Ghana Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance (GJOHPERSD)
GJHPERSD is a peer-reviewed, DOUBLE BLIND, Professional Journal intended to meet the needs of Education, Health, Physical Education, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Nutrition, Sports Education, Sports Administration, and Sports Kinesiology. The journal publishes research that contributes to the knowledge and development of theory as new information, reviews, substantiation or contradiction of precious findings or as application of new or improved techniques to serve as a forum for socioeconomic, educational and ethical issues.
Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER)
Economic factors predicting recreational sports participation among academic staff of tertiary institution in Kwara and Kogi States, Nigeria
Participation in recreational sports plays an important role in physical, mental, emotion and social status of an individual. The study investigated the economic variables predicting recreational sports among academic staff of tertiary institution in Kwara and Kogi States, Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A simple random sampling technique employing the fish bowl method was used to select 12 government-owned tertiary institutions used for the study. One thousand six hundred and twenty five (1,625) were selected through stratified sampling technique. A modified standardised Recreation Sports Questionnaire on 4 point Likert type scale with reliability value of r=0.83 was used. A letter of introduction was collected from the department of Human Kinetics Education, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The hypotheses was tested at 0.05 alpha level while data were analysed using multiple regression analysis. Results of findings showed that all the independent variables of provision of equipments, availability of facilities and economic status were significant and predicted academic staff participation in recreational activities. Recommendations made include, quality and standard recreational equipment and facilities should be made available to the participants at subsidize cost and recreation should be accessible to staff at no cost.
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Awareness level, source of information and extent of use of egrogenic substance among athletes in tertiary institutions in Nigeria
This paper investigated the awareness level, source of information and extent of use of ergogenic substance to enhance performance by athletes in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. A total of 220 athletes (135 male; 85 females) who participated in the 15 accredited sports by the Nigeria University Games (NUGA) Council at the 22nd biannual games held at University of Nigeria, Nsukka consisted the sample for the study. A structured questionnaire designed by the researchers was used to collect data for the study. The result showed that 40.0% of the athletes were aware of some of the ergogenic substances that enhance performance, 11.6% had seen and 2.2% on the average had used the substance at one time or the other. Many of the athletes 97.8% claimed that though they had heard and seen some of the substances, they had never used them. The study concluded that though the extent of ergogenic substance use was not high among the athletes, early intervention can prevent future outbreak since there is sufficient awareness already. It was recommended among others that appropriate measures should be taken to educate the athletes on the dangers and side effects of ergogenic substances.
The social stigma attached to obesity: risk factors and coping strategies
The medical effects of obesity are well-documented and well-publicized. But, just as obesity may be associated with a variety of health issues, it can also bring a less well-understood effect: stigma and discrimination. The social consequences of being overweight and obese are serious, pervasive and throughout our culture, and is evident at different levels across lines of gender, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Overweight and obese individuals are often targets of bias and stigma, and are vulnerable to negative attitudes in multiple domains of living including places of employment, educational institutions, medical facilities, the mass media, and interpersonal relationships. Along with implications to physical health, obesity often carries a stigma that negatively impacts the social, emotional, and psychological functioning of those who are overweight or perceive themselves as overweight. This paper seeks to review on causal attribution of obesity and its social consequences. Interpersonal sources, multiple domains and coping strategies are also captured. In light of the immense burden of obesity on health care systems and also on the individuals' quality of life, it is recommended that stigma-reduction interventions should focus on educating students at all levels of educational system and the general public about size acceptance and further challenge negative attitudes. Also, prevention programs with information campaigns might have a high potential in increasing awareness about stigmatization.
Level of education and marital distress in Ghanaian married couples
This study set out to examine how much distress men and women experience in their marital relationships, and whether or not education level is associated with marital distress. This was done by using the Marital Happiness Scale, and a questionnaire that measured demographic characteristics, as measuring instruments. Four research questions were formulated and four hypotheses were tested. They covered the differences that exist in the marital distress experiences among husbands and wives, and differences in education and their impact on marital distress. A total of eighty (80) married men and women comprising 40 husbands and 40 wives were conveniently and purposively selected to take part in the study. Descriptive statistics and t- Tests were used to analyse the data to bring out differences and to determine associations among variables. The findings showed that many persons who said they experienced distress in their marital relationships also tested distressed on a scale of marital distress; that among this population, wives tested more distressed than husbands in marriages. There were no significant differences between husbands and wives of low education and those of high education in their distress. Those with high education were not less distressed than those with low education. Marital distress is not a respecter of level of education. Suggestions were made for future research to consider other factors that account for distress in Ghanaian marriages other than education status.
