DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

The purpose of the study was to examine the knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate students towards family planning in the University of Benin. To achieve the purpose of the study, three (3) research questions and one hypothesis were raised and important literature related to family planning were clearly discussed.The descriptive survey research design was used for this study and the population consisted of all enrolled undergraduate students in the University of Benin, Benin City,Edo State during the 2024/2025 session, with an estimated undergraduate population of 41,404 students (19,779 females and 21,625 males). A Multi stage sampling procedure was adopted for this study, to select one hundred and ninety (190) students from five faculties. The instrument used for data collection was a well-structured close-ended questionnaire with twenty (20) items. The questionnaire was validated by the project supervisor and two other lecturers in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education. The Cronbach alpha method was used to establish the reliability of the questionnaire. A total of one hundred and ninety (190) questionnaires were administered to the sample and data collected was analyzed using frequency count and percentage while Chi Square was used to test the hypothesis ofthe study.Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that undergraduate students in the University of Benin are well informed about family planning and hold predominantly positive attitudes toward it. The statistically significant relationship established between knowledge and attitudes further confirms that greater knowledge of family planning is associated with more favourable attitudinal disposition among undergraduates it was therefore recommended that University health authorities should sustain and expand existing reproductive health education programmes to consolidate and deepen the high levels of family planning knowledge already recorded among undergraduate students,ensuring that information remains current, accurate, and accessible across all faculties,Campus health centres should build on the positive attitudinal climate identified in this study by creating platforms that encourage open dialogue around family planning,including peer education sessions, health fairs, and counselling services that address misconceptions and reinforce favourable attitudes. And also, policymakers and health educators should design evidence-based interventions that prioritize knowledge enhancement as a strategy for sustaining positive attitudes toward family planning.

This study assessed the knowledge of women of childbearing age regarding the causes, signs, barriers, and factors contributing to malnutrition among children under five years. Four research questions guided the study, focusing on maternal awareness of malnutrition causes, recognition of its signs, obstacles to applying nutritional knowledge, and factors that enhance understanding. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, as data were collected from a sample population with specific characteristics. The target population comprised women of childbearing age in the study area, and a total of 300 respondents were selected using a combination of random and purposive sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire consisting of relevant items was personally administered by the researcher, with instructions provided to ensure accurate responses. The findings revealed that women demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge regarding the causes of malnutrition (grand mean = 2.51) and its signs (grand mean = 2.53). While most respondents recognised inadequate feeding practices, lack of exclusive breastfeeding, stunted growth, and poor weight gain as indicators of malnutrition, gaps existed in awareness of poverty, repeated childhood illnesses, and maternal nutrition during pregnancy. Key barriers to applying nutritional knowledge included financial constraints, cultural beliefs, household responsibilities, limited access to health professionals, and inadequate health education programmes. Factors contributing to improved maternal knowledge included access to health professionals, participation in health education programmes, formal education, community-based campaigns, and media sources. The study concluded that although women of childbearing age have moderate awareness of malnutrition, cultural, economic, and educational limitations restrict the effective application of their knowledge. It is recommended that government and non- governmental organisations implement intensive maternal education programmes, community awareness campaigns, women’s empowerment initiatives, and media-based nutrition education to enhance maternal understanding and improve child nutrition outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of post-natal care among nursing mothers in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. To achieve the purpose of the study, four (4) research questions were raised and important literature related to post-natal care were clearly discussed. The descriptive research design was used for this study and the study population was estimated at 2188 nursing mothers who gave birth within the last 12 months in selected primary health care centers in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The multi stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and sixty nine (169) from two (2) selected primary health care centers. This will give a total of 338 respondents representing the study. The instrument used for data collection was a combination of close-ended and Likertscale questionnaire with twenty (27) items. The questionnaire was validated by experts in maternal and child health and public health education. The Cronbach’s Alpha method was used to establish the reliability of the questionnaire. A total of one hundred and sixtynine (169) questionnaires were administered to the sample and data collected was analyzed using frequency, percentage mean, and standard deviation. Based on the data collected and analyzed, majority of nursing mothers aged 25-29 years who are married participated in the study. It was found out that, knowledge and attitudes of post-natal care among nursing mothers in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State are generally high and positive, factors preventing utilization of post- natal care and factors that promotes utilization of post- natal care is moderate. The gap between knowledge, attitudes, factors preventing utilization of post-natal care and factors that promotes utilization of post-natal care include barriers such as distance to the health facility, high cost of transportation services and negative attitude of health workers hinders adherence to post- natal care recommendations. It was therefore recommended that more primary health care centers should be built at easily accessible and less distant locations, subsidize transport or establish community transport schemes for nursing mothers in Ovia North-East Local Government Area and improve client- provider interaction through respectful maternity care.

