North Central Nigeria Research Articles

Evaluation of the Factors Influencing Needle stick Injury And Bloodborne Pathogens among Healthcare Workers in Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria

It is well recognized that the danger of needle stick injuries and the blood-borne diseases they can cause is higher for healthcare professionals. In order to do this, a survey on the variables influencing blood-borne infections and needle stick injuries among medical personnel at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Benue State, North Central Nigeria, was carried out. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used as the methodology, and questionnaires were given to medical professionals at BSUTH in Makurdi, Benue State, including doctors, nurses, and medical laboratory scientists. Using a straightforward random sample method, the participants who fulfilled the inclusion requirements were chosen. Findings: The questionnaires were distributed to participants between the ages of 20 and 35. Of those, 190 (68.8%) were female, and 177 (64.10%) were single. The study’s findings also showed that 39% of the respondents were physicians. In addition, 74% of respondents had worked for less than five years, 13% for six to ten years, and a further 13% for ten years or more. The most reliable source of information for blood-borne infections (89.1%) and needle stick injuries (78.4%) was the Teaching Hospital. Of the 109 people who had needle stick injuries at that time, 84.4% had done so fewer than five times in the previous six months, and 4.6% had done so more than ten times. For the last six months, Tin. According to the results, 16.5% of the participants in this category suffered an intravenous insertion needle stick injury, 18.3% during an injection, and 60% while recapping a needle. Males were also found to have a greater frequency of needle stick injuries (66.3%) than females, with medical professionals and those with six to ten years of experience having the highest prevalence. However, medical lab scientists had a greater prevalence of blood-borne infections (20.7%). The outcome demonstrated negative opinions regarding blood-borne infections and needle stick injuries.

IFE-Olukotun Community, North-Central Nigeria And Issues of Migration and Linkages with Other Yoruba Towns

Human beings world over tend to be perennially restive and Yoruba people seem to have had their own share of this human trait. People migrate for various reasons. Hence, it will certainly be a stretch of imagination to think that they have always occupied their present land. (Ogunba 1973:91) Though, a long period of effective occupation can make a community feel they are the original owner of a place. As such, to lay claim to a place as one’s original home, the number of years one’s fore fathers had settled there is imperative, likewise the language spoken whether original or borrowed and how homogenous or otherwise the culture is. It is in this wise that the heterogeneous nature and the recent awareness of certain Yoruba towns having the same cognomen and names with certain quarters in Ife-Olukotun engendered the desire to search for their link with such Yoruba towns to unearth the historical and socio-cultural accounts for insight for the present and future and preservation for posterity. More importantly, is the current wave of Obaship in the community with each of the quarters that made up Ife-Olukotun having their own Oba (king) as against the hitherto one Oba (Olukotun of Ife) for the entire community. Methodology adopted for the paper are Archival and Secondary sources.

Metropolitan Flood Risk Characterization Using Remote Sensing, GIS, and Fuzzy Logic (RS-GIS-Fl) Approach: Suleja, Nigeria

Climate change exacerbates extreme events like floods, droughts, heatwaves, cyclones, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires, affecting human populations and environments worldwide. Despite varying impacts across regions, no area is immune to climate change consequences. To mitigate these effects, this study employs Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing, and Fuzzy Logic System to map flood vulnerability zones in Suleja Local Government, Niger State, North Central Nigeria. The research integrates satellite and GIS datasets to prepare Suleja's Flood Zonation Mapping. Rainfall data from Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET), Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station Data (CHRPS), Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP), and parameters like Slope, Elevation, Nearness to Water Bodies, Land Use Land Cover, and Drainage Density are utilized to identify flood vulnerability. The flood vulnerability map categorizes the area into five zones: Very Low Risk (40.9%), Low Risk (18.9%), Medium Risk (27.6%), High Risk (7.1%), and Very High Risk (5.5%). Considering the stochastic nature of flood characteristics, this study emphasizes the importance of integrating hydro-climatic and physical catchment parameters, leveraging bias-adjusted satellite data to minimize uncertainty. Effective flood management requires quantifying risk, susceptibility, and hazard components to establish a robust control framework. This research contributes to the development of data-driven flood mitigation strategies in vulnerable regions like Suleja. By harnessing GIS, Remote Sensing, and Fuzzy Logic System, policymakers and stakeholders can make informed decisions to protect communities and infrastructure from flood risks.

