DEPARMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE

BACKGROUND: Complementary feeding is a component of infant and young child nutrition, particularly between 6 and 23 months of age when nutritional needs increase beyond what breast milk alone can provide. Despite global and national recommendations, poor complementary feeding practices remain prevalent in many low- and middle-income settings, including Nigeria. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the knowledge and practices of complementary feeding among mothers of children aged 6–23 months in Benin city, Edo State, and factors associated with these outcomes.
METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 442 mothers of children aged 6–23 months selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Minimum meal frequency (MMF), minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) were determined using WHO criteria. Dietary diversity was assessed using a 24-hour recall method. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. Associations were tested using Chi-square and Fischer’s exact test, and logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of good knowledge, practice and dietary diversity at p < 0.05 (95% CI).
RESULTS: The mean age of the mothers and index children were 32.3±5.6 years and 14.6 ± 5.9 months respectively. Mothers’ knowledge assessment revealed that 32 (29.9%) of the mothers demonstrated good knowledge of complementary feeding. Knowledge was significantly higher among married women (p < 0.001), mothers with higher level of education (p < 0.001), higher xvi skill level (p < 0.001), higher household income (p < 0.001), more educated spouses (p < 0.001), spouses with higher skill level (p < 0.001), older index child (p = 0.012), and those with more children (p = 0.034). Being married and having higher education were significant predictors of good knowledge (OR = 20.767, p = 0.004; OR = 4.438, p < 0.001). Mothers who demonstrated good practice were 41 (10.1%), MMF was 48.2%, and MAD was 19.0%. Good practice was significantly higher among married mothers (p = 0.009), mothers with higher education (p < 0.001), higher skill levels (p < 0.001), higher household income (p = 0.008), more educated spouses (p < 0.001), spouses with higher skill level (p < 0.001), older index child (p < 0.001), and higher complementary feeding knowledge level (p < 0.001). Having an older index child and higher education were significant predictors of good practice (OR = 0.335, p = 0.021; OR = 3.767, p = 0.001). A total of 167 (41.3%) of respondents’ children consumed five or more of the recommended food group in the last 24 hours, and MDD was 37.8%. Dietary diversity was significantly higher in older mothers (p = 0.033), those married (p = 0.034), with more educated spouses (p = 0.002), higher household income (p = 0.003), better socioeconomic status (p = 0.033) and older index child (p < 0.001). Mothers with lower socioeconomic status were less likely to have good practice (OR = 0.402, p = 0.018) and those with an older index child were more likely (OR = 4.075, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Majority of the mothers had poor knowledge and practice of complementary feeding and a majority of children had poor dietary diversity. Targeted nutrition education focusing on simplifying complementary feeding guidelines and interventions to support local food production in order to improve dietary diversity are recommended.

Community-acquired infections (CAIs) are infections contracted outside healthcare facilities and constitute a significant source of morbidity among university students globally, particularly in environments characterized by overcrowding, shared sanitation facilities, poor ventilation, and inadequate hygiene infrastructure. In Nigeria, university halls of residence are defined by high population density and constrained living conditions, creating environments highly conducive to respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, and vector-borne infection transmission. Despite this burden, comprehensive data on the knowledge, attitudes, hygiene practices, prevalence, treatment-seeking behaviour, and environmental determinants of community-acquired infections among hostel-resident undergraduate students in SouthSouth Nigeria remain scarce.

