Comparative mapping of smellscape clusters and associated air quality in Kano City, Nigeria: An analysis of public perception, hotspots, and inclusive decision support tool

Few studies have effectively analysed the spatial patterns of urban smellscapes, public perception, exposure risks, or design an inclusive decision-support system. The current study coupled multiple methods to measure, map, and compare notable smell emitting spots, associated air quality indices, and public perception in Kano, Nigeria. It has revealed how urban informal activities generate both pleasant and offensive smells that contaminate the air more than the city's transportation and manufacturing. Notably, the most perceived odour hotspots coupled with highly hazardous sites with AQI value of >1200 which were found around the city's main abattoir. Conversely, the most commonly distributed pleasant smell spots are beef and chicken grills whose charcoal burning generate hazardous air quality. The novelty of this study includes its ability to use empirical data to design an inclusive decision support tool that identifies pathways for individuals, vulnerable groups, policymakers, and civil society groups to respond to various exposure risks. The study has identified informality, urban spatial inequalities, densification, and poor spatial planning which appeared to be the key drivers of the observed clustering of pleasant/unpleasant smellscapes juxtaposing with sites of worst air quality

Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection amongst female sex workers in Nigeria.

In most parts of the world, female sex workers (FSW) have been among the groups most vulnerable to and most affected by HIV. The data on HIV infection among FSW is very scanty in North central of Nigeria. OBJECTIVE To examine factors contributing to the spread of the HIV epidemic among FSW participating in a program for the prevention of transmission of HIV at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Jos, Plateau State Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 500 FSW were interviewed, but only 307 consented to give their blood samples to be tested for HIV and Syphilis and genital specimens were collected from them, analyzed for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Information about sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, knowledge about HIV and other STIs, HIV risk perception and history of STI-related symptoms were also documented. RESULT: The prevalence of HIV was 57.3% (176/307). HIV –1, HIV-1&2 and HIV-2 accounted for 96.0%, 2.3% and 1.7% respectively. Their mean age was 24.5 + 5.5years.The FSW within age groups 20-24 and 25-29 years were more affected with prevalence rates of 39.4% and 35.5%, respectively. In addition, those with genital symptoms and STIs during the last 12 months had increased risk of HIV by 68.6 (pValu