Southeast Nigeria Research Articles (Page 1)

Informal foster care is prevalent in South-East Nigeria but faces a myriad of challenges which require the support of social work services. In-depth interviews with six community leaders and 11 public social welfare officers were conducted and thematically analysed. They provided insights on the main difficulties of alternative childcare arrangements, namely, the absence of legal supervisory processes, social welfare support services and social registers on the number of children in informal foster care households. The study emphasises the importance of the social worker role to ensure children’s safety in informal child fostering arrangements. The findings from this study will also help social workers in other countries to better understand the needs and experiences of children from Nigeria.

The objective of this descriptive study was to determine the interictal electro encephalographic pattern in an adult Neurology clinic in a tertiary care hospital in Enugu, South East Nigeria from February 2012 to February 2021. Standard electroencephalogram (EEG) recording using the international 10/20 system was obtained with scalp electrodes from 519 patients. The mean age of patients who presented to the EEG unit was 36.86 years, with a modal age of 20 years. The majority of patients (50.87%) were above 40 years of age, whereas 49.13% were below 40 years. More males were tested than females. Among 359 documented EEGs, 67.1% were abnormal, with nearly equal proportions of focal (50.2%) and generalized (49.8%) epileptiform discharges. EEG sensitivity in detecting electroencephalographic alteration in clinically suspected epileptic patients in this study was 67.13%. Abnormal readings were more in patients less than 40 years old. Abnormal results were seen more in males 53.53%. This highlights the utility of routine EEG in diagnosis and suggests need for improved access in resource-limited settings.

Implications of gravity derivative filters and residual geoid on crustal deformations in the Anambra Basin, Southeast Nigeria

Determinants of livelihood options of farm households under changing climatic conditions in Southeast Nigeria

Introduction: antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health concern driven by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock production. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of AMR in Escherichia coli isolates from pig farms in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, and evaluate pig farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted across pig farms, where fecal samples were collected from pigs (13 finishers, 36 piglets) and analyzed for bacterial isolates and antibiotic susceptibility testing. A structured questionnaire was also administered to assess pig farmers' KAPs on antibiotic use. Results: results showed the E. coli isolates exhibited multiple antibiotic resistance, with high resistance rates seen for Oxytetracycline (94.7%), Chloramphenicol (62.1%), and Colistin (59.5%). Furthermore, farmers showed poor knowledge of AMR (54%), negative attitudes toward responsible use (68%), and also administered antibiotics to pigs without veterinary consultation (92%). The chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between AMR prevalence and farmers' education level (χ²= 7.72, p= 0.005), years of experience (χ²= 30.52, p= 0.000), use of professional veterinary services (χ²= 5.75, p= 0.016), overall attitude (χ²= 6.05, p= 0.013), and antibiotic use (χ²= 16.73, p= 0.000). Farms with higher antibiotic usage had significantly (p < 0.05) higher AMR prevalence. Conclusion: our findings highlight the need for stricter antibiotic use regulations, and targeted AMR education programs for pig farmers in Nigeria. We recommend improved funding for molecular studies to investigate AMR resistant zoonotic pathogens in the animal health sector. Given the transboundary nature of AMR, enhanced surveillance is also critical for mitigating it's spread, to safeguard global public health.

Perception of Rubella Disease and Willingness to Vaccinate Against Rubella Vaccine among Secondary School Adolescents in Enugu, South East Nigeria

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) is critical for food security in developing nations, yet yields are limited by suboptimal propagation practices. Vine cutting is the main method, but interaction between varietal genetics and cutting position on growth and yield is poorly understood. This study investigated vine cutting position and variety effects on sweet potato performance in southeast Nigeria. A 2x2 factorial experiment, conducted in 2024 at University of Nigeria, used a randomized complete block design with three replications. Two varieties (Beauregard and Hannah) were propagated using 30 cm top (apical) and basal cuttings. Beauregard outperformed Hannah across all traits (P < 0.05), yielding 34.17% more roots (32. 55 vs. 24.26 Kg/plot), with larger tubers (13.22 cm vs. 12.40 cm length). Top part cuttings surpassed basal, with 87 % more roots (102.60 vs. 55.00 No./plot) and 72% higher yield (35.89 kg/plot vs 20.92 kg/plot). A significant genotype x cutting position interaction (p < 0.05) revealed Beauregard-Top part of vine cutting combinations as optimal achieving peak yield (44.97 Kg/plot) -123% higher than Beauregard-basal. Hannah showed stability but lower yields. Strong correlations emerged between root yield and both root number (r= +0.93) and stem count (r= +0.92), to establish them as reliable key yield predictors. GGE biplot confirmed revealed Beauregard-Top part of vine cutting as the highest yielding, most stable combination, and driving resources efficient tuber enlargement. In conclusion, top part cuttings of high performing varieties (e.g. Beauregard) synergistically enhance productivity though optimized physiological vigor. This precision propagation strategy offers small holder farmers a low input solution to sustainably intensify sweet potato production, addressing both yield gaps and climate resilience in tropical agroecologies.

