Northwest Nigeria Research Articles

Analysis of Online Academic Writing Tools Usage among Postgraduate Students in North-west Nigeria

This study investigates the usage of online academic writing tools and reference management software among postgraduate students in North-west Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, with a sample of 420 doctoral students from four regional universities. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reveal that Google Docs and Authorea are the most widely used online tools for academic writing and collaboration, followed by Overleaf and OneNote. Surprisingly, Microsoft Office 365 showed lower adoption rates. Regarding reference management software, Mendeley and Zotero emerged as the clear favourites, with EndNote and Citavi also showing significant usage. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in the use of online tools for academic writing and collaboration and the types of reference management software used among postgraduate students. These differences could be attributed to individual preferences, institutional recommendations, or varying levels of technological literacy. The study contributes to understanding digital literacy and technology adoption in higher education in developing countries. It provides valuable insights for educational institutions, policymakers, and software developers to support postgraduate students' academic endeavours. Recommendations include implementing digital literacy programs and developing standardized sets of recommended tools to enhance research productivity and collaboration among doctoral students in North-west Nigeria.

Silent Casualties of Armed Conflict: Violence Against Women and Girls by Bandits in Northwest Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the dynamics of violence against women and girls (VAWG) by bandits in northwest Nigeria through qualitative and quantitative research methodology. The study notes women and girls are disproportionately targeted for various reasons: diminishing presence of the state in maintaining order, and the propensity of the bandits to punish or exploit the communities through the instrument of coercion. The paper concludes that efforts to eliminate, neutralize and disrupt (END) VAWG in the context of banditry in northwest Nigeria must embrace four strategies the peacebuilding approach, security-sector reform, development, social support and strategic health care delivery to victims.

Socio-economic evaluation and technical efficiency of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) production in North-West Nigeria: A parametric approach

This aim of study examined socioeconomic evaluation and technical efficiency (TE) of soybean (Glycine max) production with a parametric approach in North West, Nigeria. The multistage sampling method was used to select 160 soybean farmers. Primary data were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the stochastic production efficiency frontier model (SPEFM). The result shows that the mean age of a soybean farmer was 46 years. Soybean production was profitable with an estimated Gross Margin and Net Farm Income of 899,237.80 and 824, 468.22 Naira respectively. The Gross Margin Ratio and Rate of Return on Investment was calculated at 0.583 and 1.15 respectively. The significant socio-economic factors that increase the TE of soybean production include household size, age, years of experience, level of education, members of cooperatives, and number of extension contacts. The mean TE scores of soybean farmers was 53.77%, leaving a gap of 46.23% for improvement. This study recommends that credit with single-digit interest rates should be made available to soybean farmers.

COMPARATIVE STUDIES IN STOMATAL ATTRIBUTES OF FICUS SPECIES GROWN IN ZARIA, NORTHWEST NIGERIA

Leaves stomatal characteristics are basically the most commonly used characters in taxonomy and phylogenetic studies in plants. This study was conducted to compare stomatal attributes of eight different Ficus species obtained from Zaria, Northwest Nigeria. Leaves of Eight different species of Ficus: Ficus natalensis, F. glomosa, F. religiosa, F. elastica, F. polita, F. platyphylla, F. capensis, and F. sycomorus were used for the study. The stomatal characters were observed and measured using standard microscopic procedures during both the dry and rainy seasons. More so, the stomatal sizes of each Ficus species were measured using an ocular and stage micrometer. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with fifty (50) replications. Data obtained was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Duncan's New Multiple Range Test applied to separate significant means at 5% level. The result obtained revealed significant variations (P≤0.05) in stomatal sizes and number among the species of Ficus at the two different seasons. Stomatal sizes in Ficus elastica were larger than those of all other Ficus species studied during dry and wet seasons (50.24 µm and 46.43 µm in length and 43.25µm and 35.43 µm in breadth) respectively. However, the highest number of stomata (47 stomata) during the dry season was recorded for Ficus sycomorus with F. natalensis having the highest number of stomata during the wet season (45 stomata). These findings inferred that, the species of Ficus grown in Zaria differ in stomatal size and number indicating their delimitation into separate species

