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Introduction Paediatric gastroenterology has become an established subspecialty in the last five decades in developed and some developing countries. Endoscopy is the cornerstone of this sub-specialty. In Nigeria, it is still at its infancy stage, though with increasing local interest. This is a report of the first Paediatric Endoscopy Workshop in Nigeria organized as a pre -conference by the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) and the Nigerian Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NISPGHAN). Aim: The aim of the conference was to promote and create awareness on paediatric gastroenterology as a subspecialty and introduce participants to the practice of paediatric endoscopy. Method: This was a two day preconference workshop. Paediatricians, paediatric resisdents andnurses were in atten dance. One International and three National resource persons were on ground to impart the needed knowledge and skills. Training involved didactic lectures, hands-on sessions using manikins and three live sessions involving the upper gastrointestinal tract. Results: There were 40 attendees on day 1: 22 (55%) paediatric residents, 12 (30%) consultant paediatricians and six (15%) nurses. Day 2: 22 (52%) paediatric residents, 12 (29%) consultant paediatricians and eight (19%) nurses. Three children (two females and one male) had upper GI endoscopy (with biopsy done in two cases) during the pre-conference workshop as live sessions. They were aged eight, nine and 16 years. Indications for endoscopy were recurrent haematemesis in an eight year old female patient and recurrent upper abdominal pain in the other two patients (a male and a female). Gastritis was found in the two patients and this was confirmed histologically in one of the patients. Conclusion: The training stirred up participant’s interest in this subspecialty of paediatrics. It brought to fore the need for paediatric endoscopy to be developed in Nigeria. The procedure should be performed at tertiary centres at this stage of our development and the cost of it covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme. Four training centres to aid interested paediatricians and paediatric trained nurses acquire the needed skills are recommended.

Flooding remains a major environmental problem in many parts of the world including Nigeria, causing untold losses. This study modelled the flood susceptibility of Calabar Metropolis using frequency ratio and geographical information system (GIS). Direct field observation and key informant approaches were used to obtain 127 previous and current flood locations in the study area from which a database of historical flood occurrence was developed. Using the geostatistical analyst tool within a geographical information environment the flood locations were split into two parts in the ratio of 70:30 percent for the training and testing processes, respectively. Eight flood conditioning factors (elevation, slope, aspect, curvature topographic position index, topographic wetness index, land cover and normalized difference vegetation index) were extracted from SRTM-30m DEM and Landsat 8 data accordingly and used in the geospatial analysis of flood occurrence within the GIS. The frequency ratio model was then developed using the training dataset. The final product was the flood susceptibility map of the study area. The results revealed that 9.3 percent of the study area was considered to have very high flood susceptibility, 19.97 percent was classified as high flood susceptibility while 31.79 percent was under moderate risk area. About 39 percent of the study area was classified at least under low flood susceptibility. The order of contribution of the conditioning factors to the model were topographic position index (TPI), elevation, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land cover, curvature, aspect, slope, and topographic wetness index (TWI). The validation of the model using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve returned an AUC value of 74.81 percent. Hence, the result was acceptable for the prediction of flood locations in the study area. The findings would assist urban planners, environmental managers, risk reduction and management agencies, land developers, policy makers, and indeed the general public.

Background: COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most effective public health intervention approaches for prevention of COVID-19. Despite its well-known efficacy and safety, significant proportion of frontline COVID-19 healthcare workers remain hesitant about accepting the vaccine for whatever reasons. This study aimed to determine acceptance rate and determinants of vaccine refusal among doctors in Cross River State, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional survey of doctors using structured online questionnaire administered via the WhatsApp platform of the medical doctors' association, in order to assess their rate of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines, and reasons for vaccine refusal. The predictors of vaccine acceptance were analysed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Of the 443 medical doctors targeted on the WhatsApp platform, 164 responded to the questionnaire survey, giving a response rate of 37.0% (164/443). The mean age of the respondents is 38 ±6.28 years, 91 (55.5%) are 38 years old and above, 97 (59.1%) are males and 67 (40.9%) are females, giving a male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1. The greater proportion of the respondents are physicians (70/148, 47.3%) and about three-quarter of the participants (127/164, 77.4%) had received COVID-19 vaccine. The proportion of physicians who had received COVID-19 vaccine (57/70, 81.4%) was more than the proportion of general practitioners (31/42, 73.8%) and surgeons (24/35, 68.6%). Low perceived benefit of vaccination was the main reason given for COVID-19 vaccine refusal (45.9%, 17/37). No significant association was found between vaccine refusal and suspected predictors (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our study revealed high rate of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among medical doctors especially among the physicians, with the surgeons showing lowest acceptance rate. A significant proportion would not take vaccine because they perceived it lacks much benefits. To raise vaccine acceptance among doctors, more efforts on vaccine literacy that would target doctors from all sub-specialties especially surgeons and incorporate vaccine benefits should be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rainwater (RW) over the Calabar metropolis was analyzed to establish its chemistry, influences, and agricultural suitability. Sampling was done in the rainy and dry seasonal cycles for three years (2018–2020). pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and major ions (Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, K+, HCO3-, Cl-, and SO42-) were registered and the principal component analysis (PCA) and ionic ratios were used to establish relationships between ionic species and project their sources. RW suitability for agriculture was determined by calculating the sodium and magnesium absorption ratios. Results indicated a relative abundance trend of cations towards Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ > Na+ while HCO3- > SO42- > Cl- was the trend for anions. pH varied from 6.1 to 7.8 (mean = 6.60). This and the EC reflected influences from atmospheric gases and in-cloud dissolved solids. The volume-weighted mean (VWM) of ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, HCO3-, SO42-, and Cl-) was 246 eq/l in the rainy season and 198 eq/l in the dry season indicating low-moderate atmospheric pollution. Wet deposition (WD) fluxes for total ionic contents in RW were higher in the rainy season indicating the impact of rainfall. The PCA and the ionic ratios showed that the ionic concentrations were of crustal and marine origins predominantly. RW chemical characteristics in the study area compared with the concentration ranges of other local and global locations with similar geologic settings and low to moderate pollution indices showed close similarity. The RW assessment for agricultural use based on sodium and magnesium absorption ratios indicated good levels of suitability.

