Exploration of the Effects of Direct and Indirect Exposure to War on the Educational Performance of Refugee Children

In the past decade, African continent have experienced multiple armed conflicts which have sparked a rapid exodus of refugees seeking asylum (temporary protection) in the United State and other Western countries. In recent years, United State has become the preferred country for Africans who seek temporary protection due to wars and other conflicts in their homeland. This study is an attempt to document degree of adjustment difficulties experienced by refugee children upon acceptance by host country and enrolled into the schools. To further understand the adjustment processes of the refugee children, an archival data from Community Outreach Agency that provides services for refugee population from West Africans were reviewed. The data contained information from a structured interview questionnaires filled out by refugee children during intake processes. Pearson Correlation was used to determine whether relationships exist between the variables. Frequency distribution percentages, and cross-tabulation tables were used to show what refugee children were reporting as their experiences in the community and school. The findings from this study showed that majority of the refugee children experienced great amount of academic and acculturative stressors; war-related trauma, mental health symptoms as a result of war-related trauma. Despite these experiences, majority of the refugee children have positive school experience mostly with the teachers but not so with peers. Most negative school experiences were as result of poor social adjustment and personal interactions with other children. The refugee children have ways to cope with stressors relying mainly on activities available to them. For examples, church, playing outside, music and visiting family members. Significant correlations vi were found between war trauma and trauma symptoms. Low correlation was found between school stressors and previous war experiences

Prevalence and indications for caesarean section in Enugu state, Nigeria

Background: Caesarean section (C/S) is one of the commonly performed surgical procedures in obstetrics. This procedure has been on the increase in the past decade, creating a public health concern. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of C/S delivery in a tertiary health facility in Nigeria.Methods: A prospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary health facility in Nigeria. Data was retrieved from the delivery cards of the mothers. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25 and variables were presented as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. Chi-square test was performed with the level of significance set at p≤0.05. Binary logistic regression was used to determine factors that predicted C/S delivery.Results: The prevalence of C/S was 48.3%. Commonest indication for C/S was 2 or more previous C/S. Mothers aged >30 years, employed, higher educational level, higher parity and delivered preterm predicted C/S delivery on logistic regression.Conclusions: The prevalence of C/S was high. Higher maternal age, employment, higher educational level, higher parity and preterm delivery were positively associated with C/S delivery

Evaluation of semen quality of four strains of turkeys and parthenotes reared in the humid tropics for use in turkey breeding programmes

A total of fifteen post-pubertal toms were used to determine the physical semen qualities of four varieties of turkeys and parthenotes (3 white local (WL); 3 black local (BL); 3 silver local (SL); 3 white Nicholas (WN) and 3 parthenotes (PT)) reared in humid tropics. The PT were from WL hens. The results indicated significant (p<0.05) effects of variety on semen volume, SV, normal sperm, NS, abnormal sperm, AS, sperm concentration, SC, total motile sperm, TMS and total sperm in ejaculate, TSE. The highest SV value of 0.43±0.03ml was recorded in WN and SL strains. WN and BL strains had the highest value of 98.50±0.50% in NS. SL and PT strains had the highest mean value of 4.50±0.50% in AS. The highest SC value of 3.55±0.05 x 109/ml was recorded in BL strain. BL strains had the highest value of 3.01±0.14 x 1012/ml in TMS. BL strain had the highest value of 9.78±1.03 109 in TSE. It was concluded that the effect of strain was significant on the semen physical properties and that parthenotes were equally fecund and compared favourably with their white local parent strain and other strains and could be used in turkey breeding programmes. Keywords: Parthenogenesis; Parthenotes; Plumage colour; Strain; Turkey

Still birth in a tertiary health facility in Enugu state South-East Nigeria: a hidden tragedy

Background: Stillbirth is one of the common adverse outcomes of pregnancy that occur worldwide. The prevalence differs in different continents of the world and even within different localities in the same country. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and social determinants of health that affect still birth in Enugu state, Nigeria.Methods: The study was a prospective hospital-based study conducted at the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary health facility in Nigeria. All the data were retrieved from the ante natal and delivery card of all the women that delivered at the unit within the time of data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 and variables were presented as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. Bivariate analysis was done using chi-square test. The level of significance was set at p value≤0.05.Results: The mean age of the mothers was 29.76±4.69 while most of them were aged 21-30 years 431(56.0%). Majority of them were employed 529 (68.7%) and had tertiary education 484 (62.9%). The prevalence of still birth was 40.3 per 1000 births. Maternal age, marital status, educational levels and booking status affected the prevalence of still birth.On logistic regression, un-booked mothers had 25 times odds of having still birth when compared to those that booked after 28 weeks gestationConclusions: The prevalence of still birth is high in Enugu state with un-booked mothers contributing about 88.6%. Early booking helps to detect possible complications early with timely interventions

