South-South Nigeria Research Articles

Awareness and uptake of pre-conceptional genotype screening among pregnant women in South-South Nigeria

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inheritable genetic disease occurring worldwide. Nigeria is regarded as the epicenter of the disease, with a high number of SCD babies born annually. The risk of having an SCD baby remains high once there is a union between two heterozygous couple; therefore, it is imperative for intending couples to know their genotypes before marriage and conception. Currently, it is only the churches that insist on genotype before marriage. The result subsequently is a marriage between a heterozygous couple with a high possibility of the birth of an SCD baby. This cross-sectional study surveyed 430 consecutive consenting antenatal clinic clients presenting for booking in Central Hospital, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria. The women completed a questionnaire with sections on sociodemographic attributes, awareness of their SCD and their genotype, awareness of their partner’s genotype, source of information, and ways to improve uptake of preconception genotype screening. The age range 25-34 years constituted 68.1% of the study population, with the majority of them (95.1%) of the Christian faith. Married women form 90.1% of the participants. Only 55.1% of the participants were aware of their genotype before conception. Higher education, being a Christian, marital status, and the type of marriage significantly affected patients’ awareness of their genotype. The majority of them heard about genotype screening from a health professional (30.5%), while the commonest reasons why many of them did genotype screening were for school admission 13.3%, for knowledge’s sake (12.1%) and as a requirement for marriage (24.7%). Some of the ways suggested to help increase the uptake of genotype screening include community meetings, text and WhatsApp messages, television and radio messages. Despite the fact that Nigeria remains the epicenter of SCD in the world, the uptake of preconception genotype screening is still low. The government, health workers, churches and marriage counselors, and the community have a major role to play in increasing the awareness and uptake of preconception genotype screening.

Cultural practices and post-harvest handling of selected neglected food crops in south-east and South-south Nigeria

The study was conducted to assess cultural practices and post-harvest handling of some selected neglected food crops (bambara nut, bread fruits and bush-mango) in South-east and South-south Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to; identify the cultural practices of selected neglected crops; identify the postharvest handling procedure of the selected neglected crops; identify uses of other parts of the neglected crops apart from the food storage organs and investigates the medicinal value of selected neglected crops. A purposive and snow-ball sampling procedure was used to sample 120 farmers of selected neglected crops in South-east and South-south Nigeria (Akwa-Ibom, Ebonyi and Rivers). A well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from the respondents and presented using percentage and mean. The result showed that the cultural and agronomic practices for the neglected crops included; nursery (66.7%), intercropping (79.2%), fertilizer application (66.7%) and weeding (100%). The farmers use the neglected crops as soup, chips, flour, and food by boiling or roasting. Processing activities done before storage include fermentation, breaking of the pod, sun drying and cleaning of the crops without water. The method of storage showed that 25% used nylon, 65% used bags and 10% used air tight container. The farmers made use of; leaves of neglected food crops for animal feeds formulation, fermented fruits for organic manure, and stems and branches for timber woods for building and construction. Also, farmers used some of the neglected tree crops for treating fever, stomach upset and diabetes. Also, it is used to boost blood level, antibiotics, pile treatment and prevention of heart failure. The study recommended that Research institutes, ADPs and other related NGOs should work in collaboration to train the farmers on modern methods of post-harvest handlings of crops in the study area. Also, policy maker should formulate policy that will encourage the production of neglected food crops in large quantity.

Indications, Access and Techniques for Pericardiocentesis in South-South Nigeria

Introduction: Pericardiocentesis may be an emergency procedure to relieve pericardial effusion with Tamponade. The fluid from this procedure is examined and sent for further investigation which may guide the line of management and improve patient outcome. With the advancement of expertise in echocardiography assisted procedures, echocardiography-guided diagnostic and therapeutic pericardiocentesis is now considered standard clinical practice in the treatment of pericardial effusions.

