| 1 |
Author(s):
Moses B. Adewole, Bukola M. Aina .
Page No :
|
Comparative Assessment of the Growth and Yield of Two Drought-Tolerant Maize Varieties to Cowdung and Poultry Composts as Soil Amendments
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted in the early (wet) and late (dry)
maize planting seasons of 2014 to assess the effect of cowdung and
poultry composts application on the growth and yield of two drought
tolerant maize varieties in rain forest ecology of Nigeria. Cow dung
and poultry droppings were separately composted aerobically for three
months. Maize varieties DT-SR-WC and DT-SYN-8W were planted
2
with seventreatments, namely; 100% cow dung (CD), 100% poultry
(PLT) and 50% CD + 50% PLT; each at three and six tonnes per hectare
and zero compost application that served as control. The experiment
was a randomized complete block design and each plot (3.0 m x 2.5 m)
was replicated three times to give a total of 21 plots per maize variety.
At full maturity, maize ears were harvested, dried, manually shelled
and grains were weighed. The growth and yield components of maize
variety DT-SR-WC were higher thanDT-SYN-8W in the wet and dry
2 -1
seasons. Also, highest maize grain yield (2.41 t ha ) obtained with -1
equal proportion of cow dung and poultry composts at 6 t ha was only
significantly (p < 0.01) different from the yields obtained with cow -1
dung compost alone at 3 t ha and the control plots in the wet season. -1
Therefore, we concluded that 3 t ha of poultry compost was the best
option for enhanced and optimal maize grain yield
| 2 |
Author(s):
Ann Olsson, Maria E. Leon , Charlotte Le Cornet , Remi Beranger, Kurt Straif, Joachim Schüz.
Page No : 1-13
|
Pesticides and Cancer – Recent Results from Epidemiological Studies
Abstract
Pesticides are used to prevent and destroy pests in agriculture and
forestry but also in homes, private and public gardens, and on
domestic animals. Although pesticides have benefits such as
increasing yield by protecting crops from weeds and insects, and
preventing transmission of diseases such as malaria by killing
mosquitoes, some pesticides have been linked to adverse health
outcomes, including cancer. Most epidemiological studies on
pesticides in relation to cancer have been carried out on farmers and
agricultural workers, and are almost exclusively conducted in high
income countries. The IARC monographs have evaluated the
evidence and classified a large number of pesticides in terms of their
carcinogenic potential. In 2015 eight pesticides were evaluated, in
which the insecticide lindane was classified as carcinogenic to
humans (Group 1). More pesticides may be classified as carcinogenic
to humans in the future; i.e. when the on-going large studies taking
place in different parts of the world, with improved exposure
assessment and longer follow-up, will provide further results and
better evidence together with experimental data, and more
epidemiological studies from low and middle income countries
become available. Well-designed exposure assessment studies are
a prerequisite to study the link between use of pesticides and
morbidity. For informed decisions on cancer control and
prevention, reliable data on exposure of workers and the general
population are needed, in particular in Africa where agricultural
activities expand
| 3 |
Author(s):
G. E. Anisiobi, G. R. E. E. Ana, M. K. C. Sridhar.
Page No : 15-25
|
Risk Assessment and Coping Mechanism to Noise in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
The deleterious effect of noise on health and learning has been
established. Studies reveal that noise interferes in complex task
performance, modifies social behaviour and causes annoyance. This
study tries to study the effect and coping mechanism to noise of children
in selected public secondary schools in Ibadan. The study was descriptive
cross-sectional design. Four schools were selected for the study, with
three from noisy high activity areas and one from a low noise zone which
was used as the control. Three hundred questionnaires were
administered, 150 in the control and 50 per noise exposed school., to
assess the effect and the children's coping mechanism to noise in the
school environment. Noise levels (A-weighted decibels, dBA) were
measured with a calibrated sound level meter. The observed noise levels
were compared with WHO limits. A Global Positioning System was
used to determine the positions of the noise readings used to develop a
noise assessment risk map for all the schools under the study.
Observational checklist was used to assess noise control parameters
and building physical attributes of the schools. The respondents
affected by noise reported reading of lips as their coping mechanism
to disturbing and loud noise. The Short-term, cross-sectional school
day noise levels in the exposed (65.4 dBA-82.1 dBA) and control (58.5
dBA-71.3 dBA) groups exceeded the WHO recommended limits for
school environments (35 dBA). Secondary school occupants in
Ibadan, Nigeria are at potential risk of the adverse effect of
environmental noise. Adaptation to long-term noise exposure in
Nigerian schools is of public health importance as it affects cognitive
and learning performances of students adversely.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Evelyn A. Uyamadu, Mynepalli K. C. Sridhar.
