Search

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rising in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. A previous study in Abia State, Nigeria, showed a high prevalence of diabetes, with no significant difference in urban and rural communities. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and risk factors for impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), which represent reversible and preventable early signs of DM. A cross-sectional comparative study of 2800 adult residents of Abia State, comprising equal number of urban and rural respondents. Interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Fasting blood glucose was performed for all the respondents, while oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was done for 2424 respondents, comprising 1117 urban residents and 1307 rural residents. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Mean age of the respondents was 48.54 ± 13.24 years: rural = 54.23 ± 14.26 years and urban = 42.85 ± 13.24 years, p

Dog bite cases pose a major public health threat in Nigeria and other nations of the world. Millions of people are bitten by dogs, and most cases are fatal when bitten by rabid dogs. This study evaluated dog bite cases in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. It is a retrospective study on the clinical records of dog bite patients managed between 2016 to 2018 at the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia. Out of 98 reported cases of dog bites, there was a higher incidence rate of (65.3%) among the male victims than females (37.7%). 19.4% of the cases were victims of less than 15 years of age. Lower limb (59.2%) was the major site of bite cases. 58.2% of the offending dogs were owned while 41.8% were stray dogs. Only 31.6% of offending dogs had up-to-date anti-rabies's vaccination. Clinic records showed that 52% of the patients werepresented within 24hrs of the incidence at the hospital. Use of herbal balms (48%) was the most pre-hospital treatment received by dog bite victims. 4 victims had confirmed rabies case. Wound sustained by victims included open wound, lacerations, bruises and avulsion. Treatment pattern was based on evaluated risk of exposure of victims. In conclusion, dog bite cases in this study occurred more in malesand adults with mostly owned dogs being involved in the reported cases. Most victims of dog bite cases at the Centre promptly presented their cases for medical consultation. Public awareness is required on the need to avoid provocative dog bites, prompt hospital visitation when bitten by a dog, and there is a need for dog owners to vaccinate their dogs annually against rabies. Keywords: Appraisal, Dog- bite, rabies,treatment-regimen, Umuahia

Aim: To determine the prevalence of Streptococcus pnenumoniae in pnenumonia patients attending Madonna Catholic Hospital, Umuahia; Abia State. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study on the prevalence of Streptococcus pnenumoniae among patients in Madonna Catholic Hospital, Umuahia. It lasted for a period of three months (September 2019 to January 2020). Standard microbiological techniques were used to evaluate 60 sputum samples collected from pneumonia patients and the modified Kirby-Buar disk diffusion technique was used to test the sensitive pattern of the isolates to some antibiotics. Results: A total of thirty-three (33) Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates were recovered from sixty (60) sputum samples from pneumonia patients. 17(51%) were gotten from male and 16 (49%) of isolates were gotten from female. The highest frequency of occurrence among the age groups was observed with adults (19-59 years) (34.4%) followed by adolescence (13-18 years) (33.3%), while the least frequency was from those of senior adults (>60) (9.1%). However, the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from the sputum samples shows varying degrees of sensitivity and resistance to the antibiotics. From the study, Streptomycin and Cotrimoxazole showed a high percentage of sensitivity against Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates at 78.8% and 72.7% respectively. The highest percentage of resistance was observed with Gentamicin and Tetracycline at 42.4% each. Conclusion: This study highlights that there was no distinct variation in occurrence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in relation to gender and age. As most patients were hospitalized in separated wards, this suggests a role for local dissemination of this bacterium in the respective wards rather than age or gender specific predilection. This study also suggests that streptomycin and Cotrimoxazole could be a drug of choice in the treatment of pneumonia.

Background A study was conducted to determine the co-infection of Trichomonas vaginalis and HIV infection prevalence and its risk factors among prison inmates in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 350 inmates (280 males and 70 females) participated in the study. Three hundred and fifty (350) blood and urine samples including 70 high vaginal swabs (from females) were screened using direct serological and wet mount methods respectively. Structured questionnaire were administered to obtain socio-demographic and behavioral risk factor data. Results An overall prevalence 43.4% was recorded for Trichomonas vaginalis single infection and 2.6% for HIV single infection. A total of 8(2.3%) prevalence for Trichomonas vaginalis and HIV co-infection were recorded in our study. Females recorded more infection (2.8%) than their male counterpart (2.1%). Age groups 21–30 and 31–40 had highest prevalence in male and age group 31–40 in females. This study also identified multiple sex partners and unprotected sex as the major risk factors that influence transmission of T. vaginalis and HIV infection although was insignificant. Conclusions Prevalence of T. vaginalis and HIV co-infection was minimal, however, should not be ignored. Adequate healthcare facility should be provided in the prison. Inmates should be tested and treated upon their release to reduce the spread of the infection to the general population.

The study provided an empirical evidence on the use of improved goat production technologies among rural farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondent, ascertain the extent of use of improved goat production technologies, determine factors influencing use of improved goat production technologies and identify the constraint to access and use of improved goat production technologies in the study area. A multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the sample size 120 respondents. Data for the study were collected through the use of questionnaire. The data collected for the study were analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the socioeconomic characteristics revealed the mean age of the respondents was 43 years, majority 69.16% of the respondents were married, about 45% had secondary education, a mean household size of 6 persons, majority 66.67% were farmers, mean years of arming experience at 5.7 years, mean income of #102,000, mean farm size of 11 goats and majority (78.33%) of respondents were non- members of cooperative societies. The result on extent of use of improved goat production technologies, revealed that the respondents highly used most of improved goat production technologies as affirmed with the grand mean of = 3.20. On constraint to use of improved goat production technologies, all the respondents 100% agreed that lack of access to credit was a constraint to use, 100% agrees on lack of credibility from source of technological information, 99.2% agreed that they were afraid of taking risk, 93.3% agreed on difficulty in technology application among others. The OLS regression estimates of the influence of socioeconomic characteristics the respondents on the use of improved goat production technologies in the study area, revealed that age at 10%, education at 1%, household size at 1%, farming experience at 1%, farm size at 1%, income at 1% and access to credit at 5% were the determinants of use of improved goat production technologies in the study area and the null hypotheses rejected. In conclusion, greater use of available improved technologies will promote productivity, and therefore there is need for proper sensitization and awareness by relevant agencies. The study recommended that credit should be made available to farmers by relevant governmental and non- governmental agencies to increase the level of use of available improved technologies.

