Teacher Education in Nigeria: An Overview - Jibril, Mustefa (African Research Review, 2008)
The paper stresses the importance of teacher education and briefly examined the development of teacher in Nigeria. The (NCE) National Certificate in Education is seen as an important and basic requirement for teachers to practice. The objectives of teacher education and the role of Commission for Colleges of Education as well as the Curriculum of the NCE were examined by the paper. African Research Review Vol. 1 (2) 2007: pp. 130-140
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Effect of Prior Knowledge of Instructional Objectives on Students\' Achievement in Selected Difficult Concepts in Nigerian Senior Secondary School Physics. - Nkwo, N I; Akinbobola, Akinyemi Olufunminiyi; Ikitde, Godwin A. (African Research Review, 2008)
The study examined the effect of prior knowledge of instructional objectives on students' achievement in selected difficult concepts in senior secondary school physics. A total of 100 senior secondary two (SS II) physics students were involved in the study. A non-randomized pretest-posttest control group design was used. From the findings, it was determined that students' prior knowledge of instructional objectives facilitates achievement on difficult concepts in physics. Generally, prior knowledge of behavioural objectives was found to be more effective in enhancing students' achievement on difficult concepts than prior knowledge of general objectives. Also, the results showed that male students achieved higher than female students given the same condition of exposure to prior knowledge of instructional objectives of physics difficult concept. Among others, it was recommended that physics teachers should introduce their lesson objectives in behavioural terms before the learning tasks begin at the instance of teaching the concept of electricity in senior secondary school physics. African Research Review Vol. 2 (1) 2008: pp. 241-260
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Commandants' Managerial Capacity and Workers Productivity in Nigeria Police Force Schools - Ojo, Babajide (African Research Review, 2008)
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the commandant's managerial capacity as if relates to workers productivity with a view to determining whether their calling to the education terrain has been justified and to correct certain areas in need of improvement in the Nigeria Police Education set up. In doing this, the study took in to cognizance the managerial process that could lead to high teacher productivity in relation to high academic performance of students The study found out that significant relationship exists between commandant Managerial capacity and teacher productivity with a Pearson correlation value of 0.284 and value of 0.001 level of significance. Other factors like experience and qualifications were found to be necessary pre-requisites for the appointment of heads of schools with chi-square value of 9.712 and p-level of 0.021 significance. Female teachers productivity was found to be lower than that of their male counterparts. In view of the findings, the study made some useful suggestions and recommendations. African Research Review Vol. 1 (3) 2007: pp. 36-50
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Comparative Study of the Influence of the Home Background on Student\'s Achievement in Mathematics in Bensihangul Gumuz Regional State of Ethiopia. - Ojo, Babajide; Tshehaw, A Y (African research review, 2008)
The purpose of this study was finding out how the various home environments in which students live affect the development of their ability to continue with school academic success. It sought to establish if there was any relationship between the home front and the students' academic achievement. Within these environments, measurable characteristics would be the home background. Socioeconomic differences were conventionally indexed by such demographic variables as household income, parents' education, occupation, and the social status. The study was carried out X-post facto and the methods the researchers used were statistical correlation and ANOVA. Results showed that the home and its environment could predict academic achievement. The regression analyses showed no significant difference in the attitudes of students from different homes towards the learning of mathematics. The study made useful suggestions and recommendations for policy making. African Research Review Vol. 2 (1) 2008: pp. 94-108
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A Study of the Acquisition of Spatial Prepositions by Selected Nigerian Learners of English - Okanlawon, Bidemi; Ojetunde, BA (African Research Review, 2008)
This paper examines the usage of English spatial prepositions by selected senior secondary school students in Nigeria. The participants were 300 students drawn from three schools in Lagos State of Nigeria. The elicitation instrument was a guided essay writing assignment. The spatial prepositions in the scripts were identified and these constituted the data for the study. Our findings showed that only two types of spatial prepositions were used productively while the others were used sparingly. On the basis of the findings suggestions are made to facilitate effective acquisition of English spatial prepositions by the learners. African Research Review Vol. 1 (3) 2007: pp. 96-107
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Sporting Equipment and Students\' Academic Performance in the Concept of Projectile in Nigerian Senior Secondary School Physics - Onwioduokit, Fidelis Ating; Akinbobola, Akinyemi Olufunminiyi; Udoh, M D (African Research Review, 2008)
This study investigated the effect of sporting equipment on students academic performance in the concept of projectile in Nigerian senior secondary school Physics in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A total of 183 senior secondary two (SS2) Physics students were involved in the study. The design adopted in the study was non randomized pretest – posttest control group design. The instrument used in gathering data for the study was Test On Projectile (TOP). The reliability coefficient of TOP was 0.79 using Kuder Richardson formula-21. The result showed that javelin was found to be the most effective in facilitating students' academic performance in the concept of projectile in secondary school Physics. This was followed by discus while shot-put was seen to be the least facilitative. The results also showed an insignificant gender difference in the academic performance of Physics students taught the concept of projectile using sporting equipment (javelin, discus and shotput). Also, the facilitating influence of sporting equipment on students' academic performance in the concept of projectile in Physics is about the same at all levels of gender. It is recommended that teachers should adopt the use of sporting equipment in the teaching of the concept of projectile in secondary school Physics. Keywords: Sporting Equipment, Students' Performance, Projectile, PhysicsAfrican Research Review Vol. 2 (1) 2008: pp. 1-18
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Teachers Assessment of Secondary School Effectiveness in Akwa Ibom State Of Nigeria - Udo, A O (African Research Review, 2008)
The aim of the study was to determine how secondary school teachers in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria assess their school effectiveness in terms of learning and teaching, planning and organizing teaching, guidance and counselling, leadership and ethos. Three hypotheses were raised. The population of study consisted of all teachers in public secondary schools in the state numbering 6,665 and stratified random sampling techniques were used in selecting 1333 teachers for the study. Data collected through school effectiveness questionnaire (SEQ) and analysed using independent t-test revealed that teachers viewed educational services provided in secondary schools in the state as being average in the variables under consideration. The need for stakeholders to consider quality input and quality process as a pre-requisite for quality output was emphasized. African Research Review Vol. 1 (2) 2007: pp. 185-195
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The causes of shortage of Cadavers in medical schools across Nigeria - Ajao, M S; Abdullahi, Sadiq M; Jimoh, SA; Olawepo, A; Olayaki, L.A. (Tropical Journal of Health Sciences, 2008)
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Access and quality in South African higher education: the twin challenges of transformation - Akoojee, Salim; Nkomo, Mokubung (South African journal of higher education, 2008)
Higher Education transformation in South Africa requires a synergy of creative strategies to engage issues of redress. Access to higher education remains one mechanism for achieving this in South African higher education. While there is clearly a need to enable access by improving student success (access with success), as opposed to simply ensuring their participation (access as participation), the adequacy of these initiatives needs to be evaluated in the context of institutional transformation. By introducing a quality assurance framework, institutions can ensure that access initiatives are institutionalised. Conceptions of access, however, need to be situated within appropriate definitions of quality. This would enable institutions to track the responsiveness of measures to achieve national transformational objectives. It is argued that current Academic Development (AD) initiatives as a means of achieving `access with success\' can only deal marginally with the transformation agenda in South Africa. It is proposed that a comprehensive quality assurance framework with embedded commitment to access is likely to respond appropriately to national development prerogatives of higher education access. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 21 (3) 2007: pp. 385-399
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Day and Night noise pollution study in some major town in Delta State, Nigeria - Anomohanran, D; Osemeikhian, J.E.A. (Ghana Journal of Science, 2008)
Day and night noise pollution studies have been carried out in some major towns in Delta State, Nigeria, using a P10Nneer 65 noise meter. The noise measurements were taken at 10 points within each of the twons at an interval of 30 min. during the peak period of the day and at the cool of the night. The results obtained show that the average day time noise level for Warri exceeded the WHO permissible limit of 90 dB. All other locations have an everage niose level lower than the WHO limit but within the range of 75-85 dB. The peak niose level for the day time exceeded the WHO permissible limit for all the towns except at Abraka with a peak of 76.2 dB. At night, all the towns investigated exhibited a quiet atmosphere for both the average as well as the paek noise measurements. The reason for the high value of noise in some places was due to automobiles plying the road at slow speeds as observed in Warri and other places. Other reasons were due to the use of electricity generators necessitated by the incessant public power suply failure, commercial motorcycles, recording houses and those using music to promote sales of their wares. Résumé Des études sur les nuisances sonores de jour et nuit ont été enterprises en quelques villes principales de l\'État deltaïque du Nigéria en employant le compteur de bruit, le dosimèter PIONnier 65. La mesure de bruit était faite à dix points en chaque villes à intervalle de 30 minutes pendant la période de bruit pointe de la journée et dans la fraîcheur de la nuit. Les résultats obtenus indiquent que le niveau de bruit moyen de la journée pour Warri excédait la limite acceptable de 90 dB recommandée par la OMS. Tous les autres emplacements avaient un niveau de bruit moyen plus faible que la limite exigée par OMS variant entre 75 dB et 85 dB. La période de pointe du niveau de bruit pour la journée excédait la limite recommandée par la OMS pour toutes les villes sauf à Abraka ayant une période de pointe de 76.2 dB. Pendant la nuit toutes les villes étudiées montraient une atmosphere paisible pour les measures de bruit moyen et de bruit de période de pointe. La raison pour le haut chiffre de bruit à quelques endroits était attribuable aux automobiles roulant sur la route à petites vitesses comme on a fait remarquer à Warri et aux autres endroits. D\'autres raisons étaient attribuables à l\'emploi de génératrices exigées par la panne incessante de courant du public, des motocyclettes commerçiales, des studios d\'enregistrement et ceux qui emploient la musique pour la promotion des ventes de leurs merchandises. Ghana Journal of Science Vol. 46 2006: pp. 47-54
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Benchmarking equity and diversity in higher education institutions: A South African assessment - Babatunde, Adeleke (South African journal of higher education, 2008)
To understand how much or how little progress is made in democratising higher education, an examination of transformation in the sector needs to be undertaken. Such an examination will reveal best practice, the sharing of which can move the process of transformation forward by inspiring those further beyond in the process. This article serves to fulfil that purpose. It comprises an assessment of equity and diversity in selected higher education institutions in the country that may be regarded as `best practice'. The study focussed on the university as an equity employer and thus staff equity is examined. The article reports the South African component of a five-country study undertaken in late 2004. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 20(4) 2006: pp.419-432
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Reflections on equity and diversity at higher education institutions in South Africa - Babatunde, Adeleke (South African journal of higher education, 2008)
Equity and diversity have become part of the dialogue, debate, policy and scholarship at higher education institutions in South Africa. These have appeared through the transformation agendas at institutions, focussing on a number of different issues: student access and development, staff equity, institutional climate or culture etc. This paper reflects on the issues of equity and diversity in higher education institutions through the development of a framework of domains into which existing research may be classified. The organising framework incorporates the variables that impact the development of equity and diversity, documents the research and practice, and identifies areas for further research in the field of equity and diversity in higher education institutions. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 19 (4) 2005: pp.653-665
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Institutional self-representation at South African higher education institutions - Baijnath, Narend; Christiansen, IM; Ogude, N. A. (South African journal of higher education, 2008)
This article summarises our findings from the investigation of the research question: `What are the variations in self-representations at universities and technikons, with particular respect to boundary constructions, perceptions of the institution\'s past, and visions of possible futures?\' The analysis in this article is based on transcripts and summaries of 19 interviews. The interviewees from the technikons describe the ways in which the technikons are unique, often drawing comparisons with universities. The relevance or application aspect of research and the close links to the workplace are described as characteristics of technikons. The discourses of the HWT interviewees exhibited a broader view on this than the discourses of the HBT interviewees, talking about `social relevance\' being more than `links to industry and commerce\'. Discursively, the technikon interviewees painted a picture of the technikons as lacking in a number of respects in comparison to universities. The university interviewees did not engage in descriptions of the universities\' practices, but described the technikons in terms of their particularities and differences from the universities. Together, these findings show that most of the interviewees communicate a view of technikons as the `other\' of South African higher education, indicating that the concept of `university\' has taken on universality in this context. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 21 (3) 2007: pp. 400-411
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Using "plasma TV" broadcasts in Ethiopian secondary schools: A brief survey - Bitew, Getnet (Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 2008)
The objective for this study is to investigate the contribution of the "plasma" mode of instruction to the school experiences of students in Government secondary schools in Ethiopia, as viewed by students, their parents and teachers, and by comparing it with experiences in Catholic secondary schools, which did not use "plasma". Interviews, observations and document analyses were used as data collection instruments. It was observed that Government and Catholic Schools use the same national curriculum but employ different classroom practices. Government schools were using a live, nationally broadcasted "plasma" television mode of instruction, whilst the Catholic schools used traditional face to face methods of teaching. However, the two groups of participants; students, teachers and parents in the two schools, have different comments on the actual teaching-learning practices of the schools irrespective of their own classroom experiences. Recommendations based on the data are presented.
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Towards an indigenous African epistemology of community in higher education research - Higgs, Philip (South African journal of higher education, 2008)
Issues of intellectual and cultural hegemony have long been critical foci in education debates in South Africa. This is evidenced in present times by the call for an African Renaissance in education, as well as, a growing discourse that demands the acknowledgement and inclusion of indigenous knowledge systems in the South African education system. This article considers the epistemological question that centres around the debate of whether there is, in fact, an indigenous African way of knowing, and if so, what the implications for higher education research would be. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 21 (4) 2007: pp. 668-679
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Undergraduate engineering training through institutional collaboration in the Southern African region - Ilemobade, A.A.; Ballim, Y. (South African journal of higher education, 2008)
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and The University of Namibia (UNAM) signed an Agreement of Co-operation (AOC) in 2000. This agreement, which formalised an existing informal collaboration, was primarily targeted at facilitating the transfer of potential Unam undergraduate engineering students to pursue engineering studies at the WITS Faculty of Engineering as well as improving staff collaboration in research and teaching. Students from UNAM's pre-engineering programme and science departments have been beneficiaries of this agreement. Four years later, an evaluation of the collaboration reveals critical issues vis-aÁ-vis decreasing student enrolments, unimpressive student graduation rates, and financial and operational complexities affecting student mobility ± all of which have institutional as well as regional implications. This paper presents highlights and pertinent lessons of the collaboration, and recommendations for similar collaboration in the Southern African region both at an institutional and regional level. As a whole, the paper uses the Wits experience to extrapolate principles and strategic issues facing institutions involved in academic collaboration and crossborder movement of students within the Southern Africa region. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 19 (4) 2005: pp.735-753
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The challenge of real rights for disabled students in South Africa - Matshedisho, Rajohane (South African journal of higher education, 2008)
This article argues that part of redressing unequal access to higher education for disabled students is the challenge of transforming formal rights into real rights. Four sections build up to the argument. The first section outlines some of the challenges facing support provision for disabled students in South Africa. The second section describes and analyses the principles of disability rights in South Africa. The third section explains the limits to rights and how they may affects support provision for disabled students. The final section points at some considerations of the nature of rights in thinking about widening access to higher education for disabled students. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 21 (4) 2007: pp. 706-716
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Students' and lecturers' perceptions of some factors influencing students' academic success or failure at a historically black university in South Africa - Ngidi, David P. (South African journal of higher education, 2008)
This study investigated the perceptions of students and lecturers of some factors influencing students' academic success or failure at a university. To this end, the ‘success' scale and ‘failure' scale were used. The results indicated that the correlation between lecturers' and students' ratings of factors that contribute to student success was strong, positive, and significant while the correlation on the ratings of factors that contribute to failure was very weak, positive, but not significant. The results also indicated that the correlation between the ratings given by first-year students and senior students with regard to factors contributing to success was strong, positive, and significant while the correlation on the ratings of factors contributing to failure was weak, positive, and significant. The findings are discussed and suggestions are made with regard to measures to improve lecturers' and students' understanding of factors that are likely to contribute to students' academic success or failure at a university. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 21 (4) 2007: pp. 717-732
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Knowledge production and transmission in a changing society: challenges facing law lecturers in a distance education environment in South Africa - Scott, Susan (South African journal of higher education, 2008)
In this article I highlight the challenges facing a law lecturer in a multicultural society in transformation where the student is being prepared to serve society in different occupational fields as a professional person. I indicate that the law itself cannot effect change. For this we need properly trained lawyers. For an effective transformation of the society we rely heavily on previously disadvantaged groups to take responsibility in all fields of the legal profession. The requirements exacted from lawyers are very high. I furthermore focus on the tension between the kind of graduate we are expected to produce and the students presenting themselves at our institution. Particular attention is paid to the kind of skills that we have to transmit to students, as well as the obstacles in the way of achieving this at a distance education institution. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 20 (5) 2006: pp. 731-743
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A humanistic approach to South African Accounting education - West, Andrew; Saunders, Stephen Graham (South African journal of higher education, 2008)
Humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers made a distinction between traditional approaches and humanistic `learner-centred\' approaches to education. The traditional approach holds that educators impart their knowledge to willing and able recipients; whereas the humanistic approach holds that educators act as facilitators who assist learners in their learning processes. As a learning theory, humanism refers to the belief in the innate ability of humans to learn, and the creation of an environment in which students are given `Freedom to Learn\'. South African accounting education has, by and large, followed the traditional approach rather than the humanistic approach. This article attempts to expand on the existing references to a humanistic approach through a more detailed exposition and application of the educational theory of Carl Rogers in the context of South African accounting education. The prospects of a humanistic approach in accounting education are then discussed and some practical strategies provided in relation to a specific third-year undergraduate accounting unit offered in South Africa. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 20 (5) 2006: pp. 718-732
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Evaluations of higher education transformation in South Africa - Westhuizen, Gert J. Van Der (South African journal of higher education, 2008)
This article is an analysis of the transformation evaluations of higher education in South Africa. It offers a review of recent literature on conceptions of evaluation research models and practice, and of reform evaluations in education, specifically pertaining to higher education. From this analysis, a framework for the analysis of reform evaluations is proposed and used to review a selection of nine reports published since 1994 on evaluations of changes in higher education in South Africa. The findings are offered as a critical analysis of evaluation practices exemplified by the selected studies. The article develops an understanding of what competent evaluations of education transformation may involve. This article is based on research sponsored by a grant for senior researchers from the USA-SA Fulbright Commission. The research included a stay at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst from September 2004 to January 2005. The opinions expressed in the report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Fulbright Commission. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 21 (3) 2007: pp. 552-569
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Routine Patch Testing In A Dermatology Clinic Of A Teaching Hospital In Nigeria - Ayanlowo, Olusola; Olumide, Yetunde (Nigerian quarterly journal of hospital medicine, 2008)
Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) poses a great diagnostic challenge to the dermatologist as it mimics many common dermatoses. Patch test (PT) is used to establish the diagnosis of ACD and to exclude suspected allergens.This study reviewed the clinical presentations and patch test results of consecutive patients with the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis seen at the skin clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).This was a prospective study of all patients that presented with features of allergic contact dermatitis at the skin clinic of LUTH between September 2003 and October 2004. One hundred and two patients with ACD and 100 controls were patch tested and included in the sample size.Allergic contact dermatitis accounted for 7.7% of patients that presented at the dermatology clinic of LUTH during the study period. There was a slight female preponderance and the highest number of patients presented between the ages of 21 and 40. Features of chronic eczema were found in 71.4% of patients. Sixty patients (58.3%) and 26 controls (26%) had positive patch test responses. There was a statistically significant difference between the patch test responses in patients and controls. The specificity of the patch test procedure was 74% and the sensitivity was 58.8%.Patients with allergic contact dermatitis will benefit from routine patch test for aetiological diagnosis and to prevent chronicity.
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A New Training Model Needed for African Militaries - Carper, Emmanuel T. (2008)
Abstract : The best part of my deployment to Djibouti, Africa, during the summer of 2004 was any opportunity to escape the 130 degree summer heat for temporary additional duties (TAD) in one of the surrounding countries. This is why I relished the thought of two weeks TAD to support training a Battalion of Ethiopian military peacekeepers. Like many Americans, I had never heard of ACOTA, which stands for Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance. But ACOTA was the reason I traveled over 600 miles to a remote base in Bilate, Ethiopia, to instruct crowd control to the Ethiopian military. I was the only active duty Marine on a team of 11 people. The others were 9 contractors from Northrop Grumman Technical Services (NGTS) and a Corpsman who deployed with me from Djibouti to teach basic first aid. We were all there to train the Ethiopian battalion on how to conduct peacekeeping operations under the State Department-sponsored program ACOTA. At the end of the 2-week training period, I concluded that ACOTA was not an effective allocation of resources for a long-term capacity building program because it does not combat the root causes of insecurity in Africa, which are poverty, illiteracy, and disease. The inherent costs of travel to each country for the contractors, the cost of the contracting itself, and the per diem costs for military members who support the instruction all added up. A more efficient way to conduct ACOTA training would be to establish permanent facilities in a centralized location where African countries could send their forces for instruction. Soldiers would be removed from the squalid conditions of their home countries, food could be provided at the school and, most importantly, there would be a hospital to treat sick soldiers. If it is going to make significant breakthroughs, ACOTA will have to divert resources to a central training Academy where real mentoring, training, and learning can occur.
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The Role of Parent Governors in School Governance in Zimbabwe: Perceptions of School Heads, Teachers and Parent Governors - Chikoko, Vitallis (International Review of Education, 2008)
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Model-based estimates of the cost of the universal free primary education policy in Kenya - Kones, Julius K; Mbugua, Levi (The East African journal of statistics, 2008)
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Orphanhood and Completion of Compulsory School Education Among Young People in South Africa: Findings From a National Representative Survey - Operario, Don; Cluver, Lucie; Rees, Helen; MacPhail, Catherine; Pettifor, Audrey (Journal of Research on Adolescence, 2008)
We examined the association of orphanhood and completion of compulsory school education among young people in South Africa. In South Africa, school attendance is compulsory through grade 9, which should be completed before age 16. However, family and social factors such as orphanhood and poverty can hinder educational attainment. Participants were 10,452 16–24‐year‐olds who completed a South African national representative household survey. Overall, 23% had not completed compulsory school levels. In univariate analyses, school completion was lower among those who had experienced orphanhood during school‐age years, males, and those who reported household poverty. In multivariate analyses controlling for household poverty, females who had experienced maternal or paternal orphanhood were less likely to have completed school; orphanhood was not independently associated with males' school completion. Findings highlight the need for evidence‐informed policies to address the education and social welfare needs of orphans and vulnerable youth, particularly females, in South Africa.
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Attitudes Toward Abortion in a Sample of South African Female University Students - Patel, Cynthia J.; Myeni, Manqoba C. (Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 2008)
This study examines the structure of abortion attitudes in a sample of 124 full‐time female university residence students, the relationship between self‐rated religiosity and abortion attitudes, as well as their knowledge of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act passed in South Africa in 1996. The data provide evidence for the existence of an underlying structure of abortion attitudes, which is complex and multifaceted. Almost 76% of the students described themselves as religious to very religious , and a pronounced trend toward pro‐life is evident.
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Retired teacher inspires supply shipment to Zimbabwe - Robinson, Heidi (2008)
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Computer use among doctors in Africa: Survey of trainees in a Nigerian teaching hospital - Asangansi, Ime; Adejoro, Oluwakayode; Farri, Oladimeji; Makinde, Olusesan Ayodeji (Journal of Health Informatics in Developing Countries, 2008)
The field of medicine and medical practice requires the use of computers for support in information processing, decision making and records keeping. The success of information and communications technology applications in health is dependent on the level of computer use by health professionals especially doctors. This questionnaire-based study assessed the level of computer and internet use by doctors in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital as well as their perception of the medical recording system in their place of practice. The study is planned to be carried out similarly in other centres across Africa; this survey will serve as a pilot.
