Prevalence, pattern and risk factors for domestic violence against men in Sokoto Metropolis of Sokoto state, Nigeria

Background: Domestic violence against men (DVAM) is a major public health concern all over the world and remains unheard of because of the shame, guilt and embarrassment associated with it. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence, pattern, knowledge and risk factors for DVAM in Sokoto metropolis. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried to assess the prevalence, patterns and risk factors for domestic violence against men in Sokoto metropolis. Using a multistage sampling method, a total of 141 men were recruited into the study and administered with a standardized questionnaire. Data was entered and analyzed using IBM statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) statistical software version 25 and thereafter summarized using frequencies and percentages. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to determine level of associations and predictors of DVAM. Results: Almost half (49%) of the respondents were aware of DVAM while most (73.3%) had good knowledge of violence against men. The forms of violence experienced by the respondents include psychological (90.8%), physical (20%), and Sexual (90.8%). All the respondents experienced at least one form of violence and risk factors for violence included use of alcohol and other illicit drugs and keeping late at night. Conclusions: Men are increasingly becoming victims of domestic violence with little or no attention being given to their plight as they are seen more as the aggressors. There is a need to take a holistic approach to the issues of domestic violence generally and the domestication of laws against violence perpetrated against men.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity, macronutrients and trace metals in the medicinal plants: Phyllanthus spp. and Alpinia conchigera Griff

An antiplasmodial screening of Phyllanthus debilis and Phyllanthus urinaria was carried out. The medicinal plants were extracted and evaluated for in vitro antiplasmodial activity against D10 (chloroquine-sensitive, CQS) and Gombak A (chloroquine-resistant, CQR) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The methanolic crudes from the soxhlet extraction were active against both strains however, P. urinaria (IC50 8.9 μg/ml with CQR strain) exhibited better anti-malarial activity compared to P. debilis (IC50 12.2 μg/ml with CQR strain). Furthermore, the methanolic crude of P. urinaria obtained by the cold extraction has good anti-malarial activity towards CQS (IC50 4.1 μg/ml). The concentration of macronutrients (calcium and magnesium) and trace metals (copper, manganese, iron and zinc) from three Phyllanthus species i.e. P. debilis Klein ex Wild., Phyllanthus niruri L., P. urinaria L. and Alpinia conchigera Griff. were determined using microwave digestion method and analyzed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Standard Reference Material 1547 (peach leaves) was used to validate the method throughout this study. The recovery values were in the range of 80% to 120% which were in very good agreement with the certified values. The three Phyllanthus species and leaves of A. conchigera showed the highest concentration of calcium compared to other metals and macronutrients studied. The significant presence of all the important macronutrients and trace metals which are essential for human health and wellbeing substantiate their use medicinally in traditional practices.

Current Trends of Immunization in Nigeria: Prospect and Challenges

Immunization is aimed at the prevention of infectious diseases. In Nigeria, the National Programme on Immunization (NPI) suffersrecurrent setbacks due to many factorsincluding ethnicity and religious beliefs. Nigeria is made up of 36 states with its federal capital in Abuja. The country is divided into six geo-political zones; north central, north west, north east, south east, south west and south south. The population is unevenly distributed across the country. The average population density in 2006 was estimated at 150 people per square kilometres with Lagos, Anambra, Imo, Abia, and Akwa Ibom being the most densely populated states. Most of the densely populated states are found in the south east. Kanowith an average density of 442 persons per square kilometre, is the most densely populated state in the northern part of the country. This study presents a review on the current immunization programmeand the many challengesaffecting its success in the eradication of childhood diseases in Nigeria.

Current Trends of Immunization in Nigeria: Prospect and Challenges

Immunization is aimed at the prevention of infectious diseases. In Nigeria, the National Programme on Immunization (NPI) suffers recurrent setbacks due to many factors including ethnicity and religious beliefs. Nigeria is made up of 36 states with its federal capital in Abuja. The country is divided into six geo-political zones; north central, north west, north east, south east, south west and south south. The population is unevenly distributed across the country. The average population density in 2006 was estimated at 150 people per square kilometres with Lagos, Anambra, Imo, Abia, and Akwa Ibom being the most densely populated states. Most of the densely populated states are found in the south east. Kano with an average density of 442 persons per square kilometre, is the most densely populated state in the northern part of the country. This study presents a review on the current immunization programme and the many challenges affecting its success in the eradication of childhood diseases in Nigeria.

Phytochemical; Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Ethylacetate Extract of the Leaves of Pseudocedrella Kotschyii

Phytochemical screening was carried out on the ethylacetate portion of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Pseudocedrella kotschyii and then evaluated for its analgesic (acetic acid-induced writhing) and anti-inflammatory (raw egg albumin-induced oedema) activities in mice and rats respectively. Phytochemical screening of the ethylacetate partition portion of ethanolic extract revealed the presence of flavonoids; glycosides and tannins as major chemical constituents. Alkaloids saponins; cardiac glycosides; steroids were not dictated in the extract. The ethylacetate extract (50 and 100 mg/kg i.p) exhibited significant activity (p0.05) against acetic acid-induced writhing in a dose dependent manner. In the anti-inflammatory activity the ethylacetate extract (50 and 100 mg/kg i.p.) caused a slight effect against the raw egg albumin-induced oedema. The effect was however observed not to be dose dependent. All these effects were compared with standard drug piroxicam (20 mg/kg i.p.)