NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH PROMOTION

Influence of Self-efficacy and Outcome Expectation on Antiretroviral Therapy among Persons Living With HIV/AIDS in Benue State, North Central Nigeria

Ekene Ngozi , Ibeagha — 2025-06-19

This study explored the impact of self-efficacy and outcome expectations—particularly anxiety—on adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Benue State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting a population of 52,400 individuals who had been on ART for at least one year across all General Hospitals in the 23 Local Government Areas of the state. From this population, a sample of 400 participants was selected through a two-stage sampling method. Data were collected using a validated 33-item questionnaire titled Perceived Determinants of Viral Load Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Questionnaire (PDVAARTQ), with a reliability coefficient of 0.723 determined by Cronbach’s Alpha. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used to answer research questions, while inferential statistics including Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Chi-square tests were used to test hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings indicated that anxiety, as a form of outcome expectation, had a statistically significant and moderately negative influence on ART adherence. This means that higher anxiety levels were associated with reduced adherence to treatment. On the other hand, self-efficacy exhibited a statistically significant and strong positive influence on ART adherence, showing that individuals with higher confidence in their ability to manage their health were more likely to stick to their medication regimen. Two hypotheses were tested. The first hypothesis (H₀₁), which stated that self-efficacy does not significantly influence ART adherence, was rejected based on Chi-square results showing a significant positive relationship (p < 0.05). The second hypothesis (H₀₂), positing that anxiety has no influence on adherence, was also rejected, as analysis confirmed a significant negative effect (p < 0.05). The study concluded that psychological factors such as self-efficacy and anxiety play critical roles in ART adherence. It recommended the establishment of comprehensive support systems that address psychological, medical, and social needs, tailored to the individual, to enhance treatment outcomes among people living with HIV/AIDS.

Knowledge of Preventive Measures of Periodontal Diseases in a sample of Secondary Schools Teachers in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State

Ngozika Karen Enemuo — 2025-06-19

Oral health is still a neglected and ignored social issue because most of the people are unaware of the relationship between oral health and systemic diseases. This study focused on knowledge of preventive measures of periodontal diseases among Secondary School Teachers in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra state. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study comprised 850 secondary school teachers in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. Three specific objectives were formulated with three corresponding research questions and two null hypotheses were posed to guide the study. A simple random sampling technique was used to draw the sample of 278 secondary school teachers for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a researcher-designed questionnaire titled Knowledge on Preventive Measures of Periodontal Diseases (KPMPQ).The Split-half (Spearman-Brown Correlation Coefficient) method was used to establish the reliability(internal consistency) of the instrument with reliability coefficient of 0.76. Frequencies and percentages were used to answer the research questions while Pearson’s chi-square was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that the overall Knowledge on preventive measures of periodontal diseases was moderate (58.4%). Secondary school teachers had low knowledge based on age and gender respectively; 20-35(16.0%), 36 – 45(20.3%), 46 – 65 (12.0%), male (20.2%), and female (28.5%). Also, there is no significant difference on the knowledge on preventive measures of periodontal diseases among secondary schools teachers in Awka south, LGA based on age and gender. The authors recommended that seminars and workshop should be organized by the government to impact knowledge on preventive measure of periodontal disease.

Influence of Parity on Health Seeking Behaviours among Pregnant Women Infected with Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Delta State, Nigeria

Anthony C. Ugwuoke — 2025-06-19

The study determined health seeking behaviours (HSBs) among pregnant women infected with STIs attending antenatal care clinics in Delta State, Nigeria. Two research questions were answered and one hypothesis was tested at 95% confidence level. A descriptive survey design was utilized to execute the study. The population for the study was 2280 pregnant women attending ANC in General Hospitals in Delta State diagnosed with STIs (January, 2018-December, 2022). The sample for the study comprised 342 randomly selected pregnant women. A structured questionnaire (HSBPWANCCQ) was used for data collection. The HSBPWANCCQ was validated by three experts while its reliability index o.63 was established using Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficient. Mean () and standard deviation (SD) were used to answer the research questions whereas ANOVA was used to test the hypothesis. Finding showed that there was very high level HSBs among the studied group (=2.41: SD=0.94). Nulliipara (=2.53: SD=0.95) had the highest HSB among all the categories of women. ANOVA revealed that parity made no statistically significant difference in the HSBs of pregnant women infected with STIs in Delta State (p-value=0.990 >0.05 alpha level of significance). Based on the findings a sustained enlightenment of pregnant women on the need to always seek appropriate treatment for STIs was recommended.

