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The traditional foods of indigenous people in Nigeria are known for their cultural symbolism and agricultural biodiversity which contributes to their daily healthy and rich diet. In the early 90s, rapid development of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was noted and the resettlement of indigenes to other parts of the region was reported. These changes have facilitated the modification of indigenous diets, as indigenous groups rapidly embraced modern foods and also adopted the food culture of migrant ethnic groups. This has led to a gradual erosion of indigenous diets and traditional food systems in the FCT. This study explored the impact of development on traditional food systems and determined indigenes perception of the modification to their food culture as a result of the development of their land within the FCT. Field survey was carried out in four indigenous communities in the FCT (30 indigenes from each of the four areas) using structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews. Person Chi Square analysis of indigenes socio-economic characteristics revealed significant relationships between gender of indigenes and farm size, Age and farm size, Educational level and farm/herd size. Qualitative analysis of FGDs revealed indigenes opinion on the socio-cultural changes in behaviour and food systems as a result of development. The study also identified indigenous youths as being most influenced by development especially through education, white collar jobs and social interactions with migrant ethnic groups in the FCT. The study recommended that indigenes should be provided with more secure land tenure and "back-to-farm" initiatives should be put in place by the Nigerian government to encourage indigenous youth to engaged more in agriculture.

Background: Despite achieving the WHO elimination target of less than 1/10,000 population in 1998 at the national level, there are still pockets of relative high endemicity of leprosy in Nigeria. This study used spatial analytic techniques to determine the spatial distribution of leprosy in Nigeria. Methods: The study is an ecological study of secondary data of new leprosy cases reported to the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) in Nigeria, 2010–2014. The 36 states and Federal Capital Territory were used as the unit of geographical analysis. The global Moran’s I and Local Moran’s I (LISA) test were used to measure spatial autocorrelation and significant levels were taken at P

This paper presents the general sanitation practices by the traders in a major market in Kuje located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and our efforts in reorientating the market stakeholders towards the provision and use of a new dry sanitation toilet complex. The market is known for its diversity in Nigerian ethnicity, culture and the variety of goods and services. A novel toilet complex was designed and built which has the following features: 8 toilet units (4 each for male and female), urine diversion, a gender-segregated urinal, a urine storage tank, used menstrual absorbents disposal facility for women, bathing facility and a composting chamber for organic fertilizer production from the generated faecal matter and market wastes. The design also made provision for culturally sensitive persons to use a small spray of water for anal cleaning. There was provision for hand washing with soap. The respondents provided baseline information that enabled the design features through 5 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and 2 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). This was followed by interviewed administered, semi-structured questionnaire which utilized a total sampling approach where the owners of all the 199 lock-up and open stalls in the market were enrolled and participated in the study. The mean age of the respondents was 34.3 ± 9.7 years and 55.8 % were females. The sources of water in the market were: hand dug well (11.7 %), borehole (37.6 %), water vendor (41.6 %) and sachet water (9.1 %). The market has three existing toilets that were mostly patronized by males. Due to poor maintenance of the existing toilets, women preferred open defecation and use of potty in their stalls, disposed with solid wastes. Most respondents (80.7 %) were willing to pay and use the newly built dry toilet in the market as they perceive aesthetics (28.9 %), cleanliness (21.8%) and disease prevention (6.6%) as major benefits. The toilet design serves as a model for other public institutions where sanitation is compromised. The market community owns, operates and maintains the facility and the user charges are levied for sustainability.

There is an alarming rise in treatment failures from artemisinin combination therapy (ACT). The aim of this study was to access the therapeutic effectiveness of ACT in the market and the rate of re-occurrence of malaria shortly after completion of therapy. The rate of adherence to therapy and relapse rate of four hundred volunteers, who recently treated malaria, were assessed using quantitative interview-semi structured questionnaire. Adherence levels were 56.0% while relapse rate was 47.0%. The rate of relapse among volunteers who adhered to therapy was 40.63%. While encouraging continuous quality assessment of artemisinin combination drugs, it is equally important for public health practitioners and institutions to design deliberate programs to enlighten the public on the importance of adherence to therapy as this rather than quality of medicines may be contributing largely to drug resistance. Key words: Artemisinin combination therapy, malaria, quality assessment.

The geotechnical properties of Daki Biyu district in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria was investigated to ascertain the suitability of the sub-surface soil to support massive infrastructure such as high rise building and industries that might be carried out in the future. The particle size distribution shows that the soil is predominantly sandy-clay to sandy-gravels. The plasticity indices suggest low to medium compressibility while the co-efficient of volume change (Mv) and the coefficient of consolidation (Cv) are generally low for most of the pressure ranges. The average allowable bearing capacity values of 150 kN/m2 -240 kN/m2 and an average of 460 kN/m2 -700 kN/m2 for the ultimate bearing capacity agrees with the national building code (1983) for safe bearing capacity for cohesionless soils. The sub-surface soils were found to possess good geotechnical properties that are capable of supporting infrastructural development. Key words: Geotechnical investigation, bearing capacity, compressibility, consolidation, borehole log.

The prevalence of private car for commuting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja is of concern to transport policy makers and planners because of its negative consequences on both physical and socio-economic environments. This study therefore investigates commuters’ access to public transport using four key indicators (public transport fare, service frequency, walking distance to access points and waiting time at public transport terminals/bus stops). Relevant data were collected from the public transport operators and commuters using a combination of interview, questionnaire and GPS (Garmin 62x), the data collected were analysed and manipulated on Geographic Information System (GIS) Arc-GIS 9.3 environment to show areas with equal mean values of waiting time, transport fare, bus service frequency and distance to public transport access points. The results showed that Gwagwalada and Zuba axis with 58 mean bus frequency per day, average 109 metres to public transport access points, about 20 min mean waiting time in the park and N158 mean transport fare per tip has the best access to public transport in FCT but still fell short of best practices. The study recommended a redesign of public transport routes, bus stops and terminals across the FCT that will reflect its current physical development pattern, while stakeholders should stepped-up efforts to provide enough and affordable public transport services. Key words: Access, points, public, transport.

