Senatorial District Research Articles

Assessment of Social Media Exposure and Substance Abuse among Adolescent Secondary School Students in Delta State, Nigeria

This study explored the relationship between social media exposure and substance abuse among adolescent secondary school students in Delta State, Nigeria. Two (2) research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted correlational method of ex-post facto research design. The target population of this study comprises of all public secondary school (2) students in the 25 local government areas of Delta State with a sample size of 500 students from the three Senatorial District in Delta State. This sample represents 10% of the population, drawn through the multi-stage procedure and stratified random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was an adopted questionnaire, which include social media scale (SMS) developed by Osharive (2015) and Drug abuse scale (DAS) developed by Aleke (2013). The instrument had a reliability coefficient of .78 and .69 for social media scale and drug abuse scale respectively. Correlation was used to answer research questions while the two hypotheses were tested using regression model statistics at .05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between social media and substance abuse among adolescent students, and also school type has a significant moderating impact in the relationship between social media and substance abuse among adolescent’s students in secondary schools in Delta State. Based on the findings, it was concluded that social media correlated with substance abuse among adolescent’s secondary school students; while it was recommended that parents, educators and members of the community should monitor and guide the students on appropriate use of social media in order to reduce its effect on substance abuse by adolescent students.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MOTHERS NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES AND THEIR CHILDREN’S FOOD HABITS IN DELTA NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

The study is to examined the relationship between mothers’ nutritional knowledge and practices and theirrelationship with children’s food habits in Delta North Senatorial District. Four (4) research questionsguided this study. The study tested one null hypothesis. The study adopted a survey research design. Thepopulation was six hundred and twenty-one thousand, three hundred and six (621,306) mothers within thechildbearing age in Delta North Senatorial District. A sample of 300 mothers were selected for the studyusing the multi-stage sampling technique. The instrument for data collection in this study was a structuredquestionnaire.

Primary School Feeding Programme (SFP) and Pupils’ Enrolment, Retention and Performance in Katsina State, Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of primary SFP on pupils’ enrolment, retention and performance in Katsina State using survey design approach. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 542 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in data analysis. Results showed that majority were females, with NCE educational qualification, had mean age and work experience of 37 and 9 years respectively. Level of enrolment was high as pupils’ enrolment, regular and punctual school attendance increased. Also, retention level was high as pupils’ absenteeism from end of session, term exams, drop-out, leaving school before closing time, irregular school attendance reduced. Academic performance level was high following improvement in class test, term and end of session exams. Over-enrollment, ineffective supervisions of cooking environment and food preparation ranked top constraints. One way ANOVA result showed significant difference among senatorial districts on enrolment, retention and academic performance. Enrolment was significantly high in NSD than in KCSD and southern senatorial district (SSD) while retention in NSD was higher than in KSD and SSD. Similarly, NSD recorded high academic performance than KCSD that had high performance rate than SSD. The test of relationship using PPMC revealed that constraint significantly correlated with pupils’ enrolment, retention and performance levels except for retention in KCSD. Pupils’ enrolment, retention and performance have improved due to SFP. While SFP should be sustained, caterers should prepare and cook the food within the schools for collaborative quality control and supervision by teachers/headmasters and supervisors from Education Ministry

Women in Climate Change for Sustainable Impact: Ecotourism for Poverty Alleviation in Rural Akwa Ibom State

This study sought to assess the contributions of ecotourism as poverty alleviation strategy amongst women in rural Akwa Ibom State. The study was descriptive in nature and employed survey research design. Based on reconnaissance survey, three major ecotourism sites were purposively selected for the study, one from each of the senatorial districts in Akwa Ibom State, making a sample size of three (3). Fifty questionnaire forms were administered in each study site using simple random sampling method and same were returned. This makes a total of one hundred and fifty (150) questionnaire forms. Data were analysed descriptively based on the questionnaire responses. Furthermore, to evaluate the impact of women on sustainable ecotourism development, chi-square (x²) statistical method was employed for the hypothesis test. The result shows that women have significant impacts on sustainable ecotourism development. This indicates that women are the integral part of development. Also, new ecotourism attraction sites were discovered during the inventory. Therefore, the researcher recommends that women should actively participate and involve in ecotourism related activities. They should reinforce positive conservation habit towards natural resource base. Also, biodiversity should be advocated and women should be integrated in planning and decision making towards tourism development since they are more vulnerable.

