The Influence of Demographic Factors on the Investment Objectives of Retail Investors in the Nigerian Capital Market

Demographic factors, as a group have been found to determine the type and level of investment an investor makes. The aim of this paper is to determine the influence of demographic factors on the investment objectives of retail investors in the Nigerian capital market. Primary data was obtained through a structured questionnaire administered on 180 respondents and analyzed with simple descriptive techniques. Chi-square test and correlation analyses were conducted to assess the effect of demographic factors on the investment objectives of retail investors in the Nigerian capital market. The results reveal that investors’ employment status and income are the most influencing factors on their investment objectives. While income has significant effect on all investment objectives, employment status has significant effect on all investment objectives with the exception of diversification objective. Educational qualification of investors has a significant effect on security investment objective. Demographic factors like gender, age, marital status and capital market experience have no significant effect on the investment objectives of retail investors in the Nigerian capital market. These findings should assist capita market operators when advising their clients on where to invest. They should also act as a guide to policy makers in coming up with policies aimed at repositioning the Nigerian capital market for more efficient fund mobilization for investment in the economy. Keywords: Demographic factors, Retail investors, Investment objectives, Nigerian capital market

Prenatal Alcohol Intake and Knowledge of its Effect: A Survey of Pregnant Women Attending a General Hospital in South East, Nigeria

Background: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a major public health concern due to its noxious effect on both the mother and fetus. Aim: The study aim was to determine the prevalence of prenatal alcohol intake, knowledge of its effects, and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic, Poly General Hospital, Enugu. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional survey was adopted and simple random sampling was employed to select 248 pregnant women from the total population. Data were obtained using structured questionnaires, summarized using descriptive statistics, and presented in tables. Statistical analysis for associations between level of educational attainment, occupation of the pregnant woman, and knowledge of the effects of alcohol consumption was performed using Chi‑square tests. Results: The prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy was 40.3% with beer (48.8%) and palm wine (48.8%) being the major alcoholic beverages taken. Majority (59.7%) of the participants had good knowledge of the effects of alcohol consumption in pregnancy while less than half (33.9%) had good knowledge of the effect on the unborn baby. Previous drinking habits before pregnancy (3.48 ± 0.84) and unwanted pregnancy (3.17 ± 0.93) were the major perceived factor influencing their alcohol intake. Educational level was not significantly related to knowledge of alcohol effects on pregnancy. Conclusion: Regardless of the knowledge of the harmful effect of alcohol on the fetus and maternal health, a significant proportion of mothers continue to consume alcohol during pregnancy. Therefore, there is a need for widespread education of women of childbearing age focused on driving behavioural change with regards to alcohol intake in pregnancy

Peer Experiences among Black and Hispanic Adolescent Girls in a Sport Based Youth Development Setting

Black and Hispanic adolescent girls are among those with the highest risks for physical inactivity. Previous research has demonstrated the importance of peer support in influencing their participation in physical activity. However, little research has addressed the ways in which the peer relationships in sport based youth development (SBYD) programs influence adolescents’ participation and engagement choices. The purpose of this study was to explore the peer experiences of Black and Hispanic adolescent girls in a school-based SBYD program and the influences on their participation and engagement behaviors. Using a case study design, I looked at the role of the greater school environment, peers, and adults. Six adolescent members and seven adult leaders of the focus SBYD program took part in this study. Data were collected through a combination of participant-created sociograms, interviews, and participant observations and analyzed using thematic analysis. This work was informed by intersectionality, the SBYD framework, the framework of peer experiences, and the peer influence model. The findings of this research centered on eight themes and indicate the intertwined nature of the school context and the program: the greater school climate of low expectations and aggression, surveillance, obstruction, relationship issues, an ego-oriented climate, adult involvement, and perceptions of the program overall. study is significant because of the focus on greater environment surrounding the program, the focus on the interconnections on a singular SBYD group, and the addition it makes to the literature with the voices of Black and Hispanic girls

Peer Experiences among Black and Hispanic Adolescent Girls in a Sport Based Youth Development Setting

Black and Hispanic adolescent girls are among those with the highest risks for physical inactivity. Previous research has demonstrated the importance of peer support in influencing their participation in physical activity. However, little research has addressed the ways in which the peer relationships in sport based youth development (SBYD) programs influence adolescents’ participation and engagement choices. The purpose of this study was to explore the peer experiences of Black and Hispanic adolescent girls in a school-based SBYD program and the influences on their participation and engagement behaviors. Using a case study design, I looked at the role of the greater school environment, peers, and adults. Six adolescent members and seven adult leaders of the focus SBYD program took part in this study. Data were collected through a combination of participant-created sociograms, interviews, and participant observations and analyzed using thematic analysis. This work was informed by intersectionality, the SBYD framework, the framework of peer experiences, and the peer influence model. The findings of this research centered on eight themes and indicate the intertwined nature of the school context and the program: the greater school climate of low expectations and aggression, surveillance, obstruction, relationship issues, an ego-oriented climate, adult involvement, and perceptions of the program overall. study is significant because of the focus on greater environment surrounding the program, the focus on the interconnections on a singular SBYD group, and the addition it makes to the literature with the voices of Black and Hispanic girls