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Background:Hepatitis B virus infection is a life-threatening communicable disease of public health importance. Risk factors in the transmission of Hepatitis B are from exposures to infected blood and body fluids. Medical students in training are at risk of contracting the disease during clinical rotations in the hospital. This study was therefore conducted to determine the knowledge and practice level of HBV among medical students in Abia state. Methods:This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of prevention of hepatitis B infection among undergraduate medical students in Abia State University, Uturu. A total of 395 students participated in the study. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Good knowledge was awarded for 70% of correct answers and poor knowledge for less than 70% correct answers. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21.0. Results:Generally, most of the students had adequate knowledge of Hepatitis B infection. Two hundred and ninety-nine (75.7%) respondents had a score of 70% and above. Regarding vaccination status, 145 (36.7%) had received HBV vaccine, 83 (21%) hadnt while 167 (42.3%) didnt know their vaccination status. Students in year 5 [136 (87.2%) had the highest knowledge score followed by students in year 4 [122 (70.5%)]. There was a statistical significant association between knowledge score of HBV and year of study. Conclusions:This study showed that there was high knowledge of HBV infection among the students but low practice level on measures to prevent spread of HBV infection.&nbsp

This research portrays the influence of socio economic variables on the output of honey in Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, Nigeria. Specific analytical techniques employed were descriptive statistics, Likert rating scale and multiple regression analysis involving the linear, Cobb Douglass, semi log and exponential functional forms. Result from the socio economic characteristics shows that greater percentage of males (76.67%) were involved in bee keeping than their female counterpart (23.33%). Mainstream of the Apiculturist adopted the modern techniques of honey production. The significant socio economic variables influencing the output of honey in Ikwuano LGA were access to credit, Bee farmer’s experiences in Apiculture, gender of the Apiculturist, farm assets, family labour and baiting materials. Lack of access to credit facilities ranked the topmost constraints bee farmers encounter in their enterprises. It is recommended that Bee farmers be encouraged to expand their production by increasing their number of hives; this will reduce their aggregate cost of production and increase their total accruable revenue. Additionally, the government and ministry of agriculture, as well as other agencies should provide credit facilities to Bee farmers in order to increase their scale of production.

Experiments were carried out in the Nursery of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Management, the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike in Abia State during 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons to determine the effect of NPK fertilizer on the growth performance of three selected crops, Zea mays, Abelmoschus esculentus and Vigna unguiculata grown on a derelict kaolin mined soil. The experiment comprised of treatment pots which has three rates of fertilizer on the kaolin soil each (kaolin soil +NPK (40 kg), kaolin soil + NPK (30 kg) and kaolin soil + NPK (20 kg) kaolin soil with zero treatment (Control 2) and a control 1(un-mined) soil, it was replicated three in Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Parameters assessed include Plant height (cm) and the number of leaves weekly for six (6) weeks. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p< 0.05. The result obtained showed that growth performance of the test crops was positively affected by NPK treatment based on the quantity applied with the highest recorded height (16.50) and the number of the leaf (11.27) in Kaolin mined soil combined with 40 kg of fertilizer when compared with the control. Plant height obtained with various fertilizer treatments were in the order: 16.50>15.99>14.65 and 11.27>10.20>9.01 for the number of leaves. The result of the macro element levels in the plants showed that the nutrient uptake and accumulation were enhanced by both NPK fertilizer and the quantity added with the highest level of nutrient on the plants obtained in Kaolin soil combined with 40kg of NPK fertilizer. The study showed that kaolin mined degraded soil can be put into good use with the appropriate concentration of fertilizer treatment, thus putting more degraded land under agricultural production and ensuring food security is developing country like Nigeria. The study further suggests a sensitization program for farmers on the appropriate concentration of inorganic fertilizer to be applied to their farmers to avoid pollution.

