COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

This study assessed the perceived impact of clinical nursing practice on the academic performance of undergraduate nursing students in the University of Benin. Across-sectional survey design was employed, gathering data from 282 students through structured questionnaires. Findings revealed that 44.9% believed their workload during clinical practice adversely affected their learning, while 76.4% found instructor feedback helpful in enhancing clinical skills. Limited access to resources was reported by 40.6% of participants, and56.4%experienced stress that influenced their perception of clinical practice. Although clinical practice significantly enhanced professional development—49.1% strongly agreeing—it also presented challenges: 83.6% struggled to balance academic and clinical demands, and61.8%cited inadequate resources. Additionally, 50.9% reported insufficient supervision and mentorship, while 54.5% experienced high stress levels. Recommendations to address these issues include enhancing resource availability, strengthening mentorship, managing workloads, and providing stress management training. These interventions could optimize the learning environment and better prepare students for professional practice, emphasizing the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of clinical training programs to align with healthcare demands and student needs

Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is an abnormal opening between the balder and the vagina in which urine leaks into the vagina. Sometimes this type develops as a result of obstructed labour in childbirth. This abnormality is rampant among adolescents and as such many young adolescent students still do not have good knowledge about the causes and implication on health. On this note, this study was designed to investigate perception of vesico-vagina fistula among adolescent students in selected secondary school in Ovia North-east Local Government, Edo State. A sample size of 230 adolescents was selected through random sampling technique. A well- structured questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection based on the research objectives. Data collected was analysed using descriptive (Frequency, percentage and mean) and inferential statistics. The level of significance was set at � < 0.05. The data analysis was carried out using IBM Statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 for windows. The result shows that the Adolescents have good knowledge about vesico-vagina fistula and have high (positive) perception towards VVF and the prevention mechanism.

Nursing is a globally recognized female-dominated profession, with traditional gender stereotypes often shaping perceptions and career pathways. In cultural contexts like Edo State, Nigeria, these norms can significantly influence students' decisions to enter the field. This study aimed to examine the perception of gender roles and its influence on the choice of a nursing career among undergraduate nursing students in a tertiary institution in Edo State. A descriptive correlational design was adopted, surveying 270 undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin. Data were collected using a four-part questionnaire covering demographics, perceptions of gender roles, factors influencing career choice, and open-ended questions. Data
were analyzed with SPSS using descriptive statistics (mean, SD), inferential statistics (Independent Samples T-tests), and thematic analysis. Results revealed that the primary motivators for choosing nursing were altruistic factors (a desire to help people) and pragmatic considerations (career stability), which ranked significantly higher than the influence of gender based perceptions. While students held egalitarian views on professional competence, they acknowledged that nursing is publicly perceived as a female-dominated profession. A significant gender difference was found (p < .05), with male students reporting that they face more challenges and stereotypes than their female peers. Qualitative analysis confirmed these challenges, highlighting themes of patient bias and social isolation. In conclusion, while gender stereotypes persist and negatively impact the student experience, particularly for males, they are not the primary drivers of career choice for this cohort. Students are motivated by passion and pragmatism, choosing the profession despite existing societal biases. The study recommends the
integration of gender-sensitivity modules into nursing curricula and the establishment of mentorship programs to better support all students navigating these professional challenges.

This study investigated the level of awareness and prevention practices regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among female undergraduates in the Faculty of Education, University of Benin. A descriptive survey design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to measure awareness levels, knowledge of specific infections, and the uptake of preventive behaviors. The findings revealed that the overall STI awareness was moderate, with 45% of students demonstrating good awareness, 35% fair awareness, and 20% poor awareness. While knowledge of prominent infections like HIV/AIDS and gonorrhea was high, significant gaps existed concerning chlamydia, syphilis, and the nature of asymptomatic infection. Furthermore, the translation of awareness into consistent preventive practice was suboptimal: only 30% of sexually active respondents reported consistent condom use, and a mere 30% of all respondents had ever undergone STI testing. Inferential analysis confirmed that awareness significantly predicts preventive practices, indicating that students with higher awareness are more likely to engage in protective behaviors. Barriers such as stigma, limited access to youth-friendly health services, and reliance on unreliable information sources (peers and social media) were identified as major factors inhibiting the consistent
application of safe practices. The study concludes that although awareness exists, it is insufficient to guarantee optimal prevention. It is recommended that the university health services strengthen targeted campaigns to cover lesser-known STIs, integrate reproductive health education into the curriculum, and establish confidential, youth-friendly health services to improve testing and vaccination uptake.

This study explored the knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices among 258 nurses in a tertiary health facility in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, through a comprehensive survey. The research examined socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of various occupational hazards (physical, biological, chemical, ergonomic, and psychosocial), exposure levels, and adherence to safety protocols. Results indicated that 60.9% of nurses possessed good knowledge of occupational hazards, 33.3% had moderate knowledge, and 5.8% exhibited poor knowledge. High awareness was noted for workplace hazards (95.3%) and their potential adverse health effects (96.5%), though knowledge of relevant laws and regulations was lower (68.2%). Exposure to occupational hazards was significant, with 41.1% of nurses reporting high exposure and 50.0% experiencing moderate exposure. Frequently encountered hazards included prolonged standing (72.5%), low back pain (68.6%), workplace stress (76.7%), and exposure to disinfectants (55.0%). Overcrowded workplaces (56.6%) and infectious diseases (37.6%) were also prevalent concerns. Safety practices were robust, with 71.3% of nurses demonstrating good adherence, particularly in regular hand hygiene (77.1% strongly agree) and proper disposal of sharps (74.0% strongly agree). However, disagreement regarding needle recapping (24.8%) suggested areas for improved training. A chi-square analysis (χ² = 104.216, p < 0.001) confirmed a significant relationship between higher knowledge levels and better safety practices, underscoring the importance of education in fostering safer behaviors. The findings highlight gaps in organizational safety systems, such as limited systematic hazard identification (59.7%), and the need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include enhanced training on hazard- specific risks, regular risk assessments, ergonomic improvements, and stricter policy enforcement to mitigate exposure and promote a safer working environment for nurses in tertiary healthcare settings.