Knowledge of transmission patterns of HIV/AIDS among students of tertiary institutions in Kwara State, Nigeria
This study investigated knowledge of transmission patterns of HIV/AIDS among students of tertiary institutions in Kwara State, Nigeria. A proportionate sampling technique was used to select 700 students from five tertiary institutions in Kwara State. The hypotheses formulated were tested using Chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) at oc = 0.05 level of significance. In the findings, calculated X2 value of 124.69 revealed that the students have adequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission through sexual contacts, also calculated x2 value of 67.83 revealed that students have adequate knowledge that HIV/AIDS can transmit through mother to child and the ANOVA result of 3.52 showed that students of various tertiary institutions in Kwara State have varied knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission in health care setting. Fisher least significance difference was used as multiple range comparison test to identity where the significant difference between and within the group of students. Based on the findings, it was recommended that AIDS education to include STDs, sexuality and reproductive health education should be made compulsory and be incorporated into the syllabi and curricula from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria among others.
Comparision of HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitude of nursing and college of education students in Kumasi
The purpose of the study was to compare HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes of nurses and teachers in training. A questionnaire was administered to a cross section of 200 nurses and teachers in training at Kumasi. Respondents were asked to provide information on HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes. The data obtained were presented and analysed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 16.0. Study results indicated that the majority of the respondents had a high level of HIV/AIDS knowledge, acceptance and positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS issues and patients. Nurses in training had higher HIV/AIDS mean knowledge score ((x=14.55) than teachers in training (x= 14.23). However, independent samples t-test analysis showed insignificant difference between knowledge scores of nurses and teachers in training (t (198=.95, significance level=0.05, sig. (2-tailed)=.33). Also, the nurses in training had higher HIV/AIDS mean attitude score (x= 14.54) than teachers in training (x=14.34). However, independent sample t-test showed insignificant difference between attitude scores of nurses and teachers in training (t (198) =.60, significance level = 0.05, sig (2-tailed) =.54). There was no statistically significant bivariate correlation between knowledge and attitude scores of respondents (r(198)=0.01, significance level=0.05,sig.(2-tailed)=.89). The study recommends that future HIV/AIDS prevention strategies and campaigns in schools and colleges should focus not only on HIV/AIDS knowledge but also on developing and maintaining safe sexual behavior and positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS issues and patients.
Assessment of private sector funding for professional football clubs playing in premier league in Northern Nigeria
This study assessed private sector funding for professional football clubs playing in premier league in Northern Nigeria. To achieve this, questionnaire on private sector funding for professional football clubs was developed, validated and utilized for this study. Kitting of players, building of stadium, travelling, insurance and television rights constituted items in the questionnaire. A major hypothesis sought to find out if there were significant differences in private sector funding among the professional football clubs in Northern Nigeria as viewed by respondents. The questionnaire was administered on 90 respondents from the 6 clubs randomly picked from the 3 geo-political zones in Northern Nigeria (2 clubs from each zone). This gave us 30 respondents from each of the geo-political zones. Mean and Analysis of Variance were applied to describe and test the hypothesis. The result showed that private sector does not give meaningful funding to professional football clubs in Northern Nigeria. It was also found that there was significant difference in private sector funding for professional football clubs in Northern Nigeria playing in the Premier League. It is therefore recommended that professional football clubs in Northern Nigeria should seek for private sector funding for the activities of their clubs
Gender disparity in anthropometric and fitness characteristics of university students
Status of anthropometric and fitness characteristics are usually considered as vital tools for health assessment. Although studies have reported that university students exhibit different health related lifestyles, gender comparative information on anthropometric and fitness characteristics in Ghana is scarce. The study examined gender disparity in anthropometric and fitness characteristics of apparently healthy university students. A cross sectional descriptive design approach was utilized. 120 randomly recruited university students (mean age 22.01 ± 2.29years, male, 67 and female, 53) participated in the study. Body weight, height, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, trunk flexibility and static body balance were measured in a laboratory setting. Results showed that male had higher age (P < 0.05), height (P < 0.05), waist circumference (P < 0.05), waist-hip ratio (P < 0.05) and static balance (P < 0.05) significantly. Weight (P < 0.05) and body mass index (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in female. The proportion of anthropometric and static balance characteristics of male university students was higher than female while trunk flexibility of male compared favourably with their female counterparts. To encourage healthy living of female in this study, flexibly modified and friendly physical activity programmes are recommended.
