DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

This study was conducted to investigate the knowledge and perception of the effects of deforestation among rural dwellers in Ekosodin Community, Benin City, Edo State. The study sought to determine the level of knowledge of residents regarding deforestation, ascertain the perceived causes and consequences of deforestation, and investigate rural residents' perceptions of environmental degradation brought on by deforestation. Three research questions were developed to guide the investigation and relevant literatures related to deforestation were clearly discussed. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consisted of 10,150 residents of Ekosodin Community. A sample size of 255 respondents was selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a self- structured questionnaire titled 'Questionnaire on the Knowledge and Perception of the Effects of Deforestation among Residents of Ekosodin Community'. The project supervisor and experts in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education validated the instrument. The Cronbach's Alpha reliability method was used to determine the instrument's reliability. Frequency counts and percentages were used to analyze the data, and chi-square statistics were employed to test the hypotheses at a significance level of 0.05. The findings revealed that the majority of rural dwellers in Ekosodin Community possessed high knowledge of deforestation and were aware of its causes and environmental consequences. The respondents identified agricultural activities, indiscriminate tree felling, urban expansion, construction activities, fuelwood harvesting, and industrial development as major causes of deforestation in the community. Based on the findings, the study concludes that even though rural residents of Ekosodin Community are well-informed about deforestation and its consequences, ongoing environmental awareness campaigns and community involvement in forest conservation initiatives are still necessary. The study recommends that government agencies, environmental organizations, and community leaders intensify public education campaigns about the risks of deforestation, enforce environmental protection laws, support sustainable land-use practices, encourage tree planting programmes, and promote alternative energy sources to ensure environmental sustainability and ecological balance in the community.

This study examined the determinants of primary health care (PHC) service uptake among traders operating in New Benin Market. In pursuit of this objective, four research questions were formulated and relevant literature on primary health care services was comprehensively reviewed. A descriptive research design was employed, with a target population of 4,320 market traders drawn from New Benin Market in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. Using simple random sampling, 216 traders were selected to serve as the study sample. Data were gathered through a structured close-ended questionnaire consisting of 20 items, which was validated by the project supervisor and two additional experts in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education. Reliability was established via the test-retest method. The 216 administered questionnaires were returned in full, and the collected data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Findings indicated that economic constraints, limited awareness, proximity to health facilities, and religious orientation significantly influence PHC service uptake. Notwithstanding these challenges, traders in New Benin Market were found to exhibit a relatively high rate of PHC utilization, especially for minor ailments, routine medical examinations, and immunizations. The study recommends that government and relevant health authorities extend financial assistance to lower the cost burden of PHC services; that public health bodies mount regular awareness and health promotion campaigns to inform traders of the availability and advantages of PHC services; and that additional PHC facilities be established in closer proximity to major trading centres and densely populated market zones.

This study assesses the knowledge of the assessment of school health facilities in Secondary Schools in Ovia North East LGA. Edo State. Five 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 population of the study comprised students from SS1 to SS3 in Secondary Schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Benin City, Edo State. 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 school health services in Ovia North East LGA are moderately available but insufficient to meet the comprehensive health needs of students. While some schools have made efforts to establish functional health rooms and organize preventive health programs, these services remain inconsistent, underfunded, and unevenly distributed. The researcher recommends that government should allocate more financial resources to support the establishment, maintenance, and upgrading of health facilities in public secondary schools. Also, the researcher recommends that both public and private schools should prioritize the construction and maintenance of standard health rooms equipped with necessary materials such as beds, thermometers, gloves, and basic medications.

This study investigated workload and lifestyle as correlates of stress among university lecturers in Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to examine the relationships between lecturers 'workload, lifestyle, and stress levels, and to determine whether academic rank and university type moderate these relationships. 9 research question were stated and answered, and 6 hypothesis were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. A survey research design was adopted, involving a population of 3,092 lecturers across federal, state, and private universities. A sample of 357 lecturers was selected through a multi stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire divided into four sections: Section A (demographic data), Section B (ASUU Workload Form), Section C (Lifestyle Questionnaire), and Section D (adopted Stress Scale from the DASS). The instrument was validated by the research supervisors and three experts from the Department of Health, Safety, and Environmental Education. Reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha which yielded the following reliability coefficients: 0.81 for the ASUU Workload Form, 0.71 for the Lifestyle Questionnaire, and 0.78 for the adopted Stress Scale (from the DASS). Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) were used to answer nine research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to test hypotheses 1 and 2, and Fisher’s Z transformation was used for hypotheses 3 to 6. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between workload and stress, and a significant negative relationship between lifestyle and stress. Further analysis showed that academic rank significantly moderated the relationship between workload and stress, but not between lifestyle and stress. University type did not significantly moderate the relationship between either workload and stress or lifestyle and stress. The study concludes that both workload and lifestyle are critical predictors of stress among university lecturers, with academic rank influencing the effect of workload. It recommends institutional strategies to manage workload and promote healthier lifestyles to reduce occupational stress.

The study was designed to elicit the Impact of Social Media influence on Sexually Transmitted Infection Preventive Practices Among Undergraduates. To achieve this, research questions were formulated during the course of the study. To explore these research questions, descriptive statistics and frequency count was used for the study and sectioned designed questions were used as the instrument for data collection. The sample size for the study consists of 247 students from the six faculties out of the fourteen
faculties. The instrument was validated by three experts from the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education, University of Benin. Based on the findings, recommendations were made. There is need to examine gender and other health related factors that predict interactive media preferences.

