DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCESCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Effective glycemic control is essential for preventing diabetes-related complications, yet knowledge gaps and practice barriers persist among patients in resource-limited settings. This study examined knowledge, practices, and factors affecting glycemic control among diabetic patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. A cross- sectional descriptive study was conducted among 174 adult diabetic patients attending the Consultant Outpatient Department. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. While 62% demonstrated overall good knowledge, critical deficits emerged in technical understanding: only 16.7% correctly defined glycemic control, 2.9% recognized HbA1c testing, and 26.4% understood appropriate monitoring frequency. Conversely, over 90% correctly identified symptoms, lifestyle modifications, and complications. Self-management practices were generally good (mean 3.37), with high medication adherence (85.6%) and clinic attendance (91.4%), but poor blood glucose monitoring (mean 3.20) and foot care (mean 2.47). Financial barriers emerged as primary impediments: 82.7% found glucometer kits too expensive, 58.6% struggled to afford medications, and 85.7% found monitoring painful. Additionally, 69% perceived cultural foods as incompatible with diabetes control, and 44.9% lacked glucometer use skills.Despite good symptom awareness and medication adherence, critical gaps in technical knowledge and substantial financial barriers limit effective glycemic self-management. Interventions must address both educational deficits in monitoring competence and structural barriers through subsidized supplies, skills training, and culturally adapted dietary counseling.

This study assessed the patient perception and satisfaction with nursing care in a Primary Health Care Centre in Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed and a sample of 150 patients was selected using a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analysed using SPSS version 24.0 employing descriptive statistics and chi-square to analyse the collected data. The findings revealed there is a significant relationship between patients’ perceptions and their satisfaction with nursing care in a primary health care centre in Benin City. The study concluded that understanding patient perceptions and satisfaction within this context is critical for
identifying gaps in nursing care delivery and developing strategies to improve service quality. The study further suggested that in-depth qualitative studies, such as interviews or focus groups, can provide deeper insights into the personal experiences, expectations, and cultural factors influencing patient satisfaction

Workplace violence against nurses is a growing concern that negatively affects their well- being, job performance, and the quality of patient care. This study investigated the factors influencing workplace violence and its impact on nurses’ job performance in selected wards at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used, and data were collected from 101 nurses using structured questionnaires. Results revealed a high prevalence of workplace violence, with verbal abuse (98.3%), threats (80.1%), sexual harassment (69%), and physical assault (54.5%)
commonly experienced. Major contributing factors identified included long patient waiting times, understaffing, poor communication, unmet patient expectations, and lack of hospital security. The study also found that workplace violence significantly affected nurses’ job performance, motivation, mental health, and ability to deliver quality patient care. Despite the frequency of incidents, a significant portion of nurses did not report cases of violence. Respondents strongly supported strategies such as conflict resolution training, increased staffing, improved security, psychological support, and better communication with patients as effective in reducing violence. T

Healthcare waste management is a critical issue in healthcare settings, with implications for infection control, environmental safety, andpublic health. This study investigated the knowledge,attitudes, andpractices ofhealthcare waste management among undergraduate nursing students in a tertiary educational institution in Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. random sampling technique was used to select 255 undergraduate nursing students across 200-500 levels. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with four sections examining socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to healthcare waste management. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics were generated, and hypothesis testing was performed using chi-square analysis at a significance level of0.05. The study achieved a 97% response rate (247 valid questionnaires). Findings revealed that 68% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge ofhealthcare waste management, while 32% exhibitedpoor knowledge. Regarding attitudes, 71% displayedpositive dispositions toward healthcare waste management practices. In terms of practice, 77%demonstrated high levels ofproper healthcare waste handling and disposal. The study identified several influential factors, including adequate training programs, availability of disposal facilities, supervision, andpersonal commitment. Notably, no statistically significant relationship wasfound between knowledge andpractice x2 = 2.101, p = 0.07). While the majority of undergraduate nursing students demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitudes,and high compliance with proper waste management practices, significant gaps remain,particularly in specific knowledge areas and the translation ofknowledge intopractice.

Workplace abuse of nurses by patients and their relatives is a growing concern, affecting job performance, mental health, and overall well-being. This study assessed the factors influencing the abuse of nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Ugbowo, Benin City. The study aimed to determine the prevalence, types, and contributing factors of abuse experienced by nurses. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 258 nurses selected through a stratified sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and 251 responses were deemed valid, giving a response rate of 97.2%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, with results presented in tables and figures. The study found that verbal abuse was the most common form of abuse, experienced by 71% of respondents. Other reported forms of abuse included emotional distress (59%), workplace bullying (53%), and rude or dismissive behavior (66%). Physical assault (37%), unwanted sexual harassment (42%), and stalking (31%) were less frequently reported. Factors contributing to abuse included patient frustration due to delayed medical attention (mean = 3.1), lack of understanding of hospital policies (mean = 3.0), and emotional distress of patient relatives (mean = 3.2). Patients with psychiatric conditions, those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and those with severe pain were more likely to abuse nurses. Abuse of nurses in UBTH is prevalent, with verbal and emotional abuse being the most reported. Factors such as patient frustration, unrealistic expectations, and poor communication contribute to these incidents. There is a need for hospital management to implement stricter policies against abuse, provide conflict resolution training for nurses, and improve communication between healthcare workers and patients’ relatives. Additionally, security measures should be strengthened to ensure a safer work environment for nurses.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disorder predominantly affecting children and adolescents. Despite its rising global prevalence and the lifelong self- management it requires, awareness and understanding of the disease remain low among adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perception of T1DM among adolescents in selected departments within the Faculty of Arts at the University of Benin. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered to 291 students aged 13 to 19 years. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied. Findings revealed that while awareness of diabetes was relatively high, only 15.4% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of T1DM, with 45.4% showing poor understanding. Most respondents (59.5%) could differentiate between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but only 26.1% correctly identified the autoimmune nature of T1DM. Additionally, misconceptions were noted regarding its prevention and management. In terms of perception, 57.7% of the participants held negative views toward the condition, though a significant number acknowledged its seriousness and supported increased awareness. A strong statistical relationship (p < 0.001) was found between knowledge level and perception, indicating that improved knowledge correlates with more positive attitudes. However, no significant difference in knowledge or perception was observed across gender. The study concludes that substantial knowledge gaps and misconceptions about T1DM exist among adolescents in the arts faculty, negatively influencing their perception. It recommends targeted health education programs to improve adolescents’ understanding and attitudes toward T1DM, thereby promoting early recognition, supportive peer environments, and better disease management

