COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

The rising global prevalence of maternal obesity (MO) poses a significant challenge to antenatal ultrasound imaging, as increased maternal adipose tissue attenuates sound waves, potentially compromising the quality and accuracy of fetal biometric measurements. Despite the acknowledged impact on measurement accuracy, there is a limited understanding of the specific lived experiences and professional practices of the frontline practitioners in Nigeria. This exploratory study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the perceptions, technical challenges, and adaptive practices of radiographers and sonographers when performing obstetric ultrasound examinations on pregnant women with MO in Edo State, Nigeria. A quantitative exploratory study was conducted using structured questionnaires administered to 60 radiographers and sonographers actively performing obstetric scans in various diagnostic centers and hospitals across Edo State. The findings revealed that a majority of participants "sometimes" (46.67%) or "frequently" (38.33%) encounter patients with maternal obesity in their daily practice, confirming this as a routine clinical issue. The study documented their subjective perceptions of poor image quality, specific technical difficulties (such as probe penetration and artifact management), their confidence levels in measurement accuracy, and the diverse strategies and techniques employed to optimize image acquisition. The conclusions underscore the persistent technical and practical challenges faced by sonographers in this region and advocate for the development of tailored scanning protocols and targeted educational programs to better equip practitioners. This will ultimately improve the consistency and quality of antenatal care provided to this vulnerable patient population.

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a potential occupational biological hazard to medical and nursing students who are frequently exposed to blood and bodily fluids during clinical rotations, and the Hepatitis B vaccine is one of the most effective and safest prevention measures. Objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge, attitude, and uptake of the Hepatitis B vaccination, including its determinants, among medical and nursing students at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to March 2026, among 646 respondents, comprising 324 medical students and 322 nursing students. A multistage sampling technique was used to select students across preclinical and clinical levels. Data was collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate (Chi-square) and multivariate (Binary Logistic Regression) analyses were utilised, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 22.47 ± 2.72 years. Overall, 83.0% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of Hepatitis B and its vaccination, while 17.0% had poor knowledge. Most respondents (91.0%) exhibited a positive attitude, which was strongly predicted by good knowledge (OR = 4.078; p < 0.001). However, actual vaccination uptake was critically low, with 73.8% of students remaining completely unvaccinated and only 10.7% having completed the three-dose series. Logistic regression showed that clinical exposure significantly predicted good knowledge (p < 0.001), while course of study predicted vaccination uptake, with medical students significantly more likely to be vaccinated than nursing students 15 (OR = 2.035; p = 0.022). Lack of awareness of vaccination centres (42.1%), vaccine cost (28.9%), and lack of time (26.4%) were reported as the major barriers to vaccination. Conclusion: Despite possessing high theoretical knowledge and a positive attitude towards the HBV vaccine, the actual vaccination practice among medical and nursing students is critically inadequate. Systemic barriers, specifically cost and logistical challenges, are the primary barriers preventing positive attitudes from translating into practice. Strengthening targeted awareness campaigns, subsidising vaccine costs, and integrating proactive vaccination policies into the curriculum will enhance uptake and optimise occupational safety during clinical training.

Background: Malnutrition among children under five years remains a critical public health issue in Nigeria, contributing substantially to under-five morbidity and mortality. Despite various interventions, limited evidence exists on the specific determinants of malnutrition in semi-urban settings such as Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Objective: This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition among children under five years in Egor LGA, specifically evaluating caregiver knowledge, feeding practices, sources of nutritional information, and socioeconomic factors influencing nutritional outcomes. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 caregiver- child pairs selected through multi-stage stratified systematic random sampling from primary healthcare centres, immunization clinics, and child welfare services in Egor LGA between January and March 2026. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, caregiver knowledge (27-point scale), child feeding practices (12-point scale), information sources, and household factors. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height/length, mid-upper arm circumference) were taken following WHO standardized protocols. Nutritional status was classified using WHO 2006 Child Growth Standards (Z-scores). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25, with chi-square tests and multivariate binary logistic regression (p < 0.05 significance level). Results: The majority of caregivers were mothers (73.3%), aged 29–38 years (38.8%), with secondary (47.0%) or tertiary (41.5%) education. Good knowledge of child nutrition was demonstrated by 65.6% of caregivers, with 96.3% correctly identifying exclusive breastfeeding duration (6 months) and 91.3% knowing appropriate complementary feeding age (6 months). However, only 47.5% exhibited good feeding practices. A significant knowledge-practice gap was identified: caregivers with good knowledge were significantly less likely to have good feeding practices (AOR = 0.625, 95% CI: 0.409–0.955, p = 0.030). Health workers were the most utilized (94.5%) and trusted (44.8%) information source, yet only 13.0% had attended formal nutrition education. Overall malnutrition prevalence was 20.7% (underweight 14.5%, moderate malnutrition 4.0%, wasting 1.3%, stunting 1.0%). Recent child illness (AOR = 1.891, 95% CI: 1.101–3.250, p = 0.021) and good feeding practices (AOR = 2.042, 95% CI: 1.167–3.571, p = 0.012) were significant risk factors for malnutrition, while good caregiver knowledge (AOR = 0.419, 95% CI: 0.245–0.717, p = 0.001), male caregiver sex (AOR = 0.305, 95% CI: 0.112–0.831, p = 0.020), and household food insecurity (AOR = 0.382, 95% CI: 0.204–0.712, p = 0.002) were protective. Conclusion: Despite relatively high caregiver knowledge and lower malnutrition prevalence than national averages in Egor LGA, a substantial knowledge-practice gap persists, and child feeding practices remain suboptimal with low dietary diversity and high consumption of sugary drinks and packaged snacks. Health workers are trusted information sources but structured nutrition education is underutilized. Interventions must address economic and structural barriers limiting knowledge translation, integrate practical skills-based nutrition counselling into routine health services, and target modifiable risk factors including childhood illnesses.

