Gender and Behaviour

Hospital based clinical supervision: Experiences and attitudes of student nurses in Limpopo Province, South Africa

R.F Mathevula, Tshiamo N Ramalepa — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Clinical supervision is a valuable tool in achieving quality clinical education. It assists students to attain learning objectives, apply theory into practice and to become responsible and competent practitioners. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of student nurses regarding hospital-based clinical supervision in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study was done in seven hospitals in two districts of Limpopo province, namely, Vhembe and Mopani. The study followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive research design. The population of the study was student nurses allocated at training hospitals in Mopani and Vhembe Districts. Purposive sampling method was used to select hospitals and student nurses. Focus group interview was used for data collection, data analysis was guided by Tesch’s approach. Student nurses had both positive and negative experiences related to hospital based clinical supervision. Time constraints, negative attitudes, lack of knowledge and lack of interest of clinical supervisors were some of the negative experiences revealed by student nurses. However, it was revealed that some supervisors were knowledgeable and seemed to be interested in clinical supervision. Clinical supervision is an essential component of nursing training. Clinical supervisors should be trained on their essential supervisory role in hospitals. Acquiring knowledge, skills, and availability of supervision guidelines in the clinical learning environment may change the attitudes of clinical supervisors towards supervision.

Investigating the relationship between mental health components and mediating roles of peer pressure on university students

Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The capacity to avoid mental health problems and encourage psychological well-being is one of the key factors for effective psychological functioning. An individual’s ability, particularly adolescents, to maintain positive mental health outcomes is surrounded by various challenges, including biological, cognitive, social, and emotional. The study examined the indirect and direct effects of mental health indicators and peer pressure among university students in Nigeria. Data were collected among 299 undergraduates of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo through the online Google form. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Furthermore, the heuristic model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). According to the results, stress significantly and positively predicts anxiety, depression, and peer pressure. Also, anxiety has a significant and positive impact on depression. Peer pressure does not significantly predict depression and also does not mediate between stress and anxiety. The study confirmed the effect of stress in determining the mental health outcomes of undergraduates. The findings of this study provide a robust ground for a deeper understanding of the practical and theoretical importance of three components of mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress), and their implications on the psychological functioning of an individual. Furthermore, these findings underscore peer pressure as a strong risk factor for mental health concerns in an individual. Empirically, the findings of this study are in support of existing studies that identified peer pressure as a potential facilitator of depression and similar health concerns of an individual. Thus, a need for psychological intervention that can prevent the presence or diligently disallow the display of peer pressure among adolescents in their day-to-day social encounters, in order to discourage the development of depression-related health concerns among college students in Nigeria.

Phenomenon of female underwear theft for ritual and the response of vulnerable women group in Nigeria

Saheed Babajide Owonikoko, Wusa Kondani Maibaka, Mark Akorede Owonikoko — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The theft of female underwear for money ritual is a phenomenon that began in Nigeria in 2018. This paper examines the nature of this practice and, the response of the vulnerable women group and as well interrogates the implication for state-citizen relationships in Nigeria. Primary data were collected from interviews with vulnerable female adults, parents and guardians of victims and informed male respondents in cities in Southern Nigeria. Secondary data were also utilised. The paper discovered that female underwear theft is perpetrated by Internet fraudsters (dubbed Yahoo Yahoo Boys). The response of the vulnerable group, stemming from the official disregard of the threat by the Nigerian state, is seeking spiritual fortification. The paper concludes that the inability of the state to address the spiritual crisis is leading to the spiritualisation of security. This is accentuating the fragile legitimacy of the Nigerian state. Although pant theft for money-making rituals may fade, the practice of money-making rituals in Nigeria will continue to soar given the rising endemic poverty which makes it difficult for Nigerian youths to attain their desired goals. It is recommended that the Nigerian state should work to improve the economic conditions of the people and also reform its judicial trial to accommodate trying and punishing spiritual crimes.

