International Journal of Human Kinetics, Health and Education

Health Condition and Work Stress as Predictors of Occupational Injury Occurrence among Automobile Mechanics in Benue State, Nigeria

2026-09-02T06:41:57+00:00

This study investigated health condition and work stress as predictors of occupational injury occurrence among automobile mechanics in Benue State, Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study, and two null hypotheses were tested at the .05 level of significance. The study adopted a correlational survey research design. The population comprised 328 registered automobile mechanics operating in 121 mechanic workshops in Benue State. A census sampling technique was adopted, and 313 properly completed copies of the questionnaire (a 95.4% response rate) were used for analysis. Data were collected using a valid, structured Predictors of Occupational Injuries Questionnaire (POIQ). Data were analysed using simple linear regression. The findings revealed that health condition had a very weak positive relationship with occupational injury occurrence (β = .055, t = .975, p = .330) and did not significantly predict occupational injury occurrence. Work stress had a low positive relationship with occupational injury occurrence (β = .171, t = 3.065, p = .002) and significantly predicted occupational injury occurrence. The study concluded that while automobile mechanics' health condition was not a significant predictor of occupational injury occurrence, work stress significantly predicted occupational injury occurrence among automobile mechanics in Benue State. Based on the findings, it was recommended that mechanic workshop owners regulate workload – for instance, by capping daily working hours and introducing scheduled rest breaks between repair tasks – to reduce work stress, while occupational safety agencies strengthen stress-management and
workplace-safety programmes for automobile mechanics.

Sociodemographic Correlates of Childbirth Fear and Preventive Practices among Pregnant Women attending Healthcare Facilities in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State

2026-09-02T06:49:41+00:00

The study investigated sociodemographic correlates of childbirth fear and preventive practices among pregnant women attending healthcare facilities in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State. Three specific objectives with three corresponding research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. The correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study consisted of 1,736 registered pregnant women attending healthcare facilities in Nsukka LGA, Enugu State. A total of 390 (97.5%) pregnant women who responded were drawn through a two-stage sampling procedure. The Sociodemographic Data Sheet (SDS), Childbirth Fear Questionnaire (CFQ), and Preventive Practices for Childbirth Fear Questionnaire (PPCFQ) were used for data collection. Data were analysed using frequencies and percentages, point-biserial (rbp) correlation, and multivariable logistic regression models. Overall, (37.4%) of pregnant women reported experiencing childbirth fear. Sociodemographic of age, educational
level, and employment status (all p>.05) were not significant correlates of childbirth fear. Majority (69.9%) of pregnant women adopted appropriate preventive practices. The study concluded that pregnant women are actively employing informational, emotional, and faith-based approaches to cope with childbirth-related anxiety. It was recommended among others that healthcare providers should routinely screen pregnant women attending antenatal clinics for childbirth fear to enable early identification and appropriate support.

Effect of a 12-Week Interval Walking Training Programme on the Resting Blood Pressure of Women with Type 2 Diabetes in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

2026-09-02T06:52:56+00:00

This study assessed the effect of a 12-week interval walking training (IWT) programme on the resting blood pressure of women with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Makurdi, Benue State. The studyadopted the pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. The study sampled 40 women, aged 45-65 years, with diabetes who met the inclusion criteria using a simple random sampling technique. A portable stadiometer (Seca 213, Germany) was used to measure participants’ stature, while a digital weighing scale (HD-378, Tanita, Japan) was used to measure body mass. Participants’ blood pressure was measured by auscultation using a stethoscope (Littman Classic III 3M, USA) and sphygmomanometer (Welch Allyn, USA). Mean and standard deviation were used to describe the demographic characteristics of the participants. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 alpha level. Effect sizes were determined using partial eta squared (η²p), according to Cohen's thresholds. The results of the study revealed that participation in a 12-week IWT programme resulted in a significant reduction in both resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) (F (1, 39) = 219.547, p < 0.001, partial η²p = .856, AMD = −6.9 mmHg, 95% CI [−9.42, −4.31]) and resting diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (F (1, 39) = 108.75, p < 0.001, partial η²p = 0.746, AMD = −5.9 mmHg, 95% CI [7.98, −3.82]) in women with T2D in Makurdi, Benue State. It was therefore recommended that hospitals in Makurdi consider institutionalizing structured IWT programmes within their diabetic clinics through an exercise prescription unit, where feasible, alongside standard clinical care, to reduce long-term risks.

