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Background: Adolescent girls face numerous challenges which hinder their ability to manage menstruation in a healthy and dignified manner. Objectives: To examine the menstrual hygiene practices of adolescent girls schooling in rural Anambra communities. Study design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Method: Participants were selected using multistage stratified random sampling technique and interviewed using self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0. Results: Mean age of all, pre-menarche and post-menarche girls were 14.7 ± 1.84, 12.8 ± 1.09 and 15.1 ± 1.73 years, respectively. About 46% of the pre-menarche girls had not received any information on menstruation. Common sources of initial menstruation information were mother (87.3%), school (52.2%) and peers (20.0%). Among the 1091 (85.0% (1091/1283)) post-menarche girls, last menstrual period, last menstrual period duration and cycle length could not be recalled by 53.9%, 34.4% and 39.3%, respectively. Majority (98.3%) who could recall last menstrual period had a cycle length of ⩽30 days and the mean duration of menses was 4.4 ± 0.84 days. Disposable sanitary pad was mostly (60%) cited as recommended product, but cloth/rags (40.6%) or tissue paper (32. 3%) were predominantly used. Majority (88.6%) took their bath ⩾twice/day, 50.9% changed sanitary product ⩽twice/day while 72.5% exhibited poor hand washing. Sanitary products were mostly discarded by burning (45.4%). Fifty-one percent could not change in school predominantly due to lack of functional toilets/changing rooms (84.2%) while 72.5% of those who changed did so in bushes or unused spaces. Challenges faced during menstruation include restriction from holy places (38.9%), waist pain (74.9%), blood stains (36.1%) and lack of money to buy pad (27.0%). Factors significantly associated with using commercial pads were age (p = 0.047), class (p = 0.006), mother's educational status (p < 0.001), social class (p < 0.001), ability to recall last menstrual period date (p = 0.029) or duration (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Menstrual hygiene management was unsatisfactory among studied adolescents. Continuous education of adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene management and advocacy for adequate menstrual hygiene management support are imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the multinational oil companies' (MOCs) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of the global memorandum of understanding (GMoU) on gender difference in nutrition and health in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: This paper adopts a survey research technique, aimed at gathering information from a representative sample of the population, as it is essentially cross-sectional, describing and interpreting the current situation. A total of 800 women respondents were sampled across the rural areas of the Niger Delta region. Findings: The results from the use of a combined propensity score matching and logit model indicate that CSR of the MOCs using GMoU model has made significant success in closing the gender difference in nutrition and health in agricultural household in the Niger Delta region. The findings also show that mainstreaming gender in nutrition within the field of agriculture is a critical aspect of strengthening gender and nutrition/health linkages, in recognition of women's substantial contribution to agriculture production and their central role in household food collection, preservation/processing and preparation. Practical implications: This suggests that mainstreaming gender in nutrition offers opportunities to integrate agriculture and health approaches in GMoU projects, which will require increased collaboration and coordination between the MOCs' and CBD clusters in the field of gender and nutrition to exploit existing complementary and comparative advantages, and to apply a holistic approach in host communities. Social implications: This implies that gender and nutrition/health have multiple dimensions and are highly context-specific; and the pathway towards improved food and nutrition security for all should be a gender-equitable process incorporated in CSR programmes and projects in sub-Saharan Africa. Originality/value: This research contributes to the gender debate in agriculture from a CSR perspective in developing countries and rationale for demands for social project by host communities. It concludes that business has an obligation to help in solving problems of public concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the various labels ascribed to males in the heterosexual discourse among female undergraduates in Nigeria. Insights from Community of Practice and Sexual Script Theory were used to demonstrate the use of situated linguistic choices to establish the differentials in male sexual behaviours. Data for the study were generated through participant observation and unstructured interviews with the aid of audiotape recordings and field notes. The study involves a representative sample of 22 female undergraduates who served as participants and research assistants. The findings reveal that situated language practices stimulate heterosexual discourses where female undergraduates creatively ascribe labels to the different males' sexual scripts. The labels include those related to male sexual performance, body size and size of sex organs, financial and marital status, familial and gatekeeping roles, and other routine sexual behaviours shown by men in sexual phases such as advances, arousal and intercourse. The scripts are also combined to re-enact the peculiar sexual narratives by the female students that show emerging sexual orientations. It is believed that the categorisation of such males' sexual behaviours in the University social contexts, would provide a basis for comparison with the sexual practices of other young adults' social groups across the globe. The paper discusses the various strands of sexual scripts shown by men in their heterosexual relationships with female undergraduates in a Nigerian University. The students ascribed labels based on the sexual performance, economic and marital status, and other routine behaviours that have an impact on the male sexual lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescents and their communities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria have poor attitudes and beliefs towards adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH). This paper reports on the effects of a community-embedded intervention that focused on creating positive changes in the attitudes and beliefs of adolescents and community members to enhance adolescents' access to SRH information and services. Methods: This study adopted the Qualitative Impact Assessment approach to evaluate the changes in attitudes and beliefs about the SRH of adolescents from the perspectives of the beneficiaries of a community-embedded intervention namely, adolescents, parents, school teachers, and community leaders. The intervention was implemented in six local government areas in Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria and the evaluation was undertaken four months after the implementation of the interventions commenced. Eighteen (18) interviews were conducted with 82 intervention beneficiaries including: (i) six in-depth interviews with school teachers; (ii) two sex-disaggregated FGDs with parents; (iii) two sex-disaggregated FGDs with community leaders; and (iv) eight sex-disaggregated FGDs with in school and out of school adolescents. A thematic analysis of data was performed with the aid of NVivo software, version 12. Results: The community-embedded intervention led to changes in individual attitudes and beliefs, as well as changes in community norms and values concerning adolescent SRH. Adolescents reported that following the community-embedded SRH intervention, they have become more comfortable discussing openly SRH issues with their peers, and they could more easily approach their parents and initiate SRH discussions. The parents of adolescents reported that following the intervention, they have become more willing to discuss sensitive SRH issues with adolescents, and frequently make out time to do so. It was also reported that parents no longer use euphemisms to describe sexual body parts, and community leaders now believe that it is all right to discuss SRH with adolescents. Hence, initiating or having SRH discussions with adolescents is no longer misconceived as encouraging sex, and menstruation in unmarried adolescents is no longer viewed as a sign of promiscuity. Respondents also highlighted changes in community norms of, (i) gendered parental communication of SRH matters, as both mothers and fathers have started discussing SRH issues with their adolescent boys and girls; and (ii) public shaming and discipline of pregnant teenage girls are on the decline. Conclusion: The community-based intervention had a positive impact on individual attitudes and beliefs, as well as community and societal values and norms about adolescent SRH. Interventions that take into account community norms and values regarding adolescent SRH should be prioritized to enable the achievement of the SRH-related target of SDG 3. Plain language summary: Adolescents face significant sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges which makes it difficult for them to access and utilize SRH services as a result of negative community norms and values. These norms discourage discussions relating to sex and sexuality in Nigeria because sexuality matters are regarded as taboo for young people, and sex is regarded as sacred and the exclusive reserve of the married. This qualitative study explored the views of adolescents, parents, and community leaders on the impact of a community-based intervention on their attitudes and beliefs concerning SRH issues. Using focus group discussions, the community members described the impact of the intervention on the beliefs and attitudes of adolescents, parents/guardians, and the community. Following the SRH intervention, parents started to make out time to discuss SRH issues with adolescents. They became more approachable and willing to discuss sensitive SRH issues with adolescents. Both mothers and fathers started to take up the role of communicating SRH matter with their adolescent boys and girls. Adolescents also started initiating