The study analyze the physical, chemical and Biological properties of sludge (Domestic waste water) in Umuda-Isingwu, Umuahia-Ibeku and Ihie-ndume in Umuahia north local government area of Abia state. Simple random sampling technique was adopted for the study. Data obtained from laboratory analysis of the water samples was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques notably mean, F-LSD and F -test. The mean values of the physical and chemical parameters were compared with SON’s and WHO’s permissible limits. In the chemical properties COD had a mean range of 69.03 ± 0.06 to 80.03 ± 0.06 with all the means showing significant difference among each other (P ? 0.05). The highest TSS was observed in Ibeku at 921.03 ± 0.06. Nickel had a range of 7.42 ± 0.01 to 8.71 ± 0.01 Mg/l with all the means showing significant difference (P ? 0.05). PO4 had its highest concentration in Ihie Ndume community with a mean of 54.03 ± 0.06 Mg/l. None of the means of pH was seen to be above the WHO permissible limit of 8.5, as the mean range of pH was between 6.11 ± 0.01 to 7.76 ± 0.01. The E. coli load was high at Umuda Isingwu, followed by Ibeku and then Ihie Ndume. P. aeruginos and S. aereus was not observed in Ihie Ndume. The presence of fecal coliform bacteria is an indicator that a potential health hazard exists for individuals exposed to the source of water. Nickel was found to be slightly elevated at most of the sites above WHO. Trace metals have been implicated to be responsible for certain health disorders. The PO43- levels varied along the sampling community sites with some sites values having relatively higher values. In general the quality of these waste water cannot be guaranteed as most of the indicators were higher than the WHO and SON standards. This paper assumes that waste water evaluated pose huge treat to the immediate environment and should be investigated further in addition to epidemiological evaluation of the community to rule out occurrence of water-borne diseases.

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

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

This study investigated the factors associated with underutilization of instructional materials for teaching and learning of Chemistry in Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The study population comprised 86 Chemistry teachers and 1,180 Senior Secondary 2 (SS2) Chemistry students including those with special needs in the 86 public secondary schools in Ohafia Education Zone, Abia State in southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The sample size was 456 respondents of 57 Chemistry teachers and 399 SS 2 Chemistry students selected through multi-stage sampling procedure. The data collection was by questionnaire and Cronbach Alpha was applied in computing the reliability estimate of 0.97. The findings indicated that the inability of teachers to improvise and their lack of manipulative skills, among others, are factors militating against the utilization of instructional materials. The researchers recommended the necessity for adequate provision of instructional materials in the schools and for teachers to ensure that these materials are effectively utilized. Students with special needs should be catered for based on their individualized education program as stipulated by the National Policy on Education in inclusive settings.

This study evaluated the Spatial pattern of Land Surface Temperature (LST) over Umuahia North (Urban Area) and Bende LGA (Rural Area), Abia State, Southeast Nigeria. LANDSAT Imagery spanning Row 056 and Path 188, with 30m spatial resolution was captured on the 17th of May, 2018. Temperature and relative humidity were measured using a thermometer and multi-purpose Hydro-20 - 100 % model. Eight measurements were taken for each parameter at an interval of 8 hours at an elevation of 1.5m above the ground. Coordinates and elevation of the points were captured using a Garmin Handheld GPS. Data obtained were imported in compatible formats with ArcGIS 10.5 and the values for the un-sampled locations within the study area was determined through the interpolation of the collected data. A subset covering the study area was extracted for bands 1,2,3,4 and 5. Bands 1, 2 and 3 which are visible bands were used in generating a true colour composite image of the study area; the bands 4 and 5 which are not visible bands were used for the NDVI (Normalized Differential Vegetation Index). Result showed that Bende LGA had a vegetal cover of 45,741.26hectares out of a total of 60,152.76 hectares while Umuahia North had 19,689.09 hectares of vegetal cover out of a total of 24,459.75 hectares. Umuahia North had an average daily temperature of 31.309̊ C while Bende had 27.405̊ C. The average relative humidity in Bende LGA was 82.37% while Umuahia North was 67.274%. In conclusion, the study showed the existence of heat islands in the urban areas in Umuahia North LGA which was characterized by higher temperature but lower relative humidity. The heat island could be attributed to the gradual loss of vegetation cover and the increase in built-up environments in Umuahia North LGA.

