Urban Community In Nigeria Research Articles

Rape incidence among children and teenagers in rural and urban communities in Nigeria

This study investigated the incidence of rape among children and teenagers in rural and urban communities in Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design to describe the experiences of children and teenagers purposively selected from the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria. 445 participants between the ages of 9 and 19. Results revealed 10.7% rape incidence and 32.8% sexual experience two years before the study for respondents. Age, ethnicity, and community variations were found for rape incidence with 11.8% higher among teenagers aged 13 and above, 7.4% higher in urban communities and a high percentage of 27.2% among the Hausas. Advocating for strict legislative reforms to address the stringent procedures in establishing rape incidents in Nigerian law, comprehensive sexuality education programs in schools to promote awareness and healthy relationships, and preventive counselling interventions were recommended. The study provided an understanding of rape incidence among children and teenagers in Nigeria.

“Are you sure you want to go to that village”; a qualitative review of the challenges, experiences and lessons learnt from a nutritional survey in rural and urban communities in Nigeria

IntroductionThe importance of community-based studies is not in doubt, however only few exist because of the complexity and challenges associated with them. Little data exists on these complexities and challenges in West Africa. This study aimed to describe the experiences, challenges and lessons learnt from a community-based Nutritional survey carried out in Nigeria. This was a qualitative review of the experiences and challenges involved in a community-based research project. A thematic content analysis was done and the findings were presented as themes and sub-themes, with the inclusion of quotes that accurately depicted the themes/sub-themes.ResultsTwo broad themes emerged from the study. For observations and experiences with community entry, sub-themes include the finding that community structure in the books were different from community structure on the ground, there was a general mistrust among community members, poor access to some communities and/or houses, there was a poor perception of need for the research, there was concern about risk to study participants and about benefit to the participants. The five sub-themes that pertained to the data collection process include the issues with timing, gender, data quality, men being at home and safety of the research team. Guided community engagements are recommended.

Multidimensions of sleep health among in-school adolescents in rural and urban areas in southwestern Nigeria

IntroductionPrevious studies have focused on sleep inequities among disadvantaged populations in high-income countries. However, little is known about the differences in sleep health among adolescents in Africa. We aimed to compare the multidimensions of sleep health in adolescents living in rural vs. urban communities in Nigeria. MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled adolescents aged 13-19 in six rural and six urban schools in Osun State, Nigeria. We measured the prevalence of poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score >5), daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents score >10), and risk of sleep apnea (Teen STOPBANG). We compared the sleep health variables between the rural and urban populations using multivariable logistic regression. ResultsOf the 900 participants (51% rural; 59% female; average age (SD)= 15.1(1.4) years), 79% had short sleep duration (<8.5 hours), 14.9% poor sleep quality, 9.6% excessive daytime sleepiness and 9.8% risk of sleep apnea. Urban adolescents had a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality (p = .004), short sleep duration (p < .001), daytime sleepiness (p = .044), and risk of sleep apnea (p = .006) compared to rural adolescents. The adjusted odds of having poor sleep quality (p = .008) and daytime sleepiness (p = .007) were about 2-fold higher among urban compared to rural adolescents. Later school end time, having single/separated parent(s), absence of parental setting of bedtime were independently associated with poorer sleep health. ConclusionAdolescents in rural communities had better sleep health than adolescents in urban communities. There is a need to develop interventions to improve the sleep quality and overall sleep health of urban-dwelling adolescents.

Gastrointestinal helminths in tilapia (&lt;i&gt;Oreochromis niloticus&lt;/i&gt;) sold for human consumption in Maiduguri, Nigeria: A potential public health risk

