Rural Communities In Southwest Nigeria Research Articles

The fragmentation of public power: non-state security actors and community security in rural Southwest Nigeria

ABSTRACT The phenomenon of ungoverned (and ill-governed, and ungovernable) spaces has resulted in increases in insecurity in Nigeria’s rural communities, especially breeding insurgencies and other forms of militancy. As a corollary, non-state security actors have arisen as community-created mechanisms to reduce the ever-increasing rates of crime. This study investigated the establishment of these NSSAs, with a view to understanding community perceptions of their effectiveness. Using selected inclusion/exclusion criteria, the study targeted two rural communities in Southwest Nigeria and collected data using a structured online survey. Data were analyzed using a simple linear regression model. The findings revealed that the residents of the communities feel safer under the protection of the vigilante groups, and the groups have been effective in reducing crime rates.

Understanding good governance: voices of rural people in South-Western Nigeria

Scholars and policymakers widely acknowledge the critical role of good governance in rural development and poverty reduction. Unfortunately, decades of good governance reforms have not reduced poverty in Nigeria. But what is good governance? The problem is that the working definition and popularized principles of good governance do not actually emanate from the poor. Moreover, there is a lack of contextualization of the concept of good governance within the Nigerian context. Rather, donors’ institutional understanding is universalized through the imposition of a good governance agenda. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining the concept of good governance through the lens of rural communities in south-west Nigeria. Understanding good governance from the viewpoint of local citizens, who are the recipients of governance reforms, is vital for effective targeted reform. The study is based on the premise that communities possess a deep understanding of their own social circumstances and possess the capacity to express their unique insights. Employing Participatory Action Research (PAR) and qualitative methods like semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, the research engaged a purposively selected sample from three rural communities in south-west Nigeria. The findings revealed that, for these communities, good governance primarily involves the government's ability to meet basic needs and provide welfare-enhancing infrastructure. Conversely, bad governance is characterized by declining welfare, economic hardship, and inadequate infrastructure. Interestingly, participants did not prioritize reforms like regular elections or anti-corruption measures as core attributes of good governance, although they did not oppose these aspects. This study underscores the need to incorporate the perspectives of local citizens in defining good governance, allowing for homegrown solutions that might offer quicker and cost-effective strategies for development.

Socio-demographic correlates of childhood malnutrition in a rural community in Southwest Nigeria - A call for targeted interventions for vulnerable children


 
 
 BACKGROUND: Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children globally. Yet, only two out of ten malnourished Nigerian children benefit from intervention programs to address malnutrition. This study describes some socio-demographic factors associated with malnutrition among children living in a rural community in Southwest Nigeria.
 METHODS: This study was a community-based cross-sectional study involving 364 children randomly selected from their homes aged 1–15 years. Factors such as socioeconomic status, birth order, and whether the mother was alive were obtained. Weights, heights, and body mass index (BMI) were measured and interpreted using the WHO z-scores. Chi-squared test of associations was used for categorical variables and an independent t-test was used to compare the mean BMI between both genders. The level of significance was set at a p-value <0.050.
 RESULTS: There were 185 (51%) females: 173(48%) belonged to the age group 1–5 years and 168 (46%) belonged to the lower socio-economic class. Over 80% of the participants had normal nutritional status: 19 (6%) were underweight, 36 (10%) were stunted, and 29 (8%) were thin (low BMI, <-2SD). Maternal demise was associated with thinness. Males from lower socio-economic classes and first-born males had a higher mean BMI than the females (p<0.050).
 CONCLUSION: Although malnutrition prevalence was low, there is a need to use targeted interventions to further reduce malnutrition among vulnerable children. There is also a necessity for more studies to identify and address the risk factors for stunting in the study area.
 
 

Water safety, antifungal-resistant aflatoxigenic aspergillus flavus and other pathogenic fungi in a community hand-dug wells.

