2026

Background: Patient safety is a fundamental pillar of healthcare quality, yet preventable adverse events contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Clinical students actively participate in patient care, making their understanding and practice of safety principles critical to preventing institutional errors. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes regarding patient safety and evaluated the patient safety culture (PSC) practices among clinical students at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was conducted between April 2025 and April 2026 among 637 clinical students across five disciplines (Medicine, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, and Paramedics) selected via stratified random sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a modified questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), while qualitative data were gathered via Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0, employing descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression. Qualitative transcripts underwent thematic analysis. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 23.41 \pm 2.08 years, with a slight female predominance (52.1%). A significant majority (75.0%) possessed good overall knowledge of patient safety principles, with the highest domain scores in the systems view of errors (84.3%). Moving to the senior 600 level (AOR: 2.370, p = 0.045) and receiving prior formal x safety training (AOR: 1.850, p = 0.004) were independent predictors of good knowledge. Conversely, spending >12 hours a day in the hospital nearly halved the odds of maintaining good knowledge (AOR: 0.534, p = 0.031). Attitudes were overwhelmingly favorable, with 91.2% demonstrating a positive mindset, which strongly associated with higher cognitive scores (p = 0.004). However, actual patient safety culture practice fell dramatically short, with 73.8% of participants exhibiting poor overall practice. Only 19.5% had ever filed a formal incident report. Among the 513 students who never filed a report, the primary barriers identified were fear of victimization or blame (58.0%), strict institutional hierarchies (44.3%), and high workloads (42.0%). Key curricular and experiential gaps identified included an absolute lack of formal instruction in root cause analysis (59.0%) and incident reporting protocols (49.3%). Conclusion: Clinical students at UBTH display robust theoretical knowledge and highly positive attitudes toward patient safety responsibilities, but institutional, systemic, and cultural barriers significantly impede the translation of these attributes into safe clinical practices. Addressing this disconnect requires aggressive educational reforms, such as integrating simulation-based learning into clinical rotations, and structural interventions by hospital management to establish a accessible, transparent, and non-punitive incident reporting environment.

This study examined the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the challenges associated with monitoring political party campaign financing in Nigeria. Campaign financing has become a major issue in democratic governance due to the increasing influence of money in electoral processes, which often affects transparency, accountability, and fairness during elections. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of INEC in regulating and monitoring political party finances, identify the major challenges confronting the commission, and examine the implications of poor monitoring on democratic development in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected through questionnaires administered to selected respondents, while secondary data were gathered from textbooks, journals, official reports, and relevant publications. The findings revealed that INEC faces numerous challenges in monitoring political party campaign financing, including inadequate manpower, insufficient funding, weak enforcement mechanisms, corruption, lack of transparency by political parties, and political interference. The study also found that excessive campaign spending and poor financial disclosure by political parties undermine free and fair elections in Nigeria. The study concluded that although INEC has the constitutional responsibility to regulate campaign financing, several institutional and political challenges limit its effectiveness. The study therefore recommended that the Nigerian government should strengthen electoral laws, provide adequate funding and independence for INEC, enforce strict penalties against defaulters, and promote transparency and accountability in political party financing. These measures would enhance credible elections and strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.

This study examined the influence of practical Agricultural science activities on academic performance of public secondary school students of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government of Edo State. Five research questions guided this study, three questions were answered and two questions were hypothesized, the population of this study consist of 250 senior public secondary school students, the samples of this study was 20% of the total population which have a sample of 50students, pearson(r) was used to determine the level of reliability ,the instrument for data collection was questionnaire validated by the supervisor and other lecturers in the institute of Education, the reliability of the instrument was tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance using test retest method and a correlation coefficient of 0.90 was obtained. The data collected was inputted into the computer and analyzed using SPSS: mean and standard deviation. The study found out that practical agricultural science activities has influence on academic performance on public secondary school students, based on the findings, it was recommended that schools should design balanced timetable that allocate adequate time for both practical agricultural activities and academic subjects to prevent interference with student’s study.

