Southwest Nigeria Research Articles

The Humour of Sociolects and Idiolects among Heterogeneous Audiences in Contemporary Nigerian Stand-up Comedies

Stand-up comedy, a trans-tribal and gender-equality profession among talented Nigerian youths, is posed with different linguistic barriers in communication exchange between tribal performers and their heterogeneous audience and between intertribal performers and homogeneous audiences because of cultural differences. In Southwest Nigeria, the Yoruba call it "Efe" and "Apara;" Southeast, the Igbo, "Njakiri;" the North, Hausa/Fulani, "Yan Kama" and 'Waman Sariki. Earlier studies have focused on its entertainment aspects, disregarding its underlying intercultural values and mono-national speech act. Therefore, this study examines the use of the mono-national speech act of Pidgin-sociolect and Pidgin-idiolect (catchphrases and withering scorn) used by Nigerian stand-up comedians in live performances to address linguistic barriers and foster communication exchange between performers and heterogeneous audiences. This is in a bid to create national unity, promote love and foster mutual intelligibility among the heterogeneous audience. Schechner's Performance Theory was used to interrogate performance. Data from live recordings of purposively selected Nigerian Stand-up comedians: Ayo Makun (AY), Helen Paul, Godwin Komone (Gordons), Ahamefula Igwemba (Klint da Drunk), and Aboki, were used. They underwent a performance analysis.

Detection of Immune Escape and Basal Core Promoter/Precore Gene Mutations in Hepatitis B Virus Isolated from Asymptomatic Hospital Attendees in Two Southwestern States in Nigeria.

Several mutations in the surface (S), basal core promoter (BCP), and precore (PC) genes of the hepatitis B virus have been linked to inaccurate diagnosis and the development of immune escape mutants (IEMs) of the infection, which can lead to chronic infection. Understanding the prevalence and spread of these mutations is critical in the global effort to eliminate HBV. Blood samples were collected from 410 people in Osun and Ekiti states, southwest Nigeria, between 2019 and 2021. Participants were drawn from a group of asymptomatic people who were either blood donors, outpatients, or antenatal patients with no record of HBV infection at the medical outpatients' unit of the hospital. DNA was extracted from plasma using a Qiagen DNEasy kit, followed by nested PCR targeting HBV S and BCP/PC genes. The Sanger sequencing method was used to sequence the positive PCR amplicons, which were further analyzed for IEMs, BCP, and PC mutations. HBV-DNA was detected in 12.4% (51/410) of individuals. After DNA amplification and purification, 47.1% (24) of the S gene and 76.5% (39) of the BCP/PC gene amplicons were successfully sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the HBV sequences obtained in this study were classified as HBV genotype E. Mutational analysis of the major hydrophilic region (MHR) and a-determinant domain of S gene sequences revealed the presence of three immune escape mutations: two samples harbored a T116N substitution, six samples had heterogenous D144A/N/S/H substitution, and one sample had a G145E substitution, respectively. The BCP/PC region analysis revealed a preponderance of major BCP mutants, with the prevalence of BCP double substitutions ranging from 38.5% (A1762T) to 43.6% (G1764A). Previously reported classical PC mutant variants were observed in high proportion, including G1896A (33.3%) and G1899A (12.8%) mutations. This study confirms the strong presence of HBV genotype E in Nigeria, the ongoing circulation of HBV IEMs, and a high prevalence of BCP/PC mutants in the cohorts. This has implications for diagnosis and vaccine efficacy for efficient management and control of HBV in the country.

Livelihood Information Endowment as a Correlate of Material Quality of Life among Rural Women in Southwest, Nigeria

This study examined the livelihood information endowment as a correlate of material quality of life among rural women in Southwest Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 384 respondents using an interview schedule. Data collected on socioeconomic characteristics, livelihood information endowment (livelihood information sought and sources of information); constraints to livelihood information endowment and material quality of life were analysed with percentages, mean, standard deviation, the Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Chi-square at α0.05. The results showed that most of the respondents were cooperative society members (51.6%) with a mean year of former education being 8.0±4.62 years. The most accessible information sources were mobile phones (3.73±0.90) and husband (3.72±0.82) with livelihood information endowment being high at 55.7%. However, respondents’ prominent constraints to livelihood information endowment were network problem (0.40) and poor rural infrastructure (0.39). The respondents’ material quality of life status was low 52.1%, as most did not possess landed properties (58.1%). A significant relationship existed between respondents’ material quality of life and livelihood information endowment (r=0.134), social group belonged (r=0.153) and constraint to livelihood information endowment (r=-0.017). Constraints to livelihood information endowment inform the respondents’ Material Quality of Life status. Network providers should offer efficient services.

Characterization of sperm cells in infertile male subjects in southwest Nigeria

Sperm characteristics are used as proxy to estimate or gain insight into the underlying causes of male infertility. The aim of the study was to characterize sperm cells in infertile males in South-West Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional study involving 92 male subjects, grouped as 35 fertile males (control) and 57 infertile males (test subjects). The subjects, who volunteered, were attendees of Fertility Clinics in Lagos Metropolis, Lagos, Nigeria. Semen specimens were collected and analyzed with computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) in conjunction with WHO guidelines for semen preparation and examination. Raw data obtained from the measurements, were subjected to statistical analysis using GraphPad Prism Version 5.03 (San Diego, California, USA). Results were expressed as percentage. The results revealed sperm cells in the infertile subjects as following: (a) based on sperm counts; the sperm cells were oligospermia and azoospermia with prevalence of 54 (79%) and 12 (21%) respectively. (b) Based on sperm cell morphology: the sperm cells were 14 (25%) oligoasthenoteratospermia, 12 (21%) teratospermia, 9 (16%) oligoasthenospermia; 9 (16%) oligoteratospermia, 5 (8%) asthenospermia, 4 (7%) asthenoteratospermia and 4 (7%). Cryptospermia. (c) Based on ejaculatory volume; 14 (24.5%) hypovolaemia, 2 (3.5%) hypervolaemic, and 41 (72%) normovolaemia, (d) Based on viscosity: 53 (93 %) Normoviscosity, and 4 (7%) hyperviscocity. In conclusion, Infertility in the studied population was caused by high percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology.

LEVERAGING APPLIED GEOPHYSICS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION: A SOUTH WEST NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE ON DATA ANALYSIS AND POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

This research aimed to delve into the potential of applied geophysics in environmental conservation, with a specific focus on the South West Nigerian context, and its implications for data analysis and policy implementation. Through a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and primary research, the study explored various geophysical techniques and their applications in environmental conservation efforts. The research highlighted the efficacy of these techniques in the South West Nigerian region, emphasizing their significance in shaping environmental policies. Despite the evident potential, challenges and limitations associated with these techniques were also identified. The study further provided suggestions for improved environmental conservation strategies and highlighted potential areas for continued research in the realm of applied geophysics. In conclusion, while applied geophysics offers promising tools for environmental conservation, a holistic approach, integrating both scientific and policy-driven strategies, is essential for sustainable conservation efforts in South West Nigeria. Recommendations include fostering collaborations between geoscientists, policymakers, and local communities, and investing in further research to address identified gaps.
 Keywords: Applied Geophysics, Environmental Conservation, South West Nigeria, Policy Implementation, Data Analysis.

Effect of Marijuana on Some Cardiac Biomarkers among Smokers in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Marijuana is the oldest and one of the most widely used illicit drugs, the clinical and pharmacological effects of cannabinoids have been recently studied, with much still unknown about the physiologic and pathologic effects. This study aimed to evaluate its cardiovascular effect using some cardiac makers among smokers in Nigeria.
 Methods: The study was a comparative design conducted among eighty-eight test and control subjects. Venous blood was collected for AST, LDH and CK-MB. Biodata was obtained via questionnaires with anthropometric and blood pressure measures. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and a significant level was taken at p<0.05.
 Results: There was a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of subjects who use marijuana as observed from earlier studies. There was a significant increase in the levels of these enzymes in marijuana users as compared to non-smokers.
 Conclusion: The increase in these cardiac bio-markers, though heralds the pathologic effect of the use of marijuana on the heart, will be most convincing to assay more cardiac markers such as troponin T to buttress these findings.

Functional Vision of Pseudophakic Children Attending a Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic in Southwest Nigeria.

