International Journal of Human Kinetics, Health and Education

Effect of Motor Skills on Cognitive Development of Children 3-10 Years in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State

2025-04-28T18:43:29+00:00

Background: Child development in the early years of life is characterized by constant biological, psychosocial, and emotional changes resulting in acquisition and refinement in the cognitive domain. This study assessed the effects of motor skills on cognitive development of children between 3 to 10 years in Tarka Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional survey on a population of 64,934 children in Tarka LGA. A total of 382 participants were recruited through multistage sampling technique. The instruments used for data collection were, the Children's Memory Questionnaire-Revised (CMQ-R), the student’s previous academic scores, the ADHD symptom list in the DSM-IV, the Alberta Language and Development Questionnaire (ALDeQ) and the Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3). Using mean scores, standard deviation, and simple linear regression, all statistical analysis were performed Results: The findings revealed that motor skills had effect on language learning of children. The regression analysis revealed no significant effect on language learning [p>.05] while motor skills had significant effect on academic performance; attention; and working memory [p<.05] in children in Tarka LGA. Conclusion: Motor skills had significant effect on cognitive development of children. The effect varied within language learning and performance. Experts in early childhood should strive to identify children with poorly developed or delayed motor skills following transitions in schools.

Challenges of Ergogenic Aids in Sports Performance

2025-04-28T18:35:25+00:00

Ergogenic aids are substance or technics used to enhance athletic performance, but their use possess several challenges to athletes, coaches, and sports organization. This paper aims to discuss the challenge of ergogenic aids and sports performance, including their definition, types, benefits, and risks. The use of ergogenic aids raises ethical concerns, such as fairness, injustice, and the spirit of sports, and legal implications including anti-doping regulations and sponsorship issues. Furthermore ergogenic aid use can have social implication, including stigma, peer pressure and cultural expectations. This paper will examine the current state of knowledge on ergogenic aids and sport performance, including the benefit and risk of different types of aids, and the ethical, legal, and social implications of their use. The paper will also identify areas for future research and provide recommendations for athletes, coaches and sports organizations.

Knowledge of Preventive Measures of Harmful Sexual Behaviours among In-school Adolescents in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State

2025-04-28T18:26:56+00:00

The study examined the knowledge of preventive measures of harmful sexual behaviours among in-school adolescents in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state. Four specific objectives, four corresponding research questions and three null hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a cross sectional research design. The population for the study consisted of 14,989 in-school adolescents in Nsukka LGA. The sample size was 390 in-school adolescents which were drawn using a multi stage sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a 10 items structured questionnaire titled Knowledge of Preventive Measures of Harmful Sexual Behaviours Questionnaire (KPMHSBQ). Frequency and percentage were used to answer the research questions while chi-square statistics was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that in-school adolescents had high level of knowledge (73.7%) of preventive measures of harmful sexual behaviours. There was no significant difference in the level of knowledge of preventive measures of harmful sexual behaviors based on age(p=.184>0.5), gender(p=.314>0.5), and school type (p=.083>0.5). Therefore, the study recommended that age appropriate sex education should be taught in schools as well as enlightenment campaigns on forms of harmful sexual behaviours, the preventive measures and consequences in order to maintain the high level of knowledge of preventive measures of harmful sexual behaviors among adolescents.

Health Seeking Behaviours of Internally Displaced Persons in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

2025-04-29T10:19:01+00:00

The study investigated health seeking behaviours of IDPs accessing health services in IDPs camps in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the health seeking behaviours of IDPs based demographic variables of age, gender, marital status and level of education. The cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study consisted of 17,710 IDPs with a sample size of 400 IDPs. The instrument for data collection was the Health Seeking Behaviours of Internally Displaced Persons Questionnaire (HSBIDPQ). Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages and Chi-square test. The results of the study showed that 43.2 per cent of IDPs adopted health seeking behaviours. Specifically, the first action taken by IDPs experiencing any health problem is to consult a physician (43.2%), consult a traditional practitioner (25.5%) or self-medicate (31.3%). The preferred place for seeking healthcare includes private clinics (60.7%), pharmacy/patent medical store (31.3%) and hospitals (8.1%). The preferred healthcare provider includes CHEWs and JCHEW (39.1%), doctors (35.4%) and patent medicine dealers (25.5%). There was no significant difference at .05 level of significance in the health seeking behaviours of IDPs accessing health services in IDPs camps based on age, gender, marital status and education level. It was recommended among others that Government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should increase availability of healthcare services by establishing additional and affordable healthcare facilities and mobile clinics within IDP camps for all IDPs, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access.

