2026

This study investigates the phytochemical composition of Panicum maximum leaves and its brown liquid extract, emphasizing their potential in bioremediation. The leaves were processed by chopping, washing, grinding, filtering, and boiling to extract the brown liquid. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the concentration of bioactive compounds in the leaf extract, including flavonoids (5.34 mg/g), phenolics (12.78 mg/g), saponins (8.23 mg/g), tannins (3.65 mg/g), oxalates (1.45 mg/g), phytates (0.98 mg/g), and alkaloids (6.12 mg/g). The brown liquid showed phenolics (10.45 mg/g) and flavonoids (4.87 mg/g) as dominant compounds. Qualitative screening confirmed the presence of saponins, phenolics, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins in both samples. The abundance of saponins and phenolics, known for their emulsifying and antimicrobial properties, suggests that Panicum maximum and its brown liquid can enhance microbial degradation of hydrocarbons in contaminated soils, positioning it as a valuable resource for eco-friendly bioremediation strategies.

This study evaluated the conceptual understanding of plant taxonomy and investigated the teaching methods employed among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Benin City. It was guided by four research questions. The population of the study comprised 178 fourth-year undergraduate students from the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology (PBB) and the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Technology (CIT) - Biology Education and the sample size of 118 students. A descriptive survey research design using a quantitative approach was adopted. Data were collected using a Plant Taxonomy Conceptual Understanding Diagnostic Test (PTCUDT) and a structured questionnaire and were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that only 18.56% of the students had a strong conceptual understanding and 81.44% of the students scored below the 70% threshold. The only statistically significant correlation found with conceptual understanding was prior knowledge (r = 0.251, p = 0.013). Teaching approaches (r = 0.079, p = 0.444) and student interest (r = 0.124, p = 0.225) were not statistically significant. The most highly rated teaching method was experiential learning through field trips and the least highly rated was lecture based delivery. Students showed low interest in plant taxonomy with examination-driven motivation and rote memorization as the dominant learning orientations. The study recommends incorporating conceptual change strategies such as the 5E instructional model, systematizing field-based and herbarium activities as core curricular components, integrating AI-assisted plant identification tools and reforming assessment practices to measure conceptual reasoning over rote recall. Professional development for instructors in active learning pedagogies is also recommended.

Kidnapping has become a major security challenge in Nigeria, posing severe threats to rural communities that depend on agriculture for survival. In Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, frequent abductions between 2020 and 2025 disrupted farming activities, reduced farmers’ access to farmlands, and undermined household livelihoods. This study examined the effects of kidnapping on agricultural productivity, farmers’ income, food security, children’s education, and community wellbeing. Findings from statistical data analysis revealed that persistent kidnappings forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands, leading to reduced food production and discouraging investment in agriculture. Household income declined significantly, pushing families into poverty and disrupting children’s education as parents struggled to meet financial obligations. The scarcity of farm produce and other essential goods further increased food prices and worsening the economic hardship faced by rural households. Beyond these economic consequences, the fear and trauma of kidnapping eroded the psychological stability and social cohesion of communities. The study concluded that kidnapping constitutes not only a security problem but also a structural impediment to food security and rural development in Ovia North-East. It recommended strengthening community-based security, supporting affected farmers, and implementing holistic rural development strategies.

Background: Undiagnosed hypertension remains a major public health problem globally, particularly among occupational groups exposed to prolonged work stress, sedentary lifestyle, and poor access to routine healthcare. Transport and logistics
workers are especially vulnerable because of the nature of their work, yet many cases remain undetected until complications develop.
Objective: This study assessed the prevalence, distribution, and factors associatedwith undiagnosed hypertension among transport and logistics workers in Benin City, Edo State.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 315 transport and logistics workers selected using a multistage sampling technique. Oredo Local Government Area was selected at the first stage, while Central Motor Park was
selected at the second stage using cluster sampling. Data were collected using a semi- structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEP wise approach. Blood pressure was measured using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, while weight and height were measured using standard procedures. Respondents with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg who had no previous diagnosis of hypertension
and were not on antihypertensive medication were classified as having undiagnosed hypertension. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive statisticswere summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression using the backward stepwise (conditional) method were used to determine factors associated with undiagnosed hypertension at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 50.53 ± 11.87 years. Slightly more than half (52.5%) had good knowledge of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was 47.8%, while the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 24.0%. Nearly half of the respondents were prehypertensive, 26.7% had stage 1 hypertension, and
xv 18.3% had stage 2 hypertension. Undiagnosed hypertension was more common among respondents aged 31–40 years, those with primary education, motorcyclists and taxi drivers, those with shorter work experience, and respondents who worked
more than 10 hours daily. Smoking and physical inactivity were significantly associated with undiagnosed hypertension at bivariate level (p < 0.05). At multivariate level, primary education (AOR = 3.44; 95% CI: 1.16–10.21) and lack of regular
physical activity (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.12–4.64) remained significant predictors of undiagnosed hypertension. Conclusion: Undiagnosed hypertension is a significant health problem among transport and logistics workers in Benin City. The burden of hypertension was high, knowledge of hypertension was only moderate, and many respondents were exposed to important behavioural and occupational risk factors. Regular blood pressure screening, targeted health education, and workplace-based interventions are recommended to improve early detection and reduce the burden of hypertension and its complications among transport workers

