COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

Background: Entrepreneurship has become an essential component of healthcare innovation, offering professionals in technical fields such as radiography opportunities for career advancement and self-reliance. However, many radiographers remain underprepared to explore entrepreneurial ventures due to limited knowledge, poor awareness of support systems, and systemic barriers. Aim: The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, awareness, and the factors influencing radiographers’ engagement in entrepreneurial ventures in radiography. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 31 radiographers in Benin City. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used for data analysis, while the Chi-square statistical test was applied to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Results: The findings revealed that most radiographers had a fair level of knowledge about entrepreneurship but showed low awareness of existing support systems and opportunities for business development in radiography. Major barriers identified included lack of startup capital (71.0%), absence of entrepreneurship training in radiography education (80.6%), and bureaucratic licensing procedures (67.7%). The Chi-square analysis further showed a significant relationship between radiographers’ level of knowledge and awareness of entrepreneurial ventures. Conclusion: The study concluded that radiographers possess moderate knowledge but low awareness and limited practical preparedness for entrepreneurship. Financial limitations, inadequate curriculum emphasis, and insufficient mentorship opportunities were key constraints. It was recommended that entrepreneurship modules be incorporated into radiography curricula, with policy support and access to funding programs to promote self-employment among radiographers.

Background: Infertility is a global public health concern affecting approximately one in six people of reproductive age worldwide, with a prevalence of 15.7–22% in Nigeria. Globally, infertility remains a significant reproductive health challenge and is associated with profound
social, psychological, cultural, and economic consequences, particularly among women in developing countries. In many African societies, including Nigeria, infertility is often interpreted through cultural and spiritual lenses, leading to stigma, discrimination, and
delayed utilization of evidence-based medical care. In Benin City, market women operate within deeply traditional cultural frameworks that significantly shape their perceptions of infertility and their health-seeking behaviour. Despite growing access to modern medical treatments, deeply ingrained cultural beliefs, limited knowledge of treatment options, and socio-demographic barriers continue to hinder appropriate care utilization in this demographic. Therefore, understanding their beliefs and knowledge of infertility treatment options is essential for designing culturally sensitive reproductive health interventions. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the cultural beliefs and knowledge of infertility treatment options among market women in Benin City. Specific objectives were to identify cultural beliefs and perceptions of infertility, determine the level of knowledge of infertility
treatment options, examine the relationship between cultural beliefs and knowledge of infertility treatment options, and assess the socio-demographic factors associated with knowledge of infertility treatment options among market women in Benin City. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design employing a quantitative method of data collection was used. The study was conducted among market women aged 18–65 years
in four selected markets within Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, between January 2025 and May 2026. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 440 respondents. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured, interviewer- and self-administered questionnaire divided into sections on socio-demographic characteristics, cultural beliefs and perceptions, and knowledge of infertility treatment options. Cultural beliefs, perceptions, and knowledge were scored and categorized using Bloom's cut-off criteria. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics were presented using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, Spearman’s
correlation, binary logistic regression, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine associations and predictors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 440 market women participated (100% response rate), with a mean age of 39.6 (12.5) years. The majority were married (about 11 in 20), predominantly of the Benin ethnic group, predominantly Christian (about 9 in 10), relatively educated, with a majority with at least a secondary education (about 4 in 5). Nearly three-quarters held positive cultural beliefs about infertility, while about two-thirds demonstrated positive perceptions of the condition. However, only about 2 in 5 respondents demonstrated good knowledge of infertility treatment options, with the majority showing poor knowledge. Respondents generally recognized infections, blocked fallopian tubes, hormonal imbalance, male infertility
among others as causes of infertility and were aware of treatment modalities including medications, surgery, and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs). Higher educational attainment (p < 0.001), Igbo ethnicity (p = 0.008), use of social media, health workers,family/friends, and religious centres as health information sources (p < 0.001), and longer years of market experience (p = 0.017) were significantly associated with good knowledge. Respondents with positive cultural beliefs were significantly more likely to have good knowledge compared to those with negative beliefs (p = 0.001), and good perception was strongly associated with good knowledge (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, tertiary education (OR = 19.335), positive cultural beliefs (OR= 2.719), and good perception (OR = 2.912) were significant independent predictors of good knowledge. Conclusion: The study found that although the majority of market women in Benin City hold positive cultural beliefs and perceptions regarding infertility, a substantial proportion still
harbour supernatural misconceptions, and the overall level of knowledge of infertility treatment options remains poor. Education, cultural orientation, and access to diverse health information sources are critical determinants of infertility knowledge. Comprehensive, culturally sensitive reproductive health programs targeting market women, particularly those with lower educational attainment, should be prioritized to improve knowledge, address harmful cultural beliefs, reduce stigma, and promote timely utilization of evidence-based
infertility care.

