Southeastern Region Of Nigeria Research Articles

Application of the NRCS-curve number method in humid tropical basins of southeastern Nigeria: a statistical analysis

In the south-eastern region of Nigeria, the application of rainfall (P) and runoff (Q) data directly into the Natural Resources Conservation Service Curve Number (NRCS-CN) method hasn’t been thoroughly studied. This research aimed to determine representative values of the initial abstraction ratio (λ) and corresponding curve number (CN), fit the P and Q data using theoretical probability distributions, and establish confidence intervals for CN. The least squares minimization method and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were employed on data from 129 sub-basins across 4 major basins. Findings revealed optimal initial abstraction ratio (λopt) = 0.24 and optimal CN (CNopt) = 80, with rainfall best fitted by Gamma, runoff by Weibull, and CN by Normal distributions. However, the study was limited to the available 8-year record period with 96 storm events. The 96 storm events over an 8-year period may seem limited for a humid tropical region, the available data were the most comprehensive and reliable dataset for this study area. Additional data collection over a longer time frame could enhance future studies. The localized CN value and associated confidence intervals can enhance runoff prediction accuracy for flood mitigation and water resources management in this humid tropical region, though further validation is recommended.

Projected near-future changes in precipitation extremes over Anambra-Imo River Basin inferred from CMIP6 HighResMIP

The southeastern region of Nigeria is susceptible to flood disasters primarily triggered by extreme precipitation with localized impacts. This study uses the output of High-Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) to investigate seasonal dependent changes in precipitation extremes in the near future (2031–2050) in the Anambra-Imo River Basin, in the southeastern region of Nigeria. Evaluating the models against observation for the 1995–2014 period, it is found that models reproduced the spatial pattern of the observed annual precipitation extremes over the river basin. Results show that in the near future, annual precipitation extremes will be characterized by a robust increase in annual total precipitation amount (PRCPTOT), maximum 5-day precipitation (RX5day), and heavy precipitation (R10mm). The models project a significant increase in PRCPTOT, RX5day, R10mm, and wet-day intensity (SDII) for the June–July–August (JJA) and September–October–November (SON) seasons. The results demonstrate a robust and higher magnitude increase in precipitation extremes during the SON season. Specifically, PRCPTOT, RX5day, R10mm and SDII are projected to increase by up to 46 mm, 24 mm, 1.2 days and 2.4 mm/day, respectively. Whereas during the March–April-May (MAM) season, the HighResMIP suggests that PRCPTOT, R10mm, and SDII will marginally increase over the eastern part of the Anambra-Imo River Basin. Besides, the December–January–February (DJF) season will be characterized by a marginal increase in the precipitation extremes, especially over the southern fringes of the river basin. We note that in the near future, precipitation extremes in the river basin will be characterized by more intense and less frequent precipitation extremes during the JJA and SON, potentially exacerbating flash flooding in the river basin. Hence, the results of this study may be vital for near-term socio-economic planning and policy decisions that will minimize the impact of flood disasters in the Anambra-Imo River Basin.

An In-Depth Examination of the Internal Capabilities inside Organisations in the Southeastern Region of Nigeria

In the ever-changing economic landscape of south-eastern Nigeria, businesses must use their capabilities to ensure sustainable growth and a competitive advantage. This area, which was marked by a wide range of socio-economic conditions, a growing spirit of entrepreneurship, and an evolving business environment, offered a distinctive setting for analysing internal capacities. These skills include an organization's resources, talents, and strategic assets, which were crucial for competing successfully, being innovative, and adjusting to the operating environment. This study examined the internal capacities of organisations in south-eastern Nigeria, using academic literature, empirical research, and real-world case studies. The objective was to provide practical knowledge on improving competitive positioning and resilience by examining aspects like human capital, organisational culture, technical infrastructure, and strategic agility. The study utilised a sequential explanatory approach, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to present a thorough knowledge of how internal capacities were produced and exploited. The findings emphasised the substantial influence of socio-economic variables, such as infrastructural deficiencies and cultural norms, on the internal workings of companies. The research emphasised the need for customised strategies that connect internal strengths with regional problems and opportunities, to promote long-term development and competitiveness. Keywords: Internal capabilities, Competitive advantage, Socioeconomic factors, Organisational culture, Technological infrastructure

Psycho-Sociocultural Determinants of Code-Switching among Igbo- Speaking English Language Undergraduates in Southeastern Region, Nigeria

