Journal For Family & Society Research https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR en-US Mon, 15 Jul 2024 12:23:57 +0000 OJS 3.3.0.13 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Brain Re-Engineering Concept & Reimagination: Strategy for Promoting Ethics, Values & Inclusivity in Food Chain Security https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/72 <p>It is projected that the demand for food will surge by 70%, which aligns with rapid population<br>growth. Research findings from a UN study indicates that about 9.9% of global population<br>still goes hungry, so the thought of feeding almost 10 billion persons is still anticipated as<br>daunting. With environmental changes hard to predict, we must turn to innovation in<br>agriculture technology. Their importance in tackling this issue cannot be over emphasized.<br>Hence, the concept of brain re-engineering and reimagination which underscores it as a<br>prospective strategy for enhancing nations through women empowerment, youth<br>engagement, among other areas on food chain security initiatives when practiced ethically,<br>valuably and inclusively, in order to unlock transformation in an economy. It emphasizes on<br>harnessing the potential of the women and youths by redirecting their energy and innovative<br>capabilities towards modernized food chain practices which much have some touch of<br>inclusivity, ethics and value. Through this, it aims to foster a generation of leaders in food<br>chains to drive the needed transformation as it were</p> Ikechi Agbugba Copyright (c) 2024 https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/72 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Social Media Use and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Body Image Dissatisfaction among Young Adults in University of Nigeria, Nsukka https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/73 <p>Constant interaction with peers and exposure to online and offline media can influence one's<br>apparent discontent with one's body parts. Such body discontentment has currently<br>generated a lot of research interest demanding further exploration. Using a cross-sectional<br>design, this study investigated the predictive role of social media use and self-esteem on<br>body image dissatisfaction. The sample comprised of 542 (25.6% male and 74.4% female)<br>young adults in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, whose ages ranged from 18-29 years (M<br>= 21.84, SD = 2.77). They were recruited using convenience sampling technique. Social<br>Networking Usage Questionnaire (SNUQ), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and a combination<br>of the Appearance Evaluation (AE) and the Body areas Satisfaction Scale (BASS), subscales<br>of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire–Appearance Scales were used to<br>measure social media, self-esteem, and body image dissatisfaction, respectively. The results<br>of multiple regression analysis showed that social media use was a significant positive<br>predictor of body image dissatisfaction (β= .56, p&lt;.001) while self-esteem was not. These<br>results suggest that unchecked use of social media might lead to adverse consequences and<br>a harmful approach to body care.</p> Nnamchi, O.C., Ike, O.O., Okafor, C.O, Ogba, K.T.U., Obunukwu, G.C., Agu, E.C. Copyright (c) 2024 https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/73 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Concept Maps for Elasticities of Demand and Supply: Online Resources for Economics Students https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/74 <p>Online resources are gaining momentum across the education setting due to technological<br>advancement and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in the use of different<br>tools and strategies in providing educational resources for today’s technology-driven<br>learners. Technology-based learning resources tend to capture learners’ interest in this<br>digital age. Therefore, this study provides concept maps as online resources for Economics<br>students.A concept map is a knowledge representation in the form of a graph comprised of<br>boxes connected with labeled arcs showing the relationships among concepts and ideas. The<br>study was an exploratory survey study with two objectives constructing online concept<br>maps and determining students’ views on the constructed maps. The area of the study was<br>Nsukka Local Government Area. The population was 2,389 SS2 Students from the 32<br>secondary schools in Nsukka LGA. The sample size was 120 SS2 Economics students using a<br>simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a rating scale<br>titled ‘Rating Scale on Concept Maps for Elasticities of Demand and Supply<br>(RSCMEDS)’.Mean scores and standard deviation were used for data analysis. Findings<br>showed that students’ views on the constructed online maps were positive. The students<br>were of the view that the online resources suit their digital need (mean = 3.09) and that the<br>resources are easy to read and understand (mean = 2.90). The researcher believes that the<br>online concept maps resources will serve as better alternative to traditional lecture method<br>used mainly in schools. And thus, they will help to promote students’ interest and<br>achievement in learning the mapped contents in Economics.