Socio-Demographic Factors as Determinants of Healthy Lifestyle among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Abia North Senatorial District, Abia State, Nigeria

2025-04-28T12:32:02+00:00

The study assessed socio-demographic factors as determinants of healthy lifestyle among students of tertiary institutions in Abia North Senatorial District, Abia State, Nigeria The study adopted correlational descriptive design. The study participants consisted of 18,905 students from two tertiary institutions in Abia North Senatorial District, Abia State. The sample size was 430 students of tertiary institutions drawn using proportional stratified random sampling technique. The Participant Information Form (PIF) and Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) were used for data collection. The internal consistency of the overall scale of the original version of the HPLP II reported a Cronbach’s alpha of .901. Data were analysed using point biserial (rbp) correlation, independent samples t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that age and year of study are significant determinants of healthy lifestyle of students of tertiary institutions in Abia North Senatorial District. The authors recommended among others that university health services, counseling centres, and student affairs departments should tailor health programes based on significant determinants, such as age, and year of study for students of tertiary institutions, especially those aged 20 years and above and those in higher levels of study by developing targeted interventions for different age groups and academic levels, and motivate students through incentives and recognition of healthy lifestyle achievements.

Health Risk Behaviours and Preventive Measures among In-School Adolescents in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State Nigeria

2025-04-29T10:13:02+00:00

The study investigated health risk behaviours and preventive measures among in-school adolescents in Ihiala Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, Nigeria. Two research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. The cross- sectional study was adopted for the study. The study population comprised 400 in-school adolescents. A self-developed health risk behaviour and preventive measures questionaire (HRBPMQ) was used for data collection. Frequencys and percentage were used to answer the research questions, while simple linear regression analysis was used to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The results indicated that;the types of health risk behavior prevalent among in-school adolescents in Ihiala LGA includes unprotected sexual behaviour (77.6%) and unhealthy diet (72.6%) are more prevalent among in-school adolescents in Ihiala LGA. However, violence behaviours (69.0%), substance abuse (68.7%) and poor excerise habbit (66.8%) are also prevalent. There was a significant relationship between health risk behavior and location. Considering the types of health risk prevalent among in-school adolescents in Ihiala LGA, policymakers, schools, and community organizations should implement comprehensive and culturally sensitive programs that promote safe sexual practices and healthy eating habits among adolescents. In addition, Public health educators should integrate location-specific factors to health education programs to reduce health risk behaviors among in-school adolescents.

Overcoming Barriers to Exercise Participation during Pregnancy

2025-04-28T19:07:55+00:00

Pregnancy is a transformative period marked by various physical, emotional, and psychological changes, making exercise an essential factor for maternal and foetal health. Historically, pregnant women were advised to limit physical activity due to concerns about complications. However, contemporary research highlights the benefits of regular, moderate exercise during pregnancy, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of gestational diabetes, and enhanced mental well-being. This paper examines the benefits of exercise during pregnancy, including its role in preventing pregnancy-related disorders, alleviating common discomforts, and promoting quicker postpartum recovery. Despite these benefits, barriers to exercise include physical fatigue, psychological concerns, social and cultural factors, environmental limitations, and inadequate healthcare provider guidance. Effective health education is crucial in overcoming these barriers by providing accurate information, addressing misconceptions, and creating supportive environments for physical activity. Strategies such as educational interventions, community-based programs, and healthcare system changes are recommended to promote exercise participation. Tailoring exercise routines to accommodate the physiological changes of each trimester is also essential. By integrating exercise education into prenatal care and advocating for supportive policies, health educators and healthcare providers can enhance maternal and foetal health and encourage consistent exercise throughout pregnancy.

Diabetes Self-Management Knowledge and Practices among Civil Servants in Enugu State

2025-04-28T19:00:37+00:00

Diabetes is becoming a more common health challenge in contemporary times and increasingly in Nigeria particularly in Enugu State. Understanding of self-management knowledge and adoption of its practices are veritable ways of reducing the prevalence and impacts of diabetes. The study investigated the diabetes self-management knowledge and practices among civil servants in Enugu State, Nigeria. Three research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. Cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of all civil servants (34,061) in Enugu State. The sample size comprised of 396 Civil servants with diabetes in Enugu State civil service drawn using multi-stage sampling procedure. The Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center’s Revised Knowledge Questionnaire (True/False version),and Andreas Schmitt (2013) Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ). Frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The null hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square at 0.05 level of significance. The study concluded that respondents had moderate knowledge of diabetes self-management and majority of the civil servants with diabetes adopted diabetes self-management practices to a considerable degree. There was no significant difference in the level of diabetes self-management knowledge among civil servants based on age. However, the authors recommended that there should be an increase in diabetes self-management education by health educators and other health professionals to be able to improve diabetes self-management knowledge and practices among civil servants with diabetes.