5-year review of hysterectomy at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, south-south Nigeria

Context: Hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure that is performed worldwide for several indications ranging from benign to malignant conditions. It may be life-saving especially in certain obstetric situations.
 Objective: The aim was to determine the incidence, indications and complications of hysterectomy in Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara.
 Materials and methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study of hysterectomy performed in DELSUTH, Oghara from January 1st, 2012 to December 31st 2016. Every patient that had hysterectomy was included.
 Results: During the period, there were there 468 major gynaecological surgeries. Eighty-five patients had hysterectomy accounting for 18.2%. The mean age of the patients was 47.9±10.6 years. Majority (46.6%) of the patients were para 5 and above. The mean parity was 3.2±0.83. Uterine fibroid accounted for majority (30.0%) of the cases. Total abdominal hysterectomy accounted for 78.75% while 8.75% had sub-total abdominal hysterectomy and 12.5% had vaginal hysterectomy. Fifty-two percent of the patients had bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy while 6.25% had unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Anaemia and wound sepsis were the most common complications. One patient (1.25%) ended as a mortality during the period under review.
 Conclusion: The indications for, and surgical outcome following hysterectomy are comparable to that from other public hospitals across the country.

Innovation Diffusion and Sustainable Development of Deposit Money Banks in South-South Nigeria: The Moderating Role of Entrepreneurial Marketing

Many deposit money banks in Nigeria are utilizing new technologies to innovate their products and services. But amidst these wins are some legitimate concerns about the credibility of the banks, customer trust, banks’ technical competence, capability to adopt innovations and the ability to sustain development. Framed by the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, this study explored the relationship between innovation diffusion and sustainable development of deposit money banks in Nigeria and the moderating role of entrepreneurial marketing. A quantitative and cross-sectional survey research design was adopted to consider three (3) hypotheses formulated for the study. Based on a population size of twenty-two (22) deposit money banks in south-south Nigeria, (Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), 2022), two (2) respondents; branch managers and marketing managers were drawn randomly from each of the banks for the survey. Therefore, forty-four (44) copies of questionnaire representing the total respondents were suitably designed and administered to obtain primary data. The face validity of the questionnaire was determined by experts comprising of researchers and business practitioners with satisfactory knowledge of the subject matter. The construct and content validity were established from earlier researchers who used it, but with few adjustments. The Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient reliability measure was also applied to determine the internal consistency of items in the questionnaire using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The Pearson moment correlation coefficient was used to determine the degree of relationship between the dimensions of innovation diffusion (product innovation diffusion and process innovation diffusion) and sustainable development. Partial correlation was used to examine moderation of entrepreneurial marketing on the relationship between innovation diffusion and sustainable development. Findings reveal that inn

Pattern of Breastfeeding Adopted By Working Class Nursing Mothers in South-South Nigeria

Breastfeeding is one of the important and natural mode of feeding a child and it should be encouraged in every society irrespective of your occupational status. Every woman owes a duty to breastfed their child to ensure a healthy living. This study is to ascertain the Pattern of Breastfeeding Adopted by Working Class Nursing Mothers in South-South Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study involving 320 working class nursing mothers who were within the age of 18 to 47 years. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to participants. Each participant had one questionnaire to fill appropriately and independently after instructions were given to them by the Research Assistants. The study lasted for a period of 6 months. The research findings revealed that 20(6.30%) were within 18-22 years, 40(12.50%) were within 23-27years, 50(15.60%) were within 28-32 years, 120(37.60%) were within 33-37 years, 60(18.80%) were within 38-42 years while 30(9.40%) were within 43-47 years. The study also revealed the educational status of the participants which shows that 50(15.60%) had primary level of education, 80(25.00%) had secondary level of education, while 190(59.40%) had tertiary level of education respectively. The occupational distribution of the respondents shows that 80(25.00%) were farmers, 100(31.30%) were business women, and 140(43.80%) were civil servants. 300(93.80%) of the participants were nursing mothers whereas 20(6.30%) were not nursing mothers. 300(93.8%) of the participants agreed that they are aware of exclusive breastfeeding and 20(6.3%) said no awareness. The findings also revealed that 250(78.10%) of the participants do not breastfed their child / children while 70(21.90%) agreed that they do. 20(6.30%) of the respondents agreed that they carried out exclusive breastfeeding and 300(93.80%) did not. 280(87.50%) of the participants who are working class women said they preferred non-breastfeeding methods of child’s nutrition.

