International Journal of Human Kinetics, Health and Education

Influence of Parenting Styles and Media Exposure on Children’s Learning and Emotional Needs in Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State

Borngreat Wealth Onduleyachaba — 2025-02-04

The study investigated the influence of parenting styles and media exposure on children’s learning and emotional needs in Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised 750 parents living within Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State. Convenient sampling technique was utilized to get the sample size from all 750 parents within the study area using the researcher-designed Influence of Parenting Styles and Media Exposure on Children’s Learning and Emotional Needs Questionnaire (IPSMECLENQ). The data for the study were collected from all 750 involved parents. Cronbach’s Alpha was used to establish the internal consistency of the instrument, which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.85. The descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to analyse and answer the research questions, while the null hypotheses were tested using independent sample t-test at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed negative influence of authoritarian and permissive parenting styles and media exposure on children’s learning and emotional needs. The way parents consume social media is against the whole well-being of their children’s academic performance and emotional support. However, authoritative parenting styles which balances warmth and responsiveness with clear boundaries and expectations should be adopted and practiced for the good of the children’s psychological well-being. Also, Parent Teacher Association (PTA) should organize frequent meetings encouraging all parents to belong to the association where they can always be informed about their children’s academic progress.

Impact of Social Anxiety on Self Actualization

Ifeanyi Philomina Ukwueze — 2025-02-04

This Paper examine the significant impact of social anxiety on the process of self-actualization, a fundamental aspect of human development. Social anxiety, characterized by an intense fear of social situations and negative evaluation, poses substantial barriers to self-discovery and personal growth, particularly during critical developmental stages like adolescence and early adulthood. The paper examines how social anxiety limits opportunities, building self-confidence, achieving personal goals, and engaging in social interactions crucial for identity formation. It also looks at the relationship between social anxiety disorder (SAD) and its broader implications, such as increased risk of comorbidity mental disorders and impaired interpersonal relationships. The paper also identifies cognitive and behavioral processes that maintain social anxiety and hinder self-actualization. Effective interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and social skills training, are discussed as strategies to help individuals overcome these barriers and fully realize their potential. By addressing the symptoms of social anxiety and enhancing social competence, the paper emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions in facilitating self-actualization and promoting a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Sickle-cell Disease Knowledge among In-school Adolescents in Public Secondary Schools in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

Jacinta E Ugbelu — 2025-02-04

Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary health problem affecting humans globally. The study determined the knowledge of sickle cell disease among in-school adolescents in public secondary schools in Nsukka LGA, Enugu state. Two research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. The cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study comprised 14,947 students in all the public secondary schools in Nsukka LGA of Enugu state. The sample of 384 students was selected using multi-stage sampling procedure. A researcher-designed questionnaire titled “Sickle Cell Disease Knowledge Questionnaire” was used for data collection. Frequencies, percentages, and Chi-square (x²) statistics were used for data analysis. The results showed that in-school adolescents possessed a high knowledge (65.7%)of sickle cell disease; in-school adolescents in SSS class possessed higher knowledge of SCD (78.8%) than JSS class level (62.5%); in-school adolescents 18years and above had higher level of knowledge of SCD (71.0%) than those within 10-13years (61.8%)and 14-17years (62.5%): male in-school adolescents had higher level of knowledge of sickle cell disease(72.8%)than females (63.0%).There was a significant difference in the level of knowledge of sickle cell disease possessed by in-school adolescents in public secondary schools in Nsukka LGA based on class of study (p = 0.012)while there was no significant difference in the level of knowledge of sickle cell disease possessed by in-school adolescents in public secondary schools in Nsukka LGA based on age (p= 0.227), and gender (p= 0.091). Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that sickle cell education should be incorporated into the Health Education Curriculum and made a compulsory subject/course for all students in college and tertiary institutions. In addition, the subject should be taught by professional health educators.

