ACCEPTABILITY OF IMMUNIZATION SERVICE AMONG WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA View PDF    View Abstract

Abstract


This study was conducted to assess acceptability of immunization among women of childbearing age in Taraba State, Nigeria. To achieve this purpose, ex-post facto research design was used. A total sample of 400 women of child bearing age in Taraba state, Nigeria were selected from a population of 736,040 through multi-stage sampling procedures comprising of stratified sampling, simple random sampling, systematic sampling, and proportionate sampling techniques. The instrument used for the study was researcher developed close ended questionnaire. Out of the 400 copies of questionnaire distributed, 381 or 95.2% were retrieved and considered valid for analyses. Inferentialstatistics of one sample t-test was used to analyse the formulated hypothesis at 0.05probability level. The result revealed that acceptability of immunization by women of childbearing age in Taraba state is significant (p = 0.000). Based on the results, it was recommended that health educators should continue with outreaches programmes targeted at the communities so as to sustain the acceptance of immunization among women of childbearing age in Taraba state. This would also help to improve the acceptability of the vaccines as some do not complete the dosage as required.

IMPACT OF ROLE CONFLICT AMONG BOARD MEMBERS OF NATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN NIGERIA View PDF    View Abstract

Abstract


The study was carried out to assess the impact of role Conflict of board members on the development of National Sports Federations in Nigeria. A Survey research design was used to carry out the study. The population of the study comprised of forty two (42) registered National Sports Federations in Nigeria. It was estimated that the population of Board members is six hundred and thirty (630). Purposive and simple random sampling was used to select one hundred and forty seven (147) respondents. The instrument used was self-developed questionnaire prepared based on Likert 5 point scale of measurement: SA (Strongly Agree), A (Agreed), U (Undecided) D (Disagreed) and SD (Strongly Disagree) the items were coded 5,4,3,2 and 1 respectively. The instrument was Pilot tested and analysed using Cronbach's Alpha which was established at .748, Frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the demographic characteristic of respondents. Means and Standard deviation to answer research questions and chi – Square was used to test hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that There is significant impact between role conflict and Sports development in Nigeria (p = 0.000 <0.05). The study recommends that National Sports Federation executive Board members must be aware that role conflict exist so as to help to construct group boundaries and should also help them recognize their common interest – which is sports development, and not necessarily a rebellion

CLIMATE CHANGE, POVERTY AND HEALTH OUTCOMES IN VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW View PDF    View Abstract

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Climate change poses significant threats to vulnerable communities, worsening poverty and negatively impacting health outcomes.This narrative review examines the intersection of climate change, poverty, and health outcomes in these communities. By synthesizing peer-reviewed literature and other reputable sources, this paper highlights the complex relationships and feedback loops between these factors.The findings indicate that climate change disproportionately affects impoverishedcommunities, leading to a range of adverse health outcomes. Additionally, poverty limits the ability of these communities to adapt to climate change, creating a vicious cycle of vulnerability. The review concludes with recommendations for policy interventions and strategies to mitigate these impacts.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE OF ORAL HYGIENE: A NEED FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN BICHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KANO STATE, NIGERIA. View PDF    View Abstract

Abstract


Oral health education plays a critical role in preventive dentistry, equipping students with essential knowledge, attitudes, and skills for maintaining optimal oral hygiene. Secondary school students are particularly susceptible to oral health risks due to lifestyle habits, limited access to dental care, and inadequate health literacy. Early interventions can instill positive lifelong oral health behaviours. A systematically review aimed at the effectiveness of oral health education programs in improving knowledge of oral hygiene among public senior secondary school students in Bichi Local Government Area, Kano State. A systematic appraisal of peer-reviewed studies, including randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and systematic reviews, was conducted. Eligible studies included school-based or community-based oral health education interventions targeting children, adolescents, or university students. Intervention approaches examined included classroom-based education, digital storytelling, augmented reality AR, teledentistry, supervised tooth brushing, parental and teacher involvement, and community water fluoridation. Data were extracted on study design, participants, intervention strategies, and knowledge outcomes. Evidence from multiple contexts—including Nigeria, India, Libya, Senegal, and other low- and middle-income countries—demonstrated significant improvements in students' oral health knowledge post-intervention, with reported mean score increases reaching statistical significance (p < 0.001). Digital storytelling (Adegbulugbe et al., 2023) and augmented reality (Gupta et al., 2021) enhanced knowledge retention, while tele-dentistry (Ogunbodede et al., 2020) effectively reached underserved communities. Systematic reviews (Nakre & Harikiran, 2013; Bramantoro et al., 2021; Gurav et al., 2022) confirmed consistent gains in knowledge and improvements in oral hygiene practices, plaque control, and caries reduction. Interventions integrating audiovisual aids, teacher/parent engagement, and supervised oral hygiene yielded the most sustainable outcomes. Oral health education programmes are effective in improving students' oral hygiene knowledge across diverse settings and delivery formats. The most impactful interventions are multimodal,community-supported, and embedded within school systems. Therefore, it was recommended that Policymakers and educators should prioritize sustained oral health education as part of comprehensive school health programmes, especially in resourcelimited regions.