The study provided an empirical evidence on the use of improved goat production technologies among rural farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were, ascertain the extent of use of improved goat production technologies, determine factors influencing use of improved goat production technologies and identify constraints to access and use of improved goat production technologies. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was adopted in selecting 120 respondents. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire and analysed with frequency, percentage, mean and regression model. Respondents were aware of dipping (100%),deworming (99.2%) fostering of kids (93.3%) and colostrum feeding (71.7%), among others. On extent of use of improved goat production technologies, respondents highly used most of improved goat production technologies [grand mean = X̄ = 3.20]. All the respondents [100%] agreed that lack of access to credit was a constraint to use, 100% agreed on lack of credibility from source of technological information, 99.2% agreed that they were afraid of taking risk, 93.3% agreed on difficulty in technology application, among others. Age education, household size, farming experience, farm size, income and access to credit were the determinants of use of improved goat production technologies at 5% level of probability Greater use of available improved technologies will promote productivity, and therefore there is need for proper sensitization and awareness by relevant agencies. Again, credit should be made available to farmers by relevant governmental and nongovernmental agencies to increase the level of use of available improved technologies. Keywords: improved goat production technologies and farmers

This study investigates the effect of the provision on non-audit services on Auditor’s independence: evidence from accounting practitioners and consequent effect on the auditor’s objectivity and professional skepticism in the financial statement audited. The study used the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) domiciled in Abia State. The data for the study were generated from primary source: questionnaires were the major instrument for data collection. The instrument was subject to both content and faces validity by experts. Three questions were structured in Likert scale form and the formulated hypotheses were tested with ordinary Logistic regression using SPSS package. The study found that non-audit services have no effect on auditor’s independence, the auditor’s objectivity and professional skepticism. The study therefore recommends that the audit committee should have full oversight of the auditor’s independence, including the nature and extent of the work they do and their fees. The audit committee should make its charter public. The charter should give investor information about how the audit committee chooses its auditors and how it decides the type of service they can provide.

Coccidiosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases of poultry worldwide. Chemotherapy remains the principal means to control this disease albeit the increasing problems of drug resistance. The aim of this study was to examine the drug usage of anticoccidials in the six communities of Umuahia, Abia state. Data such as type, class and composition of drugs used, level and frequency of usage, route ofadministration and anticoccidial program adopted by different farms were collected from 85 poultry farms within the study region. Results showed that the ionophores anticoccidials were not in use whereas the sulphonamides constituted the bulk of the drugs used (79.3%). Others were; thiamine analogue (21.1%), aminopyrimidine (33.7%), guanidine (14.4%), pyrimidine derivative (15.1%) and nitroimidazol (8.6%). Most of the drugs (>60) contained vitamin A and K. The most popular drug combinations were sulphaquinoxaline and diveradine with vitamin A and K (Embazine Forte) among thirteen trade-marked drugs under use. Close to 25.0% of farms practiced shuttle program and the rest continuous program of administration. Anticoccidials were administered through in-water medication for prophylactic and therapeutic use, and for both in the different farm applications in 43.5, 27.7 and 31.8 (%) respectively. The lack of usage of the ionophores and the massive use of sulphonamides coupled with low application of the right anticoccidial programs in this region presents a serious danger of anticoccidial resistance with consequent high prevalence of the disease. Keywords: Anticoccidials, Coccidiosis, Drug resistance, Ionophores, Poultry, Sulphonamides

Background: Early diagnosis of breast cancer has been associated with better outcomes in diagnosed cases. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an inexpensive but effective method of identifying breast masses that may be cancerous. Objectives: To identify the knowledge, attitude and practice of BSE among women in Abia State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study of 415 women in Aba, a commercial city in Abia State. Pretested questionnaires were administered on women who consented to participate in the study. Analysis of data was done using IBM SPSS Version 20. Results: The mean age of the 415 participants was 36.7±9.9 years. About 9% of respondents had a positive family history of breast cancer. Majority of the women; 76% (331) had heard of BSE with highest (34%) source of information being radio and television. While 67.5% knew how to do BSE, only 32% knew the right frequency for performing BSE. Though majority of women agreed that it was necessary to see a doctor for breast examination; only 39% had done so previously while 54% felt having a doctor examine their breast would be embarrassing. Only 28% of the women had practiced BSE in the past. Reasons given for not practicing BSE were lack of knowledge and forgetfulness. Conclusion: This study demonstrated high knowledge and good attitude but poor practice of BSE.

Introduction HIV prevention services to in-school adolescents need good planning and management. HIV risk reduction interventions are geared toward measuring sexual risk behaviour outcomes of adolescents that predispose them to HIV infection. The sexual behaviour of adolescents, especially in-school adolescents should be assessed in the process. Adolescents have been identified as the most vulnerable group for acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and as such, measures should be taken to prevent them from infection. One important reason for higher HIV prevalence among adolescents, especially girls, is the frequent practice of age-discrepant partnering, where older men, who are more likely to be infected with HIV, form sexual partners with younger girls. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and sexual behaviour of in-school adolescents in the prevention of HIV and AIDs in rural areas of Abia State. Materials and Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional survey that was conducted between January and March 2020. Information was collected from 66 students of a community secondary school in the state. Participants were selected by a multi-stage sampling method and data were obtained using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Results Respondents consisted of 40(60.6%) females and 26(39.4%) males with ages ranging from 13 to 19. Some of the respondents 28 (42.4%), are living with parents while 24(36.4%) live with close relatives. A good number of the respondents 39(59.1%), accepted that their friends are HIV positive. Majority of them 49(74.2%) have not been approached for sexual relationships. About 17(25.8%) of the respondents accepted that they have boyfriends and girlfriends. Out of this number, 12(18.2%) of them said they have been approached for sex and only 2(3%) of them accepted having sexual relationships with the opposite sex. Finding showed that only 1(1.5%) of the respondents claimed to have ever used condoms during sex. Of the sexually active respondents, 49(74.2%) of them are aware that HIV is a virus infection caused by having multiple sex partners while 14(21.2%) were not sure whether HIV is a virus or bacterial infection. Conclusion The study revealed a gap in the knowledge of HIV prevention as well as inappropriate sexual behaviour among the respondents. Therefore, meaningful strategies that will be culturally sensitive to modify adolescent sexual risk behaviours should be adopted.

Background: One of the key strategies in the HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in Nigeria is Voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT). However, its utilization among young adults, particularly undergraduates, is very low. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of non-uptake of VCT among undergraduates. Methods: A cross sectional study using quantitative methods was conducted. Using simple random sampling, three faculties were selected out of nine and 422 respondents were selected from three faculties. Interviews were conducted using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences version 20. Prevalence was measured by the percentage of respondents that had never used VCT. Analytical statistics were done using chi-square test to measure strength of association between VCT uptake and knowledge and attitude of respondents. Association with P-value 0.05 was considered significant. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of non-uptake of VCT. The associations were presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Overall, 59.3% of respondents were knowledgeable about VCT while majority, 64.7% had negative attitude towards it. Knowledge (X2 = 9.89, P-value 2 = 10.78, P-value OR 1.874 (1.058 - 3.289), P Conclusions: VCT uptake among undergraduates was low and determined by VCT-related ignorance, poor attitude, fear of positive result and HIV/AIDS-related stigma/discrimination. In order to change the narrative, HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in Nigeria should address the identified predictors of non-VCT uptake. There is a need to focus on young adults when designing, expanding and implementing VCT services in the country.