Correlate of safety measures of oil marketing companies and safety behaviours of fuel station attendants in Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis
Workers of fuel retail industry are exposed to many hazards as result of their job and behaviors. Management’s safety practices are important workplace preventive measures to reducing health and safety hazards. The purpose of this study was to explore the level of safety behaviors among pump attendants and the relationship between attendants’ safety behaviors and safety measures of the companies in the Sekondi-Takoradi. This survey involved 114 pump attendants from four purposively sampled oil marketing companies. Researcher generated questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency reliability of .81 was used to collect data, using SPSS version 16.0 with Pearson correlation as statistical tool. The results indicated that 70% of the respondents disagreed they sometimes ignore safety rules to get their work done quickly, while 86.8% disagreed they sometimes intentionally allow fuel to touch their body. Also, as 60% of the participants agreed they always change into house dresses after work, 78% agreed they always observe safety rules at their stations. Pearson bivariate correlation analysis showed that safety policy enforcement positively correlated moderately (r = 0.6) with attendants’ safety behavior while a low positive relationship was observed between personal protective equipment and safety behaviors of the attendants. The fuel attendants performed their jobs with high sense of safety. Furthermore, provision of appropriate workplace safety measures has positive relationship with the safety behaviors of the participants. Hence, instituting worksite safety policy and enforcing them will positively promote safe work performance among the attendants.
Impediments to effective implementation of sports policy in Nigeria schools
A policy remains a mere intention if it is not implemented. Non-implementation policy is a serious problem in Nigeria. There is always a wide gap between policy formulation and policy implementation in Nigeria. What is written is not always what is practiced. This paper presents a theoretical review of barriers to effective implementation of sports policies in schools. This paper looked at1989 and 2009 Nigeria Sports Policy as they affect schools’ sports. It observed that the laudable policies have not been effectively implemented because of some government and institutional factors which reduce government policy on sport to a mere paper work. Some impediments to sports and physical education policy implementation in schools in Nigeria were examined. Some of the barriers highlighted in the paper included lack of collaboration between Ministry of sports and Ministry of Education; corruption, treatment of sport as a marginal programme in the school curriculum and many others. The paper recommended adequate funding of schools sports and suggested the need for effective collaboration between Ministries of Education and Sports at Federal and State levels.
Awareness of the benefits of ginger use among students of Nigeria army school of education, Sobi-Ilorin, Kwara State
The objective of this study was to determine the level of awareness, knowledge of benefits and use of ginger among the students of the Nigerian Army School of Education (NASE), Sobi-Ilorin Kwara State. The descriptive survey design was used to elucidate the awareness, knowledge of benefits and practice of ginger use. The population was all 350 students of NASE, Ilorin. They were purposively selected, from which 337 validly participated. The instrument for data collection was a validated researcher structured questionnaire. Test retest reliability was conducted and PPMC coefficient (r = 0.72) was obtained. Frequency and percentage were used for demographic data while t-test was used for testing the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. The result revealed that NASE, Ilorin students were highly aware of ginger, 312 (92.6%). There was significant difference between soldiers and officers in; awareness n = 337, t (335) = 4.94, p = 0.001, 2 = .007; health benefits n = 337, t (335) = 2.92, p = 0.004, 2 = .002 and performance purposes n = 337, t (335) = 2.48, p = 0.001, 2 = .002. It was concluded that majority of NASE students are aware of ginger, which they mainly consumed as drinks. Further study is necessary to ascertain the size of benefits and the best way ginger use would enhance the health and job performance of military personnel..
Reconciling mentor and residence lecturer’s scores in grading students on teaching practice to be true reflection of students' performance
With the increasing number of students who qualify and enroll in universities the world over, and also in the various faculties and colleges of education studies, where students-teachers are trained for the teaching profession, it has become obvious that resident university teachers alone are unable to give ample supervision and monitoring to student-teacher trainees who go out of the campuses to experience real teaching practice. This is often referred to, as external or out of campus teaching practice. In trying to find solution to this vacuum created by insufficient lecturers, not being able to give enough supervisions and assessment scores to grade the practicing teachers, tutors or individuals in the various localities and/or institutions where the student-teachers do the external teaching practice are contracted by the universities as either mentors or internal supervisors to take oversight responsibilities of the student teachers formation, alongside the university lecturers, termed as external supervisors. This paper seek to find out how to reconcile the grading scores of the mentors or internal supervisors which at times, is often on the high side, as against the lecturers or external supervisors scores in order to reflect the true performance levels of the student teachers. This paper also lines up some suggested solutions to the dilemma in order to reflect the real students’ performance scores.
