Western Nigeria Research Articles

Risk Perception and Prevalence of Risky Behaviours Among In-School Adolescents in Ijesa-Land, South Western Nigeria

Background Risky behaviours contribute to adolescents’ morbidity and mortality and constitute a leading public health concern. Therefore, this study sets out to determine the prevalence of risky behaviours and the perceived susceptibility to these behaviours. Methods A total of 465 in-school adolescents were sampled for a descriptive cross-sectional study using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected via a facilitated self-administered semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the Youth Risk Behaviour Survey and analysed using IBM SPSS v23.0 Results Of the 465 recruited for this study, 63% were females and 37% were males and the larger percentage was in the age group 14-16 years. Over a fifth of the respondents perceived they were at moderate to great risk regarding partaking in risky sexual behaviour (23.7%), violence and unsafe practices (23%), suicidal ideation, plans or attempts (21.5). The most prevalent risky behaviour was however risky dietary behaviours (69.2%), followed by unsafe practices and violence (25.2%) and risky sexual behaviour (18.9%).. Respondents who did not have friends and family members involved in at least one risky behaviour are about one and a half times less likely to be at moderate/great risk of getting involved in risky behaviours. Conclusions Risky behaviours are prevalent among in-school adolescents with those having friends and family members involved in at least one risky behaviour at greater risk of involvement. The pattern of risky behaviour shows that there is a need to pay attention to hitherto unfancied risky behaviours. A double-edged educational intervention for adolescents and parents/family members is needed to curb risky behaviours among adolescents.

An Appraisal of Anaesthesia Practices for Obstetric and Gynaecologic Surgeries in a Tertiary Health Center in Zaria, North Western Nigeria

Abstract Background: Anaesthesia is a critical aspect of every surgical procedure. Various options exist depending on the type of procedure, nature and the clinical state of the patient. This study reviewed the anaesthesia practices for Obstetric and Gynaecologic surgeries at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. Obstetric and Gynaecologic surgeries performed from 1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023 were included in the study. Relevant data for the study were obtained from the anaesthesia register in the theatre. The data were analysed with SPSS 20. Results: The mean age ± SD of patients who had surgery was 32.1 ± 9.1 years. A total of 547 cases were reviewed, of which 273 (49.9%) were elective cases and 274 (51.1%) were emergency cases. Out of these, 254 (46.4%) were obstetric emergencies, 20 (3.7%) were gynaecologic emergencies, 149 (27.2%) were elective gynaecologic cases, and 124 (22.7%) were elective obstetric cases. The majority of the cases, 407 (74.4%), were American Society of Anaesthesiologists II. Spinal anaesthesia was the commonest type of anaesthesia used in obstetric surgeries 336 (91.8%), while general anaesthesia was the commonest type of anaesthesia used in gynaecologic surgeries 89 (79.5%). Senior registrars gave anaesthesia in 457 (83.5%) cases. Heavy Bupivacaine (0.5%) was the commonest agent used for spinal anaesthesia in 327(89.3%) cases, while plain bupivacaine (0.5%) was the least agent used in 39(10.7%). Propofol was the most common agent used for the induction of general anaesthesia in 72 (64.3%) cases, while ketamine was the least used agent in 40 (35.7%). Anaesthesia complications were recorded in only 24 (4.4%) of cases. The complications were recorded in 13 (54.2%) procedures done under neuraxial anaesthesia and 11 (45.8%) cases done under general anaesthesia. Cardiovascular instability was the most common complication recorded in 10 (41.7%) cases. Conclusion: Spinal anaesthesia was the most common technique of anaesthesia in Obstetric surgeries, while general anaesthesia was the most common in Gynaecologic surgeries during the period under review. Complications of anaesthesia were uncommon.

Application of remote sensing and electrical resistivity technique for delineating groundwater potential in North Western Nigeria

Improving the living condition of residents of Palladan and Basawa community requires access to drinking water. The main objectives of this paper are to identify suitable groundwater zones for productive drilling and to assess groundwater mineralization in the coastal aquifers of the study area. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) were used in the methodology to generate the groundwater potential map. Slope, landcover/land use, lineament density, rainfall, soil cover and drainage density were taken into account to characterize the groundwater potential zones. Weights were assigned to the various parameters and their characteristics according to their impact on groundwater recharge. The groundwater potential map was classified into five zones namely: poor, fair, moderate, good, excellent. Based on the lineament density map, the distribution of these lineaments reveals the degree of porosity or permeability in each area and, consequently, its groundwater potential. Aeromagnetic data filtering permits the construction of a structural map that illustrates various geophysical lineaments that are known to be fault systems in the research area. These faults are the main routes via which groundwater seeps into the subsurface and granitoid-type magnetic rocks intrude into the basement. The research region is badly fractured/failed and made up of four lithologic units, including the aquifer layer (clayey sands in the cracked basement) with thicknesses varying from 12–55 m, according to the vertical electrical sounding (VES) applications. According to geoelectric cross-sections, the subsurface structures are made of granitic rocks that are surrounded by normal faults that trend both NW and NE. It is believed that groundwater flows into the hard rock aquifers in the studied locations through these notable geological features, such as faults and fractures. Two phenomena are responsible for the mineralization of water: a process of interaction between water and rock; and a process of salinization resulting from natural phenomena or anthropic activities. The present study could guide hydrogeological investigations and groundwater resource management planning in the study area.

