Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Research Articles

The Effect of Boko Haram Insurgency on Health and Nutrition among the Residents of Bolori 2 of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council of Borno State, Nigeria.

The Effect of Boko Haram Insurgency on Health and Nutrition among the Residents of Bolori 2 of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council of Borno State, Nigeria.

Prevalence and risk estimates of Cryptosporidium oocysts infection associated with consumption of raw-eaten vegetables in Maiduguri metropolis LGAs, Northeast Nigeria

Cryptosporidium is one of the most important protozoan parasitic pathogens, and it is a common cause of diarrhoea in humans, domestic animals, and wild vertebrates and has serious public health threats. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in raw-eaten vegetables in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Areas (LGAs). A total of 400 samples were collected from four (4) different locations, namely Tashan Bama, Gomboru, and Monday Markets (n = 100), while fifty (n = 50) each from 202-Vegetable-Vendors and Unimaid Commercials. A total of 16 visits were conducted in all the sampling areas (twenty-five samples per visit). The Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected using the Modified Ziehl–Neelsen Staining Technique. The locations, sources, and types of raw-eaten vegetables were also assessed. The oocysts were confirmed (100×) as bright pink spherules. Data generated were analyzed using IBM-SPSS V23.0, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Out of the total samples (n = 400) analyzed, cabbage appeared to have the highest number of 10 (12.5%) of Cryptosporidium oocysts detected, while Tomato and garden egg had 9 (11.3%) and 1 (1.2%), respectively. There was a statistically significant association (χ2 = 12.5, P = 0.014) between the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in raw-eaten vegetables and vegetable types. Among the sources of the vegetables sampled, Alau had the highest number of Cryptosporidium oocysts, 15 (12.5%), followed by Kilari-Abdullahi and Zabarmari sources with 4 (10.0%) and 4 (5.0%), respectively. However, Jetete appeared to have the least number 2 (2.5%) of oocysts, and there was a statistically significant association (χ2= 10.4, P = 0.034) between the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and the sources of vegetables and fruits. The study concludes that the raw-eaten vegetables sampled from Maiduguri Metropolis were contaminated with Cryptosporidium oocysts. The study recommends that all raw-eaten vegetables should be from cleaned sources and washed before consumption. Consumers should be enlightened on the hygienic measures in the food chain in line with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.

PROFITABILITY OF FUEL WOOD MARKETING IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

This study analyzed the profitability of fuel wood marketing in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Area of Borno State, Nigeria. The study employed purposive sampling technique to select 60 respondents from the three (3) main fuel wood markets in the study area. Primary data was used for the study. The tools used to analyze the data obtained were descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and Gross margin. The study revealed that marketing of fuel wood is a profitable business. It is a major source of cooking energy for Nigerian households throughout the year with the average gross margin for wholesalers of N 69,000 and N 7, 000 for retailers per month. Fuel wood is providing reliable incomes for urban as well as rural households in Nigeria. Despite the profitability of fuel wood marketing, transportation and lack of capital are the major constraints faced by the marketers followed by inadequate storage facilities. To avoid indiscriminate bush burning and illegal tree felling to harvest fuel wood, government agencies should provide the marketers and gatherers with guidelines and support in their activities to prevent the deleterious effects it would have on the environment.

Gastrointestinal helminths in tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>) sold for human consumption in Maiduguri, Nigeria: A potential public health risk

