Statistical Package For Social Sciences Research Articles

Ocular protection practice and associated factors among welders in small-scale industries in Hosanna town, Southern Ethiopia, 2023

PurposeGood eye protection is the most important factor in preventing eye injuries. Most eye injuries are due to the improper use or lack of use of eye protection equipment. Therefore,...

Prevalence and perception of pre-morbid lifestyle-related risk factors among covid-19 survivors in Lagos state and Abuja capital city of Nigeria

IntroductionThis study investigated the prevalence and perception of premorbid lifestyle-related risk factors among Covid-19 Survivors in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria.MethodologyA cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used to collect data from 522 consenting adult Covid-19 survivors in Abuja (274) and Lagos (248), Nigeria, using a self-developed, close-ended and validated questionnaire called the Lifestyle-related Factors in Covid-19 Questionnaire (LFC-19 Questionnaire) through a multistage sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) with P value set at ≤ 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained for the study.ResultsA significant number of Covid-19 Survivors were overweight/obese (67.8%) and had a history of physical inactivity (73.8%). A small proportion had premorbid chronic diseases (23.8%) as well as pre-existing lifestyle-related risk factors such as inadequate consumption of fruits (67.2%) and vegetables (60.0%) and physical inactivity (73.8%).ConclusionThis study revealed that most Covid-19 survivors residing in Lagos State and in Abuja capital city of Nigeria were either overweight or obese. This was due to physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet consisting of low fruit and vegetable consumption and poor sleep. Additionally, the study showed that patients’ perceptions of their risk factors were often inaccurate as it differed from what was measured. The findings from this study will assist public health professionals and clinicians in designing and implementing more effective Covid-19 management strategies that incorporate healthy lifestyle practices and lifestyle modifications and assist public health promotion and communication specialists in designing appropriate and evidence-based preventive messages.

Quality Evaluation of Ginger-Spiced Hibiscus Sabdariffa Drink Sweetened with Dates and Sucrose

Sweetening of Hibiscus sabdariffa drink (zobo) with sucrose is a major drawback on its health benefits. This research assessed the quality of ginger-spiced Hibiscus sabdariffa “zobo” drink sweetened with dates and sugar. Four samples of zobo drink were produced and the drink samples were assessed for physico-chemical properties, nutrient composition, antioxidant properties and sensory qualities. Data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 at P<0.05 and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. The pH was between 2.88 and 2.96 while obrix was 3-14.5 and titratable acidity was 0.78 - 0.83. The ranges for the nutrient composition are; moisture content (82.41% - 90.46 %), ash content (0.13%-0.68%), crude fiber (0.00% - 0.02%), fat content (0.18% - 0.92%), protein content (0.45%-2.41%), carbohydrate content (8.77% - 13.65%). Results for the antioxidant properties ranges; total flavonoid content (19.12 – 32.30 mg/ml), phenolic content (38.34 to 45.53 mg/ml), diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (60.90-65.12 %), ferric reducing antioxidant power (40.04 – 50.50 mg GAE/ml) and total reducing power (0.63 – 0.93 µg/ml). The sensory results showed that the samples were all acceptable in terms of colour, aroma and overall acceptability. However, there was preference for sample with 5 % dates and 5 % sucrose. Addition of dates to zobo is beneficial in terms of crude fibre, vitamin C, antioxidant activities and sensory qualities.

Relationship between peer conformity and reproductive health maintenance behaviours among early adolescent girls in Islamic boarding schools

Reproductive health problems are often experienced by early adolescents who live in Islamic boarding schools because Islamic boarding schools have a higher population density and interpersonal contact than other schools. In the early adolescent years, there is a tendency in terms of a solid urge to behave like peers, so conformity quickly occurs when adolescents adopt reproductive health care behaviours. This study aimed to determine the relationship between peer conformity and reproductive health maintenance behaviour of early adolescent girls at Islamic boarding schools. This study used a correlational research design with a cross-sectional approach and a purposive sampling technique conducted on 165 early adolescents. The analytical method used for this study was univariate and bivariate analysis tests, in bivariate tests using the Pearson test processed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program. The analysis showed that all early adolescents (100%) had a history of vaginal discharge. The results of the bivariate test showed a value of p=0.0001. The level of reproductive health maintenance behaviour is determined by the extent to which conformity occurs in adolescents. Conformity that occurs can affect and change one's perceptions and behaviour.