RISKY BEHAVIOURS IN SPORTS AND MITIGATING STRATEGIES FOR TERTIARY INSTITUTION ATHLETES IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA View PDF    View Abstract

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This study was on risky behaviours in sports and mitigating strategies for tertiary institution athletes in cross river state. The research question state that What is the spatial pattern of excessive alcohol consumption among tertiary institution athletes in Cross River State? The descriptive survey research design was used in the study. The population for this study comprised of 773 respondents; 20 experts (Academics in the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, UNN) and all the 753 student-athletes in public tertiary institutions in the state. The entire population of 773 respondents was used for the study. Completed copies of the questionnaire (PRBSQ) were checked for completeness of information, and from the 753 copies distributed to the student-athletes, 16 copies were not properly completed, therefore, 737 copies were analyzed. All statistical analyses were done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The result shows that most of the tertiary institution athletes engaged in excessive alcohol consumption in the school premises or campus (40.2%) and places of residence/ hostels (31.9%). The results suggest that tertiary institution athletes consumed excessive alcohol in the school premises and hotels. The Chi Square test that was conducted to examine the difference in the spatial pattern of risk behaviours among tertiary institutions athletes based on age. There was a significant difference in the spatial pattern of alcohol 2 consumption among students- athletes by age, X (3) =8.791; p=0.032. Based on the findings of the study, it recommends that, school authorities should assist the studentathletes keep away from risk behaviours such as, excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, by ensuring that these substances are not sold within the school premises.

EFFECT OF HEALTH EDUCATION INTERVENTION ON KNOWLEDGE OF PREMARITAL GENOTYPE SCREENING AMONG YOUTHS OF GWARAM LGA OF JIGAWA STATE View PDF    View Abstract

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The study assesses the effect of health education intervention programme on knowledge of premarital genotype screening among youths of Gwaram LGA of Jigawa State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose quasi pre-test, post-test experimental design was used in this study as it compares a treatment with no-treatment condition. Participants are randomly assigned to either the treatment, or no-treatment group, and are measured or tested both before and after the health education intervention. The population for this study is 209,970 youths which is 45% of 466,600 population of Gwaram LGA, Jigawa, Nigeria. A sample size of one hundred and twenty (120) was selected as sample size for this study. A multi-stage sampling procedures involving stratified, simple random, purposive, proportionate and systematic sampling techniques were used to select participants for the study. A Descriptive statistic of frequencies and percentages, mean and standard deviation will be used to analyze the demographic characteristics of the respondents and research questions respectively. The hypothesis was tested using inferential statistics, one sample t-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed Effect on the knowledge of premarital genotype screening (t=2.133; p = 0.000), effect on the practice of premarital genotype screening (t= 2.988; p = 0.000), difference between experimental group and control group in knowledge of premarital genotype screening (t=3.022; p=0.000), difference between experimental group and control group in practice of premarital genotype screening (t=3.878; p = 0.000). Based on the findings of the study, the study concludes that Health education intervention programme on knowledge and practice of premarital genotype screening among youths is effective; There were significant difference in control and experimental group in knowledge and practice of premarital genotype screening before and after the health education intervention programme among youths; Based on the conclusion drawn, the following recommends were made: 1. Government: The government should establish and enforce policies that mandate premarital genotype screening as a requirement for marriage registration. 2. Ministry of Health: The Ministry of Health should conduct regular public awareness campaigns that educate communities about the importance of genotype screening and the potential risks of genetic incompatibility in marriage. 3. Community: Community leaders should partner with health institutions to organize regular genotype screening events and genetic education workshops.

HUMAN KINETICS AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION: AN ATTEMPT TO SHAPE NIGERIA View PDF    View Abstract

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Nigeria faces significant poverty challenges exacerbated by regional disparities. In an attempt to shape Nigeria, this paper reviews the intersection of Human Kinetics and poverty alleviation in limiting its coverage Northern Nigeria. It emphasized the role of physical activity and sports in addressing socio-economic challenges. Human Kinetics. This review synthesizes existing literature on how physical activity and sport initiatives can contribute to economic development, health improvement, and social cohesion. It highlights case studies and empirical evidence demonstrating the positive impacts of such initiatives, and identifies key areas where Human Kinetics can play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life and economic opportunities in the region. The paper revealed that integrating Human Kinetics strategies into broader poverty reduction programs could yield substantial benefits for Northern Nigeria. This could be through developing partnerships between governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community groups can enhance resource mobilization and program implementation. It was concluded Human Kinetics, encompassing both usual and intentional physical activities, offers a range of benefits that extend beyond mere health improvements to economic development. Regular engagement in physical activities, including walking, cycling, and sports, can enhance overall well-being, boost productivity, and foster economic stability. It was therefore recommended that adoption of physical activities as part of poverty alleviation efforts can yield significant positive outcomes by reducing transportation costs, lower healthcare expenses, and improve work capacity, thereby contributing to economic stability and poverty reduction.

