Communicable Disease Prevention And Management Among Students

This study investigated communicable disease prevention and management among students of Coastline College of Health, Okitipupa, with the aim of assessing their level of knowledge, identifying their preventive practices, and determining the extent of institutional support available.

The research adopted a survey descriptive design, with a total of 250 students participating as respondents. Data were collected using a structured four-point Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics and Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA).

Findings revealed that students had a high level of knowledge regarding communicable diseases, including understanding of transmission modes, symptoms, and preventive measures. Preventive practices such as regular handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and early health-seeking behaviors were commonly reported among the students.

Institutional support was also found to be significant, with the college providing sanitation facilities, health centers, and regular health education programs.

The hypothesis testing confirmed a significant relationship between knowledge and preventive practices, as well as between institutional support and effective disease management, while no significant gender differences were observed in prevention behaviors.

The study concluded that a combination of student education, infrastructural support, and administrative commitment is vital for effective communicable disease control in tertiary institutions.

Based on the findings, recommendations such as strengthening health education, enhancing campus hygiene, and implementing peer education programs were made to further sustain and improve the health outcomes of students.