Food safety through the eyes of rural market vendors in northwest Nigeria

Traditional food markets are critical for ensuring access to nutritious foods in low- and middle-income countries but are often overlooked as key intervention points to mitigate the risks associated with foodborne hazards. To date, there has been little investigation into how food safety risk perceptions among rural market vendors influence food safety-promoting behaviors. Focusing on Kebbi State in northwestern Nigeria, we first conducted a rapid appraisal of food markets to identify the similarities and differences between rural and non-rural markets, clarifying the context in which food safety-promoting behaviors are performed and for which interventions targeting food safety behavior change might be designed. Then, a qualitative ethnographic examination of food safety risk perception (FSRP) and food safety-promoting behaviors among rural market vendors was conducted to further understand the extent to which perceived risk drives behavior, relative to other factors. The study revealed that rural markets have distinct features that warrant context-aware interventions, but also identified shared characteristics that may be relevant for improving vendor behaviors across the rural-urban continuum. The ethnographic study found evidence for a strong link between FSRP and food safety-promoting behaviors, but discovered that FSRP works as a behavioral driver in conjunction with other factors. In particular, whether and how vendors acted on FSRP was significantly moderated by their perceptions of their customers’ priorities. This analysis highlights the specific constraints faced by rural vendors, and points to the potential utility of FSRP for influencing behavior change in rural market settings and beyond in low- and middle-income country settings.

Case Finding and Management of Childhood Cataracts: The Role of a Child Eye Health Programme in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

To evaluate the output of a child eye health programme in terms of identification, referral, and volume of paediatric cataract surgeries in Kaduna State, Nigeria. This was a retrospective review of the North-West Nigeria Child Eye Health Initiative programme referral registers at primary, secondary and tertiary hospitals in Kaduna State. Theatre registers of children 0-16 years who had cataract surgery at National Eye Centre Kaduna between 2016 and 2019 were also reviewed. Information on numbers of children, age, sex, laterality of cataract and programme status were summarised as frequencies, percentages and mean ± standard deviation. The initial 2 years of the programme (2018-2019) were compared with the 2 years (2016-2017) preceding them. Between January 2018 and December 2019; primary health workers screened 41,552 children and referred 2,316 (5.6%). Of those referred 1772 (76.5%) presented at one of three zonal secondary hospitals where nurses identified 492 (27.8%) with leukocoria using torchlights and referred them to the tertiary hospital. At the tertiary hospital, 364 (74.0% of 492) attended and 262 (72.0% of 364) were confirmed to have operable cataracts after dilated slit lamp examination by ophthalmologists. Between 2016 and 2017 (pre-programme years), 201 children had cataract surgery compared to 352 in 2018 and 2019 (programme years) of whom 239 (67.9% of 352) were beneficiaries of the programme. The proportion of girls who had cataract surgery declined from 39.8% to 35.0%, while mean age increased from 5.7 ± 4.2 years to 7.5 ± 4.1 over 4 years. More children with unilateral cataracts (214 [60.8%]) presented during the programme years (Fishers exact test, P = 0.004), whereas unilateral cataract (207 [60.2%]) was significantly more common in males than females (Fisher's exact P = 0.017). The programme has resulted in improved case detection of childhood leukocoria at primary eye care level. additionally, the eye health referral system in Kaduna State has been strengthened with increasing numbers of children accessing services: majority boys, older children, and unilateral cataracts.

Etiologic Pattern, Severity, and Outcome of Pericardial Effusion Among Children Seen Over Ten Years at a Tertiary Hospital in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria.

Pericardial effusion (PE) is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, which, if severe, is associated with high mortality. The causes are diverse, including infective and non-infective. Few studies have looked at the spectrum of severity and causes in Northern Nigeria. The aim was to determine the spectrum of causes and severity of pericardial effusion, as well as the outcome among children seen at the Paediatric Cardiology Unit, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. This ten-year retrospective study reviewed the echocardiographic and admission records of children admitted to the Pediatric Cardiology unit, UDUTH, Sokoto, from January 2014 to December 2023. Data on age, gender presentation, diagnosed causes, and outcomes were extracted and entered into a study pro forma. Cases with pericardial effusion were 121. Of these, 79 (65.3%) were male and 42 (34.7%) were female (M:F = 1.9:1). The mean age of all cases was 8.2±4.3 years, and 72% (87/121) were aged 5 years or older. Eighteen (14.8%) had severe effusion and cardiac tamponade, 42 (34.7%) had moderate effusion, and 61 (50.4%) had mild effusion. Infective causes were 91 (75.2%) and included rheumatic heart disease (30/121, 24.8%), tuberculosis (28/121, 23.1%), and dilated cardiomyopathy (15/121, 12.4%), while non-infective causes were 30 (24.8%) and included congenital heart disease (14/121, 11.6%), pulmonary hypertension (7/121, 5.8%), and connective tissue diseases (4/121, 3.3%). Five had open tube pericardiostomy, and 10 had percutaneous echo-guided drainage. Two cases with sepsis were positive for microbial growth, and two cases of tuberculous effusion had chronic inflammation on pericardial biopsy. Outcomes differed by underlying cause, with mortalities mainly from rheumatic heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. In the study area, preventable infective causes of pericardial effusion predominated with higher mortality. Males and older children had more severe effusions. More efforts at prevention would be beneficial in this regard.