The present investigation aimed to ascertain the psychological, social, and cultural determinants propelling code-switching behaviours among Igbo-speaking English Language undergraduates in the southeastern region of Nigeria, as perceived by students enrolled at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in Anambra State, and Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, in Imo State, Nigeria. Employing a quantitative descriptive survey research design, the study comprised the entire population of regular Igbo-speaking English language students from the aforementioned region, with a sample size of 735 participants selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Guided by four research questions and two null hypotheses, data were collected utilizing a 34-item researcher-structured questionnaire entitled the Psycho-sociocultural Determinants and Code-switching Questionnaire (PDCQ). The validity of the instrument was established through extensive use of relevant literature and also peer-reviewed by experts in English, Research Methods, and Psychology all from the Faculty of Education at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α = 0.76). Analysis of the research questions relied on measures of central tendency and dispersion, while Simple Linear Regression was employed to test the hypotheses. Findings unveiled a prevalent pattern of code-switching among undergraduates, attributed to a complex interplay of psychological, social, and cultural incentives, including the desire to foster solidarity and belongingness within diverse social circles, the conveyance of bilingual prestige, and the authentic expression of personal identity and ideas. In light of these findings, recommendations were proffered for governmental, policy-making, and university administrative entities to collaborate in formulating inclusive language policies that acknowledge and respect the cultural diversity of students, thereby fostering an educational milieu that is both inclusive and culturally attuned.

Igbo Culture and Business Practices in South East Nigeria: A Critical Review

This study examined the relationship between Igbo culture and business practices in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria. Over the years, scholars have introduced so many leadership, management and business theories to guide businesses. This study aims to examine critical Igbo cultural practices that serve same purposes as some of these business management theories in guiding business successes in the South East of Nigeria. This study also looked at how the Igbo culture and Igbo leadership influence Igbo entrepreneurial practices. It was found that so many Igbo Cultural practices such as Igbo apprenticeship system and business mentorship guide and motivate Igbo entrepreneurs to succeed in business. As a result of these values, individuals train under their master to gain general business management skills (known as Igba-Boi). In some cases, some of trainees end up pursuing other types of businesses quite different from the where they served using the same business skills in the new trades. The study recommended that Nigerian government should learn from western government in encouraging Igbo apprenticeship system that governs most successful businesses among Ndigbo and developed as an official business incubation system for the youth. The study further recommended government can support individuals who have mastered certain skills but lack capital with fund infusion.

Evaluation of potentially toxic elements in soils developed on limestone and lead-zinc mine sites in parts of southeastern Nigeria

The present study investigated the distribution of elements and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil profiles in the southeastern region of Nigeria, where unrefined and primitive mining practices are common. Soil samples were collected from mine and non-mine sites in Ameka and Nkalagu and analyzed for total elemental concentration using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF). The results showed that the Ameka mine-affected soils were heavily polluted, while the Ameka non-mine-affected soils were moderately polluted. The Nkalagu mine and non-mine-affected soils were also moderately polluted. The potential ecological risk (PER) was high in the Ameka mine-affected site due to elevated As, Cu, and Pb levels, while the Ameka non-mine-affected site had a low PER. The enrichment factor (EF) values indicated more enrichment of PTEs in the mine-affected sites compared to the non-mine-affected sites. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) showed moderate to extreme contamination in the Ameka mine-affected site with Cu, Zn, As, and Pb. In contrast, the Nkalagu mine-affected site had considerably lower contamination. The regression model showed that site characteristics alone were insufficient to explain elements and PTEs distribution, emphasizing the importance of considering soil properties in understanding their spatial patterns. The study highlights the higher concentrations of As, Cu, and Pb in the mine-affected sites compared to the non-mine areas and recommends remediation strategies for these elements and PTEs, especially in the vicinity of mine sites. Further laboratory analysis is recommended to understand the mobility of PTEs with depth for better remediation approaches.

