An assessment of socio-cultural challenges of social distancing as a means of COVID-19 control in Lagos state, Nigeria

Background: There are attendant socio-cultural challenges of social distancing in controlling COVID-19 in developing countries which must be overcome. The objectives of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice on social distancing, to determine the socio-cultural challenges and assess the coping mechanisms to the socio-cultural challenges of social distancing as a means of COVID-19 control in Lagos state, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that assessed the socio-cultural challenges of social distancing as a means of COVID-19 control in Lagos state, Nigeria. The study population included adults ?18 years that have resided in Lagos state for more than six months. Respondents were recruited through the internet, using the social media platforms. A total of 500 responses were analysed. Quantitative analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 22. Results: Overall, about 98.2% of the participants had adequate knowledge of social distancing as a means of COVID-19 control, 51% of the participants had positive attitude towards social distancing as a means of COVID-19 control, and about 98.2% of the participants practised social distancing. About a quarter (27.2%) saw social distancing as a violation of human right and 97% agreed that it affected education in schools. Internet-based communication, teleworking, financial compensation, support groups, health education and special attention to the vulnerable were indicated coping strategies. Conclusions: The findings showed significant socio-cultural challenges in implementing COVID-19 mitigating measures such as social distancing and recommended mass health education plus a good socio-economic support system will help promote the adoption of preventative guidelines.

Factors to Effective Clinical Experience, Willingness to pursue Career in Rural Health Facilities among Nursing Students on Clinical Placement in Southeast Nigeria and Rural Development / Factores para una experiencia clínica eficaz, voluntad de seguir una carrera en instalaciones de salud rurales entre estudiantes de enfermería en prácticas clínicas en el sudeste de Nigeria y desarrollo rural / Fatores para experiência clínica eficaz, vontade de seguir carreira em unidades de saúde rurais entre estudantes de enfermagem em estágios clínicos no sudeste da Nigéria e desenvolvimento rural

Objective. To describe the Factors to Effective Clinical Experience and Willingness to pursue Career in Rural Health Facilities among Nursing Students on Clinical Placement in southeast Nigeria. Methods. The study was conducted among 48 rural health centres and general hospitals with 528 respondents from different higher institutions of learning serving in these health facilities for their clinical experience. The study applied survey design and utilized questionnaire instrument for data collection. Results. Majority of the students (60%) agreed that their school lacked functional practical demonstration laboratory for students' clinical practice, 66.7% agreed that their school lab lacked large space for all the students to observe what is being taught, 79.9% that their school lab lacked enough equipment that can enable many students to practice procedures; majority of the students (79.9%) answered that the hospitals where they are on clinical placement lacked enough equipment needed for the students on each shift of practice, 59.9% agreed that student/client ratio in each ward during clinical experience periods was not enough for students' practice under supervision, while 73.3% indicated that their school lacked library with current nursing texts for references. Personal, socioeconomic and institutional factors explain the 76% of the variance of effective clinical experience and the 52% of the variance of the willingness to work in rural health facilities in the future if offered employment. Conclusion. The factors surrounding effective clinical experience in rural healthcare facilities in southeastern Nigeria are unfavorable and could discourage future nurses from working there. It is necessary to implement strategies to improve the management of these centers in order to promote the perspective of improving sustainable rural health in this region.

