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Public Health Research Topics

Research topics, objectives, methodologies and project ideas for Public Health students and researchers.

35 research topics available

Browse our collection of public health research topics designed for undergraduate, postgraduate and academic research projects. These topics can help students identify relevant research areas, formulate objectives, develop research questions and select appropriate methodologies.

Whether you are preparing a final year project, dissertation, thesis or independent research study, these topics provide inspiration and direction for developing a strong research proposal.

public-health

Patterns of Healthcare-Seeking Behavior for Childhood Febrile Illnesses Among Caregivers in Rural Communities of South-West Nigeria

Febrile illnesses remain among the most common reasons for healthcare utilization among children in Nigeria. Delayed or inappropriate healthcare-seeking behavior can contribute to poor health outcomes, increased morbidity, and preventable mortality. Caregivers often make decisions regarding treatment based on socioeconomic status, cultural beliefs, perceived severity of illness, accessibility of healthcare facilities, and previous experiences. Understanding patterns of healthcare-seeking behavior is essential for designing interventions that improve timely access to appropriate care. This study investigates healthcare-seeking behavior for childhood febrile illnesses among caregivers in rural South-West Nigeria.

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public-health

Predictors of COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Acceptance Among Healthcare Workers in Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria

Healthcare workers play a critical role in promoting vaccine confidence and maintaining health system resilience during infectious disease outbreaks. Despite widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines, acceptance of booster doses varies among healthcare professionals. Factors such as vaccine confidence, risk perception, previous vaccine experiences, and exposure to misinformation may influence booster uptake. Understanding determinants of booster vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers is important for strengthening immunization strategies and preparedness for future outbreaks.

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public-health

Prevalence and Determinants of Hypertension Awareness, Treatment and Control Among Adults in Semi-Urban Communities of South-South Nigeria

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality globally. In Nigeria, the prevalence of hypertension continues to rise due to urbanization, dietary transitions, physical inactivity, and population aging. Despite increasing disease burden, many individuals remain unaware of their hypertensive status, while treatment adherence and blood pressure control remain suboptimal. Poor awareness and inadequate management contribute significantly to preventable complications such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. Understanding factors influencing hypertension awareness, treatment uptake, and control is essential for strengthening non-communicable disease interventions. This study seeks to evaluate hypertension awareness, treatment, and control among adults residing in semi-urban communities of South-South Nigeria.

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public-health

Prevalence and Determinants of Self-Medication With Antibiotics Among University Students in South-West Nigeria

The inappropriate use of antibiotics has become a major public health concern globally due to its contribution to antimicrobial resistance. In Nigeria, self-medication with antibiotics remains widespread among young adults because of easy access to medications, inadequate regulation of pharmaceutical sales, perceived cost savings, and limited healthcare utilization. University students are particularly vulnerable due to academic pressures, health information obtained from non-professional sources, and reliance on peer recommendations. Persistent misuse of antibiotics contributes to treatment failures, increased healthcare costs, and the emergence of resistant pathogens. Despite ongoing antimicrobial stewardship efforts, evidence regarding the drivers of antibiotic self-medication among university students remains limited. Understanding the prevalence and determinants of this behavior is crucial for designing targeted educational and policy interventions aimed at promoting rational antibiotic use.

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public-health

Prevalence and Determinants of Sleep Quality Among Undergraduate Students in Public Universities in South-West Nigeria

Adequate sleep is essential for physical health, mental wellbeing, cognitive performance, and academic success. However, university students often experience poor sleep quality due to academic demands, excessive screen time, financial stress, irregular schedules, and lifestyle factors. Poor sleep has been linked to anxiety, depression, reduced concentration, impaired academic performance, and increased risk of chronic health conditions. Despite growing awareness of sleep as a public health issue, evidence on sleep quality and its determinants among Nigerian university students remains limited. Understanding factors associated with poor sleep can guide interventions aimed at improving student wellbeing and educational outcomes. This study seeks to assess the prevalence and determinants of poor sleep quality among undergraduate students in public universities in South-West Nigeria.