SRH discussions with parents and could openly discuss SRH issues with their peers. In the community, adolescent girls were no longer publicly shamed for engaging in pre-marital sex. There were changes in community leaders' attitudes to teenage pregnancy and they no longer misconceive adolescent SRH issues. Considering the positive changes in individual attitudes, social values, and norms, there is a need for the community-embedded SRH intervention to be sustained and scaled up to other parts of the state by program managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predatory publishing is an emerging but worrisome trend among academics, including librarians, in Nigeria. It is in line with this that the paper investigated the awareness and knowledge of predatory journals among academic librarians in five selected Nigerian universities. The study is a survey design that is based on both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The population of the study comprised 50 academic staff that were purposively selected for the questionnaire distribution. In addition, five principal librarians, one from each of the universities, were purposively selected for the interview session. The findings of the study revealed that academic librarians are aware of the existence of predatory journals and are also aware of the negative implications of publishing in predatory journals. The study recommended an effective mentoring programme for academic librarians on how to publish their research works in accredited journals. The study contributes to knowledge by providing fresh data for policy-makers, library management and university management on ways to eradicate publishing in predatory journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate on-campus student accommodation in Sub-Saharan higher educational institutions triggered the need for private sector intervention in the off-campus student private housing (SPH) delivery within university communities. This paper examines students' experiences of off-campus accommodation in terms of satisfaction indicators and driving factors in a vulnerable university's communities in South-southern Nigeria. The paper drew upon a sequential exploratory mixed method, comprising semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey. The paper explored interconnectivity of satisfaction indicators and factors within the threshold of building's physical attributes, community-related attributes, contract-related covenants, academic and social environment capability, through CAQDAS; Atlas.ti. The paper found disproportionate students' satisfaction level within the filtered elements and scored the overall satisfaction low. Methodologically, a convergence of results pointing to the factors for improving physical, locational, landlord commitment to tenancy agreement on services and management, and flexible regulation of students' social activities, from the two approaches, was observed. Variation surfaces from the individual rating of each indicator and the driving factors. Five distinct recommendations emerged; policy on planning, environment, and building regulations compliance, reform on SPH governance, stakeholders democracy, parent' involvement in off-campus governance, and a committee on private housing accreditation in the university communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In Nigeria, adolescents in urban slums are increasingly at risk of adverse sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. However, little is known about how individual factors predict parent-adolescent communication on SRH issues in a resource-poor urban setting in Ibadan. Thus, this study investigated individual factors associated with parent-adolescent communication on SRH issues in urban slums of Ibadan, southwest, Nigeria. This study is part of a larger project that explores the socio-ecological factors influencing parent-adolescent communication on SRH issues in selected slums in Ibadan, Nigeria. Within this broader framework, this paper relies on the quantitative data obtained in 10 selected slums. Interviewer-administered structured questionnaire [scripted on open data kits (ODK)] was utilized to collect data from a sample of 796 parent-adolescent dyads. Six SRH topics were investigated to describe the issues discussed. Analytical techniques utilized include; frequency counts, chi-square, and multinomial logistic regression. Parent-adolescent communication regarding SRH issues is not uncommon in urban slums of Ibadan but characterized by indirect communication, threat and warning. Parents and adolescents' age, gender, marital/relationship status, educational attainments and religion played influential role in parent-adolescent communication regarding SRH issues. These factors were identified to be significantly associated with the pattern of parent-adolescent discussion of SRH issues. Age-specific SRH education should be available to adolescents and parents need to be educated on appropriate SRH information and the best way to engage their adolescents on SRH issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed at exploring support for older people in protracted displacement in Nigeria, emphasising the available support and the gap in the support provided to them. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative interviews were used to collect data from ten displaced older people in New-Kuchingoro internally displaced persons (IDP) camp Abuja, Nigeria. The collected data were analysed thematically with NVivo 12. Findings: Results show that older people received material, emotional and psychological supports from their families, neighbours, friends, religious organisations and non-governmental organisations. Several gaps were identified in the support provided to displaced older people. For example, their special nutritional or medical needs were neglected, and their support was primarily material, sporadic and spontaneous, as there is no existing framework guiding the care and support of older people in displacement. Research limitations/implications: This study provides a foundation for further research on older people in displacement, an area that has received minimal scholarly attention. Practical implications: The paper recommends that researchers and displaced persons' care providers should pay more attention to the peculiar support needs of this less visible vulnerable group and adopt the internal displacement policy for the long-term protection of older people in displacement. Originality/value: Older people in displacement remain less visible as humanitarian aid programmes and research focus more on women and children. This lack of attention may put older people in displacement at more risk as their peculiar needs may not be met. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to examine the gap in support for older people in displacement in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies showed that rapid urbanization creates encumbrance for affordable housing in many developing world cities. Community participation has been proved as a successful platform of infrastructural facilities provision in developing cities but how far regarding affordable housing provision is yet to receive in-depth studies in Nigeria. Therefore, the study investigated the role of community in the provision of affordable housing and proffer possible solutions to enhance home ownership. Five communities in Benin City were engaged as the case study to achieve the study's objectives via a phenomenology type of qualitative research design. The study combined MAXQDA 2018 with thematic analysis to explain the data. Absence of recognition by government, inadequate infrastructural facilities, housing finance inaccessibility, lax policy to engage community leaders, and high cost of available land emerged as the root cause of factors impeding community participation in housing provision. Findings show that addressing the root cause will determine the success or failure of community within Benin and in other developing cities (with related cultural, economic, and social attributes) to participate in affordable housing provision. As part of this paper's implications, findings will enhance policymakers and lawmakers in decision-making concerning community-based housing policy toward achieving urban futures for Nigerian cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting research on sensitive subjects such as terrorism in sensitive places has the potential to cause both participants and researchers discomfort and distress. Therefore, identifying ways through which experiencing difficult emotions and researcher burnout can be prevented is imperative to the integrity of the research. This paper explores the challenges of interviewing people about terrorism in sensitive situations. It draws on existing literature regarding sensitive topics and the first author's field experience in Nigeria when collecting data about tourism and terrorism. It also highlights solutions employed and strategies that can assist during the data collection process. This paper is based on the study of fifty-two Nigerians who took part in semi-structured, personal interviews on domestic travel risks associated with terrorism. It is clear that participants may find discussing terrorism distressing due to its complex interaction with religion, politics, and ethnicity as well as personal experiences. This paper contributes to the literature by explaining the strategies that were employed and their implications for researcher and participant wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have shown that motivation to avoid pregnancy is associated with contraceptive use and continuation. These motivations can change, however, even within a short period of time. This paper uses longitudinal data to look at women's motivation to avoid pregnancy at two time points, and how changes in motivation influence contraceptive continuation. Methods: Data for this analysis came from an evaluation of the IntegratE project which seeks to expand access to family planning (FP) in Nigeria through community pharmacies and drug shops. 491 women were interviewed within 10 days after receiving a FP service from these sources and again approximately 9 months later. The dependent variable was contraceptive continuation at the follow-up interview. A categorical independent variable was used to represent changes in motivation to avoid pregnancy from enrollment to the follow-up interview. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between changes in motivation and contraceptive continuation. Results: 89% of women continued using contraception approximately 9 months after the enrollment interview. Women who remained highly motivated to avoid pregnancy were significantly more likely to continue using contraception compared to women who became more motivated (AOR 2.5; 95% CI 1.0–6.0). Women who became less motivated were 64% less likely to continue using contraception compared to who became more motivated (AOR 0.36 95% CI 0.1–0.9). Conclusion: FP providers, including private sector pharmacists and drug shop owners, should continuously check-in with women about their motivations around pregnancy to support continuation among those who wish to avoid pregnancy. Plain language summary: Previous research has found women's motivations to avoid pregnancy- how important it is to avoid pregnancy now- is associated with their contraception use. Yet women's motivations to avoid pregnancy often change, even within a short period of time. This paper looks at whether changes in motivation to avoid pregnancy are associated with continued use of contraception in Nigeria. We used data from a larger evaluation of the IntegratE project which seeks to expand access to family planning (FP) in Nigeria through community pharmacies and drug shops. 491 women were interviewed within 10 days after receiving a FP service (counseling, referral or FP method) from these sources and again 9 months later. We then used logistic regression models to assess whether changes in motivation to avoid pregnancy between receiving a FP service to 9 months later is associated with continued use of FP. We found that many women (89%) continued using contraception approximately 9 months after the enrollment interview. Women who remained highly motivated (reported it was very important to avoid pregnancy at both interviews) were more likely to continue using contraception compared to women who became more motivated between the two interviews. Women who became less motivated were 64% less likely to continue using contraception compared to who became more motivated. Our results suggest that FP providers, including private sector pharmacists and drug shop owners, should continuously check in with women about their motivations around pregnancy to support continuation contraceptive use among those who wish to avoid pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Reintegration programs have emerged as part of the regimes of care for survivors of human trafficking. However, empirical analysis of the reintegration outcomes for survivors remains limited in the African context. Hence, this paper aims to examine the challenges and opportunities of reintegration assistance programs for survivors of human trafficking in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on qualitative methods of data collection and analysis, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with repatriated women who have accessed reintegration assistance in Nigeria, and data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings: The findings suggest that while the reintegration programs might address the procedural aspect of reintegration, the achievement of substantive reintegration remains incomplete. This is because of the structural conditions of the context within which reintegration is supposed to occur. Practical implications: There is a need to take seriously the distinction between the reintegration of survivors into a new community or a former community in the design of a regime of care for survivors of human trafficking in Africa. Crucially, the focus on procedural reintegration should not also divert attention away from the structural conditions and reforms needed to ensure survivors achieve substantive reintegration. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the limited literature on life after trafficking and demonstrates the strengths and limitations of reintegration programs as a regime of care for survivors of human trafficking. In addition, this study empirically grounded the theoretical distinction between different aspects of the process of reintegration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study was to identify barriers and benefits in establishing a model for integration of palliative care of cancer patients in daily clinical practice in tertiary health institutions. Methods: This was a qualitative design study using in‐depth interviews with four stakeholders and focus group discussions with 19 nurse managers using purposive sampling to select the participants, utilizing interpretive paradigm method. Need was ascertained for a model that would guide nursing care for cancer patients. Results: Barriers identified in relation to integrating palliative care in daily clinical practice included lack of hospital policies about palliative care activities, cultural influences, denial or rejection of diagnosis by patients, inappropriate attitude of health care workers, patients failing to keep check‐up appointments and financial implications of setting up a dedicated palliative care team. Benefits of the model were twofold: hospital outcomes and patients/family outcomes. Conclusions: Quality care for cancer patients/families calls for the adoption of clearly set out principles of palliative care as an integral component of daily practice. Challenges to implementation of palliative care services in hospitals can be overcome by establishing workable policies and allocating adequate funds for palliative care activities. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? There is high incidence rate of cancer globally and Nigeria is not an exception.Diagnosis of cancer brings about fear and psychological distress to patients and their families.There is absence of health policy in Nigeria on prevention, control or even care of conditions such as cancer. What this paper adds? Barriers to adapting a palliative care model can be overcome by instituting policies, guidelines and palliative care teams to monitor all patients diagnosed with cancer.General positive attitude of health care professional towards cancer patients and families.Barriers to palliative care model implementation can be overcome by proper follow‐up of patients on first diagnosis. The implications of this paper: Hospital management can develop and implement interventions based on patients identified needs.Nurses should be properly trained on palliative care principles.There should be medium of educating patients and families after diagnosis of cancer to avoid negative cultural influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a major public health issue and a threat to the well-being of a mother and her offspring. As a growing concern in sub-Saharan Africa, this paper explores the knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthy expectant mothers towards GDM, and the content of GDM information delivered by prenatal nurses during Antenatal Clinic (ANC) in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. Semi-structured telephone interviews were employed with 22 participants comprising 20 pregnant women and 2 antenatal nurses. The results reveal that majority of the pregnant women were unaware of GDM as a particular health condition during pregnancy that poses a risk to both maternal and infant health and could lead to a long-term risk of developing the chronic condition of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This low level of awareness was attributed to a lack of adequate information during prenatal clinic sessions. The findings from this study emphasize the need to enhance the quality of public health education offered to pregnant women during pre and antenatal clinical services emphasizing GDM as part of the overall global agenda on promoting maternal and infant health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disability are likely to face long-standing employment barriers in finding and keeping jobs, for a variety of reasons. This study, therefore, investigated barriers to employment of people with intellectual disability. The participants in this study were made up of sixty-five stakeholders who were recruited from six different categories. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine barriers to employment of people with intellectual disability. METHODS: A qualitative and quantitative research design was used in the study. The qualitative method was used to systematically identify barriers to employment for people with intellectual disability while the quantitative method was used to rank the barriers. RESULTS: Findings indicate that barriers to employment for people with developmental disabilities are discrimination, stigma, employers' attitude, and management style, feeling unappreciated, and working environment such as culture to accommodation, understanding and strengths. Moreover, results shows that discrimination was ranked the highest while feeling unappreciated was ranked the least of the barriers to employment of people with intellectual disability. CONCLUSION: The paper provides information about barriers to employment of people with intellectual disability in Nigeria that is required to initiate change in policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper documents environmental health conditions and healthcare access challenges faced by internally displaced people (IDPs) from Borno State living in informal settlements in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study with 32 IDPs suggests a high vulnerability to COVID-19. Their accommodation often lacked basic sanitation including water and toilet facilities; overcrowding and high population density restricted ability to adhere to social distancing; and IDPs experienced serious consequences from lockdown, as the majority depended on daily wages, and did not receive food packages or other support from the State. Finally, there were obstacles to accessing healthcare. We highlight the importance of an integrated approach, consolidating the efforts of communities, non-governmental organisations, environmental and public health, and international organisations to address the health and well-being issues of IDPs in urban informal settlements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights are fundamental human rights. Previous studies on gender and sexuality in displacement settings have often focused on sexual and gender-based