KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF HEALTH PROMOTION AMONG HEALTH EDUCATORS IN NIGERIAN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

This study was embarked upon to find out the knowledge and perception of health promotion (HP) among health educators in higher institutions in Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design, and four research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select fifty one (51) health educators that were used for the study. Researcher-designed valid and reliable questionnaire was used for data collection. Percentages were used to answer the research questions, while chi-square (x2) statistic was used to test the null hypotheses at .05 alpha level. The results indicate that health educators in higher institutions in Nigeria possessed average level of knowledge (50.5%) and perception (44.3%) regarding HP. Health Educators that have 5-10years work experience (64.4%) had higher level of knowledge than those with <5years (48.1%) and above 10years (47.3%). Health Educators that have above 10years work experience (52.5%) had higher perception about HP than those that have 5-10years (39.8%) and <5years (37.5%). There was no significant difference in the level of knowledge and perception of health promotion by health educators based on work experience. Based on the findings and conclusions, the study recommended among others that Government in collaboration with line ministries, private sectors, NGOs and other stakeholders should sponsor intensive training/workshop on health promotion for health educators at various levels of education so as to improve their knowledge and equip them to play the required role in making health promotion adequately functional in the country and achieving desired goals.