Students In Tertiary Institutions Research Articles

Sero-prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus among Students Undergoing Medical Examination in a Tertiary Institution

Aims: To assess the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus among students undergoing medical checkup in a tertiary institution. Study Design: The investigation utilised a cross-sectional study design technique. Methodology: In this present study, 2114 participants were included in the age range 15-49 years. Serological method was used to detect the presence of HIV using a rapid diagnostic technique using determine. Tile method was used to determine the ABO and Rhesus D antigens in the individuals. Results: Out of the 2114 participants sampled, the population studied according to various departments within the university were ME 95 (5%), EM 181 (9%), LIB 101 (5%), SPE 63 (3%), ENG 296 (14%), BIO 423 (20%), CHE 150 (7%), COM 305 (14%), MGT 236 (11%) and ACC 236 (12%). The prevalence of HIV among tertiary institution students is 1%. Conclusion: This research gives an insight into the prevalence of HIV among students in tertiary institution for strategic intervention.

Development and psychometric properties of an instrument to measure perception of aphrodisiac use among undergraduates in a southwestern Nigerian university.

A tool to measure perception of aphrodisiac use by undergraduates students of University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria was developed and validated. The study was hinged on several theories that could explain potential to use aphrodisiac among the youths. An exploratory mixed methods design was used to develop a scale to measure perception of aphrodisiac use by undergraduate students of University of Ibadan. Qualitative data collection was performed among thirty equally represented male and female students and five key informant interview participants while 919 participants completed the quantitative phase (surveys). Integration of matched qualitative themes from FGD/KII to survey domains was achieved through the 'building approach'. Qualitative themes assessing perceptions of aphrodisiac use by university undergraduate students were used to develop original survey items as well as new survey items peculiar to research subjects. Exploratory factor analysis was deployed on polychoric correlation matrix of the items using R-statistical packages. Further model fit analysis was conducted using confirmatory factor analysis on the items suggested by EFA as well as composite reliability and construct validity tests for the constructs. Mean Z-scores of factors were computed against socio-demographics and symptoms of aphrodisiac use among respondents that have ever used it. Most respondents (84.3%) were under 25 years, mostly male (58.4%) and singles (96.3%), with 41.3% earning ≤20,000 naira monthly. The enhanced content validity of the items from mixed method analysis yielded two major domains. Two succession of factor analyses and a structural equation modeling suggested that a first-order model is good fit for experimental data (TLI = 0.931; CFI = 0.948; SRMR = 0.047; RMSEA = 0.083). The four-factor solution to the model included: prolonged sexual performance, use without erectile dysfunction or medical advice, treatment of erectile dysfunction and recreational purposes with an internal and composite reliability that ranged from 0.62-0.92 and 0.63-0.92. The validation with socio-demographics and consequences of aphrodisiac use indicated that: Male respondents, those older than 20years, the married, those from poorly educated parent and sufferers of all related consequences had statistically significant differences with poor perception of aphrodisiac use' domains. This validated instrument is good for assessment of perception of aphrodisiac use among students in tertiary institution albeit with caution. A version of the scale that is broadened with highly refined items and tested for high internal validity is suggested.

Psychoactive substance use and associated factors among students in a Ghanaian Tertiary Institution

BackgroundPsychoactive substance (PAS) use is a worldwide problem and has many health, sociological and economic effects. Several countries are alarmed by the growing incidence of drug use by students, and Ghana is no exception. Few studies have been carried out among students in Ghana. AimThis study assessed general PAS use, its association with psychological distress and possible risk factors among undergraduate students in a Ghanaian tertiary institution. MethodologyThe World Health Organization (WHO) students' drug use questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were used to gather information from a total of 400 students to evaluate the prevalence of PAS use and its association with psychological distress. The study employed proportion and chi-square or Fisher's Exact tests as well as logistic regression modelling in fitting models for factors of PAS use and psychological distress. ResultsThe mean age of participants was 21.66±2.19. Alcohol was the most (54.8 %) commonly used psychoactive substance. Students residing in university hostels (AOR=0.08; CI: 0.04, 0.16) and those who participate in regular religious activities (AOR=0.14; CI: 0.06, 0.28) were less likely to use any non-medical drug. Students who use alcoholic beverages (AOR=40.74; CI: 15.79, 121.87) and benzodiazepines (AOR=2.47; CI: 1.04, 5.93) were more likely to suffer psychological distress. ConclusionThere is significant psychoactive substance use among undergraduate students of the institution. The most frequently used substance in this research was alcohol, which followed the general trend. Residing on campus and engaging in regular religious activities were negatively correlated with the use of psychoactive substances.

