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This study attempts to answer the questions on whether the number and spatial distribution of available state owned primary and secondary schools in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria can actually support the government policy of free and compulsory education in the state. The study examined the relationship between the available public schools and population as well as land area. The causality of the establishment and distribution of public primary and secondary schools were equally investigated. The result of this investigation reveals that though there is linear correlation between land area and number of public schools, and between population and number of public schools, yet neither land area nor population is the cause of establishing public schools in the state. Statistics reveals that the number of available public schools cannot make the free and compulsory education policy attainable, since private schools outnumber public schools. More public schools, which should be evenly distributed based on land area and population are needed for the policy to succeed. This is very necessary, since there is no better investment for any society than training the children and the youth.

Summary : A prospective study of all newborn infants with normal birthweight admit ted to the newborn unit , University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar from April 1996 to March 1998, was carried out. The aims were to determine the causes of morbidity and mortality among these neonates as well as relate these to the place of delivery. Of the 286 babies admitted to the unit during this period, the major causes of morbidity were septicaemia in 35.9 percent, neonatal jaundice in 19 percent, tetanus in 13 percent and birth asphyxia in 10.9 percent. There were 52 deaths, an overall mortality of 18 percent. Neonatal tetanus was the leading cause of death in this series accounting for 42.3 percent of the deaths and a case fatality rate of 59.5 percent. Other causes were birth asphyxia, septicaemia, neonatal jaundice and congenital malformations. Most of the morbidity and mortality were in babies delivered in religious buildings and the homes of traditional birth attendants (TBAs). Health education and other strategies aimed at changing the attitude of our TBAs and spiritualists towards utilization of sterile procedures, immuni zation services and prompt referral of complicated obstetric cases to where modern health care facilities exist, are recommended.

Analysis of the impacts of real estate development on biodiversity within the confines of Imo State, Nigeria, was the main objective of this study. The investigation included a look at how land use and land cover (LULC) changed between 2017 and 2022. The study made use of Sentinel-2 image with a spatial resolution of 10 m. The research team used supervised classification algorithms to classify the imagery, which were then compared to find changes in land use and land cover (LULC). The following categories apply to the land use and land cover (LULC) of the study area: In 2017, trees accounted for 58.84 % of the total land surface and covered the most land, covering an area of 315.05 km2. The amount of developed land, or 30.23 % of the total land area, was assessed to be 161.84 km2. Approximately 61.91 % of the entire land surface in 2018, or 331.47 km2, was covered by arboreal vegetation, which dominated the landscape. Comparatively, urbanised regions made up 177.41 km2, or 33.14 % of the total land area. With trees making up 59.434 % or 318.22 km2 of the total land area in 2019, trees were found to be the most prevalent kind of land cover. Concurrently, built-up areas accounted for 34.30 % of the land, or 183.66 km2. The LULC map for 2020 showed a comparable pattern, with trees covering 58.46 % (equivalent to 313.02 km2) of the total land area and built-up areas covering 34.71 % (equivalent to 185.88 km2). According to the research, the impact of real estate development on the environment is primarily negative, resulting in habitat depletion, ecosystem fragmentation, and the introduction of pollutants. The researchers advised using sustainable development practises to mitigate the aforementioned negative effects.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses the survelliance system and it's role in the maternal deaths in countries with a low income.

