Discover Nigeria's Academic Research

Ganiyat Temitope AGBEYEWO, Human Anatomy - Ahmadu Bello University, 2021

Child birth weight is often considered as an indicator of health status of a community. Short stature is linked to a number of negative pregnancy outcomes, while tall women are connected to favorable birth outcomes.

Alameen Hassana MUHAMMAD, Nursing Science - Ahmadu Bello University, 2023

Stress can be defined as a particular relationship between the person and the environment that is assessed by the person as taxing or exceeding his or her resources and endangering his or her well-being. Stress on its own does not have any damaging effect on an individual; however individuals' assessment of an event, their perceptions and interpretations give meaning and their coping ability determines whether events are viewed as threatening or positive. Personality traits also influence individual reaction to stress because what may be strenuous to one person may be stimulating to another. The study was conducted to assess the perceived influence of stress on the work behavior of nurses in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria. Specific objectives were to assess the risk factors of stress among nurses, the relationship between stress and work place, the effect of stress on patient care. The data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire. Percentage and frequency were used to analyze the data, which was presented in tables. The research design used Descriptive research design. The study revealed out of those who participated, 38.6% were within the range of 20-30years, 83.0% were females, 34.9% were Hausas, 26.5% have 16-20 years of work experience, 59.0% accepted shortage of staff to be the risk factor for stress in their work place, 80.7% have experienced stress in their work place, 30.0% said Surgical ward stressed them the most, 49% described their level of stress to be moderate, 83.0% accepted that stress affects the quality of patient care, 78.0% said they are easily irritable by their colleagues when stressed, 65.0% get easily irritable by their patients when stressed, 79.0% attend to their patient's emotional and psychological needs appropriately when stressed, while 41.0% accepted that they ignore patients when stressed out. The researcher recommended the following; The Government should employ more Nurses, which will solve the problem of understaffing, thereby reducing work load, and stress among Nurses. Periodic evaluation of nursing care and improvement on areas that needs enhancement. The Healthcare facility management should allocate more Nurses to units with more stressful events which will help to reduce burn out among nurses. Also, Organizing workshops to educate nurses on how to cope and manage stress in their work place.

Adeyemi Temitope BLESSING, Nursing Science - Ahmadu Bello University, 2023

Stress in nursing in hospital is an important issue. Work related stress in nursing occurs due to different work factors that place job demands on stress.stress experience However, stress is a normal part of every individual’s life and stress in optimal level is considered necessary to increase individual’s performance level. Whereas stress over a prolonged period requires sustained physical and mental effort to meet job demands. Nurses’ inability to handle work behavior can lead to health problems in nurses and decreases their productivity. The study aimed to assess the influence of stress on work behavior among nurses towards at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika(ABUTH), It highlights the significance of knowing the causes of stress,effect of stress and how they can cope with stress without affecting their work behavior. Objectives include causes of work stress,relationship between stress and job satisfaction among nurses,examine perceived impacts of stress among nurses on the safety of patients and to assess perceived impact of stress on job performance.The research design adopted is a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving Two hundred and fifty two (252) respondent drawn through simple random sampling techniques, the data was collected through the use of self-developed questionnaire: frequency and percentage were used to present the analyzed data, Base on the findings from this study indicate that occupational, organizational, socio- demographic, and psychological factors are related to work stress in nursing. Work overload, role ambiguity, staff shortage, job insecurity, inadequate pay, inequality at work,exposure to death and disease, and lack of management support are associated with major sources of work stress in nursing. Prolonged work stress experience among nurses is linked to reduced job commitment, reduced productivity, poor patient outcomes, burnout, illness, absenteeism, and increase in negative personal behaviors such as aggression, anxiety, apathy, etc.74% of the respondent were female, between the ages of 41-50years Yoruba’s by tribe(41%) and almost all are Muslims(40%). 99% of the respondents agreed that insufficient staffing contribute to work stress among them and 92% of the respondents were averagely satisfied with stress from work related factors like workload ,pressure,or lack of control over work.90% believed stress among nurses always increase the risk of patient harm.75% agreed that stress always negatively affect their ability to communicate with their patients and 50% believed that stress always negatively affect their efficiency at work. Positive Actions from the government, hospital management to reduce causes of work stress are necessary to promote physical and mental well-being of nurses. This could be achieved with employing of more staffs, provision of adequate equipment, proper rewards, and organizational changes.