To investigate hand-dug well water used for drinking and domestic purposes in a rural community in Southwest Nigeria for water safety and fungal presence as well as to determine the antifungal resistance and aflatoxigenic potentials of isolated fungi. Water samples were analysed for risk of contamination, bacteriological and mycological parameters using a standard sanitary survey checklist and microbiological culturing. Isolates were identified and subjected to antifungal resistance profiling using the diffusion method for susceptibility testing of filamentous fungi. Multidrug-resistant strains were confirmed with DNA barcoding identification. Fungal isolates were screened for aflatoxigenic potentials by culture methods and confirmed by densitometric analysis. From the 23 hand-dug wells assessed, 56.52% had a high risk of contamination (ROC) score, nitrate >50 mg/L (73.9%), and the presence of total coliforms (100%), Escherichia coli (43.48%) and fungi (91.3%). Spearman rank correlation coefficient gave a positive and strong correlation between Total Fungi and Faecal Coliform (r=0.701; p=0.016; n=23) at 0.05 significance level (2-tailed). Aspergillus sp. (34%), Penicillium sp. (18%) and Rhizopus sp. (17%) were the most dominant fungal genera. Isolates were resistant to fluconazole (76.19%), ketoconazole (73.80%), clotrimazole (92.86%), griseofulvin (88.09%) and nystatin (100%). Penicillium and Aspergillus (50%) were positive for cultural mycotoxin screening. A strain of antifungal-resistant A. flavus produced aflatoxin B1 (752 ppb) and B2 (15 ppb). The existence of antifungal-resistant and aflatoxigenic fungi in water used for drinking and domestic purposes shows that filamentous fungi constitute greater threats than previously recognized and this call for a paradigm shift from the perceived safety of untreated hand-dug well-water.

Prevalence of intestinal helminths in dogs and owners: Awareness of zoonotic diseases in a rural community in southwest Nigeria

The overwhelming impact of zoonotic infections and its ease of transmission own to the cohabitation of man and some domestic pets is well recognizable, and though it is most often neglected its deleterious effect permeate every sphere of public health concern. Dog as the closest domestic pet to man presents a potential risk and acts as an agent of such interspecies transmission of infections to him. This study examined excrement of 97 dogs using the Formol- ether concentration technique. Four parasites species were identified with overall prevalence of 68%. Toxocaracanis was seen to be the most prevalent helminth (42.3%). Age (p= 0.002, ꭓ2 = 12.774) and mode of life (p= 0.021, ꭓ2 = 5.317) of the dogs were significant risk factors of helminthic infections, while gender and function of dogs were not. Dogs may play an active role in transmission of zoonotic diseases in the area, given the closeness of infected dogs with humans and the rampant excretion of helminth-infested dog excreta dispersed into the environment, hence, the need for the study.

Relationship between ultrasound-measured spleen, liver and anthropometry of children living in a rural community in southwest Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

Ultrasonography is noninvasive, relatively inexpensive and useful for resource-poor settings. US spleen and liver sizes have been observed to differ among populations, so there is a need for reference values for different geographic populations. To describe the sizes of the spleen and liver of children living in a rural community in southwest Nigeria and assess the relationship between these measurements and the children's anthropometry. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study among 358 apparently healthy children ages 1-14 years. We obtained the participants' weights, heights, body mass index and body surface area. They underwent US imaging to obtain longitudinal measurements of their spleen and liver. We used independent t-test to compare means, and linear regression analysis to assess relationships between continuous data. The significance level was set as P < 0.05. There were more girls (181; 50.6%). Most children were ages 1-5 years (172; 48.0%). The body surface area had significantly strong positive relationships with US spleen size (r = 0.769; R2 = 0.592; P < 0.0001) and US liver size (r = 0.819; R2 = 0.671; P < 0.0001) but body mass index had weak positive relationships. This study contributes to data on US spleen and liver sizes of Nigerian children. The findings buttress observations that body surface area strongly correlates with US spleen and liver measurements. It is recommended that more studies be conducted among Nigerian children to generate a robust pool of data that are useful for creating homogeneous formulae to ease interpretation of US measurements of these intraabdominal organs.

Malaria prevention practices and malaria prevalence among children living in a rural community in Southwest Nigeria.

Living conditions in most rural African communities favour malaria transmission and threaten global eradication. Prevention strategies and interventions such as the use of bed nets have reduced the prevalence of malaria. This study described the various methods employed to prevent malaria and their effects on malaria parasite prevalence among children living in a rural community in Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional study conducted among 357 children aged 1-15 years, in a Nigerian rural community. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Chi-squared test of association with a level of significance of p < 0.050 was used. Only 110 (30.8%) participants owned mosquito nets. Mostly those from the high social class (45; 40.9%) used the nets, and these were mostly 'under-five' children. Thirty-six (10.1%) were routinely given antimalarial drugs for malaria prophylaxis. Also, 102 (28.6%), 151 (42.3%), 278 (77.9%), 99 (27.7%) and 15 (5.0%) children used insecticides, local herbs, window nets, outlet door nets and mosquito repellent creams respectively. None of the methods employed to prevent malaria had statistically significant effect on malaria parasite prevalence among participants (p > 0.050). Malaria prevention methods were mostly practiced by participants of the high social class while children under-five considerably used mosquito nets. This study highlights the need to address the socio-demographic imbalance regarding malaria preventive measures in the community where the study was conducted. There is also a need to regulate the use of antimalarial drugs for malaria prophylaxis in the rural community. These suggest that the current malaria prevention methods in the community be reviewed.

