State North Central Nigeria Research Articles

The Relationship between Intimate Partner Violence and Postpartum Depression in a North-Central State of Nigeria

Postpartum depression affects 10-15% of women in the immediate post delivery period. It has adverse effects on the family and her members. There are trigger factors that contribute to the development of depression among mothers. These factors; when identified and addressed, present an opportunity in reducing the prevalence of postpartum depression and its adverse effects on the family. Hence, the objective of the study was to study the relationship between Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Postpartum Depression (PPD) among women in Federal Medical Centre Makurdi. This was a cross-sectional study of mothers who presented with their children at the immunization clinic. Three hundred and thirty postpartum women were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. PPD and IPV were assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and the HITS (Hit, Insult, Threaten and Scream) scale respectively. The results showed that the mean age of participants was 28±5years. The prevalence of PPD was 27.6% while that of IPV was 22.4%. A statistically significant relationship was demonstrated between IPV and PPD (χ2 = 143.15, p < 0.0001). The prevalence of PPD and IPV were high, affecting approximately a quarter of postpartum women in Makurdi. IPV contributes to the development of PPD (OR=35.35, CI=17.39-71.87). Hence the need for screening of these conditions by physicians. Appropriate prevention modalities against IPV could curb postpartum depression and its effects on the family.

Understanding and Overcoming Barriers to Small Business Growth: Nigerian Evidence

Purpose: This study sought to understand the barriers hindering the growth of small businesses in Nigeria, and to investigate the various strategies small business owners and managers develop to overcome these barriers.
 Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research design using in-depth, semi-structured, face-face interviews was utilized to obtain the barriers to growth as well as strategies developed to overcome them by 15 sachet water company managers in Minna, the capital city of Niger State in North Central Nigeria.
 Findings: The major internal barriers to growth identified included unmotivated employees, lack of modern machinery, lack of storage capacity and poor marketing and distribution strategies, while the major external barriers included weather conditions, poor electricity, bad roads and competition. Strategies to overcome these barriers included creating a family atmosphere, hiring more workers, using alternative power and forming a union to control prices.
 Research limitations/implications: This study was limited to 15 sachet water companies in Minna, Niger State, so it is difficult to generalize the findings to other states and to other industries.
 Practical implications: The results of this study will be beneficial to several stakeholders: sachet water companies in Minna and beyond, other SMEs as well as policy makers. For sachet water companies in Minna and beyond, by understanding the various strategies which the interviewed managers use to overcome their internal and external challenges, a diffusion of learning will occur, whereby other sachet water company managers can inculcate some of these effective strategies into their own operations. As for other SMEs, some of the identified barriers will also be the same ones they face. The strategies the interviewed managers use to overcome these challenges can also provide guidance for these SMEs. Finally, by clearly identifying the barriers hindering the growth of these sachet water companies, this study provides policy makers with clear guidance on what policies need to be instituted to help these SMEs overcome their challenges and contribute their quota to the growth of the Nigerian economy.
 Originality/value: By utilizing semi-structured interviews in surveying the 15 sachet water managers in Minna, Niger State, this study overcomes the weakness of the vast majority of prior studies which utilized questionnaires. The major disadvantage of adopting questionnaire to measure attitudes and perception is that, respondents will be denied the opportunity to air out their views about the subject matter.

Treatment compliance and retention in care among out-patient clients in a tertiary health institution in plateau state North Central Nigeria.

Background:Compliance with prescribed treatment and retention in care are key components in the management of chronic diseases which is vital in averting the long term complications that could arise from such conditions. Failure to comply with treatment recommendations is often associated with poor retention in care. In view of this, this study was conducted to determine the level of treatment compliance and retention in care among patients with hypertension and diabetes in Jos University Teaching Hospital.Methods:This was a cross sectional study conducted among 290 eligible respondents between September and November 2017 using quantitative method of data collection. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis with adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval used as point and interval estimates while p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The mean age of the respondents was 54.5±13.1 years with 43.8% of the respondents found to have satisfactorily complied with prescribed treatment while 117 (40.3%) were uninterruptedly retained in care within the last 6 months’ clinic appointments prior to the study.Conclusions:This study has demonstrated the levels of compliance with treatment and retention in care bringing to bear the need to provide structured interventions targeted at attaining improvement in compliance with treatment and retention in care among individuals on long term care.

