Yewa North Research Articles

Dietary Diversity and Nutritional status of teachers in Ogun state, Nigeria

Background: Diversity in the diet is essential for preserving people's general health and well-being. The nutritional status and dietary diversity of teachers in Yewa North Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria, are evaluated in this study.
 Materials and Methods: Data from a sample of 390 teachers, ages 25 to 60, was gathered using a cross-sectional study approach. Questionnaires given by interviewers were used to collect data on demographics, socioeconomic status, and dietary diversity based on food groups. Additionally, anthropometric data such as height, weight, and visceral fat were obtained.
 Results: The findings demonstrated that a sizable fraction of the participants had low dietary diversity, which suggests that they consumed a restricted range of foods. Gender and nutritional diversity also showed a strong correlation, with females having higher levels of food diversity than males. A considerable portion of the participants were classified as underweight, overweight, or obese. It was shown that there was a substantial correlation between gender and BMI, with more men being underweight and overweight and more women being obese. Most respondents had normal levels of visceral fat, however, there was a substantial gender difference in visceral fat, with more males having high levels and more females having normal levels.
 Conclusion: Since inadequate dietary diversity and abnormal nutritional status might raise the risk of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes, these findings have significant implications for the health and well-being of teachers.

Effects of farmers-herders conflict on the technical efficiency of cassava-based farmers in Yewa North, Ogun state, Nigeria

Effects of farmers-herders conflict on the technical efficiency of cassava-based farmers in Yewa North, Ogun state, Nigeria

Geospatial distribution and predictive modeling of onchocerciasis in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Onchocerciasis caused by infection with Onchocerca volvulus is a disease of public health importance and is highly associated with disability. As Nigeria is aiming at eliminating onchocerciasis by 2030, there is a need to develop newer tools to map disease prevalence and identify environmental factors driving disease prevalence, even in places that have not been previously targeted for preventive chemotherapy. This study produced predictive risk-maps of onchocerciasis in Ogun State. Georeferenced onchocerciasis infection data obtained from a cross-sectional survey at 32 locations between March and July 2015 together with remotely-sensed environmental data were analyzed using Ecological Niche Models (ENM). A total of 107 field occurrence points for O. volvulus infection were recorded. A total of 43 positive occurrence points were used for modelling. ENMs were used to estimate the current geographic distribution of O. volvulus in Ogun State. Maximum Entropy distribution modeling (MaxEnt) was used for predicting the potential suitable habitats, using a portion of the occurrence records. A total of 19 environmental variables were used to model the potential geographical distribution area under current climatic conditions. Empirical prevalence of 9.3% was recorded in this study. The geospatial distribution of infection revealed that all communities in Odeda Local Government Area (a peri-urban LGA) showed remarkably high prevalence compared with other LGAs. The predicted high-risk areas (probability > 0.8) of O. volvulus infection were all parts of Odeda, Abeokuta South, and Abeokuta North, southern part of Imeko-Afon, a large part of Yewa North, some parts of Ewekoro and Obafemi-Owode LGAs. The estimated prevalence for these regions were >60% (between 61% and 100%). As predicted, O. volvulus occurrence showed a positive association with variables reflecting precipitation in Ogun State. Our predictive risk-maps has provided useful information for the elimination of onchocerciais, by identifying priority areas for delivery of intervention in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Spatial distribution and ecology of soil parasites and Schistosoma haematobium infection in Eggua, Nigeria

ObjectiveThis study assessed the risk associated with environmental contamination by parasites in urinary schistosomiasis endemic areas. MethodsUrogenital schistosomiasis surveys were conducted in some rural communities in Yewa North Local Government Area, Ogun State between August 2012 and June 2016. Soil samples were examined for the presence of STH infective stages by microscopy. Geo-coordinates of each soil sampling point, with the proportions of Schistosoma haematobium and STH infections were imported into ArcGIS 9.3 to map areas at risk. ResultsOut of 953 urine samples screened for schistosome eggs 253 (26.5%) were positive. All the communities were classified as moderate risk areas (prevalence < 50%) for schistosomiasis. Also, 79/143 (55.2%) soil samples screened were positive for STH eggs and larvae. The STH identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (49.0%), Hookworm species (16.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis (32.2%) and Trichuris trichiura (3.5%). All the communities were high risk areas (frequency > 50%) for contracting STH infections. ConclusionFaecal contamination is a major factor aiding the continuous cycle of infection in this endemic zone; and may help to estimate the extent of the risk of schistosomiasis in STH endemic areas.