The study examined the effects of jigsaw-puzzle instructional strategy on secondary school students’ performance on Growth as a concept in Biology in Ukwa West Local Government Area, Abia State. Gender effect on Biology students’ performance was also investigated. Two objectives, two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. Quasi-experimental design was adopted in this study. One hundred and fifteen (115) Biology students from two mixed secondary schools randomly selected formed the sample size. Biology Performance Test on Growth (BPTOG) which contained twenty (20) multiple choice questions was used for gathering data. Test re-test method was to test the instrument. The BPTOG was validated by two experts in Department of Curriculum Studies and Educational Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Reliability index of 0.76 was obtained using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation. Mean and Standard deviation were used in answering the research questions and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study showed that there was a significant difference between the academic performance of students in experimental group and those in control. More so, gender has no effect on Biology students’ performance in jigsaw-puzzle group. It was recommended that Biology teachers should adopt Jigsaw-Puzzle Instructional Strategy in this 21st century classroom to encourage group learning among students.

The study investigated the effects of jigsaw-puzzle and graphic organizer instructional strategies on Biology students’ performance in Ukwa West Local Government Area, Abia State. Three groups pre-test post-test control group non-equivalent quasi-experimental design was employed in the study. Two objectives, two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. One hundred and fifty-one (151) senior secondary school one (SSS1) students out of a total population of 450 Biology students formed the sample size of the study. Biology Performance Test on growth (BPTOG) was used for gathering data. The instrument was tested using test re-test method and was validated by two experts in the Department of Curriculum Studies and Educational Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A reliability index of 0.75 was obtained using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation. The data was analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions while analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result of the study showed that Jigsaw-Puzzle and Graphic Organizer are effective instructional strategies for enhancement of students’ academic performance in growth as a concept in Biology. It was recommended that Biology teachers should adopt Jigsaw-Puzzle and Graphic Organizer Instructional Strategies to teach the concept of growth in the class.

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

The study investigated model college Entrance Examination scores as predictors of students’ performance in Junior Secondary Certificate examination in Mathematics and English Language in Abia State, Nigeria. Four research questions and four null hypotheses guided the study. The design of the study is correlational. A sample size of 500 students drawn from four (4) out of six (6) Model State Secondary Schools in Umuahia North Local Government Area through simple, stratified and purposive sampling techniques was used for the study. The students sat for both Model College Entrance Examination (MCEE) in 2011 and 2012 and Junior Secondary Certificate Examination (JSCE) in 2014 and 2015. The MCEE and JSCE results in mathematics and English language were used for data collection. Simple regression Analysis of Variances (ANOVA) and t-test associated with the regression were used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. The results revealed that the students’ scores in MCEE in both mathematics and English Language in 2011 had significant predictive powers on their performance in 2014 JSCE. Also in 2012, it was realized that students MCEE scores in both Mathematics and English Language had no significant predictive powers on students’ performances in 2015 JSCE in both subjects. On the basis of these findings, it was recommended among others that teachers should give adequate preparation to the students for the Model College Entrance Examination in order to retain consistency in their Junior Secondary Certificate Examination.

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

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

As a result of the economic and social contribution of hospitality and tourism industry, there is a strong competition all over the world for the indigenous cuisine of the area. Most people are attracted to a specific area based on the cuisine. The aim of this study is to identify the major indigenous cuisine serve in Hotels and restaurant in Aba, since indigenous cuisine attracts tourists. Twenty (20) selected hotels were used for the study. Data for the study were collected using questionnaire and oral interviews. Descriptive statistics and simple percentage were used for the study. The result obtained shows that most hotels in Aba serve mainly continental cuisine more than the indigenous cuisine. Therefore the need to encourage branding of indigenous cuisine since it boosts our local economy, attracts tourists and our cuisine is more nourishing than the continental cuisine.