Factors Influencing Readiness to Seek Medical Care in the Event of Illness Among Hohoe Residents in Ghana

Veronica O Charles-Unadike — 2025-06-19

Background: Optimal health plays a significant role in enhancing one's quality of life, empowering individuals to actively engage in productive endeavors for wealth generation. Recently, the unhealthy lifestyles of individuals resulting from their healthcare-seeking behavior have gained significant attention in research circles, both at the national and international levels, as this issue has become a central concern for healthcare stakeholders worldwide. This study evaluated the factors influencing readiness to seek medical care in the event of illness among residents in Ghana.

Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was employed in this study. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to sample 400 study participants. Data were collected with a paper-based questionnaire, coded and entered into Epi-Data version 4.6.0.2. Data analysis was carried out in STATA V.16.0.

Results: From our study, 193 (48.2%) participants expressed readiness to seek medical care in the event of illness. Our findings further revealed that participants who were educated to the tertiary level, participants who have private health insurance cards and the usage of traditional treatment were key influencers of readiness to seek medical care [aOR = 4.2 (95% CI: 1.73–10.25), p=0.002], [aOR = 8.8 (95% CI: 2.62–29.41), p=0.000], and [aOR = 1.73 (95% CI: 1.10–2.70), p=0.016] respectively.

Conclusion: Conclusively, our findings emphasize the complex interplay of individual, cultural, and structural factors in shaping healthcare-seeking behavior. Addressing these factors through targeted interventions and policies can enhance healthcare utilization, reduce health disparities, and ultimately contribute to the overall well-being and socio-economic development of the community and the country at large.

Challenges of Nigerian Healthcare Services

Dorothy Ifeyinwa Ugwu — 2025-06-19

Healthcare system in Nigeria has suffered numerous challenges since inception. Successive governments in Nigeria have made concerted efforts, at various stages of development, to strengthen and achieve quality healthcare system that would ensure effective health promotion for the citizens. These include policies, national health conferences, national health insurance schemes and reforms. These notwithstanding, the health sector are still currently trailed by a lot of challenges, which have made healthcare delivery inadequate, unavailable, inaccessible and unaffordable to many Nigerian citizens. This paper discussed the challenges of Nigerian healthcare services and suggested a call for a system reform for effective health promotion. The paper identified and discussed some key challenges such as problems of policy implementation, financing, workforce, limited institutional capacity, lack of political will, workers’ industrial actions and corruption. The paper equally discussed the various interventions made by successive government of Nigeria, at various stages of development, to strengthen healthcare system. It also highlights the gaps that still exist, which hinder the provision of quality healthcare services in the country, in spite of all the interventions made so far by the Nigerian government. Furthermore, the paper reviewed and interrogated different initiatives and strategies adopted by other countries, with the view to drawing strength from these strategies to make further reforms to address the current myriad of challenges besetting Nigerian healthcare system. Some objectives and strategies were suggested for a further reform.

Knowledge and Prevention Practices of Human Papillomavirus in Promoting Public Health Education among Undergraduate Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Chioma Precious Alozie — 2025-06-19

This study investigated the knowledge and prevention of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in Promoting Public Health Education among Undergraduate Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. A descriptive survey design was employed for the study. The population comprised of 48, 271 students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University. The sample size comprised of 450 students selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Three research questions guided the study, and an Instrument titled "Knowledge and Prevention of HPV in Promoting Public Health Education among Undergraduate Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University” was used for the study. An 18- item structured questionnaire was used for this study. Kuder-Richardson was the statistic used to measure the internal consistency of the instrument. The result yielded the coefficient of 0.89. Data obtained were analyzed using frequency and percentage. The major findings show that undergraduates have a moderate knowledge of HPV, which is the gap that needs to be filled in this research, because adequate knowledge of HPV can reduce the prevalence of the infection. Another major finding was that students have a poor knowledge of the health implications of HPV as well as its preventive strategies. Implications of the findings were indicated, that students should refrain from smoking since it raises the risk of cervical cancer. They should undergo a pap test every three years for women aged 21 to 29 and every five years with HPV co-testing for women between 30 and 65. HPV Vaccination is recommended for boys and girls aged 11and 12 years.

