Journal For Family & Society Research

Portrayal of Substance-Use by Social Media Celebrities and its Influence on Substance Abuse among Students of Enugu State University of Science and Technology

2025-07-04T08:18:48+00:00

Drug abuse over the years has become a social and health dilemma in Nigeria
and across the world. There is rising concern about the link between social media
and celebrity’s social media posts and the incidence of substance misuse and
addiction among young people. Specifically, the study ascertained the usage of
drugs among Nigerian youths and the influence of social media on drug misuse.
A sample of 384 out of 18,702, undergraduate students at the Enugu State
University of Science and Technology participated in the study. The cross-
sectional survey research design was adopted to collect quantitative data using
the questionnaire structured by the researchers. Three research experts validated
the instrument and thereafter, was pre-tested on a sample of 20 respondents.
Microsoft Excel was used for data analysis using the Relative Importance Index
(RII) formula where values closer to one (1) are considered of higher importance.
The findings of the study indicate that alcohol was ranked first (RII = 0.40) as the
most used substance. The daily use (RII = 0.66) of substances among the
respondents shows a high rate of substance abuse. Though the students were
mostly introduced to substance use by their peers (RII = 0.54), however, a good
number of the respondents stated they got validation for continued substance
use through celebrities on social media (RII = 0.50). Based on the findings, the
study recommended the need to organize regular seminars, workshops and
conferences targeted at addressing substance abuse in higher institutions as its
prevalence among the youth is quite high.

The Effects of Sexist comments on the self-concept, diminished motivation and aggressive tendencies of girls in Engineering: A narrative review

2025-07-04T08:25:16+00:00

Engineering remains one of the fields with the lowest female-to-male ratio.
Researchers have highlighted numerous factors contributing to the persistent
underrepresentation of women in engineering, including the lengthy study
period, the discipline's challenging nature, and bias. While some engineering
schools and organizations have successfully addressed certain barriers, bias
remains a significant issue over the past two decades. It manifests as gender
inequity, discrimination, and sexist comments, negatively impacting the mental
health of those affected. Several studies have consistently shown that bias
hampers the progress of girls in engineering. Addressing these issues early is
vital for improving female students' success rates. It is very important to know
how sexist words affect the mental health of female engineering students. This
study looked at how sexist comments affect the way female engineering
students feel about themselves, their drive, and their tendency to be aggressive.
A literature-search on Google Scholar and IEEE from 2005 to 2025 turned up 42
articles, but 7 had to be thrown out because they didn't meet certain standards.
The results showed that sexist comments were a form of subordination and
abuse that hurt the mental health of female engineering students by making
them feel bad about themselves, less motivated, and more likely to act
aggressively. The study stressed how important it was to reduce this bias and
gave useful suggestions for fighting the bad effects of bias. The study als o
suggested areas for future research to learn more about how sexist comments
affect the experiences and performance of female engineering students. Taking
care of this problem is necessary to make engineering schools and the industry
as a whole more welcoming and fairer for everyone.

Assessment of Bed Linen Produced from Guinea Brocade for Wealth Creation in Offa Local Government, Kwara State

2025-07-08T05:26:43+00:00

Bed linen produced from guinea brocade exhibits remarkable quality attributes,
showcasing its rich cultural heritage, the intricate pattern and vibrant colors
inherent to guinea brocade contribute to its aesthetic appeal, making it
attractive choice for consumers seeking unique and culturally significant bed
linen options. Therefore, this study assessed bed linen produced from guinea
brocade for wealth creation in Offa Local Government Area Kwara State. Three
research questions were raised. The study adopted Cross cross-sectional
descriptive survey research design. The population for the study comprised
3,014 home makers in Offa Local Government. Multi-stage sampling technique
(including simple random) was used to select one hundred and fifty (150)
homemakers in the study area. The instrument used was well well-structured
questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including
frequency, mean and standard deviation. the findings revealed that
respondents have seen guinea brocade bed line before (1.67) but not familiar
with its characteristics (1.21) and never come across its promotion and
advertisement (ˉ1.35). It also revealed that respondents perceived guinea
brocade as suitable fabric (ˉ3.99), premium product worth investing in
(3.82) and the appearance looks attractive (3.98). guinea brocade bed
linen can reduce reliance on imported beddings (ˉ2.63), strengthening
cultural heritage (2.51). It also revealed that respondents disagreed that
maintenance requirements will increase their economic viability (2.23). It
can be concluded that the preference and acceptance of Guinea brocade bed
linen signify a lucrative market opportunity and means of wealth. The study
recommends that home economics educators and fabric retailers engage in
awareness campaigns on quality fabric selection and fabric-specific
maintenance to promote durability and cost-effectiveness in household textile

Influence of Family Instability on the Mental Health and Academic Performance of Adolescents in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