Impact of Fadama III programme on the income of tuber farmers in north central states of Nigeria: double difference estimator approach

This study examined the impact of Fadama III programme on the income of tuber crop farmers in north central States of Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to; describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, determine the impact of Fadama III programme on the income of participants and identify the challenges faced in root and tuber production in the study area. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 934 farmers. Primary data were collected on socioeconomic variables; input – output level of participants and non-participants using structured questionnaires and interview schedules. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, net farm income model and double difference estimator. The results shows that age, family size, farmers’ level of education, farm size, farmers’ farming experience and extension contacts were the socio-economic factors identified and described in the study area. The mean age was 22 years and 34 years respectively for participants and non-participants respectively. The result reveals that the mean farming experience was 23 years and 22 years respectively for participants and non-participants respectively. Similarly, the mean years of education of participants and non-participants were 8 years and 9 years respectively. The mean years of cooperative membership was 7 years and 6 years respectively. The mean farm size of participants and non-participants was 2.6 hectares and 1.50 hectares respectively. About 10% and 8% participants and non-participants of the Fadama III root and tuber crop farmers were singles, 61% and 68% of the participants and non-participants were married, 0% and 11% of participants and non-participants were divorced, and 29% and 11% were widowed. The mean household size of participants and non-participants was 10 persons each. The average number of contacts for the Fadama III root and tuber crop participants was approximately 2 with a standard deviation of 0.76, while that for the non-participants was approximately 1 time. The net farm income (NFI) for Fadama III programme root and tuber crop participants and non-participants before programme intervention were ₦268,195.04 /Ha and ₦287,768.09 /Ha respectively, while the net farm income after the programme intervention were ₦639,584.75 and ₦511,515.40/Ha for participants and non-participants respectively. The double difference figure of 298779.86, F-chow statistic shows that Fadama III root and tuber crop scheme had impact on the participants’ income. The problems encountered by the farmers in the study area are high cost of input, limited finances, bad roads, low produce prices, inadequate fixed inputs, and poor marketing practices, high cost of labour, poor storage facilities, insufficient water and shortage of fertilizer. The study recommends that farmers should be advised through the Agricultural Development Programme in the north central states on resource allocation and management in other to enhance increased net farm income.Keywords: Impact, Fadama III, Income, Tuber crops, Double Difference Estimator

Analysis of The Relationship Between Income Inequality snd Poverty Prevalence in Selected North Central States of Nigeria: 1991 – 2013

Poverty in Nigeria has been described as pervasive owing to the fact that the nation has witnessed a persistent increase in poverty level over the years despite various poverty alleviation programs. More so, it has been argued that income inequality is a manifestation as well as strong cause of poverty. The study therefore analyses the empirical relationship between income inequality and poverty prevalence among households in selected North Central States in Nigeria. This study employed survey method supported by time series data using regression analysis A representative sample of 600 respondents was planned for the survey in order to have at least 462 households responding. The result shows that dependency ratio, level of calorie intake, poverty per head counts are important factor influencing the level of poverty prevalence. Hence the study observes a substantial correlation between income inequality and poverty prevalence in the studied North Central Nigeria. The study therefore recommends a deliberate policy of reducing income inequality through equitable distribution of income and acceptable revenue sharing formula, need to campaign against large family size, providing subsidy and credit facilities for farmers and artisans true co-operatives, overhauling existing poverty alleviation programme and finally instituting good governance in every sphere of government activity which is a sine-qua-non for poverty reduction.

