COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

Anaemia is influenced by erythroferrone (ERFE), a regulator of hepcidin during stress erythropoiesis. Aluminium chloride induces anaemia through oxidative stress and impaired iron utilization. Icacina trichantha, a medicinal plant with reported haematopoietic and antioxidant effects, may modulate ERFE expression in anaemic conditions. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Icacina trichantha on ERFE gene expression in aluminium chloride-induced anaemia in albino Wistar rats. A total of sixty (60) adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into six (6) groups; A, B, C, D, E and F representing control, aluminium chloride group, ferrous sulphate group, aluminium chloride + 100 mg/kg Icacina trichantha extract, aluminium chloride + 200 mg/kg Icacina trichantha extract and aluminium chloride + 400 mg/kg Icacina trichantha extract respectively. Haematological parameters, blood cell morphology and mRNA ERFE expression were determined using haematology autoanalyzer, manual method and polymerase chain reaction respectively. Data obtained were analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. The comparison of red blood cell parameters showed that red blood cell count (RBC) of groups C (7.65±0.21), D (8.18±0.06), E (7.84±0.31) and F (8.05±0.29) showed no significant difference when compared with groups A (8.09±0.12) and B (7.74±0.21) (p>0.05). Haemoglobin Concentration (g/dL) of groups C (15.06±0.36), D (15.5±0.22), E (15±0.59) and F (15.1±0.61) was not significantly different from groups A (15.33±0.24) and B (14.84±0.32) (p>0.05). Haematocrit (%) of groups C (44.46±0.99), D (45.1±0.73), E (44.32±1.46) and F (43.86±1.52) was not significantly different from groups A (44.88±0.78) and B (44.52±0.96) (p>0.05). Mean cell volume (MCV) of group F (54.64±0.96) was significantly lower than group C (58.22±0.49) (p<0.05), while no significant differences were observed in other groups. Mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) of group F (18.72±0.23) was also significantly lower when compared to group C (19.66±0.07) (p<0.05). Mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), RDW-SD, and RDW-CV showed no significant differences among the groups (p>0.05). Normochromatic and normocytic cells were moderately present in most groups (A, C, D, E), while Group B showed reduced levels with increased crenated cells. Group F demonstrated higher normocytic cell presence alongside mild crenation. Polychromatic cells were absent across all groups. Groups B showed significantly higher expression of RUNX1 when compared to groups A (p<0.05). Groups B showed significantly lower expression of ERFE when compared to groups A (p<0.05). Group C, D, E and F had significantly higher expression of ERFE when compared to group B (P<0.05). In conclusion, treatment with ferrous sulphate and varying doses of Icacina trichantha extract caused changes in red blood cell parameters and also improved ERFE expression, with the highest extract dose showing the greatest effect.

Background : Physical activity (PA) is crucial for reducing non-communicable diseases and enhancing quality of life among older adults, yet participation remains low, particularly in Nigeria, where inactivity rates reach over 63% among those aged 75–79. Limited context- specific research exists on barriers, benefits, and facilitators of PA among older adults in Benin City. Aim : This study aimed to investigate the perceived barriers, benefits, and facilitators of PA among older adults in Benin City, Nigeria. Method: A mixed-method cross-sectional design was employed, involving 400 community- dwelling adults aged 60 and above in Egor Local Government Area. Data were collected using the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS) and qualitative interviews. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA analyzed quantitative data, while thematic analysis explored qualitative responses. Results: Key barriers included exercise milieu (e.g., inaccessible facilities) and physical exertion (e.g., fatigue), while facilitators encompassed life enhancement (e.g., improved daily functioning) and psychological well-being (e.g., reduced stress). Education and marital status significantly influenced EBBS scores (p<0.05), unlike age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Older adults in Benin City recognize PA’s benefits but face environmental and physical barriers. Tailored interventions addressing infrastructure, health literacy, and social support are essential for promoting active aging.

