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Aim: To evaluate lipid profile and some renal parameters in some selected ethnic population with fat-mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) variants in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Study Design: Case-controlled observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State and Safety Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Enugu, Nigeria, between March 2020 and February 2022. Methodology: Changes in lipid profile and some renal parameters in FTO gene was studied in ninety-eight (98) type 2 diabetes (T2D) subjects (78 cases and 20 controls) from four different tribes in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria. Multistage sampling method was employed in the subject selection. The subjects were first separated into two groups – new cases (less than a year of diagnosis as Diabetic) and old cases (one year & above). Equal number of samples was then randomly collected from each of the cluster groups. 10mls of blood was collected into plain bottles for the assay of the above-named markers, and were assayed using spectrophotometric and ELISA methods. The data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism, version 8.0.2 and p values less than .05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed that the Ijaw tribe had the highest mean total cholesterol (TCHOL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), Castelli Risk Ratio (CRR), atherogenic coefficient (AC) values (5.36 ± 0.99, 3.36 ± 0.87 mmol/l,3.76 ± 1.18 and 2.86 ± 1.16) respectively, which were significantly higher (P<.05) than those of the control group, while the Urhobo tribe had the highest mean TG and AIP values (1.47 ± 0.51 mmo/l and 0.08 ± 0.01), The control subjects had the highest mean HDL values (1.51 ± 0.49mmo/l), which were significantly higher(P<.05) than that of the control subjects. Mean creatinine level was highest in the control group (101.1 ± 21.24 µmol/L), while the Urhobo tribe had the highest mean MDRD levels (94.15 ±36.17 ml/min). Special diets did not contribute to any significant difference in the biochemical indices of the subjects apart from significant changes in the levels of triglyceride. Conclusion: From the results, we conclude that the levels of lipid profile varied with the tribe for subjects with FTO variants and control subjects and only triglyceride levels are affected by specific diets.
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Crude oil discovery and exploration in the Niger Delta of Nigeria which includes Delta, Bayelsa, Abia, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa-Ibom, Imo, Edo and Ondo States of Nigeria, has led to significant economic growth of the nation especially in the creation of job opportunities also the generation of revenue. Unfortunately, Oil thefts have become the idea that replaced the most crisis and agitations in the Niger Delta communities against the perceived neglect of the areas. This had resulted to widespread operation of illegal oil bunkering activities called Kpofire. Kpofire, as described by the Niger deltans, is a process of burning crude oil by illegal oil operatives or thieves at isolated locations called bunkering sites or dumpsites in order to extract refined petroleum products. The design for the extraction of the petroleum products involves the sections of steaming and collection. These sections are connected by a very long pipe. Heat is applied to the steaming section using wood from the mangroves that is called ‘Ngala’ or ‘Agala’, thereafter, crude oil is used. The products extracted are fuel, kerosene and diesel. One of the major problems of Kpofire is the introduction of soot into the environment. Soot is a product is uncontrolled and incomplete combustion or pyrolisis of materials that contain carbon. The highest constituent of soot is the Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). The Niger Delta people are faced with daily environmental challenges such as inadequate housing facilities, contaminated drinking water sources, barren lands for agriculture, dead rivers for fishing activities and poor health conditions, soot, which has become a gradual but huge challenge in many Niger Delta communities, has been shown to play a huge role in respiratory, skin, and reproductive health conditions. However, vulnerability is seen more in babies and children (particularly because their respiratory organs are not matured enough), the elderly, and people with preexisting health conditions, also heart or lung diseases (such as asthma). High exposure to PAH at prenatal stages is linked to a low IQ and lead to increased behavioral problems in the early-age child and childhood asthma. A collective effort is needed to put a stop this menace called kpofire in order to avoid environmental pollution thereby endangering the health of the people of Niger Delta.
