Nigeria

The Mental Health Status of Offshore Oil Platform Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria (Published)

Previous studies indicated that offshore workers have a high level of work-related stress on an everyday basis. This study aims to assess the prevalence and determinants of mental health conditions in offshore oil platform workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers of three oil and gas platforms were assessed in this cross-sectional study. Their mental status was evaluated by the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD-8) questionnaire, and Depression Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS) questionnaires. Furthermore, we assessed satisfaction with life (SWL) with a single question. Finally, multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association of demographic and work-related variables with mental health outcomes. Overall, 278 (Males:197, Females: 81) out of 315 invited workers with a mean age of 35.6 (SD: 7.2) years were included in this study using a random sampling method (participation rate: 88.2%). PTSD symptoms and Insomnia were observed in 9 (3.2%) and 138 (49.6%) of the participants, respectively. The prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were 72 (25.9%),70 (24.6%), and 85 (30.5%), respectively. Based on multivariable (adjusted) logistic regression analysis, women had significantly higher odds of stress and anxiety than men; those with an academic education were significantly more dissatisfied with their lives than those without an academic education. Our findings revealed a high prevalence of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and stress among offshore oil platformers during the COVID- 19 pandemic, especially in women. Indicating that women and those with a higher education level in the oil platform work settings are more susceptible to stressors.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria, mental health status, offshore oil platform, workers

Self-Concept and Its Influence on Antisocial Behaviour-Personality of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Personnel in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria (Published)

The study examined “self-concept and its influence on antisocial behaviour/personality of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel in Awka, Anambra State”, with 327 participants sampled through cluster and incidental methods. Valid/reliable Self-Concept and Psychopathic Deviant Scales measured self-concept and antisocial behaviours respectively, adopting cross-sectional design and ANCOVA statistics. Findings: Self-concept significantly contributed to NSCDC personnel’s antisocial personality (p< .001≥ .000; N = 327; Fs = 3.057, 3.551, 4.198, & 12.950). Self-concept did not significantly influence the personnel’s psychopathic personality (p< .001≥ .000; F = .934; N = 327). Self-concept significantly influenced the personnel’s antisocial personality (p< .001≥ .000; F = 5.691; N = 327), criminal behaviour (p< .001≥ .000; F = 6.797; N = 327), fraudulent behaviour (p< .001≥ .000; F = 10.559; N = 327), and delinquency (p< .001≥ .000; F = 5.610; N = 327). Recommendation: NSCDC should inculcate healthy/ethnics-oriented self-concepts in the personnel.

Keywords: Anambra State, Civil Defence, NSCDC, Nigeria, Personality, Self-Concept, antisocial behavior

Patterns and Prevalence of Gambling Behaviour among Youths in South-West Nigeria: A Case Study of Youths in Oyo and Ekiti State (Published)

Gambling has become an activity that most Nigerian youths and adolescents engaged in, with accessibility due to available internet. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the patterns and prevalence of gambling behavior among youths in the South-West Nigeria. 320 participants were involved in the study. Four hypotheses were tested and result shows that there is a significant difference in the gambling behaviour of youth in Oyo and Ekiti State, Nigeria based on age (F(2,294) = 2.793, P(.009)<.05).also the research showed that there is a significant relationship between financial strain and gambling behaviour (r(297) = .561p<.05). Also, there is a significant relationship between personality and gambling. (r(297) = .275 p<.05). Furthermore, it was revealed that there is a relationship between depression and gambling behaviour. (r(297) = .321 p<.05). Findings were discussed in line with extant literature and recommendations were made.

