Comparative Study on Pre and Post Caeserean Section Haematological Parameters

Haematological parameters have been noted as important indicators of health and hence, knowledge about its physiological and pathological is important. It is presumed that stress during caesarean section (CS) can have effect on some haematological parameters. This study therefore, is intended to investigate the effect of CS on some important haematological parameters in women booked for elective caesarean section. 10 women between the ages of 25 and 35, booked for this procedure, were involved in this study. Pre-and-Post CS blood samples were collected and analyzed using Haematology Analyzer (Swelab Alfa Automated) at St. Philomena Medical Hospital. The valves were then keyed into statistical package (SPSS version 17) for statistical analysis. Results showed significant differences (p<0.05) in the red cell count and some related RBC indices (hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration), platelet count and granulocyte values of the pre-and-post CS blood samples. Based on the findings of this study, it is obvious that stress during CS may cause some alterations in haematological profile of the CS mother. These differences in haematological parameters between pre and post CS may be due to the inflammatory processes and hemorrhage associated with the surgery.Keywords: Caeserean section; Stress; Surgery; Haematological parameters

Effect of ‘Induced Labour’ on Hemorheological Parameters

Augmentation of labour involving the use of exogenous oxytocin to improve uterine contraction is a common obstetric practice. Although this exogenous oxytocin is known for its effect on the uterus, little is known about its effect on other organs/physiological parameters. Hence, this study investigates the effect of oxytocin augmentation on hemorheological parameters. Ten pregnant control and 10 parturients on oxytocin augmented labour were involved in this study. Following standard laboratory procedures, blood samples were collected from the pregnant women and the samples were analysed using Swelab Alfa Automated Haematology Analyzer at St. Philomena Hospital. The data was then analysed using SPSS (version 17) and the ‘student t-test’ was performed. Results showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the relative plasma viscosity, fibrinogen concentration, red cell count and related RBC indices between the control and the parturients. This observation may be due to the concomitant hydration provided by the oxytocin infusion. Therefore, the use of an adequate rehydration medium for augmentation of labour should be emphasized for all parturients.Keywords: Augmented labour; Oxytoxin; Hemorheological parameter; Pregnant

A framework for agricultural adaptation to climate change in Southern Nigeria

The agricultural sector which contributes between 20-50% of gross domestic product in Africa and employs about 60% of the population is greatly affected by climate change impacts. Agricultural productivity and food prices are expected to rise due to this impact thereby worsening the food insecurity and poor nutritional health conditions in the continent. Incidentally, the capacity in the continent to adapt is very low. Addressing these challenges will therefore require a holistic and integrated adaptation framework hence this study. A total of 360 respondents selected through a multi-stage random sampling technique participated in the study that took place in Southern Nigeria from 2008-2011. Results showed that majority of respondents (84%) were aware that some climate change characteristics such as uncertainties at the onset of farming season, extreme weather events including flooding and droughts, pests, diseases, weed infestation, and land degradation have all been on the increase. The most significant effects of climate change that manifested in the area were declining soil fertility and weed infestation. Some of the adaptation strategies adopted by farmers include increased weeding, changing the timing of farm operations, and processing of crops to reduce post-harvest losses. Although majority of respondents were aware of government policies aimed at protecting the environment, most of them agreed that these policies were not being effectively implemented. A mutually inclusive framework comprising of both indigenous and modern techniques, processes, practices and technologies was then developed from the study in order to guide farmers in adapting to climate change effects/impacts

Relationship between Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, and Visual Acuity in Residents of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria

Aim. To study the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) on visual acuity among apparently healthy residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study among 225 subjects (ages of 18–35 years) from whom BP, body weight, and height were collected. Visual acuity was measured using the Snellen chart following standard procedures of number of letters seen at 6-metre distance. The data were then analyzed using SPSS version 17. Results. The sampled population consists of 112 male and 113 female (mean age 31.72±14.2 years). Majority (180) of the respondents had normal visual acuity. However, compared with the respondents with normal BMI (R19.61±1.5; L19.67±1.70), visual acuity of underweight (R18.53±2.30; L18.53±2.70) and obese (R15.68±4.79; L17.73±1.70) were more deviated. Similarly, compared with respondent with normal BP (120–125/80–85 mmHg; R18.00±2.53; L18.07±3.11), hypotensive (R15.5±7.35; L15.00±10.20), and hypertensive (R15.01±21.25; L15.00±11.91) respondents had deviated visual acuity. Conclusion. Abnormal body weight (underweight and obese) and BP (hypotension and hypertension) have potential negative impacts on visual acuity. Based on the observed relationship between weights, BP, and visual acuity, eye examinations can be included as regular screening exercise for abnormal BMI and BP conditions

Barriers to Climate Change Adaptation Among Farming Households of Southern Nigeria

Abstract Climate change is perhaps the most serious environmental threat to the fight against hunger, malnutrition, disease and poverty in Africa, essentially because of its impact on agricultural productivity. The objective of this paper was to identify the major barriers to climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers of Southern Nigeria. The paper was based on primary data collected within the framework of the Development Partnership for Higher Education (DelPHE) Project from 360 farming households selected randomly from the region. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The result of the analysis show that majority of the farmers were men (70%), relatively educated (average of 9 years in school) and practiced mixed farming (61%). The major factors constraining farmers from adapting to climate change impacts were – (a) land constraints which manifested itself in limited availability, high costs and poor ownership systems (tenure); (b) poor climate change information and agricultural extension service delivery; (c) high cost of farm inputs and processing facilities; (d) high cost of irrigation facilities and government irresponsiveness to climate change risk management, (e) credit constraints, (f) labour constraints, and (g) income constraints. The paper concludes with a recommendation that farmers need to be supported in order for them to effectively adapt to the climate change impacts that are already affecting their production and hence reduce hunger and poverty. These supports could come from governments, non-governmental organizations and even farmers’ unions themselves

Barriers to Climate Change Adaptation Among Farming Households of Southern Nigeria

Abstract Climate change is perhaps the most serious environmental threat to the fight against hunger, malnutrition, disease and poverty in Africa, essentially because of its impact on agricultural productivity. The objective of this paper was to identify the major barriers to climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers of Southern Nigeria. The paper was based on primary data collected within the framework of the Development Partnership for Higher Education (DelPHE) Project from 360 farming households selected randomly from the region. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The result of the analysis show that majority of the farmers were men (70%), relatively educated (average of 9 years in school) and practiced mixed farming (61%). The major factors constraining farmers from adapting to climate change impacts were – (a) land constraints which manifested itself in limited availability, high costs and poor ownership systems (tenure); (b) poor climate change information and agricultural extension service delivery; (c) high cost of farm inputs and processing facilities; (d) high cost of irrigation facilities and government irresponsiveness to climate change risk management, (e) credit constraints, (f) labour constraints, and (g) income constraints. The paper concludes with a recommendation that farmers need to be supported in order for them to effectively adapt to the climate change impacts that are already affecting their production and hence reduce hunger and poverty. These supports could come from governments, non-governmental organizations and even farmers’ unions themselves