The research was conducted in 2019 to evaluate the spatial distribution of heavy metals (cd and pb) in roadside soil along Owerri-Umuahia highway Imo State Nigeria. Three locations were sampled-Owerri, Mbaise and Obowo. These locations are the major highways connecting Owerri-Umuahia. Soil samples were collected at a predetermined distance of 0-15 feet (ft), 15-30 ft, 30-45ft, and 45-60ft away (row) from the edge of the road. All were sample at a depth of 30 centimeter (cm) depth using soil auger. The locations were either cultivated with cassava or maize and in some cases vegetables. Reference (control) samples were also sampled from fallow (non-highway soil) lands but at a distance of 100meters (m) away from highway. Fifty four (54) samples were randomly collected, and bucked samples were replicated for treatment sources. Samples were air dried and sieved with 2mm sieve, crushed and stored in the polythene bag for laboratory activities. Analyses were done routinely. The physicochemical result (table 1) showed that the soils are mostly sandy and the pH were slightly acidic with mean value of (5.97) when compared with control (5.89). There were significant differences between locations and control with regard to macro nutrient levels. These ranges from (phosphorus (p) 14.43 to 16.06 mg/kg, Nitrogen 0.11 to 0.73 % and potassium 0.18 to 0.23 cmol.kg-1). These were significantly different when compared with control (NPK 0.54. 23.74 and 1.15) as the locations levels were lower than non-highway soils. The organic Matter (OM) where lower in highway location. The mean value were 2-12% while the control. The mean value was 2-12%, and control was 3.41%. The result followed same trend with Base Saturation and Basic Cation levels. Base Saturation (BS) were significantly different between locations and also when compared with control. The BS mean value was 77.91% while control was 84.60%. Cadmium levels at various distances, and between one location and another did not change significantly. Cadmium at distances 0-15ft, 15-30ft, 30-45ft and 45-60 ft, the mean values were 2.21, 1.87, 1.77, 2.03 and for control 2.19, 2.19, 2.02, 2.19 mg/kg respectively (table 2). For lead, at the sample distance away from road edge- 0-15ft, 15-30ft, 30-45ft and 45-60ft, the mean values were 11.7, 13.2, 12.5 , 12.0 and for control 13.22, 14.42, 13.03 and 14.14 (table 3). These slightly differences in the locations from control were not significant at p<0.05. In some cases, the control levels were higher the locations in terms of spread. From the result of the study, cadmium and lead concentrations at all the distances and spread, depth and locations were at moderate levels when compared with critical Cd and Pb established standard. Automobile movement at Owerri-Umuahia highway did not increase cadmium and lead levels spatially. The result was discussion in line with the established standard for heavy metal permissible limits
Page(s): 675-679 Date of Publication: 21 October 2022
Page(s): 680-685 Date of Publication: 21 October 2022
Parents play a critical role in the development of the childhood. This encompasses the language mastery. As such, this study was initiated to investigate and understand the lived experiences of parents in assisting the development of language mastery of their early childhood learners. Results show that parents are skilled enough to assist their early childhood learners in the development of their language mastery which can be learned by the teachers as well by re-echoing these findings through SLAC sessions, seminars, trainings and take these insights up to the educational leaders and authorities who can implement relevant agendas and developments
Page(s): 686-694 Date of Publication: 21 October 2022
Background & Objective: Hand washing practice is a well-recognized preventive measure against infectious organisms including COVID-19. There is a need to find out factors that may influence good hand washing practice. This study was done to investigate the socio-demographic predictors of good hand washing practice among the healthcare workers in the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba. Method: This was an institutional-based, cross-sectional study carried out among 247 Health care workers using a systematic sampling design. A structured, standardized questionnaire was used to collect data.SPSS version 25 was applied for data analysis. Statistical significance was set at a p-value < 0.05. Logistic Regression analysis was done to determine the socio-demographic predictor of good hand washing practice. Results. The majority of Health care workers had good knowledge (91.9%) and practice (98.9%) of hand washing. The respondent’s profession (chi-square value 4.71, p-value <0.03)) and Gender (chi-square 5.24, p-value < 0.22) were statistically associated with the practice of good hand washing. Gender is the only significant predictor of good hand washing practice on the Multivariate analysis level. Conclusion: Gender is a predictor of good hand washing practice among health care workers in Federal Medical Center Asaba. Efforts should be made to establish an Infection prevention committee in every Health care facility. This will ensure regular training of staff to eliminate Hospital-acquired infection to the barest minimum.
Page(s): 695-703 Date of Publication: 21 October 2022
Page(s): 704-707 Date of Publication: 21 October 2022
This study investigates the perceptions and responses to Covid-19 risk communication among rural dwellers in Enugu State. In conducting this study, survey research method was used to generate quantitative and qualitative data from rural residents in select communities in Enugu State through the instrumentality of questionnaire and Key Informant Interview. A sample size of 384 was drawn from the population using Wimmer and Dominick online sample calculator. Analysis of data generated revealed that the most reliable source of health messages on Covid-19 for rural residents during the pandemic was the radio. More so, majority (52 percent) of the sampled respondents were of the view that they had a moderate knowledge about Covid-19 controlling and preventive measures and majority of the respondents practiced Covid-19 preventive measures to a moderate extent. Religious and cultural norms were found to be major barriers to Covid-19 messages targeted at rural people. Based on the findings, it was recommended that health messages targeted at rural residents should take into account some factors that are peculiar to rural environment such as religious and cultural issues, poverty, level of education and access to adequate information.
Page(s): 708-717 Date of Publication: 21 October 2022
Page(s): 718-721 Date of Publication: 21 October 2022