Objetivo. Describir la experiencia clínica efectiva entre los estudiantes de enfermería en prácticas clínicas en las instalaciones sanitarias rurales en el sudeste de Nigeria. Métodos. Este estudio descriptivo se llevó a cabo entre 48 centros de salud rurales y hospitales generales con 528 encuestados de diferentes instituciones de enseñanza superior que prestaban servicio en estas instalaciones sanitarias para su experiencia clínica. Resultados. 60% de los estudiantes comentaron que su centro carecía de un laboratorio de simulación para las prácticas clínicas de los estudiantes, el 66.7% indicó que el laboratorio de su centro carecía de un espacio para que todos los estudiantes pudieran observar lo que se enseñaba. Un 79.9% indicó que el laboratorio de su centro no disponía de equipos suficientes para practicar los procedimientos, y otro porcentaje igual (79.9%) manifestaron que los hospitales carecían del equipo necesario para realizar adecuadamente las prácticas clínicas. El 59.9% indicaron que la razón de estudiantes por paciente en cada sala durante los periodos de experiencia clínica era insuficiente para que los estudiantes realizaran prácticas bajo supervisión, y el 73.3% indicaron que los recursos de la biblioteca en textos de enfermería eran insuficientes para sus necesidades. Los factores personales, socioeconómicos e institucionales explican el 76% de la varianza en la experiencia clínica efectiva y el 52% en la disposición a trabajar en centros sanitarios rurales en el futuro. Conclusión. Los factores que rodean la experiencia clínica efectiva en los centros sanitarios rurales del sudeste de Nigeria son desfavorables y podrían desanimar a los futuros enfermeros a trabajar en ellos. Es necesario implementar estrategias de mejoramiento de la gestión de estos centros con el fin de impulsar la perspectiva de mejorar la salud rural sostenible en esta región.

Objetivo. Descrever a experiência clínica eficaz entre estudantes de enfermagem em estágios clínicos em unidades de saúde rurais no sudeste da Nigéria (África). Métodos. Este estudo descritivo foi realizado em 48 centros de saúde rurais e hospitais gerais com 528 entrevistados de diferentes instituições de ensino superior que atendem essas unidades de saúde pela sua experiência clínica. Resultados. 60% dos alunos comentaram que seu centro não possuía laboratório de simulação para as práticas clínicas dos alunos, 66.7% indicaram que o laboratório de seu centro carecia de espaço para que todos os alunos pudessem observar o que estava sendo ensinado. 79.9% indicaram que o laboratório do seu centro não possuía equipamentos suficientes para a realização dos procedimentos e outro percentual igual (79.9%) afirmou que os hospitais não possuíam os equipamentos necessários para a realização adequada das práticas clínicas. 59.9% indicaram que a proporção de estudantes por pacientes em cada sala durante os períodos de experiência clínica era insuficiente para que os estudantes realizassem as práticas sob supervisão e 73.3% indicaram que os recursos da biblioteca em textos de enfermagem eram insuficientes para suas necessidades. Fatores pessoais, socioeconómicos e institucionais explicam 76% da variação na experiência clínica efetiva e 52% na vontade de trabalhar em centros de saúde rurais no futuro. Conclusão. Os fatores que rodeiam a experiência clínica eficaz em unidades de saúde rurais no sudeste da Nigéria são desfavoráveis e podem desencorajar futuros enfermeiros de trabalhar lá. É necessário implementar estratégias para melhorar a gestão destes centros, a fim de promover a perspectiva de melhorar a saúde rural sustentável nesta região.

Evaluation of the bacteriological quality of underground well water in Oyi local government area of Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: Water is indispensable for man’s existence on earth. In urban and predominantly rural communities in Nigeria, with over 85% of the population living below an average income, traditional drinking water sources such as open reservoirs, springs and open wells are still being used. The study assessed the bacteriological qualities of underground well water in Oyi L.G.A of Anambra State. Methods: Water samples collected by random sampling from various wells in the selected thirteen (13) wards of the study area were subjected to bacteriological analysis using standard methods. The bacteriological analysis examined differential and presumptive coliform counts. Confirmatory coliform tests were carried out using a loopful of presumptive positive and negative tests already sub-cultured on MacConkey agar plate and incubated at 37 0c for 24 hours to obtain bacterial isolates. Results: Escherichia coli was the most frequently occurring isolate of all the bacteria identified. Other isolates include Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella spp., Enterococcus spp., Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Proteus spp. and Bacillus spp. The majority of these organisms are Gram-negative microorganisms which are most times implicated in gastrointestinal abnormalities. Conclusions: There is a high incidence of contamination of well waters by pathogenic organisms in most well waters from the Study area. Underground well water sources to be utilized for domestic purposes such as cooking should be treated or disinfected before use, either by boiling and filtration or by chemical sterilization or a combination of both.

LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: HUMAN RESOURCE CAPACITY AND TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF PHARMACISTS IN NIGERIA

Objective: Logistics and supply chain management have received global attention since the early 1980s, but this concept is thought to still be unpopular in Nigeria as very little literature exists on it, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. This paper, therefore set out to investigate the human resource capacity and the needs assessment of pharmacists in Nigeria as regards logistics and supply chain management.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacists in Nigeria. A total of 873 pharmacists participated in the study. A well-structured questionnaire was produced, validated, and administered to the registered pharmacists.Results: Out of the 873 retrieved questionnaires, 21 copies were not completely filled and were therefore discarded; hence the 852 completely filled questionnaires were taken as the number of participants in the study. The survey shows that out of the 51.76% pharmacists who have acquired trainings, 18.2% were exposed to supply chain management by virtue of their workplace, while 30.9% were self-trained through conferences and workshops. Also, 98.8% of the respondents were ready to be trained in this emerging field in Nigeria, with only 1.2% declining any interest in supply chain management training.Conclusion: These findings show that there is a low provision for proactive education on supply chain management for pharmacists. However, there is a promising opportunity to introduce such training as the majority of the respondents were receptive to such an innovation. This study may, therefore be useful for policymakers and health professionals to chart the path for the future to ensure adequate and proper delivery of medicines and other health commodities.

Quantitative determination of selected heavy metals and micronutrients in branded dairy products sold in Nigeria using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)

Quantitative analysis of heavy metals and nutrients in food helps indicate the safety and quality of food for final consumers. The present study was conducted to assess the presence of heavy metals (arsenic, copper, mercury, chromium, and lead) and the nutritional value of calcium in branded milk and yogurt to evaluate health risks for consumers. Ten (10) samples of branded milk and dairy products manufactured in Nigeria were purchased. The metal contents of the samples were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The concentrations of calcium in the milk samples were between 9.33 ± 0.0023 and 18 ± 0.0071 ppm and were detected in all samples. Arsenic concentrations ranged from 0.45 ± 0.00042 to 2.48 ± 0.00064 ppm in eight branded samples but were undetected in two samples. Chromium levels were undetected in most samples, except for two with concentrations of 0.12±0.00049 ppm and 0.23±0.00021 ppm, respectively. Copper ranged from 0.032±0.00021 ppm to 0.129±0.00021 ppm in six samples. Mercury levels were detected in six samples at a concentration of 1.0±1.0 ppm. Lead concentrations ranged from 0.15±0.00064 to 0.29±0.00028 ppm in three samples. The study found heavy metals above the ideal concentration in branded milk and dairy products in Nigeria, highlighting the need for quality control measures during production to prevent contamination.

A rare case of life threatening non-obstetric-non-traumatic vulvar-vaginal haematoma secondary to suspected spontaneous rupture of the right pudendal artery: surgical management in a reference hospital in Southern Nigeria

Vulvar haematoma due to obstetrics and traumatic causes have been reported. However, non-obstetrics-non-traumatic vulvar-vaginal haematoma is very rare yet could be life threatening. Good management and outcome may be challenged by low index of suspicion, inexperience and lack of standard guideline for care. We report a rare case of life threatening non-obstetric-non-traumatic vulvar-vaginal haematoma secondary to suspected spontaneous rupture of the right pudendal artery in a 35-year-old woman which presented as emergency with diagnostic challenges and was successfully surgically managed. This report draws attention of clinicians to this rare but important clinical scenario which can present with diagnostic challenges. It further highlights different approaches to treatment but emphasizes surgical treatment as key to quick recovery with lesser morbidities.