Socio-economic contributions of forest products to livelihoods in Yewa north local government ogun State Nigeria

The study assessed contributions of forest products to nutrition and livelihoods in Yewa North Local Government of Ogun State, Nigeria. The main objective of the study found out the socio-economic contributions of the forest foods towards livelihoods in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. The specific objectives; identified and described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, identified the available edible forest/wild plants and animals in the study area, determined the socio-economic factors influencing the use of forest foods in the study area as well as described major problems facing forest food collection, processing, marketing and consumption in the study area. Three hundred and fifty (350) respondents randomly selected from major communities were interviewed with questionnaire. Data generated were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Majority (65%) were males (88%) between 21 and 60 years. The principal household size was 6-10 (60%) persons; major occupation is farming (41%). Farm sizes were below a hectare. Majority (75%) lived in concrete houses and mud houses (22%). About half (45%) of the respondents uses water closets, pit latrines (32%) while 20% defecated in nearby bushes. Ninety percent possessed mobile phones for communication and 68% indicated availability of conventional medical facilities. Drinkable water was sourced from private boreholes (31%), public water (46%), streams (27%) and wells (12%). The source of energy is national grid (91%), kerosene stoves (56%) and firewood (28%). The respondents indicated high assets index in terms of household assets (81%) and farm assets (92%). Twenty-two plant species were identified of which 95% were eaten and twenty animal species were identified. Logistic regression model showed that sex and household size tended to increase the odds in favor of consumption of forest foods while age, educational farm size and tools owned tended to decrease consumption of forest foods. The principal problems confronting respondents were lack of storage facilities, poor transportation and shortage of wild foods during off seasons. The study concluded that forest products contribute significantly to livelihoods and recommends domestication and conservation.

Land use/land cover change, physico-chemical parameters and freshwater snails in Yewa North, Southwestern Nigeria.

The management of ecosystem has been a major contributor to the control of diseases that are transmitted by snail intermediate hosts. The ability of freshwater snails to self-fertilize, giving rise to thousands of hatchlings, enables them to contribute immensely to the difficulty in reducing the endemicity of some infections in the world. One of the effects of land use/land cover change (LU/LCC) is deforestation, which, in turn, leads to the creation of suitable habitats for the survival of freshwater snails. This study was aimed at studying the land use/land cover change, physico-chemical parameters of water bodies and to understand the interplay between them and freshwater snails in an environment where a new industrial plant was established. Landsat TM, 1984, Landsat ETM+ 2000 and Operational land Imager (OLI) 2014 imageries of the study area were digitally processed using ERDAS Imagine. The land use classification includes settlement, water bodies, wetlands, vegetation and exposed surface. Dissolved oxygen, water temperature, pH, total dissolved solids and conductivity were measured with multipurpose digital meters. Snail sampling was done at each site for 30 minutes along the littoral zones, using a long-handled scoop (0.2mm mesh size) net once every month for 24 months. Independent t-test was used to determine the variation between seasons, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to test the relationship between physico-chemical parameters and snail species while regression was used to analyze the relationship between LU/LCC and freshwater snails. Species’ richness, diversity and evenness were examined using Margalef, Shannon Weiner and Equitability indexes. Snail species recovered include: Bulinus globosus, Bulinus jousseaumei, Bulinus camerunensis, Bulinus senegalensis, Bulinus forskalii, Amerianna carinatus, Ferrissia spp., Segmentorbis augustus, Lymnaea natalensis, Melanoides tuberculata, Physa acuta, Gyraulus costulatus, Indoplanorbis exuxtus and Gibbiella species. Out of the total snails recovered, M. tuberculata (2907) was the most abundant, followed by Lymnaea natalensis (1542). The highest number of snail species was recovered from Iho River while the least number of snails was recovered from Euro River. The mean and standard deviation of physico-chemical parameters of the water bodies were DO (2.13±0.9 mg/L), pH (6.80±0.4), TDS (50.58±18.8 mg/L), Temperature (26.2±0.9°C) and Conductivity (74.00±27.5 μS/cm). There was significant positive correlation between pH and B. globosus (r = 0.439; P<0.05). Dissolved oxygen showed significant positive correlation with B. globosus (r = 0.454; P<0.05) and M. tuberculata (r = 0.687; P<0.01). There was a positive significant relationship between LULCC and B. camerunensis (p<0.05). The positive relationship between LULCC and the abundance of B. globosus, B. jousseaumei was not significant. The area covered by water bodies increased from 3.72 to 4.51 kilometers; this indicates that, more suitable habitats were being created for the multiplication of freshwater snails. We therefore conclude that, increase in areas suitable for the survival of freshwater snails could lead to an increase in water-borne diseases caused by the availability of snail intermediate hosts.