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Learning about Astronomy: a case study exploring how grade 7 and 8 students experience sites of informal learning in South Africa - Lelliott, Anthony (2008)
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Reflections on the Training of PMTCT Counsellors in Motivational Interviewing in Sub-Saharan Africa - Mash, Bob; Baldassini, Giovanni; Mkhatshwa, Happiness; Sayeed, Ieshrit; Ndapeua, Shifiona (South African Family Practice, 2008)
Introduction: Within the Southern African prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) programmes, counsellors talk with pregnant mothers about a number of interrelated decisions and behaviour changes. Current counselling has been characterised as ineffective in eliciting behaviour change and as adopting a predominantly informational and directive approach. Motivational interviewing (MI) was chosen as a more appropriate approach to guide mothers in these difficult decisions, as it is designed for conversations about behaviour change. MI has not previously been attempted in this context. This paper reflects on how MI can be incorporated successfully into PMTCT counselling and what lessons can be learnt regarding how to conduct training with counsellors. Methods: Thirty-eight lay and nurse counsellors at four sites in Southern Africa were trained in MI. After the initial training, they participated in a five-month inquiry group at each site, where an action researcher (AR) facilitated ongoing learning of new counselling skills and reflection. Transcripts of recorded counselling sessions were then analysed using the motivational interviewing treatment integrity (MITI) code to assess their skills in MI. The MITI analysis was discussed with the action researchers and a consensus was reached on how to improve training. Results: Overall, the counsellors showed a global rating score of four out of seven, a reflection-to-question ratio of 0, a 43% open question score, an 18% complex reflection score and a 58% MI-adherent score. There were significant differences between the sites and between nurses and lay counsellors (p Conclusion: Nurse counsellors in Namibia and Swaziland demonstrated beginning proficiency in MI, while lay counsellors in South Africa did not. From the dialogue with the action researchers, nine recommendations were made to guide the development of future training programmes.
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Disability in leprosy patients in Anambra state, Nigeria. - Nwosu, Snn; Nwosu, MC (Journal of Biomedical Investigation, 2008)
Designed to describe the magnitude and pattern of physical deformities in leprosy patients in Anambra State, Nigeria. Registered patients in 4 leprosy clinics in Anambra State were studied using interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Each patient had general physical examination including neurologic and ophthalmic assessment. Physical deformities and disability were recorded and graded according to WHO criteria. Out of the 47 patients studied, 16 (34%) had pauci-bacillary leprosy and 31 [66%] had multi-bacillary diseases. Forty-one patients (87.2%)had deformities involving the hand, foot, eyes and or face. Disabling hand and foot deformities were recorded in 39 [83.0%] patients each; 36 patients ( 76.6%) had bilateral foot lesions while 35 (74.5%)had deformities in both hands. Twenty-one patients (44.7%) had ocular disability; 13 patients [27.7%] had nasal collapse and one had facial paralysis. A large proportion of leprosy patients in Anambra State have various forms of disability. Since such disabilities worsen with long duration of the diseases, early treatment of Leprosy is required. Occupational rehabilitation and health education will greatly help leprosy patients with disabling lesions cope with their problems. Journal of Biomedical Investigation Vol. 3 (1) 2005: pp. 38-40
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Socio-demographic characteristics of parents and emotional burden on discovery of disabilities of their children in a South African community - Useh, Ushotanefe (South African journal of physiotherapy, 2008)
Objective: This study investigated the socio-demographic characteristicsof parents of children with disabilities in a South African community. Also studiedwere their emotional responses. Design and methodology: A social survey research and focus group designs wereemployed in this study to explore and describe parental emotions Participants: 174 parents of children with disabilities were randomly selected andinterviewed by this author and four research assistants at different locations in theVenda area of Limpopo Province of South Africa. Results: Out of the 174 parents interviewed 95 (54.6%) were parents of children with physical impairment (PCWPI),51 (29.3%) parents of children with hearing impairment (PCWHI) and 28 (16.1%) were parents of children with visual impairment (PCWVI). Only 16 (9.2%) of the parents interviewed had tertiary education with a majority (121 (or 69.5%) of them unemployed. These unemployed parents solely relied on the monthly, government disabilitygrant of R620 (or US$89). Responses to grief, anger, shame were highest amongst PCWVI, while PCWPI were most worried (64.2%) and demonstrated the highest percentage emotions of fear (22.1%) and guilt (221.1%). The following percentage of emotions were expresses by parents with formal tertiary education, anger (44%), shame (37.5%), disbelief (25%), guilt (6.3%), worry (50%) and fear (25%). While participants with the highest income (over R1800or about US$257), expressed the following percentage of emotions: grief (70.6%), and disbelief (47.1%). Conclusion: Physiotherapist working with the disabled and their carers in the community within the concept of community based rehabilitation and social model of care would need to understand the characteristics and their emotional burden prior to assisting in creating an enabling environment and holistic empowering activities that wouldassist all.
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Burn out and emotional well-being among workers and students AT Nnewi, NIGERIA. - Uwakwe, Richard (Journal of Biomedical Investigation, 2008)
The study was designed to estimate and compare the levels of burn out and well-being among students, teachers, nurses, doctors and laboratory technologists. Secondary school students and teachers of a private secondary school in Nnewi were selected. From Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (Nnewi) nurses, laboratory technologists, medical students and doctors were recruited. These respondents were administered a Burn out Check List (BCL), and the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ). Sixteen percent of the subjects had burn out. Laboratory technologists had the highest score on the BCL. Using the SRQ, 37.7% of the subjects had probable mental ill health. The sub scale scores of the BCL were significantly associated with the SRQ in a multiple regression equation. Secondary school students had the highest score on the SRQ. No medical doctor or nurse had severe burn out. Conclusion: Burn out occurs across a wide variety of persons including students. Keywords: Burn out, non-caring professionals, Nigerians. Journal of Biomedical Investigation Vol. 3 (2) 2005: pp. 21-31
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Obbessive– compulsive symptoms in a sample of Nigerian undergraduate students: comparison with two instruments - Uwakwe, Rowland Chukwuemeka (Journal of Biomedical Investigation, 2008)
The study is designed to determine the level of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among a sample of medical students. To test the association between ‘trait' and ‘symptom' in obsessionality. One hundred and thirty-eight students had their socio-demographic profiles obtained. The subjects self-rated the Sandler – Hazari Obsessive Compulsive Inventory, and were assessed by a trained nurse with the Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale YBOCS. Forty-six percent of the subjects scored above the normal mean of the trait subscale of the Sandler – Hazari Inventory; 28.3% scored above the symptom normal mean. The mean score on the Trait subscale was 9.17+-3.40 SD, and on the symptom subscale, 7.03+-3.31 SD. The Mean Score on the YBOCS obsession subscale was 4.09+-3.44 SD, and on the compulsive subscale, 3.49+-3.72 SD. The total YBOCS score correlated with Trait but not symptom score (r = 0.20, P
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Ocular Morbidity in Secondary School Students in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria - Adegbehingbe, BO; Oladehinde, M K; Majemgbasan, T O; Onakpoya, H O; Osagiede, EF (Nigerian Journal of Ophthalmology (Mumbai), 2008)
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A Review of Ocular Surgeries over a Ten-year Period in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria - Adio, AO (Nigerian Journal of Ophthalmology (Mumbai), 2008)
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Ethnicity, Cognitive Styles, and Math Achievement: Variability within African-American Post-Secondary Students - Tomes, Yuma Iannotti (Multicultural Perspectives, 2008)
In this study, the relationship between ethnicity and cognitive styles was examined. Past literature (Witkin, 1978 Witkin, H. A. 1978. Cognitive styles in personal and cultural adaptation, New York: Clark University Press. [Google Scholar]) suggested that African Americans and other ethnic groups were field-dependent learners. However, more recent studies (Dunn & Dunn, 1991 Dunn, R. and Dunn, K. 1991. Teaching underachievers through their learning style strengths. The Association for the Advancement of International Education, 16(52): 485–494. [Google Scholar]; Saracho, 1999 Saracho, O. 1999. “A framework for effective classroom teaching: Matching teachers' and students' cognitive styles”. In International perspectives on individual differences: Vol. 1. Cognitive styles, Edited by: Riding, R. J. and Rayner, S. G. 297–314. Stamford, CT: Ablex. [Google Scholar]) have given mixed results regarding processing. This study included a sample of 159 prerequisite math students at a large southeastern university. The sample was administered the Gregorc Style Delineator (1982) to determine participants' cognitive style. Results revealed that no particular ethnicity demonstrated an affinity for one cognitive style. However, African Americans were more likely to have a concrete cognitive style, which is juxtaposed to previous studies.
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Livestock sector training needs assessment report for southern Africa - Banda, J.W.; Kazembe, John (2008)
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Curricula, examinations, and assessment in secondary education in sub-saharan Africa - Bregman, Jacob; Verspoor, Adriaan; Klosowska, Kasha (2008)
Curriculum reforms first and foremost should focus on improving the current teaching and learning processes. As a systemic challenge, these changes need to include re-orientation from secondary education as pre-academic tertiary education to a wider range of options, including vocational education and the world of work. Curriculum reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) require comprehensive approaches directed at the complexity of the educational system at large. It requires the acknowledgement of past obstacles and current challenges to reform, as well as the challenges additionally created by the reforms. Human and physical resources, perceptions, experiences with past reforms and current school and classroom practices determine the limits of what educational systems can absorb in terms of development. Many high political ambitions have implications that are beyond current context and conditions. It therefore makes sense to have realistic ambitions and scope of curriculum reform, because these may increase the potential for successful implementation. Sometimes, less could actually be more. It is recommended that curriculum reform and strategies be based on the realities on the ground and much less on political ambitions. Implementation of curricula depends on improved coordination of development efforts with a focus on curriculum. It is recommended to increase the efficiency, clearly define institutional responsibilities, and provide for better cooperation and communication with across existing institutions and departments.
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Emotional Burden of Infertility: A Controlled Study of Women Managed at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital - Fatoye, GK; Owolabi, AT; Fatoye, F O; Eegunranti, B A (Gender and behaviour, 2008)
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between socio-cultural factors and infertility-related stress among a sample of Nigerian women. The subscales of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a schedule detailing socio-demographic and infertility-related variables were administered on women with infertility and a matched control group. The rates of significant anxiety symptoms (39.4%) and depressive symptoms (40.4%) among the women with infertility were higher than the corresponding rates of 11.1% and 10.1% in the control group. Their mean anxiety and depression scores were also higher (P
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Knowledge and Attitude of Nigerian Female Undergraduate Students Toward STIs/HIV/AIDS Pandemic: University of Lagos Example - Oyefara, John Lekan; Bisiriyu, Luqman A. (Gender and behaviour, 2008)
This study examines the knowledge and attitude of female undergraduate students in Nigeria toward STIs/HIV/AIDS pandemic. Quantitative research technique was adopted to examine this objective using University of Lagos female students as study population. The specific research method adopted in the study is cross-sectional survey and total of 200 female students were randomly sampled during the period of data collection. Results of the study reveal that 75.0 percent of respondents are sexually active and many of them have multiple sexual partners. Consequently, about 10.5 percent of the sampled female students have contracted at least one form of STIs or the other. There is a significant association between current marital status of the female students and contraction of STIs at P < 0.01. Specifically, 33.3% of separated female students have ever contracted at least one form of STDs compared with 7.5 percent among single female students. In addition, there is a significant association between level of study and contraction of STDs by female students at P < 0.01. In particular, 60.0 percent of extra-years students reported that they have ever contracted STDs compared with 16.7 percent among 100-200 female students. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS pandemic is 100.0 percent and the students were able to mention the three main routes of contracting HIV infection. Responses on the perception of female students about HIV/AIDS show that about 81.0 percent belief that HIV/AIDS is actually in existence, but 19.0 percent stated that it is not real. In addition, 34.0 percent of the respondents argued that HIV/AIDS is curable. Information on practice of safe sex among sexually active students reveals that only 41.0 percent of them are using condom regularly during sexual intercourse. This shows that many of the sexually active undergraduate female students in Nigeria are highly vulnerable to the contraction of STIs/HIV. In conclusion, more effort should be put together to educate students of higher institutions in Nigeria about STIs/HIV/AIDS epidemic. This will remove erroneous belief about the disease and also encourage safe sex among them. Gender and Behaviour Vol. 5 (2) 2007: pp. 1340-1359
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Governance, management, and accountability in secondary education in sub-saharan Africa - Bregman, Jacob; Verspoor, Adriaan (2008)
The purpose of this study, educations for all has led to a significant increase in the number of students completing primary education in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It has also created tremendous demand for secondary education. This paper discusses the processes that support upward and downward accountability in the secondary education system and processes designed to ensure internal accountability and accountability for learning outcomes. This report focuses on school-level management as the place where governance structures and management processes converge. It examines the role of various governance structures for secondary schools and their impact on the management of teachers and of general academic and financial management. Finally this publication summarizes the discussions in terms of the key issues and suggestions for improvements within educational governance, management, and accountability.
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Transformational Learning in Botswana: How Culture Shapes the Process - Merriam, Sharan B.; Ntseane, Gabo (Adult Education Quarterly, 2008)
Transformational learning as presented by Jack Mezirow has been critiqued for its Western, rational, and cognitive orientation. This qualitative study was conducted in the African nation of Botswana and examines how that culture shaped the process. In-depth interviews were held with 12 adults who acknowledged having an experience that had profoundly changed their view of themselves and/or their perspectives on the world. Spirituality and the metaphysical world, community responsibilities and relationships, and gender roles are 3 culturally specific factors embedded in how participants constructed the meaning of their experience; these factors are also evident in their changed perspective.
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Tracking SMME Development in South Africa: Issues of Finance, Training and the Regulatory Environment - Rogerson, Christian M. (Urban Forum, 2008)
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Effect of Newborn Resuscitation Training on Health Worker Practices in Pumwani Hospital, Kenya - Opiyo, Newton; Were, Fred; Govedi, F; Fegan, Greg; Wasunna, Aggrey; English, Mike (PLOS ONE, 2008)
Background Birth asphyxia kills 0.7 to 1.6 million newborns a year globally with 99% of deaths in developing countries. Effective newborn resuscitation could reduce this burden of disease but the training of health-care providers in low income settings is often outdated. Our aim was to determine if a simple one day newborn resuscitation training (NRT) alters health worker resuscitation practices in a public hospital setting in Kenya. Methods/Principal Findings We conducted a randomised, controlled trial with health workers receiving early training with NRT (n = 28) or late training (the control group, n = 55). The training was adapted locally from the approach of the UK Resuscitation Council. The primary outcome was the proportion of appropriate initial resuscitation steps with the frequency of inappropriate practices as a secondary outcome. Data were collected on 97 and 115 resuscitation episodes over 7 weeks after early training in the intervention and control groups respectively. Trained providers demonstrated a higher proportion of adequate initial resuscitation steps compared to the control group (trained 66% vs control 27%; risk ratio 2.45, [95% CI 1.75–3.42], p<0.001, adjusted for clustering). In addition, there was a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of inappropriate and potentially harmful practices per resuscitation in the trained group (trained 0.53 vs control 0.92; mean difference 0.40, [95% CI 0.13–0.66], p = 0.004). Conclusions/Significance Implementation of a simple, one day newborn resuscitation training can be followed immediately by significant improvement in health workers' practices. However, evidence of the effects on long term performance or clinical outcomes can only be established by larger cluster randomised trials. Trial Registration Controlled-Trials.com ISRCTN92218092
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Intent to migrate among nursing students in Uganda: Measures of the brain drain in the next generation of health professionals - Nguyen, Lisa; Ropers, S.; Nderitu, Esther; Zuyderduin, A.; Luboga, Samuel; Hagopian, Amy (Human resources for health, 2008)
There is significant concern about the worldwide migration of nursing professionals from low-income countries to rich ones, as nurses are lured to fill the large number of vacancies in upper-income countries. This study explores the views of nursing students in Uganda to assess their views on practice options and their intentions to migrate.Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to nursing students at the Makerere Nursing School and Aga Khan University Nursing School in Kampala, Uganda, during July 2006, using convenience sampling methods, with 139 participants. Two focus groups were also conducted at one university.Most (70%) of the participants would like to work outside Uganda, and said it was likely that within five years they would be working in the U.S. (59%) or the U.K. (49%). About a fourth (27%) said they could be working in another African country. Only eight percent of all students reported an unlikelihood to migrate within five years of training completion. Survey respondents were more dissatisfied with financial remuneration than with any other factor pushing them towards emigration. Those wanting to work in the settings of urban, private, or U.K./U.S. practices were less likely to express a sense of professional obligation and/or loyalty to country. Those who have lived in rural areas were less likely to report wanting to emigrate. Students with a desire to work in urban areas or private practice were more likely to report an intent to emigrate for financial reasons or in pursuit of country stability, while students wanting to work in rural areas or public practice were less likely to want to emigrate overall.Improving remuneration for nurses is the top priority policy change sought by nursing students in our study. Nursing schools may want to recruit students desiring work in rural areas or public practice to lead to a more stable workforce in Uganda.
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The screening of multi-drug resistance (MDR) susceptibilities of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis to methicillin and vancomycin in teaching hospitals in Nigeria - Yah, SC; Enabulele, IO; Eghafona, N. O. (Sudan journal of medical sciences, 2008)
Background: In Nigeria, the widespread use of antibiotics had led to high levels of resistance among bacterial isolates from patients with nosocomial infections. This had led to prolonged hospital stay and antibiotic therapy, especially β-lactam antibiotics that predispose patients to acquisition of methicillin -resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA) and coagulase negative resistant staphylococci. Objective: to evaluate the resistant pattern of multi-drug resistant strains of 80 clinical Staph. aureus, 22 environmental Staph. aureus, 30 clinical Staph. epidermidis and 12 environmental Staph. epidermidis to methicillin and vancomycin from teaching hospitals in Nigeria. Material and Methods: The Staphylococcus species were identified and confirmed by gram-positive cocci morphology, catalase-positive reaction, tested for mannitol salt fermentation and DNase production. The organisms were confirmed to be Staph. aureus and Staph. epidermidis by the tube coagulase test. The antibiotics susceptibility patterns were determined both by overnight broth-micro-dilution and agar disk diffusion methods. Results: The isolates were resistant to ampicillin, followed by penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin and gentamicin but to a lesser extent were sensitive to ciprofloxacin. All the multi-drug resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus species were 100% sensitive to vancomycin and methicillin with a minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) breakpoint < 4µg/ml to vancomycin and MIC < 5µg/ml to methicillin on Mueller Hinton agar supplemented with 2%NaCl. Conclusion: The results indicated that methicillin and vancomycin are still very potent antibiotics against staphylococcal infections in Nigeria. Keywords: MDR Staphylococcus, methicillin and vancomycinSudan Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 2 (4) 2007: pp. 257-262
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Diversity Knowledge in Science Teacher Education-Translating Concept to Instruction: An Example Specific to African Americans - Parsons, Eileen Carlton; Foster, Stephanie; Gomillion, Crystall Travis; Simpson, Jamila Smith (Journal of Science Teacher Education, 2008)
Science education reforms promote access to quality science education for all students. Outcome disparities in various measures indicate that such access remains elusive for African Americans. Cultural incongruence is one among many explanations for this previously described inaccessibility. The intent of this article is not to report additional research findings, but to translate the information provided in the literature into an instructional form that science teacher educators can employ in the preparation of prospective science teachers or the further development of practicing ones. Pivoting around a role play, the authors discuss communication within African American communities, its incongruence with the discourse patterns typically valued and reinforced in school science, and the importance of such knowledge for science teacher educators.
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Harmful lifestyles' clustering among sexually active in-school adolescents in Zambia - Siziya, Seter; Muula, Adamson S; Kazembe, Lawrence; Rudatsikira, Emmanuel (BMC Pediatrics, 2008)
HIV is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Zambia. Like many other African nations with high HIV burden, heterosexual intercourse is the commonest mode of HIV spread. The estimation of prevalence and factors associated with sexual intercourse among in-school adolescents has potential to inform public health interventions aimed at reducing the burden of sex-related diseases in Zambia.We carried out secondary analysis of the Zambia Global School-Based Health Survey (GSHS) 2004; a cross sectional survey that aims to study health-related behaviors among in-school adolescents. We estimated frequencies of relevant socio-demographic variables. The associations between selected explanatory variables and self-reported history of sexual intercourse within the last 12 months were assessed using logistic regression analysis.Data from 2136 in-school adolescents who participated in the Zambia Global School-Based Health Survey of 2004 were available for analysis. Out of these respondents, 13.4% reported that they had sexual intercourse in the past 12 months prior to the survey; 16.4% and 9.7% among males and females respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, with age less than 15 years as the referent the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of having engaged in sexual intercourse in adolescents of age 15 years, and those aged 16 years or more were 1.06 (95% CI 1.03-1.10) and 1.74 (95% 1.70-1.79) respectively. Compared to adolescents who had no close friends, adolescents who had one close friend were more likely to have had sexual intercourse, AOR = 1.28 (95% CI 1.24-1.32). Compared to adolescents who were not supervised by their parents, adolescents who were rarely or sometimes supervised by their parents were likely to have had sexual intercourse, and adolescents who were most of the time/always supervised by their parents were less likely to have had sexual intercourse; AORs 1.26 (95% CI 1.23-1.26) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.90-0.95) respectively. Compared to adolescents who did not smoke dagga, adolescents who smoked dagga 1 or 2 times, and those who smoked dagga 3 or more times in their lifetime were 70% and 25% more likely to have had sexual intercourse, respectively. Adolescents who drank alcohol in 1 or 2 days, and those who took alcohol in 3 or more days in a month preceding the survey were 12% and 9% more likely to have had sexual intercourse, respectively, compared to adolescents who did not drink alcohol in the 30 days prior to the survey. Furthermore, adolescents who had been drunk 1 or 2 times, and who had been drunk 3 or more times in a life time were 14% and 13% more likely to have had sexual intercourse compared to those who have never been drunk in their lifetime.We identified a constellation of potentially harmful behaviours among adolescents in Zambia. Public health interventions aimed at reducing prevalence of sexual intercourse may be designed and implemented in a broader sense having recognized that sexually active adolescents may also be exposed to other problem behaviours.
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Harmful lifestyles' clustering among sexually active in-school adolescents in Zambia - Siziya, Seter; Muula, Adamson S; Kazembe, Lawrence; Rudatsikira, Emmanuel (Carolina Digital Repository (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), 2008)
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Periodical literature use by the pre‐final and final undergraduate students in Nigerian universities - Ajala, Olugbenga Isaac (Library Review, 2008)
Purpose The main objective of this study is to discuss the needs and the information utilization patterns of periodical literature amongst the pre‐final and final year undergraduate students in Nigerian universities. As a result, the study attempts to solve the following problems: What are the information needs of undergraduate students in relation to periodical literature? How do they go about seeking such information needed in periodical literature? How do they make valuable use of the information available to them in such periodical literature? What should the university libraries do to meet the information needs of these students in relation to periodical literature? Design/methodology/approach The researcher aimed at studying periodical literature use by the pre‐final and final year undergraduate students in Nigerian universities. It is impossible to sample the entire population hence a cross‐sectional descriptive Survey design was employed as the most suitable because the population under study was fairly large and heterogeneous. A questionnaire was designed to know the attitude, interest and value of the pre‐final and final year undergraduate students. In order to have an accurate assessment, questionnaire was designed and distributed to collect vital information from the undergraduate students. Also, observation and direct oral interviews were also employed to supplement the information provided through the questionnaires collected. Findings Findings show that 70 per cent respondents used the library once every week, undergraduate students need and utilize periodical literature materials for their information needs, the general purpose of using periodical literature was mainly for research among others. Originality/value Useful in determining the periodical use by students as well as assisting serials librarian in planning.
