Southeast Nigeria Research Articles

The Prevalence and Predictors of Burnout Among Resident Doctors in Enugu State, South East Nigeria: A Mixed Method Study.

Burnout in the health care industry is a potential hazard that has reached epidemic proportions mostly among doctors in practice and training. Burnout has enormous consequences on doctors, patients, and health care institutions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of burnout among resident doctors in Enugu State, Nigeria. This was a mixed-method study of 420 resident doctors in tertiary hospitals in Enugu State, Nigeria. Data were collected using Oldenburg Burnout Inventory and in-depth interviews of chief resident doctors of selected departments. Data were analyzed using IBM statistical package 23.0 and Nvivo 11. Test of significance was set at 0.05. The mean age of participants was 34.11 ± 5.08 years. The prevalence of burnout groups among resident doctors was 84.3% in the burnout group, 4.8% in the disengagement group, 6.9% in the exhaustion group, and 4.0% in the non-burnout group. Gender (OR = 1.861, C.I = 1.079-3.212), duration of training (OR = 1.740, C.I = 1.008-3.005), and working hours (OR = 2.982, C.I = 1.621-5.487) were the predictors of burnout; only working hours (OR = 0.279, C.I = 0.091-0.0862) was the predictor of disengagement; and gender (OR = 0.248, C.I = 0.107-0.579) was the predictor of exhaustion. Heavy workloads, long working hours, migration, poor working environment, job insecurity, poor remuneration, and management style were identified factors of burnout. There was high prevalence of burnout among resident doctors, predicted by gender, duration of training, and working hours. Interventions are needed to reduce burnout, prevent the "brain drain", and improve resident doctors' overall well-being.

Nexus between Anthropometric Indices in Hypertensive and Normotensive Adults: A Gender-Based Study in a Sprawling Urban Community

Adipose tissue in the body can be easily assessed using anthropometric measurements such as hip, waist, chest, and neck circumferences, waist-to-height ratio, body mass index (BMI), and subscapular skinfold thickness. Gender, age, lifestyle, ethnicity, genetics, and nutrition influence these measurements. Although extensive research exists on anthropometry, there is still a lack of data on the gender-specific correlations between anthropometric indices (or parameters), obesity, and blood pressure. This study aimed to investigate the gender differences in anthropometric parameters in hypertensive and normotensive adults, and to assess the gender-based correlations between anthropometry and blood pressure. A cross-sectional, quantitative study involving 355 adults, aged 20-75 years was conducted in Enugu City, South-East Nigeria. Data were collected using well-structured questionnaires, an electronic weighing scale, a stadiometer, a non-elastic fiber-glass tape, and an Accoson™ Desktop mercury sphygmomanometer. Student’s t-test was used to compare anthropometric parameters, and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to analyze the relationships between anthropometric parameters and blood pressure. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The study found a 38.0% prevalence of hypertension. Gender comparisons revealed that more males were underweight (39.0%), with no cases of class 3 obesity. Females had higher rates of overweight (27.9%) and obesity (41.3%). In the hypertensive participants, all anthropometric parameters were higher when compared to normotensive participants, except for height in males, neck circumference and subscapular-triceps ratio in females. Hypertensive and normotensive males had greater weight, height, neck and chest circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, and subscapular-triceps ratio than their female counterparts. Conversely, hypertensive and normotensive females had greater waist circumference, hip circumference, subscapular skinfold, triceps skinfold, BMI, and waist-to-height ratio compared to males. Anthropometric parameters are key indicators of obesity, a major global health issue due to its association with hypertension. The rising trend in obesity, driven by dietary changes, disproportionately affects women. Urgent interventions are needed to promote routine exercise, particularly among administrative workers, and to raise public awareness about the benefits of physical activity.

