WEST AFRICAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL (WAEC) GCE STYLE
2026 HEALTH EDUCATION / HEALTH SCIENCE MOCK EXAMINATION
Objective and Essay (Theory) Questions and Answers
Independently Produced Practice Paper for Revision Purposes
This is a 100% original mock examination prepared strictly with reference to the current WAEC Health Education/Health Science syllabus for practice purposes. It is not a WAEC past question paper, it does not reproduce any official WAEC document, and it does not claim to predict or represent the actual WAEC examination in any way.
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General Instructions
1. This paper consists of two sections: Section A (Objective) and Section B (Essay).
2. Section A contains 60 objective questions. Answer ALL questions. Time: 40 minutes.
3. Section B contains 6 essay questions. Answer any FOUR (4) questions. Time: 1 hour 40 minutes.
4. Total marks obtainable: 100 (60 marks for Section A and 40 marks for Section B).
5. Write clearly and number your answers correctly.
SECTION A: OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (60 MARKS)
Answer ALL questions. Each question carries 1 mark. Choose the correct option A, B, C or D.
1. Health can best be defined as
A. the mere absence of disease or infirmity
B. a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being
C. the ability to run fast
D. freedom from poverty
2. Which of the following is a component of health?
A. Physical health
B. Mental health
C. Social health
D. All of the above
3. The branch of study concerned with promoting health and preventing disease through education is called
A. health education
B. physical education
C. biology
D. home economics
4. Which of the following is an aim of health education?
A. To help people acquire knowledge for healthy living
B. To promote positive health attitudes and practices
C. To prevent disease and promote wellbeing
D. All of the above
5. The care of the body to keep it clean and healthy is referred to as
A. community health
B. personal hygiene
C. environmental sanitation
D. first aid
6. Which of the following is a personal hygiene practice?
A. Regular bathing
B. Brushing the teeth twice daily
C. Washing hands before eating
D. All of the above
7. The keeping of the environment clean and free of conditions that can cause disease is called
A. personal hygiene
B. environmental sanitation
C. immunization
D. nutrition
8. Which of the following is a method of proper waste disposal?
A. Dumping refuse indiscriminately in water bodies
B. Burning refuse in an open, unregulated manner within residential areas
C. Using a well-constructed landfill or sanitary refuse disposal system
D. Leaving refuse to accumulate in the streets
9. A disease that can be transmitted from one person to another is called a
A. communicable (infectious) disease
B. non-communicable disease
C. degenerative disease
D. genetic disease
10. A disease that is not transmitted from one person to another, such as diabetes or hypertension, is called a
A. communicable disease
B. non-communicable disease
C. infectious disease
D. epidemic disease
11. Which of the following is a communicable disease?
A. Malaria
B. Diabetes
C. Hypertension
D. Cancer
12. Which of the following is a non-communicable disease?
A. Measles
B. Tuberculosis
C. Hypertension
D. Cholera
13. Malaria is caused by a
A. bacterium
B. virus
C. protozoan parasite (Plasmodium)
D. fungus
14. Malaria is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected
A. housefly
B. female Anopheles mosquito
C. tsetse fly
D. tick
15. Which of the following is a method of preventing malaria?
A. Sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net
B. Clearing stagnant water around the home
C. Using approved insect repellents
D. All of the above
16. Cholera is mainly transmitted through
A. contaminated water and food
B. mosquito bites
C. sexual contact
D. airborne droplets only
17. Which of the following diseases is transmitted mainly through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing?
