Flipped classroom model versus conventional teaching method: effects on nursing students' self-directed learning readiness in a research methodology course.

Introduction: the effectiveness of the flipped classroom model (FCM) method for building self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) in a research methodology course has not yet been scientifically researched. This study aims to assess the effect of FCM on SDLR among Nigerian nursing students enrolled in a research methodology course. Methods: sixty-four 400-level nursing students from two government-owned universities in Southeast Nigeria were recruited for this quasi-experimental study. They were randomly divided into two groups, the experimental group, and the control group, and exposed to FCM and conventional teaching methods (CTM) throughout the months of April and July 2021. Before and after the intervention, the validated self-directed learning readiness scale (SDLRS) was used to gather data, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data. Results: the SDLR was high if the SDLRS mean score was ≥3.75. Pre-test results from SDLR showed overall scores of 3.99 ± 0.39 and 3.95 ± 0.35 for CTM and FCM, respectively, while post-test results showed overall scores of 3.84 ± 0.77 for CTM and 4.01 ± 0.81 for FCM. The mean scores between the pre-and post-tests were statistically different (p=0.030). Conclusion: the FCM had a positive effect on Nigerian nursing undergraduates' SDLR and should be encouraged as it provides a viable alternative to the traditional teaching method.

COVID-19 information seeking pattern and perceived benefits in Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey.

Introduction: access to COVID-19 related information is fundamental to making accurate decisions and performing evidence-based actions aimed to control its spread and improve health. This study assessed pattern and perceived benefits of COVID-19 related information in Nigeria. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out among adult Nigerian residents aged 18-years and above in the geopolitical zones using multistage sampling strategy. Questionnaire developed by World Health Organization (WHO) was adapted and pretested. Descriptive statistics were carried on the data and presented in frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics (Chi-square) was used to test differences between some categorical variables. Data obtained were analysed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software version 22. Results: from responses, 498 (47.9%) of participants highly desired information on COVID-19, while 311 (29.9%) frequently sought COVID-19 information. Majority 647 (62.3%) were interested in getting information on treatment protocols/home remedies for COVID-19 prevention. Also, 934 (89.9%) found information on COVID-19 beneficial. A significant difference existed between male and female respondents regarding government guidelines on public interaction (p=0.026) and home remedies to prevent COVID-19 infection (p=0.013). Consistently, more urban residents than rural sought information on majority of the COVID-19 related information. Conclusion: information on COVID-19 is highly sought by Nigerian residents and such should be widely disseminated regularly through authentic and verified social media channels. Nigerians are highly desirous of information on treatment protocols and home remedies to prevent COVID-19. Adequate provision of accurate and timely information by authorities through trusted sources will improve health literacy and help curb the spread of COVID-19.

Prevalence of mental illness among adolescents (15-18 years) treated at Federal Neurospsychiatric Hospital, Enugu Nigeria, from 2004 to 2013.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of mental illness among adolescents treated at Federal Neurospsychiatric Hospital, Enugu Nigeria. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive design was used to assess 1255 adolescents within the age of 15-18 years diagnosed with mental illness from 2004 to 2013. A proforma designed by the researchers was used to document information on prevalence, type, and relationship with age and gender. RESULTS: The prevalence of mental illness within the 10 year period was 9.9%. Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders 869 (69.2%) were the commonest conditions recorded. Higher prevalence of mental illness was seen among males 752 (59.9%) compared to females 503 (40.1%). Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders 384 (76.3%); depressive disorders 20 (4.0%) were more common among female adolescents while substance-related and addictive disorders 84(11.2%) and neurodevelopmental disorders 48(6.8%) were more common among male adolescents. The prevalence of mental illness increased with age, being highest at 18 years and lowest at 15 years while prevalence of drug induced psychosis was 90 (7.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the need to focus on the mental health of adolescents by planning preventive programs and creating awareness on mental health promoting strategies, and to introduce child and adolescent psychiatric health services in the study setting.