COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

Background: Health-seeking behaviours among caregivers, particularly mothers, are essential to addressing childhood illnesses and reducing under-five mortality rates. In low-income settings like Nigeria, factors such as socioeconomic status, cultural beliefs, and healthcare access significantly impact these behaviours. Understanding the determinants of these behaviours can
aid in developing effective interventions to improve healthcare utilization for common childhood illnesses. Aim: To examine the patterns and determinants of health-seeking behaviours among mothers of
under-five children in Benin City, Nigeria, aiming to identify factors influencing healthcare decisions and improve child health outcomes. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 mothers of children under five selected by multi-staged sampling technique. Data collection involved the use of pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaires assessing socio-demographic factors, healthcare-seeking patterns, and determinants impacting these decisions. Data entry and
statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 and the analysis included both univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis to identify significant predictors of health-seeking behaviour. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Findings indicated that 474 (86.2%) mothers received antenatal care during pregnancy, predominantly from public hospitals, 311 (65.6%) with most having at least four visits, 459 (96.8%). Despite high antenatal attendance, 284 (65.7% ) mothers sought treatment for childhood illnesses from pharmacies rather than hospitals, 108 (25.0%) influenced by factors such as cost, 230 (53.2%), proximity, 135 (31.3%), quality of health services rendered, 92 (21.3%) and attitude of healthcare personnel, 61 (14.1%). Key determinants of formal healthcare
xv utilization included maternal education level, income, and household size, with higher hospital deliveries among mothers with increasing level of education (p < <0.001), and with employment (p = 0.007), higher visitation of antenatal clinics with increasing income (p = 0.007) and higher proportion of hospital treatment of sick children with decreasing household size (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Economic, educational, and cultural factors substantially influenced health-seeking behaviours among mothers for under-five children. Targeted interventions to improve maternal health literacy, enhance healthcare access, and reduce treatment costs could promote timely and appropriate healthcare-seeking behaviour, ultimately contributing to reduced childhood
morbidity and mortality. Keywords: Health-seeking behaviour; Childhood illnesses; Mothers; Determinants; Healthcare access, Under-five mortality; Nigeria.

Background: HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge, particularly among adolescentswhofaceheightenedvulnerabilityduetosocial,economic,andbehavioralfactors.
Peer education has emerged as an effective strategy to bridge knowledge gaps and promote
preventive behaviors among teenagers. This study explores the role of peer educators in HIV/AIDS prevention among teenagers in Uselu, Egor Local Government Area, Edo State,
Nigeria.
Objective: The study assessed the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among teenagers, assess teenagers’ attitudes toward HIV/AIDS prevention strategies, assess the acceptability of peer
educators as a method for HIV/AIDS prevention and identify factors influencing the
effectiveness of peer-led educational interventions.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 426 teenagers in Uselu. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire
that assessed knowledge, attitudes, and peer education acceptability. Univariate, bivariate,
and logistic regression analyses with statistical significance set at p<0.05 were performed
usingIBMSPSSversion25.0.
Results: Findings revealed that majority (96.5%) of respondents demonstrated good HIV/AIDS knowledge, although gaps persisted, particularly regarding mother-to-child
transmission. While 91.8% had a positive attitude toward HIV/AIDS prevention strategies,
concerns over limited access to condoms and routine HIV screening were noted. Peer
educators were highly accepted (76.5%), with teenagers acknowledging their effectiveness,
relatability, and ability to influence behavior. However, barriers such as shyness and time
constraints affected engagement in peer-led sessions.
Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of peer education as a viable strategy for HIV/AIDS prevention among teenagers. Expanding youth-friendly health services,
strengthening school-based sex education, and leveraging digital platforms for HIV
awareness are essential for improving intervention effectiveness. Addressing engagement
barriers will optimize peer-led programs, fostering healthier attitudes and behaviors toward
HIV/AIDS prevention in Nigerian adolescents.