Determinants of Infertile of Infertile Women Requesting Assisted Reproduction Techniques in a Low Resource Setting in Western Nigeria

Background: Infertility is an important gynaecological condition with psycho-social, cultural, economic, religious, demographic, and clinical consequences. Although the prevalence of couples having problems with conception has remained relatively stable worldwide, there has been an increase in the proportion of couples seeking fertility services. This substantial increase might reflect the improvement in the advancements in fertility care, improved success rates, increased availability of specialists and or involvement of insurance firms in infertility treatment. Paradoxically, countries in Africa with high infertility burden still lags in fertility care. This study was therefore aims to investigate the types and causes of infertility in patients attending fertility care in an assisted conception Centre in a public tertiary hospital in southwest Nigeria. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patient records who attended Assisted fertility centre (AFC) of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), from January 1st, 2015, to December 31st, 2023. Categorical variables were analysed using percentages while continuous variables were analysed using mean and standard deviation and the association between categorical variables was analysed using chi-square test. The statistical significance level was set at p-value < 0.05. Results: The mean age and mean duration of infertility of the participants in the study was 40.89±6.8, and 8.14±3.5 respectively. About 72.9% had more than secondary education while almost two thirds of the participants had secondary infertility, 36.1% had previous pelvic surgeries, 11.4% had chronic pelvic pain and menstrual abnormality. Secondary infertility was more prevalent in women who has chronic pelvic pain, or those who has had previous pelvic surgery, previous infertility or previous abortion. Conclusion: In conclusion our analysis suggests that Secondary infertility is the commonest cause of inability to conceive in our facility. It also revealed that most of our women present late for fertility care at an advanced maternal age.

Bioactive constituents and acute toxicity of Blighia sapida capsule extracts using wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBlighia sapida, commonly known as Ackee, is a plant native to West Africa, with great cultural and therapeutic value, particularly in Western Nigeria. Traditionally, Blighia sapida capsule is used in western Nigeria to treat ecthyma in sheep and goats by heating it in hot ash. This process causes the capsule to release a liquid, which is then directly applied to the entire affected area of the skin. However, there is limited information available on its phyto-constituents and medicinal effects. Aim of the studyThis work examined the bioactive constituents, acute toxicity, and sub-acute toxicity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Blighia sapida capsule. Materials and methodsExtraction of phytochemical constituents was carried out with distilled water and ethanol and was concentrated at 40 °C. The phytochemical constituents were determined using a variant 3800/4000 gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) machine. Lorke's method was employed to determine the acute toxicity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Blighia sapida capsule. ResultsThe GC-MS analysis revealed 15 bioactive compounds in both extracts, with kaempferol being the most abundant. Notable pharmacologically active compounds included pyrrolidin-2-ylmethanol, rutin, quinoline, apigenin, and naringenin. The study observed distinctive differences in aqueous and ethanolic extracts compound weights and peak areas. Acute toxicity study depicts that the lethal dose of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Blighia sapida capsule is above 5000 mg/kg as no mortality was recorded in the oral administration of 10, 100, 1000, 1600, 2900, and 5000 mg/kg of aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Sub-acute toxicity results indicated no significant adverse effects on kidney and liver function, although some variations in biochemical parameters were observed. Histological analysis showed normal renal and hepatic architecture in treated animals. ConclusionThis study demonstrated that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Blighia sapida capsule exhibited no acute toxicity and minimal sub-acute toxicity, suggesting they are safe for consumption at the tested doses.

Identification and Prevalence of Fungal Species in Stored Sorghum Grains Surveyed at Bodija and Oyo Town Markets in Oyo State and Ikire and Iwo Town Markets in Osun State, Western Nigeria

This study investigated the identification and prevalence of fungal species in stored sorghum grains surveyed at Bodija and Oyo town markets in Oyo State and Ikire and Iwo town markets in Osun State, Western Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Six distinct fungal species were isolated from the sorghum grains and identified through macroscopic and microscopic examination. These species included Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. tamarii, A. terreus, Fusarium sp., and Rhizopus stolonifer. The prevalence of fungal contamination was found to be higher in the markets of Oyo State compared to those in Osun State. Additionally, Aspergillus flavus and A.niger were the most prevalent fungal species, while Rhizopus stolonifer was the least prevalent.