Effects Of Rural Agriprenuership Investment On Income Generation And Poverty Reduction In Southeast, Nigeria

The study assessed the effects of rural agriprenuership investment as nexus for poverty reduction and income generation in southeast Nigeria using 200 respondents selected through random sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaire administered in the form of interview schedule. Data collected were analyse using descriptive statistics such as frequencies percentages, and multiple regression. Results indicated that agriprenuership investors were mainly male (63%) investors with average age of 41years and were married with average household size of 6 persons. Furthermore, the agriprenuers investors’ had 10 years average experience in agriprenuership investment that earned average annual household income of N676,176.00, and were members of co-operative societies. Result also showed that the income distribution of female agriprenuerial households was at high inequality as seen in the convex nature of the Lorenz curve to the line of equality. Results also showed that the income distribution of male agriprenuers where evenly distributed as it was almost parallel to the line of equality. Result further showed agricultural enterprises accounted for 72% changes in income generation of agriprenuers as evident from the R2 of 0.72 that income from livestock production (3.390), crop production (2.710) and processing sector (1.301) were positive and significantly related to the income generation. Similarly, agricultural enterprises accounted for 84% changes in poverty reduction as production (1.674) and processing sector (3.688) were positive and significantly related to poverty reduction. From the finding, it was concluded that rural agripreneurship investment had positively and significantly influenced agriprenuers income generation and poverty reduction in Southeast, Nigeria. The study recommended for the creation of environment that favours investment in the rural areas especially in linking rural areas with microfinance

Multi-level predictors of young people's attitudes towards gender biases concerning rape, sexual and domestic violence in intimate relationships among young people, Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria.

This study assessed multi-level factors that shape young people's attitudes towards gender biases about rape, sexual, and domestic violence in intimate relationships. This cross-sectional study was undertaken in three urban and three rural communities in Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria. Data were collected from 1,020 young people using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed using STATA. Findings revealed that most(64%) young people agree that when a girl doesn't physically fight back, you cannot really say it was rape. Many agreed that a girl who is raped is promiscuous or has a bad reputation (50%) and usually did something careless to put herself in that situation(45%). Young girls were approximately 2 times more likely to have positive attitudes towards sexual violence, rape, and domestic violence in intimate relationships than young boys (OR=1.5;P<0.01). Multi-level strategies to effectively address adverse gender norms and inequalities in intimate relationships are highly recommended.

Can a school health club-based intervention significantly influence the drivers of gendered sexual norms and ideologies among in-school adolescents in southeast Nigeria?

Individual experiences, social policies, and environmental exposure shape beliefs, norms and ideologies about sexuality. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a school health club training programme in improving adolescents' knowledge and perceptions of gender norms and ideologies about sexuality. This was an intervention study among in-school adolescent boys and girls in 12 secondary schools in Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria. The intervention was the establishment of school health clubs in six schools (intervention), while the six other schools served as controls that did not have school health clubs. Data was collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the data. More than half of the adolescents in the intervention (58.3%) and non-intervention (56.1%) schools believed that men need sex more than women. About 90% of adolescents in school (in both arms) agreed that both boys and girls should remain virgins until marriage. Majority of adolescents in both intervention and non-intervention schools disagreed with the notion that "it is justifiable for a boy to hit his girlfriend". Female gender (OR: 1.6; CI 1.1-2.4), senior secondary school level (OR: 1.6; CI 1.0-2.5), and urban residence (OR: 1.7; CI: 1.1-2.5) were associated with the perception that boys do not respect girls who agree to have sex with them. Working for pay decreases the likelihood of having the perception that girls should remain virgin until they marry (OR: 0.4; CI: 0.2-0.9), while living in the urban area increases the likelihood of having the perception that boys should remain virgins until marriage (OR: 2.1; 1.1-4.1). Female gender (OR: 0.7; CI: 0.5-1.0) and urban residence (OR: 0.6; 0.4-0.9) decrease the likelihood of having the perception that men need sex more frequently than women do. In the intervention arm, female gender was associated with perception that boys do not respect girls who agree to have sex with them (OR: 2.4; CI: 1.3-4.3) while older age was associated with the perception that men need sex more frequently than women in the intervention arm (OR:1.2; CI:1.0-1.4). No predictor was found in the non-intervention arm. Although both intervention and non-intervention arms had positive perceptions of gendered sexual norms and ideologies, a school health club-based intervention could influence the drivers of these norms.