This study examined the challenges influencing exclusive breastfeeding completeness among nursing mothers in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Six research questions were raised and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The research adopted a descriptive survey design to identify factors affecting mothers’ ability to complete the EBF period and to explore the influence of education, occupation, and parity on breastfeeding practices. A sample of 215 nursing mothers was drawn from eight functional Primary Health Care Centres using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected with a validated questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that while most mothers initiate exclusive breastfeeding, many discontinue prematurely due to challenges such as short maternity leave, inadequate family and workplace support, cultural pressures to introduce water or artificial feeds, breast engorgement, and perceived insufficiency of breast milk. Educational level and occupational status significantly influenced EBF completion, whereas parity showed minimal effect. The study recommends enhanced public health education, workplace breastfeeding policies, and community support initiatives to promote exclusive breastfeeding practices. These findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and maternal health advocates seeking to improve child survival and maternal wellbeing in Nigeria.

This study examines the influence of the school environment on the mental health conditions of students at the University of Benin. The university environment plays a significant role in shaping students' emotional, psychological, and social well-being, as factors such as academic workload, physical facilities, social relationships, campus safety, and access to support services can either enhance or undermine mental health. The study aims to identify key environmental factors affecting students' mental health, assess the prevalence of mental health challenges among students, and examine the relationship between the school environment and students' psychological well-being. A descriptive survey research design will be adopted, with data collected through structured questionnaires administered to selected undergraduate students. The findings are expected to provide insights into how aspects of the university environment contribute to mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The study also seeks to recommend strategies for creating a healthier and more supportive learning environment that promotes students' academic success and overall well-being. It is anticipated that the results will assist university administrators, policymakers, and mental health professionals in developing interventions aimed at improving students' mental health outcomes and enhancing the quality of campus life.

This study assesses the knowledge of the dangers of self-medications in the halls of residents among students in the University of Benin. Four research questions were asked and answered during the study using frequencies and percentages. The survey research design was adopted for this study; this is because the data is collected from a sample population with specific characteristics. The target population will be 12,240. This study comprised full-time undergraduate students residing in the University hostels during the 2024/2025 academic session. Out of this population one hundred and fifty (150) sample was selected from the total population using randomly sampling technique and purposive sampling. The instrument used to collect data for the study was fifteen items self-structured questionnaire. The instrument for the data collection was personally administered by the researcher to the respondents. The researcher explained to the respondents how to indicate their views on each item. On the basis of the findings made in the study, it can be concluded that while students exhibit a moderate level of knowledge about the dangers of self-medication, this knowledge is not sufficiently deep or widespread to effectively curb the practice. The researcher recommends that university authorities should intensify health education programmes, including seminars and orientation talks, to deepen students’ understanding of the risks associated with self-medication. Also, the researcher recommends that efforts should be made to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services within the halls of residence, thereby reducing the economic motivation to self-medicate. Finally, university management should enforce existing policies or develop new ones that discourage self-medication, accompanied by visible sanctions and continuous awareness campaigns.

Waste management is a major challenge in Nigeria, where only 20% of the 32 million tonnes of solid waste generated annually is collected through a formal system and 10% is recycled. The rest is either dumped, burned, or landfilled, causing environmental and health problems such as pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and disease transmission. "Trash to Treasure" explores the transformative journey of waste materials into valuable resources. Through innovative processes and technologies, waste is converted into reusable materials, contributing to environmental sustainability and economic development. This study “Trash To Treasure A Study of Chicason Recycling Hub Project Anambra State Nigeria. The study explores the processes utilized by Chicason Recycling Hub for waste conversion, its contribution to pollution reduction, economic benefits like job creation, positive impacts on public health and well-being, and challenges posed by technological limitations, regulatory hurdles, and societal perceptions hindering its effectiveness. The study employed a descriptive survey research design utilizing a self-designed questionnaire.A sample of 43 respondents consisting of staff of Chicason Recycling Hub Project was used for the study. The findings indicate that Chicason Recycling Hub's effectiveness in waste management and resource recovery, and its positive environmental impact through pollution reduction, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem preservation. Additionally, it was found that the project has some economic benefits, which are job creation and revenue generation, along with its positive social impacts on community development and public health. Based on the findings of the study recommendations include streamlining regulations, investing in technology, community engagement, capacity building, and fostering collaborative partnerships for sustainable waste management