Problem Loans and Working Out the Pinnacle of Bank Failures in Nigeria

This study was designed to evaluate managing problem loans and work out the pinnacle of bank failures in Nigeria. One of the recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision was credit risk management which is the optimization of the bank’s risk-adjusted rate of return by maintaining credit risk exposure within an acceptable level. Descriptive survey research was used and data were collected via annual reports of the sampled bank within the period of 2011–2016. The population of the research included the Deposit Money Banks. Pearson Coefficient of Correlation was the statistical tool used to analyse the hypotheses and this was done with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The researcher concluded that there is no significant relationship between credit risk management and bank failure in Nigeria. However, there were traces of weak negative relationships which keen interest should be given to because of the sensitive nature of the banking sector.

Asymptomatic malaria in pregnancy and associated risk factors in Majang Zone, Gambella Region, Southwest Ethiopia: a hard-to-reach malaria hotspot

BackgroundAsymptomatic malaria in pregnancy (AMiP) is a daunting public health problem with multifaceted adverse outcomes for mothers, fetuses, newborns and beyond. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of AMiP and anaemia in Majang Zone, Gambella, Southwest Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 425 pregnant women attending the antenatal care (ANC) clinics of five health facilities in the Majang Zone from November 2022 to February 2023. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and anti-malarial intervention data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. A capillary blood specimen was collected to diagnose malaria and anaemia as well as determine the blood group. Malaria was diagnosed by rapid diagnostic test (RDT), microscopy, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Statistical analyses were done by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26.0. The association between dependent and independent variables was assessed by multivariable binary logistic regression, considering P < 0.05 statistically significant. The magnitude of associations was quantified with the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThe overall prevalence of AMiP was 15.3% (95% CI 12.1, 18.9). It was 11.3% (95% CI 8.4, 14.7) by RDT, 11.8% (95% CI 8.9, 15.2) by microscopy and 17.6% (95% CI 11.7, 24.9) by qPCR. Plasmodium falciparum, moderate parasitaemia and submicroscopic infection accounted for 55.4% of the AMiP prevalence, 50.8% of the parasite density, and 41.6% of the qPCR-positive AMiP, respectively. Nearly 32.3% of pregnant women with AMiP carried gametocytes. Risk factors of AMiP were: not utilizing insecticide-treated net (ITN) within the previous week (AOR: 9.43 95% CI 1.57, 56.62), having a history of malaria within the previous year (AOR: 2.26 95% CI 1.16, 4.42), lack of indoor residual spraying (IRS) within the previous year (AOR: 3.00 95% CI 1.50, 6.00), and ANC contact below two rounds (AOR: 4.28 95% CI 2.06, 8.87). The prevalence of anaemia was 27.7% (95% CI 23.6, 32.1), and it was higher among AMiP-positives (56.9%) than the negatives (22.5%) (P: 000).ConclusionThe prevalence of AMiP and anaemia was high, and remained as a critical public health problem in the study area. Focus on the identified risk factors and introduction of more sensitive diagnostic tools should be considered to mitigate AMiP in the study area.