Analysis of cardiorespiratory fitness of 9-11 year old primary school children in Nigeria using blood pressure and vital capacity
The skeletal muscle has the ability to extract and use oxygen for generation of energy to perform physical activities. This ability is referred to as cardiorespiratory fitness. The variables measured in this study were resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, vital capacity and forced vital capacity. Four hypotheses tested at 0.05 alpha level. There were significant differences between the participants and the standard norms in all the variables studied in this research. Resting systolic blood pressure (t-Cal= 190.576 > t-Crit.=2.021, P<0.05); Resting diastolic blood pressure (t- Cal=51.951> t-Crit.=2.01, P<0.05); Vital Capacity (t-Cal=- 31.527> t-Crit. = 2.021, P<0.05); Forced Vital Capacity (t- Cal=13.951 > t-Crit. = 2.021, P<0.05); Generally, it was observed that the cardiorespiratory fitness level of the participants was low despite the significant difference in the variables when compared to the standard norm. A programme should be designed to encourage children to lose weight in a healthy manner, thus reducing their BMI and improve their physical fitness, and general wellbeing. Parents should guide the pupils to spend less time on computer games and encourage active physical exercises in form of trekking to school where possible, in order to enhance their cardiorespiratory fitness.
The use and impact of ICT in teaching and learning of health education in elementary schools in Lagos State, Nigeria
The study assessed the use and impact of Information and Communication Technology in teaching and learning of health education in elementary schools in Lagos State, Nigeria. A survey design was used for the study. The data were collected using self developed structured questionnaire, the co-variates collected in the questionnaire were: availability of ICT, adequate personnel and availability of funds, test-retest reliability co-efficient of 0.76 while purposive and stratified sampling technique was used to select the respondents and schools respectively. One thousand eight hundred and twenty six instruments were retrieved out of One thousand nine hundred and fifty distributed and statistics of mean, standard deviation and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Results indicated that all the co-variates used in the study were significant. Showing a joint regression produced F (6.1819) = 83.188, P<0.05. Since p value is less than 0.05. Integrating information and communication technology into health Education is very essential to improve the teaching and learning of health education in elementary schools in Lagos Nigeria.
Evaluation of musculoskeletal fitness and its relationship to quality of life of university academic staff in Nigeria
This study was carried out to evaluate the musculoskeletal fitness and its relationship to quality of life of university academic staff in Nigeria. Teaching staff served as the target population. Forty academic staff volunteered and registered for the study in University of Ibadan but the total number of participants that completed the study was thirty six (36). Quasi-experimental research design was used for the study. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics of pairwise t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The mean score of physical health quality of life of the participants showed that the participants rated themselves as having good quality of life. However, the t-test values show that the participants’ do not possess adequate musculoskeletal fitness required to carry out their activities of daily living (ADLs). The correlational r values of musculoskeletal components are .074, .029, .126 and .059 which are lower than the critical value of .4683. The implication of this is that the assumption made that the participants possess good quality of life is not supported by the results of their musculoskeletal tests. The findings indicated that no significant relationship exist between participants’ musculoskeletal status and their quality of life. Based on the findings, it was concluded that exercise programme should be put forth to enhance musculoskeletal fitness and improve the quality of life of academic staff in the Universities.
Opinion of physical education teachers on factors influencing integration of PE into primary education curriculum in Oyo State
This paper highlights the opinion of primary school Physical Education (P.E) teachers on the factors influencing integration of physical education into primary education curriculum in Oyo State. The paper tries to examine the meaning of curriculum as advanced by some scholars. It discusses the indispensable need for proper curriculum implementation. Moreover, an important focus of the paper pivots on the factors influencing the integration of Physical Education in primary school curriculum. Descriptive research design was used for this study. The population for this study consists the primary school teachers in Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State. 149 subjects were served with questionnaire to elicit responses on their opinions regarding factors influencing integration of P.E into primary education curriculum in Oyo State. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses of chi square (X2) were used to test the hypotheses that were generated at a significant relationship of 0.05 alpha levels. The result of the findings revealed that, time allotted to P.E in primary schools have an influence on integration of P.E in the primary school curriculum. It also revealed that, availability of sport facilities and other infrastructure for P.E classes in primary schools have positive influence on integration of P.E in the primary school curriculum.
Pedagogical content knowledge of preservice teachers’ in physical education: a case study of Komenda College of Education
The study assessed the pedagogical content knowledge of preservice teachers in Physical Education at the Colleges of Education in Ghana. The descriptive survey design was employed to conduct the study. One hundred and eighty (180) final year students were randomly selected for the study. A questionnaire was used to collect the data for the study. Data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The results indicated that pre-service teachers at the colleges received sufficient instructions in physical education about the subject matter and general pedagogical practices to enable them teach the content of instruction effectively to enhance positive learning outcomes in their students. Also, preservice teachers acquired adequate knowledge about their learners and their characteristics to make them effective teachers in Physical Education. Thus, the teacher education division must keep to, monitor and supervise the present syllabus being used by the Colleges of Education since the pre-service teachers in this study have proved that they received sufficient instructions to make them effective teachers in Physical Education.
