Information Literacy Self-Efficacy and Academic Resilience among final year Pre-Service School Librarians: Implications for Library Mentorship

The study examined the relationship that exists between academic resilience and information literacy self-efficacy among final year pre-service school librarians in a selected University in Nigeria. This study adopted the correlational survey research design. Through multistage sampling technique, 60 final year students of Library and Information science were selected. The questionnaires such as Academic Resilience Scale (ARS) and Information Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale (ILSES) were used to collect data. Linear regression was used to test the null hypotheses. The correlation coefficient of R=0.601 shows that there was a moderate positive association between academic resilience and information literacy self-efficacy. The regression of ANOVA of F(1,58) = 32.863, p = 0.00 indicated that there was a significant moderate relationship between academic resilience and information literacy self-efficacy of final year pre-service school librarians. The findings further indicated that final year pre-service librarians’ academic resilience is a significant predictor of their information literacy self-efficacy irrespective of gender and age

Depressive and anxiety symptoms among Nigerian rural women diagnosed with cervical cancer

Among women in Nigeria, cervical cancer has been found to be more prevalent among the rural population. Depression and anxiety are common symptoms among patients during their initial diagnosis and subsequent treatment. The main study objective was to ascertain whether depression or anxiety symptoms are common among patients of cervical cancer in rural communities in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study utilized semi-structured questionnaires in conducting a descriptive study on 148 consenting cervical cancer patients. Graphs, Chi-squares, and percentages were used to represent the data. In total, 148 patients had their data collected by the researcher. This study found that respondents manifested severe depression after their initial cervical cancer screenings. The report shows that 55% of respondents experienced severe depression after being diagnosed with cervical cancer.  Most of them—85 (57%)—were over 35 years of age.  Following a cervical cancer diagnosis, 52% of respondents reported severe anxiety symptoms. It is possible to say that after cervical cancer diagnosis, patients are prone to serious psychological distress. This is closely linked to the dreadful thought processes that herald the initial screening. Social support and counselling are urgently needed before and after cervical cancer screening

Impact of Nutrition on Mental Health and Wellbeing of Primary School Children in a rural suburb of Enugu State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of nutrition on mental health and wellbeing in a rural suburb of Nigeria among primary school children. The study was conducted using an ex post facto design. Using a multi stage and random sampling procedure, 197 primary school children were selected from five migrant farmers schools in a rural suburb in Nigeria.  The researcher adapted two instruments: Children’s Mental Health Questionnaire (CMHQ) and Children’s Wellbeing Index (CWI). The Children’s Mental Health Questionnaire (CMHQ) is a 15-item questionnaire which measures the children’s level of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Also, the Children’s Well-being Index (CWI) measures six dimensions of wellbeing such as self-acceptance, life satisfaction, personal growth, positive inter-personal relations, adaptability, and quality of life. The results showed that nutrition significantly impacted on the mental health of primary school children (β = .915; t = 31.1771; p-value = 0.000). Furthermore, the results showed that nutrition significantly impacted the well-being of primary school children (β = .949; t = 42.014; p-value = 0.000). It is recommended that interventions targeted at alleviating the plights of these vulnerable children should be a top priority for the government and non-governmental organizations.   It is also further recommended that laudable government programmes such as ‘school feeding programme’ in Nigeria should be revitalized to supplement the diets of school children who are exposed to malnutrition.   &nbsp

Gender Differences in Information Literacy Self-Efficacy among Academic Librarians in Federal University Libraries in South-East Nigeria

The study investigated gender differences in information literacy self-efficacy among academic librarians working in federal university libraries in South-east Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was used in this study. Using purposive sampling, twenty academic librarians were selected for the study. The Information Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale (ILSES) was used to obtain the data. In total, there are 28 items on the scale, which has a high Cronbach Alpha reliability score of 0.91. In this scale, seven sub-dimensions are measured extensively. To analyze the data, percentages, means, standard deviations, t-tests, and Lavene\u27s tests were used. In terms of mean ratings, male and female academic librarians did not differ significantly (2,28) = -183; p =.855. As such, gender has no effect on information literacy self-efficacy in academic librarians. Any difference in the perceived self-efficacy of academic librarians in information literacy was not caused by their gender. To improve work efficiency and professional competency, academic librarians should upgrade their information literacy skills