A. Cholera
B. Tuberculosis
C. Malaria
D. Typhoid fever
18. The process of introducing a vaccine into the body to build immunity against a specific disease is called
A. sterilization
B. immunization
C. pasteurization
D. fumigation
19. Which of the following is a vaccine-preventable childhood disease?
A. Measles
B. Diabetes
C. Hypertension
D. Cancer
20. A balanced diet should contain an appropriate combination of
A. carbohydrates only
B. carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water
C. protein only
D. fats and sugar only
21. The nutrient that is the body’s main and quickest source of energy is
A. carbohydrate
B. protein
C. vitamin
D. mineral
22. The nutrient mainly required for growth and repair of body tissues is
A. carbohydrate
B. protein
C. fat
D. vitamin
23. A deficiency of protein and energy in the diet, common in young children, is called
A. kwashiorkor/protein-energy malnutrition
B. obesity
C. hypertension
D. diabetes
24. A condition resulting from excessive accumulation of body fat, often due to overeating and inactivity, is called
A. malnutrition
B. obesity
C. anaemia
D. goitre
25. A deficiency of iron in the diet, leading to a reduction in red blood cells, results in
A. goitre
B. anaemia
C. night blindness
D. rickets
26. A deficiency of iodine in the diet can lead to
A. anaemia
B. goitre
C. scurvy
D. rickets
27. A deficiency of vitamin D, affecting bone development in children, can lead to
A. rickets
B. scurvy
C. goitre
D. anaemia
28. The immediate care given to a sick or injured person before professional medical help arrives is called
A. physiotherapy
B. first aid
C. rehabilitation
D. diagnosis
29. Which of the following is a basic principle of first aid?
A. Assess the situation for danger before helping
B. Call for professional medical help as soon as possible
C. Keep the injured person calm and comfortable
D. All of the above
30. The immediate treatment for most soft tissue injuries such as a sprain is commonly summarized by the term
A. CPR
B. RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
C. ABC only
D. vaccination
31. A life-saving technique used to revive a person whose breathing or heartbeat has stopped is called
A. RICE
B. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
C. immunization
D. quarantine
32. Which of the following is a common cause of accidents in the home?
A. Faulty electrical wiring
B. Slippery floors
C. Improper storage of sharp objects
D. All of the above
33. Which of the following is a road safety practice?
A. Crossing the road without looking
B. Obeying traffic signs and signals
C. Overloading a vehicle
D. Using a phone while driving
34. The branch of health concerned with the health of the community as a whole, rather than individuals alone, is called
A. personal health
B. community health
C. mental health
D. reproductive health
35. Which of the following is an example of a primary health care activity?
A. Immunization of children
B. Health education of the community
C. Provision of safe drinking water
D. All of the above
36. The international agency responsible for coordinating global public health is the
A. World Health Organization (WHO)
B. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
C. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
D. World Trade Organization (WTO)
37. The Nigerian government agency mainly responsible for controlling the outbreak and spread of diseases in the country is the
A. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
B. Federal Road Safety Corps
C. National Population Commission
D. Nigerian Stock Exchange
38. Mental health refers to a state of wellbeing in which a person
A. realizes their own abilities and can cope with the normal stresses of life
B. is completely free from all forms of stress
C. has never experienced sadness
D. is unable to work productively
39. Which of the following can negatively affect mental health?
A. Chronic stress
B. Substance abuse
C. Social isolation
D. All of the above
40. The use of a substance in a manner, amount, or situation that causes problems for the user or those around them is called
A. drug therapy
B. drug abuse
C. self-medication
D. prescription
41. Which of the following is a commonly abused substance among young people?
A. Alcohol
B. Tobacco/cigarettes
C. Cannabis (marijuana)
D. All of the above
42. Which of the following is an effect of drug abuse on the individual?
A. Improved academic performance
B. Addiction and dependence
C. Better physical health
D. Increased life expectancy
43. Family life education mainly aims to prepare individuals for
A. responsible family living and healthy relationships
B. a career in medicine only
C. professional sports
D. political leadership
44. Which of the following is a component of reproductive health education?
A. Understanding puberty and body changes
B. Prevention of sexually transmitted infections
C. Family planning information
D. All of the above
45. A sexually transmitted infection that severely weakens the body’s immune system is
A. malaria
B. HIV/AIDS
C. cholera
D. tuberculosis
46. Which of the following is a method of preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS?
A. Abstinence
B. Being faithful to one uninfected partner
C. Correct and consistent use of condoms
D. All of the above
47. The process of growth and development during which a child’s body matures and becomes capable of reproduction is called
