Parents’ perception of the relationship among dietary diversity, attention span, and learning readiness in preschool children in FCT, Abuja, Nigeria (Published)
This study investigated parents’ perception of the relationship among dietary diversity, attention span, and learning readiness among preschool children in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. The study employed a correlational survey design to examine the relationships among the variables. The target population consisted of parents of preschool children aged 3–5 years enrolled in private nursery schools in the FCT. Using stratified random sampling, a sample of 200 parents was selected from six nursery schools across three municipal districts. Data were collected using a researcher-developed instrument titled Parent Questionnaire on Dietary Diversity, Attention Span, and Learning Readiness. The instrument was validated by experts in Measurement and Evaluation, and data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC) at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that preschool children in the study area experience moderate dietary diversity (Sectional Mean = 3.12), although daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was relatively low. The results also showed that children demonstrate a high level of attention span (Sectional Mean=3.50) and a high level of learning readiness (Sectional Mean = 3.58). Correlation analysis indicated a moderate positive and significant relationship between dietary diversity and attention span (r=0.472, p<0.05) and a strong positive and significant relationship between attention span and learning readiness (r=0.655, p <0.05). These results suggest that children who consume a more diverse range of foods tend to demonstrate improved attentional abilities and greater readiness for learning. The study concludes that dietary diversity plays an important role in supporting cognitive functioning and school readiness among preschool children. The study therefore recommends increased parental awareness of balanced nutrition.
Keywords: Abuja, Dietary diversity, Early Childhood Development, Nigeria, attention; memory, executive function, learning readiness, preschool
Evaluation of the Health Profile and Social Needs of Adults in the Internally Displaced Persons Camp, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria (Published)
Conflicts and disasters usually result into large scale displacement of victims. This was true of displacement associated with Boko haram Insurgency in the Northern parts of Nigeria. This study was carried out to evaluate the health profile and social needs of Adults in the internally displaced persons camp in Abuja. Three hundred and ninety-two (392) respondents were selected for the study using Taro Yamane formula for sample determination. The study adopted multistage sampling technique. The study adopted cross sectional research design. Three research questions were answered while two null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using SPSS version 18. Results showed that majority of respondents were female 210 (55.3%), Christians were more than Muslims 218 (57.4). majority of respondents were married 229 (60.3) while 162 (42.6%) were employed. Majority of the respondents showed varied degrees of health problems while they all showed various degrees of social needs. It was concluded that internally displaced persons experienced emotional, psychosocial as well as physical health problems. It was suggested that government and non-governmental agencies should do everything possible to address the health and social support needs of these displaced persons.
Keywords: Abuja, Adults, Health Profile, Internally Displaced Persons, Social Needs