In Nigeria, Universal health coverage has been sub-optimal due to limited access and inequality. This is worsened by poor health-seeking behavior due to out-of-pocket expenditure health system financing being practiced by a greater percentage of the population. However, leveraging on the increasing population of Nigerian’s using communication technologies provides a viable and robust platform for improving patient’s care. Consequently, tele-health initiative provides a complementary approach to improving access to quality health and universal health system coverage. Tele-health initiative is Abia state’s input in progressing the Universal Health Coverage mandate of the Federal Government of Nigeria, anchored on the e-Health policy of Nigeria, after its adoption at the 58th NCH in Sokoto in 2016, of which Abia became the pioneer state for the Project. Abia state’s telecommunication market caters to almost 3.5 million active subscribers, making it the single largest provider of services in the state. Objective: The project is designed to ascertain the impact of the tele-health initiative on healthcare service coverage in Abia State. Methodology: This is a descriptive study with the quantitative and qualitative arm. The study was conducted in all the seventeen local government areas in the State. Result: 29,488 incoming calls were related to general health inquiries about basic information, counseling, and support that improved callers’ knowledge and attitude towards their health, concerns, and symptoms. Also, 66.8% of all calls (19,382) were for routine health information, complaints on mild everyday symptoms, chronic disease management, and follow-up care. About 29.6% of total calls (8751) were made by persons seeking information on socially stigmatizing topics and conditions.

Introduction: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) in Nigeria prompted decision‑making at the various levels of governance. Ebonyi State Government in South‑east Nigeria closed her borders with neighboring states as a preventive measure for the spread of the pandemic. This study was an assessment of the effectiveness and challenges of border closure and surveillance activities in controlling the dispersion of the disease across states. Materials and Methods: The five major borders of Ebonyi State with her neighboring States of Enugu, Cross River, and Abia were visited. Information was collected about movement restrictions and surveillance at the borders using an observation checklist and key informant interviews. Data collected were analyzed using IBM‑SPSS and thematic interpretation. Results: Commuters on essential duty were enforced to wear face masks, perform hand hygiene, and undergo screening for the symptoms of COVID‑19 before entering the State. All the first 13 COVID‑19 confirmed persons in the State were from those picked up as suspected cases by surveillance at the State borders. People who travelled hundreds of kilometers across several States were stopped from entering Ebonyi State. However, movement restriction at the borders was undermined by some security personnel who were bribed by commuters to allow them crossover during night hours. Conclusion: The lockdown and surveillance activities at the borders were effective in controlling the spread of COVID‑19, but alternative routes of entry and corrupt act during odd hours constituted serious risks. Uniformity of movement restriction across all the states borders with vigilante groups manning inter‑community boundaries may control the disease spread across regions. Keywords: Coronavirus disease 2019 surveillance, infection control, inter‑state borders, lockdown, suspected cases

The study examined the effects of agricultural credit on the output and profitability of egg farms in Abia State, Nigeria Primary data were collected with structured questionnaire during the 2004 production season from a total of 120 ege farmers selected using purposive random sampling technique with which the productions, prosir and cost functions were estimated using the Ordinary I Synares (OLS regression focuique Results strow thar total quality of feed jam size and cost of drugs positively and significantly influenced egg out(% 7% and 5% levels respectively Results of the profit function reveals war total output output eggs, agricultural credit and average price of eggs per chale had positive and significant effects own profit at 1% 1% and 5% levels actively Sufficient evidence exists to suggest that productivity level differ across arms with and we wishow access to credit. This study recommends increased incentives to farmers in form of credit facilities, Farmers should be encouraged to belong to organized farmers' groups such as Co-operatives

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of health workers training and implementation of the FAST strategy on the “FAST” indicators at Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH); a tertiary referral facility. ”FAST” strategy; a focused approach to stopping TB spread in congregate settings developed by TB Care1 stands for Finding TB cases Actively, Separating safely, and Treating effectively. Study Design: This was a facility based interventional study using control group design methods with ABSUTH as the intervention facility while Federal Medical Centre Umuahia (FMCU) was the control. Methodology: Health workers (74 across cadres; doctors, nurses, laboratory scientist and medical record staff) selected through stratified random sampling were trained to ensure daily cough surveillance and screening for TB among patients at the General outpatient, medical wards and HIV clinic of ABSUTH under supervision of a “FAST” focal person.Baseline “Fast Indicators” in the facility TB records of newly diagnosed TB patients 3 months before and 3 months after the training intervention were obtained. Results: At baseline the “FAST” strategy indicators recorded in the study facility include time to diagnosis > 1 week, time to treatment 3.5 days, presumptive TB cases 92, number of cases commenced on treatment were 22 while presumptive DRTB cases was 0.33. This study observed a significant positive difference in all the “FAST” indicators following the intervention. Time to diagnosis decreased by 52%, time to treatment decreased by 17% while the number of presumptive TB cases increased by over 100%. Number of TB cases diagnosed also increased by 100% as well as the cases commenced on treatment by 91%, while number of diagnosed DRTB cases increased by over 100%.These were all statistically significant ( P=.013,.03, .032, and .049 except time to treatment P= 0.053). Conclusion: The training intervention on ‘FAST” strategy of TB infection Control significantly improved FAST Indicators in the intervention facility with attendant reduction in diagnostic delays and increased case notification.

Background and Objective: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are leading causes of non-communicable diseases and are increasingly becoming the major causes of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Published literature on the changing patterns and outcome of CVD admissions in the southeast region of Nigeria is scanty. This study, therefore, set out to bridge this gap in knowledge. Subjects and Methods: This was a 10-year retrospective descriptive study in which data about patients admitted on account of the CVDs to the medical wards of Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba from May 1, 2007 to April 30, 2017 were extracted from the Admission/Discharge registers in the medical wards. Relevant data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 software. Results: A total of 2044 patients were admitted because of CVDs, made up of 927 (45.4%) males and 1117 (54.6%) females. Cerebrovascular disease (stroke), heart failure (HF) and uncontrolled systemic hypertension (SHTN) were the major cardiovascular indications for hospitalization at 44.08%, 38.85% and 15.31% respectively. With an overall CVD mortality of 24.9% of the medical admissions, the commonest cause of CVD deaths was stroke. Majority of the CVD deaths (70.9%) occurred within the first 7 days of hospitalization Conclusion: Contribution of cardiovascular diseases to medical admissions is considerable in Aba, Southeast Nigeria. In-patient mortality of the CVDs is high especially from stroke. It is recommended that every effort should be made to control the modifiable risk factors of CVDs while early detection and treatment of CVDs be effected. Keywords: Aba, cardiovascular diseases, medical wards, non-communicable diseases, Southeast, Nigeria