The reliance on synthetic pesticides such as Mancozeb and others has been a common practice among farmers to mitigate these challenges. Mancozeb is a broad-spectrum fungicide widely used for controlling fungal diseases in various crops, including tomatoes. The present study aimed to explore the efficacy of lemon grass and mancozeb fungicide for the control of disease, growth andyield of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) in Enugu area, Southeast Nigeria. The study was carried out at the teaching and research farm of the department of Agronomy and Ecological Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu. The experiment was carried out in 4x3 factorial design in a completely randomised design (CRD) with three treatment replications. The tomato seeds UC18B used for the experiment were obtained from a reputable agro shop in new market, Enugu State. The mancozeb (fungicide) was also procured from Homeland Agro-Chemicals in Ogbette main market Enugu. The bio-pesticides were produced locally. The two bio-pesticides, Lemon grass and Cissus araloides extract, were applied at the rate of 500 milliliter, and a synthetic pesticide (mancozeb) at the rate of 5 grams and 10 grams. Treatment application commenced four weeks after planting and continued till harvest. The result of the experiment showed a significant (p≤0.05) bio-pesticides treatment effect on mean number of leaves per plant, with the control having the highest mean of 52 leaves per plant and 10 gram of application of synthetic fungicide with the lowest mean value of 43 leaves per plant. There was no significant (p≤0.05) interaction effect on the mean number of leaves per plant. The bio-pesticides also showed significant (p≤0.05) treatment effect on mean number of flowers per plant whereas the treatment with 10 grams synthetic fungicide recorded the highest mean value of 4.2 flowers per plant, followed by lemon grass having the mean value of 4 flowers per plant and the control with the lowest mean value of 2 flowers per plant. There was a significant (p≤0.05) interaction effect on the mean of number of flowers per plant. The result also showed significant (p≤0.05) bio-pesticides effect on the plant height, with Cissus araloides having the highest mean value of 58 cm per plant and the control having the lowest mean value of 55 cm per plant. There was no significant (p≤0.05) interaction effect on the plant height. Furthermore the bio-pesticides showed significant (p≤0.05) treatment effect on the weight of fruit per pot whereas treatment with 10 grams synthetic fungicide recording the highest mean value of 4 kg per pot, followed by Cissus araloides having the mean value of 3.6 kg per pot and the control having the lowest mean value of 3 kg per pot. There was no significant (p≤0.05) interaction effect on the mean weight of fruit per pot. The results reveal that the biopesticide influenced the weight of fruits per pot at harvest. The mancozeb fungicide also had an effect on the weight of fruits per pot at harvest, and their interaction significantly impacted the weight of fruits per pot at harvest. It can be concluded that Lemon grass and Cissus araloides are environmental friendly bio-pesticides that can be used as alternatives to synthetic ones for disease control as well as promoting the growth and yield of tomatoes in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria.

Determinants of Psychoactive Substance Use among Adolescents and Young Adults in South-East Nigeria: A Systematic Review

In many developing countries like Nigeria, access to safe drinking water remains a major health challenge especially in Enugu state, because tap water is unavailable or unreliable. The majority of households store water for their daily use. However, this practice can lead to microbial contamination of the water, mostly when containers are not clean or covered properly. This study investigates how household water storage practices connect with water contamination and the spread of diarrhea cases in the South East region of Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted across 268 households in both urban and peri-urban communities in Enugu State. Structured questionnaires were used to assess and collect data on reported diarrhea cases and storage habits, while membrane filtration techniques were used to analyze sample water to check for total Coliforms and E. coli. Out of the 268 households that were surveyed, 88% use stored water for drinking purposes, 58% relied on public taps, 62% used wide-mouthed plastic buckets, and 25% used containers with spigots. 36% clean their containers regularly, 27% covered their containers with tight-fitting lids. 46% reported at least one case of diarrhea in the past two weeks. 77% had E. coli, 29% reported no illness. 72% of water samples tested positive for total coliforms, and 48% were contaminated with E. coli. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 15% of the samples, and Shigella spp. from 8%. This research highlights the importance of how household water is handled; it showed that even water from a good source can be contaminated if not managed well. It contributes to public health by drawing attention to how household water storage, including improved infrastructure, helps in keeping water safe. Our findings, despite its limitation by Cross-sectional design and the use of self-reported health data, offer insight that can guide improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) strategies and public health campaigns focused on reducing diarrhea cases through safer water storage.