Post-harvest losses remain a major challenge for fish and agricultural product processors in developing countries due to limited access to efficient drying and preservation technologies. Traditional methods such as open-sun drying expose products to contamination, weather variability, and non-uniform drying, resulting in significant quality degradation and economic loss. This project addresses these challenges through the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a hybrid gas and charcoal oven capable of drying fish and selected agricultural produce efficiently and hygienically. The hybrid system integrates two energy sources—liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and charcoal—to provide operational flexibility, continuous heat supply, and improved temperature control. Locally available materials including mild steel, galvanized sheet metal, wire mesh trays, and glass wool insulation were used to ensure cost effectiveness, durability, and maintainability. The oven was tested with products such as catfish, pepper, and cassava chips. Performance parameters evaluated include temperature distribution, moisture reduction, drying efficiency, fuel consumption, and final product quality. Results revealed that the oven achieved a drying temperature range of 60–65°C with uniform heat distribution across trays. Moisture reduction from 72% to 12% for fish was attained within 6–7 hours under hybrid mode, compared to 10–12 hours in traditional charcoal dryers. A drying efficiency of approximately 60.7% was recorded, demonstrating significant improvement over conventional drying systems. The dried products showed enhanced sensory and hygienic quality with minimized contamination and discoloration. The study concludes that the hybrid oven is a practical, reliable, and sustainable technology for small- and medium-scale food processors, contributing to food security, reduction of postharvest losses, and socio-economic development. Further improvements such as automation of temperature control and incorporation of forced convection are recommended to enhance performance and commercial viability. Keywords: Hybrid oven, drying efficiency, fish preservation, agricultural products, gas and charcoal heating, post-harvest losses, food safety.

BACKGROUND: Food security is essential for human survival, encompassing consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. It is defined by four key dimensions: availability, access, utilization, and stability, all of which must be met simultaneously. Food insecurity arises when these dimensions are compromised, leading to inadequate food access. Globally and in Nigeria, its prevalence remains high, driven by factors such as poverty, population growth, and environmental challenges. Food insecurity is associated with adverse health outcomes, including malnutrition and chronic diseases, and negatively impacts education, productivity, and economic growth. AIM: The study aimed to assess the prevalence, determinants, knowledge and perception of food insecurity among households in Benin City, Nigeria and the coping strategies adopted. METHODS: This study employed a community-based descriptive cross-sectional design conducted in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, among 500 heads of households. A multistage sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from validated tools, including the Food Insecurity Experience Scale and the Coping Strategies Index. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages, while associations were tested using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of food insecurity, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results were presented in prose, tables and bar charts. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 51.9 ± 11.9 years, with majority within the 45–54 years age group. The majority 403 (80.6%) were males. The prevalence of food insecurity among households was 383 (76.6%). Food insecurity was higher among respondents aged ≥65 years (86.4%; p = 0.010), married respondents (85.7%; p = 0.004), those with primary education (95.3%; p < 0.001), retired respondents (94.3%; p = 0.017), and those with skill level 2 (85.8%; p < 0.001). It was also higher in households with monthly income ≤ ₦180,000 (84.1%; p < 0.001) and monthly food expenditure ≤ ₦100,000 (82.5%; p < 0.001), and among respondents with good perception of food insecurity (81.5%; p = 0.008). Married respondents had higher odds of food insecurity (OR = 2.135; p = 0.008). Higher education (OR = 0.272; p = 0.017), employment (OR = 0.210; p = 0.012), higher skill level (OR = 0.458; p = 0.001), and home ownership (OR = 0.592; p = 0.040) were associated with lower odds, while increasing number of children increased the odds of food insecurity (OR = 1.236; p = 0.047). Overall, 57.2% of respondents had good knowledge of food insecurity, and 52.0% had a good perception of food security. Knowledge of food insecurity was associated with marital status, where a higher proportion of respondents who were not married had good knowledge (66.4%; p = 0.020). Higher proportions of respondents with monthly household income ≤ ₦180,000 (63.3%; p = 0.003) and those who spent ≤ ₦100,000 on food (61.7%; p = 0.010) had good knowledge of food insecurity. Marital status was associated with lower odds of good knowledge (OR = 0.505; p = 0.007). Higher education increased the odds of good knowledge (OR = 2.351; p = 0.005), while higher skill level reduced the odds of having good knowledge (OR = 0.657; p = 0.036). Perception of food insecurity was associated with level of education, where a higher proportion of respondents with tertiary education had good perception (55.7%; p < 0.001). A higher proportion of respondents with access to a nearby food market also had good perception (55.0%; p < 0.001). Higher education increased the odds of good perception (OR = 3.380; p < 0.001), while access to a nearby food market increased the odds of good perception (OR = 2.777; p < 0.001). Food insecurity status (OR = 1.880; p = 0.004) and good knowledge of food insecurity (OR = 0.515; p = 0.013) were also associated with good perception of food insecurity. The most common coping strategies included consumption of less preferred foods (64.4%), reduction in portion sizes (57.2%), and reduction in the number of meals per day (54.2%). CONCLUSION: The study found that about three-quarters of households were food insecure. Marital status, education, employment, skill level, income, food expenditure, number of children, and housing tenure were important determinants. More than half of respondents had good knowledge and about half had good perception, but many households still used coping strategies such as reducing meal frequency and consuming less preferred foods. The findings reflect widespread food insecurity among households in the study area.