This study was embarked upon to to examine the knowledge and practice of oral hygiene among undergraduates in the University of Benin. Four research questions were raised to guide this study. The descriptive research design was used for this study and the population consisted of 47,468 students as of the 2023/2024 academic session (Student Affairs Division, 2024). A total of two hundred and ninety-nine (299) undergraduate students were selected. The instrument used for data collection was a well- structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated by the project supervisor and two other lecturers in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education. The test-retest reliability was used to establish the reliability of the questionnaire. A total of two hundred and ninety-nine (299) questionnaires were administered to the sample respondents and data collected was analyzed using frequency count and percentage. Based on the data collected and analyzed, it was discovered that the respondents have a high of knowledge about oral hygiene, also the respondents have a high level of knowledge about the importance of oral hygiene. However, the respondents have bad attitudes towards oral hygiene and the respondents have poor oral hygiene practices. It was concluded that undergraduates' oral hygiene practices are greatly influenced by their knowledge and that ongoing efforts in education, awareness campaigns, and dental service accessibility are necessary to ensure that students not
only maintain optimal oral health throughout their academic careers but also form lifelong habits that enhance their overall quality of life. It was recommended that the University should collaborate with health organizations and dental professionals to organize regular oral health seminars, workshops, and campaigns to improve students' knowledge of proper oral hygiene practices, oral health education can be incorporated into general health courses for undergraduates to provide them with foundational knowledge on the importance of oral hygiene and preventive care, focused health education initiatives to close the knowledge-practice gap and encourage students to adopt healthier oral hygiene practices should be provided, the University Health Center should offer affordable and accessible dental care services, including routine check-ups, professional cleaning, and consultations to encourage students to seek preventive care regularly and campaigns using posters, flyers, social media platforms, and other communication channels should be conducted to inform students about the long-term consequences of neglecting oral health, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and systemic health issues

This study assessed the level of compliance to seatbelt utilization among inter-urban
commercial drivers in Oredo Local Government Area, Benin Metropolis, Edo State. The study was guided by five research questions, all of which were derived from the stated objectives of the research. Relevant literature related to each of the research questions was extensively reviewed to provide a theoretical and empirical foundation for the study. The reviewed literature addressed key concepts such as seatbelt utilization, awareness of seatbelt safety, factors influencing non-utilization, enforcement and safety perception, and the relationship between demographic characteristics and seatbelt use. This ensured that the study was firmly grounded in existing knowledge while also addressing identified gaps within the Nigerian and Benin Metropolis contexts. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 500 registered commercial drivers in Oredo LGA, and a sample of 150 drivers was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by experts. Reliability of the instrument was established using the split-half method, yielding a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.70, indicating acceptable internal consistency.Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square, and Pearson Product–Moment Correlation

This study investigated the knowledge and acceptability of cervical cancer screening among secondary school teachers in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. The study was prompted by the increasing prevalence of cervical cancer and the crucial role teachers playaschannels of health information and behavior change in the community. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. The population comprised all secondary school teachers in the area, and a sample of 150 respondents was selected using a simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the study revealed that the majority of respondents demonstrated a highlevel of knowledge of cervical cancer and its screening methods. This was attributed to their exposure to health information through educational institutions and their relatively high educational
qualifications. However, despite the high level of knowledge, awareness did not always translate into screening practice. Many respondents had never been screened due to factors such as fearand anxiety, cultural and religious beliefs, misconceptions, cost of screening, and distance to health facilities. The study also found that educational attainment had a significant positive influence on respondents’ knowledge and attitudes towards screening, indicating that highereducation improves health literacy, interpretation of health information, and informed decision-making. Furthermore, the study established that health education and awareness creation remain strong determinants of screening acceptability. Media campaigns, school-based sensitization, andinclusion of cervical cancer education in teacher training curricula were identified as vital strategies to enhance knowledge and participation in screening programs. The study concludedthat while knowledge of cervical cancer among secondary school teachers in Ikpoba-Okhaiscommendable, the acceptability and utilization of screening services remain low. It thereforerecommended intensified health education interventions, culturally sensitive awareness campaigns, and improved access to affordable screening services to promote early detectionandreduce the burden of cervical cancer among women in Nigeria.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of dumpsite on environmental quality in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area. To guide the study three research questions were raised. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The population of the study was made up of all residents and shop owners in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area and the sample of this study comprised of 100 respondents drawn from the population. The research instrument used was a questionnaire validated by experts. The data collected were analyzed using the descriptive analysis of simple percentages and frequency counts. Some of the findings of the study include; the people in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area have favorable attitude towards dumping of waste. And the perceived effects of dumpsite on the health of people in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area are disease/headaches, breeding ground for disease vectors, contaminated water and odour/ smell. Based on the findings some of the recommendations include; Governments have to set strict regulations in order to prevent illegal dumping. Government should ensure proper management and construction of dumpsites

This study investigated the perceived knowledge and misconceptions about Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) among undergraduates of the University of Benin, Edo State. The research aimed to assess the level of awareness, common misconceptions, and sources of information about ECPs. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 192 respondents selected through a simple random sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Findings revealed that a majority of the respondents (63.54%) demonstrated a high level of knowledge about ECPs, while 36.46% had low knowledge. The study also highlighted prevalent misconceptions, such as beliefs that ECPs cause permanent infertility, are equivalent to abortion pills, or promote sexual irresponsibility. These misconceptions were widely accepted among respondents, as shown by a cluster mean of 2.72, which is above the benchmark mean of 2.50. The study concluded that while most undergraduates have substantial knowledge of ECPs, misconceptions persist and may hinder proper utilization. It
is recommended that targeted educational programs and awareness campaigns be implemented by health authorities and institutions to address these myths and improve reproductive health literacy among students.