Muscle-Strengthening Exercise Intensity as a Predictor of Mental Well-Being among Regular Exercisers in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

2026-09-02T06:57:41+00:00

Exercise is widely recognized as a cornerstone of mental well-being, yet public health messaging often emphasizes how frequently and how long people exercise, while giving less attention to the intensity of muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE). This overlooked dimension may have important implications for psychological well-being. Against this background, the study investigated the extent to which muscle-strengthening exercise intensity predicts mental well- being among regular exercisers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey research design was used, drawing on the entire population of 286 registered exercisers across three gyms and three fitness centers. Intensity of five MSEs (push-ups, pull-ups, squats, crunches, dumbbell rows) was measured using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion scale, and mental well-being using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Data were analysed using mean, frequency, percentage, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression at p ≤ .05. Intensity across all five exercises was generally moderate (means 3.36-3.74 on the Borg-based scale). Intensity of MSE significantly predicted mental well-being (p < .001), with the strongest positive associations found for push-ups (r = .220), squats (r = .217), and crunches (r = .195); pull-ups showed a weak negative correlation (r = -0.048), while dumbbell rows (r = -0.032) showed very weak correlation. The study proves that intensity, rather than mere participation, is the active ingredient linking muscle-strengthening exercise to mental well-being, and recommends that exercise therapists and fitness trainers should design exercise programmes that focus on increasing workout intensity emphasize and implement regardless of exercise type, to reinforce positive mental well-being regular exercisers. This can be achieved through periodic workshops, safety drills, and awareness campaigns.

Comparative Assessment of Resting Heart Rate, Blood Pressure and Body Temperature among Student- Athletes and Non- Athletes in Unity Schools in Enugu State, Nigeria

2026-09-02T07:08:00+00:00

Resting Heart Rate (RHR), Blood pressure (BP) and Body Temperature are three essential signs used to examine the general health and cardiovascular fitness of individuals including student- athletes and non- athletes. The aim of the study was to assess the resting heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature among student- athletes and non- athletes in unity schools in Enugu state, Nigeria. Two objectives with two corresponding research questions guided the study. One null hypothesis guided the study. A comparative cross- sectional study was adopted, using standardised instruments to take measurements on the heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature of the participants. The population of the study was 5,300 male and female student- athletes and non-athletes in the two unity schools, Enugu State. A stratified random sampling technique involving 574 student- athletes and non- athletes aged 10 -17 years was used for the study. However, a total of 414 subjects were eventually assessed for the study. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics of t - test was employed to test the hypotheses at.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that significant difference existed in the mean heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature among student- athletes and non – athletes with the t –cal. as 4.14 and the t – crit. as 1.96. However, teachers of physical and health education in unity schools should expand awareness and education of the values of physical activities on the improvement of one’s heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.

Internet Addiction and Sleep Problems among Tertiary Institution Students in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu Sate: A Cross-Sectional Study

2026-09-02T07:15:34+00:00

The high reliance on digital technology among tertiary institution students has introduced dual public health challenges: maladaptive internet use and compromised sleep architecture. This study investigated the level of internet addiction and the proportion of students experiencing sleep problems among tertiary institution students in Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA), Enugu State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. A multi-stage sample of 436 undergraduate students was selected from tertiary institutions within Nsukka LGA. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire integrating the adapted Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) and inferential statistics (One-way Analysis of Variance, Independent Samples t-test, and Chi-squared test of independence) at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that students presented mild overall level of internet addiction (x̄ = 38.1, SD = 28.8). On the other hand, 89.2% (n = 389) of the student population suffered from severe sleep problems (x̄ = 10.939, SD = 6.96). Inferential analyses indicated that internet addiction significantly differed based on gender (p = 0.000), with males showing higher dependency, as well as study year (p = 0.003) and daily exposure time (p = 0.000). Strikingly, age was the only factor that significantly differentiated sleep problem proportions (p = 0.022), while gender (p = 0.575) and financial stipends (p = 0.104) showed uniform, pervasive sleep issues across the entire cohort. Among others, the researchers recommended that mandatory seminar on sleep hygiene should be integrate into orientation programmes for first-year students in tertiary.