Background: Community-acquired infections (CAIs) are infections contracted outside healthcare facilities and constitute a significant source of morbidity among university students globally, particularly in environments characterized by overcrowding, shared sanitation facilities, poor ventilation, and inadequate hygiene infrastructure. In Nigeria, university halls of residence are defined by high population density and constrained living conditions, creating environments highly conducive to respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, and vector-borne infection transmission. Despite this burden, comprehensive data on the knowledge, attitudes, hygiene practices, prevalence, treatment-seeking behaviour, and environmental determinants of community-acquired infections among hostel-resident undergraduate students in South￾South Nigeria remain scarce. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and preventive measures of students regarding community-acquired infections, ascertain their attitudes towards infections and preventive measures, determine the prevalence and types of infections experienced, and identify risk factors influencing recurrence among undergraduate students residing in the halls of residence at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students residing in the official halls of residence and affiliated hostels at the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed. The minimum sample size of 436 was calculated using the Cochran formula with a design effect of 2.0, based on an estimated infection prevalence of 85% and a precision of 0.05. A xvi total of 487 respondents were enrolled, yielding a 100% response rate. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO KAP Framework (Cronbach’s α = 0.908 and 0.767 for knowledge and attitude respectively), the WHO/UNICEF JMP WASH indicators (α = 0.743 for hygiene practices), and a validated symptom-based infection history checklist for the six-month recall period. Data were entered and analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were summarised as frequencies and percentages, while inferential analysis was conducted using chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact test, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of infection. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 487 undergraduate students participated, with a mean age of 21.16 ± 2.68 years; 295 (60.6%) were female and 462 (94.9%) were Christian. Almost four in five respondents (378; 77.6%) were aware of community-acquired infections. Among aware respondents, more than four-fifths (326; 86.2%) had good knowledge, with a mean composite score of 33.18 out of 40. Islamic religion (OR = 0.101; 95% CI: 0.025–0.407; p = 0.001), 100 Level (OR = 0.203; p = 0.014), 200 Level (OR = 0.244; p = 0.007), and non-medical faculty membership (OR = 0.405; p = 0.023) were significant independent negative predictors of good knowledge. Nearly nineteen in twenty respondents (461; 94.7%) held positive attitudes; Islamic religion was the only significant independent predictor (OR = 0.098; 95% CI: 0.034– 0.286; p < 0.001). About two-thirds (329; 67.6%) had good hygiene practices; Islamic religion (OR = 0.101; p < 0.001), 600 Level seniority (OR = 16.43; p = 0.009), and higher monthly allowance (OR = 1.554; p = 0.035) were significant independent predictors. The overall six-month infection prevalence was very high, with 418 (85.8%) reporting at least one infection. Respiratory tract infections were the most prevalent (87.1% of infected xvii respondents), followed by malaria (56.2%), gastrointestinal infections (48.6%), skin and soft tissue infections (32.5%), urinary tract infections (12.7%), and eye infections (6.9%). Male sex was the strongest independent predictor of lower infection odds (OR = 0.376; 95% CI: 0.207–0.681; p = 0.001), while frequent common area cleaning was the strongest independent environmental predictor (OR = 0.195; 95% CI: 0.057–0.666; p = 0.009). Among infected respondents, 368 (88.0%) sought treatment; purchasing drugs from a pharmacy was the most common action (53.3%). Good hygiene practices was the strongest independent predictor of early treatment-seeking (OR = 3.052; p = 0.009). Critical environmental deficits were documented: 80.1% reported no soap in hostel toilets, 90.1% had no access to hand sanitizer, and 72.5% described room ventilation as poor or very poor. Conclusion: The burden of community-acquired infections among undergraduate students in the University of Benin halls of residence is very high, with respiratory tract infections, malaria, and gastrointestinal infections predominating. Although awareness and positive attitudes toward prevention were near-universal, knowledge deficits among junior and non-medical students and structural deficiencies including absent soap, poor ventilation, and infrequent common area cleaning remained the dominant determinants of infection risk. Consistent with the Health Belief Model, high perceived barriers in the form of structurally deficient hostel infrastructure negated the protective potential of adequate knowledge and positive attitudes. Frequent common area cleaning was the strongest modifiable predictor of freedom from infection. University management, the Estates Department, Student Affairs Directorate, and Health Centre should implement coordinated interventions encompassing urgent hostel infrastructure upgrades, mandatory infection prevention curricula for non-medical faculties, xviii religion-sensitive health communication, and proactive student health outreach to substantially reduce the infection burden in the residential setting. Keywords: Community-Acquired Infections, Undergraduate Students, Halls of Residence, University of Benin, Benin City, Knowledge, Attitude, Hygiene Practices, Prevalence, Health Belief Model.

Introduction: The consumption of psychoactive substance remains a significant global health challenge, particularly among young adults in tertiary institutions. Medical students occupy a uniquely precarious position due to the rigorous cognitive and emotional demands of their training. In Nigeria, national drug use prevalence has surged beyond the global average, with synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances becoming increasingly accessible in southern urban centers like Benin City. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence, pattern and perceived factors associated with substance use among medical students at the University of Benin. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students (200-level – 600-level) at the University of Benin. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the sample size. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO Student Drug Use Questionnaire (SDUQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 27. Results: A total of 298 respondents participated (100% response rate). Alcohol was the most prevalent substance, with a lifetime usage of 63.4% and a past 30-day prevalence of 5.8%. Tobacco/nicotine had a lifetime prevalence of 14.1%, while current opioid use was reported by 2.7% of respondents. Significant associations were found between alcohol use and academic level (highest in 300-level), monthly allowance, and marital status. Furthermore, alcohol and stimulants were significantly associated with psychological distress (p= 0.024 and p= 0.036, respectively), with 82.0% of current stimulant users exhibiting distress. Conclusion: Substance use is highly prevalent among medical students at the University of Benin, primarily serving as a functional coping mechanism to manage intense academic workloads and systemic rigors rather than recreational purposes. The findings highlight a critical need for institutions to transition from punitive measures towards a wellness-oriented framework, incorporating confidential counselling and curriculum restructuring to mitigate student stress and promote healthier learning environments.

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the principal causative agent of cervical cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in Nigeria. Despite the availability of effective HPV vaccines, uptake among eligible girls remains unacceptably low, partly due to poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and low acceptance among mothers who serve as primary decision-makers for childhood immunization. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of HPV vaccination among mothers in Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 mothers in Egor LGA, selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of HPV and its vaccine, attitude towards HPV vaccination, acceptance of the HPV vaccine, and factors influencing acceptance. Knowledge and attitude scores were categorised as good (≥70%) or poor (<70%). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics, chi- square tests, and logistic regression were used as appropriate.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 37.41 ± 10.10 years, and the majority (43.2%) were in the 30–39 years age group. Most respondents (51.9%) had tertiary education, and 84.4% belonged to the middle socioeconomic class. Overall, 70.8% of respondents had previously heard of HPV, with hospitals and health centres being the most common source of information (52.0%). Only 53.0% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of HPV and its vaccine, while 81.0% had a positive attitude and 81.0% accepted or were willing to vaccinate their daughters. On multivariable logistic regression, independent predictors of good knowledge were older age (OR = 1.030, 95% CI: 1.010–1.051, p = 0.004) and higher educational attainment (p < 0.001). xvi Independent predictors of positive attitude were good knowledge (OR = 5.053, 95% CI: 2.807– 9.098, p < 0.001) and being ever-married (OR = 4.349, 95% CI: 1.368–13.824, p = 0.013). Positive attitude was the sole independent predictor of acceptance of HPV vaccination (OR = 5.003, 95% CI: 2.746–9.114, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Despite poor knowledge among the majority of respondents, attitudes towards and acceptance of HPV vaccination were high. Targeted health education programmes addressing the knowledge gap are essential to sustaining and translating positive attitudes into improved HPV vaccine uptake among eligible girls in Egor LGA and similar urban communities in Nigeria.

Background: Standard precautions are essential infection prevention and control measures used to reduce healthcare associated infections and occupational exposure among healthcare workers. Inadequate compliance with standard precautions remains a major public health concern in many healthcare facilities, particularly in resource‑limited settings. Aim: This study assessed and compared adherence to standard precautions among healthcare workers in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and identified determinants influencing compliance. Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted among 370 healthcare workers (doctors and nurses) in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Data was collected using a structured self‑administered questionnaire. Knowledge and Adherence was assessed using standardized questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27. Descriptive statistics, chi‑square tests and logistic regression analysis were used for analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.10 +/- 8.03 for doctors - who constituted 53.8% of the total population and 36.18 +/- 11.01 for nurses. The majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of standard precaution however doctors displayed a higher level of knowledge compared to nurses and the difference was statistically significant (48.6% and 37.6% respectively, p=0.01 ). Predictors of good knowledge were the male gender and doctors with males being less likely to have good knowledge (Odds Ratio= 0.210, C.I: 0.055 -0.799, p=0.022) and doctors being 2 times more likely to have good knowledge (Odds Ratio= 9.030, C.I: 2.342- 34.813, p=0.001). Hand hygiene and sharps disposal practices xvi recorded higher compliance levels compared with the use of protective eye goggles and face shields. Significantly more nurses 91(25.3%) always practiced hand hygiene before touching a patient compared to doctors 69(19.2%). The difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Respondents who previously attended infection prevention training demonstrated better compliance compared with those without training. There were no statistically significant predictors of compliance for doctors and nurses. Conclusion: Although healthcare workers demonstrated moderate to good knowledge and compliance with standard precautions, important gaps still exist. Continuous infection prevention training, improved institutional support and adequate provision of personal protective equipment are recommended to improve adherence to standard precautions among healthcare workers in UBTH