Background/Purpose of Study: Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in upper extremity dysfunction that limits independence. Rehabilitation strategies such as Mental Imagery (MI) and the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) have been developed to enhance motor recovery. This study evaluated the comparative and combined effectiveness of MI and GRASP on upper extremity function in stroke survivors. Methods: A total of forty-eight (48) stroke survivors were randomly assigned into four groups of twelve participants each: Mental Imagery (MI), GRASP, combined MI + GRASP, and a control group. The intervention lasted for eight weeks and was conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) was used to assess upper extremity function pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), and post-hoc comparisons were performed with Bonferroni correction at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The results revealed that the MI group showed no significant improvement in upper extremity function compared to the control. However, participants in the GRASP and MI + GRASP groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in grasp, grip, pinch, and gross movement components of the ARAT. The GRASP group showed the most notable gains, followed by the combined intervention group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that GRASP, alone or in combination with Mental Imagery, enhances upper extremity function in stroke survivors, while Mental Imagery alone may not produce measurable benefits within an eight-week period. These results support the inclusion of structured GRASP protocols, with or without imagery practice, in stroke rehabilitation to improve upper limb recovery.

BACKGROUND: Patent medicine stores and vendors frequently serve as the first point of care for many individuals across Nigeria, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. Although measures exist to regulate their practices, their widespread utilisation for primary health services remains a major public health consideration. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the utilisation of patent medicine stores and vendors (PMVs) for health services among residents of Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 residents of Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. Respondents were selected using a multi-sampling method. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULT: The mean age of respondents was 29.0±13.5 years, with 304 (55.3%) females and 392 (71.3%) single. Regarding types of health services utilised, malaria treatment was the most frequently sought service 507 (92.2%), followed by headache or pain relief 463 (84.2%) and fever management 441 (80.2%). In contrast, services such as family planning 111 (20.2%), reproductive health advice 111 (20.2%), and treatment of sexually transmitted infections 63 (11.5%) were markedly underutilised. Perceived benefits of PMV patronage included shorter waiting times 407 (74.0%), closer proximity 394 (71.6%), and extended operating hours 339 (61.6%), while major perceived risks were delay in proper medical care 277 (50.4%), sale of medicines without prescription 257 (46.7%), and insufficient vendor training 249 (45.3%). Factors significantly associated with utilisation were proximity to home 385 (70.0%), extended operating hours 341 (62.0%), previous positive experience 338 xvii (61.5%), and cost of services 324 (58.9%). Overall, 364 (66.2%) respondents were satisfied with PMV services, with male residents demonstrating significantly higher satisfaction 180 (73.2%) and willingness to recommend 194 (78.9%) than females with 184 (60.5%) and 193 (63.5%,) respectively. CONCLUSION: Majority of the respondents utilised patent medicine stores for health services, with malaria treatment being the most sought-after care. Accessibility and convenience were the primary drivers of this health-seeking behavior, despite a clear awareness of clinical risks. Satisfaction remained high, especially among male residents. Formal integration, targeted training, and strengthened regulatory oversight are urgently needed to improve the safety and quality of care provided by PMVs.

