Rehabilitation for Independent Living: Challenges and Priorities of Visually Impaired Older People in Urban Nigeria Corresponding Author:

The specific objectives of this study is to determine aspects of self-reliance in daily life activties that are most challenging for adults with vision impairment and to determine what areas of rehabilitation should be the keystone of low vision care and/or rehabilitation for this group. Participants were recruited from Lagos and Delta state, Nigeria. A total of 128 visually impaired older adults aged 60 years and over took part in the study. A survey method; using questionnaires was employed in order to get data from respondents. Participants Visual Acuities were measured and using the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale, participants responded to questions on daily living tasks they considered as challenging. The relation between self-reliance in daily tasks and years of vision impairment proved the presence of relationship in some activities such as being able to use the telephone (χ2=0.66, p=0.7196), being able to plan, prepare and serve meals without help (χ2=4.13, p≤0.1271), and doing laundry without help (χ2=2.31, p=0.3155). Other activities did not show such correlation. The results revealed that, with increasing years of visual impairment, participants were more likely to report that indoor tasks (such as doing laundry, doing household chores, and using the telephone) were easier than outdoor tasks (such as shopping, spending money independently, and travelling independently). The study concludes that rehabilitation for outdoor activities should be keystone of low vision care. Implications of this study for social inclusion of this group and for successful adjustment to difficulties posed by vision impairment are discussed.Keywords: independence, vision, daily-living, impairment, rehabilitatio

Distribution of Enzymes (Rhodanese, 3-Mercaptopyruvate Sulphurtransferase, Arginase And Thiaminase) in Some Commonly Consumed Plant Tubers in Nigeria.

Four different enzymes (Rhodanese, 3-mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase (3-MST) , Arginase and thiaminase) activities were detected in crude plant extracts of nine randomly selected plant tubers which includes sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), irish potato (Solanum tuberosum), white yam, yellow yam, bitter yam (Diascorea bulbifera), sweet yam (Diascorea esculentu), water yam (Diascorea alata), cocoyam and cassava (Manihot esculentu) . In each case, the enzymes exhibited high activities. The p value activity of 3-MST varies significantly in the various plant tuber. White yam showed the highest activity with a mean of 0.2 which varies significantly when compared to, red cocoyam with a mean of 0.005. Arginase was also seen to vary significantly in the different plant samples with Irish potato having the highest mean value of activity while cassava showed the lowest mean value. Thiaminase activity varied significantly in the plant tubers. Cassava stem had the highest mean value of thiaminase activity while bitter yam peel showed the lowest mean value of activity. These studies confirm the activities and nutritional values of these enzymes in the commonly consumed plant tubers. Keywords: Plant Tubers, Arginase, Rhodanese, 3-Mercaptopyruvate Sulphurtransferase,        Thiaminase, Activity

Ethical Issues and Performance of Nigerian Insurance Companies

This study investigated Ethical Issues in Business and Performance of Nigerian Insurance Companies. The specific objective was to establish the effect of business ethics variables on the performance of Nigeria Insurance Companies. Data collection was with the aid of a structured questionnaire administered on 411 employees of insurance companies in Nigeria in the 10 selected organization. A total of 390 responses were processed for analysis. . Statistical techniques such as descriptive and inferential statistics (regression and correlation) were applied in the analysis. It was observed that there exists strong relationship between business ethics and performance of Nigerian Insurance companies. Workforce diversity was found to have negative connection with Nigerian Insurance Companies’ Performance. It was revealed that strong positive relationship exists between organizational ethical code and Nigerian Insurance Companies’ Performance and environmental regulatory compliance impact the performance of Nigerian Insurance Companies negatively. While all the independent variables were found to be statistically significant in predicting the Nigerian Insurance Companies’ Performance. It was concluded that ethical issues significantly impact Nigerian Insurance companies’ performance. To enhance resource utilization and performance, it was suggested that Nigerian Insurance company may consider putting ethical issues as priority in all dealings and guide it jealously in order to wax stronger in the industry

Implementation of a Psychosocial Support Intervention for Adolescents on Antiretroviral Treatment: Challenges and Experiences from Ehlanzeni District, South Africa

Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) need support from family, peers and health workers to remain on antiretroviral therapy and achieve and sustain viral suppression. This paper qualitatively explores the implementation of a psychosocial support intervention (PSS) in five primary health care facilities in the Ehlanzeni district, South Africa. Data were collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with ALHIV on ART. Data analysis employed inductive thematic analysis. Informed consent was obtained prior to all data collection. The PSS intervention facilitated full disclosure of HIV status to adolescents, supported treatment adherence through health education, peer support, health care provider- and client relations, and quick access to health service delivery. However, COVID-19 restrictions and regulations challenged the implementation of the intervention. The PSS intervention showed promise to support adolescent’s adherence and retention in care. We recommend innovative approaches to account for systemic disruptions, as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic

A qualitative exploration of factors influencing non-use of sexual reproductive health services among university students in South Africa

: (1) Background: There is growing concern in South Africa about risky sexual behaviour, sexual transmitted infections (STIs), and unplanned pregnancy among young people. Many sexually active students engage in several risky behaviours, including sex with multiple sexual partners, low condom use, and low contraceptive use. This paper qualitatively explores factors influencing non-use of sexual reproductive health services by students at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa (MUT). (2) Methods: Data was collected through 20 in-depth interviews with MUT students and subjected to inductive thematic analysis. Informed consent was obtained before all data collection. (3) Results: The main themes identified were risky sexual behaviours translating to multiple intimate partners, perceived quality of condom use, perceived benefits of contraceptives, negotiating safer sex with partners, developing a greater sense of autonomy, alcohol and drug abuse, perceived benefits of health education provided by the MUT, and lack of open communication. (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that university students need multi-faceted interventions designed to address challenges with risky sexual behaviours including knowledge and benefits of condom and contraceptive use to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancies, as well as providing psychosocial interventions to support these students’ autonomy

Effect of Xylopia aethiopica, Fiscus mucuso and Anthocleista vogelli extracts on some Biochemical Parameters following ethanol-Induced Toxicity.

A total of forty rats were divided into eight groups (n= 5). Group A were control rats; Group B 27 were administered with absolute ethanol; Group C were ethanol administered rats treated with 28 Xylopia aethiopica; Groups D were ethanol administered rats treated with Fiscus mucuso, Group 29 E were ethanol administered rats treated with Anthocleista vogelli; Group F were normal rats 30 administered orally with Xylopia aethiopica; Group G were normal rats administered orally with 31 Fiscus mucuso; Group H were normal rats administered orally with Anthocleista vogelli. At the 32 end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and serum was obtained for total 33 protein, uric acid, creatinin, urea, Aspartate aminotrasferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase 34 (ALT) analysis using respective research kits. 35 The result showed that Xylopia aethiopica had protective effect on the kidney as compared with 36 Fiscus mucuso and Anthocleista vogelli treated rats. Also, The AST and ALT was lowered with 37 the start of Xylopia aethiopia treatment. The total protein, creatinin and urea were slightly 38 (p> 0.05) affected with ethanol, an effect which was normalized with the start of extract 39 treatment. 4

Development and Feasibility Testing of Video Home Based Telerehabilitation for Stroke Survivors in Resource Limited Settings

Tele-physiotherapy has been shown to be valuable to improve clinical outcomes after stroke. Yet, home-based interventions for stroke survivors (SSVs) who speak indigenous African languages are sparse. This study developed a video-based home exercise programme (VHEP) for SSV speakers of Yoruba.  A qualitative descriptive pilot study was conducted in two phases: development and feasibility testing. VHEP development followed the American Stroke Association’s recommendations to include demonstrations of task-specific mobility-task and postural training; trunk exercises, and overground walking. The exercise instructions were presented in the Yoruba language. Each exercise was demonstrated for five minutes on video for a total of 30 minutes. The feasibility testing involved ten consenting chronic SSVs.  Each imitated the VHEP twice per week for two weeks and thereafter completed a feasibility questionnaire. Criteria for feasibility were: cost of using VHEP, recruitment rate, retention of participants, adherence to the exercises, and intervention delivery. The ten SSVs were recruited within one week, had prior home access to a video player at no-cost, adhered to the exercises as recorded, completed the 30 minute-duration for two weeks, and confirmed intervention delivery of VHEP. Most participants liked the novel use of Yoruba as the language of instruction on VHEP. The VHEP was feasible and acceptable among the studied sample of SSVs. Video based home telerehabilitation for SSVs therefore has the potential to meet the growing need for tele-physiotherapy in resource limited settings. 

