Southern Nigeria Research Articles

An Appraisal of Soil Organic Carbon Content Availability Under Diverse Vegetation Cover in Delta State, Southern Nigeria

Organic carbon availability is crucial for effective soil capability, suitability, and fertility potentials, which makes it a serious consideration among all soil parameters in the evaluation of soil nutrient availability and general carbon sequestration. This research article explored an appraisal of soil organic carbon content availability across diverse vegetation covers in Delta State, Southern Nigeria, including lowland rainforests, secondary regrowth, and wet grasslands. The study aimed to establish whether significant differences exist in organic carbon availability across the landscapes to determine soil suitability for functional utilitarian purposes. The methodology adopted was strictly a field survey where soil samples were collected in situ across the three different landscapes at depths of 0-15 cm (not meters), which is the zone of nutrient uptake and activity. A total of 90 samples, with 30 collected from each landscape, were drawn based on systematic stratification. The one-way ANOVA revealed no significant difference in soil organic carbon content across the studied landscapes (p = 0.54, p > 0.05), leading to the acceptance of the null hypothesis. This indicates that the landscapes share similar soil fertility and nutrient availability, supporting their equal suitability for agricultural uses, particularly for arable crop production and precision farming in wet grasslands.

Impact of prenatal exposure to crude oil pollutants on newborn anthropometrics and thyroid hormone levels in Southern Nigeria

Background: The search and extraction of crude oil produce harmful environmental compounds and expose individuals, particularly during crucial and vulnerable stages of development like pregnancy, to a variety of negative health impacts. Aim: This study aims to assess the effects of prenatal exposure to ambient crude oil pollutants on selected newborn anthropometric measurements and maternal/cord blood thyroid hormone levels in crude oil-producing communities. Methods: Fifty pregnant women were environmentally exposed to crude oil, along with their newborns, and 30 pregnant women who were not exposed, along with their infants, were enrolled in the study. Maternal blood was obtained between weeks 29 and 39 of pregnancy, while cord blood was collected after birth. Thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine [T3], thyroxine [T4], and thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The newborn’s weight, length, and head circumference were measured, and the ponderal index (PI) was calculated for all study neonates. Results: The results indicated that selected newborn health indicators (recumbent length, head circumference, and PI) were considerably lower in infants exposed before birth compared to non-exposed neonates. TSH in cord blood was much lower, but T3 and T4 levels were significantly greater in prenatally exposed newborns than in prenatally unexposed neonates. Serum TSH levels were notably higher, whereas T3 and T4 levels were reduced in women exposed to crude oil than in expectant mothers who were not. The difference in mean glucose levels between exposed and non-exposed expectant mothers was insignificant. Both mothers and newborns exposed to ambient crude oil toxicants displayed mild or silent changes in thyroid hormone levels. Conclusion: Silent hypothyroidism in crude oil-exposed mothers and hyperthyroidism in prenatally exposed neonates might be responsible for the changes in health indicators of neonates. Health education and awareness of the dangers associated with crude oil exposure, as well as preventive measures, should be intensified in these communities. Relevance for patients: Prenatal exposure to crude oil pollutants can impair growth and development and pose a threat to the health of newborn infants.

The Double-Edged Sword: Local Perspectives on the Spread, Impact, Management, and Uses of the Invasive Chromolaena odorata in Southern Nigeria

In Nigeria, Chromolaena odorata poses significant threats to agriculture by disrupting ecosystem structure and function, thereby altering ecosystem services. However, our understanding of its impact, potential uses, and control measures, particularly from the perspective of local communities who interact directly with the plant, presents opportunities for a balanced approach to sustainable management. The aim of this study was to document the knowledge and perceptions of the introduction and spread of C. odorata, its ethnopharmacological applications, and its effects on crops, livestock, and wildlife, as well as discuss control strategies. Using participatory rural appraisal techniques, we administered semi-structured questionnaires to 150 respondents across six villages in Edo State, Nigeria. The findings reveal that C. odorata is a well-recognized invasive species that has been present for several decades and is commonly referred to by its local name, “Awolowo weed”. Although many respondents were unsure of the reasons behind its introduction, most were familiar with its mode of dispersal. A significant proportion of respondents view the weed as a serious threat to agriculture and a major hindrance to human movement by foot to and from their farmlands where C odorata is dominant. However, many also reported its relative ease of management. Interestingly, 92.7% acknowledged the medicinal value of C. odorata, citing its use in treating fever, wounds, and stomach aches, while 84% reported its ability to enhance soil fertility. Most respondents did not perceive the plant as harmful to livestock or wildlife. Though many believe that the plant has continued to spread, 83.8% oppose its complete eradication. Instead, they highlighted Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) as a more problematic weed that requires immediate intervention. In summary, exploring the local benefits of C. odorata highlights the importance of leveraging local knowledge and practices to develop a robust, integrated approach for its sustainable long-term management.