Growth performance and haematology of Isa-brown pullets fed diets containing graded levels of Centrosema pubescens leaf meal

This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary levels of Centrosema pubescens leaf meal (CLM) on the growth performance and haematological parameters of pullets. Twenty-four, five weeks old Isa-Brown pullets were weighed and randomly allotted into three dietary treatment groups and was replicated twice with eight pullets per treatment and four pullets per replica in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated two times giving four birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Pullets were fed dietary levels of CLM at 0, 2.5 and 5% in T1, T2 and T3 respectively from the 5th week of age. Results on growth performance showed significant (P<0.05) difference in average daily feed intake. T3 had the highest average daily feed intake of 209.5±0.00 g. Results on haematology showed significant (P<0.05) differences in packed cell volume, red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count and lymphocyte. T3 had the highest packed cell volume, red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration (29.00±0.58%, 29.00, 10.62±0.23x106/mm3 and 8.55±0.15g/100ml, respectively). T1 recorded the highest white blood cell count (11650±95.74x103/mm3). T1 and T2 had the highest lymphocyte levels (79.00±0.58). In conclusion, CLM should be incorporated in the diets of pullets up to 5% inclusion level to improve their average daily feed intake and some haematological parameters. Keywords: Pullets; Isa-Brown; Centrosema pubescens; Growth performance; Haematology; Die

Effect of dietary inclusion of vitamin E as anti-oxidant on the semen characteristics of local cocks

The study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of vitamin E as anti-oxidant on the semen characteristics of local cocks. Avian spermatozoa are subject to oxidative stress, causing male infertility because of its high polyunsaturated fatty acids content. Therefore, it was justified to research and report on the use of vitamin E as an antioxidant on the semen characteristics of local cocks. A total of 50 mature local cocks of uniform sizes (weighing about 1.52-1.53kg) were used for the study. Their exact ages were not known due to the lack of adequate record keeping by the traditional household keepers. The birds were divided into two treatment groups with 25 birds per treatment. Data generated were analyzed using independent group sample t-test. Each treatment had five replicates with 5 birds per replicate. Feed fed to T1 birds contained 1000 IU vitamin E kg-1 feed, while T2 (control) feed had no vitamin E. From the results obtained, sperm progressive motility, live: dead, normal and abnormal sperm cell morphologies were found to be highly significant (p<0.01), while semen volume and sperm concentration were significant (p<0.05). T1 birds that fed diet containing vitamin E had the highest percentage values for semen volume, sperm progressive motility, live sperm cells, normal sperm cells and sperm cell concentration compared to control birds (T2). Percentage values for dead and abnormal sperm cells were highest in control (T2). In conclusion, the use of vitamin E as anti-oxidant to improve semen qualities was recommended because of higher values of sperm progressive motility, semen volume, live sperm cells, normal sperm cells and sperm cell concentration recorded in T1

Binge drinking and sexual assault among women in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

Background: Alcohol related sexual assault is a growing epidemic world wide that affects mainly women. There is urgent need to empower women to identify behaviors and situations that may predispose them to sexual victimization.Objectives: The study was carried out to determine the relationship between binge drinking and sociodemographic factors. It also assessed the relationship between binge drinking and sexual assault.Methods: The cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in Jos North Local Government Area from March to July, 2017. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select 272 participants aged 18 years and above who consented after obtaining ethical approval.Results: The total numbers of participants were 272 females with an age range of 18-60 years. The mean age was 28.8 ± 8.6 years. The socio-demographic variables significantly associated with binge drinking were marital status (X2 = 9.847, DF = 2, p = 0.007), educational status (X2 = 10.684, DF = 3, p = 0.014) and employment status (X2= 5.122, DF = 1, p = 0.024). Binge drinking was significantly associated with sexual assault (X2 = 10.732, DF = 1, p = 0.001). Previously married were significantly more likely to binge drink compared with never married and married. Those with no formal education were more likely to binge drink compared to those with tertiary education while the unemployed were less likely to binge drink compared with the employed. The sexually assaulted (P = 0.01, OR = 2.429, CI = 1.419-4.157) were 2 times more likely to binge drink.Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between binge drinking with marital status, employment, lower level of education and sexual assault. Women should be provided with information about the safe level of alcohol consumption and the many consequences of heavy drinking including sexual assault.Keywords: Binge drinking, women, sexual assault, socio-demographic, Jo