Factors influencing ruminant production systems of agro-pastoralist in two peri-urban centres of Ogun state

With the aim to increase meat production for the increasing population, there is need to review the production potential of the agro-pastorialist as it is the major source of ruminant production in most humid tropics. Therefore, this study was carried out through the administration of 200 structured questionnaires to farmers in Yewa north and Odeda local government areas of Ogun State in order to elicit information on the the factors influencing ruminant production systems in the areas. The data obtain from the study for the two divisions were analyzed using descriptive statistics involving frequency and percentages and pie chart. It was found that in the two local government areas animals were maintained semi-intensively; allowed to browse and offered crop residues. The most favoured breed kept mainly by men is the White Fulani with 89.03 % in both Yewa north and Odeda Local Government Areas. PPR was the prevalent disease among the adult animals in the wet season. A preponderance of female cattle over the male for all breeds was recorded in these areas. In all the centres, cattle constituted the major ruminant in the stock (57.40%) while sheep and goat accounted for (24.19%) and (18.41%), respectively, But Yewa north had higher numbers of cattle in stock than Odeda. Crop residues offered all year round was cassava peel. Most of the agro-pastoralists depended on the use of modern medicine for the combating of diseases. Most problems faced by the agropastoralist are income and theft.

Ethnoveterinary practices among small-holder goat farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria

Objective: Challenges of diseases and inadequate healthcare skills limit productivity of livestock while dearth of qualified veterinarians in rural communities have encouraged ethno-veterinary practices by small-holder farmers. Prevalent goat diseases and the practice and perception of ethno-veterinary activities among small-holder goat farmers were evaluated in Yewa North Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. Material and Methods: Data were drawn from 110 goat farmers (selected through multistage sampling technique) using Interview guide. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Chi Square analyses. Results showed that respondents mean age, farming experience and average herd size were 63 years, 21.5 years and 15 goats, respectively. All the farmers reared the West African Dwarf breed of goat. Parent stocks were mainly sourced from fellow farmers (95.5%) and most of the farmers keep goats for economic benefits (93.6%). Results: Common diseases that farmers observe in the goats were mange, ecthyma, peste des petits ruminants, and foot rot. Result indicated that farmers largely (81.8%) adopted ethno-veterinary practices in goats disease control and adoption of these practices was due to poor access to professional veterinary doctors (x̄=4.36, SD±0.89), ease of sourcing medicinal plants and herbs (x̄=4.16, SD±1.12), and cost effectiveness (x̄ =3.44, SD±1.21). Farming experience and herd size had significant association with farmers' perception of ethno-veterinary practice. Source of information did not influence farmers' perception on ethno-veterinary practices. Conclusion: Respondents preferred ethno-veterinary method in control of goat diseases and there is need for increased extension and veterinary interventions.

