Independent Sample T-test Analysis Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Graphic Organizers in Fostering the Learning of Chemical Bonding in Chemistry

Graphic Organizers are visual and graphic display that illustrates the correlations between facts, terms, and ideas with a learning task. Integrating Graphic Organizers can enhance the efficiency of the teacher's delivery of lessons and students' learning. However, no study had been conducted in using graphic organizers in the process of teaching and learning. Therefore, this explanatory mixed-method study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Graphic Organizers in teaching Chemical Bonding to grade nine (n=98) students in Samtse Dzongkhag, Bhutan. The study's main objective was to compare the academic achievement of the control group (n=53) and experimental group (n=45) and also to investigate students' and teachers' (n=6) perceptions of using Graphic Organizers in teaching and learning Chemistry over four weeks. Learning achievement tests (pre-test and post-test), semi structured interviews, and survey questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data and qualitative data. The independent sample t-test analysis of the post-test scores revealed a statistically significant difference between the control group and the experimental group with a mean difference value of 1.17 (p=0.017), indicating that the use of Graphic Organizers improved the students' learning achievement which was also reflected in the qualitative data gathered through interview and survey questionnaire. As a result, this study strongly suggests the use of graphic Organizers as a teaching and learning tool to improve students' academic performance in Chemistry.

대학 전공트랙제 기반 융합전공자의 전공적응 지원을 위한 비교과 교육요구 분석: H대학의 제2트랙을 중심으로

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the major adjustment and educational needs of students in convergence majors, and to suggest directions for the operation of educational programs aimed at major adjustment. Methods This study surveyed 83 students in convergence majors at H-University in Seoul, focusing on their major satisfaction, major adjustment, and educational needs for their major. For data analysis, the mean and standard deviation were calculated using the SPSS 22.0 statistical program. In addition, an independent sample t-test and univariate analysis of variance were conducted to confirm differences between groups. Results The results showed that, first, the students in convergence majors were generally satisfied with their major. second, major adjustment to the major track was high, satisfaction with course selection and goal orientation was high, but career decision confidence and support from the academic environment was relatively low. Third, in terms of extra-curricular requirements for adapting to the second major, students would like to have one to two hours of lectures, practical workshops and mentoring during the semester from industry or professional lecturers directly related to the second major. Conclusions The study will contribute to establishing a foundation for improving both curricular and extracurricular offerings for convergence major students.

Problem-based learning and problem solving model: which is more effective in improving student learning achievement?

Identifying the syntax of student learning experiences in learning models helps lecturers be more selective in determining the relevance of learning models and student learning achievements that lecturers have previously formulated. This research aims to determine the increase in student learning achievement, using the problem-based learning (PBL) learning model and the problem-solving (PS) learning model, testing the differences in the application of the PBL and PS models on student learning achievement, and finding out which learning model is more effective in improving Student learning outcomes in sports sociology courses. This research is a quasi-experimental research with a pre-test-post-test non-equivalent comparison-group design. The research sample consisted of 60 students (30 PBL and 30 PS groups) taking sports sociology courses. The research instrument includes ten learning achievement essay test questions developed from critical thinking indicators. The data was analyzed descriptively, testing differences using the independent sample t-test and N-Gain analysis to see the effectiveness of the PBL and PS models on student learning achievements. The research results prove an increase in learning achievement for both groups using PBL and PS. Meanwhile, from the results of statistical tests, there are significant differences in learning achievement between the PBL and PS groups. Furthermore, from the results of the N-Gain test, it turns out that PBL is more effective in improving student learning achievement than the PS model. Keywords: Problem-based learning, problem solving, learning achievement, sport sociology

Added Advantages of DWI MR Imaging and ADC Mapping in the Diagnosis of Active Sacroiliitis of Axial Seronegative SpA