Optimal crop plan of cooperative farmers in Osun state, Nigeria: a linear programming approach

Optimal level of production requires better use of existing resources at the lowest possible cost. Despite the inherent advantage of cooperatives to the agricultural sector, the question of how farmers under cooperative umbrella use farm resource for optimal outcome remains unanswered. This study investigates optimal crop mix for cooperative farmers in rural communities in Southwest Nigeria. Primary data were collected for the study through structured questionnaire. The data were fitted to Linear Programming Model. Three different cropping patterns are identified among the cooperative farmers. Based on the results from linear programming model, only maize, cassava and yam are admitted in the final plan and this combination is to be produced at 2.23 hectares. The gross margin value associated with the plan is ₦156, 235.781 (1$ = N365). Input resources such as land, labour, fertilizer, and chemicals are not fully utilized. The slack values for these inputs are 0.31, 651.20, 1929.6 and 140.76 respectively. The sensitivity analysis shows that seed/seedling is the only binding resource in the final plan with a shadow price which suggests that proper allocation of seed and seedlings would improve returns to cooperative farmers. There is need for appropriate farm management strategies to ensure optimal return for farmers. More education and training is suggested to boost cooperative farmers understanding of optimum strategy that is needed to improve production and earnings.&#x0D; JEL code: Q10, Q13

Towards malaria control in Nigeria: implications of the malaria parasite rate and spleen rate among children living in a rural community in southwest Nigeria.

The World Health Organization prioritizes malaria surveillance for accurate tracking of progress of intervention programmes. The malaria parasite rate (PR) and spleen rate (SR) are economical surveillance tools. There has been a global decline in the burden of malaria over the last decade, but most African countries, like Nigeria, have a slow rate of decline. There is a need for adequate malaria surveillance to guide malaria control strategies and policymaking. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 363 children ages 1-15y in rural southwest Nigeria. The participants' PR was determined by microscopy and the SR was determined by palpation and ultrasonography. The associations between PR and SR and other covariates were assessed. The PR was 26.7% and the SR was 12.9%. There was no significant association between PR or SR across age groups, but low social class was significantly associated with PR (55 [33.5%], p=0.004) and SR (29 [17.3%], p=0.013). The odds of having splenomegaly doubled with malaria parasitaemia (odds ratio 2.03 [95% confidence interval 1.06 to 3.88). The PR and SR suggest that the study area is meso-endemic. The PR in the study area was almost equal across age groups; our findings suggest there may be a need for policy review to plan malaria intervention programmes and include older children, not just children <5y of age. Routine malaria surveillance using simple tools such as the PR and SR are necessary for reviewing malaria control programmes in the community.

Family Characteristics and Mental Health Status of Secondary School Students in a Rural Community in Southwest Nigeria

Mental health issues among adolescents are of serious public health importance. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between family characteristics and the mental health status of adolescents in secondary schools in a rural community in South west Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Family functionality was assessed using family APGAR standardised instrument. Mental health was assessed using the strength and difficulty questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and binary logistics regression model at p < 0.05. A total of 279 respondents were assessed. The prevalence of clinically significant mental health problems was found to be 38%. The predictors of mental health problems were family functionality (OR = 2.2; CI = 1.267–3.885) and mothers’ occupation (OR = 0.39; CI = 0.159–0.995) Our study demonstrated that family characteristics affect the mental health of in-school adolescents. The enhancement of family relationship and socioeconomic status would promote the mental wellbeing of in-school adolescents.