Objective: To investigate the burden of maternal near-miss and death due to rupture of the gravid uterus, the indicators of quality of care, and avoidable factors associated with care deficiencies for ruptured uterus in Nigerian tertiary hospitals.Design: Secondary analysis of a nationwide cross-sectional study.Setting: Forty-two tertiary hospitals.Population: Women admitted for pregnancy, childbirth or puerperal complications.Methods: Cases of severe maternal outcome [SMO: maternal near-miss (MNM) or maternal death (MD)] following uterine rupture were prospectively identified over 1 year.Main Outcome Measures: Incidence of SMO, indicators of quality of care, and avoidable factors associated with deficiencies in care.Results: There were 91 724 live births and 3285 women with SMO during the study period. SMO due to uterine rupture occurred in 392 women: 305 MNM and 87 MD. Uterine rupture accounted for 11.9, 13.3, and 8.7% of all SMO, MNM, and MD, respectively. SMO, MNM, and intra-hospital maternal mortality ratios due to uterine rupture were 4.3/1000 live births, 3.3/1000 live births, and 94.8/100 000 live births, respectively. Mortality index (% of MD/SMO) was 22.2%, and MNM:MD ratio was 3.5. Avoidable factors contributing to deaths were related to patient-orientated problems, especially late hospital presentation and lack of insurance to cover life-saving interventions. Medical personnel problems contributed to care deficiencies in one-third of women who died.Conclusion: Uterine rupture significantly contributes to SMO in Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Strategies to improve maternal survival should address avoidable institutional factors and include community-based interventions to encourage skilled attendance at birth and early referral of complications.Tweetable Abstract: Uterine rupture remains an important cause of maternal death in Nigerian tertiary hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Nigeria, sawdust is continuously generated in large quantities as waste but majorly under-utilised, a situation which causes serious environmental problems and health hazards when managed improperly. This work focussed on production and assessment of hygrothermal properties of solid core sandcrete blocks in which sand is partially replaced with sawdust at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% loading levels. Experiments were conducted on block samples made with untreated sawdust (USD) and on those similarly produced but with treated sawdust (TSD). The results showed that the blocks with USD content are capable of decreasing wall heat transmission load and improve energy efficiency of building envelopes better than their counterparts produced with TSD. In terms of compliance with standard bulk density and water absorption requirements, incorporation of USD or TSD at 20% or 10% level respectively, was found to be optimum for partial sand substitution in the studied block samples in order to suit the functional requirements of building structure and interior space. Since sawdust is cheaply and commonly available in vast amount, utilising it in sandcrete block production is a promising way of minimising its disposal problems while enhancing the development of safe, affordable, and sustainable housing.

The application of geophysical method employing vertical electrical sounding (VES) method in combination with laboratory analysis of aquifer sediments has been used to access the economically accessible groundwater reserve and its protective capacity in some parts of Eastern Obolo Local Government area, the eastern region of the Nigerian Niger Delta. Schlumberger electrode configuration was used to sound twelve VES to occupy the areas that have borehole locations and accessibility for the spread of current electrodes to at least 1000 m. Based on the results, the safe and economic aquifer potential has groundwater reserve of about 168480558 ± 18532861 m³. The desired aquifer thickness and its depth of burial have average value of 52.02 m and 73.14 m, respectively. The area has a fair protective capacity. This is indicated by 58.33% weak, 16.67% moderate, and 25% good protective capacity for the area. This study was done in one of the oil cities, where contaminated Salt River water is used as the major source of water for domestic uses and it is believed that the settlers will appropriate this result and sue for safe groundwater at the indicated depths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents obituaries for several notable people including former consultant physician Allan John MacKenzie Campbell, former consultant haematologist Marguerite Angela Ruth Kin, and former general practitioner Robert Charles Smith.

