Northwestern Nigeria Research Articles

An Appraisal of Anaesthesia Practices for Obstetric and Gynaecologic Surgeries in a Tertiary Health Center in Zaria, North Western Nigeria

Abstract Background: Anaesthesia is a critical aspect of every surgical procedure. Various options exist depending on the type of procedure, nature and the clinical state of the patient. This study reviewed the anaesthesia practices for Obstetric and Gynaecologic surgeries at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. Obstetric and Gynaecologic surgeries performed from 1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023 were included in the study. Relevant data for the study were obtained from the anaesthesia register in the theatre. The data were analysed with SPSS 20. Results: The mean age ± SD of patients who had surgery was 32.1 ± 9.1 years. A total of 547 cases were reviewed, of which 273 (49.9%) were elective cases and 274 (51.1%) were emergency cases. Out of these, 254 (46.4%) were obstetric emergencies, 20 (3.7%) were gynaecologic emergencies, 149 (27.2%) were elective gynaecologic cases, and 124 (22.7%) were elective obstetric cases. The majority of the cases, 407 (74.4%), were American Society of Anaesthesiologists II. Spinal anaesthesia was the commonest type of anaesthesia used in obstetric surgeries 336 (91.8%), while general anaesthesia was the commonest type of anaesthesia used in gynaecologic surgeries 89 (79.5%). Senior registrars gave anaesthesia in 457 (83.5%) cases. Heavy Bupivacaine (0.5%) was the commonest agent used for spinal anaesthesia in 327(89.3%) cases, while plain bupivacaine (0.5%) was the least agent used in 39(10.7%). Propofol was the most common agent used for the induction of general anaesthesia in 72 (64.3%) cases, while ketamine was the least used agent in 40 (35.7%). Anaesthesia complications were recorded in only 24 (4.4%) of cases. The complications were recorded in 13 (54.2%) procedures done under neuraxial anaesthesia and 11 (45.8%) cases done under general anaesthesia. Cardiovascular instability was the most common complication recorded in 10 (41.7%) cases. Conclusion: Spinal anaesthesia was the most common technique of anaesthesia in Obstetric surgeries, while general anaesthesia was the most common in Gynaecologic surgeries during the period under review. Complications of anaesthesia were uncommon.

Banditry and Pragmatic Solutions to its Menace in Northwestern Nigeria

Banditry and Pragmatic Solutions to its Menace in Northwestern Nigeria

Indications and Histological Outcomes of Liver Biopsies in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Various liver disorders require histological assessment for proper diagnosis, staging, treatment, or follow-up. We determine indications and histological outcomes of liver biopsy samples. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two patients were consecutively recruited from four health centers within Sokoto metropolis over a five-year period (March 2019 to February 2023). Fifty one subjects that consented had a liver biopsy done for various indications. The tissues obtained were taken for histopathologic evaluations. Results: In the majority of the subjects, 39 (76.5%) the clinical indications for liver biopsy was Chronic viral Hepatitis infections (CVHI) while 7(13.7%) and 5(9.8) of the subjects had clinical indications of unexplained liver mass and fatty liver disease respectively. In all, fifty one subjects had liver biopsy. Histological outcomes were: Chronic Hepatitis 37 (72.5%), followed by HCC with 6 (11.8%), steatohepatitis 4(7.8%) then one subjects each for steatosis and secondary metastasis to the liver. Among the subjects with histological findings of Chronic Hepatitis majority of them either having mild necroinflammation 13(35.1%) or moderate necroinflammation 14(40.5%). Significant fibrosis was found in over 40% of the patients, with 2(5.6%) had histological conclusion of liver cirrhosis. The degree of inflammation and fibrosis from chronic hepatitis was not statistically significant between genders. Conclusions: Despite advancements made in available facilities in diagnosing liver diseases, tissue still plays a significant role in diagnosis. This is particularly so in regions with hyper- endemicity for CHBVI and low socio-economic standards.

Evaluating Flood Damage to Paddy Rice Fields Using PlanetScope and Sentinel-1 Data in North-Western Nigeria: Towards Potential Climate Adaptation Strategies

