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- ItemLost potential: The alarming consequences of drug abuse among youths in Malete Community, Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State.(Lead City University, 2025-08-25) Bilewu, O. O., *Issa, Y.F., Sulayman, S. B., Tijani, A. O., Taiye, I., Adegboyegba, O., Abdulaafez, A. K., Adebiyi, O. S., & Alake, I. D.Drug abuse among youths stands as a mounting concern, casting a long shadow over both individual well-being and community health. This study critically investigates the impact of drug abuse within the Malete Community of Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. It probes into demographic influences, uncovers the prevalence and root causes of drug use, scrutinizes its far reaching consequences, and advances strategic recommendations to stem the tide of this pressing social menace.A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 450 youths aged 15-29 years residing in Malete Community. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests to assess associations between variables.The majority of respondents were aged 21-25 years (49.3%), predominantly female(52.9%), and of Yoruba ethnicity (68.2%). A high prevalence of drug abuse was reported, with38.7% of respondents engaging in substance use. The most commonly abused substances were alcohol (25.3%), Colorado (19.5%), and cigarettes (10.9%). Key determinants of drug abuse included negative peer influence (83.3%), lack of parental care (69.6%), and easy access to drugs (72.9%). Adverse effects of drug abuse included physical health issues (55.1%), poor academic performance (54.9%), financial difficulties (54.0%), and increased youth crime (52.4%). Strategies to curb drug abuse emphasized counselling services (44.7%), youth empowerment (44.4%), and recreational activities (64.9%). Drug abuse among youths in Malete Community is influenced by socioeconomic and cultural factors, leading to significant health, academic, and social consequences. The study recommends the implementation of comprehensive counselling services, youth empowerment programs, family support initiatives, and increased recreational opportunities to address and prevent drug abuse among youths in Malete Community. Keywords: Drug abuse, Youth, Determinants, Effects, Mitigation strategies, Malete Community, Nigeria.
- ItemKnowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among female secondary school students in Shao, Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State.(RSIS INTERNATIONAL, 2026-07-27) Issa, Y. F., Saka, S. B., Muhammed, O. R., Rabiu, S. O., Abubakar, M. F., Ige, E. T., & Bilewu, O. O.Introduction: Inadequate menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is associated with reproductive tract infections, school absenteeism, and stigma among young women in resource-limited environments. Information on MHM among rural Nigerian adolescents is scarce. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and determinants of MHM among adolescent female secondary school students in Shao, Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 350 secondary school girls in classes SSS 1-3 from five purposively selected schools in Shao from June to August 2025. The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula with a 10% non-response rate. Participants were selected via multistage sampling with proportionate allocation across classes. Data were gathered using a pretested, semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire available in English and Yoruba. The instrument was validated by public health and obstetrics experts, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.81 for the knowledge section. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Knowledge, attitude, and practice were scored, graded, and categorized. Associations were tested using chi-square at p<0.05, and binary logistic regression was conducted to identify independent predictors of good menstrual hygiene practice. Result: The mean age was 16.97±1.73 years. Overall, 60.6% had adequate knowledge, 40.9% had good practices, and 76.3% had a negative attitude towards MHM. Although 72.9% used absorbent materials, 68.6% used commercially made sanitary pads. In addition, 60% disposed of used pads improperly. Major constraints included lack of toilet privacy (70.9%), inadequate information (64.9%), and cost of sanitary pads (49.4%). Knowledge had a significant correlation with age, religion, birth order, school type, parents’ education level, regularity, and duration of menstruation (p<0.05). Practice had a significant correlation with guardian, religion, parents' education level, regularity, family history of dysmenorrhea, duration, and pain (p<0.05). Binary logistic regression further identified living with parents (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.45–3.78, p = 0.001), tertiary maternal education (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.12–3.19, p = 0.017), regular menstruation (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.23–3.62, p = 0.007), and absence of dysmenorrhea (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.08–2.87, p = 0.024) as independent predictors of good menstrual hygiene practice. Conclusion: MHM knowledge was moderate, but not consistently translated into safe practice due to infrastructural and financial constraints. It is recommended that the Kwara State Ministry of Education incorporate menstrual health education into the school curriculum and provide access to proper WASH facilities and affordable sanitary products in all public secondary schools. Keywords: Menstrual Hygiene; Adolescent Health; Health Knowledge, Practices; Nigeria
