2026 NECO Health Education Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
2026 NECO Health Education Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
Examination Instructions
Paper I (Objective)
- Answer all sixty (60) questions.
- Choose the correct answer from options A–D.
- Each question carries equal marks.
Paper II (Essay)
- Answer Four (4) questions only.
- Attempt at least one question from each section.
- All questions carry equal marks.
PAPER I
OBJECTIVE TEST
1.
Health Education is primarily concerned with
A. Treating diseases only
B. Promoting healthy living and preventing diseases
C. Manufacturing drugs
D. Performing surgical operations
Answer: B
2.
One major objective of Health Education is to
A. Increase population
B. Promote positive health behaviour
C. Encourage self-medication
D. Eliminate hospitals
Answer: B
3.
Personal hygiene refers to
A. Community sanitation
B. Care of one’s body to maintain good health
C. Environmental pollution
D. Building hospitals
Answer: B
4.
The most effective method of preventing communicable diseases is
A. Ignoring symptoms
B. Practicing good hygiene
C. Taking random drugs
D. Staying indoors always
Answer: B
5.
Which of the following is NOT a communicable disease?
A. Malaria
B. Cholera
C. Diabetes
D. Tuberculosis
Answer: C
6.
The vector responsible for transmitting malaria is the
A. Housefly
B. Female Anopheles mosquito
C. Cockroach
D. Tsetse fly
Answer: B
7.
A balanced diet contains
A. Only carbohydrates
B. All essential nutrients in the correct proportions
C. Only proteins
D. Only vitamins
Answer: B
8.
Which of these is classified as a body-building food?
A. Rice
B. Fish
C. Palm oil
D. Orange
Answer: B
2026 NECO Health Education Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
9.
Vitamin C helps to
A. Prevent scurvy
B. Prevent rickets
C. Cure malaria
D. Prevent diabetes
Answer: A
10.
The deficiency disease caused by lack of Vitamin D is
A. Beriberi
B. Rickets
C. Scurvy
D. Anaemia
Answer: B
11.
The process of keeping the surroundings clean is called
A. Nutrition
B. Environmental sanitation
C. Recreation
D. Immunization
Answer: B
12.
Water suitable for drinking is known as
A. Rainwater
B. Potable water
C. River water
D. Pond water
Answer: B
13.
One method of purifying water is
A. Filtering and boiling
B. Adding salt only
C. Keeping it outside
D. Mixing with juice
Answer: A
14.
Refuse should be disposed of properly because it
A. Prevents disease outbreaks
B. Attracts insects
C. Increases pollution
D. Causes flooding
Answer: A
15.
The safest way of washing hands is with
A. Water only
B. Soap and clean running water
C. Sand
D. Oil
Answer: B
16.
The major function of the skin is to
A. Produce blood
B. Protect the body against infection
C. Digest food
D. Pump blood
Answer: B
17.
The disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is
A. Cholera
B. Tuberculosis
C. Typhoid
D. Measles
Answer: B
18.
The organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body is the
A. Kidney
B. Heart
C. Liver
D. Lungs
Answer: B
2026 NECO Health Education Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
19.
Immunization helps to
A. Cure every disease
B. Protect against specific diseases
C. Increase body weight
D. Improve eyesight
Answer: B
20.
The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) aims to
A. Promote tourism
B. Protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases
C. Build hospitals
D. Train teachers
Answer: B
21.
One of the symptoms of dehydration is
A. Excessive sweating only
B. Dry mouth and thirst
C. Hair loss
D. Weight gain
Answer: B
22.
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is mainly used to treat
A. Diabetes
B. Dehydration caused by diarrhoea
C. Asthma
D. Hypertension
Answer: B
23.
A first aid box should be kept
A. Locked away permanently
B. Easily accessible during emergencies
C. Hidden underground
D. Outside the building
Answer: B
24.
One major aim of first aid is to
A. Replace hospital treatment
B. Preserve life
C. Perform surgery
D. Cure all illnesses
Answer: B
25.
A fracture is
A. A broken bone
B. A skin disease
C. A fever
D. A headache
Answer: A
26.
A person who has fainted should first be
A. Given food immediately
B. Laid flat in a safe place
C. Forced to stand
D. Given alcohol
Answer: B
27.
Smoking increases the risk of
A. Lung cancer
B. Stronger lungs
C. Better eyesight
D. Improved memory
Answer: A
28.
Alcohol abuse may lead to
A. Liver damage
B. Better concentration
C. Improved immunity
D. Stronger bones
Answer: A
29.
The illegal use of drugs without medical advice is known as
A. Drug abuse
B. Nutrition
C. Recreation
D. Immunization
Answer: A
30.
HIV mainly attacks the body’s
A. Digestive system
B. Immune system
C. Skeletal system
D. Muscular system
Answer: B
31.
The virus that causes AIDS is
A. HBV
B. HIV
C. HPV
D. HCV
Answer: B
32.
