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Psychoactive substance abuse among commercial bus drivers in Umuahia, Abia State, South-Eastern Nigeria: an uncontrolled "epidemic" with attendant road traffic crashes. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:250. [PMID: 36747140 PMCID: PMC9901138 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15039-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION The unprecedented depletion of the productive workforce has been majorly attributed to road traffic crashes (RTCs). The attendant consequences of this depletion have been found to constitute a serious global public health challenge, with the use of psychoactive substances among drivers implicated in every three of five motor vehicle accidents. Hence, this study assessed the pattern and explored the determinants of substance abuse among commercial bus drivers in Umuahia, Abia State. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for the study. Four hundred commercial bus drivers were recruited from selected motor parks in Abia-state, using a multistage sampling technique from October to December 2020. A pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to obtain socio-demographics and information on substance abuse. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25; bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square. The level of significance was at 5%. RESULTS The mean age of the respondents was 40.03 ± 10.50 years. The proportion of respondents who had ever abused a psychoactive substance was 74.6%. The most commonly abused substances among drivers include alcohol (51%), cigarettes (27%), and alcoholic herbal mixtures (16%). The study participants had poor knowledge (54.5%) and poor perception (63.2%) about psychoactive substance abuse. Among the factors found to be significantly associated with substance abuse among respondents were ethnicity (p = 0.002), religion (p = 0.009) and monthly income (p = 0.013) of the respondents, poor knowledge (p < 0.001) and poor perception (p < 0.001). However, this study found religion (p = 0.031; OR = 5.469; CI = 1.170 to 25.555), knowledge (p < 0.001; OR = 4.21; CI = 2.201 to 8.287) and perception (p < 0.001; OR = 9.828; CI = 15.572 to 65.052) as factors that were associated with the higher likelihood of psychoactive substance abuse. CONCLUSION Religion, poor knowledge and perception were associated with the higher likelihood of psychoactive substance abuse among commercial bus drivers. Targeting commercial bus drivers for educational interventions and using religious leaders as conveyor belts may reduce the use of psychoactive substances among them.
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Distribution of cesarean delivery by Robson classification and predictors of postspinal anesthesia hypotension in Windhoek referral hospitals: A cross-sectional study. Niger J Clin Pract 2022; 25:178-184. [PMID: 35170444 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_573_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background There are concerns that high cesarean section (CS) rates are driven by nonmedical indications and unmitigated maternal hypotension following spinal anesthesia (SA) has materno fetal effects. Aims Our objective was to investigate CS rates using Robson classification, identify patient groups for focused intervention as well as assess the incidence and predictors of maternal hypotension following SA for cesarean delivery. Subjects and Methods A cross sectional design was employed over 3 months (February-April, 2019). Data about total deliveries (vaginal and operative) were obtained from the hospital medical records. For parturients who had CS, variables which covered maternal characteristics, conduct of anesthesia, and the index pregnancy according to Robson classification system were entered into a proforma designed for the study. Results The total deliveries were 3031, of which 556 were CSs, giving a CS rate of 18.3%. Twenty one nonconsenting parturients were excluded, so 535 responded. Robson groups 5, 10, and 1 combined contributed 75% [401/535] to the overall CS. Two or more previous CS, 29.7% [159/535], was the main indication for performing CS, followed by maternal request 12.9% [69/535]. The incidence of maternal hypotension was 62.6% (293/468); the independent predictors were elective CS and having comorbidities. Conclusion We found a low CS rate and Robson groups 5, 10, and 1 were the major contributors - previous CS (≥2) and maternal request were the predominant indications for performing CS. The independent predictors of SA induced hypotension were presence of comorbidities and elective CS.