Influence of Diabetes Prevention Education Program and Geographic Location on T2DM Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Retirees in Enugu

Ogechi Gift Onyedi — 2025-06-19

Diabetes mellitus (DM) presents a significant public health challenge globally, and Nigeria is not an exception, with an increasing prevalence particularly among retirees who may face lifestyle changes and increased susceptibility to chronic conditions. This paper investigates the influence of diabetes prevention education programs and geographic location on T2DM among retirees in Enugu State. The study utilizes the quasi experimental research design. Specifically, the pre-test – post-test non randomized control group design was adopted. Three specific objectives with corresponding research questions and null hypotheses guided the study. The population for the study comprised 10,779 of all the registered retirees in Enugu State Public service. A total of 78 retirees constituted the sample for the study. The instrument for data collection was the researcher designed- structured questionnaire titled: Influence of Diabetes Prevention Education Program and Geographic Location on T2DM Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Practice Questionnaire (DPEPLDKAPQ)” The reliability indices of r= 0.63, and r= 0.75 were obtained. The split half method with Spearman- Brown Correction formula was used to measure knowledge and preventive practice. Cronbach’s alpha statistical tool was used to determine the reliability coefficient that measured attitude. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer research questions while t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The findings showed that the mean T2DM knowledge scores of urban retirees exposed were higher, while the mean T2DM attitude and practice scores of rural retirees exposed were higher. In addition, there was no significance influence of location and diabetes prevention education programe in the mean T2DM KAP scores of retirees in Enugu state(= 6.49;SD=3.07) and rural (=5.40;SD 2.75); t (76) = 1.522, p= 0.132),(urban, .1.88, SD= 0.53; rural, = 2.05,SD= 0.54; t (78) = - 1.301, p= 0.197) and (urban =; SD = 1.66, rural, = 3.61, SD =1.27; t = 2.138, p=0.055). This implies that diabetes prevention education program and location was not effective in improving T2DM KAP scores of retirees. Based on the findings, it was recommended that there is a need for more public health educational interventions and essential health care services to be taken to the rural and urban population to improve knowledge, attitude and practice of T2DM (KAP).

Knowledge of Ethnobotany, Conservaton and Health Benefits of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables Species among Pregnant Women Attending Health Centers in Ondo West Local Government Area, Ondo State

Joshua Oriola Oluwafemi — 2025-06-19

The study investigated the knowledge of ethno-botany, conservation and health benefits of indigenous leafy vegetables species among pregnant women attending health centers in Ondo West Local Government Area, Ondo State. Three specific objectives with three corresponding research questions and two null hypothesies guided the study. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study.The population for the study was 3,500 pregnant women attending the healthcare centers in the study area. The proportionate sampling techniques was used to select 420 pregnant women. The Instrument for data collection was the researcher designed “Knowledge of Ethno-botany, Conservation and Health Benefits of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables Species Questionnaire”. Frequencies and percentages were used to answer all the research questions while chi- square statistic were used to test null hypotheses at 0.05. The findings revealed that pregnant women possessed (AK) average knowledge (57.1%) and (HK) high knowledge (70.2%) of ethno-botany of indigenous leafy vegetables. Chi-square statistic indicated that there was no significant different in the knowledge of ethno-botany and conservation of indigenous leafy vegetables among pregnant women based on the level of education and age. The study recommended that child bearing women and pregnant women needed to be educated on the importance of knowledge of ethnobotany, conservation and health benefits involved in the consumptions of indigenous leafy Vegetables and frequent antinatal visits during pregnancy so that they can have more knowledge on their nutritional health status in order to give birth to healthy baby.