One effective way to prevent HIV transmission is
A. Sharing needles
B. Using sterile needles
C. Sharing razors
D. Unsafe blood transfusion
Answer: B
33.
Family planning helps couples to
A. Control the number and spacing of children
B. Eliminate childbirth
C. Prevent marriage
D. Increase population growth
Answer: A
34.
Pregnant women should attend
A. Market regularly
B. Antenatal clinic
C. Cinema weekly
D. Gym daily
Answer: B
35.
The period between birth and adolescence is known as
A. Childhood
B. Adulthood
C. Old age
D. Menopause
Answer: A
36.
Puberty is characterized by
A. Permanent childhood
B. Physical and emotional changes
C. Loss of appetite only
D. Tooth decay
Answer: B
37.
Mental health refers to
A. Absence of intelligence
B. Emotional, psychological and social well-being
C. Physical fitness only
D. Spiritual activities only
Answer: B
38.
Stress can be reduced through
A. Adequate rest and exercise
B. Drug abuse
C. Smoking
D. Alcohol misuse
Answer: A
39.
Exercise helps to
A. Improve physical fitness
B. Cause obesity
C. Increase disease risk
D. Weaken muscles
Answer: A
40.
One benefit of recreation is
A. Improved mental health
B. Increased stress
C. Poor sleep
D. Drug dependence
Answer: A
41.
One of the primary functions of the kidney is to
A. Pump blood throughout the body
B. Remove waste products from the blood
C. Produce digestive enzymes
D. Control body movement
Answer: B
42.
The organ mainly responsible for breathing is the
A. Heart
B. Liver
C. Lungs
D. Pancreas
Answer: C
43.
The disease caused by excessive sugar in the blood is
A. Hypertension
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Tuberculosis
D. Cholera
Answer: B
2026 NECO Health Education Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
44.
Hypertension is another name for
A. Low blood sugar
B. High blood pressure
C. Liver disease
D. Kidney failure
Answer: B
45.
Which of the following is an example of a non-communicable disease?
A. Cholera
B. Measles
C. Diabetes
D. Tuberculosis
Answer: C
46.
The safest method of preventing food contamination is to
A. Leave food uncovered
B. Store food properly and maintain good hygiene
C. Eat expired food
D. Mix cooked food with raw food
Answer: B
47.
Food poisoning is commonly caused by
A. Eating contaminated food
B. Drinking clean water
C. Sleeping late
D. Regular exercise
Answer: A
48.
An accident can best be prevented by
A. Ignoring safety rules
B. Observing safety precautions
C. Running in dangerous areas
D. Careless driving
Answer: B
49.
Road traffic accidents can be reduced through
A. Speeding
B. Obeying traffic regulations
C. Driving under the influence of alcohol
D. Using faulty vehicles
Answer: B
50.
One important responsibility of community health workers is to
A. Promote health education
B. Manufacture vehicles
C. Collect school fees
D. Construct roads
Answer: A
51.
Healthful living involves
A. Good nutrition, exercise and proper hygiene
B. Excessive eating only
C. Avoiding physical activity
D. Sleeping all day
Answer: A
52.
A major source of protein is
A. Beans
B. Sugar
C. Salt
D. Butter
Answer: A
53.
The nutrient that supplies the body with the greatest amount of energy is
A. Vitamins
B. Carbohydrates
C. Minerals
D. Water
Answer: B
54.
One major importance of adequate sleep is that it
A. Promotes body repair and growth
B. Causes obesity
C. Weakens the immune system
D. Reduces concentration
Answer: A
55.
The safest way to dispose of medical waste is through
A. Proper medical waste management
B. Dumping in rivers
C. Burning in residential areas
D. Throwing into open gutters
Answer: A
56.
Environmental pollution may result in
A. Improved public health
B. Disease outbreaks
C. Better air quality
D. Increased food production
Answer: B
57.
One of the best ways to prevent cholera is by
A. Drinking contaminated water
B. Practising proper sanitation and using safe drinking water
C. Eating uncovered food
D. Ignoring personal hygiene
Answer: B
58.
Health records are important because they
A. Assist in monitoring patients’ health
B. Increase disease transmission
C. Replace medical treatment
D. Eliminate hospitals
Answer: A
59.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is mainly responsible for
A. Promoting international public health
B. Conducting elections
C. Building highways
D. Manufacturing medicines only
Answer: A
60.
The overall goal of Health Education is to
A. Promote healthy lifestyles and improve the quality of life
B. Encourage self-medication
C. Eliminate all diseases permanently
D. Increase hospital admissions
Answer: A
2026 NECO Health Education Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
PAPER II
ESSAY QUESTIONS
Instructions to Candidates
- Answer Four (4) Questions Only.
- Choose at least one question from each section.
- Credit will be awarded for clear presentation, accurate explanations, relevant examples, and correct Health Education terminology.
Section A: Personal and Community Health
Question 1a
Define personal hygiene.
Question 1b
Explain eight practices that promote good personal hygiene.