Impact of essential newborn care education on knowledge and practice of new-born care among nurses in rural primary health centres in Ebonyi state of Nigeria

Background: This study was designed to determine the level of knowledge and the extent of practice of the components of essential new-born care (ENC), and the effects of a training programme on the knowledge and practice of ENC among nurses in rural primary health cares (PHCs) in Ebonyi state Nigeria. Methods: This study was a one group pre-test and post-test intervention design. The components of ENC considered were: New-born initiation of breastfeeding, thermoregulation, new-born cord care, newborn eye care, initiation of breathing and administration of vitamin K. A neonatal care knowledge and practice assessment (NCKPA) questionnaire tested for validity and reliability, with a Spearman’s correlation coefficient of 0.81, was used for data collection among the (48) available nurses (All female). Results: There was significant improvement in the level of knowledge and extent of practice of the components of ENC following the training programme. Despite the improvement, there were gaps in knowledge and practice of the components of ENC amongst the nurses in rural PHCs and affected were the level of knowledge of eye care 20 (41.6%) pre-intervention, and least knowledge of cord care 35 (72.9%) and eye care 45 (93.8%)-post-intervention. Conclusions: Increase in knowledge corresponded with increase in good practice of ENC. The concern with knowledge transfer and translation of knowledge into practice could be achieved by pre-service and in-service education, update courses and workshops, and this will empower the nurses, getting them familiar with current trends and practices for improved child survival rate.

Awareness and knowledge of the pelvic inflammatory disease, its risk factors and diagnostic procedures among female undergraduates in tertiary institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria

Aims@#This study was designed to evaluate awareness and knowledge of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), its risk factors and diagnostic procedures among female undergraduates in tertiary institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria.@*Methodology and results@#A questionnaire-based survey design was conducted among 325 undergraduate students. Completed questionnaires were retrieved immediately. Descriptive and inferential (chi-square test) statistical tools were used for data analysis. Out of the 325 respondents, 186(57.2%) had heard of PID, 162(49.8%) did not know the possible risk factors of PID, 161(49.5%) perceived their awareness level of PID to be poor, while 30(9.2%) had good awareness level of PID. The majority 185(56.9%) of the respondents, do not know the mode of transmission of PID. There was a statistically significant relationship between the student’s age and the level of awareness statement at (p<0.05). On the student’s knowledge, only the statement: Do you know PID could be symptomless, showed a statistically significant relationship with the student’s course of study (χ2=12.815, p=0.00).@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Most respondents have heard of PID via social media and seminars and have even seen those who had the disease. They still claim that their awareness level was poor since they do not know the mode of transmission and ill effects of PID, and so they cannot be protected against the disease. A sensitization campaign on risk factors, symptoms and mode of spread of the disease has to be carried out in the institutions to save the students at high risk of the infection.

Exposure to tobacco advertisements, promotions, and sponsorships among in­school adolescents in Lagos, Nigeria: A cross­sectional study

Background: The Nigerian government implemented the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) in 2015, which prohibits tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) exposure to children under 18 years of age. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of attitudes and exposure to TAPS among in school adolescents in Lagos State, Nigeria, 5 years after the implementation of the Act and to identify the factors associated with TAPS exposure among the adolescents. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 968 in school adolescents selected through multistage random sampling. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires adapted from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. Results: Overall, 77% had been exposed to at least one form of TAPS in the past 30 days. The most frequently reported channel of exposure was through product placements, with 62% reporting exposure in films, TV, and videos. Up to 15.2% and 12.6% were exposed to TAPS through promotional activities and sponsorships, respectively. The majority (82.3%) had pro tobacco attitudes, while about a third (33.1%) had pro TAPS attitudes. Factors associated with TAPS exposure were having pro TAPS attitudes (odds ratio [OR]: 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3­5.3), being female (OR: 2, 95% CI: 1.4­2.7), and residing in a rural area (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2­2.3). Conclusion: Five years after implementing the NTCA, more than two thirds of the adolescents reported exposure to TAPS, mainly through films, TV, and videos. This suggests that the NTCA is poorly enforced. Efforts to ensure the effective implementation of comprehensive TAPS bans are warranted. Gender sensitive strategies that target adolescents' attitudes and school level factors should be emphasized.