To determine the functional vision of pseudophakic children attending a child eye health tertiary facility in southwest Nigeria. A hospital-based descriptive study of pseudophakic children attending the Pediatric Ophthalmology outpatient clinic of a tertiary facility in southwest Nigeria was conducted between June and November 2021. Details of demography and clinical examination findings were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire. Information about functional vision was obtained using the Pediatric Eye Questionnaire (PedEyeQ). Data obtained from the PedEyeQ were entered into a Rasch-calibrated PedEyeQ Excel response data sheet. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22 (SPSS, Inc). A total of 196 pseudophakic children were recruited. Their ages ranged from 2 to 16 years with a mean of 9.8 ± 3.4 years and there was a male-to-female ratio of 2.2:1. The median functional vision score of pseudophakic children across all age groups was 90.0. The functional vision scores were associated with the laterality of cataract, type of cataract, presence of comorbidities, visual acuity (distance and near) in the better eye, and number of surgeries. The functional vision scores of pseudophakic children were low. Significant predictors of low functional vision scores include surgery for congenital cataract, low average family income, longer duration of time between surgery and recruitment into the study, and poorer best corrected visual acuity in the better eye. The routine assessment of functional vision should be considered an important aspect of pseudophakic children's eye care with a view toward optimizing psychological and social well-being. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024;61(2):138-146.].

Alcohol licensing legislation and licensing system in South-West Nigeria: Implications to regulate physical availability of alcohol.

The proliferation of alcohol outlets has led to increased physical availability of alcohol, harmful alcohol consumption and related harm in Nigeria. This study explored alcohol licensing legislations and licensing systems across local government councils (LGC) in South-West, Nigeria. Twenty-four LGCs across three states participated in the study. Data were generated from: (i) documents containing LGC liquor licensing legislations; and (ii) semi-structured interviews conducted with 50 LGC officials (16 legislative council clerks and 34 finance officers [director of finance, rate officers and revenue collectors]) were thematically analysed using NVivo. Nine of the sampled LGC enacted liquor licence bylaws. These mostly specified categories of liquor licences issued and licensing fees. None of the liquor licence bylaw contained regulations for controlling physical availability of alcohol and outlet density. Finance officials were licensing officers and there were no licensing committees across the LGCs. The LGC officials were unanimous in stating that generating revenue from licensing fees was the main objective for licensing alcohol outlets. The LGCs licensed alcohol outlets indiscriminately and failed to regulate outlet density. The absence of regulations for controlling outlet density has implications for physical availability of alcohol in Nigeria. Our findings strongly suggest the need to develop national liquor licensing legislation with public health objectives and implementing regulations for controlling temporal and spatial availability of alcohol. Each LGC should inaugurate a licensing committee with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for licensing stakeholders such as LGC health officials, law enforcement agencies and community members.

INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIA: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF STRATEGIES AND OUTCOMES

This research explores Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) in South West Nigeria, emphasizing its diverse ecological landscapes and burgeoning population. This study aimed to dissect the historical, socio-economic, and environmental facets of water resource management, aiming to pinpoint existing gaps and discern both challenges and avenues for prospective advancements. Employing an exhaustive methodology that amalgamated literature reviews, pertinent case studies, and stakeholder feedback, the investigation illuminated the region's profound history in water management, the pivotal role of local communities, and the ramifications of various strategic interventions. The results indicated that, despite notable progress in IWRM, persistent challenges such as water pollution, rapid urbanization, and the impacts of climate change remain. The research accentuated the criticality of community participation, holistic stakeholder collaboration, and the harmonization of age-old practices with contemporary technological innovations. In conclusion, the future of water resource management in South West Nigeria teeters at a crucial juncture, presenting opportunities to carve a sustainable trajectory. The recommendations advocate for augmented investments in research, nurturing community-driven initiatives, and embracing adaptive strategies to preemptively address anticipated shifts in water demands and supplies.
 Keywords: Integrated Water Resource Management, South West Nigeria, Community Engagement, Water Security, Stakeholder Collaboration.

THE NEXUS OF LAW AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIAN PUBLIC POLICY: A REVIEW OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACHES IN POLICY FORMATION

This research delves into the intricate relationship between law and sustainable development within South West Nigerian public policy context. The aim was to critically assess the multidisciplinary approaches in policy formation, particularly focusing on the interplay of law and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region. Utilizing a multidisciplinary research methodology, the study examined a plethora of policy documents and legal provisions, underpinned by a comprehensive analytical framework. Results from the research highlighted the historical evolution of sustainable policies in South West Nigeria, emphasizing the pivotal role of legal frameworks in steering development. The study revealed the transformative nature of policy research and development in the region, influenced by both domestic legal paradigms and international sustainable development agendas. In conclusion, while South West Nigeria has made commendable progress in aligning its policies with sustainable development imperatives, there remain inherent challenges. These challenges, deeply rooted in the region's historical and socio-political fabric, necessitate a multidisciplinary approach for effective mitigation. Recommendations from this study underscore the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement, regular policy reviews, and fostering international collaborations. Such measures ensure that the region's policies remain attuned to the dynamic global sustainable development landscape, addressing the unique challenges and harnessing the opportunities inherent in South West Nigeria's development trajectory.
 Keywords: South West Nigeria, Sustainable Development Goals, Public Policy, Legal Frameworks, Multidisciplinary Approaches, Policy Research.

