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Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Coastal Communities of Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, Nigeria Chikwendu Chinyere; Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i1.9179

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with an estimated 586,000 incident cases in 2023, and coastal zones such as Port Harcourt present distinct epidemiological risks due to high population density, informal settlements, frequent flooding, and limited access to diagnostic and treatment services. Against the backdrop of scarce TB data specific to coastal communities and an almost complete absence of information on immunopathological mechanisms in this setting, this study examined TB prevalence and treatment compliance among residents of three coastal communities in Port Harcourt City, Rivers State—Eagle Island, Marine Base, and Borikiri Sea Side—and explored how risk factor exposure, preventive practices, attitudes, and knowledge relate to disease patterns. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, 400 respondents completed a structured questionnaire capturing socio-demographic characteristics, TB-related knowledge, exposure to risk factors, preventive behaviors, attitudes, and treatment history, and the data were analyzed with descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean scores) and hypothesis testing. The findings show an overall TB prevalence of 11.5%, with community-specific prevalence of 12.0% in Eagle Island, 10.5% in Marine Base, and 12.5% in Borikiri Sea Side. Significant exposure to risk factors such as overcrowding, occupational hazards, and household tobacco smoke was positively correlated with TB prevalence (r = 0.462, p < 0.05). Moderate adoption of preventive measures (e.g., mouth covering and ensuring proper ventilation) was associated with better treatment compliance (r = 0.378, p < 0.05), although routine health check-ups were relatively uncommon. Positive attitudes toward TB—recognizing its seriousness and rejecting stigma—were linked to improved adherence (r = 0.421, p < 0.05), and higher TB knowledge similarly correlated with higher treatment compliance (r = 0.394, p < 0.05). The study concludes that TB control in these coastal communities requires an integrated strategy that simultaneously reduces exposure to structural and behavioral risk factors, strengthens preventive practices, promotes positive attitudes, and enhances TB-related knowledge. These context-specific insights provide an empirical basis for designing targeted public health interventions to improve treatment compliance and curb TB transmission in coastal Nigerian settings.

Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Coastal Communities of Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, Nigeria Chikwendu Chinyere; Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v3i1.9179

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with an estimated 586,000 incident cases in 2023, and coastal zones such as Port Harcourt present distinct epidemiological risks due to high population density, informal settlements, frequent flooding, and limited access to diagnostic and treatment services. Against the backdrop of scarce TB data specific to coastal communities and an almost complete absence of information on immunopathological mechanisms in this setting, this study examined TB prevalence and treatment compliance among residents of three coastal communities in Port Harcourt City, Rivers State—Eagle Island, Marine Base, and Borikiri Sea Side—and explored how risk factor exposure, preventive practices, attitudes, and knowledge relate to disease patterns. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, 400 respondents completed a structured questionnaire capturing socio-demographic characteristics, TB-related knowledge, exposure to risk factors, preventive behaviors, attitudes, and treatment history, and the data were analyzed with descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean scores) and hypothesis testing. The findings show an overall TB prevalence of 11.5%, with community-specific prevalence of 12.0% in Eagle Island, 10.5% in Marine Base, and 12.5% in Borikiri Sea Side. Significant exposure to risk factors such as overcrowding, occupational hazards, and household tobacco smoke was positively correlated with TB prevalence (r = 0.462, p < 0.05). Moderate adoption of preventive measures (e.g., mouth covering and ensuring proper ventilation) was associated with better treatment compliance (r = 0.378, p < 0.05), although routine health check-ups were relatively uncommon. Positive attitudes toward TB—recognizing its seriousness and rejecting stigma—were linked to improved adherence (r = 0.421, p < 0.05), and higher TB knowledge similarly correlated with higher treatment compliance (r = 0.394, p < 0.05). The study concludes that TB control in these coastal communities requires an integrated strategy that simultaneously reduces exposure to structural and behavioral risk factors, strengthens preventive practices, promotes positive attitudes, and enhances TB-related knowledge. These context-specific insights provide an empirical basis for designing targeted public health interventions to improve treatment compliance and curb TB transmission in coastal Nigerian settings.

Study of Microorganisms Associated with Spoilage of Onions Sold in Mbiama Market, Rivers State, South South Nigeria Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth; Opara Christiana Ngozi; Efere Yarwadum Samson
African Journal of Sciences and Traditional Medicine Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Sciences and Traditional Medicine
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajstm.v3i1.8802