Balikis Opeyemi AMUSA, Zoology - Olabisi Onabanjo University, 2021

Clarias gariepinus respire bio modally. Which tolerates both well and poorly oxygenated waters. The present study investigated the effects of quarry particles on the behaviour and histopathology of clarias gariepinus juvenile. It also evaluates the effects of quarry on the ecosystem. Clarias gariepinus juveniles were obtained from the ministry of agriculture fish farm, Ikenne, Remo Ogun State on the 9th of March 2020, at 3 weeks and 6 days of age and acclimatized in Animal-House, Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology. Physico-chemical parameters of the water were examined, water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen concentrations (DO), electric conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids were measured daily (28.0 ± 0.1 °C, 7.8 ± 0.025 pH, 3.05 ± 1.3ppm D.O, 683.75 ± 50μs/cm and 432.33 ± 64ppm). Behavioural changes were observed, the fishes were sacrificed and histopathology experiment procedure was carried out. Behavioural changes in fish exposed to quarry particles ranged from active swimming, gasping of air, regurgitating and rushing of food, hyperactivity and restlessness. Similar changes were not observed in the control throughout the experiment. Histopathology of the liver of fish exposed to quarry particles of 150g revealed severe damage and necrosis of the liver cells when compared with the control which had a normal distribution of hepatic cells. Conclusively, quarry particles can affect fish organs and it causes histopathological changes in organs like fish bone, muscle, gills and liver. Actions should be taken in the measure of quarry particles processing. Government should make policies on quarry industries. Monitoring personnel should be deployed.

Precious Onyinyechi NWAKAUDU, Agricultural Science - University of Port Harcourt, 2023

This study examined gender differentials in plantain marketing in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. A sample of 80 respondents was randomly selected and administered a questionnaire to gather data. The method of analysis included descriptive statistics, marketing margin analysis, and multiple regression. It was found that the cost of plantain marketing is higher for the male respondents when compared to the female respondents but the revenue realized from the sales of plantain per month and per year is lower for the male respondents when compared to the female respondents. Based on the findings, it was concluded that there is gender differentials in plantain marketing in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa state. The female plantain marketers generated more revenue when compared to the male plantain marketers. It was therefore recommended among others that the male plantain marketers should liaise with their female counterpart to acquire more skills in carrying out their business. By so doing, they will lessen the cost overhead and improve on their profit margin.

Obafemi James AKINMADE, Human Physiology - Ahmadu Bello University, 2021

Stress affects normal physiological conditions and hence the need for the study which was designed to check the effect of tetraiodothyronine in stress induce adult female wistar rat when treated with vitamin C and E. The animals where divided into four groups of five animals each and treated with vitamin c and e (100mg/kg each) via oral administration as they were deprived of sleep for 20hrs each day, consecutively for a period of 7days. At the end of the experiment animals were sacrificed and sera from blood was obtained for assay of T4. Result obtained from the study showed that, there was a significant increase in level of T4 in sleep untreated group when compared with control. Also, a significant increase in level of T4 was observed for groups treated with vitamin c and e when compared with sleep deprived untreated. In conclusion, vitamin c and e have effect on level of cortisol in sleep deprived female wistar rats.

Zainab ZUBAIRU, Human Physiology - Ahmadu Bello University, 2021

Stress is a feeling of mental press and tension on an organism over a period of time. It is known to have affect most population. Oestrogen being a significant compound on the body’s development of an organism and its alteration along with others hormones is reported to have cause negative health effects. This study was designed to investigate the effects of stress on oestrogen level in stress induced female wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult wistar rats were of weight 120-180 kg were randomly divided into four (4) groups of 5 wistar rats each (n=5); Group I: Normal control 1ml/kg Distilled water, Group II: Sleep deprived untreated + distilled water (1ml/kg) only, Group III: Sleep deprived + Vit C (100mg/kg) and Group IV: Sleep deprived + Vit E (100mg/kg). After 7 days, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected for biochemical analysis. The result showed that by comparing the untreated to the control, there is statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) and also comparing the treated with the treated group showed statistically significant increase. Thus, the control of this result showed normal production and release of oestrogen in comparism to both the treated and untreated groups.