Comparison of Leg Power and Balance among Basketball and Handball Players in Public Secondary Schools in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State

2025-04-28T18:51:45+00:00

Quality physical education and supportive school environments can provide physical fitness profiles such as power and balance and health literacy for long-lasting health. The study adopted the ex-post-facto research design to assess the power and balance of basketball and handball players in public secondary schools in Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA). A total of 206 students were selected from 30 registered public secondary schools using the simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Standardized Test Battery of the Council of Europe (EUROFIT 1983) was used to collect data. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyse and answer the research questions. The results showed that basketball players had higher power levels than handball players, while handball players had lower balance levels compared to basketball players. The findings highlight the need for improved sports facilities and coaching programmes to enhance the power and balance of handball and basketball players in public secondary schools in Nsukka LGA.

Factors Militating Against Disabled Children’s Involvement in Physical Activities and Sports

2025-04-28T18:46:51+00:00

The paper reviewed factors militating against disabled children’s involvement in physical activities and sports. The selection included studies that focused on children with physical disability, para sports, exercise and general exercising activities from 2015-2023. Search words such as, barriers, inhibitors, limitations, were included. Exclusion criteria were studies focusing merely on people with cognitive impairments, hearing or visual impairments, organ transplant as well as those focusing on people with no related physical disability. The studies collected were limited to the following search engines: Googlescholar, Medline and Researchgate. Empirical studies reviewed indicated that exercise and sports are vital tools for the wellbeing of people with physical disabilities. Factors including dependency, poor transportation, parental control and accessibility to sport facilities were hinderances to effective participation of children with physical disabilities in exercise and sports. The authors established the fact that based on the review; the aforementioned barriers militate against disabled persons’ participation in exercise and sports. However, all hands should be put on deck to ameliorate the aforesaid challenges militating against disabled children involvement in exercise and sports.

Nutritional Status and Associated Factors among School Children in Nsukka, Enugu State

2025-04-28T18:40:42+00:00

The study investigated nutritional status and associated factors among school children in Nsukka, Enugu State. Three research questions and twu null hypotheses guided the study. The Correlational survey research design was used for the study. The study population comprised of 8,102 school children. A sample size of 420 was drawn using multi-stage sampling procedure. The instruments for data collection were the Nutritional Status of Primary School Pupils Check List (NSPSPCL) and the Revised Family Affluence Scale (RFAS). Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 22 to calculate frequency, percentage, phi correlation, and multinomial logistic regression. The results revealed that high proportion of school children (64.3%) were underweight, while low proportion of the school children had normal weight (33.5%), however few were overweight (1.7%), and obese (0.5%). There was a significant relationship between parental income (lower income, p = 0.000; middle income, p = 0.009) and child obesity. However, government should provide school meal services to school pupils in Enugu State Nigeria, where good nutritive school lunch will be provided. Moreover, health educators should organize workshops for parents and teachers on the need to make adequate diets based on locally available food. This hopefully will boost nutritional status of primary school children in Nsukka, Enugu State.

Enhancing Public Health Education Through the Use of Technology in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State

2025-04-28T18:31:22+00:00

This paper explores the transformative impact of technology in public health education, highlighting its pivotal role in enhancing access, effectiveness, and innovation within healthcare systems. Technological advancements, such as e-learning platforms, mobile applications, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are increasingly integrated into public health education frameworks. These technologies not only facilitate the dissemination of health information but also personalize interventions, promote behaviour change, and improve healthcare delivery. Key points include the expansion of digital access, particularly in underserved communities and remote areas, which bridges geographical barriers to health education. Mobile health applications provide individuals with real-time access to personalized health information, self-management tools, and remote consultation services, thereby empowering users to make informed decisions about their health. Virtual reality(VR) and AR technologies enhance immersive learning experiences, allowing healthcare professionals to practice complex procedures and scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. Wearable devices monitor health metrics and encourage preventive behaviours, contributing to better disease management and improved patient outcomes. Conclusively, integrating technology into public health education holds promise for transforming healthcare delivery, promoting equity, and empowering individuals and communities to achieve better health outcomes worldwide. Recommendations for stakeholders including educators, policymakers, healthcare providers, and technology developers should emphasize the importance of supportive policies, continuous digital skills training, and collaborative partnerships; by fostering an enabling environment that prioritizes digital inclusion, privacy protection, and evidence-based practice,stakeholders can harness the full potential of technology to advance public health education and address global health challenges effectively.