Tuberculosis preventive practices among treatment supporters in Lagos, Nigeria

Context: Tuberculosis (TB) treatment support is one of the recommended strategies to enhance treatment adherence and outcomes. Treatment supporters are at risk of contracting TB and adequate knowledge of TB and good preventive practices are required for their protection. Aims: This study aimed at assessing the knowledge and preventive practices of TB treatment supporters at Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) centers in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos state, Nigeria. Settings and design: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 196 TB treatment supporters selected from five DOTS centers in Lagos. Methods: Data were obtained using an adapted pretested questionnaire. Statistical analysis used: Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with self-protection practices. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 37.3 ± 12.1 years. More than half of the respondents were females (59.2%) and immediate family members (61.3%). Overall, 22.5% had good knowledge of TB, while 53.0% had positive attitudes toward TB. Only 26.0% adequately protected themselves from infection. The caregiver's level of education (P = 0.001) and their relationship to the patient (P = 0.001) were significantly associated with good preventive practices in bivariate analysis. Not being related to the patient was a predictor of adequate TB prevention practices (adjusted odds ratio = 2.852; P = 0.006; 95% confidence interval = 1.360-5.984). Conclusions: This study revealed low levels of TB knowledge and fair preventive practices, especially among caregivers who are relatives. There is, therefore, a need to improve population literacy about TB and its prevention and a more focused orientation of relatives who volunteer as treatment supporters, through health education, with periodic monitoring during clinic visits, of how they prevent TB.

Pre-and post-donation ferritin level of blood donors attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Donor Clinic in Southern Nigeria

While trying to save the patient via blood transfusion, the safety of the blood donor is paramount. This study evaluated the pre-and post-donation ferritin and packed cell volume (PCV) of donors attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.Method: The study adopted descriptive longitudinal approach. A total of 18 donors with age range of 18 ­48years were enrolled and followed up for 30 days post-donation. The serum ferritin was analyzed using ELISA method while the PCV was analyzed using the microhematocrit method. Difference between means was performed using repeated measure ANOVA while post hoc was done using Bonferroni adjustment. Prediction of return to baseline values were performed using logistic regression. Alpha value was placed at 0.05 There was a decline in ferritin and packed cell volume from pre-to post-donation. The decline in ferritin was imminent until day 14 when recovery was initiated. Significant difference was observed between the pre-donation ferritin and the rest of the days except day 30. There was also a decline in PCV from pre-donation all through with recovery noticeable after day 7. The PCV of the pre-donation was only comparable to the day 30 post-donation. Approximately 5.6% (n=1) of the subjects was iron deficient pre-donation.Approximately 25% (n=4) of the subject have returned to baseline PCV while 0% of the subjects have returned to baseline ferritin at day 30 post-donation.Conclusion: For the safety of the donor, donation interval should be widened, and iron supplement followed up

Detection and Quantification of Gastrointestinal Parasites among Inmates of Social Welfare Homes and Low Socio-economic Areas in Metropolitan Port Harcourt

Background: Detection and quantification of gastrointestinal parasitic infections (GIPIs) causing public health problems among poorer layers of the society are still one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in developing countries. Objective: The aim of the study was to detect gastrointestinal parasites among inmates of Social Welfare Homes and Low Socioeconomic Areas in Metropolitan Port Harcourt. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out for the evaluation of all the 1500 participants for GIPs among residents of social welfare homes and low socioeconomic areas in Rivers State, Nigeria for a period of one year (July 2019- June 2020). Stool samples were collected from each participant for isolation of GIPs in stool sample. Formol-ether concentration methods and Modified Ziehl-Neelson Staining techniques was used for the isolation and identification of gastrointestinal parasites. Descriptive and Chi square statistical analysis was applied. Results: Out of 1500, 1,381 (92.1%) participants showed negative report, while 119(7.9%) participants were positive for GIPs. Females account for 839 (55.9%) while males were 661 (44.1%). Positivity in males accounted for 9.8% (65/661) and the females had 6.4% (54/839). Age group with high prevalence occurred among 11-15yrs (13.5%)/340. Both variables were statistically significant (p<0.05). Seasonal distribution of GIPs was high during the wet season (p<0.05). Overall, A. lumbricoides was the most predominant gastrointestinal parasites, accounting for 35.3% of the total identified. Others were as follows; T. Trichiura 26.1%, hookworm 21.9%, C. sinensis and S. mansoni 2.5%, tapeworm 1.7%, while H. nana and H. diminuta had 0.8% each. Co-infection of A. lumbricoides + hookworm and hookworm + T. Trichiura recorded 4.2% each. Protozoa species were not identified. Risk factor of the use of toilet papers was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05) among others. Conclusion: We recommend that knowledge of epidemiology and transmission routes of C. sinensis and H. diminuta needs to be improved and effective health education on personal hygiene and mass treatment should be sustainable to control the spread of gastrointestinal parasites.