Effect of age, sex and local government area on linear body measurements of WAD goat in Ogun State, Nigeria

One hundred and twenty West African Dwarf goats were used in this study. Observations were made from twelve different towns in Yewa North, Yewa South and Abeokuta North Local Government. West African dwarf goats were evaluated for phenotypic variation at different ages ranges from 1, 2 and 3 years. Variations in live weight and body measurements such as height at wither; body length, heart girth, fore limb length, hind limb length, face length, ear length, ear width, hip width and tail length were taken. The local government areas significantly (P&lt;0.05, 0.001) affected body length, fore limb length, ear length, ear width, hip width and live weight. Age and sex significantly (P&lt;0.01) affected all the body measurements. The mean live weight by age groups are 6.61 + 0.31kg, 13.10 + 0.60kg and 20.18 + 0.95kg for ages 1,2 and 3 respectively. The coat colour varied from black, brown, grey to white in WAD goats. Some colours were in patches, some uniform while others were spotted

Human water contact patterns in active schistosomiasis endemic areas.

One major risk factor common to individuals in schistosomiasis endemic areas is water contact patterns. Effort to determine the dynamics in water contact patterns in different regions needs utmost attention in order to suggest a better control strategy for schistosome infection. Quantitative observations on human water contact activities were recorded in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State for a period of two years. Frequency and duration of observed water contact activities were recorded. Males had the highest water contact during the rainy season with 51.1% compared to females with 48.9%. Females had the highest water contact with 51.0% while males had 49.0% during the dry season. The age group 10-19 years had the highest water contact with 27.1%, this was followed by 20-29 years and 30-39 years age groups with 23.6% and 22.1%, respectively, during the rainy season. Our results showed that water contact activities differ with respect to different communities, sex and age groups. Previous high prevalence of schistosome infection in the study areas could be attributed to high water contact activities. Therefore, provision of adequate pipe-borne water, good sanitation and improved knowledge on schistosome life cycle among the community members will reduce the high rate of human water contacts.

Ebola virus disease in the eyes of a rural, agrarian community in Western Nigeria: a mixed method study

BackgroundEbola virus disease (EVD) is a severe hemorrhagic disease caused by Ebola virus. Several outbreaks have been reported in Africa and often originated from remote agrarian communities where there are enormous misconceptions of the disease, refusal of early isolation and quarantine, and unsafe burial rites practices which aggravates the epidemics. It is on this basis that this study was conducted to (assess) the knowledge, perceptions, beliefs and preventive practices against EVD in a predominantly agrarian rural community in Southwest Nigeria.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in Igbogila town, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria in the latter part of 2014 during the EVD outbreak. Mixed methods were used for data collection. Quantitative data collection was done using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Four hundred and seven respondents selected by multi-stage sampling technique were interviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done, and the level of significance was set at 0.05. Qualitative data collection involved four focus group discussions a year after the epidemic was declared over in the country. The discussions were recorded, transcribed and analyzed along major themes.ResultsAll respondents were aware of EVD with radio and television being the major sources of information. Knowledge of the disease was however very poor with many misconceptions and it was significantly influenced by educational level of respondent. EVD survivors will be welcomed back into the community by few residents (36.8%) and a much fewer proportion (27.2%) will freely entertain a survivor in their house. Most would prefer local herbalists over orthodox medical practitioners to care for their loved one in case they contract EVD. Although respondents knew that burying a victim is dangerous, they opposed cremation.ConclusionThere was poor knowledge of EVD with a lot of misconceptions. Community members were not pro-active about prevention with dire consequences in the event of an outbreak. Continuous public education should be done via mass media, traditional institutions and other community-based channels as part of emergency preparedness.