Background: Poor mental health among public servants is a growing concern with significant implications for workplace productivity and overall well-being. This study examined the knowledge, attitude, and prevalence of mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, and stress) among public servants in Benin City, Edo State, to identify key influencing factors, gaps in
awareness, negative perceptions, and the extent of these conditions within the workforce in order to promote early identification and treatment, improve employee well-being, and enhance productivity and job performance among public servants. Objective: This study is aimed to determine the lvel of knowledge of mental health, assess attitudes, prevalence and factors influencing mental health status among public servants in, Benin City, Edo state. Methods: A Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 460 public servants across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Benin City. Respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique, and data were collected using a pretested self- administered questionnaire adapted from the Depression, Anxiety, stress scale (DASS), job demand control support model (JDCS), and the Effort reward model (ERI). Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Statical significance was set at p˂0.05, and 95% confidence interval. Results: The mean age of respondents was 35 ± 6.9 years. Two hundred and sixty-one (60.0%) of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of mental health, while 265 (57.6%) held a positive attitude towards mental health. The prevalence of depression was 16.7% (n=77), anxiety was 22.8% (n=105), and stress was 9.3% (n=43). Significant predictors of mental health conditions included high workload (AOR=2.202; CI=1.401–3.462; p=0.001) and conflicts with xvi supervisors or coworkers (AOR=0.493; CI=0.313–0.777; p=0.002). Additionally, sex (p < 0.001), average working hours (p < 0.01), and current cadre (p = 0.021) were significantly associated with the level of good knowledge, while current job role( p˂ 0.001), average working hours (p˂0.048) were significantly associate with positive attitude. Conclusion: Although more than half of the public servants possessed good knowledge and a positive attitude toward mental health, the prevalence of conditions like anxiety remains notable. There is a need for targeted workplace interventions to reduce excessive workloads and improve supportive supervision to enhance the mental well-being of the workforce

Background: Sleep is a fundamental physiological process necessary for optimal cognitive function, emotional stability, physical health, and academic performance. Medical students are particularly vulnerable to unhealthy sleep patterns due to demanding academic activities, prolonged study hours, clinical responsibilities, and psychosocial stressors. Poor sleep among medical students has been associated with impaired concentration, daytime dysfunction, reduced academic productivity, and mental health problems. This study assessed the sleep patterns of medical students of the University of Benin and evaluated associated factors, sleep-related behaviours, and awareness of behaviours linked to unhealthy sleep patterns. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 undergraduate medical students from 200 to 600 level at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising standardized instruments including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI), and Sleep Beliefs Scale (SBS). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while Chi-square tests were used to determine associations between variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 22.56 ± 3.02 years, and 55.3% were male. The mean sleep duration was 5.5 ± 1.2 hours per night. Overall, 187 (43.8%) respondents had disturbed sleep patterns, while 240 (56.2%) had normal sleep patterns. The most commonly reported sleep disturbances were waking up in the middle of the night or early morning and nocturnal awakening to use the bathroom. Place of residence was significantly associated with sleep patterns (p = 0.043), with on-campus students demonstrating better sleep patterns than off- campus students. Sleep behaviours (p = 0.002) and awareness of sleep-related behaviours (p = 0.007) were also significantly associated with sleep patterns. Although 55.0% of respondents demonstrated good sleep behaviours, only 15.9% had good awareness of behaviours associated with healthy sleep. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of medical students at the University of Benin experienced disturbed sleep patterns and inadequate sleep duration. Poor sleep behaviours and low awareness of healthy sleep practices were significantly associated with disturbed sleep. There is a need for targeted interventions, including sleep hygiene education, mental health support, and institutional policies aimed at promoting healthy sleep practices and improving the well-being of medical students. Keywords: Sleep patterns, medical students, sleep quality, sleep hygiene, awareness, University of Benin.