USING COOPERATIVE LEARNING TO REDUCE STUDENTS’ MISCONCEPTIONS IN BIOLOGY: A STUDY OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN DELTA CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT, NIGERIA

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the use of cooperative learning in reducing students’ misconceptions about Biology in Delta Central Senatorial District. To guide this study, six research questions and their corresponding hypotheses were raised and tested at a 0.05 level of significance. The design of the study was quasi-experimental design. The sampling technique was the simple random sampling technique. The samples of the study consisted of six mixed public secondary schools in six local government areas in Delta State, 240 students and six Biology teachers. The instrument for data collection was a two-tier diagnostic test (TTDT). The instrument’s validity and reliability were properly determined before use. The reliability of TTDT was found to be 0.89 using Kuder-Richardson 21 formula. The data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, t-test and ANCOVA. The major findings of the study include: a significant effect of cooperative learning; a significant difference in the mean corrected misconception score between students taught biology using cooperative learning and lecture method; a non-significant difference in mean corrected misconception scores between male and female students taught using cooperative learning; non-significant interaction effect between sex and method of instruction on students corrected misconception; significant effect of cooperative learning on students’ achievement; and significant difference in achievement scores between students taught biology using cooperative learning and those taught using lecture method. It was concluded that the adoption of cooperative learning strategies may be appropriate for the teaching and learning of Biology to reduce students’ misconceptions and improve achievement. It is therefore recommended that the Ministry of Education should organise special training for teachers on the use and implementation of cooperative learning.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0009/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

EFFECTS OF SELF-LEARNING AND EXPLICIT INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF BIOLOGY STUDENTS IN DELTA CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT, NIGERIA

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of self-learning and explicit instructional strategies on the achievement of biology students in Delta Central Senatorial District. The study adopted the pre-test post-test control group quasi-experimental design. Seven research questions and seven hypotheses were raised and formulated to guide the study, respectively. A sample of three hundred and thirty-five senior secondary II students randomly selected from six public mixed secondary schools xusing simple random sampling techniques was used for the study. The instrument used for data collection was the Biology Achievement Test (BAT). The reliability of the BAT was established using Kuder-Richardson formula 21 which yielded a coefficient of 0.87. The data obtained were analysed using Means, Standard Deviation, paired sample t-test, Scheffe post hoc test and Analysis of Covariance at 0.05 level of significance. The results obtained revealed that there was a significant effect of self-learning and explicit instructional strategies on biology students’ achievement, compared to the lecture method; there was a significant difference in the achievement of biology students taught with self-learning and explicit instructional strategies in favour of students taught with explicit instructional strategy; there was no significant difference between the mean achievement scores of male and female students taught biology using self-learning and explicit instructional strategies; there was no significant effect of the interaction of teaching method and sex on biology students achievement. Based on the findings, it was concluded that self-learning and explicit instructional strategies are effective strategies in boosting students’ achievement in biology. It was, therefore, recommended that science teachers, especially biology teachers, should expose biology students to self-learning and explicit instructional strategies that promote active participation and ultimately enhance achievement.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0008/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Knowledge of Formative Assessment Practices of Teachers in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Edo Central Senatorial District, Nigeria

Knowledge of Formative Assessment Practices of Teachers in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Edo Central Senatorial District, Nigeria

Knowledge of Formative Assessment Practices of Teachers in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Edo Central Senatorial District, Nigeria

Knowledge of Formative Assessment Practices of Teachers in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Edo Central Senatorial District, Nigeria

Knowledge of Formative Assessment Practices of Teachers in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Edo Central Senatorial District, Nigeria

Knowledge of Formative Assessment Practices of Teachers in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Edo Central Senatorial District, Nigeria

PERCEIVED EFFECT OF PREMARITAL COUNSELLING IN STEMMING THE TIDE OF SPOUSE ABUSE AMONG MARRIED PERSONS IN DELTA CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigated the influence of premarital counselling on spouse abuse among married persons in Delta Central Senatorial District. A correlational research design was adopted, the population comprised all married persons in the senatorial district, estimated to be 248,768. A sample of 384 married persons was selected through simple random and convenience sampling techniques. A questionnaire was used to obtain data for the study. The questionnaire was validated through experts’ judgement and factor analysis. The reliability coefficient obtained includes 0.83 and 0.79 for Pre-Marital Counselling Rating Scale and Spouse Abuse Rating Scale respectively. The mean, standard deviation and Pearson’s coefficient of determination were used to answer the research questions and while regression and Fisher-z statistics were used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that married persons who participated in pre-marital counselling in Delta Central Senatorial District experienced a low level of spousal abuse; that married persons who did not participate in pre-marital counselling in Delta Central Senatorial District experienced a high level of spousal abuse; that there is a significant relationship between premarital counselling and spousal abuse among married persons in Delta Central Senatorial District; that there is no significant moderating impact of gender in the relationship between premarital counselling and spousal abuse among married persons in Delta Central Senatorial District; and that there is no significant moderating impact of duration of marriage in the relationship between premarital counselling and spousal abuse among married persons in Delta Central Senatorial District. The study recommended amongst others that intending couples are enjoined to as a matter of necessity, engage in pre-marital counselling so as to be educated on what to expect in marriage and how to deal with those issues that will eventually arise during the marriage.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0009/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

