Linkage between psychological contract and employee retention, performance and productivity in organizations in Nigeria

The study examines the linkage between psychological contract and employees‘ retention, performance and productivity in organizations in Nigeria. It studies the interplay between psychological contract and the variables with a view to understanding their interactions and impacts in organizations. The methodology is theoretical and analytical with the use of secondary resource materials. The paper reveals that global competition has altered business environment, hence organizations are compelled to devise improved methods of survival and performance by creating healthy and progressive relationship with their employees. The paper further averred that employees‘ behaviours are susceptible to the healthy relationship with their management. Consequently, a breach of psychological contract hinders employees‘ performance and ignites employees‘ propensity to quit the organization. This, to a considerable extent, affects organizational output. The study therefore, proposes that employee/employer relationship can be strengthened by clearly stating expectations during recruitment and induction stages of employment, initiating organizational culture that promotes transparency on policies and procedures that effect employees and creating a humane work environment that accommodates cooperation, consensus and employees‘ participation. This is necessary if organizations need to maintain their vibrant and resourceful workforce that will competitively drive organizational goals in this globalized economy and society.Keywords: Psychological contract, Employer, Employee retention, Performance, Productivity, Organization, Nigeria

Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation on platelet aggregation and serum electrolytes levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease condition characterised by hyperglycemia; free radical and abnormal haematological indices. Vitamin C can reduce free radical generation and ameliorate adverse conditions of diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of vitamin C on platelet aggregation and electrolyte levels in Type 1 DM. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups namely control, DM, DM +Vitamin C and Vitamin C groups. Rats were made diabetic with a single dose of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Vitamin C was administered orally to diabetic and normal rats at 200 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Blood samples were analyzed for hematological parameters, platelet aggregation, and serum electrolyte levels. Blood glucose in DM+ Vitamin C group (9.9 ± 1.8 mmol/L) was significantly reduced (p<0.01) compared to DM group (32.2 ± 2.1 mmol/L) and significantly higher (p<0.05) than control (4.4 ± 0.8 mmol/L). Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration in DM group (12 ± 0.1 g/dL) was significantly reduced (p<0.01) when compared with control groups (14 ± 0.24 g/dL) and significantly increased (p<0.05) in the DM+vitamin C group (13.5 ± 0.5 g/dL) compared with the diabetic group. The mean corpuscular volume values in DM (68.66 ± 0.5 fL) and DM+vitamin C groups (68.11 ± 0.4 fL) were significantly higher (p<0.01) than the control (59.49 ± 0.5fL). Platelet count in DM group (523 ± 8.5 x109/L) was significantly raised (p<0.01) when compared to control (356 ± 6.2 x109/L) and significantly reduced (p<0.01) in DM+ vitamin C-treated group (385 ± 7.8 x109/L) compared with DM group. Platelet aggregation and serum sodium/potassium ratios was significantly reduced (p<0.01) in DM+vitamin C compared with DM group. These results suggest that oral vitamin C administration increases haemoglobin, reduced plasma glucose level, platelet count, serum sodium/potassium ion ratio and inhibits platelet aggregation in streptozotocin-induced DM in rats.Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, electrolytes, Haematological parameters, Platelet aggregation, Red cell indices, Vitamin

Implementation of Family Life and HIV/AIDS Education in Nigerian Schools: A Qualitative Study on Scope, Delivery and Challenges

This study utilized data from Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interviews among secondary school students and teachers to examine the scope, delivery and challenges of FLHE implementation within states and across geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Structural Functionalism, Rational Choice and Differential Association theories were adopted as theoretical framework. Results show that several patterns in classroom teaching of FLHE are identifiable across the country. The study found that FLHE is taught at the Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary levels with variations among States on the beginning levels. The main mode of FLHE delivery is classroom instruction; other modes include assembly talk and sensitization by organizations. Despite paucity of Information, Education and Communication materials and inadequate personnel requirement, different stakeholders noted that FLHE has been beneficial to students. Therefore, effective implementation of FLHE will go a long way to ensuring that young people in Nigeria are equipped with necessary information to enable them exhibit the right attitude and behaviour towards sexuality issues. Keywords: FLHE implementation, reproductive health, young people, youth corpers, sexual attitude.RésuméCette étude a utilisé des données provenant des groupes de discussion à cible et des entrevues en profondeur entre élèves et enseignants des écoles secondaires afin d'examiner la portée, l’actualisation et la mise en oeuvre de défis de la VFES au sein des Etats et entre les zones géopolitiques au Nigeria. Le fonctionnalisme structural, le choix rationnel et les théories l’association différentielle ont été adoptés comme cadre théorique. Les résultats montrent que plusieurs tendances dans l'enseignement en classe de la VFES sont identifiables à travers le pays. L'étude a révélé que la VFES est enseigné dans les deux cycles de l’école avec des variations entre les États à l’égard du niveau de commencement. Le principal mode de la réalisation de la VFES est l'enseignement en classe; d'autres modes comprennent des discours pendant la réunion matinale et la sensibilisation par les organisations. Malgré la rareté de l'information, l’éducation et les matériels de communication et les besoins insuffisants en personnel, les différents intervenants ont noté que la VFES a été bénéfique pour les élèves. Par conséquent, la mise en oeuvre effective de la VFES aidera beaucoup à assurer que les jeunes gens au Nigeria sont équipées d’informations nécessaires pour leur permettre de démontrer une bonne attitude et un bon comportement à l'égard des questions de sexualité. Mots-clés: la mise en oeuvre FLHE, santé de la reproduction, les jeunes, jeunesse, attitude sexuell