A. infancy
B. puberty
C. old age
D. menopause
48. Which of the following is a physical change commonly associated with puberty in females?
A. Growth of facial hair
B. Broadening of shoulders
C. Onset of menstruation
D. Deepening of the voice
49. Which of the following is a physical change commonly associated with puberty in males?
A. Onset of menstruation
B. Deepening of the voice
C. Widening of the hips
D. Breast development
50. The safe disposal of human excreta is important mainly to prevent
A. air pollution only
B. the spread of disease-causing organisms
C. noise pollution
D. soil erosion
51. Which of the following is an example of a safe method of excreta disposal?
A. Open defecation
B. Use of a well-constructed pit latrine or water closet
C. Disposal directly into a nearby stream
D. Leaving waste in open fields
52. Safe drinking water should be free from
A. disease-causing organisms and harmful chemicals
B. all minerals
C. any taste
D. oxygen
53. Which of the following is a method of making water safe for drinking?
A. Boiling
B. Chlorination
C. Filtration
D. All of the above
54. The presence of disease-causing organisms in an area, occurring regularly at a predictable, relatively constant rate, is described as
A. endemic
B. epidemic
C. pandemic
D. sporadic
55. A sudden, widespread occurrence of a disease affecting many people in a community at the same time is called a(n)
A. endemic
B. epidemic
C. chronic condition
D. acute condition
56. A disease outbreak that spreads across multiple countries or continents, affecting a very large number of people, is called a(n)
A. endemic
B. epidemic
C. pandemic
D. sporadic case
57. The temporary isolation of persons who have been exposed to a contagious disease, to prevent its spread, is called
A. immunization
B. quarantine
C. sterilization
D. vaccination
58. Which of the following is a benefit of regular physical exercise to health?
A. Improved cardiovascular fitness
B. Better weight management
C. Reduced risk of certain non-communicable diseases
D. All of the above
59. Which of the following best describes the goal of Primary Health Care?
A. Provision of essential health care that is accessible, affordable and acceptable to all members of the community
B. Provision of health care only to the wealthy
C. Treatment of illness in specialist hospitals only
D. Provision of health care only in urban areas
60. The World Health Organization was established mainly to
A. coordinate international public health efforts and promote the health of all peoples
B. regulate international trade
C. provide loans to developing countries
D. monitor global elections
SECTION A MARKING GUIDE: OBJECTIVE ANSWER KEY
Each correct answer carries 1 mark. Total = 60 marks.
| Q | Ans | Q | Ans | Q | Ans | Q | Ans |
| 1 | B | 16 | A | 31 | B | 46 | D |
| 2 | D | 17 | B | 32 | D | 47 | B |
| 3 | A | 18 | B | 33 | B | 48 | C |
| 4 | D | 19 | A | 34 | B | 49 | B |
| 5 | B | 20 | B | 35 | D | 50 | B |
| 6 | D | 21 | A | 36 | A | 51 | B |
| 7 | B | 22 | B | 37 | A | 52 | A |
| 8 | C | 23 | A | 38 | A | 53 | D |
| 9 | A | 24 | B | 39 | D | 54 | A |
| 10 | B | 25 | B | 40 | B | 55 | B |
| 11 | A | 26 | B | 41 | D | 56 | C |
| 12 | C | 27 | A | 42 | B | 57 | B |
| 13 | C | 28 | B | 43 | A | 58 | D |
| 14 | B | 29 | D | 44 | D | 59 | A |
| 15 | D | 30 | B | 45 | B | 60 | A |
SECTION B: ESSAY QUESTIONS (40 MARKS)
Answer any FOUR (4) questions only. Each question carries 10 marks.
1. (a) Define health, according to the World Health Organization. (2 marks)
(b) State four components of health, giving a brief explanation of each. (8 marks)
2. (a) Distinguish between communicable and non-communicable diseases, giving two examples of each. (6 marks)
(b) State four methods of preventing the spread of communicable diseases in a community. (4 marks)
3. (a) State the meaning of a balanced diet. (2 marks)
(b) Name four classes of food nutrients, stating one function of each. (8 marks)
4. (a) Define first aid. (2 marks)
(b) State four basic principles/rules to observe when giving first aid to an injured person. (4 marks)
(c) Describe the RICE method of treating a minor soft tissue injury such as a sprain. (4 marks)
5. (a) State the meaning of drug abuse. (2 marks)
(b) State four commonly abused substances among young people. (4 marks)
(c) State four effects of drug abuse on the individual and society. (4 marks)
6. (a) Define family life education. (2 marks)
(b) State four objectives of family life and reproductive health education for young people. (8 marks)
SECTION B MARKING GUIDE (ESSAY)
Each question carries 10 marks. Award marks as guided below, giving credit for any other correct and relevant point not listed.