This study examined strategic management and its influence on quality healthcare delivery in Maria Assumpta Catholic Hospital. The study was motivated by persistent concerns regarding healthcare quality, patient satisfaction, operational inefficiencies, and resource constraints in Nigerian healthcare institutions, particularly within private and faith-based hospitals. The main objective was to investigate how strategic management practices contribute to improved healthcare delivery and organizational performance in the hospital. Specifically, the study examined the extent of strategic planning implementation, the influence of resource management on healthcare quality, the impact of leadership and organizational structure on service efficiency, the relationship between strategic management practices and patient satisfaction, and the challenges affecting the effective implementation of strategic management.The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data were collected from hospital administrators, healthcare professionals, and patients through structured questionnaires. The Resource-Based View (RBV) theory served as the theoretical framework, emphasizing the importance of internal organizational resources and capabilities in achieving sustainable performance and quality healthcare outcomes. Data obtained from respondents were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including frequency distribution, mean scores, and hypothesis testing. Findings revealed that strategic management practices significantly influence quality healthcare delivery in the hospital. The study showed that effective strategic planning enhances operational coordination, while efficient resource management improves service delivery, patient safety, and organizational effectiveness. Leadership and organizational structure were also found to positively affect staff performance and healthcare efficiency. Furthermore, strategic management practices contributed significantly to patient satisfaction through improved communication, reduced waiting time, and better service coordination. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, shortage of skilled personnel, limited technological infrastructure, and weak monitoring systems were identified as barriers to effective strategic management implementation.The study concluded that strategic management is essential for achieving sustainable quality healthcare delivery and recommended improved strategic planning, staff development, leadership strengthening, and enhanced resource allocation to improve healthcare outcomes.Keywords: Strategic Management, Quality Healthcare Delivery, Resource Management, Patient Satisfaction, Leadership, Healthcare Administration.

This study investigated the effects of pre-competition anxiety on athletes in individual
and team sports. Pre-competition anxiety, a common psychological response before
sporting events, can influence focus, confidence, and performance. The study aimed to
assess the level of anxiety experienced by athletes and its impact on their performance. A
descriptive research design was used, with data collected through structured
questionnaires administered to student athletes in the University of Benin from both
individual and team sports. The responses were analyzed to identify patterns and
differences in anxiety levels across sport types. Findings showed that athletes experience
varying levels of pre-competition anxiety. Moderate anxiety may enhance motivation and
alertness, but high anxiety often negatively affects concentration, confidence, and
performance. The study concludes that managing pre-competition anxiety is crucial for
optimal athletic performance. Coaches and sports professionals are encouraged to
implement strategies that help athletes cope with anxiety effectively