Onions are a staple vegetable in many Nigerian households, and their spoilage can contribute to significant economic losses and food insecurity. This study investigated the microorganisms associated with the spoilage of onions sold in Mbiama Tuesday Market, Rivers State, South-South Nigeria, and examined their potential implications for public health. A total of 100 onion samples were collected, and the associated microorganisms were isolated, identified, and characterized using standard bacteriological and mycological techniques, including biochemical testing and antibiotic sensitivity assays. The results showed that the onions were contaminated with a variety of bacteria—Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Escherichia coli—and fungi, including Mucor, Aspergillus niger, yeast, and Penicillium spp., all of which were capable of causing soft rot, discoloration, and decay. Among the bacterial isolates, E. coli was the most frequent (23.5%), whereas Pseudomonas spp. was the least frequent (9.8%); among the fungi, A. niger was the most frequent (13.7%) and Mucor the least frequent (5.9%). Bacterial colony counts ranged from 5.2 × 10⁵ CFU/g (E. coli) to 5.6 × 10⁵ CFU/g (Pseudomonas spp.), while fungal counts ranged from 1.4 × 10⁵ CFU/g (yeast) to 1.58 × 10⁵ CFU/g (A. niger). Biochemical tests revealed that Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were catalase and coagulase positive, whereas Pseudomonas spp. and E. coli were coagulase negative. Antibiotic sensitivity testing showed that Staphylococcus spp. was resistant to the tested antibiotics, while Bacillus spp., E. coli, and Pseudomonas spp. remained sensitive. The study concludes that onions sold in Mbiama Market are contaminated with diverse spoilage-causing bacteria and fungi, posing a potential risk to public health. These findings underscore the need for proper handling, storage, and preservation practices, such as maintaining cool, dry storage conditions and ensuring hand hygiene among vendors and consumers as well as further research to develop effective strategies for controlling microbial spoilage of onions in Nigeria.

Study of Microorganisms Associated with Spoilage of Onions Sold in Mbiama Market, Rivers State, South South Nigeria Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth; Opara Christiana Ngozi; Efere Yarwadum Samson
African Journal of Sciences and Traditional Medicine Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Sciences and Traditional Medicine
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajstm.v3i1.8802

Onions are a staple vegetable in many Nigerian households, and their spoilage can contribute to significant economic losses and food insecurity. This study investigated the microorganisms associated with the spoilage of onions sold in Mbiama Tuesday Market, Rivers State, South-South Nigeria, and examined their potential implications for public health. A total of 100 onion samples were collected, and the associated microorganisms were isolated, identified, and characterized using standard bacteriological and mycological techniques, including biochemical testing and antibiotic sensitivity assays. The results showed that the onions were contaminated with a variety of bacteria—Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Escherichia coli—and fungi, including Mucor, Aspergillus niger, yeast, and Penicillium spp., all of which were capable of causing soft rot, discoloration, and decay. Among the bacterial isolates, E. coli was the most frequent (23.5%), whereas Pseudomonas spp. was the least frequent (9.8%); among the fungi, A. niger was the most frequent (13.7%) and Mucor the least frequent (5.9%). Bacterial colony counts ranged from 5.2 × 10⁵ CFU/g (E. coli) to 5.6 × 10⁵ CFU/g (Pseudomonas spp.), while fungal counts ranged from 1.4 × 10⁵ CFU/g (yeast) to 1.58 × 10⁵ CFU/g (A. niger). Biochemical tests revealed that Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were catalase and coagulase positive, whereas Pseudomonas spp. and E. coli were coagulase negative. Antibiotic sensitivity testing showed that Staphylococcus spp. was resistant to the tested antibiotics, while Bacillus spp., E. coli, and Pseudomonas spp. remained sensitive. The study concludes that onions sold in Mbiama Market are contaminated with diverse spoilage-causing bacteria and fungi, posing a potential risk to public health. These findings underscore the need for proper handling, storage, and preservation practices, such as maintaining cool, dry storage conditions and ensuring hand hygiene among vendors and consumers as well as further research to develop effective strategies for controlling microbial spoilage of onions in Nigeria.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Some Intestinal Parasitic Infections among School Children in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria Otumbere Etiefa; Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth; Efere Y. Samson; Elkanah Edet Usodo; Buta Tarimotimi Sam
Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology Vol 3 No 1 (2026): Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/kijst.v3i1.9085

Intestinal parasite infections (IPIs) remain a major public health problem among school-aged children in Nigeria, with differing school environments and socio-economic conditions potentially shaping transmission dynamics. This study investigated the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors among children attending public and private primary schools in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, and compared prevalence patterns between these settings. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, and a total of 395 stool samples were collected from pupils in 10 primary schools (5 public and 5 private). Stool specimens were examined using direct wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques, while socio-demographic and risk-factor data were obtained through structured questionnaires. Associations between infection status and socio-economic variables were assessed using chi-square tests. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 23.8%, with slightly higher prevalence in public schools (25.7%) than in private schools (21.8%). The most frequently identified helminths were Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis, while Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia were the predominant protozoa. Infection was most common among children aged 8–10 years (26.6%), and female pupils aged 11–13 years in public schools showed relatively higher infection rates, although no statistically significant differences were detected across age categories or between genders within and across school types. The findings underscore a moderate overall prevalence of intestinal parasites and highlight the continued vulnerability of primary school children to both helminthic and protozoan infections. The study concludes that improving hygiene practices, sanitation infrastructure, and access to clean water in both public and private school communities is essential to reduce transmission and protect child health in Yenagoa Metropolis.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Some Intestinal Parasitic Infections among School Children in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria Otumbere Etiefa; Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth; Efere Y. Samson; Elkanah Edet Usodo; Buta Tarimotimi Sam
Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology Vol 3 No 1 (2026): Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/kijst.v3i1.9085

