Integration of Information Communication Technology in Journalism Practice: A Survey of Journalists in Ekiti Metropolis, Nigeria

The aim of this study was predicated on the need to ascertain the extent to which Nigerian Journalists, especially those in the state capital of Ekiti state; have integrated the use of information communication technology (ICT) tools in their journalism practice which includes, but not limited to; news gathering, dissemination etc. The objectives among others is to decipher the extent of use and the adoption of new information communication technologies in journalism practise. A total of thirty four (34) TV and radio journalists were sampled with a view to ascertain their use and types ICT tools employed for the achievement of communication efficiency. Despite the perceived importance of the role of ICT in improving communication efficiency (as opined by 97% of the respondents), findings from this study revealed that the use of modern ICT tools were not fully employed for their day to day task execution. Also, only 24% of the respondents agreed to the availability and free access to internet facility in their day to day operations while 64.7% own or have personal access through their owned devices. The challenges enumerated by journalists includes lack of corporate internet access and information, technology hardware and software configurations that are crucial to journalism in new media practice. Hence, it is recommended media proprietors should provide as part of the work environment, modern facilities to enable journalists discharge their duties in line with international best practices

The impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic on glycaemic control in people with diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Covid-19 pandemic and lock down (LD) has affected diabetes care. We aimed to identify, appraise and synthesise available evidence on the impact of the pandemic on glycaemic control in people with diabetes. Materials and Methods We searched multiple databases up to 02/02/2021 for studies reporting: glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c); time in range (TIR); average or fasting glucose; severe hypoglycaemia; diabetic ketoacidosis. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis and presented as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). This review was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020179319). Results We include 59 studies; 44 (n=15,464) were included in quantitative syntheses and 15 were narratively synthesised. Pooled data were grouped by diabetes type. Results from 28 studies (n=5,048 T1D and combined diabetes participants) showed that TIR increased during LD compared to before LD (MD 2.74%, 95% CI 1.80 to 3.69). Data from 10 studies (n=1,294 T1D participants) showed TIR increased after LD compared to before LD (MD 5.14%, 95% CI 3.12 to 7.16). Pooled results from 12 studies (n= 4,810 T1D and T2D participants), resulted in average glucose decreasing after LD compared to before LD (MD -6.86 mg/dL, 95% CI -8.54 to -5.18). Results for other outcomes, including HbA1c, were not statistically significantly different. Conclusions The Covid-19 pandemic was associated with small improvements across multiple outcomes of glycaemic control, though there was insufficient evidence to suggest this led to changes in HbA1c. Most evidence came from people with access to diabetes technologies in high income countries; more research is needed in less advantaged populations