Predictive Factors of Healthy Nutrition Behaviours among Middle-aged Staff of Tertiary Institution in Ondo State, Nigeria

Omolola Justinah Awosika — 2025-02-04

Healthy nutrition is essential for bodily wellness and health, likewise, maintaining a nutrient-dense diet is critically important for adults because of the impact of food intake on health. The objective of this study was to determine the factors that influence healthy nutrition behaviours among middle-aged staff of tertiary institutions in Ondo State, Nigeria. The Cross-sectional survey design was used in this study. The population of the study was 1967 middle-aged staff of tertiary institutions in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. A sample size of 415 academic and non-academic staff, aged between 40 and 65 years was used. The nutritional subscale of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) developed by Walker et al. (1987) was adopted and used for data collection in this study. The research questions were analyzed with mean and standard deviation while multiple linear regressions were used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings showed that education level (beta = .351, P = .146) and marital status (beta = -.275, P = .088) made the strongest unique contributions to explaining healthy nutrition behaviours of middle-aged staff. It was concluded that educational level and marital status were strong predictors of healthy nutrition behaviours among middle-aged staff of tertiary institution in Ondo State, Nigeria. It was recommended that public health educators should embark on an informative campaign in tertiary institutions to encourage middle-aged staff adopt healthy nutrition practice to enhance the physical condition, cognitive condition, cardiovascular function, immune system and productivity.

Influence of Active Travel to School on the Blood Pressure of In-School Children and Adolescents in Benue North West Senatorial District of Benue State

James Ihuma — 2025-02-04

This study examined the influence of active travel to school (ATS) on the blood pressure of in-school children and adolescents in Benue North West Senatorial District of Benue State. Ex-post facto design was adopted for the study. The study sample comprised 663 in-school children and adolescents, aged 10-18 years, who were recruited using a multi-stage sampling technique and evaluated. A self-structured questionnaire was used to obtain participants’ mode of travel. Subjects’ blood pressure was measured by auscultation method using a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer and in accordance with the protocol of the Fourth Report on the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents by the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. The study demonstrated that ATS does not significantly influence systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P= 0.05) respectively in children and adolescents in Benue North West Senatorial District of Benue State. It was therefore recommended that efforts to lower blood pressure in this population should not depend solely on advocating for ATS. Instead, a broader strategy such as taking a balanced diet, promoting games and sports beyond ATS, and having periodic health check-ups are necessary for public health.

Menstrual Hygiene Knowledge among Female Secondary School Students in Udenu Local Government Area, Enugu State

Ngozika Karen Enemuo — 2025-02-04

Globally, menstrual hygiene is a major social and public health issue that affect women. The study assessed knowledge about menstrual hygiene among female secondary school students in Udenu Local Government Area (LGA), Enugu State. The cross-sectional research design was adopted, and a total of 2,421 female secondary school students of 400 female students participated in the study. The sample size selection was done using a two-stage sampling procedure. The instrument used for data collection was a researcher-designed questionnaire called “menstrual hygiene knowledge questionnaire (MHKQ)” which was validated by three experts. Frequencies and percentages were used for answering all the research questions while chi-square statistics was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed that female secondary school students had moderate knowledge (54.9%) of menstrual hygiene. The percentage response in JSS1-3 was 56.2% which was slightly higher than those in SSS1-3 with 54.4%, representing moderate menstrual hygiene knowledge statistically, no significant association was observed in the menstrual hygiene knowledge of the respondents based on class level. The study recommended among others, that the school administration and health facilities should implement various awareness and sensitization programmes regarding menstrual hygiene knowledge particularly in Udenu LGA, Enugu State.

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Use among Undergraduates in Universities in Enugu State

Obianuju Chioma Dibia — 2025-02-04

Modern contraceptive use is essential to the prevention of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Evidences show that plethora of efforts is in place to improve use but the prevalence reports are still low. Against this backdrop, this study investigated the determinants of modern contraceptive use among undergraduates in public universities in Enugu State, Nigeria. Cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The population for the study comprised 91,107 public university students in Enugu State. The multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select a sample of 792 respondents. Researchers’ structured questionnaire titled “Socio-Demographic Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Use Questionnaire” (SDOMCUQ) was validated by five experts and used for data collection. The internal consistency of SDOMCUQ was determined using Kuder-Richardson 20 statistic. Reliability coefficients of 0.81 was obtained for sections B and the instrument was considered reliable (> 0.70). Out of 792 copies of DOMCUQ distributed, 757 (95.58%) valid copies were used for analysis. Frequencies and percentages were used to answer the research questions. The null hypotheses were tested using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression at .05 level of significance. The findings revealed that about one-third of the undergraduates were currently using modern contraceptives while almost half had used modern contraceptive in the past. More males than females have used (male = 53.3% > female = 45.0%) and are currently using (male = 38.8% > female = 28.2%) modern contraceptives. Age, gender, marital status were significant determinants of modern contraceptive use among undergraduates in Enugu State. Recommendations were made, among which included that enlightenment on contraception should be enhance in the classrooms by public health experts to reduce the magnitude of misconception/misinformation on contraception to a minimum level and increase modern contraceptive use.