Uncertain pasts and risk-sensitive futures in sub-Saharan urban transformation

This chapter explores the status and the scope for transition of risk- sensitive and transformative urban development in diverse cities of sub-Saharan Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa is important because of its large proportions of urban populations with high vulnerability and growing exposure to risks. High rates of urban growth pose increasing risks as we go into the future, yet there is also opportunity to reduce risk through integrating risk management into development. However, this opportunity space is often constrained by limited capacities to plan and manage the rapid urbanisation process, particularly in informal settlements. Limited capacities to prevent processes of risk accumulation pose threats to poverty reduction and sustainable development. In this context, there is an increasingly urgent need for squarely recognising and addressing the underlying vulnerabilities of urban populations and their root causes. Transitioning towards such sustainable urban pathways will require the strengthening of capacities and accountability of city authorities and broader governance systems, both formal and informal

Towards risk-sensitive and transformative urban development in sub Saharan Africa

Risk-sensitive urban development is required to reduce accumulated risk and to better consider risk when planning new developments. To deliver a sustainable city for all requires a more frank and comprehensive focus on procedure: On who makes decisions, under which frameworks, based upon what kind of data or knowledge, and with what degree and direction of accountability? Acting on these procedural questions is the promise of transformative urban development. This paper explores the status of risk sensitive and transformative urban development and the scope for transition towards these components of sustainability in urban sub-Saharan Africa through the lens of diverse city cases: Karonga (Malawi), Ibadan (Nigeria), Niamey (Niger) and Nairobi (Kenya). The paper draws from a 3-year research and capacity building programme called Urban Africa: Risk Knowledge that aims to address gaps in data, understandings and capacity to break cycles of risk accumulation. A common analytical framework is presented to help identify blockages and opportunities for transition towards a risk-sensitive and transformative urban development. This framework is then illustrated through each city in turn and a concluding discussion reflects on city observations to draw out recommendations for city level and wider action and research partnerships

Prevalence and socioeconomic correlates of autism among children attending primary and secondary schools in south east Nigeria

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence and socio-economic determinants of autism among children attending primary and secondary schools in South East, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that assessed the prevalence and socio-economic pattern of childhood autism among children attending primary and secondary schools in Enugu and Ebonyi states, South East Nigeria. The questionnaire was adapted from American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR, 2000). The study was carried out between June and October, 2014. The schools were selected by listing all the mixed schools in the urban and semi- urban areas by simple random sampling. Results: A total of 721 subjects completed the questionnaire. The age of respondents ranged between 3 and 18 years, with mean age of 12.71 and standard deviation of 3.03 years. Twenty one children fulfilled the criteria for autism giving a prevalence of 2.9%. There is a significant association between age in categories (fishers exact test, p = 0.013) and social class (p=0.033). Conclusion: The prevalence of autism was 2.9%; and the socio-economic characteristics of childhood autism in South East Nigeria are similar to those in other parts of the world

AIDS knowledge and attitudes in a Turkish population: an epidemiological study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate and present some pertinent comments concerning Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) knowledge, attitudes and misconceptions among the general population in a city of west Turkey. This study was deemed important and relevant due to the increasing importance of AIDS in Turkey and the other countries. METHODS: Using a multistage area sampling method, a random sample of individuals aged 11–83 years, living in 65 different quarters in the city of Eskisehir, Turkey during September, October and November 2004 were interviewed. RESULTS: In all, 1048 respondents completed the survey. In most items, respondents displayed a fairly good to excellent degree of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Individuals with higher degrees of education indicated more correct responses in all items relating to knowledge of HIV/AIDS. In general, the respondents' attitudes towards AIDS and people with AIDS were found to be tolerant and positive, with one answer choice showing that the majority of the respondents agreed with the statement that those with HIV/AIDS must be supported, treated and helped (90.7%). Moreover, the proportions of the respondents' misconceptions were found to be significantly low for all the items. However, nearly one fourth of the respondents agreed with the misconceptions 'AIDS is a punishment by God' and 'One is not infected with HIV/AIDS if engaged in sport and well nourished'. CONCLUSION: In general HIV/AIDS related knowledge was high and people showed positive attitudes. However, people continue to hold misconceptions about AIDS and these need to be addressed by health education programs targeting those at higher risk

May Measurement Month 2018: a pragmatic global screening campaign to raise awareness of blood pressure by the International Society of Hypertension

Aims Raised blood pressure (BP) is the biggest contributor to mortality and disease burden worldwide and fewer than half of those with hypertension are aware of it. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global campaign set up in 2017, to raise awareness of high BP and as a pragmatic solution to a lack of formal screening worldwide. The 2018 campaign was expanded, aiming to include more participants and countries. Methods and results Eighty-nine countries participated in MMM 2018. Volunteers (≥18 years) were recruited through opportunistic sampling at a variety of screening sites. Each participant had three BP measurements and completed a questionnaire on demographic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, or taking antihypertensive medication. In total, 74.9% of screenees provided three BP readings. Multiple imputation using chained equations was used to impute missing readings. 1 504 963 individuals (mean age 45.3 years; 52.4% female) were screened. After multiple imputation, 502 079 (33.4%) individuals had hypertension, of whom 59.5% were aware of their diagnosis and 55.3% were taking antihypertensive medication. Of those on medication, 60.0% were controlled and of all hypertensives, 33.2% were controlled. We detected 224 285 individuals with untreated hypertension and 111 214 individuals with inadequately treated (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg) hypertension. Conclusion May Measurement Month expanded significantly compared with 2017, including more participants in more countries. The campaign identified over 335 000 adults with untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. In the absence of systematic screening programmes, MMM was effective at raising awareness at least among these individuals at risk

Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study

Background Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide.Methods A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study-a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital.Findings Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.85 [95% CI 2.58-5.75]; p<0.0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63.0% vs 82.7%; OR 0.35 [0.23-0.53]; p<0.0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer.Interpretation Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised