2026

Background: Sleep is a fundamental physiological process necessary for optimal cognitive function, emotional stability, physical health, and academic performance. Medical students are particularly vulnerable to unhealthy sleep patterns due to demanding academic activities, prolonged study hours, clinical responsibilities, and psychosocial stressors. Poor sleep among medical students has been associated with impaired concentration, daytime dysfunction, reduced academic productivity, and mental health problems. This study assessed the sleep patterns of medical students of the University of Benin and evaluated associated factors, sleep-related behaviours, and awareness of behaviours linked to unhealthy sleep patterns. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 undergraduate medical students from 200 to 600 level at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising standardized instruments including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI), and Sleep Beliefs Scale (SBS). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while Chi-square tests were used to determine associations between variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 22.56 ± 3.02 years, and 55.3% were male. The mean sleep duration was 5.5 ± 1.2 hours per night. Overall, 187 (43.8%) respondents had disturbed sleep patterns, while 240 (56.2%) had normal sleep patterns. The most commonly reported sleep disturbances were waking up in the middle of the night or early morning and nocturnal awakening to use the bathroom. Place of residence was significantly associated with sleep patterns (p = 0.043), with on-campus students demonstrating better sleep patterns than off- campus students. Sleep behaviours (p = 0.002) and awareness of sleep-related behaviours (p = 0.007) were also significantly associated with sleep patterns. Although 55.0% of respondents demonstrated good sleep behaviours, only 15.9% had good awareness of behaviours associated with healthy sleep. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of medical students at the University of Benin experienced disturbed sleep patterns and inadequate sleep duration. Poor sleep behaviours and low awareness of healthy sleep practices were significantly associated with disturbed sleep. There is a need for targeted interventions, including sleep hygiene education, mental health support, and institutional policies aimed at promoting healthy sleep practices and improving the well-being of medical students. Keywords: Sleep patterns, medical students, sleep quality, sleep hygiene, awareness, University of Benin.

Background: Respectful maternity care (RMC) is defined by the World Health Organization as care organized and provided to all women in a manner that maintains their dignity, privacy, and confidentiality, ensures freedom from harm and mistreatment, and enables informed choice and continuous support during labour and childbirth. Despite global recognition of its importance, violations of RMC remain widespread in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, where disrespect and abuse during childbirth have been linked to reduced facility utilization, poor maternal satisfaction, and adverse psychological outcomes. Nigeria accounts for nearly 20% of global maternal deaths, with a maternal mortality ratio of 512 per 100,000 live births. In Benin City, Edo State, there is limited comprehensive data on postnatal mothers’ experiences, knowledge, and attitudes toward RMC, creating a significant gap in evidence needed to inform policy and clinical interventions. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the extent, determinants, and implications of respectful maternity care experiences among postnatal mothers in Benin City, Edo State. Specific objectives included assessing knowledge and attitudes toward RMC, documenting experiences of respectful and disrespectful maternity care during childbirth, identifying provider- and facility-level determinants of RMC violations, determining predictors of respectful care experiences, and advocating for institutional policy changes promoting RMC. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2025 and April 2026 among postnatal women in Ugbowo community, Egor Local Government Area, Benin City. A sample size of 418 respondents was determined using Cochran’s formula, with a 10% non-response adjustment. A multistage sampling technique was employed: Egor LGA and Ugbowo ward were selected by simple random sampling (balloting), and five communities within the ward served as clusters from which all eligible postnatal women were recruited. Inclusion criteria were women aged 18 years and above who had delivered a live birth within the preceding year and were resident in Edo State. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising six sections covering sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of RMC, attitudes toward RMC, childbirth experiences, facility- and provider-level factors, and overall satisfaction. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS; univariate analysis described sociodemographic characteristics, chi-square tests assessed bivariate associations, and binary logistic regression identified independent predictors of respectful care experience. Results: The majority of respondents were married women in their late twenties to midthirties with tertiary education, predominantly Christian, and most had attended antenatal care during their last pregnancy. Most delivered in public health facilities and settled bills out of pocket. Formal awareness of RMC as a concept was poor, with only 19.6% of respondents having heard of it; among these, fewer than four in ten demonstrated good overall knowledge, with particular weaknesses in domains relating to supportive care, informed consent, autonomy, and non-discriminatory treatment. Despite low conceptual awareness, the overwhelming majority of respondents held strongly positive attitudes toward the underlying principles of respectful care, with formal education being the only statistically significant predictor of positive attitude. Reported childbirth experiences were broadly positive for dignity, empathetic communication, and non-discriminatory treatment; however, serious violations persisted: more than one in five women reported being shouted at during labour, more than one in ten reported being physically struck, and the near-universal suppression of cultural practices during labour was documented. Perceived provider overwork, overcrowding, and intimidation by birth attendants were identified as facility- and provider level factors compromising care quality, with nurses and midwives disproportionately identified as responsible for mistreatment. In multivariate analysis, positive attitude toward RMC (adjusted OR approximately 3.0) and delivery in a private facility were the only statistically significant independent predictors of a respectful childbirth experience; women who delivered in public facilities had significantly lower odds of respectful care. Conclusion: Formal awareness and comprehensive knowledge of RMC remain critically low among postnatal mothers in Benin City, despite largely positive attitudes toward its principles. Serious violations, including verbal and physical abuse, financial gatekeeping, and suppression of cultural practices, persist alongside generally favourable overall experience ratings, pointing to a system-level underestimation of mistreatment. A significant public- private quality gap was confirmed, with public facility delivery associated with lower odds of respectful care. These findings underscore the urgent need for rights-based maternal health education integrated into routine antenatal care, mandatory RMC training for maternity staff, improved accountability mechanisms within public health facilities, and the development of a national RMC standard with enforceable facility-level indicators. Keywords: Respectful maternity care, postnatal mothers, disrespect and abuse, childbirth experience, Benin City, Nigeria, maternal health.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health threat, significantly driven by the irrational use of antibiotics. University students represent a key demographic whose medication-related behaviours influence community resistance patterns. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use and resistance among undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 430 students were selected using a multi-stage probability sampling technique across eight faculties. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 27.0, utilizing descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to determine associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 20.3 ± 2.9 years. The study revealed a high prevalence of antibiotic use, with 58.8% of students having used an antibiotic in the preceding six months. Overall, 81.6% of respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of antibiotics and AMR. Misconceptions were widespread: 78.1% incorrectly believed antibiotics are effective against viral infections (flu/coughs), and only 10.0% correctly identified the biological mechanism of resistance. Attitudes were predominantly negative (70.2%); notably, 51.0%perceivedsharingleftover antibiotics as a "helpful social gesture." Regarding practices, 50.7%demonstratedpoorbehaviour. The most common source of antibiotics was Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors xiv (29.3%), while only 18.8% obtained drugs via a doctor’s prescription. Faculty of study (p=0.005)and Level of study (p=0.005) were significantly associated with knowledge levels, with medical students and seniors performing better. Attitude was a significant predictor of practice(p<0.001). Conclusion: There is a concerning deficit in antibiotic literacy and a high prevalence of inappropriate practices among students at the University of Benin. The reliance on unregulated vendors and the social normalization of medication sharing underscore the need for urgent interventions. It is recommended that the University administration integrates antimicrobial stewardship modules into the General Studies (GST) curriculum and strengthens the campus health services to reduce reliance on informal medication sources.

