ABSTRACT The mobility of nitrate-N (NO3-N), nitrite-N (NO2-N) and ammonium-N (NH4-N) down the soil profile and its ultimate presence in groundwater is aggravated by predisposing conditions such as farm agricultural activities and nitrogen fertilizer management, rainfall, seasons and well sanitary conditions. The main objective of the study was to assess the groundwater nitrogen loading compared in different farm sizes. The study was conducted in three agro-ecological wards of Ainabkoi sub-co...
ABSTRACT Geophagia is defined as deliberate consumption of earths’ materials e.g. soil, clay and soft stones. The practice is widespread among pregnant women and there are conflicting views as to whether it is beneficial to health or not. Geophagic materials may be a source of micronutrients though the materials may bind the micronutrients thus reducing or hindering their bioavailability in the body. Geophagia is closely associated with geohelminthic infections among pregnant women and hea...
ABSTRACT Climate change resulting from global warming is currently one of the global environmental issues of concern. Trees play a very important role in mitigating this problem through sequestrating carbon dioxide which is one of the major green house gases. The importance of trees is incontestable as they have many environmental, social and economic benefits. Effective community participation plays an important strategy for ensuring adequate tree cover but in some communities, some socio-c...
ABSTRACT In the ASAL part of West Pokot County the growing season for agricultural activities occurs during the peak rainfall season, during March, April and May (MAM) season. This study thus sought to quantify MAM rainfall variability and its associated impacts on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Senetwo location where the study was conducted. This was achieved by analyzing daily rainfall data from 1983 to 2013 and household survey. Using data from a survey of 125 farm households, ...
ABSTRACT Floating macrophytes have the capacity to improve wastewater quality by absorbing nutrients thus purifying pre-treated wastewater and have been found to be more appropriate for effluent in developing countries. This is due to their effective and extensive root system and moderate capital investment required in their engagement in wastewater treatment. They are especially appropriate for tropical countries due to the warm climate experienced in these regions which support rapid plant...
ABSTRACT This quasi-experimental study compared the relative efficacy of teacher instructions alone, peer education alone, and a combination of these two on reproductive health knowledge, attitude, perceived self-efficacy and sexual practices among secondary schools students in the lbarapa district of Southwestern Nigeria. 1 baseline questionnaire was administered to a systematic sample of students ill four schools that were randomized into four rrearment arms: teacher instructions alone (E'l...
Abstract Background: Release-retarding polymers in matrix tablets play a vital role in controlling drug release from tablets. Objectives: To prepare metoprolol succinate tablets by direct compression using Ofada rice (Oryza glaberrima Steud) starch acetate, degree of substitution (DS) 2.22, as a matrix for sustained release. Materials and methods: The central composite design and response surface methodology were applied to evaluate the interactive effects of three variables: percent conte...
ABSTRACT Undernutrition is a big challenge in the world though the rate of stunting has been decreasing in the past two decades. Most of undernourished children are in developing countries, comprising about one quarter of all stunted children in the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of child care practices on the nutritional status of under five children in Ileje district, Songwe region, Tanzania. A cross sectional study involving of 365 children aged 0 - 59 month...
Abstract Background Though the major target of the HIV-virus is the immune system, the frequency of abdominal disorders in HIV/AIDS patients has been reported to be second only to pulmonary disease. These abdominal manifestations may be on the increase as the use of antlretroviral therapy has increased life expectancy and improved quality of life. Ultrasonography is an easy to perform, non invasive, inexpensive and safe imaging technique that is invaluable in Africa where AIDS is most prev...
ABSTRACT Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is the predominant form of human diabetes. It is worldwide increasing rapidly. In Tanzania, over 1.7 million people have diabetes, about 1.3 million live undiagnosed and prevalence is higher in urban than rural areas. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of T2DM and associated risk factors among Local Government Authority workers at Bariadi Town Council, Tanzania. A cross-sectional study approach was applied, five clusters of study units w...
SUMMARY Objective: To study the pattern and indications for ophthalmic referral of patients with otorhinolaryngology problems. Method: A retrospective study of patients who were admitted into the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) ward of the University College Hospital, lbadan and had ophthalmic referral between July 2000 and June 2004. The parameters evaluated were the demography of the patient, indication for ophthalmic consult, and the contribution of the ophthalmologist towards the management ...
ABSTRACT Fresh fruit juices are essential components of human diet and there is considerable evidence of health and nutritional benefits associated with their consumption. However, during processing contamination from raw materials, equipment or food handlers could be easily transferred to the final product of the juices resulting to food-borne illness. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess bacterial quality and associated handling practices of unpasteurised fruit juices vended in ...
ABSTRACT The immunomodulatory properties of methanol extract and fractions of Hoslundia opposita leaf on Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH), primary and secondary humoral response and in vivo leucocyte mobilization were evaluated. Acute toxicity test of crude extract and phytochemistry study was carried out. The methanol extract (ME) at 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight produced significant (P
ABSTRACT This study evaluated the Maternal Mortality and Perceived Challenges among Midwives at Midwives Service Scheme facilities in Benue State. The objectives of the study were to determine the recorded number of women that delivered at these facilities before and during the implementation of MSS between 2006 and 2014, the maternal mortality recorded in the MSS facilities before and during the implementation of MSS (2006 to 2009 and 2010 to 2014 respectively), the causes of maternal morta...
ABSTRACT Most of the complementary foods in Tanzania have been reported to be poorly prepared, low energy and nutrient density and low nutrients’ bioavailability. This study was carried out in Rombo district with the aim to assess feeding practices, nutrient content of the frequently used complementary foods, identify nutrient gaps and then develop more nutritious recipes that may either fill or narrow the gaps. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three ra ndomly selected villages. In...