Differences in body anthropometry between competitively efficient and less efficient junior male handball players
This study was carried out to determine if differences existed in anthropometric and body composition characteristics between competitively efficient (above average) and less efficient (average) junior male handball players. A total of 106 junior male handball players participated in this study. The players were divided into two playing quality or performance groups of above average or (competitively efficient) (n = 26) and average or competitively less efficient (n = 80) levels. A combination of individual players’ quality as determined subjectively by a consortium of national handball coaches and team ranking achieved at a championship were used to achieve this purpose. 22 anthropometric attributes were measured for each subject. Similarly, 6 body composition variables were estimated. The results showed that the above average players were better endowed morphologically than the average players particularly in the Longitudinal Skeleton Dimensionality (LSD), Transverse Skeleton Dimensionality (TSD) and Absolute Voluminosity of the Body (AVB) dimensions. The junior male players at both levels of performance were relatively homogenous in the Subcutaneous Fatty Tissue (SFT). However, the average level players had significantly lower supra spinale skinfold measure (t = 2.57, P < 0.011) than the above average level players. Derived body composition measures of skeletal mass (t = 5.80; p < 0.000); muscle mass (t = 4.87; p < 0.000); and fat free mass (t = 6.59; p < 0.000) were statistically significant in favour of the above average players. The mean (SD) somatotype of all the players (2.04[0.5]; 3.13[1.0]; 3.6[1.1]) were statistically significant. Similarly, the somatotype classification of mesoectomorphic (mesomorphic ectomorph) characterised both levels of players (above average – 2.1[0.4], 2.85[0.8], 3.85[0.8] versus average - 2.01(0.5), 3.23[1.1], 3.54[1.2]) as there were no significant differences in these somatotype components. Results of the study demonstrated that the competitively efficient junior male handball players were significantly differentiated as possessing superior anthropometric characteristics compared to the less efficient junior male handball players.
Body composition of Kwara state basketball players - implications for peak performance
This study was carried out to evaluate the body composition of Basketball players in Kwara State, Nigeria. Physical characteristics of age, height and weight, the percentage body fat, fat mass, fat free mass and muscle mass were measured using standardized methods. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants made up of twelve (12) junior and fifteen (15) senior male basketball players. Portable Bathroom-type Hanson, scale (model B1801) was used to measure weight in kilogrammes, Holtain Stadiometre for height in centimetres and Slim-guide Skinfold callipers (model MI 48170, U.S.A). One-way ANOVA was used to analyse the difference in physical characteristics of the participants; t-test was used to determine difference in the body composition of the senior and junior basketball players. Significant difference was found in the body composition. The senior team had significantly higher fat free muscle mass and less fat and percentage body fat (4.69) that was too low for continuous vigorous intensity workout. However, there were no significant differences in the fat mass and fat free mass; while significant difference was found in percent body fat, BMI and muscle mass of both the senior and junior teams. This implies that the senior team has better musculature than the junior team. It was concluded that there is need for nutritional intervention and carbohydrate loading prior to performance to meet up the energy demand for daily training programme and during performance in order to improve performance ability of the senior basketball players.
Optimizing motor skills through classical conditioning theory
Over the years, experts have sought varied means of enhancing the learning of motor skills and optimizing motor performance. The role of learning theories in the learning of motor skills has been studied. Classical conditioning is a reflexive or automatic type of learning in which a stimulus acquires the capacity to evoke a response that was originally evoked by another stimulus. This study explains the role of classical conditioning on motor learning and performance. Classical conditioning should be applied in the teaching of the practical aspects of physical education to students especially in the early stages of their learning. This would help in motivating them and consequently optimizing their motor skill learning and performance. One must be able to practice and master a task effectively before embarking on another one. This means that a student needs to be able to respond to a particular stimulus (information) before he/she can be associated with a new one. Classical conditioning should be used by Coaches and Sports Psychologists in helping Athletes overcome their fear of failure or opponents. There is the need for more studies on the optimizing of motor outcomes via classical conditioning to be conducted.
