Media and Political Discourse: The Nigerian experience

and development of every society. It is a tool which can be used to re-orientate, influence and guide the masses particularly in this democratic dispensation of Nigeria. Therefore, modern political environment cannot be sustained anywhere in the world without the presence and vibrant role of the media. The media is expected to discharge it social responsibility in the political domain of Nigeria. It is in view of this, the paper explore the pivotal role of the media in the democratic politics of Nigeria, with a view to understanding its contribution in the political development of the country. Social responsibility theory has been adopted in this paper to serve as guide in explaining the issue under investigation. The paper adopts secondary sources in generating useful data for the study, they include; journals, periodicals, articles, books, internet materials and conference papers that have direct bearing on the subject matter. It is suggested that the media should be professional and live up to the expectation of the public by disseminating vital and truthful information in line with the constitutional provision of the country, which will raise the political consciousness of the citizens to effectively contribute in the development of the political environment

Central poststroke pain : its profile among stroke survivors in Kano, Nigeria

Background. Central poststroke pain (CPSP) caused by sensory dysfunction of central origin is a disabling condition that significantly affects the quality of life of stroke patients. Aim. The aim of this study is to determine the clinical profiles and pattern of CPSP among stroke patients in Kano, Nigeria. Methods. The study was a cross-sectional design involving stroke survivors who were >= 18 years old and with no significant cognitive impairment approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Participants were assessed using diagnostic criteria form, the douleur neuropathique 4 questions (DN4 questionnaire), and Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs (LANNS). Results. A total of 120 stroke patients participated in the study, in which 6 (5%) were diagnosed with CPSP occurring within the first 3 months in 50% of the participants. The pain characteristics were mainly moderate (83.3%), burning (62.5%), and continuously experienced (66.7%). The frequently affected parts were extremities or occurring as hemisyndrome. Conclusion. Prevalence of CPSP following stroke is low. The clinical features are variable and can occur at a varied time and different intensities and locations. However, it majorly occurs within the first few months post stroke

Views and experiences of discharged COVID-19 patients in Kano, Nigeria : a qualitative study

Introduction: COVID-19 has spread globally, thereby contributing to substantial hospitalisation rates and morbidity. However, little or no information is available on the experiences of patients with COVID-19 in an African-setting. The study aimed to explore the experiences of patients with COVID-19. Methods: semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone with eleven individuals who were managed and discharged due to COVID-19. A descriptive phenomenological approach to qualitative research was employed and participants were mainly asked about their experiences before, during and after hospitalisation for COVID-19. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: patients' viewpoints were suggestive of community and secondary transmission of COIVD-19 in the study area. A few participants experienced severe symptoms. Most participants tend to resign their condition to fate; while some displayed unfounded conspiracy theories. Nevertheless, precautionary measures to prevent infection were largely observed. COVID-19 also negatively affected activities of daily living of the participants. Furthermore, the participants were generally satisfied with quality of care provided. However, areas of patients' education, isolation centre set-up and caregiver-patient interaction needed further improvements. Lastly, experience of fear and stigma during post-hospitalisation were common. Conclusion: COVID-19 impacted negatively on the lives of the studied population. However, their experience during hospitalisation was generally positive

The Benefit and Importance of Mobile Satellite Signal in Northern Nigeria: GPS Approach

A Handheld GPS receiver as tool for training college students on mobile satellite signal propagation was designed using Global Positioning System (GPS) approach. These refer to the experimental setup of the equipment that is the connection done between the GPS receiver with a computer. The satellite propagation data received from the GPS satellite can be recorded continuously with an updates rate of 2 seconds. The experiment was carried out in an open space environment at predetermine locations using simple setup, where a cheap, readily and available portable GPS receiver were connected to the computer to acquire propagation data. The computer was equipped with a self-developed package graphical user interface (GUI) monitoring the propagation information from the GPS satellites and saving the data. The developed system can be set up anywhere at any location.  The sate-up will serve as a database for view and analysis of mobile satellite orbiting the sky of Northern part of Nigeria. Cost effective referring to a low-cost and readily available GPS receiver that can be easily set-up as compared to equipment designed specifically for an experimental purpose that is normally very expensive

Role of Serial Polio Seroprevalence Studies in Guiding Implementation of the Polio Eradication Initiative in Kano, Nigeria: 2011-2014.

BACKGROUND: Nigeria was one of 3 polio-endemic countries before it was de-listed in September 2015 by the World Health Organization, following interruption of transmission of the poliovirus. During 2011-2014, Nigeria conducted serial polio seroprevalence surveys (SPS) in Kano Metropolitan Area, comprising 8 local government areas (LGAs) in Kano that is considered very high risk (VHR) for polio, to monitor performance of the polio eradication program and guide the program in the adoption of innovative strategies. METHODS: Study subjects who resided in any of the 8 local government areas of Kano Metropolitan Area and satisfied age criteria were recruited from patients at Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital (Kano) for 3 seroprevalence surveys. The same methods were used to conduct each survey. RESULTS: The 2011 study showed seroprevalence values of 81%, 75%, and 73% for poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3, respectively, among infants aged 6-9 months age. Among children aged 36-47 months, seroprevalence values were greater (91%, 87%, and 85% for poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3, respectively).In 2013, the results showed that the seroprevalence was unexpectedly low among infants aged 6-9 months, remained high among children aged 36-47 months, and increased minimally among children aged 5-9 years and those aged 10-14 years. The baseline seroprevalence among infants aged 6-9 months in 2014 was better than that in 2013. CONCLUSIONS: The results from the polio seroprevalence surveys conducted in Kano Metropolitan Area in 2011, 2013, and 2014 served to assess the trends in immunity and program performance, as well as to guide the program, leading to various interventions being implemented with good effect, as evidenced by the reduction of poliovirus circulation in Kano

