NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH PROMOTION

Socio-Demographic Characteristics in Relation to the Knowledge of Prostate Cancer Risk Factors and Preventive Measures among Male Civil Servants in Enugu State Nigeria

Ibrahim Umar — 2026-01-07

Prostate cancer is a major health problem affecting middle-aged and elderly men across the globe. Despite the efforts made in prostate cancer awareness and prevention, the disease metastasis is still unresolved. This study assessed socio-demographic characteristics in relation to the knowledge of prostate cancer risk factors and preventive measures among male civil servants in Enugu State Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October, 2025 at various government establishments in Enugu State. A total number of 600 male civil servants participated. Data collection was done using self-structured Knowledge of Risk Factors and Preventive Measures for Prostate Cancer Scale. Descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, and multivariate logistic regression were used for analyses. The findings reveal that overall, male civil servants in the study had good knowledge (50.0%) of risk factors and poor knowledge (57.5%) of preventive measures for prostate cancer in Enugu State South-East Nigeria. Level of education, place of residence, marital status, age, and annual income (p<.05) were statistically significantly associated with prostate cancer risk factors and preventive measures knowledge of male civil servants. This research proves that good risk factors and preventive measures knowledge of prostate cancer can help to reduce the incidence of the disease and the associated socio-demographic factors. However, Ministry of Health at national and State levels, health programme planners, health educators, and professionals should promote information dissemination on the risk factors and preventive measures of prostate cancer that would enhance further awareness and knowledge of prostate cancer among male civil servants.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Preventive Measures of Lassa Fever among Healthcare Professionals in Health Facilities in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State

Chuka Mackson Jones — 2026-01-07

Lassa fever (LF) has become an endemic disease of public health concern, in West African countries, Nigeria inclusive. This study investigated knowledge, attitude and preventive measures of Lassa fever among healthcare professionals in health facilities in Nsukka LGA, Enugu State. Four research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. The cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study consisted of 1,434 healthcare professionals in all the 44 primary health centres in Nsukka LGA, Enugu State. The sample size used in the study consisted of 480 healthcare professionals drawn using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Measures of Lassa Fever Questionnaire (KAPMLFQ) was used for data collection. 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 overall, a high proportion of health professionals possessed knowledge of Lassa fever, had positive attitude towards Lassa fever and a high proportion adopted preventive measures of Lassa fever. There was no significant difference in the proportion of healthcare professionals that possess knowledge of Lassa fever in health facilities in Nsukka LGA, Enugu State based on age. However, the authors recommended that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with local government health departments, should organize regular outreach programmes in rural and underserved communities. These programmes should focus on Lassa fever prevention, targeting healthcare professionals who may have limited access to ongoing training.

Temporal and Spatial Epidemiology of Monkey Pox (Mpox)

Solomon Barnabas Butswat — 2026-01-07

The re-emergence of monkey pox virus has become a global public health concern, prompting the World Health Organization to declare it a public health emergency. This study investigated the cumulative incidence of monkey pox in Plateau State, Nigeria, examining transmission routes and enabling factors, thereby providing policy makers and public health professionals the necessary epidemiological data to prevent future incidence cases as well as mitigate the current prevalence of monkey pox virus. Surveillance data were obtained from the Plateau State Ministry of Health across all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) for the period January to December 2022. Using the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) reporting system for immediate case notification, all monkey pox cases (both suspected and confirmed) were captured from reporting health facilities. Data collected included epidemiological case numbers, patient demographics (age and sex), reporting health facility details, geographic location (ward and LGA), dates of symptom onset and reporting, case classification status, clinical outcomes, and presenting symptoms. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and proportions were calculated, with results presented through tables, charts, and maps using the R version 4.5.2 software. Between January and December 2022, 118 suspected mpox cases were reported, of which 16 (13.6%) tested positive. The confirmed cases were distributed across six LGAs: Jos North (62.50%), Jos South (12.50%), Bassa (6.25%), Shendam (6.25%), Mangu (6.25%), and Pankshin (6.25%). The overall incidence rate was 2.6 per 100,000 population with a case fatality rate of 0%. The male-to-female ratio was 1.1:1, with the 0-19 years age group most affected. September recorded the highest number of cases. Monkey pox remains a public health concern in Plateau State. Enhanced surveillance systems and community engagement are crucial for early detection and containment. Access to vaccines and treatments may reduce morbidity and mortality in affected areas, particularly in Plateau State.

Socio-Cultural Barriers to Community Participation in Environmental Sanitation among Urban Residents in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Kenneth Chimena Sunday — 2026-01-07

A clean and healthy environment is essential for sustainable urban living, yet community participation in environmental sanitation remains limited in many developing cities due to cultural and social constraints. This study investigated socio-cultural barriers to community participation in environmental sanitation among residents in Port Harcourt Metropolis. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data from a sample of 615 residents using a validated a self-structured questionnaire which has a reliability coefficient of 0.89. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation, alongside inferential statistics of regression were employed in data analysis. Findings revealed that the overall level of community participation in environmental sanitation was moderate (aggregate mean = 2.52, SD = 1.10) and that socio-cultural barriers moderately hindered participation (mean = 2.39, SD = 0.83). Additionally, weak involvement of traditional and religious leaders and entrenched gender norms were identified as contributing factors that limit collective participation. The regression analysis confirmed that socio-cultural variables significantly predicted community participation in environmental sanitation (R² = 0.218, F = 19.74, p < 0.05), although gender differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.317). Based on these findings, the study concludes that socio-cultural beliefs, gender roles, and lack of traditional leadership involvement contribute to the moderate level of participation in environmental sanitation in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Finally, the study recommended among others that government agencies and local leaders integrate cultural and religious institutions in sanitation awareness campaigns.

Perceived Impact of Women’s Education Level on Maternal Health Service Utilization among Married Nursing Mothers in Okigwe Zone of Imo State, Nigeria

Emmanuel Obinna Ogueri — 2026-01-07

The study examined the perceived impact of women’s education on the maternal health outcome among expectant mothers in Okigwe zone of Imo State. Three hypotheses based on the following variables: antenatal care services, use of skilled birth attendants, and awareness and management of pregnancy-related complications were raised and tested. A cross-sectional survey design was employed for the study. Population of the study comprised of all expectant mothers attending antenatal care services in Okigwe Zone. The study sample consisted of 365 participants selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was reviewed and validated by three experts in public health education, and their feedbacks led to necessary modifications in language clarity, question relevance and construct alignment. The instrument was trial-tested on 20 expectant mothers at different hospital not included in the study sample. The internal consistency reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha, which yielded a coefficient of 0.82. Data analysis was done using frequency, percentage, Pearson correlation (r), and chi-square statistics set at .05 alpha level. The results showed all the three hypotheses were statistically significant. The results were obtained: antenatal care services (p < .05); skilled attendants (p < .05) and awareness and management of pregnancy-related complications (r = 0.74). The study proves that education is a key determinant of maternal health, influencing women’s knowledge, empowerment, and access to healthcare. However, Government and agencies should institute deliberate long term measures to improve girl child education, especially maternal education in order to improve on reproductive health indicators among other aspects.