Background: Prolonged waiting time in hospitals is a critical component of healthcare delivery that negatively impacts patient satisfaction, which remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria. Despite ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery, long waiting times remain prominent, partly due to systemic inefficiencies, poor communication, and inadequate infrastructure. This study assessed and compared patient satisfaction with waiting time in public and private health facilities in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 362 adult outpatients in Benin City, selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and an observation checklist covering sociodemographic characteristics, waiting time experience, patient satisfaction with waiting time, and factors influencing satisfaction. Patient satisfaction scores were categorised as good (≥70%) or poor (<70%). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used as appropriate. Results: The mean age of respondents was 43.2 ± 16.8 years, and the majority (27.3%) were in the 40–49 years age group. Most respondents (56.6%) had tertiary education, and 76.5% were employed. Overall, 39.2% of respondents waited for 1–2 hours, and 58.9% demonstrated overall good satisfaction with the services received. The type of health facility was significantly associated with overall patient satisfaction (p < 0.001), with satisfaction being higher in private facilities (69.6%) compared to public facilities (48.1%). In the multivariable analysis, having a primary level of education was significantly associated with lower odds of satisfaction compared to having a tertiary education (OR = 0.138, p = 0.046). Furthermore, staff adequately explaining the reason for delays (OR = 132.673, p < 0.001), the comfort of the waiting environment (OR = XIV 9.273, p = 0.007), and the provision of clear information about procedures (OR = 5.834, p = 0.014) emerged as significant independent predictors of patient satisfaction. The perception that staff attitude made waiting easier was not a statistically significant predictor when controlling for other variables (p = 0.407). Conclusion: Although the majority of the respondents demonstrated a positive overall satisfaction with the services received, a significant disparity exists, with patients in public health facilities experiencing lower satisfaction levels compared to their private counterparts. These findings suggest that while objective waiting time is a factor, institutional and interpersonal factors such as staff communication and environmental comfort remain critical drivers of patient satisfaction. Targeted infrastructural upgrades, the implementation of modern queue management systems, and routine staff training on effective communication are recommended to improve patient satisfaction in health facilities in Benin City and similar settings.

Background/Aim: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal problem during pregnancy, often contributing to functional limitations and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low back pain, identify associated risk factors and assess its impact on functional activities among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at UBTH. Data were collected using a structured selfadministered questionnaire comprising sociodemographic information, obstetric history, potential risk factors, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) to assess functional limitation. Descriptive VWDWLVWLFV VXPPDUL]HG SDUWLFLSDQWV¶ VRFLRGHPRJUDSKLF GDWD ZKLOH LQIHUHQWLDO statistics (Chi-square tests) examined associations between LBP and potential risk factors. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of low back pain among the study population was 58% in the last 7 days, indicating a moderate occurrence during pregnancy. The risk factors associated with LBP were prolonged standing, physically demanding work, poor ergonomic postures, stress frequency and the feeling of anxiety (p < 0.05). The majority of participants experienced mild to moderate disability as measured by the ODI. Conclusion: Low back pain is prevalent among pregnant women at UBTH and is influenced by multiple physical and occupational factors. The condition moderately affects functional activities and daily living. Awareness, early physiotherapy intervention and ergonomic education during antenatal care are recommended to minimize its impact.

Background: School health services are essential for promoting pupils’ health, reducing preventable diseases, and supporting effective learning outcomes. However, their effectiveness is dependent on teachers’ awareness and engagement, as well as the availability of functional infrastructure. In many settings, these components remain weak, contributing to sustained transmission of communicable diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections among school children. Objective: This study assessed teachers’ knowledge and attitude, availability of school health facilities, and the burden of communicable diseases among pupils in Egor LGA to guide improvements in school health services. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2025 and May 2026 among 254 teachers and 245 pupils in primary schools in Egor LGA, Benin City, Edo State recruited via a multistage sampling technique. Data collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire was analysed with IBM SPSS 27.0 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of teachers was 39.3 ± 9.4 years, while pupils had a mean age of 10.1 ± 2.0 years. Most teachers were female, 438 (73.0%), married, 460 (76.6%), and possessed a B.Ed/B.Sc degree, 147 (57.9%). Good knowledge of school health services was observed in 92 (54.1%) respondents and was significantly associated with years of teaching experience (p = 0.031) and school type (p < 0.01). Most teachers, 185 (72.8%), demonstrated a positive attitude towards school health services. School health infrastructure and preventive services were limited, with only 98 (38.6%) schools keeping pupils’ health records. Among pupils, 93 (38.0%) reported illness within the preceding three months, with malaria being the most common condition, 38 (40.9%). Most pupils had good hygiene indicators and normal nutritional status. Primary caregiver type significantly predicted child ill health (p = 0.001). Major barriers to implementation included shortage of trained personnel, 110 (44.0%), lack of health education programmes, 131 (52.6%), and low parental awareness of school health services. Conclusion: Most respondents had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards school health services. However, school health facilities were inadequate and communicable diseases were common among pupils, especially in public schools. Strengthening teacher training, improving infrastructure, and ensuring adequate funding and supervision are needed to improve implementation and reduce disease burden.

Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) is a medicinal grass widely valued in ethnomedicine for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, with its bioactivity linked to essential oils, phenolics, and flavonoids. Although extensively used, there is limited comparative evidence on how solvent polarity influences the anti-inflammatory potential of its extracts. This study therefore evaluated the in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol (polar) and diethyl ether (non-polar) extracts of C. citratus in order to assess differences in solvent efficiency and bioactivity. Fresh leaves collected from the University of Benin were authenticated and extracted using standardized procedures, information was sourced from laboratory analyses combined with current literatures from PubMed, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Extracts were tested in vitro for inhibition of protein denaturation, heat-induced haemolysis, antiproteinase activity, and lipoxygenase inhibition, with aspirin serving as the standard drug. Extraction yield was slightly higher for diethyl ether (1.72%) than for ethanol (1.56%). Both extracts exhibited concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory activity across all assays. In the protein-denaturation assay, ethanol extract inhibited 65.9% at 500 µg/ml while diethyl ether showed 69.4%, compared with 82.3% for aspirin. In the haemolysis test, ethanol recorded 61.7% and diethyl ether 58.4% inhibition, while aspirin reached 75.6%. Antiproteinase activity was 59.2% for ethanol and 56.8% for diethyl ether, against 70.4% for aspirin. Lipoxygenase inhibition was stronger in the diethyl ether extract (64.5%) than ethanol (60.1%), though both were lower than aspirin (78.2%). The findings confirm that C. citratus possesses measurable in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, supporting its traditional use in managing inflammation-related disorders. Solvent polarity was shown to influence the degree and spectrum of bioactivity, highlighting the importance of solvent selection in herbal preparation. However, the study was limited to in vitro models, two extraction solvents, and a single collection site. Future research should explore in vivo and clinical trials, and adopt advanced extraction techniques.

worldwide, requiring standardized assessment tools to ensure accurate evaluation and effective rehabilitation. Despite their clinical importance, the knowledge and utilization of stroke assessment scales among neurological physiotherapists in Nigeria remains inconsistent. This study sought to address this gap by assessing the knowledge and clinical application of stroke assessment scales among neurological physiotherapist in Benin City, Edo State. Aim: This study evaluated the knowledge and utilization of stroke assessment scales among neurological physiotherapists in Benin City, Edo State. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 43 licenced neurological physiotherapists was conducted using a validated questionnaire. Data were analysed with SPSS (v27) using descriptive and Chi-square statistics at a 0.05 significance level. Results: Most respondents showed fair knowledge (55.8%) and moderate utilization (46.5%) of stroke assessment scales. A significant association existed between knowledge and utilization (p = 0.010). Gender was found to influence knowledge level although educational qualification and professional cadre showed no significant relationship. Conclusion: Neurological physiotherapists in Benin City possess moderate knowledge and usage of stroke assessment scales, yet a critical gap persists between awareness and practice. Strengthening continuous professional development and institutional support is essential to bridge this gap and foster evidence based standardized stroke rehabilitation.