The study assessed agricultural extension agent’s perception of open data usage in agricultural communication in Abia State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 83 extension agents for the study. Data for the study was collected with the use of questionnaire and described with frequency counts, percentages and mean. A moderate percentage (68%) of extension agents were aware of open data with only 15% and 7% having high and very high level of awareness. A relatively high percentage (54%) understand what open data is all about with only 49% consenting to be involved in the use of open data mainly at a moderate level (66%). Extension agents mainly perceive open data to facilitate agricultural research ( x̄ = 3.2), facilitate access to research findings (x̄ = 3.2), give access to the work of other extension agents in other states ( x̄ = 3.2), expose them to innovation in agriculture ( x̄ = 3.2) and ensure timely access to all necessary information (x̄ = 3.1). The major challenges to the use of open data among extension agents were lack of fund to purchase internet bundle ( x̄ = 2.2), unavailability of internet facilities( x̄ = 2.1), lack of basic ICT facilities ( x̄ = 2.1) as well as lack of adequate knowledge of the use of ICT( x̄ = 2.0) and open data ( x̄ = 2.0). Propagation of the use of open data could be done mainly by provision of ICTs in offices ( = 3.6), training of extension agents to understand the concept of open data ( x̄ = 3.6) and provision of internet facilities for extension agents ( x̄ = 3.5). The study emphasized the need for Government through the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) to provide basic ICT tools in offices and provision of internet facilities to enable extension agents maximize the use of open data. Keywords: Open data, challenges, agriculture, extension agents

Purpose: This study aims to ascertain the profitability determinants of palm oil marketing in Umuahia Agricultural Zone of Abia State, Nigeria. Methods: Data on socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, cost, and returns of palm oil marketing in the area were collected using a multi-stage sampling technique from 60 palm oil marketers in Abia State. A descriptive statistical technique, marketing margin, profitability models, and the ordinary least squares multiple regression techniques were used to analyze the data obtained. Results: The empirical analysis showed that palm oil marketers mean age to be 47 years with a household size of 5 persons. 77% of the palm oil marketers were males while only 23% were females. The mean marketing experience of the palm oil marketers was estimated to be 16 years. The gross and net marketing margins were estimated at N55, 288.91, and N54, 076.91 respectively. The marketing margin was found to be ₦81,221.22 and profitability was estimated at 0.33. Age, household size, education, and marketing experience were statistically significant at 5% and influenced the profitability of palm oil marketing in the area. Implications: Considering the net profit obtained from palm oil marketing in the area, there is a need to intensify its management and marketing strategies to further harness more profitable outcomes in the future. Also enabling environment should be created to make production and marketing of the product less stressful, especially for women entrepreneurs.

Background: Childhood malaria has remained a major public health burden. It severely affects children aged under-5 years, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Curbing the prevalence of malaria begins with determining the prevalence and related factors of the disease in the community. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and related factors of malaria in children at Aba, Southeast Nigeria. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 275 case files of children admitted with malaria in the Department of Paediatrics of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016, were analyzed. Results: During the study period, among the 440 overall admission, 275 children were diagnosed with malaria. The prevalence of malaria in our study was 62.5%. The male:female ratio was 1:1.2. We found, 234 (85.1%) children were 11 and 16 years. The highest prevalence of malaria 40 (14.4%) occurred in September while the least 10 (3.6%) occurred in April. Around 247 (89.8%) patients were discharged home, 18 (6.5%) patients succumbed to death, and 6 (2.1%) patients were discharged against medical advice. Conclusion: The prevalence and mortality rates of malaria are high. To curb the trend of this disease, good environmental sanitation, prevention of the anophelene mosquito blood meal on humans, and early diagnosis and treatment of malaria should all be enhanced.

The study assessed constraints to increased layers production among small-scale poultry farmers in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. Data were collected using a multistage sampling technique to select 120 small-scale poultry farmers. Descriptive statistics (frequencies counts, percentages) were used to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents. The result shows that the mean age of the respondents was 48 years and majority (77.5%) of the farmers had higher education. Majority of the respondents (73%) practiced sweeping and packing of dirt in the poultry house as the daily routine management on their farms. The major constraint faced by the respondents was disease and pest attack (76.7%) followed by difficulty in credit and loan procurement processes (73.3%). The study therefore recommends that Government should tackle the problem of loan/credit procurement, market price instability, disease and pest as well as proper funding of small-scale layers poultry business so as to enhance the commercialization of poultry industry in Nigeria.Keywords: Poultry Farms, Layer Production, Socio-Economic Characteristics, Constraints.

This study aims to analyze the views of stakeholders on access to quality and equity in Basic Education in selected rural communities of Abia State, Nigeria. The study used mixed method design (quantitative and qualitative) in drawing views of a stratified sample of 432 stakeholders in the quantitative study and 72 participants of six focus group discussions. The study found out that access to quality and equity in Basic Education in the rural communities was significantly inadequate (p < 0.025) resulting from lack of qualified teachers, inadequate safety of the environment, poor facilities, very little involvement by government in maintaining the schools, learners reluctance to do their works and indiscipline, little or no stakeholders’ involvement in the schools affairs. Stakeholders’ involvement (most of who are parents) and their level of education were shown to be significant indicators of access to quality and equity in Basic Education although the schools were not exploiting these assets. The study concludes that if access to quality Basic Education is to become real in the rural communities, the Ministry of Education, Local Government Education Boards, stakeholders and communities need to establish strong collaboration and coordination of the activities to improve the conditions of the schools. Programmes that can assist parents and assist learners in their homework and instil morals in the learners need to be worked out by the education authorities. Key words: Challenges, rural communities, quality education, equity, access.

Background: Diarrhea is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low resource nations. To achieve the Sustainable Developmental Goal 3.2, effective steps should be taken to stem the tide of childhood diarrhea and its associated mortality. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of diarrhea and its associated risk factors in children aged 1–60 months presenting to our health facility. Materials and Methods: In the present retrospective study, we reviewed medical records of children aged 1–60 months with diarrhea admitted to the Children Emergency Room and Pediatric Medical Wards of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016. Results: The prevalence of diarrhea was 11.2%. The study consisted of 68 males and 32 females with male:female ratio of 2.1:1. Around half (53%) of the children belonged to the age group of 1–12 months, 40% in the age group of 13–36 months, and 7% children belonged to the age group of 37–60 months. Most of the cases (88%) reported of acute watery diarrhea. The greatest monthly prevalence was in February (47%). Mortality rate was 22% which was significantly more among the infants, than among the age groups of 13–24 months and 25–36 months, respectively (p=0.019). Conclusion: The prevalence and mortality rates of diarrhea in this study were high. The mortality was significantly more among infants. Curbing the mortality of diarrhea in the under-five age group requires adopting specific measures to prevent and manage diarrhea, with special focus on infants.