Background: Psychiatric nursing is inherently demanding, exposing practitioners to
significant occupational stress. However, the specific influence of workload on the
psychological health of nurses in Nigerian psychiatric hospitals remains under-researched.
This study investigated the influence of workload on the psychological health of psychiatric
nurses at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Edo State.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed among 101 psychiatric nurses
selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered
questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Findings revealed a strong positive association between workload and stress, with
71.3% of nurses agreeing that workload increased their stress levels. Workload significantly
contributed to emotional and physical exhaustion, though it did not strongly predict
professional detachment. Excessive workload was linked to diminished job satisfaction and
poor work-life balance, while manageable workloads enhanced fulfillment. Nurses
predominantly employed informal coping strategies such as relaxation techniques (49.5%) and
peer support (48.6%), with marked reluctance toward professional counseling services (31.7%
disagreed/strongly disagreed).
Conclusion: Workload significantly influences the psychological health of psychiatric nurses,
contributing to stress, exhaustion, and reduced job satisfaction. However, nurses maintain
professional commitment despite these challenges. The study recommends implementation of
equitable workload management systems, establishment of structured mental health support
programs, and promotion of adaptive coping strategies to safeguard nurse wellbeing and
optimize patient care quality.

Mindfulness meditation, recognized globally as an evidence-based intervention, promotes self-awareness, stress reduction, and emotional regulation. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of mindfulness meditation among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. It specifically examined students’ level of awareness, extent of practice, commonly used mindfulness techniques, and factors influencing mindfulness engagement. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, involving 312 nursing students selected from a total population of 983 across all academic levels using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a validated structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized respondents’ knowledge and practice levels, while Spearman’s rho correlation tested the relationship between the two variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings revealed that most respondents possessed moderate knowledge of mindfulness meditation but demonstrated low levels of regular practice. The most common methods used were mindful breathing and body scanning. Barriers identified
included lack of time, inadequate institutional support, and limited access to trained facilitators, while facilitators included positive attitudes and peer encouragement. Statistical analysis indicated a weak but positive correlation between knowledge and practice of mindfulness meditation among students. The study concludes that although nursing students are aware of mindfulness and its benefits, its practical application remains limited. Integrating mindfulness-based programs into the nursing curriculum is recommended to enhance students’ emotional resilience, stress management, and overall mental well-being. Strengthened institutional support and increased awareness can promote a more consistent mindfulness culture

This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of dysmenorrhea among female students inselected secondary school in Edo State. The study aims to ascertain the knowledge of dysmenorrhea, prevalence of dysmenorrhea and the risk factors of dysmenorrhea among female students in selected secondary schools in Edo State. The study adopted a non-experimental descriptive survey design. The study population consisted of 545 adolescents in public secondary from Ezomo College, OraBenin-city and Ekosodin Secondary School, Ekosodin, Benin-city. A sample size of 331 respondents was selected for study using convenience sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a well-structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated by the research supervisor. To ensure the reliability of the instrument, a pilot study of the instrument was carried. The data collected were analysed using both descriptive statistics(frequency, percentages and mean score) and inferential statistics (Chi square statistics) to test the research hypotheses at p < 0.05 level of significance. The result showed that most of the adolescents have adequate knowledge of dysmenorrhea. It was also revealed that the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among adolescents is high. It was further revealed that weight loss, exercise, family history of dysmenorrhea, stress and childbirth are all risk factors of dysmenorrhea. It was also indicated that there is a relationship between the respondents’ knowledge of primary
dysmenorrhea and their age.Based on the findings,it was concludedandrecommended among othersthat State Ministry of health, National primary health care development Agency should invest in training and retraining of youths in dysmenorrhea, in order to promote their knowledge as it will help in the management of dysmenorrhea. Relevant agencies should create policy support for the training of adolescents on dysmenorrhea

This study aimed to evaluate nurses' adherence to evidence-based infection prevention and control protocols for catheter associated urinary tract infections prevention at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), identify influencing factors, and propose strategies to enhance compliance.A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed,using a structured questionnaire administered to 211 nurses across various clinical departments.Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics,with significance set at p < 0.05. The findings revealed that while 80.6% of nurses demonstrated good knowledge of CAUTI prevention protocols, only 67.3% reported strict adherence to them. Factors afecting adherence included high patient loads,time constraints, inadequate supply of personal protective equipment, and lack of institutional support.A significant relationship (p < 0.05) was found between nurses’ knowledge and their level of adherence, afirming the relevance of the Theory of Planned Behavior in predicting IPC compliance. The study concludes that although knowledge levels are relatively high, adherence is hindered by modifiable barriers. To improve compliance, the study recommends regular in-service training, implementation ofnurse-led catheter protocols, improved resource allocation, and enhanced leadership engagement.These interventions are expected to reduce CAUTI rates, enhance patient outcomes, and strengthen infection control practices.The study contributes to the growing body of evidence emphasizing the need for context-specific interventions in Nigerian healthcare settings to support nurses in delivering safe, evidence-based care