Fish is an important and cheap protein source for human consumption in developing countries. It is the second most popular source of protein diet in both rural and urban communities in Nigeria. Fisheries resources contribute about 5.40% to the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) through income generation, employment, food security, and foreign exchange earnings. Despite the significant contributions of fisheries to the Nigerian economy, the aquatic ecosystem is prone to pollution from human activities which increases the chances of transmission of parasitic infections, which are detrimental to aquatic and human life. The present study assessed the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of tilapia fish from different market sources in the Maiduguri metropolitan council of Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. Samples of fresh Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish (n= 125), comprising 50 juveniles and 75 adults, were screened for gastrointestinal helminths using standard parasitological methods. Twenty-nine (23.2%) harboured at least one helminth parasite. Of the 29 positive individual fish samples, 16% (n=20), 4% (n=5), 2.4% (n=3), and 0.8% (n=1) were infected by Acanthocephala, Cestode, Nematode, and Trematodes, respectively. The infection rate was higher in adults (26%) than juveniles (18%) and in females (23.5%) than males (22.8%). Fish samples from Baga markets showed higher infection rates than the other two market sources. Sex, age, and location were not significantly associated with parasite recovery rate (p>0.05). The study concluded that Nile tilapia fish sold in Maiduguri metropolis were infected with different groups of helminths, underscoring public health risks to farmers, sellers, and consumers. Therefore, fish farmers should regularly consult veterinarians for advice on good fish management practices and observe proper hygienic handling of harvested fish at the farm level, during transportation to fish markets, and processing. The public should thoroughly clean and properly cook fish for human consumption.

Impact of Health Education Intervention on Nutritional Status Among Adolescent Girls in Government Secondary Schools Maiduguri: A Randomised Control Trial

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of a health education intervention on nutritional status among adolescent girls in government secondary schools in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council. Methods: The study was a randomized control trial among 417 adolescent girls aged 10-19 years old. Data were collected from October 2019 to March 2020 using KoBo collect toolbox. Chi-square and Fisher exact were used to compare baseline differences between the intervention and control group, a generalized estimating equation was used to evaluate the impact of health education intervention. Results: There was no significant difference in nutritional status (body mass index for age percentile and mid-upper arm circumference) between the intervention and control group at baseline. There was a statistically significant difference at three and six-months post-intervention for body mass index for age percentile p = 0.005; p < 0.001, while the mid-upper arm circumference was statistically significant at three months post-intervention p < 0.001, but not statistically significant at six months post-intervention. Conclusion: It is clear that health education intervention has an important role in improving the nutritional status of adolescents.

Analysis of Quality and Quantity of Complementary Feeding and Nutrition among Children of 6 to 36 Months in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, Nigeria

This paper provides a cross sectional analysis of the quality and quantity of complimentary feeding and nutrition among children of 6-36 months in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council. The role of health workers and parents in contextualities in driving, constraining or otherwise influencing complimentary feeding practices is explored through a review of the essential literature. Though this literature is found to have considerably expanded the scope of understanding around health and nutrition, research in the area is found to be lacking in methodological coherence and theoretical substance. Future efforts are needed to systematically bring together the array of insights, methodological approaches, and recommendations in this literature, as well as better bound, differentiate and systemize health and nutrition research in the area going forward. Two initial objectives are advanced through this paper in relation to this dual research imperative. They employed the survey research method. It revealed that knowledge of complementary feeding amongst women in emergencies are poor and government need to scale up support through local enlightenment programs that will boost good health and nutritional practices. Keywords: Complementary Feeding, Nutrition, Quality of complimentary feeding, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Nigeria.

Assessment of the Impact of Caregivers Complementary Feeding Knowledge on Undernutrition among Children 6 to 36 Months in Borno State, Nigeria

This paper is an assessment of the impact of Caregivers complementary feeding Knowledge on undernutrition among children 6-36 Months in Borno state. Large-scale renewables raise new challenges and provide new opportunities across Health systems. The paper considers the barriers faced by health workers and caregivers in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council in providing nutritional services to infants. We review the current state of knowledge in relation to nutrition. This paper then explores key issues in health and nutrition system structure, the main challenges to the uptake of renewables, and the various existing fiscal and policy approaches to encouraging health services. We also highlight possible ways of moving forward to ensure more widespread health management systems. Keywords: Caregivers, Feed Knowledge. Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Undernutrition.