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Curricula, Examinations, and Assessment in Secondary Education in Sub-Saharan Africa (2008)
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The Commonwealth of Learning in Africa - Daniel, John (2008)
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Prevalence of Tinea capitis among primary school pupils In uli, anambra state, nigeria - Enendu, N E; Ibe, S. N. (African Journal of Applied Zoology and Environmental Biology, 2008)
A survey of tinea capitis, ringworm of the scalp was carried out on 1,020 pupils in four primary schools in Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria, between May and July 2005. Tinea capitis was provisionally diagnosed in 142 pupils using clinical assessment, giving a prevalence rate of 13.92%, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Most of the infected pupils (71.13%) had dry non-inflammatory lesions compared to 28.87% with inflammatory lesions and the majority, (64.08%) were between ages 6 to 10 years. Attempt to isolate and identify the etiologic agents from scalp scrapings, gave positive results in 22 samples with the occurrence of the following dermatophytes: Trichophyton tonsurans (27.3%); Microsporum audouini (18.2%); Trichophyton soudanense (18.2%); Microsporum gypseum (13.6%); Microsporum canis (9.1%); Trichophyton yaoundei (9.1%) and Trichophyton mentagropyhtes (4.5%). This study recommends parental and community education on ways of preventing the spread of tinea capitis. Keywords: Tinea capitis, Pupils, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria AJAZEB Vol. 7 2005: pp. 1-4
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Prevalence of Tinea capitis among primary school pupils In uli, anambra state, nigeria - Enendu, N E; Ibe, S. N. (African Journal of Applied Zoology and Environmental Biology, 2008)
A survey of tinea capitis, ringworm of the scalp was carried out on 1,020 pupils in four primary schools in Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria, between May and July 2005. Tinea capitis was provisionally diagnosed in 142 pupils using clinical assessment, giving a prevalence rate of 13.92%, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Most of the infected pupils (71.13%) had dry non-inflammatory lesions compared to 28.87% with inflammatory lesions and the majority, (64.08%) were between ages 6 to 10 years. Attempt to isolate and identify the etiologic agents from scalp scrapings, gave positive results in 22 samples with the occurrence of the following dermatophytes: Trichophyton tonsurans (27.3%); Microsporum audouini (18.2%); Trichophyton soudanense (18.2%); Microsporum gypseum (13.6%); Microsporum canis (9.1%); Trichophyton yaoundei (9.1%) and Trichophyton mentagropyhtes (4.5%). This study recommends parental and community education on ways of preventing the spread of tinea capitis. Keywords: Tinea capitis, Pupils, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria AJAZEB Vol. 7 2005: pp. 1-4
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Prevalence of Tinea capitis among primary school pupils In uli, anambra state, nigeria - Enendu, N E; Ibe, S. N. (African Journal of Applied Zoology and Environmental Biology, 2008)
A survey of tinea capitis, ringworm of the scalp was carried out on 1,020 pupils in four primary schools in Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria, between May and July 2005. Tinea capitis was provisionally diagnosed in 142 pupils using clinical assessment, giving a prevalence rate of 13.92%, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Most of the infected pupils (71.13%) had dry non-inflammatory lesions compared to 28.87% with inflammatory lesions and the majority, (64.08%) were between ages 6 to 10 years. Attempt to isolate and identify the etiologic agents from scalp scrapings, gave positive results in 22 samples with the occurrence of the following dermatophytes: Trichophyton tonsurans (27.3%); Microsporum audouini (18.2%); Trichophyton soudanense (18.2%); Microsporum gypseum (13.6%); Microsporum canis (9.1%); Trichophyton yaoundei (9.1%) and Trichophyton mentagropyhtes (4.5%). This study recommends parental and community education on ways of preventing the spread of tinea capitis. Keywords: Tinea capitis, Pupils, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria AJAZEB Vol. 7 2005: pp. 1-4
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Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus on armpits of secondary school and university students in Port Harcourt, Nigeria - Ibe, S. N.; Wariso, B A (African Journal of Applied Zoology and Environmental Biology, 2008)
A study of carriage of Staphylococcus aureus on armpits and factors affecting it was carried out on 50 students from Community Secondary School, Oroworokwu, Port Harcourt and 50 University of Port Harcourt students. Samples were inoculated onto mannitol salt agar plates and coagulate positive S. aureus isolates were identified. Questionnaires on gender and health related factors were given to students before collection of samples. Epi-info version 6 software was used for data analysis. Most students regardless of age or sex, used toilet soap (63%), had their bath twice daily (84%), used sponge (78.6%), shaved regularly (89.9%) and 80% did not use powders on armpits. More females used powders (P=0.00170). Only 12.2% of teenagers used deodorants compared to 80.4% adults. Teenagers had significantly more profuse growth (P = 0.038), pure cultures (P = 0.036) on primary isolation, and S. aureus carriage of 61.2% compared to 25.5% for adults (P = 0.0003) and use of deodorants (P = 0.0003) influenced S. aureus Carriage. Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, carriage, Armpit, students. AJAZEB Vol. 7 2005: pp. 125-130
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Wage Returns to Training in African Manufacturing - Leblois, Antoine (Social Science Research Network, 2008)
We study in this paper the impact of formal training on wages levels in two African countries (Kenya and Senegal) using the Regional Program on Enterprise Development (RPED) database collected by the World Bank. Thanks to the employer-employees data, we observe the potential impact of current training of employees on their actual wages in the firm. We run a cross-sectional econometric analysis, based on an employer-employee matched database that allows us to control for firm level effects. We corrected selection bias in the earnings equation with the method developped by Heckman to correct such a bias that could be a consequence of the endogeneity of training in the Mincerian equation. The model we drew makes it possible for us to control for endogeneity and selection bias for training. Such an analysis validate the theoretical hypothesis of a share of training costs between the employer its employees. We first used instrumental variables method to correct the endogeneity of the training variables in the model. Returns to on-the-job training was studied by a large panel of works, among which, the first one, that initiated the treatment models literature. In this paper, we make a rapid overview of such an analysis and then try to draw a comparative study from statistics of two different countries that are Senegal and Kenya.
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Haematological profiles of primary school children infected with urinary schistosomiasis in Ibadan, Nigeria - ., A.A. Nwabueze; Fagbemi, Benjamin O.; Opara, Kenneth Nnamdi (Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, 2008)
Haematological profiles such as packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), total and differential white blood cell counts of primary school children infected with urinary schistosomasis in Ibadan were investigated. Haemoglobin, white blood cell (total) counts, neutrophil and lymphocyte levels were within limits. However. mild anaemia and eosinophilia were observed in the pupils. Male pupils had significantly higher PCV than the female pupils, regardless of infection (p
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Effects of Cooperative and Individualistic Instructional Strategies On Students Problem Solving Abilities In Secondary School Chemistry In Ilesa, Nigeria. - Aluko, KO; Olorundare, Adekunle Solomon (African Research Review, 2008)
This study investigated the relative effectiveness of cooperative and individualistic instructional strategies on students' problem solving abilities in secondary school chemistry. It made use of a 3 x 3 x 2 quasi-experimental, non-randomized factorial design. Two hundred and fifty (250) Senior Secondary two (SS II) chemistry students were purposively sampled from three public secondary schools in Ilesa Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. Two research instruments: Researcher's Instructional Packages for solving Chemistry Problems (RIP) and Chemistry Performance Test (CPT) were developed, validated and used for the study. The reliability of the Chemistry Performance Test (CPT) was determined and found to be 0.62 using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation formula. Five hypotheses were raised and tested using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Two experimental groups (Cooperative Instructional group, Individualistic Instructional group) and a control group were used. The results of the analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the performance of chemistry students exposed to cooperative instructional Strategy, individualistic instructional strategy and conventional teaching method. Both the cooperative instructional strategy and individualistic instructional strategy improved the performance of the learners. The cooperative instructional strategy was found to be most effective in enhancing better performance of the learners. African Research Review Vol. 1 (1) 2007: pp. 121-130
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The influence of European pollution on ozone in the Near East and northern Africa - Duncan, B. N.; West, Jason; Yoshida, Yasuko; Fiore, Arlene M.; Ziemke, J. R. (2008)
Abstract. We present a modeling study of the long-range transport of pollution from Europe, showing that European emissions regularly elevate surface ozone by as much as 20 ppbv in summer in northern Africa and the Near East. European emissions cause 50–150 additional violations per year (i.e., above those that would occur without European pollution) of the European health standard for ozone (8-h average >120 μg/m3 or ~60 ppbv) in northern Africa and the Near East. We estimate that 19 000 additional mortalities occur annually in these regions from exposure to European ozone pollution and 50 000 additional deaths globally; the majority of the additional deaths occurs outside of Europe. Much of the pollution from Europe is exported southward at low altitudes in summer to the Mediterranean Sea, northern Africa and the Near East, regions with favorable photochemical environments for ozone production. Our results suggest that assessments of the human health benefits of reducing ozone precursor emissions in Europe should include effects outside of Europe, and that comprehensive planning to improve air quality in northern Africa and the Near East likely needs to address European emissions. We also show that the tropospheric ozone column data product derived from the OMI and MLS instruments is currently of limited value for air quality applications as the portion of the column above the boundary layer and below the tropopause is large and variable, effectively obscuring the boundary layer signal.
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Call for Papers for a Special Series on Africa, Agriculture, Desertification, Drought, Land and Rural Development (Natural Resources Forum, 2008)
Natural Resources ForumVolume 32, Issue 1 p. 88-88 Call for Papers for a Special Series on Africa, Agriculture, Desertification, Drought, Land and Rural Development First published: 04 April 2008 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1477-8947.2008.00175.xRead the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume32, Issue1February 2008Pages 88-88 RelatedInformation
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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder amongst Nigerian university students: prevalence, comorbid conditions, and correlates - Adewuya, Abiodun O.; Loto, Olabisi Morebise; Adewumi, Tomi A. (Archives of Women's Mental Health, 2008)
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Submandibular gland excision: a 16 year clinicopathological review of cases in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital - Adeyemo, WL; Ajayi, Owolabi; Anunobi, C C; Ogunlewe, M.O.; Ladeinde, Akinola Ladipo; Omitola, Olufemi Gbenga; Abdulkareem, F B (Oral Surgery, 2008)
Abstract Aim: This study presents a review of the clinicopathological features of excised submandibular glands over a 16 year period of time at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Materials and methods: A retrospective review of excised submandibular glands over a period of 16 years (January 1990 to December 2005) was conducted. Parameters studied included: age and gender of patients, symptoms and duration of symptoms and histologic diagnosis. Results: A total of 47 patients had their submandibular gland excised during the period of the study. There were 28 men and 19 women (men : women ratio of 1.5:1). Mean age [standard deviation (SD)] of patients at presentation was 40.5 ± 18.1 years (range, 13–84 years). There were 34 (72%) histologically diagnosed neoplasms and 13 (28%) non‐neoplastic pathologies. Patients with neoplastic pathologies were significantly older than those with non‐neoplastic pathologies ( P = 0.004). The most common neoplasm was pleomorphic adenoma (35%), followed by adenocystic carcinoma (12%) and anaplastic carcinoma (12%). Chronic sialadenitis with or without sialolithiasis (85%) was the most common non‐neoplastic pathology. Conclusion: The most common submandibular salivary gland pathology that necessitated surgical excision, in our institution, was neoplasia, predominately pleomorphic adenomas. The most common non‐neoplastic pathology was chronic sialadenitis with or without sialolithiasis.
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Education, Employment and Earnings of Secondary School and University Leavers in Tanzania: Evidence from a Tracer Study - Al-Samarrai, Samer; Reilly, Barry (Journal of Development Studies, 2008)
Abstract This study uses a tracer survey of secondary school completers in Tanzania to analyse the impact of educational qualifications on labour market earnings. We show that the rates of return to the highest educational qualifications for wage employees are not negligible and, at the margin, provide an investment incentive. However, we find little evidence of human capital effects in the earnings determination process for the self-employment sector. Introducing controls for father's educational background and a set of school fixed effects designed to proxy for school quality and potential labour market network effects reduces the estimated rates of return to educational qualifications. A comparison of our results with the available evidence from other countries in the region suggest that, despite an extremely small secondary and university education system, the private rates of return to education in the Tanzanian wage employment sector are comparatively low.
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Prevalence and risk factors for giardiasis among primary school children in Damascus, Syria. - Almerie, Muhammad Qutayba; Azzouz, Muhammad Soubhi; Abdessamad, Mohamad A.; Mouchli, Mohamad; Sakbani, Mohammad W.; Alsibai, Mohammad S.; Al-Kafri, Abeer; Ismail, Mohammad Taher (Saudi Medical Journal, 2008)
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the prevalence of giardiasis in primary school children in Damascus city and the countryside, and to investigate the possible risk factors for giardiasis infection. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out on school children from 23 primary schools in Damascus, between March and June 2006. Data were collected from 1469 children of both genders from urban and rural regions using structured questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory analysis of fecal samples. The parasites were detected using a single-stool sample by direct wet examination under light microscope. RESULTS Two hundred and six (14%) of 1469 children were infected with Giardia lamblia, while 119 (8.1%) were found infected with other sorts of intestinal parasites. No correlation was found between giardiasis and age, gender, residence in urban or rural areas, availability of piped water or sewage system. In contrast, both mother's (p=0.003) and father's (p=0.018) levels of education, and the number of siblings in-home (p=0.014) were found significant predictors of giardiasis. As for children's nutritional status, 6.6% were found to have significant stunting, 1.8% had underweight, and 4.7% had wasting. Giardiasis, however, was not found a predictor of these conditions. CONCLUSIONS The Damascus region could be classified as medium-prevalence area for Giardia infections. Thus, the local administrators need to pay more attention to the prevention of parasitic infections along with improvement in education, environmental, and sanitary conditions.
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Textbooks and School Library Provision Secondary Education in Sub-Saharan Africa - AUTHOR_ID, NULL (2008)
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Reply to comment by Yannick Garcin on “Abrupt change in tropical African climate linked to the bipolar seesaw over the past 55,000 years” - Brown, Erik T.; Johnson, Thomas C.; Scholz, Christopher A.; Cohen, Andrew S.; King, John W. (Geophysical Research Letters, 2008)
We welcome this opportunity for additional discussion of the Lake Malawi Drill Core record. We recognized early in this project that the Zr:Ti record shows a striking qualitative resemblance to records of interstadial DO events as preserved in Greenland [ Brown et al. , 2006 ]. However, additional radiocarbon constraints on the core's chronology, and the need for a mechanistically realistic interpretation of the record throughout MIS 2 and MIS 3 led us to the conclusion that peaks in the Malawi record (interpreted as southward ITCZ excursions) coincide with Greenland stadials [ Brown et al. , 2007 ]. Garcin [2008] has raised several concerns regarding our interpretation of Lake Malawi results from MIS 2 and MIS 3; these fall into five general categories:
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Unlocking the Potential of Zambian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises "Learning from the international best practices - the Southeast Asian Experience" - Chibwe, Chisala (RePEc: Research Papers in Economics, 2008)
This paper examines the SMEs performance in Zambia and attempts to identify some practical lessons that Zambia can learn from Southeast Asian countries (with reference to Malaysia) in order to facilitate industrial development through unlocking the potential of its SMEs sector. Malaysia and Zambia were at the same level of economic development as evidenced by similar per capita incomes but Zambia has remained behind economically and its manufacturing sector has stagnated as if both countries did not have similar initial endowments. It therefore, becomes imperative that Zambia learns from such countries on how they managed to take-off economically with a focus on SME development. Training (education), research & development, market availability and technological advancement through establishment of industrial linkages coupled with cluster formation were some of the outstanding strategies identified that Zambia could use as a “key” to unlock its SMEs’ potential as it strives to meet the UN MDGs in particular halving its poverty levels by 2015 and also realizing its vision of becoming a middle income earner by 2030.
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African American Teacher, Samuel R. Ward - Cochran‐Smith, Marilyn (2008)
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A Rationale for Employing Mixed Methods Design in Doctoral Research about Female Students’ Academic Achievement in Secondary Schools in Papua New Guinea - Dovona-Ope, Dinah R. (International Journal of Pedagogies and Learning, 2008)
Contextual features and research problems are among some of the important factors that must be considered in making decisions about the most appropriate research design to employ in designing and undertaking doctoral research. In my doctoral research project, I was significantly influenced by a number of such issues in determining an appropriate research design. As the study focused on a problem confronting an under-represented group – female students – in a unique and complex context, mixed methods research design informed by the pragmatic and transformative-emancipatory theoretical positions (Creswell & Plano-Clark, 2007; Mertens, 2005a; Tashakkorri & Teddlie, 2003) was considered as providing the most appropriate design for my doctoral research project.Mixed methods research as a methodology was considered for its direct engagement in the complexity encountered by researchers in culturally diverse communities when work is focused on a social justice agenda (Creswell & Plano-Clark, 2007; Mertens, 2005a). It was also identified as embracing three underlying issues which were important to this study. These were: a focus on research outcomes through emphasis on the importance of the questions asked rather than the methods of data collection; a need to collect different voices from those living the experiences with an intention for advocacy; and a dedication to promoting social change as an outcome of the research.As a research design, mixed methods research was considered for its ability to incorporate both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Thus two highly structured numerical survey questionnaires for data collection and analysis were used with a larger sample (de Vaus, 1995; Johnson & Christensen, 2004). Additionally, two sets of interview schedules and focus group schedules were used for data collection and analysis with smaller samples. These were set up for refinement, extension and explanation of specific quantitative findings such as statistical relationships and differences among groups, or unexpected results in the participants’ own words (Creswell, 2002; Krueger, 2000; Silverman, 2006).
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Climate changes and suitability for the ticks Amblyomma hebraeum and Amblyomma variegatum (Ixodidae) in Zimbabwe (1974–1999) - Estrada-Peña, Agustı́n; Horak, Ivan G.; Petney, Trevor N. (Veterinary parasitology (Print), 2008)
The spread of Amblyomma hebraeum has been reported in Zimbabwe. At the same time there was little or no spread in the distribution of Amblyomma variegatum. This paper examines the climatic cycles and their trends in the period 1974-1999 with a view to explaining the abiotic causes of this spread, and of forecasting the likely tendency in climate suitability for both tick species. An annual data-set of rainfall and air temperature was used as a source for climate, together with a habitat-modeling algorithm to estimate climate suitability for both ticks. Long-term suitable habitat for A. hebraeum exists mainly in the south and southeast of the country. Areas of adequate habitat for A. variegatum exist across the country, between approximately 17 degrees S and 18.5 degrees S, and are most suitable in regions of the northwest. The climate niches of the two species differ, and account for their almost allopatric distributions, as observed in the duration and intensity of the dry period and in total annual rainfall. Cyclic changes in both temperature and rainfall drive the periodic modifications in the distributions of the ticks. More intense periods of drought in the highveld, drive the expansion of A. hebraeum in this region. Temperature does not have any effect on the tendency in this area. Areas in south and southeast show a trend towards an increase in climatic suitability because of an increase in temperature. Zones in which habitat suitability is increasing for A. variegatum are restricted to the northwestern parts of the country, because warmer temperatures and a slight decrease in the intensity of the dry season. The progressive increase in temperatures seems to be forcing the dispersion of A. variegatum towards areas outside of zones that have a prolonged dry period. On the other hand A. hebraeum is compelled to spread northwards, following areas with adequate rainfall patterns, but halted by temperature limits and perhaps competition with A. variegatum. Without adequate control measures, invasive waves of A. hebraeum may occur over a background swell of northward expansion.
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Carbonate mounds in a mud volcano province off north-west Morocco: Key to processes and controls - Foubert, Anneleen; Depreiter, D.; Beck, Tim; Maignien, Loïs; Pannemans, Bart; Frank, Norbert; Blamart, Dominique; Henriet, Jean‐Pierre (Marine geology (Print), 2008)
This paper presents a new cluster of carbonate mounds discovered in 2002 in the Gulf of Cadiz off Morocco (R/V Belgica 2002) in water depths of 500 to 600 m amidst a field of giant mud volcanoes. Multibeam bathymetry, side scan sonar imagery and 2D seismics are analyzed to present four mound provinces: (1) the Pen Duick Mound Province on the Pen Duick Escarpment, (2) the Renard Mound Province on the Renard Ridge, (3) the Vernadsky Mound Province on the Vernadsky Ridge and the Al Idrisi Mound Province on the gas-blanked sediments above the buried Al Idrisi Ridge. Video imagery and surface samples are described to ground-truth the different mound areas. The paradox is that nearly no live corals are presently being observed at the surface of the mounds, while the mound cores display throughout a high number of reef-forming cold-water coral fragments (scleractinians) in association with numerous associated fauna formerly inhabiting the econiches provided by the coral framework. Environmental and oceanographic conditions during the recent past (glacials/stadials) were probably more favourable for cold-water coral growth. Pore water analyses in on-mound cores at the south-eastern edge of Pen Duick Escarpment give evidence of focused, higher methane fluxes and sulphate reduction rates on mounds than in the surrounding sediments. Cores from several mounds display horizons of strong corrosion and dissolution of the coral fragments. A three-phase model for carbonate mound evolution in these settings is proposed. (1) In a first stage external controls (positive oceanographic and environmental conditions, the presence of an active planktonic food chain, based on a high primary production, and a suitable substrate) are responsible for the initiation of cold-water coral growth. (2) Once the cold-water corals established an initial framework, sedimentation becomes an important factor controlling mound growth: the cold-water corals baffle the sediments. (3) Throughout mound growth, the mound may episodically be affected by diagenetic processes responsible for aragonite dissolution and probably carbonate precipitation.
