GPH-International Journal of Health Sciences and Nursing

Health Related Effects of Involvement in Internet Fraud (‘’Yahoo Yahoo’’) among Youths in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria

2026-01-08T10:12:46+00:00

The proliferation of internet access and digital technologies has significantly transformed socio-economic interactions globally. In Nigeria, however, this digital expansion has coincided with a marked rise in internet-based fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo-Yahoo.” While a growing body of literature has examined the criminological, economic, and security dimensions of internet fraud, limited attention has been given to the health related consequences experienced by youths involved in these activities. This study examined the health related effects of involvement in internet fraud among youths in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area (LGA), Kogi State, Nigeria. A mixed methods cross-sectional design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 420 youths aged 18-35 years using a structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews. The findings revealed high levels of direct and indirect involvement in internet fraud and demonstrated significant associations with psychological stress, anxiety, sleep disturbance, substance use, physical health complaints, and social relationship strain. The study concludes that youth involvement in internet fraud constitutes not only a legal and economic challenge but also a public health and social wellbeing concern. Integrated interventions that combine cybercrime prevention with mental health support, youth employment initiatives, and community based social interventions are recommended.

Maternal Knowledge regarding Early Childhood Development in Bangladesh

2026-01-14T09:39:12+00:00

Background: Early childhood development (ECD) forms the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and well-being. Mothers, as primary caregivers, play a pivotal role in recognizing developmental milestones and supporting optimal child growth. However, limited evidence exists regarding maternal knowledge of ECD in Bangladesh.

Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from April to September 2024, assessed maternal knowledge of ECD and its socio-demographic determinants among 208 mothers of children under five years, recruited from Mallika Kindergarten in Barisal, Bangladesh. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic items and 28 dichotomous questions assessing knowledge across gross motor, fine motor, speech and language, and social-emotional domains. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 with descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation.

Results: The participants’ mean age was 30.25 ± 5.78 years; most were college or university educated (73.6%), urban residents (86.1%), and from nuclear families (84.1%). The mean ECD knowledge score was 21.75 ± 2.61 out of 28 (77% ± 9.3%), reflecting good understanding. Knowledge was highest in the gross motor domain (mean = 0.82 ± 0.15) and lowest in social-emotional development (mean = 0.75 ± 0.15), with only 37.5% identifying stranger recognition as a milestone. Weak but significant correlations were found between mothers’ age (r = 0.139, p = 0.044), number of children (r = 0.143, p = 0.039), and knowledge scores.

Conclusion: Overall, mothers exhibited good ECD knowledge with notable gaps in social-emotional awareness. Strengthening maternal education through targeted programs may enhance early identification of developmental delays and promote better child health outcomes in Bangladesh.

UNDERSTANDING THE MISUSE OF PAINKILLERS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE FEMALE STUDENTS IN A TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

2026-01-30T11:31:43+00:00

Background: Analgesic abuse refers to the act of taking analgesic agents without proper prescriptions, thereby misusing the agents, which can be detrimental to health of the individual. The levels of knowledge and attitudes towards the effects of analgesic abuse among University of Port Harcourt undergraduate female students involves the misused habits and practices in other to relief menstrual pain and stress. In the cause of pain relief, the analgesic abuse effects can cause ulcer due to its accumulated acid nature, example of this drug is felvin, ibuprofen, Panadol etc.

Aim of study: This study aims to assess student’s levels of knowledge and attitude towards the effects of analgesic abuse amongst female undergraduate students in the University of Port Harcourt, Choba. descriptive survey design was adopted.

Materials and Methods: The target population for this study comprised 2000 students in Choba campus, and the sample size was 100.

Results: The data obtained from the participants showed that the bio data where majority of students from Health science (31.25%), educational levels of respondents were majority of year 1 and 2 year students (43.75%), students level of knowledge about analgesic abuse is significantly increased (43.8%), there was a moderate preventive practice among the students (56.3%), the sources of information among students about analgesic abuse increased (43.8% and 56.3%),there is an increased level of enlightenment of the causes of analgesic abuse (68.8% and 50%), there is a moderate level of advocates to the preventive measures of analgesic abuse among the female students.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for training and lectures for the students on the general concept of analgesic abuse. It further underscores the need for government and school management to ensure the provision of health care commodities and regular supportive supervision at all levels of educational status.