Seasonal Patterns and Genetic Variability of Aedes Mosquitoes in Some Selected Communities of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, Nigeria

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes spread dengue and yellow fever in Africa and worldwide. Rural-urban drift creates Aedes mosquito breeding sites through uncontrolled urbanization, inadequate urban infrastructure, lack of basic public health delivery, indiscriminate waste disposal, varying socioeconomic activities, and climatic changes. The above have happened in Maiduguri Metropolis since Boko Haram insurgencies began. This study will examine Aedes aegypti's seasonal distribution, abundance, composition, and genetic variability in selected Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Council communities. From October 2016 to May 2017, CDC traps and vacuum aspirators collected adult mosquitoes from study sites and stored at – 80 C. These were identified morphologically with taxonomy keys and stereomicroscopes, then molecularly with markers. Aedes mosquito population structure and genetic variability were determined using statistical software and molecular methods on samples. Hot-dry season has the highest relative abundance of this mosquito species in these study sites, while cold-dry season has the lowest. The molecular identification found Aedes aegypti in nine of twelve study locations but not Aedes albopictus. Some mosquitoes from the study locations had mutations due to carrying dengue virus or host population genes, but those without mutations showed a good phylogenetic relationship with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from other countries, suggesting no genetic variability. The relative abundance of Aedes mosquitoes in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council increases the risk of dengue, zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya virus infections, and this mosquito species' seasonal distributions vary within and across seasons, but no genetic variability was found in the mosquitoes from the different locations used in this study.

Isolation and Characterization of Biosurfactant-producing Bacteria from Ternary Effluent within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council

Almost all surfactants currently in use are chemically derived from petroleum. However, the diversity of biosurfactants, environment friendly characteristics, the possibility of their production through fermentation and their potential applications in areas such as environmental protection, surface crude oil recovery, health care and food processing industries, has made its interest steadily increasing in recent years. This research is targeted towards the isolation of indigenous biosurfactant producing bacteria from the local tanneries in Maiduguri. Physico – chemical parameters such as temperature and pH of all samples were tested at the site of collection, while others such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Desolved Oxygen (DO) and Electrical Conductivity (EC) were tested ex – situ. Simple and selective microbiological media were used for the isolation. A total of ten (10) different bacterial isolates were obtained from the eighteen (18) samples tested. Identification of the isolates was achieved through morphological and Biochemical analysis. The isolates obtained included Providencia rettgeri, Salmonella enterica, Enterobacter cancerogenus, Leminorella richardii, Bacillus licheniformis, B. niacini, Paenibacillus residui, Proteus mirabilis, Lysinibacillus massiliensis and L. fusiformis. Of the ten (10) isolates obtained, only seven (7) were found positive for biosurfactant production. They incuded P. rettgeri, E. cancerogenus, L. richardii, B. niacini, P. residui, L. massiliensis and L. fusiformis, of which L. fusiformis showed the highest emulsification activity of 25% at 4cm emulsion height. The results suggest that the Majema tannery effluents harbour biosurfactant - producing bacteria. Thus, tannery effluents can be possibly remediated using the biosurfactants and bacteria producing the biosurfactants.

Analysis of Price Fluctuation and its Effect on Marketing of Smoked Fish in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, Nigeria

This study examined the analysis of price fluctuation of smoked fish and its effect in Maiduguri metropolitan council of Borno State. Data collected for the study were obtained from both primary and secondary data source. Primary data were obtained through the use of structure questionnaire and market survey while secondary source of information were obtained from journals and internet. Fifty Questionnaires were randomly distributed to the smoked fish marketers in Maiduguri Monday Market and Baga Road Fish Market. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Result showed that majority of the respondents were young (40.0%), literate (100%) married (34.0%), men (74.0%) that had 11-15 years of marketing experience (46.0%) and household sizes of 6-11persons (72.0%). Also most of the smoked fish sellers obtained their funds from family and friends (34%) and most of the marketers were retailers (72.0%). The study revealed that the major (70.0%) cause of price fluctuation in the study area was cost of transportation. Findings indicate that fish size, fish quantity, consumer’s choice influenced the price of smoke fish to fluctuate in the study area. Also, average marketer earned ₦4,300.00 as gross margin per 50kg carton. The major constraint to smoked fish marketing is cost of transportation (60.0%). Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that fish marketing is a profitable and efficient venture. Therefore, farmers and young graduate should be encouraged to venture into the business which would help reduce unemployment among young educated Nigerians. Also construction of good roads and reduction of fuel price by government in other to reduce high cost of transporting smoked fish was recommended.