Fish is an important and cheap protein source for human consumption in developing countries. It is the second most popular source of protein diet in both rural and urban communities in Nigeria. Fisheries resources contribute about 5.40% to the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) through income generation, employment, food security, and foreign exchange earnings. Despite the significant contributions of fisheries to the Nigerian economy, the aquatic ecosystem is prone to pollution from human activities which increases the chances of transmission of parasitic infections, which are detrimental to aquatic and human life. The present study assessed the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of tilapia fish from different market sources in the Maiduguri metropolitan council of Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. Samples of fresh Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish (n= 125), comprising 50 juveniles and 75 adults, were screened for gastrointestinal helminths using standard parasitological methods. Twenty-nine (23.2%) harboured at least one helminth parasite. Of the 29 positive individual fish samples, 16% (n=20), 4% (n=5), 2.4% (n=3), and 0.8% (n=1) were infected by Acanthocephala, Cestode, Nematode, and Trematodes, respectively. The infection rate was higher in adults (26%) than juveniles (18%) and in females (23.5%) than males (22.8%). Fish samples from Baga markets showed higher infection rates than the other two market sources. Sex, age, and location were not significantly associated with parasite recovery rate (p&gt;0.05). The study concluded that Nile tilapia fish sold in Maiduguri metropolis were infected with different groups of helminths, underscoring public health risks to farmers, sellers, and consumers. Therefore, fish farmers should regularly consult veterinarians for advice on good fish management practices and observe proper hygienic handling of harvested fish at the farm level, during transportation to fish markets, and processing. The public should thoroughly clean and properly cook fish for human consumption.

A Comparison of the Awareness, Attitude, and Uptake of COVID-19, Hepatitis B Virus, and Yellow Fever Vaccines Between Rural and Urban Respondents in Edo State, Nigeria.

Despite the target set by WHO, Africa still falls short when it comes to individuals' use of COVID-19 vaccines. There is a similar pattern of low vaccine usage for the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and yellow fever (YF). The objective of our study is to compare the awareness, attitude, and uptake of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD), COVID-19, HBV, and YF, between a rural and an urban community in Nigeria. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between January 2022 and December 2022 in a rural community, Okada, and an urban community, Benin, in Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 283 rural participants and 483 urban participants were interviewed. SPSS Statistics version 26 (IBM Corp. Released 2019. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) was used for data collection and analysis. The significant value was set at P<0.05. A major percentage of both populations, 98.3% urban and 90.1% rural, reported being aware of COVID-19 vaccines (indicated by P<0.001). There was a similar pattern with HBV vaccine awareness. However, awareness of YF vaccines was more common in the rural (63.3%) community than in the urban (55.0%) community. A complete dose uptake of COVID-19 vaccines was reported by 7.7% of the rural and 2.2% of the urban respondents. The major reason for the refusal of vaccine uptake was the fear of possible side effects. The study showed that vaccine uptake for COVID-19, HBV, and YF is low despite seemingly good awareness of these vaccines. The number one reason for any vaccine refusal is the possibility of experiencing side effects.

To live or to die: cultural and social factors influencing flood preparedness in Nigerian cities

ABSTRACT There is an array of studies documenting community preparedness to flooding in towns and cities, particularly those in countries of the developing global south. However, fewer studies have investigated how cultural and social factors influence flood preparedness. In this article, we discuss the role of cultural and social attributes and how these can influence a community’s preparedness to extreme flood events, with a focus on selected urban communities in Nigeria. Study revealed that despite, the effects of floods on the urban poor residents, they are actively involved and engaged in finding ways to build their adaptive capacity and resilience against flood events by deploying different strategies inspired through cultural and social attributes.

COVID-19 Health Literacy in Rural and Urban Communities in Nigeria: A Key Strategy for Improving the COVID-19 Outbreak Response

Background This study aimed to describe COVID-19 health literacy in urban and rural communities in Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to enroll adults from households in rural and urban communities in Akure, South-west Nigeria. Nine questions were asked on respondents’ health literacy, each arranged on a scale of “1” implying “very difficult” to “7” implying “very easy’. We defined good health literacy as cumulative scores ≥50 points, and poor health literacy as scores 40 years had nearly two times odds of having good COVID-19 health literacy (AOR = 1.640, 95%CI = 0.769-3.495, p = 0.200). In rural communities, people &gt;40 years had nearly four times odds of having good COVID-19 health literacy (AOR = 3.523, 95%CI= 1.420 – 8.742, p = 0.017). Conclusion COVID-19 health education should be integrated into national health programs to address urban-rural differences in COVID-19 health literacy.

Unmet Needs for Personal Assistance with Activities of Daily Living among the Elderly in Rural and Urban Communities in Nigeria: Determinants and Policy Implications

Unmet Needs for Personal Assistance with Activities of Daily Living among the Elderly in Rural and Urban Communities in Nigeria: Determinants and Policy Implications

We love orthodox medicine but still use our 'Elewe omo': Utilization of traditional healers among women in an urban community in Nigeria.