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An Assessment of Perceived Stigmatization of Patients Infected with COVID-19 in the Nation's Epicenter of the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Residents of Agege, Lagos, Nigeria. West Afr J Med 2022; 39:97-106. [PMID: 35167200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In some parts of Africa, the patients and those who survived COVID-19 are stigmatized and this has impeded the response activities put in place to control the pandemic. In spite of this, most efforts in preventing COVID-19 were geared towards the use of non-pharmacologic measures without corresponding measures to dissipate stigmatization in the community. Therefore, this study assessed the factors associated with perceived stigmatization of patients with COVID-19 among residents of Agege local government, Lagos State, Nigeria. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 333 consenting residents recruited from Agege local government area (LGA) using a multi-stage sampling technique. A semistructure, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the People Living with Human Immunodefiency Virus (PLHIV) Stigma Index was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID-19 and perceived stigmatization. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of perceived stigmatization at 5% level of significance. RESULTS The mean age of the respondents was 35.7 ± 13.6 years. Awareness about COVID-19 outbreak was 95.2%. Television (43.5%) and radio (36.9%) were the two major sources of information on COVID-19 infection and prevention. The proportions of the respondents who had poor knowledge and perceived stigmatization of COVID-19 patients were 50.0% and 47.7% respectively. A higher likelihood of perceived stigmatization was found among those aged 25 - 49 years (aOR= 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4 - 6.7), > 50 years (aOR= 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1 - 3.9) and married respondents (aOR= 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1 - 2.9). CONCLUSION The study highlights the poor knowledge about COVID-19 and a high level of stigmatization. Hence, targeted health educational interventions are urgently needed for the residents of Agege, most especially among married respondents as well as the adults.
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An Assessment of Perceived Stigmatization of Patients Infected with COVID-19 in the Nation's Epicenter of the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Residents of Agege, Lagos, Nigeria. West Afr J Med 2021; 38:1206-1215. [PMID: 35037451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In some parts of Africa, the patients and those who survived COVID-19 are stigmatized and this has impeded the response activities put in place to control the pandemic. Inspite of this, most efforts in preventing COVID-19 were geared towards the use of non-pharmacologic measures without corresponding measures to dissipate stigmatization in the community. Therefore, this study assessed the factors associated with perceived stigmatization of patients with COVID-19 among residents of Agege local government, Lagos State, Nigeria. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 333 consenting residents recruited from Agege local government area (LGA) using a multi-stage sampling technique. A semistructure, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the People Living with Human Immunodefiency Virus (PLHIV) Stigma Index was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID-19 and perceived stigmatization. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of perceived stigmatization at 5% level of significance. RESULTS The mean age of the respondents was 35.7 ± 13.6 years. Awareness about COVID-19 outbreak was 95.2%. Television (43.5%) and radio (36.9%) were the two major sources of information on COVID-19 infection and prevention. The proportions of the respondents who had poor knowledge and perceived stigmatization of COVID-19 patients were 50.0% and 47.7% respectively. A higher likelihood of perceived stigmatization was found among those aged 25 - 49 years (aOR= 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4 - 6.7), > 50 years (aOR= 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1 - 3.9) and married respondents (aOR= 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1 - 2.9). CONCLUSION The study highlights the poor knowledge about COVID-19 and a high level of stigmatization. Hence, targeted health educational interventions are urgently needed for the residents of Agege, most especially among married respondents as well as the adults.
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Prioritization of resource allocation amid the COVID-19 outbreak response in Nigeria. JOURNAL OF IDEAS IN HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.47108/jidhealth.vol4.issspecial1.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the massive shortcomings of health systems globally, particularly in Nigeria with weak healthcare infrastructure, high population, and chronic high morbidity and mortality from the double burden of infectious and non-infectious causes. Many routine and elective services were suspended or withdrawn, and existing delivery approaches adapted to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic across all the states in Nigeria. Preventive programs such as screening were completely suspended. The vaccination schedules were missed for many children due to the closure of the immunization clinics. Many Nigerian children being liable to infections, alongside a reduction in the possibility of child survival. Funds to manage the COVID-19 pandemic were donated from internal organizations and corporate agencies. However, the modalities involved in the disbursement of these funds were not publicly revealed by the Nigerian government. Therefore, we recommend optimal allocation of inadequate health resources in ways that maximize health care delivery benefits to the greatest number of people, give priority to the worst off, ensure equality and promote continued care provision for non-COVID-19 conditions, including pregnancy and chronic conditions. To ensure the improved trust of Nigerians and donor agencies and organizations, accountability on all funds should be ensured by the Nigerian government. For this cause, such funds should be committed into the hands of trustworthy and expert finance managers and infectious disease experts.
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Overcoming COVID-19 in West African countries: is herd immunity an option? Pan Afr Med J 2020; 35:103. [PMID: 33282058 PMCID: PMC7687463 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2020.35.2.24217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus infection (COVID-19) to date has no vaccine or effective treatment. Herd immunity offers indirect protection to susceptible members of the population. If the acquired immunity of a community rises above 67%, then a gradual decline in the number of incident cases is recorded. How many deaths would have occurred in the West African countries by the time at least 67% of our people are infected with the present case fatality rate (CFR)? The objective of this study was to develop a forecast of the number of COVID-19 deaths that would be recorded to attain herd immunity for each country in West-Africa. We predicted the numbers of deaths using publicly available demographic and COVID-19 data. To attain herd immunity in West Africa 5.2 million COVID-19 deaths would have occurred assuming the CFR is maintained at the current rates in the region. Attention should be focused on strategies that would limit the spread of infection and protect the most vulnerable population groups while the race to develop an effective vaccine should be hastened.