Floods are significant global disasters, but their impact in developing countries is greater due to the lower shock tolerance, many subsistence farmers, land fragmentation, poor adaptation strategies, and low technical capacity, which worsen food security and livelihoods. Therefore, accurate and timely monitoring of flooded crop areas is crucial for both disaster impact assessments and adaptation strategies. However, most existing methods for monitoring flooded crops using remote sensing focus solely on estimating the flood damage, neglecting the need for adaptation decisions. To address these issues, we have developed an approach to mapping flooded rice fields using Earth observation and machine learning. This approach integrates high-resolution multispectral satellite images with Sentinel-1 data. We have demonstrated the reliability and applicability of this approach by using a manually labelled dataset related to a devastating flood event in north-western Nigeria. Additionally, we have developed a land suitability model to evaluate potential areas for paddy rice cultivation. Our crop extent and land use/land cover classifications achieved an overall accuracy of between 93% and 95%, while our flood mapping achieved an overall accuracy of 99%. Our findings indicate that the flood event caused damage to almost 60% of the paddy rice fields. Based on the land suitability assessment, our results indicate that more land is suitable for cultivation during natural floods than is currently being used. We propose several recommendations as adaptation measures for stakeholders to improve livelihoods and mitigate flood disasters. This study highlights the importance of integrating multispectral and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data for flood crop mapping using machine learning. Decision-makers will benefit from the flood crop mapping framework developed in this study in a number of spatial planning applications.

Application of remote sensing and electrical resistivity technique for delineating groundwater potential in North Western Nigeria

Improving the living condition of residents of Palladan and Basawa community requires access to drinking water. The main objectives of this paper are to identify suitable groundwater zones for productive drilling and to assess groundwater mineralization in the coastal aquifers of the study area. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) were used in the methodology to generate the groundwater potential map. Slope, landcover/land use, lineament density, rainfall, soil cover and drainage density were taken into account to characterize the groundwater potential zones. Weights were assigned to the various parameters and their characteristics according to their impact on groundwater recharge. The groundwater potential map was classified into five zones namely: poor, fair, moderate, good, excellent. Based on the lineament density map, the distribution of these lineaments reveals the degree of porosity or permeability in each area and, consequently, its groundwater potential. Aeromagnetic data filtering permits the construction of a structural map that illustrates various geophysical lineaments that are known to be fault systems in the research area. These faults are the main routes via which groundwater seeps into the subsurface and granitoid-type magnetic rocks intrude into the basement. The research region is badly fractured/failed and made up of four lithologic units, including the aquifer layer (clayey sands in the cracked basement) with thicknesses varying from 12–55 m, according to the vertical electrical sounding (VES) applications. According to geoelectric cross-sections, the subsurface structures are made of granitic rocks that are surrounded by normal faults that trend both NW and NE. It is believed that groundwater flows into the hard rock aquifers in the studied locations through these notable geological features, such as faults and fractures. Two phenomena are responsible for the mineralization of water: a process of interaction between water and rock; and a process of salinization resulting from natural phenomena or anthropic activities. The present study could guide hydrogeological investigations and groundwater resource management planning in the study area.

Antivenom Potentials of Some Local Medicinal Plants Against Naja nigricollis Associated Envenoming in North-Western Nigeria

Antivenom Potentials of Some Local Medicinal Plants Against Naja nigricollis Associated Envenoming in North-Western Nigeria

Configuration Reversal Effect on Earth Resistivity Measurements in Parts of Birnin Kebbi, Northwestern Nigeria

An approach involving forward and reverse effects on earth resistivity measurements was carried out in some selected sites in the Birnin Kebbi area of Gwandu Formation Northwestern Nigeria. The primary objective of this research work was to investigate the relationship between the principle of reversibility of current, the potential difference in measuring earth’s resistivity, and determining the depth of penetration for various probes. Because of shallow, deep, and very deep penetration used to measure resistivity in both locations, a Schlumberger array with half of the maximum current electrode spacing (AB/2) of 70 m was used to measure a total of sixteen (16) depth-sounding data in a randomly distributed manner. An Excel chart of (x, y) scattered data was used to automatically interpret the apparent resistivity data after the field was examined and interpreted using IPI2win. To compare the apparent soil resistivity of two switches and how it’s impacted by the depth of the soil moisture contents, a series of measurements were made as part of this study. The collected results demonstrate how soil resistivity varies with depth and spacing, which guides the development of earthen protection plans for the worst-case scenarios. Based on the kind of soil and moisture content, it was found that resistivity varies. Reverse resistivity switch is higher than forward switch resistivity. According to the suggested design, there are 4 to 6 different forward switch circumstances that call for different numbers of earth electrodes.