Effectiveness of an Oral Health Education Program to Improve Mothers’ Awareness of Natal Teeth: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an oral health talk aided by a video on improving the awareness of mothers about natal teeth in two rural communities in southwest Nigeria. Material and Methods: A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted among 80 mothers in two rural communities in Nigeria, randomized into study and control groups. Baseline information was obtained with a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. The mothers in the study group participated in an oral health education program comprising of a video show on natal teeth in addition to an oral health talk. The control group did not receive any intervention. Post-intervention data was obtained three weeks afterwards. Data collected was analyzed with SPSS using paired t-test, independent t-test and Chi-square test . Results: The sociodemographic characteristics of participants in both groups were similar. The mean knowledge, attitude and practice percentage scores for the study group were 38.9 ± 26.3% (pre-intervention) and 73.6 ± 26.2% (post-intervention); while for the control group, the values were 43.2 ± 31.4% (pre-intervention) and 43.9 ± 32.4% (post-intervention). The study group, had a 34% increase in knowledge, attitude and practice percentage score (CI=23.7-45.5; t=6.4; p<0.001), while the control group, had an increase of 0.7% (CI=-0.7-2.2; t=1.00; p=0.323) . Conclusion: An oral health education program comprising of oral health talk and a video about natal teeth improved the awareness of mothers about natal teeth as a normal phenomenon.

Machinery Maintenance Viewpoint: One Approach to an Improved Rural Road Traffic Safety in Southwest Nigeria

Local Governments (LGs), the third tier of government in Nigeria, are expected to maintain infrastructure facilities at the grass root level but most rural communities in Southwest Nigeria are characterized by poorly maintained roads. This study assessed conditions of Moveable Rural Road Maintenance Equipment (MRRME) under LGs in Southwest Nigeria vis-a-vis the safety levels on the rural roads. The study measured, impacts of roads conditions on commercial drivers/riders (cdr) and, level of usage of MRRME for the roads. Questionnaires were used to measure: accident rates and impacts among 250 cdr on 9 selected rural roads; Maintenance Performance Measures (MPM) of MRRME among 430 Senior Technical Officers (STOs) and Senior Finance Offices (SFOs) in 84 LG secretariats. The conditions of MRRME were carried out using observational method. More than 72% of cdr were involved in one crash or another and 89% of them attributed this to bad roads. Less than 26% of MRRME was functional with weak plans/tools put in place for correct maintenance program leading to a high level of MRRMEs’ failures and total neglect. T-test t (428) = -5.146, p = 0.421) found that the opinions of STOs (poor ratings for MPM policy implementation) were not different from that of the SFO. There is the need for safety attitudinal change among cdr. LGs also need empowerment to ensure proper maintenance of MRRME and enhances their availability. These measures among other will reduce accidents death counts on Nigeria rural roads.

Perception and Practice of HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Among Secondary School Adolescents in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.

A large proportion of Nigerian adolescents are sexually active and the country has one of the highest HIV prevalence among youths globally. This study was done to assess the perception and practice of HIV/AIDS counseling and testing (HCT) among secondary school adolescents in a rural community in Southwest Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out using multistage sampling method. The results showed that despite high level of HCT awareness, majority of the adolescents (62.9%) had negative attitude toward it. The practice of HCT was poor among majority of the respondents as less than 15% of the adolescents had ever done HCT. This study recommends that adolescents should be better informed on the locations of the health centers within the community and services rendered by them. Peer education on HCT should also be intensified in schools to promote positive healthy sexual lifestyles among adolescents.

Determinants of Maternal Utilization of Health Services and Nutritional Status in a Rural Community in South-West Nigeria.

Poor Maternal Health (MH) remains an issue of public health concern in Nigeria. This study identified the determinants of maternal utilization of health services and nutritional status in a rural community in south-west Nigeria. It was a cross-sectional house-hold survey of women aged 15-49 years. Data were analysed using Chi-square, logistic regression and generalized linear models (α=.05). Respondents' mean age was 29.9±7.8 years and about 9.0% were underweight, 76.7% attended ≥4 ANC visits and 65.7% were provided with ANC by skilled health workers. Sixty-two percent delivered in modern health facility, 67.5% were assisted by skilled health worker and 29.1% sought post-natal care within the first 3 days after delivery. The likelihood of delivery in health facility was 1.48(C.I=1.10-1.99, p<0.05) higher among women in monogamous than those in polygamy family. The estimated maternal mortality ratio was 448 deaths/100,000 live-births. The findings emphasize the need to scale-up MH improvement strategies in the study area.

Prevalence estimates of major neurocognitive disorders in a rural Nigerian community.