Michael Oji ANYA, Human Physiology - Ahmadu Bello University, 2021

Stress is a major concern because it decreases the normal healthy function of the Human body. One of its effects is decreased Reproductive function therefore understanding of stress management is necessary for the maintenance of normal fetal life and normal healthy life in general. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Progesterone on sleep deprived-induced stress Adult Female Wistar Rats when treated with Ascorbic acid and Tocopherol (Vitamin C and E). The sleep deprivation was conducted to induce stress. Rats were individually suspended in water for 20hours using platform technique. They were also allowed to rest for about 4hours each day for the next 7days. A total of twenty (20) Adult female Wistar rats were grouped into four groups with a total of five rats (n=5) in each group. Group I which is the control group received 1ml/kg of distilled water, Group II which is stress induced untreated received 1mg/kg of Distilled water, Group III was treated with 100mg/kg of Vitamin C and where sleep deprived (stress induced), and Group IV was treated with 100mg/kg of Vitamin E and were also sleep deprived. After seven (7) days the animals where sacrificed and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. A significant decrease (p<0.05) in progesterone level was observed in the stress induced and Vitamin E compared to the control group. A significant increase (p<0.05) between SD-Untreated compared to SD treated with Vitamin C was also observed. Also there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) found in the SD treated with Vitamin E when compared to Control and SD treated with Vitamin C. The results obtained and the findings indicate that Vitamin C increases the progesterone level in sleep deprived (stress induced) Adult female Wistar rats.

Victory James ANPE, Human Physiology - Ahmadu Bello University, 2021

The female physiological system is a dynamic system; fluctuations in hormonal levels that arise due to physiologic function. Stress affects normal physiologic functions that could alter biosynthesis of hormones. Hence, the essence of this study was design to evaluate the effect of cortisol, prolactin, progesterone, estrogen, T3, T4 on sleep induce stress in adult female wistar rats treated with vitamin C and E. Using modified platform technique model, the animal was subjected to sleep induce stress by depriving them of sleep for 20hrs for a period of 7days. The animals were randomly divided into four groups of five (n=5) each, Group 1 (control) were administered 1 ml of distil water; group 2 were sleep deprived untreated and were administered 1ml of distil water; group 3 were sleep deprived treated with 100mg/kg of vitamin C and group 4 were sleep deprived treated with 100mg/kg of vitamin E. Sera from blood of euthanized animals was analysed for the assay of cortisol, prolactin, progesterone, estrogen, T3, T4. Findings from the study showed significant increase in level of cortisol when compared with control (433.60 ±12.60 vs 325.80 ±7.67). Groups treated with vitamin C and E showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) compared with untreated group. In conclusion, ascorbic acid and tocopherol reduces cortisol level in sleep induce stress of adult female wistar rat.

Oche Victor AGBO, Human Physiology - Ahmadu Bello University, 2021

Stress and its psychological manifestations are inherent in life and a major source of concern in the modern society. This study was designed to evaluate how stress affect the level of prolactin in sleep deprived induced stress in female wistar rats treated with ascorbic acid and tocopherol. Stress was induced by subjecting the female wistar rats to twenty (20) hours of sleep deprivation after which animals were allowed to rest for only four (4) hours for a period of seven (7) days using a modified platform technique. A total of twenty female wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats (n=5). Group I was the control which received 1ml/kg distilled water, group II was sleep deprived and untreated and received 1ml/kg distilled water, group III were treated with 100mg/kg vitamin C and group were treated with 100mg/kg vitamin E. After seven days the female wistar rats were sacrificed and blood sample was collected and centrifuged for biochemical analysis. The results show that there was an increase in prolactin level in the sleep deprived untreated group with that of control group. The sleep deprived group treated with vitamin C shows a significant (at p≤0.05) increase in prolactin level when compared with sleep deprived untreated group and control group. Whereas the sleep deprived group treated with vitamin E shows an insignificant (at p≤0.05) decrease in prolactin when compared with sleep deprived untreated group and control group. The finding of this study indicate that vitamin C increases the prolactin level in sleep deprived induced stress in female wistar rats whereas vitamin E does not have any significant effect in prolactin levels.

Rukaiyat ABUBAKAR, Human Physiology - Ahmadu Bello University, 2021

Stress is one of the most fundamental problems spanning through human endeavor, it is considered as an irritating problem that continue to pose threat to the goal of an individual, hence, this research is aimed to study the effect of Tri-iodothyronine (T3) in stress induced female wistar rat treated with ascorbic acid Tocopherol. The stress was induced by sleep deprivation for seven days the rat was sleep deprive for 20hours after which are allowed to rest for 4hours. Total of twenty female wistar rat were grouped into four groups of five rat each (N=5). Group 1 which is the control received 1mg/kg of distilled water, group 2 which is the stress induced and untreated group received 1mg/kg of distilled water, group 3 which is stressed and treated received 100mg/kg of ascorbic acid and group 4 which is stress and treated received 100mg/kg of Tocopherol. The duration of the treatment lasted for 7 days after which they were sacrificed and samples of blood were collected for biochemical analysis, the result shows that there is decrease in T3 level in the stress induced and untreated group, increase in the T3 level in the stress induced and treated with ascorbic acid, decrease in T3 level in the stress induced treated with Tocopherol compare to the control group. In conclusion the findings of the study indicate that Ascorbic acid increases T3 level in sleep deprived stress- induced adult female wistar rat and decrease in T3 level when treated with Tocopherol.