Comparative analysis of hematological parameters of first-time and repeat blood donors: Experience of a blood bank in southern Nigeria

ABSTRACT Introduction: The safety of a blood transfusion practice is anchored on safe blood from a healthy donor, while further protecting the donor from future harm. This study aimed to evaluate the hematological parameters of blood donors in view of their donor category to aid in assessing the safety threshold in terms of donation frequency. Methods: This study made use of the descriptive cross-sectional design. The blood donors were bled and their samples analyzed using a hematology autoanalyzer. Results: A total of 178 male blood donors were recruited. Most of the donors were aged 18 to 39 years and were mostly students. A greater part of them were repeat donors who had donated blood more than four times. First- and second-time donors constituted the majority of the voluntary donors. While the total red cell count was significantly lower in repeat third-time donors, the hemoglobin and hematocrit of the first-time donors were significantly higher than those of the repeat fourth-time donors. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of the first-time donors were significantly higher than those of the repeat fifth-time donors. The red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV) were significantly lower in the first-time donors from those of the sixth- and seventh-time donors, respectively. Most of the fifth-time donors have subclinical anemia. There was more subclinical anemia in commercial donors than in voluntary donors. Conclusion: Repeat donors more than fifth-time donors are at risk of donation-induced iron deficiency anemia.

Analysis of Donor Deferral in a Tertiary Health Institution in South-Western Nigeria

Aim:This study aimed at evaluating the deferral pattern among blood donors, in order to draw out lessons that will help canvass for a strengthened policy framework and encourage better outcomes in voluntary blood donation. Study Design:This was a retrospective study. Place and Duration of Study:All the data were sourced from the central database of donors, as recorded by the Haematology Department of Babcock University Teaching Hospital Ilisan-Remo, Ogun state, Nigeria. The data used spanned through a period of 5 years, from 2017 to 2021. Methodology:A total of 7,362voluntary and non-remunerated blood donors were included in this study. Their records were accessed and used for the study. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. The level of statisticalsignificance was set at P < 0.05.Results:In this study, half (50.2%) of the entire population of volunteers were between the ages of 18 and 30 years while only 3.7% of them were between 51 and 60 years of age. There were more male volunteers for blood donation compared to the females who only represented 10.8% of the population. 61% of the voluntary donorswere accepted for blood donation while 39% were regarded as unfit and hence, deferred. The 3 main reasons for deferral in this study were inadequate hemoglobin (54.7% of deferral cases), unmatched blood group (30.9%) and transfusion transmissible infections (14.4%). Age and gender had a statistically significant (P < 0.05) relationship with the pattern of deferral of the volunteers. Conclusion:The high deferral rate observed in this study may reveal an urgent need for a community-based intervention and targeted efforts by necessary agencies to help improve the general health status of possible future voluntary blood donors.