BACKGROUND OF STUDY: The concept of low back pain has attracted interest due to its prevalence and association with quality of life . Despite it recognition, there is still a lack of understanding regarding correlation between physical activity level and their preferences with patients experiencing non- specific low back pain in University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Military Hospital, Benin.. Aim(s): The aim of this study is to ascertain the physical activity of patients with non- specific LBP and also to determine the correlate of their physical activity preference and identify the impact of physical activity preference on their level of physical activity. Methodology: A cross sectional study of 64 patients with non-specific low back pain participated in this study. Instruments such as the Liangjin measuring tape, mechanical weighing scale, and Life Care Centers of America retractable body measuring tape were employed to measure the respondents' height (in meters), weight (in kilograms), and waist and hip
circumferences (in meters) respectively. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and a questionnaire on the selection of 13 leisure-time sports and physical activity were used to assess physical activity and Physical activity
preferences respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS) was use for pain rating. Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics, with the significance level set at p<0.05. Results: The study’s findings revealed that the most preferred physical activity among the respondents was walking (56.3%). Cycling was the most prevalent second of choice (26.6%). Running was the most prevalent third activity of choice (18.8%). The least preferred activity III was korfball. A considerable portion (60.9%) of the respondents exhibited a high degree of physical activity , (18.8%) demonstrated minimal active while (20.3%) were physically inactive. Notably, a significant connection was observed between physical activity preferences and level of physical activity ( x 2=9.37, p=0.900), (x2=25.025, p=0.200), (x2=16.936, p=0.767) were the physical activity level and the first, second and third preferred physical activity respectively. The least preferred physical activity (x2=26.613, p=0.087). CONCLUSION: The result of this study indicated that patient with non-specific low back pain had walking as the most preferred physical activity, cycling and running are the second and third most preferred physical activity receptively, the least preferred activity was korfball. The study also reported that there is no significant association between physical activity preferences and the level of physical activity among patients experiencing non-specific low back pain. keywords: Non-specific low back pain, Physical activity preferences

Oral candidiasis remains a significant opportunistic infection among HIV-infected individuals, often serving as an early marker of immune suppression. This study aimed to determine its prevalence and assess the antifungal susceptibility patterns of Candida species isolated from HIV-positive patients attending a secondary health facility in Benin City, Nigeria. Sterile cotton swab was used to collect oral specimens from each participant which were gram-stained for microscopic examination. Positive samples ere then cultured and subjected to sensitivity test. 250 participants were screened, 76 (30%) yielded positive for oral candidiasis. Among the sociodemographic factors analyzed, only age showed a significant association with the prevalence of oral candidiasis (p < 0.001). The highest occurrence of oral candidiasis was observed in patients above 50 years.
Antifungal susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method revealed varied resistance patterns. Amphotericin B showed the highest resistance rate (30.4%), while nystatin had the highest sensitivity rate (26%). Resistance to fluconazole, a commonly used antifungal, was also notable at 19.6%, raising concerns about self-medication and antifungal misuse in the region. Despite widespread HAART coverage, the prevalence of oral candidiasis highlights gaps in treatment adherence and monitoring. The findings emphasize the need for regular oral health assessments, targeted antifungal therapy based on susceptibility testing, and health education to improve HAART adherence and oral hygiene. These measures are crucial in reducing the burden of oral candidiasis in HIV-infected populations.

Malnutrition is the single biggest contributor to under-five mortality due to greater susceptibility to infections and slow recovery from illness. Every year, an estimated 2.5 million under-five children in Nigeria suffer from severe acute malnutrition and this makes them vulnerable and nine times more likely to die from diarrhea, acute respiratory tract infection and fever. This interaction between malnutrition and infection creates a potentially lethal cycle of worsening illness and deteriorating nutritional status

