ABSTRACT

The basic need of man cannot be completed without clothing. This study examined the effect of clothing on the health of students in selected institutions of higher learning in Abia State. Two higher institutions were selected using purposive sampling method. Validated pilot tested structured questionnaires were administered to students of nursing and midwifery Umuahia (SNMU) and students of nursing and midwifery Aba (SNMA). One hundred and fifty five fully completed questionnaires were returned. Frequencies, simple percentages and mean were used in analysing the data. Data revealed that girdles and belts which are worn on the chest area impairs proper breathing as indicated by a mean score of (3.1) from SNMU. On the issue of th6se who have contacted skin diseases such as eczema ringworm through second handed clothes a mean score of (33) from SNMA. Were recorded diseases such as HJV/AIDS can be transmitted through tattoo and scarification as indicated by respondents with a mean score of (3.5) from SWMU. Majority of the respondents from both SNMU and SNMA agreed that artificial lens can be dangerous to the eye as indicated by students from both institutions with a mean score of (3.5) in each case. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended that a programme to sensitize students on clothing well in order to stay healthy be organised to improve the clothing habit of students.