Effect of Poultry Manure and NPK (15: 15: 15) Fertilizer on The Growth and Yield of Tomato (<i>Lycopersicon esculentum</i> L.)

Agricultural practices such as the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers play a crucial role in enhancing crop productivity. The impact of poultry manure and NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer on the growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) was examined in Owo, South Western Nigeria. This study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three treatments (No manure as control, NPK (15:15:15) at 200 kg/ha, and poultry manure at 2.5 t/ha) allocated randomly across plots using balloting methods, each replicated thrice. Seedlings were spaced at 30 x 60 cm, resulting in a total of 108 stands across nine plots. Various parameters including plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, number of flowers, number of fruits, and fruit weight were assessed through statistical analysis. Results showed that poultry manure significantly enhanced vegetative growth parameters such as plant height, leaf number, and leaf area compared to the control. At 2, 4, and 6 weeks after transplanting (WAT), poultry manure consistently outperformed NPK in terms of plant height and leaf area. However, NPK showed a superior number of flowers and fruit yield, highlighting its rapid nutrient release and immediate availability. Despite NPK's effectiveness, the overall yield attributes of poultry manure were comparable, suggesting its potential as a sustainable alternative due to its soil-enriching properties and long-term benefits. This study underscores the importance of integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers to optimize tomato yield and soil health, advocating for further research into the economic and long-term impacts of organic fertilization in tropical agriculture.

Patterns and outcomes of Emergency Pediatric Unit admissions in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto State, Nigeria: a five-year review

Children are susceptible to illnesses that often require urgent medical attention, with attendant high mortality rates, especially in resource-constrained settings. Periodic audits in tertiary care facilities can guide preventive and therapeutic policies. The aim was to determine the admissions pattern and outcome over five years in the Emergency Paediatric Unit (EPU) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, a major tertiary facility in North Western Nigeria. This was a retrospective study between January 2017 and December 2021. The admission records of children aged >1 month to 15 years were retrieved, relevant information extracted, and entered into a study proforma. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. There were 6088 admissions. Under-fives constituted 4448 (73.1%), and males were 3558 (58.4%). The median age was 24.0 months (Interquartile Range, IQR, 12, 60). Top admissions were severe malaria (1100; 18.1%), acute diarrhoeal disease (631; 10.4%), Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) (624; 10.2%), pneumonia (547;9.0%), Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) (438;7.2%), febrile convulsions (421;6.9%), pharyngotonsillitis (402;6.6%) and sepsis (398;6.5%). Total discharges were 2483 (40.8%), 2635 (43.3%) were transferred, and mortalities were 679 (11.2%). Case fatality rates of the top admissions were sepsis (19.6%), SAM (19.4%), severe malaria (13.7%), pneumonia (10.6%), febrile convulsions (5.0%), acute diarrhoeal disease (4.9%), pharyngotonsillitis (2.5%) and SCD (2.1%). SCD was the most common non-infectious morbidity and responsible for most re-admissions. Malaria was the top cause of mortality in all age groups except infancy, where sepsis and pneumonia predominated. In conclusion, malaria and other infectious diseases accounted for most admissions. Non-communicable diseases, like SCD, also constitute significant morbidity. Hence, policymakers need to scale up targeted preventive measures.

The incidence and prevalence of chronic wounds from a major plastic surgery service from a metropolitan city in south western Nigeria: A sixteen-year retrospective review

IntroductionChronic wound presents a burden to the patient due to the effect on their quality of life and cost of care. The exact prevalence is difficult to assess due to insufficient data, different study designs, and deferent study definitions of chronic wounds. There is limited data on the prevalence and the burden of chronic wound in our subregion. This study was therefore carried out to establish the burden of chronic wound in order to document a baseline data for monitoring progress, as well as provide information for advocacy on equitable distribution of resources for wound care. MethodThis was a retrospective review between January 2007 and December 2022. Data was analysed using SPSS. ResultA total of 866 patients with new chronic wounds were seen at an average of 54 cases per year. An average of 330 old and new chronic wounds are seen yearly. Chronic ulcers are developing at a rate of 1.2/1000 population, and the prevalence of chronic ulcer is 3.3/1000 population. Most patients were males (57.2 %), with a mean age of 41.7years ± 20.6. Post traumatic wound is the leading aetiology. Age correlates positively with aetiology, p=<0.001. Sickle cell and venous wounds are predominantly on the legs, p=<0.001. There is a correlation between increasing age and occurrence of chronic wound in the leg, p=<0.001. ConclusionPost traumatic wound is the leading cause of chronic wound in our subregion. There is a need to improve care of acute wounds to reduce the burden of chronic wounds.

