scholarly journals Malaria Infection and Efficacy of Antimalarials among Persons Patronizing Drugstores for Malaria Treatment in Port Harcourt

2020 ◽  
pp. 15-22
Author(s):  
E. L. Augustine–D ’israel ◽  
A. E. Abah ◽  
E. O. Onosakponome
Keyword(s):  
Case Management ◽  
Malaria Infection ◽  
Drug Efficacy ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Malaria Treatment ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Rivers State ◽  
And Control ◽  
Effective Case

Background: Monitoring of malaria infection and antimalarial drug efficacy is necessary for effective case management, detection of resistance and control of the disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess malaria infection and the efficacy of antimalarials among persons patronizing drugstores for malaria treatment in Port Harcourt and its environs, Rivers State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Whole blood was randomly collected from individuals visiting 24 drug stores for malaria treatment in three different locations in Port Harcourt and analysed using both microscopy and rapid diagnostic techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of 22.8% was recorded out of 633 participants for (P. falciparum) malaria. Infection was highest in Mile IV (Rumueme) 30.8% followed by Rumuosi, 23.1% and the least was D/Line area, 14.5% out of 221 participants per location respectively. The incidence of malaria in the study area was significantly different (X2 = 16.69; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the intensity of malaria parasite infection in the study areas. Seven types of drugs were purchased to treat perceived malaria. 177 (26.7%) participants purchased coatem, 187 (28.3%) purchased Lonart. The others were Lumartem 133 (20.1%), P.alaxin 83 (12.5%), Amarla by 19 (2.9%) and artesunate by 57 (8.6%). All the antimalarial were purchased by those that tested positive. The most purchased drug was Lonart 11 (34.37%), Lumartem 25 (36.8%) and Malareich 19 (31.3%) in D/Line, Mile IV and Rumuosi cluster areas respectively. There was a significant difference in the antimalarials purchased. Result of Follow up test shows that only 59.6% returned to be tested and they all tested negative. Conclusion: Malaria preponderance was high among studied subjects, ACT was topmost among antimalarials regularly purchased by the individuals. Conformity to the use of ACT could be said to be impressive though not yet 100%. People who are treated for malaria should be encouraged to undergo a test after treatment for effective case management and detection of resistance.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Vitamin B₁₂, Folate, Haematological Parameters and Some Reproductive Hormones in Subjects Attending Fertility Centres in Port Harcourt

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 109-115
Author(s):  
Abiye Chiladi Isomah ◽  
Risikat Oladunni Allison ◽  
Serekara Gideon Christian ◽  
Evelyn Mgbeoma Eze
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Haematological Parameters ◽  
Female Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Rivers State ◽  
And Control

Background: Vitamin B12 has proven to have effect in fertility because it improves mature oocyte counts and embryo quality in women and helps in sperm quality in men, so it is efficient to carry out vitamin B12 analysis in addition to other hormone profile during routine infertility examination. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin B12, folate, some haematological parameters and some reproductive hormones in men and women attending fertility centres in Port Harcourt. Study Design: This study is a case-control and comparative study, and a random convenient sampling method was employed. A total of two hundred (200) apparently healthy participants within the reproductive age group of 18-44 years attending the fertility clinics of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) Port Harcourt formerly Braithwaite Memorial Hospital (BMH) which is the only State Government owned teaching hospital in Rivers State located at Forces Avenue Port Harcourt and Save a Life Mission Hospital Port Harcourt a private owned fertility hospital located at Stadium Road, Port Harcourt were recruited for this study. Results: The result showed that there was no statistically significant difference in haematological parameters in cases of infertility in the female and male test groups as compared to control groups (p>0.05). The mean ±SD showed non-significant difference of serum folate in the male and female test and control groups of the study (p>0.05). This study however observed Vitamin B12 level to be statistically significantly lower in infertile females when compared with the controls (p=0.0078). There was also a statistically significant difference between the mean values of Vitamin B12 in the male test and control groups of this study (p<0.0001). Prolactin levels in the females showed a significant difference between the test and control group at (p<0.0001), with the mean (± SD) value higher in the test than the control which shows that the infertile female group were mostly having high prolactin levels. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) were significantly lower in infertile female group as compared with the control (p<0.0001). In the study carried out on the principal reproductive male hormone testosterone there was a statistically significant difference between the test and control groups (p<0.0001). Conclusion: There was a significant fall in vitamin B12 alongside predominant fertility hormones like testosterone in the infertile male subjects. There was also significant reduction in the serum concentration of vitamin B12 with a corresponding fall in serum concentration of fertility hormones like; luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in the infertile females and a significant rise in the concentration of the female prolactin level. Therefore, Vitamin B12 should be included in the evaluation of infertility either primary or secondary alongside other vital conventional parameters usually considered in infertility cases.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Cognitive Restructuring in the Management of Mathophobia Among Secondary School Students in Khana L.G.A of Rivers State, Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (32) ◽  
pp. 260
Author(s):  
Ernest-Ehibudu Ijeoma Regina ◽  
Wayii Augustine Lezorgia
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Secondary School Students ◽  
Cognitive Restructuring ◽  
Control Group ◽  
School Students ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Rivers State ◽  
And Control

This study was developed and conducted to test the effect of cognitive restructuring in the management of mathophobia (that is, Mathematics anxiety) among secondary school students in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. To guide the study, two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated for testing at 0.05 level of significance. In executing the study, the pre-test, post-test, and control group experimental research design was adopted using a randomized sample of 120 SS2 students drawn from three public secondary schools only. The researchers developed an instrument titled “Mathematics Diagnostic Questionnaire” (MDQ) which was adequately assessed for validity and reliability and was used in collecting pre-test and post-test data for the cognitive restructuring and control groups. Data analysis was done using mean, and standard deviation for the research questions, while independent sample and paired sample t-test were used for the hypotheses. The result obtained showed that the cognitive restructuring was significantly effective in the management of mathophobia among secondary school students. There is a slight reduction in the effect of cognitive restructuring during follow-up; there is a statistical significant difference in the mathophobic level of students treated with cognitive restructuring and those in the control group. Based on the major findings, recommendations were made among which is that functional guidance and counselling centers be established at all educational levels and be manned by professional counsellors who are competent in cognitive restructuring techniques to assist those who have mathophobia and other maladaptive behaviours. Suggestions for further study were made.

scholarly journals The Awareness Level and Perception of Secondary School Physics Teachers towards Nanotechnology in Rivers State

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Avwiri, Eseroghene
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Physics Teachers ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
Rivers State ◽  
Senior Secondary ◽  
Awareness Level ◽  
Secondary School Physics

This paper adopted a descriptive design to investigate the awareness level and the perception of secondary school Physics teachers towards Nanotechnology in Port Harcourt Metropolis of Rivers State. The population of the study was 43 physics teachers comprising of 25 male and 18 female which was used from the 12 public secondary schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis in Rivers State. The instrument for the study was a self- made questionnaire titled, Nanotechnology Questionnaire on Awareness and Perception for Teachers (NQAPT) with a reliability of 0.85 obtained using Cronbach Alpha reliability formula. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The research questions were answered using the criterion mean of 2.5 and standard deviation, while the null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using t- test. The findings revealed that the awareness level of Nanotechnology among teacher was low and their perception towards nanotechnology was positive. There is no significant difference between the awareness level and perception of the concept of Nanotechnology among male and female senior secondary school Physics teachers. Based on these findings, it is recommended that more awareness on the concept of Nanotechnology be created among secondary school teachers through symposium and science teaching workshop in order to publicize the benefits of nanotechnology to the society.

scholarly journals An Evaluation of the Levels of Subclinical Malaria Infection and Haemolysis among Residents of Opobo, Rivers State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 54-62
Author(s):  
Evelyn Mgbeoma Eze ◽  
Serekara Gideon Christian ◽  
Victoria Samuel Jaja ◽  
Felix Eedee Konne
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Infection ◽  
Malaria Parasite ◽  
Haemoglobin Concentration ◽  
Parasite Infection ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Statistical Significant Difference ◽  
Plasma Haemoglobin ◽  
Malaria Parasite Infection ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Rivers State

Aim: The study was aimed at evaluating the levels of subclinical malaria infection and haemolysis among the residents of Opobo, Rivers State, Nigeria. Study Design: A cross sectional study design was used. The subjects were grouped into males and females and comparisons were made between positive and negative subjects of the same gender and positive subjects of different gender. Place and Duration of Study: The study area was Opobo Town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Nigeria. The study was carried out within August 2nd to August 26th, 2019 and a total of 89 apparently healthy subjects were recruited, 35 males and 54 females, aged between 16 – 70 years. Methodology: Malaria parasite identification was done by thick and thin film using Giemsa’s stain, packed cell volume was by microhaematocrit method, plasma haemoglobin concentration and whole blood haemoglobin concentration was determined by cyanmethaemoglobin method. Results: The result revealed a total of 24.72% positivity and 75.28% negativity for malaria parasite infection. Among the males, 17.14% positivity and 82.86% negativity for malaria parasite infection were observed while that of the females was 20.37% positivity and 79.63% negativity. In comparison of the studied parameters made between females infected with malaria parasites and those that were not infected with malaria parasites, there was no statistical significant difference at p<0.05 in plasma haemoglobin and percentage haemolysis. In comparison of the studied parameters between males infected with malaria parasites and those not infected with malaria parasites, there was no statistical significant difference in plasma haemoglobin and percentage haemolysis. On gender based comparison, there was also no statistical significant difference in level haemolysis. Conclusion: The study has revealed a prevalence rate of 24.72% for subclinical malaria infection and the percentage haemolysis of red blood cells in malaria infected subjects residing in Opobo Town compared to subjects without malaria parasite was not statistically significant. Based on gender difference, males were affected more than females, but the level of red blood cell haemolysis was not statistically significant after comparison.

scholarly journals Caregivers’ Perception and Practice of Infection Prevention and Control for COVID-19 at a Tertiary Centre, Southern Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 280-288
Author(s):  
G. K. Eke ◽  
L. E. Yaguo-Ide
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The University ◽  
And Control

Introduction: The World Health Organization had recommended a multi-prong approach for the prevention and control of COVID-19, which has risen into a major global public health challenge. Government of nations are to disseminate information on these protective measures to the general public to mitigate the spread of the disease. However, people’s adherence to these preventive strategies is essential to guarantee success. Objective: To appraise the perception and practice of recommended measures for the prevention and control of COVID-19 by caregivers of children attending the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done among parents/caregivers of children attending the Children’s Out Patient clinics, wards and emergency room of the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, between August and September 2020. Information obtained using a structured investigator-administered questionnaire included bio data and perception about COVID-19 while practice of its preventive measures was observed. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.  Results: All participants (161) have heard about COVID-19, mainly through the television and radio. The majority of them (n=141, 87.6%) knew that a combination of measures is needed for its prevention. More than half of participants (59%) washed their hands with water and soap provided, 89% of them had a facemask, a lesser proportion (58%) wore the mask and an even lesser proportion (28.6%) of them wore it properly. There was no significant difference between level of education or occupation of caregivers and proper wearing of the facemask. Conclusion: Though the awareness of COVID-19 was high, there was a gap between perception and practice of its preventive measures. Health education and innovative local strategies are recommended, to help improve the people’s acceptance of, and compliance to the stipulated multi-prong preventive measures.

scholarly journals Assessment of Some Haematological, Coagulation and Immune Parameters among Male Oil Refinery Workers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 32-41
Author(s):  
Ehiaghe-Shepherd, Bridget Obofoni ◽  
Christian, Serekara Gideon ◽  
Eze, Evelyn Mgbeoma
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil Refinery ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Immune Parameters ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Rivers State

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the levels of some hematological, coagulation and immune parameters among male oil refinery workers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Study Design: This study is a cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited and Modular Oil Refinery, Rivers State, between January 2021 and September 2021. Methodology: A total of one hundred (100) subjects (50 oil and gas workers as test subjects and 50 non-oil and gas workers as control subjects), were enrolled in the study. The convenient sampling technique was employed in the study. Venous blood samples were collected from all subjects and tested for Prothrombin Time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), Fibrinogen concentration, Full Blood Count (FBC) (Haemoglobin (Hb), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Total White Blood Cell (WBC) count, Lymphocyte, Neutrophils, monocytes and Platelet Count), CD4 cell count, CD3 cell count and CD8 cell count. Data generated were analyzed statistically using Graph-Pad Prism, Version 8.0.2. Results: There was statistically significant decrease (P<.001) in Prothrombin time (PT) (11.55±0.73s), International Normalized Ratio (INR) (0.85±0.05), Fibrinogen (202.4±27.4mg/dl), Platelet count (185.6±37.1(103/μl)) and Neutrophils (46.6±6.4%) in oil refinery workers exposed to gas flare, while there was a statistical significant increase in APTT (31.8±4.15s), Hb (13.7±1.0g/dl), PCV (41.1±3.2%), Monocytes (8.4±3.0%) in subjects exposed to gas flare over control subjects with Prothrombin time(12.23±0.82s), INR(0.90±0.06), Fibrinogen(252.0±57.0mg/dl), platelet count(213.3±49.5(103/μl)) and Neutrophils(52.6±11.7%). Other parameters showed no statistical significant difference at P<.05 in both test and control subjects. Comparison of the mean ± standard deviation of the studied parameters in test subjects based on age using Analysis of Variance showed no statistically significant difference in all parameters at P<.05. Also, Comparison of the mean ± standard deviation of the studied parameters in test subjects based on duration of Exposure using Analysis of Variance showed a significant decrease in CD8 cells as the years of exposure increase (2-5years exposure = 865±319, 6-10years exposure = 579±288, 11-20 years exposure = 591± 286, F- Value = 3.869, P- Value = 0.0278). Conclusion: In conclusion, based on the findings, some haematogical, coagulation and immune parameters increased while others decreased in male oil refinery workers and duration of exposure can also be considered as a risk factor and age was considered not a risk factor as to cause any aberrations in the studied parameters.

scholarly journals Spatio-temporal Analysis of Noise Levels across Hotspot Areas in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 30-40
Author(s):  
Bright Chika Ajoku ◽  
Odinaka Amadi- Wali
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Main Tool ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
T Test ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Statistical Significant Difference ◽  
Port Harcourt ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Rivers State

This study examined spatial and temporal variations of noise levels across hot spot areas in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State Nigeria. It employed a quasi-experimental design. The noise level was captured using Mobile Application known as decibel (dB) X in infinix note 3 android smart phone, which was calibrated with a digital noise meter SET 1350, with a measuring level range of 20–120 decibel while the sampling points were captured with the use of handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) Garmin 78sc which was calibrated to UTM zone 32N. The Geographic Information System (GIS) was the main tool in manipulating surface prediction modeling Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) in the morning and evening noise levels using Environmental Science Research Institute’s (ESRI) software ArcGIS 10.4 version. In the twelve areas investigated, two sample points were captured in each, making a total of twenty four points. Analyses  was done using ANOVA and t-test for the hypotheses and the finding of the results in mean noise levels in the morning and evening indicate that there were no statistical significant difference in the noise level as P =.89 and P =.124 respectively while the t-test indicates statistical significant difference in the majority of the hotspot areas. Therefore, hypotheses of significant mean noise levels were accepted. The finding of the IDW reveals that noise pollution occurs in the morning than in the evening periods in most areas, as they exceed the allowable noise limit of WHO standard is 85 dB (A). Based on the findings, the study recommended among others: that noise pollution planning controls should not be compromised but operates at higher dimension through planting of trees and monitoring in order to ensure strict compliance.

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