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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Current practice of family planning among teachers in public secondary school in Enugu East Senatorial District, Nigeria

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the current practice level of family planning and the associated factors among public secondary school teachers in Enugu East Senatorial District. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out among public secondary school teachers, aged 18 - 60 years, in Enugu East Senatorial District, using probability proportional to size sampling and systematic random sampling to select 1000 participants. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine association. An odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed to determine the level of significance. Results: The current practice level of family planning is 26.5%. Respondents with bachelor's in education were 2 times more likely to be a current user of family planning (AOR=2.39; 95% CI: 1.25-4.55). However, respondents in age group 38 years and above were less likely to be a current user of family planning (AOR=0.64; 95% CI: 0.43-0.95), likewise female respondents (AOR=0.66; 95% CI: 0.44-0.98). Additionally, respondents who mentioned radio (AOR=0.64; 95%CI: 0.44-0.93), social media (AOR=0.73; 95% CI: 0.53-0.99) and healthcare (AOR=0.61; 95%CI: 0.43-0.88) as source of information were less likely to be current user of family planning. Whereas partner who encouraged the use of family planning (AOR=2.54; 95% CI: 1.71-3.78) span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: bold">, partner who allow each other to decide on family planning methods (AOR=4.47; 95% CI: 2.67-7.48) and those who had good knowledge of family planning (AOR=1.96; 95% CI: 1.40- 2.67) were more likely to be current user of family planning. Conclusion: The level of current practice of family planning is low and a significant number of factors predict the current practice of family planning. A family planning educational workshop among teachers is needed to improve teacher's knowledge on family planning to address the issue of adolescent sexual reproduction as teachers are vessels of knowledge impartation to students

Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State University

INT RODUCTIO N: Th e eld erly h ypert en si ve pa ti ent s of ten h aveincreased prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and their attendantco-morbidities. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalenceof cardiometabolic risk factors and blood pressure control among elderlyhypertensive patients, and to determine the influence of modifiablecardiometabolic risk factors on the control of hypertension amongelderly hypertensive patients.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A case-control comparative and hospital-based study involving a total of 190 consenting elderly (>65 years),hypertensive patients (subjects) (n=100) and normotensive controls(n=90) was carried out over a period of ten months. Using interviewer-administered questionnaire, biodata and information regarding theirlifestyle was obtained. Standard protocols were used to measure bloodpressure, weight, height, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucoseand fasting lipid profile of the subjects. Body mass index was derivedfrom weight and height.RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 71.5 ± 6.3 years and thecontrols was 72.3 ± 7.2 years. Forty-eight percent (48%) and 47.8% ofthe subjects and controls were females (p = 0.651). The level of controlof hyperten sion was poor in over two-thirds (68%) of the elderlyhypertensive patients. The prevalence of modifiable cardiometabolicrisk factors burden was higher in the hypertensive subjects when comparedwith the controls. Prevalence of Dyslipidaemia was 76% in the subjectsand 51% in the controls (p = 0.004). Prevalence of Diabetes Mellituswas 40% among the subjects and 17.8% in the controls (p = 0.0001);prevalence of Obesity was 24% in the subjects and 4.4% in the controls(p=<0.001); prevalence of excess alcohol intake was 49% in the subjectsand 14.4% in the controls (p=<0.001). Prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was high in both the subjects (53%) and controls (50%), p=0.679.Poor blood pressure control was predicted by dyslipidaemia and centralobesity.CONCLUSION: The level of control of hypertension was poor amongthe elderly and modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors were relativelyprevalent. Central obesity and dyslipidaemia were predictive of poorcontrol of hypertension. Addressing these factors may therefore improveblood pressure control

'Gift with a price tag': Nigerian egg donors' knowledge, experiences and motivations

Research around the world has indicated that the demand for egg donation has grown considerably among young females. This study qualitatively examines the knowledge, experiences, and motivations of young egg donors at a Nigerian health facility. Indepth interviews were conducted in Igbo and English with consenting thirty-one egg donors attending a fertility clinic in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria. Data were collected and analysed to generate themes with the aid of NVivo 10 software. Three themes were identified from the participants' motivations and include (a) monetary (93.6%), (b) altruistic (3.2%), and (c) both monetary and altruistic reasons (3.2%). Findings highlighted that the differences were based on a variety of reasons in Nigeria. All the participants were literate and single, and the majority received payment. The majority (77.4%) of those who received payment mentioned that the payment was not worth the donation program. The participants preferred to be anonymous because they had not discussed their donation with their family members, and the non-acceptance of egg donation program by the Nigerian society. Given that the market for egg donation has become a common method of infertility management in Nigeria, our findings have important implications for practices, policy actions, and future research. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[6]:64-79).