Microbiological evaluation of the indigenous fermented condiment okpeye available at various retail markets in the south-eastern region of Nigeria

In Africa, indigenous fermented condiments contribute to food security as a low-cost source of protein. Okpeye is an indigenous fermented condiment produced from Prosopis africana seeds. The reliance on spontaneous fermentation processes and unhygienic practices during production often results in the contamination of the final product with microbial hazards. A microbiological evaluation of 18 commercial samples of okpeye purchased from six markets in two cities in southeastern Nigeria was conducted. Fifty-nine (59) bacteria were isolated and identified at the species level by phenotyping and sequencing the 16S rRNA, gyrB and rpoB genes. Bacillus (47.4 %) and Staphylococcus (42.3 %) were the predominant bacterial genera in okpeye. Overall, B. amyloliquefaciens and S. simulans were the most frequently occurring bacteria and were present in all samples. In addition, B. cereus was isolated in samples obtained from all markets. Other bacterial species included B. velezensis, Oceanobacillus caeni, S. cohnii, Escherichia fergusonni and Vagacoccus lutrae. The B. cereus isolates (10) were screened for the presence of 8 enterotoxin genes (hblA, hblC, hblD, nheA, nheB, nheC, cytK, entFM) and one emetic gene (cesB). The non-haemolytic enterotoxin (nheABC) and haemolytic enterotoxin (hblABD) complexes were present in 70 % and 50 % of B. cereus respectively. The positive rate of cytK and entFM genes was 70 %, while the cesB gene was 30 %. Antibiotic susceptibility assessment showed that most of the isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, tetracycline, streptomycin, and erythromycin but resistant to ciprofloxacin and vancomycin. These findings highlight the need for further controls to reduce contamination with potential pathogenic bacteria in indigenous fermented condiments such as okpeye. There is also a need to educate producers regarding hygienic practices to safeguard public health and food security.

The Implications of Geotechnical Properties of Soil in the Development of Gully Erosion in Ukpor, Southeastern Nigeria

Gully erosion is a devastating form of soil degradation threatening environmental sustainability, socio-economic development, and human well-being worldwide. The Southeastern region of Nigeria, particularly Ukpor, is prone to gully erosion, which has resulted in the loss of infrastructure, agricultural land, and human settlements. While various factors contribute to gully erosion, the soil’s geotechnical properties remain an important aspect that has been given limited attention. This study investigates the implications of geotechnical properties of soils in the development of gully erosion in Ukpor. A comprehensive approach was adopted, combining drone-aided geologic field mapping, laboratory tests and spatial analysis. Soil samples were collected from different locations at 0.5 – 1m depth, and laboratory tests (Particle Size Distribution (PSD) and Atterberg Limits) were conducted to determine the soil’s geotechnical properties. The results reveal that the study area is underlain by the Ogwashi-Asaba formation. From the Particle Size Distribution and Atterberg Limit tests, the soils in the area were classified into 3; Group A (coarse-grained clayey sands), Group B (coarse-grained poorly graded to clayey sands) and Group C (poorly-graded coarse-grained sands). The Plasticity Index (PI) of Group A ranges from 13.4 – 18.2 while the Liquid Limit (LL) ranges from 27.8 to 34.9. The PI of Group B ranges from 15.49 to 17.35 while the LL ranges from 30.7 to 35.7, From the results, Group C soils were most affected by gullying. Given the above, the underlying soil strata of Ukpor metropolis could be classified as low plasticity soil, thus, highly susceptible to erosion. The results show a significant correlation between soil geotechnical properties and gully erosion susceptibility. The results have pivotal implications for soil conservation, sustainable land management, and infrastructure development in Ukpor and similar regions. The study recommends soil stabilization techniques and vegetation management strategies to mitigate gully erosion.

Undergraduates’ Participation in Campus Newspaper Production and Management in South East Nigeria

This study centered on the appraisal of undergraduates’ participation in campus newspaper production and management in southeast Nigeria. It studied public universities made of up both federal and state-owned universities as well as privately owned universities in the southeastern region of Nigeria. The sample size was 300 from 15 selected universities. The study was designed as a descriptive survey with the questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. Findings indicate that two out of the five federal universities do not offer mass communication whereas two privately owned institutions (though having mass communication departments) placed their campus newspaper production on hold. Findings also indicate that printing processes are outsourced (95%) while content creation and circulation are handled by the students (100%). The study recommends that universities offering communication and media studies should not only establish a campus newspaper but also set up a printing press to expose and enhance the skills of students for a holistic newspaper production and management capacity.