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Background: Adult nephrotic syndrome is a common cause of chronic kidney disease globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria there are only few studies on adult nephrotic syndrome, mostly from the south-western Nigeria and rarely from the Niger delta sub-region of Nigeria. This study aims at contributing to the National data on adult nephrotic syndrome, from the perspective of the Niger delta sub-region.Methods: Retrospective analysis of five-year clinical data (January 2007 to December 2011) of adult nephrotic syndrome patients in the University of Port Harcourt teaching hospital was conducted.Results: Forty-four patients, representing 1% of medical admissions and 7.3% of adult renal cases were seen during the period, with mean age of 27.7±8.5 years. There were 32 males (72.7%). Mean duration of illness was 25.3±30.3months. Peak age group was the 20-29 year age group, accounting for 52.3% of cases. Hypertension was seen in 45.5%. Mean e-GFR was 73.5±33.8 ml/min/1.73m2 with CKD 1-3 constituting 93.2% of cases. Mean 24-hour urinary protein excretion was 13.6±8.4 grams/day. Protein excretion >10grams/day was observed in 65.8% of the patients. Mean total serum protein, albumin and total cholesterol were 51.4±11.7g/dl, 22.5±9.9 g/dl and 8.1±3.0 mmol/L, respectively. Anemia was common (68%) and histology showed MCGN (52.6%), MCD (21.1%), membranous (15.8%) and FSGS (10.5%). Though response to therapy was generally poor, immunosuppressive therapy showed better outcomes.Conclusions: The prevalence and pattern of adult nephrotic syndrome in the Niger delta sub-region is similar to that in other parts of Nigeria. It is predominantly a disease of young adult males with high prevalence of hypertension, and poor histologic categories.
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Climate change is not just a global threat, but an unprecedented public health emergency. Climate change has been characterized by global warming, increased frequency and intensity of precipitation, catastrophic wind events, and extreme weather events, associated with heat waves, flooding disasters, and prolonged droughts. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) attributes climate change to anthropogenic or human activities. Globally, the most vulnerable regions, to hazardous impacts of climate change, are the mega-deltas of Africa and Asia, due to high exposure to sea level rise, storm surges, coastal erosion, and river flooding, compounded by increasing human-induced pressures on coastal areas. The vulnerability of the Niger Delta region, is exacerbated by oil spillages, gas flaring. and environmental degradation. This review article highlights, the urgent implementation of mitigation and adaptation as opportunities for full transformation of economies, of the Niger delta region, in line with sustainable developmental goals (SDGs).
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Malaria, a global health problem especially in the sub-Sahara region has been posing a recurrent problem due to the resistance of the parasites to the available antimalarial drugs despite the preventive measures provided by WHO.Aims:This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of resistance markers in four Niger Delta states of Nigeria, a decade after withdrawal of chloroquine.Methods:Eight hundred and forty six (846) subjects participated in the study and were distributed as follows, 192(22.7%) Bayelsa; 218(25.8%) Rivers; 196(23.2%) Edo and 240(28.4%) Delta respectively. Malaria parasite identification was carried out using standard parasitological techniques. Genotyping of the resistance markers Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr 1 was carried out by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).Results:Our findings revealed that the prevalence of malaria infection in the four Niger Delta states were 78.1%, 68.8%, 62.8% and 58.8% in Bayelsa, Rivers States, Edo and Delta respectively. There was no statistical difference in the prevalence of malaria within the four Niger Delta states. (P>0.05). Children below the age of 5 years recorded the highest infection rates when compared to subjects in other age groups (P< 0.01). Our findings also revealed that the distribution of mutant Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr 1 genes across the four states were 12.0% and 28.6%, 4.0% and 22.0%, 14.6% and 29.3%, 10.6% and 25.0% in Bayelsa, Rivers, Edo and Delta state respectively. However, the prevalence of Pfcrt K76T in Rivers State was statistically lower when compared to other states (P < 0.01) while no statistical difference existed in the distribution of Pfmdr 1 mutant genes (P>0.01).Conclusion:Prevalenceof Pfcrt and Pfmdr 1 remained elevated in the Niger Delta states despite the withdrawal of chloroquine over a decade ago. Hence, Nigeria is far from an eventual re-introduction of chloroquine as its resistance markers still persist in our communities. Furthermore, the root cause of the persistence of these resistance markers needs to be investigated
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Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of death among women in the developing world, with poor prognosis attributed to lack of awareness about the disease and its prevention. Hospital workers’ attitude and practice to such an issue might positively or negatively influence people they come into contact with. This study is to assess the determinants of cervical cancer screening via Pap smear among Female Staff in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September and November 2015. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 265 female hospital workers on socio-demographic characteristics (age, parity, educational level and occupational category) and awareness and utilization of Pap smear test. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.Results: Of the 265 respondents, only 40 (15.1%) had Pap smear test done at least once previously. Bivariate analysis of socio-demographic factors and Pap smear test uptake among the respondents was statistically significant for younger maternal age ≤35 years, not being married, higher educational level, professional occupation category and awareness of Pap smear. However, only maternal age, marital status and awareness of Pap smear remain statistically significant after multivariate analysis.Conclusions: Uptake of Pap smear test as a screening test for cervical cancer is low among female hospital workers. Identified determinants of cervical cancer screening via Pap smear test were younger age ≤35 years, not being married, higher educational level, professional occupational category and awareness of Pap smear.