Characterization of Isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin Collected from Three States of Southwest Nigeria

Beauveria bassiaana is a soil borne fungus with variations in molecular composition across varying locations. Ten isolates of B. bassiaana isolated from soil samples collected from forest sites in three States of Southwest Nigeria were characterized using morphological and molecular tools. The morphological characteristics considered were radial growth, colour of colonies, texture, shape of the spores and filaments and the relationship of the spores to the filaments.Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 0.05% level of significance. DNA was extracted from the isolates and results from the OTU clustering were sequenced using ITS1 and IT4 primers. Results showed slight variation in colour of the colonies, varying from whitish cream to white, having smooth, powdery textures with colonies becoming more identical as plates extended with no significant differences in texture and elevation of the colonies. The radial growth of the isolates was fast, with complete plate cover of the 9 cm Petri dish plates within 7 days for all the isolates. Images of the conidia as viewed under the microscope at x10 and x100 magnifications were observed to possess conidiophores that have whorl and dense clusters of symphodial, short and globose conidiogenous cells with apical zigzag appearance and one celled spherical conidia that prevents any variation in colonies. Isolate sequences showed a 100% homology to B. bassiana having molecular character variations with isolates 6, 4, 9, 3, 2 having percentage similarity of 99.86 with B. bassiana with accession no BbN06B02, isolate 5 had a percentage similarity of 90.62 with B. bassianawith accession number MW633220.198-48 and isolates 7 and 8 had a percentage similarity of 99.18 with B. bassiana with accession number AY805547.1:180-346 as represented in the dendrogramic tree. These observed variations could be utilized in biological insect pest management.

Perception and prevalence of rape: A survey among in-school adolescents in rural Southwest Nigeria

IntroductionRape has fast become an issue of relevance to global health cutting across geographical and cultural divides. Most studies on the subject are urban based and among adults. This study was conducted to assess the perception, prevalence and perpetrators among in-school adolescents which represent a unique group and in a rural setting. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. A total of 640 respondents completed a pretested interviewer-assisted semi-structured questionnaire. Perception and knowledge scores for rape were calculated and data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. ResultsThe mean age of respondents was 15.5 (±2.1) years and M: F ratio of 1:1.2. About one-half (46.9%) had poor overall knowledge of rape in the domains assessed. A significant proportion, 266 (41.6%) still subscribe to victim blaming in rape and 336 (52.5%) had negative perception of rape. Eight-five (13.3%) had been raped at least once while 36 (5.6%) self-reported to be perpetrators of rape. The respondents’ sex (p=0.015) and present class (0.012) of respondents showed statistically significant association with knowledge of rape. ConclusionThe perception of in-school adolescents on rape still leaves much to be desired. Perpetration and experience of rape remain important global health issues.

Evaluation of West African Agricultural Productivity Programme in the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training Adopted Villages

This study examined gaps and gains of WAAPP interventions on the agricultural productivity of farmers in IAR&T-adopted villages of southwest Nigeria. Purposively, 4 adopted villages where the WAAPP project was implemented were selected and a total of 138 farmers were interviewed. With the use of a questionnaire, the study assessed the impact of WAAPP project on the specific agricultural needs of villages, determined agricultural productivity for crop and livestock enterprises and identified challenges associated with the intervention. Linear regression model, variance analysis, and t-test were used to achieve the study objectives. Major gaps identified in WAAPP activities were inconsistencies in operation (x̄ = 2.36), limited market access (x̄ = 2.35) and poor communication with members (x̄= 2.35). Significant differences also existed in the impact of WAAPP intervention among villages (F= 5.103), and enterprise type (F=4.553). Sex (β = 0.373), age (β = 0.312) and enterprise type (β = 0.365) were major contributors to productivity in WAAPP. The paper concludes that WAAPP interventions in adopted villages had a positive impact on crop and livestock productions of beneficiaries, though constraints by inconsistencies in operation, intra-communication and limited market access. The study recommends continuous funding and monitoring of agricultural activities by WAAPP to broaden the impact of the intervention.

