DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCESCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are digital medical records that can be accessed by various healthcare providers to facilitate patient data accessibility, transmission, and storage, foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, and utilize patient data quickly and efficiently. The creation of the EMR system allowed institutions to manage patient records in an intelligent,
secure, and knowledgeable way. This research focused on the perception and attitudes of nurses towards electronic medical record and documentation systems. A total of 278 questionnaires were distributed, with 265 properly completed and returned, representing a response rate of 95.3%. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and
inferential statistics (Chi-square) to test the hypotheses providing valuable insights on the perception and attitudes of nurses towards electronic medical record and documentation system in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo state. The study adopted descriptive design. A convenient sampling technique. The results from this study showed that the majority
of the nurses (81.9%) had a positive perception towards the electronic medical record and documentation system, while only 18.1% had a negative perception. It also showed that the vast majority of the nurses (87.2%) had a positive attitude towards the utilization of electronic medical record and documentation systems, while only 12.8% had a negative attitude. Furthermore, the findings also revealed that the most significant factors identified, were technical issues, prior experience with computers or technology, and lack of training. Other factors such as staffing shortage, lack of clear policies on EMR use, complexity of the software, and internet connectivity issues were also considered as a challenge in the effective utilization remains of EMR in the hospital.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of cholera and its prevention among adult patients attending the General Practice Clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. A total of 275 patients participated in the study, which utilized a descriptive cross- sectional non-experimental design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and
statistical analysis was performed using chi-square at a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that while a majority of participants (70%) were aware of cholera’s symptoms and transmission routes, only 45% consistently practiced recommended preventive measures such as proper sanitation and safe water handling. Misconceptions about cholera treatment were
identified in 30% of respondents. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between knowledge of cholera and factors such as education level (p=0.04), occupation (p=0.03), and access to healthcare information (p=0.02). Despite these gaps, participants with higher levels of education and greater access to health information demonstrated better adherence to preventive practices. The study recommends enhancing public health education, particularly in communities with limited sanitation resources, and improving access to safe water. Additionally, strengthening community outreach programs and addressing misconceptions regarding cholera treatment are essential for better disease prevention. This study provides important insights for healthcare providers and policymakers in developing more effective cholera prevention strategies to reduce the risk of outbreaks and improve public health outcomes.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic condition requiring strict adherence to diet therapy for effective management and prevention of complications. This study aimed to assess the level of compliance to diet therapy among patients with T1DM attending a tertiary health institution. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Using a convenience sampling technique, 195 patients attending the Chest Out-Patient Department (COPD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) between February and March 2025 were selected. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, and 187 properly completed questionnaires were retrieved, yielding a response rate of 95.9%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, and findings were presented in frequencies, percentages, and means. The majority of respondents (55.1%) were aged between 32 and 37 years, with a slight female predominance (54.5%). Most participants were of Edo ethnicity (52.4%), had attained tertiary education (42.2%), and were predominantly traders (38.5%). The assessment of knowledge regarding diet therapy revealed a generally good level of awareness, with a grand mean score of 3.1 (cut-off = 2.5). Respondents demonstrated strong knowledge in areas such as the importance of meal timing, portion control, reducing sugar intake, and awareness of healthy food choices for blood sugar management. The findings indicate that patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in this tertiary health institution possess a good level of knowledge regarding diet therapy. However, gaps remain in areas such as practical application and consistent adherence to dietary recommendations. It is recommended that continuous diabetes education programs emphasizing practical dietary management strategies be strengthened. Healthcare providers should offer personalized dietary counseling and regular follow-up to enhance patient compliance and ultimately improve health outcomes among individuals living with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses a significant public health challenge in Nigeria due to its genetic nature, high prevalence, and associated morbidity. Despite increasing awareness campaigns, many individuals still fail to comply with preventive measures such as premarital screening. This study investigated the relationship between awareness and compliance towards premarital sickle cell screening among unmarried students in the Faculty of Arts, University of Benin, Edo State. A correlational design was adopted, and 350 participants were selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires
and analyzed using SPSS version 24.0, with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests applied. The findings revealed a high level of awareness regarding SCD and premarital screening among respondents; however, compliance was moderate. Although many students knew their genotype and acknowledged the importance of screening, cultural, emotional, and social factors still hindered full compliance. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between awareness and compliance (p = 0.067). The study concludes that awareness alone does not guarantee compliance, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions that address behavioral, cultural, and emotional barriers to effective screening practices.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen of major clinical concerndue to its adaptability, virulence determinants, and increasing multidrug resistance (MDR). It isaleading cause of urinary tract infections, pneumonia, wound infections, and septicemia, particularly in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. Its resistance mechanisms includeintrinsic traits such as efflux pumps and β-lactamase production, acquired carbapenemases, andadaptive tolerance via biofilm formation, making it one of the World Health Organization’scritical priority pathogens. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of BeninTeaching Hospital (UBTH) to evaluate the antibiotic resistance profile of Pseudomonasaeruginosa across clinical specimens. The clinical isolates collected were processedusingstandard microbiological and biochemical techniques. Susceptibility testing was done, withresults interpreted using CLSI guidelines. Data were statistically analyzed to assess prevalenceand resistance associations. Out of 365 isolates, 34 (9.32%) yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with urine as the most common source. Isolates were more frequent in medical wards, thoughnosignificant age-related differences were noted. Resistance was extremely high: 100%to cefepime, 97.1% to cefotaxime, and 85.3% to ciprofloxacin, while ofloxacin (50%) and meropenem(52.9%) showed comparatively lower resistance. In conclusion, Pseudomonas aeruginosaisolates from UBTH exhibited high MDR levels, limiting therapeutic options. Routinesurveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection control measures are essential tocurbresistance, while novel therapies such as phage treatment and β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitorcombinations may offer future solutions