Effects of IPOB Sit-At-Home on the Economy of Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, South-Eastern Nigeria

The study examined the effects of IPOB sit-at-home order on the economy of Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, the South-Eastern region of Nigeria. The study employed both primary and secondary sources of data with the use of the system theory by Talcott Parsons which states that every system is made up of sub-system that has component parts, and each component has a vital role to play for the overall performance of the system as a whole. Questionnaires were administered to respondents and data gathered were analyzed with the use of in-depth summary and coding as well as Chi-square at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that IPOB sit-at-home order has negatively affected the economy of Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, south-eastern region of Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommends that there is need for IPOB to suspend its sit-at-home order and embrace dialogue with the Federal Government to press down their demand for the release of their leader because this sit-at-home has not yielded any positive results, rather it has deeply eaten up the economy and affected the livelihood of the people which had led to more crimes and even loss of lives and properties. Also, the distribution of resources among the six (6) geo-political zones of Nigeria should be done through proper Federal character principle as this will go a long way to reducing what the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) perceived as gross marginalization to the south-eastern regions. Keywords: Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), National Economy, National Integration

Cost of high workload on work–life balance: a moderated mediation model

ABSTRACT The study examined dual-pathway (emotional exhaustion and intensive smartphone use in the evening for non-work purposes) through which high workload is related to work–life balance (WLB). The study equally tested whether family cohesion moderated these mediation effects among university academics from the South-eastern region of Nigeria. Results from a 3-wave survey data (N = 683) using PROCESS model 14 showed that high workload related negatively to WLB. High workload related positively to emotional exhaustion. Emotional exhaustion mediated the relationship between high workload and WLB. The results equally indicated that high workload related positively to intensive smartphone use in the evening for non-work purposes. Intensive smartphone use in the evening mediated the negative relationship between high workload and WLB. Family cohesion moderated the mediation effect of emotional exhaustion by buffering its influence on WLB but did not moderate the mediation effect between intensive smartphone use in the evening for non-work purposes and WLB. Our findings extend the understanding of how high workload impairs WLB via emotional exhaustion and intensive smartphone use in the evening and shed light on how to cope with high workload to achieve WLB.

Utilisation of new media in communicating insecurity in Southeast Nigeria

This paper aims to describe how in recent times, the issue of insecurity in the southeast of Nigeria is alarming. People are no longer safe as they have become targets for the perpetrators of insecurity within the region. In all of these cases, people must be fully aware of the level of insecurity in a specific location in order to determine the next course of action. In order to achieve this, this study examined the use of new media to communicate insecurity in Southeast Nigeria. The study was founded on the premise of technological determinism. In this research, a survey research approach was used. Using the Wimmer and Dominick sample size calculator, a sample of 384 was generated from the study's population of 22,012,828. A questionnaire was utilised as a data collection tool. Meanwhile, the multistage sampling procedure was used. Data was analysed with the use of descriptive statistics and pie chart. The finding showed that 51.0% of respondents had been exposed to insecurity messages via new media to a very large extent. It was also revealed that on an average of 74.8% (N=367), new media has been used in communicating insecurity among residents in southeastern Nigeria to a very large extent. It was recommended that new media users should be sensitized on the need to use the platform appropriately or with a sense of responsibility instead of using it to fuel more security problems within the southeastern region of Nigeria.

Stigma Affects the Health-Related Quality of Life of People Living with HIV by Activating Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms.

Stigma is a strong concern in the effort to manage the impact of many chronic diseases on patients and affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients, but little is understood regarding how this happens. We explored the perspective that stigma reduces health-related QoL (HRQoL) by evoking the traumatic experiences associated with HIV diagnosis. Outpatients (n = 250) receiving HIV-related care were recruited from 2 hospitals in the southeastern region of Nigeria. Participants completed measures of stigma, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and HRQoL. Mediation analyses were conducted using Hayes PROCESS Macro for SPSS. Result showed that stigma was negatively associated with HRQoL; patients who reported more traumatic symptoms also reported poorer HRQoL. Traumatic stress symptoms mediated the path between stigma and all the dimensions of HRQoL. Findings suggest that recognizing and addressing trauma symptoms are important in the management of PLWH. Perhaps addressing trauma would reduce the impact of stigma on HRQoL.