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Aflatoxin awareness and Aflasafe adoption potential of Nigerian smallholder maize farmers: OPEN ACCESS. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2018; 11:437-446. [PMID: 33552313 PMCID: PMC7797632 DOI: 10.3920/wmj2018.2345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin is a potent mycotoxin that can cause cancer and death and is associated
with stunted growth. Prevalence of aflatoxin is widespread in Africa negatively
impacting health and trade. Aflasafe is a biological control product that can be
applied to maize or groundnut fields to reduce aflatoxin contamination. This
study examines the levels of aflatoxin and Aflasafe awareness and understanding
among smallholder maize farmers in Nigeria. In addition, the factors affecting
Aflasafe purchase patterns and sustained usage over multiple growing seasons by
farmers were evaluated. In-person surveys of 902 Nigerian smallholder farmers
were conducted during October and November of 2016. This work contributes to the
existing literature by documenting awareness levels of aflatoxin and use of
Aflasafe as a control in Nigeria. Results suggest that the level of awareness of
aflatoxin was very high in states where Aflasafe was promoted as an intervention
for aflatoxin management. In Kaduna state, the region with the longest
intervention, there was a consistent increase in the usage of Aflasafe since its
introduction in 2010. Furthermore, farmers who purchase Aflasafe bundled
(combined) with other inputs were more likely to persist in using the product.
Education was found to significantly and positively impact continued usage of
Aflasafe. Continued interventions, promotion and general education of the public
are recommended for increased awareness, trial, and adoption of Aflasafe in
Nigeria.
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Biological control of aflatoxins in Africa: current status and potential challenges in the face of climate change. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2016. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2016.2130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination of crops is frequent in warm regions across the globe, including large areas in sub-Saharan Africa. Crop contamination with these dangerous toxins transcends health, food security, and trade sectors. It cuts across the value chain, affecting farmers, traders, markets, and finally consumers. Diverse fungi within Aspergillus section Flavi contaminate crops with aflatoxins. Within these Aspergillus communities, several genotypes are not capable of producing aflatoxins (atoxigenic). Carefully selected atoxigenic genotypes in biological control (biocontrol) formulations efficiently reduce aflatoxin contamination of crops when applied prior to flowering in the field. This safe and environmentally friendly, effective technology was pioneered in the US, where well over a million acres of susceptible crops are treated annually. The technology has been improved for use in sub-Saharan Africa, where efforts are under way to develop biocontrol products, under the trade name Aflasafe, for 11 African nations. The number of participating nations is expected to increase. In parallel, state of the art technology has been developed for large-scale inexpensive manufacture of Aflasafe products under the conditions present in many African nations. Results to date indicate that all Aflasafe products, registered and under experimental use, reduce aflatoxin concentrations in treated crops by >80% in comparison to untreated crops in both field and storage conditions. Benefits of aflatoxin biocontrol technologies are discussed along with potential challenges, including climate change, likely to be faced during the scaling-up of Aflasafe products. Lastly, we respond to several apprehensions expressed in the literature about the use of atoxigenic genotypes in biocontrol formulations. These responses relate to the following apprehensions: sorghum as carrier, distribution costs, aflatoxin-conscious markets, efficacy during drought, post-harvest benefits, risk of allergies and/or aspergillosis, influence of Aflasafe on other mycotoxins and on soil microenvironment, dynamics of Aspergillus genotypes, and recombination between atoxigenic and toxigenic genotypes in natural conditions.