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping in diagnosing active sacroiliitis in patients with axial seronegative spondyloarthropathy (SpA). Material and Methods: This prospective study comprised 26 patients with MR imaging detected active sacroiliitis categorised as a case group, and compared them with healthy controls. ADC value measurements were obtained from the sacral and iliac sides of the bilateral S.I. joints in each case and control group. Independent samples t-test, Chi-square test, and ROC curve analysis were used. Result: Twenty-six patients had active sacroiliitis in 45 S.I. joints, unilateral active sacroiliitis was observed in seven patients (26.9%), bilateral symmetrical in three patients (11.5%) and bilateral asymmetrical in 16 patients (61.5%). The mean ADC value was 1.447 ± 0.528 [SD] × 10–3 mm 2 /s in the right S.I. joint and 1.630 ± 0.441 [SD] × 10–3 mm 2 /s in the left S.I. joint in active sacroiliitis (case group). The mean ADC value of the right S.I. joint was 0.965 ± 0.123 [SD] × 10–3 mm 2 /s and the left S.I. joint was 0.967 ± 0.96 [SD] × 10–3 mm 2 /s in inactive sacroiliitis (control group). A significant difference was observed statistically between the active sacroiliitis and the inactive sacroiliitis with a P < .0005. A cut-off mean ADC value of 1.034 ×10–3 mm 2 /s was obtained for differentiating active sacroiliitis from inactive sacroiliitis with a sensitivity of 84.6% and specificity of 84.6% from the ROC curve analysis. Conclusion: Diffusion-weighted MRI imaging with ADC value mapping acts as a sensitive diagnostic technique in the detection of active sacroiliitis in axial seronegative spondyloarthropathies and also helps in assessing the treatment response.

IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

The study was conducted to investigate the impact of mental health and well-being on academic performance of university students. Quantitative research design was adopted for the study. The sample of study comprised 300 university students from both private and public sector universities. A random sampling technique was used to select the study sample. Data was collected by a self-constructed questionnaire designed on a 5-point Likert scale. Experts validated the tool's content. Data analysis was done through SPSS, version 22, including independent frequency distribution, sample t-test, ANOVA, and regression analysis. The results of study offer significant information that showed that mental health and well-being significantly impacted the academic performance of university students. Thus, based on conclusion of study, it was recommended that a great focus on judgment and improvement of missing areas of the students' mental health should be considered by universities, their faculties, and their parents. Moreover, this study may open new interdisciplinary horizons for the future researchers by merging education and psychology to consider the different issues in a tailor-made format.

Effect of Collaborative Pre-Task Planning on the Writing Production of Arab EFL Learners in a Blended Task-Based Environment

Pre-task planning (PTP) has received scant attention in L2 writing and task-based research, especially pertaining to its effect on the writing production of intermediate, school L2 learners. This study examines mainly the influence of implementing guided, collaborative PTP on the writing production of Arab EFL learners within blended, task-based environment. Following a mixed methods experimental design, intermediate L2 learners were distributed in planning and no-planning groups and conducted a pre- and post-test to enable the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. The students composed a number of argumentative essays over a 10-week period, which were analyzed for complexity, accuracy, fluency, ideational content, and lexical richness. Results from independent samples t-test and univariant analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated several significant differences between participants’ performance on the post-test compared to the pre-test but with differential effects in terms of the five measures. Analyses revealed that PTP didn’t promote all the measures simultaneously, but it reduced the demands placed on writers’ attentional resources and, in turn, alleviated the problems they faced in their L2 writing production. Qualitative result confirmed the statistical results and showed that writers in the planning condition, in comparison to the no-planning group, produced enhanced content planning (idea generation, lexis, and argumentation), improved organization and planning skills, and showed increased motivation, engagement, and self-confidence in blended collaborative mode. The use of data and methodological triangulation offers new insights into the role of PTP in the L2 writing process, especially among intermediate, school learners, and thus contributes to the inconsistent results of previous PTP studies (Ellis, 2021).

Attitudes of sport parents towards children's eating habits

Today, parents have assumed important roles in shaping their children's eating habits in social and daily life. Especially the tendency of parents who do sports to transfer their healthy lifestyles to their children has positive effects on children's eating habits. This study examines the attitudes of parents on this issue and the effects of these attitudes on children's eating habits. In line with the aim of the study, the attitudes of parents who do sports towards their children's eating habits were investigated. The rationale of the study is to focus on how parents' attitudes towards nutrition affect their children's eating habits and the contribution of these attitudes to children's general health and sports performance. The findings of the study show that parents' nutrition attitudes are critical for children to develop a healthy lifestyle. This study was conducted between 2023-2024 and 860 parents and their children participated in the study. The data obtained from the study were collected using a 5-point Likert-type scale form with validity and reliability and analysed with SPSS 22.0 software. Various statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, independent sample t-test, ANOVA, factor and regression analyses were used in the study. The findings obtained at the end of the research show that parents' nutritional attitudes have significant effects on children's eating habits. Parents' attitudes towards healthy eating and physical activity positively affect children's eating habits. Children of parents who do sports develop healthier eating habits, are more active and take part in physical activities. The study reveals that parents' nutritional attitudes contribute to children's general health and sports performance.