Evaluation of Socio-Demographic Factors and Morbidity Pattern among Elderly Patients in a Teaching Hospital in South-South Nigeria

Aim: This study was to evaluate the sociodemographic factors and morbidity pattern among elderly patients in order to support the equitable distribution of the few healthcare resources.
 Study Design: A hospital-based cross-sectional analytical descriptive study.
 Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at the General Out-Patient Clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt. The duration of study was three months.
 Methodology: Three hundred and eighty-four (384) study participants were recruited by systematic random sampling. The data were collected using structured questionnaire which assessed health problems related to general signs and symptoms and classified patients’ problems into reason for encounter, problems/diagnosis managed and interventions. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Chi square (x2) statistics was used to assess association between categorical variables. The statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
 Results: A total of 878 health problems were reported based on the ICPC-2. The reasons for encounter were related to musculoskeletal (18.8%), general body symptoms (14.8%), neurological problems (14.7%) and problems related to the ear (0.9%). None of the respondent reported blood related problems. A total of 799 morbidities were diagnosed with an average of 2.1 each (range 1-5), the most prevalent morbidities were related to the cardiovascular system (24.7%), musculoskeletal system (13.8%) and digestive system (13.0%) and the least number of morbidities were found in the female genitalia (0.3%). The relationship between general body symptoms (GBS), musculoskeletal, mental health and nutritional/endocrine conditions, and gender were statistically significant (GBS p-value = 0.034, musculoskeletal, p=0.000, mental health p=0.001, nutrition p=0.000). Women reported more health problems than men. The majority (70.1%) of the men were still married, while most (88.6%) of the women were widowed. Although the largest proportion (56.0%) of the respondents was from social class V with the female forming the bulk (67.9%), there was no statistically significant association except for blood related morbidity (p-value =0.005). Also, there was statistically significant relationship between morbidity pattern and age groups for blood related diseases (p-value =0.010), digestive system (p-value = 0.003), musculoskeletal system (p-value =0.000), and neurological problems (p-value = 0.001). Statistically significant association was found between marital status and morbidities related to ear (p-value =0.002), musculoskeletal (p-value = 0.000), endocrine/metabolic/nutrition (p-value = 0.023) and male genital (p-value = 0.000).
 Conclusion: The most prevalent morbidities of the elderly were chronic medical conditions related to the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, digestive, endocrine systems as well as nutritional and eye diseases. As the ageing population rises with attendant age – related multi morbidities, there is need to have geriatric care plan in our hospitals for a comprehensive continuing healthcare service.

FACTORS INFLUENCING INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SHARING AMONG RURAL FARMERS IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA

The study assessed factors influencing sharing of indigenous knowledge among rural farmers in South-South Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 360 farmers. Data collection was through structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression. The result reveals that sharing between two or more farmers ( = 3.9), parents/guardian/friends ( = 3.8), participation ( = 3.8), observation ( = 3.7), farmer’s groups ( = 3.7), demonstration ( = 3.4), social group gathering ( = 3.4), village groups/age grades ( = 3.4), village meetings ( = 3.4) among others were the major ways farmers share knowledge. The study also revealed that farm income ( = 4.05), access to information ( = 4.01), land tenure system ( = 3.91), literacy level ( = 3.88), awareness of knowledge sharing need ( = 3.83), access to credit ( = 3.79), farming experience ( = 3.72), age ( = 3.46), gender ( = 3.40) and marital status ( = 3.26) were perceived factors that influenced indigenous knowledge sharing. The Ordinary Least Square regression analysis revealed that participation (2.978***), social network (3.096***), infrastructure (2.423**) and farm income (2.105**) significantly influenced the sharing at 1% and 5% significance levels respectively. From the findings, it was concluded that indigenous knowledge sharing was influenced by participation, social network, and infrastructure and farm income. The study recommended State Ministries of Agriculture and extension agencies to assist the rural farmers by organizing demonstrations and coordinating farmer groups which would enable them improve the sharing of their indigenous knowledge

Organisational Justice and Employees Affective Commitment: A Perceptual Survey of Police Officers in South-South Nigeria

This study examined the effect of organisational justice on employee affective commitment in Nigeria Police in South-South Nigeria. A survey design was adopted in the study. The population of the study was 4520 from which a Sample size of 367 was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Structured Questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Multiple regression was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that there was a significant effect of Distributive justice- (P- value 0.006 < 0.05) level of significance, Also, the findings showed that there was no statistically significant effect of Procedural justice ((P-value 0.728 > 0.05) level of significance on employee affective commitment. There was significant effect of Interactional justice (P-value 0.000 < 0.05) level of significance on Employee Affective commitment in Nigeria Police. Moreover, the findings showed statistically significant effect of Organisational culture ((P-value 0.014 > 0.05) level of significance on employee affective commitment. In view of these, it was recommended that the policy makers in Nigeria Police should facilitate rapid implementation of Equality, Equity and Need on Policemen outcomes (Distributive Justice) for more affective commitment in the organisation. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that, three organisational variables are statistically significant, except procedural justice.