Abdominal pain is one of the most frequent presenting complaints in emergency departments (EDs), with a wide differential diagnosis ranging from benign to life-threatening conditions. These conditions include gastrointestinal pathologies such as appendicitis, peptic ulcers, and bowel obstructions, as well as non-gastrointestinal disorders like myocardial infarction or aortic aneurysm rupture. The aim of this study was to evaluate evaluate the common findings of emergency abdominal x-rays at university of Benin teaching hospital. A retrospective design was adopted and a convenience sampling was used to select 200 sample size. The results revealed that abdominal pain (30.0%), and bowel obstruction (26.0%), were the most common clinical signs. Normal study (40.0%) was the most common radiography appearance, and the most common abnormal results were dilated bowel loops and pneumoperitoneum. Demographically, young adults (20-39 years old) constituted the largest percentage (52.0) with majority of them being females (58.0) as compared to the males. The chi-square showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between age or gender and radiography findings. The conclusion of the findings was that the most common requests of an emergency abdominal X-ray at UBTH are related to patients presenting with abdominal pain with suspected bowel obstruction. Despite a large percentage of tests with normal outcomes, the modality is still applicable in the diagnosis of bowel obstruction, pneumoperitoneum, and foreign bodies.

Background/Aim of study: Epilepsy remains a stigmatized disease due to lack of information and illiteracy has been blamed as the cause of the stigmatization. This stigmatization stems from the fact that the traditional African belief views epilepsy as a spiritual disease. There had been studies to assess the Knowledge, attitude, and perception towards epilepsy. However, there is limited research on the knowledge, attitude and perception of undergraduates of the University of Benin towards epilepsy. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude of Undergraduates of University of Benin towards Epilepsy. Methods: This cross sectional study recruited 398 participants via purposive sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data from the participants. The data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics. Mann- Whitney and spearman correlation tests was used to assess the variables. The alpha level was at 0.05. Results: The findings revealed 68.9% of the respondents had good knowledge of epilepsy, 250(71.4%) of the respondents had positive attitude towards epilepsy and patients with epilepsy. A positive significant correlation between the knowledge and the attitude (rho=0.310, p=<0.001), a positive significant correlation between the knowledge and the age of the respondents (rho=0.355, p=<0.001*). There was also a positive significant correlation between the knowledge and the level of the respondents (rho=0.896 p=<0.001*). Conclusion: The good knowledge of epilepsy demonstrated by the respondents has translated to a positive attitude towards patients with epilepsy. The finding may have reported good knowledge and positive attitudes among the respondents, however, there is still an obvious need for an improvement in knowledge and attitude among the respondents. Further studies are misconception

Annona muricata (also known as Soursop) is a tropical fruit which belongs to the annonaceae family, native to tropical countries, it is a small evergreen tree that can be slender and upright or low spreading and bushy and become straggly as it matures. Different components of Annona muricata are extensively applied in traditional medicine of many countries to cure various ailments and diseases. This study examines The Effect of Annona muricata on the hearts of adult Wistar Rats. This work involved the use of an experimental study design, consisting of twenty-four (24) adult Wistar rats weighing 180-200g which were acclimatized for two (2) weeks, separated into four (4) groups; A, B, C and D with each group having six (6) Wistar rats of randomized patterns for administration and were all weighed prior to it. In Group A (control group), the rats were administered with feed and distilled water, Group B were administered with 200mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Annona muricata (low dose), Group C were administered with 400mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Annona muricata (intermediate dose), Group D were administered with 800mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Annona muricata (high dose). After administration (twenty-seven (27) days), the animals were sacrificed, organs harvested and processed for assays according to established methods. Data from the animals were subjected to statistical analysis using GraphPad prism version 8.1 statistical package and relevant statistical values were obtained. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out and data were presented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). Least significant. Difference (LSD) post-hoc test was used. Values of P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. The statistical values obtained were converted into graphical representation in form of bar charts. Histologically, Group A, the control group, showed heart tissue with normal architecture composed of distinct cardiomyocytes, coronary arteries and interstitial spaces. Group B, also showed heart tissue with architecture composed of distinct cardiomyocytes, coronary arteries filled with blood (active vascular congestion) and normal interstitial spaces. Group C showed heart tissue with normal cardiomyocyte bundles with active coronary vascular congestion and mild perivascular infiltrates of plasma cells. Group D, showing the heart tissue with normal cardiomyocyte bundles, coronary arteries and interstitial spaces, all normal. In conclusion, across the graded doses, Annona muricata had no damaging effect on the heart tissue, it proved to have vasodilative properties as it increased blood flow in the coronary vessels in the heart tissue.

