Article details
A Critical Survey of the Meaning of National Health to Nigeria’s College Students
Obafemi F.A., Obaoghe T.O., Aruwa M. C., Irughe R. I., Okediji E. O., Zamani P. T., Ezekiel D. I., Ofoche C. O., Akinseesin O. A., Obi G. E., Onwude J. U., Olla J. O., Amosu O. G., and Shokoya A. O.
Journal of Behavioral Health and Psychology
2022
Vol. 11
Issue 2
Pages 309-390
The aim of this study was to find out the level of understanding of the concept of health
to the Nigerian youth. The participants of this study were college students drawn from
randomly selected communities in Cross River, Edo, and Kaduna States in Nigeria. A total
of 140 participants were enlisted in the current study. Data were obtained with the aid
of structured pretested questionnaires. The questionnaire was divided into sections and
elicited information on the participants’ understanding of health, what it means to have a
healthy Nigeria, and their role in making a healthy Nigeria. Defining what health meant to
them, the majority of participants (50%) defined health as “a state of being mentally and
physically balanced. A period of balance where there is no displacement in any functioning
of the body”.
The majority of the respondents (n=112, 80%) indicated that Nigeria is not healthy while
20% (n=28) indicated otherwise. Ascertaining if participants have a role in the health of
Nigeria, the result indicated that the majority of the respondents (90%, n= 126) were of
the opinion that they have a role to play in improving the health of Nigeria. Participants in
the current study appear to be ready for a shift in the nature and systems of development
around them, according to the findings. They had a clear understanding of what health was
and what it meant to be in a healthy state and based on their response to the country's
current state of health, it is clear that they require change, which is reflected in their belief
that they have a role to play in the country's health and development.