Management of nasal polyps in Calabar, South-South Nigeria

Objectives: Nasal polyps are the commonest intranasal masses. It has a worldwide distribution and significantly reduces the productivity of affected individuals. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better treatment outcomes. The aim of the study were: To study the occurrence, types, associated co-morbidities, and management of polyps in Calabar, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of all nasal polyps seen between January 2009 and January 2019. Records of all intranasal masses seen during the period including age, sex, aetiopathological profile, and histopathology results were obtained from the records department, theater, and the wards. Patients who had nasal polyps either had nasal polypectomy with/without antral lavage, or Caldwell Luc operation. Results: One hundred and eighty-two intranasal masses were seen during the study period. One hundred and thirty-four of them (73.625%) were nasal polyps; 62.6% were inflammatory polyps, 14.7% had chronic rhinitis, 9.7% inverted papilloma, and 2.24% squamous cell carcinoma. About 31.3% of the polyps were right-sided, 31.3% bilateral, 26.9% left-sided, and 10.44% antrochoanal polyps. About 97% of the patients presented with nasal blockage, 53.23% with rhinorrhoea, 41.79% signs of anosmia, and 29.85% sneezing. Comorbidities seen include diabetes mellitus 1.6%, hypertension 4.5%, allergy 70%, and asthma 25%.Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignancy found and inverted papilloma was the most common benign tumor present. Conclusion: Nasal polyps occur globally. They are the most common intranasal masses. They seem to occur more in males and occurrence increases with age. Not all nasal polyps turn out as polyps histologically as this study shows; we had chronic rhinitis, inverted papillomas, squamous cell carcinomas, etc. The comorbidities found were diabetes mellitus, hypertension, allergy, and asthma. Diabetes and hypertension may have been incidental but the number of patients with asthma and allergy shows a definite link between these two and allergy. Treatment for nasal polyps may be medical or surgical and the best form of surgery is endoscopic sinus surgery. However, financial constraints could prevent patients access to FESS.

Assessment of potential radiological risk of borehole water and snails from a crude oil contaminated area, Ikot Ada Udo, South-South Nigeria

The ingestion of radionuclides from the intake of borehole water and Archachatina marginata from Ikot Ada Udo can be harmful. Borehole water (n = 48) and A. marginata tissues (n = 72) were collected and analyzed for radionuclides activity. The radionuclides activity in borehole water were 176 ± 52 Bq/L (40K), 22.2 ± 7.2 Bq/L (238U), and 7.1 ± 1.6 Bq/L (232Th), while snails had 472 ± 96 Bq/kg (40K), 12.2 ± 3.9 Bq/kg (238U), and 4.1 ± 1.3 Bq/kg (232Th). The activity concentrations of 40K, 238U, 232Th in borehole water and snails were above the WHO acceptable limit and IAEA-437 Reference Material for drinking water and mollusc, respectively, making them unsafe for consumption. The committed effective dose (CED) of radionuclides in water was greater in children aged 0–7 years. Ingestion of 238U in borehole water (1.27 ×10−3) and snails (3.62 ×10−3) demonstrated the possibility of consumers developing cancer over a 70-year lifespan. The health risk model identified 238U as the predominant source of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk in borehole water and snails, emphasizing the importance of adequate site remediation.

Congenital heart diseases: Pattern of clinical presentations in children less than 2-years of age in a pediatric practice in southsouth Nigeria

The increase in the prevalence of congenital heart disease remains a major contributing factor tochildhood morbidity and mortality in Africa. The study describes the clinical features of children withCHD that presented to a general pediatric hospital, to improve on early recognition and management ofthe diseases. The prevalence of CHD from the study was 2 per 100 (30 per 1577 or 1 in 52) i.e. (2/100 or20/1000). A higher incidence in females (53.3%) with M: F = 1:1.14, the majority presented withdifficulty / fast breathing (70%), cough(40%), other presenting symptoms are poor weight gain (26.7%),delayed milestones(13.3%). On examination, 60% had dyspnea, 56.7% had murmur. Packed cell volumefor acyanotic heart disease ranged 28-30%, and 50-61% for cyanotic heart disease. The majority hadcomorbid bronchopneumonia (46.6%), and heart failure (23.3%). Echocardiographic findings revealedVSD in 26.7%, 20.0% had PDA and tetralogy of Fallot in 6.7%, Transposition of Great Arteries in 3.3%,and Dextrocardia in 3.3%. The outcome showed that 30% had no symptoms on follow-up, 23.3% werereferred for surgery, 10% dropped from follow-up and 3.3% died. These findings which are comparable tothe findings of other researchers showed that congenital heart disease has a place in childhood morbidityand mortality, therefore appropriate attention should be directed to improve on early recognition andmanagement of the diseases.