Introduction: Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance. Unlike many other psychoactive substances, it is legal and unregulated in the world. Several experts suggest that moderate use of caffeine (300 mg or equivalent to 3 cups or less to regular size cups of coffee per day) is safe and so not likely to cause health issues. Intake of caffeine has been suggested to affect the visual system. This study examined the effect of consumption of caffeine on contrast sensitivity of the eye among young adults of Abia State University students within the age range of 17-30 yrs. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design and was carried out within the confinement of Abia State University Eye Clinic. A total of 100 young adults consisting of an equal number of males and females were measured using the Rabin’s contrast sensitivity at baseline, 30 mins until 120 mins. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Chi-square statistical analysis was used to analyze statistically the research hypotheses at 95% level of significance. Results: The findings of this study reveal that mean contrast sensitivity values for 16 to less than 20 years old were 1.70 at baseline and increased to 1.79, 1.89, 1.93 except at 120 minutes post-ingestion of caffeine. In males and females, contrast sensitivity increased by 1.57%, 3.7%, 5.3% and 10.7%, 20.7% 23.3% respectively. At 95% confidence level, caffeine ingestion had a significant effect on contrast sensitivity for both males (4.79) and females (5.8). Conclusion: This study depicts that the ingestion of caffeine affects or increases contrast sensitivity in both males and females although this effect is short-lived.

Background: Potable water, good sanitary conditions, and good hygienic practices are essential for the survival and development of children. Objective: The study aimed to determine the demographic and socioeconomic effect of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in the occurrence of diarrheal disease among pediatric age group in Aba, Abia State. Materials and Methods: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design to assess the environmental sanitation in the selected study areas. The survey was designed with the use of questionnaire which was administered to a sample size of 360 participants. The collected data were entered into computer software called Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 and analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. Results: The results were displayed in frequency tables and charts. The relation between variables was determined with Fisher’s exact test and the findings showed that 267 (74.1%) of the participants reported with 1–5 times episodes of diarrhea/year and 204 (56.7%) participants had available water supply and the major source of water supply was borehole in 227 (63.1%) participants. In terms of water treatment, 255 (70.8%) reported of not boiling water before use; 100 (27.7%) did not wash hands after defecation, 225 (62.5%) did not wash hands after touching pet animals, and only 32 (8.8%) reported of not washing fruits/vegetables before eating or cooking. A total of 264 (73.3%) had the knowledge of treating children with diarrhea at health center. Conclusion: WASH had impact in the occurrence of diarrheal disease among pediatric age group in relation to demographic and socioeconomic factors. However, the available and functional sanitary facilities do not meet the required standards. Therefore, awareness should be generated on the importance of WASH practices in all local governments in Abia State.

This study examined the relationship between the adoption of bio-fortified provitamin- A cassava varieties and farming households’ health outcomes using cross sectional data obtained from 318 cassava farmers in southeast Nigeria. The data was analysed using binary logistic regression, propensity score matching of treatment effects and percentages. The study found that number of children under five, household size, education of head of household, extension service, ownership of television, radio, mobile phone and tricycle, membership of cooperative societies, and access to credit were the significant predictors of adoption of pro-vitamin-A bio-fortified cassava varieties in the States. The study also found that the main constraints militating against adoption of pro-vitamin-A bio-fortified cassava include decaying of roots immediately after maturation,high cost of cassava stem, and high moisture content. The estimate of the effect of the adoption of bio-fortified pro-vitamin-A cassava varieties onincidence of vitamin-A deficiency related diseases was significant with an average treatment effect on the adopters of -0.463. The adoption of bio- fortified pro-vitamin-A cassava varieties has substantial effect on the reduction of vitamin-A deficiency related health outcomes. There is need for wider awareness and dissemination of the varieties among cassava farmers, while interventions should target the promotion of both production and consumption of such cassava varieties. Key words: adoption of bio-fortified cassava varieties; vitamin A deficiency related diseases

Aim: This study aimed at assessing serum anti-mullerian hormone level, antral follicle count and age as indicators of ovarian reserve response in women diagnosed with infertilility. Methodology: Subjects comprised of 200 females: 150 subjects and 50 controls, aged < 20 and up to 49 years, stratified into age < 20 years (control), age 20-29 years (group 1), age 30-39 years (group 2) and age 40-49 years (group 3). About 5 ml of blood sample for AMH determination was collected on day 2-3 of spontaneous menstrual cycle from all groups and control and serum anti-mullerian hormone analyzed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Baseline transvaginal ultrasound scanning was carried out on the subjects in experimental groups and control on day 2-3 of un-stimulated menstrual cycle for the measurement of antral follicle count, using the 2-dimensional plane. Results: The means±SEM of serum anti-mullerian hormone by experimental groups was 1602.44 ± 54.42 pg/ml for control, 848.06±23.04 pg/ml for group 1, 26.74±1.28 pg/ml for group 2, while group 3 is 10.37±1.26 pg/ml. The means were significantly different (P

Agricultural information source through Newspaper collection in libraries has become inevitable due to the need to strengthen the information disseminating capacity to reach researchers on agricultural information knowledge. Newspaper readers mostly go for interest areas like sports, governance, advertisement, stock market quotations etc. While many believe that information on agriculture is preferably sourced from research projects, of tertiary institution’s faculty/department of agriculture as well as publications from specialized agricultural institutions, and agriculture ministries in federal and state government. Newspaper is quick source for consultation but unfortunately not remembered. The oversight is due to the popular belief that news of yesterday is stale so newspaper is seen relevant in daily news. However, libraries acquire newspapers for keeping as research materials they don’t discard as most individuals do. Using cassava as example of agriculture publications in newspaper, the study has tried to bring to the knowledge of the populace that newspaper is not just for daily quick news but veritable research source.