Airway Smooth Muscles Relaxant and Mast Cells Stabilizing Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Used in Managing Asthma in North-Western Nigeria

Airway Smooth Muscles Relaxant and Mast Cells Stabilizing Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Used in Managing Asthma in North-Western Nigeria

Knowledge of epilepsy surgery: A survey among medical doctors in Nigeria

BackgroundEpilepsy surgery has been shown to significantly improve the quality of life of patients with drug resistant epilepsy. Despite this, epilepsy surgery remains remarkably underutilized in Nigeria. There are high misconceptions about epilepsy and its management among physicians and trainees. MethodsThis study aims to identify knowledge gaps in epilepsy surgery among medical doctors in Nigeria and factors associated with their level of knowledge of the procedure. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 566 medical doctors in Nigeria, at different levels of post-graduate training (House officers, Medical officers, Resident doctors and Consultants). An online survey with a 24-item questionnaire adapted from a standardized pro forma was utilized. Binary and multiple logistic regression were used to identify associations between the independent variable and outcome variable (good or poor knowledge) ResultsMajority of the respondents were medical officers (post-intern physicians) comprising 65.7 % of the participants. Significant predictors of poor knowledge included being a medical officer [P=0.006], working in north-central [P=0.017] and north-western Nigeria [P=0.045], seeing less than 20 epilepsy patients per month [1–10 patients, P=0.015; 11–20 patients, P=0.011], and enrolment in online epilepsy course [P=0.004]. ConclusionComprehensive education and awareness about epilepsy surgery are important in overcoming the knowledge gap and improving access to care.

Patterns and outcomes of Emergency Pediatric Unit admissions in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto State, Nigeria: a five-year review

Children are susceptible to illnesses that often require urgent medical attention, with attendant high mortality rates, especially in resource-constrained settings. Periodic audits in tertiary care facilities can guide preventive and therapeutic policies. The aim was to determine the admissions pattern and outcome over five years in the Emergency Paediatric Unit (EPU) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, a major tertiary facility in North Western Nigeria. This was a retrospective study between January 2017 and December 2021. The admission records of children aged >1 month to 15 years were retrieved, relevant information extracted, and entered into a study proforma. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. There were 6088 admissions. Under-fives constituted 4448 (73.1%), and males were 3558 (58.4%). The median age was 24.0 months (Interquartile Range, IQR, 12, 60). Top admissions were severe malaria (1100; 18.1%), acute diarrhoeal disease (631; 10.4%), Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) (624; 10.2%), pneumonia (547;9.0%), Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) (438;7.2%), febrile convulsions (421;6.9%), pharyngotonsillitis (402;6.6%) and sepsis (398;6.5%). Total discharges were 2483 (40.8%), 2635 (43.3%) were transferred, and mortalities were 679 (11.2%). Case fatality rates of the top admissions were sepsis (19.6%), SAM (19.4%), severe malaria (13.7%), pneumonia (10.6%), febrile convulsions (5.0%), acute diarrhoeal disease (4.9%), pharyngotonsillitis (2.5%) and SCD (2.1%). SCD was the most common non-infectious morbidity and responsible for most re-admissions. Malaria was the top cause of mortality in all age groups except infancy, where sepsis and pneumonia predominated. In conclusion, malaria and other infectious diseases accounted for most admissions. Non-communicable diseases, like SCD, also constitute significant morbidity. Hence, policymakers need to scale up targeted preventive measures.

Molecular Characterization of Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes Circulating Among Individuals in Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria

Molecular Characterization of Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes Circulating Among Individuals in Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria

Endoscopic and Histologic Findings in Oesophageal Masses in a Tertiary Hospital Northwestern Nigeria: A Five Year Review

Endoscopic and Histologic Findings in Oesophageal Masses in a Tertiary Hospital Northwestern Nigeria: A Five Year Review

The changing contours of insecurity in Katsina: A threat assessment

Threats from armed bandits and kidnappers in Northwestern Nigeria are in different forms. The landscape of security challenges has changed since 2016, with the intensive war against Islamic insurgents in Northeastern Nigeria called Boko Haram has changed the contours of security challenges in Nigeria. The manifestation of different security threats has been on the increase and the armed bandits have continued to wreak havoc on communities and highways in different parts of Nigeria. The security challenge is now a hydra-headed monster, which if one head is cut, another head will develop in Nigeria. This article has assessed the current security situation and challenges that beleaguered some States in the Northwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria with a particular interest in Katsina State. The researcher evaluated secondary data on the performance of security personnel deployed to the conflict-affected areas in Katsina, State. The assessment covered January to June 2024. However, the data are classified information hence the identity of the personnel and persons who divulged the information cannot be revealed in line with the principles of anonymity in research ethics. The findings found that some of the armed groups in parts of Katsina State are kidnapping people to remove some vital organs from their bodies and sell them to those who traffic human organs. Based on the assessment, the affected Local Government Areas in Katsina State are categorized into four (4) based on the severity and magnitude of kidnapping, cattle rustling and ransacking of villages. Drawing from the findings, the researcher has developed policies and strategies to address the changing contours of security challenges in the affected areas and Nigeria. As a tradition in threat assessment, the researcher has provided policy recommendations to achieve or implement the policies and strategies. The activities of the armed bandits and organ traffickers portend a grave danger now and in the future as many people would be involved in the business of human organs due to their lucrative nature. The government should develop strategies that will enable the rural communities not to be vulnerable to attacks from armed bandits. Armed groups who kill and kidnap residents at will for ransom and organ trafficking if not tamed will recruit new foot soldiers hence aggravating the situation. Addressing security threats can be achieved by deploying enough security personnel at the border between the Niger Republic and Nigeria. Security personnel should deploy electronic scanners and long-range cameras to monitor and arrest the influx of foreign and domestic dealers in human organs and weapons for appropriate punishment.