Model Answer
Personal hygiene refers to the daily practices individuals carry out to keep their bodies clean and healthy in order to prevent diseases and promote general well-being.
Eight Personal Hygiene Practices
- Bathing regularly with clean water and soap.
- Washing hands before eating and after using the toilet.
- Brushing the teeth at least twice daily.
- Keeping fingernails and toenails short and clean.
- Wearing clean clothes every day.
- Keeping the hair clean and properly groomed.
- Proper disposal of body waste.
- Drinking clean and safe water.
Importance of Personal Hygiene
- Prevents communicable diseases.
- Promotes self-confidence.
- Reduces body odour.
- Improves overall health.
- Protects family members from infections.
Question 2a
What is environmental sanitation?
Question 2b
State eight ways of maintaining a healthy environment.
Model Answer
Environmental sanitation refers to all measures taken to keep the surroundings clean and free from conditions that may cause diseases.
Eight Ways of Maintaining Environmental Sanitation
- Proper disposal of refuse.
- Clearing bushes around homes.
- Draining stagnant water.
- Cleaning toilets regularly.
- Keeping drainage systems free from blockage.
- Using sanitary landfills or waste bins.
- Providing clean drinking water.
- Participating in community sanitation exercises.
Benefits
- Reduces disease outbreaks.
- Prevents mosquito breeding.
- Improves public health.
- Enhances environmental cleanliness.
- Promotes healthy living.
Section B: Nutrition and Disease Prevention
Question 3a
Define a balanced diet.
Question 3b
Discuss the six classes of food and their functions.
Model Answer
A balanced diet is a meal that contains all the essential nutrients in their correct proportions to meet the body’s nutritional needs.
Six Classes of Food
Carbohydrates
- Main source of energy.
Proteins
- Growth and repair of body tissues.
Fats and Oils
- Supply concentrated energy.
- Protect internal organs.
Vitamins
- Regulate body processes.
- Prevent deficiency diseases.
Minerals
- Build strong bones and teeth.
- Maintain healthy body functions.
Water
- Regulates body temperature.
- Assists digestion.
- Removes waste products.
Importance of a Balanced Diet
- Supports growth and development.
- Boosts immunity.
- Prevents malnutrition.
- Provides energy.
- Maintains good health.
Question 4a
Explain the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of malaria.
Model Answer
Malaria is a communicable disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
Causes
- Bite of infected mosquitoes.
- Poor environmental sanitation.
- Stagnant water that serves as breeding sites.
Symptoms
- High fever.
- Headache.
- Chills.
- Sweating.
- Weakness.
- Loss of appetite.
Prevention
- Sleep under insecticide-treated nets.
- Drain stagnant water.
- Clear surrounding bushes.
- Spray insecticides indoors.
- Seek prompt medical care when symptoms occur.
Treatment
- Early diagnosis.
- Appropriate antimalarial medication prescribed by qualified health professionals.
- Adequate fluid intake.
- Rest and follow-up care.
Section C: First Aid and Family Health
Question 5a
Define First Aid.
Question 5b
Explain the objectives of First Aid and list the contents of a standard First Aid Box.
Model Answer
First Aid is the immediate and temporary care given to an injured or suddenly ill person before professional medical treatment becomes available.
Objectives of First Aid
- Preserve life.
- Prevent the condition from worsening.
- Promote recovery.
- Relieve pain.
- Prevent infection.
- Reassure the casualty.
Contents of a First Aid Box
- Sterile bandages.
- Cotton wool.
- Adhesive plasters.
- Antiseptic solution.
- Scissors.
- Safety pins.
- Disposable gloves.
- Thermometer.
- Triangular bandage.
- Gauze dressing.
2026 NECO Health Education Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
Question 6a
Discuss drug abuse.
Question 6b
State eight dangers of drug abuse and suggest preventive measures.
Model Answer
Drug abuse is the misuse or excessive use of drugs without medical advice or for non-medical purposes. It can affect physical health, mental well-being, family relationships, education, and society.
Eight Dangers of Drug Abuse
- Addiction and dependence.
- Mental health disorders.
- Poor academic performance.
- Increased risk of accidents.
- Liver and kidney damage.
- Family conflicts.
- Criminal behaviour.
- Premature death.
Preventive Measures
- Health education and awareness.
- Parental supervision.
- Peer education.
- School counselling services.
- Participation in sports and productive activities.
- Access to rehabilitation services.
- Strong community support.
- Enforcement of laws against illegal drug trafficking.
Revision Tips for NECO Health Education
- Study the official NECO Health Education syllabus thoroughly.
- Revise personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, nutrition, communicable and non-communicable diseases.
- Understand first aid principles and emergency care.
- Learn the causes, symptoms, prevention, and management of common diseases.
- Practice identifying common health education specimens.
- Attempt mock examinations under timed conditions.
- Write essay answers in clear paragraphs with appropriate health education terms.
- Revise consistently and focus on understanding concepts rather than memorization alone.