ObjectiveThere is paucity of information on major neurocognitive disorders in sub‐Saharan Africa where the number of individuals with neurocognitive disorders is expected to increase due to demographic transition. This study aims to report on the prevalence estimates of dementia and MCI (mild cognitive impairment) in a rural community in southwest Nigeria.Materials and MethodsThis was a two‐stage cross‐sectional study of persons aged 65 years and above resident in Lalupon community, Oyo State. The Identification and IDEA (Intervention for Dementia in Elderly Africans) Study Questionnaire was used for initial screening by trained community health care workers, utilized followed by cognitive assessment using the validated IDEA cognitive screen. Functional and cognitive assessment of selected individuals was carried out during the second stage. Information obtained was used for consensus diagnosis and participants were categorized into normal, MCI and dementia using standard criteria.ResultsSix hundred and thirteen participants completed the study with 111 (18.1%) diagnosed as MCI while 17 (2.8%) had dementia. The age‐adjusted prevalence estimates were 18.4% (95% CI: 14.9–21.9%) and 2.9% (95% CI 1.6–4.4%) for MCI and dementia, respectively. Probable Alzheimer's disease and amnestic MCI predominated. Individuals with dementia were older than both MCI and normal cases while those with MCI had significantly fewer years of schooling than the other diagnostic categories.ConclusionAlmost one out of five older persons in Lalupon community had major neurocognitive impairment with MCI being six‐times more common than dementia. Alzheimer's disease was the most common dementia sub‐type.

Awareness and utilization of selected preventive reproductive health services among women of reproductive age group in a rural community in South-West Nigeria

Preventive reproductive health services have been identified as one of the strategies to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to assess awareness and utilization of these services among rural women in southwestern Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study utilizing one-stage cluster sampling was used to survey 494 women aged 15–49 years. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and utilization of selected preventive reproductive health services. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test at p = 0.05. Age of respondents was 29.8 ± 8.2 years, 41.1 % had secondary education and about half (51.8 %) were traders. Majority (66.6 %) were aware of screening services for HIV with 26.1 and 11.7 % aware of breast self-examination (BSE) and clinical breast examination (CBE). Only 1.0 and 1.6 % of respondents were aware of visual inspection for acetic acid (VIA) and Pap smear for cervical cancer screening. Almost half of the respondents (46.8 %) had ever undergone HIV screening, while <1.0 % had obtained a VIA or Pap smear, 18.8 % had ever practiced BSE and 4.5 % CBE. A significantly higher proportion of those with tertiary education (20.9 %) were aware of CBE compared with secondary (12.3 %) and primary education (6.6 %; p = 0.005). Awareness and utilization of reproductive health services among this group particularly with regard to breast and cervical cancer screening were poor. Awareness of CBE increased with higher level of education. Greater public sensitization and health education are advocated.

P17.12 Providing evidence to support community based hct screening programs – the voice of vulnerable rural youths in south-west nigeria

Background Low uptake of HIV testing services (HCT) in healthcare settings was reported by a study carried out in the South-south region of Nigeria. High acceptability of home based HCT has been reported in a previous study in South Africa. Home based testing also increased uptake of screening for HIV and syphilis among previously untested individuals in Brazil. Methods A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among out-of-school youths in two rural communities in southwest Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of HIV testing and the preferred venue for the tests. Multistage sampling method was used to select 360 respondents in each of the communities. Information was collected by trained interviewer’s using a pretested questionnaire. Data was analysed using Epi info statistical software version 3.6.3 and IBM SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was carried out at p Results Mean age of respondents was 19.85 ± 2.71, majority were males (55.0%) and had at least secondary school education (66.7%). Most (86.5%) had heard of HCT, the commonest source of information being TV/Radio (49.0%), Health worker (14.2%), friends/family members (12.3%). Only 14.6% had been tested for HIV. Among this group, 8.3% were tested for medical reasons and 6.3% tested voluntarily. Testing was conducted at the health facility and laboratories in 11.3% out of the 14.6% of respondents that had been tested. Youths who had at least a secondary school education and use condoms were more likely to have been tested. Majority (78.0%) were willing to be tested among this group, more than a third (36.8%) will prefer to be tested within the community (workplace, school, home or mobile outreach). Conclusion Rural youths in this study are willing to be tested for HIV. Provision of this service within the community will improve access and uptake.

Knowledge of malaria prevention among pregnant women and female caregivers of under-five children in rural southwest Nigeria.