This study examines the contextual beliefs held by interactants in the 2008 quasi-judicial public hearing on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja Administration in Nigeria, using Odebunmi’s (2006) model of context. The data for the study includes forty video recordings of the 2008 quasi-judicial public hearing on the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Administration in Nigeria. The findings indicate that the shared contextual beliefs in the public hearing are based on shared knowledge of the public hearing aims and procedure, legal codes regarding landed property, government involvement and knowledge of Abuja metropolis.

Fraud is a global problem. However, the rate and nature of fraud in Nigeria is quite alarming. The study therefore examined the behavioural intention of accounting practitioner to use forensic accounting techniques in fraud prevention and detection in Nigeria. Data were collected from accountants from 9 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The Structural equation modelling was adopted in analyzing the data. Seven propositions were tested in the study. From the results, all the propositions were supported. It was concluded from this study that accountant"s will accept use of forensic accounting in the prevention and detection of fraud if they understand the benefits, risk, fraud susceptibility and fraud severity in their establishment. It was recommended that educational activities of training institution should therefore be directed toward increasing awareness on forensic accounting.

The selection and use of curriculum can either facilitate or hinder Care-Giver performance in early childhood education centers. Thus the study examined the extent to which instructional supervision relate to Care-Giver performance in, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The research design is descriptive survey .Six Area Councils were purposively selected for the study. Stratified random sampling was adopted to select 25 centers representing 12percent of the entire populations, as sample. Simple random sampling was used to select a Care-Giver from each center making a total of 25 Care-Givers as respondents. Two validated instruments tagged Instructional Supervisory Techniques Questionnaire (ISTQ), and Care-Giver effectiveness Questionnaire (CPQ)’’were used to collect relevant data for the study. Percentages and means were used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that adequate supervision in the early childhood education assists caregivers in acquisition of new skills; help inexperienced care-givers to acquire new method of teaching and helps them identify children with learning impairment, though not done regularly. The researcher recommends that school heads should encourage frequent supervision of instruction in their various schools. Teachers who are well trained and have the knowledge of the theory and practical education should be recruited.

This study examined the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) practices used in selected airlines in the Nigerian Aviation industry. It investigated the factors influencing the effective deployment of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for CRM and determined the effects of ICT on the performance of the industry. The study was conducted in the Head Offices of the local airlines (Lagos state and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja). A multistage sampling technique was employed to select ten local airlines and ten travel agencies. Two hundred Airline passengers were randomly selected for the study. Primary data were collected using three sets of questionnaire. Data obtained were analysed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the adoption of ICT in airlines operations significantly reduced operational costs (r = 0.791*, p = 0.011), improved service quality (r = 0.732*, p =0.025) and improved identification of high value customers. The study concluded that the effective deployment of ICT assisted the Airlines in rendering better services to their passengers and facilitated a robust performance of their operations.

Background With the fourth highest HIV burden globally, Nigeria is characterized as having a mixed HIV epidemic with high HIV prevalence among key populations, including female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs. Reliable and accurate mapping of key population hotspots is necessary for strategic placement of services and allocation of limited resources for targeted interventions. Objective We aimed to map and develop a profile for the hotspots of female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs in 7 states of Nigeria to inform HIV prevention and service programs and in preparation for a multiple-source capture-recapture population size estimation effort. Methods In August 2018, 261 trained data collectors from 36 key population–led community-based organizations mapped, validated, and profiled hotspots identified during the formative assessment in 7 priority states in Nigeria designated by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Hotspots were defined as physical venues wherein key population members frequent to socialize, seek clients, or engage in key population–defining behaviors. Hotspots were visited by data collectors, and each hotspot’s name, local government area, address, type, geographic coordinates, peak times of activity, and estimated number of key population members was recorded. The number of key population hotspots per local government area was tabulated from the final list of hotspots. Results A total of 13,899 key population hotspots were identified and mapped in the 7 states, that is, 1297 in Akwa Ibom, 1714 in Benue, 2666 in Cross River, 2974 in Lagos, 1550 in Nasarawa, 2494 in Rivers, and 1204 in Federal Capital Territory. The most common hotspots were those frequented by female sex workers (9593/13,899, 69.0%), followed by people who inject drugs (2729/13,899, 19.6%) and men who have sex with men (1577/13,899, 11.3%). Although hotspots were identified in all local government areas visited, more hotspots were found in metropolitan local government areas and state capitals. Conclusions The number of key population hotspots identified in this study is more than that previously reported in similar studies in Nigeria. Close collaboration with key population–led community-based organizations facilitated identification of many new and previously undocumented key population hotspots in the 7 states. The smaller number of hotspots of men who have sex with men than that of female sex workers and that of people who inject drugs may reflect the social pressure and stigma faced by this population since the enforcement of the 2014 Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, which prohibits engaging in intimate same-sex relationships, organizing meetings of gays, or patronizing gay businesses.