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public-health

Prevalence and Predictors of Postpartum Depression Among Mothers Receiving Postnatal Care in Urban Secondary Hospitals in South-West Nigeria

Postpartum depression is a major public health concern affecting maternal wellbeing, infant development, and family functioning. In Nigeria, mental health disorders among women are often underdiagnosed due to stigma, poor awareness, and limited integration of mental health services into maternal healthcare. Rapid urbanization, economic pressures, inadequate social support, and pregnancy-related complications may increase vulnerability to postpartum depression among Nigerian mothers. Despite growing recognition of maternal mental health as a critical component of reproductive health, evidence on the prevalence and determinants of postpartum depression remains insufficient in many urban settings. Early identification of at-risk mothers can improve maternal outcomes and inform interventions integrated within routine postnatal care services. This study seeks to assess the prevalence and predictors of postpartum depression among mothers attending postnatal clinics in selected urban secondary hospitals in South-West Nigeria.

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public-health

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Among Healthcare Workers Following Infectious Disease Outbreak Responses in Nigeria

Healthcare workers involved in infectious disease outbreak responses often experience psychological stress resulting from increased workloads, occupational risks, and emotional demands. In Nigeria, repeated responses to outbreaks such as Lassa fever, cholera, and other emerging diseases have highlighted concerns regarding workforce mental wellbeing. Persistent anxiety and depression among healthcare workers can negatively affect service delivery, job satisfaction, and healthcare quality. Despite growing recognition of mental health challenges within the health workforce, evidence remains limited regarding post-outbreak psychological outcomes. This study seeks to assess anxiety and depression symptoms among healthcare workers involved in infectious disease outbreak responses in Nigeria.

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public-health

Spatial Distribution and Socioeconomic Determinants of Childhood Stunting Across Selected States in Northern Nigeria

Childhood stunting remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in northern regions where poverty, food insecurity, inadequate healthcare access, and poor sanitation contribute to chronic undernutrition. Stunting has long-term consequences for cognitive development, educational attainment, and economic productivity. Understanding geographical variations and socioeconomic determinants of stunting is essential for designing targeted nutrition interventions and improving child health outcomes. This study aims to analyze the spatial distribution and determinants of childhood stunting across selected states in Northern Nigeria.

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public-health

Timeliness and Completeness of Integrated Disease Surveillance Reporting Among Primary Healthcare Facilities in North-East Nigeria

Effective disease surveillance is critical for early detection and response to public health threats. Nigeria's Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system plays a vital role in monitoring priority diseases and guiding outbreak control measures. However, challenges related to infrastructure, workforce capacity, insecurity, and reporting systems often affect surveillance performance, particularly in underserved regions. Delays and incomplete reporting can compromise outbreak detection and response effectiveness. Despite efforts to strengthen surveillance systems, evidence regarding reporting performance at primary healthcare facilities remains limited in many parts of North-East Nigeria. This study aims to assess the timeliness and completeness of disease surveillance reporting and identify factors influencing reporting performance.

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public-health

Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Services and Associated Factors Among Women of Reproductive Age in South-East Nigeria

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women in Nigeria despite being largely preventable through screening and early detection. Screening methods such as Pap smears and HPV testing can significantly reduce disease burden, yet utilization remains low in many communities. Factors such as limited awareness, cultural beliefs, financial barriers, poor access to services, and fear of diagnosis may contribute to low uptake. Understanding factors influencing screening utilization is essential for improving preventive healthcare interventions and reducing cervical cancer incidence. This study seeks to investigate cervical cancer screening utilization and its determinants among women of reproductive age in South-East Nigeria.

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public-health

Utilization of Digital Health Applications for Chronic Disease Management Among Adults Living With Diabetes in Urban Nigeria

Digital health technologies are increasingly being adopted to support chronic disease management through remote monitoring, medication reminders, patient education, and self-management support. In Nigeria, smartphone penetration and internet access have expanded opportunities for digital health interventions. However, little is known about the extent of digital health application utilization among patients living with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Understanding patterns of use and barriers to adoption is important for maximizing the benefits of digital health innovations. This study seeks to evaluate utilization of digital health applications for diabetes management among adults in urban Nigeria.

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