Dogs, as the most common pet animal worldwide, habours a wide range of intestinal parasites with zoonotic potential, thus raising serious concern over public health. This study presents the intestinal helminthes in dogs and risk factors associated with dog owners in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. The dogs’ faecal samples were examined using formal-ether sedimentation techniques. Questionnaire was administered to elicit responses from the dog owners. A total of 110 faecal samples collected randomly from dogs were processed and examined for helminthes eggs. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes was 39.1%. Prevalence was higher in Bende-Ovu 39.7% than Umuoshie 38.1%. There was no statistical relationship found in both communities (P>0.05). The four species of parasites identified were Ancylostoma caninum (44.2%), Toxocara canis (30.2%), Diphylidium caninum (23.3%) and Trichuris vulpis (2.3%) with Ancylostoma caninum occurring most 59.2% in Bende-Ovu and Toxocara canis (56.2%) in Umuoshie. This was statistically significant (P0.05). There is greater statistical significance (P0.05). Age related prevalence in the breed of dogs’ in Bende-Ovu and Umuoshie were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Questionnaire analyses revealed that majority (64.6%) of the dog owners are not aware of canine zoonosis. Most (58.4%) of them don’t take diseases transmitted by dogs seriously. The trend of the breed and species prevalence of zoonotic intestinal parasites of dogs observed in this study constitutes public health problems in the study area. Therefore, intervention measures such as health education should be provided to dog owners to reduce the risk of transmission of parasites from dogs to humans.

Introduction:healthcare workers are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection with ease of infection transmissibility to coworkers and patients. Vaccine hesitancy rates of 56% and up to 25% have been reported among healthcare workers in US and China respectively. Vaccination is known as the most effective strategy to combat infectious diseases. Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine plays a major role in combating the pandemic. This study assessed the sociodemographic factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in Abia State. Methods:a cross-sectional study among 422 healthcare workers was conducted in Abia State with an online-based questionnaire. The questionnaire extracted information on socio-demographics and willingness to take vaccine uptake. Descriptive statistics was used to calculate frequencies and proportions. Bivariate analysis was used to test the association between the socio-demographic factors and the outcome variable (vaccine hesitancy). Logistic regression was conducted to identify the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The level of significance was 5%. Results:mean age of the respondents was 40.6 ± 9.5 years and 67.1% were females. The COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rate was 50.5% (95%CI: 45.6-55.3). Socio-demographic factors included age, marital status, location of practice, profession, and income. Vaccine hesitancy was predicted significantly by younger age, (aOR=9.34, 95%CI:2.01-43.39), marital status (single), (aOR=4.97, 95%CI:1.46-16.97) lower income,(aOR=2.84, 95%CI:1.32-6.08) and profession–doctor (aOR=0.28, 95%CI:0.11-0.70), nurse (aOR=0.31, 95%CI:0.15-0.64) and other allied health professionals (aOR=0.22, 95%CI:0.10-0.44). Conclusion:COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was high among healthcare workers. Significant sociodemographic predictors influence the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. We recommend that the Federal and State Ministries of Health conduct awareness campaigns targeting the younger age group, singles, lower income class, and non-clinical staff.

A study was conducted to evaluate local duck production systems in Imo and Abia States of Nigeria. Seventy-two (72) local duck farmers from both States were purposefully selected using snowball sampling techniques and were interviewed using structured questionnaires. Data on farmers' socio-economic characteristics and production practices were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and charts. The results showed that there were more male duck farmers (88.89%), while the average age of duck farmers was 51.35years. Most (97.22%) of the duck farmers were literate, 58.33% of households had between 4 - 7 members, 73.61% of duck farmers were christians and a higher number (46.43%) raised pigs alongside of ducks. Most farmers (98.61%) kept only Muscovy ducks. The average flock size is about 6-9 ducks per household. Ducks were mainly kept for rituals and traditional medicine (56.78%). About 48.61% of farmers used personal money to finance duck farming, while 47.22% of farmers inherited their foundations stock. The age at sexual maturity for ducks was 7 to 9 months; clutch length was 11 to 15 days, while clutch size ranged from 16 to 20 eggs. Again, 94.44% of farmers practiced extensive system of duck keeping while 84.72% did not provide supplementary feeds to their ducks. Accidents are the leading cause of mortality in ducks, while the myths that surround ducks are the main obstacle to duck meat consumption. The results showed that duck farming is not popular in the study area and therefore, ducks are seen and kept as sacrificial birds. Thus, the potential of ducks for the production of meat and eggs is not fully exploited. These myths that have hindered the production of ducks could be dispelled through farmer trainings and enlightenment. Keywords: duck, myth, production, conservation

Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial pathogen that causes different community and hospital-acquired infections. S. aureus resistant to methicillin has become a big and expanding problem of concern in many developing countries. Clindamycin has also been discovered to be a preferred therapeutic alternative for the treatment of both methicillin susceptible and resistant staphylococcal infections. This study examined the prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in clinical samples of patients in Abia state, Nigeria using standard recommended procedures. A total of 750 clinical specimens of blood and urine samples, wound, ear, nasal, high vaginal and ear swabs were collected from three major health facilities in Abia state, Nigeria. Each sample was cultured for bacterial isolates and examined for colonial and cellular morphology while biochemical identification was performed. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed on Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) by disc diffusion method and MRSA screening was done using cefoxitin disc. A total of 265 (35.3%) S. aureus isolates were recovered, out of which 126(47.5%) were from males and 139(52.5%) were from females, however there was no association between the prevalence and gender (p-value = 0.05) and also prevalence and age (p-value = 0.52). Of the 265 S. aureus isolates recovered, 164(61.9%) were MRSA. All 100% of the MRSA were susceptible to vancomycin, 120(73.2%) to clindamycin, 92(56.1%) to gentamycin. All 100% were resistant to ceftazidine, 157(95.7%) to cloxacillin, 146(89.0%) to augmentin, 136(82.9%) to ceftriaxone and 103(61.6%) to erythromycin. The MRSA strains showed much higher resistance rate than their MSSA counterparts to all tested antibiotic except clindamycin. 64(39.0%) of the MRSA were resistant to 4 classes of antibiotics indicating multi drug resistance (MDR). The overall prevalence of inducible clindamycin resistance among methicillin resistant isolates was 29(17.7%). This implies that 17.7% could have been misidentified as clindamycin susceptible by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. In conclusion prevalence of MRSA was high and it is important to routinely carry out the D-test for detection of inducible clindamycin resistance if clindamycin is considered as a treatment option.

This study evaluated the extent of inclusion and participation of Women in Human capacity Building of a State in Nigeria. One hundred female business owners who graduated from skill acquisition centres of Abia state were randomly sampled to determine access to capacity building programmes, relevance of skills offered in programmes and type of business operation. Results showed that the 30% women affirmation policy as implemented by Abia State Government is an important factor in women entrepreneurial development. The Human Capacity building of Women entrepreneurs are tailored as stop gap. Even as petroleum producing state with strong financial base, her human capacity building strategies lack depth and are less consistent with entrepreneurial goals of women with tertiary level education. Irrespective of the state cosmopolitan status the human capacity building strategies are challenged by male dominated bureaucracy and cultural perception of female roles. A significant number (68% ) of women endorsed government policies. Seventy (70%) percent of women with tertiary education level viewed the skills offered in human capacity building as irrelevant to their training needs and entrepreneurial aspirations.Financial independence and Technology knowledge base influenced choice of business operations. The service sector was observed as the predominant choice of women.Empowerment support facilitation was suggestive of gender disparity in capacity building programmes.