Background:Traditional Medicine refers to knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures. Women have been reported to utilize orthodox health care facilities more hence this study in an urban center.Objective:To determine the utilization of traditional healers, preference of healthcare and co-utilization of traditional and orthodox medicine among women in an urban community in Lagos, Nigeria.Method:A cross sectional design using a multistage sampling to select 270 women in Mosan Okunola, Lagos, Nigeria in 2019. A pretested semi-structured intervieweradministered questionnaire and an in-depth interview were used to obtain data from participants. Utilization of traditional healers was referenced within the last 12 months.Result:Sixty three percent (63.2%) of the study population utilized traditional healers and 80.6% of respondents that accessed healthcare utilized traditional healers. The Traditional Medicine ingredient dealer was the most patronized (74.6% of respondents). Eighty three percent (83.3%) of study participants indicated preference for orthodox medicine and 53.1% of the study respondents co-utilized both traditional healers and orthodox medicine. Concurrent use of both traditional and orthodox medicine was not a common practice among the women. Level of education, monthly income and means of payment for treatment had a statistical significant association (P < 0.05) with utilization of traditional healers but means of payment for treatment was the singular predictive factor of utilization of traditional healers.Conclusion:Utilization of traditional healers among women in this community was high with majority indicating a preference for orthodox medicine. It is recommended that an in-depth history of remedies used by patients should be delved into by orthodox health practitioners.

Perception and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban community in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundVarious perceptions and practices have been associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we assessed the perception and practices regarding COVID-19 among residents in selected urban communities of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study design using a multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit 360 respondents (Mean age: 33.2 ± 10.6 years; 62.5% females) from households in Ibadan. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire from 3rd to 6th June 2020. Those who demonstrated washing of the palm, back of the hand, spaces between the fingers, fingernails, wrist, and thumbs had six points and were categorized to have had a good practice of handwashing. Descriptive statistics were conducted. Bivariate analyses of sociodemographic characteristics and good handwashing practices were conducted using Chi-square test. Logistic regression was conducted to identify the determinants of good handwashing practices. P-values < 0.05 were statistically significant.ResultsGoing to the hospital (95%) and calling the COVID-19 help number (58.3%) were the frequently reported practices among respondents following the development of COVID-19 symptoms. Also, 89 (26%) knew they could contract COVID-19, while 41 (12%) perceived it as an exaggerated event. The effects most frequently reported by respondents were hunger/low income (48.8%) and academic delay (8.8%). Use of face masks by 64.5% and social distancing (48%) were the most frequently reported practices for prevention. Only 71 (20.8%) demonstrated good handwashing practices. The perception of the likelihood to contract COVID-19 and practices to prevent COVID-19 had a weak correlation of 0.239 (p < 0.001).ConclusionGaps exist in the practices that prevent COVID-19. There is a need to improve handwashing, use of face masks and other practices that prevent COVID-19. Implications across public health communication and policies were stated.

Prevalence of non-communicable diseases and its risk factors among Ijegun-Isheri Osun residents in Lagos State, Nigeria: a community based cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe rapid epidemiologic transition of diseases has adverse implications for low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nigeria due to their limited healthcare, weaker health systems and the westernization of lifestyle. There is a need to evaluate the enormity or otherwise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) burden in such low resource settings. We performed this survey to determine the prevalence of NCDs and its risk factors among the Ijegun- Isheri Osun community residents of Lagos, Nigeria.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional survey was performed on 215 respondents recruited consecutively during a population preventive health campaign. Prevalence of three NCDs (hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia) were calculated. Associations between each of these NCDs and selected risk factors were determined using chi square test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the risk factors of each of the three NCDs.ResultsThe prevalence of hypertension was 35.3% (95% CI 29.0–42.1), diabetes 4.6% (95% CI 2.2–8.4) and dyslipidaemia 47.1% (95% CI 41.1–54.8). Among the NCD risk factors, the prevalence of smoking was 41.3% (95% CI 34.2–48.6), alcohol consumption 72.5% (95% CI 65.5–78.7), and physical activity 52.9 (95% CI 45.5–60.2). The independent significant predictors of hypertension were age ≥ 60 years (aOR 4.56; 95% CI: 1.72–12.09) and dyslipidaemia (aOR 5.01; 95% CI: 2.26–11.13). Age ≥ 60 years (aOR 8.83; 95% CI: 1.88–41.55) was an independent predictor of diabetes. Age ≥ 60 years (aOR 29.32; 95% CI: 4.78–179.84), being employed (aOR 11.12; 95% CI: 3.10–39.92), smoking (aOR 2.34; 95% CI: 1.03–5.33) and physical activity (aOR 0.34; 95% CI: 0.15–0.76) were independent predictors of having dyslipidaemia.ConclusionsThe prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia and their associated risk factors are high among the respondents of Ijegun-Isheri Osun community of Lagos state, Nigeria. This highlights the need for further implementation research and policy directions to tackle NCD burden in urban communities in Nigeria. These strategies must be community specific, prioritizing the various risk factors and addressing them accordingly.