Assessment of Psychological Well-Being among Relatives of Patients Diagnosed with Psychotic Disorders in Neuro-Psychiatric Hospitals in South-West Nigeria

Background: Psychotic disorder contributes to the mental health global burden. Having a family member suffering from the illness may result in a caregiver's psychological well-being depletion, increased burden of care and low quality of life. The study assessed the psychological well-being and the militating stressors against the relatives of patients diagnosed with psychotic disorder psychological well-being in Neuro–a psychiatric hospital in South-west Nigeria.
 Method: The research used a qualitative design to assess the psychological well-being of relatives, militating stressors against their psychological well-being and coping strategies adopted. Samples were obtained by purposive sampling technique to select forty-four (44) participants and one-on-one interviews using semi–structured interviews done. The data were collected by interview and using a recorder and the same was transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.
 Result: The results generated were categorized into themes and subthemes which included: lack of autonomy, acceptance of the situation, insecure relationships with families and friends, poor environmental mastery, and impact on physical and psychological well-being while the sub-themes included: uneasy decision, maladaptive coping, stigmatization, unsupportive family and friends, financial burden, and reduced quality of life.
 Conclusion: The study suggests that nurses and other health professionals aid relatives in improving their coping skills, sensitization of the populace on mental disorders and provision of adequate information in the form of educational intervention may enhance their psychological well-being.

The Knowledge, Pattern and Practice of Menstrual Hygiene among Female Secondary School Students in Ogbomoso, South-west Nigeria

Background: Adolescent girls in developing countries may lack appropriate information, meansor materials, and access to the right sanitary facilities to manage menstruation. Hence, they haveadopted unsafe hygienic practices during menstruation that in turn have a negative impact ontheir health and education. Aim: Thus, this study aimed to assess the pattern and practices ofmenstrual hygiene and its associated factors among secondary school girls in Ogbomoso.Methodology: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2022 amongsecondary school girls. A total of 460 girls were selected randomly and interviewed using astructured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was employed toidentify predictors of good menstrual hygiene management practices. Results: Overall, 76.3% ofthe girls had satisfactory menstrual hygiene management practices. (88%) of them usedcommercial sanitary pads as absorbent, 56.4% changed sanitary materials more than three timesa day, 22% of them experienced restrictions and 68.3% cleaned their external genitalia dailyduring their menstruation. 37.1% of the respondents reused the absorbent material and 86.8 usedsoap and water to wash the absorbent material being reused, while 58.9% dried the absorbentmaterials indoors. 51% of the respondents change the absorbent material thrice a day and above70% change in the bathroom. The majority of the respondents disposed of the absorbentmaterial by burning (64.8%) while 27.9% disposed of the materials in the toilet. Conclusion: Inthis study, the practice of proper menstrual hygiene management of secondary schoolgirls wasquite satisfactory when compared with findings in previous studies in the same geographicalarea. The majority of the respondents had mothers with tertiary education and these motherswere mainly responsible for the provision of information about menstruation and its hygienemanagement. Hence, it is important to state that the role of mothers, their level of education andthe information about menstrual hygiene cannot be overemphasized as it pertains to knowledgeof menstruation and the practice of menstrual hygiene.

Nutritional Status, Feeding Pattern and Clinical Symptomatology among Healthy Pediatrics Age Group in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Nutritional status is considered the best indicator and a non-clinical approach to optimizing a child’s health care. It does not only directly reflect the socioeconomic status of the family but also, the efficiency of the health care system. The study aimed to assess clinical features and nutritional patterns in an apparently healthy pediatric age group.
 Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional design carried out among school children aged 6 to 12 years. A multi-stage sampling method was used. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for sociodemographic data. Physical examination for signs of malnutrition and anthropometry was done. Feeding patterns and types of meals were recorded. The WHO growth charts and BMI-for-age charts were used to compute Z-score (weight-for-age, height-for-age and BMI-for-age) and classify children into levels of nutritional status. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and p-value < 0.05.
 Results: It was observed that forty-seven percent of children were from a <4 family size, with the majority belonging to the middle socio-economic class. The majority had normal height and weight, while 8.8% were stunted and 4.3% were underweight. On a daily basis, 95% of the children feed 3 to 4 times and 91% consume essential nutritional diets. 26.3% of the children had a persistent cough, 14.5% had persistent diarrhea, 14% had a fever, 10.3% had abdominal pain, and 3.8% were on routine medications.
 Conclusion: This study showed that most of the children had normal height and weight and their feeding pattern was adequate, although some were stunted and underweight and had disease symptoms. The fact that they appear healthy and are not present in the hospital does not suggest the absence of diseases. It is therefore important to do regular checkups for these children so as to monitor their growth, improve their health and prevent diseases.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in an Isolation Centre in South-West Nigeria.