Barriers to Primary Healthcare Utilisation among Mothers of Children Under Five Years in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria

2026-09-02T07:26:24+00:00

Primary healthcare (PHC) provides an important point of contact between communities and the formal health system, particularly for mothers and children under five years. However, utilisation may be constrained by provider-related, service-related, socioeconomic and sociocultural factors. This study examined perceived barriers to PHC utilisation among mothers of children under five years in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area (LGA), Imo State, Nigeria, with specific attention to health personnel attitudes and immunisation-related factors. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study population comprised 9,713 mothers of children under five years, from whom 398 were selected using proportionate, cluster and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using researcher-developed Barriers to Primary Healthcare Utilisation Questionnaire (BPHUQ), which was subjected to expert validation and had a reported reliability coefficient of 0.76. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation. Results revealed that health personnel attitudes recorded an aggregate mean of 2.31. Mothers reported unfavourable perceptions of empathy (M = 2.20), respect (M = 2.18), professionalism (M = 2.19) and care (M = 2.17), whereas effective communication was favourably rated (M = 2.79). For immunisation-related factors, fear of side effects was the only item above the criterion mean (M = 2.79). Poor knowledge of immunisation schedules (M = 2.17), accessibility (M = 2.18), cultural beliefs (M = 2.21) and religious beliefs (M = 2.22) were below the criterion mean. Unfavourable perceptions of health personnel, particularly regarding empathy, respect, professionalism and care, may represent important perceived barriers to PHC utilisation. Fear of immunisation side effects was also a notable concern. However, PHC authorities should strengthen continuing professional development on respectful, empathetic and client-centred care.

Maternal Characteristics and Reported Full Immunization Status of Children Under Five Years in Nursery Schools in Owerri Municipality, Imo State, Nigeria

2026-09-02T07:34:23+00:00

Childhood immunization remains one of the most effective public health interventions for preventing morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. However, completion of recommended childhood vaccination schedules may vary according to maternal and household characteristics. This study examined the reported pattern of full immunization among children under five years in relation to maternal age and educational attainment in nursery schools in Owerri Municipality, Imo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study population comprised 9,713 mothers whose children were enrolled in nursery schools in Owerri Municipality. A sample of 398 mothers was selected using a clustered sampling approach. Data were collected using a researcher-developed Maternal Factors on the Immunization Status of Under-5 Nursery Children Questionnaire (MFISUNCQ), which had a reported reliability coefficient of 0.84. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation, with a criterion mean of 2.50. Mothers aged 21–25, 26–30, 31–35 and 36–40 years recorded mean scores of 2.79, 2.85, 2.85 and 2.85, respectively, whereas mothers aged 41–45 years recorded a mean of 1.73. The overall mean was 2.61. Regarding educational attainment, mothers with first-degree, postgraduate diploma, master's and doctoral qualifications recorded mean scores of 3.33, 2.98, 3.03 and 2.67, respectively, while those with O-level education recorded a mean of 1.66. The overall mean was 2.73. The findings indicate generally favourable reported patterns of full immunization among mothers aged 21–40 years and among mothers with higher educational attainment. Immunization programmes should strengthen targeted health education and follow-up for mothers who may experience informational or access-related barriers to completing childhood vaccination schedules.

Knowledge–Behaviour Gap in Teenage Pregnancy Prevention among Secondary School Students: Influence of School-Based Health Education in Ward II, Burutu Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

2026-09-02T07:43:13+00:00

This study examined the knowledge–behaviour gap in teenage pregnancy prevention by assessing the influence of school-based health education among secondary school students in Ward 11, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The sample comprised 60 students selected from Sokebolou and Ogulagha secondary schools through a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by experts, with a reliability coefficient of 0.84. The data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings showed that students had high knowledge of the meaning, causes and prevention of teenage pregnancy, although awareness of its health risks was low. Health education programmes moderately improved students’ understanding and corrected wrong ideas about teenage pregnancy, but had low influence on preventive behaviour, including avoidance of risky sexual behaviour, responsible relationship decisions and positive behaviour change. Group discussions, real-life examples and clear teacher explanations were identified as useful strategies, while inadequate programmes, lack of trained teachers, inadequate teaching materials and cultural beliefs limited programme effectiveness. The study proved that a knowledge–behaviour gap exists among students and recommended strengthening school-based health education through trained facilitators, interactive teaching, adequate materials and culturally sensitive behaviour-change communication.