BackgroundPostoperative delirium is a frequent complication following surgery in elderly patients. Despite its strong association with poor health outcomes the literature in Nigeria has been limited to a few case-reports. A major barrier to improving delirium care in elderly individuals is its poor detection, particularly in surgical populations. We aimed to determine the incidence, detection rate and risk factors for postoperative delirium in our cohort of elderly surgical patients.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study in a regional orthopedic and plastic surgical center in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria, between April 2020 and March 2024. The participants were patients aged 65 years and above, who underwent surgical procedures. Each patient was visited daily by a trained nonpsychiatrist physician during the first three days after surgery and was assessed for delirium during each visit. The “Confusion Assessment Method” algorithm was used for the diagnosis of delirium. The motor subtypes were classified on the basis of the predominant psychomotor disturbance (hyperactive, hypoactive, mixed, or none). Multivariate analysis via binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of delirium. The level of statistical significance was determined by a p value of < 0.05.ResultsData from 304 patients (mean age, 71.7 ± 6.4 years) were analyzed. The incidence of postoperative delirium was 24.0% (73/304). The delirium subtype manifestations were “hypoactive” 35.6%, “hyperactive” 35.6%, “mixed” 20.5%, and “none” 8.2%. Approximately 92% (67/73) of the delirious cases presented within 48 h following surgery. Among the delirious cases, 90.4% (66/73) were undetected by the managing surgical teams and nursing personnel. The predictors of delirium were perioperative anaemia (AOR = 4.6; 95% CI: 1.3–16.5), impaired preoperative cognitive status; (AOR = 4.5; 95% CI: 2.0-9.9), perioperative blood transfusion (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1–4.2), and surgery lasting between 120 and 179 min (AOR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1–0.8).ConclusionPostoperative delirium was grossly underrecognized by the managing surgical teams and nursing personnel. Education of the healthcare providers, with implementation of routine monitoring for postoperative delirium using validated tools is recommended. Perioperative anaemia and blood transfusion were modifiable risk factors for postoperative delirium in these patients, and improvements in patient blood management offer great potential for safer care.

BackgroundDisproportionate breast cancer burdens and poor outcomes in LMICS fuel global inequalities. Targeting teenage high schoolers has been mooted as a viable solution to the poor awareness compounding this. A Harvard-endorsed initiative to achieve this, in what was a global first, is evaluated in this paper.MethodA 12-month, pre-and-post-tests quasi-experimental study of three randomly-selected schools in Southeast Nigeria. Exposure to breast cancer awareness teachings with integrated engagement-enhancing measures was the intervention.ResultsCompared to 81.3% at baseline, breast cancer awareness was unchanged after one month (OR-1.10; CI 0.96–1.26) but significantly rose to 92.1% at the 12-month mark (OR 0.37; CI 0.26–0.52). Knowledge of breast self-examination (BSE), used to assess behavioural change, increased steadily. Levels at the baseline were 62.0% and 85.0% lower than that at one (OR 0.38; CI 0.34–0.42) and 12 months (OR 0.15; CI 0.12–0.19), respectively.In general, non-specific breast cancer knowledge did not improve over 12 months, but specifics related to early symptoms and risk factors, did. While, over the 12 months, ‘knowledge’ of preventive behaviours was not consistently improved relative to baseline, its actual ‘practice’ increased at both the one (+ 13.5%) and twelve (+ 17.3%) month marks, even though it’s correct timing only improved after 12 months (+ 6.9%; p = < 0.01) and not at one month (+ 0.8%; p = 0.17).Prolonged intervention (at 12 months) allowed males to match females on a few knowledge parameters.ConclusionTargeting high schools with breast awareness interventions that have engagement-enhancement measures appears impactful. Such outcomes may hold the key to stemming the inequalities in LMICs.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41043-025-00943-x.