Objective: To determine the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of babies with neonatal jaundice in a network of referral-level hospitals in Nigeria., Design: A cross-sectional analysis of perinatal data collected over a 1-year period., Setting: Fifty-four referral-level hospitals (48 public and 6 private) across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria., Population: A total of 77 026 babies born at or admitted to the participating facilities (67 697 hospital live births; plus 9329 out-born babies), with information on jaundice between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020., Methods: Data were extracted and analysed to calculate incidence and sociodemographic and clinical risk factors for neonatal jaundice., Main Outcome Measures: Incidence and risk factors of neonatal jaundice in the 54-referral hospitals in Nigeria., Results: Of 77 026 babies born in or admitted to the participating facilities, 3228 had jaundice (41.92 per 1000 live births). Of the 67 697 hospital live births, 845 babies had jaundice (12.48 per 1000 live births). The risk factors associated with neonatal jaundice were no formal education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.68, 95% CI 1.11-2.52) or post-secondary education (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 0.99-1.38), previous caesarean section (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.40-2.03), booked antenatal care at <13 weeks or 13-26 weeks of gestation (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.20-2.08; aOR 1.15, 95% CI 0.93-1.42, respectively), preterm birth (aOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.14-1.78) and labour more than 18 hours (aOR 2.14, 95% CI 1.74-2.63)., Conclusions: Hospital-level and regional-level strategies are needed to address newborn jaundice, which include a focus on management and discharge counselling on signs of jaundice., (© 2024 The Author(s). BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: There has been a concerted effort to reduce malaria burden and bring malaria related mortality to zero. The objectives of this survey were to assess the level of adherence to the current revised malaria control guidelines in the public health facilities in Cross River State of Nigeria and to identify the challenges as well as suggest ways for improvement in treatment outcomes., Methods: This was a mixed observational and qualitative survey conducted in 32 public health facilities from 21st to 25th June 2022. Treatment records on malaria were assessed for adherence to the National guidelines. In-depth interviews were conducted with 36 key informants and 4 purposefully selected stakeholders to identify the successes and challenges. Quantitative data were summarized and presented in simple proportions and percentages while qualitative information was recorded, the transcripts thematically coded, analyzed and presented using NVivo 11 software., Results: The survey revealed that vector control program was poorly implemented across the state. For case management, presumptive treatment was frequently practiced especially at secondary health facilities for uncomplicated malaria. More than 60% of uncomplicated malaria were being treated with parenteral artemether instead of oral artemisinin combination therapy (ACTs) as recommended. Severe malaria were not treated with Intravenous (IV) Artesunate as first line drug in about 40% of the secondary health facilities. Key successes were noted in malaria management in pregnancy. Major challenges identified include: stock out of commodities, shortage of clinical man power, and low trust in parasitological diagnosis., Conclusion: The survey showed that adherence to the key recommendations in various categories of malaria control among health care providers in the public health facilities was below expectation. Malaria preventive treatment in pregnancy with SP fared better perhaps because of its inclusion in ANC packages., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The author declares that this is an original research work that is not currently being considered for submission by any other Journals., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Background and objective A facemask is often indicated for the control of the spread of airborne pathogens. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was mass enforcement of mask use across the globe. Pregnant women were not excluded. While several studies have been conducted to evaluate and compare the efficacy of various mask types, data on their effects on pregnant women during exercise are scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of N95 and surgical facemasks on the cardiopulmonary functions of pregnant women during moderate-intensity exercise. Methods A prospective randomized study was conducted among 104 healthy women with advanced singleton pregnancies performing moderate-intensity exercise wearing either surgical or N95 masks during routine antenatal care. Their respiratory rates were counted, and arterial oxygen saturation (SPO 2 ) and radial pulses (heart rates) were recorded with a mobile digital pulse oximeter at baseline and after 30 minutes of exercise. The mean values were calculated. Data analysis was done using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 25; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). An independent t-test was used to compare the mean SPO 2 and radial pulse between the two groups. Chi-square was used to examine differences in categorical variables. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results Their demographic profiles and measured baseline parameters were comparable. Following a 30-minute exercise, the N95 mask group had lower mean SPO 2 compared to the surgical mask group (95.5% versus 97.0%; P=0.028, 95%CI; -2.607 to 0.15). Further, the N95 group recorded a higher mean heart rate than the surgical mask group ((97.23 b/m versus 95.02b/m, respectively, mean difference (MD)=2.212, P=0.021, 95%Cl: 1.249-3.672). The mean respiratory rates were also higher among women in the N95 mask group (32.1 c/m versus 29.08 c/m, MD=3.018, 95%CI: 1.392-4.662, P=0.001). Conclusion The study, comparing the relative effects of the surgical and N95 facemask on the cardiorespiratory functions of exercising pregnant women, findings suggest that surgical facemasks may be better tolerated in advanced pregnancy when performing routine antenatal aerobic exercise in comparison with N95 masks., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Akpan et al.)

Background and objective  Infant survival depends on proper nutrition. Breastfeeding enhances infant health and offers some benefits to the mother as well. However, in the setting of the HIV pandemic, it is important to assess the benefits and the risk for each individual in choosing a feeding option. The purpose of this research was to determine the infant-feeding practices among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHA) and compare them with the general population of women. Methods A mixed comparative survey was conducted among 246 HIV-positive mothers nursing infants of at least one year of age. An equal number of matched HIV-negative women from the same locality were selected as controls. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) while qualitative findings were presented in a thematic approach. Results The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among WLWHA was 73.6% compared to 55.2% in the controls [p=0.002; chi-square (X 2 )=5.264]. Only 6.5% of WLWHA practiced exclusive replacement feeding (ERF). Vaginal birth was associated with increased odds for early initiation of breastfeeding [p=0.001; odds ratio (OR): 3.135; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.130 to 4.616]. Also, urban dwellers commenced breastfeeding earlier than women residing in rural communities (p=0.002; OR: 5.58; 95% CI: 3.85 to 8.07). Based on in-depth interviews, cultural influences and non-disclosure of HIV status to family members promoted mixed feeding. Concomitant intake of anti-tuberculosis drugs was a major reason for adopting ERF in some women. Conclusion There was a high prevalence of EBF among WLWHA. Counseling on infant feeding is an effective component of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs. Cultural beliefs and fear of stigmatization are major challenges to infant nutrition in sero-exposed babies., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Akpan et al.)