Keywords: Behavior, Ekiti State, Gambling, Nigeria, Patterns, Youths

Ethical Issues in Clinical Psychology Research in Nigeria and Coping Techniques (Published)

There continue to be gaps in existing knowledge regarding evidence-based ethical challenges and ways of coping among clinical psychologist involved in research. A 17-item scale for assessing Ethical Challenges in Clinical Psychology Research Scale (ECCPRS) was developed; and ethical issues faced by clinical psychologists in conducting research as well as ways of coping was investigated. The cross-sectional survey included 45 male and 39 females, using purposive and convenience sampling. The ECCPRS (α=.89) and Ways of Coping Questionnaire (α=.61) was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in analysis. Factor analysis showed that the scale had good sampling adequacy with a significant sphericity, with the single factor accounting for 40.5% of the variations. Confidentiality and informed consent issues were the most frequently reported ethical challenges. Planful problem-solving ranked highest while escape-avoidance ranked lowest. The ECCPRS is useful for assessing ethical issues encountered in conducting research.

Keywords: Clinical Psychologists, Coping Techniques, Ethical Challenges, Ethical Challenges In Research Scale, Nigeria

Emotional Intelligence and Self-Management Training Programs in Reducing Peer Victimization among Nigerian Adolescents: Interaction Effects of Locus of Control and Gender (Published)

Peer victimization among adolescents especially the school-going adolescents is a growing concern in Nigeria. Initiatives by policy-makers, educationists and school authorities, among others have not yielded the desired results as youth involvement in organized armed crime has been on the increase. This study investigated the effect of self-management and emotional intelligence training programs in reducing peer victimization among Nigerian adolescents. A quasi experimental pretest, post-test, control group research design of 3x2x2 factorial matrix type was used for this study while gender (male and female) and locus of control (internal and external) used as moderating variables. The study participants were one hundred and eighty (180) Senior Secondary 2 students selected from 3 coeducational secondary schools in Remo educational block of Ogun State, Nigeria. One standardized instrument was used in collecting data while analysis of covariance was used to analyze the generated data. Results show that self-management and emotional intelligence training programs were effective in reducing peer victimization but self-management was found to be more effective.  The study also revealed that only locus of control of participants combined to interact with the treatment in reducing peer victimization among the participants. Results showed that participants with internal locos of control benefit more from self-management and emotional intelligence training. It was concluded that participants’ peer relationship skills improved significantly as a result of the treatment. The findings have effectively demonstrated that the treatment packages could be used as veritable tools in equipping adolescents with necessary skills that can be used to expedite some kinds of cognitive processes in our youths such as decision-making, problem-solving, self-control, and therefore bringing about peaceful co-existence among the people.

Keywords: Adolescents, Emotional Intelligence, Nigeria, Peer victimization, Self Management

Consumption of Pornographic Material, Gender Differences and HIV Risky Sexual Behaviour (Published)

Pornography viewing is gradually becoming a part of life in many countries around the world, including Nigeria. However, the role of the extensive consumption of pornography among the Nigerian youths has not been given much attention in the investigation of HIV risky sexual behaviour in Nigeria. This study examines the predictive strength of pornography viewing and gender differences on HIV risky sexual behaviour among university students.  Using a survey design, 596 university students were selected from 12 departments across three faculties, with simple random technique. A questionnaire focusing on socio-demographic profile and HIV risk behaviour scale (r=0.81) was administered to the participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, t- test and regression analysis at 0.05 level of significance. Two hypotheses were tested. The results revealed that pornography viewing and gender differences jointly and independently predicted HIV risk behavior (R² = .18; F = 59.01; p<.01). Pornography viewing is crucial for a comprehensive examination of HIV risk behaviour.

Keywords: Gender differences, HIV risky behaviour, Nigeria, Pornography, University students

Personality Traits as Predictors of Organizational Commitment among Public and Private Sector Employees in Enugu, Nigeria (Published)

This study investigated five personality dimensions – openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism as predictors of organisational commitment among selected employees in Enugu. Using convenience sampling technique, 200 employees were selected from four public and private sector employees in Enugu metropolis. The participants comprised of 115 males and 85 females with ages ranging from 22 – 50 years and a mean age of 36.00 years. Participants were administered with the Big Five Personality Inventory by John and Srivastava (1999) and the Organisational Commitment Scale by Buchanan (1974). Five hypotheses were postulated and tested using cross sectional survey design and multiple regression analyses. Result showed that only openness to experience significantly predicted employees’ organisational commitment. Conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism were not significant predictors of employees’ organisational commitment. Based on the findings, it is recommended that employers apply personality tests in assessing potential employees.