Background: Family planning is a critical component of reproductive health, yet male involvement in family planning activities remains limited in many low- and middle-income settings. In Nigeria, the contraceptive prevalence rate among married women is only 20%, and men continue to be underrepresented in reproductive health programmes despite their significant influence as household decision-makers. Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State reflects these broader national challenges, with inadequate knowledge, socio- cultural barriers, and low male participation identified as key drivers of poor family planning outcomes. Few studies have specifically assessed male involvement using a composite multi￾indicator approach in this setting. Objectives: To assess male involvement in family planning activities in Ovia North East LGA, Edo State. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Four hundred and eight (408) adult men in stable sexual relationships or marriages were selected from communities across Ovia North East LGA using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were performed. A composite ten-indicator score was used to classify male involvement as high (score ≥ 7 out of 10) or low. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 408 men participated with a response rate of 100%. The mean age (SD) was 42.7 ± 11.4 years. Most respondents were married 308 (75.5%), predominantly Christian 384 (94.1%), with tertiary education accounting for 203 (49.7%) and the majority belonging to the middle socioeconomic class 312 (76.5%). Of the 408 respondents, 363 (89.0%) had heard of family planning; health workers 195 (53.7%), radio or television 193 (53.2%), and friends or relatives 191 (52.6%) were the most common sources. Overall, 262 (72.2%) of those who had heard of family planning had good knowledge, while 101 (27.8%) had poor knowledge. Being married was the only independent predictor of poor knowledge (OR = 0.466, 95% CI: 0.232–0.934, p = 0.031). Nearly all respondents 391 (95.8%) had a positive attitude towards family planning. Christianity was the strongest independent predictor of positive attitude (OR = 9.086, 95% CI: 2.066–39.953, p = 0.003), followed by nuclear family type (OR = 6.530, 95% CI: 1.400–30.467, p = 0.017). Slightly more than half 226 (55.4%) xiv had discussed family planning with their partner, and most 325 (79.7%) approved of their partner using a method, but only 112 (27.5%) had accompanied their partner to a health facility. Less than half 176 (43.1%) were currently using any family planning method, with condoms 111 (63.1%) and withdrawal 83 (47.2%) being the most common methods; vasectomy remained virtually unused 1 (0.6%). Nuclear family type was the only independent predictor of current family planning use (OR = 1.878, 95% CI: 1.007–3.500, p = 0.047). Knowledge of service location (χ² = 30.702, p < 0.001) and perceived affordability (χ² = 28.824, p < 0.001) were the most strongly associated factors with current use, while cultural or religious beliefs were a significant barrier (χ² = 6.111, p = 0.013). Regarding male involvement, 160 (39.2%) were classified as having high involvement and 248 (60.8%) low involvement. The most commonly met indicator was considering family planning a joint responsibility 376 (92.2%), while community participation in health talks was the least met 107 (26.2%). Education (χ² = 42.035, p < 0.001), occupation (χ² = 32.673, p < 0.001), socioeconomic status (χ² = 38.636, p < 0.001), marriage type (p = 0.014), and family type (p = 0.020) were significantly associated with male involvement. Health worker discussion of family planning was the strongest independent predictor of high involvement (OR = 5.768, 95% CI: 3.366–9.885, p < 0.001), followed by good knowledge (OR = 2.028, 95% CI: 1.137– 3.619, p = 0.017) and upper class socioeconomic status (OR = 27.794, 95% CI: 2.358– 327.618, p = 0.008). Conclusion: Nearly three-quarters of men in Ovia North East LGA had good knowledge of family planning and almost all demonstrated a positive attitude. However, slightly less than two-fifths had high overall involvement, and less than half were currently using any family planning method. Health worker engagement emerged as the most powerful modifiable predictor of high involvement. Health authorities should institutionalise routine male family planning counselling at all primary health centres, expand male-targeted community outreach, and engage religious and traditional leaders to create an enabling environment for active male participation in family planning.

Background: Traditional health practices (THP) remain prevalent among women of reproductive age in Nigeria, often intersecting with modern healthcare utilization. In Nigeria, the use of traditional medicine is deeply embedded in cultural and social life, and women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to its associated risks. Egor Local Government Area of Edo State reflects these broader national challenges, with cultural beliefs, economic constraints, and limited access to modern healthcare identified as key drivers of THP utilization. Few studies have specifically assessed THP utilization using a comprehensive multi-dimensional approach in this urban Nigerian setting. Objectives: This study assessed the types of traditional health practices, providers, perceived benefits and risks including the factors associated with its use among women of reproductive age in Egor LGA, Benin City. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Six hundred and thirty- six women of reproductive age (15–49 years) residing in selected communities across Egor LGA were recruited using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 636 women participated with a response rate of 100%. The mean age of respondents fell within the 15 – 25 years age group, and most were married 296 (46.5%), predominantly Christian 559 (87.9%), with tertiary education accounting for 352 (55.4%) and the majority engaged in trading or self-employment (43.4%). Overall, 236 (37.1%) reported utilizing THP within the preceding 12 months. Herbal preparation was the most widely used practice 209 (88.6%), followed by traditional birth attendant 69 (29.2%). Among the respondents 313 (49.2%) perceived THP as beneficial, while 316 (49.7%) regarded THP methods as safe. However, 44 (18.6%) reported adverse effects, most commonly stillbirth 17 (38.6%), and 34 (77.3%) sought medical care following complications. Marital status (χ² = 115.783, p < 0.001), educational level (χ² = 58.495, p < 0.001), religion (χ² = 21.043, p < 0.001), and monthly income (χ² = 48.243, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with THP utilization. Cost of modern healthcare was the predominant factor associated with traditional health practices