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Background:The impact of gas flaring in Ubeji metropolis, relative to other communities of Delta is of interest. This study assessed the environmental impact of gas flaring in Ubeji metropolis of Delta State. The objective of this study is to study the comparative assessment of the environmental impacts of gas flaring on five communities of unequal distance from gas flaring site. Methods:Questionnaire survey was used to evaluate three research questions that included the level of knowledge in the survey communities regarding health impact of gas flaring; prevalence level of assessed health conditions in Ubeji metropolis relative to communities farther from or nearer to Warri gas flaring site; and perceived impact of gas flaring on air quality indicated by health and environmental toxicity indices.Results:Descriptive evaluation of data shows Ubeji appears to have the highest proportion of persons suffering respiratory problems, but the figure for family members is less than some other communities. The respondents nearer flaring site show more awareness compared to those farther away. Critical evaluation showed no directional change in prevalence of disease linked to gas flaring. There is linear relationship between „distance to gas flare site‟ and „toxic impact on air quality‟.Conclusions:This report submits further data to the discourse that, on the basis of nearness to gas flaring site, there is significant difference between communities experience of environmental and health impact.
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Aim:To determine the effect of graded doses of caffeine on intraocular pressure in a Nigerian population.Methods:This was a prospective, observer‐masked, cross‐over study carried out in the Eye clinic ofthe Ahoada General Hospital.A total One hundred subjects comprising 46males and 54females aged 20 –76 years were chosen. Graded doses of caffeine were administered to the subjects in four groups. The fourth group was the control and subjects here were given water only without caffeine.Intra Ocular Pressure of each subject was determined at different times after oral ingestion of coffee.Data was analysed using SPSS program for windows (statistical package for the social sciences Inc., version 16).Results:The group which consumed 3.5mg/kg body weight of caffeine had the maximum mean increase in IOP (5.20±0.08mmHg) after 60 minutes, the pressure remained the same after 90 minutes and then reduced to 4.28±0.13mmHgafter the 120 minutes while Group A which consumed 0.7mg/kg body weight of caffeine had the minimum mean increase in intraocular pressure (2.32± 0.82mmHg) after 60 minutes, 2.2± 0.65mmHg after 90 minutes and then reduced to 1.4± 0.81mmHg after the 120 minutes (p<0.005).Maximum effect was observed after 60 minutes of ingesting caffeine and gradually returned to baseline values after 120 minutes. Therewas no significant change in IOP of subjects who ingested only water.Conclusion:This study revealed a significant rise in intraocular pressure in normotensive human eyes and this increase was dose-dependent. Moderation in caffeine consumption remains very vital and calls for more public awareness platforms. Therefore we recommend that caffeine be consumed with caution especially in patients with glaucoma. Future studies relating to caffeine’s effects via inhalation and monitoring of caffeine’s effect on IOP beyond 120minutes is equally important
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Aims: To determine effects of aromatic hydrocarbons and marine sediments from Niger Delta on the growth of microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Study Design: Fifteen treatments and the control were designed in triplicates in which long cells containing 25 mL of the algae-toxicant dilutions were supplemented with 0.0 mg /L, 1.0 mg /L, 1.8 mg /L, 3.2 mg /L, 5.6 mg /L, and 18.0 mg /L of xylene, anthracene and pyrene each; three sediments and potassium dichromate incubated for 3 days at 20 ± 2°C. The fifteen treatments and control (K2Cr2O7) designated as C0, C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5 were used to determine their median effective concentration (ErC50) on the growth of microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Nigeria between February, 2018 and July, 2018. Methodology: A laboratory scale study was carried on the sediment samples from the three studied areas using physiochemical analysis and marine microalga toxicity test. Results: The findings revealed that the three