Marketing strategies adopted by the organisers of the Iboku Boat Regatta practised by the Efik people of South Eastern Nigeria have been assessed. Purposive sampling was adopted to select the study area. Data were acquired from both primary and secondary sources. Results show that several marketing strategies and product packaging techniques were adopted in publicising the festival between 2015 and 2020. However, only 52,780 tourists attended the festival between 2015 and 2020, showing that the adopted strategies are not penetrating enough. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the state government and its relevant agencies to develop a more dynamic and holistic policy framework that incorporates the State Niche Tourism Master Plan or Strategy. The Plan or Strategy should identify niche tourism sites and products with high potential and design marketing goals for the products to attract a significant segment of the specialised tourist market with interest in niche products. The study concludes that the festival could not attract more national and international tourists due to inappropriate marketing strategies adopted by the organisers and the obsolete tourism policy adopted by the state government.

Background: Paediatric cataracts is a leading cause of treatable blindness and a major cause of blindness in developing nations. Aim: To present an audit of paediatric cataract and paediatric cataract surgery in a Tertiary Eye Care facility in the South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria during the Seeing is Believing Project intervention. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of case notes of children who received surgical and adjunctive treatment for cataracts in the Calabar Children's Eye Centre during the 24-month study period from November 1, 2017, to October 31, 2019, was undertaken. Results: Of the 128 children who met the inclusion criteria, 73 (57.0%) were males and 55 (43.0%) were females, giving a male: female ratio of 1.3:1.0. The mean age of patients in years was 5.9 ± 4.1 years, median/interquartile range was 5.0/5. The most frequent diagnosis was bilateral cataracts affecting 80 (62.5%) children. Systemic comorbidities were found in 13/128 (10.2%), of which 7/13 (53.8%) were congenital rubella syndrome. Ocular comorbidities (40.6%) were more common than systemic comorbidities, and sensory esotropia presented most frequently (16.4%). More patients with congenital cataracts had ocular comorbidities, and this association was statistically significant, P < 0.001. The proportion of patients with good visual outcomes was highest among those with bilateral cataracts (64.8%), and ocular comorbidities were a significant negative predictor of best corrected postoperative visual acuity. A total of 94/128 (73.4%) patients received intraocular lens implants, and the most common postoperative complications were visual axis opacification (VAO) 37/69 (53.6%) and fibrinous uveitis 26/69 (37.7). Conclusion: Paediatric cataracts were often bilateral and congenital. Postoperative complications like VAO are common and can be detected early and treated to improve visual outcomes with good follow-up strategies.

Background: Retinoblastoma, although rare, is the most frequently occurring primary intraocular tumor of childhood. While a cure is often achieved where appropriate treatment is instituted early in the disease, late presentation often leads to unsuccessful treatment interventions. Aim: The aim of this study is to provide baseline information on the clinical presentation of retinoblastoma as seen in a tertiary pediatric eye care facility in Calabar, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of case files of children presenting to the Calabar Children's Eye Center (CCEC) with retinoblastoma over 18 months from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 was done. Results: Data were collected from 39 children with retinoblastoma who met the inclusion criteria. There were 22 (56.4%) males and 17 (43.6%) females, and the age range was 7–41 months, with a mean age of 25.6 (±9.0) months. Unilateral disease was seen in 27 (69.2%) participants, whereas 12 (30.8%) had bilateral disease. Although multiple symptoms were seen in many participants protrusion of eye was the most frequently occurring first symptom, (17, 44.0%) followed by red eye (13, 33.0%), whitespot in eye (5, 13.0%), and abnormal alignment (4, 10.0%) among study participants. The lag time from recognition of symptoms to initial consultation ranged from 1 to 25 months, with a mean lag time of 9.13 ± 5.68 months. The ICRB classification system was most frequently used, 27 (69.2%), followed by cTNMH 11 (28.2%), and International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification 1 (2.6%). The International Retinoblastoma Staging System was representative. Of the 78 eyes studied, (51, 65.3%) had different stages of retinoblastoma with the majority presenting as advanced retinoblastoma (46, 90.2%). Conclusions: Retinoblastoma is seen at the CCEC. Although the most frequent symptom was protrusion of eye, the lag time was often several months long. Most patients presented late with advanced ocular retinoblastoma and or extraocular disease.