The objective of the study was to find out the impact of Personal Resource variable on psychological well-being and depression in Pakistani population. Study design was cross-sectional research design, survey method. The study was conducted in privately registered, semi-government and government institutions of Rawalpindi and Federal Capital Territory during the year 2016-2018. Data was collected using purposive random sampling from 200 employees working in private, semi-government and government organizations. 55.5% were males and 44.5% were females; Mean age = 26.81 (SD = 5.7); Mean job experience was M = 4.5; SD = 5.49; highest qualification was 35 % Masters among Matric, Inter, Graduation, M.Phil and PhD. Results of the study showed that regression analysis showed that Personal Resource variable accounts for 21% of variance in psychological wellbeing and 27% of variance in depression. The alpha coefficient reliability for the newly constructed four factors of self-efficacy, resilience, hope and optimism based questionnaire, was found to be α = 0.86 and split half reliability coefficient was .74 and .79 on Pakistani sample which was sufficiently adequate. Hence our objective of the study which was to find out the impact of Personal Resource variable on mental health and depression within Pakistani culture was thus established.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly transmissible viral infection has spread worldwide causing exponential increase in morbidity and mortality. But so far, there is limited information available to describe the presenting characteristics, outcomes and treatment modalities of COVID-19 patients in Nigeria. This study aimed to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics, underlying comorbidities, treatment modalities and outcomes of patients isolated and treated in a repurposed COVID-19 isolation and treatment centre in Abuja, Nigeria.A retrospective study which reviewed the medical records of 300 confirmed COVID-19 patients isolated and treated according to the World Health Organisation and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control guidelines between 22Out of 300 patients studied, 61.0% were male. The mean age of the participants was 38.2 ± 14.7. Less than half of the patients (40.3%) had one or more underlying comorbidities with hypertension the most common co-morbidity. Majority (62%) of patients were mildly symptomatic, 33% were asymptomatic while only 2% were severely symptomatic. The most common presenting symptoms include cough 34.0%, fever 30.3%, anosmia 28.7% and dysgeusia 22.7%. Older age (P0.001), tertiary education and the presence of underlying comorbidity (P0.001) were significantly associated with symptomatic presentation of COVID-19. The median duration of time between positive laboratory testing and presentation for treatment was 5 days (0-29). All patients were treated with a combination of Ivermectin, Azithromycin, Zinc and Vitamin C with no recorded death. The median length of stay at facility was 9 days.Close attention should be given to patients with co-morbidities as an inefficient management of such co-morbidities could lead to mortalities which may not be directly attributable to COVID-19.

The giant stride of the Central Bank of Nigeria in development financing is receiving serious commendation locally and internationally. However, the need to identify major target areas of intervention remains major research concerns in terms of constraints and challenges of businesses in Nigeria. This study therefore was aimed at identifying major business constraints in Nigeria. The stratified random sample of 1070 small, medium and large manufacturing and non-manufacturing firms in all 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was used for the study. The study found that lack of technical know-how constitutes about 37.4% of business constraints in Nigeria, followed by unfavorable business climate contributing about 12.3% and access to finance constituting about 6.5%. Based on these findings, the study recommends more intervention in the area of technical know-how in terms of material input, equipment and labour related concerns. Improving policies as well as political system in the country will further improve business survival in Nigeria. Further studies may be required to determine other business constraints bedeviling Nigerian businesses that were not captured in this study.

Today’s businesses improve their performances through adoption of entrepreneurial orientation and leveraging their resources to create value for their customers and achieve competitive advantage. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on hotel business performance. Extant studies recognized moderating effect of third variables on how entrepreneurial orientation impacts performance. In this research, data mining capability is considered to be the moderating variable. With a population of 628 hotels in Abuja, data was collected via survey instruments administered on 250 hotel owners/managers and supervisors. The empirical study carried out in this research was achieved using questionnaires administered on hotel owners, supervisors and managers of three star hotels in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Out of the 250 distributed questionnaires, a total of 50 responses were received due to the fact that in most of the hotels, either the hotel owner or manager or supervisor alone gave their responses rather than a combination of any two. This figure therefore formed our final population size of 50 respondents. Regression analyses ware used to test the hypothesis on microsoft excel. Outcome of the study shows a significant moderating effect of data mining capability on the linkage between entrepreneurial orientation and performance. Findings also revealed that relationship between all other constructs is significantly positive with coefficients of determination value that reflect this positive relationship between constructs. It is recommended that future investigation into this field of study should give consideration to other geographical locations as well as other line of respondents to achieve more elaborate connection between entrepreneurial orientation and performance of hotel businesses in Nigeria. With a view to further boost support to this sector which is characterized with consistent uncertainties and environmental challenges, it is advised that regulators should put in place some palliatives to help enhance their business activities.

The study was carried out to find out whether Brain-Based Learning Strategies had any effect senior secondary school students’ attitude to learning in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. A pre-test post-test Quasi Experimental Research design was used with a sample size of 142 Senior Secondary School Students (S.S.S 1) drawn from two Senior Secondary Schools in the Abuja Municipal Area Council. Two intact classes were used; one class drawn from each of the schools, the classes were assigned to Groups using a Lucky Dip. With 70 students constituted in the Experimental Group and 72 in the Control Group. The Student Attitude Scale (SAS) was used to collect data for the study. All hypotheses were tested at a significant level of 0.05 using t-test. Findings revealed a significant difference in Students Attitude to learning with a mean difference of 0.59 in favor of the Experimental Group. However, no significant difference was observed in Students Attitude to learning in the Experimental Group based on gender. It was recommended that teachers should adopt the Brain-based learning strategies in teaching Economics in Senior Secondary Schools. In addition, since the teaching pedagogy is Gender-fair, it should be implemented in all schools irrespective of learners’ gender.