Breast cancer preventive practices and associated factors among reproductive age women in Wadila District, North East Ethiopia: community based cross-sectional study

BackgroundCancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Among all cancer types, breast cancer stands out as the most common and is characterized by distinct molecular characteristics. This disease poses a growing public health concern, particularly in low and middle-income countries where it is associated with high mortality rates. Despite these challenges, there is a paucity of data on breast cancer preventive practices and associated factors among reproductive-age women in Wollo, Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the level of breast cancer awareness, preventive practices, and associated factors among women of reproductive age residing in Wadila district, Wollo, Ethiopia in the year 2022.MethodA cross-sectional community-based study involving 352 women of reproductive age in Wadila district was carried out between May and June 2022. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique, and data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23 software. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the odds ratio for variable associations, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.ResultThe prevalence of breast-examination among women of reproductive age was determined to be 40.1% (95% Interval [CI]: 34.94–45.18). Factors such as educational status (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.13–0.6), income (AOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.11–0.33), and family history of breast conditions in reproductive-age women (AOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.08–3.34) were significantly linked to the practice of breast self-examination in this population.ConclusionThe study highlighted a decline in regular breast self-examination among women of reproductive age. It revealed that the reduced frequency of regular breast self-examination was a prevalent concern among women in this age group and the broader community. Educational level, monthly income, and family history of cancer among women of reproductive age were identified as significant factors linked to the practice of regular breast examination.

Perception of Graduate Students of Nepal towards Online Shopping

The growing use of internet in Nepal provides a developing prospect for online shopping. This study focuses the variables or the factors on which graduate students keep in mind while shopping through online. This research deals with the perception of graduate students towards online shopping in Nepalese context. The theoretical model of this research was based on perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived risk and attitude of graduate students towards online shopping respectively. The theoretical model is also related to the online related lifestyle of graduate students. The study adopted the quantitative research design where data were collected through the distributed questionnaire. 300 samples of data were collected using electronic form (Google form). IBM SPSS (International Business Machine Statistical Package for Social Sciences) statistics 24 was used for the analysis of collected data. Descriptive analysis was conducted to describe and understand the feature specific data set where inferential statistics was employed to establish the relationship among the variables and to test the proposed hypothesis. The findings of the study showed that perception and attitude of graduate students towards online shopping is positive. There was also a significant relationship between perceived usefulness and attitude. There was significant relationship between perceived ease of use and attitude. Likewise there was significant relationship between perceived risk and attitude towards online shopping. Finally, the study provides insight for online related businessman and investors for the further development of online business.

The Impact of Long-Term (4 Months) Exposure to Low pH and Elevated Temperature on the Growth Rate of Gold Mollies’ (Poecilia Sphenops) Larvae

Researchers in the marine ecosystem have documented the significant impacts that anthropogenic ocean acidification has on marine organisms. These include olfactory abilities in fish, impaired behavioral as well as physiological changes, including anti-predatory response leading to consequences in population dynamics and community structure. In this research, we endeavored to investigate and compare the growth rate of the gold mollies (Poecialia sphenops) larvae under a low pH of 5 water temperature of 28 O C, and a pH of 6.9 at a water temperature of 26 O conditions. The mollies larvae were weighed for four months (August, September, October, and November) and the data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS). The analysis was a multivariate test for a more complete examination of data by looking at independent variables and their relationship to one another. There was no statistically significant difference in the growth rate in August (p-value 0.969) and September (p-value 0.286) between the larvae in aquarium A (experimental) and those in aquarium D (control) at the beginning of the experiment. But there was a statistically significant difference in the third (3) month (October) P-value = 0.007 and in the fourth month (4) (November) P-value = 0.004. The low pH of 5 impacted the growth rate of the Poecilia sphenops larvae while those in the control aquarium pH of 6.9 seemed to have not been affected and grew well.

Quality of life of dermatology outpatients and its associated factors in Halibet National Referral Hospital in Asmara, Eritrea