Correlates of illness behaviour related to orofacial infections of odontogenic origin among adults in a semi urban community in Nigeria.

Infections of facial spaces in the maxillofacial region occur in most cases as a complication of odontogenic infections. It often results in substantial morbidity, with serious and potentially life threatening outcomes if allowed to progress without prompt medical attention. To identify factors that determine illness behaviour related to maxillofacial space infections. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of adult residents of pakoto community, Ifo local government area, Ogun state. The study was conducted using an interviewer administered questionnaire which included key information about respondents' awareness of predisposing factors of maxillofacial space infections; common actions taken with regards to treatment, and the factors that influenced their utilization of the available oral health care service. A total of 187 individuals were sampled, mean age was 30.5(SD 11.7) years with majority being females (59.4%) The proportion of the total respondents who reported a history suggestive of orofacial space infection was 20.3% (n=38). Visiting a patent medicine dealer (26.3%) along with visiting a dentist (31.6%) were the illness behaviours most frequently engaged in by respondents who have had an orofacial swelling following a toothache, with majority (73.7%) indicating the action they took was based on what was most convenient. This study has revealed that engagement in unorthodox practises by individuals in a semi-urban community studied is prevalent, and influenced by factors such as age, gender, level of education and occupation. None.

Pattern of accidental femur fractures in children and the predictors of child abuse in an urban community in Nigeria

Pattern of accidental femur fractures in children and the predictors of child abuse in an urban community in Nigeria

Challenges Impeding Public Participation for the Development of Urban Communities in Nigeria

Objectives: To identify the fundamental challenges by examine individual-based factors affecting public participation programme initiated by government for the development of urban economy in traditional cities of developing countries. Methods/Statistical Analysis: In this study, 344 questionnaires were administered using systematic random sampling to select the participants which comprises of planning officers, traditional leaders, youth leaders and, household heads. Descriptive statistics technique is adopted in data analysis to examine the factors militating against public participation initiated by government for the development of Bida traditional city in Nigeria. Findings: Findings reveal that, socio-economic barriers are the most conspicuous and significant impediments affecting citizens to participate in government-based initiative programmes for the development of human communities. Evidences from this study shows that, it is very imperative for enlightening residents of traditional cities about the significance of the programme and their role to guarantee required and expected development in urban economy. This enlightenment could also alleviate the impact of socio-economic factors affecting the programme in developing countries, especially traditional cities. Applications/Improvement: For a traditional city which requires a relatively high number of redevelopment prorammes, effective public participation would facilitate achievement and maintenance of urban development. This study suggests areas of promoting public participation which could be used by the practitioners and law makers in the development of Bida traditional city in Nigeria.

Characterization and conservation of indigenous livestock genetic resources for wealth creation in tropical Africa: A review

The objective of the study was to review the methods of characterization and conservation of indigenous livestock genetic resources for wealth creation in tropical Africa. Animal genetic resources have been contributing to food and agriculture for more than 12, 000 years, providing the human population with a wide range of food products, along with fibre, manure for crops, droppings for fuel and draught power. In addition, animal genetic resources frequently reduce farmers’ risk exposure, generate employment and contribute to rural development. It is estimated that, directly or indirectly, domestic animals contribute 30 to 40 percent of the total value of food and Agriculture production in Nigeria. In the course of the development of diverse human societies, livestock became a very important cultural element and is essential in maintaining many traditional lifestyles. Farmers and breeders have been using animal genetic diversity effectively to develop breeds and varieties that were suitable for local environmental conditions and provided for different human needs and wants. The domestication process and breeding under different environments has resulted in over 6,000 identified breeds developed within about 40 animal species. The total diversity of animal genetic resources available to farmers makes it possible for humans to survive in a wide range of production environments, from hot-humid tropics to arid deserts and cold, severe mountainous regions. Genetic diversity also supported livestock adaptation to many limiting environmental factors, such as diseases, parasites, wide variations in the availability and quality of feed and water, and extreme temperatures. It is therefore, concluded that, animal genetic resources should be preserved and conserved and not be allowed to erode away. Local breeds that are hardy and withstand harsh climates should not be let go to extinction because of their role to wealth creation in both rural and urban communities in Nigeria and tropical Africa as a whole.

