Research Article
The Effect of Occupational Isometric Handgrip Exercise on the Blood Pressure of Fuel Attendants in Delta State
Ogbutor Udoji Godsday*,
Okri Favour Eloho,
Erumi Blessing Selly-U,
Ogbutor Emeke Godson,
Nwose Jephtah Junior,
Anastacia Ojimba,
Ezunu Emmanuel,
Chukwuemeka Ephraim,
Ezunu Ngozi Esther
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
43-56
Received:
14 April 2026
Accepted:
22 June 2026
Published:
6 August 2026
Abstract: Background: Occupational type and job demands have been found to impact cardiovascular health. Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the cardiovascular effect of occupational isometric handgrip exercise on fuel attendants of petrol stations in Delta State. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional comparative study of 400 petrol station staff participants including 200 fuel attendants 200 administrative staff as controls was conducted to ascertain the cardiovascular effect of their job type. Data was collected using a structured interviewer‑administered questionnaire and direct measurements. Systolic, diastolic blood pressures, pulse rate and anthropometric indices were measured. Data were analyzed in SPSS v21 using independent t‑tests, ANOVA, and chi‑square tests; significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Administrative staff had higher mean systolic BP (148.4 ± 13.2 mmHg) and diastolic BP (96.2 ± 9.1 mmHg) compared to Fuel attendants (122.8 ± 11.8 mmHg and 80.1 ± 7.9 mmHg, p < 0.001 respectively). Mean pulse rate was also higher in administrative staff (88.2 ± 8.4 bpm) than fuel attendants (74.6 ± 6.8 bpm, p < 0.001). Administrative staff had significantly higher mean BMI (25.8 ± 3.4 kg/m2) than fuel attendants (23.9 ± 2.8 kg/m2, p < 0.001). Elevated BP prevalence was 31.0% in administrative staff versus 19.0% in fuel attendants (p = 0.006), while abnormal pulse rate occurred in 14.0% and 6.0% respectively (p = 0.008). Conclusion: Fuel attendants demonstrated comparatively better cardiovascular indices, attributed to the protective effect of the occupational isometric handgrip exercise inherent in their job.
Abstract: Background: Occupational type and job demands have been found to impact cardiovascular health. Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the cardiovascular effect of occupational isometric handgrip exercise on fuel attendants of petrol stations in Delta State. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional comparative study of 400 petrol station staff par...
Show More
Research Article
Factors Affecting Youth Participation in Agriculture at Ndwedwe in KwaZulu Natal
Patience Nomalungelo Ngema*
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
57-68
Received:
18 June 2026
Accepted:
29 July 2026
Published:
27 August 2026
Abstract: Youth participation in agriculture remains essential for ensuring food security, promoting rural development, and sustaining agricultural productivity in South Africa. Despite the agricultural potential of rural areas, youth involvement in farming continues to decline because of socio-economic, institutional, and perceptual barriers. This study investigated the factors influencing youth participation in agriculture in Ward 7 of the Ndwedwe Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and primary data were collected from 97 respondents using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), with results presented as frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed a high level of youth unemployment and limited involvement in agricultural development initiatives. Most respondents reported negative perceptions of agriculture, viewing it as an occupation associated with older and less educated individuals. Perception and attitude emerged as the most influential barriers to youth participation (88.6%), followed by inadequate agricultural knowledge and skills (37.5%), limited financial support (33.0%), and restricted access to land and natural resources (31.8%). Furthermore, respondents indicated limited awareness of youth-focused agricultural programmes implemented within the study area. The study concludes that improving youth participation in agriculture requires coordinated interventions that address educational, financial, institutional, and socio-cultural constraints. Integrating agriculture into school curricula, strengthening agricultural extension services, improving access to productive resources, and promoting agribusiness opportunities could enhance youth engagement and contribute to sustainable rural livelihoods. The findings provide evidence for policymakers and development practitioners seeking to formulate strategies that encourage youth participation in the agricultural sector.
Abstract: Youth participation in agriculture remains essential for ensuring food security, promoting rural development, and sustaining agricultural productivity in South Africa. Despite the agricultural potential of rural areas, youth involvement in farming continues to decline because of socio-economic, institutional, and perceptual barriers. This study inv...
Show More