Modeling the Impact of Land Cover Changes on Soil Erosion Estimation in Yewa North and Yewa South, Ogun State, Nigeria

Soil erosion is becoming a serious problem in some communities in Yewa North and Yewa South because of rapid land use developments. This study was carried out to analyses the landcover change effects on soil erosion to determine the extent and trend of changes in the study area; estimate and characterize soil loss, and comparing the annual soil loss at different spatial scales. The extent and trend of changes in the landcover were estimated using Landsat Satellite Imageries for the year 2002 and 2017. RUSLE model was used to estimate soil loss and was characterized based on the expert description for tolerable soil loss concept. The results revealed the built-up area showed a consistent increase over time, from 349.5km2 in 2002 to 592km2 in 2017 of the total area. The vegetation covered about 933.4km2 in 2002 but decreased to 509km2 in 2017. Similarly, the area covered by bare ground increased from 243.7km2 in 2002 to 620.4 km2 in 2017 but the waterbody increased from 0.29km2 in 2002 to 0.72km2 in 2017. The areas covered by agriculture also decreased from 1088.5km2 in 2002 to 894km2 in 2017. The estimated soil loss values ranged from 0 – 420,276 t ha-1 yr-1 with the mean of 231 and standard deviation 2272 in 2002 while the soil loss estimated in 2017 ranged from 0 – 186,920 t ha/ yr. with the mean of 220 and the standard deviation 1312.3. Comparatively, low erosion is observed in a total area of 45.5% in 2002 and 44.4% in 2017 while extremely severe erosion is observed in a total area of 29.8% in 2002 and 34.3% in 2017 in the study area which matches the actual bareground and agricultural land which can be attributed to change in C and P factors. The study recommended that enlightenment and awareness of erosion control should include land use habit of the people in the agricultural practice and care of vegetation

Prevalence and Intensity of Urinary Schistosomiasis in School-age Children in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to determine the prevalence rate of the schistosomiasis in school-aged children of 4 selected primary schools in Ijoun community of Yewa North Local Government Area in Ogun State and to evaluate the distribution of infection in terms of age and gender. A total number of 184 Urine samples were collected from the pupils and examined for the presence of over of Schistosoma haematobium, 89 0f the student were positive, Yewa North local Government School 1 had the highest prevalence with 58.82%, followed by Yewa North local Government School 2 with 50.0%, followed by Ansarudeen Primary School with 48%, and Yewa North local Government School 3 recorded the least with 40.0%. Out of 100 sample collected for male 49 were positive with the rate of 49.0% and 84 samples collected for female 40 were positive with the rate of 47.61%. The prevalence of schistosomiasis in relation to age groups. Age group 10 -12 years recorded the highest prevalence with 54.21% followed by age 7-9 with 52.38%, followed by age 13-15 with 37.73% and age group 16 -18 years had the lowest rate (33.33%). From the stated hypothesis, It can be affirmed that there is a significant difference between age and gender of the children in relation to schistosomiasis. There is a need for health education in the rural areas, designed to discourage the pupil's contact with surface water sources and provision of portable water supply.

English

Schistosomiasis is an environmentally-mediated disease that depend on the presence of suitable habitats for snails, which serve as intermediate hosts for the causative parasites. Research has shown that the disease is endemic in Osun state and remains unabated. Until now, there has never been any mapping of the disease in the State. This study will serve as a reliable baseline data for intervention planning in the State. School children were randomly selected and examined for schistosomiasis infection at Community Primary School, Eggua, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Urine samples were collected in wide mouthed plastic container and were examined for schistosome eggs, using sedimentation by gravity method of the 121 pupils examined. 62 (51.2%) were tested positive for Schistosoma haematobium ova, the highest prevalence (53.9%) was recorded in age group 11-15 years. Also the heaviest intensity of infection (11.8%) based on the egg count per 10ml of urine was found in this age group, while 0-5 years had no infection. Males had higher infection rate (54.2%) than females (49.3%), which however was not statistically significant (P<0.05). Hence, considering the high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the study community, there is a need for health education, provision of alternative sources of water, Mass Drug Administration and freshwater snail control in the area. Key words: Urinary schistosomiasis, prevalence, intensity, eggua.

