107 research outputs found
Farmersā Perception of Factors Affecting Productivity in Yau Irrigation Scheme, Nigeria.
A survey of the farmers in the Yau irrigation scheme, Borno State, Nigeria was conducted in
the 2005/2006 irrigation season on their views concerning the factors contributing to the
declining productivity of the scheme. A structured questionnaire was used to interview 256
randomly selected farmers to obtain information on demography, cropping and farmersā
scoring of six categories of factors on a 0 to 3 Likert-type scale denoting no effect, small, big,
and very big effect respectively. The factors were grouped into climatic/ecological, sociocultural,
economic, competition, management/administrative and technological categories.
The frequencies of the scores were subjected to chi-square analysis. The factors in the
management/administrative category; high price of inputs in the economic category;
unexpected drying up of the river water in the climatological/ecological category, and
damming of the river upstream in the competition category were the most adversely rated by
the farmers with over 80% of the respondents in each case considering them as having big to
very big effects. They expressed willingness to pay economic rates for services if provided in
a timely manner. Despite their low level of formal education the farmers demonstrated good
understanding of their operation environment and most possess considerable experience on
the scheme. Their views should therefore form valuable input into formulation and
implementation of any irrigation-agency-farmer joint management programme. Such
management option which includes farmer-participation is suggested in this study as an
improved and sustainable management option to meet the expectation of the farmers and
encourage their commitment
Prevalence and factors influencing cigarette smoking among young adults in a tertiary institution in Borno State, Nigeria
Objectives: Tobacco use, a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality, kills over 3.5 million people worldwide each year. Adverse effects of tobacco smoking on general health and longevity are well documented. WHO states that out of the 1.22 billion smokers, 1 billion live in developing and transitional economies. Epidemiological studies among different University students showed marked variation in the prevalence of smoking. The current study was aimed at finding the prevalence of smoking and factors influencing it among young adults in a tertiary institution in Borno State, northeast Nigeria and to find whether there is a change in the trend from previous studies. Factors influencing the onset of smoking habits among adolescents were investigated with peer-group/friends as the single most important contributory factor.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey of 400 undergraduate students of the University, carried out over six weeks using a structured, researcher-administered questionnaire.Result: Forty-eight percent of the respondents fall within the age group of 20-24 years and majority of them (76%) were male. The prevalence of those of them currently smoking was 11.5%. The major reason for initiating the smoking habit amongst the undergraduates was peer group influence observed in over 60% of respondents.Conclusion: The prevalence of current smokers among university students in Maiduguri is relatively low. Peer influence still plays an integral role in sustaining the habit and it can be targeted to further decrease the trend.Keywords: Cigarette, smoking, prevalence, tertiary, adult
Growth components and Yield of \u3cem\u3eBrachiaria ruziziensis\u3c/em\u3e (Congo grass) and \u3cem\u3eCentrosema pascuorum\u3c/em\u3e (Centro) Mixtures as Influenced by Mixture Ratios, Phosphorus Levels and Stage of Harvest
This study was conducted during the 2017 and 2018 rainy season at the Crop Production Research farm, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi to determine the effects of plant mixture ratios in Brachiaria ruziziensis and Centrosema pascuorum (100% Sole B. ruziziensis, 75% B.R: 25% C.P, 50% B.R: 50% C.P, 25% B.R: 75% C.P and 100% Sole C. pascuorum) and phosphorus fertilizer (SSP) levels (0, 100 and 150kg/ha). The experiment was in a split-plot design with 5x3 factorial arrangement in which the mixture ratios constituted the main plots while phosphorus (SSP) levels constituted the sub treatments. Number of plants per stand ranged from 6.11 in 25% B.R: 75% C.P to 9.56 in 100% B. ruziziensis and 2.89 in 75% B.R: 25% C.P to 11.11 in 50% B.R: 50% C.P. The highest plant height for B. ruziziensis was obtained in 25% B.R: 75% C.P (38.0). Similarly, 25% B.R: 75% C.P mixture had highest plant height for C. pascuorum (45.11). However, tiller per branch per m2 ranged from 57.60 in 25% B.R: 75% C.P to 190.9 in 100 B. ruziziensis and 32.9 in 75% B.R: 25% C.P to 257.90 in 100 C. pascuorum. The mean values indicated that mixture ratios and phosphorus (SSP) levels significantly (P \u3c 0.05) increased plant height and tiller numbers in B. ruziziensis and C. pascuorum mixtures and 75% B.R: 25% C.P mixture, 150kg/ha Single Super Phosphate fertilization and sampling period at week 8 had the best plant height and tiller per branch
Focused antenatal care acceptance in northeastern region of Nigeria: clients' perspective.