Analysis of Price Fluctuation and its Effect on Marketing of Smoked Fish in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, Nigeria

This study examined the analysis of price fluctuation of smoked fish and its effect in Maiduguri metropolitan council of Borno State. Data collected for the study were obtained from both primary and secondary data source. Primary data were obtained through the use of structure questionnaire and market survey while secondary source of information were obtained from journals and internet. Fifty Questionnaires were randomly distributed to the smoked fish marketers in Maiduguri Monday Market and Baga Road Fish Market. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Result showed that majority of the respondents were young (40.0%), literate (100%) married (34.0%), men (74.0%) that had 11-15 years of marketing experience (46.0%) and household sizes of 6-11persons (72.0%). Also most of the smoked fish sellers obtained their funds from family and friends (34%) and most of the marketers were retailers (72.0%). The study revealed that the major (70.0%) cause of price fluctuation in the study area was cost of transportation. Findings indicate that fish size, fish quantity, consumer’s choice influenced the price of smoke fish to fluctuate in the study area. Also, average marketer earned ₦4,300.00 as gross margin per 50kg carton. The major constraint to smoked fish marketing is cost of transportation (60.0%). Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that fish marketing is a profitable and efficient venture. Therefore, farmers and young graduate should be encouraged to venture into the business which would help reduce unemployment among young educated Nigerians. Also construction of good roads and reduction of fuel price by government in other to reduce high cost of transporting smoked fish was recommended.

Production, Characterization and Optimization of Bioethanol from Microalgae Obtained from Waste Water in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State- Nigeria

Bioethanol is a renewable, colorless, less toxic, and readily biodegradable form of fuel from biological sources; that can be used for heat, electricity, and fuel. In this research study, an alternative feedstock known as microalgae was used. Bioethanol was produced from microalgae using enzymatic hydrolysis. The microalgae was pretreated with acid and alkaline. Hydrolysis was carried out by Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used for fermentation. The concentration of the Bioethanol produced was determined using acid Potassium Dichromate. After hydrolysis, the reducing sugar concentration was determined using Dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) colorimetric method. Results showed that there was significant difference at p<0.05 in the yields of the reducing sugar produced between acid and alkaline pretreated samples after microbial hydrolysis. Microbial hydrolysis of alkaline pretreated samples was higher in yield. Also, the results showed that the highest bioethanol yield of 0.142ml/l was obtained after alkaline pretreated hydrolysates were fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 40°C and pH of 6.0. The highest bioethanol yield of 0.116ml/l was obtained from the acid pretreated hydrolysates at 35°C and pH of 5.5. The volatile compounds produced by alkaline pre-treated samples using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS) shows that Ethanol and Di-n-decylsulfone were the highest volatile compounds with peak areas of 30.70% and 41.87% respectively while 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester (linolenic acid) was found to be least volatile compound with peak area of 3.34%.Tthe volatile compounds produced by acid pre-treated samples shows that 2-ethyl-2-methyltridecanol was the highest volatile compound with peak area of 23.00% while Heptacosane was found to be the least volatile compound with peak area of 1.90%. Therefore bioethanol production using alkaline pretreated samples produced a large quantity of bioethanol and may be a preferred method. This study concluded that Microalgae is a suitable substrate for bioethanol production and hydrolyzing with Aspergillus niger and optimization of fermentation conditions at pH 6.0 and 40oC yielded higher bioethanol concentration.

CONSTRAINTS AND SOME REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS OF RABBIT PRODUCTION IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL AND JERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

In order to determine the challenges faced by rabbit farmers and suitable strategies required to enhanced the survival of rabbit kits, information on constraints and some reproductive problems of rabbit production in Maiduguri Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (M.M.C) and Jere LGAs of Borno state was investigated. Structured questionnaire was administered to 100 respondents in M.M.C and Jere LGAs. It was found that low market value for rabbit, neonatal death and loss from theft or predators were the major constraints observed in rabbit production within the study area. Mortality was high among young rabbits (1-2 weeks old), and the average number of survived rabbit kits was 1 – 5 kits per litter. In addition, seasonal variation, poor management and housing design were the immediate causes of neonatal mortality in rabbit within M.M.C and Jere LGAs of Borno state. Improved housing design, pre-natal nutrition and peri-natal hygiene was therefore recommended.