Exploring the Functional Potentials of Hydric Soils of Low and Wetlands of Delta State Nigeria

This study explores the functional potential of hydric soils located in the lowlands and wetlands of Delta State, Southern Nigeria. Often dismissed due to seasonal inundation and persistent saturation, hydric soils develop under anaerobic conditions that limit oxygen availability. Despite these constraints, such soils exhibit significant levels of organic matter and fertility that could be optimized for agricultural use, especially within the context of sustainable land management and environmental conservation. A field survey method was employed, involving the collection of ninety (90) soil samples—thirty (30) each from three stratified zones representing lowland and wetland environments across the Delta State. These samples were subjected to detailed laboratory analyses to determine their physicochemical properties. The resulting data were statistically analyzed to identify patterns in soil fertility, nutrient content, and suitability for cultivation. Results indicated a consistent presence of organic matter and similar nutrient availability across the studied landscapes, comparable to those in forest and fallow lands. This similarity supports the argument that lowland and wetland soils, though often underutilized, can serve as viable alternatives to conventional arable lands. Their utilization may reduce reliance on rainforest areas and promote ecological balance. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of re-evaluating hydric soils for agricultural purposes. Leveraging their potential could support precision agriculture, reduce soil degradation, and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12 and 13 related to responsible consumption and climate action. Thus, hydric soils represent both a challenge and an opportunity in modern land use planning.

Evaluating the impact of social and behavior change communication intervention on improving documentation practices among healthcare workers in southern Nigeria: a before and after study

BackgroundProper documentation is very essential to healthcare practice. It is vital for continuity of care and communication among healthcare workers. This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of the application of Social and Behavioral Change Communication strategy to improving documentation practices among healthcare workers in two states in Nigeria.MethodsA longitudinal study with a pre-post-intervention design was utilized. An audit of documented specimen examination request forms was conducted at two-month intervals. The initial audit served as baseline. Subsequent audits were to monitor progress and assess impact of intervention. For each audit, a minimum of 10 facilities was purposively selected across the two states, including an average of five GeneXpert sites and six health facilities. Based on availability, a maximum of 50 specimen examination request forms were consecutively selected per GeneXpert site or facility for audit. The interventions included modification of the specimen examination request form, training and educational sessions, regular audit of forms, progress monitoring, and feedback.ResultsThere was an increase in the proportion of each variable meeting the documentation standard across the four audit rounds. This progress was observed across the four audit rounds for most of the variables, with the most substantial improvement recorded in the fourth audit. In all, there was a significant improvement in the proportion of each specimen examination form that met the documentation standards (p < 0.001). These variables included detailed address of patient, patient phone number and phone number of person requesting the examination. Variables on the revised form which showed significant changes across the four audit periods included name and phone number of next of kin (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe SBCC intervention markedly enhanced accurate and comprehensive documentation of specimen examination request forms among frontline healthcare workers. Key components, such as repeated training sessions, education emphasizing the benefits of sound documentation practices, consistent supervision, monitoring, feedback, and ensuring a sufficient supply of forms, collectively played integral roles in maximizing the effectiveness of the intervention.

Gastrointestinal Helminths of Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Urua-Nka Market, Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Gastrointestinal helminths of chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) cause significant health problems leading to growth retardation, reduced egg production, increased susceptibility to diseases and economic losses in poultry farming. A study was conducted to identify gastrointestinal helminth of chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) and to estimate the prevalence rate in Urua-Nka Market, Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom state, southern Nigeria. Gastrointestinal content of samples collected was examined for the presence of helminth ova and oocysts using floatation and sedimentation methods. Out of the 150 samples examined, an overall prevalence of 39(26%) was recorded. Six species of helminth parasites were found. These parasites include Choanotaenia infundibulum 3(7.69%), Rallietina tetragona 7(17.95%), Davainea proglottina 4(10.26%) the Cestodes, Trichostrongylus tenuis 9(23.08%), Strongiloides avium 10(25.64%) and threadworm Capillaria annulata 6(15.38%). Chi square (ꭓ2) was used to analyze the data obtained. There was no significant difference in parasitic infection based on the number of helminth species (P = .22). There is need to educate poultry farmers on the impact of gastrointestinal helminths infection on chicken. Appropriate management practices should be carried out regularly like deworming using prescribed medicines. This will prevent losses in egg and meat production.

