DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

This study investigated the effects of shift work and marital status on occupational stress among nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. The objectives were to assess the level of occupational stress among nurses, examine how various shift work patterns influence stress, determine the role of marital status in stress levels, and identify mediating factors that affect the relationship between shift work, marital status, and occupational stress. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 250 nurses across different departments. Data were collected using a self structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, ANOVA, and multiple regression. The findings revealed that nurses experienced a moderate level of occupational stress overall (Mean = 1.86, SD = 0.65), with the highest stress reported among those on night shifts (Mean = 2.39, SD = 0.73) and rotating shifts (Mean = 2.14, SD = 0.68). Marital status was significantly associated with occupational stress (F = 10.82, p < 0.001), with divorced/separated nurses experiencing the highest stress (Mean = 2.11, SD = 0.70), followed by married nurses (Mean = 1.93, SD = 0.65), while single nurses reported the lowest levels (Mean = 1.67, SD = 0.59). The interaction between shift work and marital status was statistically significant (F = 1.728, p = 0.048), indicating that the combination of these variables intensifies stress levels. Additional factors such as sleep disruption (r = 0.711, p < 0.001), work-family conflict (r = 0.672, p < 0.001), number of children (β = 0.156, p < 0.001), and lack of supervisor support (r = -0.631, p < 0.001) were found to exacerbate stress, while adequate rest (r = -0.677, p < 0.001), emotional support, and coping strategies served as buffers. The study concludes that shift work and marital status, both independently and interactively, significantly affect occupational stress among nurses. It recommends flexible shift scheduling, increased institutional support, stress management training, and further research to address occupational stress in healthcare settings.

This study assessed the knowledge, beliefs, and risk factors associated with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) among female undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design and structured questionnaire, findings revealed a generally high level of BV knowledge, though gaps exist regarding its asymptomatic nature. ommon misconceptions included the belief that poor hygiene and sexual activity are primary causes. Key risk factors identified were recent antibiotic use, tight clothing, and improper hygiene Practices. Despite these issues, students demonstrated a Strong willingness to adopt educational strategies like seminars, curriculum integration, and peer education. The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions and improved reproductive health education to better prepare future nurses and reduce BV prevalence. Limitations include the Study’s restriction to one institution, limiting generalizability. Recommendations include incorporating BV education into nursing curricula, promoting peer-led discussions, and organizing regular health campaigns.

This study evaluates wound care knowledge and practices Among nurses in tertiary health facilities in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 200 nurses to assess the wound care practices and identify associated factors among nurses in selected tertiary hospitals in Benin City, through a structured questionnaire focusing on Their demographic characteristics, adherence to established wound care protocols, and the factors influencing their practices. The findings revealed that the nursing workforce was
predominantly female (71.0%), with a mean age of 33 years and a significant proportion (52.5%) having less than five years of experience. Adherence to wound care practices varied, with a majority of nurses demonstrating competence in essential procedures, such as wound classification (𝑥ത = 2.22)and use of antibacterial cleansers (𝑥ത = 2.22). However, advanced
techniques like negative pressure wound therapy (𝑥ത = 1.44) were rarely utilized. Overall, 55% of respondents exhibited high adherence to wound care protocols, particularly in infection control. Factors identified as significantly influencing wound Care practices included time constraints (𝑥ത = 3.03), and inadequate training (𝑥ത = 2.98). The study concluded that significant relationships exist between adherence levels and demographic variables such as gender, age, educational qualification, and years of experience. However, recommendations include enhancing resource allocation, improving training programs, and fostering mentorship among nursing staff to elevate wound care standards and improve patient outcomes in the studied institutions.

Preventive health practices are vital in reducing the burden of communicable and non- communicable diseases. Health beliefs significantly influence individuals’ decisions to adopt these practices. In Nigeria, a gap often exists between awareness and actual adoption due to cultural, spiritual, and socioeconomic factors. This study examined the influence of health beliefs on the adoption of preventive health practices among adults in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and 384 adults were selected through a multistage sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were administered, with 373 valid responses obtained, yielding a 97.1% response rate. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics summarized socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, adoption levels, and health beliefs. The chi- square test examined the relationship between awareness and adoption. Findings revealed that 93% of respondents had good awareness of preventive health practices, but only 44% demonstrated high adoption, showing a knowledge-practice gap. Among those with poor awareness (7%), adoption was similarly low. The chi-square test (χ² = 6.785, df = 1, p = 0.08) showed no significant relationship between awareness and adoption. However, 63% held favorable health beliefs, and 70% acknowledged that these beliefs influenced their practice adoption, highlighting their mediating role in translating knowledge into behavior. Despite high awareness and positive beliefs, adoption remains suboptimal due to cultural, spiritual, and socioeconomic barriers. Culturally sensitive, community-based interventions, health education, and behavior-focused nursing strategies are essential to bridge the gap. Policies should enhance accessibility and affordability of preventive services. Future research should explore qualitative and longitudinal approaches to understand barriers more deeply.

