Northwest Nigeria Research Articles

Interactive Education Promotes Cervical Cancer Preventative Practices in Northwest Nigeria: Interactive Education Promotes Cervical Cancer Preventative Practices in Northwest Nigeria

Interactive Education Promotes Cervical Cancer Preventative Practices in Northwest Nigeria: Interactive Education Promotes Cervical Cancer Preventative Practices in Northwest Nigeria

KNOWLEDGE EVALUATION OF MOSQUITO CONTROL PRACTICES WITHIN THE CENTRAL REGION OF JIGAWA STATE, NORTH-WEST NIGERIA

In order to mitigate and manage life-threatening mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, Dengue, and lymphatic filariasis, both socio-demographic factors and the collective vector control knowledge within the community are pivotal. Hence, the objective of the current study is to evaluate the awareness and understanding of mosquito control practices in specific communities located in Jigawa State, North-west Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 60 structural questionnaires were distributed in the three selected communities. In each village, 20 questionnaires were randomly shared and captured information on Demographical characteristics, House characteristics, Use of mosquito net etc. Among the 60 respondents, only 17(28.3%) of the respondents were participating in community sanitation, majority of respondents 56(93.3%) were found to keep water at home. However, usage of long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs) on daily basis were recorded significantly highest 48(80%). We therefore recommend promotion of the significance of environmental sanitation as a primary measure for controlling mosquito-borne diseases among them.

Optimizing primary healthcare experience: assessing client satisfaction in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria

BackgroundClient satisfaction is a multidimensional construct focusing on clients’ perceptions and evaluations of the treatment and care received. It is one of the factors affecting the outcomes of healthcare and the use of health services. Therefore, we aimed to assess clients’ satisfaction with PHC services in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria.MethodologyA cross–sectional descriptive study was conducted in Kaduna State, Northwest, Nigeria which evaluate the satisfaction of clients and caregivers accessing healthcare in PHC centres. A sample size of 217 was determined using Fisher’s formula, with a multi-stage sampling technique used to randomly select eligible respondents, who have accessed at least a PHC service in any of the PHCs in the State were included in the study, A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered, and the data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Appropriate statistical tests were used to examine the association between dependent and independent variables, while predictor variables that showed significant association with the outcome variables were further subjected to logistic regression analysis, to determine factors that affect clients’ satisfaction with PHC services. Statistical significance was determined at an alpha level set at 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval.ResultsThirty-one percent of the respondents were satisfied with PHC services in Kaduna State with a mean composite satisfaction score of 3.78 ± 0.67. Age, ethnicity, level of education, and occupational status were factors affecting clients’ satisfaction with PHC services among the respondents. On multivariate analysis, age, ethnicity, educational status, and occupational status were significant factors affecting clients' satisfaction with PHC services. Clients of Hausa/Fulani extraction are one and a half times less likely to be satisfied with PHC services when compared to clients from other tribes [aOR = 1.5, 95% CI (1.21–4.67); p = 0.003]. In terms of educational status, clients with formal education are one and a one-third times more likely to be satisfied [aOR = 1.3, 95% CI (0.17–0.94)] with PHC service when compared with their counterparts with informal education (p = 0.034).ConclusionClients’ satisfaction with PHC services in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria was sub-optimal. Healthcare providers were recommended to improve their attitude bearing in mind clients’ peculiarities.

Cattle logic and capital logic: the recalcitrance of transhumance in the establishment of private grazing lands in North West Nigeria

Livelihoods associated with transhumance cattle production are increasingly decimated and threatened by serious loss of human lives due to increasing competition for resources as driven by cattle logic and capital logic, thus the plan and drive for livestock transformation have been subjected to the recalcitrance of transhumance in Nigeria. This study examined cattle farmers’ willingness and attitude towards the establishment of private grazing lands in Sokoto State Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 457 cattle farmers from 10 Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, from which data were collected through a structured questionnaire and subjected to frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation, Probit regression, and Principal component analysis. The results revealed that cattle farmers have unfavorable attitudes and are unwilling to establish private grazing lands. The determinants of cattle farmers’ willingness and attitude to the establishment of grazing lands overlap and include age (t = 1.97; p < 0.05); marital status (t = -11.35; p < 0.05); educational level (t = -2.73; p < 0.05); credit amount (t = -44.56; p < 0.05); source of credit (t = -5.01; p < 0.05); herd composition (t = -2.20; p < 0.05); attitude (t = 8.82; p < 0.05) and constraints (t = 1.97; p < 0.05). The Principal Component Analysis extracted factors are Factor 1 (Resource utilization), Factor 2 (Environment concerns), Factor 3 (practice suitability), and Factor 4 (cattle productivity) and accounted for 21.59%, 6.93%, 6.20%, 5.35% of the variance respectively; with a cumulative 40.06% variance. These results affirm Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity with a value of X2 = 1991.43, p = 0.00, and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy of 0.835. It is recommended that a clear distinction of logic for curtailing transhumance which is responsible for farmer-herder conflicts be established and limitations of cattle movements defined within their immediate surroundings.