Impact of Peer Victimization on In-School Adolescents

Obianudo Joy Ngwoke — 2025-02-08

Globally, the educational settings are faced with a high prevalence of peer victimization with its obvious consequences, which undermine the academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being of the students. In Nigeria, this phenomenon remains underexplored, yet its implications are profound. This paper discusses the impact of peer victimization on in-school adolescents, specifically on understanding, prevention, and intervention strategies. It describes varying forms of peer victimization via verbal, physical, relational, and attacks on property. The prevalence of peer victimization is high, with notable contributing factors including individual, family, environment, peer relationship, and school environment factors. The effects of peer victimization on adolescents include psychological, academic, and social development problems. The significance of addressing peer victimization will help in maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment, reducing the risk of mental health problems, low self-esteem, and improved academic performances. The strategies for prevention and interventions within the Nigerian context are discussed. The paper recommends the need for positive school climate, training educators and students on recognizing and addressing victimization, and providing resources for victims. These approaches would be instrumental in creating a more inclusive environment that would promote the well-being and academic achievement of all students.

Stress Coping Measures among Undergraduates of University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Agatha Nneka Obayi — 2025-02-04

Stress is a global public health problem experienced by people irrespective of class, colour, ethnicity, profession or academic background. Researchers observed that undergraduate students suffer from health problems such as slumping, depression and mental health challenges which ordinarily should not occur at their youthful ages. However, the study assessed stress coping measures among undergraduates of University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Three research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The cross sectional survey research was used for the study. The study population consisted of 24,458 undergraduates. The multi - stage sampling procedure was used to draw a sample size of 400 undergraduate students. A valid and reliable structured Stress Coping Measures Questionnaire -(SCMQ) was used for data collection. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyse and answer the research questions while chi - square statistics was used to test the null hypotheses at.05 level of significance. Results showed that undergraduates possessed high stress coping measures (82.4%). No significant difference existed in the stress coping measures of undergraduates based on gender (p - value = .332 >.05) while a significant difference existed on year of study ( p - value = .012<.05). However, curriculum developers should enrich the curriculum with appropriate strategies suitable for all undergraduates, especially during the orientation of new students for understanding and effective application of stress coping measures among them.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dysmenorrhea among Female Undergraduates in Lagos State University

Waliu Babatunde Ogunbamowo — 2025-02-04

This study investigated the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with dysmenorrhea among female undergraduates in Lagos State University. A Descriptive survey design was conducted, involving simple random selection of 300 female students from five faculties and 60 students were purposively selected from each faculty. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, addressing menstrual pain, lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption and health behaviors. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, were employed to assess associations between dysmenorrhea and various variables. The findings revealed a notable prevalence of dysmenorrhea among the study population, with 72.33% of participants reporting menstrual pain and a chi-square value of 117.23. Further analysis highlights the significant impact of alcohol consumption and irregular menstrual cycles on the occurrence of dysmenorrhea, both identified as crucial risk factors. Specifically, students who reported regular alcohol consumption with 90.33% and a chi-square value of 109.88 were more likely to experience dysmenorrhea compared to their non-drinking counterparts. Additionally, individuals with irregular menstrual cycles with 90% and a chi-square value of 214.12 exhibited higher likelihood of experiencing dysmenorrhea. However, smoking did not emerge as a significant risk factor for dysmenorrhea in this study. The analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the prevalence of dysmenorrhea between smokers and non-smokers, suggesting that smoking may not play a substantial role in the manifestation of menstrual pain among the surveyed undergraduate students. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the prevalence and risk factors associated with dysmenorrhea among female undergraduate students of Lagos State University. The results underscore the importance of addressing alcohol consumption and irregular menstrual cycles in the management and prevention of dysmenorrhea, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers aiming to improve the reproductive health of young women in academic settings.