Introduction: The attitudes of political officeholder towards educational planning in Nigeria is not encouraging and this is affecting the entire educational system. Purpose: This purpose of this paper is to assess the political officeholder attitudes towards planning of education in FCT. Methodology: The survey design was used for the study. Random sampling technique was employed to select the respondents while questionnaire was adopted for data collection, test re-test method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. This study used SPSS (Statistical Package of Social Sciences) soft for data analysis. The data collected was cleansed by the researchers who removed the unwanted data. The results were analyzed using percentage, mean and standard deviation and chi-square method. Result: The results revealed that there was significant relationship between the attitudes of political officeholders and poor planning of education in FCT. Finding: The finding revealed that the majorities of the respondents disagreed that political officeholders have positive attitude toward educational planning, majorities of the respondents disagreed that adequately funding are provided for educational planning. It was also discovered that majorities of the respondents disagreed that political officeholders are support the capacity development of educational planners and 100% of the respondents disagreed that political officeholders are providing necessary planning tools for educational planner to plan education. Recommendation: The government should appoint people with passion for educational development and political officeholders should develop positive attitude toward educational planning in FCT by allocating adequate funds for educational planning.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of hypertension among adults in Nigeria is high (29‐45%), yet awareness (14‐30%), treatment (

In 2010, Nigeria adopted the use of web-based software District Health Information System, V.2 (DHIS2) as the platform for the National Health Management Information System. The platform supports real-time data reporting and promotes government ownership and accountability. To strengthen its routine immunisation (RI) component, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through its implementing partner, the African Field Epidemiology Network-National Stop Transmission of Polio, in collaboration with the Government of Nigeria, developed the RI module and dashboard and piloted it in Kano state in 2014. The module was scaled up nationally over the next 4 years with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and CDC. One implementation officer was deployed per state for 2 years to support operations. Over 60 000 RI healthcare workers were trained on data collection, entry and interpretation and each local immunisation officer in the 774 local government areas (LGAs) received a laptop and stock of RI paper data tools. Templates for national-level and state-level RI bulletins and LGA quarterly performance tools were developed to promote real-time data use for feedback and decision making, and enhance the performance of RI services. By December 2017, the DHIS2 RI module had been rolled out in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and all states now report their RI data through the RI Module. All states identified at least one government DHIS2 focal person for oversight of the system’s reporting and management operations. Government officials routinely collect RI data and use them to improve RI vaccination coverage. This article describes the implementation process—including planning and implementation activities, achievements, lessons learnt, challenges and innovative solutions—and reports the achievements in improving timeliness and completeness rates.

Housing tenure choice is one key decision that a household must make. This decision has been established to have direct implications for household housing affordability. This research assessed and compared the housing affordability of owners and renters of organized Private Sector Housing delivery in Nigeria. Data were collected from eleven (11) states and the Federal Capital Territory across the six (6) geo-political zones of Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted with multi-stage sampling technique employed to select estates residents for interview. Structured questionnaire were administered on 10% (1,950) heads of households randomly selected from all the occupied houses. The study revealed that 48% of the residents were owners and 52% renters. It was discovered that more owners than renters are under severe housing affordability stress/burden. While 29% of owners enjoy “normal housing affordability” (housing expenditure of 1% - 30%), 41% of renters enjoyed such. Also, while 36% of owners enjoyed “tolerable housing affordability” (30.1% - 50% housing expenditure), 41% of the renters fall within that range. Furthermore, while 35% of owners are theoretically under severe housing affordability stress/burden (with >50% housing expenditure), only 18% of the renters are. The study confirmed that renters enjoyed better housing affordability than the owners. Major policy implications include the need for housing policy and delivery in Nigeria to recognize and facilitate rental housing while steps should be taken to relieve the burden of home ownership by working on mortgage penetration, cost of building materials and other incidental expenses of ownership so as to enhance housing affordability of Nigerians.

Nigeria has a plural legal system in which various sources of law govern simultaneously. Inconsistent and conflicting legal frameworks can reinforce pre-existing health disparities in sexual and reproductive health (SRH). While previous studies indicate poor SRH outcomes for Nigerian women and girls, particularly in Northern states, the relationship between customary and religious law (CRL) and SRH has not been explored. We conducted a state-level ecological study to examine the relationship between CRL and SRH outcomes among women in 36 Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja (n = 37), using publicly available Demographic and Health Survey data from 2013. Indicators were guided by published research and included contraception use among married women, total fertility rate, median age at first birth, receipt of antenatal care, delivery location, and comprehensive knowledge of HIV. To account for economic differences between states, crude linear regression models were compared to a multivariable model, adjusting for per capita GDP. All SRH outcomes, except comprehensive knowledge of HIV, were statistically significantly more negative in CRL states compared to non-CRL states, even after accounting for state-level GDP. In CRL states in 2013, compared to non-CRL states, the proportion of married women who used any method of contraception was 22.7 percentage points lower ([95% CI: -15.78 --29.64], p

Author(s): Muhammad, Nasiru; Mpyet, Caleb; Adamu, Mohammed Dantani; William, Adamani; Umar, Murtala Muhammad; Muazu, Habila; Onyebuchi, Uwazoeke; Isiyaku, Sunday; Flueckiger, Rebecca M; Chu, Brian K; Willis, Rebecca; Pavluck, Alex; Dalhatu, Abbas; Ogoshi, Chris; Olobio, Nicholas; Gordon, Bruce A; Solomon, Anthony W; For The Global Trachoma Mapping Project | Abstract: PurposeThe World Health Organization's (WHO's) global trachoma elimination programme recommends mapping of trachoma at district level for planning of elimination activities in affected populations. This study aimed to provide data on trachoma prevalence for the Area Councils of Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT).MethodsUsing the Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP) protocols, in March and April 2014, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey in each of the six Area Councils of FCT. Signs were defined based on the WHO simplified grading scheme.Results98% to 100% of the targeted households were enrolled in each Area Council. The number of children aged 1-9 years examined per Area Council ranged from 867 to 1248. The number of persons aged ≥15 years examined ranged from 1302 to 1836. The age-adjusted prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular in 1-9-year-olds was l5% in each Area Council. The age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of trichiasis in those aged ≥15 years ranged from 0.0% to 0.3%; two Area Councils (Gwagwalada and Kwali) had prevalences above the 0.2% elimination threshold. The proportion of households with access to improved latrines and water sources ranged from 17 to 90% and 39 to 85% respectively.ConclusionsGwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils need to perform more trichiasis surgeries to attain the trichiasis elimination prevalence target of 0.2% in persons aged ≥15 years. No Area Council requires mass antibiotic administration for the purposes of trachoma's elimination as a public health problem. All Area Councils need to accelerate provision of access to improved water sources and latrine facilities, to achieve universal coverage.

In the original article there is an error in Fig. 2. Following is the corrected figure.

This is a baseline assessment of surgical capacity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in preparation for the creation of a National Surgical, Obstetric, Anesthesia, and Nursing Plan. In October 2017, all 10 of the 11 secondary hospitals in FCT that provide surgical and/or obstetric care were surveyed using a modified World Health Organization Hospital Assessment Tool and a qualitative semi-structured hospital interview tool of the medical Director (MdD). This project received approval from the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health and the FCT Department of Health and Human Services. The number of inpatient beds ranged from 35 to 140, and the number of admissions ranged from 1200 to 6400 patients per year. The mean number of surgeries performed in 2016 by these hospitals was 783 (range 235–1601). Cesarean section was the most common surgical procedure at each hospital. Only five hospitals regularly performed laparotomies. Only three hospitals regularly performed fixation of open fractures. Of 152 surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia providers, all hospitals had at least one consultant obstetrician, but only four hospitals had a general surgeon and three hospitals had a consultant anesthesiologist. Deficient physical space for inpatient admissions was the most common concern of MdDs. The FCT reaches the target for 2-h access, with 80% of patients (on average) reaching the hospital within 2 h. However, SAO provider density, surgical volume, and tracking of the perioperative mortality rate were low. Data were lacking to comment on protection against impoverishing and catastrophic expenditures.

IntroductioneHealth solutions that use internet and related technologies to deliver and enhance health services and information are emerging as novel approaches to support healthcare delivery in sub-Saharan Africa. Using digital technology in this way can support cost-effectiveness of care delivery and extend the reach of services to remote locations. Despite the burgeoning literature on eHealth approaches, little is known about the effectiveness of eHealth tools for improving the quality and efficiency of health systems functions or client outcomes in resource-limited countries. eHealth tools including satellite communications are currently being implemented at scale, to extend health services to rural areas of Nigeria, in Ondo and Kano States and the Federal Capital Territory. This paper shares the protocol for a 2-year project (‘EXTEND’) that aims to evaluate the impact of eHealth tools on health system functions and health outcomes.Methodology and analysisThis multisite, mixed-method evaluation includes a non-randomised, cluster trial design. The study comprises three phases—baseline, midline and endline evaluations—that involve: (1) process evaluation of video training and digitisation of health data interventions; (2) evaluation of contextual influences on the implementation of interventions; and (3) impact evaluation of results of the project. A convergent mixed-method model will be adopted to allow integration of quantitative and qualitative findings to achieve study objectives. Multiple quantitative and qualitative datasets will be repeatedly analysed and triangulated to facilitate better understanding of impact of eHealth tools on health worker knowledge, quality and efficiency of health systems and client outcomes.Ethics and disseminationEthics approvals were obtained from the University of Leeds and three States’ Ministries of Health in Nigeria. All data collected for this study will be anonymised and reports will not contain information that could identify respondents. Study findings will be presented to Ministries of Health at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberISRCTN32105372; Pre-results.

The effect of differentiated instructional strategies on students’ retention in geometry in senior secondary schools was examined. The study employed experimental research design of pretest, posttest control group. The area of this study is Abuja Municipal Area Council, the Federal Capital Territory. The target population was the entire mathematics student in senior secondary class 2 (SS2) in the area. The simple random sampling technique was adopted and used to select two senior schools and 100 subjects for the study. Researcher-designed Geometry Achievement Test (GAT) containing 25 multiple choice items with reliability coefficient of 0.90 was used to measure students’ academic achievement before and after treatment. The researcher taught the experimental and control groups for six weeks. At the beginning and end of the six weeks GAT was administered as a pre-test and post-test to the students in the two groups. The result shows among others that differentiated instructional strategies was more effective in promoting meaningful learning and enhancing mathematics students’ achievement than the conventional method (Z 98 =11.320, p

Background: Nigeria as well as other low and middle-income countries have double burden of communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCD). This study examined the implementation of the NCD component of the National Minimum Health Care Package in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory where the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension is increasing.Methods: This descriptive study was organised along two lines of inquiry: document review (guidelines, policies, programme documents and services records in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria) and a qualitative study (focus group discussions with community representatives and frontline health workers, interviews with health program managers and non-participant observations of primary care facilities).Results: Existing policies and guidelines for NCD prevention have several implementation shortfalls including insufficient recognition of the burden of disease at primary care level and associated low prioritisation of NCDs; poor resourcing of NCD-related activities and poor operationalisation of relevant guidelines. Other constraints were: inadequate human resources for PHC services in numbers and mix of cadres, deficiencies in knowledge on management of diabetes and hypertension by PHC workers, insufficient job aids in primary care facilities for prevention, management and referral of hypertension and diabetes, weak information systems and referral linkages between primary care and secondary/tertiary care facilities for NCDs.Conclusion: The capacity of the PHC system to implement NCDs interventions is weak, necessitating a need to strengthen coordination, partnership and funding for better response to NCD prevention in primary care. Capacity building specific to NCD prevention should involve tools/technology, skills, infrastructure, manpower, referral linkages and community participation. Keywords: Non-Communicable Diseases; Essential Health Package; Primary Health Care; Federal Capital Territory

This study describes the characteristics of caregivers, examines the relationships between caregivers and their children and analyzes the experiences and challenges of caring for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) faced by caregivers in the community. Using a combination of questionnaire, informant interviews and focus group discussions, data were collected from 150 female and male caregivers in Cross Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory selected through convenient sampling. Careful analysis of the data revealed that majority of the caregivers were women, mostly widows caring for about 3–6 children. They were largely married with primary or no formal education. Most of them were engaged in petty trading and farming. Their incomes were generally low, less than 10,000 naira (approximately 52 dollars) per annum. Challenges of caring for children were listed to include; lack of access to education, nutrition, inadequate clothing and shelter and lack of psychosocial support in that order. ...