This study examines carbon monoxide (CO) exposure and its associated health risks among commercial drivers and passengers. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and highly toxic gas produced through the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, and wood. Exposure to elevated concentrations of CO interferes with oxygen transport in the bloodstream by binding strongly to hemoglobin, thereby causing hypoxia and a range of adverse health effects, including headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, breathing difficulties, and in severe cases, death. Commercial drivers are particularly vulnerable due to prolonged hours spent in traffic-congested environments and exposure to vehicle exhaust emissions, especially from poorly maintained vehicles. This study highlights the occupational and environmental risks associated with CO exposure among drivers and passengers, emphasizing the importance of awareness, preventive measures, and proper vehicle maintenance. It further discusses the role of employers and transport authorities in promoting safety through education, regular vehicle inspections, installation of carbon monoxide detectors, and enforcement of preventive policies. The study concludes that increasing knowledge and awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning among commercial drivers and the general public is essential for reducing exposure risks and improving public health outcomes.

Nosocomial infections, also known as hospital-acquired infections, are bacterial infections contracted within healthcare settings. They contribute significantly to the burden of disease by prolonging hospital stays, increasing treatment costs, complicating surgical outcomes, and, in severe cases, leading to death. Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the most isolated
pathogen of nosocomial infections and the most studied in the literature. Despite their impact, awareness of nosocomial infections remains limited, leaving patients, healthcare workers, visitors, and even family caregivers vulnerable to its transmission. In low-income and middle-income countries the practice of a family caregiver assisting an inpatient is common, and they can contact and transmit infections while carrying out various activities within the hospital environment. Deterministic and stochastic models have been widely applied to understand the transmission dynamics of nosocomial infections and provide valuable insights. However, existing models have often overlooked the role of patients’ family caregivers, who can act as important but underrecognized vectors of transmission. In this thesis, deterministic and stochastic models that explicitly incorporate family caregivers as a distinct transmission pathway of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are developed. For the deterministic framework, the basic reproduction number �0 is derived along with the conditions for disease-free and endemic equilibria. The stochastic framework developed using a Continuous-time Markov Chain (CTMC) extends the deterministic model by incorporating random fluctuations through its drift and diffusion terms. This provides deeper insight into the system’s variability, extinction probabilities, and outbreak risks that cannot be fully captured by the deterministic model. For the deterministic model, the basic reproduction number is evaluated and subjected to sensitivity analysis, using plausible parameter values from surveillance studies within Nigerian hospitals, whereby revealing the dominant influence of hand-hygiene compliance of caregivers and healthcare workers, as well as decontamination rates of both caregivers and healthcare workers. The stochastic simulation in MATLAB gives the stochastic sample paths, time-series behaviours of the state variables and extinction probability. The numerical results illustrate that while the deterministic model captures mean epidemic behaviours, stochastic models reveal substantial variability and probability of infection extinction especially in settings with effective hand hygiene compliance of caregivers and healthcare workers. These analyses reveal the importance of integrating patients’ family caregivers in modeling the spread of MRSA in hospitals.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia causes damage to important tissues and organs (heart, liver, blood vessels, kidneys and nerves). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ethanol extract of Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark and its fractions on some biochemical status in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Crude ethanol extract prepared from pulverised stem bark of the plant was fractionated using analytical grade solvents (n-hexane, ethylacetate, and methanol). Adult male rats (Wistar strain, n = 56) weighing between 150 and 200 g were randomly assigned to eight groups (7 rats/group): control, diabetic, metformin, extract, and hydroethanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions. With the exception of control group, DM was induced in the rats via intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg body weight). This was followed by treatment (daily) with either metformin, ethanol extract or fractions of C. albidum stem bark for 14 days. At the expiration of the treatment period, plasma/tissue samples obtained from the rats were used for biochemical analyses. Blood glucose concentration and body weight were monitored on weekly basis. Indices of liver and kidney