“Is your manhood failing You?”: persuasion strategies in the audio advertisements of herbal sex-enhancement drugs in Southern Nigeria

ABSTRACT This paper explores of the persuasion strategies employed by advertisers promoting herbal aphrodisiacs within Southern Nigeria. It involved the systematic recording of a dataset comprising 40 advertisements strategically sampled from various locations across the southern region, including markets and car parks. To unravel the strategies in these advertisements, the analytical lens of Simpson’s concept of ‘Reason’ was applied. The identified persuasion strategies embed techniques that advertisers deploy to capture attention and influence the perceptions of target audience. There is the abundant use of problematization of medical conditions, wherein advertisers strategically emphasize the perceived issues or challenges that their products purportedly address; blame-shift hedging is evident, wherein advertisers deflect potential scepticism by attributing certain concerns to external factors, thereby framing their products as the solution rather than the problem. These persuasion strategies are not arbitrary but are carefully tailored based on purportedly researched consumer behaviours. This symbiotic relationship between the strategies employed and the anticipated consumer responses highlights a strategic alignment with the advertisers’ objectives. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the diverse and sophisticated persuasion strategies wielded by advertisers in the promotion of herbal sex enhancement drugs in Southern Nigeria.

Love, Lies, and Larceny: One Hundred Convicted Case Files of Cybercriminals with Eighty Involving Online Romance Fraud

ABSTRACT This article examines 100 convicted case files of cybercriminals, 80 of which concern online romance fraud. While all were prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Nigeria, many involve multiple offenses, including crypto investment fraud and hacking. The study provides critical insights into offender profiles and the criminal justice system’s approach to cybercrime enforcement. Drawing on the Space Transition Theory (STT), the study highlights the transient and intermittent nature of criminal activities in cyberspace. The findings reveal that most offenders are young males aged 18–28, predominantly university undergraduates or graduates. Notably, 96% of offenders hail from southern Nigeria, and 80% of crimes involve romance fraud. While perceptions of leniency in cybercrime punishments persist, 96% of offenders acted as primary perpetrators, with 2% serving as mules or accomplices and another 2% adopting dual roles. By relying on actual case files of online offenders rather than online profiles, which are often fake, this study offers unique insights that can inform future research and support evidence-based strategies to address cybercrime in Nigeria and beyond.

Insect succession patterns on pig carrion in southern Nigeria.

In analyzing decomposing human remains in cases of unattended death, observing insect succession patterns to aid in estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) based on carrion insects is one of the tasks of the forensic entomologist. The purpose of this study is to provide baseline data in order to improve PMI estimates using carrion insects. The lingering armed conflict in Nigeria creates a situation where unidentified human remains overwhelm law enforcement agencies. A common challenge is the lack of affordable, easy-to-use, and locally derived methods. This study aims to describe the succession patterns of arthropods, including insects, in pig carcasses in the wet and dry seasons in southern Nigeria as a baseline to aid in PMI estimation.Arthropods were observed and collected (all life cycle stages) in a total of 20 freshly-killed pigs (10 pigs for each season) which were deployed to study sites within 3h of humane killing and at various times during the two seasons over 14months. The time of appearance, activity, and disappearance of the arthropods were noted and related to the stages of decomposition to create succession patterns.Three classes, six orders, and 16 families of arthropods were collected. Musca domestica was the first to arrive, followed by Chrysomya marginalis, visiting within 10min after placement. An ant species (Family Formicidae) had the widest presence through decomposition stages. There was an increase in the absolute number and species richness of arthropods in the wet season. Some arthropods, like the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), were exclusively present in the wet season.The observed succession patterns can be used as a reference for forensic scientists to aid in PMI assessment in Nigeria. Arthropods found exclusively in a season could be used to establish the season of death.

Dataset on rbcL gene intra and inter-specific diversity and phylogenetic relationship of eggplants (Solanum species) in Southern Nigeria.