Introduction: there is little or no progress towards the attainment of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in many developing country settings. Key SRH gap in these settings includes suboptimal knowledge-based safe sexual practices, especially among adolescent girls as a vulnerable subpopulation. Unique features of school environmental settings including gender segregation have not been harnessed for cost-effective sexual health education, perhaps due to the current paucity of literature. This study was aimed at comparing sexual health knowledge and practices, between sexually active adolescent girls in co-educational and girl-only secondary schools in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods: cross-sectional comparative study design was used. Sexually active adolescent girls were randomly recruited from co-educational and girl-only secondary schools in Calabar, Nigeria. Validated questionnaire developed by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), was used to assess sexual health knowledge and behavioral practice. Factors associated with a satisfactory level of knowledge were assessed using the Chi-square test. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24.0, with the p-value set at 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained before data collection. Results: one hundred and twenty respondents were studied, comprising an equal proportion of sixty (60) in co-educational and girl-only schools. Mean age and age at sexual debut were 16.4 ± 1.8 and 14.3 ± 2.2 years, respectively. Compared with group 1 (co-education), respondents in group 2 (girl-only) had significantly higher mean knowledge scores (26.1 vs. 30.4, p<0.05). Fifty respondents (41.7%) had a satisfactory level of knowledge of sexual health. There was no significant difference in mean practice scores comparing groups 1 and 2 (20.4 vs. 21.5, p>0.05). Internet use, unmarried parental status, and not living with both parents, were associated with unsatisfactory levels of knowledge on sexual health. Conclusion: compared with co-educational schools, girl-only schools have better sexual health knowledge, but a similar level of behavioral practices. There is a need for improvement in sexual health education efforts among adolescent girls, perhaps with more focus on coed schools, within the context of potential inherent disadvantage in the school environmental setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: mammography has the potential for identifying high risk women with breast cancer. Early detection is important in reducing mortality and morbidity, and crucial for better prognosis. Mammography is poorly practiced in Nigeria. This study assessed the association between socio-demographic characteristics and uptake of mammography among women ≥40 years. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed and data was collected from 365 consenting participants in Calabar, Nigeria, using pre-tested questionnaire. SPSS Version 20 was used for data entry and analysis. The results were descriptively presented by frequencies and percentages. Pearson Chi-Square (χ²) analysis was performed to detect the association between variables at 5% level of significance (p-value of =0.05). Results: only 9.9% of participants had a mammography, majority 90.1% never had. Uptake was highest among respondents with tertiary education, married, Civil/Public Servants, and those in the high income level categorization. Educational status, marital status, occupation and age were not statistically significantly associated with mammography uptake (p>0.05). Only religious denominational affiliation (p = 0.02) and income level (p = 0.002) were statistically significantly associated with uptake. Barriers to uptake were poor knowledge about mammography (49.8%), psychosocial (37.8%), economic (17.1%) and health systems (11.5%). Key facilitators to uptake were encouragement/counselling by health workers (44.0%) and presence of breast problems (37.4%). Conclusion: mammography uptake in Calabar, Nigeria was extremely low. Therefore, regular awareness campaigns targeting women at faith-based settings, and provision of mammography screening services at subsidized rates will enhance knowledge level and uptake of mammography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background Globally, diabetes is a leading cause of impairment of quality of life. In the sub-Saharan African region, there is a need for studies that provide more valid assessment of effect of diabetes on quality of life (QoL). This study aimed at assessing quality of life among patients with diabetes attending a tertiary health service in Nigeria. Methods The study design was a case-control. Diabetic cases were randomly recruited from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, while non-diabetic controls were civil servants and retirees. The validated and pretested WHOQoL-BREF instrument was used to assess quality of life, with higher scores indicating higher quality of life. Results Three hundred and thirty subjects were studied, with mean ages of males and females of 55.2 ± 4.8 and 51.8 ± 6.3 years, respectively. The mean total QoL score was 75.77 ± 11.2, with no significant difference between males and females. Among male and female cases, the mean score of the physical health domain was significantly lower for cases compared with controls (p = 0.05). Male cases compared with controls had higher scores for the environment domain (p < 0.05). Older age and higher systemic blood pressure were associated with lower QoL scores for both sexes (p < 0.05). Unmarried status, obesity, and poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7%) were associated with lower QoL scores (p < 0.05). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) level and lipid profile were not significantly correlated with QoL score in both sexes (p > 0.05). Conclusion Diabetes contributes to low quality of life among males and females, with significant differences in the affected domains. Diabetes care providers should identify affected domains during clinic consultation, in order to improve provision of more effective care.

Abstract Background This study aimed at assessing knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors and prevention, among hypertensive patients in a developing country setting with high cardiometabolic disease morbidity and mortality. Methods Using descriptive cross-sectional study design and random sampling method, a 30-item questionnaire was used to obtain quantitative data on knowledge of key aspects of cardiovascular disease and practice of preventive measures among hypertensive patients in Calabar. Result Two hundred and twelve (212) respondents were surveyed with mean age of 45.5 ± 10.8 years. Approximately two-thirds of respondents (67.9%) had unsatisfactory level of knowledge of CVD. Most respondents had unsatisfactory level of knowledge of appropriate diet (77.4%), basic epidemiology (80.2%), risk factors (63.2%), and symptoms of CVD (74.5%). The mean score for knowledge of risk factors was significantly higher among females compared with males (p < 0.05). Consumers compared with non-consumers of alcohol had significantly lower mean scores for knowledge of appropriate diet and symptoms of CVD (p < 0.05). Except for medical knowledge where mean score of knowledge was significantly higher among respondents occasionally exercised or consumed fresh fruits compared with other groups, there was no significant difference in mean score of knowledge for other components comparing the various categories of active exercise and consumption of fresh fruits (p > 0.05). Conclusion Unsatisfactory level of knowledge of cardiovascular disease among hypertensive patients in the study setting was high. There is urgent need to improve efforts and strategies for health education and counseling of patients toward sustainable adoption of preventive behaviors.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are viral infections that are transmitted through transfusion of unscreened blood products, needlestick injuries, and unprotected sex. This was a study to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B and HIV infection among pregnant women accessing antenatal care. Materials and Methods: Two ml of venous blood was also collected into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid bottles for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HIV test using a rapid diagnostic test kit following the standard algorithm of performing diagnosis. Results: Of the 250 participants examined for the presence of HBV and HIV among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic in Calabar, 14 (5.6%) and 3 (1.2%) were positive for HBsAg and HIV. Participants aged 26–30 years had the highest prevalence of HBsAg 8 (7.0%) and participants aged 31–35 had the highest prevalence of HIV 1 (3.2%). The seroprevalence of HBsAg and HIV infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics by occupation shows that students had the highest infection rate of 3 (9%) and 2 (6%) for HBsAg and HIV. Of the 250 participants enrolled, the level of HIV and HBV awareness was 178 (71.2%) and 242 (96.8%), respectively. Conclusions: The study has revealed that the prevalence of HBV and HIV is on the increase among pregnant women, with a prevalence of 5.6% and 1.2%, respectively. General precautions need to be strictly adhered to in the hospital and particularly in blood transfusion and handling of sharps objects.

