COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES,

BACKGROUND: Workplace violence against nurses has had significant impact on the health sector worldwide, including Nigeria. Although measures have been put in place, in a bid to curb its occurrence, it still remains a major public health concern. OBJECTIVES: This study identified the prevalence, pattern and determinants of workplace violence against nurses in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), with a view to provide data for appropriate policy formulation to promote a better workplace atmosphere. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was carried out among 346 Nurses in the UBTH, Benin city, Nigeria. Respondents were selected using Stratified sampling method. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. RESULT: The mean age of the respondents was 37.7±10.9 years. There were 290 (83.8%) females, and more than half, 210 (60.7%), were married. Majority, 270 (77.6%) had experienced workplace violence at least once in their careers, and overall, 222 (64.2%) of the respondents had a high prevalence of workplace violence. The one-year prevalence rate of workplace violence was 71.9% (194). The highest determinant and measure indicated were unrealistic expectations of patient relatives (93.6%) and controlling the number of visitors (93.9%), respectively. Age (p = 0.001), marital status (p = 0.002), and years of experience (p = <0.001) were found to have significant associations with the overall prevalence. CONCLUSION: Majority of the respondents had experienced workplace violence, verbal abuse was most common form and patient relatives, the highest perpetrators. The highest determinant and measures to curb workplace violence were the unrealistic expectations of patient relatives and controlling the number of visitors respectively

Background: Skilled birth care is important for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, yet its utilisation remains suboptimal in many low- and middle-income settings. In sub–Saharan Africa, where maternal deaths are highest, men play a key role in household decision-making, including access to maternal healthcare. Although male involvement has been linked to improved use of skilled services, gaps persist between knowledge, attitudes, and actual engagement due to sociocultural and financial constraints. Understanding these dynamics is essential for improving maternal health outcomes. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, level of involvement, and factors influencing decision-making regarding the utilisation of skilled birth care among male partners in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2025 and April 2026 among 512 adult male partners residing in Egor Local Government Area, whose wives or partners were currently pregnant or had previously delivered. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 27.0 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 44.8 ± 9.8 years. Most were married, 483 (94.3%), in monogamous unions, 495 (96.7%), lived in nuclear families, 444 (86.7%), and were in the high socioeconomic class, 364 (71.1%). Household size was ≥5 in 334 (65.2%). Most had good knowledge of skilled birth care, 480 (93.8%), with no significant predictors (p > 0.05). Positive attitude was reported by 207 (40.4%), with significant associations for age (p < 0.001), family setting (p = 0.001), household size (p < 0.001), and socioeconomic status (p = 0.008). Involvement was high in 502 (98.0%), with no significant predictors (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Knowledge and involvement in skilled birth care were high, but positive attitudes remained limited and were influenced by household and socioeconomic factors. Decision making was largely shaped by financial, accessibility, and sociocultural constraints. To improve utilisation and maternal health outcomes, interventions must expand health insurance and subsidised maternity services, strengthen transport and referral systems, institutionalise respectful high- quality facility care, and engage household decision- makers through community- based education

Background/Purpose of the Study: Stroke remains one of the leading causes of
death and long-term disability globally, with its burden particularly high in low
and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. It requires a comprehensive
multidisciplinary approach for effective management. Physiotherapy plays a vital
role in restoring mobility, promoting functional independence, and improving
quality of life for stroke survivors. However, awareness and perception of its
importance among students in other health-related disciplines may remain
inadequate. Understanding these perceptions is crucial in promoting
interprofessional collaboration and strengthening patient-centered rehabilitation
practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of awareness and
perception of the roles of physiotherapy in stroke management among College of
Medical Sciences students, University of Benin. The study also explored the
influence of gender, department, and academic level on awareness and perception.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 295
undergraduate students (300 level and above) from seven departments within the
College of Medical Sciences. A self-administered structured questionnaire adapted
from validated instruments was used to collect data on knowledge, awareness, and
perception of physiotherapy in stroke management. Data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, and percentage, while chi-square
tests were used to determine associations at a 0.05 level of significance.
Results: Over half of the respondents (52.2%) demonstrated good knowledge of
physiotherapy, and 84.7% showed good understanding of both medical and
physiotherapy aspects of stroke management. The majority acknowledged that
physiotherapists are essential in restoring mobility and functional independence in
stroke survivors. No statistically significant associations were found between
knowledge and gender, department, or academic level. The major sources of
information on physiotherapy and stroke management were social media (16.6%),
lectures (14.3%), and online medical articles (12.4%).
Conclusion: The study concludes that most college of medical science students at
the University of Benin possess a good level of awareness and positive perception
of the role of physiotherapy in stroke management. However, some
misconceptions persist, highlighting the need for improved educational exposure
and interprofessional learning opportunities. Integrating physiotherapy awareness
into medical curricula and leveraging digital health education platforms could
foster better collaboration among future healthcare providers and enhance stroke
rehabilitation outcomes.