Background: Home-based exercise programs (HBEPs) play a crucial role in physiotherapy rehabilitation by promoting recovery beyond clinical settings. Despite their proven benefits, patient adherence remains inconsistent. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and adherence to prescribed home- based exercise programs among physiotherapy outpatients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 184 physiotherapy outpatients selected through purposive sampling, across the following units (Orthopeadics, Neurosurgery, Neuromedicine, Geriatrics and Cardiopulmonary). Data were obtained using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS) and a structured Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized respondents’ characteristics, while inferential tests (Pearson’s correlation, t-test, ANOVA) assessed relationships and differences between variables, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Participants had a mean age of 60.8 ± 21.3 years, with 95 (51.6%) females and 89 (48.4%) males. Most respondents were married (65.8%) and self-employed (46.7%). The most common conditions managed were neurological (44.6%) and musculoskeletal disorders (43.5%). The predominant home exercise prescribed was strengthening exercises (75.0%), followed by stretching (58.7%) and balance training (28.3%). Nearly all participants (97.3%) received one- on-one exercise instruction from physiotherapists. Findings showed moderate levels of knowledge, attitude, and adherence to HBEPs. There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge and adherence (p < 0.05), and between attitude and adherence (p < 0.05). However, age showed a significant negative correlation with adherence (r = –0.189, p = 0.01), while gender, marital status, occupation, and health condition had no significant relationship (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Adherence to home exercise programs among physiotherapy outpatients at UBTH was moderate and significantly influenced by patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and age. Enhancing patient education, improving motivation, and developing age-tailored intervention strategies may strengthen adherence and rehabilitation outcomes.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health threat, significantly driven by the irrational use of antibiotics. University students represent a key demographic whose medication-related behaviours influence community resistance patterns. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use and resistance among undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 430 students were selected using a multi-stage probability sampling technique across eight faculties. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 27.0, utilizing descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to determine associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 20.3 ± 2.9 years. The study revealed a high prevalence of antibiotic use, with 58.8% of students having used an antibiotic in the preceding six months. Overall, 81.6% of respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of antibiotics and AMR. Misconceptions were widespread: 78.1% incorrectly believed antibiotics are effective against viral infections (flu/coughs), and only 10.0% correctly identified the biological mechanism of resistance. Attitudes were predominantly negative (70.2%); notably, 51.0%perceivedsharingleftover antibiotics as a "helpful social gesture." Regarding practices, 50.7%demonstratedpoorbehaviour. The most common source of antibiotics was Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors xiv (29.3%), while only 18.8% obtained drugs via a doctor’s prescription. Faculty of study (p=0.005)and Level of study (p=0.005) were significantly associated with knowledge levels, with medical students and seniors performing better. Attitude was a significant predictor of practice(p<0.001). Conclusion: There is a concerning deficit in antibiotic literacy and a high prevalence of inappropriate practices among students at the University of Benin. The reliance on unregulated vendors and the social normalization of medication sharing underscore the need for urgent interventions. It is recommended that the University administration integrates antimicrobial stewardship modules into the General Studies (GST) curriculum and strengthens the campus health services to reduce reliance on informal medication sources.

