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This study determines the effectiveness of a non-digital picture concept programme to treat cognitive deficits in pupils with dyslexia. Using a sample of 38 primary two pupils (aged 7-9 years) in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, a Picture Concept Activity and the traditional method of repetitive passage drill were administered for eight weeks and results were compared. Standard cognitive and reading measures were used and data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results show that the experimental participants performed higher than the control group on the overall reading and cognitive proficiency performances. Improved cognitive proficiency was associated with improved reading tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored gender variations in the prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety among Nigerian adolescents. Using a cross-section of 836 students aged 10 to 18 years (39.5% males and 60.5% females), the study determined gender differences in the prevalence of and the demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors associated with, depression and anxiety among the respondents. Data were collected using a prevalidated questionnaire and the 25- item Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale. Analyses were carried out with the SPSS statistical software (version 21); frequencies and percentages, chi-squared statistics, and point-biserial correlations were examined. Results showed a high (35.4%) prevalence of general anxiety and depression among adolescents. Male respondents had a higher proportion of anxiety (32.1%), depression (31.5%), and general anxiety and depression (44.8%) compared to females who had 20.9% symptomatic depression, 21.9% anxiety, and 29.2% general anxiety and depression. Correlates of mental health symptoms in boys were mothers’ education and living with guardians. Having unemployed fathers correlated with anxiety symptoms in girls. Age, class, perceived family socioeconomic status, and emotional connection with parents/guardians were significantly correlated with mental health in both male and female adolescents; however, the pattern of these interactions varied between the genders. Since this study has shown that gender variations exist in the prevalence and correlates of poor mental health among Nigerian adolescents, programs targeting them should reflect gender considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the physical and social living conditions of school-aged children in IDPs’ camps in Plateau State, Nigeria. Specifically, it determined socioeconomic/demographic characteristics of the children; their physical and social living conditions. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The population comprised 948 6-12year-old children in the two IDPs’ camps in Plateau State. A random sample of 50 percent of the population (474) was selected. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Frequencies and percentages were used for data analysis. Findings on socio-economic characteristics of the children showed that there were more male children (55.30%) than female children (44.70%), and up to 85.90% of them had less than ₦10,000 as their household monthly income. The physical living conditions of the children showed that more than half (51.30%) of them lived in small-sized dwellings, 65.40 percent had inadequate room/tent ventilation and 81.40 percent of the children had 6-10 persons living in a room. There were no nets on the children’s dwelling doors and a greater percentage (60.50%) of the children had an average number of 4-6 clothes. Furthermore, the main source of water was well water (85.40%) and firewood (94.90%) was the main type of fuel for cooking. Findings on social living conditions of the children showed that majority of them lived near some basic social amenities such as health centers (82.30%), schools (99.20%) and markets (83.30%). In addition, a good number (77.40%) of the children obtained formal education. It was recommended that government at different levels should equip IDPs’ camps with adequate facilities to enable satisfactory conditions of hygiene and access to social amenities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the association of marital structure and domestic gender role practice, with the subjective well-being of working mothers in Nigeria. Marital structure was measured as the type of marriage and living arrangement with husband, while domestic gender role practice was assessed as breadwinning and house chore role practices. Using a sample of 1320 married female primary school teachers, the study determined the prevalence of impaired well-being, and marriage type, living arrangement, breadwinning, and house chore role practice as predictors of well-being. A questionnaire and the English mental health continuum short form were used to collect data. Using IBM SPSS software version 23, demographic data were analysed in frequencies and percentages. Binary logistic regression was used to test three null hypotheses at p < 0.05. Findings showed a 36.2% prevalence of 'not flourishing' mental well-being. Polygamy, living away from the husband, and having the sole responsibility of house chores were associated with poorer well-being. The breadwinning role was not a significant factor. In conclusion, polygamy, living apart, and practising traditionalism in house chore roles might have negative implications for the subjective well-being of Nigerian working mothers. Therefore, Nigerian society should further evaluate the gender role expectations of working mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the characteristics and prevalence of female breadwinning among primary school teachers. A cross-sectional survey design was used to obtain data from 2428 out of 22,666 female primary school teachers in Enugu State, Nigeria. A questionnaire previously used in Nigeria to study female breadwinners was adapted and used for data collection. The female breadwinning measure aspect of the questionnaire had Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.927. Data were input into IBM-SPSS version 23 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test of relationships. Significant relationships were established at p values ≤ 0.05. The study revealed 73.6% prevalence of female breadwinning out of which 37.1% were co-breadwinners, 36.5% were primary/sole breadwinners. Female breadwinners among primary school teachers were characterized by older age, being a single mother, higher educational qualification, and salary, teaching in urban public schools, larger family size as well as having dependent children, elderly and chronically ill persons. Policy implications and research directions were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]