Skin diseases are prevalent globally and can have detrimental effects on the individual’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The treatment of dermatological patients typically focuses on clinical signs and symptoms and a subjective view of the impact of the disease on the patient’s life. Assessing quality of life can help provide patients with better service, by acknowledging their real needs and interfering with treatment decisions. The aim of the study was therefore to assess quality of life of dermatology outpatients and its associated factors. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the dermatology clinic of Halibet National Referral Hospital in Asmara, Eritrea. HRQoL data were collected between May 6 and August 18, 2022 using a validated standard tool (Skindex-29). Descriptive statistics, logistic regression and paired t-test were employed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (Version-26.0). A total of 375 dermatology clinic out-patients with a median age of 29 (Interquartile range: 25) were included in the study. The most commonly seen skin diseases were eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis and tinea pedis. Emotion, symptom, and functioning domains of HRQoL were severely impaired in 75.7%, 50.4% and 57.6% of all dermatology outpatients, respectively. More than half of the respondents (57.9%) had a severely impaired overall HRQoL. In the overall HRQoL, being a rural resident [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.98, 95% CI 1.18, 3.33] and presence of chronic illness (AOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.22, 3.82) were significantly associated with severely impaired overall quality of life. A significantly higher mean score (p < 0.001) was observed in emotion [Mean (M) = 55.60, Standard Deviation (SD) = 21.0] as compared to functioning (M = 46.89, SD = 21.2). On the other hand, significantly higher mean score (p < 0.001) was observed on symptom (M = 54.08, SD = 20.5) as compared to functioning (M = 46.89, SD = 21.2). Skin diseases severely affected the emotion, functioning, and symptom domains of health-related quality of life. This highlights the importance of providing physical and psychosocial support to patients with dermatologic problems.

Assessing the Influence of Unverified Instagram Blog Content on the Cognitive and Behavioral Pattern of Undergraduates: An Empirical Study of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

The proliferation of unverified Instagram blog content in Nigeria raises concerns about the credibility and trustworthiness of information disseminated through this medium and unverified contents on Instagram blogs lack proper fact-checking, leading to the spread of misinformation, rumors, and fake news which is why this research investigated the impact of unverified Instagram blogs’ contents on Nigerian Undergraduates in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The study adopted the gratifications theory, which suggests that media users play an active role in choosing and using the media and that the user has alternate choices to satisfy their need. The study also adopted a survey research method to conduct the study through the use of questionnaire. The research sample size turned out to be 543 respondents but only 403 respondents completed the questionnaire from three selected faculties, which translated to a response rate of over 74%. The statistical analysis was carried out using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS 20). The study findings revealed high level of agreement among respondents regarding their engagement with Instagram blogs, mirrored by a weighted mean of 4.04. Additionally, the study also revealed a moderate level of agreement among with a weighted mean of 3.57 regarding respondent’s perception and attitude towards Instagram blogs’ contents. Moreover, the majority of respondent agreed that exposure to unverified information on instagram can negatively influence students’ academic performance, reflected by a weighted mean of 3.99. The research recommended that a supportive online environment should be prioritized as a fundamental intervention strategy to enhance the cognitive and behavioral pattern of undergraduate students’ such as awareness campaigns, digital programs and peer support network as well as inaugurating promotion of positive engagement is essential to counteract the prevalence of objectifying content on social media platforms. This study, therefore, concludes that unverified information on social media platform such as instagram can influence students’ engagement, perceptive, attitude and academic performance.

Tinea capitis and its associated factors among school children in Gondar town northwest, Ethiopia

IntroductionTinea capitis is a global public health concern with a unique therapeutic challenge and mostly affects children. The burden is double in developing countries. There is no study on school-going children from the urban residence in Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of Tinea capitis and its associated factors among school children in Gondar town northwest, Ethiopia 2021.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among school children in Gondar town from November 20 to December 20, 2021. Data was collected through an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. A stratified simple random sampling technique was employed. Then data were entered into EPI Info version 7.22 and transferred to Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 22 for further analysis. The binary logistic regression model was employed to identify factors associated with tinea capitis, and the strength of association and statistical significance was declared using the adjusted odds ratios with its corresponding 95% CI, and p-value ≤ 0.05 respectively.ResultThe prevalence of tinea capitis among school children in Gondar town was found to be 29.4%. Public school student (AOR = 2.79 95% CI: 1.34–5.87), widowed mother (AOR = 6.09, 95% CI: 1.83–11.23), students in the age group of 5–8 years (AOR = 3.79 95% CI: 1.68–8.55), animal contact (AOR = 2.61 95% CI: 1.15–5.90), and family similar illness category (AOR = 8.49 95% CI: 3.73–11.39) have risen the likelihood of tinea capitis among school children.ConclusionsThe prevalence of tinea capitis was higher. Young age, children from widowed marital status, illiterate mother, history of share blades, animal contact, a family similar illness, and lower number of living rooms are important factors contributing to tinea capitis among school children. Health education for the mother on the mode of transmission, prevention, and improve the low socioeconomic status of the parent is crucial.Key termsChildren, Ethiopia, Gondar, School age, Tinea capitis

