DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

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.

The purpose of the study is to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards the guidelines for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ethiope West LGA. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The population of the study comprised of two thousand, one hundred and twenty two (2,122) women of childbearing age who attended prenatal and postnatal care services between July 2023 and August 2023 at the Primary Healthcare Centres in Ethiope West Local Government Area (Delta State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Asaba, Delta state). The sample size for this study was 229 respondents. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages for the research questions raised. While inferential statistics of chi-square was used to test the formulated hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The study concludes that while knowledge and attitudes towards PMTCT guidelines are generally high among respondents in Ethiope West LGA, there is a need for continuous education and awareness programs to maintain and improve these levels. Additionally, targeted interventions should be considered to address the gaps identified, particularly among specific age groups and educational levels. Strengthening PMTCT programs through comprehensive education and supportive attitudes can significantly reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, contributing to better health outcomes for mothers and their children.

This study was carried out to examine the impact of low cost of environmental materials on the knowledge and attitudes of Students towards the proper solid waste disposal. Two research questions and two hypotheses were raised and analyzed for the purpose of the study. A purposive sampling technique was used in selection of fifty (50) undergraduate students which were drawn from 100 level students of the Departments of Health, Safety and Environmental Education (HSE) and in the Faculty of Education, University of Benin for the purpose of the study. The data were collected with questionnaire instrument and analyzed using mean and standard deviation. It was revealed that students from the experimental group who were exposed to low cost of environmental materials have good attitude towards proper solid waste disposal compared to students in the control group who were not exposed to these materials. The difference in their attitudes was significant, based on the data from the findings of this study. It was also revealed through further findings of this study that students from the experimental group who through the use of low cost environmental materials had knowledge about proper solid waste disposal among undergraduates compared to students in the control group who were not exposed to the materials. Only few of the students in the control group had a little knowledge about proper solid waste disposal. More findings of this study indicated that use of low cost environmental materials has a significant impact in equipping students with knowledge about proper solid waste disposal and the importance of proper solid waste disposal.

The main purpose of this study is to find out factors contributing to poor sanitary conditions in some selected secondary schools in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area. The study reviewed related literature on the factors contributing to poor sanitary conditions in some selected secondary schools. Five research questions were raised to guide the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire. The instrument was administered to 150 students randomly selected from the 3 selected secondary school and a measure of central tendency and variability was used to analyze the respondents’; responses. The findings of the study revealed that: irregular payment of salaries to cleaners, improper disposal of waste, inadequate handwashing and improper cleaning of the school environment are some of the factors contributing to poor sanitary conditions in some schools. The following recommendations are made based on the findings of the study: schools administrators should ensure that those in charge of cleaning the school environment are adequately monitored. Government should ensure regular payment of cleaners salaries and schools should not be sited in bushy areas as this can become a breeding place for mosquitoes which can be detrimental to the health of the students

This study explores the attitudes of Oregbeni Market women towards immunization and the factors that influence their immunization decisions. A survey research design was employed, with data collected from 140 market women in Oregbeni Market, Edo State. The findings reveal that while there is a high level of awareness about the importance of immunization, knowledge about specific vaccines and the concept of immunization is limited. Negative attitudes, including fears of deformities and distrust in vaccine safety, are prevalent. Religion and culture significantly influence immunization attitudes, with some aligning their beliefs with medical consensus. Recommendations include tailored public health education campaigns, community engagement with local leaders, and further research to understand cultural nuances. Keywords: immunization, attitudes, Oregbeni Market, women, Nigeria, public health education

This study examined the influence of school environment on the academic performance of undergraduate students in the faculty of education, university of Benin. Four research questions were raised and answered to guide the study. Pertinent literature were reviewed. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and the study population was 665, consisting of all the students in Health, Safety, and Environmental Education Students in the University of Benin 2022/2023 academic ses sion. A sample size of 100 respondents was selected using the simple random sampling technique to select the respondents across the levels in the department. The instrument for data collection was a well- designed structured questionnaire which was validated by the project Supervisor and two other lecturers from the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental education. The test-retest method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. Collated data was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency and percentage tables. The findings revealed that the nature of the school environment has an impact on the academic performance of the respondents. Furthermore, findings from this study further revealed that the influence of school facilities on the academic performance among the respondents is bad. It was also revealed that school personnel have a very low influence on the academic performance of the respondents. Lastly, findings from this study revealed that the ways social relationship influence academic performance among the respondents includes; peer support, such as sharing notes and ideas, which positively affects their academic performance, collaborating with their classmates regularly for academic purposes (e.g., group assignments, exam preparation, participation in extracurricular activities (e.g., clubs, sports) which helps them balance academic stress and improves their performance, involvement in social activities on campus which has a positive effect on their academic performance and socializing with classmates and friends outside of class helping them relax and improve their ability to concentrate on their studies.

This study, titled “Knowledge and Awareness of Noise Pollution and Its Associated Health Impacts among Residents of Ugbowo Community, Benin City,” aimed to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of noise pollution and its related health effects among residents of Ugbowo Community. The study objectivized that residents in the community possess varying levels of knowledge and awareness about noise pollution, its sources, and associated health risks, influenced by factors such as education, occupation, and exposure to public awareness campaigns. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study, targeting a population of 552,005 residents of Ugbowo Community, projected from the 2006 national census. Using Taro Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 400 respondents was determined and selected through a multi-stage sampling technique to ensure fair representation across different sections of the community. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire titled “Knowledge and Awareness of Noise Pollution and Its Associated Health Impacts Questionnaire (KANPHAIQ),” which consisted of 30 items divided into sections on demographic data, sources of noise pollution, health effects, awareness of regulations, and existing noise reduction measures. The validity of the instrument was established by experts in the Department of Health, Safety, and Environmental Education, and its reliability was confirmed using the test–retest method, yielding a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.82. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings revealed that traffic noise, loud music or events, and noise from neighborhood activities such as generators were the major sources of noise pollution in Ugbowo Community. Residents demonstrated a relatively high level of knowledge about the health effects of noise pollution, including hearing loss, sleep disturbance, and stress- related conditions, while awareness of existing regulations and reporting procedures was also notable. However, the study identified a lack of effective noise reduction measures and weak enforcement of noise control policies in the community. The study recommended strengthening public sensitization programs, improving policy enforcement, and establishing community-based initiatives to promote effective noise management and health protection among residents.