EFFECTS OF GUIDED DISCOVERY AND PROBLEM-SOLVING INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES ON ACHIEVEMENT AND RETENTION OF BIOLOGY STUDENTS IN DELTA CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT, NIGERIA

This study investigated the effects of guided discovery and problem-solving instructional strategies on the achievement and retention of biology students in Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State. Ten research questions and ten research hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted the pre-test post-test control group quasi-experimental research design. A sample size of 238 senior secondary school two (SS2) Biology students from six mixed secondary schools in Delta Central Senatorial District was used for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a biology achievement test (BAT) validated by one Biology science educator, an expert in measurement and evaluation and an experienced biology teacher. The reliability of the instrument was established using Kuder Richardson formula 21 which yielded a coefficient of 0.83. Data were collected by administering the BAT as a pre-test, post-test and follow-up test. The data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, paired and independent sample t-test, ANOVA and ANCOVA. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the mean achievement scores in biology among students in guided discovery, problem-solving instructional strategies and lecture method with students in the guided discovery group scoring the highest mark followed by students in problem-solving and lecture method respectively. The result also revealed that there was a significant difference in the mean retention score among students taught with guided discovery, problem-solving instructional strategies and lecture methods. The result further showed that there was no significant interaction effect between teaching methods and sex on achievement and retention. It was recommended that biology teachers should adopt guided discovery and problem-solving instructional strategies in teaching biology concepts. Special training on how to use these teaching strategies should be organized for biology teachers to help them effectively implement guided discovery and problem-solving instructional strategies in classroom teaching.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0005/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Relationship Management and Employees’ Commitment in Public Hospitals in Port Harcourt

The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the relationship between relationship management and employee commitment in the public hospitals in Port-Harcourt. Two hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance. This study adopted a correlational research design because it attempted to establish a relationship between relationship management and employee commitment. One thousand one hundred and twenty-seven (1127) employees from the three (3) public hospitals and clinics listed in the Directory of the Rivers State Ministry of Health in Port-Harcourt were selected. The researcher chose grade 8 and above officers to calculate the sample size, resulting in a sample size of 295 Rivers Senatorial District employees. To calculate the sample size, the researcher selected grade 8 and above officers, resulting in a sample size of 295 employees from the population. The instrument of research that was employed for this study was an adapted questionnaire that was generated and designed from various studies reviewed to capture data in line with the study objectives. A five-point Likert-type scale questionnaire was adopted, ranging from (SA) Strongly Agree = 5, (A) Agree = 4, (SD) Strongly Disagree = 3, (DA) Disagree = 1, and (UD) Undecided = 1. 0.05 alpha level. The results of the pilot testing indicate that the instrument is reliable since it is above 0.70; the Cronbach’s alpha of the measuring instrument is 0.7, which is the benchmark. For data analysis, SPSS (Version 20) was used. The results of the study revealed a positive relationship between relationship management and indicators of employees’ commitment in the Port Harcourt public hospitals. It was recommended that organizations in the healthcare industry pay special attention to all aspects of relationship management to enhance commitment, including shared goals and values, as these variables have a significant impact on long-term employee commitment

The (Non) Influence of Monetary Incentives on Teacher Job Performance in Edo Central Senatorial District, Nigeria

In many developing countries Performance-Based Pay rewards (PBP) are a solution for improving teacher motivation. This study tested examines how teachers in Edo State, Nigeria felt about monetary incentives to increase job performance. Random sampling was used selecting a 20% sample of 164 of 820 teachers. Participants completed a questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The study confirms no significant relationship between monetary incentives and teacher performance. Some possible explanations are provided and conclude that the use of monetary incentives in education in the state of Edo, Nigeria should be further reviewed.