EFFECTS OF EIGHT (8) WEEKS CARDIO EXERCISE ON FORCE EXPIRATORY VOLUME OF OVERWEIGHT MALE ADOLESCENTS IN YADIN GARUN-KURAMA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERia View PDF    View Abstract

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This study assessed the effects of eight (8) weeks Cardio Exercise on forced expiratory volume (FEV1) of overweight male adolescents in Yadin Garun Kurama, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Twenty eight (28) male adolescents were selected from the total population of 87 students. The participants were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria 2 2 which included BMI between 25.0 kg/m and 29.9kg/m , male adolescents whose ages were between 10 and 13 years old and had no underlying health risk factors that will aggravate their participation in the training programme. Anthropometric and pulmonaryth measurements were taken at baseline and after the 8 week of training that is post-test. Quasi-experimental research design was used for this study. The Spiro bank G device by MIR, Roma, Italy was used to measure the force expiratory volume. Borg's rating scale was used to monitor the perceived intensity of the training programme. Data were analysed using SPSS software (version 21). The descriptive statistics of means, standard deviation, and standard error of means were used to analyze the physical characteristics (age, weight, height, and BMI) and raw data of the variables. t-test was used to analyze the effect of the training programme on the variables. An alpha level of 0.05 was used for all statistical analyses. The results of the study showed significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (19.01%) following eight weeks of jogging. It was recommended that adolescents should be encouraged to participate in regular jogging to improve and maintain a normal forced expiratory volume in one-second function.

EFFECTS OF HEALTH EDUCATION INTERVENTION PROGRAMME ON UTILIZATION OF PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES AGAINST SEXUAL VIOLENCE AMONG FEMALE ADOLESCENT STUDENTS IN SABON GARI, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA View PDF    View Abstract

Abstract


The study examined the effects of health education intervention programme on utilization of preventive strategies against sexual violence among female adolescent students in Sabon Gari, Kaduna State Nigeria. The study employed Quasi-experimental research design. The population of the study comprised adolescent female students in Sabon Gari local government in Kaduna State which are 19,369. Two purposes, research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A multi-stage sampling technique comprising stratified, purposive, simple random convenient and proportionate sampling techniques was used in selecting 200 female adolescent students in public secondary schools in Sabon Gari Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Two hundred (200) copies of the researcher-developed questionnaire were distributed using convenient sampling technique. Data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) IBM version 26. Frequency and simple percentages were used to describe the demographic characteristics of the respondents, while mean and standard deviations were used to answer the research questions. Inferential statistics of two-sample test was used to test the formulated hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. The findings of the study revealed that there is no significant utilization of preventive strategies against sexual violence among female adolescent students in experimental and control groups at baseline before exposure to health education intervention programme (p = 0.139); there is significant utilization of preventive strategies against sexual violence among female adolescent students in public secondary schools in Sabon Gari, Kaduna State, Nigeria after exposure to health education intervention programme (p = 0.000). It was concluded that Female adolescent students in public secondary schools in Sabon Gari, Kaduna State, Nigeria did not utilize preventive strategies against sexual violence before exposure to health education intervention. It was recommended that the Kaduna State Ministry of Education should enact a law or policy to incorporate sexual violence preventive strategies within the curriculum of health education in secondary education curriculum so as to educate the entire secondary school students' population invariably bringing about reduction in the cases across the nation.

ASSESSMENT OF EMOTIONAL HEALTH CHALLENGES OF UNDERGRADUATES OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA KADUNA STATE View PDF    View Abstract

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Emotional health plays a crucial role in the overall well-being and academic success of undergraduates. This study assessed the emotional health challenges faced by undergraduates at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State. The research raised one research question and formulate one hypothesis, tested using Chi-square. A mixed-method approach was adopted, utilizing surveys and interviews to gather data from students across various faculties. The findings revealed significant stress, anxiety, depression, and social isolation among the students, as significant challenges (P= 0.000 <0.05). The study concluded that emotional health challenges are stress, anxiety, dippression and social isolation for undergraduate students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Key issues such as academic pressure, financial difficulties, social isolation, and inadequate emotional support can contribute to mild stress, anxiety, and depression among the students. It was recommended that Ahmadu Bello University should establish a comprehensive mental health support system, including readily accessible counseling services, stress management workshops, and peer support programs. Additionally, financial assistance initiatives, such as scholarships and emergency relief funds, should be strengthened to alleviate the financial burdens that contribute to students' emotional distress.