Cognitive Load as a Predictor of Depression among Undergraduates in Nigerian Universities

In spite of increased mental health care resources at universities, depression rates continue to rise. This study examined cognitive load as a predictor of depression among undergraduate students at Nigerian universities. A correlational survey paradigm was utilized. A total of 1026 first-year students of the Faculty of Education and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Nigeria were included in this study. In the study, 300 undergraduate students [100 males and 200 females] from Nigeria's University of Nigeria were surveyed. The study collected data using the Cognitive Load Questionnaire (CLQ) and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). CLQ had a reliability coefficient of 0.93, while BDI had a reliability coefficient of 0.90. Two research assistants administered the instruments to respondents. Simple regression was utilized for the research questions. A Fisher Z-test was used to test hypothesis two, while A linear regression t-test was used to test hypothesis one. In Nigerian universities, cognitive load does not significantly predict depression among undergraduates. Among Nigerian undergraduate students, 2.2% of their depressive symptoms are associated with cognitive load as a result of their gender. Other factors that influence depression among undergraduates in Nigerian universities, such as stress, need to be identified and appropriate measures taken to ameliorate the increasing trend of depression among undergraduates.                             &nbsp

Influence of Study Skills on Test Anxiety of Secondary School Students in Nsukka Urban, Enugu State, Nigeria

The study investigated the influence of study skills on test anxiety levels of senior secondary school students. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. A structured study skills inventory (SSI) consisting of 29 items, a test anxiety scale (TAS) consisting of 32 items developed by the researchers and validated were administered to 400 senior secondary school class III students (200 boys and 200 girls) in Nsukka Education Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. The data collected were presented using mean scores and standard deviations. The t-test statistics was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 probability level. Findings indicated that study skills had no significant influence on students’ test-anxiety levels; students’ test-anxiety levels were significantly influenced by gender; the female students showed higher test-anxiety than their male counterparts. The following recommendations were made: School guidance counsellors are invited to provide gender sensitive learning environment to reduce academic anxiety. There is need to educate parents and teachers on how to handle their wards bearing in mind individual differences in gender orientation. Key Words: Study Skills, Anxiety, Test Anxiety, Cognitive Performanc

Relationship between self-handicapping and academic buoyancy among final year students in secondary schools

The study examined the relationship between self-handicapping and academic buoyancy among final year students in secondary schools in Nsukka education zone of Enugu State of Nigeria. This study adopted the cross-sectional survey research design. Through multistage sampling technique, 120 final year students were selected. The questionnaires, such as Academic Buoyancy Scale (ABS) and Self-handicapping Scale were used to collect data. The internal validity of self-handicapping and academic buoyancy scales were ascertained using the Bartlett’s tests for Sphericity and it was reported to be highly significant (p< 0.05). The internal consistency of the questionnaires was ensured by using the Cronbach's alpha and a value of 0.844 and 0.867 was reported for the self-handicapping and academic buoyancy scales respectively. The quantitative data from questionnaires was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that there was low negative insignificant relationship between the two variables (Beta=-.105; R=-.105; p < .253), indicating that high level self-handicapping is negatively associated with academic buoyancy among final year students in secondary schools. The study recommends that student counselors should develop structured and comprehensive cognitive behavioral therapy sessions to enhance the self-handicapping of final year students in secondary schools

Supporting people with depressive and anxiety disorders: The role of faith-based organizations and faith-based mental health interventions during COVID-19