violence and the reproductive health problems of women while underplaying their needs for sexual expression, pleasure and procreation. This paper examines the influence of conflict and displacement on gender relations, sexuality and natality of internally displaced women in Nigeria. It draws on data from a larger study in which focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to explore 52 women's gendered experiences with Boko Haram insurgency and displacement. A critical thematic analysis of data revealed that the women's relationships with their men were complex and ambiguous, characterised by both tensions and solidarity. The women saw their men as partners in their struggle against multi-level oppression, including the structural barriers that undermine their mutual sexual expressions and pleasure, as well as their desire to procreate and repopulate their decimated ancestral communities. We recommend collaborative efforts to promote and protect the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of displaced women which includes building physical structures and living conditions that promote healthy, safe and pleasurable sexual expressions, and socio-political structures that create access to the long term social security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small proportion of women are found in the prison population worldwide and consequently they have been ignored in prison studies and policy engagements designed to mitigate their "pains of imprisonment." Despite the growing literature on prison science, only a few data-based studies have investigated the negative experiences of women prisoners in Nigeria. This research, therefore, sets out to empirically examine the gender-specific problems facing female inmates. A thematic analysis of the in-depth oral interview data generated from 25 inmates purposively selected from the women population revealed that their dietary, medical, personal hygienic and motherhood needs were grossly insufficient and dehumanizing. The situation is so debilitating that they have no option but to reuse such personal hygienic requirements as sanitary/menstrual pads and sometimes, use toilet papers and pieces of cloths in its stead. Other needs were occasionally met by their family members, churches, charity organizations, and individual donors. Confining women in correctional facilities established and equipped for men rather intensified their plight. The study calls for continuous determined efforts by governments, civil liberty organizations, faith-based institutions, and the academia to obtain – through policy, research, and practice – empirical evidence that is capable of providing practical solution to the problem. The intervention is both multi-sectoral and cross-disciplinary based, demonstrating a new drive and potential for harm reduction, as well as strengthening the growing advocacy on the treatment of (women) prisoners for better results. The call for further studies was also discussed to justify any perceived limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young mothers often encounter stigma and discrimination, affecting their lives and that of their children. This paper explores stigma management strategies and their effectiveness for young mothers in rural Nigeria. Ten key informants and 24 young mothers were recruited from Ife-East in South-Western Nigeria. Data from semi-structured interviews showed that societal disapproval of pregnant teenagers and young mothers were common experiences. Women used a range of strategies to actively cope with stigma including: belief in predestination, avoidance, concealment, and cohabitation. These strategies could be seen as tools to mitigate negative stereotypes and discrimination. However, they also had the unintended consequences of compounding many young women’s difficult circumstances and exposing them to adverse outcomes, including gender-based violence, repeat pregnancies, poor mental health, and low uptake of services. The results show the need for policy frameworks to actively combat stigma by addressing the negative framing of early pregnancy and motherhood and promoting supportive environments for young mothers. Health professionals need to be trained to offer de-stigmatising services to encourage young mothers to seek help and reduce pre-existing inequities in access to services, and policies need to include measures that address the rights of young mothers and protect them from violence and abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internally displaced youth and adolescents may continue to suffer from displacement-associated trauma and stress many years after initial displacement. Hence, our study initially aimed to qualitatively explore how displaced youth and adolescents in Nigeria are coping with the trauma and stress associated with protracted displacement. However, through serendipity, results from the thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews from 22 displaced youths and nine professionals in Abuja revealed that in addition to some positive coping mechanisms, some displaced young males turn to drugs, while some young women turn to transactional sex and multiple sexual partners to deal with the impact of protracted displacement. This may lead to increased crime, morbidity, and mortality, thus requiring immediate intervention. This paper concluded by recommending that social workers help displaced youth and adolescents deal with their current stressors by advocating for the improvement of their living situation while also working with other professionals to intervene on the issue of drug misuse and unhealthy sexual behaviours through continuous education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people aged 15 to 29 years of age. Ideation or suicidal thoughts, which precedes suicide is sometimes normalized and excused thereby missing avertable deaths within a given context. Understanding suicide ideation and the associated social correlates within contexts can provide cues on how to mitigate suicide. This paper examines the potential social factors that are shaping suicidal ideation among young people in two universities in Nigeria. Based on a mixed-method design, a survey was conducted among a proportionate sample of 500 young people (18–25years that are undergraduates). Four Focus Group Discussion sessions were also held among the same group and six semi-structured interviews with social workers at both universities. Quantitative evidence associated irregular financial support (OR = 0.60; p < 0.05) and broken intimate relationship (OR = 1.57; P < 0.05) with suicide ideation. Findings from the qualitative component also considered undergraduates that have academic challenges, engage in substance abuse, and have parents with marital problems to be prone to suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation among these young people is embedded in their network of relationships, which can be mitigated when the quality of support systems is responsive and adequately accessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a natural occurrence often associated with decline in body functioning and common health conditions. With the emergency of new diseases, vulnerable groups like older adults are prone and more possibly to be infected. In the era of COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, health management of older adults becomes demanding with increasing ill-health, morbidity and mortality. This paper aims to investigate caregivers' lived experiences in health care management of older adults amid and post COVID-19 pandemic for quality of life and wellbeing in Nigeria. With the phenomenological approach in qualitative research, we sourced our data using focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDI) from 21 caregivers purposively selected from three health institutions based on their ownership in Nsukka. Data were analyzed thematically. Results revealed that though care-giving is perceived to be filial, it is no longer effectively provided owing to financial and health status of the care recipient. Other findings indicated that factors predicting responds to preventive measures in older adults' health care include disregard of information, inadequate geriatric knowledge and noncompliance of health information. Suggestions to ease challenges in health care demand of older adults were brought to fore. Recommendations were on aligning geriatric professionals in health institutions and health care financing for all older adults in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the different strategies in managing operations and delivering services and compares them to current trends in academic libraries in Southwestern (SW) Nigeria. The author objectively and comparatively examined the different models of quality management (QM) and strategies, from which a framework of quality improvement for Nigerian university libraries was developed. The article employed a pragmatic approach to unearth the complexities of investigating the phenomenon in academic library environments. This paper discussed the findings of three studies (online survey, interview and focus groups) in this research and how they relate to the existing literature. A comprehensive analysis highlights challenges of university library operations in SW Nigeria while a pragmatic approach was used to achieve the objectives of the paper. The paper concluded that improvement in quality of service delivery and operations is certain if the proposed framework for QM implementation is embraced in Nigerian academic libraries. Recommendations were made on the way forward toward improving academic library services nationwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the cases of Bangladeshi, Filipina, Nigerian, Palestinian and Pakistani migrant workers and how the frame of their work and employment in precarious, low-status/ low-wage jobs affects their perceptions and practices regarding health and access to healthcare services. Design/methodology/approach - Using qualitative research methodology, the analysis via in-depth interviews focuses on male Bangladeshi, Nigerian, Pakistani and Palestinian unskilled manual and textile laborers as well as street vendors, and female Filipina live-in domestic workers. Findings - Migrants are entrapped in a context of isolative and exploitative working conditions, i.e., in unskilled labor, textile work, street-vending, personal services, care and