| 1 |
Author(s):
Edime Yunusa, Ugbede Shaibu, Julius Olugbenga Owoyemi (Ph.D.), Thomas Imoudu Gomment (Ph.D.).
Page No : 1-30
|
Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting the Use of Modern Family Planning Methods by Married Men in Omala Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria
Abstract
The use of contraceptives is one of the modern family planning methods across the globe, but not free of the influence of socio-cultural factors. Hence, this study examined the socio-cultural factors influencing the practice of family planning among married men in the Omala Local Government Area. The specific objectives of the study included ascertaining if married men in Omala LGA were aware of modern family planning methods, an investigation into the assessment and utilization of family planning methods, determining the perceived benefits of the practice of family planning methods, identifying the perceived hindrances to its usage and examined the strategies to improve on the practice of family planning among marked men in Omala LGA. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the research hypothesis. The theory of the Health Believe Model was used to buttress the study and by utilizing survey research design, a total of 306 copies of the questionnaire were distributed among the respondents of which 235 copies were completed and returned. The results showed that 51% of the married men in Omala LGA were not aware of modern family planning methods while 34% of the respondents had no access to the utilization of modern family planning methods. The results also revealed that the socio-cultural factors affecting modern family planning methods among married men in the study area were cross-cultural differences, religious beliefs and practices, gender roles, fertility desire and number of living children, childbearing practice, partner discussion and approval. It was found also that reduction in the economic and emotional burden of parenthood, improvements in maternal health and child survival etc were the perceived benefits of modern methods of Family Planning. It was also discovered that the perceived hindrances to the practice of family planning methods included lack of knowledge, limited supplies, high cost of contraceptives, cultural and personal objectives etc. The study further found that adequate sensitization programmes by both health workers and religious organisations should be carried out among their followers on the importance of family planning practice and thereby enhancing their reproductive health. The study concluded that there were significant socio-cultural factors influencing the practice of modern family planning methods in the study area and therefore recommended that the local government through healthcare centres should create awareness programmes as also suggested by the respondents on the use of modern family planning methods in the area.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Don Christian Afulike, Nnanyelugo Okoro (Prof.), Innocent Paschal Ihechu (Ph.D.), Udochukwu Emmanuel Ndukwe.
Page No : 31-47
|
Media Frames of the Operation of JTF and the Implications for Civilian Involvement in the Fight Against Terrorism in North-East, Nigeria
Abstract
This research, which examined newspaper framing of the operations of Civilian JTF in combating terrorism in North-East Nigeria between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019, was aimed at filling the gap in existing literature on newspaper framing of civilian efforts in combating terrorism in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to find out the dominant frames and sources of news frames used in reporting civilian JTF's involvement in fighting terrorism as well as the interpretations that media frames gave on the issue. Using framing theory, the work undertook a content analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis (involving textual analysis) of four national newspapers: Vanguard, Punch, Daily Trust and Leadership. These newspapers were chosen because they have national spread and are regularly published over a period of time. Using simple random sampling, the study sampled a total of 432 issues of the selected newspapers and found that the reports from the selected newspapers on the involvement and operations of civilian JTF in combating terrorism in Nigeria were frequent. Out of the 432 issues of the selected newspapers, 309 (71.5%) issues were on the topic under study. It also found that the newspapers did not give prominence to the issue under investigation as the majority (68.2%) of the news items were hidden in inside pages. In addition, it was also found that the newspaper emphasized the military/government frame. Findings from the textual analysis revealed that the sampled newspapers all gave different manners of approach in their interpretation of the involvement of the Civilian JTF in the fight against terrorism, which resulted in emerging thematic frames such as: Victory frame, Fear frame, Relief frame and Strategy frame. Therefore, the work recommended that Nigerian newspapers should not only increase their reportage of governments/civilian efforts at combating terrorism but also place news items on terrorism prominently. It equally suggested that the press should improve their investigative reporting so as to help the government and civilian efforts in combating terrorism.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Otu Joseph Ayi, Yusuf Lawal (Ph.D.), Apeh Innocent Idoko.
Page No : 48-60
|
A Study of Common Errors in Hypothesis Formulation and Testing among University Students in Social and Management Sciences
Abstract
Formulating and testing hypotheses have been major issues for students, especially in the field of social and management sciences. This study examines these issues. Content analysis was used whereby five (5) projects of undergraduate and postgraduate students were analysed to identify errors in hypothesis writing and testing. The study findings revealed that there are common errors such as inadequate representation of specific variables of the project topics and wrong use of statistical tools in testing hypotheses. The study recommended that students should spend ample time reading literature on research and hypothesis formulation and testing. In addition, supervisors should have adequate knowledge of formulating and testing hypotheses so as to guide those they supervise in following the acceptable principles in the field of social and management sciences.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Okechukwu Felix Nwachukwu, Ugochukwu Anokwuru Okoji .
Page No : 61-69
|
Man as Nature’s Prodigal: A Study of Environmental Degradation in South East Nigeria, 1990-2022
Abstract
Man’s degradation and abuse of the environment has become accelerated and much more difficult to manage due to increased human population and industrialization. Against this background, the study examines the role of man in environmental degradation in South East Nigeria between 1990 and 2022. This research, by its nature, adopted the qualitative research methodology because it cannot be subjected to quantitative analysis. The research findings showed that there were several environmental degradation challenges facing South East Nigeria, including soil erosion, land and water pollution, solid waste disposal and air pollution. These were caused mainly by human factors, especially technology and industrialization. The work argued that the South East people had a healthy relationship with the natural environment before the advent of British colonial rule. This relationship changed as a result of colonialism and its attendant effects in the area. Thus environmental problems in South East Nigeria developed over time as human socio-economic relations changed in global context.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Ifekanandu Chukwudi Christian (Ph.D.), Ihuoma Chukwudi Ifekanandu.
Page No : 70-91
|
Frugal Innovation and Business Success of Food and Beverage Firms in South-South
Abstract
This study examined frugal innovation and business success of food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. The study employed the correlational research design. The population of this study consisted of all the 82 registered food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. The unit of analysis was made up of managers of the selected food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamene’s formula. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit data from the respondents. The data collected were analyzed statistically while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) was used to test the formulated hypotheses. The SPSS software program version 24 was used to correlate the data collected on the study variables. The findings revealed that value innovation has a significant relationship with business success (sales growth and profitability growth) of food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. This study also reported that cost cutting advancement has significant positive with business success (sales growth and profitability growth) of food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. The study equally revealed that technological innovation has a significant relationship with business success (sales growth and profitability growth) of food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. Based on these findings, it was concluded that frugal innovation is a significant predictor of business success of food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria. Based on the findings and conclusion, it was recommended that food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria should practice frugal innovation as it would enhance business success of food and beverage firms in South-South Nigeria.
