Objective: The research was designed to ascertain information on the mothers' beliefs and obstacles as limitations in promoting exclusive breastfeeding among the working class mothers aimed to: (1) to determine the rate of promotion of the awareness on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, (2) to determine the obstacles or barriers to the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, (3) to determine the percentage level of working class who practice exclusive breastfeeding, (4) to assess the nutritional knowledge and beliefs of working class mothers about exclusive breastfeeding and (5) to find out the level to which the practice of exclusive breast feeding influences the working class. Methodology: This survey study was carried out on 60 respondents which compromised of registered working class mothers attending the Infant Welfare Clinic at the Institute of Child Health, UNTH, Enugu. Structured and validated questionnaire were used to obtain information from the subjects on their socioeconomic background, baby's information, promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and obstacles to exclusive breastfeeding. Data obtained from the subjects were analyzed using SPSS version 16 to determine their frequency and percentages. Result: Result showed that 91.7% of the mothers had knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding which they individually came across at different times in their lives. A small number of the mothers 38.3% practiced exclusive breastfeeding which was found to be influenced by their level of education, antenatal clinic attendance and personal conviction. 35% of them initiated breastfeeding within 30 minutes of delivery. It was observed that majority of the mothers, 80% of them do not express their breast milk. Apparently 85% of the mothers are agreed to the numerous benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. 81.7% of the mothers are of the opinion that the presence and availability of hygienic crèche in their offices will reduce the obstacles to exclusive breast feeding. The main obstacle to exclusive breastfeeding identified was absence and unavailability of hygienic crèche in office environments, followed by breast and nipple problems, perceived milk insufficiency, pressure from family and sometimes the effect of drugs taken while breastfeeding. Conclusion: Educational programme on exclusive and optimal breastfeeding should be strengthened and mothers enlightened on its importance. Therefore more behavioural changes and communication should be made to promote, protect and support exclusive breast feeding.

Objectives: To determine the dietary and nutrient intakes of bank employees in Accra in relation to recommended dietary intake for the control of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Design: The study was a cross-sectional study. Methodology: A structured validated questionnaire was used to obtain demographics. A 3-day 24-hour dietary recall and usual food intake questionnaire were used to obtain information on food intakes and dietary pattern of the respondents. Food models, household measures and photos of common dishes as well as household cups and measures were used in order to obtain accurate information regarding the types and quantities of foods and beverages consumed. Subjects: Convenient sampling was used to select bank branches while simple random sampling by ballot without replacement was used to select 119 bank employees who consented to participate in the study. Outcome measures: Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Esha FPro software was used to analyse food nutrients. The nutrient intakes were compared with a standard dietary guideline for adults. Results: Findings showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in mean energy intake between males and females. Also, the bank employees were consuming more fat (32%) compared with the recommended intake. The average intake of dietary sodium and cholesterol was within the recommended intake levels. All the participants in the study had a mean intake of dietary potassium, fibre, fruits and vegetables below the recommended levels. The major cooking oils used in meal preparation were vegetable and palm oil (46%), followed by vegetable oil (31.9%) and palm oil (21.8%). Conclusions:The study evaluated the dietary intake of bank employees, which is an important risk factor for chronic diseases. There is a need to develop plans to provide nutrition education and counselling for adequate nutrient intake and prevention of chronic diseases among bank employees. Layman's summary: Obtaining an adequate diet and avoiding overconsumption of food helps to maintain health. Intake of foods containing high energy and fats without corresponding energy expenditure through physical activity could result in obesity, heart diseases, diabetes and other health challenges. Inadequate intake of micronutrients as well could result in deficiency diseases, and depresses the immune system and health of individuals. Bank employees and all other individuals need to pay attention to what they eat to live a healthy and longer life. Regular physical activity, following the dietary approaches to avoid hypertension and regular medical check-up are essential for cardiovascular health. Strong lay message: Inadequate or overconsumption of nutrients can cause chronic heart diseases.

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Context: Some market populations in Nigeria have been shown to have high prevalence of hypertension. Current evidence includes environmental pollutants such as heavy metals as risk factors for hypertension. Aim: To study the heavy metal content of rice meals sold in a market population with a high prevalence of hypertension. Settings and Design: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in Ogbete market in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: Five different cooked rice meals were obtained from 25 locations of the market. The rice meals included jollof rice, white rice and tomato stew, fried rice, white rice and vegetable sauce, and white rice and palm oil stew (ofeakwu). Accompanying protein (meat, fish, and egg) and vegetable salad were excluded. Similar rice meals were homogenized and analyzed in triplicates using spectrophotometric methods for mercury, copper, cadmium, lead, and arsenic determination. Statistical Analysis Used: The mean concentrations of the heavy metals were compared using analysis of variance, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Twenty-five rice dishes were evaluated, five of each kind. Arsenic content ranged from 503 to 550 mg/kg and was comparable across the five rice dishes (P = 0.148). Copper was significantly highest (16767 mg/kg) in the white rice and tomato stew dish (P < 0.001), while mercury was significantly highest (33 mg/kg) in white rice and ofeakwu (P < 0.001). Jollof rice had the highest cadmium content (23 mg/kg), which was statistically significant (P = 0.021). Lead was not found in any of the rice dishes. Conclusions: Risk factors such as heavy metals may play a role in the high prevalence of hypertension observed in market populations, and rice meals may be a major source of these heavy metals.

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