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Although there are several indirect methods that can be used to verify reference limits, they have a common weakness in that they assume a low proportion of pathological values. This paper investigates whether a Gaussian decomposition algorithm can identify the non-pathological fraction even if it is not the main subset of mixed data. All investigations are carried out in the R programming environment. The mclust package is used for Gaussian mixture modelling via the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm. For right-skewed distributions, logarithms of the original values are taken to approximate the Gaussian model. We use the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) for evaluation of the results. The reflimR and refineR packages serve as comparison procedures. We generate synthetic data mixtures with known normal distributions to demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of our approach. Application of the algorithm to real data from a Nigerian and a German population produces results, which help to interpret reference intervals of reflimR and refineR that are obviously too wide. In the first example, the mclust analysis of hemoglobin in Nigerian women supports the medical hypothesis that an anemia rate of more than 50 % leads to falsely low reference limits. Our algorithm proposes various scenarios based on the BIC values, one of which suggests reference limits that are close to published data for Nigeria but significantly lower than those established for the Caucasian population. In the second example, the standard statistical analysis of creatine kinase in German patients with predominantly cardiac diseases yields a reference interval that is clearly too wide. With mclust we identify overlapping fractions that explain this false result. Gaussian mixture modelling does not replace standard methods for reference interval estimation but is a valuable adjunct when these methods produce discrepant or implausible results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Withholding workers' salaries for months as a punishment for engaging in a strike may natively affect and influence their psychological distress. This study assessed the correlation between physical activity, psychological distress, and socioeconomic status, and explored the factors influencing psychological distress among the striking workers in Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional face-to-face and online study conveniently sampled a total of 234 lecturers aged 27-69 years. The sociodemographic, physical, socio-economic, and psychological distress was assessed by the university strike physical and psychological distress questionnaire (USPAPDQ). Data analysis includes descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, Spearman's correlation, and Man whiney U-test, using a P<0.05 as the level of significance. Results: The mean age, number of papers, and frequency/duration of exercise were 45.4±10.36 years, 4±5.82, 2.19±1.63 day/week, and 30.49±29.82 minutes/day, respectively. An inverse significant relationship was established between anxiety and age (r=-0.27; P<0.01), contemplating changing my job (r=-0.40; P<0.01), number of children (r=-0.19; P<0.01), academic rank (r=-0.27; P<0.01), frequency (r=-0.18; P<0.01), and duration (r=-0.16; P=0.02) of exercise. The significant predictors of anxiety were marital status (ß=-0.207, P<0.01), contemplation on changing my job if the strike continues (P<0.01, ß=-0.198), see anything positive about the strike (P<0.01, ß=0.178), and numbers of children (P<0.01, ß=-0.193). The significant predictors of depression were, an alternate source of income (P=0.04, ß=0.126), contemplation on changing my job if the strike continues (P=0.03, ß=-0.149), seeing anything positive about the strike (P=0.05, ß=0.118), and time (hours) spent watching television (P=0.03, ß=0.124). Discussion: Overall, the significant negative predictors of psychological distress include marital status, contemplating changing my job, and number of children. The positive predictors were seeing anything positive about the strike, alternate sources of income, and time spent watching television. The government may prevent the reoccurrence of strikes by honouring existing agreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the knowledge and utilization of hepatitis B infection preventive measures and influencing factors among primary health care workers in Ibadan. Background: Exposure of healthcare workers to sharps, blood and body fluids makes them vulnerable to blood borne infections like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C and hepatitis B to mention a few. There has been an increase in the prevalence of hepatitis in the under developed countries including Nigeria while Hepatitis B preventive measures are not practiced by some health workers. Methods: This descriptive survey utilized a quantitative approach. Two hundred and ten workers were selected from primary health care centers within four local governments of Oyo state using multi stage sampling technique. Data were collected, coded and analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15. Results: Majority of the health care workers had heard of hepatitis B transmission before while many (68.1%) had experienced needle stick injury. Many (65.2%) had good knowledge of preventive measures of hepatitis B while only 37.6% put the measures into practice. Conclusion: Although they claimed high practice of preventive measures, the findings were to the contrary. Hypotheses tested showed that knowledge did not significantly influence practice of preventive measures of hepatitis B. It is recommended that primary health care workers should attend sponsored seminars /conferences targeted at improving practices of preventive measures of hepatitis B. Necessary resources for prevention of blood borne infections should be made available to the health care workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communal Conflicts is a social problem that affects a significant number of communities in Akwa Ibom States and Nigeria in general. Some lingering Communal Conflicts have affected the past generations, present generation and also attempting to affect future generations if not properly resolved. Most communal conflicts in Akwa Ibom State are direct consequences of the lack of proper demarcation of the boundaries between these communities. The main objective of the study was to investigate the factors that necessitate communal conflicts among communities in Akwa Ibom State. The study adopted a survey design. Data were obtained from two sources; Primary Source and Source. Primary data were obtained through interviews and participant observation, while secondary data were obtained from extant literature. Respondents were selected using multiple sampling techniques, this includes purposive, Snowball and random sampling techniques. Two Sociological theories were used to explain the study these include, the Human Need Theory and the Frustration-Aggression Theory. The study recommends (amongst others) that the government should constitute a Panel that would fix Proper boundary demarcation between these communities. The reports of a panel of inquiry "White paper" should be properly implemented to forestall future communal conflicts in Akwa Ibom State. Government should do away with every form of political interest and bias to ensure that Peace is restore among the warring Communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined the impact of crime on rental values of residential properties in Ikono South, Ikono, Akwa Ibom State. In order to achieve the stated aim, the objectives were to assess the trend of crime in Ikono South, Ikono Local Government Area, to evaluate the trend of rental values of residential properties in Ikono South, Ikono Local Government Area and to establish the relationship between crime and property values in Ikono South, Ikono Local Government Area. The research work adopted the cross-sectional survey type of design. The research population comprised occupiers of residential real estate in the study area. Stratified random sampling method was used to stratify Ikono South District into thirty-six villages forming the Ikono South District. Disproportionate stratified random sampling was then used to select 10 respondents from each of the villages forming the Ikono South District, thereby bringing the sample size to 360. Data from 2015 to 2022 was obtained from the questionnaire and was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the study revealed that there was a consistent year-to-year increase in crime rate between 2015 and 2022. The study also found out varying rental values, with the maximum rental value of N240,000.00 per annum observed in 2022 in Ekang village, while the minimum rental value of N70,000.00 per annum was observed in 2015 and 2016 in Ukpom Ikot Akpakam village in the study area. The regression results showed a statistically significant negative relationship between crime and rental value. This implied that as crime rate increases, the rental value decreases. The study then concluded that increase in crime rate in the study area has a negative effect on the rental value of residential properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the multinational oil companies' (MOCs) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of the global memorandum of understanding (GMoU) on improving female status by improving nutrition in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: This paper adopts a survey research technique, aimed at gathering information from a representative sample of the population, as it is essentially cross-sectional, describing and interpreting the current situation. A total of 768 women respondents were sampled across the rural areas of the Niger Delta region. Findings: The results from the use of a combined propensity score matching and logit model indicate that GMoU model has made significant impact in the key areas of assessment – gender-sensitive nutrition education, food security at household level, reduction on food taboos and female access to education. Practical implications: This suggests that CSR interventions targeting to improve the nutrition status of girls and adolescents will help to ensure that female's status improves throughout the life circle in the region. Social implications: This implies that MOCs' investment in the nutrition of female is an important short-term barometer in assessing expected returns to improving household nutrition and overall human development capacity for sub-Saharan Africa. Originality/value: This research contributes to the inequality debate in the women's nutrition and inclusive growth literature from the CSR perspective. It concludes that business has an obligation to help in solving problems of public concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the relationship between women smallholder farmers' initiatives and food security in sub-Saharan African rural communities of southern Cross River State, Nigeria. Specific objectives: The paper argues specifically that a relationship exists between women household agricultural production activities and food security in rural communities; an association exists between women household food processing activities and food security in rural communities; also, women agrobiodiversity initiatives relate with food security in rural communities. These objectives are tested in the study as research hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance with 598 degrees of freedom. It adopts the feminisation theoretical framework, which is rooted in the feminist economics which explains the geometrical involvement of women small holders in agricultural production. Methodology. The research methodology combines both the qualitative and quantitative approaches of survey research design. Women Small Holders Farmers Initiatives and Food Security Questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Guide and Key Informant Information (KII) Guide constitute the instruments of data collection. The study elicits data from 654 rural women using a multi-stage sampling procedure (simple random, stratified, cluster, purposive and systematic sampling). Data analysis: The analytical techniques include simple percentages and Chi-square(X2) to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings: The findings indicate that rural women have consistently been involved in the area of agricultural productivity for food security which helps to strengthen and promote domestic food production. Their endeavours have promoted self-sufficiency in staple food commodities and have led to an increase in production. Conclusion/recommendation. Women smallholder farmers' initiatives positively impact food security in terms of food availability, accessibility and utilisation. The paper submits that if rural communities in Nigeria must achieve food sovereignty, rural women involved in the Nigerian food production process must become the target group of agricultural policies. Agricultural policies targeted at creating a favourable environment for rural women are vital to sustainable food sovereignty. It recommends that the feminisation of agriculture as a development strategy should also harmonise with other anti-poverty and anti-hunger plans and mainstream food security as the overarching goal. Word count: 339 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to report a non-randomized control study undertaken to investigate prevalence and correlates of conduct disorder among male secondary education students in South-West Nigeria and to assess the impact of a problem-solving skills and attributional retraining (PSSAR) intervention with this population. Design/methodology/approach: In total, 787 male students from two schools were screened for conduct disorder. All participants who met criteria for the disorder were allocated to either treatment (n = 55) or control (n = 47) groups. Outcome measures comprised the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ; teacher and student versions) and the teacher rating of students' aggressive behaviors. Findings: Of the sample, 13% were found to present with difficulties that met criteria for conduct disorder. The presence of these difficulties correlated with several demographic variables, including parental conflict and alcohol use. A statistically significant reduction in mean scores was observed for the treatment group in the student rating of the SDQ emotional subscale and total difficulties scores. Teacher ratings were less consistent in that conduct problems, prosocial behavior and total difficulties increased following the intervention, whereas peer problems and aggressive behavior were reported by teachers to reduce. No statistically significant change was found in the outcome measures for the control group. Practical implications: In resource-constrained settings, school-based interventions are an important means through which treatment gaps in child and adolescent mental health can be addressed. Originality/value: In resource-constrained settings, school-based interventions are an important means through which treatment gaps in child and adolescent mental health can be addressed. This study's findings offer some preliminary support for the PSSAR intervention for conduct disorder in this context and indicate areas for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The paper investigates the disparities in infant and child mortality in Nigeria over the last two decades. The major contribution of this study is to document the disparities in infant and child mortality in Nigeria at the state level. Methods. The paper employs both descriptive statistics, multivariate logistics regression, and multilevel logistics regression on data from IPUMS-Demographic and Health Surveys (IPUMS-DHS), 1990, 1999, 2003, 2008 and 2013 Version 5 datasets. The paper uses a multilevel logistic regression analysis on 216,049 observations nested within 1,766 clusters or neighborhoods in the 36 states and FCT, Abuja, Nigeria. Results. The paper finds that disparity in infant and child mortality is correlated to disparity in wealth, mother's educational attainment, and access to health care in Nigeria. Additionally, the study finds wide disparities in both infant and child mortality among the 36 states and FCT, Abuja, Nigeria. Conclusion and policy implication. The paper finds evidence of clustering effect at both community and individual levels suggesting little difference in infant and child mortality within clusters. This is very significant when we connect the instability in certain states of Nigeria to the health of children in those states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves the cutting of the external female genital organs for non-medical purposes. It is a widespread public health problem in Nigeria as it affects the health of women and girls. The views of women about FGM are widely researched and known; however, very little empirical research has been conducted to understand the views of men. Aim: This study therefore sought to examine men's views with regard to the continuation of FGM and its associated factors in a rural Igbo community in Nigeria. Subject and Method: This paper reports the results of a survey of 215 men aged 18 and above living in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Uturu in Nigeria. Bivariate and binary logistic regression were performed on 215 completed and returned questionnaires (86% response rate) using the Statistical Package for Social Science. This is the first study to investigate Nigerian Igbo men's views of FGM. Results: Descriptive statistics revealed that almost two-thirds of the sample (63.7%) thought FGM should be discontinued. Logistic regression found that owning a television and/or a radio and holding a Christian faith significantly predicted favouring the discontinuation of FGM. Conclusion: This study provides evidence to suggest that some Nigerian Igbo men's attitudes about FGM appear to be generally less than favourable. The major implication of these findings is that policy makers must place greater emphasis on addressing the economic and social development of rural areas in Nigeria if the harmful practice of FGM is to be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite the importance of collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (CPFR), its influence on supply chain innovation capability (SCIC) and supply chain performance (SCP) has not been sufficiently examined. The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedence of SCP through CPFR and SCIC. Design/methodology/approach: Through cluster and stratified random sampling, 286 responses from top managers of 1,574 Nigerian manufacturing companies were analyzed. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling with AMOS graphics. Findings: The results show that SCIC has a full mediating effect on the relationship between CPFR and SCP. Specifically, CPFR has a significant relationship with both SCP and SCIC, and SCIC also relates significantly to SCP. Practical implications: This study offers implications for manufacturers in developing countries in general, and in Nigeria in particular, by providing a guideline on how to improve SCP through CPFR. Originality/value: The paper contributes to the limited studies on CPFR and SCP by extending this line of study into the realm of innovation capability and innovation. It integrates the social exchange theory and the dynamic capabilities theory to examine the collaborative processes of CPFR in the supply chain context. This study stressed the importance of boundary theoretical spanning by extending CPFR and SCP into the domain of innovation capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The paper examines the effects of changing land use pattern on solid waste disposal practices. Data obtained were from secondary and primary sources. Secondary data was sourced from local authority in the study area while primary was obtained through personal observation, direct interview, and questionnaires administration. The study selected 10% of the total houses in the area through systematic sampling method for survey. A household was selected in each of the chosen houses totaling 518 questionnaires, administered in the three residential zones of the core, intermediate, and transition which was stratified based on socio-economic and physical characteristics. Data collected were analyzed using frequency distribution, cross-tabulation, and index. The study showed that most designated dumpsites operated in the past have been usurped by other land uses which leads to waste disposal into vacant plots, streams, drains, road setbacks, and burning. Problems encountered from these disposal practices measured through an index tagged perceived problem index (PPI) are production of odor in the core (PPI = 1.56), breeding of flies in the intermediate (PPI = 1.00), cockroach breeding in the transition (PPI = 0.78), and production of odor (PPI = 2.86) in the city. Overall rate of these problems was transition (PPI = 2.59), intermediate (PPI = 1.57), core (PPI = 1.56), aggregate was 1.92. The study concludes that waste disposal practices in the area are associated with environmental problems that constitute threat to the residents. The study recommends that government should be more proactive by forming a partnership with the private waste collectors to work out waste management strategies that would be globally acceptable and environment-friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Little is known about how self-determination and financial attitude are linked to retirees' financial well-being in Nigerian context. Drawing from the theory of reasoned action, the purpose of this paper is to examine the connection of self-determination, financial attitude and financial well-being. Also, this paper examines the mediating role of financial attitude between self-determination and financial well-being. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study was used in collecting quantitative data from 399 retirees drawn from North Central Nigeria. Hypotheses are tested through structural equation modelling using the Analysis of Moments of Structures (AMOS) software, version 23. Findings: Results from the research indicate that financial attitude serves as a trajectory through which self-determination leads to financial well-being. Therefore, self-determination and financial attitude significantly contribute to the financial well-being of retirees. Research limitations/implications: The use of a cross-sectional design may undermine the causal conclusions of the findings. This study adds to existing research on financial well-being by showing that financial attitude is significant in attaining financial well-being and how self-determination variable impact financial well-being. Originality/value: This study contributes to literature by establishing the mediating role of financial attitude in the relationship between self-determination and financial well-being. Thus, instead of concentrating on only the direct effects of self-determination and financial well-being, the indirect effect of financial attitude is tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines socio-economic drivers of agitations in local oil communities. It applies marginal willingness to accept pay as a quantitative approach to measure tendency of local communities to agitate against environmental degradation. This approach was used to estimate drivers of agitations among indigenous people of Ogoni community in Rivers State, Nigeria. The analyses involved a cross sectional survey with 326 households selected in the community through a stratified random sample. Ordinal logistic (Ologit) models were estimated using the collected data. The paper presents evidence that poverty level and perception are the major socio-economic drivers of agitations against environmental degradation in the community (P < 0.05). In addition, it recommends marginal willingness to accept payment as an alternative quantitative approach for estimating tendency to agitate against social or environmental changes. • The article proposes marginal willingness to accept pay as an alternative quantitative approach to measuring tendency of local oil communities to agitate against environmental degradation. • This approach was applied to estimate drivers of agitations in a local community in Rivers State, Nigeria. • Results depict that poverty and perception are major socio-economic drivers of agitations against environmental degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

Mining is a major economic activity in many developing countries including Nigeria. This paper examines the social and health challenges of Cement production on Obajana communities. This was necessitated to providing a sustainable safe environment to the people and communities where industrial activities take place. The study involved empirical observation and interview of residents of the study area. A total of four hundred respondents were randomly selected from four communities, to appraise the social and health impacts of cement production on human populations in the study area. Descriptive statistics and one sample T-Test were used to analyze the data. The result of the test statistic of P-value 0.00 shows that there is significant relationship between cement production and its associated social and health impact on the people in obajana communities. Obajana community recorded the highest socio and health impact of cement production (43.3%). A significant proportion of the sampled population and clinic records revealed increasing cases of malaria within the study area. Malaria alone account for 37.4% of the incidence of disease in the study area. Additionally, there are health related problems at the host communities that were not properly documented, let alone attempting a resolution process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes attorney's attitudes towards substance use, offenders with drug problems and referral for treatment in Nigeria. It is a cross-sectional descriptive survey conducted among 70 attorneys in Benin City, Nigeria. Participants drawn by both convenience sampling and snowballing approach filled a paper questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data, questions on drug dependence and the law relating to it, and the modified substance use scale. A greater proportion of the attorney (69.4%) correctly identified that intoxication can be used as a defence in a criminal charge while fewer (10.0%) opined dependence was a medical (psychiatric) problem. The majority (85.7%) opined that cannabis should not be legalized and viewed alcohol as dangerous and destructive to the youth of a country if not controlled by law (84.3%). Though few (16.2%) believed that medical intervention alone will suffice for drug addiction, many (84.3%) opined that the best way to treat alcohol or drug-dependent people is to refer them to a good treatment program. Nigerian Lawyers demonstrated a mixture of negative/positive attitudes towards drug users and correct/incorrect knowledge on the law regulating drug-related offence. While drug education of legal professionals is recommended, recognition of the potential roles played in treatment referral should be reinforced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Self-evaluated access and accessibility has been found to be associated with healthcare seeking and quality of life. Studies have shown that, however, a vast majority of individuals with disability living in poor countries have limited access to healthcare influenced by several barriers. The purpose of this paper is to compare the perception of general accessibility of health care services and its association with access barriers and other contextual factors between people with physical disabilities and counterparts without disability. Design/methodology/approach: This study is a cross sectional survey involving 213 individuals with physical disabilities and 213 counterparts without disability sampled using a multi-stage method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with sections on socioeconomic and living conditions, education, health, employment and access to health care. Data analysis involved using χ2 for proportions and T-test and multiple regressions (stepwise) method to determine significant factors that influence perception on accessibility. Findings: The study finds that people with disabilities fared worse in various socioeconomic factors such as education, employment, income and assets possession. People with disabilities also