Uropathogens and their antibiograms in asymptomatic bacteriuria among university students in Zaria, Nigeria

Invasion of urinary tract by pathogens can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Asymptomatic UTI is characterized by bacteriuria that is not accompanied by typical urinary tract symptoms, which often goes unnoticed until it has become serious. Early detection, accurate diagnosis and appropriate selection of antibiotics can improve prognosis, prevent chonic progression of renal disease and increase treatment success. Students in tertiary institutions may become at risk of UTIs due to overcrowding, poor hygiene practices and sexual activities. This study was focused on assessing the prevalence and antibiograms of uropathogens causing asymptomatic bacteriuria among university students. Mid-stream urine samples of early morning were obtained from 201 students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered to the students to collect their socio-demographic information and exposure to certain risk factors. The samples were inoculated onto sterile Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar and Centrimide agar plates, incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The pure isolates were identified by cultural morphology, Gram staining and biochemical characterization, and were further challenged with selected antibiotics. Bacterial uropathogens identified were Citrobacter spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with prevalence of 10(5.0%) and 5(2.5%) respectively. The females were more infected than the males. The oldest students of 25-27 years and 28-30 years old had the highest occurrences of Citrobacter spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. All the cases of Citrobacter spp were found among single students, but higher occurrence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found among the married subjects. Students who have spent the longest time (i.e. in their 6th year) in school had the highest infection with the uropathogens. Students that stayed off-campus, share public latrines, drink sachet water and claimed to have one sex partner each were found with higher occurrences of asymptomatic infections. The antibiotic susceptibility test showed that all the isolates were most susceptible to Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, and Pefloxacin, and resistant to Septrin. However, isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were resistant to Streptomycin. Students should be well-informed about the risks associated with poor hygiene, over-crowding and unhealthy sexual habits. Routine checkups will help to prevent asymptomatic UTIs from developing into severe infections or complications.

A Discourse Analysis of Online Library Resources: A Study of Students’ Projects abstract

Many students in tertiary institutions have not followed the normal structure of writing their projects’ abstracts. Despite lecturers' efforts to supervise students in order for them to follow projects’ writing rules, there are disparities in the patterns of writing project abstracts by undergraduate students in Nigeria. This study investigates online abstract from students’ projects submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of first degrees in Nigeria universities. It adopts Hyland’s (2000) and Swales and Feak’s (2009) Models of Move Analysis. The study also adopts a qualitative research design; with data collected at random from colleges with online abstracts of undergraduates’ projects stored in the library on-line institutional repository. Findings reveal that universities in Nigeria has no agreed patterns of abstract structure for students’ project; none of the projects has complete macro and micro patterns of abstract, and none has the concluding part of a standard abstract. The study concludes that Nigeria University students' abstract writing does not meet the acceptable global standard. However, universities should organize a project writing workshop with a greater emphasis on how to write an acceptable abstract.