Background: Poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices remain a major public health concern in Nigeria and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age. Nursing mothers play a critical role in preventing infections such as diarrhea and acute respiratory infections through appropriate hygiene behaviours. Despite the importance of immunization clinics as contact points for maternal and child health education, limited data exist on the WASH practices of nursing mothers attending these facilities. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding WASH among nursing mothers attending immunization clinics at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was be employed. The study population were nursing mothers with children aged 0–24 months attending the immunization clinic during the study period. A sample size of 229 participants was determined using Cochran’s formula, with adjustment for non￾response. Systematic random sampling was used to select respondents. Data was collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from validated WASH assessment tools. The instrument assessed sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of WASH, attitudes toward hygiene practices, household WASH behaviours, influencing factors, infant feeding practices, and history of diarrhea. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests was used to examine associations between variables, with significance set at p < 0.05. The findings provided evidence on existing WASH practices and associated factors among nursing mothers, and informed targeted interventions aimed at reducing hygiene-related infections and improving child health outcomes in the study setting. Results: Mean age of respondents was 27.70 ± 2.72 years. Overall, 48 (20.9%) had good knowledge, while 182 (79.1%) had poor knowledge of WASH. Attitude was positive in 160 (69.6%) and negative in 70 (30.4%). 162 (70.4%) had good WASH practice, while 68 (29.6%) had poor WASH practice. Satisfactory water-related practice was observed in more than three-fifths of respondents, satisfactory sanitation practice in about three-quarters, and satisfactory hygiene practice in three-fifths. Major x factors influencing WASH practice included household support, affordability of hygiene products, cultural practices, and health education from health workers. Logistic regression showed affordability of hygiene products as the only independent predictor of good WASH practice (OR = 0.429; 95% CI = 0.219–0.841; p = 0.014). Conclusion: Good WASH practice was high among nursing mothers attending immunization clinic in UBTH, despite poor knowledge among most respondents. Affordability of hygiene products significantly influenced practice, highlighting the need for continuous health education and economically sensitive WASH interventions. Keywords: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); Nursing Mothers; Immunization Clinic; Diarrhea; Child Health

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) present a major threat to patient safety, treatment outcomes, and healthcare sustainability globally, with a disproportionately higher burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite the critical role of tertiary health centres in specialized care, comprehensive data establishing both the precise prevalence of HAIs and the institutional capacity of reporting mechanisms remain scarce in many regional facilities. This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological burden of HAIs and evaluate the existing surveillance reporting structures at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria.
Methods: A sequential mixed-methods cross-sectional design was deployed across diverse clinical wards at UBTH. For the quantitative phase, a sample size of 429 in-patients was selected utilizing a multi-stage sampling approach incorporating proportional allocation and simple random sampling. Data were gathered via researcher-administered structured questionnaires, clinical records, and laboratory reviews. Quantitative analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression to isolate independent predictors. For the qualitative phase, purposive sampling was used to conduct seven (7) Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with clinical consultants, nursing leadership, and infection control officers. Qualitative data were processed using thematic analysis via NVivo software.
Results: The quantitative survey achieved a 100% response rate across the 429 participants. The confirmed point prevalence of HAIs was 5.8% (n = 25), with an additional 0.2% (n = 1) categorized as suspected cases, while 93.9% (n = 403) showed no evidence of infection. Among the 25 confirmed cases, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) were the most frequent clinical presentation at 48.0% (n = 12), followed by surgical site infections (SSIs) at 16.0% (n = 4), hospital-acquired pneumonia at 12.0% (n = 3), non-catheter- associated UTIs at 12.0% (n = 3), puerperal sepsis at 8.0% (n = 2), and burn area infections at 4.0% (n = 1). Multivariable binary logistic regression revealed that the lengths of hospital stay (OR = 1.067, 95% CI: 1.033–1.102, p < 0.001) and active urethral catheterization (OR = 6.233, 95% CI: 2.316–16.772, p < 0.001) were the only statistically significant independent predictors of acquiring an infection. Socio-demographic factors (such as age and sex) and chronic client comorbidities showed no significant independent associations (p > 0.05). Qualitatively, key informants highlighted a critical operational deficit: a formalized, hospital- wide infection reporting protocol for frontline clinicians is practically absent. Surveillance remains an entirely manual, paper-based tracking process conducted independently by an under-resourced Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) unit due to a complete lack of digital infrastructure, technical training, and routine departmental feedback loops. Despite these barriers, there was universal consensus on the institutional value of a centralized reporting framework for establishing data-driven benchmarks and enhancing active antimicrobial stewardship.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that while the recorded point prevalence of HAIs at UBTH is relatively modest, it is significantly and independently driven by modifiable hospital-level exposures—specifically device utilization and prolonged admission windows—rather than immutable patient comorbidities. Crucially, the integrity of this epidemiological data is actively limited by a fragmented, manual reporting apparatus. To mitigate this burden and ensure patient safety, UBTH must transition away from paper-reliant tracking toward an integrated, hospital-wide electronic surveillance architecture alongside mandatory clinical care bundles and structured departmental data feedback loops

