COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

BACKGROUND: Hemoglobinopathies are the commonest inherited genetic disorders worldwide. Sickle cell disorders were discovered by Dr J.B Herrick in 1904. There are some hopes for a definitive cure for sickle cell disorders in the form of stem cell transplantation. However premarital screening for intending couples seem to be an important primary preventive method. Pre-marital medical screening is a panel of tests that couples preparing to get married undertake so as to detect any genetic or infectious disease that may be transmitted to each other of their offspring. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to add to the existing body of knowledge on sickle cell disorder and to access the knowledge, attitude and practice of premarital screening for sickle cell disorder among students of University of Benin. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 393 students using multi- stage sampling technique from six selected faculties (Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Education, Management Sciences, Law, Pharmacy.) from the 13 faculties in the University. The time duration of this study spanned from August 2019 to June 2021. Data was collected using an self-administered questionnaire. Data was obtained and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics. Level of significance was set at 5%.

Background: Stroke is a major public health problem and a leading cause of adult disability. The incidence, prevalence, and mortality rate of stroke have been increased worldwide, with most of the burden being in low and middle-income countries. A global survey reported that only 18% of low-income countries had stroke units, compared to 91% of high-income countries. Given the importance of stroke unit care to the prognosis of the disease in stroke patients, it is necessary to describe the current state of stroke units in the country, focusing on availability, capacity, and capability. Methods: This research involved a mixed study design of a Cross-sectional and In-Depth interview. The instruments used were questionnaire administered to 45 stroke MDTs. The In- depth interview involved 10 selected stroke MDTs. The quantitative analysis data was summarized using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. For the qualitative analysis, thematic analysis and visualization were carried out with the aid of Nvivo 14 Software. Result: Participants (26 males and 19 females) in this study were aged 21-56 years. Referral rate for physiotherapy was relatively high. There was a good utilization of physiotherapy. There was a significant association between referral rate, utilization and relevance of physiotherapy among stroke multidisciplinary team. Conclusion: Stroke care has advanced and more patients are surviving the acute-stage. In stroke care model, rehabilitation is now considered an integral component of all levels of stroke care.This research has identified a good utilization of physiotherapy and itsrelevance among multidisciplinary team.However,there is a need to improve the knowledge,awareness andeducation regarding physiotherapy and rehabilitation for all cadres of health care workers. Physiotherapist need to be proactive in this area and need the support of health services, training institutions and the government.

Background: Promoting health literacy (HL) at an early age is a key intervention strategy to reduce disease burden and health disparities. Active transport on the other hand involves a form of physical activity for everyday transportation either by walking or cycling. With the benefits of physical activity, leading a physically active life and avoiding long episodes of sedentary behavior, can help prevent non-specific health complaints and improve overall well-being among adolescents. Both HL and active transport are important determinants of health however studies on their relationship are limited. Aim: This study aimed to influence of health literacy on active transport among secondary school students in Benin City, Edo State. Method: This study utilized a cross-sectional study design. A total of 354 students were recruited from 11 secondary schools across Egor local government area, Benin City. The association between health literacy and active transport was determined by linear or logistics regression models. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. All analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for windows version 24. Results: 331 (93.5%) of the respondents had inadequate level of health literacy. A total of 153 (43.2%) of the respondents engage in active transport with 86 (24.3%) commuting on foot and 67 (18.9%) on bicycle. There was no significant influence of health literacy on active transport. Conclusion: This study found that secondary school students in Benin City spend little time on active transportation and possess an inadequate level of health literacy, but has a high frequency of active transportation. Health literacy does not influence time spent using active transport among secondary school students in Benin-City. Keywords: Health literacy, active transport, secondary school, students

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the most common musculoskeletal (MSK) ailment inthegeneral population. Weightlifting is a popular activity that puts so much strain on the body'smuscles and predisposes athletes to LBP. The lower back is the most often damaged bodypart inweightlifting and weightlifting is the one that increases the risk of LBP in all sports. Thereisadearth of knowledge regarding the association between LBP and weightlifting among universitystudents. Aim: The study aims to investigate the prevalence of low back pain and determine it's potential risk factors among weightlifting and non-weightlifting undergraduate students of the Universityof Benin. Methods: A total of 104 students comprising of 52 weightlifters and 52 non-weightlifters wereselected across the university with the use of snowball and convenience sampling. Anadaptedversion of the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to obtain information onsocio-demographic data, weight-lifting characteristics and occurrence of LBP. Descriptive statisticssuch as percentage and inferential statistics such as Chi-square were used to summarise thedata. Alpha level was 0.05. Results: Weightlifters (WLFs) have a higher lifetime prevalence of LBP 82.69(%) comparedtonon-weightlifters (NWLFs) 71.15(%). The difference in between lifetime and 7 days prevalenceamong both weightlifters and non-weightlifters was statistically significant (p=0.000). Frequency of weightlifting was significantly associated with LBP (p= 0.019). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of low back pain among weightlifting andnon-weightlifting undergraduate students in University of Benin. Significant association were foundbetween frequency of weightlifting with the occurrence of LBP. Keywords: Low back pain, weightlifters , non-weightlifters, prevalence

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone with potential therapeutic applications in metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus. While its pharmacological effects have been extensively studied, data on its acute toxicity profile remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the acute oral toxicity of a MaxGLP-1 supplement in male Wistar rats using the Lorke method. Experimental animals were administered single oral doses of 10, 100, 1000, 1600, 2900, and 5000 mg/kg and monitored continuously for 24 hours and subsequently for 14 days to detect immediate, persistent, or delayed toxic effects. Observations included clinical signs, mortality, feed and water consumption, body weight changes, and external and internal organ examinations, supplemented by histopathological evaluation of the liver and spleen. No mortality occurred at any dose, establishing an LD₅₀ greater than 5000 mg/kg. Immediate effects were mild and transient, including slight restlessness at 1000 mg/kg and mild sedation at higher doses, which resolved within hours. Delayed adverse effects were limited to intermittent mild irritation or itching in animals exposed to doses ≥1000 mg/kg. Feed and water intake, relative weight gain, feed efficiency, and body weight progression were not significantly altered (p>0.05) across all groups. External and internal examinations revealed no gross pathological changes, and histopathological analysis of liver and spleen at 1600 mg/kg showed no lesions. These findings indicate that MaxGLP-1 possesses low acute oral toxicity, with a conservative No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 100 mg/kg in male Wistar rats. This study provides foundational safety data supporting the further preclinical development of MaxGLP-1 and shows the need for subsequent subacute and chronic toxicity evaluations to establish long-term safety profiles.

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