Tracking sustainability compliance of buildings in rapidly urbanizing Southeastern Nigeria

This study examines sustainability compliance in Southeast Nigeria, a region experiencing rapid economic, social, and environmental changes. The research uses a mixed-methods approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from various stakeholders, including enterprises, governments agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities. The findings reveal a complex landscape of sustainability compliance, highlighting gaps and barriers such as inadequate regulatory frameworks, limited resource access, and a lack of awareness and capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, cultural and societal factors significantly influence attitudes and behaviours towards sustainability. The study emphasizes the importance of context-specific approaches to sustainability compliance in a region characterized by unique socio-cultural and economic dynamics. It provides recommendations for policymakers, businesses, and civil society organizations to foster greater sustainability awareness, promote responsible practices, and create an enabling environment for sustainable development. Further research and collaborative efforts are needed to address these challenges and advance sustainability objectives in the Southeast region.

Isolation, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility profile of bacterial isolates from unused diapers sold in major markets in Enugu Metropolis: Clinical and policy perspectives.

Diapers, being one of the most used items for infant care, it is imperative that they are always free of contamination from microorganisms. The objective of this study is to determine the rate of bacterial contamination and the antibiotics profile of isolated bacteria from unused diapers sold in markets in Enugu Metropolis, southeast Nigeria. The study also investigated the effectiveness of the Nigerian Consumer protection laws towards maintaining the standard of care for infants and toddlers. Fifty pieces of different brands of diapers were sampled for bacterial contamination using standard bacteriological procedures. The results show that out of 50 samples analyzed, bacterial growths were identified in 9 (18%), of which five different bacterial species were isolated. The most prevalent being Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus 3 (33.3%). Other bacteria isolated were Lactobacillus spp, Klebsiella spp, and Streptococcus spp 1 (11.1%). There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of the bacterial contamination of diapers across the different brands(p>0.05). We conclude that baby diapers sold in markets in Enugu metropolis are prone to contamination with bacteria.We recommend that appropriate measures should be taken during the manufacturing process to reduce or prevent the incidence of bacterial contamination of diapers.

Gender differences in adolescents' perceptions of condom use in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria.

This paper assessed gender differences and perceptions towards condom use among in-school adolescents in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study undertaken in six local government areas in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and summarised using frequencies and proportions. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used in the analysis. The level of statistical significance was a p-value of <0.05. Findings showed that a significantly higher proportion of male respondents (58.8%) had a good perception of condom use when compared to female respondents (45.8%). Gender, level of schooling, and working for pay had significant associations with good perceptions of condom use, while the significant predictors in the logistic regression model were gender, level of schooling, and working for pay. Interventions that promote the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents and those that empower women with relevant skills by addressing unequal gender power relations in relationships should be prioritized.

Physicochemical and Bacteriological Analysis of Ebe River Water Used for Drinking in Amede Community, Eha-Amufu, Southeast Nigeria

Physicochemical and Bacteriological Analysis of Ebe River Water Used for Drinking in Amede Community, Eha-Amufu, Southeast Nigeria

Predictors of the willingness to accept a free COVID-19 vaccine among households in Nigeria