Manifestation of Income Inequality and Poverty Prevalence in Selected North Central States of Nigeria

<p><em>Poverty in Nigeria has been described as pervasive owing to the fact that the nation has witnessed a persistent increase in poverty level over the years. More so, there has been a renewed and growing concern about poverty and income inequality due to their negative implications for both economic growth and social peace. In Nigeria, the twin issues of poverty and inequitable income distribution present a paradox. This is because, though the country is rich in land, human and natural resources, yet 70 percent of Nigerians are still considered poor with low per capital income. More so, it has been argued that income inequality is a manifestation as well as strong cause of poverty. The study therefore analyses the empirical relationship between manifestation of income inequality and poverty prevalence among households in selected North Central States in Nigeria. This study employed survey method using structured questionnaire. A representative sample of 600 respondents was planned for the survey in order to have at least 462 households responding. However, the study has 501 household respondents representing 84 percent success rate. The result shows that 84 percent households believe that income inequality is a major determinant of poverty in Nigeria and 76 percent also agreed that poverty occur most in rural area than urban areas. It was found that a disproportionate share in income across divide would exacerbate poverty among rural dwellers particularly farmers, artisans, and traders. The study therefore recommends a deliberate policy of reducing income inequality so as to reduce the incidence of poverty especially among the rural dwellers.</em><em></em></p>

Knowledge and practice of methods of malaria prevention among nursing and midwifery students in Plateau state North Central Nigeria

Background: Malaria affects 3.3 billion people in 106 countries and territories of the world. In spite of the fact that malaria is treatable and easily preventable, it still remains a big health threat to lives in many communities globally but most especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.In Nigeria, malaria is a major public health problem, where it contributes significantly to cases of hospitalization and deaths annually. Prevention and control of malaria remains the veritable pathways to addressing this scourge. However, human element poses significant challenge towards achieving this. Hence this study was conducted to determine the knowledge and practice of methods of malaria prevention among students in Nursing and Midwifery College in Plateau State North central Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 153 nursing and midwifery students using quantitative method of data collection. Result: The mean age of the respondents was 22.0 3.6 years with majority (80.4%) of the respondents being females. Good knowledge of malaria prevention was found among 111 (73.2%) of the respondents while 102 (66.7%) of the respondents engaged in good practice of malaria preventive methods. Conclusion: This study revealed a relatively good level of knowledge of malaria prevention with a slightly lower level of practice. In view of this, it is imperative to further study the factors that influence the practice of malaria preventive method among this population and proffer practicable strategies for sustaining the knowledge of malaria prevention as well as improving its practice.

Assessment of knowledge and practice of standard safety precautions among Primary Health Care Workers in Plateau State North Central Nigeria

Background: Standard safety precautions are the basic level of infection control precautions which are to be used, as a minimum, in the care of all patients. The control of spread of pathogens from any source is key in avoidance of transmission among health care worker.The practices of standard safety precaution helps to protect the patient by ensuring that the health care workers does not transmit infectious agents to the patients through their hands or equipment during patient care.Hence, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of standard safety precautions among Primary Health Care workers in Plateau State.Methodology: A cross sectional study conducted among 50 primary health care workers from 30 publicly owned Primary Health Care centers using quantitative method of data collection. Epi info statistical software version 3.5.4 was used for data analysis with a 95% confidence interval was used in this study and a p-value of ? 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Result: The mean age of the respondent was 34.5 9.9 years with more than half of the respondents, 28 (56.0%) as females. Most 34 (68.0%) of the health care workers had good overall knowledge of Standard Safety Precautions. Good practice of Standard Safety precaution was found among 39 (78.5%) of the respondents. Prior attendance of training had statistically significant influence on the respondents practice of standard safety precautions (odds ratio 12.9; p = 0.005).Conclusion: This study has demonstrated a reasonable good level of knowledge and practice of standard safety precaution among health care workers at the primary level care though with significant need for improvement in order to attain full compliance.