Models for Predicting Time to Sputum Conversion Among Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Lagos, South–West Nigeria

Background: Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) develops due to problems such as irregular drug supply, poor drug quality, inappropriate prescription, and poor adherence to treatment. These factors allow the development and subsequent transmission of resistant strains of the pathogen. However, due to the chronic nature of MDR-TB, cure models allow us to investigate the covariates that are associated with the long-term effects of time-to-sputum conversion among multi-drug resistant (MDR-TB) tuberculosis individuals. Therefore, this study was designed to develop suitable cure models that can predict time to sputum conversion among MDR-TB patients.Methods: A retrospective clinic-based cohort study was conducted on 413 records of patients who were diagnosed of MDR-TB and met inclusion criteria from April 2012 to October 2016 at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Lagos. The main outcome measure (time-to-sputum conversion) was the time from the date of MDR-TB treatment to the date of specimen collection for the first of two consecutive negative smear and culture taken 30 days apart. The predictor variables of interest include: demographic (age, gender and marital status) and clinical (registration group, number of drugs resistant to at treatment initiation, HIV status, diabetes status, and adherence with medication) characteristics. Kaplan-Meier estimates of a detailed survivorship pattern among the patients were examined using Cox regression models. Mixture Cox cure models were fitted to the main outcome variable using Log-normal, Log-logistic and Weibull models as alternatives to the violation of Proportional Hazard (PH) assumption. Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was used for models comparison based on different distributions, while the effect of predictors of time to sputum conversion was reported as Hazard Ratio (HR) at α0.05.Results: Age was 36.8 ± 12.7 years, 60.8% were male and 67.6% were married. Majority of the patients (58.4%) converted to sputum negatives. Patients who were resistant to two drugs at treatment initiation had 39% rate of conversion than those resistant to at least three drugs [HR: 1.39; CI: 0.98, 1.98]. The likelihood of sputum conversion time was shorter among non-diabetic patients compared to diabetics [HR: 0.55; CI: 0.24, 0.85]. The overall median time for sputum conversion was 5.5 (IQR: 1.5–11.5). In the cure model, resistance to more drugs at the time of initiation was significantly associated with a longer time to sputum culture conversion for Log normal Cox mixture [2.06 (1.36–3.47)]; Log-logistic Cox mixture cure [2.56(1.85–4.09)]; and Weibull Cox mixture [2.81(1.94–4.19)]. Diabetic patients had a significantly higher sputum conversion rate compared to non-diabetics; Log-normal Cox mixture [2.03(1.17–3.58)]; Log-logistic Cox mixture cure [2.11(1.25–3.82)]; and Weibull Cox mixture [2.02(1.17–3.34)]. However, Log-normal PH model gave the best fit and provided the fitness statistics [(−2LogL: 519.84); (AIC: 1053.68); (BIC: 1078.04)]. The best fitting Log-normal PH model was Y = 1.00X1+2.06X2+0.98X3+2.03X4+ε where Y is time to sputum conversion and Xs are age, number of drugs, adherence, and diabetes status.Conclusion: The models confirmed the presence of some factors related with sputum conversion time in Nigeria. The quantum of drugs resistant at treatment initiation and diabetes status would aid the clinicians in predicting the rate of sputum conversion of patients

Innovative Behaviour and Firm’s Performance in the Nigerian Manufacturing Sector

The paper examined innovative behaviour and firm’s performance in the Nigerian manufacturing industry. Relevant literatures have emphasized the need to make a strong relevance for innovativeness to act as a catalyst for innovation to occur in the firm. While there has been significant research evidence on the conceptualization of innovation, more of the studies have focused on the descriptive nature of innovation. The population of the study was the staff in the selected company and questionnaire was distributed on the company’s sample. The study employed the univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) to ascertain the statistical significance and the level to which innovativeness give rise to variation in firm’s performance in the selected organization. The study emphasized the immense benefit manufacturing firms and industrial policy makers will make towards the attainment of innovativeness to contribute adequately to the economic development of the nation and the social well-being of the citizens