Background: Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a viral hemorrhagic illness with great propensity for spread across international borders. The latest outbreak in the West African region, which involved Nigeria, was the worst among previously documented 25 outbreaks since discovery in 1976. The Nigerian response toward attaining Ebola free status was phenomenal and a case study for most nations. However, the persistence of EVD in West Africa is still a risk to recurrence, hence, the need to assess the level of consciousness of Nigerian physicians towards this. Methodology: A cross-sectional study utilizing the instrument of a pretested semi-structured questionnaire was conducted among physicians practicing within the federal capital city of Nigeria. General knowledge, treatment, prevention, and reporting of EVD were assessed and appropriate statistical analyses done using SPSS 20. Results: Of the 101 respondents, 45% and 87% showed excellent level (>80% score) of “general knowledge” and “reporting” on EVD, respectively. However, only 51% respondents had good (60–80%) knowledge on EVD treatment. Three percent correctly identified the “EVD helpline” phone-numbers for reporting suspected cases. Furthermore, 43.6% admitted the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) in their hospitals while 35.6% had witnessed a demonstration of the use. The distribution of the PPEs appeared skewed - 74.4% (teaching-hospitals), 16% (private-hospitals), and the primary health care centers (9.6%). Conclusion: A majority of the physicians showed good level of preparedness as it relates to general knowledge on EVD, knowledge on good clinical practice, use of protocols and standard precautions and PPE. The identification of deficits in knowledge on treatment of EVD and flow path for the notification of suspected cases requires urgent redress given the risk of re-occurrence in the country.

Globally, immunization prevents an estimated 2–3 million deaths among under-5 children, yet in Nigeria, only 25% of children ages 12–23 months are fully immunized. There are also marked disparities in the uptake of immunizations, largely attributable to the context within which families live and seek health care. The authors assessed the individual and state determinants of child immunization in Nigeria and used multilevel logistic regression to estimate the odds of full immunization among 5,561 children aged 12–23 months, with their mothers clustered in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (level 2). Findings indicate low immunization coverage rates overall: diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus vaccine first dose (DPT1) = 49.8%, DPT3 = 38.2%, measles = 41.8%, and full immunization = 24.9%. There was also significant clustering of full immunization among states. The authors found that having a health card and receiving postnatal care within the first 2 months of life were positively associated wi...

To determine the association between prenatal exclusive breastfeeding intentions and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and explore other factors associated with EBF until 3 months postpartum among mothers residing in suburban parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Nigeria. This longitudinal observational study involved the recruitment of 210 pregnant women who were prospectively followed until 3 months postpartum. Participants were recruited from antenatal clinics attached to four separate public secondary health facilities located in the suburban parts of Abuja. Cox regression hazards model was used to determine the risk of EBF cessation at 3 months postpartum. Over 70.0 % of women had strong intention to exclusively breastfeed. The risk of exclusive breastfeeding cessation was significantly lower in women with strong exclusive breastfeeding intentions (HR 0.87, 95 % CI 0.8–0.95). Other risk factors for cessation of exclusive breastfeeding were pre-lacteal feed administration (HR 2.93 95 % CI 1.49–5.77) and mode of delivery (HR 0.17 95 % CI 0.04–0.67). Higher maternal age (≥35 years), religion (Muslim) and having an unplanned pregnancy lowered the likelihood of having a strong intention to exclusively breastfeed an infant. Prenatal exclusive breastfeeding intention was a strong predictor of exclusive breastfeeding. Intentions to EBF were further explained by maternal characteristics. Effective promotion of exclusive breastfeeding during prenatal period should also target factors influencing breastfeeding intentions. Additional research is warranted into the influence of maternal attitudes and self-efficacy about breastfeeding on breastfeeding intentions and practice.

A survey on the utilization potentials of Moringa oleifera in Nigeria was conducted in 2011. The survey involved 14 states (including the Federal Capital Territory) across the five agroecological zones. The 14 States were Borno, Kano, Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Nassarawa, Abuja (F.C.T), Kogi, Benue, Kwara, Oyo, Enugu and Anambra. A semi-structured questionnaire and field visits were adopted in this study while a multistage random sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents. The survey found more than 25 local names of Moringa oleifera in Nigeria. Widespread utilization of Moringa as food was observed with its use as vegetable in soup, as salad or herbal tea having particularly high scores. There was low awareness of Moringa oleifera as a domestic cleansing agent although about 30% of respondents used it in domestic water clarification. The species has high ethno-medicinal value, addressing close to 20 conditions including typhoid and malaria fever (78.7%), ear infection (71.8%), eye infection (66.9%), lowering of blood sugar (diabetes mellitus) (65.2%) and blood pressure (64.7%). It is evident that this important species is still underutilized in Nigeria and more efforts are required for a fuller exploitation of its rich potentials.