Technological Innovation and Commercial Banks' Financial Performance: A Mediation Analysis of Risk Management Practices

The purpose of the study is to investigate the association between technological innovations and the financial performance of commercial banks using risk management practices as a mediator. The study's primary focus was on commercial banks in Uganda's Kampala Central region. A quantitative method was used to adopt a cross-sectional survey design. The study selected bank employees from 24 Kampala-based commercial banks using the convenience sampling technique. To accomplish the study's goals, mediation analysis were done using Baron and Kenny, while correlation, regression and inferential statistics were examined using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) PROCESS MACRO. The results of the study showed that the study variables had a significant positive association. The results of the regression show that risk management techniques and technological innovation are predictive of financial performance. The results showed that risk management procedures significantly impacted the connection between technological innovation and financial performance. Results also indicate that the association between financial performance and technological innovation is mediated by risk management strategies. The study provides many implications for management and theory.

Are young adult consumers ready to be intelligent shoppers? The importance of perceived trust and the usefulness of AI-powered retail platforms in shaping purchase intention

Purpose The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought intelligent online shopping experiences to customers. AI-powered retail platforms deliver personalized shopping experiences through tailored recommendations, promotions and assistance. Given the increasing preference for online shopping, it is crucial to explore methods to optimize the adoption of AI-powered retail platforms. To address this, this study aims to examine the impact of technology readiness motivators (optimism and innovativeness) and inhibitors (discomfort and insecurity) on perceived trust, perceived usefulness and purchase intention toward AI-powered retail platforms. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 276 customers in Egypt, primarily from the millennial and Gen Z demographic segments. The collected data were then analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings The findings revealed that optimism, innovativeness and discomfort significantly influence perceived trust, while optimism, insecurity and perceived trust significantly influence perceived usefulness. Both perceived trust and usefulness are significant predictors of purchase intention. Perceived trust mediates the effects of technology readiness motivators on perceived usefulness and purchase intention. Moreover, perceived usefulness mediates the effects of technology readiness motivators, insecurity and perceived trust on purchase intention. Originality/value To date, there are few investigations regarding the acceptance and adoption of AI-powered retail platforms in developing countries. Thus, this study offers valuable theoretical and practical implications in the context of smart retail technology adoption.

The Influence of Strategic Implementation Practices on the Performance of NGOs in Mombasa County

Running non-governmental organizations still has its fair share of challenges. Managerial efficiency is still wanting, its performance very low with most of them witnessing increased corruption cases. This study aimed to assess the influence of strategic implementation practices on the performance of NGOs in Mombasa County, Kenya. The study was guided by the strategic fit theory. The target population comprised 906 respondents. Data from the board members were collected using questionnaires, while interviews were conducted to collect data from presidents and treasurers. Piloting of research instruments was conducted among 10.0% of the sample size of respondents in the neighboring Mombasa County to establish validity, reliability, credibility, and dependability. Data analysis began by identifying common themes from the respondents’ descriptions of their experiences. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically along the objectives and presented in narrative forms, while quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation, and inferentially using ANOVA with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS Version 27). To enhance their strategic implementation practices, NGOs are advised to bolster collaborations with stakeholders, improve resource mobilization, assess internal and external factors, and engage employees in the planning and execution of strategies.