Extent of Participation in Traditional Recreational Activities of Ugwueke Community in Bende Local Government Area, Abia State

2025-04-28T12:34:32+00:00

Recreation is an activity one voluntarily engages in during his/her leisure time due to the satisfaction derived from it. This study investigated the extent of participation in traditional recreational activities of Ugwueke community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. Researchers adopted descriptive survey research design. A sample of 396 members of the community was used for the study. Researchers-designed questionnaire with a reliable index of 0.71 was used to elicit information from the respondents. Frequency and percentage were used to answer the research questions while Chi-square was used to test the null hypothesis at .05 level of significance. The findings from the study revealed that only 38.02 per cent of the participants in Ugwueke community participated in Ibo Uzo to a high extent, while 51.97 per cent participated to a very low extent. Also, 36.5 per cent of the respondents participated in Ikwota iyi to a high extent, while 41.86 per cent participated to a very low extent, while 34.84 per cent of the respondents participated in Mgba to a high extent, 32.24 to a moderate extent and 21.32 to a very low extent. Participation in traditional recreation were statistically dependent on age (ᵪ2 =10.41, p = 7.815). It was concluded that the community should be educated on the need to involve everyone in recreational activities and therefore recommend that there should be forum for workshop and seminar to enlighten them on the need to involve everyone in recreational activities.

Effect of a 12-Week Skill Drill Programme on the Skills of Secondary School Female Football Players in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

2025-04-29T10:16:15+00:00

This study investigated the effect of a 12-week skill drill programme on the skills of secondary school female football players in Makurdi. The quasi-experimental research design was used for the study. A sample of 58 female secondary school football players was used. Participants’ height and body weight were measured by the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Passing was assessed using the Long-Lofted Pass Test, dribbling was assessed using the Zig-Zag Dribble Test", shooting was assessed using the skill shooting test, trapping was assessed using the passing and trapping test, the heading was assessed with the heading accuracy test and throw-in assessment test was used to assess players’ throw-in skill. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyse the weight, height and age of the female football players. The independent samples t-test was used to assess the effect of a 12-week skill drill programme on the skills of female football players. The analyses were computed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v 21) and were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The result of the study indicated that there is a significant effect of a 12-week skill drill programme on passing, dribbling, shooting, trapping and heading skills of female football players in Benue State, Nigeria (P<0.05). It was concluded that there is a significant improvement across all measured skills as a result of a 12-week skill training programme among female football players. Coaches and physical education instructors should implement structured skill drill programmes in their training sessions.

Levels of Academic Stress and Anxiety among Undergraduates at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

2025-04-28T12:28:22+00:00

Academic stress and anxiety (ASA) are prevalent issues among undergraduates worldwide, often hindering academic progress and overall well-being. At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), ASA remains a pressing concern due to the increasing demands of academic and social responsibilities [This sentence captures the specific problem of the study]. This study aimed to investigate the levels of ASA among undergraduates at UNN. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, with a sample of 400 undergraduates selected from a population of 39,139 students using a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a 19-item valid and reliable Level of Academic Stress and Anxiety Questionnaire (LASAQ). Mean and standard deviation were used to analyse and answer the research questions, while t-tests and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The results indicated moderate levels of ASA among participants, with no significant differences in academic stress based on age, gender, and year of study. Similarly, no significant differences in academic anxiety were found based on age and level of study, though a significant difference was observed based on gender (p < .05). Based on these findings, the authors recommended that universities implement gender-sensitive support systems and counseling programs to address academic anxiety. Students are also encouraged to adopt effective time management, self-care practices, and a healthy lifestyle to better manage stress and enhance overall well-being.