Application of high-resolution aeromagnetic data for structural frame work of Zamfara Basement Complex, North Western Nigeria

Application of high-resolution aeromagnetic data for structural frame work of Zamfara Basement Complex, North Western Nigeria

Awareness and practice of breast cancer screening methods among women in an urban area of North-Western Nigeria

Awareness and practice of breast cancer screening methods among women in an urban area of North-Western Nigeria

A Ten-Year Review of Neonatal Tetanus Seen in a Tertiary Health Facility in Sokoto North-Western Nigeria: Before and During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Background: Neonatal tetanus (NNT) remains among the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality among neonates in Nigeria. Nigeria remains among the countries carrying the global NNT burden. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have predicted that the pandemic will significantly impact on the health system globally, and low-resource countries where vaccination programs fared even worse are likely to see a surge in vaccine-preventable diseases during and after COVID-19 pandemic. Aims: To determine the prevalence, yearly trend, risk factors, and outcome of NNT cases seen in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria over a ten year period: before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a retrospective study. Data was retrieved from all the case notes of neonates admitted with a clinical diagnosis of NNT into the SCBU of the UDUTH, Sokoto from 1st January, 2013 to 31st December, 2022. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: During the 10 years period of the study, NNT accounted for 0.4% of admissions. The majority 15(57.0%) of the mothers of the neonates with NNT were from rural areas, 15(56.0%) had no antenatal care (ANC), and only 10(37.0%) of the mothers received vaccination against tetanus. All the mothers were from lower socio-economic classes. Most 17(63.0%) of the neonates were delivered at home by traditional birth attendants. The umbilical cord was the portal of entry in 26(96.0%) of cases, while 1(4.0%) followed traditional uvulectomy. Cord care was done using hot water fermentation in more than half of the neonates 17(63.0%), while only 1(4.0%) of the mothers used chlorhexidine gel for cord care. The case- fatality rate was 6(22.0%). the yearly trend showed an increased incidence of NNT admissions in 2022. Conclusion: The study showed that NNT is still a public health problem, with an increased scourge during the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be tackled through health education of mothers via mass media, improving the quality and access to ANC services, tetanus toxoid vaccination, hospital delivery and avoidance of traditional uvulectomy particularly in rural areas by the Sokoto state government. Antenatal and vaccination services should be given priority in response to future pandemics to sustain gains of the SDG 3.

Environmental Sanitation – A Therapy for Healthy Living for Sustainable Development. A Case Study of Argungu Township Kebbi State, North Western Nigeria

Environmental sanitation is the principle and practice of creating healthful and hygienic conditions in the environment to promote public health and welfare, improve quality of life and ensure a sustainable environment. However, environmental sanitation which remains a catalyst for achieving healthy living has been neglected in most developing countries. In Nigeria, it is common to see people defecating in the open. The ugly side of this is that street gutters are left untidy and filled with dirt, and marketplaces are covered with waste and discarded items. Worrisomely, the story remains the same in rural places where there is hardly any proper waste management technology. All types of waste are dumped into nearby bushes and forests while human faeces are discharged into streams and rivers from which people obtain their water. This is what motivated the researchers to investigate the level of sanitation in Argungu Township in Kebbi State. Data for this study was collected through a structured al interviewing method. The total number of households in five (5) metropolitan wards as contained in the national immunization house listing schedule is 16, 594. However, a systematic sampling method was applied to arrive at the sample. After every count of fifty households, one household was selected making a total of 313 households for the research. The study revealed that people have neglected the sanitation of their environment. In Conclusion, the study recommends the use of a community participation model of sanitation which outlines the role expected by each individual toward ensuring a free and hygienic environment.