Knowledge of the perceived influence of nutritional supplements on sexual performance of male undergraduates in university of Ilorin, Nigeria
This study investigated on Knowledge of the perceived influence of food supplements on sexual performance of male Undergraduates in University of Ilorin. Nutritional supplements are products intended to make up for a poor diet or to support our health in the same way that nutritious food will perform. This study investigated (i) influence of ginger as a nutritional supplement on sexual performance among male Undergraduates, University of Ilorin (ii) influence of watermelon as a nutritional supplement on sexual performance among male Undergraduates, University of Ilorin (iii) influence of banana as nutritional supplement on sexual performance among male Undergraduates, University of Ilorin. A descriptive research design of survey type was employed for this study. The population consists of all male undergraduates in University of Ilorin. A multistage sampling technique was used for the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select four hundred and twenty seven (427) respondents for the study. Researcher’s designed structured questionnaire which was validated by four experts from the Department of Health Promotion and Environmental Health Education; University of Ilorin was used for data collection. A correlation co-efficient of .82r was obtained through test retest method using Pearson Product Moment Correlation .Data collection was conducted by the researcher and four trained research assistants. The three postulated null hypotheses were tested using the inferential statistics of chi-square @0.05 alpha level. The findings from this study reveal that; ginger as a nutritional supplement significantly influences sexual performance of male undergraduate with the calculated chi-square (ᵪ2) value of 311.010 is greater than the table chi-square (ᵪ2) value of 16.92 at the freedom (df) 9 @ 0.05 alpha level; Watermelon as a nutritional supplement significantly influences sexual performance of male undergraduate with the calculated chi-square (ᵪ2) value of 543.013 is greater than the table chi-square (ᵪ2) value of 21.03 at the freedom (df) 12 @ 0.05 alpha level and Banana as a nutritional supplement significantly influences sexual performance of male undergraduate in University of Ilorin with the calculated chi-square (ᵪ2) value of 629.021 is greater than the table chi-square (ᵪ2) value of 25.00 at the freedom (df) 15 @ 0.05 alpha level. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that ginger, watermelon and banana as a nutritional supplement influenced sexual performance among undergraduates, University of Ilorin. Therefore, it was recommended that male undergraduate students should be encouraged on the consumption of ginger which will serve a body building stimulant and increases the production of sperm motility, regular intake of watermelon which serves as hormone regulator and inhibitor to sexual performance should be taking more often among male undergraduate and knowledge of the consumption of banana intake as a treatment of intestinal disorders and erectile dysfunction should be intensified among male undergraduate students.
Handgrip and pinch strength changes of type II diabetes mellitus patients following a 12- week strength training programme
The purpose of this study was to establish the efficacy of a 12-week strength training (ST) programme on handgrip and pinch strength in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients in a tertiary health institution in Benin-City. This study was a pre-test, post-test control group design. A total of 36 T2DM patients participated in the study. Handgrip and pinch strength were measured using electronic hand dynamometer (in kg) and mechanical pinch gauge (in kg) respectively prior to and following a 12-week ST programme. Data generated were analyzed using inferential statistics of one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the statistical significance was accepted for p value of <0.05.The findings of the study showed that ST programme had significant effects on handgrip and pinch strength of T2DM patients. It was concluded that ST programme can substantially optimize handgrip and pinch strength of patients with T2DM. Therefore, ST programme should be considered a key element in the management of T2DM patients.
The dilemma on the policy of classroom teacher as against subject teachers, teaching in primary schools in Ghana: the way forward for physical education as a core subject
Teachers who are employed to teach in the basic schools in Ghana, either ply their trade in the primary schools or the junior high schools (JHS). The primary classes comprise of classes 1-6, and the junior high schools are made up of JHS 1-3. The primary school teachers are termed as “classroom teachers”, because a teacher is allotted a particular class and he or she is responsible for teaching all the subjects on the time table to the pupils throughout the duration the class is assigned to that teacher. In the case of JHS teachers, they are termed subject teachers because they don’t have permanent classes they stick to throughout the year, but rather move from class to class, teaching their specialized subjects to various classes and levels in the school. The writer’s concern in this paper is whether pupils in the primary schools are better off with the classroom teacher policy, or assigning them with subject teachers will be an improvement on the current policy of the Ghana Education Service. Considering the kind of training student-teachers receive during their formation periods in the Colleges of Education, are they better off with the current policy, or will be better off with the subject teaching option. Dose the curricula of Physical Education in particular and other core subjects in general in their present form at the colleges of education, favour the classroom arrangement over the subject teacher option after completion of the training of the newly trained teacher? The advantages and disadvantages of the two polices is discussed in this paper.. The way forward on the issue under discussion so far as Physical Education as a subject is concerned is also assessed in this paper. The interdisciplinary approach of learning is also discussed as one of the ways forward in addressing the classroom/subject teacher dilemma.