Eggplant (Solanum sp.) is the third most widely cultivated solanaceous vegetable globally, and it is commonly consumed in Nigeria, particularly in Southern Nigeria, for its nutritious and medicinal fruit, leaves, and seeds. The taxon has recorded array of ethnobotanical uses ranging from food, medicine to cultural interactions in ceremonies. Despite the enormous range of a value, studies have shown decreasing eggplant varietal diversity, directly linked with cultivation preferences and activities, such as exchanging propagules within and between agroecological areas and farms. Additionally, the wide range of accessions in the taxa, morphological plasticity, and genetic similarity among accessions have resulted in the ambiguity and inconsistent phylogenetic classification of the taxa. The dataset consists of partial ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) gene sequences, nucleotide compositions and amino acid profiles of 75 accessions of eggplants collected from across Southern Nigeria. The genetic information provided by the dataset offers insight into the genetic diversity and the phylogenetic relationships of the eggplant accessions, which could serve as a baseline for designing effective strategies for sustainable cultivation, conservation, utilisation, and improvement of the taxa.

Drug use and needle sharing among adolescents and young adults in Nigeria: A cross-sectional secondary analysis of data from a multi-site clinical trial.

Drug use and needle sharing among adolescents and young adults in Nigeria: A cross-sectional secondary analysis of data from a multi-site clinical trial.

Invasive Chromolaena odorata Infestation Supports Increased Arthropod Diversity in Southern Nigeria

Invasive Chromolaena odorata Infestation Supports Increased Arthropod Diversity in Southern Nigeria

Pattern of Morbidity and Mortality in a Neonatal Unit of a Private Paediatric Health Facility in Southern Nigeria

Background: The neonatal period is a critical time for child survival as the risk of death is very high. This study was done to determine the pattern of neonatal morbidity and mortality in a private paediatric health facility in Nigeria. Methods: A prospective study was carried out over one year from June 2023 to May 2024. Result: Of 175 neonates admitted, males predominated 114(65.1%). Most were admitted within the 1st 3 days of life 93(53.1%), had normal birth weights 103(58.9%) with mean gestational age of 35.51 ± 4.75weeks. The commonest morbidity observed were neonatal jaundice 93(57.1%), probable neonatal sepsis 93(57.1%) and prematurity 44(27.0%). There were 7 deaths (mortality rate of 4.0%), commonest causes were neonatal sepsis, severe anaemia and hypoglycaemia. Morbidities with the highest case fatality rates were severe anaemia (10.7%) hypoglycaemia (9.5%) and congenital heart disease (8.3%). Neonatal jaundice, low birth weight and respiratory distress syndrome were significantly associated with gestational age <37weeks (P value 0.002, <0.001, <0.001, respectively) while perinatal asphyxia was significantly associated with neonates of gestational age >37weeks (P value 0.047). Birth weight was significantly associated with survival, P value = 0.049. Conclusion: There was male predominance among admitted neonates with commonest morbidities being neonatal jaundice, neonatal sepsis and prematurity. Mortality rate was 4%, commonest causes were preventable; neonatal sepsis, severe anaemia and hypoglycaemia. Thus, improved obstetric and neonatal care through antenatal care, provision of adequate & quality health care personnel, technological advancement, appropriate/timely referral of sick neonates with adequate transportation would improve neonatal outcomes. Keywords: Pattern, Morbidity, Mortality, Neonatal unit, Nigeria

Six-Year Retrospective Analysis of Buruli Ulcer Diagnosis via Real-Time PCR at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research

Buruli ulcer, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is a neglected tropical disease that affects the skin resulting in serious disfigurements and long-term disability. The World Health Organization has set at least 70% Polymerase Chain Reaction confirmation rate for countries to meet. The Control Program in Nigeria faced significant challenges due to the lack of in-country molecular confirmation laboratories. Nigerian Institute of Medical Research established a unit in 2016 for the molecular diagnosis, which assists the national program, and eventually joined the Buruli Ulcer Laboratory Network in Africa. Clinical samples from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory were analyzed between 2018 and 2023. Sample collection was done using dry swabs (92%), from which DNA was extracted using Ethanol -Sodium Hydroxide DNA extraction solution and the Genolyse kit. The DNA was screened using qPCR, targeting the IS2404 sequence. Out of the 1386 samples screened, only 58 (4.2%) were positive, indicating low prevalence. More male samples were screened (52.4%) as compared to women (47.6%). Most of the samples came from the age group 21-40 years (32%) (P<0.001). Infection rates in males and females were not significantly different (p>0.05), but the age group < 50 years was significantly more infected than those above (p<0.001). Almost all samples were from southern Nigeria. The low number of samples from states and the low prevalence calls for more governmental sensitization efforts at the grassroots level. The Buruli Ulcer Laboratory Network in Africa ensures reliable results from member countries, hence the need to include more countries.