domestic work, which lead them to adopt a self-perception in which healthcare and social protection are not a priority. Social implications - Throughout the paper it has become clear that these precarious low-status/low-wage jobs have an important underside effect on migrants' lives, intensifying labor and health instability and exposing migrants to employment-generating activities that do not guarantee health safety. In Greek society, the impact of migration on public health is characterized by many as a "time bomb ready to explode," especially in urban centers. Meanwhile, the economy and particularly the informal sector of the labor market is benefiting from migrant workers.More research is needed as thismode of exploitative labor and precarious employment needs to be adequately addressed to mitigate barriers in the access of labor and healthcare rights. Originality/value - Via its contribution to the sociology of migration with particular emphasis on labor healthcare, the paper provides evidence that due to their concentration in precarious, low-status/low-wage jobs migrant workers have very limited access to healthcare services. The removal of inequalities and discrimination against migrant workers in accessing healthcare services and medical care is a challenge for South European Union countries and particularly for Greece. However, in spite of this, there is no uniform policy in the management of migrants with respect to their access to health services. The paper will aid debates between policy makers and academics working on migration and inequalities due to the division of labor and health disparities, will contribute to the understanding of the perils attached to precarious, low-status/low-wage jobs and in addressing health inequalities effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Institutionalized older adults in care homes and long-care facilities have been identified as being at greater risk of COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality. Thus, this paper aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 on care homes in south-east Nigeria given the recent increasing popularity of care homes in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted qualitative research method, and data was collected from 10 older residents and 5 caregivers using interviews from two care homes, while ensuring the safety of the researcher and participants. The collected data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings: Findings revealed that the physical health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is not a major problem in the homes. However, fear and anxiety, social disconnection and economic hardship were the major problems identified by the older residents and caregivers in the homes. Originality/value: The popularity of care homes in Nigeria is growing as family structures continue to change. However, previous studies which have revealed devastating effect of COVID-19 on institutionalized older adults have been from the global north. This is the first study designed to bridge the gap in literature and contribute to knowledge on this topic from Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel COVID-19 pandemic and its containment measures such as lockdown and physical distancing are remarkedly affecting older adults' economic activities and well-being in ways deserving of urgent attention. To strengthen caregiving and promote targeted care for older adults during and after the pandemic, this paper investigates the impact of the coronavirus on the economic activities and well-being of older adults in Enugu and Anambra states, Nigeria. Hermeneutic phenomenology was adopted and 16 older adults aged between 60 and 81 years, with a majority of them still working as farmers and traders were phone-interviewed. Findings highlighted four key lessons for gerontological social workers including 1) the fear that impact of the containment measures could kill the older adults faster than the virus; 2) the measures generate a feeling of neglect and marginalization of healthcare needs among older adults; 3) altered positive health-seeking behavior among the older adults; 4) and concern about the absence of functional policy and plan to address the welfare of older adults. Therefore, the central focus of the gerontological social workers and Nigerian polity should not be on how to reduce the spread of the disease alone, but on an application of caution in instituting and implementing the measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While studies in social media and disability are growing globally, there is paucity in such studies in Nigeria. This study addresses this apparent gap by exploring the experiences and perceptions of Nigerian adults living with physical disability regarding social media, using an interpretive approach. A total of nine adults with physical disability between the ages of 20 and 34, living in urban areas, were interviewed in this study. Findings show that participants experienced diminished social contact and smaller social networks due to their disability. However, participants who used social media experienced increased social contact, developed social relationships, and had larger social networks. Participants also acknowledged social media as a useful platform for disability advocacy and awareness. Results support a call for continued efforts to support adults with physical disability experiencing diminished social contact to use social media to increase their social wellbeing. Implications for future research and practice are discussed. The paper examines the perceptions and experience of social media use among adults with physical disability in Nigeria. Analyses show that adults with physical disability in Nigeria experience some form of diminished social contact and smaller social networks due to their disability. Nigerian adults with physical disability who use social media experience increased social contact, establish and maintain social relationships, and have a larger social networks. Adults with physical disability in Nigeria acknowledge social media as a useful platform for disability awareness and advocacy. This research recommends that Nigerian adults with physical disability experiencing diminished social contact should use social media to increase their social wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on medicinal ethnobotany in rural areas and communities are important for documentation and generation of indigenous knowledge on the medicinal use of plants, as well as identification of new botanicals of pharmacological significance. This paper presents, for the first time, the quantitative ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The ethnobotanical survey was carried out by conducting semistructured interviews with 70 informants/collaborators. Data were analyzed using various quantitative indices, namely, Ethnobotanical Knowledge Index (EKI), Species Popularity Index (SPI), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Cultural Importance Index (CII), Informant Consensus Factor (FIC), Fidelity Level (FL), and Species Therapeutic Index (STI). A total of 87 plant species belonging to 43 families were documented along with their medicinal uses. Euphorbiaceae is the most implicated family (9%) of the plants documented, and herbs (36%) were the prevalent life form while leaf (46%) was the most used plant part. Fevers are the most common diseases treated with the medicinal plants with 1012 use-reports, followed by skin diseases with 314 use-reports while the most common mode of preparation is decoction (37%). Telfaria occidentalis has the highest SPI and RFC (0.99, 0.99) while Khaya grandifoliola has the highest CII of 1.91. The community has EKI of 0.57 indicating a good knowledge of medicinal plants around them. Species such as Citrus aurantifolia, Khaya grandifoliola, and Ocimum gratissimum have high quantitative indices suggesting that they are effective in the treatment of various diseases in the community and therefore should be considered for pharmacological studies to validate their folkloric usages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has further intensified the vulnerability of older persons in displacement and rendered them more unseen. This study aims at exploring the impact of COVID-19 on older people in displacement. Design/methodology/approach: Data were obtained using semi-structured interviews from 12 older persons at Durumi IDP camp Abuja, while observing strict infection control measures. The data were inductively coded with Nvivo and analysed thematically. Findings: Findings revealed that the economic and psychosocial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased older persons in displacement poverty, psychological stress and placed them at risk of ageism, social isolation and may subsequently lead to secondary displacement, thereby losing all progress, development and resilience built after initial displacement. Social implications: This paper concluded by encouraging the need for all stakeholders to pay more attention to this invisible yet vulnerable group to ensure no one is left behind as people fight through this pandemic and its social implications. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to explore the impact of COVID-19 on older people in displacement in Nigeria. This is because they have been relatively invisible to research endeavours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the definitions and onset of an old person in South-Western Nigeria. Conventionally, anyone who has reached the age of 60 or 65 years is regarded as the onset of an old person. But on contrary, this recent study is strongly emphasizing that 50 years and above is the onset of an old person in South-Western Nigeria. Obviously, the definitions and onset of an old person are controversial, yet, revealing in this paper. The study captured 13 Local Government Areas in Lagos state while 11 Local Government Areas were covered in Oyo state. The study employed focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs). However, 938 old persons were interviewed through questionnaire administration in Lagos and Oyo states of South-Western Nigeria. The univariate, FGDs, and IDIs were employed in the analyses of this research. The major findings of this study are the following: firstly, that there are different dimensions of the definitions of an old person that include frailty, inactivity, loss of strength, respect, blessedness, sickness, growing old, and inability to do hard work. Secondly, that someone who has reached the age of 50 years and above can be regarded as an old person, which is the onset of an old person in South-Western Nigeria society. On the basis of earlier findings, the study hereby recommends that anyone who has attained the age of 50 years and above should be recognized, regarded, and honored as an Elder by the State Government of South-Western Nigeria society where they are presently residing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Absenteeism in the health sector is increasingly seen as a form of harmful rule-breaking, with health workers receiving a salary although they are not present to provide care. It is a barrier to achieving universal health coverage yet remains widespread in primary health centres (PHCs) in Nigeria and many other low-resource settings. Traditional approaches to combatting absenteeism have relied on anti-corruption measures such as promoting accountability and transparency. However, more needs to be understood about the social and cultural realities, including perceptions and norms enabling or constraining the application of such measures in Nigeria and in similar contexts. Methods We conducted 34 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with frontline health workers and their managers/supervisors and two focus group discussions (FDGs) with service users (n=22) in Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria. We discussed their experiences and views about absenteeism, allowing the respondents' framings to emerge. We adopted a mixed approach of narrative analysis and phenomenology to examine respondents' narratives - identifying the concepts and social constructs within the narratives that manifested through the language used. Results Stakeholders acknowledged the problem of absenteeism but had differing perspectives on its dynamics. Health workers distinguished two forms of absenteeism: one as a mundane, everyday response to the poorly funded health system; and the other, brazen and often politically enabled absenteeism, where health workers whom powerful politicians protect are absent without facing consequences. There is a general feeling of powerlessness among both health service providers and service users confronted by politically backed absentees as the power dynamics in the health sector resonate with experiences in other spheres of life in Nigeria. Health workers rationalised mundane, technical absenteeism, adjusted to it and felt it should be accommodated in the health system. Service users are often unsure about who is absent and why, but when they notice absenteeism, they often ascribe it to wider system malpractices that characterise public services. Conclusion Interventions to tackle absenteeism and other forms of health sector corruption should be sensitive to socio-cultural and political contexts that shape everyday lives in specific contexts. Challenging narratives/beliefs that normalise absenteeism should be part of reform plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The obstetric transition model suggests that, as countries economically develop, the primary causes of maternal mortality change. Countries are assigned to one of five stages based on their maternal mortality ratio to identify priorities for reducing maternal deaths based on predominant determinants of mortality at each stage. We aim to validate the obstetric transition model using data from six diverse low- and middle-income countries representing self-identified priorities for improving maternal health and measurement compiled in a multi-stakeholder process. Methods We used multiple data sources from Bangladesh, Cote d'Ivoire, India, Mexico, Nigeria, and Pakistan, which included secondary data on country context and primary data derived from two sources: the content of multi-stakeholder meetings, called National Dialogues, which were organised around the 11 key themes identified in the World Health Organization's "Strategies toward ending preventable maternal mortality" (EPMM) and follow-up key informant interviews conducted in five of the seven countries. We conducted the analysis in four phases examining, the country's contextual profile, mapping the key themes and indicators to the model, exploring stakeholder prioritisation, and examining reasons for divergence from the model. Results Our results suggest that the stages of the obstetric transition generally align with the social, epidemiological, and health systems characteristics that the model predicts to be associated with countries at each stage, with some deviation related to health system deficiencies and barriers to access. Stakeholder priorities in maternal health generally align with those predicted by the model. Equity and women's rights emerged as a priority throughout all stages, not only within countries that are more advanced in the transition, as predicted by the model. Deviations between the model's predictions and country-level prioritisation were often explained by context-specific challenges. Conclusions This study is one of the first to validate the obstetric transition model using real data. Our findings support the validity of the obstetric transition model as a useful guide to aid decisionmakers in prioritising attention towards addressing maternal mortality. Country context, including equity, remains important to further inform priority-setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess the prevalence of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri. Design/methodology/approach: The study was a cross-sectional study that took place among the six IDP camps located in Maiduguri metropolis in Borno State. A non-randomized technique was used to sample 1,200 respondents. Face-to-face interviews with selected members of households were carried out confidentially. The study used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Impact of Event Scale-6 which were translated to Kanuri. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed using SPSS version 21. Findings: The response rate was 100 percent. In total, 96.1 percent (1,153) of the respondents were depressed, while 78 percent (936) of the respondents were symptomatic for PTSD. The prevalence rate of comorbid PTSD with depression was 68.1 percent (817). About one-third of the respondents had moderately severe depression (29.6 percent, n=355) while about one in ten of them were severely depressed (11.3 percent, n=136). The odds of being depressed was 3.308 higher in people aged 51–60 years compared to people between 18 and 20 years. Significant predictors of depression in the sampled population were screening positive for PTSD and being unemployed. Practical implications: The high prevalence of depression and PTSD among the sampled population calls for structured interventions to deal with mental health problems. The study findings suggest the need for more research (preferably qualitative) on the mental health issues in this population. Originality/value: This study contributes to the sparse available literature on the mental health of IDPs in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refugees and asylum seekers bring with them a plurality of cultures, traditions, and values that could prove crucial in influencing perceived health needs, requests for intervention, or willingness to undergo specific health treatments. Although studies have focused on the health consequences of forced migration, in recent years, there has been a lack of information on how refugees and asylum seekers represent their experiences of perceived health needs and elements that influence well-being, in a community context. This study aims to explore the experience of refugees and asylum seekers in an Italian multicultural community about perceived health needs. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted with an interpretive approach. The data were collected using a semi-structured face-to-face interview. The interviews were transcribed, read thoroughly, and analyzed. Nineteen refugees and asylum seekers were interviewed. Three main themes were extracted: (1) the centrality of the family to feel healthy; (2) feeling part of a community; and (3) stability and security. The results confirm that health needs, experiences, and different cultural representations of health and illness should be read and addressed with a culturally competent vision. This study was not registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community health workers play an important role in linking communities with formal health service providers, thereby improving access to and utilization of health care. A novel cadre of community health workers known as village health workers (VHWs) were recruited to create demand for maternal health services in the Nigerian Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P/MCH). In this study, we investigated the role of contextual factors and underlying mechanisms motivating VHWs. Methods: We used realist evaluation to understand the impact of a multi-intervention maternal and child health programme on VHW motivation using Anambra State as a case study. Initial working theories and logic maps were developed through literature review and stakeholder engagement; programme theories were developed and tested using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with various stakeholder groups. Interview transcripts were analysed through an integrated approach of Context, Mechanism and Outcomes (CMO) categorisation and connecting, and matching of patterns of CMO configurations. Motivation theories were used to explain factors that influence VHW motivation. Explanatory configurations are reported in line with RAMESES reporting standards. Results: The performance of VHWs in the SURE-P maternal and child health programme was linked to four main mechanisms of motivation: feelings of confidence, sense of identity or feeling of acceptance, feeling of happiness and hopefulness/expectation of valued outcome. These mechanisms were triggered by interactions of programme-specific contexts and resources such as training and supervision of VHWs by skilled health workers, provision of first aid kits and uniforms, and payments of a monthly stipend. The monthly payment was considered to be the most important motivational factor by VHWs. VHWs used a combination of innovative approaches to create demand for maternity services among