Background: It seeks to identify the current level of understanding, perceptions, and actual documentation behaviors among these professionals. The research aims to highlight areas for improvement in documentation quality, which is crucial for effective patient care, legal compliance, and interdisciplinary communication about the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Physiotherapists concerning clinical documentation within the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices, that regards about clinical documentation in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, with a focus on understanding how these factors influence the quality of patient care, compliance with legal and professional standards, and overall effectiveness of treatment outcomes. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design. It will be aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) of 45 physiotherapists regarding clinical documentation at the
University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Data will be collected over a period of two
weeks. Questionnaires will be distributed physically to eligible participants in each Unit. Respondents will be given time to fill out the questionnaire at their convenience and return it within three day. Data will be analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard
deviations will be used to summarize data. Inferential statistics such as chi-square tests will be used to explore relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and practice. Results: The study analyzed data from 45 fully completed questionnaires administered to full￾time registered Physiotherapists at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The iv respondents were a largely youthful group, with most aged 28–33 years (33.3%) and having 1–5 years of work experience (37.8%). A majority (68.9%) held a BSc/BMR in Physiotherapy. Conclusion: Physiotherapists at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital possess a moderate level of knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices regarding clinical documentation.[1] While general awareness is present, specific areas for improvement in documentation practices were identified, suggesting a need for targeted educational interventions to enhance the quality and completeness of clinical records.

Patient perception of radiography students’ participation during radiographic examinations plays a vital role in shaping the quality of clinical training and overall radiography education. This study assessed patients’ perception of radiography students’ involvement during radiographic procedures in selected health facilities in Benin City, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 174 patients, of which 170 were valid for analysis, yielding a 97.7% response rate. Stratified random sampling ensured representativeness, and data were x analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, means) and chi-square tests were used to examine associations between socio-demographic factors and patient perceptions. Findings revealed that 54% of patients expressed a negative perception of radiography students’ participation, while 46% had positive views. The overall mean score of 2.4 (below the 2.5 cut-off) indicated a generally unfavorable perception. However, consistent with some previous studies, patients acknowledged the importance of student involvement for professional training and accepted their presence when adequate supervision was provided. Concerns were noted regarding students’ competence, communication, and maintenance of privacy, aligning with earlier research highlighting the need for reassurance and professionalism in student-patient
interactions. The study concludes that although patients demonstrated a cautious and moderately negative perception of radiography students’ participation, effective supervision and improved communication could enhance patient comfort and acceptance. It is recommended that radiography departments strengthen supervision, ensure informed patient consent, and emphasize empathy, respect, and professionalism in clinical training to promote positive patient experiences and support student learning.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) plays an important role in the diagnostics and evaluation of infertility. Patients, however, face significant levels of anxiety and fear concerning the procedure which may be attributed to discomfort. This Study evaluated the levels of anxiety, understanding of HSG, clinician-patient communication, and the effect of music therapy as a distraction on
anxiety in women undergoing HSG in Benin City Nigeria. The study design was a prospective cross-sectional design within the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Raytouch Diagnostic Center. A total of 113 women undergoing HSG procedure were administered a structured questionnaire that included a demographics questionnaire, HSG knowledge test, and hysterosalpingography related anxiety levels, communication and interaction with health care providers, along with music experiences integration. The data were analysed using a descriptive statistics and chisquare test. The mean age was 34.6 years, with 72.6% married and 85.8% having tertiary education. While 85.0% received preprocedural information and 80.5% understood HSG's objectives, moderate to high anxiety levels were reported by 68.2% of participants regarding tension and 73.5% regarding pain concerns. Patient-provider communication was rated positively by 84.1%, and 70.8% felt it reduced their fears. All participants (100%) received music intervention, with 85.8% reporting increased relaxation and 77.9% experiencing reduced anxiety. Pain was the primary concern (38.1%), and 82.3% would recommend music to others. Although there was sufficient knowledge with women undergoing HSG, there is significant anxiety. Music intervention is an effective way to reduce anxiety and increase patient comfort supporting its integration into standard HSG protocols.

X-ray imaging is crucial in diagnosis and treatment planning but the failure of equipment to deliver services efficiently is major challenge to service delivery in most of the developing healthcare systems. This paper evaluated the causes, incidence and outcome of X-ray equipment down times on patient satisfaction at a tertiary hospital in Benin City. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, in which 200 patients were surveyed by use of a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests at 0.05 level of significance were used to analyze the data. The results showed that poor maintenance was rated as the significant reason to the downtime, and 74 percent of the participants indicated that the equipment failure was common. Frequently, over half of the patients (56%) had waited because of machine failure, and downtime was found to have a significant negative impact on the flow of patients, the waiting time, and the delay of treatment. The patient effect was high as most patients highlighted discontentment, anxiety, and having to revisit another day because of cancelled appointments. The chi-square findings indicated that there was a statistically significant correlation between equipment downtime and delayed care (kh2 = 92.45, df = 16, p < 0.0001), which confirmed the fact that equipment downtime adversely impacts on service quality and patient satisfaction. The researcher makes the conclusion that the direct impact of X-ray equipments downtime on patient care and satisfaction in UBTH is negative. It suggests that preventive maintenance schedules, quick-response technical support and better communication with patients during a service interruption be implemented. Improving equipment management practices will improve continuity of service delivery, decrease patient dissatisfaction, and boost the general efficiency of diagnostic services in tertiary health institutions.