AN ASSESSMENT OF GENDER RELATED FACTORS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONS OF STUDENTS IN SELECTED PUBLIC TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine gender related factors and entrepreneurial intentions of students in selected tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It was as well focused on the barriers to male and female entrepreneurial activities in the selected tertiary institutions in Nigeria, to determine how effective entrepreneurship education is shaping the entrepreneurial intentions of female and male students in the selected tertiary institutions, examine how entrepreneurial intention of male and female students differ in the selected tertiary institutions; and to assess the gender stereotype for male and female students in the selected tertiary institutions. Theoretical Framework: The common stereotypical view of females being submissive to their male counterparts is said to be clashing with the inherent nature of entrepreneurship intention, and the propensity towards launching an entrepreneurial business may be seen as an impairing factor for female students. In this sense, the paper has sought to systematically review various publications on gender related factors and entrepreneurial intentions of students of public tertiary institutions. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey method using a structured questionnaire. The study area comprised of selected public tertiary institutions in Southwest Nigeria. Six tertiary institutions were selected for the purpose of this study. Students that have participated in entrepreneurship education in the selected tertiary institution in Nigeria are the target population for the study. Data from 351 respondents were assessed based on gender related factors and entrepreneurial intentions of students in selected tertiary institutions in Nigeria using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The study found female students facing more barriers in balancing academic and entrepreneurial activities compared to male students. The study recommends that proper orientation should be given to students on the importance of entrepreneurship education and how it can help them to become self-employed after school and students should be properly oriented on barriers and gender stereotypes, and how it influence their entrepreneurial intentions. Originality/Value: The study therefore concludes that the distribution of barriers is not the same across the two categories of gender. Meanwhile, balancing academic and entrepreneurial activities, bad state of the economy and lack of capital as well as access to funds were the most popular barriers to entrepreneurial activities among tertiary institution students in Nigeria. Entrepreneurship education has statistically significant influence on entrepreneurial intention of students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Three gender based stereotypes: active and energetic, sensitive to the needs of others and prone to position were statistically significantly different between female and male students which are not sufficient for generalization in this study. Nevertheless, the level of entrepreneurial intention is the same across the two categories of gender.

Predictors of Student Apathy amongst Generation Z

While extant evidence suggests that generation Z students are the dominant demography in universities, drivers of their apathetic behaviour for traditional pedagogic offerings appears minimally researched. The criticality of this lacuna lies in empirical evidence citing linear relationships between apathy and reduced performance. Thus, the study ascertains the predictors of learning apathy amongst generation Z students, using Estate Management departments in public Nigerian universities. Descriptive research design was employed on 244 generation Z students. Adapting the Theory of Planned Behavior to allow for generation Z-preferred learning preferences, Ordered Logit model was used to examine student apathy predictors in public universities. The logits report state of collaborative and simulated learning as significant predictors of student apathy. The findings delineated pathways for policy reengineering towards reduced apathy and improved satisfaction in universities. This is one of few studies at the fore of identifying learning apathy of generation Z students in public tertiary institutions.

Effect of client-centred and reality therapies on the coping strategies of sexually harassed students in tertiary institutions in Taraba State, Nigeria

This study examined the effects of client-centred and reality therapies on the coping strategies of sexually harassed students in tertiary institutions in Taraba State, Nigeria. It also attempted to find out the gender difference in the effect of client-centred and reality therapies on the coping strategies of sexually harassed students. We employed a quasi-experimental and pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population comprised all 250 sexually harassed students in tertiary institutions, out of which 20 students were selected using convenience sampling. The students who had been sexually harassed were then randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group subsequently underwent six 60-minute sessions of client-centred and reality therapies, while the control group received placebo treatment on drug abuse. The research tool included sexual harassment battery (SHB). Inferential statistics of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the data. Cronbach Alpha coefficient was used to estimate the reliability coefficient of 0.79 for the SHB. The following findings were recorded: (i) client-centred and reality therapies had effectively increased the coping strategies of students, and (ii) there is no significant mean difference between male and female students in the effectiveness of client-centred and reality therapies on coping strategies of students. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made: school counsellors, psychologists, and lecturers should use both CCT (client-centred therapy) and RT (reality therapy) to help students who have been sexually harassed to manage their condition since the intervention is effective in raising the coping strategies of the students. School counsellors, psychologists, and lecturers should give female and male students equal opportunities during therapy sessions and in the school setting.