This study was designed to determine the possibility of using school counseling services for the production of trustworthy and acceptable leaders using innovative methods. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study Descriptive survey design was used for the study. A population of 330 guidance counselors in Abia State secondary schools were used for the study. A 20-item structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.74 using Cronbach Alpha was usedfor data collection. Data were analysed using mean and ztest conducted at 0.05 level of significance. Findings showed high perception of counselors that school counseling services can still produce trustworthy and generally accepted leaders for Nigeria using innovative methods. It was recommended that school counseling services should be strongly emphasized in secondary schools and also the list of social ills in Nigeria, their consequences and their boomeranging effects on the perpetrator should be used for general discussions during counseling sessions in order to rub them off the minds ofstudents as a way of life.

This paper examined the critical role of internship in the translator training and profession. The work is premised on the fact that most translation graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions shy away from practising translation or from picking up translation jobs due to lack of confidence and experience. For this work, data were collected from the brochures of some Nigerian universities that offer translation from M.A. to the Ph.D. levels. Data were also collected through WhatsApp and phone calls made to translation colleagues in the various Nigerian universities offering translation at the higher level. Data collected revealed that apart from Abia State University, translation programmes in Nigerian universities fall short of internship, justifying this lack of confidence and experience. The paper also highlighted the likely challenges of internship in Nigeria and proposed that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) which, in collaboration with National Universities Commission (NUC), manages the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), could be exploited to enable Translation students avail themselves of the internship opportunities offered by these parastatals.Key words: internship, translator training, work experience, internship supervisor

The paper examined the factors that affect income generation from ginger farmers in Abia and Imo States, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 80 ginger farmers for the study. Data were obtained with the aid of structured interview schedule and Focus Group Discussion. The data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics and regression. Result revealed that, majority of the ginger farmers in the study area were males and have average age of 53 years and average household size of 9 persons. They are all subsistence farmers, with average ginger farm size of 0.3 hectare. On average, the farmers are literate and with annual income of ?72,487.5 from ginger production. The regression result shows that four variables namely age, farm size, educational level and income from other farm produce, were significant factors affecting farmers’ income generation. Farm size and income from other farm produce were positive and significant at 1%, while age and educational level were positive and significant at 5%. The study revealed that farmers rely on income from farm produces to increase their productivity. It was recommended that Government should ensure that farmers have access to credits so as to help them increase their productivity.

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

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

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

This study is a comparative assessment of domestic water quality collected from 35 sampling points in seven typical rural communities in Abia State, Southeast Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, turbidity and bacteriological parameters such as plate count and total coliform were analysed in the laboratory using standard World Health Organization (WHO) methodology. Results indicate that there are significant variations (p

This study investigated the Organizational climate and teachers job per-formance in public secondary schools in Abia state, Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. Ex-post facto descrip-tive survey design was employed in the study. Proportionate sampling technique was used to determine a sample size of 609 respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire titled “Organizational Climate on Teachers Job Performance Questionnaire (OCTJPQ)” built on 4-point rating scale was used for data collection. The face validity of the instrument was established by three experts, two from Educational Management and one from Measurement and Evaluation in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Reliability of the instrument was determined with Cronbach alpha technique which gave a value of 0.84 for the internal consistency. Data collected analyzed with mean and standard deviation for the research questions while null hypotheses were tested with t-test statistic tool at 0.05 level of significance. Findings among others showed that open organization climate influences teachers’ job performance to a low extent, and there was no significant difference between the mean scores responses Principals and teachers on the two null hypotheses. Based on the findings, recommendations were advanced.