Shadow of death: the criminal economy of banditry and kidnapping in northwest Nigeria

Shadow of death: the criminal economy of banditry and kidnapping in northwest Nigeria

Personal-Level Disposition as Predictors of Infant-Survival Skills among Nursing Mothers in Selected Primary Health Care Facilities in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Background information: Infant mortality is a major public health concern worldwide, especially in developing countries. It was reported that 5.2 million children die before the age of 5 years annually, and 47% of these deaths occur in sub- Saharan Africa alone. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 3, aim to reduce under-five mortality to as low as 25 per 1000 live births by 2030. To achieve this goal, interventions that address the underlying factors contributing to infant mortality are necessary. Maternal health, including maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices, is a crucial factor influencing infant survival, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study investigated the Personal-level Disposition Factors Influencing survival skills among Nursing Mothers in Selected PHCs in Nigeria.  Methodology: The study design adopted for this research project was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from 120 respondents who were conveniently selected from two primary health care facilities in Sokoto state with a semi- structured questionnaire (83% reliability). Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools.  Result: The results show that all female participants had similar characteristics at a full glance at some areas. The mean age of respondents was 28.32±6.49 years with an age range of 19 to 41 years of age. The Knowledge responses were grouped on a scale and the results showed that most of the respondents had a high level of knowledge regarding infant survival skills. The overall motivation score was moderate. There were significant correlations (at p &lt; 0.05) between knowledge level (R = -0.201), Motivation (R = - 0.170), and Behavioural skills.  Conclusion: The report suggested that there should be an aggressive use of peer educators to expand rural health workers in areas with poor adoption of good health interventions, and low immunization coverage in Northwest of Nigeria.

Utilization Potentials of Endangered Savannah Tree Species in North-West Nigeria

This study evaluated the utilization potentials of some endangered savannah tree species in north-west Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed. Three Local Government areas were selected, from which 36 villages were selected. A structured questionnaire was administered to 360 respondents and ten respondents were randomly selected in each village. Data obtained were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the collected data. Most (38%) were in the 30- to 39-year-old age range. The majority sex was 100% male, 75% were married and had a family size of at least one to ten people per home. 69% of the respondents have completed formal schooling. (65%) were primarily farmers and (49%) had inherited land. Sixty-five percent of the farms were smaller than one hectare. (40%) had been farmers for an average of 21–31 years. Most farmers (100%) utilized trees as boundary demarcation, 98% as shade and 93% as medicine and wind control. However, 99% utilized trees for medicine. The predominant tree families include Fabaceae, Combretaceae, Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Caeselpiniaceae. The most familiar tree species were Azadirachta indica, Adansonia digitata, Parkia biglobosa, Lawsonia inermis, Mangifera indica, Vitellaria paradoxa, Tamarindus indica, Jatropha carcus, Diospyros mespiliformis and Acacia nilotica used to treat and cure various ailments and diseases for optimum benefits.

Bathymetric survey and volumetric analysis of Bakolori dam reservoir North West Nigeria

Many approaches have been devised for measuring water depth in bathymetric surveys, which are used to assess sediment deposited directly in lakes and reservoirs. This technique is mostly used to calculate the reservoir's capacity and the amount of sedimentation that occurs there. The results of the volumetric analysis and bathymetric survey of the Bakolori Dam reservoir, which is situated in Northwestern Nigeria, are presented in this work. During this investigation, the differential Global Positioning System receiver (GPS), automatic level measuring tool, echo-sounder, and engine boat were utilized. ArcGis 10.0 was used to analyze the acquired data. In order to evaluate the reservoir capacity loss during the Bakolori reservoir's operating period as of 1983, the designed computed reservoir capacity was compared with the current bathymetry survey. At a spillway crest elevation of 334 meters above mean sea level (amsl), the reservoir's initial capacity is reported as 430 million cubic meters (MCM). However, the capacity has since been revised to 291 meters at the same level, with a volume change of 139,269,495 m3. As a result, the reservoir's volume changed by approximately 139 MCM during a thirty-five (35) year period of service, representing a loss of storage capacity, while the annual siltation rate was around 3,979,128 m3/a. This indicated that 33% of the reservoir's storage capacity had silted up. This is demonstrated by the aquatic weeds that have grown to a height of 334.21 meters on the lake's surface, rising from the lakebed. Therefore, to prevent total siltation, the dam reservoir needs to be adequately dredged.

Socio-economic burden of sickle cell disease on families attending sickle cell clinic in Kano state, northwestern Nigeria

This study aimed to assess the socio-economic impact of sickle cell disease (SCD) on families of patients receiving care at the SCD clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano, Northwest Nigeria. The research adopted a descriptive cross-sectional approach, involving the participation of 273 individuals selected through a multi-stage sampling method. Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews and subjected to analysis using SPSS software. The study achieved a 100 % response rate, with 84 % of the participants being females. The average age of the participants was 35.1 ± 8.6 years, and a significant proportion (79.9 %) reported a monthly income of thirty thousand naira or less. The findings of the study revealed that SCD had a notable social impact, affecting 93.5 % of participants occasionally and 5.8 % most of the time. Furthermore, a substantial financial burden was experienced by 54.2 % of respondents most of the time and 45.1 % occasionally. The research also highlighted the significant influence of SCD on guardians' employment status, income levels, time spent in hospitals, medical expenditures, and overall quality of life. These findings underscore the considerable social and financial challenges faced by guardians of SCD patients. Study results supports prioritizing affordable healthcare access for families affected by SCD to alleviate the burdens they face.

Spectrum of carotid arterial Doppler abnormalities among stroke patients at a tertiary care centre in North West Nigeria.

Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide. It also represents one of the most common causes of disability, affecting both children and adults. The identification of risk factors for stroke is critical in preventing its occurrence. Carotid atherosclerosis is one of the most significant risk factors of stroke, yet it is not routinely evaluated in these patients. We prospectively recruited 119 patients aged ≥18 years with stroke confirmed by computed tomography scan. The risk factors for stroke in these patients were identified, and carotid artery Doppler was performed to identify those with atherosclerosis. Eighty-one (68%) of the 119 subjects showed abnormalities in the carotid arteries in the form of increased IMT or atheromatous plaque. The mean ± SD IMT of the right common carotid artery (CCA) was 1.07 ± 0.25 mm and 1.08 ± 0.26 mm for the left CCA. The IMT mean ± SD of the right and left ICA were 0.99 ± 0.18 mm and 0.99 ± 0.17 mm, respectively. There were 36 patients (30.2%) with atheromatous plaques, of which 57.8% were unstable and liable to rupture. The carotid bulbs were the most common sites for plaques, accounting for 47.2% of cases. No abnormalities in velocimetric indices were recorded. Carotid atherosclerosis is common in stroke patients and is a major risk factor. The evaluation of stroke patients for carotid atherosclerosis is rarely done, as most of the subjects examined only had it for the first time in this study after development of stroke.

Triad of violence: evolution and dynamics of conflict, terrorism, banditry and armed groups in northwest Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study is hinged on the theoretical framework of co-existence, convergence, cooperation and competition. It discusses the nature of interaction among armed groups, and their violent activities in northwest Nigeria. The determinants of the connections include geography, recruitment strategy, opportunities for mutual exchange of logistics and co-creation of violence. Bandits are outbidding ethno-religious militias, Ansaru, ISWAP, Boko Haram and herdsmen, and have committed 84% of recorded violence in the region from 2010 to 2022. This study highlights the implications of increasing footprints of armed groups and provides the imperatives for state response to protracted violence in northwest Nigeria. It concludes that the socio-economic problems that allow proliferation of armed groups and violent activities to fester must be addressed by the state. Even if ramped-up security responses turn northwest Nigeria into a police state, violence will continue until poverty, social inequality, injustice and gross failure of governance are tackled.