Seroprevalence of onchocerciasis in Ogun State, Nigeria after ten years of mass drug administration with ivermectin

Background: This serological study conducted between March and July 2015 investigated the status of onchocerciasis in Ogun State, Nigeria after a decade of mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin. Baseline information from the rapid epidemiological mapping of onchocerciasis (REMO) prior to MDA had indicated that Ogun State was meso-endemic to onchocerciasis. Following years of treatment with ivermectin, it has become important to investigate the current status of the disease using more sensitive diagnostic methods.Methods: The study was conducted in 32 communities in eight onchocerciasis-endemic local government areas (LGAs). Using the Ov16 rapid diagnostic test (Ov16 RDT), finger-prick whole blood was obtained from 3 895 consented participants from age five and above. Skin snips were obtained from a subset of 481 corresponding participants as the majority of community members did not consent to skin snipping.Results: Study revealed a cumulative seroprevalence of 9.3% (CI 9.29–9.31%) by RDT and 17.3% (CI 16.73–18.34%) microfilaridermia prevalence by the skin snip subset. Seroprevalence among children between the ages of five and nine was 2.9% (CI 1.74–3.53%) across all LGAs. A community microfilaria load (CMFL) between 0 and 1.21 MF/skin snip was recorded in the different communities studied. Among the studied LGAs, children in Odeda LGA recorded the highest seroprevalence by RDT (14.9%) followed by Abeokuta North (5.1%), Abeokuta South (4.8%) and Imeko-Afon (0.6%), while Ewekoro, Ifo, Obafemi-Owode and Yewa North LGAs recorded zero prevalence.Conclusion: It appears that the elimination of onchocerciasis in some LGAs is possible considering the lack of new infection among children and the hypo-endemicity among the adult population. However, the microfilaria prevalence observed among adults is of concern as it may imply that mass treatment has not been effective. Increased therapeutic coverage is advised to fully maximise the potential of ivermectin treatment to achieve the disease elimination.

Effect of Delayed Chilling Regimes on the Physicochemical Microbiological and Sensory Properties of Beef from N’dama Cattle

Purpose : This study was carried out to investigate the effect of delayed chilling regimes on quality of beef from N’dama cattle due to non-availability or epileptic supply of electricity, as well as non provision of chilling facilities at the slaughter house at Ayetoro town in Ogun State, Nigeria. Research Method : Three kilogrames of beef (thigh cut) of freshly slaughtered N’dama bull cattle was purchased and subdivided into six parts of 500g, each portion represented a chilling regime or treatment in a randomized experiment as follows: T0 = Immediate (Control), T1 = Chilling after 2hours delay, T2 = chilling after 4hours delay, T3 = chilling after 6hours delay, T4 = chilling after 8hours delay, T5 = chilling after 10hours delay and were chilled at 40C for 24 hours in a refrigerator and were removed for physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory quality analysis at p Findings : The result showed that there were significant differences in the physical, chemical, microbiological as well as sensory characteristics of the meat irrespective of the chilling regime. Meat colour, water holding capacity, cooking yield, fat, ash, flavor, tenderness, juiciness, texture and over all acceptability of the meat decreased (p Research Limitation : This study was limited to the use of beef from N’dama bull cattle at Ayetoro, the headquarters of Yewa North Local Government Area in Ogun State, Nigeria. This was due to the fact that N’dama bull cattle are very common and often slaughter at this point. Originality/value : It was recommended based on the results from this study that beef from N’dama bull cattle should be chilled for 4 hours after slaughter otherwise its quality will deplete which might render the meat to be unacceptable to the consumers.

Perception and incidence of Buruli ulcer in Ogun State, South West Nigeria: intensive epidemiological survey and public health intervention recommended.