Intimate partner violence and academic performance in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions within the context of Federal University Oye Ekiti

Akinyemi Olabambo Evelyn, Aje Tolu Elizabeth, Adetunberu Oladotun — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The intimate partner violence is so rife in and around the universities that it has tremendous public health and academic implications worldwide. This study investigated the occurrence and involvement of IPV on academic performance in the ambit of Federal University Oye Ekiti, Nigeria. The study uses an explorative research design which integrates both qualitative and quantitative study methods such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires. The study also focuses on silence in holding perpetuate violence, effects of violence on victims and fear of stigmatization being the factor preventing victims from moving away from abusive relationships. The findings resounded that in this university, very many cases were recorded alive with respect to IPV, and it is destroying and thereby causing dreadful academic outcome, particularly for most of the female students, many of whom had been expelled because of deteriorating academic performances. This research differs in that it explores a very exclusive field of IPV in linking it closely with declining academic performance and calling for institutional reforms in the crisis. Legal reforms, awareness campaigns, and economic empowerment of the victims form part of the recommendations. This has made it clear that there is an urgent need for proactive collaborative efforts to minimize the impact of IPV on education for a more conducive learning environment.

Health Information-Seeking Behaviours and use of Agbo herbal medicine among commercial drivers and artisans in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

Stephen Afam Kenechukwu — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates how commercial drivers and artisans in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, obtain health information and use Agbo herbal medication. Underpinned by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Information-Seeking Model (ISM), the study examines how sociocultural influences, digital technologies, and regulatory frameworks impact Agbo views as well as the sources of health information. Thirty participants were purposefully chosen for in-depth interviews from four significant transportation parks using a qualitative methodology. Due to societal conventions, cultural legacy, and trust, traditional sources including market women, family, and local herbalists continue to be the main providers of health information, according to a thematic analysis of the data. Even if social media and other digital tools offer different ways to share knowledge, oral traditions and word-of-mouth approaches still take precedence. Participants questioned NAFDAC's control of Agbo, pointing out a discrepancy between official regulatory procedures and cultural standards. This highlights the necessity of regulatory approaches that incorporate sociocultural settings and community trust. The results indicate that in order to address the interaction between traditional knowledge, digital literacy, and regulatory systems, the ISM and HBM need to be extended to include cultural competency and social network analysis. Among the contributions include encouraging culturally relevant health education, developing digital literacy among drivers and artisans, updating information sharing on social media, and strengthening regulatory frameworks through community cooperation with traditional leaders and herbalists. These initiatives seek to honor the cultural relevance of Agbo herbal medicine while striking a balance between traditional customs and modern health and safety regulations.

Personality traits as determinants of attitude towards pre-marital sex among secondary school students in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State

Jackson Iheukwumere Osuh, Sikirulai Alausa Sulaiman, Olugbenga David Dada — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Adolescents exhibit varied sexual behaviors, ranging from abstinence and monogamous practices to condom use and engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners. This study therefore, investigated personality traits as determinants of attitudes toward premarital sex among secondary school students in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State. An expost facto research design using a cross-sectional survey method was adopted. The sample comprised 200 respondents, with 107 (53.5%) females and 93 (46.5%) males. Hypotheses were tested using appropriate inferential statistics. The findings revealed that personality traits significantly influenced attitudes toward premarital sex (F (5,195) = 17.181, p < .01; R² = .161). Among the traits, extraversion (β = .446, p < .01), openness to experience (β = .287, p < .05), and neuroticism (β = .346, p < .01) had significant independent effects on adolescents’ attitudes. Male students exhibited a more positive attitude toward premarital sex than their female counterparts (t (198) = 5.118, p < .05). However, religion and class of study showed no significant main effects [(F (2,193) = .138, p > .05); (F (3,193) = .276, p > .05)] or interactive effects (F (2,193) = .375, p > .05) on attitudes toward premarital sex. The study concluded that personality traits, particularly extraversion, neuroticism, and openness to experience, are critical determinants of attitudes toward premarital sex. It is recommended that secondary schools establish youth-friendly centers offering recreational activities to positively engage students and promote healthy behaviors.

Developing a conceptual managerial model to minimise organisational politics at state-owned electricity providers in emerging markets

E. Mutambara, L. Ntombela — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Economies the world over heavily rely on electricity as an energy source. The state-owned electricity providers in the Sothern African Development (SADC) have experienced an electricity generation crisis for almost three decades, and the situation is seemingly getting worse, with organisational politics arguably behind the crisis. The crisis has even spread to other African countries threatening economic stability of the entire continental region. The study therefore investigates the perceptions, and the effects of organizational politics, vis-a-vis the managerial practices to deal with negative political behaviour with a goal to develop a conceptual model to manage organisational politics. The study employed a quantitative research methodology. The closed ended Likert-scale questionnaire was used to gather data from a target population of 2210 employees. A sample of 1400 participants was randomly selected, representing 63.35% of the population. From the sample size of 1400, only 358 completed questionnaires were returned by the cut-off date. Of the 358, 11 were discarded as they were incorrectly completed, giving an effective response rate of 24.78%. Data was analysed using the statistical software programme SPSS 21.0. To develop the framework, the study performed factor analysis on the perceptions, effects of organisational politics, and managerial practices to minimise organisational politics. Before factor analysis could be performed, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy, exploratory factor analysis, Bartlett’s test of sphericity; and Cronbach Alpha’s reliability coefficient were performed. The study revealed that organisational politics was rife in state-owned electricity providers and recommended the development of conceptual model to manage such politics. The study also identified several factors which include among others, managerial behaviours, poor communication of objectives, unhealthy managerial practices positive department actions as factors that can be considered in the development of the conceptual model to manage politics.