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Comment on “Abrupt change in tropical African climate linked to the bipolar seesaw over the past 55,000 years” by E. T. Brown, T. C. Johnson, C. A. Scholz, A. S. Cohen, and J. W. King - Garcin, Yannick (Geophysical Research Letters, 2008)
[1] Brown et al. [2007] (hereinafter referred to as BJSCK07) have reconstructed the history of terrigenous inputs into the Lake Malawi by measuring the elemental Zr:Ti ratio on lake sediments with an XRF scanner. The resulting record is the first in continental tropical Africa that unambiguously shows the centennial to millennial climatic variability, so-called Dansgaard-Oeschger (D-O), generally found in the Northern Hemisphere high-latitudes during the last glacial period. Strikingly, the BJSCK07 view of the Lake Malawi record suggests that abrupt climatic changes in tropical Africa lead similar abrupt climatic changes in Greenland by ca. 1200 years and are integrated in the thermal bipolar seesaw mechanism. However, here I propose that alternative palaeo-environmental interpretations may give a new perspective, less speculative, for this palaeoclimatic record. [2] The Zr:Ti peaks in the Lake Malawi record show an apparent good correlation with the D-O interstadials (warming) in the NGRIP δ18O record as formerly hypothesized by Brown et al. [2006]. Likewise, the main trends in the Lake Malawi Zr:Ti record seem to be very similar to those in the NGRIP δ18O record. However, BJSCK07 have correlated the Zr:Ti peaks in the Lake Malawi record with the D-O stadials and the Heinrich events (cooling). [3] One of the greatest problems encountered by BJSCK07 when trying to match the Zr:Ti peaks in the Lake Malawi record with the D-O interstadials results from their prior interpretations of the Nb:Ti ratio in the Lake Malawi sediments (which mimic the Zr:Ti ratio: the niobium and zirconium are incompatible elements, they are common in volcanic rocks where they are relatively enriched in the volcanic glass matrix in comparison to the more mobile titanium element). The Nb:Ti peaks have been previously interpreted by Brown and Johnson [2005] and Johnson et al. [2002] as the result of northerly winds blowing over the cool and dry volcanic landscape of the Rungwe area (northern part of the Lake Malawi catchment), which would have transported volcanic ash to the lake, resulting in higher Nb:Ti in lake sediments. According to BJSCK07, this scenario is not mechanistically consistent with climatic conditions corresponding to the D-O interstadials, since during these ‘warm’ events, the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) was probably located to the north and the atmospheric circulation was consequently dominated by southeasterly winds in the Lake Malawi basin. [4] Johnson et al. [2002] have formerly identified a strong Nb:Ti peak in the Lake Malawi sediments during the Younger Dryas event (YD), which was subsequently claimed to be a dry climatic period during which the ITCZ was located south of Lake Malawi and the regional atmospheric circulation was dominated by intense northerly winds. [5] However, recent pollen studies from a sediment-core retrieved at Lake Masoko, located in the heart of the Rungwe area, have shown that the most developed tree cover in this volcanic province during the last 45,000 years occurred during the YD [Garcin et al., 2006a]. This suggests that aeolian erosion from the Rungwe area, supposed to be the main source of niobium and zirconium for Lake Malawi, was reduced or non-existent during the YD. [6] Further, several centimetric tephra layers have been observed during the YD in the Lake Masoko sediments [Garcin et al., 2006b]. These tephra layers, which are strongly enriched in niobium (Y. Garcin and D. Williamson, unpublished data, 2006), are also likely to have contributed to the Nb:Ti peak recorded in the Lake Malawi sediments during the YD. However, none of these discrete tephra layers have been observed in the Lake Malawi sediment cores [Johnson et al., 2002], due to the distal position of the coring site at Lake Malawi relatively to the main Rungwe volcanic centers (ca. 80-100 km away). In conclusion, the complex YD period, which has been defined by BJSCK07 as a reference period for the interpretation of the 55,000-year-long record, is probably too polluted by the volcanic activity from the Rungwe to infer the ‘normal’ behavior of the Nb:Ti and Zr:Ti in the Lake Malawi sediments. [7] BJSCK07 explain the fluctuations of the Nb:Ti and Zr:Ti ratios based on changes in the wind alone, and they refer to Brown and Johnson [2005] and Johnson et al. [2002] for more detail concerning their interpretations. However, no chemical analyses from the catchment rocks, soils and sediment loads of rivers, have been presented in either of these references to support the interpretation of the Nb:Ti and Zr:Ti ratios in the sediment cores. [8] The northern Lake Malawi basin is heterogeneous and consists of Precambrian basement overlaid by sediments and volcanics ranging from Permo-Trias (Karoo) to Neogene [Ebinger et al., 1993]. These rocks have probably very contrasted signatures of niobium, zirconium and titanium elements, and may therefore have acted as differential sources. These need to be intensively analyzed and mapped in order to decide which processes (aeolian and/or fluviatile) control the delivery of these chemical elements from the catchment to the lake. [9] BJSCK07 reject the possibility that terrigenous material enriched in niobium and zirconium could have been transported to the lake basin by rivers. However, the most important rivers on the Lake Malawi catchment flow into the northern basin [Scholz et al., 1993] where the sediment core studied by BJSCK07 has been collected. Fluviatile processes may have been a significant part of the niobium and zirconium transport, which could then deeply change the climatic scenario initially proposed for the Lake Malawi Zr:Ti palaeo-record. [10] Most of the Zr:Ti values from the Holocene period are similar to the Zr:Ti peaks from the last glacial period (see BJSCK07, Figure 1; The Holocene is not shown in time, but can be estimated using the depth scale: above 6 m depth according to the age model). However, the authors have never discussed the last glacial period variability in Zr:Ti in respect to the Holocene variability. Interestingly, the main difference between the two periods is not, as may be expected, a lack of high Zr:Ti values during the Holocene, but instead the presence of millennial-scale periods of low values and of low variability during the last glacial period. The high values of the Zr:Ti ratio during the Holocene are not coherent with the model proposed by BJSCK07, since at that time, the ITCZ in Africa is known to have been located further northward than during the coldest phases of the last glacial period [Gasse, 2000] and the atmospheric circulation in tropical East Africa was mostly dominated by southeasterly winds [Talbot et al., 2007]. This suggests that a climate dominated by southeasterly winds is also compatible with the significant supply of zirconium from the catchment to the lake. [11] BJSCK07 have correlated the Zr:Ti peaks from Lake Malawi sediments with global cold events. However, the correlation of the Zr:Ti peaks with the occurrence of the Heinrich events is weak, with peak Zr:Ti values either predating, or following the associated event (see Figure 1a). In contrast, the correlation of the Zr:Ti peaks with the D-O interstadials appears more clearer. By reducing the age of the Lake Malawi sediment samples by ca. 1200 years, the visual correlation between the Lake Malawi Zr:Ti and the NGRIP δ18O (Figures 1b and 1c) become very good: both high and low values of these two proxy-records show parallel evolution. This age correction can be achieved either by adding a longer radiocarbon reservoir or simply by taking into account the uncertainty of the radiocarbon calibration method, which is especially very large before 21,500 14C years [van der Plicht et al., 2004]. Furthermore, the radiocarbon ages of Lake Malawi have a low precision before 28,000 14C years (1 sigma error ranging between 300 and 3300 years). The age correction proposed here is likely to be over-simplified, since it is probably not constant across time. However, this alternative chronology of the Lake Malawi record also allows an overall good correlation with the methane record from the Greenland ice cores (Figures 1c and 1d). This correlation is consistent with the hypothesis that atmospheric methane levels are tightly linked with the tropical hydrological cycle [Chappellaz et al., 1993]. Since the lifetime of methane is relatively short, ca. 10 years today [Prinn et al., 1995], the lag of 1200 years of the Greenland methane record relative to the Lake Malawi sediment record given by the original BJSCK07 chronology would not be consistent with a tropical source for the atmospheric methane. Further, the alternative younger Zr:Ti record presented in this comment, is also coherent with the timing of the D-O millennial-scale variability as observed in other tropical palaeo-records [see e.g., Burns et al., 2004; Schulz et al., 1998]. [12] YG is supported by an Alexander von Humboldt research fellowship. I thank S. Brewer and the two anonymous reviewers for their encouraging comments.
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Teacher Incentives in Developing Countries: Recent Experimental Evidence from Kenya. Working Paper 2008-09. - Glewwe, Paul; Ilias, Nauman; Kremer, Michael (2008)
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Effectiveness of malaria control during changing climate conditions in Eritrea, 1998–2003 - Graves, Patricia M.; Osgood, Daniel E.; Thomson, Madeleine C.; Sereke, Kiros; Araia, Afwerki; Zerom, Mehari; Ceccato, Pietro; Bell, Michael A.; Corral, John del; Ghebreselassie, Shashu; Brantly, Eugene; Ghebremeskel, Tewolde (Tropical Medicine & International Health, 2008)
To assess the effectiveness of impregnated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying and larval control relative to the impacts of climate variability in the decline of malaria cases in Eritrea.Monthly data on clinical malaria cases by subzoba (district) in three zobas (zones) of Eritrea for 1998-2003 were used in Poisson regression models to determine whether there is statistical evidence for reduction in cases by DDT, malathion, impregnated nets and larval control used over the period, while analysing the effects of satellite-derived climate variables in the same geographic areas.Both indoor residual spraying (with DDT or malathion) and impregnated nets were independently and significantly negatively associated with reduction in malaria cases, as was larval control in one zoba. Malaria cases were significantly positively related to differences in current and previous months' vegetation (NDVI) anomalies. The relationship to rainfall differences 2 and 3 months previously was also significant, but the direction of the effect varied by zoba. Standardized regression coefficients indicated a greater effect of climate in the zoba with less intense malaria transmission.The results support the view that both indoor residual spraying and impregnated nets have been independently effective against malaria, and that larval control was also effective in one area. Thus climate, while significant, is not the only explanation for the recent decline in malaria cases in Eritrea. If appropriate statistical approaches are used, routine surveillance data from cases attending health facilities can be useful for assessing control programme success and providing estimates of the effectiveness of individual control measures. Effectiveness estimates suitable for use in cost-effectiveness analysis have been obtained.
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Urologic cancer in Africa--papers from the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) meeting. - Haas, Gabriel P. (Canadian Journal of Urology, 2008)
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The association between school attendance, HIV infection and sexual behaviour among young people in rural South Africa - Hargreaves, James; Morison, Linda; Kim, Joochan; Bonell, Chris; Porter, John; Watts, Charlotte; Busza, Joanna; Phetla, Godfrey; Pronyk, Paul (Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2008)
Objectives: To investigate whether the prevalence of HIV infection among young people, and sexual behaviours associated with increased HIV risk, are differentially distributed between students and those not attending school or college.Design: A random population sample of unmarried young people (916 males, 1003 females) aged 14-25 years from rural South Africa in 2001.Methods: Data on school attendance and HIV risk characteristics came from structured face-to-face interviews.HIV serostatus was assessed by oral fluid ELISA.Logistic regression models specified HIV serostatus and high-risk behaviours as outcome variables.The primary exposure was school attendance.Models were adjusted for potential confounders.Results: HIV knowledge, communication about sex and HIV testing were similarly distributed among students and non-students.The lifetime number of partners was lower for students of both sexes (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for more than three partners for men 0.67; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.00; aOR for more than two partners for women 0.69;95% CI 0.46 to 1.04).Among young women, fewer students reported having partners more than three years older than themselves (aOR 0.58; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.92), having sex more than five times with a partner (aOR 0.57; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.87) and unprotected intercourse during the past year (aOR 0.60; 95% CI 0.40 to 0.91).Male students were less likely to be HIV positive than non-students (aOR 0.21; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.71).Conclusions: Attending school was associated with lower-risk sexual behaviours and, among young men, lower HIV prevalence.Secondary school attendance may influence the structure of sexual networks and reduce HIV risk.Maximising school attendance may reduce HIV transmission among young people.
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Social and Health Conditions of the Black/African-American Population: The Setting for Children and Adults with Disabilities. - Hb, Waldman; Perlman, Steven P.; Kucine, Allan (Exceptional Parent, 2008)
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Usability of a diabetes and cardiovascular disease education module in an African American, diabetic sample with physical, visual, and cognitive impairment. - Hill-Briggs, Felicia; Lazo, Mariana; Renosky, Ronda J.; Ewing, Charisse T (Rehabilitation Psychology, 2008)
Objective: Develop an accessible education module and test whether presence of diabetes complicationsandfunctionalimpairmentsdifferentiallyimpactedinterventionusability. Method: 30AfricanAmericanswith type 2 diabetes completed 1 of 4 (90-min) group education classes. Preintervention measuresincluded medical history, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form8, Telephone Interview for CognitiveStatus, and Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Knowledge Test. For outcomes comparisons, patientswere categorized according to functional impairment (physical; physical cognitive or physical visual; physical cognitive visual) and number of diabetes complications (01, 23, 46). Outcomemeasures were knowledge test change scores and patient ratings of satisfaction and accessibility of classand materials. Results: Education resulted in increased mean knowledge scores, from 6.6 to 11.3 ( p .001), with signi cant learning found for participants in all functional impairment categories and with03 complications. Patient ratings of accessibility and satisfaction were high (4243 of 45), with minorareas identi ed for improvement among persons with excess complications (46) and impairment(physical cognitive visual). Conclusion: The diabetes education module demonstrated accessibilityand effectiveness. It may be particularly useful in treating high-risk, diabetic adults with existingcomplications, functional impairment, or disability.Keywords: diabetes, African Americans, disability, education, cognition
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The gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students in science achievement in South African secondary schools - Howie, Sarah J.; Scherman, Vanessa; Venter, Elsie (Educational Research and Evaluation, 2008)
South Africa's education system is still deep in the throes of reform under its third Minister of Education since 1994. Poor communities, in particular those of rural Africans, bear the brunt of the past inequalities. The challenge was to explore the extent of the “gap” in students' scores by comparing the advantaged and disadvantaged communities in this context. The TIMSS-Repeat 1999 data were explored and 3 categories of students were ultimately identified: advantaged, semi-advantaged, and disadvantaged groups. Partial least squares analysis was applied to explore the science performance but very few factors were found that consistently predicted performance across and within these groups. However, one dominant factor emerged in these models and that was the students' performance in the locally developed English test that provided a measure of students' proficiency in English, the language in which more than 70% of the students wrote the science tests. Students who had a higher score on the English test also performed better in the science test, despite their backgrounds.
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Universal basic education in Nigeria: availability of schools’ infrastructure for effective program implementation - Ikoya, Peter O.; Onoyase, Dickson (Educational studies, 2008)
This paper examines the availability and adequacy of schools’ infrastructural facilities for implementation of the Universal Basic Education program in Nigeria. Adopting the ex post facto design, the researchers used existing school data on physical facilities, including a survey of key stakeholders in the education sector. Data analysed revealed inadequacy of physical facilities for effective implementation of the UBE program. It was accordingly recommended that government at the national, state and local levels show better commitment to the implementation of the Universal Basic Education program.
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A profile of effective leadership in some South African high-poverty schools - Kamper, Gerrit (DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), 2008)
The struggle of high-poverty schools for survival is well documented. Some have overcome poverty-related odds and performed exceptionally well, prompting the following research question: What elements constitute a profile of effective leadership in high-poverty schools? Investigations conducted at six successful high-poverty schools revealed the contribution of invitational leadership to this success. I look at the personal traits and capabilities of effective leaders in high-poverty schools, as presented in a leadership profile. Keywords : invitational leadership; poverty in South Africa; South African high-poverty school South African Journal of Education Vol. 28 (1) 2008: pp. 1-18
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The Effects of Stereotypes on the Achievement Gap: Reexamining the Academic Performance of African American High School Students - Kellow, J. Thomas; Jones, Brett D. (Journal of Black Psychology, 2008)
This study investigated whether African American high school freshman students experience stereotype threat when taking a test that is seen as a predictor of their success on a high-stakes test. The authors conceptually replicated a previous study by Kellow and Jones (2005) using a true experimental design, as opposed to a quasi-experimental design. White students scored statistically significantly higher than African American students when told that their test performance would be predictive of their performance on a statewide, high-stakes standardized test. The following potential mediators of stereotype threat were included in the study and the effects of each are discussed: (a) perceptions of ability and expectancy for success, (b) achievement goal orientation, (c) anxiety, and (d) perceptions of stereotype threat. The results suggest that African American students are at a disadvantage compared to White students when their knowledge and skills are measured using a high-stakes standardized test. Implications for high-stakes testing of African American students are discussed.
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Gastrointestinal pathology in the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia: review of endoscopic and pathology records - Kelly, Paul; Katema, Mwamba; Amadi, Beatrice; Zimba, Lameck; Aparicio, Sylvia; Mudenda, Victor; Baboo, K.S.; Zulu, Isaac (Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2008)
Journal Article Gastrointestinal pathology in the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia: review of endoscopic and pathology records Get access Paul Kelly, Paul Kelly ⁎ aTropical Gastroenterology and Nutrition Group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, ZambiabInstitute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts & The London School of Medicine, London, UKcDepartment of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK ⁎Corresponding author. Present address: Tropical Gastroenterology and Nutrition Group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box 50398, Lusaka, Zambia. Tel.: +260 1 252269; fax: +260 1 252269. E-mail address: guts@coppernet.zm (P. Kelly). Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Mwamba Katema, Mwamba Katema aTropical Gastroenterology and Nutrition Group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Beatrice Amadi, Beatrice Amadi aTropical Gastroenterology and Nutrition Group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Lameck Zimba, Lameck Zimba aTropical Gastroenterology and Nutrition Group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Sylvia Aparicio, Sylvia Aparicio aTropical Gastroenterology and Nutrition Group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Victor Mudenda, Victor Mudenda aTropical Gastroenterology and Nutrition Group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar K. Sridutt Baboo, K. Sridutt Baboo aTropical Gastroenterology and Nutrition Group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Isaac Zulu Isaac Zulu aTropical Gastroenterology and Nutrition Group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, ZambiabInstitute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts & The London School of Medicine, London, UK Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Volume 102, Issue 2, February 2008, Pages 194–199, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trstmh.2007.10.006 Published: 01 February 2008 Article history Received: 28 March 2007 Revision received: 16 October 2007 Accepted: 16 October 2007 Published: 01 February 2008
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EVALUATION OF FACILITIES AND MATERIALS FOR TEACHING CERAMICS IN SOME SELECTED COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN NORTH - EAST GEO- POLITICAL ZONE OF NIGERIA - Mamza, Jidai Alewai (2008)
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS (M.A.) IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AHMADU BELLO UNIVERISTY ZARIA. FEBRUARY, 2008
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Re: Nguyen MM, Ellison LM: Testicular Cancer Patterns in Asian-American Males: An Opportunity for Public Health Education to Impact Outcomes (Urology 66: 606–609, 2005) and Gajendran VK, Nguyen M, Ellison LM: Testicular Cancer Patterns in African-American Men (Urology 66: 602–605, 2005) - McGlynn, Katherine A.; Devesa, Susan S. (Urology (Ridgewood, N.J.), 2008)
Because testicular cancer incidence rates among white men have been increasing in the United States for more than half a century, 1 McGlynn K.A. Devesa S.S. Sigurdson A.J. et al. Trends in the incidence of testicular germ cell tumors in the United States. Cancer. 2003; 97: 63-70 Crossref PubMed Scopus (267) Google Scholar we believe it is critically important to monitor the trends among other U.S. racial and ethnic groups. We therefore read with great interest the companion articles on testicular cancer patterns published recently in your journal. 2 Nguyen M.M. Ellison L.M. Testicular cancer patterns in Asian-American males: an opportunity for public health education to impact outcomes. Urology. 2005; 66: 606-609 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (15) Google Scholar , 3 Gajendran V.K. Nguyen M. Ellison L.M. Testicular cancer patterns in African-American men. Urology. 2005; 66: 602-605 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (34) Google Scholar We were puzzled, however, by the case counts and incidence rates presented in the articles. As a result, we wonder whether the survival analyses have reached accurate conclusions. Reply by Dr. KeatingUrologyVol. 71Issue 2PreviewRetrospectively, I regret, after reviewing my initial comments, not offering Bar-Yosef et al. kudos for reporting their results so candidly. As Dr. Snodgrass explains, a complication rate of 27% with the tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty pales when compared with other reports (8%) and is dwarfed by the gold standard offered by his own reports, whereby complication rates of 1% are achieved. Some concession must be given to experience with the technique. However, assuming for argument’s sake that technical skills are similar, the only plausible explanation for this glaring discrepancy would, it seems, be application of the technique to unsuitable variants. Full-Text PDF
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Compositional and textural correlations between Olduvai Gorge Bed I tephra and volcanic sources in the Ngorongoro Volcanic Highlands, Tanzania - McHenry, Lindsay J.; Mollel, Godwin F.; Swisher, Carl C. (Quaternary International, 2008)
Tephra layers from Bed I of Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, are correlated directly to their source volcanoes in the nearby Ngorongoro Volcanic Highlands (NVH) based on composition, texture, and age. Tephra in lower Bed I are more silicic than the upper Bed I tephra, and most contain quartz. The Naabi Ignimbrite from lower Bed I is compositionally similar to an ignimbrite exposed close to Ngorongoro Crater. None of the sampled tephra from the Ngorongoro Crater wall is an exact match for the Naabi Ignimbrite or other lower Bed I tephra, although overall composition and mineral assemblages suggest a common source. The uppermost Bed I tephra, Tuff IF, contains at its base a pyroclastic surge component rich in trachytic lava fragments that match (in texture, mineral assemblage, and mineral composition) with trachytic lavas exposed in the crater wall of the NVH Olmoti volcano. Tuff IF is compositionally similar to other upper Bed I tephra (especially Tuffs IB, IC, and IE), so Olmoti is the most likely source for most upper Bed I marker tephra. Geochemical correlations indicate that widespread ignimbrites and airfall tephra erupted from Ngorongoro during Olduvai lower Bed I time, reaching at least 40 km from source. Upper Bed I records a switch in NVH volcanic activity from Ngorongoro to Olmoti, coinciding with the first appearance of stone artifacts in the Olduvai record. Olmoti continued to supply pyroclastic deposits to the Olduvai Basin until the end of Bed I.
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Material effects: race, class and masculinities among South African teachers - Morrell, Robert; Epstein, Debbie (2008)
Current debates about race are not always successful in capturing issues of materiality which were a strong feature of social history and Marxist work twenty and thirty years ago. In this paper we approach the issue of race and the way it is experienced by exploring the life narratives of teachers in South Africa. In this exercise we show that race was experienced within material contexts which were themselves characterized by racial inequality and by material inequalities. The result of this overlapping set of factors and power relationships is to be found in the memories of childhood of three black teachers. In his article, ‘Race, articulation and societies structured in dominance’, Stuart Hall used South Africa as a case in point for his (then) Althusserian approach to understanding racism.
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Innovation in distance education learning systems: the case of the National Correspondence Institute of Tanzania, 1972–2002 - Mutanyatta, Joan (Open Learning: The Journal of Open and Distance Learning, 2008)
The paper attempts to provide relevant data on the achievements, albeit quantitatively, of the National Correspondence Institute of Tanzania over the past 30 years as a case study in distance education innovation. The case‐study data reveal reasons for the near collapse of the distance education programme during the 1990s, and the renewed policy thrust to use distance education to meet expanded secondary education development programmes in the twenty‐first century. For Tanzania to achieve equitable socio‐economic development, efforts need to be directed to adopting fully‐fledged open and distance education policies. It is no longer feasible to achieve equitable access for all citizens to quality education by depending only on conventional formal education systems. Adopting open and distance education learning systems in the twenty‐first century is crucial.
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Sharing mental health research resources in Africa - the place of all inclusive consortia. - Ndetei, David M. (PubMed, 2008)
It is now generally evident that the prevalence rates of various mental disorders in Africa are similar if not identical to those found in the West. Poverty and the relative deficiency of human resources are compounding factors that make it unlikely for replication of psychiatric and mental health services in the same quality and quantity as currently provided in resource-rich countries.
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A Study on the Language Education Situation in Modern Egyptian Society: Arabic Varieties and Their Teaching - Oh, Myungkeun (Oe'gug'eo gyoyug yeon'gu nonjib, 2008)
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Climate change and the tick-borne disease, Theileriosis (East Coast fever) in sub-Saharan Africa - Olwoch, Jane Mukarugwiza; Reyers, Belinda; Engelbrecht, F.; Erasmus, Barend (Journal of Arid Environments, 2008)
The impacts of climate change on the range of the tick-borne disease Theileriosis (East Coast fever (ECF)) in sub-Saharan Africa are predicted using a species distribution model and current and future climates simulated by the nested regional climate model DARLAM (Division of Atmospheric Limited Area Model). These results, based on the predicted distribution of the main tick vector species (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) and its host, cattle, shows that the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and eastern DRC show increases in ECF suitability. Other areas in sub-Saharan Africa show different rates of range alteration. These range alterations are in response to the predicted general change in mean minimum, maximum temperature and rainfall in the months of January and July. The ECF sub-Saharan risk map provided is a necessary tool to complement existing traditional control methods. Understanding and mapping changes in space and time of this disease are a prerequisite to sustainable disease reduction since it is then possible for current and future disease control programs to be timely and directed at specific areas based on risk maps.