WHO LEADS THE PACK? PROFILING SCHOOL LEADERS’ DEMOGRAPHIC BACKGROUNDS FOR INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP PRACTICES IN GHANAIAN PUBLIC BASIC SCHOOLS

The extent to which demographic characteristics of educational heads differentiate their instructional leadership practices has been a contentious matter for several decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the instructional leadership practices of school heads as well as examine the extent to which headteachers’ gender, professional qualification, and work experience differentiated their instructional leadership practices in public basic schools in Ghana. This was a quantitative study underpinned by the positivist paradigm. The study employed the descriptive survey research design where 127 headteachers and 643 teachers were selected through census and proportionate stratified random sampling techniques respectively. The Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale (PIMRS) was adapted from Hallinger and Murphys (1985) and used to collect numerical data for the study which was analysed using descriptive statistics like mean and standard deviation as well as inferential statistics including independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that defining school mission dimension of instructional leadership practice was most prevalent among the headteachers as compared to managing the instructional programme and protecting school climate respectively. Additionally, the findings established that gender accounted for differences among headteachers in promoting a positive school climate where male headteachers rated higher than their female peers. Furthermore, the study established that work experience of the headteachers led to significant differences in defining school mission, managing instructional programme, promoting a positive school climate as well as the overall instructional leadership practice. Therefore, the study concluded that headteachers’ gender matters in promoting a positive climate in the schools while the work experience of the headteachers is a determinant of differences in their instructional leadership practices in the schools. Based on these findings, the study recommended that Ghana Education Service through the Regional and District Directorates of Education should liaise with instructional leadership specialists to organise in-service and refresher training programmes for headteachers on instructional leadership practices so as to sustain, improve, and intensify its practice in public basic schools.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0841/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

The Influence of Digital Literacy by Utilizing YouTube toward Students’ Speaking Ability

Speaking is a complex skill in language learning, influenced by various internal and external factors. Learners often encounter challenges related to motivation, confidence, interest, environment, mother tongue use, and teaching methods. This research investigates the impact of using YouTube as a learning medium to enhance speaking skills in grade XI students at SMAN 1 Kaliwiro. Specifically, the study aims to (1) analyze the influence of digital literacy, facilitated by YouTube, on the speaking abilities of grade XI students and (2) compare the speaking abilities of students taught using YouTube to those taught using traditional methods. A quantitative experimental design was employed, involving 66 students (33 in class XI Science 2 and 33 in class XI Science 3). The school-based oral assessment (SBOA) form measured pre-test and post-test speaking performance. An independent sample t-test analysis was conducted using SPSS to compare the results. The findings reveal that students taught using YouTube demonstrated a moderately effective improvement in speaking skills, as indicated by a Normalized Gain Test score of 64.13 (64%). These results suggest that YouTube can be an effective tool for enhancing speaking abilities in language learners.

Methodological quality of clinical research in endodontics: A cross-sectional comparison between open access and traditional subscription-based journals

Abstract Introduction: Open access (OA) publishing provides the benefits of increased visibility, accessibility, and impact of research findings. Despite the rapidly growing number of OA journals in dentistry, there are rising concerns about their quality. Our aim is to evaluate the methodological quality of clinical endodontic studies published in OA journals and to compare them to traditional subscription (TS) journals from January 2010 to December 2022. Materials and Methods: Clinical endodontic studies published in four journals, two from OA and two from TS categories were included in this review. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool for randomized trials and the methodological index for nonrandomized studies instrument for nonrandomized studies. Data were analyzed with SPSS, utilizing independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for statistical comparisons. Results: A total of 80 articles were included, 40 from each OA and TS journals. The majority of research articles originated from Asia (48.7%) and were primarily focused on endodontic outcomes (47.5%). A significant difference in methodological quality was noted between TS and OA journals (t-test, P = 0.022). TS journals exhibited a higher mean methodological quality score of 1.64 (±0.30) compared to 1.49 (±0.27) of OA journals. Variance in methodological quality scores among journals was also statistically significant (ANOVA, P = 0.002). Conclusion: Clinical studies published in TS journals had higher methodological quality compared to those published in OA journals. Enhancements in peer review may be necessary to ensure appropriate methodological quality in OA publications in endodontics.