Coping with COVID-19 pandemic in blood transfusion services in West Africa: the need to restrategize

ABSTRACT Introduction The West African region has been lagging in terms of the availability of, and accessibility to, safe blood. According to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) Global Status Report on Blood Safety and Availability, none of the West African countries met the WHO benchmark of 10 blood units per 1000 inhabitants. This study is aimed at discussing the blood transfusion status of West African countries in the pre-COVID-19 period and analyze the capacity to respond to the COVID-19 blood crisis, as well as to outline the panacea. Methods Secondary data were extracted from published reports, journal articles and web pages, reviewed and analyzed. Result All the West African countries have recorded confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. The confirmed cases have reached 55,697, with 1069 deaths and a fatality rate of 1.9%, as of June 17, 2020. The assessed countries lagged in most of the WHO benchmarks for effective blood transfusion services. Conclusion Blood transfusion services in the West African region lacked the basic benchmark practice and policy, are not coordinated and may find it hard to tackle the blood transfusion crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phenotypic identification of soil bacterial and fungal communities inhabiting an archaeological monument at Augustine University, Ilara Epe, southwest Nigeria

Background: The Sungbo Eredo Monument is an ancient public work with a system of defensive walls and ditches located in Eredo Local Council Development Area of Epe, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria. A huge section of the monument cuts through the Augustine University campus, forming two-sided vertical walls with a deep ridge in-between. The objective of this investigative study is to determine the microbial profile of soil samples from the monument in the University campus. Methodology: Soil samples were collected from the topsoil at a depth of 7.5cm from four randomly selected points along the edge of the monument. The samples were transported to the microbiology laboratory of the Department of Biological Sciences of Augustine University for analysis. Samples were cultured on Nutrient agar (NA) and incubated aerobically for 24-48 hours for bacteria isolation and on Sabouraud's Dextrose agar (SDA) for 72 hours for fungi isolation. Bacterial colonies on NA were preliminarily identified to genus level by Gram reaction and conventional biochemical test scheme for Gram-positive (catalase, coagulase, starch hydrolysis) and Gram-negative isolates (oxidase, urease test, indole, methyl red, Voges Proskauer and sugar fermentation tests). Fungi colonies on SDA were identified using conventional macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Antibiotic susceptibility test of the bacterial isolates to selected antibiotics was done using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: A total of twenty-three bacterial isolates in four genera; Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Cellobiococcus and Micrococcus and nine fungal isolates in three genera; Saccharomyces, Aspergillus and Botrytis were identified from the cultures. The bacterial isolates were sensitive (>50% sensitivity) to only gentamicin and ofloxacin, with 65.2% and 78.3% sensitivity rates respectively, while they were largely resistant to all other antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, erythromycin, cefuroxime, cloxacillin, ceftazidime and augmentin, with resistance rates of 65.2%, 65.2%, 73.9%, 82.6%, 86.9%, 91.3% respectively. Conclusion: The results of this investigative study revealed the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (mainly Gram-positive) and fungi on the archaeological monument of Augustine University, adding to the existing data on microbial spectrum of archaeological monuments that could be useful for unraveling human cultural habits and microbe-related human diseases. However, further studies on molecular identification of these microbial spectrum will be required to ascertain their genetic relatedness and ancestral phylogeny, which will be useful for archaeologists in their study of the Sungbo-Eredo ancestral monument.

Effect of antenatal education on knowledge and utilization of facility-based delivery services among pregnant women in two health institutions in Alimosho, Lagos state

Background: Facility-based delivery care is an essential component of maternity care. Overtime, its under-utilization despite improvement in antenatal attendance has become a public health concern in Nigeria. To assess the effect of antenatal education on the knowledge and utilization of facility-based delivery services among pregnant women in primary health facilities in Alimosho, Lagos.Methods: Quasi-experimental design of 2 groups pre- and post-intervention was adopted and through multi-staged sampling techniques, 128 participants were selected but 117 completed the study. Self-developed structured questionnaire with reliability index of 0.76 was used for data collection. The intervention package was antenatal education package on benefits and components of delivery services. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 statistical package.Results: The mean age of participants in control and experimental groups was 32.3±9.60 and 34.7±8.21 years respectively. Findings revealed moderate knowledge mean score (control- 54.97±10.52; experimental-52.14±11.09) and low pre-intervention utilization mean score (control 13.33±3.41; experimental-13.17±4.21). Findings also showed significant improvement on post-intervention mean knowledge score of 52.14±11.09 versus 104.75±5.56 and a significant difference in post-intervention utilization (p=0.000) and follow-up (p=0.013) on the experimental group.Conclusions: The study concluded that the antenatal education programme had positive effect on the pregnant women’s knowledge and utilization of health facility delivery services, therefore, there is need to strengthen and intensify antenatal education at all levels of healthcare using appropriate teaching techniques.