BACKGROUND
Childhood diarrhoea remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children, especially in low-resource settings where poor sanitation, limited access to safe water, and inappropriate home care practices persist.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed household management of childhood diarrhoea in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Benin City, in order to provide evidence for interventions that will improve home-based care and reduce complications among under-five children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 436 caregivers of under-five children residing in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State. Data were collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires adapted from United Nations Children's Fund and World Health Organization tools on childhood diarrhoea management. Data collected were entered and analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.050 and 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS
Mean age of respondents studied was 39.2 ± 10.6 years, and the majority were females 371 (85.1%). More than half of caregivers 232 (53.2%) correctly defined diarrhoea as passage of three or more loose or watery stools in 24 hours, while 228 (52.3%) identified danger signs of dehydration. Almost half of the under-five children 212 (48.6%) had experienced diarrhoea in the two weeks preceding the survey, and 101 (47.6%) of these passed stool three times or more in 24 hours. Blood in stool was reported in 56 (26.4%) of diarrhoeal episodes. In the six months preceding the study, 143 (32.8%) had experienced two episodes of diarrhoea, while 104 (23.9%) had experienced three or more episodes. Utilization of recommended management options was poor, with only about one-quarter of caregivers giving oral rehydration solution during diarrhoeal episodes and an even smaller proportion giving zinc. Feeding practices were also suboptimal, as slightly more than half of caregivers had poor feeding practices during diarrhoea. Furthermore, family type (χ² = 14.685; p < 0.001), monthly income (χ² = 7.430; p = 0.024), household size (χ² = 6.867; p = 0.009), and spouse occupation skill level (χ² = 4.844; p = 0.028) were identified as significant factors associated with household management of childhood diarrhoea.
CONCLUSION
Childhood diarrhoea was common among under-five children in Ovia North East LGA, with many children experiencing recent and recurrent episodes. Care-seeking practices among caregivers were suboptimal, as delays in seeking appropriate healthcare and reliance on non recommended treatment sources were observed. Utilization of recommended home
management options, particularly Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc supplementation, was poor, while feeding and fluid practices during diarrhoeal episodes were inadequate among many caregivers. Household management of childhood diarrhoea was significantly influenced by socioeconomic and family-related factors such as family type, monthly income, household size, and spouse occupation skill level. These findings highlight the need for targeted health education, improved access to ORS and zinc, promotion of appropriate feeding practices, and strengthened water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions to reduce the burden of childhood diarrhoea among under-five children.

The rapid growth of social media use among young people has raised concerns about its potential impact on mental health. This study examined the effects of social media usage on the mental health of undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the frequency and patterns of social media use, the relationship between social media engagement and mental health outcomes, students’ awareness of the psychological risks associated with excessive use, and strategies for promoting healthier digital engagement. The study was guided by Social Comparison Theory, which explains how individuals evaluate themselves through comparisons with others, particularly in digital environments. A survey research design was adopted. Data were collected from 490 undergraduate students drawn from different faculties of the University of Benin using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to analyze patterns of social media usage and mental health experiences, while inferential statistical techniques including Pearson Product–Moment Correlation, independent-samples t-test, and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that social media usage is highly prevalent among undergraduate students, with platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and X being the most frequently used. Many students reported spending several hours daily on these platforms, often during evening and late-night hours. The results further indicated that frequent and prolonged social media use is significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms among students. The study also found that greater awareness of the psychological risks associated with excessive social media use is linked to better mental health outcomes. The study concludes that while social media provides important opportunities for communication and social interaction, excessive engagement may expose students to psychological challenges. It therefore recommends the promotion of digital mental health literacy programs, strengthened counseling services, and institutional strategies that encourage
balanced and responsible social media use among students