Purpose: This study examined the implications of affordability and quality of Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) for equitable university access in South-East Nigeria. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 245 participants via a structured Google Survey questionnaire, which featured a 5-point Likert scale for demographic information, affordability, quality, and access. Face and content validity were established through input from three experts, while construct validity was assessed using Principal Component Analysis in SPSS software version 25. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient was utilised to test the instrument's reliability, yielding a satisfactory index of 0.87. Also, the normality tests used include the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. In contrast, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Wilcoxon W test, and Moses’s test were deployed for hypothesis testing. Findings: The non-parametric tests revealed no significant gender differences in affordability, quality, or access. Specifically, the Mann-Whitney U test indicated no significant differences between genders for affordability (p = 0.276) and access (p = 0.202), supported by the Wilcoxon W test and the Moses test after outliers were trimmed. These results suggest that TVE affordability and quality do not significantly predict university access disparities between genders in this region. Research Limitation: The study's reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias, and the specific regional focus limits generalizability. Further research is needed to explore these variables in different contexts and with larger samples. Practical Implication: The findings inform policymakers and educational stakeholders about the need to maintain equitable TVE programmes to ensure fair university access for all genders, promoting gender equity in higher education. Social Implication: This research underscores the importance of equitable TVE provisions in fostering gender-balanced educational opportunities, contributing to broader social equality in South East Nigeria. Originality/Value: This study provides valuable insights into the role of TVE affordability and quality in shaping gender-equitable access to university education, highlighting areas for policy intervention and future research.

This study investigated the influence of strategic intelligence on the non-financial performance of insurance companies in South-East Nigeria. A survey research design was employed, and the study population comprised seventy-seven employees of the selected insurance companies, who also constituted the sample size. The hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression analysis. The empirical findings indicated that business intelligence exerted a significant positive effect on the non-financial performance of insurance companies in South -East Nigeria. Similarly, competitive intelligence demonstrated a significant positive influence on their non-financial performance. Consequently, the study concluded that strategic intelligence has a significant positive impact on the non-financial performance of insurance companies in the region. It was therefore recommended that insurance companies in South-East Nigeria adopt advanced business and competitive intelligence systems to strengthen non-financial outcomes, particularly in areas such as customer experience, operational efficiency, decision-making, market analysis, competitor tracking, and innovation.

This study examines the effect of the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) on poverty alleviation in South-East Nigeria, focusing on its contributions to food security and self-employment. CACS is a federal government initiative designed to accelerate the development of the agricultural sector thgh credit facilities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study collected and analyzed both quantitative and qualitative data from CACS beneficiaries. Findings reveal that access to CACS significantly improved food security through increased agricultural output, diversification of food production, and the creation of income-generating opportunities. The scheme also contributed to self-employment, particularly among rural youth. The study further shows that the adoption of xeriscaping principles has enhanced farming efficiency in water-scarce areas, further strengthening food production systems. The study concludes that CACS has significantly contributed in reducing poverty in South-East Nigeria by supporting agricultural activities that boost food security and employment. It recommends expanding the scheme’s coverage and providing agro-based training, with increased awareness of xeriscaping techniques to maximize the impact of the programme across the region and Nigeria in general. Received: 27 July 2025 / Accepted: 7 September 2025 / Published: 04 October 2025

Preliminary findings on the psychometric properties of the ICAST-home among children in Southeast Nigeria

Patent Ductus arteriosus and Factors Associated with its Occurrence in Newborns with Perinatal Asphyxia Attending a Teaching Hospital in Southeast Nigeria

Dyslipidaemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. A lipid profile of an organism is a direct measure of three blood components namely; total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides and high density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C). Hypercholesterolemia is a lipoprotein metabolic disorder characterized by high serum low density lipoprotein and blood cholesterol and one of the most important risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases and lipid abnormalities. There have been many claims that most, if not all brands of vegetable oil in Nigeria is cholesterol free. Hence the study was undertaken to see the effect of vegetable oils in Nigeria on the lipid profile of albino rats induced with dyslipidaemia using dexamethasone. The phytochemical analysis and lipid profiles of albino rats treated with two vegetable oils were undertaken. Five groups of five rats were used in the study as follows: Group 1: Normal control- no induction no treatment, Group 2: Induction of dyslipidemia using dexamethasone (1 mg/kg bw) for 5 days only, Group 3: Treatment of induced dyslipidemia using a standard statin (20 mg/kg bw), Group 4: Induction + 3 ml/kg bw vegetable oil after induction, Group 5: Treatment without dyslipidemia using vegetable oil (3 ml/kg bw). The treatment lasted for 14 days and thereafter, the rats were fasted overnight and blood samples were taken through ocular puncture. The results showed various phytochemicals such as terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins and alkaloids. The lipid profiles of the albino rats revealed that a non-significant (P&gt;0.05) increase was observed in serum total cholesterol level of groups 3 and 5 when compared to group 2 while group 4 recorded a non-significant (P&gt;0.05) decrease when compared to group 2. There was a non-significant (P&gt;0.05) increase in serum triacylglycerol level of groups 3, 4, and 5 when compared to group 2. The result also showed a non-significant (P&gt;0.05) decrease in serum HDL level in groups 3, 4, and 5 compared to group 2. Also, group 3 indicated a significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in serum LDL level compared to group 2 while group 4 recorded a non-significant (P&gt;0.05) decrease in serum LDL level compared to group 2. However, a significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in serum LDL level was recorded in group 5 compared to group 2. The second vegetable oil revealed that group 3 indicated a non-significant (p&gt;0.05) increase in total cholesterol level while groups 4 and 5 recorded a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease compared to group 2. Groups 3, 4 and 5 recorded a non-significant (p&gt;0.05) increase in TAG compared to group 2. Group 3 recorded a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in LDL compared to group 2. Group 4 recorded a non-significant (p&gt;0.05) decrease while group 5 recorded a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in LDL compared to group 2. Groups 3, and 5 recorded a non-significant (p&gt;0.05) decrease in HDL compared to group 2. Group 4 showed a significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in HDL compared to group 2. However, among the oil treated groups, TAG was found to be within range compared to the control group. Thus, the results of this present study imply that the consumption of vegetable oil for a long time could influence the risk of cardiovascular disease since they elicited an elevation of LDL-cholesterol and lowered HDL-cholesterol. Caution should, therefore, be applied on the consumption of vegetable oils as continuous use may have impact on lipid profile thereby causing dyslipidaemia.

Archaeobotany in south-east Nigeria is still a growing field of study. While the northern and southwestern parts of Nigeria have a longer history of archaeobotanical research, the south-eastern region has only seen relatively recent studies, with much still unknown about its archaeobotanical history. This paper highlights the progress made so far in the development of archaeobotanical research in southeast Nigeria, a region with a rich history, cultural diversity, and geographic significance in West Africa. The article begins by reviewing the state of archaeological and archaeobotanical investigations in the region with the aim of identifying what has been done so far and what remains to be done. The paper then discusses the achievements, challenges, and prospects associated with the growth of archaeobotany, emphasising the need for local capacity building to advance the field. Recent archaeobotanical research in Igbo-Ukwu is used as a case study, demonstrating the ongoing work in the region and the potential it holds for understanding the paleoenvironment and early agricultural practices. Palynological and botanical macro-analysis of samples from recent excavations at IgboUkwu reveals the presence of wood charcoal, food residue, seeds/fruits such as Elaeis guineensis, Vitex sp., Pennisetum glaucum syn. Cenchrus americanus and Canarium sp., as well as fungal and pteridophyte spores, all associated with the 10th–13th century CE cultural deposits. The paper concludes that south-east Nigeria offers great potential for unlocking Africa’s rich agricultural history and hence the need to develop archaeobotanical research in the region.

Given the fact that haggling could provide the opportunity for deceit,the seller employs different persuasive strategies to convince the, already alerted, buyer to patronise them. However, despite such persuasive strategies, there could be communication breakdown because of distrust and suspicion among the interactants. Such communication breakdown requires a repair for a successful haggling encounter.This study looks at the main artistic modes and pragmatic strategies of persuasion used in southeast Nigerian markets to identify the pragmatic techniques that are used to mitigate threatened face in market encounters. The data consist of ninety sampled haggling experiences involving wholesalers (15), retailers (15), apprentices (15), and customers (45), taken from the five states that comprise Southeast Nigeria. The data analysis draws on Aristotle's threefold method of persuasion, paying close attention to the pathos and logos of his rhetorical appeals, and Mey’s (2001) theory of pragmatic acts. The analysis shows that there is strong presence of logos in the data, with a predomination of the pathos component of the rhetorical appeals. The research also indicates that while face-threatening acts are practed through questioning, comparing, and doubting, it is also mitigated through apologising, euphemising and blame transfer.