A comparison of patterns of sports injury between elite players of beach soccer and association football in Nigeria
It is the dream of every nation, and its athletes to excel in all sport competitions and tournaments, so as to maximise the benefits of success associated to excellence in performance. However, injury is a major factor militating against success of athletes; it is considered as a potential threat in sports. This study was a retrospective one, designed to compare the patterns of sports injury between a group of elite players of beach soccer and their counterparts of association football in Nigeria. For this purpose, 46 players (23 from each sport) were purposively selected to participate in the study. A self developed questionnaire titled Questionnaire on sports Injury among athletes (QSIA) with 0.78 reliability level was used for data collection, and the data collected were analysed using frequency, simple percentage, mean and independent t-test. Results showed that there are variations in the pattern of sports injuries sustained by beach soccer players and association footballers. These variations are noticeable in the types of sports injuries they sustained, the regions of the body affected by the injuries, the preceding incidents to the injuries, and the levels of intensity of the injuries.
Efficacy of combined therapy of cognitive restructuring and study skills counselling on test anxiety among senior high school students in Ghana
Test anxiety is a serious problem for many students. It is a major obstacle to academic performance. In view of this, it is necessary to help students manage test anxiety through psychological interventions. This study investigated the combined effects of cognitive restructuring therapy and study skills counselling on test anxiety among senior high school students in Ghana. The population for this study was all second year senior high School students in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem Municipality. Quasi-experimental, pre-test, post-test control group design guided the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 40 respondents to participate in the study. Two research hypotheses were formulated for the study and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The data were analysed using independent samples t-test. The study revealed that cognitive restructuring and study skills counselling had significant effect on the test anxiety of participants in the experimental group at post-test when compared with the control. Again, the results showed that there was no significant influence of gender on the test anxiety scores of the participants in the experimental group at post-test. Based on the findings, it was recommended that counsellors should make use of cognitive restructuring and study skills counselling in order to reduce or manage test anxiety among senior high school students.
Knowledge and perceived implication of lassa fever among residents of Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Kwara State Nigeria
This study investigated the knowledge and perceived implication of Lassa fever among residents of Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Kwara State. The major occupation of the residents of Oke-Ero is farming. During the dry season, some farmers make use of bush burning method as a mean of clearing their lands, during which many of the rats from the bushes find their ways to neighbourhood houses to hide for safety. This gives them access to food stuffs kept by the residents. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether the residents of Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Kwara State have knowledge of transmission of Lassa fever and determine whether death is a perceived implication of Lassa fever among the residents of Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Kwara State. A descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study comprised of all the residents of Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Kwara State. Multi-stage sampling technique consisting of simple random, proportionate and convenience sampling techniques was used to select a sample size of four hundred and two (402) respondents for the study. A researcher-designed questionnaire validated by three (3) experts from the Department of Health Promotion and Environmental. Health Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria was used for the data collection. Split half method was used to ascertain the reliability of the instrument. A correlation coefficient (r) of 0.70 was obtained through the use of Cronbach alpha. Data collection was conducted by the researcher and three trained research assistants. Inferential statistics of Chi-square (χ2) was used to analyse the postulated null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance, using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0 software. The findings of the study showed that residents of Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Kwara State significantly have knowledge on the transmission of Lassa fever. This was because cal. χ2 value (586.90) is greater than critical value (7.82). Death is significantly perceived as implication of Lassa fever among the residents of Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Kwara State. This was because cal. χ2 value (271.41) is greater than critical value (16.92). Based on the findings, it was concluded that residents of Oke-Ero Local Government Area Kwara State have knowledge of the transmission of Lassa fever, and death is perceived as implication of Lassa fever among the residents of Oke-Ero Local Government area Kwara State. Therefore, the researcher recommended that residents should not leave food items open, so as not to give rats access to their food and cultivate the habit of cleanliness. It is also recommended that, further knowledge on Lassa fever and implication should be intensified and campaigns and health education should be carried out to improve the knowledge of residents about the Lassa fever disease.