Technical efficiency in rice ecologies of north central Nigeria: Implications for national self-sufficiency

The quest for national self-sufficiency in rice production in Nigeria has been on for several years, with various government regimes putting different policies and programs in place in order to achieve this. A large proportion of the rice produced in Nigeria comes from the north central part, with Niger State being the second largest rice producing state in north central Nigeria. The study was carried out to examine the technical efficiency and its determinants within the rice ecologies in north central Nigeria. Through the multi-stage sampling technique, one hundred and fiftyone farmers were sampled for the study. Two mini-ecologies were identified within the lowland rice ecology in the study area, namely, River Basin Authority Catchment area (RBAC) and Non River Basin Authority Catchment area (NRBAC). Differentials in rice output were determined with the Chow test while the stochastic frontier production approach was employed to determine the technical efficiency on the individual farms. There were variations in output between the mini-ecologies, while rice output was significantly influenced by farm size, quantities of fertilisers, labour and herbicides used in rice production. Average technical efficiency measures were 70.9 and 93.6% for the identified mini-ecologies namely River Basin Authority Catchment area (RBAC) and Non River Basin Authority Catchment area (NRBAC). Variables such as extension visits and level of commercialisation had significant effects on the observed variations in technical efficiency among the rice farmers. Results indicate that there is a considerable scope for increased efficiency to meet current national rice demand. Keywords: Output differential, Stochastic frontier production

Sources of information and finance for women shea butter producers in north central states of Nigeria

Sources of information and finance for women shea butter producers in north central states of Nigeria

Understanding Internal Accountability in Nigeria's Routine Immunization System: Perspectives From Government Officials at the National, State, and Local Levels.

Background: Routine immunization coverage in Nigeria has remained low, and studies have identified a lack of accountability as a barrier to high performance in the immunization system. Accountability lies at the heart of various health systems strengthening efforts recently launched in Nigeria, including those related to immunization. Our aim was to understand the views of health officials on the accountability challenges hindering immunization service delivery at various levels of government. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview immunization and primary healthcare (PHC) officials from national, state, local, and health facility levels in Niger State in north central Nigeria. Individuals were selected to represent a range of roles and responsibilities in the immunization system. The questionnaire explored concepts related to internal accountability using a framework that organizes accountability into three axes based upon how they drive change in the health system. Results: Respondents highlighted accountability challenges across multiple components of the immunization system, including vaccine availability, financing, logistics, human resources, and data management. A major focus was the lack of clear roles and responsibilities both within institutions and between levels of government. Delays in funding, especially at lower levels of government, disrupted service delivery. Supervision occurred less frequently than necessary, and the limited decision space of managers prevented problems from being resolved. Motivation was affected by the inability of officials to fulfill their responsibilities. Officials posited numerous suggestions to improve accountability, including clarifying roles and responsibilities, ensuring timely release of funding, and formalizing processes for supervision, problem solving, and data reporting. Conclusion: Weak accountability presents a significant barrier to performance of the routine immunization system and high immunization coverage in Nigeria. As one stakeholder in ensuring the performance of health systems, routine immunization officials reveal critical areas that need to be prioritized if emerging interventions to improve accountability in routine immunization are to have an effect.

UTILIZATION OF LANDSAT-8 DATA FOR LITHOLOGICAL MAPPING OF BASEMENT ROCKS OF PLATEAU STATE NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract. This paper utilized the Landsat-8 image data to map the lithology’s of Plateau state north central Nigeria. This is includes the rocks, with particular emphasis on their description and classification. We are living in geologic times and sciences that provide adequate knowledge of the natures of what we live on so as to preserve and have means of sustaining human life. Plateau State is covered by four scenes of Landsat Data, and to describe the lithology’s, each scene was processed to produce images. Two different false colour composite images of Landsat-8 (FCC 7, 5 and 3 and BR composites) in RGB were generated and used for the production of 1:100,000 geological map of the study area. The identification of predominant biotitic granitic rocks was revealed and that are distributed along the Jos-Bukuru complex and underlying almost half of the entire state. Moreover, the other rock complexes such as basalts and rhyolites volcanic rocks were also discriminated. This study indicates that Landsat-8 image data has great capability to discriminate lithological units and the production of up-to-date geological maps at regional scale and could be applicable in other regions of the African continent.