This work attempts to document the first comprehensive report on the conditions and management of major slaughter houses of northern Nigeria as well as the safety of meat produced for public consumption in these abattoirs. The study was carried out in seventeen major slaughter houses from 14 out of the 19 states that form the northern part of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Selection of abattoir from each state was based on its socio-economic importance to the local community in terms of number of animals slaughtered and quantity of meat supply to the area and also the level of commitment of each abattoir management to cooperate with the objectives of this research. On-the-spot assessment of the operational facilities and process operations was employed using videos and photographs for data collection on visit to each abattoir. A joint prospective meat inspection and focus group discussion (8–12 abattoir personnel) was carried out to highlight the problems of the slaughter houses. The study revealed absence or dilapidated conditions of basic abattoir infrastructures such as lairage, hoisting facilities, supply of potable water, constant electricity, drainage and waste disposal systems. Good hygienic practices were totally absent. Animals were not being examined regularly before or after slaughter leading to unsafe meat being released for public consumption and conveyed out of the abattoir using unhygienic means of transport. Waste disposal was indiscriminate and hazardous to the environment, while the authorities concerned were not making any effort to curtail the situation. Diseases of public health and economic importance that were most frequently encountered included Tuberculosis, CBPP and Helminthoses. It was concluded that, none of the major abattoirs in northern Nigeria met the minimum hygienic standard of operation as recommended by the Codex Alimentarius and they could not have supported the production of safe meat and meat products for human consumption.

Introduction Physical fitness is the ability to perform moderate to vigorous levels of physical activity without undue fatigue having ample energy to enjoy leisure time pursuits and to meet unforeseen emergencies Aim This study was conducted to compare the physical fitness performance levels among rural semi urban and urban of primary school children in their abdominal strength flexibility and cardio respiratory endurance in Federal Capital Territory Abuja Nigeria Methods To achieve this purpose a total of subjects were used in this research They were randomly selected from among the schools to serve as subjects in the study All the subjects were tested in the selected variables e g flexibility muscular endurance and cardio respiratory Results The results of the findings of this studydid not revealed significant difference between the male and female subjects involved in the test The results further revealed no significant difference between gender and between subjects from the rural urban and semi urban schools in their cardio respiratory endurance The findings of this study also revealed that subjects did not differ significantly by gender in their flexibility performance However the flexibility performance of semi urban school subjects in the Federal Capital Territory is significantly different from that of the rural and urban school subjects There was no significant difference between subjects in rural and urban schools in their flexibility whereas the subjects in rural semi urban and urban schools did not differ significantly in their cardio vascular endurance measured by the VO max Conclusion The results of study confirmed that between the male and female subjects in the rural semi urban and urban primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory irrespective of their locations did not differ significantly in their abdominal strength flexibility and cardio vascular endurance measured Recommendation On the basis of the results of this study it was recommended that facilities and equipment for physical education activities should be provided by the stakeholders in primary schools of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja

Background\ud The landscape of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic control is shifting with the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 benchmarks for epidemic control. Community-based Antiretroviral Therapy (CART) models have improved treatment uptake and demonstrated good clinical outcomes. We assessed the feasibility of integrating community pharmacy as a task shift structure for differentiated community ART in Abuja-Nigeria.\ud \ud Methods\ud Stable patients on first line ART regimens from public health facilities were referred to community pharmacies in different locations within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja for prescription refills and treatment maintenance. Bio-demographic and clinical data were collected from February 25, 2016 to May 31st, 2017 and descriptive statistics analysis applied. The outcomes of measure were prescription refill and patient retention in care at the community pharmacy.\ud \ud Results\ud Almost 10% of stable patients on treatment were successfully devolved from eight health facilities to ten community pharmacies. Median age of the participants was 35 years [interquartile range (IQR); 30, 41] with married women in the majority. Prescription refill was 100% and almost all the participants (99.3%) were retained in care after they were devolved to the community pharmacies. Only one participant was lost-to-follow-up as a result of death.\ud \ud Conclusion\ud Excellent prescription refill and high retention in care with very low loss-to-follow-up were associated with the community pharmacy model. The use of community pharmacy for community ART is feasible in Nigeria. We recommend the scale up of the model in all the 36 states of Nigeria.

Introduction : measles is a highly infectious epidemic-prone disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in children below the age of five years. As of 2014, about 459,000 suspected cases of Measles were reported to WHO. Case-based surveillance with laboratory confirmation is one of the key strategies being adopted to facilitate Measles control and mortality reduction. The aim of the evaluation was to describe the process, assess performance and make recommendations for improvement in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Measles Surveillance System. Method : the evaluation was undertaken between August and November 2016 using the CDC updated guidelines for evaluation of PH surveillance systems. This involved a retrospective review of FCT Measles Surveillance records from 2012 - 2015, questionnaire administration to Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and selected Health Facilities and Key Informant Interviews with relevant stakeholders. Information was obtained about the flow, attributes and challenges/gaps in the system. Analysis of quantitative data was done with Microsoft excel software. Results : there were 565 suspected Measles cases out of which 200 (34.4%) were confirmed. Children 1 - 5 years accounted for 79.5% (159/200) of confirmed Measles cases and 80% (4/5) of all deaths. A Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 2.5% was recorded while the year 2013 accounted for the highest number of cases (116) representing 58% of all confirmed cases. Out of the 565 suspected cases 354 (62.7%) had no vaccination at all, 169 (29.9%) had one dose of Measles vaccine while only 42 (7.4%) had two doses. The system was found to be flexible, acceptable, representative and highly sensitive. Positive Predictive Value was low, being (35.4%). Ninety (90%) of respondents agreed that the system adapts to changes while (100%) of the DSNOs and (80%) of other stakeholders are ready to continue with the system. However, stability is not guaranteed because it is donor driven. Conclusion : the Measles Surveillance System in FCT is meeting its objectives of describing the burden and epidemiological trends in Measles cases as evidenced by the response of the stakeholders on the system attributes. However, more effort is needed to ensure its sustainability.