experience more dimensional barriers and reported poor health system accessibility. The difference in accessibility continued after adjusting for other variables, implying that there are more inherent factors that explain the perception of access for people with disabilities. Practical implications: Governments should ensure equitable access to health care delivery for people with disabilities through equitable health policies and services that are responsive to the needs of people with disabilities and promote the creation of enabling environment to enhance participation in health care delivery. Originality/value: The authors confirm that the paper has neither been submitted to peer review, nor is in the process of peer reviewing or accepted for publishing in another journal. The author(s) confirms that the research in this work is original, and that all the data given in the paper are real and authentic. If necessary, the paper can be recalled, and errors corrected. The undersigned authors transfer the copyright for this work to the International Journal of Health Governance. The authors are free of any personal or business association that could represent a conflict of interest regarding the paper submitted, and the authors have respected the research ethics principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex work within the Nigerian context is generally regarded as a crime and shameful behaviour commonly perpetrated by women and/or girls who exchange sexual services with different people usually men for monetary or other benefits. This present study investigates an approach initiated by some communities in Ilorin metropolis of Kwara, Nigeria to eradicate sex work activities. The study adopted a qualitative research method. Three hundred and seven residents from 5 communities where brothel-based and street-based sex workers are predominant participated in the study. A range of sampling methods including criterion, convenience and venue-based sampling methods were used; in-depth interview was the instrument employed in data collection, and data analysis was done using thematic analysis. Results indicate that while the approach is effective in controlling sex workers' activities, it inspires violence and normalises human rights abuses of sex workers in Ilorin metropolis. The paper suggests a need for a public campaign aimed at sensitising members of the communities about the fundamental rights of their fellow citizens which they are obliged to venerate as Nigerians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life satisfaction among academic staff of universities could go a long way in boosting their overall performance. Examining factors that could impact life satisfaction is therefore a worthwhile venture. Hence, this paper investigated work-family balance and creative involvement as predictors of life satisfaction among academic staff in public universities in Ogun State, Nigeria using a survey design. A sample of 417 academic staff was chosen from the population of public universities in Ogun State through the proportional stratified random sampling technique. The mean age of the sample was 43.6 years with a standard deviation of 5.8. Instruments used for data collection were the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Work-Family Balance Scale (WFBS), and Creative Involvement Scale (CIS). Five hypotheses were formulated and tested by means of multiple regression analysis and Pearson's r at the .05 level of significance. Results revealed a significant combined contribution of work-family balance and creative involvement (F(2, 314) = 6.714, p < .05) and significant relative contributions of work-family balance (β = .047, t = 2.603, p < .05) and creative involvement (β = .121, t = 4.260, p < .05) to life satisfaction. There were also significant and positive relationships between work-family balance and life satisfaction (r = .417, p < .05), work-family balance and creative involvement (r = .382, p < .05), and creative involvement and life satisfaction (r = .226, p < .05). It was recommended, among other things, that universities should organize periodic seminars and workshops for academic staff on how to ensure work-family balance and creative involvement with a view to enhancing their satisfaction with life and that all programmes designed to promote work-family balance and creative involvement should be designed to cover academic staff of various cadres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the role of performance appraisal on the performance of the Nigerian civil service. The poor performance of the civil service in rendering qualitative service to citizenry was the problem that justified the need for the study. Sample of 265 respondents participated in the survey and they were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Multiple regression technique was used for the test of the hypotheses. The study found that objective assessment does not have significant effect on performance of the civil service, while it was found that feedback mechanism has significant effect on the performance of the civil service. The study recommends that for improved performance of the service, there is need to ensure that employees are provided timely feedback on their performance appraisal in the service. The basis for promotion or upgraded should be made clear and all should be transparent, as it affects employees' performance, which in turns affects the civil service performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life satisfaction among academic staff of universities could go a long way in boosting their overall performance. Examining factors that could impact life satisfaction is therefore a worthwhile venture. Hence, this paper investigated work-family balance and creative involvement as predictors of life satisfaction among academic staff in public universities in Ogun State, Nigeria using a survey design. A sample of 417 academic staff was chosen from the population of public universities in Ogun State through the proportional stratified random sampling technique. The mean age of the sample was 43.6 years with a standard deviation of 5.8. Instruments used for data collection were the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Work-Family Balance Scale (WFBS), and Creative Involvement Scale (CIS). Five hypotheses were formulated and tested by means of multiple regression analysis and Pearson's r at the .05 level of significance. Results revealed a significant combined contribution of workfamily balance and creative involvement (F(2, 314) = 6.714, p < .05) and significant relative contributions of work-family balance (β = .047, t = 2.603, p < .05)and creative involvement (β = .121, t = 4.260, p < .05) to life satisfaction. There were also significant and positive relationships between work-family balance and life satisfaction (r = .417, p < .05), work-family balance and creative involvement (r = .382, p < .05), and creative involvement and life satisfaction (r = .226, p < .05). It was recommended, among other things, that universit ies should organize periodic seminars and workshops for academic staff on how to ensure work-family balance and creative involvement with a view to enhancing their satisfaction with life and that all programmes designed to promote workfamily balance and creative involvement should be designed to cover academic staff of various cadres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation seeks to answer the research question of how employee creativity (EC), employee polychronicity (EP), high-performance human resource practices (HPHRP), and perceived organizational culture (POC) impact work engagement (WE) inside organizations in the 4IR period. Nine (9) businesses in Nigeria's Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States served as the study's sample. Data for this examination were gathered using a cross-sectional survey methodology, and respondents who agreed to participate in the investigation were randomly assigned questionnaires. Consequently, a simple random sampling method was used to select participants. Analysis using statistical software for social sciences (SPSS version 28) was performed on 261 of the 270 distributed questionnaires that were recovered and determined to be useable. This study demonstrated how POC, EC, EP, and HPHRPs all have a substantial, positive, and independent influence on the improvement and sustainability of WE in Nigerian companies operating in the 4IR era. In light of this, the research's findings have helped sustain workplace engagement during the fourth industrial revolution, notably in Nigeria. The literature on creativity, polychronicity, high-performance human resource strategies, corporate culture, and job engagement has also benefited from its contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Rural areas are of utmost importance to the socio-economic and industrial growth of developing economy. The need to optimise rural transport services becomes indispensable to checkmate its increasing depopulation and increase socio-economic sustainability. It is on this basis that this study appraised rural transport services in Nigeria. The paper examined socio-economic profile and trip characterization of residents; analysed the characteristics of routes and vehicles' used for rural transport services; and appraised the factors that determine the quality of rural transport services. 