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Effects of the novel BK (KCa 1.1) channel opener GoSlo-SR-5-130 are dependent on the presence of BKβ subunits. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:2544-56. [PMID: 25598230 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE GoSlo-SR compounds are efficacious BK (KCa 1.1) channel openers, but little is known about their mechanism of action or effect on bladder contractility. We examined the effects of two closely related compounds on BK currents and bladder contractions. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A combination of electrophysiology, molecular biology and synthetic chemistry was used to examine the effects of two novel channel agonists on BK channels from bladder smooth muscle cells and in HEK cells expressing BKα alone or in combination with either β1 or β4 subunits. KEY RESULTS GoSlo-SR-5-6 shifted the voltage required for half maximal activation (V1/2 ) of BK channels approximately -100 mV, irrespective of the presence of regulatory β subunits. The deaminated derivative, GoSlo-SR-5-130, also shifted the activation V1/2 in smooth muscle cells by approximately -100 mV; however, this was reduced by ∼80% in HEK cells expressing only BKα subunits. When β1 or β4 subunits were co-expressed with BKα, efficacy was restored. GoSlo-SR-5-130 caused a concentration-dependent reduction in spontaneous bladder contraction amplitude and this was abolished by iberiotoxin, consistent with an effect on BK channels. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS GoSlo-SR-5-130 required β1 or β4 subunits to mediate its full effects, whereas GoSlo-SR-5-6 worked equally well in the absence or presence of β subunits. GoSlo-SR-5-130 inhibited spontaneous bladder contractions by activating BK channels. The novel BK channel opener, GoSlo-SR-5-130, is approximately fivefold more efficacious on BK channels with regulatory β subunits and may be a useful scaffold in the development of drugs to treat diseases such as overactive bladder.
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Persistent current and Drude weight for the one-dimensional Hubbard model from current lattice density functional theory. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2012; 24:055602. [PMID: 22248571 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/24/5/055602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The Bethe ansatz local density approximation (LDA) to lattice density functional theory (LDFT) for the one-dimensional repulsive Hubbard model is extended to current-LDFT (CLDFT). The transport properties of mesoscopic Hubbard rings threaded by a magnetic flux are then systematically investigated by this scheme. In particular we present calculations of ground state energies, persistent currents and Drude weights for both a repulsive homogeneous and a single impurity Hubbard model. Our results for the ground state energies in the metallic phase compare favorably well with those obtained with numerically accurate many-body techniques. Also the dependence of the persistent currents on the Coulomb and the impurity interaction strength, and on the ring size are all well captured by LDA-CLDFT. Our study demonstrates the value of CLDFT in describing the transport properties of one-dimensional correlated electron systems. As its computational overheads are rather modest, we propose this method as a tool for studying problems where both disorder and interaction are present.
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Abstract
The approximate atomic self-interaction correction (ASIC) method to density functional theory is put to the test by calculating the exchange interaction for a number of prototypical materials, critical to local exchange and correlation functionals. ASIC total energy calculations are mapped onto a Heisenberg pairwise interaction and the exchange constants J are compared to those obtained with other methods. In general the ASIC scheme drastically improves the band structure, which for almost all the cases investigated resemble closely available photoemission data. In contrast the results for the exchange parameters are less satisfactory. Although ASIC performs reasonably well for systems where the magnetism originates from half-filled bands, it suffers from similar problems than those of local density approximation for other situations. In particular, the exchange constants are still overestimated. This reflects a subtle interplay between exchange and correlation energy, not captured by the ASIC.
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Beyond prejudice as simple antipathy: hostile and benevolent sexism across cultures. J Pers Soc Psychol 2001. [PMID: 11079240 DOI: 10.1037//0022-3514.79.5.763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The authors argue that complementary hostile and benevolent components of sexism exist across cultures. Male dominance creates hostile sexism (HS), but men's dependence on women fosters benevolent sexism (BS)--subjectively positive attitudes that put women on a pedestal but reinforce their subordination. Research with 15,000 men and women in 19 nations showed that (a) HS and BS are coherent constructs that correlate positively across nations, but (b) HS predicts the ascription of negative and BS the ascription of positive traits to women, (c) relative to men, women are more likely to reject HS than BS, especially when overall levels of sexism in a culture are high, and (d) national averages on BS and HS predict gender inequality across nations. These results challenge prevailing notions of prejudice as an antipathy in that BS (an affectionate, patronizing ideology) reflects inequality and is a cross-culturally pervasive complement to HS.
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Abstract
The authors argue that complementary hostile and benevolent components of sexism exist across cultures. Male dominance creates hostile sexism (HS), but men's dependence on women fosters benevolent sexism (BS)--subjectively positive attitudes that put women on a pedestal but reinforce their subordination. Research with 15,000 men and women in 19 nations showed that (a) HS and BS are coherent constructs that correlate positively across nations, but (b) HS predicts the ascription of negative and BS the ascription of positive traits to women, (c) relative to men, women are more likely to reject HS than BS, especially when overall levels of sexism in a culture are high, and (d) national averages on BS and HS predict gender inequality across nations. These results challenge prevailing notions of prejudice as an antipathy in that BS (an affectionate, patronizing ideology) reflects inequality and is a cross-culturally pervasive complement to HS.
