CAREER ASPIRATION AS A PREDICTOR OF HEALTH-SEEKINGBEHAVIOUR AMONG FEMALE PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERSIN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Despite increasing emphasis on healthy lifestyle practices such as adequate nutrition, regular physical activity,
and routine medical check-ups, unhealthy health-seeking behaviours remain prevalent among working
populations. This study examined career aspiration as a predictor of health-seeking behaviour among female
secondary school teachers in Osun State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The
population comprised all female secondary school teachers in Osun State. A sample of 300 respondents was
selected from twenty-three secondary schools across five local government areas using a multi-stage sampling
technique. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane (1967) formula to ensure adequacy and
representativeness. Data were collected using validated Career Aspiration and Health-Seeking Behaviour scales.
Data analysis was conducted using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and simple linear regression at the 0.05
level of significance. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between career aspiration and healthseeking behaviour (r = .34, p < .05). Career aspiration accounted for approximately 22% of the variance in healthseeking behaviour and significantly predicted it (β = .30, t = 5.85, p < .05). This indicates that higher career
aspiration is associated with better health-seeking behaviour. The study concludes that career aspiration
significantly influences health-seeking behaviour among female teachers. It recommends strengthening career
development programmes and workplace health interventions to enhance both professional growth and health
outcomes.