BackgroundTo inform vaccination policy and programmatic strategies to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake, an understanding of the factors associated with the willingness to vaccinate is needed. MethodsWe analyzed data collected from the sixth and tenth round of the Nigerian COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone Survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics and the World Bank in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Exploratory data analysis and feature selection techniques were used to identify important variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between socio-demographic and economic factors and the willingness to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine among Nigerian households at two different time points before vaccines became widely available. ResultsData from 1,733 and 1,651 Nigerian households who completed the sixth and tenth round of the survey, respectively, were included. Most respondents (>85% of households) were willing to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine from both survey rounds. The median household size was 6 (IQR: [4, 8]) with females heading about 18% of the households. Approximately 22% of the household heads had not received any formal education. Compared to households whose head had no education, households whose heads had completed tertiary education or higher had significantly lower odds of willingness to be vaccinated (ORround 6: 0.46, 95% CI: [0.31, 0.68], ORround 10: 0.49, 95% CI: [0.34, 0.71]). An increasing proportion of male household members was associated with greater willingness to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine (ORround 6: 1.84, 95% CI: [1.01, 3.33], ORround 10: 5.25, 95% CI: [2.86, 9.65]). Significant associations with vaccine willingness were also observed across geopolitical zones of residence with households in South-East Nigeria (ORround 6: 0.16, 95% CI: [0.10, 0.24]; ORround 10: 0.29, 95% CI: [0.19, 0.43]) and South-South Nigeria (ORround 6: 0.57, 95% CI: [0.36, 0.90], ORround 10: 0.32, 95% CI: [0.22, 0.48]) less likely to be willing to receive a free vaccine compared to households in North-Central Nigeria. ConclusionThese findings from two different time points before vaccine roll-out suggest that the educational level of household head, proportion of male household members, and the geopolitical zone of residence are important baseline predictors of the willingness to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. These factors should be carefully considered and specifically targeted when designing public health programs to inform early-stage strategies that address underlying vaccine hesitancy, improve vaccine uptake, promote ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts, and potentially enhance other immunization programs in Nigeria.

Illegal Logging in Rural Southeast Nigeria: Implications for Environmental Crime and Ecological Sustainability

Illegal Logging in Rural Southeast Nigeria: Implications for Environmental Crime and Ecological Sustainability

Research Note: The Association of Procedural and Distributive Justice With Emotional Exhaustion Burnout Among Prison Officers in Nigeria

Prison officers have a demanding job and are at risk of burnout. The literature indicates that workplace variables are related to burnout, but there are gaps in the literature that need to be addressed, including the need for additional research on the association of organizational justice with officer burnout. Organizational justice theory holds that employees expect to be treated fairly by their organizations and that psychological strain occurs if they are not, and this strain increases the chances of job burnout. The current study examined how distributive and procedural justice views, which are dimensions of organizational justice, were related to the emotional exhaustion burnout of Nigerian prison officers. Data were collected from 120 officers stationed at medium-security prison in southeast Nigeria. Both procedural justice and distributive justice were significantly associated with lower emotional exhaustion burnout. The current findings support the postulation that workplace fairness is associated with lower levels of job burnout.

Feasibility and Determinants of Performance for a Tablet-Based Cognitive Assessment Tool in Rural and Urban Southeast Nigeria.

Cognitive assessment is a key component of clinical evaluations for patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in primary health care (PHC) settings. The need for well-validated, culturally appropriate, and easy-to-use assessments is especially urgent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that are experiencing rapid growth in their older adult populations. To examine the feasibility and demographic determinants of performance for a tablet-based cognitive assessment tool (TabCAT) battery, which includes subtests for four cognitive domains, among older PHC patients in southeastNigeria. A cross-sectional mixed-method descriptive study evaluating the useability and performance of TabCAT. We enrolled 207 participants (mean age of 64.7±13.5 years; 52% with only primary, 41% secondary, and 7% tertiary education). Most (91%) who initiated the assessment were able to complete it, requiring 10-15 minutes to complete. More years of education was associated with better test scores across all tests (p < 0.001). Living in a rural location was also associated with better performance (p < 0.05). Male compared to female sex did not associate with performance on any of the tests (all ps > 0.05). Tablet-based cognitive assessment was feasible in rural and urban settings of Nigeria. Better performance on cognitive subtests linked to more education and residing in a rural area; however, sex did not predict performance. Digital cognitive assessment tools hold potential for widespread use in healthcare and educational contexts, particularly in regions with varying levels of urbanization and educational access.