Increasing access to quality health care using health technology to ‘cut-out’ urban communities in Nigeria

Increasing access to quality health care using health technology to ‘cut-out’ urban communities in Nigeria

Nigerian parents can harbour harmful views about the causes and treatment of childhood enuresis that result in child abuse.

The aim of this study was to determine Nigerian parents' views about the causes and treatment of childhood enuresis. Parents of children aged 5-17 years were individually interviewed in an urban community in Nigeria using a pretested questionnaire. Their responses about the causes and treatment of enuresis were grouped under common themes. We included 448 respondents in the study: 75.5% were mothers, 44.2% had at least one child with enuresis and only 1.3% had spoken to a doctor about it. Enuresis was thought to be due to playing too much and drinking too much fluid at night by 69.7% and 21.2% of the respondents, respectively. The two most common treatment methods that parents were aware of for enuresis were waking to void (23.7%) and urinating on hot charcoal (20.8%). The most common methods that parents actually employed included waking to void (49.0%), punishing the child (36.9%) and doing nothing (28.8%). Most of the respondents believed that playing too much and drinking or eating too much were responsible for childhood enuresis. Parents rarely discussed childhood enuresis with their doctors and some of the self-help measures that were employed may be harmful and could constitute child abuse.

Clinical Characteristics of Children with Pulmonary Vein Abnormalities in a Tertiary Centre in an Urban Community in Nigeria

Clinical Characteristics of Children with Pulmonary Vein Abnormalities in a Tertiary Centre in an Urban Community in Nigeria

Prevalence of Non-Nutritive Sucking Habits and Potential Influencing Factors among Children in Urban Communities in Nigeria.

The use of non-nutritive sucking materials like pacifiers and fingers poses health challenges to children in resource-limited settings, where hygiene practices and provision of clean water are poor. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits and its association with acute diarrhea in children aged 6-23 months in urban communities of Nigeria. In this cross-sectional study, 12 communities from 4 out of 12 geopolitical wards in Ibadan North Local Government Area and 427 mothers of children aged 6-24 months were randomly selected. A pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, recent history of diarrhea (3 months prior to visit) and use of non-nutritive sucking materials. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and logistic regression were used for data analysis at p = 0.05. Mean age of the children was 13.9 ± 5.3 months and 50.6% were males. Prevalence of non-nutritive sucking was 45.2%. Prevalence of non-nutritive sucking was not significantly different between males (45.8%) and females (44.5%). The odds ratio of engaging in non-nutritive sucking increases by 6.0% with increasing age (OR = 1.06; 1.02; 1.10). More children who were not exclusively breastfed (53.5%) than exclusively breastfed (26.2%) were likely to engage in non-nutritive sucking (OR = 3.25; 95% CI = 2.07, 5.12). Acute diarrhea was more frequently reported in non-nutritive sucking group than the other (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.03, 2.22). Non-nutritive sucking was linked with failure to practice exclusive breastfeeding, worse with increasing age, and predisposes to acute diarrhea. Further studies are necessary to verify the nature of these associations.

Prevalence of Intestinal Helminthic Infection among School Children in Rural and Semi Urban Communities in Nigeria.

The present study looks at the prevalence of soil transmitted helminths among school children from a rural and a semi urban setting at the Nsukka region of Enugu State of Nigeria. Stool samples were collected randomly and examined by basic parasitological techniques for the presence of intestinal helminths. 255 samples were collected and examined. Of these, 116(45.5%) were infected with the results being statistically significant (P < 0.001). Ascaris lumbricoides was encountered in 46% of the infected specimens, hookworms in 23%, Trichuris trichuira in 9% and Strongyloides stercoralis in 11%. Samples from the group 2 pupils who were from the rural setting had the highest prevalence in worm infestation and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.05). With respect to age, of the 4 age groups involved in the study, the 8-10 years were found to be the most infected in both groups with 100% infection for the group 2 samples while the 14-16 were the least infected and the results are significant statistically.