The clinical presentation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can vary widely, and while the primary infection involves the respiratory system, other organs can also be affected. This study presents the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in a tertiary hospital in Ado Ekiti, South-West Nigeria. This is a retrospective study involving COVID-19 patients admitted to the isolation ward between August 2020 and January 2021. The data used for this study was obtained from the patient's medical record, which includes demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, baseline co-morbidities, and laboratory investigations. The average age of the patients was 60.3 years, and more than two-thirds were male. The most common symptoms were fever, shortness of breath, cough, and tiredness. Comorbidities identified among the patients included diabetes mellitus, heart disease, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. The most common radiological findings were bilateral homogeneous patchy opacities and peripheral fluffy infiltrates. The overall mortality rate was 21.9%, with 13 deaths in patients with severe disease. Age and duration of admission were found to be significant predictors of death. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the clinical presentation of COVID-19 in Nigeria and may guide future management strategies for similar infections.

Cervical cancer awareness and risk factors among women residing in an urban slum in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

Poor awareness of cervical cancer and high prevalence of its risk factors may be responsible for the large burden of cervical cancer in low-income countries. This study assessed awareness of cervical cancer and prevalence of risk factors among women residing in a slum in Lagos, Nigeria. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out amongst 305 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Idi-Araba, a slum in Urban Lagos. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaires. Analysis was done with SPSS 20 software. Mean age of respondents was 33.5(9.0) years. Only 12.8% of the respondents had heard of cervical cancer. Ninety-five percent of respondents were sexually active and 56.2% had more than one lifetime sexual partner. Close to half (47.3%) of respondents had their first sexual intercourse before the age of 20. One in five (22.2%) had 5 or more children. Half of the respondents (54.8%) had had abnormal vaginal discharge. Awareness of cervical cancer among the women was poor and prevalence of risk factors of cervical cancer was high. Campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of cervical cancer, and screening should be carried out by governmental and charitable organizations for women residing in slums.

Cardiovascular risk factors and kidney function among automobile mechanic and their association with serum heavy metals in Southwest Nigeria: A cross-sectional study.

The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is huge due to its associated morbidity, mortality and adverse socio-economic impact. Environmental pollution as a risk factor contributes significantly to the burden of CVD, especially in the low and middle income countries. One of the effective strategies to reduce CVD burden is to prevent or detect cardiovascular risk factors early in at-risk population. This study determined some cardiovascular risk factors, kidney function, and their association with heavy metals among automobile mechanics. This was a cross-sectional study involving 162 automobile mechanics and 81 age and sex matched controls. Serum levels of lead, cadmium and some cardiovascular risks were assessed and compared in the two groups. Associations between serum lead, cadmium and some cardiovascular risks were determined using correlation analysis. P value of <0.05 was taken as significant. The mean ages of the automobile mechanics and controls were 47.27±9.99 years and 48.94±10.34 years, respectively. The prevalence of elevated serum cadmium was significantly higher in the automobile mechanics (25.9% vs 7.9%; p = <0.001). The significant cardiovascular risk factors in the automobile mechanics vs controls were elevated total cholesterol (32.1% vs 18.5%; p = 0.017), hyperuricemia (20.4% vs 1.2%; p = <0.001), elevated blood glucose (16.0% vs 4.9% p = 0.013); and alcohol use (55.1% vs 30.0%; p = 0.001). Among the automobile mechanics, there were significant positive correlations between serum cadmium, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) (p = 0.024; r = 0.382) and triglyceride (p = 0.020; r = 0.391). Significant positive correlation was found between serum lead and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) (p = <0.001; r = 0.329). There were significant positive correlation between serum cadmium level, AIP (p = 0.016; r = 0.373) and TG (p = 0.004; r = 0.439); between serum lead and NGAL in all the study participants (p = 0.005; r = 0.206). Automobile mechanics have notable exposure to heavy metals and a higher prevalence of some cardiovascular risk factors. Health education and sensitisation as well as policies that would regulate exposure of persons to heavy metals should be implemented in Nigeria.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Folic Acid Content in Pharmaceutical Formulations marketed in Southwest Nigeria

High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Folic Acid Content in Pharmaceutical Formulations marketed in Southwest Nigeria