ASSESSING THE CORRELATION BETWEEN MATHEMATICAL LITERACY AND ANTIOXIDANT KNOWLEDGE AMONG NIGERIANS
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Abstract
Background: Mathematical literacy and health literacy are essential components of an individual's overall literacy. Mathematical literacy refers to the ability to apply mathematical concepts and skills to solve real-world problems. On the other hand, health literacy encompasses the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to navigate the healthcare system and make informed decisions about one's health. The ability to understand and apply mathematical concepts is crucial in health literacy, particularly in comprehending health-related numerical information. Individuals with higher mathematical literacy levels are better equipped to understand health statistics, treatment options, and medication instructions. Antioxidants play a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. They help prevent or reduce cell damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases. A diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and other phytochemicals, has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Oxidative stress related diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues, poses significant public health challenges globally. Antioxidant supplements have been promoted as a potential preventive measure against these conditions, yet their effectiveness and safety remain contentious. Despite the importance of antioxidants, many Nigerians lack adequate knowledge about these substances. This knowledge gap may be attributed to various factors, including limited access to health education, low health literacy levels, and inadequate mathematical literacy skills. Therefore, assessing the correlation between mathematical literacy and antioxidant knowledge among Nigerians is essential to identify areas for improvement in health education and literacy. This study aims to assess the relationship between mathematical literacy and antioxidant knowledge among Nigerians, providing insights into the development of effective health education strategies.
Methodology: A study was a cross sectional study conducted to assess the correlation between mathematical literacy and antioxidant knowledge among Nigerians involving 100 study participants that were selected using multistage sampling method. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 26 to show frequencies and proportions.
Results: Assessing the correlation between mathematical literacy and antioxidant knowledge among Nigerians, it was observed that majority of the respondents had good knowledge about the antioxidants.
Conclusion: This investigation is particularly relevant given the prevalence of such diseases and the increasing interest in antioxidants, which are believed to mitigate oxidative damage and enhance overall health. Despite this interest, there is a notable lack of research on public knowledge surrounding the use of antioxidant supplements for preventing oxidative stress related diseases. This scoping review seeks to address this knowledge gap by exploring the current literature on assessing the correlation between mathematical literacy and antioxidant knowledge among Nigerians.
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