Application of Modern Technology in Aggressive Crime Deterrence and Control: A Study of Kidnapping, Armed Banditry and Displacement of People in North West Nigeria

Application of Modern Technology in Aggressive Crime Deterrence and Control: A Study of Kidnapping, Armed Banditry and Displacement of People in North West Nigeria

Frustration–Aggression Nexus in Framing the Expanding Banditry Economy in Northwest Nigeria: Evidence From Communal-Level Perception in Zamfara State, 2011–2024

Recent studies on armed banditry in Zamfara have commented on climate change, weak security infrastructure, and setbacks in socio-economic developments. The communal-level issues in the threat such as farmland allocation, vigilantism, and local intelligence provision have largely remained understudied. This study exploits the gap to explain armed banditry. A mixed method of data collection and qualitative descriptive method of data analysis were adopted. Using frustration–aggression analysis as explanatory tool, the paper concludes that wholesale farmland transaction, rudimentary communal vigilantism, and bandits’ concealed alliance formation with some traditional leaders for intelligence and benefits sharing are key factors that aided banditry. Tackling these three basic communal-level banditry nuances requires absolute political will to re-assess and implement the extant policies on grazing reserves and pastoralist mobility.

Educational Insecurity in Northwest Nigeria

This paper examines the profound impact of banditry and kidnapping on the educational landscape of Northwest Nigeria. The region, which historically had been slow in its appreciation for formal education has, in the last two decades, been encouraged to embrace studentship through concerted efforts by government and private investors. However, this development has suffered premature death as the region has witnessed a surge in violent activities, particularly targeted at educational institutions and students. Using the qualitative method of research, this study illuminates the ways in which banditry and kidnapping have grievously disrupted the educational sector. The findings reveal a disturbing pattern of attacks on schools, abduction of students and teachers, and destruction of educational infrastructure. These incidents have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, leading to widespread school closures and a significant decline in student enrolment. Moreover, the psychological trauma inflicted on the victims, including survivors and their families, has had lasting effects on the pursuit of education. The paper also explores the socio-economic consequences of disrupted education, including limited access to learning opportunities, reduced human capital development, and a weakened social fabric. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security measures, community engagement, and policy interventions to safeguard educational institutions and ensure the right to education for all children in the region. This study serves as a clarion call for concerted efforts by government agencies, civil society organizations, and the international community to address the complex challenges posed by banditry and kidnapping in North-western Nigeria. Restoring a safe and conducive learning environment is imperative for the region’s socio-economic development and the realization of the fundamental right to education.

Assessment of depressive symptoms among post stroke patients attending a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Background: Post Stroke Depression (PSD) occurs in a significant number of patients and constitutes an important complication of stroke, leading to greater disability as well as increased mortality. This study examined depressive symptoms among post stroke patients attending neurology clinic in a tertiary hospital in Northwest Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 83 stroke survivors. Participants were administered socio-demographic, clinical characteristics pro-forma questionnaire and depression subscale of the Hospital and Anxiety Depressive Scale (HADS). Results: The 83 participants recruited for study had a mean age of 56.8 years (s.d. = 10.2) and 62.7 % were female. Majority (60.2%) had formal education, 83.1% were employed, and 73.5% were married. Overall, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 34.9% while 2.4% were rated as having severe depressive symptoms. Unemployment, having disabilities and post stroke complications were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The presence of depressive symptoms among stroke patients supports the need to consider routine screen for psychiatry morbidity among patients with medical condition that causes disabilities. Disability has been identified as the main predictor of depressive symptoms. In view of this, psychosocial evaluation and intervention should be integrated into clinical care of stroke patients for early detection of depressive symptoms.

Psychiatry as a career choice: determinants of attraction towards psychiatry among final year medical students in a Nigerian university

Background: Despite an increase in the overall number of medical students, the shortage of psychiatry trainees in Nigeria and worldwide reflects diminishing interest in psychiatry among medical students. The study examined the degree and factors influencing attraction towards psychiatry as a career choice. Method: A cross-sectional study of 71 final-year medical students who enrolled at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto State (UDUS), Northwest Nigeria between 2006/07 and 2013/14 academic session were interviewed in 2021 while in 600 level. The questionnaires were adapted from similar studies. Results: The ATP-30 revealed a high prevalence of negative attitudes towards psychiatry, the degree of preference for psychiatry as a career option was classified as low and high. Almost half (47.9%) of the participants had a low degree of preference for psychiatry as a career choice. Most (92.9%) of the participants rated job satisfaction (p&lt;0.001) and intellectually challenging (86.7%) (p&lt;0.001) poorly, as negative influences for not being attracted towards psychiatry as a career choice. A low proportion (8.5%) of the participants selected psychiatry as their most preferred area of specialization. Generally, the majority (85.7%) viewed psychiatry as not attractive. Among the participants, the majority perceived psychiatry as unattractive. Students' misconceptions about job satisfaction and the negative view of not being intellectually challenging were the associated factors for the negative views towards psychiatry. Conclusion: There is a need for strategy and policy to promote interest in psychiatry early in medical school and residency programs as recommended by the World Psychiatric Association.