Background: Globally, diabetes is a leading cause of impairment of quality of life. In the sub-Saharan African region, there is a need for studies that provide more valid assessment of effect of diabetes on quality of life (QoL). This study aimed at assessing quality of life among patients with diabetes attending a tertiary health service in Nigeria. Methods: The study design was a case-control. Diabetic cases were randomly recruited from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, while non-diabetic controls were civil servants and retirees. The validated and pretested WHOQoL-BREF instrument was used to assess quality of life, with higher scores indicating higher quality of life. Results: Three hundred and thirty subjects were studied, with mean ages of males and females of 55.2 ± 4.8 and 51.8 ± 6.3 years, respectively. The mean total QoL score was 75.77 ± 11.2, with no significant difference between males and females. Among male and female cases, the mean score of the physical health domain was significantly lower for cases compared with controls (p = 0.05). Male cases compared with controls had higher scores for the environment domain (p < 0.05). Older age and higher systemic blood pressure were associated with lower QoL scores for both sexes (p < 0.05). Unmarried status, obesity, and poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7%) were associated with lower QoL scores (p < 0.05). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) level and lipid profile were not significantly correlated with QoL score in both sexes (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Diabetes contributes to low quality of life among males and females, with significant differences in the affected domains. Diabetes care providers should identify affected domains during clinic consultation, in order to improve provision of more effective care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been a rise in burden and risk factors for development and progression of diabetes mellitus in developing countries. The associated multisystemic complications and the burden of care potentially impair mental health status of sufferers. This study was aimed at assessing mental health status among diabetic patients in a developing country setting. Methods: Case-control study design was used, and subjects were recruited using random sampling method. Cases were recruited from medical wards and clinics in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, for 14 weeks beginning mid-April through mid-July 2019. Age- and sex-matched non-diabetic normotensive controls were civil servants. Validated and pretested PHQ-9 instrument was used to assess mental health status, and clinical depression was defined as score > 10. p value was set at 0.05. Results: One hundred and sixty-five diabetic patients and their matched controls were studied, with male/female ratio of 1:0.9. Mean age was 54.9 ± 9.6 years. Prevalence of clinical depression was 17.2% and 23.1% for male and female diabetics, respectively. For both male and female subjects, significantly higher proportion of cases compared with controls had clinical depression (p < 0.05). Among female cases, presence of comorbid hypertension, BMI, level of blood pressure, and duration of diabetes were directly associated with depression (p < 0.05). Among male cases, older age, occasional consumption of alcohol, and better glycemic control were associated with depression (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There is high prevalence of depression among diabetic males and females, with potential untoward effects on outcome of care. More robust collaboration between diabetologist and mental health specialist is therefore recommended to address this unmet need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: This study aimed at assessing knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors and prevention, among hypertensive patients in a developing country setting with high cardiometabolic disease morbidity and mortality. Methods: Using descriptive cross-sectional study design and random sampling method, a 30-item questionnaire was used to obtain quantitative data on knowledge of key aspects of cardiovascular disease and practice of preventive measures among hypertensive patients in Calabar. Result: Two hundred and twelve (212) respondents were surveyed with mean age of 45.5 ± 10.8 years. Approximately two-thirds of respondents (67.9%) had unsatisfactory level of knowledge of CVD. Most respondents had unsatisfactory level of knowledge of appropriate diet (77.4%), basic epidemiology (80.2%), risk factors (63.2%), and symptoms of CVD (74.5%). The mean score for knowledge of risk factors was significantly higher among females compared with males (p < 0.05). Consumers compared with non-consumers of alcohol had significantly lower mean scores for knowledge of appropriate diet and symptoms of CVD (p < 0.05). Except for medical knowledge where mean score of knowledge was significantly higher among respondents occasionally exercised or consumed fresh fruits compared with other groups, there was no significant difference in mean score of knowledge for other components comparing the various categories of active exercise and consumption of fresh fruits (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Unsatisfactory level of knowledge of cardiovascular disease among hypertensive patients in the study setting was high. There is urgent need to improve efforts and strategies for health education and counseling of patients toward sustainable adoption of preventive behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertensive patients have increased risk of life-threatening complications, if they do not practice preventive measures. This study aimed at assessing behavioural determinants using Health Belief Model (HBM), among hypertensive patients in Calabar, Nigeria. Method: Using descriptive cross-sectional study design, a 25-item questionnaire was used to obtain sum scores for each HBM component. Higher scores indicated higher degree of belief in risk of CVD event. Result: Two hundred and twelve (212) respondents were studied, with mean age of 45.5 ± 10.8 years. Most respondents (86.8%) had none/low degree of belief in susceptibility to CVD event. Also, most respondents had moderate to high degree of belief in severity of CVD (78.3%), benefits prevention (82.1%), and barriers against practice of preventive measures (70.8%). Females had higher mean scores for belief in severity and benefits of CVD prevention (p<0.05). Respondents seen at the wards compared with those seen at clinics, had significantly higher mean score for belief in susceptibility to CVD, and barriers against practice of preventive measures (p<0.05). Consumers compared with non-consumers of alcohol had significantly lower mean score for susceptibility, but higher mean scores for severity, benefits, and barriers against practice of preventive measures (p<0.05). Significantly higher means score for belief in benefits of practice of preventive measures was found for more frequent compared with less frequent consumers of fresh fruits (p=0.00). Conclusion: Most hypertensive patients in the study setting have low level of belief in their susceptibility to having CVD event. The implications of these findings for better prevention of CVD are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs artificial neural networks (ANNs), specifically the Nonlinear Autoregressive with External Input (NARX) model as an ANN add-on for Matlab, to forecast Earth-Vas2 parameters. The model leverages a time