Entrepreneurial Skill Needs of Sesame Farmers and Marketers in Katsina State, Nigeria

This study was designed to investigate skill needs of sesame farmers and marketers in Katsina State. Descriptive survey design was adopted and 386 respondents were sampled from the population of registered sesame farmers and marketers in the state using multistage sampling technique. Data were collected on socioeconomic characteristics, skill needs, benefits and constraints using structured interview guide. Frequency counts, percentages, means, Ch-square and PPMC were employed in data analysis. Majority were young, male, married, Muslims, had Quranic education, large household size and operated small scale farms. Levels of skill needs for farmers and marketers were high. Major farmers’ skill needs were fertilizer application, pest/disease while skills to make goods and services available to customers at the right place and time, capture, negotiate/bargain, grad/sort/bag were among marketers’ major skill needs. Benefit levels were high for farmers and marketers. Inadequate facilities for training, education and training and cost of training were common constraints to farmers and marketers. Chi-square analysis revealed marital status as having significant association with farmers’ skill needs level while education significantly associated with both marketers and farmers’ skill needs levels. PPMC analysis indicated that farm size significantly correlated with farmers’ skill needs level just as significant correlation existed between benefit, constraint and farmers, marketers’ skill needs levels. Significant correlation existed between marketers’ years of experience and skill needs level. The t-test analysis result showed farmers and marketers in Katsina central senatorial district (KCSD) had significantly higher skill needs than their counterparts in the north senatorial district (NSD). Because the skill needs of both farmers and marketers were high coupled with low educational qualifications, government should develop those distinctive skill needs into training modules using local language for easy understanding and utilization.

A Cross-sectional study on the Prevalence, Behavioural and Environmental Risk Factors of Malaria Transmission in Two Senatorial Districts of Cross River State, Nigeria

There is a dearth of information on the behavioural and environmental risk factors enhancing malaria transmission in the Cross River State. This study, therefore, investigated the prevalence of malaria and the behavioural and environmental risk factors enhancing malaria parasite transmission in four Local Government Areas in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional design involving 400 participants aged 5-60 years and was conducted between August and November 2021. Thick and thin blood films prepared were examined using microscopy at ×10 magnification. A standard questionnaire was also used to collect data on socio-demographic and environmental factors. The overall prevalence of malaria infection recorded in the study is 18.2% (73/400). All malaria infections were observed to be caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The prevalence of malaria infection was higher in the age group 11-20 years (22.2%) (P<0.001). According to gender, males (23.3%) were more infected with malaria than females (12.9%) (P=0.007). An overall mean (±S.D) parasite density and parasites count of 250.00±18.80 and 15.60±1.20 parasite/μLof blood, respectively, was recorded in the study. In Calabar South Local Government Area (LGA), there was a negative correlation between the use of bed nets and malaria infection (r= -0.226) (P=0.024). Mud houses, use of bed nets, and the availability of refuse dump around households were significantly (P<0.001) associated with the presence of mosquitoes. A negative correlation was observed in the relationship between the presence of mosquitoes and the use of insecticide in Calabar South LGA (r= -0.390) (P<0.001). There was a negative correlation between the use of bed nets and the presence of mosquitos in Calabar Municipal (r= -0.286) and Obudu (r= -0.286) LGAs (P=0.004). In conclusion, this study suggests that malaria management efforts should take an integrated strategy that includes good environmental sanitation.

The Intensity of Infection and Public Health Perception of Potentially Zoonotic Intestinal Parasites of Dogs in Kwara Central, Nigeria

Background: The close relationship between dogs and humans and the possibility of intestinal parasite transmission from dogs to humans calls for frequent assessment of these potential zoonotic intestinal parasites in dogs and the possibility of their transmission to humans. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the presence, intensity of infection, and public health perception of potentially zoonotic intestinal parasites in dogs of Kwara Central, Nigeria. Methods: The study was conducted in 28 locations in Kwara Central Senatorial District of Kwara State, Nigeria. Three hundred and five healthy dogs were sampled. Two hundred and thirty respondents (dog owners or handlers) were questioned using a well-structured questionnaire containing open-ended and closed-ended questions. Fecal samples from the sampled dogs were subjected to the direct fecal smear technique, simple fecal centrifugation flotation technique, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, and the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Oocysts or eggs per gram of feces were counted using the modified McMaster technique. Results: Seven different intestinal parasites (Ancylostoma spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Dipylidium caninum, Isospora spp., Strongyloides stercoralis, Toxocara spp., and Uncinaria stenocephala) were detected, with a prevalence ranging from 2.30% to 25.25%. Of these parasites, 6 were zoonotic. The mean intensities of infection were 91.43 eggs per gram (EPG) for D. caninum¸ 96.52 EPG for S. stercoralis, 129.36 ±28.12 oocysts per gram (OPG) for Isospora spp., 165.17±19.88 for Toxocara spp., 240.00±44.42 for EPG for U. stenocephala, and 303.64±31.83 EPG for Ancylostoma spp. Some dog owners and handlers were not cautious about possible zoonotic parasite transmission from dogs. Conclusion: Zoonotic intestinal parasites of dogs are present and prevalent in Kwara Central, Nigeria. There is a need to educate the public on the possibility of zoonotic parasite transmission to humans.