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Competency based training and national qualifications frameworks: Insights from south africa - Parker, Ben; Walters, Shirley (Asia Pacific Education Review, 2008)
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Primary school literacy in Southern Africa: African perspectives - Perry, Kristen H. (Comparative Education, 2008)
Abstract This research review examines trends in recent scholarship concerning primary school literacy instruction in Southern Africa. Past scholarship, particularly that which originated from western researchers, focused on technical or structural issues facing literacy instruction in the region, such as language of instruction, school conditions, availability of books, and teacher training. Newer scholarship that has emerged primarily from African researchers focuses more on sociocultural and sociopolitical issues such as promoting a ‘reading culture’, shaping language policy, and examining literacy as a local social practice. Increasingly, researchers advocate local, rather than western/northern, solutions to African problems in literacy development and instruction. However, African perspectives are nevertheless influenced by western perspectives and agendas, as a result of colonialism, postcolonialism, and globalisation. Hybrid solutions that combine western and African perspectives therefore may be important for literacy development in the region.
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Teaching radical prostatectomy in sub-Saharan Africa. - Ruenes, Albert; Gueye, Serigne (Canadian Journal of Urology, 2008)
In the United States alone, approximately 220,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be detected in 2007, and 27000 men will die of that disease. African American men will suffer disproportionately, having a prostate cancer incidence that is nearly 60% higher than their Caucasian counterparts. In fact, it is widely accepted that African American men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world. This observation has led investigators to study the prostate cancer risk among African men in an effort to identify factors responsible for the high incidence of prostate cancer that plagues the African American population. Findings suggest that the public health burden of prostate cancer to native African men is substantial. Effective management of prostate cancer depends on early detection of the disease and its definitive treatment. Cost-effective management can be elusive. Radical prostatectomy can cure clinically localized disease and may offer long-term cancer control in patients with stage T3 disease. Of the various forms of radical prostatectomy, radical perineal prostatectomy is ideally suited to accomplish these goals in sub-Saharan Africa. A program to teach radical perineal prostatectomy has begun in Dakar, Senegal. It is a system based on graded surgical responsibility. High-quality audiovisual guides familiarize surgeons with the procedure's unique anatomic concerns. They then observe live procedures, assist in live procedures and eventually begin performing the live procedures under direct supervision. Repeated performance of the operation with simultaneous critique is the hallmark of this program, the goal of which is to establish a center of excellence where surgeons throughout the continent can come to learn this technique.
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Investigation into magma degassing at Nyiragongo volcano, Democratic Republic of the Congo - Sawyer, G. M.; Carn, S. A.; Tsanev, V.; Oppenheimer, Clive; Burton, Mike (Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems, 2008)
We report the first combined measurements of the composition and flux of gas emitted from Nyiragongo volcano by ground‐based remote‐sensing techniques. Ultraviolet spectroscopic measurements made in May/June 2005 and January 2006 indicate average SO 2 emission rates of 38 kg s −1 and 23 kg s −1 , respectively. Open‐path Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic measurements obtained in May/June 2005, January 2006, and June 2007 indicate average molar proportions of 70, 24, 4.6, 0.87, 0.26, 0.11, and 0.0016% for H 2 O, CO 2 , SO 2 , CO, HCl, HF, and OCS, respectively. The composition of the plume was remarkably similar in 2005, 2006, and 2007, with little temporal variation in proportions of CO 2 , SO 2 , and CO, in particular, on the scale of seconds or days or even between the three field campaigns that span a period of 24 months. This stability persisted despite a wide range of degassing behaviors on the surface of the summit crater's lava lake (including discrete strombolian bursts and lava fountains) and variations in the SO 2 emission rate. We explain these observations by a regime of steady state degassing in which bubbles nucleate and ascend in chemical equilibrium with the convecting magma. Short‐term (seconds to minutes) temporal fluctuations in the SO 2 –HCl–HF composition were observed, and these are attributed to shallow degassing processes.
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Individual and Social Factors Related to Urban African American Adolescents' School Performance - Somers, Cheryl L.; Owens, Delila; Piliawsky, Monte (The High School Journal, 2008)
The purpose of this study was to examine factors related to the academic success of urban, African American youth. Participants were 118 African American male and female ninth graders from a large urban high school in the Midwest. A majority of students at the school receive free or reduced lunch. Factors studied were social support from five sources (parent, peer, teacher, classmate, close friend) and six educational attitudes and behaviors (educational intentions, educational behavior, personal control, persistence, and understanding of the personal and financial value of educational attainment). The major purpose of this study was to examine the role of these various sources of social support in the educational attitudes and behaviors and academic achievement of this sample of African American youth. Results indicated that social support was mildly correlated with better grades, with parent and peer support relatively the more important forms of support. Moderate and strong correlations were found between the five support variables and most of the educational attitudes and behaviors variables, with support from parents, teachers, and peers most strongly related. The combination of all predictors explained a large proportion of variance in achievement, with educational intentions and personal persistence the strongest contributors. Detailed results and implications of the results are discussed.
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Droughts and famines: The underlying factors and the causal links among agro-pastoral households in semi-arid Makueni district, Kenya - Speranza, Chinwe Ifejika; Kiteme, Boniface; Wiesmann, Urs (Global environmental change, 2008)
Famines are often linked to drought in semi-arid areas of Sub-Saharan Africa where not only pastoralists, but also increasingly agro-pastoralists are affected. This study addresses the interplay between drought and famine in the rural semi-arid areas of Makueni district, Kenya, by examining whether, and how crop production conditions and agro-pastoral strategies predispose smallholder households to drought-triggered food insecurity. If this hypothesis holds, then approaches to deal with drought and famine have to target factors causing household food insecurity during non-drought periods. Data from a longitudinal survey of 127 households, interviews, workshops, and daily rainfall records (1961–2003) were analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods. This integrated approach confirms the above hypothesis and reveals that factors other than rainfall, like asset and labour constraints, inadequate policy enforcement, as well as the poverty-driven inability to adopt risk-averse production systems play a key role. When linking these factors to the high rainfall variability, farmer-relevant definitions and forecasts of drought have to be applied.
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Senegal - Early grade reading assessment : results from Senegalese primary school students learning to read in French and in Wolof - Sprenger-Charolles, Liliane (2008)
In international assessments (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study - Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development [PISA-OECD] and Progress in International Reading Literacy StudyInternational Evaluation of Educational Achievement [PIRLS-IEA]), children's reading skills are not assessed before the fourth grade. For students who are poor readers, it is often too late by this time to carry out efficient and effective remedial instruction. To be efficient remedial instruction should be conducted as early as possible. In addition, most major assessments are only composed of reading comprehension tasks and do not take into account the level of word reading fluency (including accuracy and speed) and listening comprehension. However, research suggests that reading comprehension is associated with capacity in these complementary tasks. The last two analyses indicated that in the two groups (Wolof and French), correlations between socioeconomic status and various tasks were not significant and that socioeconomic status does not contribute to variance in reading skills. This was also the case for phonemic analysis and the knowledge of letter names, although correlations between these tasks and the reading tasks were high. Correlations between the pseudo-word and word reading tasks were very high, and the ability to read pseudo-words was the only skill that explained variance in word reading (isolated or in context). Finally, correlations between reading and listening comprehension were very high, and listening comprehension was the only skill that consistently explained variance in reading comprehension.
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Celebrating 25 years of research and training in cancer in Africa: a historical perspective of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC). - Williams, Christopher Kwesi O. (Canadian Journal of Urology, 2008)
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Educational borrowing as negotiation: re‐examining the influence of the American black industrial education model on British colonial education in Africa - Yamada, Shoko (Comparative Education, 2008)
This study explores the extent to which American educational ideas made an impact on policy‐making and practice of education in British African colonies between the two World Wars. The analysis re‐examines the apparent ‘borrowing’ of American black industrial education models for application in Africa. It is argued that, while the view that Americans were successful in handling racial conflicts by means of education at home carried strong symbolic meaning in the colonial political arena, the ideas themselves were not new. The paper focuses on the motivations and characteristics of the people involved in this political discourse and in transferring American and other models to Africa. By doing this, the paper draws attention to a more complex network of factors that were involved in the transfer of educational policies to British colonies in Africa.
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[Therapeutic effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 injection into the inner ears through scala tympani fenestration on gentamicin-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs]. - Yong-he, LI; Chen, Hao; Guo, Ming (PubMed, 2008)
To study the therapeutic effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) injection into the inner ears through a scala tympani fenestration on sensorineural deafness in a guinea pig model of gentamicin-induced hearing loss.Twenty guinea pigs with gentamicin-induced hearing loss were randomized equally into IGF-1 group and control group. In both groups, scala tympani fenestration was performed for injection of IGF-1 (10 microl) or artificial perilymphatic fluid (10 microl). Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) test was performed before and 7 and 14 days after surgery, respectively, and the cochlea was removed by decollation of 3 guinea pigs from each group after ABR test for observing the changes in the hair cells using scanning electron microscope.Significant reduction in the ABR response threshold (RT) occurred in IGF-1 group 7 and 14 days after the surgery, and on day 14, ABR RT showed significant difference between IGF-1 group and the control group. Scanning electron microscopy revealed severer damages of the hair cells in the control group, and in the IGF-1 group, finger-like microvilli was detected on the surface of the damaged hair cells.IGF-1 injection in the inner ear through the scala tympani fenestration may ameliorate the damages of the auditory function and relieve sustained toxicity of gentamicin in guinea pigs possibly by protection and partial repair of the damaged cochlea hair cells as well as protection of the afferent nerves.
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Governance, Management, and Accountability in Secondary Education in Sub-Saharan Africa (2008)
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Height, weight, body mass index and learning achievement in Kumi district, East of Uganda - Acham, Hedwig; Kikafunda, Joyce K.; Oluka, Silas; Kjellevold, Marian; Tylleskär, Thorkild (Scientific Research and Essays, 2008)
The objective was to determine the relationship between nutritional status as measured by height-forage, weight-for-age, body mass index for age (BMI for-age) and learning achievement. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. The study was conducted in 34 elementary schools in the district of Kumi, east of Uganda. The subjects included a random selection of 1003 children (457 boys and 546 girls) of grade 4, aged 9-15 years. Standard methods were used to determine height and weight. Heightfor-age, weight-for-age and BMI were outcome measures from the height and weight measurements. Learning was assessed in English, Mathematics, life skills and verbal comprehension using a nonstandardized method, and was based on the curricular objectives designed by the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES), republic of Uganda. Outcome measures of learning were percentage scores obtained, graded according to the system provided by the MOES. Confounding variables (gender and age) were used to stratify the children and associations between nutritional variables and learning were tested for the different areas of learning (P < 0.05). The descriptive results showed significant associations between height, weight, BMI and learning (p < 0.05). The associations were positive for mathematics and English but negative for life skills and verbal comprehension. The negative association between the nutritional variables and the latter two can not be explained. Height, weight and BMI have a significant association with learning, suggesting the importance of nutrition in the education system.
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Transitions in Secondary Education in Sub-Saharan Africa - Bregman, Jacob (2008)
The main purpose of the Secondary Education in Africa (SEIA) -TRANSE study has been to identify and analyze measures that may lead to more efficient and equitable transitions in secondary education. These measures are on the one hand aiming at improving the structure and increasing the capacity of secondary education, and on the other hand to facilitate the individuals' possibilities to enter and to succeed in secondary education. Measures may be implemented at the national, regional or local level. Author especially focuses on measures like: (a) Financial (expansion of capacity, improvement of infrastructure, support to students); (b) Provisions (attractiveness and relevance, volume, location, quality and support, selection mechanisms); (c) Counseling; (d) PTA (parent teacher associations) and other local community and school relations; and (e) Reducing factors that are hindering youth to enter or to stay in schools. This paper synthesizes the findings of the country studies, highlighting the factors contributing to more equitable and efficient transitions in secondary education, and offers conclusions and recommendations.
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Thirty thousand years of vegetation development and climate change in Angola (Ocean Drilling Program Site 1078) - Dupont, Lydie M; Behling, Hermann; Kim, J.-H. (2008)
Abstract. ODP Site 1078 situated under the coast of Angola provides the first record of the vegetation history for Angola. The upper 11 m of the core covers the past 30 thousand years, which has been analysed palynologically in decadal to centennial resolution. Alkenone sea surface temperature estimates were analysed in centennial resolution. We studied sea surface temperatures and vegetation development during full glacial, deglacial, and interglacial conditions. During the glacial the vegetation in Angola was very open consisting of grass and heath lands, deserts and semi-deserts, which suggests a cool and dry climate. A change to warmer and more humid conditions is indicated by forest expansion starting in step with the earliest temperature rise in Antarctica, 22 thousand years ago. We infer that around the period of Heinrich Event 1 a northward excursion of the Angola Benguela Front and the Congolian Air Boundary resulted in cool sea surface temperatures and a northward extension of desert vegetation along the coast. Rain forest and dry forest returned 15 thousand years ago. During the Holocene, dry forests and Miombo woodlands expanded. Also in Angola globally recognised climate changes at 8 thousand and 4 thousand years ago had an impact on the vegetation. During the past 2 thousand years, savannah vegetation became dominant.
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The crisis of student discipline in Botswana schools: an impact of culturally conflicting disciplinary strategies - Garegae, Kgomotso G. (Educational Research Review, 2008)
Although student discipline had existed since the beginning of mankind, the disciplinary methods employed have changed over the years, giving rise to culturally irrelevant disciplinary strategies. This study explored teachers’ views about approaches to discipline experienced in Botswana schools in terms of policy and practice. In particular, the study sought for information on teachers’ day-to-day experiences and their views with regard to the implementation of student discipline regulations. Twenty teachers, who have been in the field for at least eight years, were interviewed once. Interview proceedings were recorded and later transcribed verbatim. The study showed that teachers feel disempowered by schools’ discipline regulations, and that students take advantage of such regulations to undermine teachers’ authority. Based on the premise that discipline approaches are culturally conceptualized and negotiated, the paper argues that student discipline has grown into an epidemic in Botswana schools because culturally inappropriate approaches are employed. Recommendations as to how the problem could be curbed are discussed and suggestions for further studies are made.
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Effects of Competitive and Cooperative Learning Strategies on Academic Performance of Nigerian Students in Mathematics. - Kolawole, E. B. (Educational Research Review, 2008)
This study investigated the effects of the cooperative and competitive learning on academic performance of students in mathematics in order to find out which one of them is the more effective learning strategy. The sample of the study was 400 Senior Secondary Schools III, Mathematics students made up of 240 boys and 160 girls randomly selected from four out of five States in South West Nigeria. Quasi experimental design was adopted for the study. Two instruments were used namely Mathematics Pre-Test Achievement Test (PTAT) and Post-Test Achievement Test (PAT) to collect data. The data collected in this study were subjected to Z-test analysis at α = 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that cooperative learning strategy is more effective than competitive learning strategy and that boys performed significantly better than girls in both learning strategies. Based on the findings, cooperative learning strategy should be introduced in our secondary schools in Nigeria. Key words: Mathematics, Senior Secondary Schools, Nigeria Cooperative, Competitive, Learning strategies and performance.
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Bare life and the developmental state: implications of the militarisation of higher education in Eritrea - Müller, Tanja R. (The Journal of Modern African Studies, 2008)
ABSTRACT In this article Eritrea is discussed as a developmental state based on biopolitics. Taking the example of higher education, it is shown how the biopolitical project as applied to education policies and human resource development at first succeeded in terms of reinforcing personal nationalism, while at the same time opening up spaces for the fulfilment of personal aspirations. Of late, however, the biopolitical project has turned ‘pernicious’ and has become a tool of oppression. These developments, if they are to continue, will not only jeopardise the state's developmental agenda but may lead to the Eritrean polity in its present form becoming unviable.
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Traditional strategies used by pastoralists to cope with la nina induced drought in Kajiado, Kenya - Mworia, John K.; Kinyamario, JI (African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2008)
Pastoralists traditionally relied on herd mobility to cope with drought. In the pastoral areas of Kajiado, Kenya this strategy is now threatened by increased individual land ownership as compared to communal access.  Drought frequency as related to El-Nino and Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is predicated to increase with climate change. The aim of the study was investigate the use of herd mobility strategy in the ENSO related 1999/2000 la Nina induced drought under different land tenure types and varying household cattle wealth. The study found that despite changes in land tenure, herd mobility was used as a coping strategy. Households rich in livestock applied the herd mobility strategy more than the poorer ones by moving a larger proportion of their herds. Poorer households applied the strategy of keeping drought resistant animals more than richer ones by having a higher proportion of goats and sheep than cattle. Institutional land units of Kiboko Range Research Station and Chyulu National Reserve which had higher herbaceous biomass were the most favored refuge areas for livestock during the drought. In conclusion poorer families are likely to be impacted more from increased incidents of ENSO droughts due inability to use the herd mobility option. Key words: La-Nina, climate change, drought, pastoralist, herd mobility, land use type
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Infant hearing screening models for the early detection of permanent childhood hearing loss in Nigeria - Olusanya, Bolajoko Olubukunola (2008)
Permanent congenital and early-onset hearing loss (PCEHL) is associated with significant developmental deficits in speech, language and cognitive skills when detected beyond the first year of life. Hospital-based universal newborn hearing screening is recognised as an essential component of neonatal care worldwide. Although about 32,000 babies are estimated to have PCEHL annually in Nigeria infants are rarely offered any form of hearing screening tests. This research therefore set out to establish suitable infant hearing screening model(s) for Nigeria within the context of the significant proportion of births outside hospital facilities. In a cross-sectional prospective study, all consecutive newborn babies at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos and babies less than 3 months of age attending four community health centres for BCG immunisation were enrolled over a period of 40 weeks in a two-staged screening protocol consisting of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and automated auditory brainstem response (AABR). Those who failed the second-stage screening with AABR were referred for appropriate diagnostic evaluation. Fees were not required of parents for any of the services. The results demonstrated that both hospital-based and community-based universal infant hearing screening programmes were feasible in Nigeria and that screening tests can be conducted effectively by non-specialists without prior audiological expertise in primary care settings. The screening coverage was over 90%. However, the community-based programme showed a superior yield for children with PCEHL and lower cost-per-baby screened. The only independent predictor of PCEHL under the hospital-based programme was admission into Special Care Baby Unit while hyperbilirubinaemia necessitating exchange blood transfusion and birth outside hospital facilities were predictive of PCEHL in the community-based programme. Loss to follow-up was the most significant challenge to both programmes while failure to explore likely effects of payments for screening tests on the uptake of services was a major limitation.
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Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD): a 10 year review of clinicopathological features of cases seen at University of Benin Teaching Hosptial, Benin City. - Aligbe, J U; Ekanem, Victor James; Akhiwu, W; Banjo, A A F (Annals of Biomedical Sciences, 2008)
Gestational trophoblastic disease: a 10 year review of clinicopathological features of cases seen at University of Benin Teaching Hosptial, Benin City.Annals Biomedical Sciences 2002; 1:94-99. Gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD) are common among Nigerian women in their reproductive life. They are important in that they present a unique opportunity for early detection and cure. This study aimed at identifying the various histological types encountered in Benin City and defining their epidemiology, clinical presentations and management. Forty-eight cases of histologically diagnosed GTD between 1989 and 1998 at University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, were reviewed and analysed. A frequency of 1: 252 deliveries was observed. Hydatidiform moles were the most prevalent (87.5%). Of these partial moles were the commonest (47.9%), followed by choriocarcinoma (12.5%) and invasive moles (2.1%). Over a third (35.4%) of endometrial curratage specimen were not recognized grossly as GTD by the attending physicians. The incidence occurred in 2nd and 3rd decades of life. As high as 35.4% of the patients were lost to follow-up. These findings emphasize the need for careful assessment of all pregnant women in the early trimesters, the importance of histological examination of products of abortion, proper education of these patients before they are discharged and involvement of social workers in contact tracing as a means of preventing the sequele of GTD. Keywords: Female, Conception, Gestational trophoblastic disease. Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 1 (2) 2002: pp. 94-99
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Helminthiasis and Hygiene Conditions of Schools in Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria - Ekpo, Uwem Friday; Odoemene, Simon Nnayere; Mafiana, C. F.; Sam-Wobo, S. O. (PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2008)
A study of the helminth infection status of primary-school children and the hygiene condition of schools in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria was undertaken between November 2004 and February 2005 to help guide the development of a school-based health programme.THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS WERE RANDOMLY SELECTED: two government-owned schools (one urban and the other rural) and one urban private school. No rural private schools existed to survey. A total of 257 schoolchildren aged 4-15 y, of whom 146 (56.8%) were boys and 111 (43.2%) were girls, took part in the survey. A child survey form, which included columns for name, age, sex, and class level, was used in concert with examination of stool samples for eggs of intestinal helminths. A school survey form was used to assess the conditions of water supply, condition of latrines, presence of soap for handwashing, and presence of garbage around the school compound. The demographic data showed that the number of schoolchildren gradually decreased as their ages increased in all three schools. The sex ratio was proportional in the urban school until primary level 3, after which the number of female pupils gradually decreased, whereas in the private school, sexes were proportionally distributed even in higher classes. The prevalence of helminth infection was 54.9% of schoolchildren in the urban government school, 63.5% in the rural government school, and 28.4% in the urban private school. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent species, followed by Trichuris trichiura, Taenia species, and hookworm in the three schools. Prevalence of infection in the government-owned schools was significantly higher than in the private school (chi(2) = 18.85, df = 2, p<0.0005). A survey of hygiene conditions in the three schools indicated that in the two government schools tapwater was unavailable, sanitation of latrines was poor, handwashing soap was unavailable, and garbage was present around school compounds. In the private school, in contrast, all hygiene indices were satisfactory.These results indicate that burden of parasite infections and poor sanitary conditions are of greater public health importance in government-owned schools than in privately owned schools. School health programmes in government-owned schools, including deworming, health education, and improvement of hygiene conditions are recommended.