Post-harvest losses of food crops, especially fruits and vegetables, are common phenomena in developing countries. Data were analysed with Ordinary Least Square technique and descriptive statistics. The results revealed that tomato marketing was male-dominated with a mean age of 36 years. The findings also revealed a gini-coefficient of 0.4 and that quantity of tomato fruits, time tomato fruits spent on farm after maturity and time taken before tomato is sold to consumers had significant effect on the income of the marketers. The major constraints faced by the marketers included bad road, inadequate storage facilities and, seasonality. It is therefore recommended that government should encourage the establishment of more tomato processing industries to purchase excess tomato fruits during the glut season. Post-harvest losses of food crops, especially fruits and vegetables, are common phenomena in developing countries. Data were analysed with Ordinary Least Square technique and descriptive statistics. The results revealed that tomato marketing was male-dominated with a mean age of 36 years. The findings also revealed a gini-coefficient of 0.4 and that quantity of tomato fruits, time tomato fruits spent on farm after maturity and time taken before tomato is sold to consumers had significant effect on the income of the marketers. The major constraints faced by the marketers included bad road, inadequate storage facilities and, seasonality. It is therefore recommended that government should encourage the establishment of more tomato processing industries to purchase excess tomato fruits during the glut season.

Introduction Rabies is a fatal neglected zoonosis killing 55,000 people worldwide annually. It is endemic in Nigeria with 10,000 people exposed annually through dog-bites. To inform adequate intervention due to the rise in reported dog-bite cases, we assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP). Methods We carried out a cross-sectional study among 224 residents in Abuja Municipal Area Council. We used structured questionnaires to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes on rabies prevention. Knowledge score of ≥ 8 points based on ten-point domain question were regarded as satisfactory. We analyzed data using Epi-Info and Excel for proportions and associations were determined at 5% significance level. Results A total of 123 (55%) respondents owned dogs. One hundred and eighty four (82%) respondents had satisfactory knowledge on rabies prevention, about 87% knew where to get dogs vaccinated and would seek medical treatment from the hospital when bitten by a dog. Majority (58%) did not know the frequency of anti-rabies administration for dogs and 63.3% did not know the appropriate first aid actions following dog-bites. Of 123 dog owners, 35% would allow their dogs roam without restriction and 94% reported vaccinating their dogs against rabies. Dog owners were more likely to have satisfactory knowledge of rabies compared to non-dog owners (OR 7.8, 95% CI 1.0-62.0, p = 0.02). Conclusion Knowledge on rabies is satisfactory but with gaps in the frequency of dog anti-rabies vaccination, appropriate first-aid following dog bites and non restriction of dog movement. To prevent rabies, these gaps need to be addressed through public enlightenment and enforcement of dog movement restrictions laws.

Background: Patients’ satisfaction remains an important tool for evaluating quality of care in the emerging global trend of patient-centered care. Aim: To assess satisfaction with care received by patients at public secondary hospitals in Abuja, north central Nigeria. Method: We measured patients’ satisfaction using structured questionnaire, and Cronbach α was used to assess consistency in item responses. A multivariate mixed-effects linear regression was fitted to identify factors influencing the overall satisfaction. Results: All satisfaction domains tested were scored at “intermediate-positive levels” except for the “feeling being valued and appreciated as patients” domain that scored the least positive response level. On the overall, respondents rated the hospitals at high satisfaction level. There was a significant positive association between patients’ satisfaction and careful listening of care providers; patients’ perception of being valued and appreciated by the hospital staff ( P = .003 and P = .001, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings suggest high satisfaction of care at public hospitals in Abuja Nigeria. Patients satisfaction survey should be integrated into hospital management planning and administration as part of quality improvement.

Sexually Transmitted Parasitic Diseases (STPDs) are infectious diseases that are transmitted via unprotected sex which could potentially predispose men and women to different reproductive health issues. The data presented in this report shows that, trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) remain the only reported sexually-transmitted parasitic disease in Nigeria. Also, of the 36 states in the country, only 26 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja have partly evaluated the prevalence of the disease. Furthermore, the prevalence data on the burden of TV infections in Nigeria in form of Years Lived with Disability (YLD), the distribution of the infection in the six geopolitical zones and the prevalence over the years are presented. Notably, YLD for TV infection was highest in the South-South; while the factors possibly impacting on the burden of TV in Nigeria are highlighted.

International audience; Introduction: Escherichia coli are frequently isolated from diarrheic children in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria, but their virulent properties are not routinely evaluated. Therefore, the etiology of childhood diarrheal disease attributable to diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) in Abuja, Nigeria remains unknown. Methodology: Stool specimens from 400 acute diarrheic children between 0 and 60 months of age were studied. E. coli strains isolated were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for nine virulence genes and HEp-2 cell adherence to detect and identify five distinct diarrheagenic E. coli categories. Results: Diarrheagenic E. coli was detected in 51 (12.8%) of the diarrheic children. The observed DEC pathotypes were enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) in 18 (4.5%) children, enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) in 16 (4.0%), enteroaggrative E. coli (EAEC) in 8 (2.0%), enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) in 6 (1.5%), and enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) in 3 (0.8%). Four (1.0 %) EPEC strains with only the eae+ gene that adhered diffusely to HEp-2 cell were identified as atypical EPEC. All the DEC categories except atypical EPEC were identified in children between 6 and 12 months of age. Conclusions: This study underscores the need for routine evaluation of diarrheic children for virulence properties of infectious DEC. Atypical EPEC are emerging among the DEC pathotypes isolated from childhood acute gastroenteritis in Abuja, Nigeria.

The research was carried out to assess physicochemical and metal qualities of sewage effluent from Durumi in Gudu District of FCT, Abuja. Sewage effluent samples were collected during the dry and rainy seasons in 2014, and analyzed for some physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations , using APHA methods and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) res pectively. pH ranged from 7.9± 1.0 – 7 .55±0.1 in dry season and 7.55±1.0 – 7.90± 0.00 during rainy season. HCO 3