Relation between Mindfulness and Post-Earthquake Trauma Levels of Students Who Take and Don’t Take Folk Dance Lesson

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between mindfulness and post-earthquake trauma levels of sports sciences faculty students who take and don’t take folk dance lesson. Mixed models was used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A total of 94 students, 35 women and 59 men, studying at the faculty of sports sciences, participated in this study. Data were collected using the Mindfulness Scale and the Post-Earthquake Trauma Level Determination Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test and Pearson correlation analysis were applied to analyze the data. According to the research results, it was seen that the students were traumatized at a "high" level according to the scores they received from the PETLDS. A significant difference was observed in favor of the students who took folk dance lessons in the affective dimension, one of the sub-dimensions of the post-earthquake trauma scale, in terms of whether the students took folk dance lessons or not and gender variables. It was determined that there was a significant negative relationship between mindfulness scores and post-earthquake trauma scores. Accordingly, it can be said that if university students' mindfulness scores increase, their post-earthquake trauma scores will decrease.

Analisis Komparatif Kinerja Reksadana Saham & Reksadana Indeks Berdasarkan Metode Sharpe, Treynor, dan Jensen

Mutual fund get investors attention cause the risk rate are smaller than the other investment instrument, its because mutual fund are managed by a reliable party on investment called professional management. Different types of mutual funds offer different ranks of risk and return. This study use secondary data and independent sample t-test analysis technique with computer assist program SPSS 13 to compare performance between equity fund that use active management strategies and mutual fund index that use passive management strategies. Test result show that performance between equity fund and mutual fund index measured using sharpe, treynor and jensen methods are don’t have significant performance differences. So investors are free to invest their money on equity fund instrument or mutual fund index, cause its return and risk are similar.

Relationship between nursing students’ global climate change awareness, climate change anxiety and sustainability attitudes in nursing: a descriptive and cross-sectional study

BackgroundAs a major global health threat, climate change is an important issue for nurses who play a pivotal role in health protection and improvement, and in the development of climate-smart healthcare systems. Sustainability attitudes in nursing should be developed together with awareness and concern for climate change.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the relationship between nursing students’ global climate change awareness, climate change anxiety, and sustainability attitudes in nursing.MethodsThis descriptive, correlational study was conducted with 289 nursing students at a state university. Data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Global Climate Change Awareness Scale, the Climate Change Anxiety Scale, and the Sustainability Attitudes in Nursing Survey. Mean and percentage distributions, the Independent Samples t-test, ANOVA test, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The STROBE checklist was used to report this study.ResultsGlobal climate change awareness of the nursing students was at a moderate level, and the levels of climate change anxiety and sustainability attitudes in nursing were above average. There was determined to be a moderate positive correlation between climate change awareness and sustainability attitude in nursing, between anxiety and sustainability attitude in nursing, and between climate change awareness and anxiety. Climate change awareness and anxiety explained 25.1% of the sustainability attitude in nursing.ConclusionsThe study provides evidence of the relationship between nursing students’ global climate change awareness and anxiety, and sustainability attitudes in nursing. It can be recommended that climate change and sustainability awareness-raising content are integrated into the nursing curriculum. The development of a sustainability attitude in nursing will contribute to the development of sustainable and low-carbon healthcare practices.

The Relationship between Sleep Quality and Smartphone Addiction among Adolescents

Introduction: Technological developments have increased the usage of mobile equipment. Using a smartphone became a part of life and accentuated its usage day aftr day especially in adolescent groups. Aim: The study was aimed to examine the relationship between sleep quality and smartphone addiction of adolescents. Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out with 1192 high school students between March and June 2019. Data were collected with the Personal Information Form, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, Smartphone Addiction Scale. The data were evaluated through percentile distributions, means, independent samples t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analyses. Results: The mean age of adolescents was determined to be 15.79 ± 0.96, with the mean total score of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index was 6.05 ± 3.04 and the Smartphone Addiction Scale was 36.01 ± 10.82. Statistically signifiant diffrences were observed among adolescents concerning gender, grade, daily smartphone usage duration, internet accessibility, and the use of smartphones before bedtime, impacting both sleep quality and smartphone addiction (p < 0.05). A positive and meaningful correlation was found between sleep quality and smartphone addiction in adolescents (p < 0.05). Conclusion: As the smartphone addiction increases, sleep quality decreases. Adequate sleep is crucial during the growth spurt period. It is evaluated that early diagnosis and prevention of smartphone addiction in adolescents could make a signifiant contribution to the protection and promotion of adolescent health.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Breast Cancer Awareness and Health Literacy in Female Textile Workers

Introduction: The level of breast cancer awareness among female may vary depending on their level of health literacy. Aim: It was aimed to investigate the relationship between breast cancer awareness and health literacy among female textile workers. Method: This study was a cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of female employed as workers in a textile company. The sample included 360 female workers as participants. The Information Form, the Breast Cancer Awareness Scale, and the Health Literacy Scale are the data collection instruments used in the study. Independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and regression analyses were used to evaluate the data. Results: The results were that 73.6% of the participants did not perform regular breast self-examination, and 55.3% had information on early diagnosis and treatment. Signifiant positive correlations were observed between women's breast cancer awareness and the functional (r = 0.135; p = 0.011), interactive (r = 0.145; p = 0.006), and critical (r = 0.156; p = 0.003) sub-scales of health literacy. According regression analysis to the established model, an increase in health literacy scores corresponded to increased breast cancer awareness, explaining 3.9% of the variation. Conclusion: It was revealed that as the health literacy of working female increases, breast cancer awareness will increase. Therefore, the focus should be on supporting the health literacy of women in the risk group, reaching more women in collective institutions and breast cancer awareness activities.

Occupational stress and associated sources and risk factors among nurses in Gaza strip, Palestine: A cross-sectional survey.

To determine the occurrence of occupational stress among Palestinian nurses, and their associated sources and risk factors. A cross-sectional descriptive design. A total of 250 registered nurses from eight governmental hospitals, using a convenience sampling method. Data collection were conducted using the 30-items self-reported Occupational Stress Scale from December 2022 to March 2023. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were applied to analysis data. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis. The prevalence of high occupational stress levels was 64.8% (Mean = 3.9 out of 5). The main sources of stress are too much responsibility and work, understaffing, lack of promotion and recognition, inadequate pay, time pressure, and management style. The results regression analysis demonstrated that male nurses with a Masters or PhD degree and those working in fixed shifts experienced higher occupational stress. Moreover, participants who worked overtime hours were more susceptible to stress. The research indicates that occupational stress presents a notable challenge for nurses in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. It suggests that in order to alleviate this stress, decision-makers in healthcare policy and hospital management should prioritize the execution of strategies aimed at addressing the primary stressors and risk factors identified. This study adhered to the STROBE guidelines. A total of 250 registered nurses were taken part in this study by answering a self-administered study survey.

Behavior of Using Tax Technology in Tax Volunteers in Jember Regency

This study aims to determine the behavior of using tax technology in tax volunteers in Jember district. This study compares whether there is a difference in the behavior of using tax technology between accounting tax volunteers and non-accounting tax volunteers. The research method used in this study is a quantitative method and the type of data used is primary data in the form of questionnaire results that have been distributed to respondents. The sample in this study is 90 tax volunteers in Jember district with 45 of them accounting tax volunteers and 45 other non-accounting tax volunteers. The data collection technique is purposive sampling. The data analysis methods used were descriptive analysis and independent sample t-test analysis. The results of this study show that there is no difference between accounting tax volunteers and non-accounting tax volunteers regarding the behavior of using tax technology. Further research is expected to be able to examine related to the behavior of using tax technology with a wider object.

Does exercise adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to improved subjective well-being? A cross-sectional study.

