One of the adverse effects that may accompany prolonged exposure to gas flaring (as with Niger Delta region of Nigeria) is increasing incidences of health anomalies amidst inhabitants. Current study investigated the effects of oil exploration and exploitation on the physical and mental health of residents of Okpai community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, southern Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used to draw a total of three hundred and forty (340) participants from the estimated population of Okpai community who have lived for a minimum of 3 years within the targeted area. Participants were then randomly recruited into three groups of equal number of interviewees of age range 18-30 (30%), 31-45 (37%) and 18-30 (33%) respectively. Majority of the respondents were in the age group of 18-30 (83%), with only 17% from 31-45 year old age group, similar to group 1. Following administration of questionnaire to participants, Socio-demographic variables were obtained after which their informed consents and approval was given. Obtained results were expressed in simple percentages, while presenting in appropriate statistical tables and graphs. Upon analysis, study observed an increase in the percentage of crude oil exploration on the physical and mental health of Okpai residents, suggesting that crude oil exploration greatly negatively affected the health status of Okpai community inhabitants. Study also established from the participants’ perception that the oil companies appeared not to be concerned or cares about the area investigated. Also from participants’ assertions, the consumption of contaminated fish and water created health problems. Participants also felt their healthcare needs were marginalized and ignored by representatives from oil companies and the local government. Most respondents described simply dealing with physical health ailments on their own or visiting their local chemist for treatments. Further studies aimed at corroborating these findings are highly recommended.

Background: HIV/AIDS related stigmatization has been reported to be traced to several factors. Little or no knowledge on the illness, misapprehensions, as well as chauvinism against sufferers, to mention just a few. Aim: In this study, the stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS in Ndokwa West Local Government Area (NWLGA) of Delta State, Nigeria, was investigated. Methods: A total of 300 individuals comprising of, or related to HIV/AIDS sufferers were ethically recruited from the ten (10) communities in NWLGA using a well-structured and validated questionnaire. The data obtained from their responses were carefully analyzed and expressed in simple percentage. Results: The results showed that about 61 (20.5%) subjects were individuals who resided in urban community and 237 (79.5%) of them in the rural settings. The results on the stigmatization against HIV/AIDS patients due to prejudice revealed that 100 (33.6%) of the respondents strongly disagreed that HIV/AIDS sufferers in the community should be disliked, while 128 (43%) of them disagree with about 50 (16.8%) agreeing and 20 (6.7%) of the respondents strongly agreeing. Furthermore, stigmatization attributable to stereotyping showed that 68 (22.8%) of the respondents strongly disagreed to that everyone infected with HIV/AIDS have high level of sexual promiscuity; were as, about 114 (38.3%) disagreed to that notion with 57 (19.1%) agreeing and 59 (19.8%) strongly agreeing to it. Moreover, HIV/AIDS stigmatization due to discrimination revealed that 66 (22.1%) of the respondents strongly disagreed on never hiring an HIV/AIDS sufferer as a worker. About 98 (32.9%) disagreed on this notion, while 106 (35.6%) of the respondents agreed and 74 (24.8%) strongly disagreeing. Respondents further added that PLWHA should not be employed in any institution or organization and that they should never rent accommodation to them. Conclusion: Based on the results, stigmatization level of PLWHA was society and awareness dependent. Recommendations: To cope with the associated menace of HIV/AIDS stigmatization, it is recommended that society be encouraged to evolve strategies, programs and governmental policies, geared towards enlightening and sensitizing the public on the non-transmittability of HIV/AIDS through contact with sufferers as erroneously believed.

Polysaccharide gums derived from Grewia spp, a medicinal plant of the Malvaceae family are reportedly useful as excipients in different pharmaceutical formulations. In this study, we investigated and evaluated the emulsifying property of this gum extract by comparing with acacia gum as an emulsifying agent in the formulation of metronidazole emulsion. First, Grewia gum was extracted from pods and characterized. Six formulations of metronidazole emulsion were then prepared from Grewia or acacia gum. Next, the emulsions were evaluated and observed for creaming index, phase separation, viscosity, pH and organoleptic properties. Study showed emulsion from Grewia gum to exhibit lower creaming index than those of acacia or a combination of both. They however showed higher viscosity than those from acacia or combination of both gums with no apparent change(s) in colour, odour and appearance throughout the period of storage. Also, the pH value of acacia emulsions proved acidic just as the Grewia gum. The gum showed a pH of 6.15 with excellent flow property. The study showed the physiochemical properties of the gum to be good and employable in the pharmaceutical industry as a stabilizer, thickener especially when high viscosity is required. Further studies that corroborate this work is recommended.

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