COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

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.

Excessive exposure to Manganese chloride (MnCl2) has been shown to induce neurotoxicity, particularly within the cerebellum, due to oxidative stress and neuronal degeneration. The cerebellum’s high metabolic activity and synaptic density make it especially vulnerable to heavy metal accumulation and oxidative injury.Gongronema latifolium (Utazi leaf), a tropical West African herb rich in flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in experimental studies. This study was aimed at investigating the neuroprotective effects of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium against Manganese chloride induced cerebellar toxicity in adult wistar rats. Forty-eight (48) adult wistar rats were used in this study. They were randomly divided into six groups (n=8) and treated for 28 days as follows: Group A served as control and received 1mL of distilled water, Group B received 10mg/kg of Mncl2, Group C received 100mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium and 10mg/kg of Mncl2, Group D received 200mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium and 10mg/kg of Mncl2, Group E received 100mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium and rats in Group F received 200mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium. Administration of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium was done orally, using an orogastric tube while the administration of Manganese chloride was done via intraperitoneal injection for 28 days respectively. At the end of administration, the neurobehavioral activity was evaluated using the open field and Y-maze tests. The rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the organ (cerebellum) was harvested. This organ was further analyzed for antioxidant enzymes activity, lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes. Graphpad prism softaware was used for all statistical analysis and data was expressed as mean with standard error of mean (SEM). Results obtained showed no significant change (p> 0.05) in the initial body weight and final body weight. A significant decrease (p< 0.05) was observed in the weight change of rats in group B ( 10mg/kg b.wt of Mncl2) when compared to control, however a significant increase was observed in the weight change groups of C and D when compared to B. No significant change (p> 0.05) was observed in the cerebellar and relative cerebellar weight of rats across experimental groups. A significant decrease (p< 0.05) was observed in cerebellar SOD, CAT, GPx AND GSH activity of rats in group B (10mg/kg b.wt. MnCl2)when compared to the control. However, a significant increase (p< 0.05) was observed in cerebellar SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH activity of rats in group C and D when compared to group B. A significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in MDA concentration of rats in group B (10mg/kg b.wt. MncCl2) when compared to control. However, a significant decrease was observed in group C and D when compared to B. Histological anaylsis revealed cerebellar degeneration in rats exposed to Mncl2. However, administration of aqueous leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium mitigated the adverse effects induced by manganese chloride. In conclusion,findings from this study shows that Gongronema latifolium leaf
extract mitigated cerebellar damage caused by MnCl2 exposure.

Gastric damage is a common phenomenon in this part of the world, with about 70%–80% of the population having this issue. These have raised major concerns among experts in the medical field. The project “Investigating the Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Camellia sinensis on Arsenic-Induced Gastric Damage in Adult Wistar Rats” aims to investigate the protective effects of aqueous leaf of camellia sinensis in arsenic-induced stomach damage in adult wistar rats. This study is an experimental research design that involves the use of 30 adult wistar rats, which were randomly divided into six groups (A-F). Group A served as the control group, Group B (Arsenic only), Group C (Arsenic+ Omeprazole), Group D(Arsenic+ low dose of extract), Group E(Arsenic+ high dose of extract) and Group F(Arsenic and left to recover). The rats were given water and feed ad libitum only for 14 days for acclimatization. Thereafter, the five treatment groups were given arsenic trioxide (10mg/kg) orally for 14 days to induce gastric damage. Group B rats were sacrificed for pilot study. Group C received Omeprazole(500mg/kg) for 28 days, Group D was administered low dose of the extract(250mg/kg) for 28 days, Group E received a high dose of the extract 500mg/kg) for 28 days also while the last group was left to recover without administering any extract and thereafter sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The results showed that rats treated with arsenic only had statistically significant decrease in body weight compared to the control group while the rats treated with camellia sinensis (250mg/kg) had statistically significant increase in weight compared to the rats in Group B. The rats in Group B had statistically significant decrease in organ weight compared to the control group. Group D had a significant increase in the organ weight compared to Group B. The antioxidant result showed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase and gluthaione peroxidase level and a significant decrease in malondialadehyde level in Group C, D and E. The histology results showed crater-shaped ulcers in the rats given arsenic toxin only. Normal mucosal lining was seen in the control group as well as in those given arsenic with omeprazole (the standard anti-ulcer drug). The rats given low and high doses of camellia sinensis showed pitting mucosal lining, with those given low doses having better ameliorative effects compared to those given high dose. The last group (reversal group), which were given only arsenic and left to recover, showed severe mucosal erosion. In conclusion, the research findings suggest that camellia sinensis (green tea) has the potential to mitigate arsenic-induced gastric damage in adult wistar rat.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B remains a major global public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, where it contributes significantly to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, poor knowledge of the infection and its vaccine, as well as low vaccine uptake, continue to sustain transmission. AIM: This study assessed knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine, vaccination uptake, associated factors, and barriers to uptake of the vaccine among young adults in Benin City, Edo State. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 543 respondents selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a pretested structured interviewer and self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of Hepatitis B virus infection, knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine, vaccination status, and factors associated with these outcomes. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.0. Univariate analysis summarized means, frequencies, and percentages. Bivariate analysis using chi-square tests determined associations between socio-demographic factors and respondents’ knowledge of Hepatitis B infection, knowledge of the vaccine, and vaccination uptake. Binary logistic regression identified predictors of good vaccine knowledge and full vaccination status. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, and results were presented in prose and tables. RESULTS: A total of 543 individuals took part in the study. The mean age of participants was 21.0 ± 2.8 years and 302 (55.6%) were females. Overall, 99 (24.6%) respondents had good knowledge of Hepatitis B virus infection, while 303 (75.4%) had poor knowledge. Regarding knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine, 50 (16.9%) had good knowledge, while 246 xv (83.1%) had poor knowledge. At the bivariate level, respondents age (χ²=17.131, p= <0.001), sex (χ²=5.122, p= 0.024), monthly income (χ²=14.319, p= 0.001), and individuals with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection (χ²=91.056, p= <0.001) were significantly associated with
knowledge of the vaccine. Older respondents, females, individuals with higher monthly income, and those with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection were more likely to have good knowledge compared to their counterparts. Ethnic group, marital status, religion, employment status and occupation were not statistically significant. Multivariate analysis showed that respondents earning ≥₦70,000 were 2.467 times more likely to have good knowledge of the vaccine (95% CI: 0.909–6.698), while respondents with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection were 45.414 times more likely to have good knowledge of the vaccine (95% CI: 12.092–170.561), this was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Regarding vaccine uptake, 33 (6.1%) respondents were fully vaccinated, 66 (12.2%) were partially vaccinated, and 444 (81.8%) were not vaccinated. Bivariate analysis showed that age (χ² = 36.067, p < 0.001), sex (χ² = 10.591, p = 0.005), knowledge of Hepatitis B infection (χ² = 105.384, p < 0.001), and knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine (χ² = 93.812, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with vaccination status. Respondents aged ≥25 years had the
highest proportion of full vaccination 12 (16.7%), while those aged <20 years had the highest proportion of non-vaccination 190 (92.2%). Females had a higher proportion of partial vaccination 49 (16.2%), while males had a higher proportion of non-vaccination 206 (86.7%). Among respondents with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection, 27 (27.3%) were fully vaccinated compared to 5 (1.7%) among those with poor knowledge. Similarly, 21 (42.0%) respondents with good vaccine knowledge were fully vaccinated compared to 9 (3.7%) among those with poor knowledge. Multivariate analysis showed that respondents with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection were 9.011 times more likely to be fully vaccinated (95% xvi CI: 1.962–41.393, p = 0.005), while those with good knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine were 5.618 times more likely to be fully vaccinated (95% CI: 1.813–17.410, p = 0.003).
CONCLUSION: Knowledge of Hepatitis B infection and its vaccine was generally poor among respondents, and vaccination uptake was suboptimal. However, better knowledge of the infection and vaccine significantly improved the likelihood of full vaccination. Strengthening health education and awareness campaigns through healthcare workers, schools, and media platforms is essential to improve knowledge and increase vaccine uptake among the population.

BACKGROUND: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education globally, yet data on AI knowledge, perception, and usage among Nigerian university students remain limited. Understanding these factors is essential for effective curriculum integration and preparing students for an AI-driven workforce.
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the knowledge, perception, and use of Artificial Intelligence among students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 603 undergraduate students selected using multistage random sampling from six faculties. Data were collected using a structured pretested, self-administered questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 27. Associations between sociodemographic factors and knowledge/perception/use were tested using chi-square and logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 (95% CI). RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 19.9 ± 2.87 years and majority were females 355 (58.9%). Overall, 340 (56.4%) demonstrated good knowledge of AI, while 427 (70.8%) held positive perceptions. High AI usage was reported by 329 (54.6%) respondents, with ChatGPT being the most commonly used platform 450 (32.8%). Significant predictors of good knowledge included female sex (OR = 1.980, p = 0.001), being in the Faculty of Medicine (OR = 14.069, p = 0.001), and higher academic level (OR = 1.717, p = 0.020). Positive perception was significantly associated with high AI usage (OR = 8.020, p < 0.001) and excellent internet access (p = 0.041). AI usage was significantly influenced by positive perception (OR = 2.087, p = 0.025), peer interest (OR = 0.423, p = 0.004), and access to online learning platforms (OR = 0.528, p = 0.037). The most common concerns about AI were that it