This study examines the influence of exposure to online sexual content on the sexual behaviour of youths in Ugbowo, Benin City. With the increasing accessibility of the internet and digital media, young people are frequently exposed to sexually explicit materials, which may shape their attitudes, perceptions, and practices regarding sexuality. The study adopts a descriptive survey design to assess the level of exposure among youths and its relationship with their sexual behaviour. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to selected respondents in the study area. Findings are expected to reveal the extent to which online sexual content contributes to early sexual initiation, risky sexual practices, and changes in sexual attitudes among youths. The study further explores moderating factors such as peer influence, parental guidance, and media literacy. The results aim to provide insights for parents, educators, and policymakers on the need for effective sexual education and digital media regulation to promote healthy sexual development among youths.

Background: Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems are increasingly recognized as essential components of modern healthcare delivery, with the potential to improve patient outcomes, enhance data management, reduce medical errors, and strengthen health system efficiency. Despite these benefits, the adoption and effective utilization of EHR systems in many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, remain low and with influence ranging from multiple individual, institutional, and infrastructural factors. Objective: This study aimed to determine healthcare workers’ knowledge of EHR systems in patient care, assess their attitudes toward EHR utilization, determine uptake and the level of EHR utilization, and identify factors influencing their use across selected hospitals in Benin City, Edo State. Methods: A analytical cross-sectional study design was conducted among 478 healthcare workers selected from public and private hospitals using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire comprising sections on socio- demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, utilization, and factors influencing EHR use. Knowledge and utilization scores were categorized based on a 70% cut-off, while attitude was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale which was grouped into appropriate and inappropriate responses and scored using a cut-off of 70%. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were summarized as frequencies and percentages, while inferential analysis was conducted using chi-square tests and fisher’s exact and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of HER in line with study objectives. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.050, and 95% confidence interval. Results: The majority of respondents were aged 20–39 years (86.8%), with a mean age of 31.22 ± 8.32 years, and females constituted 63.4% of the study population. Nurses formed the largest professional group, and most respondents had less than five years of professional experience. Awareness of EHR systems was high (93.3%), and an equal proportion demonstrated good knowledge (93.3%). Respondents showed strong knowledge in areas such as data privacy, reduction of medical errors, and improvement of healthcare delivery. A majority of respondents (78.2%) had a positive attitude toward EHR utilization, with most agreeing that EHR systems improve patient management (98.1%) and enhance the speed of care delivery (93.3%). However, a considerable proportion expressed neutrality regarding preference for EHR over paper-based records, indicating a transitional phase in adoption. EHR systems were available in most facilities (84.7%), and utilization was high across multiple domains, including clinical documentation (94.1%), patient registration (93.3%), prescribing (92.1%), and laboratory result access (90.6%). Utilization patterns varied significantly by profession and facility type at the bivariate level. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified knowledge level, sex, and facility type as independent predictors of EHR utilization. Respondents with poor knowledge were significantly less likely to utilize EHR systems compared to those with good knowledge (OR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.06–0.86; p = 0.029). Male respondents had lower odds of utilization compared to females (OR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.11–0.89; p = 0.029), while those working in private facilities were less likely to utilize EHR systems compared to those in public facilities (OR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.03–0.74; p = 0.019). Factors such as training (OR = 5.83; 95% CI: 2.46–13.81; p = <0.001), stability of electricity supply (OR = 7.25; 95% CI: 1.88–27.94; p = 0.004), and availability of hospital policy (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.15–3.47; p = 0.014) were significant predictors of utilization at the multivariate level. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that healthcare workers in Benin City possess relatively high levels of knowledge, positive attitudes, and increasing level of utilization of EHR systems, indicating a strong foundation for digital health integration. However, persistent gaps in training, infrastructure, and organizational support limit optimal utilization. Addressing these challenges through targeted capacity building, improved infrastructural investment, and strengthened institutional policies will be critical for maximizing the benefits of EHR systems and improving healthcare delivery outcomes.

Background: Cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and early detection through screening significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival. First-degree relatives (FDRs) of cancer patients are at increased risk of developing cancer due to shared genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Despite this increased risk, screening uptake among FDRs remains low. This study assessed the knowledge of early cancer detection and screening uptake among first-degree relatives of cancer patients in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of early detection and screening uptake among the first-degree relatives of cancer patients.


Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 first-degree relatives of cancer patients attending the Radiotherapy/Clinical Oncology Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests were used for analysis, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.75 ± 13.34 years, and the majority were females 265 (64.6%). Overall, 268 (65.4%) respondents were aware of early cancer detection and screening. Among those aware, television/radio was the major source of information 104 (38.8%). Mammography was the most recognized screening method 144 (53.7%). Most respondents 209 (78.0%) demonstrated good knowledge of cancer screening and early detection. However, only 96 (23.4%) respondents had previously undergone cancer screening. Ethnicity (p = 0.035) and monthly income (p = 0.014) showed statistically significant associations with knowledge of cancer screening and early detection. Major barriers to screening included poor awareness, fear of diagnosis, inadequate physician recommendation, and limited access to screening services.

