International Journal of Health and Social Inquiry

SOCIOLOGICAL INQUIRY ON PATTERNS, CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF GRADE BUYING (SORTING) IN NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

2026-06-29T07:58:33+00:00

This study investigated the patterns, causes, and consequences of grade buying (sorting) in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design with a sample of 20 students and 2 lecturers. Data were collected using questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The findings revealed that 90% of respondents were aware of grade buying, with direct cash payments (80%) and intermediary-facilitated transactions (70%) being the most prevalent forms. Pressure for high classifications (85%) and fear of failure (75%) were major student-related causes, while poor lecturer remuneration (80%) was the key lecturer-related factor. Production of incompetent graduates (90%) and demoralization of honest students (85%) were the most severe consequences. Consistent application of sanctions (90%) and strengthening enforcement (85%) were considered the most effective measures. The study concluded that grade buying is prevalent in the department and driven by structural pressures on both students and lecturers. It recommended strengthening enforcement mechanisms, improving lecturer conditions of service, and establishing integrity campaigns to curb the practice.

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND USAGE OF AI-DRIVEN HEALTHCARE TOOLS AND HEALTH OUTCOMES AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

2026-06-29T07:49:11+00:00

Introduction: AI is proving to be a transformative technology in recent years, and in the healthcare industry, there are innovative and extraordinary applications in disease diagnosis, treatment customization, patient monitoring, and communication. From disease diagnosis to personalized medicine, patient monitoring to healthcare communication, AI is making a mark in the healthcare industry. This research, therefore, investigated the knowledge, attitude, and receiving of AI in health care among Osun state undergraduate students and its correlation with health outcomes.

Method: The method used in the study was descriptive cross sectional study. Twenty-four students from the undergraduate science class of Osun State University were used for the study. Data gathered were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using frequencies and percentage, and t-test analysis.

Result: The findings revealed that the understanding of AI among the undergraduate students in the hospital was ranging between moderate to high with 60% of students being aware of the role of AI in healthcare. There was a positive perception of AI, with 80% of users saying that AI technologies would help society with healthcare. This optimism is not without its challenges, as just one out of five of them have formal exposure to AI education. The adoption of AI healthcare tools was somewhat prevalent, with the majority of students using these tools weekly or monthly, and a smaller portion using them daily. Health-related outcomes, the most of the participants reported their good cognitive functioning, decision making ability, and their self-efficacy. However, high levels of emotional distress were seen such as sleep difficulties related to anxiety, reduced confidence and unhappiness. The statistical analysis did not reveal any significant correlation between the use of an AI tool and health outcomes among undergraduate students.

Recommendation: Digital health technologies should be introduced into the curriculum of education system; ethical guidelines of AI education should be established; and a balanced distribution of digital health technologies among undergraduate students should be achieved. Furthermore, special attention must be paid to the mental health support of students, which should be centered on students, including the use of AI-driven tools for early detection, monitoring and intervention on university campuses.

PERCEPTION OF CROSS-DRESSING CULTURE AMONG STUDENTS

2026-06-29T08:22:15+00:00

This study examined the perception of students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on cross-dressing culture. The study objectives were to determine the types of cross-dressing, to find whether or not cross-dressing exists in the University and the cause(s) of cross-dressing. A descriptive survey research design was used. Data were collected from 265 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages were used for analysis, while the research hypotheses were tested with Chi-square (χ²) test statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that noticeable level of cross-dressing was practised among students. Assumed cross-gender identities commonly take the form of wearing clothing that is usually associated with the opposite gender and social media display of an opposite-gender identity. Peer influence and social media exposure were identified as contributing factors to the problem. The results of Chi-square test of hypothesis show that there is a significant occurrence of cross-dressing influenced by social media. It was recommended that the management of the university should mount awareness programs, counselling, and enforce policies prohibiting negative cross-gender cultural orientations on campus.

SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING COHABITATION OF MALE AND FEMALE STUDENTS AT NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA, NIGERIA

2026-06-29T07:52:20+00:00

Cohabitation among university students has become an emerging social reality in many Nigerian tertiary institutions despite strong cultural, religious, and moral disapproval associated with the practice. Among students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, cohabitation has continued to increase due to several socio-cultural and economic factors such as peer pressure, financial hardship, inadequate hostel accommodation, emotional attachment, and exposure to changing social values. This paper examined the socio-cultural factors influencing cohabitation among male and female students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. The paper also examined the existence and various forms of cohabitation practiced among students, the consequences associated with the practice, as well as possible interventions for addressing the challenges arising from it. The study adopted Social Learning Theory as its theoretical framework and used questionnaire and in-depth interviews for data collection. Findings revealed that cohabitation is common among students and is largely influenced by peer influence, accommodation challenges, and economic pressures. The study further revealed that cohabitation exposes students to emotional stress, academic distractions, and reproductive health risks. It was recommended that the university management, parents, religious bodies, and other relevant stakeholders should collaborate in providing adequate hostel accommodation, effective counseling services, mentorship programmes, and moral guidance to students in order to reduce the prevalence and challenges associated with cohabitation among undergraduates.

ROLES OF TECHNOLOGY IN MODERN POLICING

2026-06-29T08:26:29+00:00

Technology has undoubtedly permeated our contemporary society's enforcement institutions, and Nigeria is no different. These technologies are being developed to help prevent crimes and improve the police's ability to address crime-related concerns. However, crime has been steadily increasing in recent years despite the utilization of technology. As a result, this study examined the role of technology in contemporary policing from a Nigerian perspective. The study employed an analytic research design while social construction of technology theory served as its theoretical base. Reviewed studies revealed that it was in the 1990s that digital technologies such as computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, crime mapping software, and early data collection systems enabled law enforcement agencies to better analyse patterns in criminal activity and deploy resources. Furthermore, it was not in doubt that technology aids modern policing statutory service delivery to the public, ensuring a coordinated organisational framework capable of facilitating not just seamless operations, but also imbuing internal organisational dynamics. From the findings, it was recommended among others that as technology evolves, ethical concerns about privacy, bias and accountability must be addressed in order to ensure that technology is used fairly and responsibly.