COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

Background: Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide, with an increasing incidence in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Early recognition and appropriate response to stroke symptoms are critical to improving outcomes. Medical students, as future healthcare providers, play a vital role in promoting stroke awareness and emergency response. Objective: This study assessed the level of knowledge of stroke, its risk factors, warning signs, and appropriate emergency responses among clinical undergraduate students in the School of Basic Medical Sciences (SBMS), University of Benin. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. A structured, self- administered questionnaire was distributed to 322 clinical undergraduates selected through stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency, percentage, and chi-square tests at a 0.05 significance level. Results: Findings revealed a generally high level of stroke awareness among respondents. Most participants (94.1%) correctly identified the brain as the organ affected by stroke, and 98.4% recognized that stroke is preventable. Hypertension (77.0%), old age (73.3%), and diabetes were the most frequently identified risk factors. Paralysis of one side of the body (78.6%) and speech difficulty (77.3%) were the most recognized warning signs. A significant association existed between level of study and knowledge of stroke risk factors (p = 0.035) and between gender and planned response to stroke events (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Clinical undergraduates of the University of Benin demonstrated commendable theoretical knowledge of stroke, its risk factors, and warning signs. However, gaps remain in the understanding of lifestyle-related risk factors and practical emergency response.

Background:
Laparotomy and thoracostomy are major invasive procedures that impose distinct physiological stresses on the cardiovascular system. The rate-pressure product (RPP), an index of myocardial oxygen demand, provides a reliable measure of cardiovascular workload following surgical interventions. Understanding how these procedures influence RPP is essential for physiotherapists
in planning safe and effective post-surgical rehabilitation.
Methods:
An observational prospective cohort design was employed. Forty surgical patients with a mean age (CTTD: 44.0 ± 12.43 years; Laparotomy: 42.4 ± 23.12 years) were recruited through simple random sampling and assigned to two groups: laparotomy (n = 20) and closed-tube thoracostomy drainage (CTTD) (n = 20). Cardiovascular parameters—systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse rate (PR)—were recorded preoperatively and at 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively using an automated monitor. RPP was computed as SBP × PR. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired and independent t-tests, and repeated measures ANOVA, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results:
Thirty-one patients (20 laparotomy, 11 CTTD) completed the study. Baseline SBP, PR, and RPP were comparable between groups. Both groups exhibited postoperative fluctuations in SBP and PR, yet RPP remained relatively stable across all time points. Paired t-tests revealed no significant changes in RPP within groups, though the laparotomy group showed significant reductions in PR at 24 and 48 hours (p < 0.001). Repeated measures ANOVA confirmed no significant time effect on RPP in either group (CTTD: F (3, 30) = 0.929, p = 0.439; laparotomy: F (3,57) = 1.536, p = 0.215). Between-group comparisons showed no significant RPP differences at any interval (p > 0.05). Mean VAS scores were similar (CTTD: 3.00 ± 0.82; laparotomy: 3.20 ± 0.76).
Conclusion:
Laparotomy and thoracostomy procedures exert comparable effects on myocardial workload, as indicated by stable RPP values across postoperative periods. These findings suggest that cardiovascular responses following both surgeries are similar and that physiotherapy prescriptions should be guided by individualized patient assessment rather than procedure type alone.
Keywords:
Laparotomy, Thoracostomy, Rate Pressure Product, Myocardial Workload, Postoperative Physiotherapy, Cardiovascular Response.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are increasingly being used as source of health information, particularly among undergraduate students who are highly engaged with digital technologies. These tools provide instant, interactive, and personalized responses to healthrelated queries, which may influence health-seeking behaviors. One growing concern is their role in facilitating self-medication, defined as the use of medicines without consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. While AI chatbots may improve access to health information and empower individuals to make decisions, their unregulated use raises concerns about misinformation, inappropriate drug use, delayed diagnosis, and adverse health outcomes. Despite the increasing global use of AI technologies, there is limited evidence on how undergraduate students in Nigeria utilize AI chatbots in relation to self-medication practices. Understanding students’ knowledge, attitudes, and patterns of use is essential for informing public health interventions and policies. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students in Benin City, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from UTAUT and related acceptance models that assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of AI chatbots, attitudes toward their use in health decision-making, and prevalence of their use in facilitating self-medication. Knowledge and attitude scores were computed and categorized into levels. Data analysis was performed using appropriate statistical software. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and proportions were used to summarize variables, while inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were used to examine associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: The mean age of respondents was 21.50±3.138 years, with females constituting the majority (78.4%). Awareness of AI chatbots was universal, and about four-fifth of respondents demonstrated good knowledge, with Gemini being the most correctly identified tool. Despite this high awareness, only a small proportion had received formal training on AI or chatbots. About seven-tenth of respondents expressed a positive attitude toward AI chatbot use, perceiving these tools as convenient and useful for obtaining quick health information, although concerns regarding reliability and safety remained common. The prevalence of AI chatbot use for self- medication was considerable, with nearly one-third of respondents reporting use for advice on symptoms, possible diagnoses, and treatment options. ChatGPT was the most commonly used chatbot for self-medication, followed by Gemini. Despite the prevalence of use, the frequency of chatbot utilization for self-medication was mostly occasional or rare. Sex and guardians occupation were significant predictors of good knowledge. Attitude toward AI chatbot use was a strong predictor of prevalence. Respondents with a positive attitude were significantly less likely to use AI chatbots for self-medication compared with those with a negative attitude (OR = 0.178, p < 0.001) Conclusion: Despite high awareness and good knowledge of AI chatbots among respondents, concerns about reliability and safety in self-medication persisted. About one-third had used AI chatbots, mainly ChatGPT, for self-medication. Knowledge, attitude, guardians’ occupation, and social media use significantly influenced utilization, highlighting the need for targeted health education, improved digital health literacy, and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and responsible use of AI chatbots in healthcare decision-making.