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

Fungal growth in damp buildings worldwide is an increasing problem which has adverse effects on both the occupant and the building. Hence, this study looks into the need to protect human health from mycotoxins through the analytical method in mycological examination and culture. It further elucidates problems with the microfungal infestation in buildings. Air and dust samples were collected by settle plate method and swabbing respectively, samples were cultured on Sabroud Dextrose Agar. The quantitative and qualitative analyses were done using systematic toxicological method for isolation and identification of molds. The microflora genera most frequently isolated were Penicillium spp, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium spp, Fusarium spp. They occurred at an average number of 39, 26, 15, 27, 7 and 5 respectively. These organismsare of public health importance. Therefore, this result justifies the need to incorporate antifungal substances into some walling materials such as; paint, cement

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

Background: Iodine deficiency disorders have continued to be a significant health problem in some Nigerian communities despite universal salt iodization. Objective: This study was designed to assess the iodine status of school age children (6-12 years) in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 414 school children were studied. Urine samples were obtained from 84 school children, 30 males and 54 females. The background and socio-economic information, food habit and dietary intake of the respondents were determined using validated questionnaires. Urinary iodine concentration analysis, using Sandell-Kolthoff reaction was used to determine the iodine status of the children. Chi-square was used to determine the relationship between urinary iodine status of the children and the socio-economic characteristics of their parents. Results: More than half (58.7%) of the children were females while 40.5% were males. About a quarter of the children (40.1%) were 9-10 years, 23.4% were 11-12 years while 36.5% were 6-8 years. Most of the respondents (72.2%) were aware of iodized salt; 14.3% heard about iodized salt from friends, 41.8% heard from the media while 13% heard about iodized salt from the market. Majority of the respondents (94.4%) claimed they consume iodized salt while 4.9% said they use salts that were measured in cups which was not iodized salt. The study revealed that 54.3% of the school children had optimal iodine status while 35.7% had mild iodine deficiency which was higher in males (46.7%) than in females (29.6%). About 5.6% of the respondents had grade 1 goiter. There was a significant association (p< 0.05) between urinary iodine status of the school children and educational status of their fathers’, mothers’, parents’ occupation and income level of fathers. Conclusion: Nutrition education should be aimed at mothers, caregivers, and school children to promote consumption of iodine rich foods.

Funding: The authors would like to acknowledge support from the University of Aberdeen and Abia State University. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

This study uses geospatial statistical tools and state-level admission data to examine gender inequalities in higher-education enrollment in Nigeria, and to investigate the key factors on enrollment. For gender inequality analysis, percentage female enrollments (PFE) are computed. Spatial clusters in PFE were assessed using global Moran’s I, while determinants of PFE were assessed with geographical weighted regression (GWR). Results indicated a general decrease in PFE from states in the south to states in the north throughout the study years: 2005–2015. All states except Anambra, Imo, Enugu and Abia had yearly PFE below 50% consistently, indicating gender inequality in favor of males in higher-education enrollment during the study period. High PFE rates tend to cluster in southern states and low PFE rates in northern states. The finding from GWR suggests that the persistent regional variations in female enrollment over time can be explained by the size and diversity of applicant pool. The study underpins the need for affirmative programmatic efforts to promote female enrollment in higher education in Nigeria.

The study focused on the effects of poor reading culture on the academic performance of secondary school students in Aba Education Zone, Abia State, Nigeria. The study consisted of 105 respondents randomly selected from six public secondary schools in the education zone. A rating scale was designed and used for the study. Two research purposes, two research questions and one null hypothesis were formulated and a t-test method and test-retest method using Cronbach alpha was used for reliability of the instrument. The statistical tools used for the data collection were the mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics. The study established that reading culture does significantly affect students’ academic performance. The study recommends that all the school stakeholders should encourage training or workshops for their teachers to enable them acquire the necessary techniques that will make teaching and learning interesting to the learners and also concludes that strict monitoring of teachers should be encouraged immediately after due performance.

