COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

This study assessed factors affecting self-care and behavioral lifestyle practices among hypertensive patients, focusing on socio-demographic profiles, self-care practices, behavioral lifestyle patterns, and influencing factors. The increasing prevalence of hypertension highlights the need for effective management strategies emphasizing patient self-care and lifestyle modifications. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 205 hypertensive patients selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics and mean scores were utilized to evaluate self-care and behavioral lifestyle practices, while inferential statistics identified significant influencing factors. The study revealed that 79.5% of participants demonstrated good self-care practices, with high adherence to health monitoring (79.5%), dietary management (99%), and healthcare attendance (79.5%). However, mental health self-care and moderate-intensity physical activity showed lower adherence rates. Behavioral lifestyle assessment indicated positive practices in physical activity (98.5%), hydration (80.5%), and social engagement (97%), but challenges in stress management (98%) and sleep quality (95.1%). Financial constraints (97.1%), psychological factors (95.6%), and limited access to healthy food options (93.6%) were identified as primary barriers to optimal behavioral lifestyles. The findings highlight a generally positive engagement in self-care and behavioral practices among hypertensive patients, supported by health education and healthcare accessibility. However, notable gaps in mental health care, stress management, and sleep hygiene require targeted interventions. The study underscores the need for comprehensive hypertension management programs that address identified barriers. Interventions should include financial support mechanisms, improved mental health resources, stress reduction programs, and public health policies promoting food accessibility. Further research is recommended to evaluate longterm outcomes of lifestyle modifications and develop tailored interventions for specific demographic groups.

awareness among patients is often limited, particularly in low­ and middle­income countries. In Nigeria, many individuals misattribute psychiatric symptoms to stress, spiritual causes, or ordinary life difficulties, resulting in delayed presentation, poor treatment adherence, and worsened outcomes. Doctors’ perspectives are vital in assessing the extent of patients’ awareness and identifying barriers to care. Objective: This study assessed doctors’ perspectives on the level of patients’ awareness of mental health challenges at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria, and explored perceived barriers, consequences, and strategies for improvement. Methods: A descriptive cross­sectional study was conducted among doctors at UBTH using a structured, self­administered questionnaire. Data collected included socio­demographics, perceptions of patients’ awareness, barriers, and suggested interventions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, with results presented in prose, tables, and charts. Results: Most doctors perceived patients’ awareness of mental health challenges to be low to moderate, with only a small proportion demonstrating good awareness of common conditions such as depression and anxiety. Patients often misattributed symptoms to stress or spiritual problems, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Stigma (reported by over two­thirds of respondents), cultural and religious beliefs, low literacy, and weak health system capacity were identified as major barriers. Doctors noted that poor awareness contributed to late presentation, misdiagnosis, treatment non­adherence, and frequent relapses. Suggested strategies included integrating mental health education into routine consultations, strengthening community outreach, collaborating with religious and cultural leaders, expanding training for healthcare providers, and implementing hospital­based and national awareness campaigns. Conclusion: Doctors at UBTH perceive patients’ awareness of mental health challenges as inadequate, with significant consequences for timely diagnosis, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes. Stigma and sociocultural misconceptions remain key barriers. Targeted interventions—including patient education, anti­stigma programs, and community engagement— are urgently needed to improve awareness and enhance mental health care delivery.