</p> Chinyelugo, T.C. Copyright (c) 2024 https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/74 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Effects of Sun Drying, Shade Drying, Blanching and Cooking on the Nutrient Composition of Turmeric Rhizome (Curcuma longa) https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/75 <p>The study determined the effect of sun drying and shade drying on the nutrient composition<br>of turmeric (Curcuma longa). Two kilograms of fresh turmeric rhizomes were purchased<br>from a local market (Ogige) in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. The samples<br>were trimmed and thoroughly washed under running water to remove debris, peeled, and<br>thinly sliced. The sample was divided into two portions. The first portion was sundried<br>while the other portion was shade dried. The two samples were processed into powder and<br>packaged in a well-labeled airtight container for analysis. Association of Analytical Chemists<br>and other analytical methods were used to determine the nutrient composition of the<br>samples. Data were analyzed with Statistical Product for Service Solution (version 22) using<br>ANOVA and Duncan's New Multiple Range test at P&lt;0.05. The findings of the study<br>revealed that the sun-dried sample had the highest value for carbohydrate (55.51%), ash<br>(8.03%), and moisture (18.50%) while shade dried sample had the highest protein (8.61%)<br>and fat (7.21%). The raw shade-dried sample had the highest values for Beta carotene (20.10<br>mg/100g) and Vitamin C (3.60mg/100g), while the boiled sun-dried sample had the highest<br>values for potassium (40.82mg/100g), iron (9.79mg/100g) and calcium (595.7mg/100g).<br>Therefore, sun-drying and shade-drying processing methods on the turmeric should be<br>encouraged as they conserve more nutrients.</p> Ezegbe A.G, Egumgbe U.D., Okoye, O.I., Onumegbu, C.J., Mbah, B.O Copyright (c) 2024 https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/75 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Perceived Effect of Post-pandemic Experiences on Student’s Academic Stress and Mental Health: A Case Study of Social Science Education Students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/76 <p>The study investigated the perceived effect of post-pandemic experiences on students’<br>academic stress and mental health: A case study of Social Science Education students of the<br>University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The study adopted a descriptive design. The sample size<br>consists of 165 (26 male and 139 female) students. The study was guided by four research<br>questions and two null hypotheses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire.<br>The instrument was validated by three experts from the Departments of Social Science<br>Education and Science Education of the University of Nigeria. The Cronbach alpha<br>coefficient was 0.76. Data were analyzed using mean, while the null hypotheses were tested<br>with a t-test at p ≤ 0.05. The result showed that the students experienced class extension<br>beyond school hours (x̄ =3.60), missed lectures (x̄ =3.54), inadequate time to study materials<br>(x̄ =3.52), and frequent and congested lectures (x̄ =3.50), among others. On the perceived effect<br>on mental health, the study found that students experienced tense feelings severally during<br>class presentations due to lack of time to prepare (x̄ =3.27), frequent panic after the pandemic<br>due to academic work overload (x̄=3.22), feelings of disinterest in academic activities<br>(x̄ =3.21), among others. Results from the hypotheses show that significant gender difference<br>was found in the perceived effect of post-pandemic experiences on students' academic stress<br>but not on their mental health. The study recommended among other things that students<br>should employ effective and positive strategies in managing their activities to reduce the<br>occurrence of academic stress and mental health challenges.</p> Eneogu, N.D., Obiora, J.N., Okafor, I.G Copyright (c) 2024 https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/76 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Microbes in Locally Fermented Food Condiments Sold in a Selected Market in Enugu State https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/77 <p>The microbiological assessment of three commonly consumed Nigerian fermented food<br>condiments, ogiri (Ricinus communis), ukpaka (Pentaclethra macrophylla), and okpei (Parkia<br>biglobosa), sourced from different vendors in Nkwo-Ibagwa market, Nsukka, was<br>conducted to ascertain their quality. The objectives of the study were to identify microbial<br>contaminants and their total viable count, compare the total viable count of<br>microorganisms, isolate and identify the Gram’s characteristics of the microorganisms in<br>the samples using established protocols. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard<br>deviation) and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed the presence<br>of fermentative bacteria such as Bacillus coagulance, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus varians,<br>Bacillus licheniformis, Lactobacillus fermenti, Lactobacillus caesi, and Micrococcus luteus.<br>Pathogenic bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus<br>saprophyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klbsiellaoxytoca were also detected. Notably, ogiri<br>and ukpaka samples had both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, whereas<br>only gram-positive microorganisms were found in okpei samples. The total bacterial counts<br>ranged from 1.5 x 106cfu/g to 1.2 x 109cfu/g, with ogiri exhibiting the highest total coliform<br>count and okpei the lowest. There was a significantly different mean total viable count of<br>microbes in okpei (4.1x106cfu/g) compared to ogiri (6.6x108cfu/g) and ukpaka<br>(3.8x108cfu/g). The study highlights the potential health risks, including poisoning and<br>gastroenteritis, faced by consumers of these condiments. Consequently, it advocates for<br>enhanced hygiene practices among processors and traders to mitigate cross-contamination<br>and ensure consumer safety.</p> Nwobi, C.A., Owoh, N.P., Oguejiofor, O.M., Eze, D. Copyright (c) 2024 https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/77 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Influence of Social Media Use on the Eating Behavior and Food Preferences of Undergraduate Students in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/78 <p>This research evaluated the influence of social media use on the eating behaviors and food<br>preferences of undergraduate students in the University of Nigeria. Four objectives and two<br>hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive and correlational research designs was adopted<br>for the study for a population of 39,295 students. Multi-stage sampling technique was used<br>to select a sample of 368 students. Data was collected using structured questionnaires<br>validated by three experts. Data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean,<br>standard deviation, and chi-square. The result revealed that the majority (73.1%) of the<br>respondents make occasional use of social media applications with WhatsApp (96.2%),<br>YouTube (84.8%), Gmail (83.7%), Facebook (78.5%) and Instagram (72.8%) being used by<br>many of the students. The less common applications were Skype (10.6%), Tumblr (14.1%),<br>and Reddit (14.7%) among others. The respondents’ eating behaviours showed that more<br>than a third (35.1%) of them were emotional under eaters and those with hungry eating<br>behaviour were 26.6%. A greater proportion (26.6%) of the students preferred snacks, 26.1%<br>preferred dairy, 25.8% preferred fruits and very few (3.0%) preferred vegetables. Findings<br>further showed that the frequency of social media use was not significantly associated with<br>the eating behaviours and food preferences of the students. The study recommended that<br>the University authority should provide nutrition education that will foster a healthier<br>campus environment.</p> Onyeke, N.G., Umennuihe, C.L., Okechukwu, F.O., Umennuihe, A.E., Ekeh, P.N. Copyright (c) 2024 https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/78 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Effect of Processing Methods on the Sensory Property and Micronutrient Compositions of African Spinach and Fluted Pumpkin Leaves https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/79 <p>This work assessed the effect of processing methods on the sensory properties and<br>micronutrient content of African spinach and fluted pumpkin leaves. Using an experimental<br>study design, six samples of each of the vegetables were processed into squeezed, blanched,<br>fresh-dried, squeezed-dried, and blanched-dried, with the fresh leaves as the control. These<br>samples were subjected to mineral and vitamin analysis while sensory evaluation was<br>performed on egusi soup cooked with processed vegetables using standard methods. The<br>result of the sensory evaluation indicated that squeezed pumpkin (SP) and squeezed African<br>spinach (SAS) were the most preferred in terms of general acceptability with scores of<br>8.50±0.26 and 8.50±0.25 respectively. Squeezed dried Pumpkin (SDP) and blanched dried<br>African spinach (BDAS) were the least accepted, with a score of 5.35±0.58 and 5. 29±0.34<br>respectively. Higher concentration of Beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, iron, sodium,<br>potassium and magnesium) were found in the fresh control. Blanching, squeezing, and<br>drying significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased the micronutrient content of the vegetables. The<br>findings of this study showed that squeezing can be an alternative method to blanching and<br>drying for processing African spinach and fluted pumpkin for egusi soup, in terms of<br>acceptability. Direct air-drying of pumpkin and African spinach (DP and DAS) preserved<br>most of the micronutrients, therefore, dried shelf-stable products can be used to ensure food<br>security.