sampling sites contain higher quantities of aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other physio-chemical parameters in the sediment samples than water samples. The K2Cr2O7had the highest ErC50 value of 08.07 ± 0.03 mg /L with CV and r2 values of 68.61% and 0.99 while pyrene in Nembe sediment had the least ErC50 value of 04.63 ± 0.01 mg /L with CV and r2 values of 78.27% and 0.98 with very strong significant positive linear relationship between algal number and sample concentrations (P = .05). Conclusion: Thus, the toxicity results (> 1 mg /L <EC50 ≤ 10 mg /L) in this study are in line with other toxicity values for this type of toxicants, and are therefore considered to be scientifically relevant in ecotoxicological risk assessment of Niger Delta, Nigeria.
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Aims: To explore the phylogenetic framework of bacteria isolated from contaminated marine environments of Niger Delta and the expression of the metabolic genes coding for aromatic hydrocarbon degradation and surfactant production. Study Design: Nine treatments designs were set up in triplicates containing 25 mL of sterile modified mineral basal medium supplemented with nine marine hydrocarbon degraders incubated at 24°C for 5 days. Three of the set ups were supplemented each with 1 mg /L of xylene, anthracene and pyrene. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa between September, 2015 to December, 2017. Methodology: A laboratory scale study was carried on six composite samples of the sediment and water samples from the three studied areas using enrichment, screening, selection, characterization, and PCR assays to explore the phylogenetic framework and metabolic genes expression of the marine bacteria for aromatic hydrocarbon degradation and surfactant production. Results: The findings revealed that there was significant abundance of THB (P = .05) more than TCHUB and more xylene degraders than anthracene and pyrene degraders in the sediment and water samples respectively. The phylogenetic correlational analysis revealed that all the nine selected best degraders out of 48 isolates from the studied area were evolutionary related belonging to the genera: Providencia, Alcaligenes, Brevundimonas, Myroides, Serratia, and Bacillus; able to significantly (P = .05) utilize the all the aromatic hydrocarbons. The existence of catabolic and surfactant genes namely catechol dioxygenase (C23O), rhamnolipid enzyme (rhlB) and surfactin /lichenysin enzyme (SrfA3 /LicA3) genes were detected in only four (4) out of the nine (9) marine aromatic degrading bacteria with 881 base pairs sizes. Conclusion: Thus, the study revealed that these bacterial strains especially Serratia marcescens XYL7 might possess metabolic genes for in situ aromatic hydrocarbon degradation and surfactant production.
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There is increasing evidence to support the health benefits of natural honey. However, its use in the dietary management of diabetes mellitus is still evolving. The present study was aimed at investigating the long-term effects of Nigerian honey of Niger Delta origin on alloxan induced renal and serum lipid dysfunctions in diabetic wistarrats. Four groups of adult male wistarrats were used; 8 rats each. The first group received no honeybut were given salineand served as normal control.Group II werenon-diabetic and received honey solution (50% v/v) at a dose of 10ml/kg body weight/day.Diabetes was induced in groups III and IV by intra-peritonealadministration of 200mg/kg alloxan solution. Group III served as diabetic control. Group IV received a honeysolution. At the end of 56 days, lipid profile and renal function were assessed. Also, atherogenicindex was calculated. Results obtained revealed alloxan induceddiabetic renal dysfunction, as reflected by up-regulated kidney function parameters–urea, creatinine, and a decrease in sodium, and bicarbonate, levels while a non-significant difference between potassiumin diabetic control and diabetic treated. Regardingserum lipid, there was up-regulated total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-densitylipoprotein, atherogenic index and decreased high-densitylipoprotein levels. Therefore, oral administrationof honey diminished the deleterious effects of alloxan-induceddiabetes on renal function and improved lipid profile parameters. We conclude that Niger Delta honey has the potential medicinal properties to protect against alloxan inducedrenal dysfunction and hyperlipedemiain diabetic male wistarrats.
