COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple, low-tech, safe and well established, self-paced assessment tool to quantify functional exercise capacity in adults. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of functional exercise on blood glucose, o2 saturation, pulse rate, distance covered and borg scale in healthy adult males at the University of Benin. Eighty-nine(89) healthy young adult males aged 18-29 years were recruited for this study. A straight hallway was used at the University of Benin. A 30m hallway was used to carry out the test. Two small cones were placed at both ends on the 30m mark to indicate the turnaround points. The subjects' Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated before the test. The pre and post-test vitals were measured and recorded. The statistical analysis was done using Graph Pad Prism statistical package Version 8.1. The standard error of mean (SEM) was used in tables and graphs to display the results.The dependent and independent variable means were compared using the student t-test. P<0.05 was accepted as significant. Based on the results, the six-minute walk test led to a significant reduction in blood glucose levels in young adult males. The test also resulted in a significant increase in the Borg scale (perceived exertion). However, there was no significant reduction in oxygen saturation levels after the exercise.

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.

Hand hygiene is a simple yet critical practice in preventing healthcare-associated infections, particularly in hospital settings where patients are often vulnerable to pathogens. While numerous studies have focused on healthcare workers, less attention has been paid to the awareness and practice of hand hygiene among patients themselves. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness, practice, and factors influencing hand hygiene among patients in selected wards at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 190 patients selected using a convenience sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was administered, and data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to summarize the data. Out of 190 distributed questionnaires, 185 were correctly completed and analyzed, yielding a response rate of 97.37%. The study revealed that 77.5% of patients demonstrated good awareness of hand hygiene, with a grand mean score of 1.8, exceeding the awareness benchmark of 1.5. Regarding practice, 70.6% of respondents reported good hand hygiene behavior, with a grand mean score of 3.1, above the cut-off of 2.5. Key factors influencing hand hygiene included understanding its importance, fear of infection, availability of hygiene materials, and encouragement from healthcare providers. The study found that patients in the selected wards of UBTH generally exhibited good awareness and practice of hand hygiene. However, gaps remain in consistent application, particularly in situations like coughing or sneezing. Efforts should be intensified to sustain and improve patient education on hand hygiene. Hospital administrators should ensure continuous availability of hand hygiene resources and promote supportive interactions between healthcare workers and patients to reinforce proper hygiene behavior.

Community-acquired infections (CAIs) are infections contracted outside healthcare facilities and constitute a significant source of morbidity among university students globally, particularly in environments characterized by overcrowding, shared sanitation facilities, poor ventilation, and inadequate hygiene infrastructure. In Nigeria, university halls of residence are defined by high population density and constrained living conditions, creating environments highly conducive to respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, and vector-borne infection transmission. Despite this burden, comprehensive data on the knowledge, attitudes, hygiene practices, prevalence, treatment-seeking behaviour, and environmental determinants of community-acquired infections among hostel-resident undergraduate students in SouthSouth Nigeria remain scarce.

Introduction: Dysphagia is a prevalent and life-threatening condition after an acute stroke. It causes under-nutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia. Besides, while swallowing therapy is conventional, other therapies such as electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) are being researched on how they can boost swallowing recovery. Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish the impact of EMS in conjunction with swallowing therapy and routine swallowing therapy among patients with dysphagia who had undergone acute stroke. Methods: This research involved a quasi-experimental study done at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Thirty-two patients who had undergone an acute stroke with dysphagia were chosen purposively into either the intervention group (n=22) or the control group (n=10). The intervention group underwent EMS treatment and routine swallowing therapy (swallowing exercises, positioning, and diet modification) for four weeks, while the control group had routine swallowing therapy alone. Evaluation of swallowing function before and at the end of four weeks was done using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Results: Highly significant improvement was observed among the intervention group participants (p < 0.001) as compared to the improvement among the control group participants (p = 0.011). Nonetheless, the Mann-Whitney U-test indicated a statistical significance between the final FOIS scores of both groups (U = 64.00; p = 0.043). In terms of their final FOIS scores, the intervention group had a mean score of 5.55 ± 1.47 while the control group had a mean score of 3.80 ± 2.25. Conclusion: From the results of this research, it can be concluded that routine swallow therapy is effective while the use of EMS yields significantly better results for swallowing function among patients with stroke-related dysphagia. Key Words: Stroke, Dysphagia, EMS, Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS).