Elizabeth Temitope AKINTUNDE, Botany - Ahmadu Bello University, 2023

Medicinal plants have always played a key role in the world health, since they are the sources of many important scientific drugs of modern world. It is not a surprise that the earliest drugs in the history of medicine were all derived from plants. Medicinal herbs have been used for healing as an alternative to medicine by all cultures for several thousands of years. About 80% of the world’s population does not have access to conventional drugs and therefore rely on medicinal herbs. Western medicine is well known and in use, but at the same time it has created problems due to some side effects such as carcinogenicity caused by the synthetic drugs in Western Medicine. This has enhanced the interest in search for natural products with medicinal property e.g. naturally occurring anti-oxidants and anti-biotic for use in foods and medicine. Therefore ethno-medicine, using medicinal herbs has been considered an alternative, in order to eradicate side-effects associated with synthetic drugs. The study “Phytochemical screening and quantitative analysis of Sida cordifolia and Sida acuta” aimed to determine and quantify phytoconstituent present in aqueous leaves extract of Sida cordifolia and Sida acuta. The test are as follows; test for carbohydrate, test for flavonoid, test for tannins, test for alkaloid, test for saponin, test for steroid, test for terpenoid and test for cardiac glycosides. Quantitative analysis however, was done by spectrophotometric method using standard procedure, the crude extract (aqueous) leaves of the Sida species was quantified spectrophotometrically as follows: determination of total phenolic content, determination of total flavonoid content, determination of total alkaloid content, determination of total tannin content, determination of total saponin content, determination of total C/glycoside, determination of total steroid content, determination of total terpernoid content, determination of total anthraquinone. The Qualitative Phytochemical screening of the aqueous extracts of the plants parts (leaves) of the two Sida species showed the presence of medicinally active constituents such as carbohydrate, tannins, saponin, flavonoid, terpenoid, steroid, phenol, C/glucosides, alkaloid with the exception of anthraqunione. For quantitative phytochemical screening showed the quantity of phytochemicals associated with the solution extract. However, it was found out that aqueous leaves extract has highest values in tannins (112.22), saponins (141.78), flavonoid (166.54), and alkaloids (105.43) were found in Sida cordifolia compared to Sida acuta. But, phenols (198.82) is highest in Sida acuta compared to Sida cordifolia. Sida cordifolia and Sida acuta is a medicinal plant due to possession of such compound in its leaves the result of this study has provided a scientific evidence to support the vital role of Sida cordifolia and Sida acuta leaves as medicinal plant with great emphasis on traditional medicine.

Haruna Muhammad KOLO, Human Physiology - Ahmadu Bello University, 2021

Devices such as mobile phones, wireless internet modems, and radios and televisions, which occupy an important place in social life, produce electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Widespread use of these devices in daily life increases the intensity of exposure to EMFs on a day to day basis. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of chronic exposure to mobile phone radiation and possible modulatory role of glutathione in depression-like behavior in mice. Thirty five (35) male albino mice were randomly divided into seven groups of 5 animals each: group I: (control), group II: exposed to mobile phone in ringtone mode, group III: exposed to mobile phone in vibration mode, group IV: exposed to mobile phone in silent mode, group V: exposed to mobile phone in ringtone + glutathione, group VI: exposed to mobile phone in vibration + glutathione, and group VII: exposed to mobile phone in silent + glutathione. The mice in group II to VII were exposed to four hours’ mobile phone radiation within the range of 295 to 300 missed calls per day for 6 weeks plus. Group I (control) was not exposed to any form of radiation or glutathione, but exposed to the same environmental condition as the other groups before Neurobehavioral studies for assessing depression were carried out. The result shows that there was statistically significance (p <0.05) when all the groups were compared to each other. In conclusion, the result of present study shows that 6weeks exposure to chronic mobile phone radiation and glutathione administration, show significance effect on depression-like behavior in mice.

