Abstract:

Indiscriminate disposal of solid waste pollutes the environment and poses a health risk to the public. This study therefore examined the attitude and pattern of solid waste management practices among the residents of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government area, Lagos State.

The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 600 respondents for the study. A validated semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted to give statistical responses to the research questions and hypotheses using SPSS version 23.

The mean age of respondents was 38.28±12.48years. More than half (51%) of the respondents were male. Majority (91%) of the respondents had positive attitude towards solid waste management. More (61.8%) of the respondents’ reported that they had waste bins in their houses. Less than half 247(41.2%) of the respondents did not separate their wet and dry waste before they disposal. Few (15.8%) of the respondents’ burned their waste. There is a significant relationship between resident’s attitude (r =0.14, p=0.00) and their solid waste disposal practice.

Most of the respondents had a positive attitude towards proper waste management and poor practice of solid waste management. It is recommended that the government through the federal and state ministries of Health and Environment should create awareness via seminars, radio, televisions, and social media to teach best practices in waste management.

References:

Abstract:

Introduction: Zimbabwe is one of 8 African countries with high per capita incidence of TB, TB/HIV and multi-drug resistant TB. Zimbabwe experienced a proportionate decline in childhood TB contribution to all notifications from 9% in 2011 to 5% in 2017.

Methodology: Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 20 public sector health facilities. Data were collected from healthcare workers (HCWs) using structured questionnaires, interview guide for health managers and data abstraction tool for childhood TB data in registers.  Protocol received ethical approval and written informed consent was obtained from participants.

Results: Eighty-one HCWs and 18 managers were interviewed; data for 21,791 children were abstracted. About 3.1% of children were screened for TB, and 63.2% of presumptive TB children had TB diagnostic tests. A majority (71.9%) of TB tests were conducted on the Gen Xpert MTB Rif platform. Thirty-one out of 335 children with TB tests were diagnosed with TB, and 93.5% were initiated on treatment. Seven facilities offered TB testing, 5 had TB guidelines and 5 had pediatric TB job aides. Five out of 7 microscopes and 4/7 GeneXpert machines were functional. About 64.1% of HCWs had childhood TB training, 51% had ever received mentorship on childhood TB management, 53.1% had ever collected childhood TB diagnosis specimen and 23.3% had ever initiated children on TB treatment.

References:

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[18] Muchedzi A, Chadambuka A, Mutede B, Musarandega R: Capacity building of nurses for HIV care and treatment within maternal newborn and child health settings: A post intervention assessment in Zimbabwe 2015 (Unpublished).

Arscott-Mills T, Masole L, Ncube R, Steenhoff AP. Survey of health care worker knowledge about childhood tuberculosis in high-burden centers in Botswana. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2017;21(5):586-591. doi:10.5588/ijtld.16.0668.

Abstract:

The study investigated the parent-adolescent communication on sexual issues as predictors of sexual-risk reduction among in-school adolescents in secondary school. Teenage pregnancy and adolescent birth rates are high at 300/1000 and 158/1000 live births respectively in 2018. Frequent discussion on sexual behaviour is more likely to reduce adolescent risk-taking sexual behaviors. However, there is a paucity of evidence about adolescent parent communication in Yei River State. A cross-sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative approaches involving 156 participants to explore the parent-adolescent communication frequency and topics discussed among secondary school adolescents was carried out. Respondents were recruited from the ten functional secondary schools in Yei River state from secondary school class 1 to 4. The inclusion criteria consider secondary school adolescent aged 15 to 19, parental consent and adolescent acceptance to participate in the study. Adolescent below the age 15 and young men above 19 years of age were excluded from the study. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire, the date collected were coded first and analyzed suing SPSS version 21. The percentage of adolescents who had more than three sessions of communication with their parents about sexual behaviour was nearly 43% in which, majority 67% reported to have frequent discussions with their mothers and the commonly discussed topics were biological and physical development. The study concluded that a few adolescents have frequent communication with their parents on sexual behaviours. This study recommends, repeat of the current study in some states for comparison, as well as a study focusing on both out of school and school adolescent to explore more.

References:

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Abstract:

The rapid generation of waste through households, industrial and commercial activities are a common challenge of all globalization. This study therefore examined the knowledge, perception and solid waste management practices among the residents of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government area, Lagos State, Nigeria.

The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 600 respondents for the study. A validated semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection from the residents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted to give statistical responses to the research questions and hypotheses using SPSS version 23.

The mean age of respondents ‘was 38.28±12.48years. More than half (51%) of the respondents were male. The respondents’ level of knowledge about solid waste management measured on 11point rating scale revealed that the respondents had a mean of 8.3±2.1. The respondents’ perception measured on a 15-point rating scale showed a mean of 11.7404±2.56. The respondents’ solid waste management practice measured on a 11-point rating scale revealed a mean score of 4.61±1.91. Less than half (35.2%) of the respondents practiced good solid waste management. A significant relationship between respondents’ perception (r =0.16, p=0.00) and their solid waste disposal practice.

Although the residents had a high level of knowledge and positive attitude towards solid waste disposal, this does not translate to their practices as they had poor solid waste disposal practices. The study recommended that there should be education on laws regarding waste management and ensuring enforcement of the law by the government.

References:

[1] Aliyu, B.N, 2010, An analysis of municipal solid waste in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. Journal of Human Ecology, 31(2),113-114.

[2] Bakare, W, 2020. Solid waste management in Nigeria. Accessed 18/5/2020 https://www.bioenergyconsult.com/solid-waste-nigeria/

[3] Agboje, A.I., Adeoti, A., and Irhivben, B.O., 2014, Performance assessment of solid waste management following private partnership operations in Lagos State, Nigeria. Journal of Waste Management, Accessed 18/5/2020, https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/868072

[4] Oyelola, O., Ajiboshin, I., and Okeola, J, 2017, Effective solid waste management in the circular economy: The case study of Lagos state, Nigeria. Procedia Environmental Science, Engineering and Management, 4(3),143-148.

[5] UN-HABITAT. (2013). State of the World’s Cities 2012/2013: Prosperity of Cities: Routledge, pp. 23-30.

[6] Ukpong, I.E., and Udofia, E.P, 2011, Domestic solid waste management in a rapidly growing Nigerian City of Uyo. Journal of Human Ecology, 36(3), 229–235.

[7] Aliu, I.R., and Ajala, O.A, 2014, Intra-city polarization, residential type and attribute importance: a discrete choice study of Lagos. Habitat International, 42(2), 11–20.

[8] Shamshiry, E, Nadi, B, Bin-Mokhtar, M. (2011) Integrated models for solid waste management in tourism region: Langkawi Island, Malaysia. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, accessed 18/5/2020 at https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/709549.

[9] Achi, H.A., Adeofun, C.O., and Ufoegbune, G.C, 2012, Disposal sites and transport route selection using geographic information systems and remote sensing in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Global Journal of Human Social Science, 12(12), 14–20.

[10]    Momoh, J.J., and Oladebeye, D.H, 2010, Assessment of awareness, attitude and willingness of people to participate in household solid waste recycling programme in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Journal of Applied Sciences in Environmental Sanitation, 5(1), 93–105.

[11]    Olorunfemi, F.B, 2011, Landfill development and current practices in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria. Journal of Geography and Regional Planning, 4(12), 656-663.

[12]    Banga, M. (2013). Household knowledge attitudes and practices in solid waste segregation and recycling: The Case of Urban Kampala. Zambia Social Science Journal, 2, 27-39.

[13]    Mamady, K, 2016, Factors influencing attitude, safety behavior, and knowledge regarding household waste management in Guinea: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, accessed 20/5/2020, https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/9305768.

[14]    Adekunle, I.M., Oguns, O., Shekwolo, P. D., Igbuku, A.O., and Ogunkoya, O.O, 2012. Assessment of population perception impact on value added solid waste disposal in developing countries, a case study of Port Harcourt city, Nigeria. Municipal and industrial waste disposal. China, In Tech. pp. 178-206.

[15]    Yoada, R.M., Chirawurah, D., and Adongo, P.B., 2014, Domestic waste disposal practice and perceptions of private sector waste management in urban Accra. BMC Public Health, 14, 697.

[16]    Agwu, M.O, 2012, Issues and challenges of solid waste management practice in Port Harcourt City, Nigeria – A behavioral perspective. American Journal of Social and Management Sciences 3(2), 83–92.

[17]    Chanda, R, 2012, Correlates and dimensions of environmental quality concern among residents of an african sub-tropical city: Gaborone, Botswana Journal of Environmental Educatio, 30(2), 31-39.

[18]    Pussadee, L., Yanasinee, S., Vivat, K., Anuttara, H., Tawatchai, A., and Nittaya, P, 2018, Knowledge, attitude and practice of municipal solid waste management among highland residents in Northern Thailand. Journal of Health Research, 32(2),1-7.

[19]    Osbjer, K., Boqvist, S., Sokerya, S., Kannarath, C., San, S., Davun, H., and Magnusson, U, 2015, Household practices related to disease transmission between animals and humans in rural Cambodia. BMC Public Health, 15(476), 1–10.

[20]    Medina, M, 2010, Solid wastes, poverty and the environment in developing Country Cities: Challenges and Opportunities.” United Nations University, World Institute for Development Economics Research. Accessed 19/6/2020, doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199590148.003.0015.

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[22]    Adeyemo, F. O., Oyadiran, G.O.G., and Afemikhe, J. A, 2013, Knowledge, attitude and practice on waste management of people in the University Area of Ogbomosho, Nigeria: International Journal of Environmental, Ecology, Family and Urban Studies, 3(2), 51-56.

[23]    Kaoje A., Sabir A., Yusuf S., Raji M., Jimoh A., and Mansur Raji, 2017, Residents’ perception of solid waste disposal practices in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria. African Journal of Environmental Sciences and Technology, 11(2), 94-102.

Abstract:

Background: Oral erectile dysfunction medications and sexual enhancers have increasingly been used among young men without a medical indication. Recreational use of erectile dysfunction medication (EDMs) and sexual enhancers is associated with risky sexual behaviour and substance use. In recognition of the sexual health challenges facing the youth, this study sought to establish the level of utilization of sexual enhancers and EDMs and factors associated with their use among the male undergraduates at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya.

Methods: A concurrent nested design was used. It adopted a cross-sectional quantitative study design (through self-administered questionnaires) and a concurrent qualitative study (through Focus Group Discussions). Simple random sampling was used to obtain the required study participants for quantitative data (420 respondents) and convenience sampling for the qualitative data (48 respondents).

Results: Among the 420 respondents (aged 21.7 ±2.03years), 82.9% (n=348) had heard about EDMs and/or sexual enhancers but only 10 % (n=42) had used them. There was a significant relationship between EDMs and/or sexual enhancers use and age (P<0.001), religion (P=0.013), number of sexual partners (P=0.027), number of ‘one-night’ stands (P=0.003), and use of condom or knowledge of partner’s status before intercourse (P=0.011).

Conclusion: The prevalence of EDMs and/or sexual enhancers’ use among the students was 10%. Risky sexual behaviour and substance abuse including alcohol consumption was associated with EDMs and/or sexual enhancers’ use. The university social environment influenced sexual risk behaviour. Continuous awareness campaigns aimed at educating undergraduate students about the risks involved in the recreational use of EDMs and/or sexual enhancers should be done.

References:

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the aircraft noise exposure, annoyance reactions and health status of the residents living within the vicinity of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA) in Lagos state, Nigeria. Aircraft noise monitoring was conducted in five locations within the vicinity (0-5Km) of MMA, and a sixth distant location (14km away). Levels of aircraft noise for all five locations within the vicinity of the airport exceeded the EPA Victoria threshold of 75 dB LAmax for the residential area (outdoor). A survey on annoyance induced by aircraft noise exposure and general health status was conducted on 450 local residents in the study locations using the International Commission on Biological Effect of Noise question and a single question that has been applied in Dutch national health care surveys since 1983 on self-reported general health status respectively. Percentage of residents within the vicinity of MMA that were highly annoyed (%HA) exceeded 15% guideline limit stipulated by Federal Interagency Committee on Urban Noise while 14.5% reported poor health status. There was a significant association between the annoyance reactions and aircraft noise levels in the study locations while the association between self-reported health status and aircraft noise levels was not significant. Taken together, the residents within the vicinity of the airport are exposed to aircraft noise levels above permissible limit which may be associated with high annoyance reaction but may not be associated with poor health rating. Evidence-based aircraft noise related policies by government are advocated.

References:

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Abstract:

Introduction: Zimbabwe has consistently failed to meet the World Health Organization’s target of 10 to 15% of Tuberculosis (TB) notifications being children below 15 years, with the country experiencing a proportionate decline in childhood TB contribution to national notifications from 9% in 2011 to 5% in 2017.

Methodology: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in 20 public sector health facilities across 4 districts. We abstracted childhood TB screening, diagnosis and treatment data from facility registers for the year 2019. Study was approved by local ethics committee and a waiver of consent was obtained for accessing patient data.

Results: Data for 21,791 children who accessed health services were abstracted, and 1,116 had documented TB management data. Overall, 3.1% of children were screened for TB; 0.8% for children below 5 years, 5.2% for ages 5-9, and 7.3% for ages 10-14 years. TB screening was significantly higher in referral (6.9%) than primary level (1.7%) facilities (p<0.05). About 63.2% of presumptive TB children had TB diagnostic tests; 51.2% for children below 5 years, 55.8% for ages 5-9 and 71.4% for ages 10-14 years. A majority (71.9%) of tests were conducted on GeneXpert MTB Rif platform and 17.9% were by microscopy. About 9.3% of tested children were diagnosed with TB, and 93.5% of these were initiated on treatment. Treatment outcomes for 65% of eligible children were evaluated.

References:

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Abstract:

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. The causative agent is a spirochete of the genus Leptospira. In humans, it causes a wide range of symptoms, however, asymptomatic presentation is not uncommon. Without proper treatment, leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and respiratory distress. Death may occur in some patients. The aim of the study is to identify the factors contributing to the occurrence of leptospirosis, and the impact on public health in Saint Lucia 2008-2019. The study design is a mixed – method, comprising quantitative and qualitative data. A stratified sampling design using probability proportionate to size sampling at the settlement level was used. Secondary data on the incidence of leptospirosis were obtained from the Ministry of Health, and rainfall data were obtained from the Meteorology Office. Analysis of the data reveals several factors contributing to the occurrence of leptospirosis in Saint Lucia: poor garbage disposal; a large rodent population with easy access to garbage; and a lack of knowledge of leptospirosis. The impact on public health is manifested in the mortality and morbidity of individuals primarily men, and the health, social, and economic impact on the country. Reducing the impact of leptospirosis on the individual and country necessitates an island wide multi - sectoral control and prevention educational programme; an evaluation of the collection, storage, and disposal of household garbage; and the enforcement of legislation governing the proper collection, storage and disposal of garbage.

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Abstract:

This study examined socio-cultural practices surrounding maternal deaths in Lundazi district –Zambia. The practices stealthily affect antenatal care received by antenatal women with subsequent maternal complications and deaths. Four Focus Group Discussions involving 40 members of Small Motherhood Action Groups (SMAGs) were conducted in March 2018.This study found that pregnant women in Lundazi district- Zambia delay to initiate antenatal care until 6^th or 7^th month of their pregnancy. The reasons given include fear of witchcraft stealing the human embryo for magic. Pregnant women are delayed further as they seek traditional medicines from Traditional Healers for pregnancy protection. Other pregnant women cannot attend antenatal care consistently because their mothers-in-law want them to do what is considered beneficial for a woman traditionally- do house chores or join the team going to the maize field. Late antenatal initiation is a crisis. It is an emergency in waiting for which some pregnant women never recover.

References: