DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers in Ekosodin community, Ovie North East L.G.A, Edo State. Three research questions were formulated and evaluated in this study. Related literature was reviewed.The descriptive survey research was adopted in this study. The target population for this study were nursing mothers in Ekosodin community, Ovie North East L.G.A located in the capital of Edo State, Nigeria. The sample size for this study was 100 respondents. The research instrument that was used to solicit the desired information from the respondent for this study was a self-structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated by the researcher's supervisor and two other experts in the department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education. The test-retest method was adopted to ascertain the reliability of the instrument which involves the administration of the instrument to twenty (20) respondents within a two week interval who were not part of the study. The questionnaires were administered to the 100 respondents and retrieved immediately after completion to ascertain consistency. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentage for
the research questions raised. This study revealed that although there is high level of EBF knowledge, however, few mothers have positive attitude towards EBF while the practice is generally low, and need urgent attention as exclusive breastfeeding practices are effective ways of reducing childhood morbidity and mortality.
Base on the findings of the study, it was recommended that exclusive breastfeeding education and awareness programme should be incorporated as part of both antenatal and postnatal programme for mothers to be educated and provided with accurate information about EBF, what it entails and its benefits to the infants, mothers, communities etc., and in addressing some EBF myths and misconceptions. Note that accurate information and supportive counselling are key to empowering mothers to make informed decisions about EBF. Breastfeeding-Friendly Environment (BFE) should be advocated for mothers which encourages breastfeeding. BFE entails privacy (quiet, comfortable and spacious), comfort (safe, clean, cosy area with adequate seating and hydration), supportive (access to lactation consultants, EBF resources), promotion (visible promotion of EBF through signage and literature), protection (free from discrimination and harassment). Creating a BFE empowers mothers to breastfeed confidently and comfortably, promoting a culture that values and supports breastfeeding.

This study aimed to assess the awareness and practice ofmental health promotion among students of the University of Benin, with a focus on identifying the factors that facilitate or hinder mental health-promoting behaviors.
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 240 randomly selected students from various faculties within the university. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed participants' awareness of mental health, their attitudes towards mental health promotion, and their engagement in mental health-promoting behaviors. The questionnaire also gathered information on participants'demographic characteristics, including age, gender, and faculty. The results of the study showed that the majority of the participants were aware of the importance of mental health and expressed a willingness to engage in practices that promote mental health.However, despite this awareness and willingness, only a few of the participants reported practicing mental health-promotion. Further analysis revealed that the low engagement in mental health-promoting behaviors among the participants was largely due to the low availability and accessibility ofmental health services within the university.
The findings ofthis study highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance mental health awareness and practice among university students. Specifically, the study recommends that the university increase the availability and accessibility ofmental health services, provide education and training on mental health promotion, and promote a culture ofmental health awareness and support among students, faculty, and staff.

The study investigated premarital sex among secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. To guide this study, five research questions were raised and they were all answered. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population of study was 5,373 respondents in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State.
The study adopted a descriptive survey design, 250 respondents were randomly selected from 5,373 students which was the population of the study. The instrument used in collecting the data was questionnaire. The data collected was analysed using a simple percentage.
The study revealed that premarital sex among secondary school students can lead to poor academic performance, various forms of sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies and death. Thus, parents should educate their children about sex at early age. Health educators should organise awareness campaign in order to provide adequate reproductive health information to students.

This study was carried out to investigate the use of contraceptives among female students of University of Benin, Benin City. Four research questions were raised in the study, The study was a descriptive research which adopted the survey research design . The descriptive survey design was adopted in this study. The population of the study comprises of the (19,288) female undergraduate students in the 14 faculties in the University of Benin. Using random sampling technique, one percent of the total pollution, that is, one hundred and forty three (143) female undergraduate students in 7 faculties across University of Benin were sampled for the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage were used in the data analysis of the study. The questionnaire was validated by two experts and the researcher’s supervisor and test retest method was used to establish reliability of which it's coefficient was 0.89 ascertaining the reliability of the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage were used in the data analysis of the study The findings revealed that; Proportion of female students using contraception 13 in University of Benin is 63.6 %. Three most commonly used contraceptive among female students of University of Benin are emergency contraceptive pills, oral pills and withdrawal method. It was recommended among others that; Consistent use of regular contraceptives and condoms should be emphasized to reduce not only unplanned pregnancies but also sexually transmitted diseases and Government, individuals, philanthropic organizations and Non-governmental organizations should fully participate and increase funding and logistic support to ensure that sensitization of contraceptive use cover every nooks and crannies of University
campuses.

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