Gender Disparities in the Impact of Moderate-Intensity Interval Training and Continuous Training on Fitness Levels and Body Mass Index in Bayelsa State

Tinimotei Stephen Leghemo — 2025-06-19

The study investigated gender disparities in the impact of moderate-intensity interval and continuous training on Fitness Level and Body Mass Index (BMI) of Sports Club Members in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. The study was guided by two objectives, two research questions, and two hypotheses. A randomized pretest-posttest control group design was employed, with pretests administered to both control and experimental groups to measure BMI. The experimental groups underwent 12 weeks of moderate intensity interval and continuous training, followed by a posttest for all groups. The population of the study comprised all 987 registered sports club members in Niger Delta University. One hundred and twenty Sports Club Members in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State (59 males and 61 females) were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups using the fish bowl method. Data collection instruments included a Stadiometer (SECA 217) and an Omron Karda Scan Body Composition Monitor (HBF-511), both of which were standardized. Reliability coefficients for BMI was r = .69 for males and r = .80 for females, respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Version 26, with descriptive statistics (Mean, Standard Deviation) used to answer research questions and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to test hypotheses at a 0.05 alpha level. Findings revealed that there is no significant difference in the effect of moderate intensity interval and continuous training on the Body Mass Index (BMI) of male and female Sports Club Members in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. The authors recommended that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) should provide funding for sports clubs in tertiary institutions to enhance access to fitness programs that include moderate intensity interval and continuous training.

Perceived Factors Associated with Measles of Under-five Children among Reproductive Age Mothers in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria

Mgbo Okeke Kalu — 2025-06-19

The study investigated perceived factors associated with measles of under-five children among reproductive age mothers in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. The cross-sectional research design was utilized. The study population consisted of 51,655 reproductive age mothers (15 – 49years) in the study area. A sample of 400 reproductive age mothers was drawn using simple random and convenience sampling techniques. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Mean, standard deviation and One-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for data analyses. Findings revealed that mothers agreed on all the listed perceived factors associated with measles of under-five children with a cluster ( = 3.49). Reproductive age mothers irrespective of their age agreed that all the listed items were the perceived factors associated with measles of under five children: 15 – 24 year ( = 3.53); 25 – 34 years ( = 3.49); 35 -44 years ( = 3.48); and those 45 years and above ( = 3.46). Also, mothers irrespective of their level of education agreed that the items were perceived factors associated with measles of under-five children: primary education ( = 3.48); secondary education ( = 3.44); and tertiary education ( = 3.51). Age was significantly associated with factors associated with measles of under-five children (p < .05) while level of education was not (p > .05). The authors recommend the need to ensure that preventive actions such as immunization, isolation of infected persons and exclusive breastfeeding should be regularly practiced

Nutrition and Health Education

Augustina Chikaodili Isabu — 2025-06-19

Nutrition refers to the study of what food does to the body and is concerned primarily with the part played by nutrients in the body growth, development and health maintenance. Adequate nutrition plays key roles in the health and well-being of humanity. The importance of proper nutrition to good health therefore cannot be overemphasized. Little wonder that the World Health Organization places much emphasis on proper nutrition as basic to the attainment of set goals towards attaining health for all citizens of the world in the year 2020 and beyond. Attainment of healthy, thriving lives and well-being which is free from preventable diseases, disabilities, and premature death are possible with proper nutrition. Attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3 is also possible with effective nutrition health education. Nutrition education entails breaking down a large body of nutritional knowledge into small, individual components that are presented to clients at a rate and level, to which they are able to absorb and use the information to form and reinforce healthy dietary habits. The role of the Nurse in nutritional health education is of key importance. Nurses’ role as care giver, teacher, patients’ advocate and patients care coordinator enables opportunity for nutrition health education. The Nurse uses diet therapy and nutrition heath education among other therapies to manage clients in health and illness conditions. The implication is that there is therefore need for adequate educational preparation of the Nurse in that regards to influence and impact nutrition health education for positive health outcomes and the subsequent achievement of vision 2030.

Awareness and Perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding as Birth Control Measure amongst Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Joy-Telu Hamilton-Ekeke — 2025-06-19

The study investigates rural pregnant women’s perception and understanding of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) as not just important in a child’s early development but also as a birth control measure. The research design was a case study as only one health facility was studied. The population for the study was all the women attending antenatal clinic in Fangbe Community of Bayelsa State in the month of March 2024; and they were 83 women. All the 83 women indicated willingness to be involved in the study (therefore, the population equal the sample size of the study). This study employed a quantitative research method of data collection on the awareness and perception of EBF as a birth control method. The instrument was questionnaire titled Questionnaire on Awareness and Perception of Exclusive Breastfeeding (QAPEBF) that was read out to the participants and their responses were filled in by the researchers. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach’s Alpha and a coefficient of 0.81 was obtained. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage. Findings revealed that most of the participants demonstrated high awareness of the importance of breastfeeding as they were able to highlight the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for infant health and maternal well-being, but there exists a gap in their awareness of its contraceptive efficacy. The authors recommended that the potential for exclusive breastfeeding to delay the return of normal ovarian function needs to be emphasized in educational programmes used in educating expectant mothers during their antenatal classes.