</p> Odudu J.H., Gera P.N., Adeniyi, A.B., Orafa, P.N., Amu, N. Copyright (c) 2024 https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/79 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Evaluating the Clothing Interest and Mental Health of Undergraduate Students in the University of Nigeria https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/80 <p>The study determined the relationship between clothing interest and undergraduates' mental<br>health at the University of Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was<br>employed for the study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 696<br>undergraduates from five faculties in the university. Three specific objectives guided this<br>study. Clothing Interest Questionnaire and Mental Health Continuum short form were used<br>to collect data. The instruments were validated by three lecturers in the Department of Home<br>Science and Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The instruments were reliable with<br>Cronbach alpha values of 0.78 and 0.86 respectively. The data were analyzed using SPSS<br>version 23.0. Frequency, percentage, and Chi-square were used for data analysis. Results<br>showed that 61.5%of the respondents had an interest in clothes that make them unique, 54.6%<br>were interested in clothing for appearance enhancement, 54.3% had an interest in clothing for<br>experimenting, 59.1% had interest in clothing for security, and 65.7% of the respondents had<br>an interest in clothing that conforms to fashion in vogue. The respondents could belong to<br>more than one clothing interest category. A greater proportion (69.5%) of the respondents had<br>poor mental health. The finding showed that clothing interests for Security (χ2 = 15.49, p =<br>.000) and Uniqueness (χ2 = 12.0, p = .002) were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) associated with positive<br>mental health. Clothing interests in appearance, experimenting, security, and fashion were not<br>associated with mental health (p≥0.05). Although the mental health of the respondents was<br>generally suboptimal, it was not mostly associated with their clothing interests. Mental health<br>services such as counseling services and support groups should be made readily available to<br>the students.</p> Oluah E.B., Nnubia, U.I, Gabriel C.D. Copyright (c) 2024 https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/80 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Assessment of Coping Strategies Adopted by Parents of the Children in Kwara State School for Special Needs https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/81 <p>Parents of children with special needs have to deal with unique challenges that require<br>special strategies to cope with. Therefore, this study assessed coping strategies among<br>parents with children with special needs in Kwara State. Five research objectives were raised<br>and translated to research questions. A stratified random sampling technique was used in<br>selecting a total of 100 respondents from the study area. The instrument used was a<br>questionnaire. Data were analyzed using a mean, standard deviation. The findings of the<br>study revealed that parents of special needs children face different challenges associated with<br>parenting, such as financial implication (x̄ =1.50), accessibility of suitable school (x̄ =1.63), and<br>securing appropriate educational resources (x̄ =1.73). Some coping strategies they adopted<br>include learning about the child's special needs from child healthcare providers (x̄ =2.34),<br>praying and believing in the child (x̄ =2.69), cooperating with school staff on special need<br>education (x̄ =2.38). It can be concluded that parents adopt adequate coping strategies that<br>effectively manage their special needs children and greatly influence the academic and social<br>outcomes of their special needs children. It was recommended that the government should<br>provide funding to local community centers to create and maintain support groups for<br>parents of children with special needs.</p> Abdulkadir, S.O., Opaleke, D.O., Johnson, W.O., Ilias, A. Copyright (c) 2024 https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/81 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Emotional Intelligence of Early Adolescent Students in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State: The Predicting Roles of Self- Efficacy and Locus of Control https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/82 <p>The study assessed how the emotional intelligence of early adolescents in Obio-Akpor local<br>government area, Rivers State is predicted by their self-efficacy and locus of control. Data<br>from 395 out of 29,058 respondents were obtained using descriptive and correlational<br>survey design following multi-stage sampling techniques. Four research questions and 3<br>null hypotheses guided the study. A structured questionnaire, emotional intelligence scale,<br>Levenson’s multidimensional Locus of Control Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale were<br>instruments used for data collection. Cronbach alpha reliability index was used to calculate<br>the reliability of the instruments and scores of 0.83, 0.89 and 0.83 were obtained<br>respectively. The obtained data were analyzed in IBM SPSS version 23 using descriptive<br>and inferential statistics at p &lt; 0.05. The findings revealed that emotional intelligence and<br>locus of control levels among adolescents were low respectively. A high self-efficacy status<br>was however recorded among the respondents. Locus of control and self-efficacy predicted<br>emotional intelligence by 35%. Being a male or a female was associated with emotional<br>intelligence and self-efficacy in adolescents. In addition, being a border or day student was<br>associated with the adolescents’ emotional intelligence, locus of control, and self-efficacy.