Effectiveness of Outreach Clinical Mentoring and Supportive Supervision on Biomedical Waste Management in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria: An Intervention Study

Introduction: Health care activities are essential because they restore health and save lives. At the same time however, they generate large quantity of wastes and by-products that need to be handled safely and disposed of properly. Proper health care waste handling is a worrisome issue around the world, especially in developing countries. This study is meant to determine the effect of clinical mentoring and supportive supervision on the knowledge of, attitude to and practice of biomedical waste management.  Method: A quasi-experimental study design with both qualitative and quantitative components was used. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 436 study participants who met the inclusion criteria. The data tools were pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaires and supervisory check lists for the quantitative component on the one hand, and a focus group discussion guide for the qualitative component on the other hand. The interventions were in the form of both physical and virtual mentoring and routine supportive supervision. The participants in the control arm of the study did not receive mentoring or supportive supervision. The study lasted for 24 weeks, within which there were weekly, scheduled mentoring/supportive supervisory visits to only the facilities in the study arm.  Data Analysis: Quantitative data was collated, checked for completeness and analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 23). Quantitative variables were described using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test and Paired t test were used to test associations. At 95% confidence interval, p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Qualitative data was analyzed using Nvivo statistiscal software, version 11.  Result: The mean age group of the study participants was 33.30(±8.97). More females (50.80%) than males (49.20%) participated in the study. Majority of the participants had tertiary education (88.45%). The predominant occupation was community health work (30.75%). In the study group, 66.4% of the respondents had poor knowledge score pre-intervention. This decreased significantly to 10.0% post-intervention (p&lt;0.05). In the control arm of the study, there was no significant difference in the findings at the start and after the study. The proportion of respondents who had positive attitude score in the study arm, increased significantly from 40.3% before intervention to 77.8% after intervention (p&lt;0.05). In a similar vein, the proportion with appropriate practice in the study arm also increased from 32.7% before intervention to 88.3% after intervention with a statistically significant difference. In the control arm, there was no significant difference in the findings at the beginning of the study compared to the findings at the end of the study. In the study arm, majority of the respondents who demonstrated poor knowledge of, attitude to and practice of health care waste management at the baseline focus group discussion sessions, showed significant improvement at the post-intervention sessions. In the control arm, there was no significant difference in the focus group discussion findings. Conclusion: The findings above are suggestive of the fact that the interventions were effective. There is, therefore, the need for the establishment of incentive schemes like clinical mentoring and regular supportive supervision of health care workers on health care waste management in order to safeguard human, animal and environmental health.

Perceived competence and related factors affecting the development of the clinical competence of nursing students at two university sites in Namibia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEnsuring that nursing students graduate with the required clinical competence in nursing is a global challenge. To address this challenge, several studies have looked at various aspects of competency and competency development, however there is scanty evidence on factors affecting development of clinical competency in nursing students. Therefore the, purpose of this study was to investigate nurses’ perceived competence and related factors affecting the development of clinical competence of nursing students at two university sites in Namibia.MethodsA cross-sectional design was utilised. Simple random sampling was applied and 272 nursing students at two university campuses in Namibia were selected. An online questionnaire was used. Data were collected between April and May, 2022, over a period of six weeks, and were analysed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Chi-square and Spearman correlations were used to assess the associations and correlations, respectively, among the variables. Logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with the development of clinical competence using a p-value < 0.05 confidence interval.ResultsForty-seven percent (47%) of the students were found to be competent while more than half (53%) were not. A Chi-square test found a statistically significant difference between students studying at different campuses and between different year levels (p = < .05). A regression analysis showed that nursing educators’ competence (β = .128; p = .36) had a positive influence on nursing students’ competence levels, unlike the mode of learning (β = -.140; p = .013), which negatively predicted the development of clinical competence. No significant relationship was found between the development of clinical competence and teaching approaches, assessment, feedback, constructive alignment, theory–practice gap and reflective practice (p = ˃.05).ConclusionEducator’s competence levels and the mode of learning were the two major factors that were more likely to influence the development of clinical competence among nursing students. Therefore, it is recommended that nursing training institutions prioritise the development of educators’ competence and apply various modes of learning to enhance development of nursing students’ competence.