Digitalizing Cyber Security for Data Management in Higher Education Implication for Educational Management in Nigeria

This study was to determine the digitalizing cyber security for data management in higher education: Implication for Educational Management in Nigeria. Two research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The population of this study comprises 4000 students from four tertiary instructions in Cross River State. The sampling technique employed by the researcher in the selection of the sample was the simple random sampling technique. The sample size selected for this study was 400 students in selected schools which represents 10 percent of the accessible population comprising of 200 males and 200 females. The questionnaire was designed to measure the two sub-independent variables. The reliability of the instrument was 0.85 reliability coefficient. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the request questions. While Simple linear regression analysis statistical tool was used to test the null hypotheses that were formulated to guild the study at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study show that the educators’ lack of knowledge and expertise regarding cyberspace in tertiary institution significantly influence cyber security knowledge in data management in tertiary institution and Cyber security knowledge in data management in tertiary institution significantly reduces cyber-bully, online fraud, racial abuse, pornography and gambling among educators and students in tertiary institution in Cross River State, Nigeria. Based on the conclusion, it was recommended that tertiary institution management should formulate educational policies and curriculum the will help in addressing problems of cybercrime in schools. And students and educators should learn Cyberspace knowledge since it is very important in our day to day activities.

COVID-19 Vaccine Knowledge, Attitude, and Acceptance in Students of Tertiary Institutions in Central Nigeria

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. Nigeria, among African nations, has borne the highest burden of COVID-19 reporting 163,498 cases and 2,058 fatalities. Institutions of higher learning possess certain characteristics that can increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission within their campuses. These features include a sizable student population, high population density, and frequent student interactions. As a result, it is imperative to implement protective measures to mitigate the virus’s spread on campus. 
 
 AIM/OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to explore the connection between the knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines among students in tertiary institutions located in Central Nigeria. 
 
 METHODOLOGY: An anonymous online survey was conducted among Nigerian students, gathering information related to their demographics, as well as assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to accept vaccines in the post-COVID-19 era. The collected data were subjected to analysis through descriptive and inferential statistics.
 
 RESULTS: Out of the 400 participants included in the survey, 140 (35.0%) reported having already received a COVID-19 vaccine, while 144 (36.0%) expressed an intention to be vaccinated. The analysis indicated that there is a positive yet very weak correlation between attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and the intention to get vaccinated (r = −0.023, N = 365, p < 0.01). Conversely, knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated a significant positive correlation with the intent to be vaccinated (r = 0.222, N = 367, p < 0.01). 
 
 CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding vaccines in shaping their acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. The results emphasize the critical necessity of providing comprehensive information on COVID-19 vaccines to address concerns related to unforeseen side effects, mitigate general mistrust in vaccine benefits, and alleviate apprehensions about the profitability of pharmaceutical companies.

Overweight and its Associated Risk Factors among Students in Tertiary Institutions of Learning in Mongu District of Western Province, Zambia; A cross-sectional Survey.

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are key public health issues in many high-income countries and have become a major public health concern affecting all ages, including adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries. This study determined the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their associated factors among undergraduate students at colleges and universities in the Mongu district of the Western Province of Zambia.
 Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Undergraduate students aged 18 to 26 years were sampled from two colleges and one university in Mongu. Data was collected electronically by trained research assistants using a structured questionnaire using Kobo Collect software. Data was analysed using Stata version 14 software. The analysis included descriptive statistics, using counts, frequencies, percentages, means and medians depending on the distribution of the data. Chi-squared tests of association, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression were done to test for association between overweight and independent variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
 Results: A total of 330 students were captured in the survey; over half of the respondents were female students 214 (64.85%), while 116 (35.15%) were male respondents. Body Mass Index (BMI) showed that 21 (6.8%) were underweight, 208 (63.0%) had normal weight, 76 (23.0%) were overweight, and 25 (7.6%) were obese. Factors associated with overweight and obesity included female sex aOR 1.68 (95%CI 1.02 – 2.76), age and alcohol intake.
 Conclusions: A third of the students were either overweight or obese. Sex, age and alcohol intake were significantly associated with overweight and obesity among students. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high among young adults, and this calls for early interventions in learning institutions to combat obesity.
 Keywords: Overweight, obesity, body mass index, prevalence, diet, sex.