Banditry and human security in Nigeria: Assessing the amnesty implemetation in the North-West region

ABSTRACT Existing studies on banditry in Nigeria have blamed it on bad governance, ungoverned spaces and a failed state thesis among others. However, little academic discourse has been conducted to cover the gap between amnesty implementation for bandits and how it undermines human security in North-West Nigeria. While predominant bandit-ridden states in the region have opted to grant amnesty to repentant bandits, against the federal implementation of a more kinetic approach, this strategy seems to have failed to tackle rising banditry and its attendant threat to human security. Adopting a descriptive qualitative research and anchoring it on the fragile state theory, the paper argues that the failure of amnesty stems from the transactional nature of the programme, born out of the complicity of state representatives and bandits, which consequently was unable to prevent the so-called ‘repentant bandits’ from returning to crime. As a result, the amnesty failed to tackle the persistent bandit attacks and associated humanitarian crisis. While the finding of this paper queries the way and manner the amnesty was implemented, it recommends adopting a strategic kinetic approach with strict rules of engagement that will be clearly spelt out and adhered to by the parties involved.

Depressive symptoms and determinants among people who inject drugs in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) are known to have higher rates of mental health disorders, particularly depression. Despite this, there is a lack of research on the prevalence of depression among PWID in Nigeria.Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their determinants among PWID.Setting: The study was conducted in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria where a needle and syringe programme (NSP) for PWID was recently initiated.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among PWID using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured interviews and digitalised questionnaires covering socio-demographics, depression symptoms (PHQ-9) and perceived social support (MSPSS).Results: A total of 525 participants were included in the study, with the majority being males (73.3%) aged 24–35 years (54.5%). The study revealed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among PWID, with 47.4% reporting major symptoms. Predictors of depression identified among PWID included older age, female gender, divorce, unemployment, having primary education and moderate social support.Conclusion: The study underscored a concerning prevalence of depressive symptoms among PWID, notably linked to diverse sociodemographic factors, emphasising the need for holistic, context-specific mental healthcare approaches for this population.Contribution: This study contributes to the limited research on the mental health of PWID in Nigeria. It highlights the need for targeted mental health interventions that consider the unique sociodemographic characteristics of this population.

Application of Combined Geoelectrical Techniques for Groundwater Exploration at Federal University Gusau, Zamfara and its Environ, Northwest Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt Integrated approach combining Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Natural Electric Field (NEF) method, and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) is used to delineate groundwater potential in the study area. The results revealed that the water bearing aquifers in the study area are fractured basement layers at varying depths between 15 and 105 meters. This research provided a robust framework for groundwater exploration in arid and geologically complex terrains. Full Abstract The area of study is currently facing an acute water shortage due to the dominant lithological framework that underlies the region and its fragile climate condition. As such, this study aimed at unearthing the groundwater potential of the area using a combined three geoelectrical techniques. Techniques such as Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Natural Electric Field (NEF) method, and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) were employed in the delineation of the groundwater potential of the area. Using an ABEM SAS-4000 Resistivity meter and a PQWT-TC150 water-detector equipment, respectively. Wennar array was employed for the conduct of ERT while Schlumberger configuration was used for VES data collection. The measured apparent resistivity value was inputted into RES2DIV software and subjected to an inversion process to generate the resistivity structural image of the subsurface. However, IP2WIN software was used for the VES data interpretation. The result of the ERT method revealed two to three geoelectrical resistivity layers: an overburdened layer of topsoil/laterite with resistivity values ranging from 6.86 Ωm to 1095 Ωm and thicknesses of 1-13 meters, a weathered/fractured basement layer, interpreted as the aquifer unit, with resistivity values between 28.7 Ωm and 345 Ωm, and thicknesses ranging from 6 - 30 meters; and a fresh/slightly fractured basement layer with resistivity values from 367 Ωm to 6899 Ωm. NEF method revealed the thickness and depth of the aquiferous layer across the six profile lines to range between 15-60m, 30-90m, 15-85m, 20-80m, 45-105m, and 20-40m respectively, with points on profile five (5) identified as the most promising site with regards to groundwater development. VES result identifies weathered and fractured layers as the major aquiferous units with resistivity values ranging from 9.965 Ωm to 9651 Ωm and 21.7 Ωm to 859 Ωm respectively with fracture thickness reaching up to 60m in some instances. The result goes in line with the outcome of both NRF and ERT techniques. The geological interference of this lithology on groundwater exploration reveals both the weathered overburden and fractured basement as aquiferous units in the study area. The study identified several promising aquiferous zones at depths ranging from 15 to 105 meters, with fractured basement layers serving as primary reservoirs for groundwater development.

ACADEMIC STAFFS’ SELF-EFFICACY AND WORK ENGAGEMENT IN NIGERIA PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES: THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORT

Abstract: The universities education in the past focused on producing human capital but today due to the changes of globalisation, they need to focus on infusing values and include training that can give advantages to the industry and society at large. Hence, this study examines the effect of self-efficacy on work engagement of academic staffs of public Universities in the North-West of Nigeria, with the moderating effect of perceived organisational supports (POS). The data collected were analysed using CB-SEM (via AMOS software) to test the hypothesize variables, as this software is versatile tools for conducting multivariate analysis in various field. The findings of the study revealed that self-efficacy have significant effect on work engagement of academic staffs of selected public institutions. Furthermore, the mediating effects of POS have significant effect on the relationship between organizational culture and work engagement of academic staffs in Nigeria. This study contribute to the body of knowledge by providing a deep understanding of how the various components of self-efficacy are trigger by POS and work engagement within the context of developing nations like Nigeria. As such, Nigerian authorities and policymakers are concerned about the work engagement of education sector, the findings of this study revealed that the introduction of POS enhance the effect of POS and work engagement of higher education sectors. On the recommendation notes, foreign investors, business practitioners, owners, and managers would find the study's findings extremely useful in identifying important factors that can improve work engagement of higher education institutions in Nigeria. Keywords: Self-Efficacy; Perceived Organizational Support; Work Engagement; Academic Staffs; Nigeria

Suspected epidermolysis bullosa simplex with anonychia and sepsis in a malnourished 7-month-old infant in Katsina, northwest Nigeria: A case report.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is an uncommon hereditary cutaneous disorder inherited largely in an autosomal dominant manner. Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) typically presents at birth or early childhood, and common presenting complaints include blistering, skin fragility, and non-healing wounds inconsistent with mechanical trauma. It is associated with several complications such as sepsis, malnutrition, malignancy, and so on. The management of EBS is mainly supportive. The prognosis is good with early detection, wound care, infection control, nutritional support, and counseling. We present a case of suspected EBS-Dowling Meara type with acquired anonychia and sepsis in a malnourished 7-month-old infant in Katsina, and to the best of our knowledge the first reported case in northwest Nigeria

Association of umbilical cord care practices with neonatal infection in Katsina, northwest Nigeria

