E. Afolabi Bamgboye

Attitude to Aging among Different Groups in Nigeria

Attitude to aging and the aged was surveyed in three groups of Nigerians, 1) caregivers living at home with the elderly, 2) various categories of hospital workers, and 3) the general public. Based on scores of an eleven-item questionnaire the best attitude was in caregivers, and the poorest in hospital workers. Years of education had an overall negative effect on attitudinal measurement. An inference from this study is that the elderly are still valued, but caregivers could be under some stress and would appreciate assistance. It is important for developing countries like Nigeria to begin to think seriously of what types of public assistance the elderly and their families would need.

New trends in under-five mortality determinants and their effects on child survival in Nigeria: A review of childhood mortality data from 1990-2008

Under-five mortality in Nigeria has been reported to be on the decline, but the dynamics are yet to receive adequate attention. Thus the main objective of this study was to assess these factors and quantify their relative contributions to under-five mortality between 1990 and 2008. The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data for 1990, 2003 and 2008 were re-analysed to assess the trends in determinants of under-fivemortality. Cox Regression model was applied to determine the relative contributions of each factor to the under-five mortality risk.The results showed there were improvements in maternal education (8.6%), childhood vaccination (17.7%), use of oral rehydration therapy (13.9%) and medical treatment of childhood illnesses (17.5%) over the 19-year period. There were declines in proportions with birth interval less than 24 months (3.9%), access to improved sources of drinking water (24.2%), improved toilet facilities (9.0%) antenatal care (4.5%), skilled delivery (3.0%) while maternal age at childbirth remained unchanged. These factors increased the death hazards by 4.6% between 1990-2003 but decreased them by 12% between 2003 and 2008. It was concluded that Nigeria has recorded very minimal improvements in birth spacing and antenatal/delivery care. Poor access to potable drinking water and sewage disposal, and short birth intervals, are among the factors fuelling childhood mortality risks. Further improvements in these environmental and health practices as well as other factors are recommended as strategies for promoting child survival in Nigeria.

The development of a treatment guideline for childhood malaria in rural Southwest Nigeria using participatory approach

OBJECTIVE To describe the development of a treatment guideline for the effective case management of malaria in children at the home level. METHODS Thirty-three mothers selected from 11 communities in a rural health district, community members and the research team developed a guideline for treatment of malaria at home by caregivers using a participatory approach. This was done in phases using modified focus group discussion sessions. Suggested ideas were depicted in illustrations by a graphic artist. RESULTS A guideline which illustrated the presentation of clinical types of malaria, the appropriate steps to take for each type and the correct dosage schedule of chloroquine (based on the age of the child) for treatment of uncomplicated malaria was developed. The guideline was in cartoon format and the script in the local language. CONCLUSION Use of a participatory approach was found acceptable and effective in the development of the guideline. This approach is therefore recommended irrespective of the target population or the intervention to be developed. Practice implications Preparation of educational materials with contributions from end users does not only build capacity at the local level but also increases the acceptability and ownership of such materials.

Self-Concepts of Young Nigerian Adolescents

A longitudinal study of 375 boys and 380 girls just beginning the seventh grade was started in November 1977. The sample, whose mean age was 13.06 yr. (SD = 1.66), was representative of seventh grade students in Oyo State, one of the 19 states in Nigeria. Health, height, onset of menarche in girls, intellectual maturity, and certain social factors were most closely associated with self-concepts.

Intellectual Maturity in Nigerian Primary School Children

This study was done with the aim of assessing the intellectual maturity of children attending typical free primary schools in Ibadan. Human figure drawings produced by 416 boys and 766 girls attending two non-fee paying primary schools were scored using the scoring system introduced by Koppitz. Data analysis shows that intellectual maturity, measured by the scores on the human figure drawings, is significantly related to age. In addition there is a significant interaction between age and sex: girls tend to score higher than boys at certain ages. The findings are discussed in relation to the effects of age, sex and social class, and the use of human figure drawings to measure intellectual maturity.

A Longitudinal Study of Psychological Differentiation in Nigerian Children

Summary The results of a three-year followup study of the development of psychological differentiation in Nigerian children is presented. In 1977 204 subjects consisting of 108 males and 96 females aged seven to 14 years made human figure drawings which were analyzed using Witkins Articulation of Body Concept (ABC) scale. The results were compared with those obtained by scoring drawings produced by the same subjects in 1974. The 1977 data showed that subjects were more advanced in their psychological differentiation. The Pearson correlation coefficient between 1974 and 1977 ABC scores was significant but low, .37. Analysis of variance of regression of 1974 scores on 1977 scores showed that the regression slope was statistically significant.