Family Demographics, Somatic Symptoms and Problem Gambling Among Students in a Nigerian Institution

Background: Problem gambling is becoming a potential public health epidemic in southwest Nigeria. Individuals with gambling problems are underdiagnosed and relatively under-recognised. Hence, they rarely present with complaints of gambling problems at clinics. The family plays a significant role in identifying and managing persons with gambling addiction. Healthcare professionals need to have a high index of suspicion and understanding of the relationships between family demographics and the presentation of somatic symptoms among high-risk groups. Objective: To assess the relationships between family demographics, somatic symptoms, and gambling problems among Nigerian tertiary educational institution students. Method: This is a cross-sectional study carried out among 183 students of a tertiary education institution in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria. The Southern Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) were the tools used to assess the pattern of gambling and somatic symptoms, respectively. Results: The prevalence of gambling disorder was 23% (42/183). There was a significant relationship between somatic symptoms and problem gambling (p = 0.02). The predictors of probable gambling were a positive family history of gambling (OR = 3.64, p = 0.01, CI = 1.34-9.90), gender (OR = 0.36, p = 0.02, CI = 0.15-0.86) and a decreasing level of the father's education (OR = 2.78, p = 0.02, CI = 1.15-6.71). At the same time, monthly allowances (OR= 1.01, p = 0.07) and somatic symptoms were not predictors of problem gambling (OR = 0.41, p = 0.17). Conclusions: Healthcare professionals need a high index of suspicion when evaluating young persons with somatic symptoms.

Cognizance and perception of physiotherapy intervention in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder amongst clinical physiotherapy students in tertiary institution, Nigeria

BackgroundThis study examines the cognizance and perception of physiotherapy intervention in ADHD amongst clinical physiotherapy students in a tertiary institution and, also, determines the relationship of the study variables on the socio-demographic characteristics.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional survey and employed a convenient sampling technique to recruit 137 respondents. A cognizance and perception questionnaire was used as the survey instrument to obtain data. Descriptive statistics of frequency, mean, and standard deviation were used to analyse the socio-demographic characteristics. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyse the relationship amongst the variables of cognizance of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (COG-ADHD), perception of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (PERCEP-ADHD), cognizance of physiotherapy intervention (COG-PT_ITV), and perception of physiotherapy intervention (PERCEP-PT_ITV). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the influence of socio-demographic characteristics of age and the level of study on the cognizance and perception of ADHD. Variables having a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultThe majority of the respondents (63.5%) had high cognizance of physiotherapy intervention for ADHD, while the majority of the respondents (60.6%) had a fair perception of physiotherapy intervention for ADHD. A significant proportion of respondents (26.3%) had no source of information on ADHD before the study. Cognizance of ADHD significantly correlated with perception of ADHD, ADHD, perception of physiotherapy intervention in ADHD, and cognizance of physiotherapy intervention in ADHD. There were significant positive correlations between gender and cognizance of physiotherapy intervention in ADHD and between the level of study and perception of ADHD.ConclusionRespondent’s perception of physiotherapy intervention in ADHD was relatively low; in contrast, their cognizance was relatively satisfactory. Strengthening their cognizance and perception is paramount.

Effect of Cybercrime on the Academic Performance of Students of Tertiary Institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria

The contribution of internet to the development of the nation has been marred by cybercrime activities. Cybercrime is emerging as a very concrete threat, not only in Nigeria but to the entire world. The high level of insecurity on the internet is becoming worrisome so much in the sense that transactions on the internet have become a thing of doubt. This research intends to examine the effect cybercrime has on the academic performance of students of tertiary institutions in Enugu State Nigeria. Survey research method was used in which questionnaire was distributed to various respondents in the execution of the study. The population of the study was 8,034, while the sample size was 381using Taro Yamani statistical formular. Chi-square and simple percentages was used in analyzing data. The study revealed that cybercrime has significant negative effect on study habit, learning outcome and to a large extent was engineered by such factors as uncertainty, and bad leadership. The recommendations suggeststo include into the curriculum of instructions cybercrime asgeneral course to be taught in tertiary institutions. Parents, religious bodies and traditional institutions should aggressively orientate youth on the menace of cybercrime. Creating awareness that hard-work brings prosperity. Meanwhile employment opportunities, empowerment and relief fund for both undergraduates and graduates should also be factored by the Government. Police and othersecurity agencies should be made to undertake courses on cybercrime detection using technology as opposed to the current stop andsearch which is intruding into personal privacy and embarrassing the innocent citizen.

Gender Difference in Nutritional Knowledge, Dietary Pattern and Nutritional Status of Undergraduates in Tartous University, Syria

Introduction: Poor nutritional knowledge at early stage of life suggests developing poor dietary habits that later leads to obesity and attendant complications of non-communicable diseases. This study examined gender differences in nutritional knowledge, dietary pattern and the prevalence of overweight/obesity among students of a private tertiary institution in Tartous University, Syria. Materials and Method: A total of 214 students were used for this study and were selected from the six colleges of the university. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on personal and lifestyle characteristics, feeding pattern and physical activity. Weight and height measures were used to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi square test at 5% level of significance. Results: The mean age of the students was 20.89±3.89years. Monthly allowance of ≥500, 000.00 Syrian pound was received by 64% of the students; 79.9% and 78% of them had fathers and mothers respectively with university degree. Physical body exercise was not done by 40.2% of the students. More than two thirds (69.2%) of the students took &lt; 3meals/day and 59.8% of them skipped breakfast. Dietary diversity of the students showed 71.0% and 20.6% of average and high score respectively. The mean BMI was 24.60±3.70. The students had BMI &lt;25 (63.6%) and ≥25 (36.4%). Nutritional knowledge of the students reflected 10.7% (low), 72.9% (average) and 16.4% (high). There was no gender difference BMI, knowledge and dietary diversity. Conclusion: The study reveals inadequate nutritional knowledge, poor feeding habits and dietary diversity and high prevalence of overweight/obesity. Great emphasis needs to be given to nutrition education and promotion among university students.

Gender Difference in Nutritional Knowledge, Dietary Pattern and Nutritional Status of Undergraduates in Tartous University, Syria

Introduction: Poor nutritional knowledge at early stage of life suggests developing poor dietary habits that later leads to obesity and attendant complications of non-communicable diseases. This study examined gender differences in nutritional knowledge, dietary pattern and the prevalence of overweight/obesity among students of a private tertiary institution in Tartous University, Syria.

Substance Use, Peer Social Comparison, Academic Stress and Psychological Well-Being of Students in Tertiary Institution in Delta South Senatorial District

This study examined the relationship between substance use, peer social comparison, academic stress and psychological wellbeing of tertiary institution students in Delta South Senatorial District. The study employed a correlational research design. The population for the study consisted of 2553 students of tertiary institutions in Delta South Senatorial District. The sample size was 332 students. A questionnaire was used for the study. The questionnaire was validated by experts’ judgement and factor analysis. Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient was used to estimate the reliability index of the instrument. The Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient of Determination was used to answer the research questions, multiple regression and fisher-z statistics were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that a relationship exists between substance use, peer social comparison, academic stress and psychological well-being of students in tertiary institutions; and that a relationship exists between academic stress and psychological well-being of students in tertiary institutions. However, no relationship exists between substance use and psychological well-being and no relationship exists between peer social comparison and psychological well-being of students in tertiary institutions. The study also found that no significant moderating impact of sex on the relationship between substance use and psychological well-being peer social comparison and psychological well-being and between academic stress and psychological well-being of students. The study recommended that institutions should establish holistic mental health programmes that address the interplay of substance use, peer social comparison, academic stress, and psychological well-being.