A Preliminary Study on Poultry Production and the Effects of Boko Haram ‎Insurgency in Maiduguri

This study was conducted to investigate poultry farming and the impact of insurgency on poultry production in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, Nigeria. A total of 170 poultry farmers were randomly selected from the areas and a structured questionnaire was administered to each farmer through scheduled interviews. The results of this study showed that a larger percentage of poultry farmers were male (59.4%) and the majority of the respondents were educated (72.9%). A significant proportion of the respondents (p=0.037) were full-time farmers (38.8%), and the percentage of married people was 58.8%. The majority of respondents (57.1%) had between 0 and 5 years of experience in poultry farming with majority of farmers preferring the keeping of broiler chickens (52.9%). In addition, deep litter rearing (72.4%) was the most common production system. Before the insurgency, most of the flock size was in the range of 100-200 birds but during the Boko Haram insurgency they ranged from 50-59 birds signifying a decrease in the production output attributed in parts to disruption of economic activities due to the unrest. In conclusion, due to insurgency, in Maiduguri, poultry farming has been negatively affected resulting in decline in production. We therefore recommendthat the government, non-governmental organisations and wealthy individuals support farmers with financial resources to revive the poultry industry in the study area

Awareness of Trachoma Prevention among People of Bolori Community Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria

Background: Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. It is commonly found among cultural groups with poor hygiene. Its controls include; Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness and Environmental Sanitation (SAFE). Potentially blinding and active trachoma are monitored using trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in adults and trachoma inflammation-follicular (TF) in children aged 1–9 years respectively. A community-based crosssectional study was conducted to assess the awareness of trachoma preventive measures among the people of Bolori, in the metropolitan council of Maiduguri Borno State, Nigeria.
 Methods: The study utilizes a descriptive research design and a multi-stage sampling technique, which involve both stratified random and convenient sampling methods respectively. The instruments comprise a closed-ended questions and sections A and B. Section A: focus mainly on sociodemographic data while section B; focuses on the research question. The researcher initially divided Bolori wards into 7 strata of which a convenient sample technique was used to administer 53 questionnaires to 3 strata and 54 questionnaires to 4 strata, each daily which lasted 7 days. 
 Results: The majority of the respondents are aware of trachoma preventive measures. The majority (34.8%) of the respondents are between the ages of 26 – 35 years, 37 (32.2%) of the respondents are between the ages of 36 – 45 years, 20 (17.4%) of the respondents are within the age range of 15 – 25 years, and 46 years and above are 18 (15.6%) of the respondents. The Grand Total Mean for Knowledge of respondents was 57.4%, causes and prevention 76.7%, the attitude of the people towards personal and environmental sanitation 76.8%, and SAFE strategy prevention is 51.5%. 
 Conclusion: Based on the data obtained from the research study, findings revealed that the majority of the respondents have a good awareness of Trachoma prevention, especially on a good attitude toward environmental sanitation. Findings also revealed that there was low access to clean and adequate water supply among the populace of the community.

Examining Roasted Fish Sellers Energy Preferences in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council

The study sought to examine roasted fish seller’s energy preferences in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council area of Borno State. The population for this study included all the roasted fish sellers in MMC. Thirty (30) roasted fish sellers were randomly selected for the study. Data were generated through the use of structured questionnaires. Information on age, sex, educational level, marital status etc. were collected and analyze using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, percentages. The study reveals that Charcoal energy is the most preferred energy by the respondents in the study area, thus, more consumption implies more deforestation. As such, other clean alternative fuels should be made affordable and available for the respondents to boost their businesses. Additionally, afforestation campaigns should be encouraged by the government and all institutions concerned. Charcoal which is the most preferred energy used by the respondents has no standard price. There should be a standard price for this commodity.