Dental auxiliaries’ knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding noma prevention: A cross-sectional study in Northwestern Nigeria

Objective: The objective is to evaluate dental auxiliaries’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices for the prevention of noma disease. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over 6 months. After obtaining ethical clearance from the Sokoto and Zamfara State Ministries of Health, all consenting dental assistant staff who met the selection criteria were administered a validated questionnaire containing 17 questions assessing the respondents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices. They were recruited using a self-administered questionnaire. The overall score was classified as “low” if the average score was 50% or less (50% or less), satisfactory (51%–69%), or good (70% or more). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20 software. Results: A total of 149 respondents returned the questionnaire, of which 80 (53.7%) were men and 69 (46.3%) were women. The mean ± standard deviation age of respondents was 27.37 ± 7.00 years, with a range of 20–58 years. The age of respondents was divided into four groups, and the majority of 112 respondents (75.2%) were in their 30s. The majority of respondents, 141 (94.6%), know about the prevention of noma disease. The total respondent score was 1827 points (72.1%), which was evaluated as “good.” Conclusion: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental auxiliaries in the field of noma prevention are good. Dental auxiliaries, if supervised and appropriately trained, can play a role in noma prevention by actively participating in and disseminating information on specific preventive measures such as scaling and polishing.

Integrated geophysical Investigation for gold mineralization potential over southern parts of Kebbi state and its Environs, northwestern Nigeria

The potential zones of gold mineralization were identified in this study using aeromagnetic and aero-radiometric methods. The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) provided half-degree airborne magnetic and radiometric datasets covering the southern part of Kebbi State. Magnetic data were subjected to first vertical derivative (1VD), total gradient amplitude (TGA), total horizontal derivative (THD), source edge detection (SED), center for exploration targeting (CET), Euler deconvolution (ED) and source parameter imaging (SPI) to identify favourable structures to gold mineralization. Aero-radiometric data delineation of the region of hydrothermal alteration zones through the K/eTh ratio, K_deviation, F_parameters, and Ternary image analyses were successful. The results of the magnetic data techniques revealed the regions of major structures/or lineaments with gold mineralization attributes, trending in the NE to SW directions and the SE to NE parts of the study area. The depth to the structures of the magnetic source hosting gold mineralization was less than 5 m using algorithm ED and SPI techniques. Normalized radiometric data showed the area of anomalously high and moderate hydrothermal altered zones. The region's designation as a gold field is supported by major fault lines observed on the 1VD, a sequence of bristle fractures from the CET analysis, and high values of K_deviation and F_parameter, all of which are were visible on the Ternary images. The integrated results revealed zones of major structures and hydrothermal regions of gold fields at Agwara, Western Magama, Rijau, Fakai, Bukkuyum, and Borgu in the SE of the study area.

Pattern of Complications of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a potentially serious disease because of its complications. The use of antibiotics has played a significant role in the management of CSOM and its complications, and this has made otitic complications increasingly infrequent, but they are still encountered, and early recognition of clinical symptom of a complicated CSOM and prompt treatment helps to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with complicated CSOM. Complications in chronic ear disease usually follow an acute exacerbation of infection. This has resulted in a more therapeutic challenge because the underlying ear disease must be effectively treated to avert the recurrence of complications. Aim/Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, pattern, and mortality of complications due to CSOM, which is still a major health challenge in our society. Materials and Methods: A 10-year retrospective review of clinical records of patients who were diagnosed as having CSOM with complications at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto, from January 2012 to December 2021. Data extracted were: age, sex, clinical symptoms, investigations, complications encountered, treatment, and treatment outcome. Data were analyzed with IBM-SPSS Version 25.0. The complications of CSOM in this study were classified into two major categories: intracranial complications (IC) and extracranial complications (EC). Results: A total of 3970 patients with CSOM were seen in UDUTH Sokoto during the study. Forty-six patients with complications were identified, 32 (69.6%) intracranial, and 22 (47.8%) extracranial. Eight patients had both intracranial and EC. The prevalence of complications in this study was 1.2%. The male-to-female ratio was 2:1. The age ranges from 3 to 50 years with a mean age of 21.13 ± 11.73 standard deviation complications were most common among the age group of 21–30 years with 15 (32.6%) patients. Meningitis was the most common intracranial complication occurring in 15 (32.6%) patients, and subdural abscess 7 (15.2%) was the second-most common IC. In the EC, mastoiditis was the most common complication found in 17 (37.0%) patients. Conclusion: With the advent of modern and more potent antibiotics and aggressive surgical eradication of the disease, recent literatures have indicated a decline in complications of CSOM. However, morbidity and mortality are still high, and complications of CSOM still occur as a common disease in our environment. A delay in diagnosis and treatment of IC can lead to increase morbidity and mortality.