Introduction. The morbidity and mortality from malaria are still unacceptably high in the developing countries, especially among the vulnerable groups like pregnant women and under-five children, despite all control efforts. The knowledge about the preventive measures of malaria is an important preceding factor for the acceptance and use of malaria preventive measures like Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) by community members. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge of malaria prevention among caregivers of under-five children and pregnant women in a rural community in Southwest Nigeria.Methodology. This is part of a larger malaria prevention study in rural Southwest Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among pregnant women and caregivers of under-five children in Igbo-Ora, a rural town in Southwest Nigeria using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Information was obtained on knowledge of malaria prevention, and overall composite scores were computed for knowledge of malaria prevention and ITN use. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Associations between variables were tested using a Chi-square with the level of statistical significance set at 5%.Results. Of the 631 respondents, 84.9% were caregivers of under-five children and 67.7% were married. Mean age was 27.7 ± 6.3 years with 53.4% aged between 20 and 29 years. Majority (91.1%) had at least primary school education and 60.2% were traders. Overall, 57.7% had poor knowledge of malaria prevention. A good proportion (83.5%) were aware of the use of ITN for malaria prevention while 30.6% had poor knowledge of its use. Respondents who were younger (<30 years), had at least primary education and earn <10,000/per month had significantly poor knowledge of ITN use in malaria prevention. Majority (60.0%) respondents had poor attitude regarding use of ITNs.Conclusion. This study showed that the knowledge of malaria prevention is still low among under-five caregivers and pregnant women in rural Southwest Nigeria despite current control measures. There is a need for concerted health education intervention to improve the knowledge of rural dwellers regarding malaria prevention, including the use of ITN. This will go a long way to improving the reported low level of ownership and utilization of ITN in the rural areas.

Willingness to accept preventive bilateral mastectomy among women in rural and urban communities in South-Western Nigeria

Background: Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in women with highest mortality in developing countries due to late presentation. The decision to remove both breasts through preventive bilateral mastectomy among high risk individuals in developing countries would transcend social, cultural and even spiritual boundaries. Preventive mastectomy if considered among women at high risk, can significantly reduces the life time risk of developing breast cancer. The study compared willingness to accept preventive bilateral mastectomy among women who reside in urban and rural communities in South-West Nigeria. Methods: Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed. The quantitative study was a cross-sectional comparative survey among 680 women aged 20 years and above selected using a multi-stage sampling technique from two predominantly rural and urban Local Government Areas. Participants were interviewed using semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires. In the qualitative study, focus group discussion sessions were held with the women in both rural and urban areas and analysed using detailed content analysis and results presented with Z-Y tables. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS software version 16.0. Results: Results showed that One hundred and sixty seven (49.1%) and 132 (38.8%) of women in urban and rural areas respectively were willing to accept preventive bilateral mastectomy as a primary prevention strategy if they are identified to be at high risk. (χ 2 =7.3, P = 0.007). For those who were unwilling to accept preventive bilateral mastectomy as an option for breast cancer prevention, the commonest reasons were cosmetic-related (disfigurement and scars). The determinants of willingness to accept preventive bilateral mastectomy among women in rural areas were: self-perceived risk in urban areas and level of education (P = 0.035). Respondents at high self-perceived risk of breast cancer in rural areas were 1.94 times more likely to accept preventive bilateral mastectomy compared with those at average self-perceived risk (OR 1.94, CI 1.22-3.08). Conclusions: The study concluded that respondents with increased knowledge of breast cancer, high level of educational attainment and high self-perceived risk of breast cancer were more likely to accept preventive bilateral mastectomy as a primary prevention strategy if found to be at high risk for developing breast cancer.

Ownership and utilisation of insecticide-treated mosquito nets among caregivers of under-five children and pregnant women in a rural community in southwest Nigeria.

Malaria still constitutes a serious public health problem in Nigeria despite control efforts. The use of Insecticide Treated Net (ITN) has been proven to be an effective preventive modality in the control of malaria but its utilisation has been shown to be low. This study assessed the ownership and utilisation of ITN in Igbo-Ora, a rural community in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey among female caregivers of under-five children and pregnant women was conducted using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Among 631 respondents that participated, 84.9% were caregivers of under-five children. Mean age was 27.7 ± 6.3 years with 53.4% between 20-29 age group. Majority, 91.1% had at least primary education, 60.2% were traders and 69.7% were married. Most respondents, 71.8% had at least one type of mosquito nets. Among those that had, 85.4% had window/door net, 25.2% untreated mosquito net while only 15.5% had ITN. Overall, 11.1% of the respondents had ITN among which 78.6% had ever slept under an ITN. Among those that had ever slept under an ITN, slightly less than half 49.1% slept under an ITN the previous night. Less educated respondents were five times more likely to use ITN (95% CI = 1.24-21.28). This study revealed very low ownership and utilisation of lTNs. There is need to improve on the knowledge of community members of the relevance of ownership and utilisation of ITN in malaria prevention.