Almost every state in southeastern Nigeria is currently threatened by soil erosion. The chapter dwells on the challenges of addressing natural disasters in Nigeria through public policy implementation examining Isuikwuato erosion menace and the Ecological Fund administration. Isuikwuato and Abia North Senatorial District have witnessed many years of life-threatening experience of gully erosion that has left commutable access to their villages closed down, leaving them with the option of diverting into the bush to meander around the terrible spots. These diversions have exposed them to security challenges such as armed robbery attacks, kidnapings, raping, and Fulani cattle herders attack. This situation necessitated the establishment of Ecological Fund in 1981 as an intervention fund for the amelioration of ecological problems. Unfortunately, this establishment that currently receives 3% of the federation earnings monthly has been characterized by gross mismanagement, as such, calls for a reexamination of implementation of public policies.

This study examined the necessity of learning experiences in the effective learning of commence in secondary schools in Abia State of Nigeria. The sample of the study constituted one hundred (100) commerce teachers drawn through stratified simple random sampling technique. A-17 item questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The instruments were validated by two Educational technologists and a measurement and evaluation expert. The instrument yielded 0.85 using Cronbach Alpha Method. The results were analyzed using mean scores. The findings indicated that learning experiences allow learners to apply concept beyond the classroom, help learners understand and appreciate new information, spur learners interactivity, encourage social-based learning, awaken learners high-order thinking, promote learners self-assessment, increase learners concentration and attention and strengthen learning and development. The findings of the study also showed that the challenges of learning experiences to the effective learning of commerce in Abia State include: Inadequate skills and knowledge of the teaching of commerce on the part of the teachers, not considering the goals, predilections , interest, needs, values, motives and abilities of the learners before selecting learning experiences by some commerce teachers, inability to create lessons that are relevant and logical to learners in a well organized and efficient pattern by some commerce teachers, inability to provide the needed requirements to achieve the stated objectives of commerce lessons by some teachers and inadequate funding for the procurement of the needed instructional materials by the Government and school authority. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that increasing the awareness and necessity of learning experiences in instructional process by frequently organizing seminars and workshop could increase the effectiveness of learning commerce in secondary schools in Abia State

The menace of flooding ravaging different areas of Aba North has been a recurrent phenomenon in recent years causing untold hardship to its resident. It is against this backdrop that this study focused on flood disasters in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State. The study adopted the institutional theory. Both primary and secondary sources of data were employed in this study. The primary data were basically selected from key informant interviews, questionnaire, and direct observation. Existing literature on the topic were sought from the libraries, relevant websites, and government offices. The study identified that flash flooding and ground flooding caused loss of residential household properties and disruption of commercial activities in the study area and its environs. The study recommended among others that there is need for elaborate public enlightenment on the use and maintenance of drains, as well as the health implications of waste disposal.

The purpose of this study was to find out problems facing principal in the administration of junior secondary school programme in Ohapa Local Government Area of Abia State. Four research questions were stated along side with hypotheses and tested at 0.05 level of significant. The literature review consist of four sub- topics as in line with the variables of the study. The researcher adopted the survey design. The study was junior secondary schools in Ohafia Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State. The study involves school principals, students and teaching staff in public schools in Ohafia. The population of the study consists of ten junior secondary schools in Ohafia Local Government Area. The sample consist of 200 respondents using simple random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire designed for students in JSS 1-3. To determine the reliability of the instrument, a trial testing was done using the same items on twenty different subjects. In analysing the data, Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient (r) was employed. The following findings were made: Roles of a principals significantly influence the administration junior secondary school programmes, Policy of discipline significantly influence administration junior secondary school programmes, Attitude of the school principals to students does not significantly influence administration junior secondary school programmes. provision of services and Equipments significantly influence administration of junior secondary school programmes. Four recommendations four suggestions were made for further research