Background: Pregnancies complicated by threatened miscarriage (TM) may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The objective of this study was to compare the differences in pregnancy outcomes between the women who experienced TM and asymptomatic controls., Methods: This was a 10-year retrospective review. Case records of 117 women who were managed for TM from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019, were retrieved and studied. The control group was developed from an equal number of asymptomatic clients matched for age, parity, and BMI who were receiving antenatal care (ANC) during the same period. Data on demography, clinical and ultrasound findings, treatment, and pregnancy outcomes were retrieved and analyzed., Results: Spontaneous abortion rate of 13.7% was recorded among the study group compared with 3.4% in the control (P-value [p] = 0.005, odds ratio [OR]: 4.475; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.445 - 13.827). Women with TM had higher odds for placenta previa (p = 0.049, OR: 4.77, 95% CI: 2.19 - 23.04), premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (p = 0.028, OR: 1.918, 95% CI: 1.419 - 2.592), postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) (p = 0.001, OR: 2.66, 95% CI: 20.8 - 8.94), and preterm birth (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.75 - 3.65). They were also more likely to undergo cesarean section (p = 0.020, OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.053 - 2.964). There was no statistically significant difference in their infants' mean birth weight (3.113 ± 0.585kg for the TM group and 3.285± 0.536kg for the control, P=0.074). Other maternal and perinatal complications were similar. Admission for bed rest significantly improved fetal survival. Women who were not admitted for bed rest had higher odds of pregnancy loss (OR: 3.443, 95% CI: 1.701-7.99). Other treatment plans did not significantly contribute to a positive outcome., Conclusion: Threatened miscarriage is a significant threat to fetal survival and may increase the risk for operative delivery. Bed rest improves the live birth rate., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022, Akpan et al.)

Background: The effect of COVID-19 in pregnancy on maternal outcomes and its association with preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus have been reported; however, a detailed understanding of the effects of maternal positivity, delivery mode, and perinatal practices on fetal and neonatal outcomes is urgently needed., Objective: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on fetal and neonatal outcomes and the role of mode of delivery, breastfeeding, and early neonatal care practices on the risk of mother-to-child transmission., Study Design: In this cohort study that took place from March 2020 to March 2021, involving 43 institutions in 18 countries, 2 unmatched, consecutive, unexposed women were concomitantly enrolled immediately after each infected woman was identified, at any stage of pregnancy or delivery, and at the same level of care to minimize bias. Women and neonates were followed up until hospital discharge. COVID-19 in pregnancy was determined by laboratory confirmation and/or radiological pulmonary findings or ≥2 predefined COVID-19 symptoms. The outcome measures were indices of neonatal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, neonatal positivity and its correlation with mode of delivery, breastfeeding, and hospital neonatal care practices., Results: A total of 586 neonates born to women with COVID-19 diagnosis and 1535 neonates born to women without COVID-19 diagnosis were enrolled. Women with COVID-19 diagnosis had a higher rate of cesarean delivery (52.8% vs 38.5% for those without COVID-19 diagnosis, P<.01) and pregnancy-related complications, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and fetal distress (all with P<.001), than women without COVID-19 diagnosis. Maternal diagnosis of COVID-19 carried an increased rate of preterm birth (P≤.001) and lower neonatal weight (P≤.001), length, and head circumference at birth. In mothers with COVID-19 diagnosis, the length of in utero exposure was significantly correlated to the risk of the neonate testing positive (odds ratio, 4.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-9.4 for length of in utero exposure >14 days). Among neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 diagnosis, birth via cesarean delivery was a risk factor for testing positive for COVID-19 (odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-4.7), even when severity of maternal conditions was considered and after multivariable logistic analysis. In the subgroup of neonates born to women with COVID-19 diagnosis, the outcomes worsened when the neonate also tested positive, with higher rates of neonatal intensive care unit admission, fever, gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms, and death, even after adjusting for prematurity. Breastfeeding by mothers with COVID-19 diagnosis and hospital neonatal care practices, including immediate skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in, were not associated with an increased risk of newborn positivity., Conclusion: In this multinational cohort study, COVID-19 in pregnancy was associated with increased maternal and neonatal complications. Cesarean delivery was significantly associated with newborn COVID-19 diagnosis. Vaginal delivery should be considered the safest mode of delivery if obstetrical and health conditions allow it. Mother-to-child skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, and direct breastfeeding were not risk factors for newborn COVID-19 diagnosis, thus well-established best practices can be continued among women with COVID-19 diagnosis., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)