Anxiety stress, characterized by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses, is a well-established pathophysiological factor implicated in the development and progression of anxiety disorders. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative due to its high oxygen consumption and lipid rich content. Watermelon juice (Citrullus lanatus) is rich in antioxidants like Lycopene and L-Citrulline, offering a potential natural intervention. This study investigated the effects of watermelon juice on anxiety-related behavior in oxidative- stressed Sprague Dawley rats. Fifty-four rats were divided into four groups: a control, an oxidative stress-induced group, a group treated with Vitamin C, and a group receiving watermelon juice intervention. Oxidative stress was induced with phenyl hydrazine. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM). The results indicate that watermelon juice supplementation significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors, demonstrating its potential as a functional dietary intervention for mitigating the effects of oxidative stress. Data were analyzed using Grad Pad Prism version 10, and results were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM), with p≤ 0.05 considered significant. The results showed that watermelon juice reduced anxiety performance and reduced oxidative stress levels compared to the untreated induced rats.

BACKGROUND xiv Child injury and violence remain major public health problems, especially in low- and middle-income countries where children are often exposed to unsafe environments, poor supervision, and harmful disciplinary practices, and caregivers play a central role in preventing these occurrences. OBJECTIVE To assess child injury and violence prevention practices in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State, to provide evidence that will improve child injury and violence prevention practices and reduce the health burden caused by these injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 572 primary caregivers of children aged 0– 17 years in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected using a pretested, interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages, while chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine associations and predictors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS The majority of respondents were female (84.4%), married (81.3%), and aged 30–39 years (42.1%). All respondents were aware of child injury and violence. Overall, 64.9% had good knowledge, while 62.9% had a good attitude towards child injury and violence prevention. Falls, burns, and cuts were the most commonly identified forms of child injury, while physical abuse was the most commonly identified form of violence. Falls were also the most frequently reported injuries experienced by children under the caregivers’ care. A very high proportion of respondents reported witnessing violence against children, with physical abuse being the most common form observed. Overall, 71.7% of xv respondents had good preventive practices, although unsafe practices such as allowing unsupervised play and keeping medicines or hazardous substances within children’s reach were still noted. Factors significantly associated with child injury and violence prevention included age, education, marital setting, income, household size, and occupation. On multivariate analysis, age, education, and marriage type were significant predictors of knowledge, marriage type significantly predicted attitude, while occupation was a significant predictor for practice. CONCLUSION The study found that caregivers in Ovia North-East LGA generally had good knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding child injury and violence prevention. However, important gaps remain in specific areas of home safety and violence prevention. There is a need for sustained community-based health education, targeted caregiver support, and practical interventions aimed at improving child safety and reducing violence against children in the community. KEYWORDS: Child injury, child violence, Prevention, Caregivers, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Ovia North-East

Both endocrine and exocrine pancreatic functions are impacted by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a chronic metabolic disease. Important indicators of pancreatic health, serum lipase and amylase, are frequently changed in type 2 diabetes, but little is known about how anti-diabetic medications affect these enzymes, especially in African populations. In Benin City, Nigeria, this study examined the serum levels of lipase and amylase in T2DM patients taking various antiglycemic medication classes. 50 T2DM patients and 50 age-matched non-diabetic controls were enlisted. Standard enzymatic assays were used to measure the concentrations of serum lipase and amylase, and correlation statistics and one-way ANOVA were used to analyse the data. The mean levels of lipase (67.03 ± 6.96 U/L) and amylase (93.19 ± 4.49 U/L) were significantly higher in T2DM patients than in controls (59.56 ± 4.81 U/L and 39.52 ± 3.19 U/L, respectively; p < 0.001). Although these differences were not statistically significant, variation was seen across antiglycemic drug classes, with patients on metformin plus sulfonylureas having the highest amylase levels and those on DPP-4 inhibitors having the highest lipase levels. Exocrine function gradually declined over time, as evidenced by the significant negative correlation between lipase activity and the length of diabetes (r = –0.347, p = 0.014). While lipase was lower in overweight people, demographic factors like age, sex, and BMI had no discernible impact on amylase. In conclusion, this study shows that T2DM is linked to increased pancreatic enzyme levels, with patterns impacted by the length of the disease and, to a lesser degree, anti- glycemic medication. These results emphasise the value of tracking exocrine pancreatic function in the treatment of diabetes and demand more extensive, long-term, population-based research to elucidate the clinical consequences of these changes.