series approach, with the Earth-Vas2 index (y(t)) as the predictive target and various parameters (elevations, static water level, aquifer material thickness, transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity, specific capacity, vadose media) denoted as x(t) to facilitate accurate predictions. The Levenberg-Marquardt training algorithm was applied to the ANN using geo-hydraulic data from 56 boreholes for training and 24 boreholes for validation and testing. Validation metrics such as mean square error (MSE), correlation coefficient (R), and coefficient of determination (R2) were utilized. The results indicate a high degree of accuracy, with low MSE values of 0.0171 (training), 0.0087 (validation), and 0.0327 (testing). Strong correlation coefficients (R) of 0.9882, 0.9898, and 0.9844, along with high R2 values (97.66%), emphasize the robustness of the ANN model. Actual and predicted Earth-Vas2 values exhibit a similar pattern, affirming the model's effectiveness. The R-value of 0.9882 signifies a strong positive correlation within the model, validating its ability to capture variable interactions in fluid migration control. Geo-hydraulic Earth-Vas2 maps identify areas with varying migration efficiency, guiding groundwater management. The study emphasizes routine subsurface assessments for crucial data in environmental planning and risk reduction in industrial and municipal activities. This method provides cost-effective estimation of key geo-hydraulic properties for aquifer vulnerability assessments, with far-reaching implications for groundwater management, environmental protection, and land use planning. • Soil hydraulic conduits amplify aquifer vulnerability. • Geotechnical analysis validates Darcy's principle in the model. • NARX-ANN model with geo-hydraulic data establishes robust methodology. • Findings are crucial for groundwater management and environmental conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Henry Ohem Okpa,1 Elvis Mbu Bisong,2 Ofem Egbe Enang,1 Emmanuel Monjok,2,3 Ekere James Essien3 1Department of Internal Medicine, 2Department of Family Medicine, University of Calabar and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria; 3Institute of Community Health, University of Houston, Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA Background: The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has remarkably improved the prognosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, at the expense of the development of long-term complications such as cardiovascular and renal diseases. Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and its associated mortality. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of HTN and to identify possible predictors among HIV-infected patients attending the HIV Special Treatment Clinic at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out over a 5-month period from February to July 2016. A total of 112 HIV-infected persons were consecutively recruited and their blood pressures were measured in two consecutive clinic visits. They were compared with the HIV-negative control group (n=309). Data collected were analyzed with SPSS 18, and statistical significance was set at P40 years), increased weight and body mass index (BMI), and presence of obesity. Male sex and duration of exposure to HAART and CD4 count levels >200 cells/mm3 were associated with HTN in HIV-infected patients, whereas the absence of family history of HTN was significantly associated with HTN in both groups. However, in a multivariate logistic regression, the predictors of HTN in both groups are absence of family history of HTN and older age in HIV-infected patients and HIV-negative subjects, respectively.Conclusion: Traditional risk factors such as older age, increased BMI, and obesity were linked to HTN in both HIV-infected and HIV-negative subjects, but higher CD4 count level and cumulative HAART exposure were associated with HTN in HIV-positive individuals. In a multivariate logistic regression, the predictors of HTN in both groups are absence of family history of HTN and older age in HIV-infected patients and HIV-negative subjects, respectively. Keywords: hypertension, urban, HIV, population, Calabar, Nigeria

Fraud/cheat in the buying and selling of commodities is part and parcel of modern businesses worldwide, and a common phenomenon in Nigeria. Personal purchases of meats using a measurement scale and others without measurement scale were made in Abakiliki and Calabar meat markets. Empirically, holding the quality of meats constant, a paired t-test analytical tool shows significant difference in the weight of meats bought and sold by non-measurement scale and those with measurement scale. Theoretically, perspectives from rational choice, fraud triangle, economic, social learning/contagious, anomie theories and political economy are drawn on to suggest an integrated multiple reinforcing-social-forces theory of fraud in the sale of meats. Results confirm that consumers receive less value for their money when they purchase meats without metrology. Cheat is conceived as a product of individual, structural variables and process that interact at different levels to produce negative consequences. An EpiCrim approach which, include strategies to promote consumers' rights awareness, impose sanctions with certainty, celerity and pains, and other measures to assist helpless victims of cheat is advocated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pandemic of HIV has persisted for over three decades now, without a definite cure or vaccine. Sub-populations at higher risk of infection, such as Men who Sleep with Men (MSM), may be constituting a nidus for disease transmission, posing difficulty in its sustainable containment. Socioculturally-mediated fear, stigma and discrimination associated with their constitutionally illegal status in many settings, may have contributed to the current state of paucity of literature on the epidemiology of STDs among MSM in many settings. This study was therefore aimed at assessing prevalence of HIV and pattern of sexual practices among MSM in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods: Snow-ball sampling technique was used to recruit subjects, with researcher administration of structured questionnaire to obtain quantitative data. Ethical approval was obtained from the UCTH ethical committee. Results: Fifty-two (52) respondents were surveyed, with mean age of 22.4 ± 3.17 years, ranging from 17 to 31 years. Twenty seven subjects (51.9%) were bisexual, and the commonest MSM type was inserter only (27, 51.9%). Seven (7) subjects had positive on-the-spot HIV test result, yielding a prevalence rate of 13.5%. Fourteen (26.9%) and nine (17.3%) subjects, were consistent with use of condom, and use of lubricant during sexual intercourse, respectively. Forty-four subjects (84.6%) admitted ever having casual sexual intercourse. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of HIV and risky sexual practices among MSM in Nigeria. There is need to redouble our effort at accessing MSM for consistent provision of health education and other HIV prevention services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) is gaining increasing significance in the management of glaucoma patients due to the recognized relationship between CCT and intraocular pressure (IOP) levels. The Objective of this study was to evaluate to what extent CCT modified Goldmann Applanation Tonometry (GAT), and thus management decisions in the care of glaucoma patients and suspects in Calabar, Nigeria. Materials and methods: All consenting patients seen from January to December 2015 in University of Calabar teaching Hospital (UCTH) eye clinic and Zerah Eye Hospital and Laser Center, Calabar who were diagnosed as Glaucoma suspects/patients were included. IOP was measured by Goldmann Applanation Tonometry (GAT), and CCT measured by handheld contact ultrasound pachymetry. Data entry and analysis was performed using STATA 12 software. Results were summarized in frequencies, percentages and means while comparison was done using 95% confidence interval. Results: The study sample was 256 with 133(51%) females and 123(48%) males. The mean age was 45.52 years ± 17.82. The mean CCT was 530 μm. An inverse relationship between CCT and age was seen; mean CCT of 518.29 μm and 548.93 μm for the oldest age and youngest age groups respectively. Increasing age is a known risk factor for glaucoma, but it remains to be elucidated if the progressive thinning in CCT with age confers an independent risk factor. The mean IOP was 15.835 and CCT adjusted values for IOP varying from -7 to +7 mmHg with mean IOP adjustment of 0.84 mmHg ± 2.66 mmHg for right eye and mean IOP adjusted value of 0.98 mmHg ± 2.69 mmHg for the left eye. Over 50% had adjusted IOP values of ≥1.5 mmHg, while 36% had adjusted values of ≥3 mmHg. Conclusion: Measurement of CCT was important for management decisions as 36% of study subject required IOP adjusted values of ≥3 mmHg, thus affecting diagnostic criteria and modifying decisions on „Target IOP? during management. Routine CCT measurement at diagnosis should be part of a minimum package of care even in low resource settings, for the glaucoma patients to avoid undertreatment/overtreatment from „falsely? elevated or lowered IOPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in the University of Calabar Library, Calabar, Nigeria using survey research design. The population of the study consisted of all registered undergraduate library users between the 2014 and 2015. The total population of the study was 5,244 users. Accidental sampling technique was used to select 300 respondents who constituted the sample of the study. The study sought to ascertain if there is a state of apathy toward library resources and services in the University of Calabar library. The finding showed that the level of usage of library resources and services dropped significantly between 2012 and 2015. The books borrowed from the library and the number of registered Undergraduate library users within the same period showed a remarkable decline. Insufficient seats, attitude of library staff towards users, Erratic Power supply, Students access to personal computer and smart phones, low information literacy competencies of undergraduates and inadequate information resources were identified as reasons for the state of apathy towards the library. It was recommended in the study that: Libraries with perceived incidents alluding to the prevalence of users' apathy would have to resort to awareness and advocacy programmes to woo potential users back to the library. It is important to review the library use instruction programme, the services provided by the library and the attitude of Library staff towards users. There should be conscious efforts to correct any lapse arising from the review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of complications amongst 174 patients that had mandibular fractures and were treated by closed reduction at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar south-south Nigeria. Methods: We carried out a prospective study of 174 patients with mandibular fracture treated by closed reduction technique at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar Nigeria over a 4-year period. The focus was on the complications developed during and after the treatments Results: Of the 174 patients, 36 (20.7%) developed various forms of complications. Amongst the 36 patients, there were 53 different complications. The commonest complication recorded was infection 14 (26.4%) while the least was facial asymmetry and nonunion. According to the duration of onset, more complications were recorded under the intermediate than immediate and late categories. Complications were more common in the third decade of life, but least in the 7th decade. There were 29 (80.6%) males and 7(19.4%) females with a male to female ratio of 4.1:1. Conclusion: Socioeconomic problems, treatments by quacks and wrong management of patients have been responsible for the occurrence of complications following mandibular fracture. However, the trend of occurrence of complications of mandibular fracture needs comparative analysis with a similar study carried out in the same environment to make a significant conclusion. This result of this study is therefore a baseline report on, which future studies are expected to use as reference point to determine the trends of occurrence in our environment.

This study was aimed at showing the impact of information on female vegetable farmers (discussed as a form of entrepreneurship) in one local government area in Nigeria. A questionnaire was used in collecting data for the study. A total of 210 questionnaires were administered. Of these, 193 useable copies were retrieved (91.9%) and used for analysis. Simple percentage and pie charts were used to analyse the data. The results showed that vegetable farmers mostly used information from agricultural extension officers to request for loans. This information was very minimal as the study did not show its impact to have had any increase in productivity. Information for choice of planting materials, fertilizer application as well as storage and marketing of products were gotten from fellow growers. The study agreed with previous studies that information is really powerful and enhances decision-making regardless of the group of people involved. Although this group seems to have been neglected, they still pulled their weight, striving in their little efforts to move on. The study recommends that government and other stakeholders should encourage this group with adequate information for better economic sustainability and development to benefit from the under-utilized services available to them. The study also recommends that government should use extension officers to organize these female vegetable farmers into cooperative groups to enable them have easy access to loan facilities as an encouragement to boost their acts of entrepreneurship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parachanna obscura is a major fish species in the Calabar Great Kwa River, Nigeria. It is consumed by about 70% of people within and without Cross River State almost on daily basis. However, the fish harbors a great number of nematodes. A total of 33 fishes (16 larvae and 17adults) from the Great Kwa River were sampled between October and December to determine the temperature range at which the parasitizing nematodes survive. One hundred and eighty-seven (187) nematodes were extracted from the 33 fishes within the months of study. The nematodes were identified as Contracaecum and Camallanus species. Generally, the larvae survived better than the adult nematodes. A decrease in temperature below 220C significantly impaired the survival rate and temperatures above 600C completely eliminated the nematodes. Therefore, for safe public consumption, P.obscura should be dried at >600C for at least 30 minutes to ensure total elimination of nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Human monkeypox is an emerging viral zoonotic infectious disease caused by an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, of the Poxviridae. From the 1st of January to the 31st of October, a total of 77, 264 laboratory-confirmed cases from 109 Countries have been reported including 36 deaths by the World Health Organisation. Knowledge of monkeypox, high index and sound clinical judgement particularly amongst medical doctors are critical to responding to monkeypox effectively. Previous studies have shown poor knowledge of monkeypox infection among doctors. This study aims to assess doctors’ knowledge of monkeypox and their confidence in diagnosing monkeypox prior to laboratory confirmation. Method: A cross-sectional online survey containing a 28-item scale and explanatory variables was used to assess respondents’ knowledge, confidence and risk perception of monkeypox. The participants were reached with an online Google form posted on the Nigerian Medical Association group WhatsApp, Cross River State. The questionnaires were structured as closed-ended and were self-administered to collect quantitative data. Results: A total of 164 medical doctors working in Cross River State participated. Only 38 (23.2%) of them had good knowledge of monkeypox, using a > 60% cutoff point for good knowledge. Seventy-two per cent (72%) displayed confidence in clinically diagnosing monkeypox in their daily clinic runs. There was a statistically significant relationship between the knowledge category and medical sub-specialities (X² =6.98; p=0.03). Conclusions and Implications: We conclude that knowledge of monkeypox amongst medical doctors practising in Cross River State, Nigeria is currently low, though confidence to diagnose it is high, this confidence should be backed with sound medical knowledge to improve doctors’ capacity to respond to the emerging monkeypox infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most effective public health intervention approaches for the prevention of COVID-19. Despite its well-known efficacy and safety, a significant proportion of frontline COVID-19 healthcare workers remain hesitant about accepting the vaccine for whatever reasons. This study aimed to determine the acceptance rate and determinants of vaccine refusal among doctors in Cross River State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional online-based questionnaire was distributed to doctors via their medical association’s WhatsApp platform in order to assess the rate of their acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines, and reasons for vaccine refusal. The predictors of vaccine acceptance were analysed by univariate and multivariate analysis (logistic regression). Results: The majority of them were below 43 years (77.4%, n=127) and male doctors (59.1%; n = 97). Also, a greater proportion of them are physicians (47.3%, n = 70). About three-quarters of the participants had received the COVID-19 vaccine (74%). The proportion of physicians that had received the COVID-19 vaccine was more than other doctors in other sub-specialities (81.4%; n = 57). The low perceived benefit of vaccination was the main reason given for COVID-19 vaccine refusal (46%). No association was found between vaccine refusal and suspected predictors. Conclusion and Implication: Our study revealed a high rate of medical doctors’ COVID19 vaccine acceptance, especially among physicians, and surgeons showing the lowest acceptance rate. A significant proportion would not take the vaccine because they perceived it lacks many benefits. To raise vaccine acceptance among doctors, more efforts on vaccine literacy that would target doctors from all sub-specialities, especially surgeons and incorporate vaccine benefits should be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Healthcare professionals, especially, medical doctors need to be prepared both clinically and psychologically to prevent monkeypox from becoming another global pandemic after COVID-19. This study was conducted to assess the attitudes, perceptions and disposition of doctors regarding monkeypox and their readiness to accept the monkeypox vaccine. Methods: A cross-sectional online study with multi-item scale questionnaires was used to assess doctors working in Cross River State. Data were collected on Doctors’ sociodemographic characteristics, worries and concerns about monkeypox, their attitudes, perceptions of, and their readiness to accept and support the monkeypox vaccine. Results: A total of 164 doctors completed the survey. There were ill feelings among 42% of the participants that monkeypox would become another global pandemic; 83% had confident that the world population can control monkeypox. About one-fifth of the participants believed that monkeypox is another public health hoax as observed with COVID-19. It was the viewpoints of 21% of the participants that monkeypox will significantly affect daily activities going forward. More than half of the participants accepted to favourably deliver the smallpox vaccine for the prevention of monkeypox (X2 : 4.91; P=027). When asked whether the participants would accept receiving the smallpox vaccine for preventing monkeypox, 58% of the participants responded in the affirmative. Female doctors (participants) are less likely to support the monkeypox vaccine compared to male doctors (OR (95CI): 0.44 (0.22-0.88); P=0.02) while Physicians are more likely to support the monkeypox vaccine compared to surgeons (OR (95% CI): 2.43 (1.03-5.71); P=0.04. Sixteen (16%) per cent of the participants had high-risk perception scores (RPS). Conclusion and Implication: More than half of the participants displayed low RPS, and willingness to support the delivery of monkeypox. This is a welcome development as this will engender more commitment from the doctors to tackle the menace of monkeypox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Satisfaction surveys are periodically necessary to evaluate services rendered to clients/patients as a means of quality assurance and service improvement. Aim: To determine satisfaction to services rendered to ophthalmic patients in an outpatient eye clinic. Material and methods: It was an observational study carried out with validated questionnaires complemented with a focused group discussion. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 15.0) was used for data analysis. Observation: A total of 251 questionnaires were analyzed comprising 139 males and 112 females (M: F= 1: 0.8). Age range and mean age were 17-92 years and 37'2 ± 15'6 years respectively. Overall satisfaction with quality of services was 80'1%. Specifically, 95'6%, 92%, 80'9%, 70'9%, and 59'8% were satisfied with cleanliness of hospital premises, doctors' willingness to listen to complaints, nursing care; doctors' following-up on treatment, and time nurses administered treatments respectively. However, only 37'8%, 38'6%, 39'8%, and 47'4% were satisfied with drug costs, cost of transportation to hospital, laboratory charges, and record keeping profile respectively. Conclusion: Costs of uptake of eye care services and record keeping profile were key sources of dissatisfaction in this study [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to define the injury types found intracranially when head trauma occurs and possibly predict the type of injury seen with the different mechanisms of injury. Methods: We prospectively studied ninety-one patients presenting at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) over twenty-four months (February 2011 to February 2013) with head injury. Their socio-demographics and clinical data as well as the CT findings were collected. Statistical analysis was done using stata 10, stat corp, Texas USA, 2007. Frequency tables, bar chats, histograms and chi-square were used to analyse the data. Results: Ninety-one patients with head injury were seen. The age group of 20-29 and 40-49years were the commonest, median being twenty-nine years, interquartile range, 22-42years. Sixty four (70.3%) males, twenty seven (29.7%) females. The commonest mechanism of injury was RTA. Diffuse cerebral oedema, cerebral haemorrhage were the commonest brain events. No normal scan was seen. Skull fractures, especially comminuted ones were the commonest. CT findings in each case could not be predicted from the mechanism of injury. Conclusion: This study reveals that a typical head injured patient in our locality is a male aged 20 - 29 years, involved in an RTA. Since it is impossible to predict the CT scan findings using the mechanism of injury, CT scans should be made available in all hospitals so as to appropriately manage these types of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to investigate impeding factors of HIV/AIDS information utilization by women in Calabar South Local Government Area. The survey design was used for the study. The instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages were used to analysis the data. The findings revealed that lack of access to information was a major problem hindering utilization of HIV/AIDS information. It is therefore, recommended that the preferred sources of HIV/AIDS information be made available and accessible for effective utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal part of Nigeria where the study area is located depends on river and groundwater for domestic, agricultural and industrial use. An understanding of the chemical origin of the groundwater provides insight into the interaction of water with the environment and contributes to a better resource management. Data from systematic field sampling and analysis were integrated using descriptive statistics; correlation matrices, bivariant plots, geochemical modelling and a mixing model have been used to gain insight into the hydrogeochemical processes of water in the area. The dominant processes controlling groundwater chemistry are silicate weathering, cation exchange and human activity (waste disposal). The prevalent water type is Na-HCO, which make up 67% of all the water samples (53% of river water and 78% of groundwater); Na-HCO-Cl make up 19% of all the samples (comprising 20% of river water and 21% of groundwater) and 14% classified as Na-Cl (27% river water; 1% of groundwater). Deterioration in water quality has resulted from tidal flushing for river water and human activity (waste disposal) for groundwater. Presently, the estimated amount of freshwater decreases southwards towards the coast for both river and groundwater. In contrast, the amount of brackish water and wastewater increases southwards for the river water and groundwater, respectively. These findings are important since they contribute to identification of suitable areas for developing water resources that could yield relatively better quality of water and they may lead to strategies that ameliorate groundwater quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Abakuá mutual-aid society of Cuba, recreated from the Ékpè leopard society of West Africa's Cross River basin, is a richly detailed example of African cultural transmission to the Americas. Its material culture, such as masquerades and drum construction, as well as rhythmic structures, are largely based on Ékpè models. Its ritual language is expressed through hundreds of chants that identify source regions and historical events; many can be interpreted by speakers of Èfìk, the pre-colonial lingua franca of the Cross River region (Miller 2005). With the help of both Ékpè and Abakuá leaders, I have examined relationships between the musical practices of West African Ékpè, Cuban Abakuá, as well as Cuban migrants to the United States whose commercial recordings have evoked West African places and events historically relevant to Abakuá, meanwhile contributing to the evolution of North American jazz. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In a recent study, involving the examination of 593 stool samples obtained from randomly selected children from three primary schools in Calabar, Shigella spp. were isolated from 123 (20.7%) of the samples. The infection rate was highest among the younger children with (64.2%) 79/123 of the isolates coming from children under 10 years of age. Infection rate was comparable among boys and girls (p=0.1). Only two species of Shigella were isolated viz: Shigella flexneri 12.0% (71/593) and Shigella sonnei 8.8% (52/593), in this study. The infection rate was highest in the Government Public Primary school, which also had the highest ratio of pupils per toilet. In all, 24 (19.5%) of the isolates were sensitive to all of the nine antimicrobial agents tested while 67 (54.5%) were resistant to two or more antibiotics. The data generated from this study show that there is a high infection rate of shigellosis among primary school children in this study area and calls for better health education, improved and sustainable sanitation and provision of more functional toilets with running water in the primary schools. Asia Pac J Public Health 2004; 16(1): 41-44. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A combination of surface resistivity and hydrogeological data has been used to identify different water bearing horizons within the coastal plain sands of the Calabar area in southern Nigeria.Results show that two major water bearing horizons exist in the area: (i) an upper zone consisting of medium- to coarse-grained sands and gravels having a mean formation resistivity of 1500 Ωm (gravelly zone) and (ii) a lower zone consisting of fine- to medium-grained sands with a mean formation resistivity of 320 Ωm (sandy zone). The estimated aquifer parameters (hydraulic conductivity k, transmissivity T, specific capacity SC, specific capacity index I, coefficient of aquifer capacity CAC, coefficient of aquifer variability CAV) are higher in the gravelly zone in comparison to the sandy zone. Rating of these zones on the basis of formation resistivity (aquifer layer resistivity), FR, specific capacity, transmissivity, T and total dissolved solids, TDS show that the upper and the lower zones can best be described as very good (VG) and slightly good (SG), respectively, in terms of quantity of groundwater. However, the upper zone is highly vulnerable to surface pollution compared to the lower zone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two waste-disposal sites (old and new) in Calabar Municipality, SE Nigeria were evaluated to assess their suitability as landfill sites and their impact on the groundwater. The field investigation included surface geological/hydrogeological and geochemical studies. Leachate and groundwater were sampled and analysed for 3 months (April, May and June, 1997) for geochemical characterisation. The results indicate that the two waste-disposal sites in the Calabar Municipality do not meet the requirements as landfill sites. Physico-chemical analyses for temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand after 5 days of incubation (BOD5), sulphate, nitrates, nitrite, trace and major elements in the leachate known to impact human health and the environment, indicate high levels of pollution. The values for groundwater in the vicinity of the disposal sites were found to be within the World Health Organisation (WHO) permissible limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]