Comparative Investigation Between Library Personnel Anxiety and Information Seeking Anxiety among Students of Tertiary Institutions

The aim of this study is to analyze the perceived relationship that exist between Library Personnel Anxiety and Information Seeking Anxiety among college students how does the two components (antecedents) contributed to Library avoidance syndrome. A structured questionnaire was adapted and modified to fit the study for data collection in which five research questions guided the research. The research design adopted was a survey method. The population for this study comprises 270 students in two colleges of Education. Data were analyzed, simple percentage were used to answer the research question. The study revealed that students with Library Personnel Anxiety due encounter Information Seeking Anxiety and the two are antecedent of library avoidance. The study recommends therefore that teaching library skills at the beginning and end of each study program should be adopted to ameliorate the situation.

Correlation between Hearing Thresholds and Habitual use of Headphones/Earphones among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Northwestern Nigeria

Background: There has been ongoing concern that prolonged use of headphones/earphones that amplify the sound intensity can lead to noise induced hearing loss. This study therefore aimed at determining the correlation between hearing thresholds and habitual usage of headphones/earphones among undergraduates of tertiary institutions in Northwestern Nigeria.&#x0D; Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on young adults, who are undergraduate students of tertiary institutions, to assess the hearing thresholds of individuals who frequently use headphones or earphones. Ethical clearance was obtained, and participants who met specific criteria were selected. Amultistage sampling technique was used, and 272 participants (representing 544 ears) with equal number of controls were recruited. They completed questionnaires and underwent otoscopic examination and pure tone audiometry (PTA). Those having wax or foreign bodies in the ears had it removed before performing PTA. The data was recorded and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Frequency tables and variable relationships were examined to determine significance, which was set at a p-value of &lt;0.05.&#x0D; Result: The study involved 272 users of headphones/earphones (representing 544 ears) and an equal number of age- and sex-matched controls. The participants' ages ranged between 18 and 33, with 50.4% being male. The pure tone average among the headphones/earphones users and the controls ranged from 11.0 – 43.8dB, with a mean of 20.2±6.0 and 10.6 – 43.2dB, with a mean of 19.6 ± 4.5, respectively. More than half, 280/544 ears (51.5%) of the participants used headphones/earphones for over 4 years, and of these, 222/280 ears (79.3%) used them for 1 – 4 hours daily. Moderate volume was the preferred listening mode for 63.2% of the users. A moderate positive correlation was observed between hearing thresholds and hours of headphone/earphone use, and a weak positive correlation between hearing thresholds and preferred level of loudness (r = 0.290, p &lt; 0.0001) while no correlation was found between hearing threshold and long-term use (r = 0.003, p = 0.937).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study suggests that individuals who use headphones or earphones for prolonged periods of listening hours daily or at higher listening levels tend to have poorer hearing thresholds.

HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS’ CHALLENGES IN WRITING JOURNAL ARTICLES: CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

This qualitative study aimed to identify the challenges faced by final semester students in Indonesian tertiary institutions when writing journal articles, and propose potential solutions to these challenges. The study analyzed 32 articles published in Timor University e-journals, selected purposively from 16 study programs. Results showed that the majority of articles (59%) scored 75, indicating a need for improvement. The most significant challenges faced by students were related to introduction and method (13%), results (13%), and discussion (13%). These findings were consistent with the results of a questionnaire analysis, which identified method and abstract (22%), discussion (30%), and all parts (26%) as problematic areas for students. To address these issues, the study proposes a formal mandate requiring all lecturers to accompany their students in writing journal articles. This mandate would provide students with necessary support and guidance to improve their writing skills and meet the acceptable journal template requirements. The proposed solutions aim to alleviate the academic burden faced by thesis advisors, editors, and reviewers, while also improving the quality of articles produced by students.