Background: Social media addiction is a behavioural problem characterised by excessive, poorly controlled use of social media platforms that interferes with daily functioning and is associated with depression, anxiety, stress and reduced productivity among university students. It is common in young adults and is linked to long daily usage, night-time use and other behavioural patterns that worsen mental-health outcomes. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, prevalence, patterns of social media addiction and its association with the mental health status of undergraduates in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Subjects and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 548 undergraduates of the University of Benin selected using a multi-stage (proportionate stratified + systematic) sampling technique. Data were collected with a pre-tested, self- administered questionnaire (sociodemographics, knowledge and attitude sections) and standardised scales, the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) for addiction risk and the DASS-21 for depression, anxiety and stress. Data were presented in frequency tables and analysed using bivariate (χ²) tests and multivariable logistic regression; statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 21.5 ± 2.9 years and 306 (55.8%) were females. Awareness of social media addiction was high (519, 94.7%). Majority had good knowledge of social media addiction (395, 76.1%) and a positive attitude towards it (396, 72.1%). By BSMAS grading, 127 (23.2%) were low-risk, 349 (63.7%) moderate-risk and 72 (13.1%) high-risk for social media addiction (social media addiction present = 72/548, 13.1%). On DASS-21 grading, 136 (24.8%) had d pression, 163 (29.7%) had anxiety, and 44 (8.0%) had stress; overall 200 (36.5%) were classified as having poor mental health while 348 (63.5%) xii had good mental health. Respondents with a positive attitude were more likely to have poor mental health (OR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.382–3.734, p = 0.001) and respondents with social media addiction were substantially more likely to have poor mental health than those without (OR = 10.30, 95% CI = 5.337–19.914, p < 0.001). Social media addiction was also a strong predictor of specific outcomes anxiety (OR = 4.121, 95% CI = 2.324–7.305, p < 0.001) and stress (OR = 12.669, 95% CI = 5.386–29.804, p < 0.001). Other factors (monthly allowance, knowledge level, average daily hours and time of day of use) were associated with addiction risk and mental-health outcomes in bivariate and multivariable analyses. Conclusion: Awareness and knowledge of social media addiction were high among UNIBEN undergraduates, but about one in eight students met high-risk criteria for social media addiction and over one-third had poor overall mental health. Social media addiction together with attitude, knowledge and usage patterns was a strong predictor of poorer mental- health outcomes (depression, anxiety and stress). Interventions to improve digital-wellness (education on healthy use, time-management, sleep hygiene and targeted counselling) are recommended.

The study examined the total tannin total saponin and total alkaloid contents of dried seeds of soya beans (glycine max) and sesame seeds (sesamum indicum). Exactly 1.0 g of the powdered soybean and sesame seed samples was weighed separately and dissolved in 50 mL of cool, boiled distilled water in a 100 mL beaker. The contents were transferred into a 100 mL standard flask, and the beaker was rinsed three times with about 10 mL of the same distilled water to ensure complete transfer. The volume of the flask was then made up to the 100 mL mark with distilled water. The flask was corked, inverted four times for proper mixing, and allowed to stand. The final extract solution had a concentration of approximately 10,000 µg/mL (stock), and was used for subsequent phytochemical screening and quantitative analyses. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out to identify the presence of bioactive compounds such as tannins, saponins, and alkaloids, using the standard procedures described by Tiwari et al. (2001) with minor modifications.A 2.0 mL portion of each extract was evaporated to dryness, and the residue was dissolved in 5 mL of 2 mol/dm³ hydrochloric acid (HCl). The solution was filtered, and the filtrate was divided equally into two test tubes. To the first test tube, a few drops of Mayer’s reagent were added, while the second received Wagner’s reagent. The appearance of a yellowish precipitate in the first tube and a reddish-brown precipitate in the second tube confirmed the presence of alkaloids.sThe study evaluated the total tannin, saponin, and alkaloid contents of dried seeds of Glycine max (soybean) and Sesamum indicum (sesame). Thus, this study provided a scientific basis supporting the nutritional and medicinal importance of soybean and sesame seeds. Their phytochemical richness underscores their usefulness in developing nutraceuticals and plant-based formulations for disease prevention and health promotion.Based on the findings of this research, the following recommendations are made: increased utilization of sesame seeds, encouragement of soybean consumption further research, pharmaceutical and industrial exploration,government and institutional support.

Background: Physiotherapy is an essential component of healthcare, yet public understanding of its role remains limited. In Nigeria, physiotherapy remains underutilised partly due to poor awareness and misconceptions about what the profession entails. Many adults in various communities may not seek physiotherapy because they do not know what it is, do not believe it works, or associate it with limited conditions.Purpose: The aim was to assess awareness, perceptions, misconceptions, sources of information, and the relationship between demographic factors and understanding of physiotherapy, by members of the public.Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was employed. Quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire administered to 400 participants, while qualitative insights were obtained from interviews with 10 participants. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and thematic analysis.Results: Findings showed that awareness of physiotherapy was moderate, with many respondents unable to clearly define its scope. Perceptions were generally positive, as participants recognized physiotherapy’s role in stroke rehabilitation, pain management, and mobility restoration. However, misconceptions were widespread, including equating physiotherapy with massage therapy or bone setting and believing that physiotherapy must be painful to be effective. The dominant sources of information were informal (radio/TV, family and friends, community gatherings), while health professionals were less frequently cited. Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between demographic factors (age, gender, education, occupation, religion) and either perception or misconception of physiotherapy. Conclusion: Physiotherapy is moderately known but poorly understood among residents of Egor LGA, with misconceptions cutting across all demographic groups. There is urgent need for structured public education campaigns and increased visibility of physiotherapists in healthcare. It is recommended that health authorities, professional associations, and physiotherapists themselves actively engage in awareness creation to correct misconceptions and promote physiotherapy as a vital part of healthcare delivery in Nigeria