Keywords: Big Five Personality Traits, Enugu, Nigeria, Organisational Commitment, Public and Private Sectors

Assessment of Special Education Service Delivery: A Global Perspective (Published)

This paper preoccupied itself with the assessment of special education service delivery to persons with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities, who are the subjects of special education, encounter difficulties that prevent or make it strenuous to use a part of their body completely or easily or that they cannot learn easily. Special education service delivery requires the expertise of special educators and para-professionals like the psychologists, social welfare workers, medical personnel and a host of others who are charged with the delivery of quality special education services to meet the needs of all persons with disabilities. Special education services include rehabilitation services, assessment/identification strategies, home/hospital based services, provision of materials/equipment and assistive technology for persons with disabilities etc. Globally, there are two paradigms for service delivery namely special school setting and general or regular school settings. The paper sampled trends of service delivery in India, Brazil, Kenya, Malaysia and of course Nigeria. The paper found that most countries have embraced the regular classroom as modality for service delivery for persons with disabilities. The paper identified challenges in the areas of teacher-pupil ratio, funding, failure of parental instruction, individualized education programme, special facilities, equipment and assistive technology, poor rehabilitation services, inclusion, attitudes to persons with disability amongst others that must be tackled to enable efficient service delivery for persons with disability. It was on this note that the paper was concluded.

Keywords: Assessment, Global, Nigeria, Perspective, Service delivery, Special Education

Item Response Theory Validation of Advanced Progressive Matrices in Nigeria (Published)

Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) is a leading global non-verbal mental ability test for identification of individuals with clear thinking skills who can handle rigorous study programmes and cope with complexity and ambiguity of the contemporary workplace. The test is popularly used in America, Europe and Asia but has never been validated for use in Nigeria. A validation sample of 2100 in Nigeria was randomly drawn for this study. Triangulation research design, adopting Item Response Theory (IRT), guided this validation of APM. Results revealed that all items of the test yield favourable statistics under 3-Parameter Logistic IRT Model with regards to discrimination, difficulty and guessing. Item Response Function showed preponderance of APM’s reliability (0.948) and construct cum concurrent validity (0.701) with Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT). X-Calibre analysis confirmed suitable difficulty indexes (-2.595 to 2.133 b parameter) of APM. The APM is bias-free and very suitable for use in Nigeria.

Keywords: 3-Parameter Logistic Model, Advanced Progressive Matrices, CFIT, Item Response Theory, Nigeria, Test Bias, X-Calibre

LEVEL OF CLASS, GENDER, TYPE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL AND NIGERIA ADOLESCENTS SEXUAL BEHAVIOR (Published)

The study examined secondary school adolescent’s sexual behavior in Gboko, Benue State Nigeria. A total of 488 Nigeria adolescents took part in the study. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The safe sex behavior scale was used for data collection. Three hypotheses were tested at alpha level of 0.05 using independent t-test. The first hypothesis established a significant difference between junior and senior secondary school adolescents on sexual behavior (t(df=486) = 2.88; p<.05), and there was a significant difference between male and female secondary school adolescents on sexual behavior (t(df=478) = 1.65; p<.05). Also significant difference was found between Nigerian day and boarding students on sexual behavior (t(df=486) = 1.56; p<.05) Based on the findings, level of class of secondary school, Gender and type of school in Nigeria play important role in Adolescent sexual behavior and therefore it was recommended that proper guidance counseling and sex education should be given to adolescents on sexual behavior.

Keywords: Adolescents, Gender, Nigeria, Secondary School, Sexual Behavior