Background: Family planning is a critical component of reproductive health, yet male involvement in family planning activities remains limited in many low- and middle-income settings. In Nigeria, the contraceptive prevalence rate among married women is only 20%, and men continue to be underrepresented in reproductive health programmes despite their significant influence as household decision-makers. Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State reflects these broader national challenges, with inadequate knowledge, socio- cultural barriers, and low male participation identified as key drivers of poor family planning outcomes. Few studies have specifically assessed male involvement using a composite multi￾indicator approach in this setting. Objectives: To assess male involvement in family planning activities in Ovia North East LGA, Edo State. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Four hundred and eight (408) adult men in stable sexual relationships or marriages were selected from communities across Ovia North East LGA using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were performed. A composite ten-indicator score was used to classify male involvement as high (score ≥ 7 out of 10) or low. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 408 men participated with a response rate of 100%. The mean age (SD) was 42.7 ± 11.4 years. Most respondents were married 308 (75.5%), predominantly Christian 384 (94.1%), with tertiary education accounting for 203 (49.7%) and the majority belonging to the middle socioeconomic class 312 (76.5%). Of the 408 respondents, 363 (89.0%) had heard of family planning; health workers 195 (53.7%), radio or television 193 (53.2%), and friends or relatives 191 (52.6%) were the most common sources. Overall, 262 (72.2%) of those who had heard of family planning had good knowledge, while 101 (27.8%) had poor knowledge. Being married was the only independent predictor of poor knowledge (OR = 0.466, 95% CI: 0.232–0.934, p = 0.031). Nearly all respondents 391 (95.8%) had a positive attitude towards family planning. Christianity was the strongest independent predictor of positive attitude (OR = 9.086, 95% CI: 2.066–39.953, p = 0.003), followed by nuclear family type (OR = 6.530, 95% CI: 1.400–30.467, p = 0.017). Slightly more than half 226 (55.4%) xiv had discussed family planning with their partner, and most 325 (79.7%) approved of their partner using a method, but only 112 (27.5%) had accompanied their partner to a health facility. Less than half 176 (43.1%) were currently using any family planning method, with condoms 111 (63.1%) and withdrawal 83 (47.2%) being the most common methods; vasectomy remained virtually unused 1 (0.6%). Nuclear family type was the only independent predictor of current family planning use (OR = 1.878, 95% CI: 1.007–3.500, p = 0.047). Knowledge of service location (χ² = 30.702, p < 0.001) and perceived affordability (χ² = 28.824, p < 0.001) were the most strongly associated factors with current use, while cultural or religious beliefs were a significant barrier (χ² = 6.111, p = 0.013). Regarding male involvement, 160 (39.2%) were classified as having high involvement and 248 (60.8%) low involvement. The most commonly met indicator was considering family planning a joint responsibility 376 (92.2%), while community participation in health talks was the least met 107 (26.2%). Education (χ² = 42.035, p < 0.001), occupation (χ² = 32.673, p < 0.001), socioeconomic status (χ² = 38.636, p < 0.001), marriage type (p = 0.014), and family type (p = 0.020) were significantly associated with male involvement. Health worker discussion of family planning was the strongest independent predictor of high involvement (OR = 5.768, 95% CI: 3.366–9.885, p < 0.001), followed by good knowledge (OR = 2.028, 95% CI: 1.137– 3.619, p = 0.017) and upper class socioeconomic status (OR = 27.794, 95% CI: 2.358– 327.618, p = 0.008). Conclusion: Nearly three-quarters of men in Ovia North East LGA had good knowledge of family planning and almost all demonstrated a positive attitude. However, slightly less than two-fifths had high overall involvement, and less than half were currently using any family planning method. Health worker engagement emerged as the most powerful modifiable predictor of high involvement. Health authorities should institutionalise routine male family planning counselling at all primary health centres, expand male-targeted community outreach, and engage religious and traditional leaders to create an enabling environment for active male participation in family planning.