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Abstract
Citizens of 9 different English-speaking countries (N = 619) evaluated the average, or typical, citizen of 5 English-speaking countries (Great Britain, Canada, Nigeria, United States, Australia) on 9 pairs of bipolar adjectives. Participants were drawn from Australia, Botswana, Canada, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. There were statistically significant similarities in the rankings of the 5 stimulus countries on 8 of the 9 adjective dimensions and a strong convergence of autostereotypes and heterostereotypes on many traits. The results relate to previous stereotyping research and traditional methods of assessing the accuracy of national stereotypes.
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Abstract
Xhosa, Zulu, and colored students in South Africa did not differ on depression scores, but there was some evidence that the pattern of the symptoms of depression differed among the three groups.
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare level and type of fears in Nigerian and Kenyan children using the Fear Survey Schedule for Children, Revised (FSSC-R; [Ollendick, T.H. (1983). Reliability and validity of the Revised Fear Survey Schedule for Children (FSSC-R). Behaviour Research and Therapy, 21, 685-692]). A total of 852 males and females between the ages of 8 and 17 were surveyed. Results indicated that Nigerian children reported significantly higher total fear than Kenyan children and that scores from both countries were higher than those found in the United States, Australia and China. This suggests that the cultures of Kenya and Nigeria may share a common variable that makes reporting of fears greater than that reported by children of other world cultures. In addition, Christian children in both countries reported higher levels of fear on several factors than Muslim children, indicating that Islamic beliefs may encourage children to report less fear or to deal with their fears better than Christian beliefs. Finally, children between the ages of 8 and 12 reported greater fear of the unknown than children between 13 and 17 years of age. Overall, these findings suggest that important cultural, religious and age differences exist for levels of childhood fears reported in Nigeria and Kenya.
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Abstract
215 Zambian Lozi-speaking students viewed suicide as more normal and acceptable than did 203 Nigerian Yoruban students, also as more serious, and more often as having clear motives.
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Australian and South African undergraduates' HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 1998; 27:279-294. [PMID: 9604117 DOI: 10.1023/a:1018603102295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
To understand safe sex behavior in two countries which have been differentially affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the present study compared the AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of 920 heterosexual undergraduate students in Australia and 228 heterosexual undergraduate students in South Africa. South African students were found to have significantly less knowledge about HIV/AIDS, and significantly less favorable attitudes toward safe sex behavior than their Australian counterparts. They were also more likely to report that they have avoided various groups of people for fear of contracting AIDS. Experience from Australia over the period 1986-1995 suggests that significant improvements in the AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of South African undergraduates are achievable.
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Abstract
This study examines the social anxieties associated with HIV prevention in adolescents in three African countries (Nigeria, Kenya, and Zimbabwe). The subjects used in this study were black Africans in form 2 or grade 10 in public high schools (Nigeria, n = 387; Kenya, n = 274; Zimbabwe n = 313). Subjects responded to the 33 item AIDS Social Assertiveness Scale (ASAS). Data indicated similar factor structures for each of the three countries and included five factors. The combined sample factor intercorrelations were modestly but significantly correlated. The mean scores for each factor were compared, and ANOVA of the factors by country, by gender, and by interaction between country and gender were performed. The factor structures were very similar between countries, each including five factors that had similar themes: condom interactions, refusal of risk, confiding in significant others, contact with people with HIV/AIDS, and general assertiveness. These factor structures were also very similar to one found in previous studies of Australian adolescents on the ASAS. The Kenyan means for four of the five factors were significantly lower than those for Nigeria, and were also significantly lower than the Zimbabwean means for two of the five factors, suggesting that Kenyan students are less anxious about social situations related to HIV/AIDS than others. Significant variance was found for several factors due to gender, country, and the interaction between gender and country. These results have important implications for designing education programs. The similarities of anxieties regarding HIV/AIDS social situations suggest that these clusters of social barriers to reduction of HIV infection risk might form the basis of educational interventions, and that dimensions of HIV social anxieties are similar across countries.
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Abstract
The Revised Death Fantasy Scale (RDFS) is an 18-item measure based on metaphors of personal death. It was constructed to assess psychological aspects of contemplating personal death, at levels of awareness less conscious than those tapped by conventional self-report measures. It contains two subscales: Positive Metaphors and Negative Metaphors. In several studies the RDFS has shown evidence of reliability and validity. The scale may be potentially useful in health-related research and in the training and support of individuals whose work is related to death and dying.