Business Education for Self-Reliance and Job Sustainability Among Undergraduate Students in Universities, South-South Nigeria

Business Education for Self-Reliance and Job Sustainability Among Undergraduate Students in Universities, South-South Nigeria

The Effect of Forensic Audit Services on Tax Fraud in South-South, Nigeria

The need to address tax fraud has increasingly been attracted to the state authorities’ administrators, decision-makers, scholars, and investigators in Nigeria. Although various efforts have been made to alleviate it for effective revenue generation, mobilization through taxation is still low. Consequently, this study examined Forensic Audit Services and Tax Fraud in South-South Nigeria. To this end, a cross-sectional research design with a survey research strategy was used. Copies of questionnaire, reflecting the research questions, were distributed to a sample size of 228 staff in the Nigerian Federal Inland Revenue Service in the South-South States with a target population (of 530) and a sampling error of 5% at a 95% confidence interval. To assess the study's hypotheses, the Robust Least Squares Estimation technique was used. Findings revealed that Forensic Audit Investigation Services disaggregated into Background Investigation, Investigative Interview, and Analytical Procedures exert a negative and significant effect on Tax Fraud. It was also revealed that the explanatory power of Litigation Support Services in the form of Pre-trial Support and Expert Witnessing negatively and significantly affected Tax Fraud. The implications of these findings suggest that forensic audit services mitigate the occurrence of tax fraud in Nigeria, thereby improving compliance and tax revenue generation. On the premise of the foregoing, we recommend that tax investigating agencies, such as the federal Inland Revenue Service and its counterparts in the states (all in Nigeria) should employ background investigation techniques including surveillance, undercover operations and database searches as a routine procedure to proactively search for indicators of fraud. Besides, tax officials should be well trained on the usefulness and application of analytical procedures, ranging from simple ratio analysis, data mining techniques, Bedford’s Law, and Beneish model during an investigation, to help in their audit efficiency.

The use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) method in the evaluation of soil moisture content of parts of cross river central soil for precision agriculture in South-south Nigeria

Using a single offset of the GPR technique, the soil moisture content in the study areas has been satisfactorily characterized. The average water content of selected soils in the Central region of Cross-River State ranges from 0.24m3m-3 to 0.35m3m-3. The majority of the soil in the research area is loamy soil, which has little sand and silt particles, claims the study. The majority of loamy soil is made up of sand, silt, and a small amount of clay. When dry, loamy soil has the consistency of concrete and when wet, it turns into a sticky mess. The majority of plants and vegetables can be grown on loam soil rather than other types of soil. Since loam contains almost equal amounts of all three of these components, it is the best type of soil. In conclusion, some of the Central Cross River State's soils would be suitable for farming.

Effects of Cashless Policy on Reproductive Activity among Married Women in Urban Areas of South-South Nigeria

Availability of physical cash is a vehicle for reproductive activity because its availability and accessibility determines reproductive activity in terms of conception among married couples. Stable economic is a panacea for reproductive activity to take place. The study is aim to investigate the Effects of Cashless Policy on Reproductive Activity among Married Women in Urban Areas of South-South Nigeria. The study involves 260 married women between 18 to 37 years of age. The study was a cross sectional study and questionnaires were given to participants after seeking their consent to fill independently and return it to the researcher. The study lasted for a period of 4 months. The study revealed that 82.3% of the participants did not have urge to sex during the period of Cashless policy while 17.7 do and 69.2% of the participants do not want to be pregnant during the season. 86.6% of the participants do not use protective devise during sex for several reasons. 95.4% have sex during the policy’s season and 98.5% of the participants were pregnant.81.5% said the pregnancy was not timely. 82.3% of the participants terminates their pregnancy and 82.3% used herbal medicine, 17.7% used tablets to terminate their pregnancy.94.6% have complications from terminating the pregnancy.69.2% of the participants said that, the policy brought hardship.