Background: The association between body mass index (BMI) and breast cancer risk has been well recognized. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of BMI with breast cancer risks among women of Igbo origin in Imo and Abia states in South Eastern Nigeria. Methods: The study was conducted at three different locations: Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba, Abia State; Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State; and the Maranatha Specialist Mission Hospital, Aba, Abia State. This was a prospective hospital-based case control study. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics and anthropometric measures using a structured questionnaire. Collected data were imported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. In all, 681 patients participated in the study of which 347 were cases and 334 were controls. The T-test was used to assess statistical differences of height, weight, and BMI in the studied groups. Logistic regressions were used to calculate the multivariate odds ratio (OR) using 95% confidence interval (CI) with significant level set at p>0.05. Results: Higher BMI is associated with increased risk of breast cancer. There was a significant statistical difference between the height of cases and controls in both pre-and post-menopausal women. The mean value of height was 161.14± 7.1cm among cases compared to controls which was 161.39 cm (p

Background: Most women regard any secretion from the vagina as abnormal discharge and the first task for primary health care giver is to confirm whether it is physiological or pathological. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rate of Candida infection among women, attending Abia State teaching hospital, Abayi Aba. A structured questionnaire was administered to obtain demographic data. Methodology: One hundred high vaginal swab samples were collected from both symptomatic and asymptomatic non-pregnant women between ages 15-45 years old. These specimens were analyzed with standard microbiological techniques. The swabs were inoculated on sabouraud dextrose agar and incubated at 37 degrees centigrade for 48hrs. Wet preparation was examined microscopically for presence of yeast cells. Gram staining was also done. Germ tube test was carried out to confirm Candida albicans species. Results: Of the 100 specimens analyzed, the overall prevalence of Candida species was 57% (n=57). There were 47 symptomatic participants and 53 asymptomatic participants in the study. Of the 47 symptomatic women, 36 had Candida species while 21 out of 53 asymptomatic women had Candida species. The participants were also grouped according to their socio-economic status and the result revealed that traders were most affected with prevalence rate of 35.1% while the housewives were least affected with prevalence rate of 14.0%. Conclusion: This study recorded higher prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis among both symptomatic and asymptomatic non-pregnant women in Abia State teaching hospital. Regular checkup and good hygiene practice are critical in order to forestall avoidable complications.

The study investigated the level of access and utilization of traditional medicine for treatment of malaria among rural households in Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents; ascertained the level of access to traditional medicine; ascertained the extent of utilization of traditional medicine and determined factors influencing access and utilization of traditional medicine in the study area. Data for the study were collected from (80) respondents using structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics (Tobit regression). The result showed that 55.0% of the respondents were males, average age of 58.45 years, 81.2% were married and 45.0% had secondary education. The study further revealed that respondents had high access to medicinal plants from market (mean = 2.35) and traditional medical practitioners (mean = 2.36). The respondents highly utilized traditional medicine with grand mean of 2.0. Tobit regression result showed that coefficient of age, years of education, income and farming experience influenced access to traditional medicine at 1% probability level. Coefficients of gender, age, occupation and income at 1%, 5%, 1% and 1% probability level respectively influenced utilization of traditional medicine in the study area. The study concluded that there was moderate access and high utilization of traditional medicine for treatment of malaria in the study area, and recommended ensuring appropriate information on traditional medicine for effective access and utilization.

The study investigated the level of utilization of traditional medicine for treatment of malaria among rural households in Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described socio -economic characteristics of the respondents; ascertain the extent of utilization of traditional medicine among the respondents and determine the factors influencing level of usage of traditional medicine in the area. Data for the study were collected from (180) respondents using structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result showed that 55.0% of the respondents were males, average age of 58.45 years, 81.2% were married and 45.0% had secondary education. The study further revealed that respondents had high access to medicinal plants from market (mean = 2.35) and traditional medical practitioners (mean = 2.36). Tobit regression result showed that coefficient of age, years of education, income and farming experience influenced access to traditional medicine at 1% probability level. The study concluded that there was moderate utilization of traditional medicine for treatment of malaria in the study area, and recommended ensuring appropriate information on traditional medicine efficacy for effective utilization by the farmers in the study area.

In this paper, sizing of solar water pumping system for irrigation of oil palm plantation in Abia State, Nigeria was presented. The relevant meteorological data for the case study site were obtained from the NASA website. The daily water requirements for the oil palm trees were determined and the pumping system was simulated using PVSyst software. According to the results, the annual water demand for the oil palm plantation was 14636 m3 but the pumping system was able to supply about 12251 m3 of water which was equivalent to a missing water of about 16.3% per year. Based on the missing water, the month of February was identified as the critical month with the lowest water supply to the plants. Furthermore, when the rainwater capture on the palm plantation was also considered along with the solar pumped water, it was found that in the month of February, the grown-up yielding oil palm trees can still get their required maximum daily water requirement of 200 liters per day while the older palm trees can get their daily water requirement of 338.55 liters/day. In essence, the shortfalls in the irrigation water pumping system can be supplied by the rainwater. In all, the solar-powered pumping system and the rainwater capture in the oil palm plantation can effectively meet the water need of the oil palm trees in the case study plantation.

Introduction: A regular reappraisal of the morbidity and mortality pattern in our children emergency rooms will go a long way in policy makings that will help in achieving the sustainable development goal (SGD)-3. With such evidence-based policies, childhood morbidity and mortality will surely reduce.Objective: This study was aimed at re-appraising the morbidity and mortality pattern in our children emergency room (CHER), after the initial audit 10 years ago.Methods :This was a retrospective descriptive study over a 7-year period. The study population comprised of all children aged 1 month to 16 years that presented to the CHER of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria, from January 2011 to December 2017. The age, gender, duration of illness before presentation, diagnoses and disease outcome of these patients, were all retrieved from the CHER register and hospital medical records.Results: Six thousand eight hundred and twenty-five (6825) patients were seen over the study period. There were 4075 males and 2750 females, giving a Male: Female ratio of 1.5:1. Majority (>90%) of these patients were aged =5 years. Severe malaria (24.5%), Gastroenteritis (20.9%), bronchopneumonia (20.1%) and septicaemia (14.7%) were the leading causes of admission into CHER. Mortality rate was 6.2%, with >80.0% of this death occurring in children aged =5 years. Mortality was significantly associated with age and sex. Bronchopneumonia (37.0%) and severe malaria (33.0%) were the leading causes of death. A total of 5.1% of the patients were discharged against medical advice (DAMA).Conclusion: There was an increase in our patient load, and significant reduction in child mortality at our CHER. Infections and malaria remained the leading causes of morbidity and death. Improvement in human and material resources in the CHER is inevitable in achieving SDG-3.Keywords: Morbidity, Mortality, SDG, Children Emergency Room, Re-appraisal.Running title: Childhood Morbidity and Mortality at the Children Emergency Room of a Tertiary Institution.