120 copies of questionnaires were administered through systematic random sampling for residents in Oyedeji, Lagun and Akitiko in Oyo State, Nigeria. Both descriptive and inferential (Regression) statistics were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that over 60% of the residents engaged in agricultural related activities and mostly rely on para-transit means, particularly motorcycles (67%) for commuting. Unfortunately, most of the bituminous rural-urban roads are in poor condition (62.5%) and characterized by rickety vehicles (63.3%). The study concludes that the ruralurban trip pattern is restricted to less than 5km daily movement and characterized by quagmire in both passenger and freight movements due to the poor attention being accorded to rural transport infrastructural facilities. The regression analysis result shows a significant relationship between socioeconomic variable (income) and the quality of rural transport services (p=0.000 < 0.05). The study recommended improvements in the quality of both inter rural and rural-urban road networks; and regularization of the use of motorcycle for rural-urban commuting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In low- and middle-income countries, there is scarcity of validated and reliable measurement tools for health facility management, and many interventions to improve primary health care (PHC) facilities are designed without adequate evidence base on what management practices are critical. This article developed and validated a scorecard to measure management practices at primary health care facilities under the performance-based financing (PBF) scheme in Nigeria. Relevant management practice domains and indicators for PHC facilities were determined based on literature review and a prior qualitative study conducted in Nigeria. The domains and indicators were tested for face validity via experts review and organized into an interviewer-administered scorecard. A stratified random sampling of PHC facilities in three States in Nigeria was conducted to assess the reliability and construct validity of the scorecard. Inter-rater reliability using inter-class correlation (ICC) (1, k) was assessed with one-way ANOVA. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to assess the construct validity, and an updated factor structure were developed. 32 indicators and 6 management practice domains were initially described. Ordinal responses were derived for each indicator. Data on the scorecard were obtained from 111 PHC facilities. The ICC of mean ratings for each team of judges was 0.94. The EFA identified 6 domains (Stakeholder engagement and communication; Community-level activities; Update of plan and target; Performance management; Staff attention to planning, target, and performance; and Drugs and financial management) and reduced the number of indicators to 17. The average communality of selected items was 0.45, and item per factor ratio was 17:6. Despite a few areas for further refinement, this paper presents a reliable and valid scorecard for measuring management practices in PHC facilities. The scorecard can be applied for routine supervisory visits to PHC facilities, and can help accumulate knowledge on facility management, how it affects performance, and how it may be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The appropriate use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) has been regarded as a successful, cost-effective, and efficient method of controlling malaria. The objective of this study is to determine the level of ownership, usage, and awareness of ITNs in the control of malaria among students of a tertiary institution in northeastern Nigeria. METHODS: This survey was a cross-sectional study that recruited 451 students of a tertiary institution in northeastern Nigeria by a simple random sampling technique from June to August 2022. The study employed a closed-ended questionnaire with responses on a 4-point Likert scale. Statistical significance was taken at a 95% confidence interval with p<0.05. RESULTS: Of the 451 respondents, 229 (50.78%) and 222 (49.22%) were female and male, respectively. The participants were aged 16-36 years, with those aged 16-25 years numbering 343 (76.1%). Of the total respondents, 261 (57.87%) owned ITNs, while 190 (42.13%) did not own ITNs. Ownership of ITNs was not associated with gender (OR=1.41; 95% CI: 0.97-2.06, p=0.07) or age (OR=0.93; 95% CI: 0.60-1.44, p=0.73). The results showed that government support in the prevention of malaria through the distribution of free ITNs was relatively adequate (p<0.001). Of the 261 respondents with ITNs, 236 (90.42%) used the ITNs the night before the administration of the questionnaire. There was no significant association between ITNs usage with gender (OR=1.33; 95% CI: 0.58-3.03, p=0.49) or age (OR=1.90; CI=0.79-4.53, p=0.1502). The majority of the respondents (407; 90.24%) had the perception and awareness that regular sleeping in ITNs helps to prevent malaria. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted ITNs ownership, perception, and awareness of ITNs usage among the study population which were high and encouraging. However, there is need for the government to introduce distribution of free ITNs among school-aged children in dormitories, and students of higher institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This survey determined the factors influencing fresh beef consumption and its marketing efficiency among consumers and sellers, respectively, in rural communities of Maiha Local Government Area (LGA), Adamawa State, Nigeria. Combined purposive and random sampling methods were employed in the selection of respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire, group discussion and an interview schedule were used to source the data. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and marketing efficiency were the measures adopted in analysing the data. The findings show that males (69.96%), who were mostly married and educated, were the major consumers of beef in rural areas. A large proportion were farmers with a monthly income between ₦20,000 and ₦50,000, and the majority were middle-aged persons with a household size of 1–5 individuals. Major significant (p < 0.05) socioeconomic determinants of fresh beef consumption in the domain were income, household size, monthly expenditure on beef, frequency of consumption and age. A value of 156% for marketing efficiency reveals a highly efficient market system for fresh beef. The challenges most commonly experienced by fresh beef consumers were the incomes of household heads (70.76%) and the price of fresh beef (49.87%). In conclusion, middle-aged, educated males constituted the bulk of beef consumers in the area surveyed, with income, household size and monthly expenditure on fresh beef the main determinants of consumption. Concerned institutions should therefore advance policies that would lower the cost of beef in order to increase the consumption rate in rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) including community health extension workers (CHEWs) in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria participated in a hypertension training series following the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model which leverages technology and a practical peer-to-peer learning framework to virtually train healthcare practitioners. We sought to evaluate the patient-level effects of the hypertension ECHO series. Methods: HCWs from 12 of 33 eligible primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program (NCT04158154) were selected to participate in a seven-part hypertension ECHO series from August 2022 to April 2023. Concurrent Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program patient data were used to evaluate changes in hypertension treatment and control rates, and adherence to Nigeria's hypertension treatment protocol. Outcomes were compared between the 12 PHCs in the ECHO program and the 21 which were not. Results: Between July 2022 and June 2023, 16,691 PHC visits were documented among 4340 individuals (ECHO: n = 1428 [33%], non-ECHO: n = 2912 [67%]). Patients were on average (SD) 51.5 (12.0) years old, and one-third were male (n = 1372, 32%) with no differences between cohorts in either characteristic (p ≥ 0.05 for both). Blood pressures at enrollment were higher in the ECHO cohort compared to the non-ECHO cohort (systolic p < 0.0001 and diastolic p = 0.0001), and patients were less likely to be treated with multiple medications (p < 0.0001). Treatment rates were similar at baseline (ECHO: 94.0% and Non-ECHO: 94.7%) and increased at a higher rate (interaction p = 0.045) in the ECHO cohort over time. After adjustment for baseline and within site variation, the difference was attenuated (interaction p = 0.37). Over time, control rates increased and medication protocol adherence decreased, with no differences between cohorts. Staffing levels, adult patient visits, and rates of hypertension screening and empanelment were similar between ECHO and non-ECHO cohorts (p ≥ 0.05 for all). Conclusions: The ECHO series was associated with moderately increased hypertension treatment rates and did not adversely affect staffing or clinical capacity among PHCs in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. These results may be used to inform strategies to support scaling hypertension education among frontline HCWs throughout Nigeria, and use of the ECHO model for CHEWs. Trial Registration: The Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program was prospectively registered on November 8, 2019 at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04158154; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04158154). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pandemics are global health crises that have caused millions of deaths, enormous socio-economic disruptions, and considerable public and global health security consequences. This study assessed Nigerians' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding preparedness for the next pandemics. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based national survey was conducted among 1276 respondents in Nigeria to determine public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of preparedness for future pandemics. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analyses. Results: Of the 1276 respondents to this survey, > 50% had not heard of the Spanish flu and Zika disease. Approximately half (594) of the respondents did not consider antimicrobial resistance a possible cause of future pandemics. Over an average proportion of respondents reported unsatisfactory knowledge (655, 51.3%) and poor perceptions (695, 54.5%) about pandemic preparedness. The respondents' good knowledge and satisfactory attitudes toward pandemic preparedness decreased with age. The respondents' education, age, and state of residence were significantly associated with good knowledge, satisfactory attitudes, and positive perceptions of pandemic preparedness with respondents with tertiary education levels being at least two times more likely to have these positive outcomes. Conclusion: This study revealed serious gaps in Nigerians' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of their readiness for upcoming pandemics. To protect Nigerians' health, emphasis should be placed on these issues by all stakeholders, including the government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollution of river water and sediments by heavy metals has assumed serious problems due to their toxicity and accumulative behaviour globally and locally. This research paper aim at mapping heavy metal contamination in urban rivers in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria namely; Ona and Omin using GIS techniques. Systematic method of sampling stream sediments along the drainage channels was adopted. In all, fifty-eight (58) samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metals such as As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn etc using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) at ACME in Canada. The concentration of the heavy metals was compared with water quality standard prescribed by WHO, BIS, ICMR, FAO, SQG-TEC and PEC. Geochemical maps of heavy metal distributions were produced using Arc GIS 10. However, general assessment shows that Ona and Omin rivers are polluted. It is therefore recommended that urgent management steps be taken to arrest future deleterious effects and sustainability of these water bodies for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rental value of individual properties does not only depend on the physical characteristics but also on the environment that surrounds a building. Meanwhile, improper solid waste disposal reduced of rental value of properties. This study, therefore, examined the effect of dumpsite on residential rental value in Oluyole LGA Oyo state, Nigeria. A crosssectional survey research design was adopted, relying mainly on primary and secondary sources of data. Using systematic random sampling technique, questionnaires were administered to 251 households in the selected houses within 200 meters radius of five (5) purposively selected dump sites - Olomi, Podo, Odo-Ona, Ile-Eja, and Dalute - all in Oluyole LGA. The selection of the dumpsites was based on the magnitude and its nearness to residential houses in the study area. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential (Pearson's Chi Squared distribution) statistics at p value = 0.05, while the qualitative data were content analysed. The study revealed that 46.6% of the respondents were males and 53.4% females. Majority (59.4%) of the households were tenants, while 29.5% were owner-occupiers. There was a negative relationship between annual rents paid by tenants of similar apartments with increasing distance from dumpsite. The observed variation in annual rent is significant at 5% significant level for all residential housing types (p < 0.05 for single room, room and parlour, 2-bedroom flat and 3-bedroom flat). The paper recommended a more proactive enforcement of sanitary laws and regulations of locating a dumpsite of 500 meter away from the residential environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The aim of this study was to investigate household food security (access) level and the dietary diversity of households in the Nsukka Local Government Area in South‐eastern Nigeria. From 20 local communities of Nsukka, 390 women were randomly sampled from the women's group and asked to complete a survey that determined the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale scores and the Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS). The descriptive results indicated a high level of food insecurity with 82.6% households reporting various degrees of food insecurity. Over half of the sampled population experienced insufficient food quality. They either ate unwanted food (65.9%), limited variety (63.1%), or unpreferred food (64.6%). Some households experienced insufficient food intake by going a whole day without food (38.2%), go to sleep hungry (45.1%), or have no food of any kind (49%). The analysis of variance showed no significant difference (p = 0.428) in the food security level of households headed by males as compared with those headed by females. Approximately 53.6% of households fell at or below the average HDDS; males headed 48% of these households, while females headed 64%. The chi‐square test indicated factors associated with household food security including age, education, work status and income, whereas the gender of the household head, household size and marital status were not significantly associated. Public–private partnerships, nutrition orientation and food intervention programs could improve food security in this area. Key messages: This study found a high level of household food insecurity in Nsukka Local Government Area (NLGA) at 82.6%, with 60.3% of households being severely food insecure and 13.3% and 9% mildly and moderately food insecure, respectively, resulting in anxiety for most households.The majority ate limited variety, unwanted and unpreferred food, with more households consuming starchy foods than protein‐rich foods. About 53.6% households fell at or below average dietary diversity.There was no difference in household food security based on the gender of the household head.Food security was associated with education, age, income and work status.Rural households within NLGA require food intervention programs to alleviate food insecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between smartphone addiction, mental health and sleep quality among undergraduate pharmacy students in a Nigerian public university. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate pharmacy students in a Nigerian university. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, including Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short version, Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test and the Pearson correlation. Probability values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Findings: A total of 410 undergraduate pharmacy students participated in the study, giving a response rate of 95.57%. The prevalence of smartphone addiction, depression and anxiety symptoms were 40.24%, 28.30% and 23.66%, respectively. Most students had poor sleep quality (96.10%). The prevalence of smartphone addiction had a moderate positive correlation with the severity of depression (r = 0.363, p < 0.01) and anxiety (r = 0.261, p < 0.01) symptoms. Nevertheless, smartphone addiction showed no connection with sleep quality (r = 0.022, p = 0.663). Research limitations/implications: The study was conducted in a single public university in Nigeria, hence this might limit its generalizability. The provision of mental health support within universities could help address the high prevalence of smartphone addiction, mental health issues and poor sleep quality. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this was the first study to examine smartphone addiction among pharmacy students in a resource-limited setting with multicultural and multiethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the importance of housing to man as an essential need and a prerequisite for the survival of man after food. It equally recognizes profound influence it has on the health, behavior and efficiency of man and the nation as a whole. The study was carried out with the aid of questionnaire administration, building and facility survey Using random sampling technique, every 5th houses in the five district areas was picked for interviewed. Also, data were collected from related government ministries and departments to particular find out government's intervention in this area. Findings from the study reveal that the area chosen for the study exhibit slum condition that has undenied impact on the socio-economic lifestyles and the health of the residents, as well as the general outlook of the environment. Recommendations were proffered to guide the policy makers towards enhancing the lives of the residents of the area. Some of which include upgrading programme through the provision of urban basic services and improved sanitation strategies for sustainable management of the area, Public enlightenment campaign is also recommended so that the residents will know the importance of good living condition to their health and as well to know the danger of abusing their environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of domestic violence on the use of modern contraceptive methods in Ife-North Local Government area of Osun State, Nigeria. The two forms of domestic violence discussed in this paper are wife beating and marital rape (non-consensual sexual encounters). The data for this paper was obtained from a survey of 408 married or cohabiting women aged 15-49 years in 2003, using multistage random sampling technique. Two-hundred-and-fifty-five eligible respondents were selected from Ipetumodu using systematic random sampling technique, while 153 eligible respondents were selected from Asipa using a combination of systematic random sampling technique and lottery method. Information was collected through the use of structured questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs). Four FGD sessions were held with some respondents chosen on the basis of marriage and age. Data management was done using Epi-Info version 6.0 while SPSS PC+ was used for the analysis. The statistical analysis was done using simple descriptive statistics, Chi-square and binary logistic regression model. Results showed that domestic violence in the form of wife beating and marital rape existed in the study area as 55.6% of the women reported having been threatened with physical harassment by their partners; and 62.0% had experienced physical abuse from their intimate partner. More than half of the respondents reported experiencing non-consensual sexual encounters with their partners (55.9%). Among the 17.2% who experienced domestic violence during pregnancy, only 13.7% took some steps to protect themselves. The major coping strategy for those who experienced these forms of violence was pacifying their partners in a crisis situation (25.7%). The study concluded that the threat of wife beating and experience of marital rape contributed to the likelihood of the women not using modern contraceptive methods in the study area. Population education should be intensified to sensitise both men and women more on modern contraceptive education. The education should emphasise the need for gender equality, advocacy against domestic violence, as well as women's rights generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the perception and contribution of Librarians to Open Access Resources in tertiary institutions in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study adopted the expo-facto descriptive design. The sampled for the study comprised 100 Librarians who were randomly selected through simple random sampling. The Role of Librarians to Open Access Resources (RLOARs), Benefits Derived from Open Access Resources (BOARs) and Challenges encountered when promoting Open Access Resources (COARs) were the three instruments used to collect relevant data for the study. The research questions raised were answered using mean and standard deviation. Means scores cut off point of 2.50 and above would be accepted. The findings from the study indicated that librarians play significant roles in open access resources in order for researchers, universities, publishers and library users to accomplish their aims, goals and objectives with(weighted average = 3.53). Finding also revealed that many benefits were derived from using open access resources, that is, open access resources increase exposure to research work; enable researcher to publish without costs; provide free articles for teaching and learning with (weighted average = 3.16) and lastly from the finding that slow internet connectivity and lack of awareness of Open Access Resources are the major challenges encountered when promoting open access resourceswith (weighted average = 2.53). Based on the above finding, the following recommendations were made:Librarian should play an effective role to make open access resources accessible and available for the users such as researchers, students, staff, authors, publishers, societies and nations. Librarians should liaise with the universities administrators to endure users get what they want in terms of exposure to research work and publish without costs. The challenges of open access resources such as slow internet connectivity can be solve by upgrading the router which will make internet available and accessible to the users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the role of selected international donor agencies in the development of Delta and Edo States. Since the colonial era, some policies and programmes within national development plans have been formulated to address the peculiarities of the region; minority status, agitations and perceived marginalization of the people of the Niger Delta, while the general objective of the study was to examined the role of selected international donor agencies in the development of the Niger Delta Region with a focus on Delta and Edo States. The study adopted the ex-post facto research design. Data were acquired by administering questionnaire among the residents of study area using random sampling method and descriptive statistics was used to explain the frequencies of variables being expressed in percentages The findings of the study revealed that identified corruption and bad governance, political and ethnic interest in developmental projects, climatic factors, poor infrastructural foundations and the expanding insecurity as critical developmental challenges affecting the survival of projects and programmes in the oil producing states. Some recommendations were made: International donor agencies should intensify more effort to formulate policies and programmes to address developmental challenges in Delta and Edo States; International donor agencies should design programme to broaden the knowledge of leaders in the states; Delta and Edo states government should give the international donor agencies free hand to work and execute projects in the states; execution and citing of project should not be based on political influence, donor interest, but driven out of the crucial needs of the people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disability encompasses the limitations on an individual’s basic physical activities, and the consequent social oppressions such individual faces in society. In this regard, the limitation on the use of some parts of the genitals in a patriarchal system is considered a form of disability. This paper describes the perceptions of and the coping mechanisms employed by affected couples dealing with the consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) as a form of sexual disability. Cultural Libertarianism was employed as a theoretical framework. The paper presents the results of a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, with 10 male and 12 female respondents purposively selected through a snowball sampling for in-depth interviews. The findings present the justifications provided for the practice of FGM, and victims’ perceptions of how it affects their sexual relations. Furthermore, it highlights coping strategies employed by affected women and their spouses. The study shows that the disabling consequence of FGM is largely sexual in nature, leading to traumatic experiences and negative beliefs about sex, and requiring a myriad of coping strategies employed by the disabled women, and their spouses, which may have its own implications for marital and sexual bliss. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Young people (aged 10 to 24 years) in sub-Saharan Africa bear a huge and disproportionate burden of poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes due to inequalities and discrimination in accessing sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS). This study assessed the experiences and perceptions of discrimination among young people seeking SRH services in Primary Health Centers (PHCs) using an intersectionality lens. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was undertaken in six local government areas (LGAs) in Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria. The LGAs comprise both urban and rural locations. The study population for the quantitative survey consisted of 1025 randomly selected young boys and girls aged 15–24 years. Eleven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with the young people. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed for quantitative data, while thematic analysis was performed for the qualitative data, using NVivo. Results: A total of 16.68% participants in the survey reported that young girls/women were treated badly/unfairly compared to young boys/men when seeking SRH services in PHCs; 15.22% reported that young clients get treated badly/unfairly from adults; and 12.49% reported that young clients with poor economic status were treated unfairly. Respondents also reported that young clients with disability (12.12%), and those who are poorly educated or uneducated (10.63%) are treated badly by healthcare providers when they access SRH services. Young people in urban areas were about 7 times more likely to believe that girls/young women are treated badly than boys/young men when seeking SRH services in PHCs compared to those who live in rural areas (p < 0.001). Among the young girls/women, residing in urban areas, being poor and in school increased the likelihood of getting treated badly/unfairly when receiving SRH services by 4 times (p < 0.001). The qualitative results revealed that health workers were generally harsh to young people seeking SRH services and the level of harshness or unfriendliness of the health workers varied depending on the young person's social identity. Conclusion: There are varieties of intersecting factors that contribute to the discrimination of young clients in PHCs. This underscores the urgent need to prioritize intersectional perspectives in the design and implementation of interventions that will improve access and use of SRH services by young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the quality of perioperative nursing (PON) care in selected hospitals in Osun State, Nigeria. This study adopted a concurrent mixed method design to assess the quality of perioperative nursing care in selected hospitals. The study adopted multiple sampling select surgical patients and perioperative nurses for quantitative and qualitative data. observational checklist and interview guide were used for data collection. for analysis using SPSS version 25 for quantitative data while descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed for quantitative data at significant level of 0.05while content and thematic analysis were used for qualitative data. Results from quantitative data showed that 52.8% of pre-operative nursing care was of good, quality, 53.2% of intra-operative nursing care was of good, 47.9%, of post-operative nursing care was of poor quality while 49.9% of overall perioperative nursing care was of good, quality. There was statistically significant difference between the level of quality of care across the three health facilities (p = 0.01). Results from the qualitative findings showed that nurses rated the quality of perioperative care as moderate while many of the patients spoke glowingly about the quality of care they receive and that perioperative nurses are doing their best. This study concluded that there is good quality of pre and intra- operative nursing but poor quality of post-operative and overall quality of perioperative nursing care. Hence, there is need for perioperative nurses to make their voices and care more visible in the care of surgical patients. Public Contribution: Perioperative nurses were involved at the data collection stage. They were the subjects for the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depressive disorders, with a prevalence of 15–21%, are among the most common disorders in children and adolescents, and increases the risk of suicide, the second leading cause of death in children aged 10 to 19. Aim: To determine the prevalence and correlates of depressive disorders among senior students attending secondary schools in Abeokuta. Method: The study was conducted in five schools randomly selected from a representative sample and was carried out in 2 phases. In the first phase, students were selected via systematic random sampling and given consent forms and GHQ-12 to administer to the parents. In the second phase, students who returned a signed informed consent form and filled out GHQ-12 were interviewed using MINI-KID, Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, Family-APGAR, and sociodemographic questionnaire. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted with p-value <0.05 as level of significance. Results: The mean age was 15.3 years (SD = 1.27); 48.8% were male. The twelve-month prevalence of major depression was 11.3% and dysthymia was 1.4%. In the final regression analysis, female gender [OR = 4.3, p = 0.046], the experience of bullying [OR = 7.96, p = 0.004], difficulty getting along with friends, [OR = 7.5, p = 0.004], history of sexual abuse [OR = 8.1, p = 0.01], and perceived family dysfunction [OR = 4.9, p = 0,023] were found to be independent predictors of depressive disorders. Conclusion: Depressive syndromes are a significant health burden in adolescents. Being female, being bullied, having a history of sexual abuse, and family dysfunctionality are risk factors associated with depression among these population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Nigeria ranks second in the global prevalence of diarrhoea with most cases concentrated in the Northern-region of the country. This research explored the antidiarrhoeal efficacy of the hydroethanolic extract of Piliostigma thonningii leaves (HEPTL), locally used to manage diarrhoeal conditions in Kebbi State, Nigeria. P. thonningii leaves were screened for their secondary metabolites and mineral constituents. Using 3 standard-diarrhoea models, female Wistar rats completely-randomised into six-groups of six animals each were utilised for probing the antidiarrhoeal activity of HEPTL. Animals in groups I and II served as the negative and positive controls, whereas the rats in groups III, IV and V respectively received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight-(bw) of HEPTL. Six secondary metabolites and eight minerals were found in the extract, with flavonoids and calcium being the most abundant while steroids and zinc were the least prevalent, respectively. High performance liquid chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of 19 bioactive substances. Furthermore, there was a significant (p<0.05) and dose-related reduction in diarrhoea onset, water content, and wet faeces count. Similarly, the amount of intestinal fluid and average distance traversed by the charcoal-meal were decreased dose-dependently by the HEPTL with a commensurate rise in the suppression of intestinal fluid accrual and peristalsis. Acetylcholinesterase, Na+/K+-ATPase, reduced glutathione, intestinal-alkaline phosphatase and protein levels increased significantly (p<0.05) whereas superoxide-dismutase, catalase, intestinal-nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels all fell significantly (p<0.05). However, the level of intestinal glucose was not significantly altered. Overall, the HEPTL exhibited a profound effect in the alleviation of the severity of diarrhoea, notably at 200 mg/kg bw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The implementation of the country-wide comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) curriculum among in-school adolescents remains abysmally low and mHealth-based interventions are promising. We assessed the effect of a mHealth-based CSE on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, attitude and behaviour of in-school adolescents in Ilorin, northcentral Nigeria. Methods: Using schools as clusters, 1280 in-school adolescents were randomised into intervention and control groups. Data was collected at baseline (T0), immediately after the intervention (T1) and 3 months afterwards (T2) on SRH knowledge, attitude and practice of risky sexual behaviour (RSB). Data analysis included test of associations using Chi-square, independent t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Predictors were identified using binary logistic regression. Results: In the intervention group, there was a statistically significant main effect on mean knowledge score (F = 2117.252, p = < 0.001) and mean attitude score (F = 148.493, p = < 0.001) from T0 to T2 compared to the control group which showed no statistically significant main effects in knowledge (p = 0.073), attitude (p = 0.142) and RSB (p = 0.142). Though the mean RSB score declined from T0 to T2, this effect was not statistically significant (F = 0.558, p = 0.572). Post-intervention, being female was a positive predictor of good SRH knowledge; being male was a positive predictor of RSB while being in a higher-class level was a negative predictor of RSB. Conclusion: The mHealth-based CSE was effective in improving SRH knowledge and attitude among in-school adolescents. This strategy should be strengthened to bridge the SRH knowledge and attitude gap among in-school adolescents. Trial registration Retrospectively registered on the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (pactr.samrc.ac.za) on 19 October 2023. Identification number: PACTR202310485136014 Plain Language Summary: In Nigeria, the implementation of a nationwide sex education programme for adolescents going to schools is below expectation but using mobile health (mHealth) interventions could help. In this study, we looked at how a mHealth-based sex education programme affected the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of in-school adolescents in Ilorin, Nigeria. We divided 1280 students into two groups, one received the mHealth-based intervention and the other did not receive it. We collected data before the intervention, right after it, and 3 months later to see any changes in SRH knowledge, attitudes, and risky sexual behaviours. We used various statistical tests to analyze the data and find patterns. The results showed that the group that received the mHealth intervention had significant improvements in their knowledge and attitudes about SRH from the start of the study to 3 months after the intervention. However, the control group, which didn't get the intervention, didn't show these improvements significantly. While the risky sexual behaviour score decreased slightly in the intervention group, this change was not significant. After the intervention, we found that being female was associated with better SRH knowledge, while being male was linked to more risky sexual behaviours. Also, being in a higher class level was associated with low risky behaviour. In conclusion, using mHealth for sex education helped improve the SRH knowledge and attitudes of students. This approach could be scaled to fill the gap in SRH knowledge and attitudes among adolescents in schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]