Serological Detection of Infectious Bursa Disease Virus Antibodies in Domestic Birds in North Central States of Nigeria

Serological Detection of Infectious Bursa Disease Virus Antibodies in Domestic Birds in North Central States of Nigeria

Income generation from shea butter production by women in North Central States of Nigeria

Abstract The study assessed women involvement in shea butter production in the shea growing areas of the north central states of Nigeria by specifically examining their socio-economic characteristics, ascertaining their income generation and their level of control over the resources used. Data were collected from 193 respondents from Niger and Nasarawa States of Nigeria using questionnaire and interview schedule method and analyzed using descriptive (frequency distribution and percentages) and inferential statistics (t-test). Results revealed that most respondents had between 1 -5 years’ experience in shea butter production, were married, illiterate, young (30 - 39 years), with family size of 5 – 7 persons and did not belong to any farm association. They had significant control over resources such as mortar/pestles and bags/threads used in shea butter production since most of these were purchased by them. Their major finance source was personal savings (69.1%). Respondents principally carried out direct marketing or sales (99.5%). The average output (shea butter) was 3,691kg per annum. Average income of all respondents was about N795,772 but about N43,031.0 individually. T-test results revealed that respondents’ average output in Nassarawa State (2582.47kg) was significantly (t = 2.00; p<0.050) lower than that in Niger (4811.75kg) State. Niger State respondents earned significantly (t = 8.18; p<0.050) higher income ( N47,861.86) than Nassarawa State respondents ( N38,958.33). The study recommends among others that the women groups should be should be linked to microfinance institutions to increase their access to finance, trained on shea butter production process in order to improve their competence.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antibodies in pregnant women in Anyigba, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria

Background : Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health concern. The aim of this study was to ascertain the seroprevalence and risk factors of HCV antibodies among pregnant women in Anyigba, Kogi State North Central Nigeria. Materials and methods :Blood samples (5mls) were collected from one hundred and thirty consenting pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Grimad hospital and eighty non-pregnant women from the out-patient clinic were screened for the presence of HCV antibodies. This was done by Skytech diagnostic laboratory rapid strip (USA) and confirmed by ELISA method. Results: Out of 130 pregnant women 9(6.9%) were confirmed to be positive to HCV antibodies. Also out of 80 non-pregnant women of the same age group, used as control, 4(5.0%) were positive. Conclusion : A prevalence rate of 6.9% calls for urgent attention by policy makers and healthcare providers to begin massive enlightenment of this problem. All pregnant women should be screened for early detection. Keywords : Hepatitis C Virus, Pregnancy, Screening, Transmission.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitism of swine in a North Central State of Nigeria

Objective: Swine production is one of the most popular and promising livestock production industries in many parts of Nigeria. It prides itself in contributing to the supplementation of the overall national protein intake, gainfully engaging the citizenry in the industry and generating foreign exchange to the nation through export of produce and products. However, the swine production industry in Nigeria faced with religious and cultural constraints as well as several infectious diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in swine in the North Central State of Nigeria. Materials and methods: A total of 920 pigs comprising of 874 (95%) and 46 (5%) foreign and indigenous breed of pigs respectively were investigated in this study. Quantitative Mcmaster egg-counting technique was used for counting eggs of parasites. Semi-structured questionnaires was used to generate demographic data during October 2014 to March 2015. Results: Fifty five percent pigs were found to be positive for Hyostrogylus rubidus, while Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis and other unidentified eggs were present in 23, 17 and 5% pigs, respectively. ‘Red Stomach Worm’ infection in swine was the highest parasitic burden observed as compared to other parasites. Spreading of infection within sexes had a P value of >0.5. Conclusion: The prevalence of parasites in pigs obtained in this work is a consequence of improper husbandry measures and irregular veterinary medical intervention.