Teacher–community nexus and rural schools as community knowledge hubs: a program implementation in Western Nigeria

PurposeThis study explores a program to transform rural schools in Kwara State, Western Nigeria, into community knowledge hubs by leveraging local networks and community-based workshops. It aims to demonstrate how local resources are utilized to enhance educational outcomes and community engagement in rural settings.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a qualitative research methodology, the study analyzes the implementation of this program through interviews with 13 teachers and in-field participation, examining the perspective of local teachers.FindingsThe findings reveal that this program has significantly enriched community engagement with practical skills both for students and the adult population, fostering collaboration between community and schools. Local teachers, leveraging their rural networks and knowledge, have been central to mobilizing networks and integrating practical education that addresses community-specific issues.Research limitations/implicationsThe critical role of participatory educational strategies is highlighted, designing interventions for the distinct needs of communities. It notes the variability in potential outcomes due to the self-designed networks by local teachers, suggesting a need for exploration into how these networks’ configurations are developed in different places.Practical implicationsThis study advocates for the creation of comprehensive programs including all local stakeholders in developing a dedicated support community network. It emphasizes non-formal education to offer a variety of learning experiences, which may be more effective in fostering community-wide educational engagement.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the academic literature by highlighting the critical role of local networks in African rural education settings. It provides a novel perspective on how rural schools can serve as hubs for community development and lifelong learning for the whole community, extending beyond traditional educational outcomes only for students.

Application of high-resolution aeromagnetic data for structural frame work of Zamfara Basement Complex, North Western Nigeria

Application of high-resolution aeromagnetic data for structural frame work of Zamfara Basement Complex, North Western Nigeria

ANALYZİNG SEATED AND STANDİNG POSTURES WİTH ANTHROPOMETRİC MODELİNG FOR ERGONOMİC DESİGN

The design of workstations and workplaces for ergonomics can be challenging when determining anthropometric parameters such as standing height. This study aimed to develop model equations for determining standing height (SH) using regression analysis as an alternative to measurement. The study involved 406 healthy young adults (206 male and 200 female) aged between 19 and 27years from Abeokuta south western Nigeria. Seated-at-shoulder level (SSL), seated-at-knee level (SKL), popliteal height (PH) and standing height (SH) measurements were taken for each participant. Multivariate regression analyses was used to determine the SH with correlation coefficient (R), coefficient of determination (R2) and Standard error of estimation (S.E.E) calculated. Study results showed a strong correlation (P

Clinico-epidemiological profile of skin cancer in South Western Nigeria

Clinico-epidemiological profile of skin cancer in South Western Nigeria

Environmental Sanitation – A Therapy for Healthy Living for Sustainable Development. A Case Study of Argungu Township Kebbi State, North Western Nigeria

Environmental sanitation is the principle and practice of creating healthful and hygienic conditions in the environment to promote public health and welfare, improve quality of life and ensure a sustainable environment. However, environmental sanitation which remains a catalyst for achieving healthy living has been neglected in most developing countries. In Nigeria, it is common to see people defecating in the open. The ugly side of this is that street gutters are left untidy and filled with dirt, and marketplaces are covered with waste and discarded items. Worrisomely, the story remains the same in rural places where there is hardly any proper waste management technology. All types of waste are dumped into nearby bushes and forests while human faeces are discharged into streams and rivers from which people obtain their water. This is what motivated the researchers to investigate the level of sanitation in Argungu Township in Kebbi State. Data for this study was collected through a structured al interviewing method. The total number of households in five (5) metropolitan wards as contained in the national immunization house listing schedule is 16, 594. However, a systematic sampling method was applied to arrive at the sample. After every count of fifty households, one household was selected making a total of 313 households for the research. The study revealed that people have neglected the sanitation of their environment. In Conclusion, the study recommends the use of a community participation model of sanitation which outlines the role expected by each individual toward ensuring a free and hygienic environment.

Predictors of Time to Return to Work Following Surgical Reconstruction of Upper Limb Injuries in a Cosmopolitan City in Western Nigeria.