2025-07-08T05:49:43+00:00

The study investigated the influence of family instability on adolescents' mental
health and academic performance at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Five
objectives and three hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive survey
research design was utilized to select 420 adolescents using simple random
sampling. A structured questionnaire validated and tested for reliability was
used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using frequencies ,
percentages, means, standard deviation and chi-square. Findings showed that
more than half (58.1%) of the respondents had a monthly allowance of ₦10,000-
30,000. Findings on types of family instability showed that more than one-third
(33.6%) of the respondents experienced high levels of family instability. More
than half (51.0%) of the respondents had poor mental health status, and over
twenty per cent of them had low academic performance. At p < 0.05 level of
significance, family instability correlated significantly with the mental health
and academic performance of the adolescents. Family instability also correlated
significantly with respondents’ socio-economic characteristics such as monthly
allowance, family area of residence, parents’ educational qualification, housing
type, and household size. The study, therefore, concludes that family instability
significantly influences the mental health and academic performance of
adolescents. It was recommended that the university administration should
provide mental health support services for students to educate them on how to
handle some family-related problems that might be affecting their mental
health and academic performance.

Influence of Students’ Year of Study on Financial Stress, Anxiety, and Depression among Economics Education Undergraduate Students in South-east Federal Universities

2025-07-08T05:57:31+00:00

Financial challenges have been identified as a cause of stress, anxiety, and
depression. Finance-induced stress, anxiety, and depression among
undergraduate students could differ based on their years of study. This study,
therefore, looked into the influence of years of study on financial stress, anxiety,
and depression among Economics education undergraduate students. The
study employed an ex post facto design. The study population consisted of
1,116 undergraduate students in Economics education from public universities
in the South-East region. The sample size of 286 respondents was obtained
using the Raosoft sample size calculator and selected using a multi -stage
sampling technique. Three hypotheses guided the study. Data was collected
using the Students’ Financial Stress Anxiety and Depression Scale (FSADS). The
instrument was validated by three lecturers from the University of Nigeria,
Nsukka. Cronbach’s alpha reliability estimates of the instruments were 0.92,
0.90, and 0.94 for stress, anxiety, and depression respectively, and 0.96 for the
entire instrument. The hypotheses were tested using ANOVA at significance
level of 0.05. The findings showed that high financial stress, moderate financial
anxiety, and moderate finance-induced stress were observed among the
students. However, students’ years of study did not significantly influence
financial stress, anxiety, and depression. It was recommended that university
management while reviewing the school fees and other levies paid by students
should consider all students irrespective of their year of study. This is because
the levels of financial stress, anxiety, and depression were similar in all years of
study.

Microbial and Heavy Metal Contents of Selected Herbal Medicines Sold in Enugu State, Nigeria

2025-07-08T06:01:53+00:00

This study investigates the microbial and heavy metal contents of selected
herbal medicines sold in Enugu State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study
evaluated the presence of bacterial, parasitic, and fungal loads and heavy
metals (mercury, lead, zinc, and iron) in herbal medicine samples. Ten
branded samples were purchased from Ogige and Ogbete main markets and
labelled A to J. These medicines were indicated for the treatment of malaria,
typhoid fever, ulcers, sexually transmitted infections, worm infestations, and
general blood cleansers. Laboratory analysis, using standard methods, was
employed to determine the microbial and heavy metal contents of the
samples. Culturing and microscopy methods were used for microbial analysis
while heavy metal analysis was done using atomic absorption
spectrophotometry. The analyses were carried out in duplicates using
percentages, means, and standard deviations. The results showed that 60% of
the samples exceeded safety limits for microbial contamination, while all
samples had excessive iron levels. Sample (A) contained mercury
(0.161mg/100ml) above the safe standards established by the FAO/WHO.
Seven samples (A, B, C, D, E, G, and I) were found to contain coliform bacteria
and sample A contained Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Bacillus polymyxa
above safety limits. No sample was found with fungal and parasitic load
above safety limits. The study concludes that herbal medicines may not be
assured of safety in terms of bacterial, and heavy metal (iron and mercury)
contents. The findings underline the health risks associated with unregulated
locally prepared herbal medicines.

The Nexus Between Family Food Insecurity and Mental Health of its Members: A Review

2025-07-08T06:06:29+00:00

Food is one of the primary sources of sustainability for families. A family with
inconsistent access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food is considered food
insecure, which can negatively impact their mental well-being. Studies have
shown a significant increase in the number of food-insecure Nigerians, rising
from 66.2 million in Q1 2023 to 100 million in Q1 2024. This paper reviewed
existing literature on family food insecurity, its causes, and its consequences
for the mental health and well-being of families, utilizing Google Scholar as
the search tool. The literature established that family food insecurity is
significantly linked to anxiety, emotional distress, depression, and other
mental health issues among family members. Poor mental health can hinder
the ability to access safe and nutritious foods; thus, as access to adequate food
and nutrition decreases, family members experience increased anxiety,
emotional distress, and depression. Additionally, worsening mental health
can lead to decreased productivity among family members, further
intensifying food insecurity, thus creating a cyclical relationship between food
insecurity and mental health. Policy and public health interventions must
address the intertwined issues of food insecurity and mental hea lth.
Therefore, there is a call to action for food security to be included as a critical
component of primary healthcare that every family should have access to.