Indecent Dressing Among Female Undergraduates on Sexual Conduct and Study Engagement of Their Male Counterparts in Universities in the Southeast Nigeria

Although academic performance and indecent dressing had been hotlist in literature globally, the academic standard of students in Nigerian universities continues to be a downturn with those of the males being worse hit. Literature revealed a paucity of research on whether indecent dressing pattern of female undergraduates is contributory to this academic failure of their male counterparts. The thrust of this study, therefore, is to explore the impact indecent dressing of female undergraduates has on the sexual conduct and study engagement of their male counterparts. The study was carried out in the Southeastern region of Nigeria. The population of the study comprised all second and third year full-time single male undergraduates. A sample size of 1500 was selected for the study, drawn through a multi-stage sampling procedure. The instrument for data collection was researchers-structured 17-item questionnaire tagged “Male Undergraduates Study Engagement Questionnaire (MUSEQ).” The validity of the instrument was established through extensive use of relevant literature and also peer-reviewed by experts in Research Methods, Psychology and Counseling all from the Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Cronbach-Alpha reliability coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the instrument after data had been collected from a sample of 65 undergraduates from another university that was not part of the study. The pre-test of the instrument produced an alpha reliability coefficient of 0.82. Three research questions guided the study and were answered using percentages and mean values. Results indicated that indecent dressing of female undergraduates in southeastern, Nigeria, sexually compromises the study-related state of mind and negatively impacts the study engagement of male undergraduates. Based on these results, it was recommended among others that the university administrators should wake up and be intentional about enforcing the dress code policy which sets the rules about how students should dress and where one does not exist, a Dress Police Team made up of responsible members of staff of the universities should be established and empowered to discipline offenders.

PREVALENCE OF PHENOTYPIC CARBAPENEM-RESISTANT ENTEROBACTERALES ISOLATES AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION BY SEX, AGE GROUPS, STATE AND SPECIES IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

Background: Carbapenems are broad spectrum β-lactam antibiotics that were introduced in response to the emergence of ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria. This study aimed at determining the occurence of carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales isolates among patients attending five tertiary hospitals with southeastern region of Nigeria. Methods: A total of 400 Enterobacterales were isolated from different participants. Carbapenem-resistance was detected using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method with ertapenem, meropenem, imipenem, and doripenem. Results: A total of 117 isolates (29.2%) were resistant to the four carbapenems. When compared among the states, the prevalence were 33.6%, 29.1%, 28.8%, 26.9% and 24.7% for Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Anambra and Abia states respectively. The highest resistance was observed among P. mirabilis (52.6%) followed by K. oxytoca (35.7%), S. enterica (35.7%) and K. pneumoniae (33.8%). Conclusion: The overall prevalence was high and this is a cause for concern and urgent need for emergency intervention to forestall widespread emergence of pandrug resistant infections.

Attitudes and perceptions of Nigerians regarding receiving COVID-19 vaccines: an online cross-sectional study

Introductionthe success of controlling pandemics like COVID-19 can be achieved through its vaccination program. Besides masks, social distance, and good hand hygiene, a rapid vaccine program is crucial in controlling this COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to assess the attitudes and perceptions of Nigerians regarding accepting the COVID-19 vaccine.Methodsa cross-sectional study was carried out among 334 respondents aged 18 and above from the Southeastern region of Nigeria. A validated questionnaire was used for the data collection through an online Google form. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. The association of socio-demographics with attitudes and perceptions was analysed using chi-square tests and Fisher exact tests. At the 95 percent confidence level, a p-value of 0.05 was deemed statistically significant.Resultssixty point two percent (60.2%) (n = 201) of respondents showed positive attitudes with a mean of (13.96±2.97). Gender was the only demographic factor associated with attitudes (p< 0.001). Respondents with poor perceptions were higher by 53.0% (n = 177) with a mean value of (3.30±1.17). Age, education, gender, and marital status were seen to be associated with perceptions of vaccine acceptance (p<0.05). There was a link between attitudes and perceptions (P> 0.001), as those with positive attitudes also exercised good perceptions.Conclusionthis study revealed that respondents had positive attitudes regarding COVID-19 vaccination acceptance but negative perceptions of it. As a result, community and health promotion professionals, religious leaders, and local celebrities should use their platforms to raise awareness about the benefits of COVID-19 immunization.

Supervisor and customer incivility as moderators of the relationship between job insecurity and work engagement: Evidence from a new context

Earlier studies on job insecurity tested job resources that may buffer the usual negative impact of job insecurity on job outcomes. The current study extends prior results by establishing that, given certain conditions, such as during an economic crisis that often gives rise to a dearth of employment opportunities and a precariousness of employment, perceived job insecurity could positively predict work engagement. Specifically, this study examined the relationship between perceived job insecurity and work engagement, and supervisor and customer incivility as moderators of this relationship. Cross-sectional data were collected from 1,200 volunteer mini-bus drivers from nine mass transit services companies in the Southeastern region of Nigeria. Results of a structural equation model (SEM) showed that job insecurity was positively related to work engagement. In turn, this positive relationship was weakened by supervisor incivility (but not by customer incivility). The results suggest that when supervisors are not supervised they could jeopardize employee effort.

