DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL PHARMACY

This investigation was done to evaluate the microbial and physicochemical qualities of 10samples of different brands of multivitamin syrups sold within university of Beninugbowoenvironment . These brands were investigated according to the in-vitro compendialrequirements, which include physicochemical properties such as color and taste, pH, total viableaerobic count and type of isolated microorganisms. These tests were performed bystandardmethods and techniques. Drop plate method was used . The physiochemical qualities suchasorganoleptic test results had brown and yellow clear and viscous liquid with sweet tasteinsome multivitamin syrups but one sample have a bitter taste that not suitable for pediatricpatients. The pH values were ranged from 2.9-6.8. These findings explained that the eight outof ten different brands of multivitamin syrups sold within the university of Benin ugbowoarecomply with Pharmacopeia specifications regarding microbial and physicochemicalcharacteristics. The prevalence of these microorganisms in pharmaceutical products such as syrups samplesmay indicate the unhygienic condition, defect in production, poor adoptionof GoodManufacturing practice, ineffective preservatives and inadequate quality control. Thoughtheseproducts fall under non-sterile pharmaceutical products, so they need not require sterilitybutthese drugs must conform to the microbiological purity criteria set in the appropriatepharmacopeial standard.

Background: Chronic disease such as diabetes and hypertension have become significant public health concerns worldwide. Effective self-care behavior amongst these patients is crucial for successful management of their health and prevention of complications. With the emergence of
mobile health technology there is a vast growing interest in utilizing this technology to facilitate and improve self-care behaviors amongst patients
Aim: To assess the impact of the "MedPlan Mobile App," an mHealth solution, on self-care behavior among hypertensive and diabetic patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted was used to collect data
on self-care behaviors and the use of the "MedPlan Mobile App” among hypertensive and diabetic patients. Out of the 280 questionnaires distributed, 267 were completed and used . Key findings: The largest demographic groups in the study were respondents aged 46-55 (44.2%), males (50.2%), and those diagnosed with a chronic condition for 1- <5 years (46.1%). Usage of the MedPlan mobile app, 68.4% reported using it most of the time or always, and 64.7% monitored their blood pressure/glucose levels regularly (most of the time or always). 69.9% reported using the App medication reminder feature and 70.3% found the video health tips feature useful (useful or very useful). Cronbach's Alpha, is high at 0.827. The t-value is 11.921, and the p-value is 0.000, indicating a significant positive association.
Conclusion: there is relationship between the duration of using the "MedPlan Mobile App" and the improvement of self-care behaviors among hypertensive and diabetic patients, there are some factors that influence patient engagement and adoption of the "MedPlan Mobile App", and there are challenges that hypertensive and diabetic patients face in adopting and using the "MedPlan Mobile App" to improve their self-care behaviors.

Background: The extent to which pharmacy students perceive their mental health and how
this may directly affect their academic performance appears to have not been extensively
studied in Nigeria. Objective: To determine the prevalence of mental health problems and assess how it affects
academic performance in undergraduate pharmacy students. The relationship between socio- demographic factors and mental health was also investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a DASS-21 rating scale for mental health was
conducted among pharmacy students from six Southern Nigerian universities. Inferential
analysis was done by computation of Student T-test and one way Analysis of Variance. P- values less than 0.05 were interpreted as significant. Results: Out of 843 pharmacy students’ responses, 757 were found usable giving a response
rate of 89.7%. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were 53%, 60% and 35%
respectively. Those who have depression, anxiety and stress significantly had better grades
compared to those without mental health problems who passed more courses at p<0.05. Those who belong to school fellowship, aged<20yrs and have lost their mother are more
anxious (61%) on the DASS_21 rating scale. Those who stay in school hostel reported having
more anxiety (61%) and stress (35%). Conclusion: The findings suggest that the prevalence of mental health problems is high with
depression (53%), anxiety (60%) and stress (35%) significantly affecting the academic
performance of pharmacy students. Socio-demographic factors such as age and proximity to
school seems to have a relationship with mental health. KEY WORDS: Mental health disorders, DASS_21, Perception, Pharmacy Education, Pharmacy Student