Near surface resistivity investigation of regolith of Middle Benue Trough: implications on road pavement along Lafia-Shendam Axis, North Central Nigeria

ABSTRACT Electrical characteristics and subsurface structures associated with the regolith of Middle Benue Trough have been investigated. Vertical electrical sounding (VES) and constant separation traversing (CST) techniques were employed for data acquisition along Lafia-Shendam Road, Lafia, North Central Nigeria. Forty (40) Schlumberger sounding stations and four (4) Wenner resistivity profiles were occupied along opposite sides of the road to delineate and decipher the subsurface geological structures. Second-order Dar Zarrouk parameters (longitudinal and transverse resistivities, mean resistivity and coefficient of anisotropy) computed from VES parameters were also used to evaluate the pseudo-anisotropy characteristics of the regolith cover. Geoelectric sequences delineated within the study area include thin topsoil, alluvium deposit, weathered layer (laterite and saprolite) and fresh basement. The regolith is hosted by a weathered sedimentary rock at an average depth which varies from 10.2 to 37.3 m. The regolith structure is not complex and has a greater proportion of conductive laterite. The saprolite associated with the host sedimentary rock, masked in the VES technique, is revealed as a very thin zone with moderate resistivity in the CST 2-D structures. The predominance of laterite in the regolith is also corroborated by the range of values of the coefficient of anisotropy and mean resistivity.

Analysis of Pollen in Stingless bee (Meliponula ferruginae [ Moure]) Honey, an Indicator of Deforestation Levels at University of Ilorin and its Environs

Pollen analysis of the honey of stingless bees was conducted to ascertain the levels of deforestation in the campus of the University of Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. Thirteen honey samples from the nests of Meliponula ferruginae in four different localities, with varied deforestation levels, in the University of Ilorin Agro-Ecological areas were analysed. Pollen grains were identified and counted under high power light microscope. Species diversity assessed using Shannon diversity index, species richness and dominance of the floral origin of the pollen were calculated using PAST Software. A total of 43 pollen types belonging to 26 families, and a fungal spore, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, were recovered. Twenty-four pollen types were recovered from samples from Bolounduro and Oyun, both slightly disturbed agro-ecological areas; 14 pollen types were from the Senior Staff Quarters, a slightly disturbed agro-ecological area bordered with date palm plantation and twenty-six pollen types were from Jalala, a highly disturbed agro-ecological area. The most dominant pollen types namely Hymenocardia acida, Lannea sp., Elaeis guineensis, Alchornea sp., Vitellaria paradoxa, Entada abyssinica and Parkia biglobosa indicated that the study area was Guinea savanna. The honey samples from the slightly disturbed localities yielded pollen of open/secondary forest while those from the highly disturbed locality yielded an array of the pollen of economic plants and herbs characteristic of anthropogenic disturbance. The honey samples from all the sites showed high diversity of pollen types. Polyflora honey with high Shannon-Weiner Diversity index and monoflora with low Shannon-Weiner Diversity index were observed in all the sites except at Bolounduro where monoflora with high Shannon-Weiner Diversity index was observed.

Prevalence and predictors of Intimate Partner Violence among Women of Reproductive Age in Plateau state, North-Central Nigeria

Introduction: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is an important public health problem that affects both men and women, especially women globally. This study brings to bear, the prevalence and predictors of IPV among women of reproductive age in Plateau state, Nigeria.
 Materials and methods: An analysis of secondary data from the 2018 NDHS dataset was done. The survey collected data on a sample of women within the reproductive age group 15-49 years in Plateau State. The data set was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.
 Results: A total of 139 responded to the questions on IPV in Plateau state, more of whom are within the age range of 25-39 years (67.6%) and resided in rural areas (77%). The overall prevalence of IPV was 62.6%, that of more severe physical violence was 7.9%, 15.8% for less severe physical violence, emotional violence was 58.3% and 12.2% for sexual violence. Living in rural a rural area (OR=4.28; 95% CI=1.72-10.93), belonging to the middle/rich/richer wealth quintile (OR=0.25; 95% CI=0.11-0.59), and having a partner who has control issues (OR=2.67; 95% CI=1.32-5.38) were significant predictors of IPV. Having a non-professional job also showed higher odds of IPV but it was not statistically significant (OR=1.67; 95% CI=0.56-4.97).
 Conclusion: The prevalence of IPV among women in Plateau state was found to be high, with socio-economic status significantly predicting its occurrence. Opportunities for improving the socioeconomic status of women in the state, especially those in rural areas should be encouraged by providing better jobs and creating public awareness that would discourage IPV.