A call for inclusion of parents and guardians in a school-based bullying intervention

Asanda Boboyi, Daniel Tuelo Masilo — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Bullying continues to be a widespread concern in educational settings, necessitating a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond conventional interventions implemented within schools. This conceptual paper examines the importance of parents and guardians in improving the effectiveness of bullying intervention strategies in schools using a systems theory and role theory. A qualitative narrative literature review was used to critically analyse the role, challenges, and potential benefits of engaging parents and guardians in initiatives to prevent and address bullying. The presented strategies highlight the importance of adopting a comprehensive viewpoint that acknowledges the crucial involvement of parents and guardians as essential collaborators in promoting safer and more nurturing school environments.

Violence against women in Nepal: Exploring challenges and strategies for women empowerment

Ramesh Prasad Adhikary — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research paper investigates the intricate dynamics of violence against women in Nepal and proposes strategies for women's empowerment within this context. Drawing on secondary data from sources like the Annual Report of Nepal Police, INSEC, WOREC, and newspapers, the paper offers a nuanced analysis. The objectives encompass identifying prevalent forms of violence against women, exploring contributing socio-cultural, legal, and economic factors, assessing the effectiveness of existing frameworks, and proposing empowerment strategies. Methodologically, qualitative analysis is employed, utilizing thematic coding and literature review to discern patterns and challenges. The study is grounded in the feminist theoretical framework, which examines power dynamics and gender inequality as central to understanding violence against women. Findings highlight the pervasive nature of violence, compounded by socio-cultural norms, legal inadequacies, and economic disparities. While existing mechanisms face hurdles, promising strategies such as legal reforms and community mobilization offer avenues for progress. Through investments in education, economic opportunities, policy reforms, and grassroots advocacy, Nepal can create environments enabling women to fulfill their potential and contribute to sustainable development. In conclusion, addressing violence against women necessitates a multifaceted approach, emphasizing empowerment through interventions and policy reforms. The scope of the research is to explores the impact of socio-economic status on the prevalence of violence, providing a nuanced understanding of the diverse factors contributing to women's empowerment. This can pave the way for a safer and more equitable society in Nepal.

Gender and voting behavior in Nigeria: Analyzing the barriers and opportunities for women's participation in elections

Samuel Olugbenga Ojo — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper examines the cultural, socio-economic, and political dynamics that impede women's engagement in Nigerian elections, examining the multifaceted barriers that impede their participation. Women's political representation in the electorate is substantial; however, their political representation in the National Assembly is alarmingly low, with only approximately 7% of women holding seats. This under-representation is a result of a pervasive atmosphere of gender-based violence, entrenched gender norms, and economic disadvantages that discourage both women candidates and voters. Through the lens of liberal feminism theory, the study investigates the impact of overlapping barriers and opportunities for women in participating in elections in Nigeria. It analyzes scholarly articles and media reports to identify themes related to cultural norms, socio-economic limitations, and gender-based violence. This involves data selection, coding framework development, thematic analysis, peer review validation, and synthesis of findings, offering a detailed understanding of systemic barriers to women's political engagement and highlighting possibilities for policy actions to promote gender inclusivity. Findings indicate ongoing challenges in Nigerian politics, with women's representation lagging behind global standards. Cultural norms, economic constraints, male dominance, and legislative gaps, such as the lack of enforced gender quotas, further complicate the situation. However, empowerment initiatives like gender quotas provide avenues for progress. The paper underscores the role of intersectionality in voting behavior and advocates for strategic measures to strengthen women's political participation. Addressing these challenges requires targeted actions that recognize diverse women's experiences to develop effective voter mobilization strategies and policies. The involvement of international organizations, governmental policies, and grassroots movements is also crucial in creating an inclusive political environment that amplifies women's voices. By highlighting the complexities of women's electoral involvement in Nigeria, this paper deepens the understanding of systemic issues and advocates for tailored interventions to advance gender equity in political representation. Removing these obstacles is essential for strengthening Nigeria's democratic institutions and ensuring a governance that reflects the diverse needs of its population.