Banditry’s Toll On Tomorrow: Exploring the Consequences on Youth in Northwest Nigeria

In recent years, the northwest region of Nigeria has experienced a surge in banditry activities, leading to profound repercussions on local communities. This paper aims at examining banditry’s toll on tomorrow, with a focus on the consequences on the youth in northwest Nigeria. The method adopted for this research is the qualitative method of investigation which tends to emphasize the description, meaning, and understanding of the phenomenon being studied. It relies on questioning and observation in the effort to discover or generate a profound understanding of the phenomenon or situation under investigation. This qualitative research uses a paradigm interpretive approach (naturalistic), which tries to understand the phenomenon from the subjective experiences of individuals. The study discovered that banditry has multiple consequences (economical, political, social, cultural, religious, etc) on the youth in Northwest Nigeria. The paper recommends that, despite the challenges posed by banditry, efforts can be made to promote resilience and develop coping strategies among youths in the Northwest, Nigeria. This may involve implementing psycho-social support programs, trauma-informed teaching practices, and community-based interventions to address the psychological impact.

Analysis of Women Entrepreneur Involvement in Livestock Farming in North West Nigeria

Analysis of Women Entrepreneur Involvement in Livestock Farming in North West Nigeria

INPUT AND OUTPUT LEVELS OF IRRIGATION PROGRAMMES FOR VEGETABLE PRODUCERS MANAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND FARMERS IN NORTH WEST NIGERIA

This study examined the level of vegetable production and estimate their production efficiency in North West Nigeria. In order to achieve this, a sample size of 360 vegetable farmers from Jigawa (110), Kano (137) and Katsina (113) States were randomly selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. The data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview scheduled. The tools of analysis include descriptive statistics and Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production model. The results of the production efficiency analysis showed that seed and labour significantly influenced the level of production of tomato, pepper and onion at 1% level of probability. There was also a strong correlation between the level of production and the type of irrigation scheme thereby confirming the variability in the level of vegetable production across government managed irrigation scheme (GMIS) and farmers managed irrigation scheme (FMIS). The significant deviation from the expected maximum level of production efficiency was impacted by the presence of technical inefficiency which in turn was determined by a number of factors On average, farmers under GMIS and FMIS were 64% and 67% technically efficient in tomato production, 81% and 69% technically efficient in pepper farming and 69% and 78% technically efficient in onion cultivation, respectively. The most important determinants of allocative inefficiency in vegetable production were the age of the household head, farming experience, type of irrigation scheme and the soil properties. On average, vegetable farmers under GMIS and FMIS were 85% and 65% allocative efficient in tomato production, 76% and 74% allocative efficient in pepper farming and 77% and 81% allocative efficient in onion cultivation, respectively. Consequently, it was derived that, on average, vegetable farmers under GMIS and FMIS were 55% and 50% economically efficient in tomato production, 64% and 50% economically efficient in pepper farming and 53% and 64% economically efficient in onion production, respectively. It was concluded that vegetable farming system under GMIS is more efficient and sustainable than FMIS, judging from efficiencies parameters. Inputs such as labour, seed and fertilizer were inelastic with respect to output, hence, farmers are encouraged to be train by extension agents in order to determine the most appropriate rate of inputs to use.

Assessment of Wind Resource and Its Energy Potential in Three States of Northwest Nigeria

The growing need for clean energy to address the environmental issues caused by the usage of fossil fuels results to the need for Nigeria to develop an alternative energy from untapped wind which is in abundance in the region. The aim of this study is to evaluate wind power potential and wind energy resources of three locations (Kaduna, Kano and Katsina) of northwestern part of Nigeria. The Nigerian Meteorological agency (NIMET) provided the wind speed data spanning 25 years (1996-2020). In the analysis, Weibull two-parameter statistical model was used. The distribution of wind speed across Nigeria demonstrates that some areas in the North are equipped to generate wind. Microsoft excel was used in analyzing the wind speed data obtained. In addition, evaluation of the region’s wind energy resources shows that Kano recorded the highest potential, with WPD of 443.03 Wm-2 at 10m AGL with annual WED of 4.921 kWhm-2day-1 while Kaduna recorded the lowest potential of 198.43 Wm-2 with annual WED of 2.093 kWhm-2day-1. As a result, Kaduna is found to be ideal for small scale wind power generation, while Kano and Katsina may be suitable for large scale wind power generation.