Effectiveness of Health Education Intervention on Water Sanitation and Hygiene Practice among Adolescent Girls in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, Nigeria: A Cluster Randomised Control Trial

Poor water sanitation and hygiene practice can be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of health education intervention using information, motivation and a behavioural skill model on water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practice among adolescent girls in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, Nigeria. A school-based cluster randomized control trial was conducted among 417 adolescent girls (10 to 19 years old) in four schools. The KoBo collect toolbox was used for data collection from October 2019 to March 2020. The chi-squared test was used to compare the baseline differences between intervention and control groups for WASH practice. A generalized estimating equation was used to assess changes from baseline, post intervention and follow up. There was significant interaction for WASH practice during follow up. Religion, place of residence, monthly income and occupation of mother had a statistically significant effect on WASH practice among adolescent girls. Findings revealed that this health education intervention was effective in improving water sanitation and hygiene practice among adolescent girls. Furthermore, religion, place of residence, monthly income and occupation of mother were found to be associated with water sanitation and hygiene practice.

Prevalence of low back pain among street cleaners in Northeastern Nigeria

Context: Street cleaners assume bending and twisting positions for a long period while on the job, making them to be susceptible to low back pain (LBP). Aims: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of LBP among street cleaners in North-eastern Nigeria. Settings and Design: Sample of convenience was to recruit 381 participants who were street cleaners working within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council. Subjects and Methods: A conveniently sampled participants (n = 381) completed sociodemographic form, Nordic LBP Questionnaire and LBP risk factors form. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data, and Chi-square statistics were used to explore the differences in LBP prevalence by sociodemographics. Results: The present study shows a 12-month LBP prevalence rate of 78.2% and a crude point (7 days) prevalent rate of 55.1% among the workers, and this condition tend to occur more frequently among those in the age group between 58 and 67 years than their counterparts in the lower age groups (P = 0.001). Male cleaners tend to report LBP more frequently than their female counterparts (P = 0.011), and those with primary or qur'anic education also reported LBP more frequently than their counterparts with secondary or tertiary education (P = 0.046). Performing the same task over and over and working in the same position for long periods were the most frequently chosen risk factors pre-disposing the workers to LBP on their job. Conclusions: The present study identified the needs for workers ergonomic education and employers' consideration for ergonomically fit tools, as potential solution to addressing LBP as an occupational hazard among the workers.

Influence of Guidance and Counseling Programme on Academic Performance among Secondary School Students in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of guidance and counseling programme on academic performance of secondary school students in Maiduguri metropolitan council. An ex post facto and survey research design was adopted in this study. Data was collected through administration of questionnaires to the selected respondents. The collected data was then processed and analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage. The study established the following findings: Secondary schools in the study area differed in the number of guidance and counseling services that they had implemented. Teacher counselors had little training in guidance and counseling. Stakeholders adequately supported guidance and counseling programme in the schools. Students were aware of the role and importance of career counseling in their schools (89.39%). Guidance and counseling programme has a positive impact on the academic performance of students. Based on these study findings, the following recommendations were made: There is need for the teacher counselors to implement all the services required for guidance and counseling and improve the level of training of teacher counselors in guidance and counseling. Guidance and counseling programme should be strengthened in order to improve the academic performance of secondary schools in the area.

Food Security and Hygiene Practice among Adolescent Girls in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, Nigeria.

Inadequate food security contributes to poor health outcome for all, including adolescent girls. The study aims at determining the level of food security and hygiene among adolescent girls. A school-based cross-sectional study was carried out among adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 years old from six schools in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire using KoBoCollect Toolbox between June and July 2019. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of food security and hygiene among respondents. A majority of the respondents (73.5%) were in a very low food security level. Three factors were significantly associated with food security level, these included schools (p = 0.007), age of mother (p = 0.004), and occupation of mother (p < 0.001). School (p = 0.003), age (father p = 0.017; mother; p = 0.012), hygiene (p = 0.005), and occupation of mother (p = 0.002) were predictors of food security. About (46.6%) of respondents had poor hygiene practice, school (p = 0.016) was significantly associated with hygiene practice. School (p = 0.019; and p = 0.005) and food security (p = 0.009) were predictors of hygiene practice. This study reveals a high prevalence of low food security among adolescent girls.