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Observations on the relative frequency of severe malaria in young children seen in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. - Ofovwe, Egberue Gabriel; Eregie, CO (Annals of Biomedical Sciences, 2008)
Malaria accounts for 10% of deaths in children below the age of 5 years in Nigeria. These deaths are due to severe forms of malaria. Reports on the frequency of manifestation of severe malaria in this age group are scanty. Therefore 309 children aged 6 months to 5 years with falciparum malaria and no other identifiable cause of fever were evaluated by clinical and laboratory methods for manifestations of severe malaria, using the World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria for defining severe malaria. The findings show that 93 (30.1%) had non-severe malaria, while 216 (69.9%) had manifestations of severe malaria. Hyperpyrexia occurred in 153/216 (71.0%) of patients and was relatively more common in children aged 3-5 years (64.0%). 81/216 (38.0%) of cases had severe anaemia which was more common in children below 3 years of age (47.0%) than in those aged 3-5 years (6.0%). 24/216 (11.0%) of all cases had cerebral malaria as well as hypoglycaemia. Cerebral malaria was more common in children aged less than 3 years (13.0%) than in those aged 3-5 years groups (12.0%). Hyperparasitaemia occurred in 12/216 (6.0%) of patients and was equally common in both age groups. Nine (4.0%) children had jaundice with 4.0% of them aged below 3 years while 6.0% were aged between 3-5 years. Conclusion; Hyperpyrexia, severe anaemia, cerebral malaria and hypoglycaemia were the most frequently observed manifestations of severe malaria in this age group in Benin City, Nigeria. Keywords:Frequency; Manifestation; Severe Malaria; Young Children; Benin City. Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 1 (1) 2002: pp. 30-37
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An Audit Of Surgery Related Deaths In An Urban Nigerian Teaching Hospital - Ohanaka, CE; Oguike, T C (Annals of Biomedical Sciences, 2008)
An audit of surgery related deaths was carried out to determine the most common causes of such death. A total of 338 deaths (205 males and 133 females – 3.3:2) were recorded in the Department of Surgery, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria over a five-year period (September 1, 1996 to August 31, 2001). Cancer as an entity accounted for the highest number of deaths (104 or 30.8%); the commonest being those of the colorectum, stomach, pancreas and prostate. Other significant causes of surgery related deaths were burn injury (64 or 13.3%) and intestinal obstruction (22 or 9.5%). Complications from head injury singularly accounted for 33 (9. 8%) of deaths, following road traffic accidents. Most of the deaths from intestinal obstruction were post-operative following laparotomy, resection of gangrenous bowel and anastomosis with neonatal intestinal obstruction accounting for 15 (68%) of the deaths. The other less common causes of death as well as those where diagnosis could not be reached due to lack of postmortem were classified as miscellaneous (47 or 19.8%). Provision of facilities for early detection of cancer as well as enforcing the use of seatbelts and crash-helmets will help in reducing the number of deaths from cancer and road traffic accidents respectively. Trainee surgeons should be exposed to the management of burns while timely intervention especially in neonates will help to reduce the mortality associated with intestinal obstruction. Keywords: Audit, Surgery related deaths, Benin City, Nigeria Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 2 (1) 2003: pp. 47-53
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Perinatal Outcome Of Pregnancies Complicated By Hypertensive Disorders At The University Of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria - Onyiriuka, Alphonsus N.; Okolo, AA (Annals of Biomedical Sciences, 2008)
In this case-control study, we examined the perinatal outcome in 272 pregnancies complicated by hypertension and compared the result with that of 816 control cases. The overall prevalence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) was 7.2%. There was significantly higher perinatal mortality rate (PMR) of 110.3 per 1000 deliveries in hypertensive mothers compared with 33.0 per 1000 deliveries in normotensive mothers. Comparing the various subtypes of HDP, chronic hypertension with superimposed pre-eclampsia was associated with the highest PMR of 714.3 per 1000 deliveries. The rate of delivery of low birth weight and preterm infants were significantly higher in hypertensive compared with normotensive mother. Comparing hypertensive and normotensive mothers, the Caesarean delivery rate was 35.7% versus 26.6%. The incidence rate of birth asphyxia was significantly higher in babies of hypertensive mothers compared with babies of normotensive mothers. Proportionate intrauterine growth retardation was found in infants born to mothers with chronic hypertension in contrast to disproportionate form found in infants born to mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension. In conclusion, HDP is associated with several adverse outcome such as premature birth, intrauterine growth restriction, birth asphyxia, fetal demise. Keywords: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy; perinatal outcome. Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 4 (1) 2005: pp. 25-34
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Penetrating abdominal injury cases admitted in University of Benin Teaching Hospital. - Osime, C O; Oludiran, OO (Annals of Biomedical Sciences, 2008)
An audit of patients with penetrating abdominal injuries who were admitted and managed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital between January 1, 1992 and December 31st 2001 was carried out to ascertain the pattern of injury. Of the 34 cases, 30 (88.2%) were males and 4 (11.8%) females, giving a male/female ratio of 8.5:1. The age range was 1 to 51 years (mean 25.23±5.6years). The 21 to 30 age group was the most vulnerable while those above 60 were least affected. Gun was the weapon used in most of the cases (64.7%) and most of them were due to armed robbery attack (50.0%) and accidental discharge from police rifles (36.4%). The incidence of penetrating abdominal injuries especially through gunshot injuries is on the increase and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in our community. Control measures and ways of reducing morbidity and mortality are suggested. Keywords: penetrating abdominal injuries, gun shot injuries. Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 3 (1&2) 2004: pp. 39-44
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Active Learning for Understanding Land Degradation: African Catchment Game and Riskmap - Rowntree, Kate; Fox, Roddy (Geographical Research, 2008)
Abstract Land degradation is the result of the intersection of a complex set of biophysical and socio‐economic factors. The capacity of an individual or community to address land degradation is likewise constrained. While it is quite possible for professionals and learners to grasp the main issues around land degradation from a theoretical perspective, internalising the reality of what it means to be the resource degrader is more difficult. We have developed two active learning methods that aim to address this problem. The first is the African Catchment Game, a role‐playing game based on Graham Chapman's Green Revolution Game, adapted for the southern Africa context and incorporating a land degradation component. In this game participants play out the complex dynamics of rural‐urban‐global linkages against a background of environmental hazards. The second is based on Save the Children Fund's RiskMap computer simulation that models risk in terms of rural livelihoods for different income groups. Ethiopia is used as the example. This paper evaluates the two active learning techniques as tools for exploring the relationships between land degradation and poverty through an evaluation of participants’ experiences. The analysis shows clear potential for developing alternative teaching curricula that are aligned to our theoretical understanding.
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Experience In The Management Of Neural Tube Defects At The University Of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria - Yawe, T; Rabasa, AI; Gali, BM (Annals of Biomedical Sciences, 2008)
Between January 1986 and December 1997, 97 cases of neural tube defects were seen at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) Maiduguri. Male to female (M:F) ratio of 1.4:1 was observed with the commonest location of lesion being at the lumbo-sacral region. Majority of the patients came from rural subsistent communities. The first order birth was noticed to be the most susceptible to neural tube defect. Commonly associated abnormalities included hydrocephalus, sphincteric dysfunction, limb paralysis and dysfunction. Keywords: Neural tube defects, Management, Experience. Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 1 (2) 2002: pp. 136-140
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A Ten-Year Review of Childhood Renal Admissions into the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria - Onifade, E U (Nigerian quarterly journal of hospital medicine, 2008)
Background: The exact burden of childhood renal disease among Nigerians, particularly in the Lagos environment is not known. Local literature by focusing on the nephortic syndrome seemingly gives the impression that it constitutes the most important and perhaps the most common of these diseases. In practices however, varies renal disease occur amongst out children. Objective: To describe the pattern of children renal disease seen at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in order to adequately advocate for needed personnel and equipment for care of children with renal disease. Methods: A ten-year (1991 – 2000) retrospective review to children admitted into the paediatric wards at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) was undertaken. Those with the final diagnosis of renal disease were analyzed. Results: Of a total of 5,176 children admitted in the period 203 (3.9%) were diagnosed with renal disease and they were significantly more males. Between 1994 – 1996 when there was no paediatric nephrologists in the hospital, the numbers of children seen with renal disease were significantly reduced, p
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Health education in Nigeria: Challenges for health sciences librarians - Ibegwam, Ahiaoma (Nigerian quarterly journal of hospital medicine, 2008)
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Recent trends in caesarean section at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria - Oye-Adeniran, BA; Umoh, Augustine V; Odun, C U (Nigerian quarterly journal of hospital medicine, 2008)
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Suicidal ideation and associated factors among in-school adolescents in Zambia - Muula, Adamson S; Kazembe, Lawrence; Rudatsikira, Emmanuel; Siziya, Seter (Tanzania health research bulletin, 2008)
A cross sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation among in-school adolescents in Zambia. Backward logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between relevant predictor variables and suicidal ideation within the last 12 months. A total of 1970 in-school adolescents who participated in the Zambia Global School-Based Health Survey in 2004 responded to the question on suicidal ideation. Overall, 54.0% were males, 40.8% were current drinkers, and 35.9% ever smoked marijuana (cannabis). Altogether 31.3% reported suicidal ideation in the past 12 months (males = 31.1%; females = 31.4%). Being male (OR = 1.05; 95%CI 1.03, 1.05): being <14 years old (OR = 1.21; 95%CI 1.19, 1.23), having been drunk (OR = 1.28; 95%CI 1.27, 1.29). worried (OR= 1.05; 95%CI 1.04, 1.06), sad or hopeless in the past 12 months (OR = 1.02; 95%CI 1.01, 1.03) and ever used marijuana (OR = 1.18; 95%CI 1.17, 1.19) were positively associated with suicidal ideation. Loneliness appeared to be protective (OR = 0.92; 95%CI 0.91, 0.92). All the results, except for ever smoked marijuana and ever been drunk, may have been biased due to non-response to the question on suicidal ideation. A series of cross sectional studies should be conducted to monitor changes in behavioural factors among others ever smoked marijuana and ever been drunk in order to broaden our understanding of factors that may be causing adolescents to seriously consider committing suicide.
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The Undergraduate Training in Ophthalmology: the University of Nigeria Nsukka Medical Students\' View - Okoye, Obiekwe; Maduka-Okafor, F C; Umeh, R. E. (Orient Journal of Medicine, 2008)
Objective: The study was embarked upon to determine the view of University of Nigeria final year medical students on the adequacy of their undergraduate training in ophthalmology, vis-à-vis rendering basic eye care as general duty doctors. Methods: One hundred final year medical students, who had finished their ophthalmology clinical postings, completed a self-administered, structured and semi structured questionnaires in August 2004. Data analysis was done manually using an electronic calculator. Result: Majority of the students (60%) were of the view that the training was inadequate. This was largely attributed to the low level of clinical exposure and community experience in the programme. Conclusion: The undergraduate training in ophthalmology undergone by these final year medical students may not have equipped them with adequate knowledge and skills to render basic eye care as general duty doctors. There is a need to improve the relevance and quality of the training. Keywords: Ophthalmology, training, Medical Students, view Orient Journal of Medicine Vol. 19 (1-4) 2007: pp. 17-23
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Prevalence of sexual intercourse among school-going adolescents in Coast Province, Kenya - Rudatsikira, Emmanuel; Ogwell, A.E.O.; Siziya, Seter; Muula, AS (Tanzania health research bulletin, 2008)
A study was carried out to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of sexual intercourse among school adolescents in Coast Province, Kenya. Data were obtained through the Kenya Global School-Based Health Survey. Overall the prevalence of sexual intercourse within the last 12 months was 14.9% (22.2% in males and 5.0% in females). Among males, the protective factors against having sex were being of age < 15 years (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.58, 0.62) and ever been drunk (OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.59, 0.67). The risk factors for having sex among males were ever smoked (OR = 2.05, 95% CI 1.92, 2.19), having close friends (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.56, 1.81), currently drinking alcohol (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.06, 1.20), ever used drugs (OR = 2.36, 95% CI 2.24, 2.49) and parental supervision (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.25, 1.34). Meanwhile among female respondents, parental supervision was protective (OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.81, 0.94) and the only risk factor was ever used drugs (OR = 2.85, 95% CI 2.57, 3.15). It is suggested that public health interventions aimed to promote adolescent sexual health should be designed with the appreciation of the factors associated with sexual activity in due consideration.
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Sex differences in prevalence rates and predictors of cigarette smoking among in-school adolescents in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania - Siziya, Seter; Ntata, Pierson; Rudatsikira, Emmanuel; Makupe, Cecilia M; Umar, Eric; Muula, Adamson S (Tanzania health research bulletin, 2008)
An analysis of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey for Kilimanjaro, Tanzania was carried out to assess sex differences in the prevalence rates and predictors of current cigarette smoking among in-school adolescents. A total of 2323 adolescents participated in the study of whom 53% were females and 47% males. The prevalence of current cigarette smoking was 3.0% and 1.4% among males and females, respectively. The common factors that were significantly positively associated with cigarette smoking between sexes were: having more pocket money, closest friend smoked cigarettes, seeing actors smoke on TV, videos or movies, and seeing advertisements for cigarettes at social gatherings. Seeing anti-smoking messages at social gatherings were negatively associated with smoking among both sexes. While having had something such as a t-shirt or pen with a cigarette brand logo on it was positively associated with cigarette smoking among males, it was negatively associated with cigarette smoking among females. Male adolescents older than 15 years, those in their 9th year of schooling, and those who had seen cigarette brand names on TV were more likely to smoke. Meanwhile, male respondents who were in their 8th year of schooling, had seen anti-smoking media messages, and advertisements for cigarettes in newspapers or magazines were less likely to smoke. Among female adolescents, those who had parents who smoked, and surprisingly those who perceived that cigarette smoking as harmful were more likely to smoke. Interestingly, seeing advertisement for cigarettes on billboards was negatively associated with smoking among female adolescents. Interventions aimed to reduce adolescent smoking need to be designed and implemented with due consideration of sex differences in these associated factors.
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Cancer of the Cervix at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria, in the last decade of the last Millennium - Umeora, Ouj; Onuh, SO (Orient Journal of Medicine, 2008)
Objective: To evaluate the incidence and clinical presentation of cervical cancer in a Nigerian tertiary health institution. Methods: A review of retrieved retrospective data relating to patients managed for cancer of the cervix at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City between January 1991 and December, 2000 was done and is presented as frequency tables. Results: Cancer of the cervix constituted 72.9% of all gynaecological malignancies seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and accounted for 4.8% of all new gynaecological admissions. The mean age at presentation was 49.1+5.7 years, with a peak age of 41 years to 50 years. Commonest presenting feature was abnormal vaginal bleeding while the modal stage at presentation was IIIB. The squamous cell variety was commonly encountered. Conclusion: Cancer of the cervix is of Public health importance in Benin City, Nigeria. Late presentations render curative protocols ineffective. Public enlightenment targeting sexually active women in the lower socio economic strata to boost uptake of screening services should be undertaken. Keywords: cancer, cervix, late, Benin City Orient Journal of Medicine Vol. 19 (1-4) 2007: pp. 24-30
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Outcome of a research ethics training workshop among clinicians and scientists in a Nigerian university - Ajuwon, Ademola J.; Kass, Nancy E. (BMC Medical Ethics, 2008)
In Nigeria, as in other developing countries, access to training in research ethics is limited, due to weak social, economic, and health infrastructure. The project described in this article was designed to develop the capacity of academic staff of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria to conduct ethically acceptable research involving human participants.Three in-depth interviews and one focus group discussion were conducted to assess the training needs of participants. A research ethics training workshop was then conducted with College of Medicine faculty. A 23-item questionnaire that assessed knowledge of research ethics, application of principles of ethics, operations of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and ethics reasoning was developed to be a pre-post test evaluation of the training workshop. Ninety-seven workshop participants completed the questionnaire before and after the workshop; 59 of them completed a second post-test questionnaire one month after the workshop.The trainees came from a multi-disciplinary background including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social science and laboratory science. The mean scores for knowledge of the principles of research ethics rose from 0.67 out of 3 points at pre-test to 2.25 at post-test (p < 0.05). Also, 42% correctly mentioned one international guideline or regulation at pretest, with most of those knowing of the Declaration of Helsinki. Trainees' knowledge of the operations of an IRB increased from 6.05 at pre-test to 6.29 at post test out of 7 points. Overall, participants retained much of the knowledge acquired from the workshop one month after its completion.The training improved participants' knowledge of principles of research ethics, international guidelines and regulations and operations of IRBs. It thus provided an opportunity for research ethics capacity development among academic staff in a developing country institution.
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Innovative Second and Foreign Language Education in the Middle East and North Africa - Al‐Khatib, Mahmoud A. (2008)
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Constructing Elites in Kenya: Implications for Classroom Language Practices in Africa - Bunyi, G. (2008)
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Language Policy and Education in Southern Africa - Heugh, Kathleen (2008)
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Second and Foreign Language Learning in South Africa - Kamwangamalu, Nkonko M. (2008)
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Cytomegalovirus infection induces T‐cell differentiation without impairing antigen‐specific responses in Gambian infants - Miles, David J. C.; Sanneh, Mariama; Holder, Beth; Crozier, Sarah; Nyamweya, Samuel; Touray, Ebrima; Palmero, Melba S.; Zaman, Syed M A; Rowland‐Jones, Sarah; Sande, Marianne A. B. van der; Whittle, Hilton (Immunology, 2008)
Summary Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection induces profound differentiation of T cells, and is associated with impaired responses to other immune challenges. We therefore considered whether CMV infection and the consequent T‐cell differentiation in Gambian infants was associated with impaired specific responses to measles vaccination or polyclonal responses to the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). While the concentration of undifferentiated (CD27 + CD28 + CCR7 + ) T‐cells in peripheral blood was unaffected by CMV, there was a large increase in differentiated (CD28 − CD57 + ) CD8 T‐cells and a smaller increase in differentiated CD4 cells. One week post‐vaccination, the CD4 cell interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) response to measles was lower among CMV‐infected infants, but there were no other differences between the cytokine responses, or between the cytokine or proliferative responses 4 months post‐vaccination. However, the CD8 T cells of CMV‐infected infants proliferated more in response to SEB and the antibody response to measles correlated with the IFN‐γ response to CMV, indicating that CMV infection actually enhances some immune responses in infancy.
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African Honey Bee Information for School Administrators - O’Malley, Michael K.; Ellis, James D.; Neal, Anita S. (EDIS (Gainesville, Fla.), 2008)
ENY-142, a 2-page fact sheet by M. K. O’Malley, J. D. Ellis, and A. S. Neal, provides information about Africanized honey bees (AHB), precautions that can be taken on school grounds, an administrator’s checklist, and additional resources. Published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, December 2007. ENY-142/IN740: African Honey Bee Information for School Administrators (ufl.edu)
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Bilingual Education in Africa: An Overview - Obondo, Margaret (2008)
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Policy, Practice and Power: Language Ecologies of South African Classrooms - Probyn, Margie (2008)
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Literacies In and Out of School in South Africa - Stein, Pippa (2008)
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Exploring Issues in the Teaching of Expository Writing at the Undergraduate Level at Addis Ababa University Ethiopia - Tedla, Assefa Zeru (2008)
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Somali Adolescents' Negotiation of Religious and Racial Bias In and Out of School - Bigelow, Martha (Theory Into Practice, 2008)
This article explores the issues of race and religion as they pertain to adolescent Somali immigrants and their lives at school, among their families, and in their communities. Research from a number of contexts offers a range of perceptions, held by Somali youth and adults, not commonly available in the media. Multiple suggestions are offered to educators for engaging youth in conversations about race and religion in ways that will make Muslim students feel more welcome at school and help all students understand racial and religious identity, as well as the harm that racial and religious bias can cause.
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The need for research in Mathematics education in Namibia - Kapenda, Hileni M.; Kasanda, Choshi D. (2008)
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The contribution of the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa (NHKA) to theological training at the Transvaal University College - Merwe, P. J. van der (Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, 2008)
The ideal of theological training of candidates for the ministry of the Dutch Reformed Church (NHK) found its first (formal) expression in 1884. Difficult ecclesiastical, social and economic circumstances (including the consequences of the First and Second Anglo-Boer Wars) prevented dreams and plans from being realised. The opening of a Pretoria division of the Transvaal University College (TUC) in 1908 created new opportunities, but it would take another eight years before planning for theological training at the TUC could start. The NHK and the Presbyterian Church were involved as denominational partners in this undertaking. This phase lasted from 1917 to 1933. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for the theological training of ministers at university level – a paradigm which is still applicable in South Africa today.
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Knowledge and Perception of Sexuality Education among Students of a Rural Secondary School in Kwara State, Nigeria - Akande, Adebowale; Akande, T.M. (The Nigerian medical practitioner, 2008)
Sexuality education is a life long process of acquiring information and forming attitudes, beliefs and values about gender towards building a strong foundation for sexual health. All theories of adolescent development give sexuality a central role in negotiating the transition from child to adult. Sexuality education takes place on a daily basis in homes, schools, faith-based institutions, and through the media. This research work was thus carried out among students of a rural secondary school to determine knowledge and perception of sexuality education with the aim to identifying the problems and recommend effective strategies for efficient sexuality behavioural and life style needed to mature into sexually healthy adults. One hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed to randomly selected students of JSS 1 to SS3. A total of One hundred and thirteen questionnaires were returned representing a response of 75.3%. Awareness of sexuality education was high (72.3%) among the respondents though through informal strategy. Many of the respondents would therefore like a formal programme included in the post primary schools curriculum. This study demonstrated that 70% of the respondent aged between 10-18 years had never discussed about sex with their parents. This observation was more among the SSS2 (36.5%) and JSS1 (92.3%) respondents. However, 54.5% of the older respondents aged above 18 years had discussed about sex with their parents. This was done more by the respondents in the SSS 2 class (63.5%). All respondents agreed that sexuality education be introduced and made compulsory in schools. The study recommends the introduction of sexuality education into the secondary school curricula, immediate training and re- training of specialised skilful personnel for the teaching of sexuality education in Nigeria, sexual education should be made a compulsory subject, and mass mobilisation of parents towards home sexuality education. Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 52 (3) 2007: pp. 55-59
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Decline in Complete Dentures Patients\' Turn-Out in Dental Schools: Experience at UCH, Ibadan, Nigeria - Arigbede, AO; Dosumu, O O (The Nigerian medical practitioner, 2008)
The current study is designed to determine the trend in the demand for complete dentures by edentulous patients attending Ibadan dental school's prosthodontic out- patient clinic, compare the possible reasons responsible for the observed trend with those described for the American schools and to offer useful suggestions that would improve or sustain the turn- out of Ibadan dental schools prosthodontic patients. A six year (2000-2005) retrospective review of departmental and patients' records were undertaken. The information retrieved from the records include: age of patients, gender, year of presentation, amount paid for the prostheses and the number of students graduated per year. There was a steady decline in the total number of patients seen per two subsequent years from the year 2000-2005. There was a steady increase in the total number of students graduated per two subsequent years. The result also shows that the cost of complete dentures was upwardly reviewed on two occasions during the period under study. A downward trend in the number of complete dentures patient population at Ibadan Dental School was observed. The factors responsible may include: upward review of the cost of treatment, industrial actions, and lack of steady supply of consumables, electricity and pipe borne water. Increase in dentists-to patients ratio arising from the addition of new dental graduates to the existing dentist population may also have an effect. It is suggested that the above factors should be addressed and the image of dental schools as centers of excellence should be created. Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 52 (3) 2007: pp. 60-64
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‘Sharps\' and Sharps Policies; Knowledge of Health Workers at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria - Onifade, K A; Odeyemi, KA (The Nigerian medical practitioner, 2008)
In order to reduce and deal with occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens, various policies for dealing with occupational exposure to blood borne diseases are evolving. To ensure implementation and compliance, health workers should be knowledgeable about these policies. This study was conducted at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital to determine the level of awareness and attitude of healthcare workers to sharps and sharps policies. The multistage sampling method was used to select 250 doctors and nurses who participated in the study and the instrument of data collection was a self administered questionnaire. Knowledge of sharps was high among the respondents as majority of them were able to identify items classified as sharps and how the injuries occur. However the knowledge on sharps policies was not as impressive as only 58.9% of respondents had heard of the term “sharps policy”. For those who have heard of it their main sources of information were publications, conferences and seminars. Knowledge of the staff in the hospital on sharps policies should be increased to make implementation and compliance feasible, as this is important to protect staff and patients in the hospital from blood borne infections such as HIV and Hepatitis B. Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 52 (2) 2007: pp. 42-46
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Measuring impacts and adaptations to climate change: a structural Ricardian model of African livestock management1 - Seo, S. Niggol; Mendelsohn, Robert (Agricultural Economics, 2008)
Abstract This article develops a new cross‐sectional methodology that explicitly incorporates adaptation into an analysis of the impacts of climate change. The methodology examines how a farmer will change choices of species and number to adapt to climate. The approach is applied to study Africa, where the impacts of climate change are expected to be the most severe. The results indicate that in warmer places, African farmers switch from beef cattle to more heat‐tolerant goats and sheep. In wetter places, farmers switch from cattle and sheep to goats and chickens. The results indicate that large commercial livestock operations specializing in beef cattle will be hard hit from climate change whereas small farmers who can easily substitute to goats and/or sheep will be more resilient.