IntroductionBuruli ulcer (BU) is a highly ranked neglected tropical disease (NTD) of global health importance with increasing incidence in sub-Saharan Africa yet there is paucity of information on the epidemiology of BU in Nigeria. Incidentally, highly BU endemic Benin Republic shares proximity with Nigeria. This study was carried out to establish presence of BU and ascertain the level of BU perception among rural populace in Ogun State, south-west Nigeria.MethodsSecondary data (2009-2012) on incidence of BU was collected from a reference hospital. A cross-sectional survey using structured questionnaire administered to rural people and healthcare practitioners was conducted in three purposively chosen Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ogun State based on unpublished reports of BU presence.ResultsData collected revealed 27 hospital confirmed BU cases between 2009-2012 across four LGAs (Obafemi Owode, Abeokuta North, Yewa North and Yewa South) while 14%(21/150) chronic ulcers (suspected to be BU) were discovered during the cross-sectional survey carried out in Odeda, Yewa South and North LGAs. Healthcare practitioners 63.6% (42/66) and 54.7% (82/150) rural people demonstrated poor level of BU perception respectively.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that BU exists in Ogun State and evaluates the poor perception that the affected rural populace has on the disease. This pilot study presents baseline information on BU in a rural setting in Ogun State South-west Nigeria hence the vital need for prompt public health involvement and further research on the epidemiology of BU.

Maternal urogenital schistosomiasis; monitoring disease morbidity by simple reagent strips.

BackgroundUrine analysis is one of the recommended antenatal guidelines for early diagnosis of pregnancy-associated complications. While in practice, urine analysis by dipstick had been used to provide useful information on other urinary tract infections, its applications for early detection of urogenital schistosomiasis in pregnant women is often times not given due attention in most endemic areas. Our study therefore assessed the performance of some common urinalysis parameters in the diagnosis of maternal urogenital schistosomiasis in endemic rural communities of Nigeria.Methodology/Principal findingsThe cross-sectional epidemiologic survey of urogenital schistosomiasis was conducted among pregnant women in Yewa North Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria. The women were microscopically examined for infection with Schistosoma haematobium, visually observed for macrohematuria, and screened for microhematuria and proteinuria using standard urine chemical reagent strips. Of 261 volunteered participants, 19.9% tested positive for S. haematobium infection. The proportion of microhematuria (23.8%) was significantly higher than that of macrohematuria (3.8%) and proteinuria (16.8%) (P<0.05). Microhematuria with sensitivity (82.7%) and specificity (89.0%) was the best diagnostic indicator of urogenital schistosomiasis. Macrohematuria with the least sensitivity (11.8%) was however the most specific (98.1%) for diagnosing urogenital schistosomiasis in pregnant women. Maximum microhematuria sensitivity (100.0%) was observed in women between 15–19 years but sensitivity was consistently low in older age groups. Maximum sensitivity, specificity and predictive values (100.0%) were recorded for microhematuria in first trimester women. Diagnostic efficiency of proteinuria and macrohematuria was also better in the first trimester women except the 25.0% specificity recorded for proteinuria. The overall diagnostic performance of microhematuria and proteinuria was better in secundigravidae.Conclusions/SignificanceMicrohematuria can be used for early detection of urogenital schistosomiasis in endemic areas especially in younger women. However because microhematuria is a condition that occurs during pregnancy and in several other diseases, it is necessary to compliment the diagnosis with other diagnostic tools such as microscopy and serology. Treatment with praziquantel is recommended for the women in their late trimesters after follow up test in order to avert associated adverse pregnancy outcomes.

MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS OF BURULI ULCER IN COMMUNITIES OF TWO ENDEMIC LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

BackgroundBuruli ulcer (BU) remains a neglected tropical disease globally including in Nigeria despite its severe health and socio-economic consequences. This study was conducted as there is a paucity of data...

MATERNAL UROGENITAL SCHISTOSOMIASIS, MONITORING DISEASE MORBIDITY BY SIMPLE REAGENT STRIPS

BackgroundUrine analysis is one of the recommended antenatal guidelines for early diagnosis of pregnancy-associated complications. While urine analysis by dipstick had been used in practice to provide useful information on...