Attitude of Women of Childbearing Age Towards Cervical Cancer Screening in Nsukka, Enugu State

Ukamaka Perpetua Ugwu — 2025-02-04

Worldwide, positive attitude towards health care initiative such as cervical cancer screening (CCS), remains a healthy approach to disease prevention. This study investigated attitude of women of childbearing age towards CCS in Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA), Enugu State. It was a cross-sectional survey conducted in a population of 11,357 registered women between August 2022 and November 2022. Using a simple random sampling technique, a total of 400 women were sampled and surveyed. A self-structured questionnaire which demonstrated .89 reliability co-efficient index was used for data collection. All statistical data were computed using International Business Machine - Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS version 22). Mean score, standard deviation and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyse all the statistical data. The results were deemed significant at p ≤ 0.05. It was found that women of childbearing age had negative attitude towards CCS (=2.32; SD=0.40). Based on parity, nulliparous (=2.29; SD=0.45), multiparous (=2.32; SD=0.38), primiparous (=2.36; SD=0.37) and grand-multiparous (=2.36; SD=0.40) women had negative attitude towards CCS. No significant difference was found between parity status and attitude of the women towards CCS (F=0.487; p=0.692>0.05). In conclusion, women of childbearing age had negative attitude towards CCS. Parity status had no significant influence on the women’s attitude towards CCS, thus, the need for a collaboration between the Ministries of Health and Facility Management Board for organized programmes on women education and enlightenment on the significant benefits of CCS particularly in Nsukka LGA, Enugu State.

Enhancing Environmental Sanitation Education and Capacity Building for Sustainable Development in a Depressed Economy

Rabiu Suleiman — 2025-02-04

Environmental sanitation is a key to a healthy and beautiful environment. The success for such laid on the need to educate and enlighten people with adequate knowledge on keeping and managing the environment safe for achieving economic and sustainable development. This paper explored the Nigerian economic situation on environmental sanitation, roles of environmental sanitation education and capacity building in achieving sustainable development within a depressed economy, the challenges of environmental sanitation in a depressed economy, achieving sustainable development through environmental sanitation and use of capacity building for sustainable development to enhance environmental sanitation education. The paper noted that environmental sanitation is important for human security and economic sustainability, and polluted environment causes health problems for humans, and provides breeding ground for germs, and other organisms that endanger their health. Some essential components of environmental sanitation to achieve a sustainable development and improve the economic standard of the nation were highlighted in the paper. The authors recommend that government should provide adequate modern facilities and equipment for effective environmental sanitation to improve the people’s living standard. The government should emphasized more in organizing workshops, seminars and mass campaign to sensitize and educate people on effective ways to enhance environmental sanitation.

Safe Motherhood in Nigeria

Ekaette O. Okop — 2025-02-04

In many Nigerian cultures, motherhood is revered as a sacred institution, and the birth of a child is celebrated greatly. Safe motherhood means ensuring that all women receive the care they need so as to be safe and healthy throughout pregnancy and childbirth. Safe motherhood practices ensure improvement in the quality and safety of lives of women through adoption of healthy and non-healthy strategies. Nutrient intake, medical and lifestyle factors can adversely influence the health of the pregnant woman, fetal development, growth and the condition of the newborn. Most of the women especially in the rural areas are ignorant of some basic principles of health promotion, maintenance and balanced diet during pregnancy. The paper therefore reviewed the safe motherhood practices of pregnant women in Nigeria with particular interest on maternal health requirements, health needs of pregnant women, societal norms, cultural and ethical dimensions and philosophical enquiry into women's rights. The authors recommended among others, the need for sensitization and seminars to be organized by health officers and stakeholders against some societal norms and cultures that are contrary to safe motherhood.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Health Promotion in the Contemporary Society

Chinyere Happiness Eze — 2025-02-04

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a transformative force in health promotion efforts worldwide. Artificial Intelligence is increasingly utilized in health promotion to enhance personalized interventions and improve outcomes. It is transforming the healthcare industry in profound ways, including revolutionizing patient care, evolving the patient experience, improving operational efficiencies, and assisting in medical research. Research indicates that AI-driven devices can converse, provide reminders, and inspire those aiming to adopt healthier habits. These devices can also monitor personal data in real time and analyze it. This capability enables customized feedback, insights, and personalized recommendations to motivate individuals toward positive and enduring behavioral changes. Nevertheless, all round successful implementation of AI in healthcare requires collaboration among the technologists, healthcare workers and clients to control some breaches. Such breaches as protecting the confidentiality and security of sensitive health information is crucial; ethical issues related to AI in healthcare, such as bias in algorithms and obtaining informed consent, need careful consideration; the essentiality of ensuring that AI-based treatments are accessible to everyone, irrespective of their socioeconomic status etc. Summarily, integration of AI in healthcare will be an added advantage in promoting the health of the public if government, technologists and health agencies will collaborate to address the challenges.