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Implementing Free Primary Education Policy in Malawi and Ghana: Equity and Efficiency Analysis - Inoue, Kei; Oketch, Moses (Peabody Journal of Education, 2008)
Malawi and Ghana are among the numerous Sub-Saharan Africa countries that have in recent years introduced Free Primary Education (FPE) policy as a means to realizing the 2015 Education for All and Millennium Development Goals international targets. The introduction of FPE policy is, however, a huge challenge for any national government that has experienced declining or slow economic growth and heavily relied on charging fees to parents and other sources to finance the education system. It follows, therefore, that the approach taken in implementing the FPE policy has implications for equity and efficiency in the education sector. Malawi and Ghana have differently implemented FPE policy. In this article we assess the impact of the implementation approach taken by each of the two countries on equity and efficiency in their education systems.
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Uses and gratifications of mobile Internet among South African students - Chigona, Wallace; Manjoo, S. (SA Journal of Information Management, 2008)
The South African Journal of Information Management explores the latest developments and trends in information and knowledge management to offer research that can be used to further the application of sound information and knowledge management practice.
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Climate change, desertification and biodiversity in Africa adaptation, an integrated approach - Al-Hamndou, D.; Requier-Desjardins, Mélanie (Vertigo, 2008)
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Integrated approach to teaching African dance and music: Challenges and prospects - Amegago, Modesto Mawulolo Kwaku (African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 2008)
This paper reflects on my several attempts to integrate the African music and dance in my teaching practices particularly in North America. It emerges from personal experiences and serves as a response to the needs and demands of some institutions. It focuses on the method of designing integrated courses, the strategies of teaching, learning, assessing and evaluating these courses and the challenges posed to this approach and prospects of the approach.
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A survey of sport psychological skills training in South African netball - Heever, Zelna Van den; Grobbelaar, Heinrich W.; Potgieter, Johan C. (African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 2008)
There is a lack of information on sport psychological skills training programmes within South African netball. The purpose of this study was to report on the previous exposure, perceived importance of, and need for sport psychological skills training (SPST) sessions, as expressed by 314 South African provincial netball players (20.30 ± 3.88 years) who participated in the Inter-Provincial Netball tournaments hosted by North-West South Netball during 2004. Additionally, the sport psychological skill (SPS) levels (as measured with the Psychological Skills Inventory (PSI) of Wheaton (1998)) of players from different age groups were compared and reported. Results show that this subject group had limited prior exposure to sport psychologists and SPST. The SPST sessions to which these players had mostly been exposed, include self-confidence, positive self-talk, team cohesion/team spirit, goal-setting and concentration skills. More than two thirds (67.51%) of the total group tested perceived SPST as very important, while almost half (49.68%) of the subjects perceive themselves to be psychologically well prepared for matches. Unfortunately, more than a quarter (26.42%) of the players indicated average, below average or poor psychological preparation for competitions. The results of this study clearly shows that a netball-specific SPST program should be developed by sport psychologists in collaboration with top netball coaches and systematically implemented, especially when looking at the reported skill levels of the subjects in this study. This notion is confirmed by further results, which indicate that 26.75% of the subjects expressed a great need for SPST.
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Higher Education in French-Speaking Sub-Saharan Africa - Shabani, Juma (2008)
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Higher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa - Teferra, Damtew (2008)
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Return of physical education to the currculum: Problems and challenges fecing schools in South African communities - Toit, Dorita du; Merwe, N. van der; Rossouw, J.P. (African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 2008)
The changing place and status of Physical Education in the South African school curriculum has followed much the same route as that of Physical Education in developed and developing countries, namely that of decline and demise. In 1994, Physical Education was officially dropped from the South African National Curriculum. Now, in concordance with worldwide reform trends and due to concerns with regard to health risks associated with physically inactive children, Physical Education has been reinstated in the National Curriculum, as one part of the learning area Life Orientation. As with any reform effort, this positive step on the road of child health brings with it certain problems and challenges for the developed as well as developing communities of South Africa, especially after such a long absence of a subject in the curriculum. The purpose of this study was to investigate the problems and challenges facing schools in advantaged and disadvantaged communities in South Africa, and proffer appropriate recommendations. A total of eighteen Life Orientation teachers from the nine provinces of South Africa participated in the study. Data were collected through interviews, and qualitatively analyzed. Results revealed that the major challenges for schools in the two types of communities included teachers who were not sufficiently qualified, low status of the subject, shortages of facilities and financial resources, unique curriculum requirements, limited time allocation and practical problems involving large and cultural diverse classes. In light of the results, recommendations are made with regard to further training of current teachers as well as the training of student teachers, within the unique educational environment of South Africa.
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Assessing the universal basic education primary and Koranic schools' synergy for Almajiri street boys in Nigeria - Usman, Lantana M. (International journal of educational management, 2008)
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show how Nigeria's current Universal Basic Education on primary schooling targets Muslim Almajiri street boys for basic literacy acquisition. The paper examines the policy's management implementation practices and challenges, as well as provides policy options that may minimize discrepancies for effective management. Design/methodology/approach The discussion is guided by preliminary qualitative studies using phenomenology research philosophy to better understand the social realities of the boys' schooling. Using a descriptive case study approach, two schools in a major city of northern Nigeria served as research sites. Data collection process involved informal interviews, active observations, and discussions with a purpose with four boys, and two teachers as primary participants. Data analysis engaged the generation of themes from the transcribed interview and personal observation field notes, with major ones as challenges and policy options of the program implementation. Findings Major findings include the boys' adoption to the free lunch feeding policy as motivation to partial school attendance. Management shortcomings of the synergy include ineffective communication and collaboration, poor instructional supervision and cultural insensitivity to boys' school retention. Remedies to the shortcomings are reviewed as policy options in the article. Research implications The paper concludes that effective management strategies as communication and collaboration with community stakeholders, frequencies of instructional supervision are vital to schooling inclusion of the boys in primary schools. The article provides workable data for future modification of the policy. Originality/value of paper So far, no program assessment on this schooling synergy has been investigated. This article attempts to bridge the gap between ground level realities and policy implementation methodologies of the government on the schooling of Almajiri s.
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Causes of obstructive uropathy at the Lagos University Teaching Hopsital , Lagos, Nigeria - Soyebi, Kofo; Awosanya, G O G (Nigerian quarterly journal of hospital medicine, 2008)
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Evaluation of civil engineering training in respect to disaster preparedness in Kenya - Arzani, A.; Lapitan, Nora L. V. (Journal of agriculture science and technology, 2008)
Disaster results from interaction of a hazard and society. All nations on the globe are exposed to at least one kind of hazard. The major difference amongst nations is the capacity to cope. Kenya's capacity is currently undermined by a number of factors, e.g. low economic indicators, inadequate training and lack of specialized manpower, and lack of national policy on disaster. This paper focuses on the training aspect of civil engineers as one sector of professionals whose contribution is necessary in reducing disaster impact in society. The paper identifies areas, which need to be integrated in the current training of civil engineers to make them more effective in the use of engineering tools to mitigate disaster. The paper also identifies constraints and recommends the way forward for both the Government and training institutions in realizing the proposed training structure. Keywords: disaster, hazards, curriculum, civil engineering Journal of Agriculture, Science & Technology Vol. 9 (1) 2007: pp. 55-63
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FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH IN KENYA - Khasakhala, Anne; Mturi, Akim J. (Journal of Biosocial Science, 2008)
This paper examines factors that may predispose unmarried and unemployed out-of-school youth to risky sexual behaviour. Data for analysis were derived from the Behaviour Surveillance Survey carried out in Kenya in late 2002. A total of 6129 male and female unmarried and unemployed out-of-school youth in the age range 15-24 years were successfully interviewed. However, for this paper only a sample of 3961 comprising sexually experienced youth in the 12 months preceding the survey was used. Methods of analysis included descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. Results for males indicate that factors associated with low and high risk were whether they had fathered a child, district of residence and frequency of alcohol use, while current age and age at first sexual debut stood out for those with low risk alone. For females the district of residence and age of partner at sexual debut were the factors that predisposed them to low-risk sexual behaviour, while for high risk the district of residence, current age and ever being pregnant were significant. The results indicate that for these youth, contextual and probably social factors appear to be the main determinants of risky sexual behaviour for both males and females. The findings also support those of other studies that link risky sexual behaviour among youth, especially males, to alcohol consumption. Programmes for intervention therefore need to focus on these aspects. There is also a need for studies that can look at district-specific factors for more focused interventions.
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Alcohol use disorders among Nigerian University students: Prevalence and Sociodemographic correlates - Adewuya, Abiodun O.; Ola, B.; Aloba, Olutayo; Mapayi, Boladale; Ibıgbamı, Olanrewaju; Adewumi, Tomilola (Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry, 2008)
environments and encounter new social and institutional factors that may foster heavy alcohol use. Little is known about alcohol use disorders in non-western cultures. Aims This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and examine the socio-demographic correlates of alcohol use disorders among students in Nigerian colleges. Method A cross sectional survey in which 2,658 undergraduates (males=1913, females=745) from 6 colleges in Osun state, south-western Nigeria were assessed for alcohol use disorders using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Results The 12-month prevalence for alcohol dependence is 0.8% (1.1% for male and 0.13% for female) and for alcohol abuse is 3.5% (4.4% for male and 1.1% for female). Factors independently associated with a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder include parental drinking (OR 12.00, 95% CI 6.32-22.78), male gender (OR 5.40, 95% CI 2.62-11.14), higher economic status (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.59-4.18) and being non-religious (OR 9.92, 95% CI 4.43-22.23). Conclusions Alcohol use disorders are common among Nigerian college students. Effective methods of early identification and forms of anti-alcoholic education are needed. Parental drinking habits and religiosity will have to be considered while planning intervention and preventive strategies.Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 5 (1) 2007: pp. 5-9
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The training of emergency care personnel in South Africa: From prehospital to emergency department to the operating room - Hardcastle, Timothy Craig; Balfour, Clive; Wallis, Lee; Dalbock, G (Archives of Ibadan Medicine, 2008)
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Changes in Attitudes Towards Mental illness after Exposure to a Course in Abnormal Psychology among Students of a Nigerian University. - Olley, Benjamin O. (Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry, 2008)
Background Several community studies in Nigeria of attitudes towards mental illness suggest low knowledge and a deep-seated negative attitude about the illness . Little is known about the effect of education in changing these rather negative views. Aims To determine the effects of exposure to a 13 week course in Abnormal Psychology on a follow-up assessment of knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria towards mental illness. Method All 140 students who registered for Abnormal Psychology: course code Psy 202 in the 2004/2005 academic session were first assessed at baseline (the first day of lecture) and at after 13 weeks (26 hours) the end of course evaluation. The response rate was 100% at both baseline and at follow-up. Results At the follow-up evaluation, knowledge about mental illness was significantly higher in all the items measured. There were non-significant changes in all items assessing stigma of mental illness except in the items indicating feeling upset or disturbed working in the same job and maintaining a friendship with someone with mental illness respectively. A significant favourable change was observed in the students perception towards group homes in the neighbourhood for people with mental illness. No significant changes were observed in attitudes toward human rights of the mentally ill, except regarding an item stating that mentally ill individuals should not have children in order to avoid heredity handicaps, with which a lower percentage agreed. Conclusions Poor knowledge and stigmatization of mental illness still exist among undergraduate students in Nigeria. While exposure to a course in abnormal psychology was effective in changing knowledge, there were still some aspects of stigma that were not amenable to education. Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 5 (1) 2007: pp. 38-41
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Practice and education: Housing and urban environments in South Africa - Osman, Amira; Karusseit, Catherine (2008)
This paper is a brief portrayal of the state of housing policies and programmes in South Africa, as well as the role of the design professional in the context and teaching of housing at the Department of Architecture, University of Pretoria. It attempts to relate the issues to some of the themes of the conference: policy making, architectural design and urban principles, socioeconomic concerns, environmental, social and cultural sustainability and affordability. While South Africa has had success in the rapid delivery of houses, it has been acknowledged that there are still many challenges faced in terms of generating functioning neighbourhoods as opposed to house units. Considering the complex political history of the country, as well as current challenges of crime and poverty, may allow for shared lessons with the context of Sudan, while issues of reconciliation and closing the gaps between the rich and the poor are similar. Further, dealing with the peripheries of cities is a shared concern. Debating environmental degradation, disconnected and uncoordinated developments could also allow for dialogue. Both South Africa and Sudan need to learn from the vernacular and informality. They need to develop a distinctive approach to housing that relates to unique local concerns, as well as debate how these concerns relate to international knowledge and paradigms. South Africa’s concern with crime is in a way comparable to Sudan’s concerns with political instability and dealing with the disruption caused by wars. The difficulties of dealing with racism, poverty and social exclusion are also comparable. This paper attempts to portray some of the issues in the hope that a debate may be initiated as to how professionals can learn from each other and whether collaboration may be possible. At a meeting in 2005, and on finding out that one of the authors is from the Sudan, the current Minister of Housing Lindiwe Sisulu said with enthusiasm: “When we have solved the housing problem here, we will then go and solve it in Sudan!”
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Sanitation for Primary Schools in Africa - Reed, Bob; Shaw, Rod (2008)
This book provides easy-to-use tools for assessing sanitation, water supply and handwashing facilities in primary schools in Africa so that appropriate decisions can be made about sanitation improvements. It also presents guidelines for rehabilitating or decommissioning existing latrines; for choosing the right type of latrine where new facilities are required; for siting latrines appropriately within a school compound; and for the operation and maintenance of these facilities. A number of low-cost latrine designs suitable for many rural and peri-urban locations in Africa are included. There are also guidelines to encourage handwashing with soap. Written in a readable style and copiously illustrated, the book has been designed for a wide range of staff from agencies and government who have professional responsibilities for the provision of education and health throughout Africa. These include technical, design and architecture departments within ministries of education; district or local government education teams; district education officers and school inspectors working closely with school managers, headteachers and school communities; ministries of health; national and local water and sanitation agencies; and local and international non-governmental organizations specializing in water and sanitation. Produced by WEDC as a contribution to the International Year of Sanitation, 2008.
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The Perception of African Students Towards the Host Population in Pune, India - Teshome-Bahiru, Wondwosen (Social Science Research Network, 2008)
Student's migration, like any other migration involves a continuous process of interaction through which members of different social and cultural background come in contact with one another and together, with the new socio-cultural situations. In the University of Pune, students of different social, ethnic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds from different continents and countries come in search for academic knowledge. This paper about African students in Pune city, deals with their perceptions towards the host population and the inter and intra racial relationships and cross-cultural interactions. In this study both qualitative and quantitative data have been used. In order to gather information about the African students' community life and their national and religious association, a quasi-participant observation technique was employed. In order to cross check the reliability of the observational data, many informants were interviewed. It is found out that due to many pull and push factors African students move to India. The push factors include: the shortage of higher academic institutions in Africa, and to a certain extent political instability in African countries. The pull factors include: the relatively affordable educational expenses in India, and the fast and less complicated University and College admission procedures in India.
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Changing pattern fro extremity amputations in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria - Abbas, A D; Musa, A. M. (Nigerian journal of medicine : journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria, 2008)
Trauma has been the major indication for limb amputation in almost all studies emanating from the different parts of Nigeria, except in Maiduguri. Earlier studies from this part of the country recorded malignancy as the leading indication for amputation. There is need to review the current pattern of causes. The aim of this study is to ascertain the current indications for amputation in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and compare the findings with similar studies conducted in this centre about 15 years ago with a view to highlighting the changes in the pattern of causes. This would enable meaningful preventive measures to be proffered.Case notes of all patients that underwent amputation surgery at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital between January 2000 and December 2004 were retrieved and retrospectively studied. Data collected from the folders include demographic indices, indication for amputation, level and laterality of amputation, follow up visits and use of prosthesis.Forty-five patients' case notes with 49 amputations were analyzed. The male to female ratio was 3.5:1. The peak age incidence was in the 4th and 5th decade with 18 patients (40%). Trauma accounted for the highest indication with 21 amputations (42.8%) while malignancy was responsible for only 9 (18.4%). There were more lower extremity amputations, 35 (71.4%), as compared to the upper extremity, 14 (28.6%). Below knee amputation was the commonest amputation carried out constituting 22 (62.8%) of the 35 lower limb amputations.Trauma, especially following from road traffic accidents was the major cause of limb loss in this part of Nigeria. Concerted efforts at enforcing the already existing traffic laws and regulations would go a long way in reducing the number and severity of cases of road traffic injuries that would require amputation.
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Internet use pattern of Undergraduate students at the University of Lagos, Nigeria - Anasi, Stella Ngozi (University of Dar es Salaam Library journal, 2008)
This study examined the pattern of Internet use by undergraduate students at the University of Lagos, Main Campus, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria. It revealed that the level of Internet use is low among undergraduate students from both the Faculty of Education and Faculty of Law. It also revealed that though majority of the students browse the Internet many of them cannot design search strategies. However, the study showed that internet use has very high impact on the academic/career related activities of the students. The study recommends the provision of faculty computer laboratories equipped with internet facilities, installation of solar electric power back-up system, and the integration of Internet and computer literacy into the compulsory general studies programme of the University.University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal Vol. 8 (1&2) 2006: pp. 1-15
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Computer training and professional library activities in Nigeria - Igbeka, J. U.; Popoola, Sunday Olanrewaju (University of Dar es Salaam Library journal, 2008)
This paper investigated computer training and professional library activities in Nigeria. Stratified quota sampling technique coupled with questionnaire method was used for data collection. There were 260 subjects from the libraries in the South-West Nigeria out of which 245 responded and 213 copies of their questionnaire were used for analysis. The reliability coefficient of the questionnaire used for data collection was a = 0.82 using test-retest method. The study found that there was no significant correlation between the length of computer training and improved professional library activities of the subjects ( r = 0.14, P > 0.05); there was no significant difference between the ages (years) of the subjects with respect to their improved professional library activities (F = 0.044, P > 0.05); there was no significant difference between the computer training received on improved professional library activities of the subjects based on their place of work. (F = 2.209, P > 0.05); but there was a significant relationship between the educational qualifications, computer training and improved professional library activities of the subject (R = 0.28507, P < 0.05). Suggestions were offered on how to make computer training improve professional activities of the library personnel.University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal Vol. 8 (1&2) 2006: pp. 16-31
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A comparison of information needs and information seeking behaviour of students of the Open University of Tanzania and those of Sokoine University of Agriculture - Malekani, Andrew (University of Dar es Salaam Library journal, 2008)
This study was carried out to examine awareness and use of different sources of information for course-work and research by students of the Open University of Tanzania and those of Sokoine University of Agriculture. Specifically, the study sought to understand students use of the information sources, why they visited the university library, the type of assistance they had received in using the library as well as the type of instruction they would like to receive in the future. A questionnaire was designed and administered to Open University students in the Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment who were attending their summer studies in July 2005 at Sokoine University of Agriculture and students of Sokoine University of Agriculture who were on campus during vacation. The objective was to compare the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of these students. The study highlights the positive aspects of seeking information from the students perspective as well as the kind of assistance they require when seeking information in the library. The findings show that there are differences in the extent to which students of the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) and those of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) use sources of information in the library. The OUT students rely mainly on the use of print books and journals as opposed to electronic information resources, where as SUA students use both print books and electronic resources at varying degrees. The results further show that many of the information services offered in the library are not used effectively due to lack of awareness on availability of these resources among many students. It is recommended that a thorough and intensive training is carried out to both SUA and OUT students to help them use library resources more effectively and efficiently.University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal Vol. 8 (1&2) 2006: pp. 60-72
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The trend of HIV infection in Kano, Nigeria-A-Seven-Year study of Adult attendees of Aminu Kanu Teaching Hospital - Nwokedi, E E; Oyebanji, Azeez-Akande (Nigerian journal of medicine : journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria, 2008)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a huge concern with increasing epidemic proportions The consequences are devastating in developing countries particularly in large areas of southeast Asia and sub Saharan Africa including decrease in life-expectancy, huge loss of manpower and a heavy economic and social burden. Sub-Saharan Africa has been hit harder by HIV/AIDS pandemic than any other region of the world At the end of 2006, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimated that, globally 39.5 million people were living with HIV/AIDS, out of which 24.7 million were in sub-Saharan Africa. To determine the annual trend of HIV infection in Kano as well as the seroprevalence rates over the years.This retrospective study includes all adults that are 15years and above, who are also AKTH attendees and. patients referred from other hospitals in Kano, who, based on clinical suspicion, were sent to the serology laboratory of the hospital for HIV screening and confirmation between January, 1997 and December, 2003. It however, excludes all pediatrics, antenatal care clinic attendees and all blood donors screened for HIV antibodies within the period. These have been collated under various risk groups elsewhere.Of 9241 subjects tested, 3217 (34.8%) were confirmed seropositive for HIV antibodies consisting of 1908 (36.7%) and 1441 (35.7%) males and females respectively Analysis of results on yearly basis shows prevalence rates of 37.1% in 1997, 40% in 1998 and 47.9% in 1999. However, the HIV seroprevalence rates declined to 22.6% among these subjects in 2000 before rising to the peak (48.8%) in 2002 from 30% seroprevalence of the previous year, 2001. The prevalence rate for 2003 was 32.1%. effective control strategies aimed at curbing the spread of HIV infection.
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Fetal outcome following umbilical cord prolapse in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna (abuthk), Northern Nigeria - Onwuhafua, PI; Zayyan, Marliyya; Ozed-Williams, Ijeoma C; Ankama, Mathias (Nigerian journal of medicine : journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria, 2008)
Umbilical cord is a clinical condition that calls for emergency decision making and action especially with a live and mature fetus. The objective of this study is to determine, fetal outcome and how various factors influence it.This is a 12 1/2 year retrospective study of all 34 fetuses who suffered from cord prolapse at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital.There were 34 cases of cord prolapse, 23 perinatal deaths and a perinatal mortality rate of 67.64%. About 55% of babies of registered women died, while about 92% of the unregistered died. Eleven babies of the 22 women admitted with cervical dilatations of 7 cm and less, died and all the babies of women with cervical dilatations of 8 cm and above died. All 19 babies delivered vaginally and 3 of the 14 delivered abdominally, died. About eighty eight percent of the low-birth weight, and 37.5% of normal size babies died. Seventeen (51.5%) of the 33 babies delivered, had Apgar score 0. All babies with Apgar scores 1-4 died, 40% with Apgar scores 5-7 and 16.7% with Apgar scores 8-10 died. Maternal age, parity, ethnicity, gestational age, presentation and sex of the fetus did not influence outcome.
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Medical Students\' View On The Methods Of Teaching Pharmacology At The Lagos State University College of Medicine, Nigeria - Oshikoya, Kazeem Adeola; Bello, Jade; Ayorinde, E O (Nigerian quarterly journal of hospital medicine, 2008)
This study was aimed at determining the perception of the medical students of a relatively new medical school in Nigeria about the teaching of Pharmacology, the best way of learning and retaining the subject. Suggestions on the ways of making pharmacology more interesting to them were also sought.A total of forty eight 400 level medical students of the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), who were due to write 2nd Professional M.B; B.S degree examinations in 2007 and 26 successful older students that had passed the 2nd Professional M.B; B.S degree examinations in 2006, were interviewed with a structured questionnaire. Some of the questions were close-ended but the ones related to suggestion on impaired teaching of the subject were open-ended. The pharmacology lecturers were also interviewed with another questionnaire, different from the one used in interviewing the students, to assess their views on the non-inclusion of clinical pharmacology topics to the curriculum and to suggest ways of improving the teaching of the subject.Sixteen (41.02%) respondents and 26 (92.86%) successful older students wanted audiovisual aids teaching and inclusion of clinically oriented pharmacology lectures. Fourteen (35.89%) respondents respectively and all the successful older students wanted seminars and group discussions introduced into their programme. Over half (58.97%) of the respondents and all the successful older students wanted case studies and treatment as part of the regular teaching schedule, 20 (51.28%) respondents and 20 (76.92%) successful older students preferred inclusion of clinical pharmacology. Most of the students (respondents and older successful students) felt that special topics in clinical pharmacology should be taught both in the lectures and practical.Medical students are very willing to learn pharmacology from both clinical and therapeutic angles that encompass both theoretical and practical approaches. It is therefore imperative to modify the Pharmacology programme of the LASUCOM in line with the global trend.