Preferred Method of Delivery amongst Women of Reproductive Age in South-South Nigeria

Choice of delivery is as important as getting pregnant for the first time. Delivery could be spontaneous vagina delivery (SVD) or caesarean section (CS). African culture believes in spontaneous vagina delivery which it cannot be compromised. This study is to evaluate the Preferred Method of Delivery Amongst Women of Reproductive Age in South-South, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study involving 260 females who were within the age of 18 to 45 years. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to participants. Each participant had one questionnaire to fill appropriately and independently after instructions were given to them by the researchers. The study lasted for a period of 6 months. The study revealed that 51.4% of the participants have tertiary level of education, 43.8% had secondary level and 4.8% had primary level of education. 69.5% of the participants were married, 24.8% were single, 1.9% were cohabiting and 3.8% are widow.96.0% are Christian, 3.0% were Moslem and 1.0% were African Traditional Believers. 72.4% of the participants were pregnant and 27.6% were not pregnant. 97.1% of the participants have preferred method of delivery and 77.9% preferred spontaneous vaginal delivery and 22.1% preferred cesarean section. Also, the study revealed the reason why the most of the participants preferred spontaneous vaginal delivery as culture (13.6%), pride (11.4%), religion (20. 8%), cost (32.8%) and fear (16.8%).

Cashless Policy as Determinant of Sexual Exploitation among Women in South-South Nigeria

Economic and financial sector play a vital role in the determination of population size in any country across the globe. When these sector are not properly handle resulting in scarce resources, thereby luring people to engage in activity that are not of interest, particularly sex without consent. The aim of this study is to evaluate Cashless Policy as Determinant of Sexual Exploitation among Reproductive Age Women in South-South Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional study involving 260 females who are within the age of 18 to 42 years. Consent was sorted from the participants before giving them the questionnaires. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to participants. Each participant had one questionnaire to fill appropriately and independently after instructions were given to them by the researchers. The study lasted for a period of 3 months. The study revealed that 20(7.70%%) of the respondents were within 18-22 years, 152(58.50%) 23-27years, 6(2.30%) 28-32 years while 82(31.50%) were within 33-37 years. Again, the study revealed that 44(16.90%) had primary education, 88(33.80%) had secondary education, and 128(49.20%) had tertiary education respectively. 214(82.30%) participants were single while 46(17.70%) were married. 40(15.40%) of the respondents were doing farming, 64(24.60%) trading and 156(60.00%) were unemployed. 82.3% of the respondents did not have access to money and 81.5% were exploited sexually. 80.8% were forced to have sex while 81.5% yield to the sexual exploitation.78.5% were Victims of sexual exploitation. The findings also shows that 92(35.40%) of the respondents had complication of unwanted pregnancy, 84(32.30%) had sexually transmitted disease, 40(15.40%) had psychological trauma, and 44(16.90%) did not have any complications from sexual exploitation. Data were obtained and analyzed using SPSS version 23 and P value < 0.05 was said to be significant.

Bacteria Load Assessment from Hands of Students in a Tertiary University in South-South Nigeria

Clean hands are the single most important factor in preventing the spread of pathogens and reducing the incidence of infections. The good hand hygiene practices promote health safety and prevent infections. This study was carried out to assess the presence of bacteria from hands of Ambrose Alli University Students. Of all fifty (50) samples analyzed, at least one or two bacteria were isolated. The colony counts of students from each site were properly recorded with the highest found amongst dwellers of male hostels i.e 4.85 x 105cfu/ml, compared to dwellers at female hostels. However, there was considerable increase amongst students at Microbiology laboratory, which may be attributed to lack of good hand hygiene procedures not been adhered to. The considerable increase in the frequency of Escherichia coli and as well as Proteus sp is indicative of poor hygiene practices. The low colony counts recorded amongst students from school gate could be as a result of the student have taken their bath before coming to school. The frequency of occurrence of the isolates includes: Staphylococcus aureus 50 (100%), Escherichia coli 35 (70%), Klebsiella sp 15 (30%), Salmonella sp 21 (42%), Streptococcus sp 10 (20%), Bacillus sp 4 (8%), Pseudomonas sp 2 (4%) and Proteus sp 2 (4%). From the study, it was shown that there was considerable increase in poor hygienic practices amongst students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Edo State, Nigeria.

Evaluation of Radiological Hazards Indices of Dose Rate Measurement from Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria

Evaluation of Radiological Hazards Indices of Dose Rate Measurement from Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria