Owerri Metropolis Research Articles

Underlying Variations of Atmospheric CO2 Concentrations in Urban Environs of Owerri: Comparison with Rural Areas and Need for Urban Greening

Photosynthesis has been the major phenomena of removing accumulated carbon dioxide from the atmosphere due to the presence of green plants. Deforestation has always served as an obstacle towards carbon dioxide sink. Analytical experiment of diurnal carbon dioxide measurement was conducted over some selected areas of Owerri metropolis that has no green plants, and was compared by a ground measurement at Uratta in Owerri North.

Hydrogeochemical Data: A Tool for Mapping Aquifer Contamination from Landfill Dumpsites within Owerri Metropolis and Environs Southeastern Nigeria

Groundwater contamination near municipal garbage dumpsites was studied in Owerri, a city in southern Nigeria.The purpose of the study was to map aquifer contamination from landfill dumpsites within the Owerri metropolis and its environment using hydrogeochemical data. Groundwater samples were collected and examined at eight locations near landfill dumpsites. The result of the analysis shows that groundwater from the aquifers of all sampled locations is slightly acidic with an average pH value of 6.25. Bicarbonate, calcium and chloride have average concentrations of 26.19 mg/l, 4.25 mg/l and 0.26 mg/l, respectively. The results also show conductivity and total dissolved solids having an average value of 89.13 mg/l and 53.67 mg/l, respectively. These values fall within the maximum permissible Nigerian standards for drinking water quality and the World Health Standard for Drinking Water Quality. All the parameters did not exceed the NSDWQ (2007) standards except magnesium, which had a mean concentration of 1.16mg/l as opposed to the 0.20mg/l proposed by the Nigerian Standard of Drinking Water Quality. Also, future examination of the water resources within Owerri Metropolis should be done at least every two to three years by the government and relevant agencies to protect the health of people living within this environment.

Sources and Prevalence of Lead Poisoning Among School Children in Owerri Metropolis, South-East Nigeria

Sources and Prevalence of Lead Poisoning Among School Children in Owerri Metropolis, South-East Nigeria

The nature of post-occupancy modifications of selected low-income housing estates in Nigeria

This paper aims to evaluate the nature of post-occupancy modifications of selected income housing estates in Nigeria. The research adopts both the quantitative and qualitative approaches and is essentially survey-based. Therefore, the research population is all housing units of low-income public housing estates in Owerri Metropolis. A simple random technique was further adopted to select five low-income housing estates within the low-income group for this study. Participants of this study were further sampled and selected based on the following requirements and eligibility criteria - they must be residents in the residential estates under study; they must be household heads (or their representatives) of the buildings in the selected housing estates and the building must have been in existence for over ten years (which is enough time for modification to have taken place). The data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire and field observations, and analysis of this data relied on the computer-based statistical software called STATA 13.0. Results were presented and discussed, pinpointing the nature of post-occupancy modifications in the five selected low-income housing estates. The results further show various kinds of modifications (addition of rooms, alteration of site arrangement, alteration of fence design, alteration of roofing pattern, addition of shop spaces, change of use, and outright total modification) have taken place across the five housing estates studied.

EFFECTS OF MARRIAGE AND RELIGION ON DRUG ABUSE AMONG STUDENTS OF SELECTED TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN OWERRI METROPOLIS, IMO STATE, NIGERIA.

Purpose: A huge amount of research and literature has reported the disturbing increase in the rate of drug abuse by youths and the havoc which this phenomenon has wreaked on the lives of individuals and nations across the globe. Against this backdrop of this problem, this study explores the effect of marriage and religion on drug abuse among students of selected tertiary institutions in Owerri metropolis in Imo State, Nigeria.
 Methodology: The objectives include to: i. examine the socio-demographic profile of the target population; ii. Determine the most commonly abused drug by the students; and iii. Determine the effects of marriage and religion on drug abuse among the students.
 Findings: The study was a cross-sectional research which disproportionately combined qualitative and quantitative methods. A sample size of 2,400 participants, drawn from five tertiary institutions in Owerri Capital Territory, Imo State of Nigeria, was used in the study. Researchers’ made Questionnaire was employed for data collection while binary logistic regression model and descriptive statistics were adopted in the analysis of data. Although the study generally did not find any significant relationship between marriage and drug abuse, it established a higher incidence of drug abuse among the divorced and the separated. The study also found out that the rate of drug abuse was higher among adherents of traditional religion than those of Christianity, Islam and other religions.
 Recommendation: Based on these findings, the study recommended concerted family and societal efforts to mitigate the incidences of divorce and separation in marriages and to encourage youths to embrace religious organizations that customarily and doctrinally prohibit drug use and abuse.

Evaluation of Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time and Prothrombin Time in HIV and TB Patients in Owerri Metropolis

Background: Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) are the leading infectious diseases with high morbidity and mortality in the developing countries; it has been known to be associated with some coagulation abnormalities especially as the disease progresses.
 Aim: The study aimed at evaluating the effect of HIV- Tuberculosis co- infection on some haemostatic parameters (APTT & PT). It was carried out at Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo state.
 Materials and Methods: Sixty (60) subjects were sampled comprising fifteen (15) HIV positive subjects, fifteen (15) TB positive subjects, fifteen (15) HIV-TB co-infected subjects and fifteen (15) HIV and TB negative subjects (Control). Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) and Prothrombin Time (PT) were analyzed using standard techniques.
 Results: The results showed that HIV positive subjects showed a significant values of PT (15.45±1.44sec, P < 0.05) when compared with control subjects (12.45 + 1.23) and a non-statistically significant values of Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) (33.33± 6.27sec, P > 0.05) when compared with the control subjects (29.05+2.19). TB subjects showed statistical significant values of PT (15.84±0.98scc, P < 0.05) when compared with control subjects (12.45 + 1.23) and non- statistical significant values of APTT (33.55+5.26 sec P > 0.05) when compared with the control subjects (29.05+2.19 sec). Both the PT and APTT of HIV- tuberculosis Co-infected subjects showed significant values (17.03±1.46sec; 37.59±4.69sec, P < 0.05) compared with the control subjects (12.45+ 1.23sec; 29.05+2.19). One way analysis of variance showed no significant difference of a PT of TB patient (15.84+0.98) compared to PT of HIV patients (15.45+1.44 sec). PT of HIV- TB co-infected subjects higher values (P< 0.05) when compared with HIV patients but not significantly (P> 0.05) higher than compared with TB patients. Also there is a significant increase in APTT of TB patients (P<0.05) when compared with HIV patients. APTT of HIV-TB Co-¬infected subjects were not significantly elevated when compared with HIV and TB patients (P> 0.05).
 Conclusion: HIV infections have been shown to affect both the Activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. There is significant alteration in coagulation parameters (particularly PT and APTT) on tuberculosis, lesions as a result of the mycobacterial infection can induce pro- coagulant tissue factor expression which can lead to coagulation defects.

Occupational health risk assessment of automobile painters in Owerri metropolis, Nigeria | JBES 2022

Occupational health risk assessment of automobile painters in Owerri metropolis, Nigeria | JBES 2022

Evaluating the Influence of Social Media Use in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy of Residents of Owerri Metropolis

The study aimed to find out the level of vaccine hesitancy to COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria and determine whether social media is facilitating the spread of anti-vaccination messages about COVID-19 vaccines and the extent of vaccine hesitancy which is attributable to use of social media. The researchers used the cultivation theory to explain how frequent use of social media for information about the coronavirus pandemic has influenced users’ attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine. A survey was conducted which produced quantitative data from 300 respondents using the multi-stage sampling technique, with the questionnaire as the instrument to elicit data on how social media influenced respondents’ decision on getting immunized. Findings showed that hesitancy is high in Nigeria. It revealed that social media is facilitating the spread of misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine. The researchers found out that hesitancy is attributable to social media because social media was the leading information source (45%) that enabled respondents to make the decision not to take the COVID-19 vaccine. This study recommends that governments, the NCDC, the NPHCDA, the health industry and the media must use social media, alongside traditional media to propagate vaccine campaigns to negate the misinformation spreading online.

Particulate matter exposure and non-cancerous inhalation health risk assessment of major dumpsites of Owerri metropolis, Nigeria

Numerous particulates are released from the dumpsites in Owerri metropolis and later dispersed to other areas in the environment where they cause adverse health challenges to the inhabitants. To analyze the PM concentrations, field measurements were carried out at seven major dumpsites in Owerri Metropolis. Estimates of the possible health risks as the result of exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10, etc.) were performed using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) human health risk assessment framework. A scenario assessment approach in which normal exposure and worst-case scenario were adopted for acute and chronic exposure periods for infants, children, and adults were carried out. The concentrations of PM2.5 which ranged from 122.30–501.76 μg/m3 at the dumpsites exceeded the WHO 24 hr annual mean maximum exposure limit. The Nigerian National Ambient Air Quality Standard allowable limit for PM10 was exceeded by most of the dumpsites. Hazard quotient > 1 was exceeded for PM 2.5 by nearly all dumpsites and is therefore likely to cause health challenges to people in the vicinity of the dumpsites. The results showed that under monthly conditions, both PM2.5 and PM10 concentration levels at the dumpsites have the potential to cause adverse health effects for infants, children, and adults on acute or chronic bases. Actions should be taken to regulate such PM exposure and to raise public awareness for the inhabitants of the affected areas. In conclusion, regular monitoring is therefore recommended to decrease the ambient particulate matter (PM) concentrations in the study area.

Isolation and identification of bacteria associated with fermentation of melon seed for Ogiri Sold in Owerri, Nigeria

In order to ascertain the public health implication of the consumption of the fermented melon (Cucumismelo), known as Ogiri, consumed in all South Eastern Nigeria and beyond as a food condiment, thirty samples of locally fermented melon seeds, Ogiri, were randomly purchased from three markets in Owerri metropolis in Imo State. These samples were microbiologically analysed using pour plate technique on nutrient agar, MacConkey and Salmonella Shigella agar at 370C for 24 hours. The viable and mean counts were determined and the data obtained were statistically analyzed. There was no significant difference between the contamination of the samples (p>0.05). These organisms, following the order of predominance were isolated; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. The presence of these microorganisms of public health importance in food condiments pose a risk of enteritis and other food borne diseases in some individuals after its intake. Thus, the health organizations should embark on public and personal enlightenment programs targeted at both the producer and the consumer.

Identity and Antibiogram of Bacterial Isolates from Owerri Modern Abattoir, Imo State, Nigeria

Aim: The identity and antibiogram of bacterial isolates from Owerri modern abattoir in Imo State, Nigeria, was investigated with the aim of determining the bacterial profile of the abattoir and their susceptibility pattern to commonly used antibiotics.
 Study Design: Cross sectional study
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Owerri Modern Abattoir located within Owerri metropolis from June to November, 2020.
 Methodology: Questionnaires were used to obtain participants’ consent, demographic data and sanitary practices in the abattoir. Samples were taken and bacteriological analysis of the samples done using pour plate method. Disc diffusion antibiotic susceptibility testing and minimum inhibitory concentration were performed after colony counting, identification and characterization of the isolates using standard microbiological and biochemical techniques.
 Results: Mean viable bacterial counts were generally high with highest counts from contaminated soil (6.13x106CFU/ml) and least from workers hands (1.17x106CFU/ml). Escherichia coli had the highest prevalence (18.0%), with the highest counts from soil (3.10%). Vibrio cholerae recorded the least prevalence (0.62%), and was isolated only from washing water. High resistance to antibiotics was observed.
 Conclusion: Government authority and the general public are advised to ensure adequate environmental sanitation and proper cooking of meat before consumption in order to mitigate the incidence of infection and antibiotic resistance.

Select Radio Programmes and Fight Against Child Violence in Owerri Metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria

The issue of child violence has continued to plague Nigerian society and if care is not taken, the future of Nigerian society will be in serious jeopardy. To this end, this study investigated radio programmes and the fight against child violence in Imo State. The agenda setting theory served as the theoretical foundation of the study. The survey research method was used with a population of 555,500 of Owerri metropolis residents. The Survey Monkey online sample size calculator was used to arrive at 384 as the sample size. The Multistage sampling technique was adopted with a questionnaire as the instrument of data collection. The percentage method was used for data analysis. Findings revealed that 52% of the respondents confirmed that they were exposed to radio programmes on the issue of child violence at a moderate level. Also, at an average of 53% of respondents are of the view that the programmes have enhanced their knowledge of the issues of child violence at a moderate level. Further findings showed that an average of 53% of respondents confirmed that Because I am Happy on Groove 98.1 FM and the Mega Kid hour on Megaband 97.3 FM are effective in the fight against child violence in Imo State. It was recommended that radio stations should step up their efforts to raise awareness of programmes dealing with child violence and other child-related issues, so that the level of exposure increases significantly and contributes to the fight against child violence. To improve the knowledge of people about child violence and other child-related issues. Radio stations should do well by constantly educating and enlightening people through their programmes designed to treat issues of child violence and other child-related issues. Radio stations, through their programmes, should endeavour to sustain their efforts to continue being effective in the fight against child violence, so that in no distant time, the issue of child violence and other child-related issues will be reduced drastically in society.