Background / Purpose of the Study Caring for a child with Cerebral Palsy (CP) imposes substantial emotional and physical strain on caregivers, often leading to mental health issues like chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. In resource-limited settings such as the South-South region of Nigeria, these vulnerabilities are exacerbated by inadequate social support and financial constraints. This descriptive cross- sectional study investigated the specific factors influencing the mental well-being of caregivers of children with CP receiving care at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), with a focus on assessing mental health status, caregiving burden, and coping mechanisms. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving a purposive non-probability sample of 30 caregivers of children with CP at the UBTH Physiotherapy pediatric clinic. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that included the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42), and the Social Support Questionnaire for Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy (SSQ-CP). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and Multiple Regression Analysis to test the relationship between caregiving factors and mental health. Result A total of 30 caregivers participated in the study, of whom 22 were women and mothers, and the sample showed a clear skew toward lower income groups. Findings revealed a moderate to strong positive correlation between caregiving burden measured by the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and all indicators of psychological distress—depression, anxiety, and stress—with the overall relationship between ZBI and Mental Health Total being r = 0.712, p = 0.000, indicating a statistically significant association. Perceived social support measured by the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) demonstrated a significant negative correlation with mental health symptoms (r = −0.456, p = 0.011), suggesting that higher support functions as a protective or mitigating factor against psychological distress. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis confirmed that caregiving-related variables collectively and significantly predicted variations in mental health outcomes (F = 5.605, p = 0.001; Adjusted R² = 0.588). However, the severity of the child’s condition, represented by mobility status, did not show a statistically significant effect on caregivers’ mental health in this sample (F = 0.475, p = 0.627). Conclusion The study concluded that caregiving burden and the availability of emotional/social support are significant factors influencing caregiver mental health. Interventions should prioritize reducing the caregiving burden, enhancing formal and informal support systems, and addressing socioeconomic barriers to improve the overall well-being of these vulnerable caregivers in lowresource settings.

Background: Standard precautions are essential infection prevention and control measures used to reduce healthcare associated infections and occupational exposure among healthcare workers. Inadequate compliance with standard precautions remains a major public health concern in many healthcare facilities, particularly in resource‑limited settings. Aim: This study assessed and compared adherence to standard precautions among healthcare workers in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and identified determinants influencing compliance. Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted among 370 healthcare workers (doctors and nurses) in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Data was collected using a structured self‑administered questionnaire. Knowledge and Adherence was assessed using standardized questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27. Descriptive statistics, chi‑square tests and logistic regression analysis were used for analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.10 +/- 8.03 for doctors - who constituted 53.8% of the total population and 36.18 +/- 11.01 for nurses. The majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of standard precaution however doctors displayed a higher level of knowledge compared to nurses and the difference was statistically significant (48.6% and 37.6% respectively, p=0.01 ). Predictors of good knowledge were the male gender and doctors with males being less likely to have good knowledge (Odds Ratio= 0.210, C.I: 0.055 -0.799, p=0.022) and doctors being 2 times more likely to have good knowledge (Odds Ratio= 9.030, C.I: 2.342- 34.813, p=0.001). Hand hygiene and sharps disposal practices xvi recorded higher compliance levels compared with the use of protective eye goggles and face shields. Significantly more nurses 91(25.3%) always practiced hand hygiene before touching a patient compared to doctors 69(19.2%). The difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Respondents who previously attended infection prevention training demonstrated better compliance compared with those without training. There were no statistically significant predictors of compliance for doctors and nurses. Conclusion: Although healthcare workers demonstrated moderate to good knowledge and compliance with standard precautions, important gaps still exist. Continuous infection prevention training, improved institutional support and adequate provision of personal protective equipment are recommended to improve adherence to standard precautions among healthcare workers in UBTH

Team-based care is an approach to healthcare delivery that aims to improve patient safety, streamline clinical workflows, and reduce clinical errors. While collaborative models are known to improve patient outcomes, their implementation in everyday practice can be limited by varied levels of awareness, traditional hospital hierarchies, and communication xvi gaps among healthcare professionals. This study assessed the knowledge and perception of team- based care among clinical staff in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted among 418 clinical staff at UBTH, selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of team-based care principles, overall perception of interprofessional collaboration, and factors influencing its practical implementation. Knowledge and perception scores were categorized as good (≥50%) or poor (<50%). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used as appropriate. Results: The mean age of respondents was 36.84 ± 8.65 years, with the largest proportion (45.1%) in the 30–39 years age group. Most respondents (58.2%) were nurses, while 31.4% comprised doctors, pharmacists, and other clinical professionals. Overall, 88.5% of respondents had previously heard of team-based care, with clinical meetings and departmental seminars being the most common sources of information (54.0%). A total of 72.0% had good knowledge of team-based care frameworks, and 84.0% held a positive perception toward its practice. Professional cadre was significantly associated with knowledge (\chi^2 = 26.14, p < 0.001), and years of clinical work experience was also significantly associated with knowledge (\chi^2 = 8.45, p = 0.012). Conclusion: Although overall baseline knowledge of team-based care was moderate, with 72.0% of respondents demonstrating good knowledge, the majority of clinical staff held a positive perception toward interprofessional collaboration (84%). These findings suggest that xvii while readiness to adopt collaborative care is high among staff, practical execution faces systemic institutional challenges. Routine interprofessional training workshops, formalized hospital guidelines, and the early introduction of team-based modules in undergraduate medical and health curricula are recommended to improve collaborative healthcare delivery at UBTH. Keywords: Team-based care; knowledge; perception; clinical staff; interprofessional collaboration; UBTH; Nigeria.

Background: Poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices remain a major public health concern in Nigeria and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age. Nursing mothers play a critical role in preventing infections such as diarrhea and acute respiratory infections through appropriate hygiene behaviours. Despite the importance of immunization clinics as contact points for maternal and child health education, limited data exist on the WASH practices of nursing mothers attending these facilities. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding WASH among nursing mothers attending immunization clinics at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was be employed. The study population were nursing mothers with children aged 0–24 months attending the immunization clinic during the study period. A sample size of 229 participants was determined using Cochran’s formula, with adjustment for non￾response. Systematic random sampling was used to select respondents. Data was collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from validated WASH assessment tools. The instrument assessed sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of WASH, attitudes toward hygiene practices, household WASH behaviours, influencing factors, infant feeding practices, and history of diarrhea. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests was used to examine associations between variables, with significance set at p < 0.05. The findings provided evidence on existing WASH practices and associated factors among nursing mothers, and informed targeted interventions aimed at reducing hygiene-related infections and improving child health outcomes in the study setting. Results: Mean age of respondents was 27.70 ± 2.72 years. Overall, 48 (20.9%) had good knowledge, while 182 (79.1%) had poor knowledge of WASH. Attitude was positive in 160 (69.6%) and negative in 70 (30.4%). 162 (70.4%) had good WASH practice, while 68 (29.6%) had poor WASH practice. Satisfactory water-related practice was observed in more than three-fifths of respondents, satisfactory sanitation practice in about three-quarters, and satisfactory hygiene practice in three-fifths. Major x factors influencing WASH practice included household support, affordability of hygiene products, cultural practices, and health education from health workers. Logistic regression showed affordability of hygiene products as the only independent predictor of good WASH practice (OR = 0.429; 95% CI = 0.219–0.841; p = 0.014). Conclusion: Good WASH practice was high among nursing mothers attending immunization clinic in UBTH, despite poor knowledge among most respondents. Affordability of hygiene products significantly influenced practice, highlighting the need for continuous health education and economically sensitive WASH interventions. Keywords: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); Nursing Mothers; Immunization Clinic; Diarrhea; Child Health

Background: Patient safety is a fundamental component of quality healthcare and an essential aspect of healthcare training. Medical errors and preventable adverse events remain major causes of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Adequate knowledge and positive perceptions of patient safety are important for promoting safe clinical practice and reducing preventable harm. However, gaps in patient safety education and training continue to exist among medical and nursing students. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, perception and determinants of patient safety among medical and nursing students in the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 consenting medical and nursing students in the University of Benin selected through a stratified sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO Patient Safety Curriculum Guide and the Attitudes to Patient Safety Questionnaire III (APSQ-III). The questionnaire assessed respondents’socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of patient safety, perception toward patient safety, and determinants influencing patient safety knowledge and perception. Data collected was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were used to summarize the data. Chi-square test and multivariable analysis were used to determine associations and predictors of patient safety knowledge and perception. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results were presented in tables, charts and prose. Results: A total of 420 respondents participated in the study, with a mean age of 22.2 ± 2.6 years. Most respondents, 383 (91.2%) had heard of patient safety with lectures 298 (71.0%) and clinical postings 273 (65.0%) being the major sources of information. Three hundred and eighty-nine (92.6%) of respondents had good knowledge of patient safety. Respondents residing off-campus were significantly less likely to have good knowledge of patient safety compared to those living in school hostels (OR = 0.376, 95% CI: 0.145-0.974, p = 0.044), while respondents who had not heard of patient safety were about 92% less likely to have good knowledge compared to those who were aware (OR = 0.081, 95% CI: 0.029-0.227, p < 0.001). Overall, 273 (65%) had positive perception of patient safety. Majority agreed that patient safety is a global issue (92.4%), most clinical errors are preventable (92.6%), patient involvement improves safety (93.3%) and teamwork reduces errors (88.8%). Respondents sponsored by parents were about three times more likely to have positive perception compared to those who sponsored themselves (OR = 3.296, 95% CI: 1.325-8.194, p = 0.010). Determinants influencing patient safety included supervisory emphasis on patient safety (96.7%), integration of safety concepts into lectures and training (87.1%), adequate clinical training (71.7%), practical teaching methods (97.9%), and personal motivation (86.7%). Conclusion: Medical and nursing students in the University of Benin demonstrated generally good knowledge and positive perceptions of patient safety. Despite this, gaps still exist in system-based understanding of patient safety. Strengthening patient safety education through improved curriculum integration and simulation-based learning is recommended to further promote patient safety culture among future healthcare professionals.