Current and Emerging Laboratory Techniques for Malaria Diagnosis

Effective diagnostic methods must continue to be developed due to the effects of malaria on world health. Malaria is an infectious disease spread by mosquitoes that affects both people and other animals. It isthe product of Plasmodiumparasites, which are transmitted through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Other sporozoan species responsible for malaria infections include the sporozoan parasites Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malaria, and Plasmodium knowlesi. Routine diagnosis of malaria is impeded in areas where the disease is endemic by technical and infrastructure issues with laboratories. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential since good disease management is one of the primary actions of the Global Malaria Control Strategy. Accurate malaria detection is also crucial in order to inform malaria control efforts through epidemiologic screening and surveillance, for research reasons to evaluate the effectiveness of antimalarial medications and vaccines, and for blood bank screening. This study's main goal is to show some of the new and effective ways to diagnose malaria that go beyond the gold standard, light microscopy, which has some problems

Waste leachate induces histological alterations in Limicolaria aurora (Jay, 1839) digestive gland

Unsanitary open dumping and burning of wastes in dumpsites results to constant leaching of waste pollutants into the surrounding environment with attendant harmful consequences on wildlife and public health. Here, we investigated the histological effects of Onitsha municipal waste leachate on the Giant African land snail, Limicolaria aurora (Jay 1839). The histopathological effects of waste leachate on the digestive cells of the snails were examined following standard protocols. Snails were exposed to different concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0%) of the leachate for a total duration of 21 days. Histological results obtained showed that waste leachate caused dose and duration dependent alterations in the digestive glands of L. aurora. Obvious histological variations were observed in snails exposed to 50% concentrations of the leachate compared to other doses. Observed histological changes were mainly degeneration of the digestive tubules, fragmentation and disappearance of the digestive cells, marked increase in excretory cells, necrosis and epithelia sloughing. This study therefore highlights the potential toxicity of waste leachate of causing mild to severe damage in the tissues of organisms. Reinforcing the fact, that waste leachate contains a mix of toxic substances that could pose a severe injury to the biological system of surrounding biota, including humans.

USERS SATISFACTION INDEX FOR SUSTAINABLE RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACES IN AKURE, NIGERIA.

Recreational open space is the outdoor open-air space involving green, grey, water and air spaces which can be used for active and/or passive recreation such as park, garden, public golf course and general open spaces. Recreational open space has been seen to be inadequate to cater for the rising demand of public recreation due to the increase in the population of people in Akure city. Many researches carried out on recreation and open spaces in the study area have indicated that abandonment, misuse, conversion, mismanagement, dilapidation, encroachment to mention a few are reasons for the inadequacies of these recreational open spaces. Amidst these challenges and threats to recreational open spaces, the study was set to look at the possible indicators for these demands in relation to the issues facing recreational open spaces. Consequently, a mix method approach involving administration of 379 questionnaires through stratified random sampling technique and case study of recreational open spaces in the study area was adopted. Hence, the study examined the factors influencing users’ satisfaction and sustainability of recreational open spaces in Akure as its aim. The study revealed the relationship between the management condition, satisfaction and benefit of the provision of recreational open spaces as an insight to a healthy city and development. Findings revealed that greater number of the study population visit frequently the available recreational open spaces and would want the recreation facilities to be properly managed especially to meet their satisfaction. The paper further recommends that local and state governments should provide more recreational open spaces with the consideration of users’ satisfaction for a healthy living.

Growth Performance of Albino Rats Orally Administered with Honey from Apis mellifera adansonii and Refined Sugar at Varying Levels

The purpose of this research was to find out the growth performance of albino rats orally administered with honey from Apis mellifera adansonii and refined granulated sugar at varying quantities. Twenty-five (25) healthy albino rats used in the study were grouped into five treatments based on the dose of natural honey and granulated sugar as follow: T1 (1.02g of honey kg BW), T2 (1.40g of honey kg BW), T3 (1.02g of granulated sugar kg BW), and T4 (1.40g of granulated sugar kg BW). However, rats in T5 were not administered honey and refined granulated sugar hence served as the control. The data on fructose and micronutrients concentrations of natural honey and refined sugar as well as data on the weight gain and feed intake of the albino rats were determined after 28 days. According to the findings of this study, the fructose concentration was higher in natural honey (195.78mg/ml) while refined sugar (30.225mg/ml) recorded the least value. Also, copper (0.15ppm) and manganese (0.05ppm) had the highest mean concentration in natural honey, while iron (0.04ppm) and zinc (0.07ppm) were higher in refined sugar. The study's findings revealed that the highest feed intake by albino rat was recorded in T1 (148.16g) while T5 (140.27g) had the least. There were no significant differences in albino rat feed intake among the five treatments (p>0.05). The highest weight gain was recorded by the albino rat in T1 (69.84g) while T5 (32.28g) had the least. There were no significant differences in the weight gain of the albino rats among the five treatments. This study's findings led to the conclusion that the doses of natural honey used did not significantly increase the weight gain of albino rats.