Background: The Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) was designed to provide qualitative healthcare and financial risk protection for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Despite its potential to ensure Universal Health overage (UHC), limited awareness and low utilisation remain significant challenges that hinder its effectiveness in addressing the health needs of the undergraduate population. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and utilisation of the Tertiary nstitutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 646 undergraduate students selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, utilisation, and barriers to the use of TISHIP. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0.
Univariate analysis summarised means, frequencies, and percentages. Bivariate analysis using chisquare tests determined associations between socio-demographic factors and respondents’ knowledge and utilisation. Binary logistic regression identified independent determinants of good utilisation. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 646 respondents participated, with a mean age of 20.3 ± 2.5 years. Three hundred and seventy-five (58.0%) were male, while 271 (42.0%) were female. Overall, knowledge was low, as only 26 (4.0%) had good knowledge of the scheme, while 620 (96.0%) had poor knowledge. espondents aged ˃ 20 years (6.1%) demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of good knowledge compared to those ≤ 20 years (2.6%) (p = 0.025). Regarding attitude, 133 (60.5%) demonstrated a positive attitude towards TISHIP, while 87 (39.5%) demonstrated a negative attitude. Two hundred and seventy-three (42.3%) of the respondents were enrolled in the scheme. Utilisation was poor, as only 102 (37.4%) of enrolled students had ever utilised the services. Respondents in higher academic levels (400L–600L) had a significantly higher proportion of utilisation (57.1%) compared to those in lower levels (24.0%) (p < 0.001).
Multivariate analysis showed that academic level was a significant determinant, with students in lower levels being less likely to utilise the scheme compared to their seniors (OR = 0.360, 95% CI = 0.161–0.806, p = 0.013). Conclusion: Undergraduates at the University of Benin demonstrated a generally negative attitude toward TISHIP, coupled with abysmally low knowledge and poor utilisation practices. Significant gaps in institutional communication and administrative barriers remain. Targeted health education
during orientation and the digitalisation of registration processes are essential to improve awareness and ensure effective utilisation of the health insurance scheme.

BACKGROUND: Economic abuse is a form of intimate partner violence characterized by control, restriction, or exploitation of a partner’s access to financial resources, thereby limiting autonomy and reinforcing dependency. It is increasingly recognized as a significant public health and human rights issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where sociocultural norms often reinforce gender inequality. In Nigeria, economic abuse remains underreported despite its impact on women’s wellbeing and economic independence. Given its far-reaching consequences, this study assessed the prevalence and determinants of economic abuse among married women in Benin City.

METHODS: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 530 married women in Benin City, Edo State. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected using pretested structured self or interviewer-administered questionnaires adapted from the Scale of Economic Abuse (SEA-12), alongside focus group discussions for qualitative insights. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics summarized variables, while Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests assessed associations. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of economic abuse, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research Committee of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Confidentiality and voluntary participation were strictly maintained throughout the study.

RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 43.0 ± 11.5 years. Majority were aged 25–44 years 289 (54.5%), married in monogamous unions 503 (94.9%), and of middle socioeconomic status 343 (64.7%). The prevalence of economic abuse was high, with 440 (83.0%) of respondents reporting at least one form. The most common manifestation was economic control, particularly being made to ask or beg for money 248 (56.4%), followed by decision-making without consultation 186 (42.3%) and financial monitoring 185 (42.0%). Employment sabotage and economic exploitation were less commonly reported. Overall, 207 (54.9%) of respondents had poor knowledge of economic abuse despite 377 (71.1%) having heard of it. Bivariate analysis showed that respondent age (χ²=10.835, p=0.013), knowledge of economic abuse (χ²=3.867, p=0.049), and husband’s age (χ²=6.971, p=0.031) were significantly associated with experience of economic abuse. Sociocultural norms, particularly expectations of women’s financial submission, were also significantly associated (χ²=4.302, p=0.038). Higher prevalence was observed among women aged 25-59 years, particularly 45-59 years, compared to younger and older age groups. Similarly, women whose husbands were aged 45-59 years had a higher prevalence compared to those with younger or older spouses. Other factors such as education, income, socioeconomic status, and employment status were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Multivariate analysis identified duration of marriage and knowledge of economic abuse as significant predictors. Increasing duration of marriage was associated with reduced odds of economic abuse (OR=0.947; 95% CI: 0.911–0.986; p=0.007), while respondents with poor knowledge were nearly twice as likely to experience economic abuse (OR=1.937; 95% CI: 1.153–3.253; p=0.012). Sociocultural findings revealed that 311 (58.7%) of respondents perceived husbands as primary financial decision-makers, 283 (53.4%) reported expectations of financial submission, and 373 (70.4%) indicated that women are encouraged to tolerate financial abuse. Financial dependency 230 (43.4%) and patriarchal norms 108 (20.4%) were key perceived drivers. Qualitative findings reinforced these, highlighting male dominance, religious justifications, and normalization of abuse. Coping strategies were largely adaptive, including engaging in informal income activities, borrowing, silent endurance, and reliance on personal financial contributions to sustain the household.