There has been an adverse impact of COVID-19 on public mental health, which has led to psychiatric crises and negatively impacted most aspects of everyday life. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread anxiety and depression in the general population. There have been many factors contributing to public anxiety, including uncertainty as to how the disease develops or spreads, patients' immunity, and short supply of vaccines to combat the disease. Consequently, the purpose of the study is to examine how faith-based organizations and faith-based mental health interventions might assist those suffering from depression and anxiety disorders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Literature suggests that faith-based approaches to mental intervention can be very beneficial to both individuals and organizations currently grappling with how to deal with the current COVID-19 pandemic. Faith-based counseling, mindfulness therapy, therapeutic prayer, mediation, sacred texts, rituals, and forgiveness are some examples of such approaches. The potential for faith-based organizations and faith-based mental health interventions to serve as health-care catalysts and enhance mental health by helping those suffering from depression and anxiety associated with COVID-19 appears high

Pengaruh Pekerja Anak terhadap Pendaftaran dan Keluar Siswa Sekolah Dasar: Sebuah Scoping Review

Child labour is one of the major obstacles to the realization of universal primary education in low- and middle-income countries. Child labour deprives children of their chances to acquire the required skills for the development of their potential. This is akin to a child trying to prepare for an exam while carrying a heavy backpack of worries, fears, and distractions on their back which affects their desired outcome. This study provided an updated review of the literature on child labour's influence on primary school pupils' enrolment. Child labour literature was explored via a scoping literature review strategy. As a result of this literature review, child labour negatively impacts primary school enrolment. This study also revealed that child labour is the major contributor to primary school pupils' dropout. Finally, this review revealed that enforcing a minimum employment age of 15 and reducing the return to child labour without providing social supports such as conditional cash transfer to the poor household would facilitate an increase in children’s dropout rate in developing countries. Based on the empirical child labour literature, more research is needed to be conducted using qualitative and quantitative measures to capture first-hand information to augment quantitative measures.Pekerja anak merupakan salah satu hambatan utama dalam mewujudkan pendidikan dasar universal di negara-negara berpendapatan rendah dan menengah. Pekerja anak melibatkan anak-anak dari peluang untuk memperoleh keterampilan yang diperlukan untuk mengembangkan potensi mereka. Ini mirip dengan seorang anak yang mencoba mempersiapkan ujian sambil membawa beban pikiran, ketakutan, dan gangguan yang berat di punggungnya yang memengaruhi hasil yang diinginkan. Penelitian ini menyediakan tinjauan terkini tentang literatur mengenai pengaruh pekerja anak terhadap pendaftaran murid-murid sekolah dasar. Literatur pekerja anak dieksplorasi melalui strategi scoping review. Sebagai hasil dari tinjauan literatur ini, pekerja anak memiliki dampak negatif terhadap pendaftaran murid sekolah dasar. Penelitian ini juga menunjukkan bahwa pekerja anak adalah penyebab utama putus sekolah pada murid-murid sekolah dasar. Terakhir, tinjauan ini mengungkapkan bahwa penerapan usia minimum bekerja 15 tahun dan mengurangi keuntungan dari pekerjaan anak tanpa memberikan dukungan sosial seperti transfer tunai bersyarat kepada keluarga miskin akan memfasilitasi peningkatan tingkat putus sekolah anak-anak di negara-negara berkembang. Berdasarkan literatur empiris pekerja anak, penelitian lebih lanjut perlu dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif dan kuantitatif untuk menggali informasi langsung guna melengkapi data kuantitatif

Influence of Occupational Stress on Work Engagement among Nigerian Library Personnel

The study examined occupational stress and job engagement among library personnel at selected Nigerian state and federal universities. A descriptive survey methodology was employed in the study. This study used questionnaires for ascertaining work engagement and occupational stress to survey 76 respondents. Results indicated that library personnel experienced high occupational stress, which displayed significantly low levels of job engagement. In contrast, those with a low level of occupational stress showed significantly increased levels of engagement at work. The data suggested that female library personnel reported experiencing more occupational stress than male library personnel and the mean difference was statistically significant, t (74) = -3.416, p =.001. The limitation of this research includes the smallness of sample size, which calls for a larger sample to validate the findings further. Rational emotive behavioral therapy can be adapted for managing the levels of work engagement and occupational stress in librarians