Perception of Stigmatisation among Adult Sickle Cell Disease Patients in South-South, Nigeria

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) impacts the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of life of the affected persons, often times exposing them to disease-associated stigmatization from family members and/or the community and this in turn affects their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). There is paucity of data from southern Nigeria as regards stigmatization among SCD patients, hence this study was aimed at determining the level of stigmatization amongst them. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study involving two hundred and twenty-four SCD patients recruited from three well recognized health facilities that offer comprehensive care for individuals with SCD in Benin City, Nigeria. The measure of sickle cell stigma and the sickle cell disease health-related stigma scale psychometric tools were used for this study. Results: One hundred and sixty- four (73.2%) participants were not married despite attaining marriageable age. One hundred and seventy-one (76.1%) were dependents, living with their friends and family members. Sixty-eight (47.7%) had a severe disease course and one hundred and eighty-five (82.6%) had perceived/ experienced stigmatization. Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of stigmatization among SCD patients.

Clinical-demographic profile, critical care and outcome of children admitted into a level III intensive care unit in southern Nigeria

Specialized services are provided in Intensive Care Units (ICU) during critical illnesses, but there are limited ICU bed spaces for children in developing settings with dire consequences. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the clinical indications, treatments and short-term outcomes of children admitted into a mixed ICU at our centre. This study adopted a retrospective design. Data collection was done using a structured form comprising sections on each participant’s clinical-demographic information, diagnoses, treatments, sub-specialty reviews, mechanical ventilation parameters, and outcomes. The data were extracted from patient’s files over a five-year period. Descriptive and inferential analyses were done; p <0.05 was considered significant. A total of 858 patients, including 74 (8.6%) children, were managed in the ICU during the study period. The mean age of the children was 6.9±4.3 years. Thirty-seven (50%) were transferred to the ICU from the Children's Emergency Room (CHER). Severe sepsis was diagnosed in 11 (14.9%) of the participants, bronchopneumonia in 2 (2.7%) and meningitis in 6 (8.2%). Also, 24 (32.4%) participants were admitted into ICU post-surgery. Sixteen (21.7%) needed mechanical ventilation. Their mean Fraction of Inspired Oxygen (FiO2) was 69.8% (±0.97), and their mean Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) was 93.4% (±3.83). Co-management involved respiratory (16.2%), neurology (4.1%), and cardiology subspecialties. Their mean duration of ICU admission was 6.2±3.9 days. Forty-three participants (58.1%) died, and 40.5% were discharged to the ward. Paediatric intensive care is deliverable in a mixed ICU, but there is suboptimal survival of children. There is a need to boost paediatric ICU resources in the setting.

Determination of Ideal Snag Length for Rubber Brown-Budded Stumps in Southern Nigeria