Literature and gender in the 21^st century: A womanist reading of Mariama Ba’s So Long a Letter and Razinat Talatu Mohammed’s The Travails of a First Wife

Olubukola Karik-Namiji, Fai Kasimo Nsoyori — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The call for an Afrocentric feminist theory that will consider both gender and cultural issues, as it relates to the African woman came to be the impetus that led to the evolution of Womanism. Thus, this paper explores gender issues in the 21^st century Nigerian literature. Mariama Ba’s So Long a Letter and Razinat T Mohammed’s The Travails of a First Wife are read using the African feminist theory of Womanism to assess the different experiences of the female characters in both books. This includes their encounters in marriage and the level of abandonment suffered by the female characters will also be considered. The accommodating posture of womanism to marriage encourages women not to turn their backs on marriage, the home, and motherhood as the Western and radical feminists do. Consequently, in a bid not to negate men, the women struggle to maintain their marriages at the expense of the anticipated liberation they seek. Hence, womanism needs to resolve these conflicts that come with marriage, especially concerning polygamy and childlessness. The paper concludes by exposing intra-gender conflict and polygamy as major problems militating against womanism and the African feminist struggle at large.

The implementation of National Gender Policy Framework in addressing gender equality in selected Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed retail companies

Maria Matshidiso Kanjere, Neaven Moloko Ramaotswa — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Research context: This article is based on the research that was conducted in selected JSE-listed companies in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The researchers investigated the implementation of the National Gender Policy Framework as a guidance provided by government to achieve Sustainable Development Goal number 5, which is gender equality.

Research problem: Gender equity has been a challenge in many South African organisations, especially at promoting African women to the executive and senior managerial positions. Therefore, the government developed a National Gender Policy Framework, which has up to date did not yield the envisaged results. This research is thus instituted against the background that there is paucity of research on the implementation of National Gender Policy Framework.

Aim: The aim of the research was to investigate how companies implement the National Gender Policy Framework when recruiting and placing individuals in senior managerial positions. Three prominent retail companies in Limpopo Province were purposefully selected to participate in the study, namely, Woolworths, Pick ’n Pay and Shoprite.

Research method: A qualitative research method was used to collect and analyse data. The researchers used purposive sampling techniques to select the participants in the study.

Research findings: The results of the analysis of data showed that organizational cultures that are pro male leadership, were a great deterrent to the achievement of gender equity. Furthermore, organisations do little to monitor or evaluate the progress made on the implementation of National Gender Policy Framework.

Conclusion: The study concluded that South African government has plethora of gender equality policies which should be aligned for effectiveness. This is because companies are bombarded with new policies before the effectiveness of the previous policies are properly evaluated.

Recommendations: The study makes a valuable contribution in the sense that it recommends that the government should develop a set of stringent measuring instruments that would be used by companies to evaluate the effectiveness of current policies and progress made in addressing gender inequality.

Examining the prevalence and determinants of unmet family planning needs among women in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Odusina Emmanuel Kolawole — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Nigeria's estimated population is more than 216,000,000, with an annual growth rate of more than 2.50 percent and 40 percent of the total population living below the poverty line. To reduce population growth rate and enhance maternal and child health outcomes, there is a need to close the unmet needs for family planning gap in Nigeria. Ekiti State is one of the states in Nigeria with the highest prevalence (18.2%) of unmet family planning needs. Therefore, using a sample of 244 respondents, the study examined the prevalence and determinants of unmet needs for family planning among sexually active women of reproductive age in Ekiti State, Nigeria using a structured questionnaire. In a binary logistic regression model, the association between socioeconomic characteristics and unmet needs for family planning was determined using an adjusted odds ratio. Unmet needs for family planning were prevalent at 21.72 percent, with 10.25 percent being unmet needs for spacing and 11.48 percent being unmet needs for limiting. Women's education, age, religion and number of living children were determinants of unmet family planning needs in the study area. Efforts should be undertaken in Ekiti State, Nigeria to empower married women via education. To lower the unmet needs for family planning among married women of reproductive age in Ekiti State, Nigeria, the study recommends that population policy, programme and intervention strategies should include women’s education, age, religion and number of living children.