function; oxidative status in selected tissues (plasma, liver, kidney, pancreas), lipid peroxidation index and haematological parameters were measured. The results obtained showed that induction of DM with STZ significantly increased fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, organ weights (liver, kidney), malondialdehyde (MDA), indices of liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and some haematological parameters (white blood cell, lymphocyte, granulocyte, mid-cell), but it decreased the activities/levels of hepatic/renal/pancreatic antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], body weight, pancreas weight, plasma total protein, albumin, and electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃⁻), high-density lipoprotein holesterol (HDL-C), platelet count, and red blood cell indices when compared to control (p < 0.05). However, treatment with C. albidum stem bark extract/fractions markedly reduced FBG level, organ weights (liver, kidney), and MDA, but it enhanced the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and pancreas weight (p < 0.05). Similarly, extract/fractions treatment improved lipid profile and haematological parameters, while restoring indices of liver and kidney function. The results were comparable to those of metformin (standard drug). Histopathological examination of pancreatic and liver tissues of diabetic untreated rats showed cell reduction of the islet of Langerhans and pancreatic acini, congestion of the central vein, as well as loss of normal hepatocytic architecture, indicating severe pancreatic and liver damage. However, treatment with C. albidum extract/fractions revealed improvement in liver/pancreas histology. Histopathological examination of pancreatic and liver tissues further supported the biochemical findings. The results obtained in this study have shown that ethanol extract of C. albidum stem bark and its fractions can markedly reduce typical derangements associated with STZ-induced diabetes mellitus (that is, hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidemia, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and oxidative stress.

The study investigated the influence of smart phones utilization on the student habits and
academic performance of students in tertiary institutions. The main purpose of the study
was to examine how smartphones affect students’ academic behaviour and engagement in
learning activities. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to
two hundred (200) students from the University of Benin, selected through a stratified
random sampling technique. The study adopted a survey research design, and the
collected data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, percentages, and inferential
statistics including Pearson correlation analysis, independent sample t-tests, and paired
sample correlation analysis. The findings revealed that smartphone utilization had both positive and negative effects
on students’ academic experiences. Students frequently used smartphones to support
learning through academic discussions, managing study schedules, accessing study
materials, and understanding difficult concepts, which positively influenced their study
habits. Smartphone use also enhanced students’ motivation by increasing engagement, interest, and commitment to academic tasks through interactive learning platforms. However, excessive use of smartphones for non-academic purposes, such as social media
and entertainment, could distract students and reduce the effectiveness of their study
habits and academic performance. Furthermore, the study showed that smartphones greatly improved students’ access to
educational resources, allowing them to obtain lecture materials, academic updates, and
research information conveniently. The results also revealed that the influence of
smartphones varied depending on students’ level of study, while gender and age did not
significantly affect academic outcomes or motivation. Based on these findings, the study
concluded that smartphones can serve as valuable learning tools when used responsibly. Recommendations were made for tertiary institutions, lecturers, and students to promote
balanced and academic-focused smartphone use, including integrating digital literacy
programs, setting usage guidelines, and encouraging educational applications to
maximize the benefits of smartphone technology in learning

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health disorder that adversely affects mothers, infants, and family well-being through poor mother–child bonding, reduced infant care, and increased psychosocial stress. Despite its public health importance, PPD remains under-recognized in many low- and middle-income countries due to poor awareness, stigma, and limited access to mental health services. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, prevalence, factors, role of social support, and barriers to help-seeking related to PPD among postnatal mothers attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 510 postnatal mothers attending postnatal and immunization clinics at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. Respondents were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaires, which included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for screening postpartum depression. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. Associations were tested using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, while binary logistic regression was used to