Personal Hygiene Practices among Senior Secondary School Students in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State

Nwamaka A. Elom — 2025-06-19

Health issues related to poor personal hygiene practices in the schools are on the increase. Therefore, this study focused on personal hygiene practices among senior secondary school students in Ezza South Local Government of Ebonyi State. The study was guided by four purposes of the study, four research questions and three hypotheses. The study adopted descriptive survey research. The population of this study consisted of all the 35,236 SS1 and SS2 students in Government Schools in Ezza South Local Government Areas. The sample size of 199 determines using Taro Yamane formula participated in the study. However, multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted to draw the participants. The instrument for data collection was self-developed structured questionnaire entitled: Personal Hygiene Practices Questionnaire (PHPQ). Cronbach Alpha procedure was used to determine the reliability of the instrument and overall reliability coefficient r=0.83 was obtained. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer all the research questions. Furthermore, t-test statistic was used to test all the hypotheses. The entire hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance The study found that Senior secondary school students in Ezza South Local Government Area had poor personal hygiene practices 2.43±0.36), Both male (2.40 ±0.36) and female (2.46±0.35) secondary school students in Ezza south Local Government in Ebonyi State had poor personal hygiene practices. Secondary school students age 14-15years (2.41±0.36) and 16years and above (2.44±0.36) had poor personal hygiene practices in Ezza South Local Government Area. Both SS1 (2.43±0.43) and SS2 (2.42±0.31) Government secondary school students in Ezza South Local Government Area had poor personal hygiene practices. Furthermore, There were no significant differences in the level of personal hygiene practices among senior secondary schools in Ezza South Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State by gender (t-val=1.283, p-val=0.201),age(t-val=0.459,P=0.674) and class level (t-val=0.266,P=0.799). The study concluded that senior secondary school students in Ezza South Local Government Area had poor personal hygiene practices. The study recommended among others that attention should be given to the monitoring of personal hygiene practices of secondary school students both males, females ages and all the class level by health educators in the schools.

Availability and Utilization of Maternal Health Care Services among Women in Selected Rural Communities in South-South Nigeria

Doubrapade Walker — 2025-06-19

Pregnant mothers are at risk of several life-threatening complications. Maternal health care services are provided for early detection and prevention of these complications. This study was aimed at investigating the availability and utilization of maternal health care services among women of child bearing age in some rural communities in south-south Nigeria. The cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted for this study, that lasted for 4 months, between February and June, 2024. Five research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The sample size of 1,794 women was used for the study. The multi-stage sampling procedure was used for the study. A 20-item self-structured questionnaire was used for the study. The questionnaire consisted of sections A and B. Section A, sought data on personal data while, section B is for the study variables. The face and content validity of the instrument was established by three health education experts. The valid questionnaire was tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha and a reliability coefficient of 0.84 established, making the instrument reliable to elicit the required data. The data collected were analyzed and presented in tables with mean and standard deviation. The three hypotheses were tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistics tools at 0.05 level of significance. From the study results, it was concluded that maternal health care services availability was low and the level of utilization was moderate. Occupation, educational status, and marital status had influence on the utilization of maternal health care services. Based on the conclusion it was recommended among others that, a policy framework be established by government at all levels that will enable rural women access maternal health services when needed.

Utilization of Family Planning Methods among Women Accessing Maternal and Child Health Care Services in Kogi State

Sarah Ngukuran Burbwa — 2025-06-19

The study investigated utilization of family planning methods among women accessing maternal and child health care services in Kogi State. The study was guided by three research questions and two hypotheses. The cross-sectional descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population of the study comprised all the 9,528 women who registered and access maternal and child health care services in 86 healthcare centers in Kogi State. A sample size of 476 women representing 5 per cent of the total study population was drawn using the multi-stage sampling procedure. A valid and reliable self-developed Utilization of Family Planning Methods Questionnaire (UFPMQ) was used for data collection. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while the hypotheses were tested using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and a sample independent t-test statistics at .05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed moderate extent of utilization of barrier methods (=2.65 1.10); natural methods (=2.57 1.03) and hormonal methods (=2.51 1.02) among women accessing maternal and child health care services in Kogi State. The findings further showed that those 33-49years had higher mean scores ( =2.69. SD =0.77) than 15-32years ( =2.66, SD= 1.10), 14years and below=2.58, SD= 1.16), and 50years and above ( =2.56, SD=1.11); Location (Urban =2.87, SD= 1.26) and low extent of (rural =2.01, SD= 1.15) in utilization of family planning methods in Kogi State. There was a significant difference in the extent of utilization of family planning methods among the women in Kogi State based on: age (F_(3,456)=394.92, p<0.000); and location (t-cal=-20.37, p<0.000). However, health workers should consider age and rural location in the course of education on family planning methods to strengthen utilization and reduce maternal mortality and improve child spacing.

Availability and Utilization of School Health Services in Primary Schools in Agbani Education Zone, Enugu State

Ifeoma Hope Ugwu — 2025-06-19

The study investigated the availability and utilization of school health services in primary schools in Agbani Education Zone, Enugu State. The cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. The population for the study consisted of 6,696 primary school teachers in all the 635 primary schools in Agbani Education Zone. The sample size was 400 primary school teachers drawn using the multi-stage sampling procedure. The instruments used for data collection were School Health Services Availability Checklist (SHSAC) and Utilization of School Health Services in Primary Schools Questionnaire (USHSPSQ). Frequency, and chi-square statistics were used for data analysis. The results revealed that school health services are available in the urban primary schools (63.6%) more than the rural primary schools. School health services are available in private primary schools (68.8%) more than public primary schools (43.5%). School health services are utilized in rural primary schools (53.0%) more than urban primary schools (48.9%) School health services are utilized in private primary school (62.3%) more than public primary schools (44.8%). There is no significant difference in the available school health services in primary schools in Agbani Education Zone based on school location (=.591, df=1, p=.442> 0.05) and school ownership (=.425, df=1, p=.119>0.05). There was a significant difference in the utilized school health services by primary school pupils in Agbani Education Zone based on school ownership (=10.068, df=1, p=0.02<0.05). School health educators and other relevant stakeholders should enlighten school administrators on the importance of implanting school health services into the school plan.

Correlation between Anthropometric Indices and Fasting Blood Glucose Levels among Adults in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State Nigeria

Uchechukwu Benedict Onwusukwu — 2025-06-19

To establish effective diabetes and obesity preventive and management methods in Nigeria, it is imperative to comprehend the link between anthropometric indices and fasting blood glucose level. The relationship may be influenced by Nigerians' distinct genetic composition and environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle, indicating the need for research to offer more thorough insights into the precise factors that lead to the development of diabetes especially in the local context. This correlational study examined the correlation between the anthropometric indices (Body Mass Index [BMI], waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]) and blood glucose levels among adults in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area (LGA), Imo State, Nigeria, and also explored the socio-demographic factors associated with elevated blood sugar. The population of the study was 194,779. A multiple-stage sampling procedure was used to draw 420 respondents that filled out the survey questionnaire (containing individual anthropometric and clinical measurements). Data were analyzed using frequency and percentage, Spearman’s correlation coefficient (), and other non-parametric tests (Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests). Findings revealed significant moderate positive correlations between anthropometric indices and blood glucose levels, with BMI (=0.310, p=0.001) showing a slightly stronger relationship than WHR ( =0.245, p=0.002). A significant association was found between BMI categories and WHR risk levels (p=0.005). Gender differences in blood glucose levels were significant (p=0.035), with females showing higher levels. Family history of diabetes was significantly associated with elevated blood glucose (p=0.011). These findings demonstrate the significance of anthropometric measurements in diabetes risk assessment. The results obtained from this study could greatly enhance Nigeria's public health initiatives. By clearly defining the correlation between blood glucose and anthropometric indices in Aboh Mbaise LGA, the study would help design focused screening initiatives to identify individuals who are at risk of acquiring diabetes or are obese.

Attitude Towards Delivery through Caesarean Section among Reproductive Age Women in Imo State

Aloysius Munachim Ohaja — 2025-06-19

Most pregnant women do accept caesarean section at the point of death leading to maternal mortality highest rate and neonatal mortality. This study investigated attitude towards delivery through caesarean section among reproductive age women in Imo State. The study was guided by one research questions and two hypotheses. Cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The population of the study was 1,056,308 reproductive age women in Imo State. The sample size for this study was 504 reproductive age women which was selected using multi-stage sampling procedure. Structured questionnaire entitled: Attitude towards Caesarean Section Questionnaire (ACSQ) was used as instrument for data collection. Cronbach alpha computation was used to determine the reliability of the instrument and the instrument had reliability coefficient (r=0.70). The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for the research questions while t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to test the hypotheses. The study found that reproductive age women had negative attitude towards delivery through caesarean section in Imo State (2.80±0.52). Both 15-34years (2.87±0.53) and 35years and above (2.72±0.51), those with Non formal education (2.82±0.48), Primary education (2.76±0.53), Secondary education (2.92±0.50), Tertiary education (2.93±0.54) had negative attitude towards delivery through caesarean section in Imo State. Furthermore, there were significance differences in the attitudes towards delivery through caesarean sections among reproductive age women by age and level of education (p>0.05). The study concluded that reproductive age women in Imo State had negative attitude attitudes towards delivery through caesarean section. Therefore, the researcher recommended among others that Health care workers and health educators should provide health education and proper counseling to reproductive age women using campaigns and sensitization during antenatal period on the need to accept caesarean section if the situation arise.

Contextual Stressors and Help-Seeking Barriers as Predictors of Anxiety Severity among Tertiary Students in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

George Usman Kato — 2025-06-19

This study assessed contextual stressors and help-seeking barriers as predictors of anxiety severity among tertiary students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. The correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study comprised 12,578 students in FCT, Abuja. The multistage sampling procedure was used to draw a sample size of 408 students. Contextual Stressors and Help-Seeking for Anxiety Questionnaire (CSHSBAQ) were used for data collection. The research questions were answered using point-biserial correlation (rbp), while multiple regression was used to test the null hypotheses at .05 alpha level. The findings showed that there were moderate positive relationships between anxiety and students’ social/environmental challenges (rbp = .372), curriculum/academic expectations challenges (rbp = .329), and financial stress (rbp =.368), except for students’ perceived academic achievement (rbp = .254) and time/balance challenges (rbp = .250), that had weak relationship with anxiety severity. Students’ fear of therapy (rbp = .344), fear of self-discovery (rbp =.366), and fear of stigma (rbp = .389) showed positive moderate relationships between anxiety severity and help-seeking barriers. Contextual stressors (social/environment β = 1.091, p < .001; financial stress β = 1.079, p < .001) and help-seeking barriers (fear of therapy β = 0.173, p = .001<.05; fear of self-discovery β = 0.219, p < .001; fear of stigma β = 0.216, p < .001) were significant predictors of anxiety among tertiary students. However, early identification of students at high risk for anxiety and professional help should be made available to the students when needed.

Knowledge of Health Risks and Dietary Control Practices Related to Ultra-processed Food Consumption among Tertiary Students in Nsukka Enugu State, Nigeria

Tochi Emmanuel Iwuagwu — 2025-06-19

The rising consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) among young adults poses significant public health concerns due to their association with chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and certain cancers. This study assessed the knowledge of health risks and dietary control practices related to ultra-processed food consumption among Tertiary Students in Nsukka Enugu State, Nigeria .A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, involving a representative sample of students from selected tertiary institutions. Data were collected using a 22-item structured multiple choice test scale covering Knowledge of Health Risks and Dietary Control Practices Related to Ultra-processed Food Consumption (KHRDCP). A total number of 380 tertiary students drawn using stratified random sampling technique participated. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage, and inferential statistics of chi-square statistics (p≤.05) were used for analyses. The results revealed that tertiary students had high knowledge of health risks (65.3%) and adopted good dietary control practices (96.1%) related to ultra-processed food consumption. Gender was significantly associated with the knowledge of health risks and dietary control practices of ultra-processed food consumption (p<.05). Year of study was not significantly associated with the knowledge of health risks and dietary control practices of ultra-processed food consumption (p>.05). The study underscores the need for targeted nutrition education and the promotion of healthy eating environments within tertiary institutions. These findings can inform policies and intervention programmes aimed at reducing UPF consumption and improving dietary habits among tertiary students in Nigeria.