PUBLIC HEALTH TOPICS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Cervical cancer remains one of the most prevalent and life-threatening cancers affecting women worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana. It is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papil...

Background of the Study

Eating disorders and body image concerns have emerged as serious mental health issues among adolescents, particularly among teenage girls. In Kwara State, societal pressures, cultural norms, and media influence contribute to the development of unhealthy body image perceptions and disordered eating behaviors. Teenage girls are increasingly exposed to idealized images and messages about beauty, which can lead to low self-esteem, dieting, and extreme measures to...

Background of the Study

Music and art therapy are emerging as innovative interventions for improving mental health, particularly among adolescents. In Edo State, where creative expression is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, these therapies offer a promising, non-invasive way to address mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Art and music therapy provide adolescents with a medium to express emotions, process trauma, and build self-esteem in a supportive en...

Background of the Study

Resilience refers to an individual's ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity, and it is a critical factor in determining mental health outcomes among adolescents. In low-income communities in Oyo State, adolescents are exposed to numerous stressors such as poverty, violence, and limited educational opportunities. These challenges necessitate the development of effective coping strategies and resilience to mitigate adverse mental health outcom...

Background of the Study

School counseling services play a crucial role in addressing mental health issues among adolescents by providing emotional support, academic guidance, and crisis intervention. In Osun State, where adolescents face various stressors—from academic pressures to social challenges—counseling services within schools are vital for early detection and management of mental health problems. Effective counseling can help mitigate issues such as anxiety, depr...

Background of the Study

Parental involvement is a critical determinant of adolescent mental health, and neglect by parents can have lasting negative effects on psychological well-being. In Bauchi State, instances of parental neglect—whether due to economic hardship, social disruption, or cultural factors—are increasingly reported as contributing to adverse mental health outcomes among adolescents. Adolescents who experience parental neglect may suffer from low self-estee...

Background of the Study

Peer support has emerged as a vital factor in promoting mental well-being among adolescents. In Borno State, where social and economic challenges are compounded by the lingering effects of conflict, adolescents often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Peer support provides a unique mechanism for mitigating these mental health challenges by fostering a sense of belonging, offering emotional support, and facilitating the sharing of copin...

Background of the Study

Substance abuse among adolescents has emerged as a major public health challenge, with far-reaching consequences for mental health. In Delta State, the increasing availability of illicit drugs, alcohol, and prescription medications has led to a surge in substance use among young people. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of substance abuse due to the ongoing development of the brain and heightened susceptibility to peer pressure. S...

Background of the Study

Bullying in schools and online environments is a pervasive issue affecting adolescents worldwide, and its adverse impact on mental health has become a major public health concern. In Anambra State, both traditional forms of bullying (physical, verbal, and relational) and cyberbullying are increasingly reported among secondary school students. Adolescence is a critical period characterized by identity formation and heightened sensitivity to peer approval, maki...

Background of the Study

Social media has become an integral part of daily life, particularly among adolescents who use platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook for communication, entertainment, and information. In Lagos State, the rapid expansion of digital technology and high smartphone penetration have led to widespread social media usage among young people. While social media offers benefits such as increased connectivity and access to diverse perspectives, its...

Background of the Study

Loneliness is a profound and often debilitating emotional state that can have severe implications for mental health, particularly among the elderly. In Plateau State, many older adults experience isolation due to factors such as the loss of loved ones, reduced mobility, and diminished social networks. Research has consistently shown that loneliness is a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation and behavior among older populations (Ibrahim, 2023; Nwankwo,...

Background of the Study

Sleep is a fundamental component of overall health, and sleep disorders can have profound effects on mental well-being, particularly among older adults. In Rivers State, many elderly individuals suffer from sleep disturbances such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, which can exacerbate mental health issues including depression and anxiety (Chukwu, 2023; Adebola, 2024). Sleep disorders disrupt the restorative processes of the brain, impair co...

Background of the Study

Sleep is a fundamental component of overall health, and sleep disorders can have profound effects on mental well-being, particularly among older adults. In Rivers State, many elderly individuals suffer from sleep disturbances such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, which can exacerbate mental health issues including depression and anxiety (Chukwu, 2023; Adebola, 2024). Sleep disorders disrupt the restorative processes of the brain, impair co...