pregnant women, and their performance was influenced by health system factors such as organisational capacity and culture, and societal factors such as relationship with the community and community support. Conclusion: This paper highlights important contextual factors and mechanisms for VHW motivation that can be applied to other interventions that seek to strengthen community engagement and demand creation in primary health care. Future research on how to sustain VHW motivation is also required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been widely acknowledged in recent years that contemporary ideas about children and childhoods are framed by perceptions and definitions that are both Western/minority world and adult-centred. This paper argues that this is not only the case for theoretical concepts but is also found in research practice, and, in particular, in the commonly accepted ethical frameworks for conducting research with children and young people. Drawing from multi-sited fieldwork and a combined ethnographic methodology of participant observation and semi-structured interviews, this paper discusses the realities of conducting research with itinerant street vending children and young people in busy Nigerian streets and marketplaces in Enugu urban, who had never taken part in a research project. It explores five key ethical issues that arose from the study and reflects on the dilemmas involved with researching and relating with such a highly mobile group within a chaotic, yet organised market environment. The paper concludes that doing ethical research with children and young people in the developing world is fraught with issues and dilemmas that can best be resolved not by adopting textbook, ‘Western’ ethical research frameworks and constructions that do not reflect the lived realities of non-western children, but by constantly negotiating and renegotiating boundaries of inequalities, moral values, cultural beliefs and practices and specific contexts within which majority world children live and grow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is about four times higher among individuals with same-sex orientation as against the general population. This may be partly due to judgmental, heteronormative attitudes among health workers, thereby affecting access to care. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to assess the perception of final-year medical students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria on sexual orientation and its implications on access to HIV care and support services. Design/methodology/approach - A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among final-year medical students. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 20. Relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated. Participation was fully voluntary. Findings - More males (70 percent) were aware of the concept of sexual orientation than females (60.4 percent). Most (94 percent) males and all female respondents felt homosexuality was against the order of nature. More males (76 percent) than females (62.3 percent) felt men having sex with men and homosexuality were synonymous. More females (50.9 percent) than males (48 percent) felt gay doctors should not be employed in public hospitals. Originality/value - Respondents had a poor perception of sexual orientation and there were no significant differences between genders. This could contribute to existing stigmatization against individuals with minority sexual orientations. It should be addressed in the medical curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the soap opera's potential to engender behaviour learning and meet the information needs of farmers, this paper sought to establish farmers' propensity to use soap opera for sourcing agricultural information in Southwest Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to draw representative samples (150 farmers) in this study. Using interview schedule, data were elicited on farmers' personal characteristics, awareness about the use of soap opera, perceived benefits of soap opera and proclivity to use it for sourcing agricultural information. Data were analysed using descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means) and inferential (Chi-square and PPMC) statistics at P = 0.05. Farmers' age, years of schooling and household size were 52.1 ± 11.4 years, 10.5 ± 4.6 years and 5.9 ± 2.4 persons, respectively. Majority of the farmers (86.0%) had heard about soap opera and 76.0% heard of different soaps in the last couple of years and more than half (53.3%) had heard of different soaps from both radio and television. However, 90.7% did not know any kind of soap opera that was used to promote agriculture. More than half of the farmers (56.7%) had high inclination for sourcing agricultural information using soap opera. There was a significant correlation between farmers' perceived benefits (r = 0.36; P = 0.00) and proclivity to use soap opera for sourcing agricultural information. Farmers' positive proclivity to use soap implies that soap opera strategy has potentials to benefit farmers as a source of agricultural information; therefore, soap opera should be considered as veritable avenue for agricultural information dissemination in Southwest Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2003 five northern Nigerian states boycotted the oral polio vaccine due to fears that it was unsafe. Though the international responses have been scrutinised in the literature, this paper argues that lessons still need to be learnt from the boycott: that the origins and continuation of the boycott were due to specific local factors. We focus mainly on Kano state, which initiated the boycotts and continued to reject immunisations for the longest period, to provide a focused analysis of the internal dynamics and complex multifaceted causes of the boycott. We argue that the delay in resolving the year-long boycott was largely due to the spread of rumours at local levels, which were intensified by the outspoken involvement of high-profile individuals whose views were misunderstood or underestimated. We use sociological concepts to analyse why these men gained influence amongst northern Nigerian communities. This study has implications on contemporary policy: refusals still challenge the Global Polio Eradication Initiative; and polio remains endemic to Nigeria (Nigeria accounted for over half of global cases in 2012). This paper sheds light on how this problem may be tackled with the ultimate aim of vaccinating more children and eradicating polio. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The United States Agency for International Development/Targeted States High Impact Project supported Sokoto State, Nigeria government in the development of a community-based intervention aimed at preventing post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) and cord infection among women and children, respectively. This paper describes the innovative intervention within the Nigeria health delivery system. It then explains the case study approach to assessing this intervention and summarises findings. Ultimately, the intervention was received well in communities and both drugs were added to the procurement list of all health facilities providing maternity services in the State. Key factors leading to such success include early advocacy efforts at the state-level, broad stakeholder engagement in designing the distribution system, early community engagement about the value of the drugs and concerted efforts to monitor and ensure availability of the drugs. Implementation challenges occurred in some areas, including shortage of community-based health volunteers (CBHVs) and drug keepers, and socio-cultural barriers. To maximise and sustain the effectiveness of such interventions, state government needs to ensure constant drug supply and adequate human resources at the community level, enhance counselling and mobilisation efforts, establish effective quality improvement strategies and implement a strong M&E system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents the challenges and barriers to accessing formal maternity care in South East Nigeria from women's perspectives. It is drawn from a study that explored the concept of safe motherhood. The study used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach guided by post-structural feminism. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with 17 women who were attending a formal healthcare facility for antenatal care. Four aspects of the challenges and barriers encountered by women when accessing care in a formal healthcare setting as reported by the participants of the study are as follows: financial constraints, lack of autonomy, negative attitude of the healthcare providers, and healthcare worker strikes. Some participants linked the economic status of women to the lack of education which had an impact on their ability to make an independent decision as to whether to seek formal maternity healthcare or not. Negative attitudes, and frequent strikes of healthcare workers in many cases, discourage women from using the formal maternity healthcare facilities. It is evident that Nigeria did not achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5, which is to improve maternal health. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1, which is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio, requires more than technical approaches. Genuine political will is required if the health system is to be affordable for all women. There is the need to address the gender-related issues that sustain women's low socio-economic status. The government needs to pay the workers as and when due, and a performance appraisal should be in place to ensure improvement in the quality of care offered to women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blind people have been consistently underemployed in Nigeria. There have been recent policy initiatives, and programmes especially by the federal government and the Lagos state government, aimed at improving the unemployment situation of people with disabilities, but not much success has been recorded. This study explored the views of blind individuals about their (un)employment experiences to understand their challenges and proffer solutions. The study employed a qualitative approach, conducting one-to-one unstructured qualitative interviews with 22 blind and visually impaired adults aged between 18 and 55 years. Verbatim transcripts of the interviews were analysed using the thematic analysis approach. Four major themes emerged: describing participants' views on discrimination and lack of inclusive processes in recruitment; perceived gaps with policy enforcement; inadequate support systems for vocational skills training and entrepreneurship; as well as general views on life, society, and hopes for future employment opportunities. The most common barrier to employment mentioned by participants was the misconception by employers that being blind meant being unable to work. There was a general lack of confidence and trust in recent policies seeking to address structural barriers to visually impaired people's employment goals. Real solutions and specific policy changes were desired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multidrug‑resistant bacterial infections are still a global challenge and successful antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) requires multidisciplinary collaborative partnership. Studies have highlighted the knowledge and perceptions of pharmacists, but there is a paucity of data about practices of pharmacists in teaching hospitals in Nigeria. We set out to determine the knowledge and practices of pharmacists in a major tertiary health facility (THF) in Lagos, Nigeria, before starting an AMS intervention program. Methods: This cross‑sectional survey used electronic forms to find out the knowledge and practices of pharmacists employed in a large tertiary health facility. Data were collected during a Commonwealth Partnerships for AMS program to support low‑ and middle‑income countries to produce antimicrobial consumption surveillance data, quality improvement initiatives, and infection prevention and control (IPC) processes. Results: Two‑thirds of respondents knew that antibiotics were effective against bacteria, and 48.6% knew the causes of antimicrobial resistance. Almost all (97.1%) agreed that AMS must be done, IPC is important, and they were confident to point out inappropriate prescribing. Three‑quarters had advised colleagues or been involved in AMS activities; however, 62.9% had fully or mostly changed their practices based on information received, and 26.5% had participated in World Antibiotic Awareness Week. Conclusion: There are still gaps in knowledge and practices, which underscore the need to entrench regular training on the job. However, there is overall awareness of AMS and a desire for it to be carried out at all levels. Pharmacists are useful for choosing appropriate antibiotics and can play a vital role in AMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was carried out to document the medicinal values and therapeutic applications of different parts of A. cordifolia in Ekebedi Oboro ancient Kingdom of Abia State, Nigeria, and profile its bioactive constituents. Material-Method: The ethno-botanical survey involved questionnaires and oral interviews of 81 randomly selected traditional medicine doctors and natives on medicinal values of A. cordifolia. GC-MS fingerprinting was adopted to elucidate the bioactive constituents of the methanol leaf extract of the plant. Results: The survey showed that A. cordifolia is prescribed in different treatment regimens for coughs, bronchitis, postpartum bleeding, lacerations, wounds, vaginitis, diarrhea, sickle cell anemia, and venereal diseases, including gonorrhea, syphilis, and prostatitis. Phytochemical fingerprinting revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds as the major active ingredients of the plant. A total of 27 fatty acids and volatile hydrocarbons were detected in the leaf extract of the plant with 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)- methyl ester (18.42%), 9-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester (19.93%), Dodecanoic acid 1,2,3-propanetrieyl (15.87%) as most abundant ingredients. Conclusion: A. cordifolia is used to treat various diseases such as sickle cell anemia, diabetes, post-partum bleeding, and HIV infections amongst others. The fatty acids identified in A. cordifolia possibly underscored these antimicrobial and therapeutic actions of the plant in traditional medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An estimated 6 million children under the age of five in Nigeria (out of nearly 31 million) risk not reaching their full developmental potential. The dearth of context-relevant measures poses a challenge to the planning and implementation of effective interventions. This study assesses the utility of the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) in Nigeria. We used the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys to track progress among 3- to 4-year-old children (n = 11,073); 3-year-old, 51%; female, 49%. Using random calibration samples, the results from psychometric tests indicate that while over half of the children were on track in their development based on the ECDI, the instrument had low to average internal consistency and weak face validity, suggesting an inadequacy in capturing ECD information of value. At the outset of the launch of the new ECDI2030, the results of this study point to the need for continued discourse and advocacy for the use of culturally appropriate measures of child development, and a child-centered community engagement approach. This is essential in ensuring accountability and responsive interventions for the children served and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The report that persons over 65 years of age are the fastest-growing age group and the projected potential effect of the growth rate on older adults' support ratio has raised concerns globally, resulting in interventions targeted at promoting and establishing alternative care options, including residential facilities. Promoting alternative care options became more necessary with the reduction of traditional informal care, a significant source of care in many developing countries. However, while studies in developed countries documented the views of older adults regarding alternative care options, those in Nigerian settings majorly reported opinions of caregivers of older adults. This underscores the relevance of exploring the perception of living in residential care facilities from the standpoint of older adults who are the primary residents of the care facilities. A qualitative descriptive design was adopted in interviewing 20 older adults categorised as non-residents, residents in care facilities and adult day-care recipients. The participants were drawn from Enugu-East and Enugu-West senatorial zones in Enugu State. The data was coded with the use of NVivo 12 and analysed thematically. The results revealed that the non-residents majorly perceived care provided to the ageing population in residential care facilities as abandonment by selfish and irresponsible children. This perception was highly influenced by the people's culture, which favoured the filial care option. Also, the people stigmatized-shamed those who accept alternative care options. With these, the study recommends culture reorientation through education and sensitisation to ensure the ageing population is knowledgeable about other care options as filial care continues to decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns the use of photo-elicitation interviews in constructing migrant narratives of health and well-being. It argues that photo-elicitation can be particularly effective in producing nuanced understandings about relationships among culture, place and health. It explores how, through this method, subject-centred understandings of health and well-being are able to challenge dominant discursive constructions that tend to ‘other’ and potentially stereotype minority groups in explanations of health behaviour. The paper includes discussion of issues of power and representation in research with marginalized populations, which further elaborates the value of photo-elicitation in developing a non-essentializing view of minority groups. The paper concludes with comment on the potential value of this method in the formulation of health and social policies aiming to incorporate the views and needs of marginalized or minority groups. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There is a widespread consensus internationally, demonstrated in the UN Charter on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and subsequent policy documents, that children should be protected from work that is hazardous and harmful. This paper, based on doctoral research conducted with street-vending children and young people in Nigeria, argues that this approach fails to address the complex reality of children's lives in developing countries. Findings from interviews with itinerant child vendors and participant observation in markets in Enugu, Nigeria, demonstrate that vending is an essential part of children's everyday lives, organised alongside, not separate from, other areas of family life. The paper concludes that it is not helpful to impose developed-world ideas on children's lives in such a different context; the focus of attention should, it is proposed, be on finding out what children and young people think and how they might be better supported and protected within their working environments. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It is well recognised that unsafe abortions have significant implications for women's physical health; however, women's perceptions and experiences with abortion-related stigma and disclosure about abortion are not well understood. This paper examines the presence and intensity of abortion stigma in five countries, and seeks to understand how stigma is perceived and experienced by women who terminate an unintended pregnancy and influences her subsequent disclosure behaviours. The paper is based upon focus groups and semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with women and men in Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru and the United States (USA) in 2006. The stigma of abortion was perceived similarly in both legally liberal and restrictive settings although it was more evident in countries where abortion is highly restricted. Personal accounts of experienced stigma were limited, although participants cited numerous social consequences of having an abortion. Abortion-related stigma played an important role in disclosure of individual abortion behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]