Assessment of the Implementation of Respectful Maternity Care Charter in North Central Nigeria (Federal Capital Territory and Kwara State): Study Protocol

Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) charter is one of the tools for ensuring quality of care in maternity services. Nigeria is a signatory to RMC charter; therefore, the charter is expected to be the standard of care. However, in Nigeria and other countries, reports of disrespectful maternity care abound; this discourages women from accessing facility-birth. Therefore, to improve the quality of care towards increase in uptake, it is expedient to assess the level of implementation of the RMC charter by key stakeholders for sustainability, impact and scale-up of charter-compliant maternity care in Nigeria. The study aims to assess the implementation of RMC charter in North-central Nigeria. The study is a mixed-method, cross-sectional study; the expected participants are key stakeholders in healthcare (Healthcare workers, Healthcare Administrators, Project Managers, Policy makers) in North-Central Nigeria (Federal Capital Territory and Kwara state). A multistage sampling technique would be used to enroll participants from 18 healthcare facilities (Primary, Private, Secondary and Tertiary) in rural and urban areas and Ministries of Health officials at local and state government levels. Expected outcomes: The study is expected to provide information on the current status of knowledge and implementation of the RMC charter in Nigeria. It would also identify the enablers and barriers to the implementation process and provide evidence for effective scale-up of the process in Nigeria. The outcomes will be widely disseminated to healthcare workers, health administrators and decision-makers in healthcare services through post-study meetings, conference presentations, journal publications and policy briefs for effective RMC charter implementation in Nigeria.

Impact of COVID-19 Prevention Strategies on the health of individuals living in Nabor Community in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Impact of COVID-19 Prevention Strategies on the health of individuals living in Nabor Community in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Malaria Diagnosis at the Pediatric Emergency Unit of a Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria.

Globally, there were 241 million cases of malaria in 2020, with an estimated 627,000 deaths with Nigeria accounting for 27% of the global malaria cases. In sub-Saharan Africa, testing is low with only 28% of children with a fever receiving medical advice or a rapid diagnostic test in 2021. In Nigeria, there are documented reports of over-diagnosis and over-treatment of malaria in children. Therefore, this study examined the diagnosis of malaria at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi. A 5-year (2018-2022) retrospective study was carried out at the Emergency Pediatric Unit (EPU). Records of all children presenting to the EPU with an assessment of malaria were retrieved and reviewed. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23. Out of 206 children reviewed, 128 (62.1%) were tested using either malaria RDT or microscopy while 78(37.9%) were not tested. Out of the number tested, 59(46.1%) were negative while 69(53.9%) tested positive, of which 14(20.3%) had uncomplicated malaria while 55(79.7%) had severe malaria. However, while 97.1% (n=67) of the positive cases were treated with IV artesunate, 69.5% (n=41) of those who tested negative and 88.5% (69) of those who were not tested also received IV artesunate. Moreover, while 85.5% (n=59) of those who tested positive received oral artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), 72.9% (n=43) of those who tested negative and 67.9% (53) of those who were not tested also received oral ACT. There was over-diagnosis of malaria, and subsequently, over-treatment. Hence continued emphasis on parasitological confirmation of malaria before treatment is recommended.

Pyrochlore composition and Sm[sbnd]Nd isotope signature as indicators of magmatic-hydrothermal processes: The case of Ririwai complex, north-Central Nigeria

