Abstract:The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of caesarean-section among primigravida in general hospital Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria. The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional retrospective survey conducted from January 2016-December 2016. The target population comprised all the primigravida within the age of 16-45 who underwent caesarean section in General Hospital Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria. The sample size consisted of 224 patients that met the inclusion criteria of caesarean deliveries performed after period of viability (28 weeks). Data collection instrument was the hospital delivery records from the maternity units, theatre records, admission and discharge registers in labour ward with outcome of caesarean section using delivery collection sheet. Collected data were analysed using frequency distribution table. Findings revealed increased incidence of caesarean section from a steep of 17.9% recorded in January-February after a rapid rise to 20.5% in September-October to 22.3% in November-December. Finding also showed that most of the cases of caesarean-section achieved a life viable fetus with an APGAR score of 8/10 in the first five minutes of life. Major indications for caesarean-section were due to failure to progress during labour, previous uterine scar, no reassuring fetal status and fetal mal-presentation. It was also revealed that majority of women who had a previous caesarean section ended up having a spontaneous vaginal delivery.

This non-experimental, cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the "predisposing factors to protein energy malnutrition among children in Umuogele Umuariam Community, in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State." The target population comprised all the mothers in Umuogele Umuariam Community, in Obowo Local Government Area who has children (0-5years). The sample size consisted of 150 respondents who were selected using the convenient sampling technique after stratified sampling method. Data was collected from the mothers through self-structured and validated questionnaires. Data collected were presented in frequency and percentage.Mean scores were used to analyze the data. 2.50 was chosen as the bench mark (≥2.5 as criteria of acceptance). Inferential statistics (chi-square) (x2) was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that the mothers do not have very good knowledge of protein-energy malnutrition, that ignorance on food nutrition, non-practice of exclusive breastfeeding and poor weaning methods were the major factors that predispose children to protein energy malnutrition. Result also shows that proper nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding and proper weaning can be an effective tool in reducing PEM among under five children. Based on the results, the researchers recommended that enhancement in both knowledge and practice is greatly required on the following areas of exclusive breast milk, initiation of breast milk, continuous feeding of breast milk and good dietary practices.

Abstract:Absenteeism from clinical areas and lectures among nursing students is a significant problem that if not addressed will adversely affect the quality of nursing care. This cross-sectional descriptive survey design was to assess factors influencing absenteeism among nursing students in University of Maiduguri. A total of 270 respondents were selected using convenient sampling technique after stratified sampling technique was used to ensure that all levels (class) of the nursing students were represented. Data were collected through the use of self-constructed questionnaire which was administered by the researchers and trained assistants. Collected data were presented in frequency and percentage. Mean scores were used to analyze the data. 2.50 was chosen as the bench mark (≥ 2.5 as criteria of acceptance). Inferential statistics (chi-square) [x2] was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The study findings revealed that majority of students do absent themselves from lectures and clinical postings. Ill-health, nursing a baby, participation in other roles besides academic activities and transportation difficulties are important contributions to absenteeism. Poor grades and carry-over are effects of absenteeism. The researchers recommends among other things that; clinical supervision and attendance list should be taken serious during lectures and clinical posting. The school management board should provide free transportation to clinical areas and accommodations should also be provided for students within campus. Lecture halls and theaters should be made as conducive as possible.

This study was designed with an objective to assess the effectiveness of the PGDE programme in meeting the job needs of teachers in secondary schools in Gboko local government area of Benue state. A cross sectional descriptive survey design was used in the study. The instrument used for the data collection is a well-structured questionnaire consisting of 26 questionnaire items. 320 respondents were sampled from sixteen schools in Gboko using the purposive and stratified sampling techniques. The results obtained were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and variance. Findings revealed that secondary school teachers in Gboko were mainly HND holders (39%). The findings also showed that majority of the respondents were aware of the PGDE programme (both holders and non-holders of the PGDE certificate). Furthermore, the study indicated that PGDE holders were more proficient in the utilisation of teaching aids. All four hypotheses were tested and the researcher observed that there was no significant difference in knowledge of the PGDE programme among teachers who were PGDE holders and those without the certificate. The researcher noted a significant difference in the effectiveness of PGDE holders and non-holders in terms of their methodological competencies. The researcher further discovered that there existed a significant difference in the level of utilisation of teaching aids between PGDE holders and non-holders. It also revealed clearly that students understood lessons better when taught by PGDE holders than when taught by those without the certificate. The study then recommended among others that employment of teaching staff should be anchored on technical expertise while teachers without the PGDE certificate should be encouraged to acquire the certificate through sponsorship.

Children are known to be the source of joy in every family especially when the parents can afford their basic needs. Children in the northern part of Nigeria are prone to deprivation through almajiri system of education mainly due to respect for misunderstood religious concept and culture among other causes. This study of psycho-social effects of almajiri system on child's development was conducted in Gwange ward, Maiduguri, is aimed at identifying the psychological effects of almajiri system on child's development as well as the social effects of almajiri system on child's development. A descriptive design was used for the study. Data was obtained from respondents (almajiris) using structured questionnaire. The data was presented and analysed using descriptive statistics. Hypotheses were formulated and tested using Chi-square. The findings of this study revealed that the almajiris are affected both psychologically and socially due to lack of adequate care, loneliness, feeling of anger, lack of proper feeding and security, exposure to dangers and negligence by the society. Based on these findings, community health workers, psychologists, sociologists and government should be in the fore front of taking care of the almajiri system. Recommendations were made to families, communities, government and Non Governmental Organisation's on ways of improving the system and incorporating it with western education.