BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among healthcare students due to long study hours, poor posture, and physical demands during clinical training. These disorders can cause pain, limit functional performance and affect academic productivity. This study examined the comparative prevalence, pattern, and determinants of musculoskeletal disorders among Medical, Nursing, and Physiotherapy students at the University of Benin.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 301 students selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while chi-square tests determined associations between musculoskeletal symptoms and factors such as department, study hours, and clinical workload. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of respondents were females aged 21–25 years. The 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was highest in the lower back (71.4%), upper back (63.8%), and neck (62.8%). Neck and upper-back pain significantly differed among departments (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01 respectively), with higher rates among nursing and physiotherapy students. Clinical workload showed significant association with wrist/hand (p = 0.01) and hip/thigh (p < 0.001) pain, while study hours were not significantly associated (p > 0.05). iv Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders were highly prevalent among healthcare students at the University of Benin. The major determinants were ergonomic strain and workload intensity rather than demographic factors. Ergonomic education, regular breaks, and workload regulation are recommended to prevent musculoskeletal strain during training.

Dental radiography serves as an essential diagnostic tool for detecting pathologies in the maxillofacial region. This study evaluates radiographic findings, diagnostic accuracy, and prevalence of maxillofacial abnormalities in a Nigerian tertiary healthcare facility. A retrospective review of 264 dental radiographic records from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (January 2024-January 2025) was conducted. Sociodemographic characteristics, radiographic modalities, clinical findings, pulpal/periodontal diagnoses, and diagnostic accuracy parameters were analyzed using SPSS version 28.0. Descriptive statistics and diagnostic accuracy measures (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. The cohort was predominantly young adults (25-35 years: 43.6%; 52.7% female). Pain was the primary indication for radiography (57.2%). Periapical radiographs were most frequently utilized (59.4%), with all imaging employing digital modality. Dental caries (22.7%) and irreversible pulpitis (17.0%) were the most prevalent clinical and pulpal diagnoses. Cysts or tumors were present in 15.7% of cases, including squamous cell carcinoma (2.2%) and ameloblastoma (1.1%). Radiographic image quality was diagnostic in 98.9% of cases. Diagnostic accuracy demonstrated sensitivity of 87.7-100%, specificity of 83.3-100%, and overall accuracy of 86.7-97.3%, with perfect accuracy (100%) for trauma/fracture detection and 97.3% for tumor/lesion detection. Well-defined lesion borders predominated (81.8%), suggesting predominantly chronic pathologies. Dental radiographs demonstrate substantial diagnostic utility for maxillofacial assessment in this tertiary facility, with high technical quality and diagnostic accuracy. The significant prevalence of caries, periapical pathology, and detected malignancies underscores the importance of radiographic screening protocols. Digital implementation and appropriate modality selection enhance diagnostic capability while supporting radiation safety principles. However, inherent two-dimensional limitations necessitate three-dimensional imaging for complex cases.

Background: Radiographic contrast agents are widely used for diagnostic enhancement, yet concerns remain about their toxic effects on vital organs. Statement of Problem: Despite the popularity of contrast media as a radiological technique, the possible systemic and organ-level impact of this method has not been properly examined, particularly in Nigeria. Thus, the research assesses and contrasts the biological effects of selected contrast agents use in Wistar-rats so as to support the evidence that can be used to guide the use of safer contrast media that is evidence-based. Aim: This experimental study compared the biochemical, histopathological, and behavioral effects of ionic (Urographin) and non-ionic (Iohexol) contrast media on Wistar rats. Methods: Nine rats were randomized into three groups: control, Urographin, and Iohexol. Kidney and liver markers, body weight, and behavior were assessed, followed by histological evaluation. Results: Urographin produced higher renal stress, with urea increasing from 36.4 to 41.3 mg/dL (+13.5%) and creatinine rising from 3.98 to 4.15 mg/dL (+4.3%) compared to Iohexol (urea 40.1 mg/dL, +10.2%; creatinine 4.05 mg/dL, +1.8%). Kruskal–Wallis analysis showed borderline group differences for creatinine (p = 0.0628), sodium (p = 0.0628), and potassium (p = 0.0594), while other renal markers were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Hepatic markers showed a marked increase in AST with Urographin (96.9 to 162.5 U/L, +67.7%; p ≈ 0.0665), compared to Iohexol (119.9 U/L, +23.7%), while ALT changes were modest (p > 0.05). Total bilirubin increased by 22.1% in the Urographin group versus 8.6% in the Iohexol group. Body weight declined significantly more with Urographin (−5.8%) than Iohexol (−2.0%), with a borderline statistical trend (p = 0.064). Behaviorally, both agents caused reduced activity, piloerection, and appetite loss, but these signs were more severe in the Urographin group. Histopathology revealed mild hepatitis and pyelonephritis in Iohexol-treated rats, compared to zonal necrosis, vascular congestion, and glomerular degeneration in Urographin-treated rats. Conclusion: Both contrast media induced biochemical and tissue injury, but Urographin demonstrated greater toxic potential. Iohexol may therefore be considered the safer alternative for contrast-enhanced procedures.

The paper determined the attitudes and perceptions of radiographers towards patients with HIV/AIDS in the selected hospitals within Edo State, Nigeria. The cross- sectional was a descriptive design and 60 registered radiographers were selected, which included the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo Specialist Hospital and Raytouch Diagnostics. The structured and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 30.0. The findings showed that the attitude and perception of radiographers towards HIV/AIDS patients were generally positive as indicated by high mean score of compliance to universal precautions (Mean = 4.07) and fairness to patients (Mean = 3.78). However, some neutral answers revealed some remaining fear, lack of trust in regular routine HIV care and difficulty with poor facilities. The correlation between the years of practice (Spearman = 0.016, p = 0.902) and attitude was not significant, which indicated that the years of experience did not define positive attitudes alone. The research established that the radiographers are characterized by a commendable professionalism with regard to HIV/AIDS patients but need the unceasing training and enhanced institutional subsidies to uphold this standard. It suggests continuous professional growth, enhanced infection-control facilities, and stigma-reduction measures in order to boost the confidence and quality of care delivery of radiographers

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.