Clothing Purchasing, Consumption, and Maintenance Behaviours of Homemakers in Enugu State

2025-07-08T06:26:07+00:00

This study examined the clothing purchasing and maintenance behaviors as
well as the factors influencing clothing consumption among homemakers in
Enugu State, Nigeria. Three objectives guided the study. A descriptive survey
research design was employed and the study was conducted in Enugu State.
The study sample comprised 390 out of 725,766 female homemakers aged 25
and above, selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data was
collected using a structured questionnaire, validated by experts, and pil ot-
tested for reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.89). Data was analysed using mean
and standard deviation using SPSS version 22. Findings revealed that
homemakers’ clothing purchases are influenced significantly by sociocultural,
religious, and personal factors. They prioritize decency (3.28), quality (3.23),
and affordability, while also responding to fashion trends and digital media
influence. Budget-conscious behaviors such as list-making and multi-channel
retail engagement both online and offline were common. Furthermore, clothing
maintenance practices indicated a high level of textile care literacy.
Respondents reported routine activities such as stain removal (3.24), use of
appropriate detergents (3.18), ironing (3.14), mending (3.23), and dry cleaning
(3.23). These practices reflect sustainable consumption patterns and resource-
conscious behaviors, underpinned by traditional knowledge and increasing
modern awareness. The study concludes that homemakers in Enugu State
exhibit a complex mix of traditional and contemporary clothing practices,
shaped by evolving consumption values and resource management.
Recommendations include targeted workshops on sustainable garment care,
promotion of culturally sensitive clothing production, inclusion of fashion
literacy in adult education, and community campaigns on textile.

Poor Economic Status Hinders Women's Participation in Political Elective Positions: A Case Study of Taraba South Senatorial District

2025-07-08T06:31:42+00:00

Gender inequality in politics has been a debatable issue all over the world,
in Africa and Nigeria in particular. The marginalization of women in
elective positions by men in Nigeria poses a serious threat to the tenets of
democracy. This paper aims to examine how poor economic status hinders
women’s participation in political elective positions using a case study of
Taraba South senatorial district. The paper employed a mixed-method
descriptive cross-sectional survey research design and applied liberal
feminist theory to the study. The sample size was 384 out of 660,220 men
and women of voting age. The respondents comprised electoral officers,
party officials, and party members. A validated structured questionnaire
and key informant interview (KII) were used for data collection. Results
were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation,
and thematic analysis of KII. The study’s findings revealed that the inability
of women to participate in elective positions in the Taraba South sena torial
district is attributed to economic/financial power. The researchers
recommend that certain elective positions be reserved exclusively for
women.

The Roles of Nutrition in Mental Health: A Review

2025-07-08T06:34:51+00:00

Mental health is the state of having a fully functioning mind that allows you
to deal with problems, handle stress, learn, interact with others, and work
successfully. Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from mental health
conditions like sadness and anxiety. A rising amount of research indicates that
dietary habits and nutrient consumption may have an impact on mental
health outcomes, making nutrition a crucial component of mental health.
With an emphasis on dietary patterns, this review attempts to compile the
body of research on the functions and connections between nutrition and
mental health. It also highlights the significance of certain nutrients for brain
function and mental health. Key nutrients like vitamin D, omega -3 fatty acids,
and polyphenols have been demonstrated to have antidepressant and
anxiolytic effects when consumed in a healthy pattern, according to the
review articles. Additionally, gut microbiota is important for mental health in
the gut-brain axis, with changes in gut bacteria being associated with anxiety
and depression. In conclusion, mental problems may be prevented and
treated with a nutritious diet high in fruits, vegetables, omega -3 fatty acids,
and whole grains. To clarify the mechanism of action underlying the
interaction of nutrition with mental health, more research is required.

Assessing the Need for Career Orientation as a Precursor to Women and Youth Empowerment Program in Abia State

2025-07-08T06:40:08+00:00

Empowering women and youth through career orientation strategies not only
addresses employment gaps but also promotes personal and community
growth. This paper aimed to assess how essential career orientation is in the
design and success of women and youth empowerment programs in Abia State.
Without such assessment, efforts to enhance empowerment outcomes may
continue to lack coherence, strategic alignment, and measurable impact. Using
a survey research design, the study's findings collectively confirmed th at career
orientation before empowerment helps women and youth identify their
strengths and interests. The average score of 3.6 indicated that career
orientation is vital for the success of empowerment programs. A score of 3.5
showed that the majority (70%) of women and youth are willing to participate
in a career orientation program before joining an empowerment initiative. The
results also supported the idea that career orientation should be a prerequisite
for women and youth before receiving empowerment support (3.5). Regarding
whether other women and youth in Abia communities would accept a career
orientation program as part of empowerment efforts, data indicated acceptance
(3.5). Furthermore, the findings revealed that career orientation should precede
skill acquisition or training in empowerment programs (3.4) and that
empowerment programs should be postponed until participants have received
proper career guidance (3.0). The paper concludes that career orientation is not
merely an optional activity but a strategic necessity that influences the long-
term success of empowerment programs; therefore, it should be made
mandatory before starting any empowerment initiatives.