Background of the Study

Faith-based organizations (FBOs) play a pivotal role in many communities by providing spiritual guidance, social support, and sometimes even healthcare services. In Benue State, these organizations are integral to the community fabric and have increasingly been recognized as potential partners in mental health support for older adults. As the elderly often turn to religious institutions for comfort and community, FBOs can serve as accessible platforms for men...

Background of the Study

Grief and loss are inevitable parts of aging, as older adults experience the death of loved ones, loss of social roles, and declining physical health. In Kaduna State, cultural practices and social support systems play a critical role in how elderly individuals cope with grief. Effective coping strategies are essential for mitigating the adverse psychological impacts of loss, which can include depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal (Olawale, 2023; Ibrahim...

Background of the Study

Retirement represents a major life transition that can significantly impact the mental well-being of older adults. In Ekiti State, as individuals exit the workforce, they may experience changes in identity, social networks, and financial stability. While retirement can offer opportunities for relaxation and leisure, it can also lead to feelings of purposelessness, isolation, and depression if not managed properly (Okonkwo, 2023; Afolabi, 2024). The shift from...

Background of the Study

Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects cognitive function, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. In Kano State, the prevalence of dementia is rising among the elderly, posing significant challenges for both individuals and their families. Family support plays a critical role in managing dementia, as it not only helps in the day-to-day care of affected individuals but also provides emotional and social stability....

Background of the Study

Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects cognitive function, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. In Kano State, the prevalence of dementia is rising among the elderly, posing significant challenges for both individuals and their families. Family support plays a critical role in managing dementia, as it not only helps in the day-to-day care of affected individuals but also provides emotional and social stability....

Background of the Study

Social isolation is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of mental health, particularly among elderly populations. In Lagos State, rapid urbanization and migration have fragmented traditional family structures, leaving many older adults isolated. Social isolation among the elderly is linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline (Adebayo, 2023; Chukwu, 2024). Urban environments, while densely populated, often lack the so...

Background of the Study

In recent years, mental health issues among older adults have emerged as a critical public health concern, especially in rural areas where resources are scarce. In Enugu State, rural communities often experience social and economic challenges that contribute to elevated rates of depression and anxiety among the elderly. Older adults in these communities are frequently isolated due to factors such as limited mobility, loss of peers, and reduced family support....

Background of the Study

Dietary habits formed during youth can have long-lasting effects on health and well-being. In Enugu State, students are increasingly exposed to a variety of food options due to urbanization, globalization, and evolving cultural norms. Traditional diets, which were once rich in fresh produce and whole grains, are gradually being replaced by fast foods and processed snacks high in fats, sugars, and sodium (Okechukwu, 2023; Nduka, 2024). This nutritional transit...

Background of the Study

Sedentary lifestyles, characterized by prolonged periods of inactivity, have become increasingly common in many parts of the world and are strongly linked to the rising prevalence of obesity. In Benue State, shifts in occupational patterns, urbanization, and technological advancements have led to a reduction in physical activity, contributing to an increase in obesity rates. Sedentary behavior, including extended periods of sitting at work or during leisure t...

Background of the Study

Drug abuse poses a significant public health challenge globally, with profound implications for individual and community health. In Ogun State, the rising prevalence of drug abuse—encompassing both illicit substances and the misuse of prescription medications—has led to a host of adverse health outcomes. Chronic drug abuse is associated with physical, mental, and social problems, including liver and kidney damage, cardiovascular issues, mental hea...

Background of the Study

Hypertension is a major public health problem globally and is strongly linked to chronic stress. In Cross River State, the fast-paced urban lifestyle, economic challenges, and social pressures contribute significantly to elevated stress levels, which in turn increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. Chronic stress triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to sustained increases in blood pressure and subsequent...

Background of the Study

Physical activity is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle and plays a significant role in the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Among civil servants in Delta State, the nature of office work—characterized by prolonged sitting, stress, and irregular work hours—may contribute to low levels of physical activity and subsequently increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Several studies have shown that a sedentar...