Perception and Practices of COVID-19 in Rural Areas of Southeastern Nigeria: A Community-based Cross-sectional Survey

Aims: Despite all efforts made globally by governments of various nations and all concerned agencies through preventative measures, quick testing, isolation, shutting down of societies and economy, the virus still succeeded in spreading through communities perhaps due to the wrong perspective, in addition to surveillance, prevention and management challenges. This study evaluated the perception and practices of covid-19 in rural areas of southeastern Nigeria. Study Design: The study adopted a community-based cross-sectional survey design that investigated awareness, perspective, surveillance challenges, prevention, management and economic impact in rural settlement areas of south-east, Nigeria. Place and duration of study: This study was be conducted in rural settlement areas of south-east Nigeria (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states). February � April, 2021. Methodology: Data was collected by the use of the questionnaire. Five hundred copies were administered per state. Results: Most participants (2464, 98.6%) heard first of COVID-19 through radio/television (1409, 56.3%), social media (539, 21.5%) and their friends/relatives (418, 16.7%); 1896 (75.8%) believed in the existence of COVID-19 infection. However, the majority in Ebonyi state (309, 61.8%) had their disbelief on the existence of COVID-19. Participants confirmed having knowledge of COVID-19 testing (2319, 92.8%) and isolation centers (2299, 92.0%), however, a major challenge was lack of (1698, 67.9%) or no awareness (550, 22.0%) of masses testing centre in their areas. A few individuals (392, 15.7%) reported having experienced one or two COVID-19 symptoms about 3 months ago. Knowledge on how to prevent contracting COVID-19 is relatively high (66.7%) among the respondents. COVID-19 induced economic burden amongst residents were mainly as a result of the imposition of lockdown to movements and businesses (1098, 43.9%), disruption of studies (959, 38.4%), increased hunger (950, 38.0%), high expenditure (894, 35.8%) and loss of job/income (816, 32.6%). Conclusion: It is concluded that the majority of the people in southeast Nigeria are aware of the possible existence of Covid-19 in their area.

Prevalence and antimycotic susceptibility profile of Candida species in the oral cavities of HIV/AIDS patients and pregnant women in Nsukka, Nigeria

Aims@#The present study determined Candida species occurrence in the mouth of HIV/AIDS, pregnant women and healthy individuals, and Candida susceptibility to antimycotics.@*Methodology and results@#A cross-sectional study of the Candida species occurrence and their in vitro sensitivity to nystatin, clotrimazole, ketoconazole and fluconazole was studied. Oral swabs were taken from the dorsum of the tongue of 63 HIV/AIDS patients, 38 pregnant women and 53 apparently healthy humans served as control. All participants gave their consent. The samples were cultured for isolation of Candida species. The susceptibility of commonly used antimycotics against Candida species was determined using agar-well and disc-diffusion methods. The broth dilution method was adopted in the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration of the drugs. The rate of Candida species colonization in HIV/AIDS patients was higher than that among pregnant women and apparently healthy humans. Candida albicans had the highest frequency. Candida species displayed higher sensitivity to nystatin and clotrimazole than ketoconazole and fluconazole. Candida albicans exhibiting low sensitivity to fluconazole were found in the mouth of AIDS patients, pregnant women and apparently healthy humans.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Candida species prevalence was highest among HIV patients. Candida albicans had the highest frequency among the study groups and had reduced susceptibility to fluconazole. The findings of the study underscore the need for regular surveillance and susceptibility testing of Candida isolates before prescription of antimycotics, especially in cases of chronic infection, as well as the development of safe and efficacious treatment alternatives since Candida isolates are becoming less susceptible to fluconazole.