Background: Spinal pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder globally and a major cause of disability among young adults, including university students. Factors such as sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting, poor posture and physical inactivity have been implicated. This study investigated the relationship between physical activity levels and spinal pain among students of
the school of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 356 undergraduate students of the School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin. Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric indices, physical
activity levels and spinal pain prevalence were collected using standadized questionnaires. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 21.49 ± 2.22 years. Most participants (74.4%) engaged in physical activity, and the majority had moderate (45.5%) or high (37.9%) activity levels. The 12-month prevalence of lower back pain was 50.5%, neck pain 34.8% and upper back pain 27.5%. There was no significant association between physical activity level and the prevalence of spinal pain (p<0.05). However, gender showed a significant association with lower back pain (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Spinal pain, especially low back pain, is common among students of the School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, irrespective of physical activity level. Preventive interventions focusing on posture, ergonomics and spinal health education are recommended.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder marked by bronchoconstriction, mucus hypersecretion, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. While current therapies such as salbutamol, montelukast, and prednisolone are effective in alleviating symptoms, their combined effects on lung tissue integrity remain unclear. This study evaluated the effects of salbutamol, montelukast, prednisolone, and their combinations on lung histology in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic female Sprague-Dawley rats. Fifty-six adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n = 8): negative control, positive control (OVA-induced, untreated), salbutamol + prednisolone, salbutamol + montelukast, and prednisolone + montelukast. Asthma was induced through OVA sensitisationand aerosol challenge for four weeks. After confirming the development of asthma, treatment was administered orally for four weeks. Lung tissues were excised, fixed in 10% formalin, processed, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histopathological evaluation under light microscopy. The negative control group showed normal lung architecture with intact bronchi and alveolar sacs. The OVA-induced positive control exhibited hyperplasia of bronchus- associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) and features of follicular bronchiolitis. The salbutamol/prednisolone and prednisolone/montelukast groups showed preserved lung structure with minimal inflammation and normal bronchi and alveolar spaces. In contrast, the salbutamol/montelukast group displayed marked bronchoconstriction and severe BALT hyperplasia, exceeding that seen in the untreated asthmatic group. Conclusion: Combination therapy with prednisolone and either salbutamol or montelukast effectively preserved lung histoarchitecture in OVA-induced asthmatic rats, indicating potent anti-inflammatory protection. However, the salbutamol/montelukast combination failed to reverse asthmatic histopathology, suggesting reduced therapeutic synergy or potential antagonistic interaction. These findings underscore the importance of drug selection in optimising asthma management and preventing structural lung damage.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health disorder that adversely affects mothers, infants, and family well-being through poor mother–child bonding, reduced infant care, and increased psychosocial stress. Despite its public health importance, PPD remains under-recognized in many low- and middle-income countries due to poor awareness, stigma, and limited access to mental health services. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, prevalence, factors, role of social support, and barriers to help-seeking related to PPD among postnatal mothers attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 510 postnatal mothers attending postnatal and immunization clinics at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. Respondents were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaires, which included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for screening postpartum depression. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. Associations were tested using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, while binary logistic regression was used to
determine independent predictors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results were presented in prose, tables, and bar charts. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 30.9 ± 5.6 years. Majority of the respondents
366 (71.8%) were aged 20–34 years, while most were married 494 (96.8%). Knowledge assessment revealed that 151 (55.5%) had poor knowledge of PPD, while 212 (77.9%) demonstrated a positive attitude towards PPD. Mode of delivery was a significant predictor of attitude, with mothers who had a caesarean section showing lower odds of positive attitude (OR
= 0.33, p = 0.005). The prevalence of PPD was 36 (7.1%). Significant associations with PPD were observed for age (p = 0.009), parity (p = 0.026), and household income (p = 0.037), with younger mothers, mothers with lower parity, and those with lower household income being more likely to experience PPD. Respondents with positive attitudes towards PPD were also less likely
to screen positive for the condition (OR = 0.27, p = 0.007). Most respondents reported having someone to talk to about their feelings 482 (94.5%), while spouses or partners were the major source of support 489 (95.9%). Most respondents 472 (92.5%) reported that they would seek help if they experienced symptoms of PPD. Among those who would not seek help, the
commonest reason was cultural beliefs 5 (38.5%) and the commonest facilitator of seeking help was healthcare worker recommendation 483 (94.7%)

Intestinal parasitic infections are a major public health concern in tropical regions, where
accurate diagnosis depends on proper preservation of stool specimens. Fresh samples degrade
quickly, making effective preservatives essential for maintaining parasite morphology.This
study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of three preservatives 10% formalin, sodium acetate–acetic acid–formalin (SAF), and low-viscosity polyvinyl alcohol (LV-PVA)
in preserving intestinal parasites. A total of 20 stool samples were collected and examined
fresh to confirm the presence of parasites. Identified organisms included Trichostrongylus
eggs, Coccidia, Paramphistomum cervi, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides larvae. Each
sample was then divided into three aliquots and preserved separately in the three fixatives. Preserved specimens were re-examined microscopically to assess morphological clarity and
diagnostic suitability over time.Results showed that 10% formalin gave the most consistent
preservation of helminth eggs and larvae. SAF also maintained good morphological integrity
across parasite types and was nearly as effective as formalin, with the added advantage of
being mercury-free and safer to handle. LV-PVA was less reliable for helminths but provided
better detail for protozoan structures, though further research is needed to optimize LV-PVA
for consistent use.