Methicillin-Resistant &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Staphylococcus aureus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; May Also Be Resistant to Clindamycin and Vancomycin

Objectives: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a global superbug widely distributed in hospitals, communities and livestock settings. This study investigated the presence and molecular characterization of MRSA co-resistance to clindamycin and vancomycin in the southeastern region of Nigeria. The susceptibility of these organisms to other selected antibiotics was also investigated. Method: Biological samples were obtained from consenting patients from three establishments in Enugu, Nigeria and cultured for isolation and purification. The pure isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility profiling using conventional antibiotics. The genomic DNAs of the pure isolates were isolated using the Promega genomic DNA purification kit while the antibiotic resistance genes (mecA) genes were identified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Also, the minimum inhibitory concentration of the clindamycin and vancomycin antibiotics was determined as well as their combined activity on the MRSA isolates. Results: A large proportion (71%) of the MRSA isolates was from urine samples and then from the High Vaginal Swab (19%). All the isolates were resistant to cloxacillin while 95% were resistant to ciprofloxacin. MRSA isolates demonstrated resistance to clindamycin (with MIC of 23.44 - 250 μg/ml) and to vancomycin (with MIC of 62.5 - 250 μg/ml). The isolated MRSA also demonstrated multidrug-resistant traits. The combined effects of vancomycin and clindamycin against different species of MRSA exhibited additive, antagonistic and indifferent effects and none had a synergistic effect. Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction revealed that the majority of the strains were positive for the 162-bp internal fragment of the mecA gene of MRSA and basically displayed SCCmec type III, indicating that they were multidrug-resistant and hospital-acquired. Conclusion: Clindamycin and vancomycin-resistant MRSA infections are also within the Eastern region of Nigeria as found in other countries of the world. This superbug, therefore, may require drastic and urgent measures to curtail its spread and attendant healthcare challenges like outbreaks of infections. In addition, strict adherence to antibiotic policy and continuous surveillance is highly advocated.

The Prevalence of Dengue Virus and Malaria Co-Infection among HIV-Infected Patients within South Eastern Nigeria

Background: Dengue and malaria are infections of great public health concern, especially in tropical countries like Nigeria where the burden of HIV infection is high. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of dengue virus and dengue/malaria coinfection among febrile HIV-infected patients attending the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and Nnamdi Azikiwe University teaching university both in the southeastern region of Nigeria. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, blood samples from 338 consenting HIV-infected patients were collected and tested for plasmodiasis and DENV using malaria microscopy and ELISA, respectively. Interviewer-based questionnaires were used to assess subjects’ sociodemographic variables and dengue risk factors. This study was conducted within the peak period of the dry season (January-February 2016). Results: Of the 338 screened participants, 13.02% were seropositive for DENV, whereas 55.8% were positive for Plasmodium spp. About 2.7% were positive for both dengue virus and Plasmodium spp. The overall seroprevalence of dengue virus by NS1 antigenemia, IgM and IgG antibodies was 9.5%, 5.6% and 8%. Conclusion: The high prevalence of malaria and DENV indicates the need to strengthen vector control and dengue surveillance programs.

A Review of the Effectiveness of Adopted, Applied, and Recommended Malaria Control Techniques within the Southeast Region of Nigeria

Malaria is a parasitic disease endemic in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Nigeria accounts for about 51 million cases globally and 207000 deaths annually. Different control measures have been adopted to control malaria in the south Eastern region of Nigeria. These measures includes vector control, chemotherapy etc. The most recommended is vector control and it is achieved through the use of insecticide treated nets, pesticides etc. ITNs are effective vector control tools and positively reduces mosquito abundance and serves as barrier to contacts with human hosts but the set back with the ITN use is the difference between ownership and usage . Most people who own ITNs don’t use it. Diagnosis of malaria is vital in the control and treatment of malaria however, in the south eastern part of Nigeria, outcome of studies revealed gap in microscopy expertise and it has led to lots of false positive results. Chemotherapy using ACT is currently subdued due to counterfeit anti malaria drugs in the markets. There are emerging malaria control methods but they are yet to be adopted and applied in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Currently the malaria control methods adopted in Southeastern Nigeria are effective but may not adequately lead to malaria control. It is imperative to augment with emerging malaria control methods or optimize current methods to achieve the desired results.