Repositioning Health Education for Sustainable National Development

Golda Obiageri Ekenedo — 2025-02-04

Nigeria, a diverse and populous nation, faces significant health challenges that impact its sustainable development. To address these issues and build a healthier, more prosperous future, it is imperative to re-evaluate and strengthen health education curriculum and initiatives. This lead paper discusses the critical role of health education in promoting sustainable national development in Nigeria. It explores the current state of health education in the country both as a health care delivery strategy and as an academic subject and discipline. Gaps in health education curriculum delivery and key challenges where exposed. The paper illuminates opportunities for improvement with workable strategies proposed for effective repositioning of health education towards achieving the desired goals. Particularly the paper emphasised a paradigm shift in the health education degree curriculum as a major driver of the proposed change in health education delivery in various settings. It identified barriers and responsibilities towards repositioning health education in Nigeria. Conclusion was drawn to the effect that by understanding the importance of health education and effecting a paradigm shift in curriculum and delivery strategies, Nigeria can improve health outcomes, reduce disease burden, and create a more equitable and sustainable society. Suggestions made for effective repositioning include among others that health education professional associations should be proactive in advocating for a legislation for the professionalisation of health education so that we can have a regulated health education practice as is the case in advanced countries. They should equally be actively involved in the development and review of health education curriculum to continuously reflect societal shift.

Resource Availability, Awareness and Barriers to Inclusive Physical Activity and Sports For Special Needs Persons in University of Ilorin

Oluwatosin Adejare Sangodeyi — 2025-02-04

The study investigated resource availability, awareness and barriers to inclusive Physical Activity and Sports for Special Needs Persons (SNPs) in University of Ilorin. Descriptive research design of survey type was used for the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 32 special-needs students based on their availability and accessibility. A validated questionnaire named rresource availability, awareness and barriers to inclusive physical activity and sports questionnaire (RAABIPASQ) with a reliability coefficient of .74 was used for data collection. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentage and decision mean. Findings of the study revealed that; only halls accessibility 17 (53.1%) and co-curricular activities encouragement 18 (56.3%) are available resources; there is level of awareness for inclusive PA and sports (decision mean >2.50); there are barriers militating against the inclusive PA and sports (with decision means >2.50); there is high level of awareness on implications of disability acts towards inclusive PA and Sports (decision mean >2.50) among (SNPs) in University of Ilorin. It was concluded that; majority of the resources required for inclusive PA and Sports are not available; there is awareness for inclusiveness in PA and Sports; there are barriers militating the inclusive PA and sports; and there is high level of awareness on implications of disability acts towards inclusive PA and Sports among SNPs in University of Ilorin. Therefore, the study recommended that specially designed sports facilities and other resources should be provided by the school authority and charity organisations to facilitate PA and sports participation for health promotion and rehabilitation.

Socio-demographic variables as determinants of Violence in Sports among Secondary School Students in Nsukka Education Zone, Enugu State, Nigeria

Chinwe Stella Odo — 2025-02-08

Violence in sports has become a global challenge and it has greatly affected sports participation among young people. The objective of this study was to investigate age and gender as determinants of violence in sports among secondary school students in Nsukka Education Zone, Enugu State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey study was conducted on 383 students. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the study sample. The instruments for data collection were a researcher-developed questionnaire titled "Determinants of Violence in Secondary Schools Sports Questionnaire" (DVSSSQ). The face validity of the instruments was established and the internal consistency of DVSSSQ was determined using Split half (Spearman-Brown Coefficient Correlation) with indices of .724. Frequency measures and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data. Results showed that age is a significant determinant of violence in secondary school sports in Nsukka Education Zone (p=0.001). While, gender is a not significant determinant of violence in secondary school sports in Nsukka Education Zone (p=0.263). The study concluded among others that secondary school students aged 15 years and above were 2.39 times more likely to experience violence in secondary school sports than those less than 15 years. Consequently, school sports administrators should create awareness among students on the need for and importance of avoiding violence during sporting activities and endeavour to punish offenders appropriately.