Antenatal care is the medical care of the woman during pregnancy to ensure healthy outcomes for both mother and the baby. World Health Organization (WHO) recommended adoption of a new model of ANC known as Focused Ante-Natal Care (FANC), with four clinic visits during pregnancy for all the women in low risk category. Pregnant women who are at low risk of complication form about 75% of all pregnant women Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine acceptance of Focused Antenatal Care among antenatal clinic attendees in health institutions in northeastern Nigeria. Materials And Method: Focused group discussion was used as a qualitative method of data collection in 6 different health facilities. Results: Majority of the clients preferred the FANC to the old method of ANC. Some clients had already started cutting the number of ANC visits in their own way by late presentation during pregnancy. Such practices may contribute negatively to early detection and prevention of diseases during pregnancies. Conclusion: It is therefore highly recommended to fast track governments efforts towards commencement of FANC as recommended by the WHO in all the health facilities in the region in particular and the whole Nigerian nation in general
Exploring <em>Musa paradisiaca</em> Peel Extract as a Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel Using Factorial Design Method
The suitability ofMusa paradisiaca (banana) peel extract as a green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acidic medium (1Ā M HCl) was investigated using factorial method of the design of experiment. The effects of two independent variables (concentration of banana peel extract and temperature) on the corrosion inhibition efficiency were investigated. The physicochemical properties of the extract such as surface tension, viscosity, flash point, and specific gravity were determined using standardized methods provided by the American System of Testing Materials (D-971). The relationship between the independent variables and the inhibitor efficiency was modeled by gasometric and thermometric methods. The statistical analysis of the inhibition efficiency was carried out using the āFit Regression Modelā of MinitabĀ® 17.0, while the fitness of the models was assessed by the coefficient of determination (R2) and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). From the results obtained, gasometric method achieved a maximum inhibition efficiency of 66.83%, with an R2 of 90.76%, whereas thermometric method gave a maximum inhibition efficiency of 65.70%, with an R2 of 95.56%. This study shows that banana peel extract has the capacity to prevent the corrosion of mild steel in acidic medium
EDUCATIONAL AWARENESS OF FACTORS REDUCING MATERNAL MORTALITY IN RURAL COMMUNITIES IN OGUN STATE NIGERIA
The study aimed at educational awareness of nonāmedical factors associated with maternal mortality reduction and to proffer policy guidelines for informed policy intervention. We analyzed secondary data from the 2010 Covenant University project on non-medical determinants of maternal mortality in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Ogun State. The study employed an informant approach questionnaire design, and information on maternal mortality was recorded from 360 eligible respondents which constituted the sample size and descriptive statistics and regression analysis were further applied. The study shows among others that majority of the respondents married between the ages of 25 and 44 with a proportion of 64.2 percent. As for the deceased spouse, an overwhelming proportion of the deceased spouses got married below 30 years (64.2%). Employment status of respondents showed that those not working registered 22.5 percent and their deceased counter parts in the same working status accounts for higher proportion (39.9). The highest level of education attained by majority of the respondents interviewed was secondary education (48.1%), followed by primary education (28.6%). For the education of their deceased spouses, it was observed that 50% of them had only primary education followed by those who attained secondary school (26.7%) and those who never went to school (19.7%). The educational attainment of the deceased was very poor when compared to their husbands in all categories. Distance is a very important factor in the utilization of health facility. Slightly above three-fourths of respondents (75.2%) have to travel 6 km and beyond to access or avail themselves this facility. Treatment costs was mainly born by the respondents (49.7%) and spouseās relatives and friends (36.7%) Regression analysis results showed that āperson who pays the treatment costsā (p=0.003) and āplace of consultationā (p=0.000) were non-medical significant factors influencing maternal mortality reduction. The study recommends empowering and improving the status of women through better education and paid out of home employment in order to reduce maternal mortality and prompt better Safe Motherhood Initiative, Also providing educational awareness of nonāmedical factors associated with maternal mortality to men is likely to herald positive decision and better treatment to women from men especially during the journey of pregnancy and child birth
Prevalence and clinical forms of malaria among febrile HIV-infected children seen at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
Background: Malaria and HIV infections are major health problems facing the world today. Sub-Saharan Africa with 10 percent of worldās population harbors more than half the burden of the scourge. The present study determined the prevalence and clinical forms of malaria among febrile HIV-infected children aged 3months to 15years, seen in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study among febrile HIV-infected children and their control cohort were carried out between May and October 2016. The participants had the following investigations: malarial parasite, packed cell volume, random blood sugar, retroviral test.Results: A total of 140 febrile HIV-infected children aged 3 months to 15 years and 140 febrile HIV-negative age- and gender-matched children were recruited; 100 of the HIV-infected children were on ART and cotrimoxazole. The prevalence of malaria among the febrile HIV-infected children was 71.4% (100/140) which was significantly lower than the prevalence of 94.3% (132/140) among the control group (Ļ2 27.72, p=0.001). Among the febrile HIV-infected children that had malaria, 54(54.0%) had uncomplicated malaria while 46(46.0%) had severe malaria. Of the 132 controls that had malaria, 48(36.4%) had uncomplicated malaria and 84(63.6%) had severe malaria (Ļ2 =7.184, p=0.007).Conclusion: Malaria is a problem in HIV-infected children. Since nearly half of the febrile HIV-infected children had severe form of malaria, it is recommended that health promotion, intermittent malaria prophylaxis, early diagnosis and prompt effective treatment should be instituted for HIV-infected children. This may prevent severe form of malaria and its attendant mortality.