Cerebellar disorders are a class of neurological impairments characterized by unsteady gait anduncoordinated movements, typically resulting from lesions or pathologies affecting the cerebellum. These disorders may arise from congenital anomalies, hereditary ataxias, or exposure to environmental neurotoxicants such as heavy metals. Mercury, a highly toxic heavy metal, is known to exert deleterious effects on the central nervous system. Its lipophilic nature enables it to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it accumulates and induces oxidative stress, leading to neuroinflammation, neuronal damage, and impaired motor coordination. Dietary antioxidants have shown promise in combating mercury-induced neurotoxicity. Accordingly, this study investigated the activity of ethanol extract of Pleurotus ostreatus (P. ostreatus) against mercuric chloride (HgCl2) induced cerebellar toxicity in Wistar rats. In this study, fortytwo (42) Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups (A-F). Group A rats served as control; Group B received 4 mg/kg body weight [bw] of HgCl2 only; Group C received 4 mg/kg bw of HgCl2+ 250 mg/kg of P. ostreatus; Group D received 4 mg/kg bw of HgCl2 + 500 mg/kg of P. ostreatus; Group E received 250 mg/kg bw of P. ostreatus only and Group F received 500mg/kg bw of P. ostreatus only. All administrations were done orally for twenty-eight (28) days. Neurobehavioural activity was subsequently evaluated using the Open Field, String, Movement Initiation and Step Tests. Following the assessments, the experimental rats were sacrificed via cervical dislocation and the cerebellum harvested for antioxidant enzymes activity, lipid peroxidation, mercury concentration and histological assessments. The findings revealed that rats exposed to HgCl2 exhibited significant (p <0.05) weight loss, motor deficit, impaired antioxidant defense, elevated lipid peroxidation, elevated mercury levels and degeneration of Purkinje cells and molecular layer neurons. However, co-administration with P. ostreatus significantly (p < 0.05) mitigated these mercury-induced cerebellar alterations in Wistar rats. Overall, the findings from this study indicate that P. Ostreatus mitigates mercuric chloride-induced cerebellar toxicity, primarily through its antioxidant, neuroprotective, and metal-chelating properties, thus making it a promising agent for the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at managing mercury neurotoxicity and its associated motor impairments.

Herbal remedies are widely utilized in traditional medicine, but scientific validation of theirsafety, particularly in combination, remains limited. This study investigated the gastrointestinal histopathological effects of aqueous extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit and Jatrophacurcasleaves in female Wistar rats. Twenty-four adult rats (107–155 g) were assigned into four groups(n = 6): Group A (control) received feed and water only; Group B received T. tetrapteraextract
(200 mg/kg); Group C received J. curcas extract (400 mg/kg); and Group Dreceivedbothextracts concurrently at the same doses. Treatments were administered orally for 28 consecutivedays. Parameters assessed included body weight, organ weight, fecal occult blood, andhistopathological evaluation of the stomach, small intestine and rectum. Statistical analysisrevealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in body weight, organ weight, or fecal occult bloodamong the experimental groups. Histological findings showed that both T. tetrapteraandJ. curcas extracts preserved normal gastrointestinal cytoarchitecture, with intact epithelial linings, well-organized lamina propria, and continuous muscularis mucosae. The small andlargeintestines displayed healthy villi and abundant goblet cells without evidence of necrosis, erosion, or inflammatory infiltration. However, sections of the stomach from the combined-extract grouprevealed mild gastric erosion with focal epithelial disruption and minimal inflammatorycell presence. These findings indicate that while aqueous extracts of T. tetraptera and J. curcas areindividually safe at the tested doses, their concurrent administration may induce mildgastricirritation, suggesting a possible herb–herb interaction. Further phytochemical and chronictoxicity studies are recommended to clarify the mechanisms of interaction and establishsafeusage parameters for polyherbal formulations containing these species.