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) poses a significant health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in Edo State, where limited data exist on patient knowledge and treatment adherence. This study assessed the knowledge of CKD, adherence to prescribed treatment regimens, and associated barriers among CKD patients in a tertiary institution in Edo State. A cross- sectional descriptive study was conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, involving 158 CKD patients selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 26.0, employing descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests (p<0.05). Findings revealed that 53.2% of respondents had fair knowledge of CKD, primarily sourced from nurses (52.9%), while 28.5% had poor knowledge. Adherence to treatment regimens was generally poor, with only dietary compliance showing a mean score above 2.50. Key barriers to adherence included medication costs, side effects, inaccessible healthcare facilities, dietary restrictions, cultural beliefs, and lack of family support. No significant relationship was found between CKD knowledge and adherence (p=0.306), indicating that knowledge alone does not ensure adherence. The study recommends enhanced health educations by nurses and mass media campaigns to improve CKD awareness and address barriers like cost and accessibility. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance CKD management in Edo State

Delayed presentation to emergency services represents a significant challenge in paediatric healthcare, often resulting in adverse outcomes and increased mortality. Understanding parental knowledge and perceptions regarding delayed presentation is crucial for developing effective interventions to improve timely care-seeking behaviour. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of the consequences of delayed presentation among parents attending the children's emergency unit at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State, Nigeria. This descriptive cross-sectional survey utilized purposive sampling technique to recruit 145 parents attending the children's emergency unit at UBTH. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of consequences of delayed presentation, perception of delayed presentation, and factors responsible for delayed presentation. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. The study achieved a 96.5% response rate with 140 valid questionnaires. Most respondents were female (62.9%), married (68.6%), and had tertiary education (37.9%). The findings revealed that 74% of parents demonstrated good knowledge of the consequences of delayed presentation, while 69% exhibited positive perceptions regarding the importance of timely emergency care. Financial constraints (mean=3.2), hope for home recovery (mean=3.2), and transportation difficulties (mean=3.1) were identified as the most influential factors responsible for delayed presentation. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between knowledge and perception of delayed presentation among parents (χ²=1.12, p=0.29). Despite good knowledge and positive perceptions among most parents regarding the consequences of delayed presentation, socioeconomic factors continue to significantly influence timely healthcare-seeking behaviours
for paediatric emergencies. Health education programs should be intensified to reach the 26% of parents with poor knowledge. Healthcare policies addressing financial barriers to emergency care access should be implemented.

Hypertension is a major global public health concern and the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite its preventable nature, awareness, perception, and control of hypertension remain suboptimal, especially among young adults in developing countries like Nigeria. This study assessed the knowledge and perception of hypertension and its complications among young adults in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A total of 316 respondents aged 18–35 years were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected with a structured and validated Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with results presented in frequency tables and percentages. Findings revealed that 26.3% of respondents had poor knowledge of hypertension, 48.1% demonstrated fair knowledge, while 25.6% had good knowledge. Although most respondents recognized key risk factors such as obesity, stress, and salt intake, misconceptions persisted regarding the curability of hypertension and its risk among young people. Perception of hypertension was generally moderate, influenced by factors such as education level, lifestyle habits, and family history.

This study examined the knowledge, attitude, and practice of nutrition and healthy eating habits among students of a tertiary institution in Benin City, Edo State. Poor nutrition and unhealthy eating behaviours among young adults have been recognized as major public health concerns, contributing to the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design and utilized a stratified sampling technique with convenience sampling to select 200 participants from different academic levels and faculties. A total of 200 structured questionnaires were distributed and duly completed, yielding a 100% response rate. Data were analysed us ing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, and results were presented in tables, charts, and figures using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that the majority of the students possessed good knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating habits, as indicated by a grand mean score of 1.8. Most respondents also exhibited positive attitudes toward proper nutrition, recognizing the importance of balanced diets, regular meals, and adequate hydration. However, despite their awareness, many students demonstrated poor eating practices, often skipping meals, consuming fast foods, and taking sugary beverages due to time constraints, limited finances, and the easy availability of junk foods. Hypothesis testing showed a significant relationship between students’ nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and their actual eating behaviours (p< 0.05). The study concludes that while students have good knowledge and favourable attitudes toward nutrition, these do not always translate into healthy dietary practices due to various socioeconomic and environmental barriers