Page No : 27-37
|
Recyclable Wastes: Knowledge and Perceptions of Women in Selected High, Medium and Low Density Households in Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
Modern household solid wastes are heterogeneous mixture of
biodegradables and non-biodegradables. These wastes pose a great
problem for municipal authorities in hygienically disposing them. They
remain in the environment leading to its degradation and thus affecting
community health. At the dump sites, these wastes are often sorted out by
itinerary scavengers not minding their exposure to hazards. An
assessment of the nature and type of wastes inselected communities
stratified according to high, medium and low population densities, the
knowledge and perceptions of women in the household as managers of
waste management are reported here. This study was carried out in
Ibadan, south-west Nigeria with an estimated population of 3.5 million. A
sample size of200 from high density area (Agbeni), 150 from medium
density (Eleyele), and 100 from low density (Bodija) were randomly
selected and senior women in the households were involved in the study.
Focus Group discussions and semi-structured interviewer administered
questionnaires were used to determine the knowledge, perceptions and
practices of women in the households. In addition, selected women in the
communities were trained to sort their wastes at source for five weeks and
the various components were quantified by volume and weight. Standard
methods were followed as described by Wahab and Sridhar (2014). The
waste composition showed (high, medium and low density areas
respectively) the following composition: Kitchen wastes; 38.5%, 53.9%
and 90.4%, reusable and recyclables (plastics, metals, nylon, rubber,
glass) 66.2%, 66.1%,and 62.8%.Further, various components of
biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes showed their potential for
revenue generation through segregation and sale in recycle markets.
Women exhibited a higher level of knowledge on the nature of
components, their use and possible derivable benefits if properly
segregated and sold for reuse/recycling. The knowledge is ore among
medium and low socio-economic groups. The respondents showed keen
interest in segregation training provided during the study. The study
concluded that for effective waste management women may be involved
for resource recycling
| 5 |
Author(s):
De Wet Schutte.
Page No : 39-48
|
Mainstreaming Community Development as a Key Driver for Sustainable National Development
Abstract
Community development is probably one of the most used words in the
vocabulary of politicians, development consultants and day-to-day talk
among those involved in shaping the future in under developed and
developing countries. Success stories are few and there seems to be little
guarantee of success in the outcome of a community development
project. The reason being that community development projects often
originates in charity, or is the result of social engineering. Both origins
lack the key ingredients of sustainability, whilst the latter is simply
destined to fail. In search of solutions for this problem, this paper
introduces the latest basic needs theoretical paradigm that also lays the
necessary foundation for sustainability in community development projects
and programmes. It is also postulated that community development often
merely serves as a tool for decision makers to be used if and when needed. It
is time to put the “human” back in community development projects and in
doing so, the drive should not be to elevate community development to the
position of a key driver for sustainable national development, but rather to
mainstream community development into all levels and functions of local
and national governance. It is not “elevation”, but “integration” that is
needed. The paper concludes with the notion to bring back the scientists in
community development and realign the politicians, bureaucrats, charities,
and other stakeholders into mainstreaming community development for
sustainable national development.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Asuquo, S., Ekwere, U. M, Peter, A..
Page No : 49-55
|
Occupational Exposure of Workers to Wood Dust in Ibesikpo Timber Market, Calabar South Local Government Area, Nigeria
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the occupational exposure
of workers in Ibesikpo timber market, Calabar South Local
Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria to wood dust;
specifically, the health effects experienced by workers, general
knowledge of the risk factors associated with exposure to wood dust,
availability of occupational health services and the use of personal
protective equipment. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive
study. The study population comprised all workers in the timber
market. A semi-structured questionnaire which was interviewer
administered was used for data collection and data collected were
analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version
20 and presented in percentages and tables. Greater number of workers
were exposed to wood dust and other occupational hazards (94.41%).
The health effects experienced by the respondents were eye problem,
skin infection and respiratory symptoms such as wheezing (13.41%),
shortness of breath (6.10%), sputum production (9.76%) and cough
(70.73%), which has the highest percentage. Majority of the
respondents were less knowledgeable about the hazards associated
with exposure to wood dust (74.13%). There was no provision for
occupational health services in the timber market. Utilisation of
personal protection equipment among the respondents was low
(34.27%). Steps to protect the health of the workers in Ibesikpo timber
market are recommended
| 7 |
Author(s):
Dairo M.D, Adebayo, M. D, Salawu A.T.
Page No : 57-68
|
Abattoir Workers’ Perceptions, Knowledge and Practices of Severity and Susceptibility to Zoonoses in Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
Abattoir workers constitute a major group at risk of occupational zoonoses
due to the close contact during the slaughtering or processing of animals.
This study therefore aimed at determining the perception, knowledge and
practices relating to meat handling among abattoir workers in Bodija
abattoir, Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross- sectional study of 258 workers in Bodija
abattoir, Ibadan, Nigeria was carried out. Data was collected using
pretested interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire
containing questions with sections on socio-demographic characteristics,
knowledge of zoonoses, practices related to meat handling, perceived
severity, perceived susceptibility. Knowledge of zoonoses and practices
related to meat handling were categorized as good and poor while
perceptions were categorized as high and low based on the scores of the
correctness of the respondents' responses. Data was put into the Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive
statistics such as mean, standard deviation and percentages were used to
summarize quantitative variables. Chi-square, odds ratio and logistic
regression were used to assess associations using 95% confidence interval
(CI). The mean age of the respondents was 40.1 +12.2. Most were males
(69.8%). About 49.2% of the abattoir workers had good knowledge of
zoonoses. About a quarter (24.4%) had good practices related to meat
handling. At multiple logistic regression being a male (OR = 2.93, 95% C.I. =
1.11 – 7.76) and having primary education (OR = 0.07, 95% C.I. = 0.01 –
0.59) were significantly associated with good knowledge of zoonoses.
Similarly, being a male (OR = 2.35, 95% C.I. = 1.13 – 4.76), having good
practices related to meat handling (OR = 7.60, 95% C.I. = 2.95 – 19.57), those
with high perceived severity (OR = 1.82, 95% C.I. = 1.82 – 7.05) and those
with high perceived susceptibility (OR= 2.08, 95% C.I. =1.07 - 4.05) were
significantly associated with good knowledge of zoonoses. The level of
knowledge of zoonoses and practices related to meat handling among
abattoir workers was poor. This suggests that abattoir workers are at risk of
contracting occupational zoonoses. The association of knowledge with
high perceived severity and susceptibility to zoonoses indicates the need
for continuous public health educationamong the abattoir workers.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Joachim Schüz, Ann Olsson.
Page No : 69-76
|
Potential Impact of Occupational and Environmental Cancer Risks in Nigeria
Abstract
Throughout their life people are exposed to a wide range of
environmental and occupational pollutants from different sources in the
work place, at home and in the general environment. Several chemicals,
metals, dusts, fibres, and occupations have been established to be causally
linked to an increased risk of cancer. Air pollution, from outdoor (mainly
industrial and traffic related) and indoor (heating and cooking) sources,
has been identified as a significant contributor to the environmental
cancer burden. The annual global burden of occupational cancer deaths is
estimated to be between 300,000 to 600,000. This estimate has large
uncertainty as, firstly, for many established carcinogens the dose
response relationship is not well described, secondly, exposure
prevalence is unknown in many settings, and, thirdly, there are plausible
hypotheses for further environmental carcinogens for which causation
has not been established. With an estimated 102,000 new cancer cases in
2012, Nigeria has a substantially lower cancer burden which is about
three times lower compared to high income countries. However, this is
most likely underestimating the true cancer burden, as not all patients are
seen in medical treatment centres. Lung cancer incidence is particularly
low in Nigeria. Many carcinogenic risks in the workplace, at home or in
the general environment are modifiable and the cancers therefore
preventable. Given the long induction period of many cancers, successful
primary prevention shows its benefit mainly in the long run.
Nevertheless, primary prevention has to be implemented as early as
possible, to reverse increasing trends in cancer occurrence. Cancer
control plans including environmental and workers protection are
therefore urgently needed for Nigeria.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Adetokunbo Salawu.
Page No : 77-82
|
Environment and Emerging Infections
Abstract
Emerging infection has become a major threat globally affecting the
economy and public health of different nations. The steady increase in
the incidence of these new infections across geographical border calls for
immediate attention of different stakeholders. The major cause of these
infections is linked with environment, advancement in technology and
socio-economic factors such as Climate change and changing
ecosystems, economic development, Land use such as urbanization and
deforestation, advancement in technology and industry (food processing
and handling), International travel and commerce, breakdown of public
health system, war, unrest, overcrowding and deterioration in
surveillance systems and lack of political will. The solution to these
problems lies in Public health surveillance and response systems. This
will rapidly detect unusual, unexpected and unexplained disease patterns.
And in addition, facilitate tracking and exchanging information in real
time for immediate response to prevent widespread of the new infections.
Containment of emerging infections can also be done by eliminating the
reservoirs of infection, breaking the chains of transmissions and
protecting susceptible individuals.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Wadinga Audu.
Page No : 83-95
|
Restrategising Urban-Renewal Programmes for Effective and Sustainable Malaria Control
Abstract
About 90% of all malaria deaths in the world today occur in Africa
south of the Sahara. This is because the most deadly malaria vector, the
Anopheles gambiae that breeds mostly in stagnant water is the most
widespread in Africa and the most difficult to control. Nigeria
contributes a quarter of malaria burden in Africa and it accounts for
30% to 40% of all childhood mortality and 11% of maternal mortality
in the country. The World Health Organisation (WHO) strongly
advocates vector control through environmental management as the
best strategy for reducing malaria transmission in communities.
Against this background, the paper sought to advance the integration of
environmental management into urban renewal programmes for
sustainable malaria control in Nigeria. In this regard, the paper
reviewed the concepts and approaches to urban renewal programmes
and its applications to health promotion in developed countries and in
Nigeria. Results indicate that, unlike in other countries, urban renewals
in Nigeria have largely been beautification programmes. Deriving
from the understanding of the life cycle of mosquitoes, environmental
management for malaria vector control methods advocated by WHO
were proven to be successful in drastically reducing malaria in East
Asia and the Pacific Region before the introduction of DDT. The paper
therefore concluded that, through environmental modifications and
manipulations as components of urban renewal, malaria can be
reduced to the barest minimum in urban areas in particular. Therefore, a
redefinition of the concept, scope and approach to urban renewal
programmes that takes malaria control into consideration is
recommended.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Azodo, R. C., C.O.A. Amadi, G. Iwuoha, C. Iwuala, C. Ebirim, A.N. Amadi.
Page No : 97-105
|
Diarrhea and Associated Risk Factors in Under-Five In Rural Naze Community, Owerri North Local Government Area, State, Nigeria
Abstract
Diarrhea remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children
under five years in sub-Sahara Africa, Nigeria inclusive. The purpose
of this study was to assess the frequency of diarrhea and associated
risk factors in rural community of Naze. Data were collected using
WHO check list for diarrhea diseases. Data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics and SPSS Version, 21. Twenty two percent
(22%) out of 212 subjects studied had diarrhea. The level of
association was dealt using p-value and odds ratio. The result showed
Exclusive breast feeding (Yes=reference group and No, OR=1.46, p
value= 0.334), Hand washing practice (Good = reference group and
Poor, OR=1.12, p-value= 0.749), Weight (0-5kg, p-value=0.03, 6
11kg, reference group, 12-17kg, OR=0.248, p-value=0.000, 18-23kg,
OR=0.238, p-value=0.057, =24kg, p-value= 0.02), Age (0-12 months
=reference group,13-24 months, OR= 0.38, p-value= 0.0304, 25-36
months, OR=0.44, p-value=0.0730, 37-48 months, OR=0.171, p
value= 0.0003), Family size (1-5=reference group, 6-10, OR= 0.47, p
value=0.0244) and Maternal highest level of education (no formal
education, p-value= 0.081, (primary education= reference group,
secondary education, OR= 2.10, p-value=0.114, tertiary education,
OR=2.28, p-value= 0.077) were associated with diarrhea prevalence
in children under five years in Naze community. The occurrence of
diarrhea was positively associated with exclusive breast feeding, hand
washing practices, weight, age, family size and maternal educational
status. There is need for health education on the control and prevention
of diarrhea in under-5 children
| 12 |
Author(s):
Nuruddeen Aliyu , H. Bolatito, S. Gidado, E. Waziri , K. Suleiman , B. Idris, K. Sabitu, P. Nguku.
Page No : 107-111
|
Cholera Outbreak Investigation in Sokoto State – Nigeria, 2013
Abstract
Cholera remains a global threat to public health and a key indicator of
lack of social development. According to the World Health
Organization, the burden of cholera is estimated to be 3–5 million cases
and 100 000–120 000 deaths annually. In November, 2013, suspected
cases of cholera were reported in Kebbe, Shagari and Tambuwal Local
Government Areas (LGAs), Sokoto State, Nigeria. We investigated to
confirm and characterize the outbreak. Suspected cholera case was
defined as any resident of Kebbe, Shagari and Tambuwal LGAs with
th
acute watery stool with or without vomiting from 6 October and 9
November, 2013. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used.
Stool specimens were collected and tested using rapid test kit. The
outbreak was described in terms of person, place and time. We
identified 170 cases with 24 deaths among 10,282 persons (Attack rate:
1.7%, case fatality rate: 14.1%). The attack rate was highest among 15 – 29 years age group (2.3%). The median age of the cases was 22 years.
All four specimens tested positive to Vibrio cholera serogroup O1. Of
the 170 cases, 108 (63.5%) occurred in Kebbe LGA. Environmental
assessment revealed widespread refuse, animal dung, uncovered wells
and unsafe drinking water from streams. This study revealed that the
outbreak was caused by Vibrio cholera serogroup O1. We strengthened
case management and conducted health education focussing on
personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. It was recommended
that local authorities should intensify health education messages and
provide potable water supply to affected communities.
| 13 |
Author(s):
Jerome Nriagu,.
Page No : 113-116
|
Cholera Outbreak Investigation in Sokoto State – Nigeria, 2013
Abstract
Poor mental health is a risk factor for the incidence and prognosis of
many diseases and strategies to prevent or control the growing burden
of disease in the Niger Delta should address the silent epidemic of co
morbid mental illnesses likely associated with exposure to oil
pollution