This study presents a geochemical and SmNd isotopic study on pyrochlore from the Ririwai alkaline complex in north-central Nigeria, aiming to reconstruct the magmatic-hydrothermal history and provide insights into the formation of niobium deposit hosted in alkaline igneous rocks. Three texturally and compositionally distinct types of pyrochlore (Pcl I, II, and III) are identified. Primary Pcl I grains are enriched in Nb2O5 (mean of 60.5 wt%) and other high field strength elements (HFSE), rare earth elements (mean of 17.2 wt% REE2O3), Ca, Na, and F, suggesting that they crystallized in a Nb-rich peralkaline magma. The occurrence of patchy zoning as well as the development of microfractures and pores within these pyrochlore grains indicate two stages of hydrothermal alteration responsible for the formation of Pcl II and Pcl III. The first stage of alteration from Pcl I to Pcl II was induced by high-temperature, alkali-rich, and F-moderate fluids, leading to the removal of Na, Ca, and F while filling the vacant A- and Y-sites with K, Rb, Y, and Zn. The Nb and REE contents in Pcl III (mean of 41.3 wt% and 9.4 wt%, respectively) are lower than those in Pcl I and Pcl II (mean of 58.1 wt% and 17.3 wt%, respectively). Thereby, the second stage of alteration from Pcl II to Pcl III was related to low-temperature, Si- and Al-rich alkaline fluids, which resulted in the leaching of Nb, Ti, Th, U, and REE (mainly LREE) from the A- and B-sites, compensated by the incorporation of Si, Pb, K, Al, Fe, and Mn. The leached elements either precipitated into Nb-bearing minerals such as rutile, thorite, and zircon in alteration assemblages as an in-situ replacement of Pcl II or remobilized locally to form hydrothermal veins of Si, Al, Nb, and CO2-bearing oxides. The comparable εNd(t) values between hydrothermal Pcl II and III (−1.9 to −2.8 and − 1.5 to −3.2, respectively) and magmatic Pcl I (−2.0 to −2.6) indicate that there was only a minimal external contribution to Nd (and by analogy Nb as well) from fluids. Two-stage hydrothermal fluids in the Ririwai alkaline complex have limited effects on Nb mobilization, without significantly enhancing or reducing the Nb grade.

Radio Broadcasting and the Adaptation of Folk Media in Cultural Promotion at Select Stations of North Central, Nigeria

Purpose: This study aims to explore the utilization of folk media in Nigeria for radio broadcasting and cultural advocacy, focusing on preserving and advancing cultural heritage in Northcentral Nigeria.
 Methodology: Employing the Uses and Gratification Theory as a framework, the research utilized a mixed-method approach to gather data.
 Findings: The findings of the study highlight the importance of enhancing strategies to capture and sustain listener interest in folk media programmes. Incorporating interactive elements, storytelling techniques, or other methods to improve audience engagement is recommended to increase audience interest.
 Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study suggests that with the advancement of technology and the popularity of radio broadcasting, there is a need to explore the adaptation of folk media to this medium. This adaptation could ensure the longevity of folk media and reach wider audiences. Additionally, the study underscores the significance of utilizing folk media for cultural advocacy and recommends efforts to enhance strategies for promoting and preserving cultural heritage through radio broadcasting.

Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and associated risk factors among HIV positive women in North Central Nigeria.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is among the STDs that are known to increase the risk of HIV infection. The present study aims to determine the seroprevalence of C. trachomatis among HIV positive women in Ilorin and Offa, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Serum samples from 400 HIV positive women attending the HAART Clinic in Offa and the Ilorin General Hospital in Kwara State, Nigeria, were screened using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), utilizing the immunocomb Chlamydia IgG test kit (Calbiotech, El Cajon, CA, USA) to check for the existence of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies. Anti-C. trachomatis antibodies were present in 92 (23.0%) of the 400 HIV positive women samples. There was a higher prevalence among the age group 36-40 years. Hence, age groupings were statistically and significantly associated (p=0.001) with the seroprevalence of C. trachomatis among HIV positive women. Married HIV positive women (60.9%) had the highest prevalence of C. trachomatis, with a statistically significant association (p=0.001). There was a statistically significant association between the number of sexual partner(s) (p=0.001) and the seroprevalence of C. trachomatis among HIV positive women. The high frequency confirms the necessity for comprehensive sexual education among young adults and routine testing for anti-C. trachomatis. It reflects the endemicity of the infection in Ilorin and Offa Kwara State, Nigeria.