This study sought to determine the factors that drive the adoption and constrain the non-adoption of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) varieties among farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting sixty sweet potato farmers (thirty adopters and non-adopters each). Participatory tools such as structured interview schedule, key informant interviews and personal observation were employed for quantitative and qualitative data collection. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools like, percentage, mean scores and factor analysis. The results of the study revealed that a greater percent of both adopters and non-adopters of OFSP were males. Although the adopters were older than the non-adopters, they were more educated, cosmopolite, cultivated larger farm sizes, earned more income, had more extension contact and access to credit than the non-adopters. The majority of adopters had high knowledge, while non-adopters had moderate knowledge of OFSP. The adopters were motivated to adopt the OFSP mainly as a result of its pleasant taste, profit from the sale of its roots and vines and not necessarily because of its perceived health benefits of supplementing vitamin A. Perceived constraints to the adoption of OFSP by non-adopters were particularly the complexity of OFSP production techniques and the high cost of OFSP vines and roots. Thus, extension agents should create more sensitisation and provide education about OFSP to farmers. Additionally, concerted efforts should be made by the research institutes to provide adequate and easily accessible inputs (vines and other planting materials) so that more farmers can produce vitamin A rich OFSP.

Understanding household energy expenditure is important to encourage policies that support the provision of cleaner, efficient and cost effective sources of energy to households. This project analyzed household energy expenditure in Umuahia North Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, Nigeria. The available domestic energy commonly used by the households’ was kerosene, firewood, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), charcoal, and electricity. The most used domestic energy types was kerosene (1st), followed by Liquefied Petroleum Gas (2nd); then firewood (3rd) and charcoal (4th). Multiple regression result for the factors influencing household energy expenditure in the study area shows that five out of eight explanatory variables employed in the model significantly affected the respondent’s households’ energy expenditure. These variables were household size, sex, household income, education and frequency of cooking. Also, results from the ordered probit model shows that the significant variables influencing the choice of domestic energy expenditure was age and gender of the household head, their income level, educational level and occupation. Lack of financial resources, high cost of cleaner energy types and distance from the place of purchase significantly affected household energy expenditure in the study area. It is recommended that provision of cleaner, efficient and cost effective sources of energy be made available to households.

The management of solid waste continues to be a major challenge in urban areas. This study Ogbor-Hill solid waste dumpsite,Aba Nigeria. Formal-ether concentration technique was used to detect the presence of intestinal parasites among theresidents. Refuge sludge was examined using the Baermann funnel method and questionnaire was administered to collectdata from the residents on socio-demographic characteristics. A total of 423 faecal samples were examined and 164(38.8%)persons were infected. A total of 576 parasitic eggs/cyst/trophozoites were recovered from the dumpsite. The parasite foundamong the residents were Hookworm (12.1%), Entamoeba histolytica (10.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (9.0%), Trichuristrichiura (5.0%) and Taenia saginata (2.1%). Of the five species of parasites found, the eggs of Hookworm species werehighest (34.5%) followed by A. lumbricoides (23.5%), E. histolytica (20.2%), T. trichiura (12.1%) and T. saginata was least(9.7%). Females (48.8%) were more infected than males (34.5%) but was not significant (p = 0.070225). Age group 21–30years recorded the highest (58.3%) infection followed by age group 11–20 years (54.4%) while 51 years and above were theleast (3.7%). There was no significant relationship in the age group (Pp>0.05). Those that reside closer to the dumpsite werefound to be more (54.1%) infected than those whose distance is farther (31.8%). The overall intensity of parasitic infectionshowed a positive correlation (R = 0.161). Solid waste not properly managed has been known to have a negative impact onhealth, environment and aesthetic values. A well planned waste management and health education programme for residentsliving around the dumpsite will go a long way in reducing the potential of epidemic risks posed by dumpsites in Abamunicipal. Keywords: Intestinal parasite, Solid waste dumpsite, Ogbor Hill, Aba

Event tourism has grown as a strategy for the promotion, marketing and supporting of tourism development in a destination. This chapter expresses concern about the state of event tourism development in an emerging economy such as Nigeria by answering these questions: are events the strategy for tourism development in Nigeria? How could the challenges facing event tourism development in Abia State be addressed? An ethnographic approach was adopted. Analysis identified themes which should be considered for developing event tourism in Abia State. The findings indicate that these themes are central to event tourism development in Abia State, Nigeria where event tourism is still nascent.