Prevalence and factors associated with fire outbreak among traders in Kwari market, Kano

Fire outbreak in business places can result in losses in production, unemployment, morbidity and mortality and significant psycho-social problems Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, socio-demographic and other factors associated with fire outbreaks amongst traders in Kwari market, Kano state. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to study 442 traders in Kwari market, selected using a two-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using interviewer- statistically significant. Results: A total of 442 traders were studied. The age of the traders ranged between 18 and 70 years with a mean± SD of 38.3±9.8 years. Majority of the traders 416 (94.1%) and 425 (96.2%) were greater than or equal to 24 years of age and were males respectively. Only 21 (4.8%) of them acquired post-secondary educational qualification. The prevalence of fire outbreak among the traders was 73(16.5%). Significantly higher fire outbreak (17.5%, p=0.02) was found among traders aged 24 years and above. Similarly, male sex (15.5%, p=0.05), secondary level education (16.8%, p=0.001), cleaning job (24.4%, p=0.02) were significantly associated with higher fire outbreak. A significantly higher fire outbreak (17.6%, p=0.03) was found among traders with no prior knowledge of the need for safety guidelines and emergency contact numbers. Ever having power fluctuations in the shop was associated with 35folds increased in likelihood of fire outbreak {aOR= 35, 95%CI= (4.8-257)} while not having firefighting equipment currently was associated with two folds increased in likelihood of fire outbreak {aOR=2.0, 95%CI= (1.2-2.3)}. Conclusion: The prevalence of fire outbreaks is high and significantly associated with socio-demographic factors and poor fire safety practices, therefore all the relevant stakeholders should ensure the enforcement of fire control guidelines among traders

Comparative evaluation of different DNA extraction methods from E. Longifolia herbal medicinal product

The aphrodisiac property of Eurycoma longifolia has led to an increase in the demand for its Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPs). However, the efficiency of such HMPs depends on the usage of their genuine raw materials. The conventional methods cannot identify species in processed form. The authentication of HMPs can be achieved effectively using DNA barcoding as the method species-specific. However, the use of this method solely relied on the extraction of high-quality DNA from the HMPs. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a satisfactory method for extracting high-quality DNA from the HMPs. Here, four DNA extraction methods were compared to evaluate the best protocol in yield, purity, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, sequencing, and species identification. The spectrophotometer analysis showed that the Nucleospin Plant II extraction kit has the best purity as this can be severely affected by the presence of various contaminants in the HMPs. Our findings reveal that DNA purity was more important as a predictor for PCR amplification than yield. Therefore, the present study results demonstrate that the Nucleospin Plant II extraction kit is the best because it produces the purest, amplifiable, and sequenceable DNA for identification and authentication of E. Longifolia HMPs

Response to the meningococcal meningitis epidemic (MME)at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano (2008-2009)

No Abstract

Profiles and experiences of women undergoing genital fistula repair: Findings from five countries

This article presents data from 1354 women from five countries who participated in a prospective cohort study conducted between 2007 and 2010. Women undergoing surgery for fistula repair were interviewed at the time of admission, discharge, and at a 3-month follow-up visit. While women's experiences differed across countries, a similar picture emerges across countries: women married young, most were married at the time of admission, had little education, and for many, the fistula occurred after the first pregnancy. Median age at the time of fistula occurrence was 20.0 years (interquartile range 17.3–26.8). Half of the women attended some antenatal care (ANC); among those who attended ANC, less than 50% recalled being told about signs of pregnancy complications. At follow-up, most women (even those who were not dry) reported improvements in many aspects of social life, however, reported improvements varied by repair outcome. Prevention and treatment programmes need to recognise the supportive role that husbands, partners, and families play as women prepare for safe delivery. Effective treatment and support programmes are needed for women who remain incontinent after surgery

Characteristics of COVID-19 cases and factors associated with their mortality in Katsina State, Nigeria, April-July 2020

Introduction: COVID-19 was first detected in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria on 4 April 2020. We characterized the cases and outlined factors associated with mortality. Methods: We analysed the COVID-19 data downloaded from Surveillance Outbreak Response, Management and Analysis System between 4 April and 31 July 2020. We defined a case as any person with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test within that period. We described the cases in time, person, and place; calculated the crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with mortality. Results: We analysed 744 confirmed cases (median age 35, range 1-90), 73% males and 24 deaths (Case fatality rate 3.2%, Attack rate 8.5/100,000). The outbreak affected 31 districts, started in week 14, peaked in week 26, and is ongoing. Highest proportion of cases in the age groups were 26.7% (184) in 30-39, 21.7% (153) in 20-29 years, and 18.3% (129) in 40-49 years. While the highest case fatality rates in the age groups were 35.7% in 70-79, 33.3% in 80-89 years, and 19.4% in 60-69 years. Factors associated with death were cough (AOR: 9.88, 95% CI: 1.29-75.79), age ≥60 years (AOR: 18.42, 95% CI: 7.48-45.38), and male sex (AOR: 4.4, 95% CI: 0.98-20.12). Conclusion: Male contacts below 40 years carried the burden of COVID-19. Also, persons 60 years and above, with cough have an increased risk of dying from COVID-19. Risk communication should advocate for use of preventive measures, protection of persons 60 years and above, and consideration of cough as a red-flag sign