Making weight for sports performance: implications for health of combat sport athletes in Nigeria
The purpose of this study was to determine implication of weightmaking practice (WMP) on health of combat sport athletes. Descriptive correlational design was used. The population comprised 80 combat sports athletes who participated in Kongfu, Wrestling, Boxing, Judo, Karate and Taekwondo in Kwara State of Nigeria. Sixty-four (64) of them (age range = 15 – 54 years; males n = 73.3% (44), weight 69.3 ± 10.6 kg and females n = 26.7% (20), weight 61.5 ± 11.6 kg) were selected using stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected using a researcher developed questionnaire, which was validated and tested for reliability (r = .86). The SPSS version 20.0-application software was used for statistical analyses. Frequency counts and percentage were used to describe demographic data; mean and standard deviation were used for describing body composition. Chi-square was used to analyse the association between WMP and health, one-way ANOVA for the effect of sport on WMP and health. Hypotheses were tested for statistical significance at 0.05 alpha level. There was significant association between WMP and general health 2 (1) = 4.158, p = .034; Cramer’s V = .27, p = .034; odds= 1.2. There was significant association between WMP and health. after competition 2 (1) = 8.531, p = .003; Cramer’s V = .38, p =.003; odds = 1.4. There was no significant association between WMP and health during competition 2 (1) = 2.347, p = .187. Type of sport significantly influenced WMP, F (5, 58) = 2.458, p = .004, 2 = 0.228(22.8%); general health F (5, 58) = 4.240, p = .003, 2 = 0.185(18.5%); and health after competition; F (5, 58) = 2.597, p =.035, 2 = 0.194 (19.4%). In conclusion, the participants’ WMP may lead to physiological deviations and long-term health consequences. It was recommended that combat athletes and their coaches should be educated about the long-term effects of WMP on health and sports performance of athletes. Input of Exercise and Sport Scientists is vital for best practices in weight making.
Reaction time and speed as correlates of sports injury among students of football academics in Nigeria
Sports participation carries a risk for injuries, which may in some cases lead to permanent disability or death, hence; the need for attention on prevention. Physical fitness is a factor of sports injury. However, there is lack of sufficient evidence on relationship between specific components of physical fitness and sports injuries. This study therefore investigated reaction time and speed as they relate to sports injuries among students of football academies in Nigeria. Correlational research design was adopted for this study, and purposive sampling technique was used to select 128 students from three football academies. Standardised instruments and tests were used to measure the key parameters [i.e. speed and reaction time]. Physical characteristics that included weight, height, position of play, age, dominant leg and experience. Type of injury, part of body affected, event of injury and severity were also recorded. The data collection period was twelve weeks, and the data collected were analysed using percentage, mean, and Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient [PPMC] statistical tools. WINKS SDA package was used for analysis and hypothesis were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Findings of this study show that reaction time correlates with sports injuries sustained[r (107) =0.23, p = 0.02], while speed indicates no correlation[r (107) =0.12, p = 0.21]. It is concluded that the level of reaction time acquired and maintained by students of football academies influence the frequency of injury sustained as well as the severity of such injury; while speed level does not have any significant influence on sustenance of injury among the target group.
Factors influencing teenage pregnancy in Komenda, Edina, Eguafo Abirem Municipality
Adolescents are the most important sexually active population in our societies, and given their size and characteristics, majority are exposed to early unplanned and unprotected sexual intercourse leading to unwanted pregnancy and sometimes unsafe abortions. Teenage pregnancy has become very common in the Ghanaian society, especially among adolescents at the Primary and Junior High School (JHS) levels of education. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in the Komenda, Edina, Eguafo Abrem Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana from 2012-2016. The study employed descriptive survey design to purposively sample teenage mothers and pregnant teenagers seeking antenatal and postnatal care at the Elmina Urban Health Centre and Ankaful Leprosy/General Hospital. Questionnaire and secondary data was collected and analyzed using simple frequencies and percentages. The finding revealed 25% prevalence of teenage pregnancy among the adolescents between 2012 and 2016. Poverty, peer pressure, and the influence of the media (electronic and social) were found to be the major risk factors to influence teenage pregnancy among the participants. Birth complications and school dropouts were the major consequences of teenage pregnancy among the participants. It was concluded that the high prevalence of teenage in the municipality could also lead to high presence of sexually transmitted infections. It was therefore recommended that municipal assemblies establish trade schools as well as use successful indigenes as role models to increase students’ ambition for the future and decrease their engagement in the sexual activities. Also, condom usage should be highlighted in the schools to help those who cannot abstain to use protection.
Using dramatic and pretend play to promote children’s learning: the case of early childhood education in Ghana
Communities and cultures have a way of passing on their legacies to their young ones for preservation in order to keep the generation and lineage going. Many of these practices are passed on through dramatic or pretend play. Providing children opportunity to learn best should be done through a medium that children find to be interesting and child-friendly. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe dramatic and pretend play and their place in the education of children in early childhood care and development settings in Ghana. This will inform practice, to enable teachers use such dramatic and pretend play to enhance children’s learning. This manuscript is important for teachers, policy makers, and Non-Governmental Organizations who are interested in early childhood education in Ghana. Understanding the knowledge that the ecology within which the child lives and grows will be very crucial, to developing a curriculum and pedagogy that are context bound and therefore very appropriate for the children in that ecology.