Background: The hamstring muscles are primarily the flexors of the knee and can also take part in the extension of the hip and require a good degree of flexibility to do so. The sit-and-reach test is a field test used to measure hamstring and low back flexibility.
Aim: This study was aimed at evaluating hamstring flexibility among undergraduates of the University of Benin. Method: This ex-post-facto study recruited 400 volunteers (200 males and 200 females) healthy undergraduates, aged between 17-30 years old. A tape measure and digital weighing scale were used to collect data for the selected anthropometric variables -Height, Weight, BMI, Upper limb length, Lower limb length, and Trunk length. Sit-and- Reach test was performed on a mat; agoniometer was used to assess for Active Hip range of motion. Data collected were summarized using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation, An Independent T-test was used to ascertain the difference between males and females for the Sit-and-Reach test and Active Hip range of motion, and A Pearson’s product-moment correlation was used to examine the relationship between some anthropometric variables on Sit-and-Reach test and Active Hip active range of motion. Level of significance was set at 0.05. Result: The findings revealed that there were no significant gender differences in Sit-and-Reach test scores (p=0.063) and Active Hip Range of Motion (p=0.096). There was positive significant
correlations between sit-and -reach test scores and Upper limb length (p=0.0001), lower limb length (p=0.0001) and trunk length (p=0.005), and between Active Hip Range of Motion and height (p=0.0001), lower limb length (p=0.0001) and trunk length (p=0.005), There was positive significant correlation between BMI (P=0.004) and active hip range of motion but no significant
correlation with Sit-and-Reach test (p=0.258), trunk length (p=0.143) showed no significant correlation with active hip range of motion. Height showed no significant correlation with both tests.
Conclusion: This study provided the average value of hamstring flexibility among male and female were within the normal range. Anthropometric factors such as upper limb length, lower limb length, BMI and trunk length correlated with hamstring flexibility among Nigeria adults. However, the pattern of correlation varies between sit and reach test and active hip range of motion. There was no significant correlation between height and both tests.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the infectious agent that causes COVID-19, commonly
referred to as coronavirus illness. Chloroquine (CQ), Hydroxylchloroquine (HCQ),
Lopinavor/Retinavir (L/R), and other medications were tested for treating COVID-19 infection. Alcohol or phosphate functional group molecules are uncommon in lipids, which are esters of fatty acids that are soluble in organic solvents but insoluble in water. Triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol make up the lipid profile. The aim of the thesis is to ascertain and assess how prescribed medications for the management of COVID-19 infection affect albino rats' lipid levels. In total, 60 albino wistar rats were employed in this investigatigation. 6 were used as negative controls (given with water and feed only), while 54 were used as positive controls (administered with the medications). On the 29th day, blood samples were collected from the albino wistar rats into plain containers and serum were obtained for laboratory analysis of the lipid profile indices.. Version 27 of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was used to analyze the study's data. For both tests and controls, the Standard Error of Mean was expressed as mean ± S.E.M. Additionally, an ANOVA was used to compare the results at a 95% confidence interval (P<0.05). Notably, the combination treatment containing Hydroxylchloroquine (HCQ), Ivermectin (IV), L/R (Lopinavir/Retinavir), Azithromycin (AZI), Zinc (Zn), and Selenium (Se) led to a significant decrease in HDL_c levels (P<0.05) and weight (P<0.05) compared to the control group. This was in addition to the notable reduction in total cholesterol (TC) levels (P <0.05) that HCQ showed. Additionally, compared to the control group, Chloroquine (CQ) showed significantly lower cardiac risk ratios (P<0.05) and atherogenic coefficients (P<0.05), suggesting a possible decrease in cardiovascular risk and atherogenic potential. Additionally, compared to the control group, the ydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment group showed significantly decreased cardiac risk ratios (P<0.05) and atherogenic coefficients (P<0.05). Nevertheless, the combination therapy with CQ, IV, L/R, AZI, Zn, and Se showed noticeably greater atherogenic coefficients and cardiac risk ratios. In conclusion, the study elucidated the various effects of the drugs on lipid profile, weight, cardiac risk ratio, and atherogenic coefficient. However, while both CQ and HCQ treatments led to significant weight gain, contrary to some findings, their mechanisms of action on weight regulation remain complex and warrant further investigation.