Question 1
(a) According to the World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. (2 marks for a reasonable, complete definition)
(b) Any four components at 2 marks each: Physical health, the proper functioning of the body’s organs and systems, including fitness and freedom from disease; mental health, a state of emotional and psychological well-being in which a person can cope with the normal stresses of life; social health, the ability to form and maintain healthy relationships and interact positively with others in society; spiritual health, a sense of purpose, meaning and inner peace, often connected to one’s beliefs and values; emotional health, the ability to understand, express and manage one’s emotions in a healthy way.
Question 2
(a) A communicable disease is one that can be transmitted from an infected person, animal, or contaminated object to another person, such as through direct contact, air, water or vectors; examples include malaria and tuberculosis. A non-communicable disease is one that is not transmitted from person to person, and is often caused by lifestyle, genetic, or environmental factors; examples include hypertension and diabetes. (6 marks: 2 marks for each correct definition, 1 mark for each valid example)
(b) Any four at 1 mark each: Maintaining good personal hygiene, such as regular hand washing; ensuring proper environmental sanitation, including safe waste and excreta disposal; ensuring immunization/vaccination against preventable diseases; providing and using safe drinking water; isolating or treating infected persons promptly to prevent further spread; using protective measures against disease vectors, such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets for malaria.
Question 3
(a) A balanced diet is a diet that contains the right proportion and combination of all the classes of nutrients, namely carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, vitamins, minerals and water, in the amounts needed by the body to maintain good health, growth and normal functioning. (2 marks)
(b) Any four nutrients at 2 marks each (1 mark for correct naming, 1 mark for correct function): Carbohydrates, provide the body’s main and quickest source of energy; proteins, are needed for the growth and repair of body tissues; fats and oils, provide a concentrated source of energy and help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins; vitamins, help to regulate body processes and protect the body against disease; minerals, are needed for processes such as bone formation, nerve function, and maintaining fluid balance; water, is needed for digestion, transport of nutrients, and regulation of body temperature.
Question 4
(a) First aid is the immediate and temporary care given to a person who has been injured or has suddenly fallen ill, before professional medical help arrives, with the aim of preserving life, preventing the condition from worsening, and promoting recovery. (2 marks)
(b) Any four at 1 mark each: Assess the situation for any danger before approaching the casualty; call for professional medical help as soon as possible; avoid moving a seriously injured person unnecessarily, unless there is immediate danger; keep the casualty calm, comfortable and reassured; do not give an unconscious person anything to eat or drink; use available and appropriate materials to manage the injury while waiting for help.
(c) RICE method (4 marks, 1 mark for each correctly described element): Rest, stop the activity and avoid putting weight or strain on the injured part; Ice, apply an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling and pain; Compression, apply a firm bandage around the injured area to help control swelling; Elevation, raise the injured part above the level of the heart, where possible, to reduce blood flow and swelling to the area.
Question 5
(a) Drug abuse is the excessive, inappropriate, or non-medical use of a drug or substance, in a manner, amount, or situation that causes physical, psychological, or social harm to the user or to those around them. (2 marks)
(b) Any four at 1 mark each: Alcohol; tobacco/cigarettes; cannabis (marijuana); cocaine; codeine and other opioids taken without medical prescription; tramadol taken without medical prescription; inhalants such as glue or petrol.
(c) Any four at 1 mark each: It can lead to addiction and physical/psychological dependence; it can cause damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain; it can impair academic and work performance; it can lead to risky or criminal behaviour, and conflict with the law; it can contribute to family and social breakdown; it can lead to mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
Question 6
(a) Family life education is a structured programme of learning that prepares individuals, especially young people, with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed for responsible family living, healthy relationships, and informed decision-making about their reproductive health. (2 marks)
(b) Any four at 2 marks each: To provide accurate knowledge and understanding of the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during puberty and adolescence; to promote responsible sexual behaviour and delay of early sexual activity among young people; to provide information on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS; to provide accurate information on family planning and reproductive health choices; to promote healthy communication and relationships within the family and between partners; to help young people develop life skills, such as decision-making and assertiveness, to resist negative peer pressure.
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