Intestinal parasite infections (IPIs) remain a major public health problem among school-aged children in Nigeria, with differing school environments and socio-economic conditions potentially shaping transmission dynamics. This study investigated the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors among children attending public and private primary schools in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, and compared prevalence patterns between these settings. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, and a total of 395 stool samples were collected from pupils in 10 primary schools (5 public and 5 private). Stool specimens were examined using direct wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques, while socio-demographic and risk-factor data were obtained through structured questionnaires. Associations between infection status and socio-economic variables were assessed using chi-square tests. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 23.8%, with slightly higher prevalence in public schools (25.7%) than in private schools (21.8%). The most frequently identified helminths were Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis, while Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia were the predominant protozoa. Infection was most common among children aged 8–10 years (26.6%), and female pupils aged 11–13 years in public schools showed relatively higher infection rates, although no statistically significant differences were detected across age categories or between genders within and across school types. The findings underscore a moderate overall prevalence of intestinal parasites and highlight the continued vulnerability of primary school children to both helminthic and protozoan infections. The study concludes that improving hygiene practices, sanitation infrastructure, and access to clean water in both public and private school communities is essential to reduce transmission and protect child health in Yenagoa Metropolis.

Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy: Bacterial Profile, Antibiogram, Electrolytes and Risk Factors in Otuoke and Environs, Bayelsa State, Nigeria Buta Tarimotimi Sam; Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth; Efere Y. Samson; Elkanah Edet Usodo; Otumbere Etiefa
African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research Vol 3 No 2 (2026): African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajcmpr.v3i2.9086

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain a major health concern during pregnancy due to their potential complications for both mother and fetus, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study investigated the bacterial etiology, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, cytokine responses, electrolyte alterations, and risk factors associated with UTIs among pregnant women in Otuoke and Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A total of 300 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in selected hospitals were screened for UTIs, excluding those on antibiotic therapy. Urine, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid samples were processed using standard microbiological and serological techniques, bacterial isolates were identified and subjected to antibiogram testing, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) and electrolyte profiles were measured. Multivariate analysis was used to assess sociodemographic and clinical risk factors. The prevalence of UTI was 18.7% (56/300). Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen (8.7%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (2.7%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (2.7%), Proteus spp. (2.0%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (1.4%), Citrobacter spp. (1.0%), and Streptococcus spp. (0.3%). High levels of resistance were observed to ampicillin, gentamicin, and ceftriaxone, whereas ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, nitrofurantoin, and cotrimoxazole remained effective against most isolates. IL-10 concentrations increased significantly with UTI severity, indicating an enhanced immunological response. Infected participants showed significant alterations in electrolyte and biochemical parameters, including elevated serum urea, creatinine, and proteinuria compared with controls (p < 0.05), with proteinuria demonstrating notable statistical significance (χ² = 13.39, p < 0.05); severe infections were associated with greater disturbances in sodium and potassium balance. Multiparity, low socioeconomic status, and limited educational attainment emerged as significant predictors of UTI occurrence. This study highlights a substantial burden of UTIs among pregnant women in the study area, accompanied by rising antibiotic resistance, and suggests that cytokines—particularly IL-10—and electrolyte abnormalities may serve as useful biomarkers in the immunopathology and diagnosis of UTIs during pregnancy. Routine screening, rational antibiotic use, and targeted health education are essential to reduce the incidence and complications of UTIs in this population.

Evaluating Public Awareness of Glaucoma and Their Associated Risk Factors in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State Onwunali Juliet Chinwendu; Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth; Efere Y. Samson
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 3 No 1 (2026): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v3i1.9087

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease and a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, often developing without early symptoms, which makes timely detection and treatment crucial for reducing vision loss. This study assessed the level of glaucoma awareness and knowledge of its risk factors among adults in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, and explored barriers to accessing eye care. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 440 consenting adults aged 18 years and above using a standardized questionnaire to collect socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of glaucoma, knowledge of its severity and risk factors, and willingness to seek eye care. The sample comprised 60.9% females and 39.1% males with diverse employment and educational backgrounds. While 85.7% of respondents had heard of glaucoma and many recognized it as a cause of blindness, only 26.6% knew it could be asymptomatic, and detailed knowledge of its severity profile and risk factors was limited; the main sources of information were health workers (34%), schools/lectures (24.5%), and radio/television (18.9%). A large proportion expressed willingness to undergo free eye screening, yet lack of health insurance emerged as a notable barrier to accessing timely care. These findings indicate that general awareness of glaucoma in the community is not matched by adequate understanding of its silent progression and risk factors, potentially delaying care-seeking behavior. The study concludes that awareness campaigns alone are insufficient and that comprehensive public health education, stronger collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations, and improved access to routine vision screening are essential to promote early detection and effective management of glaucoma, particularly among high-risk populations in Obio/Akpor and similar settings.

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