Research Article
Malaria Burden and Socio-environmental Predictors Among Obstetric Fistula Patients in Kano, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-7
Received:
26 November 2025
Accepted:
12 December 2025
Published:
26 January 2026
Abstract: Background: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Nigeria, where transmission is intense and disproportionately affects socio-economically disadvantaged women. Obstetric fistula patients are especially vulnerable group due to their marginalized status, poor living conditions, and limited access to preventive health services. This study assessed the burden of malaria and identified socio-environmental factors associated with infection among Obstetric fistula patients in Kano, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 Obstetric fistula patients receiving care at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano. Socio-demographic data were collected using structured questionnaires. Malaria diagnosis was performed using Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smears. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 29, with Chi-square tests used to determine associations between malaria infection and socio-environmental variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Malaria prevalence was 34.8%, with all infections attributable to Plasmodium falciparum. Significant associations were observed between malaria infection and rural residence (p = 0.021), unemployment (p = 0.033), and improper refuse disposal practices (p = 0.041). No significant associations were found for water source, age group, or toilet facility. Conclusion: Malaria remains a substantial comorbidity among Obstetric fistula patients in Kano, driven by socio-economic disadvantage and environmental exposure. Therefore, integrating routine malaria screening, targeted preventive strategies, and improved environmental sanitation into fistula care programs is essential to mitigating the burden of malaria in this vulnerable population.
Abstract: Background: Malaria remains a major public health problem in Nigeria, where transmission is intense and disproportionately affects socio-economically disadvantaged women. Obstetric fistula patients are especially vulnerable group due to their marginalized status, poor living conditions, and limited access to preventive health services. This study a...
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Research Article
Two News Species of Psyllids Genus Syntomoza (Hemiptera: Liviidae) Pest Insects Associated with Flacourtia Indica (Flacourtiaceae) in Cameroon
Louis Djakbe Dayang*
,
Joseph Lebel Tamesse
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
8-22
Received:
25 December 2025
Accepted:
8 January 2026
Published:
4 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajz.20260901.12
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Abstract: Background: Psyllids mainly through their larvae which suck sap from their host plants can be harmful by causing the transmission of diseases through their saliva. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the news species of psyllids genus Syntomoza pest insects associated with Flacourtia indica (Flacourtiaceae). Methods: Psyllids specimens were collected using an entomological net and a mouth aspirator. The specimens were preserved in 70% ethanol, mounted on slides. Identifications, measurements and illustrations were made using a Microscope. Results: Syntomoza biniae sp. nov., have vertex sub-rectangular without foveae; male proctiger in profile, with lateral lobe large, broadly rounded in the middle, narrowed apically, obliquely truncate at apex; paramere with apical region narrow curved forward bearing two short black thick spine oriented inwards; inner face with a conspicuous fold anteriorly extending obliquely toward apex; distal segment of aedeagus almost curved in basal half, dorsal margin weakly sinuate; female subgenital plate in lateral view subtriangular, very enlarged at the base with distinct hump; dorsal and ventral valvulae slightly curved dorsally. Fifth instar larvae, with antennal segments with following numbers of pointed setae: 1(0), 2(0), 3(2), 4(0), 5(1), 6(0), 7(2); dorsum of caudal plate bearing scarcely arranged small sharp cuticular teeth; anus ventral, surrounded by only outer circumanal pore ring. Syntomoza flacourtiae sp. nov., with male proctiger in profile medially with well-developed, broadly rounded posterior expansions, rather with two pits, one at base and other at apex, narrowed apically, apical margin rounded; paramere is rather with bulging posterior margin on one-third basally, anterior margin incurved, inner face covered with two row of eight stouter setae situated along anterior margin medially; circumanal ring oval to pear shaped. In fifth instar larvae: antenna segments 3 and 5 without numbers of pointed setae; forewing pad with a row of seven marginal long lanceolate; abdomen on all dorsum surface bearing lanceolate setae and additional like-scaly setae; anus terminal, without additional pore fields. Damage caused by Syntomoza spp. includes distortion and winding of the lateral edges of young leaves. Conclusion: Taxonomic studies indicated that, Syntomoza biniae sp. nov. and Syntomoza flacourtiae sp. nov. are the news species of Liviidae family described from Adamawa Region of Cameroon.
Abstract: Background: Psyllids mainly through their larvae which suck sap from their host plants can be harmful by causing the transmission of diseases through their saliva. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the news species of psyllids genus Syntomoza pest insects associated with Flacourtia indica (Flacourtiaceae). Methods: Psyllids specimens...
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