Assisted Reproductive Technologies as Veritable Tools for Improving Production Efficiencies of N’dama and Muturu Cattle Breeds in Nigeria-A Review

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) that have come to stay and are still being improved upon in developed countries are still in their infancy stage in developing countries like Nigeria. Nigeria’s cattle population is estimated to be around 18.4 million. The number is far insufficient to meet the country’s demand for meat, milk, and other cow products, let alone contribute to GDP. N’dama and Muturu are both Nigerian breeds that are resistant to trypanosomosis. They are humpless longhorn and humpless shorthorn types of beef cattle. The dairy and beef cow industries’ inadequate adoption of ART is partly to blame for Nigeria’s low cattle output. Sex determination, multiple-ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET), oestrus synchronization, artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), cloning, and genetic engineering are all examples of assisted reproductive technologies. It has been reported in humans, rodents and domestic animals, abnormal fetuses, newborns and adult offspring arise from ART. Improper matching of breeding animals mostly leads to overfat calves. This review centers on the applications and potentials of ART in the production of trypanotolerant N’dama and Muturu cattle breeds. Some unorthodox medicines which have proven effective in human reproduction can circumvent the shortfalls in the adoption of ART

Suicide risk among psychiatric in-patients in north-central Nigeria

Background: Over the last 45 years, mortality due to suicide has increased in some developed and developing countries among both adults and young people. Suicide has also been reported to be high for individuals with substance abuse, mood and personality disorders, and relatively low rates were reported for patients with anxiety disorders. This study was therefore to determine the socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with the risk of suicide among psychiatric in-patients in North-Central Nigeria.Objective: The aim of this study is to look at the socio-demographic and clinical correlates of having suicide risk among psychiatric in-patients.Method: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on 112 in-patients admitted in the psychiatric wards of BSUTH Makurdi, FMC Makurdi and JUTH Jos during the study period of July to September, 2017. Every consecutive in-patient who consented for the study was assessed with a proforma carefully designed bythe authors to measure socio-demographic and clinical attributes. Suicide risk was determined using the 'Suicidality Module' of Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.).Results: Forty-five (40.2%) were males while 67(59.8%) were females. The mean age was 36.98 ±11.09 years, fifty- four (48.2%) subjects were still married at the time of the study. Eighty subjects representing 71.4% of the respondents reported having low (46), moderate (16) or high (18) suicide risk. Having a risk of suicide was significantly associated with the history of default (p=0.001), previous episodes of illness (p=0.005), co-morbid diagnosis (p=0.001), long duration of illness (p=0.001), and not having a good relationship with sexual partner (p=0.002).Conclusion: The study justifies the need for the assessment of suicide risk among in-patients with high degree of suspicion.Keywords: Suicide risk, in-patient, correlate

Prevalence of depression and associated clinical and socio-demographic factors in people living with lymphatic filariasis in Plateau State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Lymphatic filariasis is a chronic, disabling and often disfiguring condition that principally impacts the world's poorest people. In addition to the well-recognised physical disability associated with lymphedema and hydrocele, affected people often experience rejection, stigma and discrimination. The resulting emotional consequences are known to impact on the quality of life and the functioning of the affected individuals. However, the management of this condition has focused on prevention and treatment through mass drug administration, with scant attention paid to the emotional impact of the condition on affected individuals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of depression among individuals with physical disfigurement from lymphatic filariasis in Plateau State, Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional 2-stage convenience study was conducted at 5 designated treatment centers across Plateau State, Nigeria. All available and consenting clients with clearly visible physical disfigurement were recruited. A semi-structured socio-demographic questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-esteem and a 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were administered at the first stage. Those who screened positive (with a PHQ-9 score of five and above) were further interviewed using the Depression module of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). RESULTS: Ninety-eight individuals met the criteria and provided consent. Twenty percent of the respondents met criteria for depression, with the following proportions based on severity: Mild (42.1%), Moderate (31.6%) and Severe (26.3%). History of mental illness (OR 40.83, p = 0.008); Median duration of the illness was 17 years (IQR 7.0-30 years) and being unemployed (OR 12.71, p = 0.003) were predictive of depression. High self-esteem was negatively correlated (OR 0.09, p<0.004). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of depression is high among individuals with lymphatic filariasis and depression in sufferers is associated with low self-esteem and low levels of life satisfaction