PERCEPTIONS OF LEARNERS AND EDUCATORS ON THE IMPACT OF USING INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES IN HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY TEACHING

In the interest of investigating the implications about using educational materials in teaching and learning chemistry in Bayelsa State secondary schools from the viewpoints of both students and instructors, this study used an ex-post-facto research approach. Two hypotheses were investigated, and four research questions were addressed. A sample of 123 respondents from all 43 secondary schools in the Central Senatorial District that offer chemistry instruction was polled. A three-part survey was utilized for collecting the data, and the findings indicated that there was little utilization of teaching aids during chemistry lectures. The utilization of instructional materials in class, according to the students, helped them learn chemistry in a variety of ways.The mean scores of students who studied chemistry using instructional resources as opposed to those who did not differed significantly as well. The studys conclusion included a suggestion that the Bayelsa State government supply sufficient instructional resources in all secondary schools for effective chemistry teaching and learning.

Faith, Illusion and the Church: A Theological Evaluation of Selected Churches in Delta Central Senatorial District

Faith, Illusion and the Church: A Theological Evaluation of Selected Churches in Delta Central Senatorial District

Population-based Survey of Lifestyle Behaviours of Women with Varied Parity and Chronic Disease Statuses in Nigeria: A Discriminant, Classification Analysis

The study aimed to explore the lifestyle behaviours of women with varied parity and chronic disease statuses in Nigeria. This was a representative of women population in Ogun State in the southwest of Nigeria recruited between March and June 2022 using stratified sampling among the twenty (20) local governments in the three senatorial districts of the state. Data on parity, chronic diseases, health status, dietary patterns, and anthropometric and lifestyle factors were collected using validated questionnaires. A total of seven hundred and ninety (790) women over 18 years old (range: 18 –78) and average body mass index (BMI) of 25.9 ± 4.3 (range: 15.2 – 44.2) participated in the study. Parity rate and the prevalence of chronic diseases were 50.4% and 14.4%, respectively. Parity was associated with demographic factors as the participants, more of widows and of other ethnic descent, reported direct and inverse relationships of live births with age and level of formal education, respectively. In addition, women with chronic diseases were significantly more common in the younger age group (≤ 44 years) than in the older one (> 44 years) (32.2% vs. 4.7%; p < 0.05) and in those more likely to have separated. Moreover, whilst parity was associated with walking and consumption of foods including meat products, eggs and fruits, chronic disease was only associated with physical activity. Our findings reveal that women who are parous and / or with chronic diseases are characterized by higher BMI and more elevated health distress and health interference.

Knowledge and Practices of Female Traditional Healthcare Givers to Mothers on Referral System for Care and Immunization against Childhood Killer Diseases in Hard-to-Reach Areas of Adamawa State - Nigeria

Female Traditional Healthcare Givers’ (FTHGs) knowledge, attitude, and practice on maternal and infant survival from pregnancy, delivery, and after birth has been a contextual matter throughout the globe, especially where the incidence of infant mortality rate is high. This often poses questions as to why, what happened, and where women of childbearing go for health seeking when pregnant, at birth, and after delivery? The impact of FTHGs activities to mothers and infants on their education and referral of mothers and children for treatment and immunization was studied in the three Senatorial Districts of Adamawa State. Self-structured questionnaires with both open and closed-ended responses and oral interviews were used for the purpose of the study and analyzed electronically on SPSS version 25.0. Approaches to improve the knowledge and practice of Female Traditional Healthcare Givers include seminars and workshops by Non-Governmental Organizations’, Antenatal Care at government health facilities, and health professionals’ effort in-home visits and formal education. These have improved FTHGs knowledge, skills, and acceptance of immunization programme against childhood killer diseases in most of the Senatorial District communities. Maternal and infant morbidity and mortality has experienced a great reduction in the process as FTHGs made referrals to health facilities on cases needing treatment and immunization. This underlies the need for training in epidemiological findings to prevent the incidence of infant morbidity and mortality since education is the key to a healthy live. Keywords: Childhood killer diseases, Epidemiological, Female Traditional Health care Givers, Healthcare, Immunization, Infant morbidity, Mortality, and Referral.