Estimating the Number of Male Sex Workers with the Capture- Re-capture Technique in Nigeria

Estimating the size of populations most affected by HIV such as men who have sex with men (MSM) though crucial for structuring responses to the epidemic presents significant challenges, especially in a developing  society. Using capture-recapture methodology, the size of MSM-SW in  Nigeria was estimated in three major cities (Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt) between July and December 2009. Following interviews with key informants, locations and times when MSM-SW were available to male clients were  mapped and designated as “hotspots”. Counts were conducted on two  consecutive weekends. Population estimates were computed using a  standardized Lincoln formula. Fifty-six hotspots were identified in Kano, 38 in Lagos and 42 in Port Harcourt. On a given weekend night, Port Harcourt had the largest estimated population of MSM sex workers, 723 (95%CI:  594-892) followed by Lagos state with 620 (95%CI: 517-724) and Kano  state with 353 (95%CI: 332-373). This study documents a large  population of MSM-SW in 3 Nigerian cities where higher HIV prevalence  among MSM compared to the general population has been documented. Research and programming are needed to better understand and address the health vulnerabilities that MSM-SW and their clients face. Afr J Reprod Health 2013 (Special Edition); 17[4]: 83-89).Keywords: Male sex worker, Capture-recapture, size estimation,   population estimates, Men who have sex with men, Nigeria, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt

Preliminary evaluation of some aspects of the ecology (growth pattern, condition factor and reproductive biology) of African pike, Hepsetus odoe (Bloch 1794), in Lake Eleiyele, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract A preliminary investigation of length-weight relationship, condition factor and reproductive ecology of African pike fish, Hepsetus odoe, was conducted between June to August 2010 in Lake Eleiyele. A total of 90 samples of the fish species were caught by fishermen using gill nets. The results obtained showed that fish species had isometric growth pattern (contrary to negative allometry expected) with the growth exponent, b value of 2.64, that is not statistically different from 3 and with high statistical power of 0.866 when tested. The mean condition factor, K, was found to be 2.6, indicating that the fish species were in good condition in the study area. For reproductive biology, mean fecundity and gonadosomatic index were found to be 1349 eggs and 3.53% respectively. This study was necessary to fill the knowledge gap and provide information for management and conservation of the investigated species in the lake system. This study recommended that further research needs to be conducted because the sampling was carried out in the rainy season period and within a quarter of a year