Using Gliricidia sepium prunings as green manure in a degraded ultisol ; effect on soil physical properties and yield of okra (Abelmuschus esculentus) in Abakaliki, southeast Nigeria

ABSTRACT Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is an important vegetable crop in southeast Nigeria, though at present there are only limited data available on the production in this area. A two-year field experiment was carried out in 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons to determine the effects of soil incorporation of different rates of Gliricidia sepium prunings (GS) as a green manure on soil consistency limits and physical properties, and yield of okra. The experiment was arranged as a randomised complete block design with four treatments and five replications. The treatments were as follows: control (C, no amendment); application of GS at 3 t ha−1 (3 GS), GS at 6 t ha−1 (6 GS); and GS at 8 t ha−1 (8 GS). The results showed significant increases (p < 0.05) in soil consistency limits in soil amended with GS relative to the control. The result also showed significant decrease in soil bulk density and increase in total porosity in soil amended with GS green manure. Soil water retention was significantly higher in Gliricidia sepium–amended plots. The dry pod yield of the okra increased significantly with the incorporation of the Gliricidia sepium green manure, though the differences in the yield between treatments with 6 and 8 t ha−1 rates of incorporation were not significant. Using GS as a green manure improved the consistency limits and physical properties of the soil and resulted in enhanced okra yields.

Politics and Education in Nigeria: Issues and Consequences

This study examined Politics and Education in Nigeria: Issues and Consequences. Three research questions guided the study; descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 73,400 academic staff of the public universities in South-East Nigeria. The sample comprised 1,040 academic staff of the universities. Purposive sampling technique was used to obtain Professors and Readers given that the record number of lecturers that participate in politics and management of elections. Then proportionate sampling technique was used to obtain 10% of Professors and Readers to give rise to 700 Professors and 340 Readers. Data collected were analyzed using mean. Findings of the study showed that the importance of education for those participating in Nigerian politics includes; it Increases political participation, Increases political awareness ; some of the major issues in Nigerian politics includes ; Ethnic bigotry, Religious bigotry, Corrupt Leaders and the consequences of the major issues in politics in Nigeria are failure in governance, poor economic indices, multi-dimensional poverty, insecurity, poor education outcome, unemployment and other vices. The study recommended that government should address different issues that have to do with education sector as a means of building its capacity in order to ameliorate the issue of politics in Nigeria through the means of human capacity building, widening, deepening knowledge on different political issues confronting the nation and government at all level should eschew politics in governance and face governance properly in other to salvage what is left of the nation from the major issues that has to do with politics in the country.

Effect of cognitive behavior-aided counseling on entrepreneurial self-efficacy of students of home economics education in South-East Nigeria.

Raising potential entrepreneurs to advance the economy of nations through education has been projected by scholars. On the contrary, Nigerian students lack the enthusiasm and internal force to pursue the aims enshrined in their courses of study. Rather they prefer white-cola jobs to the entrepreneurial intention of the institutions. Given this reason, we tested the effect of cognitive behavior-aided counseling on entrepreneurial self-efficacy of students of Home Economics in South-East Nigeria. This is a pretest and posttest with a follow-up group randomized control design. A total of 119 Home Economics Education students from Universities and Colleges of Education were measured and screened using an entrepreneurial self-efficacy scale and inclusion criteria. Data collected from the pretest, post-test, and follow-up test were statistically analyzed using repeated measures of Analysis of Variance statistical method. The effect size of the cognitive behavior-aided counseling intervention on entrepreneurial self-efficacy was reported using partial eta square. The follow-up data was tested using a Univariate analysis. The result showed that cognitive behavior-aided counseling intervention had a significant effect on entrepreneurial self-efficacy among the Universities and Colleges of Education in South-East Nigeria. A follow-up result also showed that intervention had a significant effect on participants' entrepreneurial self-efficacy.