PROMOTING PERFORMANCE OF SMES ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS IN IMO STATE THROUGH APPLICATION OF COST ACCOUNTING SKILLS

This study investigated effects of cost accounting skills on performance of small and medium scale architectural firms in Imo state. Specifically, the study appraises cost accounting skills applied in contract costing and also relationship between efficient financial record keeping and financial performance of architectural firms in Imo state, two hypotheses were developed From the objectives. The population consists of owners of 50 architectural firms in Owerri metropolis, which also served as sample. Primary data was used with questionnaire structured in four point likert scale of very great extent (VGE), great extent (GE), very little extent (VLE) and little extent (LE). Cronbach Alpha reliability test was used to determine internal consistency of respondents responses and reliability co-efficient of 0.796. Data were analysed with ordinary least square regression model with SPSS stastitical tool version 20. Findings reveal that SMEs architectural firms … null hypothesis one was accepted with conclusion that SME architectural firms do not practice cost accounting skill in contract costing while null hypothesis two was rejected with conclusion that significant relationship exist between efficient financial record keeping and financial performance of the firms. The research therefore recommend that; architectural firms should apply cost accounting skills in their contract costing and also keep efficient financial record to enhance their performance.

Microbial Assessment and Health Risks of Consumption of Uncooked Smoked Horse Mackerel Fish (Trachurus trachurus) Sold in Open Markets in Owerri Metropolis, South Eastern Nigeria

Aim: To assess the microbiological quality of uncooked smoked horse mackerel fish (Trachurus trachurus) sold in Owerri and ascertain the presence and prevalence of microorganisms of public health importance.
 Study Design: Random sampling was done.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri; from October, 2019 to April, 2020.
 Methodology: Smoked fish samples (n=20) were purchased randomly from retailers in Relief, Naze, Eziobodo and Obinze markets and taken to the laboratory for isolation and identification of microorganisms. Standard microbiological methods were employed to analyze for viable heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts on nutrient agar and potato dextrose agar respectively, using the spread and streak plate techniques. Coliform counts were done on MacConkey agar. Biochemical characterization of the microorganisms was adopted for their identification.
 Results: Bacteria identified included Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Proteus, Salmonella and Micrococcus species. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts and coliform counts ranged from 2.8 x 106 cfu/g to 1.6 x 108 cfu/g and 2.7 x 104 cfu/g to 5.3 x 105 cfu/g respectively. Fungal species identified were Penicillium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Aspergillus and Fusarium spp and fungal counts as high as 4.5 x 105 cfu/g were recorded.
 Conclusion: The high level of microbial contamination of the samples and the presence of organisms of public health importance signifies an obvious danger to human health. Eating smoked fish without proper cooking should be discouraged by the relevant authorities. Also, food safety authorities should intensify their monitoring efforts towards controlling such contaminations and averting possible outbreaks of diseases.

Saving Habit and Informal Sector in Nigeria: The Study of Tricycle Operators in Owerri Metropolis

The study examines saving habit of informal sector in Nigeria: the case of tricycle operators in owerri metropolis. The objectives of the study are; to establish the saving type predominantly in use by tricycle operators in owerri metropolis; to analyze the impact of age, gender, education and income on saving habit of tricycle operators in owerri metropolis; to establish if the saving habit of the tricycle operators has helped to boost the growth of the Nigerian economy and/or made significant contribution to employment in Nigeria. The data for the study was obtained through administering questionnaires and interviewing targeted respondents. Stratified random sampling technique was applied with Yaro-Yamani technique in determining 400 out of 60 thousand operators in Owerri Imo State. This study employs the probit model in the analysis. STATA statistical packages were employed in descriptive analysis and estimation of the probit model respectively. It is glaring in this study that the coefficients corresponding to income and age are statistically significant with the p-values of 0.04 and 0.007 respectively at the 5% level. Thus, the ordered probit of moving from monthly saving habit to weekly savings habit and from weekly savings habit to daily saving habit will increase by 0.000099 for a unit rise in income holding other factors constant. Also, the ordered probit of moving from monthly saving habit to weekly savings habit and from weekly savings habit to daily saving habit will increase by 0.01776 for a unit increase in the age of the individual holding other factors constant. The study also revealed that the main hindrance to savings in is Low income. As a result, the authors recommend that men and married people should be targeted whiles paying little attention to the aged in stimulating savings among tricycle operators in Imo State. Educational programs could also be organized for the workers in the informal sector as most of the workers have no education which could hinder their income earning capacity and for that matter savings.

Isolation of Multi-Resistant Bacteria of Patients Suffering from Urinary Tract Infections in Owerri Metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria

Isolation of Multi-Resistant Bacteria of Patients Suffering from Urinary Tract Infections in Owerri Metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria

Influence of environmental factors and its associated health risks of noise pollution in Owerri Metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria

Noise pollution contributes to environmental degradation and poses a threat to human and terrestrial lives. Noise pollution can be regarded as environmental noise and the propagation of noise may develop a harmful impact on the activity of human or animal life. This study was conducted to determine the influence of environmental factors and its associated health risks of noise pollution in Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria. The study employed a cross sectional descriptive research design. Measurement of noise levels was carried out at 24 different locations. The sampling technique used in this study was a cluster sampling technique. The average reading for each location and each ward were calculated. Also, 900 respondents comprising adults who live and/or operate in the areas were interviewed on the health risks associated with noise, using structured and standardized questionnaire. The results obtained showed that the computed average noise level at the 24 different locations ranged from 79.4 – 95.8dB, and all of which were significantly (P<0.05) above the acceptable standard ranges of <80dB, thereby rating the noise level not acceptable because they can be capable of causing discomfort and pains in man. Influence of environmental factors on noise pollution; 29(3.2%) reported heavy vehicular traffic plying residential areas contributed to noise generation, 33(3.7%) said indiscriminate blowing of siren. Perceived health risks were reported as 47(5.2%) disturbs sleep, 24(2.7%) causes annoyance, 41(4.61%) causes headache and 21(2.3%) interference with conversation. In conclusion, environmental factors, poor education and lack of enforcement of the laws influence noise generation and there is need to check the level of noise pollution in Owerri Metropolis.

Influence of environmental factors and its associated health risks of noise pollution in Owerri Metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria

Influence of environmental factors and its associated health risks of noise pollution in Owerri Metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria

Assessment of antifungal potentials of violacein extract from Chromobacterium violaceum isolated from domestic and recreational water sources in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) in superficial fungal infections are major worldwide public health problem that affects a large part of the human population globally. The antifungal potentials of violacein extracted from Chromobacterium violaceum isolated from domestic and recreational water sources in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, was assessed. Three water samples were collected from different locations of the Otamiri River, five from different swimming pools and three from different borehole locations in Owerri Metropolis. The samples were cultured on nutrient agar by pour plate method. The violet colonies of Chromobacterium violaceum were counted, characterized and identified. Water sample from Otamiri River station-1 had the highest bacteria count (20.00 × 101 CFU/Ml and 19.50 × 101 CFU/mL) respectively. Swimming pool 1 and 3 bacterial counts were (14.50 × 101 CFU/mL, 11.00 × 101 CFU/mL and 11.50 × 101 CFU/mL) respectively. For borehole 1, 2 and 3, swimming pool 2, 4 and 5 counts were (0.00 × 101 CFU/mL). The ethanolic extracts from the isolates (violacein) and the control drug (fluconazole 50µg/mL) both had inhibitory effects on the test organisms (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) at different concentrations. The MIC of Fluconazole on Candida albicans and A. niger were 25µg/ml and 50µg/Ml, respectively. Violacein from both swimming pools and Otamiri River isolates had MIC of 8.75mg/ml on A. niger and MIC of 4.375mg/ml on Candida albicans. Violacein which proved to have inhibitory effects on Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger can be harnessed for treatment of infections caused by these fungi.

Parasitological and bacteriological survey of liquid wastes from Naze industrial clusters in Owerri, Imo state

Liquid wastes are known to be highly contaminated and pose great public health risk, especially when indiscriminately discharged to the environment. The parasitological and bacteriological survey of liquid wastes from Naze industrial clusters in Owerri metropolis was carried out. Sewage wastewater and laundry wastewater were used as study samples. 100mls each of the samples were collected from the drainage sites with sterile screw-capped specimen bottles, and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The liquid wastes were filtered and the filtrates were used for the analysis. Parasitological analysis employed Zinc Sulphate Centrifugal Flotation Technique and Modified Ziel-Nielsen stain (Acid-Fast Staining). Parasitic ova, cysts, larva and oocysts isolated were identified using standard morphological and taxonomic keys. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques and biochemical characteristics where necessary. Parasites such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis, Schistosoma mansoni, Hymenolepsis nana, Entamoeba histolytica, Gardia lamblia, Balantidium coll and Isospora belli were isolated from the liquid wastes. Bacteria species isolated included Erwinia amylovora, Listeria monocytogens, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris. The results showed that the most prevalent parasite and bacteria isolated were Ascaris lumbricoides 49(37.6%) and Salmonella typhi (3.38x104 CFU/mL) respectively. These potentially pathogenic parasites and bacteria detected in these liquid wastes, pose serious threat to public health. Interventive measures such as public health education, adequate drainage and waste disposal system, regular and monitored environmental sanitation, and provision of safe and portable water supply to the study area, are recommended.