Serological Detection of Infectious Bursa Disease Virus Antibodies in Domestic Birds in North Central States of Nigeria

In this present study, bacteria were isolated from soil obtained from oil contaminated mechanic site in Enugu. Out of the 206 forming colonies, 16 colonies were selected based on observable morphological differences and screened for crude oil degraders. Out of the 16 isolates, 11 isolates were assumed to be degraders because they formed maximum clear zones on mineral salt media. At the end of 14 days incubation, 14 out of the 16 isolates degraded the crude oil ranging from 5% to 60%. Isolate 1, 5 and 14 had the highest percentage degradation of 60%, followed by isolate 13 with 50% degradation. Isolate 3 was the least degrader with 5% degradation while isolate 2 and 16 were not able to degrade the crude oil. An attempt to identify the isolates was done by sequencing the 16s rRNA gene of the isolates using DNA sequencing technique. Isolate 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 were identified as Escherichia coli, Streptococcu anginosus strain SK52, Lactobacillus spp. G12, Bacillus cereus strain ABc17, Paracoccus spp. KF89 and Lactobacillus spp. G22 respectively. However, isolate 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 did not produce any result. This study shows that microorganisms isolated from a non native crude oil contaminated site can be utilized for bioremediation. Key words : Bioremediation, 16s rRNA gene, DNA sequencing, Biotechnology

Sero-positivity and associated risk factors for contagious bovine pleuropneumonia under two cattle production systems in North Central Nigeria

A cross-sectional survey of 765 cattle in 125 nomadic and 375 cattle in 125 sedentary herds was conducted to investigate prevalence and risk factors for contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in the two production systems of Niger State in North Central Nigeria, between January and August 2013. Data on herd characteristics were collected using structured questionnaires administered on herd owners. Serological analysis was conducted using competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) test. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate statistical analyses were conducted with OpenEpi version 2.3.1 software. Statistical significance was held at P < 0.05. CBPP sero-prevalence in nomadic cattle was 16.2% (confidence interval (CI) 13.7-19.0) and 9.6% (CI 6.9-12.9) in sedentary cattle. The overall cattle-level sero-prevalence for two the cattle production systems was 14.0% (CI 12.1-16.1). Age and agro-ecological zones were significantly (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) associated with sero-positivity to Mmm in nomadic production. Agro-ecological zone C had the highest sero-prevalence (25.3%, CI 20.2-31.0). No significant cattle factors were detected in sedentary production. Factors significantly associated with CBPP occurrence at herd-level were contacts with other herds during grazing (P < 0.001) and at watering points (P < 0.001). Others were introduction of new cattle into herd (P < 0.001), outbreaks of CBPP in an area (P < 0.001), socio-cultural factors of cattle gifts and dowry payment (P < 0.001), herd composition of keeping cattle and small ruminants together (P < 0.001), and long trekking during migrations (P = 0.0009). This study had shown the burden of CBPP in the two production systems. Sero-diagnosis and risk factor identification should be institutionalized as elements of epidemio-surveillance and control strategies for CBPP, especially in resource-poor pastoralists' settlements in Nigeria.

Evaluating Self-Efficacy Expected of Polytechnic Engineering Students as a Measure of Employability

In the face of increasing unemployment partly due to decreasing employability skills of Nigeria polytechnic students, many graduates of Nigeria polytechnic have a dwindle self-efficacy. 420 HND 2 polytechnic engineering students in north central states of Nigeria were surveyed. Data were collected using questionnaire consisting of 4 Likert-type statements. Student’s self-efficacy was measured by asking students to rate themselves from 1 (“No confidence”) to 4 (“Complete confidence”).The self-efficacy of engineering students in Nigeria polytechnic were examined using mean and standard deviation. The mean score for Self-appraisal, Occupational Information, Goal selection, Planning and Problem solving are as follow (3.32), (2.97), (3.28), (3.082) and (3.012) respectively with self-appraisal scoring higher than the others. These findings enhance our understanding of the importance of self-efficacy in the development of employability skills of polytechnic engineering students in Nigeria, more importantly self-appraisal had the highest mean score. The practical implication is that the teaching style will have to shift from being teacher-centred leaning to student-centred learning in order to address and accommodate the need of student’s self-efficacy. Key words: Self-efficacy; Employability; Employability skills; Nigerian polytechnics; Engineering students

Assessing the challenges of access to housing finance in the north central states of Nigeria

Assessing the challenges of access to housing finance in the north central states of Nigeria