and quantification of elemental concentrations in river and stream in Nigeria

The rising prevalence of elements in surface water is becoming a major global environmental problem due to their resistance to change and capacity to accumulate in organisms. Humans are causing significant heavy metal contamination in the aquatic environment, which is killing aquatic creatures. The purpose of this study is to determine the elemental composition of surface water in Ogun State. Water samples were collected from a river that flows alongside Liberty Estate in Ewupe, Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area, and a stream that runs alongside Pacific Estate in Iganmode. The element composition of water samples was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Several components were found to exceed the limitations imposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In River I, sodium (Na) had the highest apparent concentration, whereas titanium (Ti) had the lowest average concentration. In River II, silicon (Si) had the highest apparent concentration, whereas chromium (Cr) had the lowest average concentration. Titanium (Ti) had the lowest mean concentration value, whereas sodium (Na) appeared to have the highest concentration in stream I. Stream II has the highest concentration of sodium (Na), while Uranium (U) has the lowest average concentration value. Nonetheless, the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values for adults and children who drink river and stream water are similar, ranging from 10–9 to 10–8. This implies a high carcinogenic risk (CR) linked with drinking water from both sources. Children who had access to both stream and river water demonstrated higher risk levels than adults. Routine studies of the state's streams and rivers should be conducted to avoid the subtle impact that may emanate from the water bodies.

Integrated geophysical and GIS approaches for groundwater potential assessment: a case study of Aladja, Delta State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study explores the groundwater potential in Aladja, Udu, Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, using an integrated approach combining electrical resistivity techniques with Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) methods. The primary aim is to delineate aquifers and comprehensively assess groundwater resources. Methods include Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) to gather resistivity data, RS and GIS for analyzing geological and hydrological parameters such as lineament density, drainage density, slope, soil type, and land use. The resistivity values ranged from 147 to 460.50 Ωm, with aquifer thicknesses varying between 6.50 and 36.30 m. The RS and GIS analysis indicated high groundwater potential in regions characterized by significant lineament density and moderate slopes. The study highlights the complementarity of VES and RS/GIS in groundwater exploration, revealing substantial groundwater resources in the northwestern regions of the study area. This approach underscores the importance of integrating these methods for a more accurate assessment of groundwater potential. The novelty of this study lies in validating RS and GIS findings with VES data, ensuring reliable groundwater potential mapping and effective resource management. This integrated methodology offers a robust framework for sustainable groundwater resource assessment and management in similar geological settings.

The Correlation Between Homesickness and Academic Achievement in Mathematics: Implications for Psychological Well-Being of Secondary School Students

This study examined the correlation between homesickness and academic achievement in mathematics among secondary school students, focusing on its implications for psychological well-being. A correlational research design was employed, involving a sample of 50 secondary school students from Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. Data were collected using Scale for Psychological Impact of Homesickness (SPIH) and the Mathematics Achievement Scale (MAS). Validity was ensured through expert consultations and Principal Component Analysis. Reliability was established with Kuder-Richardson formula 21 (K-R21) and Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding α = 0.89 for SPIH and α = 0.86 for MAS. Data were analyzed using SPSS, including non-parametric tests and normality assessments. The Spearman's rho correlation analysis revealed a significant, albeit weak, negative relationship between homesickness and academic achievement, indicating that higher levels of homesickness are associated with lower mathematics performance. Further analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test highlighted significant differences in homesickness levels and academic achievement between boarder and non-boarder students. These findings underscore the importance of addressing emotional challenges in educational settings. The study advocates for the implementation of comprehensive support systems, including counseling and resilience-building programs, to mitigate the impact of homesickness on academic performance. The results emphasize the need for schools to foster supportive environments that enhance students' psychological well-being and academic success. Future research should explore additional factors influencing this relationship to develop targeted interventions..

Assessment of dietary habits, nutritional and emotional status of elderly in Mushin Local Government Area, Lagos State

Background: Old age is the final stage of the life cycle, characterized by functional decline and increased susceptibility to disease. Dietary habits, nutritional and emotional status have been shown to partly determine the quality of life of the elderly. Objective: This research assessed the dietary habits, nutritional and emotional status of the elderly. Methods: A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the socio-demographic characteristics as well as the dietary habits of the elderly. The mini-Nutritional assessment tool was used to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and Geriatric Depression Scale was used to identify depression among the elderly. Pearson’s Chi test was used to establish the association between Nutritional status and emotional status. Results: The assessment of the socio-demographic characteristics of the elderly showed that the majority (52.1%) were male, 32.4% were between the ages of 60-64 years and 81.7% were living with someone and quite a number (39.4%) lives with their spouse. The results of dietary habits assessment showed that most (69%) of the elderly ate at home with lunch as the most frequently eaten meal with 47.9% of the elderly preferred to eat lunch. The prevalence of malnutrition and depression among the elderly was found to be 11.3% and 50.7% respectively. At p &lt; 0.05, no significant correlation existed between nutritional status and emotional status. Conclusion: Elderly habits of eating at home result in low cases of malnutrition but they still go through depression on average as they mostly live alone.

Nutrient composition of shade-dried Aldenia cissampeloides (monkey rope) leafy vegetable

Background: Our locally available vegetables are underutilized due to lack or insufficient information about their health benefit. Consequently, some are going into extinction due to low consumption. Adenia cissampeloides, a locally available vegetable used in the preparation of vegetable soup and or some therapeutic purposes is becoming unpopular due to insufficient nutritional and other information on it. Objective: The study investigated the nutrient composition of shade-dried Aldenia cissampeloides leafy vegetables. Methods: Fresh leaves of Adenia cissampeloides were harvested from Opi in Nsukka local Government Area of Enugu State in South Eastern Nigeria. The leaves were sorted, washed with water, and allowed to drain in a colander for about 20 minutes. The leaves were shade-dried for 7 days at room temperature and pulverized using Qlink electric blender model QBL/20L40. The proximate, mineral, and vitamins of the pulverized dried sample were analyzed using standard methods. Results: The proximate analysis showed an appreciable amount of carbohydrate (42.86%), crude fiber (16.79%), and protein (16.44%). Magnesium (2046.69mg), potassium (1031.33mg) and calcium (555.33mg) was the most abundant mineral while pro-vitamin A had the highest value (298.56 RE) among the analyzed vitamins. This was indicative that the vegetable is a good source of nutrients. Conclusion: Due to its nutrient-dense quality, it is recommended to be cultivated at home gardens for easy accessibility in meeting the family’s nutrient needs.