BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a major global health concern, with misconceptions about its causes and prevention influencing health-seeking behavior. Nursing students, as future healthcare providers, require accurate knowledge and sound preventive practices. This study assessed knowledge, preventive practices, misconceptions, and influencing factors regarding PUD among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A total of 255 questionnaires were distributed, with 249 valid responses obtained (97.6% response rate). Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Knowledge scores were categorized as good (≥0.70), fair (0.50–0.69), or poor (<0.50). Results showed that 78% of respondents demonstrated good overall knowledge of PUD, with strengths in symptom recognition (96.4%) and causative role of Helicobacter pylori (74.7%). However, knowledge gaps persisted in H. pylori transmission (51.8%) and NSAID-related ulcer formation (63.9%). Preventive practices recorded a grand mean of 0.66, reflecting moderate adherence, with good performance in avoiding unprescribed painkillers (mean = 0.82) and maintaining hydration (mean = 0.79), but poor adherence regarding alcohol (0.42) and tobacco use (0.37). Major influencing factors included level of study (mean = 3.30), academic workload (3.07), and healthcare accessibility (3.09). Misconceptions persisted, particularly stress as a sole cause (mean = 0.42) and treatment discontinuation after symptom relief (0.55). Despite good baseline knowledge, the persistence of misconceptions and moderate preventive practices indicate a knowledge–practice gap requiring targeted educational interventions.

Food hygiene is a major public health concern in tertiary academic institutions where a large population depends on food vendors for daily meals. Poor food hygiene practices may expose consumers to foodborne diseases despite vendors’ awareness of hygiene principles. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of food hygiene among food vendors in a tertiary academic institution in Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. A convenience sampling technique was used to select 250 food vendors. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, practice, and factors influencing food hygiene practices. Out of 250 questionnaires distributed, 243 were properly completed and analyzed, giving a response rate of 97.2%. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used at a 5% level of significance. Findings revealed that 53% (128) of the respondents had good knowledge of food hygiene, while 47% (115) had poor knowledge, with a grand mean score of 1.5, indicating overall good knowledge. Attitude toward food hygiene was generally positive, as 63% (153) of the vendors demonstrated positive attitudes, with a grand mean of 2.8. However, food hygiene practices were largely inadequate, as only 41% (99) exhibited good practices, while 59% (144) practiced poor food hygiene, with a low grand mean score of 2.4. Key factors influencing food hygiene practices included access to clean water, level of education, waste disposal facilities, training, financial constraints, regular inspection, and institutional support, with a grand mean of 3.0. Hypothesis testing showed no significant relationship between knowledge and food hygiene practice (χ² = 9.786, p = 0.092) and no significant relationship between attitude and food hygiene practice (χ² = 6.876, p = 0.089). Despite good knowledge and positive attitudes toward food hygiene, food vendors demonstrated poor hygiene practices, indicating a significant knowledge–practice gap. Regular training, improved access to water and sanitation facilities, routine health inspections, and institutional support are recommended to enhance food hygiene practices among food vendors in tertiary institutions.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of global mortality, with a rising burden in sub-Saharan Africa driven by rapid urbanization and unhealthy lifestyle changes. In Nigeria, modifiable risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption are increasingly prevalent, yet limited data exist on how these behaviors correlate
with physiological risk factors within urban communities. This study aimed to assess behavioral lifestyle practices as correlates of modifiable physiological risk factors for cardiovascular disease among adult residents in the Ekosodin community, Benin City, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a systematic sampling technique. The sample used a
Kth interval of 2in selecting households and then adult residents within the community. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and physical measurements, including body mass index (BMI) checking the height and weight, blood pressure (BP), and waist circumference (WC). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze patterns of behavior and risk factors, while chi- square and multivariate logistic regression were employed to test associations and hypotheses. Among adult residents in Ekosodin community (Benin City, Nigeria), cardiovascular disease risk significantly correlated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors as 38.6% had hypertension, 57.5% were overweight/obese, 34% were high-risk residents, with risk factors more prevalent among
males (39.7%), those aged over 60 (66.7%), individuals with no formal education (54.2%), those earning less than ₦20,000 monthly (39.4%), and those with a family history of CVD (43.9%).The study highlights the strong correlation between lifestyle behaviors and cardiovascular risk factors among adults in the Ekosodin community. It underscores the urgent need for community- based health promotion interventions that target behavior modification. Public health policies should prioritize education and prevention strategies to address the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in urban Nigerian settings.

This study investigated the determinants of quality of life in oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed with a convenience sample of 244 patients receiving chemotherapy treatment. Data was collected using a researcher’s questionnaire assessing quality of life dimensions and available support systems. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 28.0, employing both descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means) and inferential statistics (chi-square) with significance set at p < 0.05.Findings revealed concerning quality of life levels among participants, with 45% reporting poor quality of life, 37% reporting fair quality of life, and only 18% reporting good quality of life. The study identified several determinants influencing quality of life outcomes, including sociodemographic factors, disease characteristics, treatment-related side effects, psychological well-being, and available support systems. Assessment of support systems highlighted gaps in comprehensive care delivery. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve quality of life among chemotherapy patients at UBTH through enhanced symptom management protocols, expanded psychosocial support services, and integrated care models. This study
contributes valuable insights to inform clinical practice, healthcare policy, and system-level improvements aimed at enhancing the overall well-being of oncology patients in this setting. Further research employing longitudinal designs and mixed-methods approaches is recommended to more comprehensively understand quality of life trajectories and develop contextually appropriate interventions.