Conclusion: Although the majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of early cancer detection and screening, screening uptake among first-degree relatives of cancer patients was poor. Improved public health education, increased healthcare provider involvement, and enhanced accessibility and affordability of screening services are recommended to improve cancer screening uptake among high-risk populations.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are increasingly being used as source of health information, particularly among undergraduate students who are highly engaged with digital technologies. These tools provide instant, interactive, and personalized responses to healthrelated queries, which may influence health-seeking behaviors. One growing concern is their role in facilitating self-medication, defined as the use of medicines without consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. While AI chatbots may improve access to health information and empower individuals to make decisions, their unregulated use raises concerns about misinformation, inappropriate drug use, delayed diagnosis, and adverse health outcomes. Despite the increasing global use of AI technologies, there is limited evidence on how undergraduate students in Nigeria utilize AI chatbots in relation to self-medication practices. Understanding students’ knowledge, attitudes, and patterns of use is essential for informing public health interventions and policies. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students in Benin City, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from UTAUT and related acceptance models that assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of AI chatbots, attitudes toward their use in health decision-making, and prevalence of their use in facilitating self-medication. Knowledge and attitude scores were computed and categorized into levels. Data analysis was performed using appropriate statistical software. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and proportions were used to summarize variables, while inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were used to examine associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: The mean age of respondents was 21.50±3.138 years, with females constituting the majority (78.4%). Awareness of AI chatbots was universal, and about four-fifth of respondents demonstrated good knowledge, with Gemini being the most correctly identified tool. Despite this high awareness, only a small proportion had received formal training on AI or chatbots. About seven-tenth of respondents expressed a positive attitude toward AI chatbot use, perceiving these tools as convenient and useful for obtaining quick health information, although concerns regarding reliability and safety remained common. The prevalence of AI chatbot use for self- medication was considerable, with nearly one-third of respondents reporting use for advice on symptoms, possible diagnoses, and treatment options. ChatGPT was the most commonly used chatbot for self-medication, followed by Gemini. Despite the prevalence of use, the frequency of chatbot utilization for self-medication was mostly occasional or rare. Sex and guardians occupation were significant predictors of good knowledge. Attitude toward AI chatbot use was a strong predictor of prevalence. Respondents with a positive attitude were significantly less likely to use AI chatbots for self-medication compared with those with a negative attitude (OR = 0.178, p < 0.001) Conclusion: Despite high awareness and good knowledge of AI chatbots among respondents, concerns about reliability and safety in self-medication persisted. About one-third had used AI chatbots, mainly ChatGPT, for self-medication. Knowledge, attitude, guardians’ occupation, and social media use significantly influenced utilization, highlighting the need for targeted health education, improved digital health literacy, and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and responsible use of AI chatbots in healthcare decision-making.

BACKGROUND
Mental health disorders among university students are an increasing public health concern globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to formal mental health services remains limited. Simultaneously, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are increasingly being integrated into students’ academic and social activities, with emerging interest in their potential role in mental health support. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, uptake, utilization, factors influencing use, and mental health status associated with AI mental health chatbot use among undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
METHODS
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 436 undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, using a pretested self-administered structured questionnaire. Respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.050 at 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS
The mean age of respondents studied was 21.84 ± 3.97 years. Nearly all respondents demonstrated awareness of AI chatbots, while approximately nine-tenths had good overall knowledge. However, awareness of clinically validated mental health–specific chatbots such as Woebot and Wysa was very low. About three-quarters of respondents demonstrated positive attitudes towards AI mental health chatbots. Uptake of AI chatbots was near-universal (96.6%), driven predominantly by general-purpose platforms such as ChatGPT for academic purposes. Uptake of clinically validated mental health-specific chatbots such as Woebot and Wysa was negligible. Only a small proportion reported using AI chatbots specifically for emotional support or mental health-related purposes. Ethnicity and level of study were identified as significant predictors of good knowledge of AI chatbots. Respondents with good knowledge had significantly higher odds of positive attitudes towards AI mental health chatbots (OR = 4.003; CI = 1.940–8.258; p < 0.001). Peer influence, anonymity, affordability, and privacy concerns significantly influenced AI chatbot utilization. High utilization was significantly associated with academic level and religion. Nearly three-fifths (59.9%) of respondents screened positive for depression. High AI chatbot utilization (OR = 1.753; CI = 1.083–2.836; p = 0.022) and high dependency (OR = 2.173; CI = 1.039–4.542; p = 0.039) were identified as significant predictors of depression.
CONCLUSION
Despite high awareness, positive attitudes, and near-universal uptake of AI chatbots among undergraduate students, awareness of clinically validated mental health–specific platforms remain low. Depression was highly prevalent among respondents, and high AI chatbot utilization and dependency were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. There is need for targeted digital mental health literacy programmes, institutional regulation of AI mental health tools, and integration of safe, evidence-based digital mental health interventions within university settings.