Background: Significant numbers of neonatal deaths occurring each year are caused by infections that can be directly associated with improper and unhygienic umbilical cord care practices. The objectives of this study were to describe the umbilical cord care practices among mothers whose babies were admitted for suspected sepsis at the Federal Teaching Hospital and Turai Umaru Yar’adua Maternal and Children Hospital Katsina, Nigeria, assess the relationship between umbilical cord care practices and neonatal sepsis, and the influence of home delivery on this relationship. Methodology: This was a hospital-based descriptive observational study of 60 selected neonates with clinical features of sepsis admitted into the special care baby unit (SCBU) of the two hospitals between July and December 2022. The study involved the collection and microbiological analysis of blood samples using the BacT/Alert microbial detection system, and the administration of a structured questionnaire on the mother of each enrollee to collect relevant information about cord care practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The Chisquare (x2) test and Odds ratio (with 95% confidence interval) were used to determine the association of risk factors with culture-confirmed sepsis, and a p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 60 neonates blood samples, 31 (51.7%) were culture-positive for neonatal sepsis while 29 (48.3%) were culture-negative. There was no statistically significant association between risk factors such as application of traditional materials for cord care and place of delivery, and culture-confirmed neonatal sepsis (p>0.05). However, neonates whose mothers use traditional materials for cord care were more likely to develop sepsis than those who do not (OR=2.027, 95% CI=0.716-5.736). Concerning place of delivery, which is an important determinant of umbilical cord hygiene, babies delivered at home were almost 3 times more likely to have culture-confirmed sepsis than those delivered in the hospital (OR=2.975, 95% CI=1.040-8.510). A total of 26 out of the 60 (45.3%) mothers of the neonates agreed to have used unhygienic and traditional materials for cord care, with charcoal (39.0%), local herbs (27.0%), cow dung/urine concoction (19.0%), and others (15.0%), such as lubricants, ash, and balm, being the most commonly used materials for cord care. Conclusion: Neonatal infection is common among newborns in Federal Teaching Hospital and Turai Umaru Yar’adua Maternal and Children Hospital (TUYMCH), Katsina, northwest Nigeria, with a prevalence of culture-confirmed neonatal sepsis of 51.7%. Although there was no statistically significant association between unhygienic cord practices and neonatal sepsis in this study, babies whose mothers use traditional materials for cord care were more likely to develop sepsis. There is a high rate of use of harmful and unhygienic traditional materials for cord care in our environment. This habit can be discouraged through health education using the mass media and health talks in health facilities. The use of chlorhexidine, the recommended antiseptic for cord care by the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health, should be encouraged.

Prevalence and predictors of right ventricular dysfunction among adults living with HIV in northwest Nigeria.

People living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Right ventricular (RV) function has important prognostic value in cardiac pathology, and advances in imaging modalities, such as transthoracic echocardiography have enabled in-depth RV studies. There is, however, a scarcity of multiparameter RV function studies in PLWH in low- and middle-income settings, such as Nigeria. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and predictors of RV dysfunction among adult PLWH in northwest Nigeria. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted between February 1, 2023 and August 31, 2023. We consecutively recruited 330 adults [median age 45 years, interquartile range (IQR), 38 to 52 years, 61% female] attending human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and general outpatient clinics in a tertiary hospital in northwest Nigeria. They included 110 antiretroviral therapy (ART)-experienced PLWH, 110 ART-naïve PLWH, and 110 age- and sex-matched HIV-negative control subjects. All participants had conventional two-dimensional (2D), tissue Doppler (TDI), and speckle tracking (2D-STE) echocardiography to estimate left ventricular (LV) and RV systolic and diastolic function, peak systolic and diastolic myocardial velocities, RV and LV longitudinal strain, and chamber dimensions. All participants also underwent 12-lead electrocardiography. Multiple linear and Firth's logistic regression modeling were performed to assess for independent predictors of RV myocardial performance index (RVMPI) as a continuous and as a dichotomous variable, respectively. The prevalence of RV dysfunction, as determined by the RVMPI among HIV-positive participants was 14.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.5-19.8%] compared to 0% (95% CI: 0.0-3.4%) for those without HIV. Among participants with HIV, RVMPI was associated with participant age (P<0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P<0.001). Results were similar when RVMPI was dichotomized. The association between RV dysfunction and LVEF was modified by ART status: a 10% decrease in LVEF was associated with an average decrease of 0.08 in RVMPI among participants who were ART-experienced (β=-0.08, P<0.001) but a lesser decrease among those who were ART- naïve (β=-0.03, P=0.14). This study highlights the complexity of RV dysfunction in PLWH and underscores the importance of LVEF and age as key factors influencing the risk of RV dysfunction in PLWH.

Analyzing the Causes and Safety Practices of controlling accidents and fatalities in Construction Site in Tertiary Institutions in North-West Nigeria: A Pathway to Improved Safety Practices

Analyzing the Causes and Safety Practices of controlling accidents and fatalities in Construction Site in Tertiary Institutions in North-West Nigeria: A Pathway to Improved Safety Practices

Economic Feasibility Study For The Setting Up And Utilization Of A Multipurpose Food Irradiation Facility In Jigawa State, North-West Nigeria