Ribomtob Jibs APOLLOS, Economics - Ahmadu Bello University, 2019

The study examined the Impact of Government Expenditure on Crop Production in Nigeria (1981-2018). The objectives were to: ascertain the effects of government expenditure (GEXP) on Crop Production in Nigeria and to determine the long relationship between government expenditure and crop production. The study employed time series data in its analysis. Data adopted in the study were generated from the Central Bank of Nigeria annual statistical bulletin 2018. The methodology employed for this study included the use of a model with Total Crop Production as the dependent variable and Government expenditure on agriculture, Exchange rate, Interest rate and Inflation rate as the independent variable. The methodology employed descriptive statistics such as mean, median, mode, standard deviation, Kurtosis, Jarbaque-bera, Skewness so as to examine the statistical properties of the variables. The Unit Root ADF diagnosis test was conducted to examine the stationarity of the variables which were found at first difference and stationary level. The normality test was used to show if the data is normally distributed and the result showed that the data was normally distributed as the P-value of 0.741064 is greater than 5% level of significance when using the Jarbaque-bera test. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to co-integration was used to test for the short run and long run relationship of the variables which revealed that government expenditure on agriculture has positive impact on total crop production while exchange rate has negative effect on total crop production in the short run, however in the long run result using the ARDL bound test showed that there is no long run relationship

Oyerinde M. F., Jidda K. A., Baba D. A., Abdulraheem, A.M. and Ologele, I., Health Education - University of Ilorin, 2023

This research examined whether or not secondary school pupils in Kwara State understood and followed COVID-19 recommendations after receiving a health education intervention. A quasi-experimental approach was taken for this study. Participants' entering behaviours or prior knowledge were assessed, and participants' knowledge gains following the intervention were measured using a non-randomized pre- and post- test control group design. All high school senior students in Ilorin, Kwara State, were included in the study, but only 116 students from the Ilorin East and South LGAs were surveyed for the study. Students in senior secondary school from two distinct local governments were randomly selected using a multistage selection procedure. The results showed, for example, that students who were exposed to the COVID-19 protocol (treatment intervention) scored higher on the post-test regarding their knowledge of COVID-19 compared to those who were exposed to the personal hygiene protocol (placebo), who scored higher on the post-test regarding their knowledge of COVID-19 but scored lower on their adherence to the COVID-19 protocol. The study revealed that the health education intervention significantly improved students' knowledge of and compliance with COVID-19 protocols in Kwara State's secondary schools. Consequently, it has been proposed that professional associations spanning several fields collaborate to provide health education interventions aimed at fostering compliance with COVID-19 standards, with a particular focus on the male demographic.

Jega Abdulmajeed Ibrahim, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is a common health issue among university students, influenced by risk factors like Helicobacter pylori infection, NSAID use, and lifestyle habits. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and prevalence of PUD risk factors among students at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to address gaps in awareness and inform health interventions. A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2025 with 240 ABU undergraduate students, selected via multistage sampling across 16 faculties. Data was collected using a semi-structured electronic questionnaire on sociodemographics, knowledge, perception, and prevalence of PUD risk factors. Knowledge was scored as good (≥50%) or poor (<50%), perception was assessed via a Likert scale, and prevalence was based on self-reported behaviours. Data was analyzed using SPSS with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Of the 240 respondents (mean age 22.86 years, 57.5% male), 57.1% had good knowledge of PUD risk factors, though misconceptions (e.g., spicy foods as a cause) persisted. Perception was accurate in 60%, with 40% showing misconceptions. Prevalence of risk factors was low (95%), with occasional NSAID use (54.6%) and meal skipping (62.5%) most common; only 10% tested positive for H. pylori. No significant link was found between knowledge and prevalence (p = 0.163). While many ABU students have reasonable knowledge and perception of PUD risk factors, gaps and misconceptions remain, and prevalence of modifiable risk factors is low. Health education and screening programs are recommended to improve awareness and reduce PUD risk.

Yisa Abdulhammed Yinka, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

First aid is an essential skill for secondary school teachers, who are often the first to respond to emergencies involving students. However, studies in Nigeria and other parts of the world have shown gaps in teachers’ knowledge, perception, and practice of first aid. In Nigeria, limited school health services have made it even more important for teachers to be well-prepared. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and practice of first aid among secondary school teachers in Sabon Gari Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 379 secondary school teachers from both public and private schools in Sabon Gari LGA. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected in March 2025 using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25, and results were presented in tables. Associations between selected variables and level of practice were tested using a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH). The mean age of the respondents was 34.31 ± 7.929 years, with most (49.6%) aged between 26 and 35 years. Good knowledge of first aid was recorded in 68.3% of respondents, and 95.3% had a positive perception toward its importance. However, only 59.3% had good practice, and 22.2% had never administered first aid. Practice was significantly associated with age (p = 0.009), educational qualification (p = 0.001), and type of school (p = 0.002), but not with perception (p = 0.340). Although most teachers had good knowledge and a positive perception of first aid, the level of practice was sub-optimal. Some teachers had never administered first aid, showing that more needs to be done to prepare them for emergencies. It is recommended that the Kaduna State Ministry of Education provide regular training and supply first aid materials to schools to improve emergency response.

Maikano Abigail Stanley, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Cervical cancer remains a major public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where screening uptake is low. Early detection through regular screening is key to reducing cervical cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Female undergraduates, being in the sexually active age group, are at risk and their awareness is vital in the prevention of the disease. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and uptake of cervical cancer screening among female undergraduate students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed involving 312 female undergraduate students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, selected through multistage sampling. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The results were presented using tables and charts. The mean age of respondents was 23.23±2.43. Only 64.4% have heard of cervical cancer screening and 12.8% had good knowledge. Most of the respondents (98.4%) had a positive perception of cervical cancer screening. Only 7.4% had ever been screened for cervical cancer screening. There was a statistically significant relationship between marital status and the uptake of cervical cancer screening. There is a significant gap between positive perception and actual uptake of cervical cancer screening among female undergraduates at Ahmadu Bello University. While most respondents acknowledge the importance of screening, poor knowledge and several barriers, such as lack of awareness of screening centres and absence of symptoms, hinder utilization. There is a need for targeted health education and awareness programs to bridge knowledge gaps, correct misconceptions, and promote positive attitudes toward screening.

Shehu Maryam Ingawa, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Induced abortion is termination of pregnancy before the age of viability. Unsafe induced abortion contributes significantly to maternal mortality and morbidity especially in developing countries. Induced abortion occurs in Nigeria despite law restricting abortion. Despite several efforts to improve on abortion services, legal constraints, religious and sociocultural factors prevent the access to induced abortion. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and perception of induced abortion among women attending antenatal and reproductive health clinics in ABUTH, Zaria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Systematic random sampling was used to select 140 women of reproductive age. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS v27 with statistical significance set at p< 0.05. The mean age ± SD was 28.88 ± 5.31 years. About 53.6% of respondents had good knowledge of induced abortion, 96.4% showed positive attitude, and 97.1% had a positive perception. The major sources of information were friends (47.9%) and family (45%). Statistically significant associations were found between knowledge and source of income (p=0.002). Age had a significant association with attitude (p=0.013). Despite the majority having positive attitudes and perceptions towards induced abortion, knowledge levels remain moderate, indicating the need for improved educational interventions and awareness campaigns.

Musa Abdulrasheed Olamilekan, Human Physiology - Ahmadu Bello University, 2024

Anhedonia refers to the inability to experience enjoyment or pleasure from usually gratifying activities. It is regarded as a central symptom of depression and serves as a common basis for diagnosing this disorder. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects over 300 million people globally. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aqueous bark extract of Cinnamomum verum on anxiety, anhedonia and oxidative stress biomarkers in Swiss albino mice. Thirty (30) animals were divided into 6 groups (n=5). The animals (except Group I (normal control)) were subjected to Open Space Forced Swim Test (OSFST) intermittently for two (2) weeks with daily administration of required drugs. Other groupings are; group II (Negative control), group III (OSFST + Cinnamon 100 mg/kg), group IV (OSFST + Cinnamon 200 mg/kg), group V (OSFST + Cinnamon 400mg/kg), group VI (OSFST + Fluoxetine 20 mg/kg). On day 14, administration stopped and mice were then subjected to Sucrose Preference Test (SPT) and also Open Field Test (OFT). At the end of neurobehavioral tests, the animals were sacrificed and various biological samples were extracted for laboratory analysis. The result obtained showed statistical significance (p<0.05) in main effect of time and treatment and also in the interaction between time and treatment on immobility time in mice subjected to OSFST model. In conclusion, aqueous bark extract of cinnamon demonstrates an antidepressant-like effect on depressed mice exposed to OSFST and SPT but did not significantly affect anxiety behaviors and locomotor activity of the mice subjected to OFT.