- ItemTinnitus in Later Life: The Role of Socio-Cultural Determinants, Social Support, Health Conditions, and Lifestyle Behaviours among the Rural Elderly in North-Central Nigeria(Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State Branch, 2025-06-02) 11. Aremu, S. K., Achebe, C., & Issa, Y.F.Background:Tinnitus, defined as the perception of sound without external stimuli, significantly affects the life quality among elderly populations worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence and associations of tinnitus with socio-cultural determinants, social support, health conditions, and lifestyle behaviors among rural elderly residents in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara state, North-Central Nigeria.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 427 elderly residents (≥65 years) using structured questionnaires to collect data on tinnitus symptoms, socio-demographic characteristics, cultural beliefs, social support (measured by the Oslo Social Support Scale), health conditions, and lifestyle behaviors. Chi-square analysis was employed to determine associations between variables.Results:Tinnitus prevalence was found to be 41.7% among participants. Observed was significant associations between tinnitus and educational status (χ² = 12.36, p = 0.006), age (χ² = 9.84, p = 0.007), cultural beliefs about loss of hearing (χ² = 18.73, p < 0.001), social support levels (χ² = 15.28, p < 0.001), hypertension (χ² = 11.42, p < 0.001), diabetes (χ² = 7.65, p = 0.006), and exposure to environmental noise (χ² = 14.32, p < 0.001). Low social support was more common among tinnitus sufferers (52.8%)compared to non-sufferers (31.5%).Conclusion:There is significant association between tinnitus among rural elderly Nigerians and socio-cultural factors, lack of social support, chronic health conditions, and lifestyle behaviors. Culturally sensitive interventions that address modifiable risk factorsand strengthen social support systems are recommended to reduce tinnitus burden in this population.
- ItemChild fostering and adoption in Nigeria: a case study of Kwara State and literature review(College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, 2006-11-08) FY Issa AO AwoyemiThe aim of this study is to evaluate the state of fostering and adoption services in Kwara State, which is the gateway between the northern and southern parts of the Nigeria. We will be determining the major reasons for child placement, common kindred cases as well as common medical conditions seen amongst the children under care. A retrospective analysis of case records in government owned family welfare institutions in the state between 1995 and 2005 was done. Oral interview was also conducted for officer's in-charge of these institutions. The results showed that cases of child abuse and neglect are the major reasons for child placement in foster care, and a steady rise has been noticed in spite of the existence of protective laws and regulations. This has led to an overwhelming of the available family welfare services in the state. There is need for community sensitization on the adverse effects of abuse and neglect; on the child, the family and the society at large. Government should strengthen the various family welfare service institutions and improve on its family economic empowerment programmes. This will enhance the family income and prevent children from entering into inadequate and inappropriate foster care system.
- ItemSickle cell genotype screening among college students: Evaluating knowledge, attitude, and practice in Kwara State, Nigeria(Journal of Disease and Global Health, 2026-05-07) Issa, Y. F., Agboola, A. O., Ogun, A. D., Bilewu, O. O., Saka, S. B., Ige, E. T., & Oyeniyi, J. A.Introduction: Sickle cell disease is endemic in Nigeria, but adoption of premarital genotype screening has been low. Considering that undergraduate students play an important role in decisions regarding reproduction, it becomes imperative to evaluate their Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) concerning genotype screening to provide information for developing school-based strategies to reduce the prevalence of sickle cell disease through genotype screening. Objective: To determine the KAP and factors associated with genotype screening among undergraduate students in Ilorin, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out on 410 students of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was obtained using a pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 26, presenting data as frequencies and percentages. Association between socio-demographics and KAP was evaluated using chi-square test. Results: Respondents comprised mostly females (58.0%) aged 19-25 years (74.1%). Awareness of genotype testing was 82.2%, 89.5% had good knowledge, while 88.8% had positive attitude. The practice level was high, with 70.5% undergoing genotype testing, majorly for medical reasons (38.1%). Sources of information on genotype testing included health care workers (38.9%) and schools (35.6%). Inability to access (35.5%) was the most significant determinant of non-adherence. Level of education (p=0.015) and living conditions (p=0.024) were significant determinants of knowledge, but not attitude or practice. Conclusion: The knowledge and attitude towards genotype screening among the undergraduates were high, and practice was encouraged by accessibility of the service. Accessibility was the major obstacle to the uptake of the service, not cost or lack of information. It is recommended that genotype screening be integrated as a free service into school health care programs and routine health services to ensure universal premarital genotype screening.