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Objective To investigate the level of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Fe Mn Ni, Pb and Cd) in muscles, gills and liver tissue of Croaker fish from oil spilled rivers of Bonny and Finima, Niger Delta region, Nigeria. Methods Twenty four Croacker fishes (Genyonemus lineatus) weighing between 250 and 260 g and 24–26 cm length were collected from each sampling sites (Bonny and finima rivers). The frozen fishes were thawed and dried at 105 °C until they reach a constant weight. The dried samples were homogenized and digested with 10 ml tri-acid mixture (HNO
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Objective: To investigate the level of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Fe Mn Ni, Pb and Cd) in muscles, gills and liver tissue of Croaker fish from oil spilled rivers of Bonny and Finima, Niger Delta region, Nigeria. Methods: Twenty four Croacker fishes (Genyonemus lineatus) weighing between 250 and 260 g and 24–26 cm length were collected from each sampling sites (Bonny and finima rivers). The frozen fishes were thawed and dried at 105 ℃ until they reach a constant weight. The dried samples were homogenized and digested with 10 ml tri-acid mixture (HNO3: HClO4:H2SO4), and then the digested samples were diluted to 100 ml with deionized water. Heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, Mn, Iron Fe, and Cd) concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: Our results revealed that concentrations and distribution patterns of all heavy metals studied varied significantly (P < 0.05) amongst the fish tissues analyzed and sampling sites. Moreover, liver tissue of fish caught from Finima creek accumulated the highest concentrations of Cu (52.64 ± 3.01μg/g dry wt), Zn (166.50 ± 6.45μg/g dry wt) and Fe (801.50 ± 14.15μg/g dry wt) in comparison to the liver of fish caught from Bonny river in which the levels of Cu, Zn and Fe were (45.00 ± 2.79), (49.90 ± 2.91) and (216 ± 6.11μg/g dry wt), respectively. In addition, Mn, Ni, Pb and Cd exhibited their highest concentrations in gills from both locations. As expected, muscle tissue contained the least concentrations of all metals investigated from both sampling sites. Furthermore, all the metals investigated exhibited highest concentration in fish collected from Finima creek. These abnormal high level heavy metals accumulation observed in this location could be linked to the frequent crude oil spills as well as industrial activity around the area which might get discharged into Finima creek. In general, the mean concentrations of some toxic heavy metals investigated exceed the recommended maximum permissible limits set by the Joint FAO/WHO committee. However, some metals are within the acceptable limits. Conclusions: In conclusion, our data showed the abnormal higher concentration of these metals and this might be toxic to the fish and other aquatic organisms directly or by extension to humans that frequently consumed such contaminated fishes.