The proliferation of gas stations, often situated in close proximity to residential and commercial areas, presents a significant public safety hazard, with the potential for catastrophic fires and explosions threatening lives, property, and economic stability. This study, titled “Assessment of Fire Safety Knowledge and Emergency Preparedness among Gas Stations in Egor Local Government Area,” was undertaken to critically evaluate the level of fire safety awareness, the adequacy of firefighting infrastructure, and the robustness of emergency response plans within these high-risk establishments. The research specifically investigated gas station attendants' and managers' knowledge of fire prevention measures, the causes and classes of fire, the availability and functionality of fire safety equipment, and the readiness to execute emergency evacuation procedures. The study was guided by clearly defined research questions that explored the relationship between staff competency, resource availability, and overall emergency preparedness. A comprehensive review of relevant literature was conducted to establish a theoretical foundation, drawing upon established safety models and situating the study within both national and international discourses on industrial safety and disaster risk reduction. A Descriptive survey research design was adopted to collect data from a representative sample of gas stations across Egor Local Government Area. The study population comprised all 35 registered gas stations in the locality, from which a sample size of 35 stations was selected using a stratified random sampling technique to ensure geographical and operational diversity. Within each selected station, a census sampling of all available attendants and managers was conducted, resulting in 20 respondents. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire titled “Gas Station Fire Safety and Preparedness Assessment Questionnaire (GSFSPAQ),” which was validated by safety experts and confirmed to be reliable with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.711. Direct observational checklists were also used to assess the physical state of fire safety equipment and signage. Analysis involved both descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means) and inferential statistics (Chi-square) to examine the relationships between variables. Findings revealed a moderate level of theoretical knowledge about fire causes but significant practical deficiencies in the use of fire extinguishers and emergency protocols. While most stations possessed basic firefighting equipment like extinguishers, a considerable proportion were either expired, poorly maintained, or inaccessible. Furthermore, emergency preparedness was found to be generally inadequate, with a lack of regularly practiced and clearly communicated evacuation plans. Based on these findings, the study strongly recommends the mandatory, periodic training and certification of all gas station personnel, enforced routine inspection and maintenance of safety equipment by regulatory bodies, and the development and simulation of site-specific emergency response plans to enhance overall community resilience against fire disasters.

This study assessed the knowledge and compliance with preventive measures of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections among healthcare workers in Edo State. Nosocomial infections present a severe global threat to patient safety, prolonging hospital stays, increasing medical costs, and contributing significantly to mortality rates, particularly in developing healthcare systems. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness regarding infection control protocols among healthcare practitioners, determine their level of compliance with standard preventive measures—such as hand hygiene, proper disposal of sharps, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—and identify the institutional and individual factors influencing compliance in selected healthcare facilities across Edo State.The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey research design. The target population comprised diverse healthcare workers, including medical doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, and ward attendants, operating in both public and private hospitals within the state. Primary data were gathered using a structured, self-administered questionnaire designed to measure knowledge scores and self-reported compliance levels, complemented by an observational checklist to verify actual practices. A total sample size of respondents was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (such as Chi-Square or multiple regression analysis) via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), with the significance level set at $p < 0.05$.The empirical findings revealed a high level of theoretical knowledge regarding nosocomial infections and their prevention mechanisms among the majority of the healthcare workers. However, a significant gap was observed between knowledge and actual practice, as overall compliance with standard precaution guidelines was found to be suboptimal. While compliance was relatively high for hand washing and the use of gloves, it was critically low for procedures involving recapping needles and the consistent utilization of complete PPE during high-risk exposures. The study identified several systemic barriers to compliance, including inadequate supply of basic infection control resources (such as running water, soap, alcohol-based hand rubs, and PPEs), high patient-to-staff ratios leading to work overloads, and a lack of regular, institutionalized training and strict monitoring frameworks.Based on these findings, the study concludes that having adequate knowledge alone does not automatically translate into safety compliance in clinical settings without supportive infrastructure. Therefore, it is recommended that the Edo State Ministry of Health and hospital managements institute continuous training and mandatory re-certification programs on infection prevention and control for all cadres of healthcare workers. Additionally, hospital administrations must ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential safety resources and establish functional Infection Control Committees (ICCs) to monitor compliance, enforce strict adherence to protocols, and implement punitive or corrective measures for non-compliance to guarantee a safer clinical environment

Sex education plays a vital role in equipping adolescents with accurate information and life skills necessary for making informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health. This study examined the knowledge and attitude towards the teaching of sex education among secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to assess students’ level of knowledge of sex education, determine their attitudes towards its teaching in schools, and identify factors influencing their perceptions.
A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected from selected secondary school students using a structured questionnaire designed to obtain information on demographic characteristics, knowledge of sex education, and attitudes towards its teaching. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations.
The findings revealed that a majority of the students possessed a moderate to high level of knowledge regarding sex education and recognized its importance in promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing sexually transmitted infections, reducing teenage pregnancy, and fostering responsible sexual behavior. The study also found that most respondents exhibited a positive attitude towards the inclusion and teaching of sex education in secondary schools. However, cultural beliefs, religious values, parental influence, and societal perceptions were identified as factors affecting students’ acceptance and understanding of sex education.
The study concluded that effective sex education is essential for enhancing adolescents’ awareness of reproductive health issues and encouraging responsible decision-making. It recommends that sex education be adequately incorporated into the secondary school curriculum and delivered by trained educators using age-appropriate and culturally sensitive approaches. Increased collaboration among schools, parents, health professionals, and policymakers is also recommended to improve the effectiveness of sex education programs among adolescents.