Key words: Malaria; Prevalence and clinical forms of malaria; Febrile, HIV-infected, Sokoto state
Evaluation of Antibiotic Prescription and Utilization amongst Hospitalized Children in a Tertiary Facility in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria
Background: Antibiotics are the most widely utilized therapeutic agents. Inappropriate use causes increase cost and antibiotic resistance. The World Health Organization recommends assessment of antibiotics use to guide prescribing practices.
Objective: To describe the pattern of antibiotic usage among paediatric inpatients aged > 1 month to 15 years in a tertiary hospital in Sokoto, Nigeria.
Methods: Febrile children were recruited prospectively by systematic random sampling from January to October 2018. Socio-demographics, diagnosis, antibiotics administered were obtained from case notes. The WHO indicators of use of antibiotics were employed for evaluation. Data was analysed with SPSS version 23.
Results: Out of 352 children, 318 (90.3%) received antibiotics; commonest being Ceftriaxone in 155/318 (48.7%), Cefuroxime in 74 (23.2%), and Metronidazole in 29 (9.1%). Average number of antibiotics per patient was 2.3Ā±1.1 with treatment duration of 4.3Ā±1.4days. Antibiotic consumption was 937.2 days of antibiotic therapy/1000 patient days (DOT/PD). Generic name was used in 92.3% while 100% of the drugs were on the essential medicine list. Frequent diagnoses were severe malaria 98/352 (27.8%), respiratory infections 39 (11.1%) and severe malnutrition in 38 (10.8%). Only 6 (1.7%) patients had microbiologic evidence of infection.
Conclusion: Utilization of antibiotics is higher than recommended. There is need for improved diagnostic facilities to avoid antibiotic overuse and its consequences.
Keywords: antibiotics, prescription, utilization, children, inpatients, DO
Methyl orange, an organic dye: its health impact and sorptive removal from waste water
AbstractMethyl Orange (MO) a member of Azo dyes are commonly used as synthetic dyes in textile, food, paper and cosmetics. Their use is easy and cost-effective, compared with natural dyes. However, azo bonds are hardly removed because of their high water solubility as well as low exhaustion with the potential for persistence and accumulation in the environment, therefore aqueous solution of MO is toxic and irritating. Thus, the removal of them from industrial wastewaters is capital with regard to protect public health, environment, and aquatic life
Evaluation of the environmental noise levels in Abuja Municipality using mobile phones
Background: Noise remains a nuisance which impacts negatively on the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of man. It aggravates chronic illnesses like hypertension and other cardiopulmonary diseases. Unfortunately, increased activities from industrialization and technological transfers/drifts have tumultuously led to increased noise pollution in most of our fast growing cities today and hence the need for concerted efforts in monitoring and regulating our environmental noise.Objectives: To assess the equivalent noise level (Leq) in Abuja municipality and promote a simple method for regular assessment of Leq within our environment.Methods: This is a cross-sectional community based study of the environmental Leq of Abuja municipality conducted between January 2014 and January 2016. The city was divided into 12 segments including residential, business and market areas via the Abuja Geographic Information System. The major markets were captured separately on a different scale. Measurements were taken with the mobile phone softwares having validated this withExtech 407730 digital sound level meter, serial no Z310135 . Leq(A) were measured at different points and hours of the day and night. The average Leq(A) were classified according to localities and compared with WHO standard safety levels.Results: LeqD ranged 71-92dB(A); 42-79dB(A) and 69-90dB(A) in business/ parks, residential and market places respectively. The Night measurements were similar 18dB(A)-56dB(A) and the day-night Leq(A)=77.2dB(A) and 90.4dB(A) for residential and business zones.Conclusion: The night noise levels are satisfactory but the day and daynight levels are above the recommended tolerable values by WHO and therefore urgently call for awareness and legislative regulations
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