BACKGROUND
Mental health disorders among university students are an increasing public health concern globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to formal mental health services remains limited. Simultaneously, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are increasingly being integrated into students’ academic and social activities, with emerging interest in their potential role in mental health support. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, uptake, utilization, factors influencing use, and mental health status associated with AI mental health chatbot use among undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
METHODS
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 436 undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, using a pretested self-administered structured questionnaire. Respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.050 at 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS
The mean age of respondents studied was 21.84 ± 3.97 years. Nearly all respondents demonstrated awareness of AI chatbots, while approximately nine-tenths had good overall knowledge. However, awareness of clinically validated mental health–specific chatbots such as Woebot and Wysa was very low. About three-quarters of respondents demonstrated positive attitudes towards AI mental health chatbots. Uptake of AI chatbots was near-universal (96.6%), driven predominantly by general-purpose platforms such as ChatGPT for academic purposes. Uptake of clinically validated mental health-specific chatbots such as Woebot and Wysa was negligible. Only a small proportion reported using AI chatbots specifically for emotional support or mental health-related purposes. Ethnicity and level of study were identified as significant predictors of good knowledge of AI chatbots. Respondents with good knowledge had significantly higher odds of positive attitudes towards AI mental health chatbots (OR = 4.003; CI = 1.940–8.258; p < 0.001). Peer influence, anonymity, affordability, and privacy concerns significantly influenced AI chatbot utilization. High utilization was significantly associated with academic level and religion. Nearly three-fifths (59.9%) of respondents screened positive for depression. High AI chatbot utilization (OR = 1.753; CI = 1.083–2.836; p = 0.022) and high dependency (OR = 2.173; CI = 1.039–4.542; p = 0.039) were identified as significant predictors of depression.
CONCLUSION
Despite high awareness, positive attitudes, and near-universal uptake of AI chatbots among undergraduate students, awareness of clinically validated mental health–specific platforms remain low. Depression was highly prevalent among respondents, and high AI chatbot utilization and dependency were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. There is need for targeted digital mental health literacy programmes, institutional regulation of AI mental health tools, and integration of safe, evidence-based digital mental health interventions within university settings.

Background: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices are essential for adolescent health, dignity, and academic performance. Inadequate knowledge, poor attitudes, and limited facilities in schools contribute to waterborne diseases, absenteeism, and reduced learning outcomes. Despite sensitization efforts, misconceptions about WASH remain common among secondary school students, influenced by age, sex, family structure, and socioeconomic background. Strengthening WASH education and infrastructure is critical to improving hygiene practices and reducing risks.

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, prevalence, and determinants of WASH
practices among secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, with the aim of identifying gaps and making recommendations for improved hygiene management in schools.

Subjects and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 secondary school students selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested self- administered questionnaire and analyzed with IBM SPSS version 27.0. Associations between socio- demographic characteristics and WASH knowledge, attitude, and practice were tested using chi-square statistics, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 at 95% confidence.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 14.05 ± 1.85 years, with females comprising 60.4%. Awareness of WASH was moderate (71.9%), with teachers (48.3%) and parents (27.0%) as the main sources of information. Good knowledge of WASH was found in 177 (46.5%) respondents, while 204 (53.5%) demonstrated poor knowledge. Age was significantly associated with knowledge: students aged ≥17 years had higher odds of good knowledge (OR = 9.52; 95% CI =3.21–28.23; p < 0.001) compared to those aged 10–13 years. Female students were more likely to have good knowledge than males (OR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.17–2.71; p = 0.007). Junior secondary students (JSS) were significantly less likely to have good knowledge compared to senior secondary students (SSS) (OR = 0.005, 95% CI = 0.001–0.017, p < 0.001). This finding confirms that class level, reflecting both age and curriculum exposure, is a critical determinant of
WASH knowledge. Parental occupation also influenced knowledge, with students whose fathers were in skill level 4 jobs having higher odds of good knowledge (OR = 2.41; 95% CI = 1.31– 4.43; p = 0.036). Mother’s occupation showed similar associations (OR = 3.12; 95% CI = 1.45– 6.71; p = 0.004). Attitudes toward WASH were generally positive, but determinants were significant. Students with good knowledge were more likely to have positive attitudes (OR = 2.82; 95% CI = 1.34– 5.92; p = 0.006). Conversely, not living with both parents reduced the odds of positive attitude (OR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.21–0.76; p = 0.005). The prevalence of good WASH practices was encouraging but not universal. While handwashing after toilet use was common (74.8%), fewer students practiced handwashing before meals (51.2%) or recognized the need for gender-separated toilets with nearby handwashing facilities (49.3%). Good knowledge increased the odds of good practice (OR = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.17–4.19; p = 0.015), while lack of privacy in hostels or public toilets was significantly associated with poor menstrual hygiene practice (OR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.01–2.87; p = 0.047).

Conclusion: Although awareness and knowledge of WASH were encouraging, substantial gaps remain in practical knowledge, attitudes, and consistent hygiene practices. Younger students and males were more likely to have poor knowledge, while family structure and privacy issues influenced attitudes and practices. Improving school- based health education, expanding the role of health clubs, strengthening WASH facilities, and providing private, girl-friendly spaces are essential to promote safe practices, reduce disease burden, and enhance academic performance among secondary school students.

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.