Employee’s job satisfaction for high performance in the workplace has been of great concern since the beginning of industrial revolution. Satisfaction is believed to be fundamental to individual and organizational performance. To this end, in recent time, especially in a developing country like Nigeria, there has been increasing concern over the adverse implications of the failure to adequately satisfy all levels of employees in any work organization. It is on this context that this study looked at the employees job satisfaction and performance and its effect on health care provision, with reference to Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba, Nigeria. The general objectives of this study is to examine the extent which employee job satisfaction and performance among health workers in Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba, affect health care delivery in the institution. This study adopted a survey research design using structured questionnaire for qualitative data and in-depth interview for qualitative information. From the findings, it was concluded that despite the findings that majority of the workers were not satisfied in relation to the satisfaction indicators such as prompt payment of salaries, on the job training, objective promotion, payment of allowances, etc; the workers delivered their duties diligently. Finally, it was recommended that the hospital management should ensure regular and adequate staff training and development programmes with a view to improving staff skills, knowledge, attitude, ability, competence, and above all, satisfaction of the staff for optimum performance.

Respiratory and Non-respiratory symptoms/sign in exposed Camphor industrial workers in Aba, Abia State, South East Nigeria, were studied. 100 selected Igbo women, working in Camphor industry for over 15 years were studied and they constitute the test group. They were compared with control subjects not exposed to Camphor or any known air pollutants. Both subjects were aged 25-50 years and weighed between 50-70 kg. Respiratory symptoms studied include dry unproductive cough, productive sputum cough, running/nasal congestion, sneezing, breathlessness, wheeze and chest pain. Non-respiratory symptoms investigated include feeling hot, general body pain, waist pain, internal heat, night fever, excessive sweating, occasional vomiting, abdominal ache, heat rashes, insomnia and blood pressure. The study lasted 3 months and was carried out using questionnaires and other necessary instruments after obtaining their consents. Results obtained showed that all respiratory symptoms in the study subjects (test) were highly significant when compared with control subjects (P0.05), others were statistically significant when the test subjects were compared with control (P

The study wascentered on the comparative analysis of battery cage and deep litter poultryhousing systems in Abia state, Nigeria. The study specifically examined thefactors influencing the choice of poultry housing system in the study area;estimated the profitability of battery cage and deep litter system in the area;analyzed the determinants of profit in battery cage and deep litter systems respectively;and examined the constraints faced by poultry farmers in the area. Primary datasource was used for the study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in theselection of 140 respondents. Descriptive statistics like frequency, tables,charts, etc; profitability index (cost and returns analysis) and multipleregression were the tools of analysis. From the cost and return analysis, itwas observed that both housing systems are profitable. The t test result showedthat housing system adopted for poultry farms have an effect on the profit.However, it was observed that farmers using deep litter system make more profitwhen compared to battery cage housing system. It was observed that battery cagesystem is more capital intensive when compared to deep litter system and this predisposesmost famers to favour deep litter housing system to battery cage system. Sex,marital status, education, mortality rate, cost of production, farm size,experience and access to credit were significant variables having varyingeffects on the profit of battery cage users while sex, household size,education, mortality, cost of production, farm size, experience were thesignificant variables influencing the returns of deep litter users in the studyarea. High cost of feeds, inadequateamenities, high interest rates, quality of stock etc. where the majorconstraints of poultry production in the area. The study recommends that governmentsshould subsidize the cost of feeds to make it affordable for farmers in thestudy area, The studywas centered on the comparative analysis of battery cage and deep litterpoultry housing systems in Abia state, Nigeria. The study specifically examinedthe factors influencing the choice of poultry housing system in the study area;estimated the profitability of battery cage and deep litter system in the area;analyzed the determinants of profit in battery cage and deep litter systems respectively;and examined the constraints faced by poultry farmers in the area. Primary datasource was used for the study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in theselection of 140 respondents. Descriptive statistics like frequency, tables,charts, etc; profitability index (cost and returns analysis) and multipleregression were the tools of analysis. From the cost and return analysis, itwas observed that both housing systems are profitable. The t test result showedthat housing system adopted for poultry farms have an effect on the profit.However, it was observed that farmers using deep litter system make more profitwhen compared to battery cage housing system. It was observed that battery cagesystem is more capital intensive when compared to deep litter system and this predisposesmost famers to favour deep litter housing system to battery cage system. Sex,marital status, education, mortality rate, cost of production, farm size,experience and access to credit were significant variables having varyingeffects on the profit of battery cage users while sex, household size,education, mortality, cost of production, farm size, experience were thesignificant variables influencing the returns of deep litter users in the studyarea. High cost of feeds, inadequateamenities, high interest rates, quality of stock etc. where the majorconstraints of poultry production in the area. The study recommends thatgovernments should subsidize the cost of feeds to make it affordable forfarmers in the study area.

In line with World Health organization (WHO’s) directive, Nigeria established the Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) centers in all states and local government of the federation to assist in the detection, monitoring and treatment of tuberculosis. The treatment outcomes measures the effectiveness of the drugs administered to the patients to control the spread. To evaluate patient’s responses when administered with tuberculosis infection preventive treatment, drugs were administered to patients and monitored for three years and the result obtained were recorded and subsequently analyzed using the factorial design experiment. There was a high success rate of 48.6% of those under study, especially in category 3. The overall mean performances of the drugs were on the average equally well, with some degree of interaction.

Traditional birth attendants (TBAs) play an important role in the provision of care to pregnant women in rural parts of Nigeria, but they are barely engaged by the formal healthcare system in expanding the low coverage of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services. Using a systematic approach, we engaged TBAs in Abia and Taraba States to scale-up PMTCT services under the National Agency for Control of AIDS Comprehensive AIDS Program with States. We conducted mapping of the TBAs, built their capacities, obtained their buy-in on mobilization of their clients and other pregnant women for HIV testing service outreaches, and established referral and linkage systems. A total of 720 TBAs were mapped (Abia 407; Taraba 313). Three hundred and ninety-nine TBAs who participated in the capacity-building meeting were linked to 115 primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Abia State, while 245 TBAs were linked to 27 PHCs in Taraba State. From July 2016 to March 2017, the outreaches contributed 20% to the overall total number of pregnant women counseled, tested and received results, and 12% to the total number of HIV-infected women identified. There was a considerable yield of HIV-infected pregnant women among those tested in the TBA outreaches in comparison with the supported antenatal facilities (2% versus 3%, respectively). Engaging TBAs has the potential to improve the coverage of PMTCT services in Nigeria.