Factors that contribute to prolonged hospital stay after discharge among surgical patients in a tertiary hospital in North Central Nigeria

Background: Surgical practice has hospitalization of patients for surgery and treatment as an inherent part of it; after which the patients are found fit for discharge. There is however a group of patients who remain on bed even after they have been deemed fit for discharge. This study aimed to determine the number of days surgical patients classified as having prolonged stay remain in hospital after they were deemed fit for discharge and identify the reasons for this.
 Methods: Surgical patients still on bed more than 48 hours after they were discharged who consented to participate in the study were recruited.
 Results: A total of 341 patients were recruited. The mean duration of stay after discharge was 17.6± 13 days. The specialty with the highest number of patients was Neurosurgery. Lack of finance and absence of a caregiver were the causes (96.5% and 3.5% respectively). The top three suggestions by patients on how to reduce prolonged hospital stay were bill waiver for indigent patients, reduced cost of health care services and financial aid by philanthropists.
 Conclusion: The mean number of days patient remained in hospital after discharge was 17.6 days. Financial reasons and absence of a caregiver are the major reasons for prolonged hospital stay. There is a need for a multi-sectoral approach to improve enrollment in the National Health Insurance Scheme and provide social support for patients in need of care post-discharge to reduce the adverse effects of prolonged hospital stay on the hospital and patients.

Raw, Unadulterated African Honey for Ulcer Healing in Leprosy: Protocol for the Honey Experiment on Leprosy Ulcer (HELP) Randomized Controlled Trial.

Leprosy leads to nerve damage and slow-healing ulcers, which are treatable with routine therapy. There has been a recent resurgence of interest in the use of honey for the treatment of different kinds of wounds. The aim of this study, Honey Experiment on Leprosy Ulcer (HELP), is to evaluate the healing properties of raw, unadulterated African honey in comparison with normal saline dressing for the treatment leprosy ulcers. This is a multicenter, comparative, prospective, single-blinded, parallel-group, and 1:1 individually randomized controlled trial to be conducted at The Leprosy Referral Hospital, Chanchaga in Minna, Niger State, North Central Nigeria, and St. Benedict Tuberculosis and Leprosy Rehabilitation Hospital in Ogoja, Cross River State, South-South Nigeria. Raw, unadulterated honey will be used in the ulcer dressing of eligible, consenting participants in the intervention group, whereas those in the control group will be treated by dressing with normal saline. The main outcomes will be the proportion of complete healing and the rate of healing up to 84 days after randomization. Follow-up will be conducted 6 months after randomization. We aim to enroll 90-130 participants into the study. Blinded observers will examine photographs of ulcers to determine the outcomes. The recruitment of trial participants began on March 14, 2022, and has been continuing for approximately 24 months. Our study will provide an unbiased estimate of the effect of honey on the healing of neuropathic ulcers.

Determinants of child schooling in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria

Determinants of child schooling in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria

A Flipped Classroom Applied: Undergraduate Students' Perception in Mathematics

This study was designed to determine undergraduate students’ perception in a flipped Applied Mathematics classroom. A survey research design was employed to measure students’ responses after a successful seven-week deployment of the flipped model of instruction delivery at a University in North Central Nigeria. An intact class of 32 students was used for the study, out of which 21 students returned the adopted Feedback Questionnaire on Flipped Classroom Activity. Analysis of the results of the study shows a positive level of students’ perception (grand mean = 2.765) and an enriched learning experience in terms of curiosity, engagement and enlightenment. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that teachers at all levels of mathematics education should always seek instructional approaches that are student-driven like the flipped classroom to sustain interest and improve academic performance.

Mapping hydrothermal alterations and associated lineaments within Kaiama, north-central Nigeria, using Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager Data and Digital Elevation Model

This research focuses on the geological investigation of Kaiama region, which is characterized by a diverse range of rock formations, including mylonites, porphyritic granites, gneiss, schist, phyllites, and pink granites. The study employs remote sensing techniques, utilizing Landsat 8 OLI data and Digital Elevation Models, to systematically map the spatial distribution of hydrothermal alterations and tectonic structures associated with mineralization in the Kaiama area. Various image processing methods such as Color Composites, Band Rationing, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were employed to extract valuable information from the collected datasets. Utilizing Sabins band ratios (4/2, 6/7, and 6/5), we categorized alterations associated with iron oxides, clay minerals, and ferrous minerals. PCA was applied to refine the identification of alteration zones, using two distinct sets of images: H-image (comprising bands 2, 4, 5, and 7) and F-image (comprising bands 2, 5, 6, and 7), which represented iron-oxide and hydroxyl mineral deposits, respectively. The synthesis of H, F, and H+F images in RGB format provided an optimal representation of the spatial distribution of hydrothermal alterations, exhibiting a strong positive correlation with known mining regions for gold, copper, wolframite, and tantalite within the study area. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of regional lineaments revealed a consistent NNE-SSW to NE-SW correlation, suggesting a predominant control on mineralization trends. This study advocates for adopting remote sensing techniques, specifically Landsat 8 data and DEM, as an effective approach for mapping hydrothermal alterations and identifying key structural controls associated with mineralization.