One proven and efficient method for processing and preserving food is food irradiation. Irradiation is a productive and economical technique that has several advantages over other technologies used in food processing. The technique helps prevent food loss and ensure food safety by getting rid of parasites and bacteria that can make people sick or even kill them. Produce from agriculture and animal food products can benefit from radiation treatment to increase shelf life while maintaining microbiological safety and quality. Based on more than 50 years of research and testing data, a number of national and international food and health organizations have acknowledged and supported the safety of food and products treated to ionizing radiation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the economic feasibility for the establishment and utilization of a multipurpose food irradiation facility in Jigawa state and its environ as a post-harvest treatment for major arable crops cultivated in the state and its environ which include millet, sorghum, groundnut, sesame, rice, maize, tomatoes, pepper, onions, wheat, and dried fish. The study explored ways in which irradiation may be employed for each crops and vegetable with the approved dose rate. The cost of irradiation was also calculated for different sources of colbalt-60. The study results indicate one or more technically economically feasible application points for irradiation in the processing of each commodity considered. The most promising points are the potential for disinfestation of large quantity of crops and vegetables which will ensure food availability all year round and at a cheap rate for citizens as well as the potential for export thereby helping to grow the revenue and GDP of the state.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes Associated with Pregnancy-Related AKI in Northwest Nigeria

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes Associated with Pregnancy-Related AKI in Northwest Nigeria

The Inclination to Self-Employment of Graduating Students of Vocational Education in College of Education, North-West Nigeria

The Inclination to Self-Employment of Graduating Students of Vocational Education in College of Education, North-West Nigeria

An Audit of Post-neonatal Infant Morbidity and Mortality from Admissions in an Emergency Unit of a Tertiary Hospital in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria

Background The first year of life is a critical period of adaptation for a young infant during which the child becomes exposed to a lot of infectious agents and other environmental problems as its immune systems and other organs are developing. Magnitude of deaths within the first year of life is a significant socioeconomic index of any population. Challenges can also be brought to the forefront which can be tackled by appropriate authorities. Objectives To assess the causes of morbidity and mortality amongst infants aged 29 days to 12 months admitted in the emergency Paediatric unit (EPU) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto over a 5- year period. Materials and Methods The admission records of children aged 29 days to 12 months were retrieved. Information extracted included socio-demographic data, diagnosis and outcome of admission. These were entered into a study proforma and analysed with SPSS version 23. Results Total admissions were 1776 in the five-year review. Majority were males accounting for 1030 (58%) with M:F ratio of 1.38:1. 972 (55.4%) were aged 6 to 12 months. Top causes of admissions were diarrhoea disease 328 (18.5%), pneumonia 280 (15.8%), sepsis 211 (11.9%), malaria 202 (11.4%) and malnutrition 154 (8.7%). Mortalities were 223 (12.6%). Highest fatalities out of 223 were from sepsis 47 (21.1%), pneumonia 40 (17.9%), malaria 27 (12.1%), malnutrition 25 (11.2%) and diarrhoea disease 20 (9.0%). Higher proportion of the mortalities were in females 14.5% vs 11.2% (X2 = 4.3; p=0.038). Sepsis mortality was high throughout likewise pneumonia but mortality pattern of other disease conditions varied throughout infancy. Conclusion Post-neonatal admissions were mainly due to infections, likewise mortality of which the top causes varied throughout infancy. Females were more proportionately affected by mortality. These insights on the morbidity and mortality patterns calls for more concerted efforts on child survival strategies and targeting this group of infants is imperative.

Perception of community reintegration among individuals with spinal cord injury in northwest Nigeria: a qualitative description

Purpose To explore the meaning of community reintegration and strategies for promoting community reintegration based on the lived experiences of individuals with spinal cord injury in northwest Nigeria. Material and Methods Using a qualitative description, we purposively recruited people with spinal cord injury residing in Kano, Nigeria. Eight focus groups were conducted to gather relevant information about the meaning and strategies for community reintegration, based on the lived experiences of the participants. Results A total of 64 people aged 18-60 years completed the study. Most of the participants had lived with spinal cord injury for more than five years. The individuals perceived community reintegration as a multi-dimensional concept reflected by five major themes namely: living life as usual, gainful engagement, a basket of opportunities, courage and support, and acceptance of destiny. Furthermore, the participants considered education and awareness about spinal cord injury, supportive and enabling environment, equal opportunities, care and moral support, and accessible health and rehabilitation services as critical for promoting community reintegration. Conclusion Community reintegration is a multidimensional process, and its promotion in northwest Nigeria requires a multisectoral approach.