This study comprehensively examines the phytochemical composition and physiological effects of Glycine Max extract on Wistar rats, shedding light on its potential therapeutic applications. Through qualitative analysis, the extract was found to contain a diverse array of phytochemicals, including reducing sugars, saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, eugenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and proteins. Three (3) groups (A-C) of six (6) each were created from the eighteen (18) juvenile Wistar rats (PND 42) that ranged in weight from 35g to 69.5g and were the offspring of DAMS. Group A served as the reference point (control) while B and C were the therapy groups, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of Glycine max aqueous extract, respectively, were administered to them as treatment. With the aid of an orogastric tube, the DAMS was fed orally for the duration of its four-week treatment. At the conclusion of six (6) weeks, the juveniles were fed, weighed, and slaughtered. Detailed physiological assessments, including animal weights and organ weights, were conducted, revealing dose-dependent changes in body mass and
relative organ weights. Histological analysis of tissue samples provided insights into the extract's impact on tissue morphology and integrity. Furthermore, antioxidant activity was evaluated through assays measuring catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde levels, indicating the extract's potential to modulate oxidative stress pathways. The findings underscore the multifaceted biochemical and physiological effects of Glycine Max extract, suggesting its promising role as a therapeutic agent. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate its mechanisms of action and explore its clinical applications in treating various pathological conditions.

Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, including anti-cancer effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Allium sativum aqueous extract on KIT and FLT3 in male Albino Wistar rats. Twenty (20) male adult Albino Wistar rats were selected into four groups of 5 rats per group. The groups were control (group 1), group 2 (administered 0.2ml intravenous injection of benzene:2-propanol: water mixture (2:5:5 v/v) per body weight), group 3 (induced+400mg/kg extract of Allium sativum extract) and group 4 (400mg/kg extract of Allium sativum extract only). The mRNA expressions of KIT and FLT3, Haematological parameter and Cell morphology was carried out using Polymerase chain reaction, ERMA Haematology Auto analyser PCE-210N and peripheral blood film using Leishman staining technique. Data generated was analyzed using graph pad prism (version 8.02, California, USA). The findings revealed that there was significant increase (p<0.01) in FLT 3 expression in group 2, 3 and 4 when compared to control. Also, group 3 had a significantly higher (p<0.001) FLT 3 mRNA expression when compared to group 2 and 4. There was significant increase (p<0.01) in cKIT mRNA expression in groups 2, 3 and 4 when compared to control. In addition, group 2 had a significantly higher (p<0.01) cKIT when compared to groups 3 and 4. For the haematological parameter, neutrophil count was significantly higher in the control group (10±0.5774) compared to group 2 (3.5±0.2887), group 3 (2.667±0.3333), and group 4 (3.333±0.333). Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in the control group (0.122±0.00706) compared to group 2 (0.03885±0.0029), group 3 (0.02754±0.0058), and group 4 (0.03663±0.004)., Lymphocyte count was significantly lower in the control group (82±1.528) compared to group 2 (90±1.414), group 3 (91±1), and group 4 (91±0.5774) (p<0.00). Cell morphology showed relative lymphocytosis and RBC abnormalities including macrocytic cells and target cells in the benzene + isopropanol and A. sativum extracttreated group and Normal leukocyte count with absolute lymphocytosis and normocytic normochromic RBCs, with some polychromatic cells in the A. sativum extract-only treated group at 400mg/kg dose. In conclusion, Allium sativum can influence leukemogenesis by modulating genes like FLT3 and KIT implicated in the development and progression of leukaemia