Morphological Pattern of Benign Skin Tumors in a Teaching Hospital in Southeast Nigeria

Morphological Pattern of Benign Skin Tumors in a Teaching Hospital in Southeast Nigeria

Exploring Depression: Community Perceptions and Social Influences in Southeast, Nigeria

Despite increasing global awareness of mental health issues, understanding the perception and influences of depression remains limited within specific cultural contexts such as Southeast Nigeria. This study investigates how residents define and perceive depression, exploring socio-cultural, demographic, and religious factors that shape these perceptions. In-depth interviews were conducted with twenty participants (10 males and 10 females) from Anaocha and Idemili South Local Government Areas in Anambra State. Thematic analysis revealed that depression is perceived as a profound emotional and psychological burden, characterized by sadness, hopelessness, and isolation. Influential socio-cultural factors included beliefs in supernatural forces, traditional healing practices, gender norms, educational levels, and religious/spiritual practices. Stigma emerged as a significant barrier to help-seeking, with cultural expectations of resilience and reliance on religious coping mechanisms complicating the mental health landscape. The study proposes resilience-based interventions to enhance help-seeking behavior and support individuals with internalized stigma. These interventions by professional service providers such as social workers will increase mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and promote community resilience. Future research could also prioritize comparative studies across different regions to examine regional variations in depression perceptions and inform tailored interventions in social service delivery that effectively address local socio-cultural contexts, thereby advancing social research.

Factors influencing foraminiferal assemblages in coastal sediments of the Cross River Estuary, Southeast Nigeria, Gulf of Guinea

Estuaries are crucial coastal ecosystems facing increased pressures from human activities. The Cross River Estuary in Nigeria is a vital tropical mesotidal estuary influenced by diverse anthropogenic and natural processes. This study investigated the distribution of foraminiferal assemblages in the estuary's sediments, alongside environmental parameters such as heavy metals, pH, depth, temperature, salinity, mean grain size, and dissolved oxygen. Field sampling involved collecting 55 bottom water and sediment samples, with laboratory analyses focusing on grain-size distribution, foraminiferal identification, and heavy metal concentrations. Results indicated that heavy metal concentrations, except for iron, were within permissible limits. A total of 287 benthic foraminiferal tests representing four species were identified. These were primarily agglutinated species, with Arenoparrella mexicana and Miliammina fusca being the most abundant. Foraminiferal distribution was influenced by sediment type, salinity, and pH, rather than heavy metal concentration. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed weak relationships between foraminiferal species and environmental variables, indicating limited influence of mean grain size and heavy metals on foraminiferal distribution. The study highlights the adaptability of certain foraminiferal species to a wide range of environmental conditions and underscores the need for continuous monitoring of the estuarine ecosystem to assess the impacts of ongoing anthropogenic activities. The findings provide a baseline for future environmental assessments and the use of foraminifera as bioindicators in tropical estuarine environments.

Prevalence and Patterns of Seizure-related Injuries: A Study of People Living with Epilepsy Found in a Community-based Door-to-door Survey in Southeast Nigeria.

Epileptic seizures and the unpredictable falls resulting from epileptic seizures predispose the people living with epilepsy (PLWE) to various physical injuries as well as postictal cognitive and behavioral changes. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and patterns of seizure-related physical injuries, postictal cognitive impairments, and behavioral changes. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study in a Southeast Nigeria local government area. PLWE identified during a two-phase door-to-door survey and their caregivers were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0 was used. There were 56 cases of active convulsive seizures comprising 33 (58.9%) males and 23 (41.1%) females, with a mean age of 32.9 ± 14.2. The lifetime prevalence of seizure-related physical injuries, postictal behavioral changes, and postictal cognitive impairments was 9.8 per 1000 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.1-10.0), 8.4 per 1000 (95% CI: 7.2-9.2), and 6.3 per 1000 (95% CI: 4.9-7.5), respectively. Skin/soft-tissue injuries and tongue laceration were the most frequent physical injuries found in 66.1% ( n = 37/56) and 60.7% ( n = 34/56) of cases, respectively. The frequency of soft-tissue injuries was significantly higher (χ 2 = 5.038; P = 0.0248) in the females 78.3% ( n = 18/23) than the males 48.5% ( n = 16/33). About a third of the females 39.1% had burn injuries compared to 18.1% of the males. Seizure-related injuries are common and have the tendency to increase the burden of epilepsy and epilepsy-related stigma from deformities and the chronic disfiguring scars resulting from such injuries.