This study aims to investigate whether exercise adherence and positive mental character significantly affect subjective well-being among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether positive mental character plays a mediating role. The study employed questionnaires, including the Exercise Adherence Scale, the Positive Mental Character Scale, and the Subjective Well-Being Scale, which were administered to students across seven universities in Henan Province, China. A total of 1,001 participants were analyzed in the final sample. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 for descriptive statistics, independent samples T-test, correlation, and regression analyses. Furthermore, structural equation model with AMOS was conducted to examine the potential mediating effect of positive mental characteristics on the relationship between exercise adherence and subjective well-being. The results indicated significant differences in exercise adherence, positive mental character, and subjective well-being between male and female participants, with males scoring higher in all three domains. Among Chinese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant correlation among exercise adherence, positive mental character, and subjective well-being. Exercise adherence was found to have a significant and positive impact on both positive mental character and subjective well-being. Additionally, it was found that positive mental character had a significant positive association with subjective well-being. The mediating role of positive mental character in the relationship between exercise adherence and subjective well-being was partially supported. Exercise adherence among Chinese college students had a significant positive association on both positive mental character and subjective well-being throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The exercise adherence can directly or indirectly enhance subjective well-being through its association with positive mental character. Therefore, positive mental and subjective well-being can be enhanced by consistent physical activity even during a pandemic.

INVESTIGATION OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ EXPOSURE TO PHUBBING BEHAVIOR

Technological behavioral disorders have become prevalent issues nowadays. Uncontrolled and excessive time spent on the internet, along with the addictive use of mobile phones, brings along problems in social relationships, feelings of deprivation, and situations such as mobile device or technology addiction. The situation of being unable to live without a phone and consciously ignoring people around oneself has begun to be defined as 'Phubbing'. The main aim of this study is to examine high school students' instances of displaying Phubbing behavior concerning various demographic variables such as school type, gender, grade level, family relationships, and friendships. It is believed that this study will create an awareness of Phubbing behavior and contribute to the literature by providing insights into situations negatively affecting interpersonal communication, thereby enabling necessary precautions to be taken. The aim of this study is to examine Phubbing behavior among high school students concerning various demographic variables (school type, gender, grade level, family relationships, friendship relationships, duration of internet usage). The study was conducted based on a quantitative research method using a survey design. The 'General Phubbing Scale’ was employed as the data collection instrument. A total of 353 students from both private and public high schools in a province in the Central Anatolia region participated in the research during the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition to descriptive statistics for the analysis of quantitative data obtained from the scale, tests examining differences between means, such as independent sample t-Test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), were utilized. Upon examination of the findings from the study, no significant difference was found concerning Phubbing behavior based on gender. However, significant differences were observed in demonstrating Phubbing behavior among students based on school type, phone usage durations, and family and friendship relationships. The research concludes with some recommendations.

Survey of knowledge on calcium carbide use in fruit ripening and associated health risks among fruit sellers and consumers in Ado-Ekiti Nigeria

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the methods used for ripening fruits by sellers and to examine the knowledge regarding the health risks associated with the use of calcium carbide (CaC2) among both fruit sellers and consumers in Ado-Ekiti.MethodsThe study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire administered in major markets within Ado-Ekiti. Knowledge levels were categorized into good (> 70% score), fair (50–69% score), and poor (< 50% score). One way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Independent sample t-test was used to indicate knowledge score difference with respect to socio demographic characteristics.ResultsThe study involved 357 consumers and 20 fruit sellers, with a majority being females (54.9% of consumers; 80.0% of sellers) and aged predominantly between 18–27 years and 28–39 years. The findings revealed that the use of CaC2 (50%) and natural ripening methods (100%) were common among fruit sellers. Sellers cited cancer (60%), bacterial infections (35%), and chest tightness (15%) as associated risks with CaC2 usage. Similarly, consumers expressed concerns about consuming CaC2-ripened fruits, attributing risks such as abdominal burns (70%), cancer (70.6%), and diarrhoea (67.3%). A significant proportion of sellers (90%) exhibited poor knowledge regarding the risks associated with CaC2, while 24.6% of consumers demonstrated fair knowledge on the subject.ConclusionThe study identified common fruit ripening practices among sellers. Fruit sellers showed poor knowledge, while consumers displayed fair to poor understanding of health risks linked to calcium carbide use in artificial fruit ripening.