determine independent predictors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results were presented in prose, tables, and bar charts. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 30.9 ± 5.6 years. Majority of the respondents
366 (71.8%) were aged 20–34 years, while most were married 494 (96.8%). Knowledge assessment revealed that 151 (55.5%) had poor knowledge of PPD, while 212 (77.9%) demonstrated a positive attitude towards PPD. Mode of delivery was a significant predictor of attitude, with mothers who had a caesarean section showing lower odds of positive attitude (OR
= 0.33, p = 0.005). The prevalence of PPD was 36 (7.1%). Significant associations with PPD were observed for age (p = 0.009), parity (p = 0.026), and household income (p = 0.037), with younger mothers, mothers with lower parity, and those with lower household income being more likely to experience PPD. Respondents with positive attitudes towards PPD were also less likely
to screen positive for the condition (OR = 0.27, p = 0.007). Most respondents reported having someone to talk to about their feelings 482 (94.5%), while spouses or partners were the major source of support 489 (95.9%). Most respondents 472 (92.5%) reported that they would seek help if they experienced symptoms of PPD. Among those who would not seek help, the
commonest reason was cultural beliefs 5 (38.5%) and the commonest facilitator of seeking help was healthcare worker recommendation 483 (94.7%)

The exponential distribution became the cornerstone of survival analysis and reliability engineering throughout the latter half of the 20th century and it is imperative to mention that the Successive times in exponential distribution are assumed to occur independently and randomly over time with a constant rate. The aim of the study was to develop a generalized and flexible bivariate exponential distribution that will incorporate correlation parameter 𝜌, extending the domain to a positive real-line using the framework of linear regression. A secondary dataset from Federal Road Safety Corps on road accidents in Imo State from 2020 to
2024 was used in the study and it was obtained from the Head office of Federal Road Safety Corps, off Egbu road Owerri, Imo state. In the study, we developed a generalized and bivariate exponential model that incorporates a correlation parameter, while preserving analytical simplicity. The proposed model, referred to as the New Correlated Bivariate Exponential Distribution (NCBED). The consistency of the NCBED was assessed using Kolmogorov Smirnov and Cramer Von Mises tests, in comparison with the baseline Grine model (2018). The Federal Road Safety (FRSC) dataset demonstrates that both injury and fatality data follow heavy-tailed exponential-type distributions and the NCBED provided a superior fit compared to the baseline model, capturing real-world correlations between crash outcomes. The findings indicate that the Maximum Likelihood estimates of the proposed model are consistent with the nature of the model.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) offers potential to enhance community health surveillance through early outbreak detection and improved reporting. However, adoption in low-resource primary healthcare settings remains poorly understood. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, uptake, utilisation, and factors influencing AI use in disease surveillance among health workers in selected Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 health workers selected by stratified multistage sampling from 23 PHCs in Oredo and Egor Local Government Areas. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Technology Acceptance Model and standard KAP frameworks. Knowledge,attitude, uptake, utilisation, and influencing factors were assessed using descriptive and inferential statistics (chi- square, Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression). Results: All respondents had heard of AI (100%); the internet was the primary source (99.1%). Good knowledge of AI in disease surveillance was found in 77.8% of respondents,while 65.2% had a positive attitude towards AI use. However, actual uptake was very low(7.4%). Among the few users (n=17), the most used tools were HealthMap (76.5%) and ChatGPT (52.9%), mainly for report writing (100%) and trend analysis (52.9%). Most users reported rare use (64.7%) and had discontinued use (76.5%) due to accuracy concerns, lack of institutional support, and technical issues. Factors significantly associated with uptake included age, marital status, occupation, and knowledge level (p<0.05). Major barriers to AI use were lack of funding (100%), absence of institutional training (100%), inadequate infrastructure (99.6%), unclear ethical guidelines (69.6%), and data privacy concerns (67.0%).Unclear ethical guidelines were the only independent predictor of AI uptake (OR=0.069,p<0.001).Conclusion: While knowledge and attitudes towards AI are reasonably favourable among PHC health workers in Benin City, actual uptake and sustained use remain very low. Systemic barriers especially lack of ethical guidelines, infrastructure, training, and funding must be addressed to translate awareness into practice. Recommendations: Federal and state health authorities should develop clear ethical and operational guidelines for AI in disease surveillance, integrate AI literacy into training curricula, invest in digital infrastructure, and implement phased, supervised AI tools starting with low-risk functions such as report generation and trend analysis