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Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the determinants of contraceptive uptake among women of reproductive age in semi-urban communities of Rivers State, Nigeria. The information will be useful in reordering priorities and strategies for family planning interventions in the state. Study Design: The study was a cross sectional, household-based study, employing a cluster sampling technique proportionate to size, to recruit eligible participants. Study Location: The study was carried out in September 2013 in five contiguous communities located at the fringes of the Port Harcourt city. Methodology: Anonymous questionnaires were administered to 772 women of reproductive age normally resident in these five communities. Visitors were excluded. The data was analysed using SPSS version 20 software package. The Chi-square test was performed to determine the association between contraceptive use and demographic and socioeconomic variables, while Logistic regression was used to identify determinants of contraceptive uptake. The level of statistical significance was set at p= .05. Results: A total of 772 women aged (15-49) years participated in the study and 731 (94.7%) knew about modern contraceptives and their benefits. Young age (15-34 years old), (χ2= 12.7, df = 3, p= .01) and being single, (χ2=16.270, df=3, p < .01) were significantly associated with contraceptive usage. Younger women had six times higher odds of contraceptive usage than older women; [O.R (95% C. I) = 5.97 (1.56-22.90) and 5.96 (1.63 -21.71)], and women with contraceptive knowledge had 19% higher odds of usage than contraceptive naïve women [O.R (95% C. I) = 0.19 (0.09-0.40)]. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of young age and knowledge about contraceptives in promoting its acceptance among women. We therefore advocate for an early introduction of curriculum-based family planning education in schools, local media campaigns and peer education to create more awareness about contraceptives.
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of gas flare on cardiopulmonary parameters in some states of the Niger Delta. The study aimed to determine the impact of gas flare on blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, peak expiratory flow rate and associated changes of these parameters with duration of exposure to gas flare. Two communities (a test and a control) were studied in five states in the Niger Delta - Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Delta. The study adopted the direct administration of questionnaire, observation, recording and free medical checkup methods. The stratified random sampling method was used. The sample size was 1008 participants (504 in gas flaring communities and 504 in non-gas flaring communities). The electronic blood pressure kit was used to measure blood pressure and pulse rate of participants. Respiratory rate of participants was manually recorded while the peak flow meter was used to measure the peak expiratory flow rate of participants. The questionnaire was directly administered to obtain vital information from participants. Data generated were expressed as mean ± SD. A significant difference between the means was determined by student t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A level of p≤0.05 was accepted as significant. Findings showed that gas flare increases mean blood pressure (GFC-184.96±24.07, NGFC- 123.00±2.96), pulse rate (GFC-100.37±3.79, NGFC-78.09±4.68) and respiratory rate (GFC-33.63±0.80, NGFC-23.83±0.82) of residents in gas flaring communities. There was a decrease in mean peak expiratory flow rate (GFC-272.78±16.79, NGFC-460.83±6.53) of residents in gas flaring communities. Findings also showed that these cardiopulmonary parameters increases with longer duration of exposure (blood pressure >10 years -125.10±7.47, 1-5 years -117.25±3.81, pulse rate >10years-91.84±1.77, 1-5 years- 85.16±5.14 and respiratory rate-26.64±2.08, 1-5 years 24.00±1.51), except peak expiratory flow rate that decreases with duration of exposure (>10 years 301±88, 1-5 years 313.87±35.64).
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Aim: To evaluate the sexual practices of undergraduate university students in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in order to provide evidence for appropriate interventions. Study Design: A multi-stage random sampling design and stratified sampling proportionate to size was used to select study participants. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in four out of the 18 public universities in the region between October and December 2013. Methodology: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to 828 students selected from four faculties and eight departments of the universities. Married students and those from departments of medical and health sciences were excluded. Data was analyzed using Epi Info ver. 6.04d software package. The Chi-square test was performed at 95% confidence level and p-value set at P=.05. Results: A total of 391(47.2%) males and 437 (52.8%) females participated in the study. The majority of the students 444(53.6%) were in sexual relationships: 150 (33.8%) males and 294 (66.2%) females. Of these, 358 (80.6%) had had an HIV test and knew their HIV status: males 125 (34.9%) and females 233 (65.1%), but only 280(63.1%) had knowledge of the HIV status of their sexual partners: males 93(33.2%) and females 187 (66.8%). More females than males knew their HIV status and those of their sex partners (p=.00). Similarly, only 216(48.6%) used condoms in their last casual sex, while only 145(32.7%) used condoms consistently with a non-regular partner: males 71(49.0%) and females 74(51.0%) respectively. Finally, less than half of the students 216(48.6%) were consistent with safer sex negotiation with their partners. Conclusion: The study highlights the occurrence of high sexual risk behaviours among undergraduate university students. We advocate the inclusion of sexuality education in the General Studies curriculum for students and the provision of accessible Sexually Transmitted Infection services through youth-friendly channels, like Youth Friendly Centres.