Knowledge Gaps and Health Education Needs in the Utilisation of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Services among Antenatal Women in Udu Local Government Area, Delta State

2026-09-02T07:49:16+00:00

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS remains a major maternal and child health priority because effective prevention depends not only on service availability but also on women’s knowledge, attitudes, support systems and use of antenatal services. In Nigeria, gaps in PMTCT utilisation persist despite the expansion of antenatal and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention services. This study examined knowledge gaps and health education needs in the utilisation of PMTCT services among antenatal women in Udu Local Government Area, Delta State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study involved 163 antenatal women selected from health facilities in Udu LGA. Data were collected using the Questionnaire on Awareness and Utilisation of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Udu Local Government Area, Delta State (QAUPMCTHA). Data were analysed using frequency, percentage and chi-square statistics at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that overall awareness of PMTCT was almost evenly divided, with 50.0% of respondents’ aware and 50.0% not aware. However, important knowledge gaps were identified. A majority of respondents were unaware of when treatment should begin to prevent transmission, while more than half did not understand the role of antenatal care in preventing mother-to-child transmission. Chi-square results showed significant relationships between PMTCT service utilisation and awareness, healthcare-provider attitude and partner support. The study concludes that PMTCT utilisation in Udu LGA requires more than general awareness. Targeted antenatal health education should emphasise early treatment initiation, the preventive role of antenatal care, respectful provider-client communication and male partner involvement.

Perceptions of Risk Factors for Overweight among Civil Servants in Imo State, Nigeria

2026-09-02T07:52:01+00:00

This study examined the perceived risk factors associated with overweight among civil servants in Imo State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The population comprised 11,200 civil servants in selected ministries, departments, and agencies. A sample of 363 respondents was selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected using the Perceived Risk Factors for Overweight Questionnaire (PRFOQ) and analysed using percentages, means, standard deviations, and independent samples t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that behavioural factors were perceived as the
strongest contributors to overweight (grand mean = 3.30), with lack of regular physical exercise, unhealthy dietary habits, frequent fast-food consumption, and prolonged sitting rated highest. Occupational factors were also strongly perceived (grand mean = 3.21), with long hours of sitting and limited time for exercise rated highest. Socio-economic factors were perceived as less influential factor among others (grand mean = 2.88). Hypothesis testing revealed no significant difference in perceptions based on gender (behavioural: t = -1.38, p = 0.169; socio-economic: t = -1.21, p = 0.227; occupational: t = -1.78, p = 0.076) or years of experience (behavioural: t = -0.65, p = 0.516; socio-economic: t = -0.72, p = 0.472; occupational: t = -0.82, p = 0.414). The study concluded that civil servants perceived overweight as influenced mainly by modifiable behavioural and occupational factors, and that these perceptions did not differ significantly by gender or years of experience. However, Imo State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Civil Service Commission, should implement universal workplace wellness programmes targeting physical inactivity, unhealthy
dietary habits, and sedentary work routines.

Age and Gender Differences in Dementia Knowledge among Retirees in Enugu State, Nigeria

2026-09-02T08:00:33+00:00

The study was conducted to ascertain age and gender differences in dementia knowledge among retirees in Enugu state. Three research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of the 10,007 retirees in Enugu State civil service. The sample size was 385 (retirees). Dementia Knowledge Assessment Survey (DKAS) Questionnaire was used for data collection. [There was no reliability test on the instrument because it has been previously tested (α=0.85,Ꞷh=0.87; overall scale) (Annear et al. 2017)]. Frequencies and percentages were used to answer the research questions, while Chi-square statistic was used to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of significance. Results among others indicated that overall 63.9 per cent of retirees possessed low knowledge of dementia, while 28 per cent had moderate knowledge. Majority of the retirees possessed low knowledge of dementia which increases as their ages increased (60-69 years = 59.1%< 70-79 years =65.9% <80 years and above =71.1%). Majority of the retirees possessed low knowledge of dementia with males having slight higher values more than the female retirees (males=65.4%> females =62.4%). Also, at the .05 level of significance, there was no significant difference in the level of retiree’s knowledge of dementia according on age and gender. Based on the findings, the author recommended among others that health educators, under the ministry of health should further disseminate information and education about dementia to enhance the low level of knowledge possessed by retirees in Enugu State, potentially through targeted awareness campaigns or educational programmes.