DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

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.

This study investigated the factors influencing the health behaviour of full-time undergraduates at the University of Benin, Benin City. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 150 respondents selected through proportionate sampling from various faculties across the institution. A self-structured questionnaire titled Survey on Factors Influencing Health Behaviour among Undergraduates in the University of Benin was used for data collection. The instrument’s reliability, established through a pilot study at Ambrose Alli University, yielded a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.708, indicating acceptable reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores, while chi-square tests were used to determine relationships between selected variables at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that although majority students engage in positive practices such as avoiding substance use, maintaining good hygiene, and exercising occasionally, negative behaviours such as poor diet, inadequate rest, and excessive screen time remain prevalent. Major factors influencing students’ health behaviour included peer pressure, academic workload, financial constraints, and limited access to credible health information and quality healthcare services. The study concluded that health behaviour among undergraduates is shaped by a complex interplay of personal, social, and institutional factors. It recommended that the university strengthen health promotion programmes, improve the accessibility and quality of campus health services, and integrate health education into student orientation and
wellness activities

The study investigated the perceived causes and effects of teenage pregnancy among students of the University of Benin. Four research questions were to guide the study. The purpose of the study was to access and examine the awareness and effects of teenage pregnancy among students in the University of Benin. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The population of the study consists of all (44,699) undergraduates from fourteen (14) faculties in the
University of Benin. The instrument used in this study is the questionnaire titled “the Causes and Effects of Teenage Pregnancy Students in the University of Benin” The finding from the study research revealed that the major causes of the teenage pregnancy are teenagers lack of Sexual Education and peer pressure, it cannot be totally ignored that Cultural Norms and Stigma surrounding discussions about sex also contribute to the teenage pregnancy necessary recommendation to the teenagers among the University of Benin undergraduate, general public, and government body as follows: students have access to confidential counseling services, Public awareness campaigns

This study examined the effect of a simple field trip on students’ knowledge and attitude about hygiene practices. The research was guided by two hypotheses: (1) that there is no significant difference in the knowledge of students about hygiene practices between those who participated in the field trip and those who did not, and (2) that participation in a field trip has no significant effect on students’ attitudes toward hygiene practices. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, with students divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in a field trip that provided practical exposure to hygiene practices and environmental sanitation, while the control group received only classroom instruction. Data were collected and analysed using independent samples t-tests to determine the effect of the field trip on students’ knowledge and attitudes. The findings revealed that students in the experimental group had significantly higher knowledge of hygiene practices than those in the control group. Similarly, the experimental group demonstrated more positive attitudes toward hygiene practices, showing greater appreciation and willingness to adopt healthy behaviours. The study concluded that a simple field trip is an effective experiential learning strategy that enhances both students’ knowledge and attitudes toward hygiene. The findings imply that health and hygiene education is more effective when learners are exposed to practical, real-world experiences that connect theoretical lessons to actual health behaviours and environmental practices. The study recommends that schools incorporate field trips into health and hygiene education curricula, provide adequate resources and support for such activities, and collaborate with health and environmental agencies to strengthen students’ participation in community sanitation and personal hygiene promotion. It also suggests further research on the long-term impact of experiential learning and comparative studies of different field-based instructional methods in improving hygiene
knowledge, attitudes, and practices among students.

This study titled “Knowledge and Misconceptions About the Effects of Abortion Among Secondary School Female Students in Oredo LGA” examined the level of awareness, understanding, and prevalent misconceptions held by female students regarding the physical, psychological, and social consequences of abortion. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and was conducted among female students in selected secondary schools in Oredo Local Government Area. A total of 150 respondents participated in the study, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed to assess their knowledge and misconceptions. The findings revealed that while a considerable number of students demonstrated basic awareness of abortion as a medical procedure, many possessed limited and fragmented knowledge about its wider health effects. The study also found that misconceptions were widespread, with some students believing that abortion automatically leads to permanent infertility, severe mental illness, or inevitable death—ideas primarily influenced by peer narratives, cultural beliefs, and lack of proper sexual and reproductive education. In addition, the results showed that students relied more on informal sources such as friends and social media than on health professionals for information. The study concluded that although students are aware of abortion, their understanding is largely shaped by misinformation and fear-based beliefs, which may influence their attitudes and decision-making in risky situations. Strengthening reproductive health education within schools is therefore essential to correct misconceptions and promote informed choices. It was recommended that schools integrate comprehensive sexuality education, invite qualified health professionals for periodic reproductive health seminars, and ensure that students have access to accurate, youth-friendly information.