Alstonia boonei, a plant species known for its medicinal properties and a tropical tree native to Africa, may exhibit protective effects on some vital organs. Various parts of the tree, including the bark, leaves, and roots, have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the histomorphological effects of Alstonia boonei stem bark extract on the liver and kidney of Wistar albino rats. Thirty healthy rats were separated into groups and housed in controlled conditions. Histopathological examinations will assess potential damage or protective effects. Given Alstonia boonei's potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it may offer benefits for liver and kidney health. The results of this study may provide insights into the potential therapeutic applications of Alstonia boonei in preventing liver and kidney damage. Some studies suggest that Alstonia boonei stem bark extract may have hepatoprotective properties, reducing liver damage and inflammation. Additionally, it may alleviate hyperlipidemia and renal malfunctions in benign prostatic hyperplasia-induced rats . Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying these effects and to determine the optimal dosage for maximum protection.

BACKGROUND: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measure of nutritional status and health risk, categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Abnormal BMI values have significant health implications, including increased risk for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and bone-related disorders. Among university undergraduates, lifestyle changes, dietary patterns, and perceptions of weight￾for-height influence BMI status, making it important to assess knowledge, prevalence, perceptions, and determinants. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the knowledge of health implications of abnormal BMI, prevalence of BMI categories, perception of personal weight-for-height, and determinants of BMI status among undergraduates in the University of Benin. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 350 undergraduate students of the University of Benin between September 2024 and August 2025. Respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire adapted from related studies. Knowledge was scored and categorized into good or poor, while perception of BMI was assessed by comparing self￾reported weight-for-height classification with actual BMI. Anthropometric data were self￾reported and BMI was calculated. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 with descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Ethics and Research Committee. RESULTS: The mean age ± SD of respondents was 21.0 ± 2.85 years. The majority of respondents 272 (77.7%) demonstrated good knowledge of abnormal BMI, while 78 (22.3%) had xiii poor knowledge. A significant proportion 263 (75.1%) had normal BMI, while 87 (24.9%) had abnormal BMI, comprising 36 (10.3%) underweight, 35 (10.0%) overweight, and 16 (4.6%), (27.1%) misperceived their weight status. Age (p < 0.001), degree programme (p < 0.001), academic level (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.028), residence (p = 0.001), source of income (p < 0.001), and monthly income (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge of abnormal BMI. Gender (p < 0.001), age group (p < 0.001), programme of study (p = 0.003), academic level (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.012), residence (p = 0.007), source of income (p = 0.003), and monthly income (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with perception of BMI. Logistic regression revealed that age, sex, academic level, and income significantly influenced BMI status and perception. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that most undergraduates had good knowledge of abnormal BMI and a majority had normal BMI, though a considerable proportion were underweight, overweight, or obese. While perception of weight-for-height was correct among most respondents, misperception remained notable. Socio-demographic factors including age, sex, programme of study, academic level, and income were significant determinants of knowledge, BMI, and perception. Strengthening targeted health education, encouraging healthy dietary practices, and promoting physical activity among undergraduates are critical in preventing abnormal BMI and its long-term health consequences.

Background: Physical inactivity is a major global public health concern, contributing to the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and premature mortality. Despite the widely acknowledged importance of sporting activities for physical, mental, and social well-being, there is a dearth of comprehensive data on the participation of undergraduate students in Nigeria. Understanding the role of sports among this population is crucial for developing effective health promotion strategies. Objectives: To assess the role of sporting activities among undergraduate students in selected tertiary institutions in Benin City in order to inform policy and program development regarding sports. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 undergraduate students in selected tertiary institutions in Benin City, Edo State. Data was collected using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. The study utilized the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS), and the Academic Achievement Questionnaire (AAQ) as tools. Data was entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 21.95 ± 2.834 years, with a slight predominance of females 207 (51.7%). Knowledge of sporting activities was poor with only a little over one-third 147 (36.8%) of the undergraduates demonstrating good knowledge of sporting activities. Majority 292 (73.0%) of undergraduates expressed a positive attitude towards sporting activities. Only 135 (33.8%) of the undergraduates participated in sporting activities. The most common sports were running (49.8%), football (45.8%), and high jump (41.1%). Key determinants of 1 non-participation included lack of time and heavy academic workload. Students who engaged in sporting activities had better academic performance compared to those who did not, though it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Although undergraduate students largely possess a positive attitude towards sporting activities, their knowledge is low and participation is low. The study highlights the need for structured interventions to improve knowledge and remove the structural barriers to participation, which, in turn, contribute positively to the academic performance of students.