Knowledge, Practice, and Factors Influencing School-Based Health Programme Behaviours Among Secondary School Girls in Iludun-Oro, Kwara State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Eniola M. Kumuyi Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria Author
  • Bisola F. Olubiyi University of Global Health Equity, Butaro, Rwanda Author
  • Mbuotidem Okomoh Independent Consultant Author
  • Owoisinke Victor Archibong Department of Public Health, Nexus International University, Kampala. Uganda. University of Global Health Equity, Butaro, Rwanda Author
  • Abiodun Sebioniga Lawal Faculty of Nursing, Alhikman University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Author
  • Simeon K. Olubiyi Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Author

Keywords:

Adolescent Health, Hygiene Practices, Mental Health, Nigeria, School-Based Health Programmes

Abstract

Background: School-Based Health Programmes (SBHPs) support the physical, mental, and social well-being of Nigerian schoolchildren, yet evidence on their effectiveness for sustained behaviour change remains limited

Objective: To assess the knowledge, practices, and factors influencing SBHPs health-related behaviours among secondary school girls in Iludun-Oro, Kwara State.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 152 students selected using Fischer's formula with finite population correction Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire with established test-retest reliability. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Ilorin. Analysis used SPSS 20 with descriptive statistics and Chi-square (p < 0.05).

Results: Most respondents (79.6%) had heard of SBHPs, and 91.4% recognized their role in disease prevention. Dental hygiene (100.0%) and handwashing (98.0%) were the most consistently practised behaviours, while mental health management (34.2%) and substance abuse prevention (23.0%) showed markedly lower engagement. Key influencing factors were parents/guardians (96.7%), teachers (94.1%), facility availability (92.1%), and cultural or religious beliefs (93.5%). Significant associations were found between SBHP knowledge and handwashing (χ² = 49.632, p < 0.001), avoidance of drug misuse (χ² = 10.956, p = 0.012), and dental hygiene (χ² = 23.160, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Students showed strong hygiene practices but limited engagement with mental health and substance abuse components, highlighting the need for more culturally sensitive, comprehensive SBHP.

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Published

2026-06-01

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026): AJOHS

Section

Articles