<br>Emotional intelligence, locus of control, and self-efficacy differed based on the type of<br>school the adolescents attend. Based on the findings, it was recommended that education<br>programs targeted at enhancing the ability of adolescents to recognize and differentiate<br>feelings should be organized by schools and governmental and non-governmental<br>organizations.</p> Dike, I. C., Nwauzoije, E. J., Okechukwu, F.O., Ajike, C.A. Copyright (c) 2024 https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/82 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Prevalence of Depression among Male Retirees in University of Nigeria, Nsukka: Relationship of Income and Age https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/83 <p>Depression is the most common and serious medical illness that negatively affects people’s<br>feelings, thoughts, and actions, and retired civil servants are not left out in this scourge. This<br>study investigated the relationship between income and age on depression among retired<br>male civil servants in a university community in Nigeria. Three specific objectives guided<br>the study. A correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population of the<br>study comprised 5000 retired staff members of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. A random<br>sampling method was used to select 350 retired staff. The instrument for data collection for<br>the study was the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) which showed acceptable Cronbach’s<br>alpha internal consistency (0.752). Frequencies and percentages were used to answer the<br>research questions while Chi-Square (ꭓ 2) statistics at 0.05 level of significance were used to<br>test the null hypotheses. Findings revealed that many (43.4%) of retired civil servants<br>experienced depression. The income level of respondents was significantly associated with<br>depression (ꭓ 2 =6.760, df = 2, p = 0.034). Retired civil servants who earned less than ₦50,000<br>experienced a moderate proportion (65.3%) of depression and retired civil servants who<br>earned between ₦50,000-100,000 and above ₦100,000 experienced a moderate proportion<br>(50.7%) and (51.2%) of depression respectively. The age of the respondents was not<br>associated with depression (ꭓ 2 = 3.765, df = 2, p = 0.152). The study concluded that the<br>prevalence of depression among retired civil servants was high. A recommendation was<br>made for the government to be paying the gratuity and subsequent pension of the retired<br>civil servants as at when due to check and avoid depression after service.</p> Elufidipe-Olumide, H. A., Eze, C. Copyright (c) 2024 https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/83 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Awareness and Experience of Occupational Hazards among Hairdressers in Umuahia Metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/84 <p>This study sought to determine the level of awareness of beauty salon workers regarding<br>their occupational hazards, the prevalence of experiencing the hazards, and the preventive<br>measures they take. The study employed the cross-sectional survey design and was guided<br>by five research questions. The sample was 188 salon workers selected from 80 salons within<br>Umuahia metropolis. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using<br>frequency tables, percentages, and weighted means. Two academics validated the<br>questionnaire, one in the Home Economics unit of the Department of Vocational Education<br>and one from the Measurement and Evaluation unit of the Department of Psychological<br>Foundations of the Abia State University, Uturu. A Cronbach’s alpha reliability score of 0.84<br>was obtained. The results showed a high level (3.04) of awareness of the hazards associated<br>with hairdressing occupation. The hairdressers also reported experiencing a feeling of<br>tightness in the chest (46.3%), sneezing (67.6%), and itchy or runny eyes (58%) because of<br>exposure to hair care chemicals. Other hazards they experienced were musculoskeletal<br>problems such as neck pain (73.4%), back pain (76.1%), and shoulder pain (64.9%) because of<br>long hours of poor work posture. The result further showed that the use of preventive<br>measures was poor (21.56%) It was recommended among others that local and national<br>health agencies should create more awareness among hairdressers about these hazards and<br>how to prevent them. They should also be enlightened about managing and improving their<br>work environment.</p> Igbokwe, C.C. Copyright (c) 2024 https://jfsr.afass.org.ng/index.php/JFSR/article/view/84 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000