Rubber plantations are mainly established with the use of rubber budded stumps, which are derived from successfully budded rubber seedling rootstock (stock plant) which have been de-topped; with the ultimate aim of prompting shooting of scion buds which are projected to replace the upper part of the plant hitherto removed during de-topping. The survival, activation and good development of the scion-bud has been reported to be a function of several factors amongst which is the length of the snag; the snag being the protuberant or remnant part of the stock above the stock-scion union; after de-topping Incidentally, the point of cut during de-topping operations is typically left at the discretion of the topper, thereby making the operation subjective and prone to the errors of cutting too near or too far from the bud-scion union and consequently causing undesirable associated outcomes. This study was therefore conducted to determine an ideal snag length; particularly for brown budded rubber seedlings of over 9 months old. As treatments, 22-month-old rubber seedlings were successfully budded and subsequently de-topped at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 cm above the stock-scion union and respectively labelled SL-0cm, SL-2cm, SL-4cm, SL-6cm, SL-8cm and SL-10cm to form the six categories of snag lengths put under investigation. The treated planting materials were then lifted/transplanted into the designated experimental plots arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD); with 3 replications. Data on the scion-bud shooting rates, growth parameters (length, diameter, number of leaves, leaf area) of the scion-bud shoots and number of stock-bud shoots were taken at 2 weeks interval until 16 weeks after de-topping (WAD). The shooting rates of scion-buds were significantly higher in the 3 shortest snag lengths i.e. SL-0cm (50.00%), SL-2cm (50.00%), SL-4cm (58.00%) compared to the longer snag-lengths i.e. SL-6cm (25.00%), SL-8cm (25.00%) and SL-10cm (33.25%) at 2 WAD and maintained relative superiority. Nevertheless, only SL-0cm (100.00%) and SL-2cm (83.25%) remained statistically comparable as from 14 WAD. The short snags started off with higher shoot lengths at 4 WAD, but were eventually tallied by shoot lengths in the longer snags. Scion shoot diameter was almost consistently higher in SL-0cm and SL-2cm throughout the sampling duration with SL-0cm, SL-2cm, SL-4cm, SL-6cm, SL-8cm and SL-10cm having 0.96 cm, 0.93 cm, 0.86cm, 0.90 cm, 0.83 cm and 0.83 cm respectively at 16 WAD. The number of leaves did not have a defined pattern while there was no significant difference in leaf area across the different snag lengths. However, the number of stock-bud shoots increased with increasing snag lengths; with SL-0cm and SL-2cm having 0.33/stump and 1.00/stump respectively at both 10 WAD and 12 WAD. Snag lengths 2 cm and 0 cm are recommended (in order of preference) for rubber brown-budded rootstock.

AI-Powered Platforms for Protecting Women’s Rights and Transforming Widowhood Practices in Southern Nigeria

AI-Powered Platforms for Protecting Women’s Rights and Transforming Widowhood Practices in Southern Nigeria

How does education policy reform affect schooling outcomes? Novel evidence from Nigeria

This study evaluated the effects of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) policy on schooling outcomes in Nigeria. We analyzed the effects of the UBE policy of 2004 on school enrollment outcomes for primary and junior secondary school-age children in Nigeria using two waves (2004 and 2015) of the Nigeria Education Data Survey (NEDS). We applied descriptive statistics to estimate the Net Enrollment Rate (NER) and Age-Specific Enrollment Rate (ASER) and ordered logit regression to model the effect of this policy. The findings revealed that the enrollment rates increased generally in primary schools in southern Nigeria and increased in junior secondary schools (JSS) all over the country in the two periods. The change in NER was positive and significant for JSS enrollment, but insignificant in primary school enrollment. The significant increase in the enrollment of children in primary and junior secondary schools shows the contribution of appropriate policies in improving schooling outcomes. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge on the effects of education policies and programs on schooling outcomes. The paper offered policy recommendations to further improve school enrollment and reduce the high rate of out-of-school children in the country.

Who Is Most Likely to Experience Corruption When Seeking Health Care in Nigerian Healthcare Facilities?

Background: Experiencing corruption when seeking health services remains a significant problem in Nigeria. An effective response requires knowledge of the individual characteristics of those impacted by corruption when seeking healthcare. This study examined the prevalence of corruption among those seeking health services in Nigeria’s public healthcare facilities and how it varies among different user groups. Methods: We used a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect data from 1659 individuals randomly selected from households in two Nigerian states. We collected data on respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics and experiences of corrupt practices. We undertook descriptive and binomial logistic regression analyses. Results: Approximately 50% (823) of respondents experienced corrupt practices, such as using connections for faster treatment and bribery when seeking health services. 446 (27%) respondents bribed or made so-called ‘unapproved’ payments to health providers to obtain health services. Gender was a strong predictor, with male healthcare service users being more likely to experience corrupt practices (%point risk difference=24; 95% CI= 20, 29) and bribe or make an unapproved payment to obtain healthcare (%point risk difference=20; 95% CI= 15, 25). Residents in the northern state were (%point risk difference=30; 95% CI= 26, 35) more likely to experience corrupt practices than residents in the eastern state. People seeking healthcare in urban (%point risk difference=09; 95% CI= -05, 08) and semi-urban (%point risk difference=12; 95% CI= 05, 19) locations were more likely to have bribed or made ‘unapproved’ payments to healthcare providers compared to rural residents. Conclusion: Health sector corruption, in its various forms, is frequently reported in both northern and southern Nigeria. However, user experience of corruption varies according to socio-demographic characteristics, and this is often insufficiently acknowledged. To combat corrupt practices in both health sectors, anti-corruption initiatives must be tailored to particular groups and settings, addressing specific disadvantages at individual and community levels.