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Abstract
The fears of childhood and adolescence may differ from one cultural context to another. We explored this possibility in 1200 American, Australian, Chinese, and Nigerian children and adolescents between 7 and 17 years of age. Responses to a standard fear survey schedule revealed significant differences in the number, content, pattern, and level of fears. Nigerian children and adolescents endorsed fears at higher levels than American, Australian, or Chinese youth who did not differ from one another. However, differences in the pattern and content of fears for boys and girls of different ages were noted across the countries. Results were interpreted within a cultural context, which suggested that cultures which favor inhibition, compliance, and obedience serve to increase levels of fear. Alternative interpretations are offered and limitations of cross-cultural research are explored.
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Abstract
112 college students in America and 180 Muslim Yoruban students in Nigeria obtained similar scores on the Beck Depression Inventory. Although they differed in their response to seven of the 21 items, no clear general pattern of differences emerged.
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Abstract
Gender differences in responses of 376 students to the Beck Depression Inventory for American and Nigerian students did not replicate 1994 results reported by Nolan and Willson.
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Abstract
A study based on a sample of 2500 individuals aged 18 years and over in six west African cities was undertaken for the purpose of determining the cross-cultural consistency and replicability of fears about AIDS. A factor analysis of the data obtained confirmed a similar factor structure to that reported in Australia. Implications for the prevention of HIV transmission in Nigeria and other west African countries is discussed. Our findings showed that the fear of AIDS Scale (FAIDSS) is a reliable index of fear of aids and is readily scaleable. Other implications for health education are considered.
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AIDS-Related Beliefs and Behaviours of Students: Evidence from Two Countries (Zimbabwe and Nigeria). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE AND YOUTH 1994; 4:285-303. [PMID: 12290194 DOI: 10.1080/02673843.1994.9747742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Death anxiety and death denial: Nigerian and Australian students' metaphors of personal death. THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 1993; 127:399-407. [PMID: 8254561 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.1993.9915575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ninety-two Nigerian students and 114 Australian students completed Templer's (1970) Death Anxiety Scale (DAS) and Feifel and Nagy's (1981) death fantasy measure of positive and negative death metaphors. They were each also asked to write his or her own metaphor of personal death. Results of the DAS showed that the two groups did not differ significantly on the level of conscious death anxiety, but Nigerian students' scores were significantly higher on both positive and negative personal death metaphors scales. Also, significantly more Nigerian students wrote personal metaphors of their own and more often used a neutral metaphor to describe their personal death. Australian students more often used a positive or a negative metaphor. The Nigerian students thus evidenced less death denial than the Australian students did.
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Abstract
The investigator aimed to replicate on an African sample Fallon and Rozin's (1985); Huon, Morris, and Brown's (1990); and Tiggemann and Pennington's (1990) findings of sex differences in female body preferences. Males and females were asked to identify their ideal female body shape and the one they believed men and women in general would prefer. A simple analysis of variance and t test demonstrated a discrepancy between women's actual and preferred body sizes, while the males knew the females' preferred size. These findings support the previous studies. The female undergraduates' and adult women's consistently negative evaluations of their own body compared with their ideal or preferred body are explored and found to result from being subjected to implicit pressures toward thinness not suffered by their male counterparts. Recommendations for future research are made.
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30
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Perception of visual illusions in a sample of Nigerian children. Percept Mot Skills 1991; 72:25-6. [PMID: 2038519 DOI: 10.2466/pms.1991.72.1.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of cultural factors on perception of 15 boys and 21 girls in Nigeria. The five geometric illusions of Segall, Campbell, and Herskovitz were shown in booklets. Previously tested Afghan boys gave evidence of greater illusion than the Nigerian children. The findings also supported previous research on perception of illusion.
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31
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Influence of urban-rural upbringing on Nigerian students' test anxiety. Psychol Rep 1990; 67:1261-2. [PMID: 2084751 DOI: 10.2466/pr0.1990.67.3f.1261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
To examine the effects of urban and rural upbringing on test anxiety 221 Nigerian high school students completed measures of test anxiety and environment/academic performance. Analysis showed that younger urban groups scored better than older rural groups in academic performance, rural students having high scores in environment/academic performance scales. The findings corroborate earlier work on urban and rural upbringing and text anxiety. Suggestions for cross-cultural research which incorporates test anxiety and the construct of concentration are detailed.
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