Artificial Intelligence in Physical and Health Education

2025-04-28T19:12:28+00:00

The Technological revolution has significantly impacted human life, breaking boundaries and bridging gaps. Physical education has been an integral part of the educational system, used for evaluating students and assessing performance in various levels. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been considered an aid to remediate old learning patterns, but its gains in physical education in the niche of sports and exercise physiology have not been fully tapped due to poor integration. This study explores the use of virtual reality technology, big data analysis, injury prevention systems, and intelligent recognition technology in solving problems presented by traditional teaching methods. AI is a field of computer science and engineering that focuses on creating machines that can perform tasks that require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. It has evolved over time, with its history dating back to Aristotle and Alan Mathison Turing. In the field of Physical and Health Education, AI is being used to meet lifelong learning needs and professional needs at various levels. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved through three stages: Symbol, Data, and Third Generation. The development of AI has been influenced by three schools: Symbolicism, Connectionism, and Actionism. AI is now being applied in various fields, including industry, finance, medicine, education, and agriculture. Currently, AI is integral to human life, with applications in face brushes, payment, driverless cars, and voice assistants. It has a strong foundation in education and health professionals, who are one of the largest occupational groups in the world.

Risk Factors of Substance Use among Commercial Motorcycle Riders in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

2025-04-28T19:05:26+00:00

The study assessed risk factors of substance use among commercial motorcycle riders in Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA), Enugu State. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and April, 2023 at various designated units of the commercial motorcycle riders in Nsukka LGA. A total number of 600 commercial motorcycle riders participated. Data collection was done using self-developed Risk Factors of Substance Use Questionnaire (RFSUQ), in which part of it was adapted from Drug Use Screening Inventory (revised DUSI-R). Descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, and chi-square test were used for analyses. The findings revealed that over the counter medications (93.0%), prescription pain killer pills (84.1), alcohol (76.6%), caffeine (65.2%), and smoking tobacco (54.9%) are the most commonly used substances reported by commercial motorcycle riders. Age, education level, and marital status (p ≤ .05) were significantly associated with the risk factors for substance use among commercial motorcycle riders. However, Enugu State government should strengthen the need for educating motorcycle riders on those factors that influence them to use alcohol and other drugs while riding and educating both motorcycle riders and automobile drivers on the importance of actively sharing the road with one another.

Relationship between Psychological Disorders and Academic Achievement of Senior Secondary School Students in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

2025-04-28T18:57:01+00:00

The study investigated relationship between psychological disorders and academic achievement of senior secondary school students in Federal Capital Territory Abuja. Correlational research design was used. The population of the study was 40,452 senior secondary school students. The multi-stage sampling procedure was used to draw a sample size of 384 respondents. Three instruments were used to collect data for this study. A self-developed Psychological Disorders Scale (PDS), Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT), and English Language Achievement Test (ELAT) were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using pearson product moment correlation. The findings revealed that there was a significant relationship between psychological disorders and academic achievement score of students in Federal Capital Territory Abuja. The results proved that psychological disorders had a negative great impact on academic achievement of senior secondary school students in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. However, counsellors and psychologists should develop strategies to help reduce psychological problems such as forgetfulness and apathy among students, and develop intervention programmes to enhance students’ psychological well-being which may help to increase their academic achievement.

Descriptive Analysis of Food Hygiene Practices among Rural Women in Enugu North Senatorial Zone, Enugu State, Nigeria

2025-04-28T18:50:08+00:00

Worldwide, food hygiene practice is a significant public health initiative that aids the elimination of food-related diseases in human population. The present study investigated food hygiene practices of rural women in Enugu North Senatorial Zone, Enugu State, Nigeria. It was a community-based descriptive survey research design conducted in a population of 22,261 rural women between November 2023 and July 2024. A sample size of 396 rural women was drawn using two-stage sampling technique. Data collection was completed through a researcher-designed instrument called “food hygiene practices questionnaire (FHPQ)” which demonstrated 0.88 internal consistencies. Data computation was completed using International Business Machine - Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS version 22). Frequencies and percentages were employed to answer research questions, while the null hypothesis was tested using chi-square statistics. Result was deemed significant at p value ≤ 0.05. It was revealed that 80.7% of rural women in Enugu North Senatorial Zone of Enugu State practice appropriate food hygiene. All the rural women of various family sizes (1-3 persons: 79.4%; 4-6 persons: 79.7%; and 7 persons plus: 86.5%) practice appropriate food hygiene. Statistically, no significant association was recorded on food hygiene practices of the rural women based on family size (x2 = 4.347; p = 0.114). Thus, rural women in Enugu North Senatorial Zone regardless of family size practice appropriate food hygiene. The need for collaboration between Nigerian government and concerned agencies are crucial for the sustainability of food safety and security particularly in the present study location.