The Impact of Life Skill Education Programme on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Undergraduate Students of Maduka University, Ekwegbe-Nsukka, Enugu State

Abstract Life skills education has become pivotal in academic and personal development of university students globally, as it has been shown to bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The present study investigates the impact of life skills education programme (LSEP) on the knowledge, attitude, and practices of undergraduate students of maduka university. The study adopted the quasi experimental research design. Specifically, the pre-test – post-test non randomized control group design. Twenty seven specific objectives with corresponding research questions and null hypotheses guided the study. The population for the study comprised (1500) all the undergraduate students of maduka university. A total of 306 undergraduate students constituted the sample for the study. The instrument for data collection was the researcher designed- structured questionnaire titled: life skills education programme knowledge, attitude and practice questionnire (LSEPKAPQ)” The reliability indices of r= 0.63, and r= 0.75 were obtained. The split half method with Spearman- Brown Correction formula was used to measure knowledge and preventive practice. Cronbach’s alpha statistical tool was used to determine the reliability coefficient that measured attitude. t-test were used to answer research questions while ANCOVA was used to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The findings showed that the mean LSEP knowledge, attitude and practice scores of undergraduate students of maduka university exposed were higher. In addition, In addition, there was a significant difference in the mean LSEP knowledge and practice scores of undergraduate students exposed to LSEP and those not exposed. F(1,77)= 16.36, P = 0.000; F(1,77)= 33.80, P = 0.000. There was no significant difference in the mean LSEP attitude scores of undergraduate students exposed to LSEP and those not exposed, F(1,77)= 2.08, P = 0.151, Based on the findings, it was recommended that there is a need for more public health educational interventions to address negative attitudes towards life skills among university students to enhance application in real life situation.