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The incidence of hypertension, diabetes and overweight-obese are emerging health problems, which are increasingly prevalent globally. The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and the relationship between blood pressure, blood glucose and body mass index, and the tendency of developing prehypertension and pre-diabetes in rural adults in the Niger Delta region. A cross-sectional, population-based descriptive design was used. A total sample of 250 subjects aged 20 years and older, that had resided continually in the order of 10 years and above, in the oil and gas extraction environments, were recruited. While body mass index was calculated using internationally accepted standard methods, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose level were recorded also by standard methods, classified and correlated. One-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation analyses were used for comparisons between groups. Result showed that although blood pressure and blood glucose measurements increase with age, males had higher prevalence of high blood pressure and raised blood glucose compared with females (p<0.05). Both sexes had almost similar distribution of high body mass index which was not statistically significantly different (p>0.05). In total, overweight coexisted among 14% of participants with normal blood glucose, 19.6% pre-diabetes, 7.6% diabetes, 24% normotensive, 15.4% pre-hypertensive and 1.8% hypertensive. Pre-diabetes coexisted among 9.8% normotensive and pre-hypertensive respectively, while 0.2% normotensive, 5.6% pre-hypertensive, and 18.2% hypertensive had combined diabetes. About 16.4% had both combined diabetes and obesity, and hypertension and obesity. Overall, 19.5% had combined hypertension, obesity and diabetes. In total, the prevalence of obesity was 16.4%, hypertension 18.2%, and diabetes 24.0%. The prevalence of coexisting prehypertension and pre-diabetes, pre-non-communicable and main non-communicable diseases was 17.5%, 21.3%, and 23.7% respectively. Data analysis revealed positive and linear correlation and statistically significantly different (p<0.001) in the varying degree of complex association of blood pressure and blood glucose as well as body mass index. In conclusion, notwithstanding, this study provides baseline population based data establishing that the populations in the oil bearing communities are at high risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, and overweight-obese together with high prevalence of combination of pre-hypertension and pre-diabetes. The coexisting of significantly high prevalence of prehypertension and pre-diabetes with raised body mass index, in particular, have a more adverse effect by progression to full hypertension and diabetes. There is the need for national programme for prevention, control or delay the burden of the risk factors for non-communicable diseases for oil and gas bearing communities.
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Background: The high morbidity and mortality among young women from unsafe abortions resulting from unwanted pregnancy and teenage pregnancy are mostly as a result of low contraceptive usage especially emergency contraceptives (EC). This is often due to restricted availability, limited knowledge, worries about side effects and future fertility, underestimation of pregnancy risk, high cost, religious and cultural barriers. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, use and unmet need of emergency contraceptives among female undergraduates of the Niger Delta University. Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted in July 2013 among 450 female students who were randomly selected using the multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected with the aid of a pre-tested, structured self-administered questionnaire. Epi-Info 3.5.3 was used for data entry and analysis. Results: More than half (60.2%) of the students were aware of emergency contraception, friends/relatives being the commonest source of information for 42.5% of the students. Levonorgestrel only EC was the most commonly known EC (57.1%). About a third (30.3%) believed that EC can be used for termination of pregnancy and chemists/pharmacies were reported by 63.9% as the most common place of procurement of ECs. Nearly half of the students (45.6%) were sexually active; only 4.8% of the sexually experienced students had ever used EC; and 17.2% had had unsafe abortion. Reported barriers to the use of EC include high cost, unmarried status, nonavailability and being young. Conclusion: There is low level of use of EC among the female undergraduates of the Niger Delta University, mostly as a result of misconception, poverty, negative attitude of care providers and restricted availability. We recommend the introduction of the study of family planning methods into the school curriculum and there should be unrestricted access to EC on the campus.