The management of upper limb injury is aimed at a timely return to work, and other activities of daily living. The modified hand injury severity score (MHISS) has been found to predict a return to work. Upper limb injuries are common in our subregion, but there is little or no data on the time to return to work. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence of return to work and to identify the predictors of time to return to work following reconstruction of upper limb injuries. This was a cross-sectional analytic study carried out between April 2022 and March 2023. The statistical test was at a confidence interval of 95%, and statistical significance set at a P value of <0.05. A total of 49 upper-limb-injured patients had reconstruction in the time under review. Male-to-female ratio was 4.4:1. The mean MHISS was 87.9 ± 79.2. Of the 43 patients who participated in the return-to-work analysis, 41.9% had returned to work, with a mean time of 14.3 ± 10.5 weeks. Work-related injuries (r = 0.357, P = 0.019), male gender (r = 0.354, P = 0.020), and MHISS (r = 0.333, P = 0.029) correlated significantly with late return to work. On multiple logistic regression, work-related injuries (β =0.321, P = 0.037), MHISS (β =0.376, P = 0.032), and male gender (β =0.326, P = 0.044) were found to be the significant predictors of late return to work. There is a low prevalence of return to work, with a high mean time to return. Work-related injuries, MHISS, and male gender are significant predictors of time to return to work.

Health Promotion Practices among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria.

A cross-sectional study conducted in a semi-urban tertiary healthcare hospital in South western Nigeria to assess health promotion practices and associated sociodemographic factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. A total of 220 pregnant women were studied. Results showed that 95.0% of the participants had good health promotion practices with physical activities having the lowest while spiritual values had the highest score. Moreover, age, religion, education, and occupation were significantly associated with health promotion practices among the pregnant women.

Effect of Seasonal Variation and Soil Parameters on Soil-Gas Radon Concentration in Ogbomoso, South Western Nigeria

Radon 222Rn, an inert natural radioactive gas, a daughter product in the 238U natural decay series, a source of alpha radiation. It accounts for about 55% of the total radiation from natural sources. Radon is known for its substantial variations in concentration due to both seasonal changes and variations in soil parameters. Soil, fractures in rocks and water are the main source of radon and they are the routes through which individual is exposed to it, in which this study is aimed at examining the effects of seasonal variation, soil parameters, on soil radon concentration. A total of hundred (100) in-situ soil radon measurements were carried out for both seasons (wet and dry) in Ogbomoso using an active electronic device RAD 7. Soil parameters were measured using a 4-in-1 digital metre. The obtained experimental data were subjected to a statistical tool (SPSS) Version 23, with statistical significance set at p &lt; 0.01. The result showed that the effect of seasonal variation on soil-gas radon concentration was discovered to be maximum during the dry season with the radon concentration of 1900.01 Bq/m3 and minimum during the wet season with the radon concentration of 711.81 Bq/m3.The mean value of radon in soil-gas was found to be 553.48 Bq/m3 and 1366.34 Bq/m3 for wet and dry season respectively. Soil parameters considered in this work have notable influence on soil gas radon concentration in both seasons. Thus, providing valuable insight into the dynamics of radon migration in the soil. The results will help to develop effective mitigation strategies by policies makers and reducing the risk of radon related lung cancer in the study area.

The Interplay of Financial Literacy on the Financial Behavior and Well-being of Young Adults: Evidence from Nigeria

The financial stability of young adults worldwide is under threat due to widespread impulsive online purchasing and the economic strain brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study, therefore, examines the role of financial literacy as a mediator between financial behavior and the financial well-being of young adults, specifically in Nigeria. The research involved 120 respondents, 60 undergraduate and 60 postgraduate students from three selected universities in Western Nigeria. Information was gathered through a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using Structured Equation Modeling with STATA version 15. The findings reveal a positive association between financial behavior and financial well-being, although this relationship lacks statistical significance. However, significant positive correlations are observed between financial literacy (FL) and financial well-being (FW), as well as between financial behavior (FB) and financial literacy (FL). Furthermore, the analysis uncovers a positive indirect effect of financial literacy on the relationship between financial behavior and financial well-being. This suggests that while the direct link between financial behavior and well-being may be weak, improved financial behavior can indirectly enhance well-being through heightened financial literacy. In essence, the study underscores the crucial role of financial literacy in improving young adults’ financial behaviors and well-being. By investing in education, support services, and policies that encourage positive financial behaviors, both individuals and policymakers can collaborate toward constructing a more financially secure future for the younger generation.

Plummer - Vinson Syndrome in a 65 Year Old Male in Sokoto, North - Western Nigeria

Plummer - Vinson Syndrome in a 65 Year Old Male in Sokoto, North - Western Nigeria

The Western Nigeria Security Network Operation and Crime Management in Ondo State, Nigeria

The Western Nigeria Security Network Operation and Crime Management in Ondo State, Nigeria