Background: Patient safety is a fundamental component of quality healthcare and an essential aspect of healthcare training. Medical errors and preventable adverse events remain major causes of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Adequate knowledge and positive perceptions of patient safety are important for promoting safe clinical practice and reducing preventable harm. However, gaps in patient safety education and training continue to exist among medical and nursing students. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, perception and determinants of patient safety among medical and nursing students in the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 consenting medical and nursing students in the University of Benin selected through a stratified sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO Patient Safety Curriculum Guide and the Attitudes to Patient Safety Questionnaire III (APSQ-III). The questionnaire assessed respondents’socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of patient safety, perception toward patient safety, and determinants influencing patient safety knowledge and perception. Data collected was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were used to summarize the data. Chi-square test and multivariable analysis were used to determine associations and predictors of patient safety knowledge and perception. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results were presented in tables, charts and prose. Results: A total of 420 respondents participated in the study, with a mean age of 22.2 ± 2.6 years. Most respondents, 383 (91.2%) had heard of patient safety with lectures 298 (71.0%) and clinical postings 273 (65.0%) being the major sources of information. Three hundred and eighty-nine (92.6%) of respondents had good knowledge of patient safety. Respondents residing off-campus were significantly less likely to have good knowledge of patient safety compared to those living in school hostels (OR = 0.376, 95% CI: 0.145-0.974, p = 0.044), while respondents who had not heard of patient safety were about 92% less likely to have good knowledge compared to those who were aware (OR = 0.081, 95% CI: 0.029-0.227, p < 0.001). Overall, 273 (65%) had positive perception of patient safety. Majority agreed that patient safety is a global issue (92.4%), most clinical errors are preventable (92.6%), patient involvement improves safety (93.3%) and teamwork reduces errors (88.8%). Respondents sponsored by parents were about three times more likely to have positive perception compared to those who sponsored themselves (OR = 3.296, 95% CI: 1.325-8.194, p = 0.010). Determinants influencing patient safety included supervisory emphasis on patient safety (96.7%), integration of safety concepts into lectures and training (87.1%), adequate clinical training (71.7%), practical teaching methods (97.9%), and personal motivation (86.7%). Conclusion: Medical and nursing students in the University of Benin demonstrated generally good knowledge and positive perceptions of patient safety. Despite this, gaps still exist in system-based understanding of patient safety. Strengthening patient safety education through improved curriculum integration and simulation-based learning is recommended to further promote patient safety culture among future healthcare professionals.

Background: Prolonged waiting time in hospitals is a critical component of healthcare delivery that negatively impacts patient satisfaction, which remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria. Despite ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery, long waiting times remain prominent, partly due to systemic inefficiencies, poor communication, and inadequate infrastructure. This study assessed and compared patient satisfaction with waiting time in public and private health facilities in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 362 adult outpatients in Benin City, selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and an observation checklist covering sociodemographic characteristics, waiting time experience, patient satisfaction with waiting time, and factors influencing satisfaction. Patient satisfaction scores were categorised as good (≥70%) or poor (<70%). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used as appropriate. Results: The mean age of respondents was 43.2 ± 16.8 years, and the majority (27.3%) were in the 40–49 years age group. Most respondents (56.6%) had tertiary education, and 76.5% were employed. Overall, 39.2% of respondents waited for 1–2 hours, and 58.9% demonstrated overall good satisfaction with the services received. The type of health facility was significantly associated with overall patient satisfaction (p < 0.001), with satisfaction being higher in private facilities (69.6%) compared to public facilities (48.1%). In the multivariable analysis, having a primary level of education was significantly associated with lower odds of satisfaction compared to having a tertiary education (OR = 0.138, p = 0.046). Furthermore, staff adequately explaining the reason for delays (OR = 132.673, p < 0.001), the comfort of the waiting environment (OR = XIV 9.273, p = 0.007), and the provision of clear information about procedures (OR = 5.834, p = 0.014) emerged as significant independent predictors of patient satisfaction. The perception that staff attitude made waiting easier was not a statistically significant predictor when controlling for other variables (p = 0.407). Conclusion: Although the majority of the respondents demonstrated a positive overall satisfaction with the services received, a significant disparity exists, with patients in public health facilities experiencing lower satisfaction levels compared to their private counterparts. These findings suggest that while objective waiting time is a factor, institutional and interpersonal factors such as staff communication and environmental comfort remain critical drivers of patient satisfaction. Targeted infrastructural upgrades, the implementation of modern queue management systems, and routine staff training on effective communication are recommended to improve patient satisfaction in health facilities in Benin City and similar settings.