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Aim: To achieve bioremediation of hydrocarbon impacted mangrove soil using organic (sterile and non-sterile poultry wastes) and inorganic nutrient (NPK). Study Design: Three treatments and the control designs were setup in three replicates and kept in the laboratory at room temperature (28±2°C) throughout the investigation period (6 weeks). Three of the set-ups designated Treatments (SPW, NSPW and NPK) were treated with sterile poultry wastes, non-sterile poultry wastes, nitrogen – phosphorus- potassium, respectively, while the fourth set – up with no treatment were designated control (CTRL). Set ups SPW, NSPW and NPK were designed to determine the effects of sterile poultry wastes, non-sterile poultry wastes and NPK in bioremediation of hydrocarbon polluted soil, respectively. However, the control (CTRL) was designed to determine the contribution made by indigenous (autochthonous) microorganisms and natural attenuation to the soil. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, between August, 2012 and June, 2013. Methodology: A laboratory-scale study was carried out using organic (sterile and non-sterile poultry wastes) and inorganic nutrient (NPK) to achieve bioremediation of hydrocarbon impacted mangrove soil. Results: In a 42 day study, the sterile poultry wastes (SPW) treated option had an increase in total logarithmic heterotrophic bacterial count from 5.19±0.01 to 7.64±0.08 while non-sterile poultry wastes (NSPW) increased from 5.22±0.11 to 7.65±0.06. The logarithmic heterotrophic bacterial population of the NPK set-up increased from 5.23±0.11 to 7.90±0.10. The untreated set up had its total logarithmic heterotrophic bacterial count increased from 5.14±0.07 to 6.63±0.08. The total logarithmic hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria in SPW, NSPW and NPK treated options increased from 3.70±0.10 to 7.11±0.10, 3.82±0.10 to 7.20±0.10 and 3.93±0.08 to 7.73±0.07, respectively, at which time the corresponding value obtained for untreated increased from 3.63±0.06 to 5.56±0.06. Statistical analyses showed significant difference at p<0.05 level for the four conditions. Several genera of bacteria were isolated as hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria. They include Bacillus sp., Citrobacter sp., Corynebacterium, Escherichia sp., Flavobacterium, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas sp., Salmonella sp. and Vibrio sp. The conductivity values nitrate and phosphate concentrations in SPW, NSPW, and NPK options decreased progressively with slight decrease in the untreated. At day 42, the changes in total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) decreased to 498.14±0.01 ppm, 389.42±0.01 ppm, 285.38±0.01 ppm and 1087.00±0.01 ppm in SPW, NSPW, NPK and untreated, respectively. Conclusion: The use of organic sources such as poultry wastes (sterile and non-sterile) and inorganic nutrient (NPK) has shown good promises in the bioremediation of hydrocarbon impacted mangrove soil.
ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon pollution (PHC) on some biochemical parameters of the fruit juice of Citrus sinensis. Place and Duration of study: This study was carried out at Ebocha-Egbema and Uvuru Mbaise in Imo state (Niger Delta Area), Nigeria between October 2008 and October 2011. Methodology: Acidity (pH), concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA), glutathione (GSH), citric acid, glucose and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the juice of just-ripe orange fruits (Citrus sinensis) from the two environments were investigated by standard methods. The estimated values were analyzed using student t-test and the results expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Results: The results obtained revealed that there was no significant (p≥0.05) difference in the mean pH values, ascorbic acid and glucose concentrations of the fruit juice from the two areas studied. Mean concentrations of glutathione and citric acid in the juice from Ebocha (0.44±0.09 and 18.80±1.14mg/l) were significantly (p≤0.05) lower than the values in the juice from Uvuru (0.66±0.10 and 21.43±2.02 mg/l), respectively. The results also showed that the mean activity of lactate dehydrogenase was significantly higher in the juice from Ebocha (7.033+/-1.73 U/l) than in that from Uvuru (5.344±1.74 U/l). Conclusion: The findings of this study are suggestive of a possible alteration in the metabolic activities of Citrus sinensis trees evident in its fruit juice due to the PHC pollution in Ebocha in the Niger Delta.