International Research and Academic scholar society

IRASS Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Issue-1(October), Volume-1 2024

1. Fast-Food Consumption Behaviour of Undergraduate: With Special Referen...
52

Iqbal Saujan*, Mohamed Najmude...
Department of Islamic Studies, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Oluvil
1-11

Fast-food consumption behaviours are increasing among children and youth. In particular, unhealthy eating habits are more prevalent among university students in Sri Lanka. Such habits are often associated with adverse impacts on nutrition and health. Therefore, the present study was conducted to identify the fastfood intake habits of undergraduates at state universities in Sri Lanka and determine the relationship between fast-food habits and Body Mass Index (BMI). Data regarding the level of fast-food consumption, time duration for consuming fast food on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, height, weight and other factors associated with choosing fast food were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire distributed among undergraduates (N = 250). Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied in this study. According to the findings, 32.3% of the sample's BMI indicated overweight (26 ? 30 kgM2). Participants' overall fast-food consumption habits were 15.29% for males and 65.21% for females, respectively. 30.3% of the participants consumed fast-food 2 to 3 times a week. Compared with other factors, the university environment contributed 54.3% to selecting such food, representing an increased influence. A positive significant relationship (p<0.05) was observed between fast-food consumption and an increase in BMI. In summary, the behaviour of students' fast-food consumption has significantly increased. The findings of this study can be utilised to design interventions to reduce fast-food consumption among students. Additionally, researchers can develop strategies to encourage healthier eating habits among students. Finally, this study can inform policies to create an environment that promotes healthy eating habits.

2. Perceptions of Corporate Image of Independent National Electoral Commi...
16

Nwokeocha Ifeanyi Martins*, Br...
Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
12-19

This study investigates the perceptions of Facebook and WhatsApp users in South East Nigeria towards the corporate image of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 general elections. The objectives of the study were to: assess the perceptions of Facebook and WhatsApp users in South East Nigeria towards the corporate image of INEC during the 2023 general elections; explore the factors that contributed to the formation of such perceptions of INEC's corporate image among Facebook and WhatsApp users in South East Nigeria; and examine how perceptions of INEC's corporate image among Facebook and WhatsApp users in South East Nigeria influence public trust and confidence in the electoral process during the 2023 general elections. The study employed a survey research design, and the data were collected through electronic questionnaires distributed to 384 participants. The study found that 61% of respondents had a negative perception of INEC's corporate image during the 2023 general elections, while only 11% had a positive perception. The study also revealed that past experiences with INEC played a significant role in shaping individuals' perceptions. Moreover, negative perceptions of INEC's corporate image strongly influenced public trust and confidence in the electoral process, which could lead to lower voter turnout and affect the overall legitimacy of the elections. The study concludes that there is an urgent need for INEC to improve its corporate image to restore public trust and confidence in the electoral process in Nigeria.

3. Gender and Readership of Sports Pages of Mainstream Newspapers in UYO
19

Akpan Uwem Asuquo, Nwokeocha,...
Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
20-30

This study is set out to examine the influence of gender on the readership of sports pages of mainstream newspapers in Uyo. The objectives of the study are to: determine the extent to which residents of Uyo read sports pages of mainstream newspapers; ascertain whether gender influences readership of sports pages of mainstream newspapers in Uyo; discover the extent to which gender influences readership of sports pages of mainstream newspapers in Uyo. In giving the study a theoretical underpinning, the Individual Differences and Uses and Gratifications theories were theorized. The survey research design was adopted for the collection of data. The population of the study comprised 487,887 as projected in the year 2024, with a sample size of 381 respondents drawn out of the population using Taro Yamane?s formula. Using the multi-stage sampling procedures, respondents were selected across areas in Uyo. The findings revealed that most of the respondents read sports pages to a very great extent and that gender influences sports page consumption patterns. Other influencing variables that are affecting readership to a significant extent include the credibility of content, need for information, availability, and headline. The results suggest that sports page production should consider gender differences along with presenting credible and information-rich material with captivating headlines. Any improvement in availability may further increase readership. The study recommended among others that the planning of sports pages needs to be done in such a way that it gives significance to gender differences for greater readership.

4. Assessing Socio-Economic Empowerment Strategies Adopted by Women for D...
97

Fatma Hamid Ahmed, George Juli...
Tanzania Institute of Accountancy, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
31-40

The study assessed the socio-economic empowerment strategies adopted by women in West ?B? District Zanzibar. The main objective of this study was to assess economic empowerment strategies adopted by women in the study area. Specific objectives were to examine economic empowerment activities done by the government actors, explore the adopted economic activities among women, and evaluate the benefits of the adopted women's economic activities in the study area. The study intended to obtain primary and secondary data. Primary data were obtained through a questionnaire survey method, and secondary data were obtained through a documentary review from various government sources. The study employed a descriptive research design to collect information about the existing conditions concerning the problem within the study area. The study employed a semi-quantitative approach whereby descriptive statistics were used in order to obtain a complete picture, information or data that assisted the researchers in evaluating and examining the extent to which Women within the area of the study had been socio-economically empowered by noting trends and generalisation through knowledge of the participant?s perspective within the study area. The data were analysed through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The adopted sample size was 100 women respondents who participated in the study selected by simple random sampling method. The study revealed that of 100.0% of women who owned a business, 77 (77%) of women's source of funds was loans, 12(12%) used business as their source of funds, and 11 (11.0%) used family contributions as their source of funds. The study also revealed a number of actors involved in supporting women engaging in various economic activities, such as about 39 (39.0%) involved government officials, 49 (49.0%) self-initiative, and 12 (12.0%) involved political leaders. The study concluded that the government had supported women engaging in economic empowerment activities through various strategies, including the provision of education and training, financial and physical support that resulted in ownership of properties including land, houses, cars and other essential properties that enabled women to achieve economic benefits. Efforts should be made to support sustainable livelihood activities among women.

5. Prospects of New Media and Problems of Old Media in a Digital Age: An...
14

Brown George Nathan, Nwokeocha...
Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State
41-49

This paper discusses new media prospects and old media problems in the context of the digital age. The period of fast technological development has passed through considerable changes in the media landscape: traditional forms of media were beset with many challenges, while new media platforms emerged. The study sets out to critically assess the benefits and challenges of such changes in highlighting impacts on society, journalism, and the general media franchise. The study was anchored on technological determinism and the theory of Media Ecology. This study adopted a mixed-method research design. Using stratified random sampling, 25 representative samples were drawn from media houses in Uyo metropolis to better represent the different age groups, demographics, and media preferences. The list included two registered journalists each from Comfort FM, AKBC TV, Spectrum TV, Ink Newspaper, and Censor Newspaper, respectively. This gave a total of 35 in terms of sample size. The data collection instrument was an in-depth interview guide. The findings of the study revealed that the coming together of old and new media has imposed upon the current digital age a somewhat complicated and dynamic media landscape. Prospects opened up by new media brought diversity and many other opportunities for engagement; still, they are challenges regarding credibility and information overload. Recommendations were that traditional media outlets needed to embrace the usage of digital technologies and platforms if they intended to be relevant in the digital age. That also means investing in online distribution, interactive capabilities, and personalization.





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