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Medication Errors In Paediatric Outpatient Prescriptions Of A Teaching Hospital In Nigeria - Oshikoya, Kazeem Adeola; Ojo, O I (Nigerian quarterly journal of hospital medicine, 2008)
Proper and adequate pharmacovigilance is lacking in children's drug therapy, especially in developing countries. Therefore these children are at risk of developing adverse reactions to drugs as a result of medication errors. Having a better understanding of the types of error in a teaching hospital would be an important step toward quality improvement in children drug therapy.This study was aimed at identifying the medication errors most frequently committed in the paediatric outpatient prescriptions at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja and to suggest effective strategies for reducing these errors.A total of 2,000 paediatric outpatient prescriptions randomly selected from five months prescriptions were studied. Information extracted from the prescription forms are age, sex and the drug prescription proper (adequacy of the dosage and duration of use; generic or trade name prescription; using abbreviation or acronym; prescribing injections in millilitres or milligram, syrup or suspensions in millilitres or milligram, tablets in unit numbers or milligram; and giving instructions on how to use the drugs in the case of drug-drug, drug-disease or drug-food interactions).A total of 1944 prescriptions met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Antimalarials (89.9%), analgesics (66.4%), vitamin B complex (61.5%) and antibiotics (41.4%) were the most prescribed drugs. Errors identified are inadequate medication dosing duration; omission of age, dosage, and duration of drug use; improper dosaging and prescription of those drugs that could adversely interact. While paracetamol, 94.6% of the analgesics, was prescribed for an average of 3.2 +/- 0.6 days, antibiotics were prescribed for an average of 6.2 +/- 1.0 days. Duration of use was omitted in 24 (2.0%) and 12 (1.5%) prescriptions for paracetamol and antibiotics respectively. Errors of overdosaging and underdosaging were common to most of the commonly prescribed drugs. Underdosage and overdosage were associated with 2518 (38.0%) and 1247 (18.8%) drugs respectively. There was a significant difference in the dosage error made in the prescription of tablets in mg/kg and in unit number of tablets (/2 = 148.42) and in the prescription of syrups/suspensions in millilitre and in mg/kg (/2 = 95.58). Inadequate and omission of the duration of use of the drugs were observed in 1981(28.3%) and 61(0.9%) prescriptions respectively.Children presenting to the LASUTH are at a greater risk of adverse drug reactions from overdosage prescriptions and are also facing the risk of treatment inadequacy and failure from underdosage prescriptions. Therefore a monitoring committee is urgently required to be put in place to review all paediatric prescriptions for appropriateness, adequacy and dosage accuracy using the patient's weight, age, and other appropriate indicator(s) before dispensing and/or refill for paediatric patients. Also rational drug prescription should form part of the monthly continuous medical education of the hospital with much focus on the paediatric doctors.
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Sexual behaviour and predictors of condom use among students of a Nigerian Tertiary Institution - Sabitu, Kabir; Iliyasu, Zubairu; Baba, Sachiko (Nigerian journal of medicine : journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria, 2008)
Increasing sexual networking among university students exposes them to the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS. Despite this, the level of condom use and sexual abstinence is low.The objective of the study was to describe sexual behavior and identify predictors of condom use among students in a Nigerian university.A cross sectional survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires among 404 students of the Federal university of Technology, Minna in northern Nigeria.A total of 328 (81.2%) questionnaires were completed and returned. There were 230 male and 98 female respondents giving a sex ratio of 1:2.3. The respondent's ages ranged from 16 to 38 years with an overall mean of 23.53.51 years. A significantly higher proportion of males 184 (80.0%) reported being sexually experienced compared to 64 (65.0%) females (chi2 = 8.05 P < 0.05). The mean age of first sexual experience was also significantly higher among male students [18.92.1 years] compared to female students [16.41.7 years] (t = 11.36, P < 0.01). Similarly, a significantly higher proportion (56.2%) of sexually active males had multiple partners compared to females (38.1%) (chi2 = 11.9, P = 0.001). In addition, the mean number of lifetime sexual partners was significantly higher (5.3) for males compared to females (2.6) [t = 12.0, P < 0.001]. Condom was consistently used by 38.3% (n=95) of sexually active students in both genders. A higher proportion (44.6%) (n=82) of male students reported regular use of condoms compared to (20.3%) (n=13) of (partners of) sexually active female students (chi2 = 11.8 P = 0.001). Significant predictors of regular condom use include (male) gender, (higher) level of study and (single) marital status.Most students were sexually active and many practiced unsafe sex. This indicates the need for youth friendly reproductive health programmes targeting these students.
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Neural Tube Defects in a University Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria: Trends and Outcome - Ugwu, RO; Eneh, AU; Oruamabo, R S (Nigerian journal of medicine : journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria, 2008)
There has been some increase in the proportion of Neural Tube Defects (NTD) admitted in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital recently. Fora largely preventable birth defect, this increase is both unnecessary and unacceptable. This study was undertaken to describe the admission patterns and outcome of neural tube defects in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.A retrospective study of babies with neural tube defects who were admitted into Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from 1st May 2002 to 30th April 2005 was carried out. Their case notes were retrieved and information on the sex, maternal drugs during pregnancy, type of defect and associated malformations, prenatal diagnosis, management and outcome were obtained. The admission rate and the incidence were then calculated.There were 2891 total admissions (1691 males and 1200 females) during the study period of which 37 (1.3%) were neonates with NTD. Of those with NTD, 25 were males and 12 female giving a male to female ratio of 2:1 (statistically not significant p = 0.242.) The total hospital delivery at the study period was 7,388 of which 7 had NTD giving an incidence of 0.95/1000 deliveries. The commonest type of NTD was myelomeningocoele in 31 (83.8%), and the commonest site was the thoracolumbar region (93.5%). Frontal encephalocoele was seen in 6 (16.2%). All the babies with myelomeningocoele presented with flaccid paraparesis and were incontinent of both urine and faeces. Seventeen of the babies had only spina bifida while 14 had additional defects including talipes equinovarus (8), hydrocephalus (2), frontal encephalocoele (1), and multiple malformations (3). Ten babies (27%) died, three of them after surgery. All the mothers received folic acid from the second trimester of pregnancy, but none did before pregnancy.The Incidence of NTD is on the increase in our environment. There is need to formulate/implement the policy of preconceptional folic acid therapy for all woman of childbearing age as a preventive measure
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1 - Introduction: Student Activism, Structural Adjustment and the Democratic Transition in Africa - Zeilig, Leo; Dawson, Marcelle C. (Métropole (Rabat), 2008)
University students in the period following independence were a transitory social group, who held well-founded expectations of rewarding and high-status employ- ment after graduation. In the 1970s many of these assurances began to erode as countries that had attempted to implement state-led development faced interna- tional recession and internal corruption and decay. State funding of higher educa- tion by the late 1970s was being targeted for restructuring by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Student activism was affected: while stu- dents clung onto a self-conscious elitism, the reality of student poverty and the financial crises of African universities transformed their activism. As well as see- ing their status as a privileged group collapse, there was an unprecedented ‘con- vergence of forces’ between students and the popular classes. This introduction surveys the role of students, the nature of their protest and their relationship with civil society in the processes that brought about a wave of multi-party elections and democratic struggles in Africa. The article critically intervenes in some of the most important debates on the role of student activism on the continent and intro- duces the contributions in this special issue devoted to student activism.
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Saints and Sinners: Training Papua New Guinean (PNG) Christian Clergy to Respond to HIV and AIDS Using a Model of Care - Benton, Kerry William Kim (Journal of Religion & Health, 2008)
Papua New Guinea has experienced a growing HIV/AIDS epidemic. The Christian Churches have played a vital role in responding to HIV, through community support, encouragement and social change. Strong, effective Church leadership can help create safe environments of care and support for those infected and for prevention of HIV. Method A series of trainings in capacity development for clergy were undertaken by the National AIDS Council Secretariat (NACS)/National HIV/AIDS Support Project (NHASP). Results A model "Church's Response to HIV and AIDS in a Care Continuum" was developed to assist the training. This paper discusses the model and the lessons learned.
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Melatonin restores impaired contractility in aged guinea pig urinary bladder - Gomez‐Pinilla, Pedro J.; Gomez, Maria F.; Swärd, Karl; Hedlund, Petter; Hellstrand, Per; Camello, Pedro J.; Andersson, Karl Erik; Pozo, Marı́a J. (Journal of Pineal Research, 2008)
Urinary bladder disturbances are frequent in the elderly population but the responsible mechanisms are poorly understood. This study evaluates the effects of aging on detrusor myogenic contractile responses and the impact of melatonin treatment. The contractility of bladder strips from adult, aged and melatonin-treated guinea pigs was evaluated by isometric tension recordings. Cytoplasmatic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was estimated by epifluorescence microscopy of fura-2-loaded isolated detrusor smooth muscle cells, and the levels of protein expression and phosphorylation were quantitated by Western blotting. Aging impairs the contractile response of detrusor strips to cholinergic and purinergic agonists and to membrane depolarization. The impaired contractility correlates with increased [Ca(2+)](i) in response to the stimuli, suggesting a reduced Ca(2+)sensitivity. Indeed, the agonist-induced contractions in adult strips were sensitive to blockade with Y27362, an inhibitor of Rho kinase (ROCK) and GF109203X, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), but these inhibitors had negligible effects in aged strips. The reduced Ca(2+) sensitivity in aged tissues correlated with lower levels of RhoA, ROCK, PKC and the two effectors CPI-17 and MYPT1, and with the absence of CPI-17 and MYPT1 phosphorylation in response to agonists. Interestingly, melatonin treatment restored impaired contractility via normalization of Ca(2+) handling and Ca(2+) sensitizations pathways. Moreover, the indoleamine restored age-induced changes in oxidative stress and mitochondrial polarity. These results suggest that melatonin might be a novel therapeutic tool to palliate aging-related urinary bladder contractile impairment.
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[Tobacco use in secondary schools in Gabon: Prevalence and associated psychosocial factors]. - Nzouzi, Netti; Piette, Danielle (PubMed, 2008)
This study aims to measure the prevalence of smoking and identify the psychosocial factors associated with it among students in secondary schools in Gabon. This cross-sectional descriptive study collected information by a self-administered questionnaire, completed by 4833 students aged 14 to 22 years. The results show that 10.9% of these young people are current smokers and that the risk of smoking is highest among males and increases with age. Poor school performance and poor family relationships were both associated with smoking. The risk of smoking was highest among students repeating a year at least 3 times, those with substantial school absenteeism, those from smaller families, and finally among those at a relatively well-to-do socioeconomic level. The youth who "go out regularly" were the group at the highest risk in the study. This study, which focuses on the psychosocial factors associated with smoking, may contribute to the prevention of smoking among young Gabonese. For the first time, it is possible to identify the groups at highest risk of smoking and thus to contribute to developing antismoking strategies appropriate to the cultural and socioeconomic conditions of the country.
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Teaching and learning within the cross-cultural transmission of West-African music in Australian community settings - Corney, Laura (2008)
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Factors Affecting Health Instruction in Secondary Schools in Edo State, Nigeria - Idehen, C.O. (Studies on Ethno-Medicine, 2008)
Patients seek cures from a variety of medical systems.In the traditional medical systems, medical traditions partly cover other sectors of social life.In contrast to traditional health care system, the official health care system is based on Western science and technology.Gaddis employ different ways in case of sickness.Traditional medical knowledge is coded in to household cooking practices, home remedies; ill health prevention and health maintenance beliefs and routines.Like other rural parts of India, health care in Bharmour among Gaddis is characterised by medical pluralism.Among Gaddis, the health care includes self care, consultation with traditional healers-chela; and /or primary health care.Spirit possession is acknowledged as an illness among Gaddis.The cause is a spirit, the effect is spirit possession and the cure is controlled spirit possession.Among Gaddis, deities and evil spirits possess men as well as women.It is believed by Gaddis that traditional medical system is competent of restoring health of the body (herbs) or the mind (chela).Modern education, technology, biomedicine has not threatened the traditional therapeutic healing as there are no alternatives.The integration of the two systems is conceptual.These systems just co-exist, side-by-side.To dismiss traditional medical systems as ineffective or weak is to overlook their relevance and benefits in the contexts of their socio-cultural systems.At the same the shortcomings of modern medical systems: their technical complexity, rising costs, curative rather than preventive focus, and limited accessibility for large population sectors can not be overlooked.
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Factors controlling building susceptibility to earthquakes: 14-year recordings of Islamic archaeological sites in Old Cairo, Egypt: a case study - Kamh, G. Μ. E.; Kallash, A.; Azzam, Rafig (Environmental geology, 2008)
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Preparing African American Small Group Leaders To Use Bible Study Materials In A Way That Is Culturally Inclusive And Sensitive - Potts, Earl Linwood (2008)
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Attitudes toward sexuality among straight and queer university students from Cuba, Norway and South Africa - Træen, Bente; Martinussen, Monica (Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 2008)
This paper explores differences and similarities in sexual attitudes among university students 18 years or older of different sexual orientation in Havana, Tromsø, and Cape Town. In the period 2004–5, a questionnaire survey on sexuality, happiness and life satisfaction, was undertaken among 318 students from the University of Havana, 144 students from the University of Tromsø, and 182 students from the University of the Western Cape. The respondents in Cape Town generally expressed more restrictive attitudes toward sexuality than respondents in the other two samples. The dimensionality of attitudes was studied, and three interpretable dimensions were identified: Sexual novelty seeking; Individualization and equality; and Fidelity. Attitudes toward sexual novelty seeking were most efficient in separating straight men and women, and queer men and women in the three samples. The samples were also different in their acceptance of infidelity. More research is needed to further explore cultural differences in sexual attitudes.
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A systematic review of school-based sexual health interventions to prevent STI/HIV in sub-Saharan Africa - Paul-Ebhohimhen, Virginia; Poobalan, Amudha; Teijlingen, Edwin van (BMC public health (Online), 2008)
The HIV/AIDS epidemic remains of global significance and there is a need to target (a) the adolescent age-groups in which most new infections occur; and (b) sub-Saharan Africa where the greatest burden of the epidemic lies. A focused systematic review of school-based sexual health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa to prevent HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) in this age group was therefore conducted. Searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, Cinahl and PsychINFO according to agreed a priori criteria for studies published between 1986 and 2006. Further searches were conducted in UNAIDS and WHO (World Health Organization) websites, and 'Google'. Relevant journals were hand-searched and references cited in identified articles were followed up. Data extraction and quality assessment was carried out on studies selected for full text appraisal, and results were analysed and presented in narrative format. Some 1,020 possible titles and abstracts were found, 23 full text articles were critically appraised, and 12 articles (10 studies) reviewed, reflecting the paucity of published studies conducted relative to the magnitude of the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Knowledge and attitude-related outcomes were the most associated with statistically significant change. Behavioural intentions were more difficult to change and actual behaviour change was least likely to occur. Behaviour change in favour of abstinence and condom use appeared to be greatly influenced by pre-intervention sexual history. There is a great need in sub-Saharan Africa for well-evaluated and effective school-based sexual health interventions.
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Learning from Africa - Berger, Dan (Monthly Review, 2008)
Matt Meyer, Time Is Tight: Urgent Tasks for Educational Transformation: Eritrea, South Africa, and the U.S. (Trenton: Africa World Press, 2007), 202 pages, paperback, $24.95.This article can also be found at the Monthly Review website, where most recent articles are published in full.Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.
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Integrating African Indigenous Knowledge in Kenya’s Formal Education System: The Potential for Sustainable Development - Owuor, Jenipher (Journal of Contemporary Issues in Education, 2008)
The current paradigm shift toward promoting education for sustainable development gravitates toward alternative approaches to school curricula in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is argued that solutions to problems that currently plague the continent and with reference to the Kenyan context must proceed from understanding of local capacities such as the role of indigenous knowledge in promoting sustainable development. This can be achieved by integrating indigenous knowledge into the formal education system to address some of the knowledge deficiencies for development that is currently formulated from the western perspective. This approach challenges the dominance of western knowledge in Kenya’s school system that makes education disembodied from context. The purpose of this paper is to explore the meaning of indigenous knowledge, provide rationale for valuing indigenous knowledge in formal school system, examine the government’s efforts to indigenise curricula, and dilemmas to integrating indigenous knowledge in formal education with implications to teacher education programs.
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The Education Market in Egypt: A Game Theory Approach - Selim, Tarek H. (RePEc: Research Papers in Economics, 2008)
Education in Egypt has been an economic paradox for a long time and there is urgent need for change. The Egyptian Constitution guarantees the “right of education in all its stages” for every citizen free of charge in state educational institutions. Yet, there is overwhelming evidence suggesting that such a right is not exercised without the heavy financial burden of private tutoring and other overhead educational expenses, in addition to pressing problems of the educated unemployed and the opportunity cost of expenditure on critical problems such as illiteracy. This research paper will tackle such an urgent topic based on a game theory and decision science approach. The research will focus on higher education and government subsidization from an economic productivity point of view based on a multitude of factors. These include opportunity costs, private tutoring costs, lifetime earnings, government expenditures on education, private returns to education, unemployment, differential labor productivity, incremental income and human capital externalities to social gains. The analysis will be integrated into a three-stage game theory model. The main outcome yields that the constitutional right of ‘free education for all’ is not economically efficient and yields excessive social losses in the long run. On the other hand, lifting all subsidization also does not yield to an efficient outcome. Targeted partial subsidization achieves an efficient outcome.
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Language, Literature and Education in Multicultural Societies: Collaborative Research on Africa - Harrow, Kenneth W.; Mpoche, Kizitus (2008)
This book presents a vivid overview of linguistic, literary and educational issues in a multicultural context from various perspectives. These range from large-scale surveys to specific analyses on aspects of language, literature and education. Contributions are very original and based on a common denominator: Multiculturalism. Despite the numerical dominance of contributions from Cameroon (one of the most multilingual countries in the world), this book brings together views from specialists in the different domains from several parts of the world (Africa, Europe and the United States of America). These contributions exhibit not theoretical issues that underpin current academic debates in linguistic and literary research, but also empirical and interesting data that can further be exploited to other ends. Critical views on literature and postcolonialism, the fears of language death with the advent of globalisation and the spread of English language, the educational significance or influence of the internet, the wealth of Cameroon/African literature and the education of the Cameroonian/African child, and theoretical issues in language and literary education are themes handled here in an accessible manner to readers without previous knowledge of language science, literature and education.
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Information security implication of e-learning implementation in Kenya - Gichohi, Francis (2008)
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The Road Not Traveled: Education Reform in the Middle East and North Africa - Galal, Ahmed; Keller, Jennifer; Wahba, Jackline; Yamasaki, Izumi; Carnoy, Martín; Welmond, Michel J.; Nellemann, Søren (2008)
This report focuses on the economic rather than the social and cultural dimensions of education. Its approach in answering the questions raised is analytical and comparative in nature. Education outcomes in the region are compared with education outcomes in other developing countries. The development impact of investment in education is considered in the context of the large body of literature on the subject. The education reform strategies in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are assessed on the basis of a new analytical framework. Labor market outcomes are evaluated on the basis of how well these markets function, given past reform efforts. The feature of the report is that it covers all levels of instruction, not just basic, secondary, or higher education. Although the primary focus of the report is education, it was important to pay special attention to domestic labor markets and migration. After all, this is where the returns to education are determined and its impact on development made.
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Use of Prophylactic Antibiotics in Clean Surgical Operations: A Clinical Trail in Ibn-Sina Teaching Hospital in Mukalla, Yemen - Batarfi, Ali Mohammad (Mağallaẗ Kulliyyaẗ al-ṭibb Baġdād, 2008)
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About this title ‐ The Gregory Rift Valley and Neogene-Recent Volcanoes of Northern Tanzania (Geological Society, London, Memoirs, 2008)
The structure and volcanic activity of the northern Tanzania sector of the Gregory Rift Valley have hitherto been described less than those in Ethiopia and Kenya. This book focuses on northern Tanzania where, although the volcanic area is smaller than those to the north, there are major features such as Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain on the African continent, Ngorongoro, one of the largest calderas on Earth, and Oldoinyo Lengai, the world's only active carbonatite volcano. Following an account of the discovery and early exploration of the Rift Valley, there are descriptions of the individual volcanoes. These are set within the context of the regional geology and geophysics of the rift valley and in relation to the structural evolution of the rift and its associated sedimentary basins which include Olduvai, an important site in the history of human evolution. The volume concludes with a discussion of the volcanism in relation to the plume-related African Superswell.
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African American children in foster care: HHS and congressional actions could help reduce proportion in care: Statement of Kay Brown, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security; testimony before the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives (2008)
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African dust linked to hurricane strength (Physics Today, 2008)
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COHI's emergency obstetric care training in Sudan. (PubMed, 2008)
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Early Outcome Of Inguinal Hernia Repair Using Ultrapro® Mesh In University Of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria (The internet journal of the third world medicine, 2008)
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Higher Education in The Middle East and North Africa (2008)
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Kenya: Training can enhance providers' management of FGM/C and willingness to advocate against the practice (2008)
In 2004, FRONTIERS collaborated with UNICEF on a study of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Kenya’s Somali community and on ways of managing maternal care for cut women. The study showed that the health-care system in North Eastern Province, where many Somalis live, is ill prepared to deal with women who have been cut, particularly infibulated women who are pregnant or delivering. The study recommended improving providers’ ability to counsel and treat pregnant cut women as part of an overall improvement of maternal care, and strengthening providers’ role as behavior change agents within communities. In 2005, FRONTIERS launched an intervention to address medical complications of FGM/C. The strategy was to train health care providers in North Eastern Province to better manage pregnant women, and to build their readiness to advocate against FGM/C. As noted in this brief, health providers in North Eastern Province showed increased knowledge and improved skills following attendance at training workshops. They developed action plans for integrating the skills learned and for advocacy and community education on FGM/C. The curriculum has been adopted by the Kenyan government and training for other providers serving excised women has begun.
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Senegal: Education and public declarations contribute to Tostan's success (2008)
In 1998, the nongovernmental organization Tostan implemented a village empowerment program in southern and western Senegal to help communities, especially women, improve living and health conditions in their villages, and to mobilize villages to hold public declarations supporting abandonment of harmful practices, particularly female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and child marriage. The program included modules on hygiene, literacy and numeracy, human rights, and children’s and women’s health. The Tostan approach has since been implemented more broadly in Senegal and in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Sudan. In 2005–06, FRONTIERS evaluated the long-term impact of the program, focusing on the abandonment of FGM/C and child marriage by participating and nonparticipating villages, and on its long-term impact on daily life in participating villages. As noted in this brief, the Tostan program effected positive changes in women’s knowledge, awareness, and social standing. With the accompanying anti-FGM/C declaration, this model strongly influenced the initiation of abandonment of FGM/C in the Senegalese villages that received the program. However, the region’s extreme poverty and lack of basic infrastructure impede full utilization of knowledge and behavior changes gained.
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