Cybercrime and its Implications on the Economy of Nigeria

One of the tenets of globalization is the advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) mainly achieved through computer interconnectivity enabled by the internet in a presumed market place known as cyber space where both buyers, sellers and users in the form of individuals, corporate bodies and government meet. These interconnectivity brought about economic opportunities and inclusion. One of the areas so developed is the e-commerce sector where communication and interactions in the form of transaction is hinged on instant exchange of information, goods and services but, as friendly as these interactions are, they are not without their consequences- Cybercrime is one which often comes with huge financial loss and economic impact. Nigeria in its quest to liberalize trade and digitalize its transactions adopted the use of emerging technologies and services to drive the change but the tools and methods used to enhance the transactions are oftentimes misused by cybercriminals to their benefit thereby causing huge financial losses for the victims and invariably impact negatively on the economy. This research reviewed some existing literature on the subject of cybercrime, and its manifestations within the financial sector while relying on the Social Learning Theory as the reason for the prevalence of cybercrime among youths. Data was drawn and questionnaires administered. Analysis was done using CHI square in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study, therefore, concluded that there is a significant relationship between Cybercrime and the Nigerian economy and that Cybercrime had impacted negatively on the growth and development of the digital economy, in particular, and the Nigerian economy at large. Finally, the study offers solutions on how the Internet can engage the various Internet-based platforms, particularly calling on institutions responsible for combating this crime to put every effort required to end this menace.

Improvisation of Teaching Learning Materials (TLM) and its Contribution in Teaching and Learning of Primary Science

The study was basically carried to find out about the contributions of improvisation on learning science education. The mixed mode of data collection method was used for the purpose whereby data were collected through semi structured interview questions and survey questionnaire. Analysis and interpretation of quantitative data was carried using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) whereas analysis of qualitative data involved looking for similarities and dissimilarities and generating themes. Finally the collected data and information from both qualitative and quantitative method will be compared and analyzed. It was inferred that TLM hold significant importance in providing valuable support and enhancing the learning experience for both educators and students. However, it was found that most schools lack the required TLM and teachers improvise the required TLM with locally available materials. However, improvisation of TLM requires lots of resources and support from many relevant stakeholders. Moreover, it was also found that improvisation is very time consuming and comes with the challenges of precision and accuracy. The study also founded that with the advancement of technology, digital tools like YouTube videos and simulations were used when readymade TLM are not available in the schools. However, this research study was carried during short period of time with minimum participants and findings from the study cannot be generalized for all the schools across the country. Furthermore, further research can be carried to find out about different module offered in two colleges of Education which teaches about preparation and improvisation of TLM.

Evaluation of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio as Inflammatory Marker in Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 and 4

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health problem because of the significant morbidity and mortality which is mostly due to chronic inflammation and proteinuria. Early detection of inflammation and its proper management can prevent further CKD progression and complications. This study aims to observe the association of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with inflammatory markers in chronic kidney disease stage 3 and 4. In this study, a total of 100 adult patients of CKD stage-3 and 4 were included as study subjects and patient with acute illness, known case of malignancy, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease were excluded from the study. From each patient all the relevant history, clinical and laboratory findings were recorded in the data collection sheet. Study subjects were divided into two groups according to NLR value; those who have NLR 0- 3 were in group normal NLR and subjects with NLR &gt;3 in group high NLR. Then markers of inflammation ESR, CRP and serum albumin were compared between these groups. Statistical analysis was done by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22.0. The mean ESR of male and female patients was higher in high NLR subjects than normal NLR subjects. The mean CRP was higher in high NLR subjects than normal NLR subjects. The mean serum albumin was lower in high NLR subjects than normal NLR subjects. The difference of mean ESR, CRP was statistically significant between high NLR and normal NLR subjects but difference of mean serum albumin was not statistically significant. The study findings suggest that high NLR is significantly associated with of inflammatory markers-ESR, CRP. Hence, it can be concluded that NLR could be used as an indicator of inflammation in CKD. Mugda Med Coll J. 2024; 7(1): 4-8