Perception, interpretation, and implication of non-penile vaginal sex among young adults in tertiary institutions in Northcentral Nigeria.

Young adults in tertiary institutions engage in different sexual behaviours including penetrative and non-penetrative sex. This study explored young adults' perceptions, interpretations and implications for engaging in non-penile-vaginal sex (NPVS) in tertiary institutions of Plateau state, in the north-central Zone. An exploratory qualitative research approach was adopted. Eight (8) focus group discussions (FGDs) of singles and married males and females were conducted with seventy-nine (n=79) participants aged 18 - 30 years). Audio files were transcribed, coded, and managed using NVivo 12 software. Thematic analysis was applied to present themes and a description of key findings. Four (4) themes emerged. All groups acknowledged sexual satisfaction and improved intimacy as benefits of NPVS. The sexual orientation of people who partake in NPVS are often misinterpreted. Young adults involved in NPVS face rejection and stigmatization. Lastly, the sexual orientation misinterpretation, rejection and stigma of those who engage in NPVS is likely to be a result of the general believe that Nigeria is conservative in sociocultural values and expression.

Carriage of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius on dogs, surfaces, and personnel at University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, North-central Nigeria

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is considered a primary pathogen of canine skin and soft tissue infections, which can be found in several sites of the body, including nares, perineum-rectum, and mouth. The importance of this bacteria has brought this study to determine the carriage and antimicrobial resistance profiles of S. pseudintermedius from dogs, personnel (Veterinarians and Animal health attendants), and surfaces (door handles, examination tables, weighing scales, thermometers, drip stands and trays, floors, and refrigerators doors) at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Two hundred and ten (n = 210) swab samples were collected and continued to phenotypic bacteriologic culture identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Fifty (50) questionnaires were collected from dog owners for demographic information and other variables. The result showed that 65.7% (138/210) of S. pseudintermedius phenotypes were recovered from dogs, surfaces, and personnel. Overall, male dogs had a higher carriage of 73.3% (11/15) than females of 65.7% (23/35). The total carriage per body part was 74% (37/50) in the nasal cavity, 72% (36/50) in the perineum, and 58% (29/50) in the oral cavity. A total of dogs sampled 10% (5/50) had a history of previous surgeries within the last 6 months and 64% (32/50) of antimicrobial use for either prophylaxis or therapeutic purposes. Frequency of dog baths showed 42% (21/50) at least twice a week, while the others 58% (29/50) responded that they bathed their dogs if only necessary. All personnel revealed 100% (10/10) of S. pseudintermedius phenotypes in their nasal cavity, while 52% (26/50) of surfaces within the Veterinary Hospital were contaminated with S. pseudintermedius. Seventy-one 71% of the Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR) phenotypes, with a very high resistance to tetracycline (67.6%) and erythromycin (44.9%).

Oral hygiene practices and status of stroke patients attending an outpatient clinic in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

Background: There may be an impairment of oral self-care post-stroke which may compromise oral hygiene and health. However, there is paucity of information on oral hygiene and oral health status of stroke patients in Nigeria.
 Objective: To assess the oral hygiene and health status of stroke outpatients.
 Method: A cross-sectional study of stroke patients attending the neurology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in North Central Nigeria was conducted. Data on sociodemographic variables and oral health behaviour was obtained. Each patient was examined to determine the oral hygiene status using the Simplified Oral Hygiene index, DMFT index for the status of caries, Modified gingival index for the presence or absence of gingival disease and Modified Rankin score for functional impairment
 Results: There were 120 participants with a mean age of 60.30±13.21 years. Poor oral hygiene status was found in 29.7% while 28.8% had good oral hygiene status. The mean DMFT was 1.37±2.672. Dental caries was seen in 48/120 (40%) while 28 (23.3%) had gingival diseases. A modified Rankin score of 3-5 was independently associated with poor oral hygiene status (OR 1.367; 95% CI 1.020-1.832; p=0.036).
 Conclusion: Poor oral hygiene status is common in patients with stroke and the risk of this is higher in those with poor functional status. Oral health status should be considered in the holistic rehabilitation of stroke patients.