Psychoactive substance use among university students has become a significant public health concern globally, with increasing prevalence particularly among young adults in higher institution. The general objective of this study was to examine the factors influencing psychoactive substance use among engineering students of the University of Benin. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed to investigate the prevalence, types, and determinants of substance use, as well as its perceived effects on students’ academic performance and well-being. The target population consisted of all undergraduate engineering students, from which a sample size of 440 respondents was selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (frequencies, means, and Chi-square tests). Findings revealed that 43% of respondents had used one or more psychoactive substances. Alcohol, tramadol, cannabis, and cigarettes were the most commonly used. Major influencing factors included peer pressure, academic stress, curiosity, and easy accessibility. The study also found a significant association between peer influence and substance use, and between substance use and academic performance (p < 0.05). It was concluded that psychoactive substance use among engineering students is largely driven by social and academic pressures, with adverse consequences on learning and health. The study recommends enhanced drug education, stress management training, and stricter enforcement of campus anti-drug policies.

Despite the availability and effectiveness of vasectomy as a permanent method of male contraception, its acceptance remains low in many developing countries, including Nigeria. Misconceptions, cultural norms, and religious beliefs significantly hinder its uptake. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of vasectomy among male staff at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 278 male staff across different departments of UBTH. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to interpret the results. The study revealed that only 41% of respondents had good knowledge of vasectomy, with a
grand mean score of 1.4, indicating a generally poor understanding. Attitudes were predominantly negative, with 56% expressing unfavourable views and a mean attitude score of 2.1. Acceptance of vasectomy was also low, as only 38% indicated willingness to consider the procedure. Cultural and religious beliefs, fear of complications, perceived threats to masculinity, and misinformation about the procedure were identified as major barriers to acceptance. Despite working in a healthcare setting, many respondents held misconceptions about vasectomy’s effects on sexual performance and health. The study found poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and low acceptance of vasectomy among male staff at UBTH. These findings underscore the persistence of cultural, religious, and psychological barriers even within educated, medically-inclined populations. Targeted health education interventions are urgently needed to dispel myths, address cultural concerns, and promote accurate information about vasectomy among healthcare workers. Empowering male staff with correct knowledge could enhance their role as advocates for male involvement in family planning.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is a major global health challenge, with prevalence rising steadily, especially in low- and middle-income countries. T2DM is closely associated with excess body weight, physical inactivity, and lifestyle changes, and its complications significantly impact morbidity and mortality. Current estimates indicate that approximately 463 million adults live with diabetes worldwide, with projections suggesting this number will reach 700 million by 2045. In Africa, the burden is particularly severe, with high rates of undiagnosed cases and diabetes-related deaths among adults under 60. Effective management of T2DM requires a holistic approach combining medication, physical activity, and dietary interventions, including low sucrose intake and high consumption of fiber-rich foods. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to short-term complications such as hypoglycemia and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome, as well as long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications, including retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease. This study underscores the urgent need for awareness, early diagnosis, and comprehensive management strategies to mitigate the growing global and regional burden of T2DM.

This study assessed factors affecting self-care and behavioral lifestyle practices among hypertensive patients, focusing on socio-demographic profiles, self-care practices, behavioral lifestyle patterns, and influencing factors. The increasing prevalence of hypertension highlights the need for effective management strategies emphasizing patient self-care and lifestyle modifications. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 205 hypertensive patients selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics and mean scores were utilized to evaluate self-care and behavioral lifestyle practices, while inferential statistics identified significant influencing factors. The study revealed that 79.5% of participants demonstrated good self-care practices, with high adherence to health monitoring (79.5%), dietary management (99%), and healthcare attendance (79.5%). However, mental health self-care and moderate-intensity physical activity showed lower adherence rates. Behavioral lifestyle assessment indicated positive practices in physical activity (98.5%), hydration (80.5%), and social engagement (97%), but challenges in stress management (98%) and sleep quality (95.1%). Financial constraints (97.1%), psychological factors (95.6%), and limited access to healthy food options (93.6%) were identified as primary barriers to optimal behavioral lifestyles. The findings highlight a generally positive engagement in self-care and behavioral practices among hypertensive patients, supported by health education and healthcare accessibility. However, notable gaps in mental health care, stress management, and sleep hygiene require targeted interventions. The study underscores the need for comprehensive hypertension management programs that address identified barriers. Interventions should include financial support mechanisms, improved mental health resources, stress reduction programs, and public health policies promoting food accessibility. Further research is recommended to evaluate longterm outcomes of lifestyle modifications and develop tailored interventions for specific demographic groups.

This study explored the utilization and perceived clinical effectiveness of honey in burn wound management among nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. Burn injuries pose significant challenges in clinical care, particularly in resource-limited settings where affordable and accessible treatment options are essential. Honey, with its antibacterial and wound-healing properties, has been increasingly recognized as a viable alternative. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and a convenience sampling technique was used to select 258 nurses. Of these, 249 completed the questionnaire correctly, yielding a response rate of 96.5%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Findings revealed that 67.5% of nurses had personally used honey in burn wound care, and 72.3% reported observing its use in clinical practice. A total of 61.0% indicated that they initiated the use of honey even without prior doctor approval, while 65.8% used it when conventional materials were unavailable. Only 34.1% of respondents reported receiving formal training on the use of honey in wound care, and just 29.7% stated that their departments had standard protocols for its use. Overall, the utilization of honey was rated high, with a grand mean score of 2.6 (cutoff = 2.5). On perceived clinical effectiveness, 74.3% of nurses believed honey facilitatesfaster wound healing, 70.2% agreed it reduces the risk of infection, and 66.7% reported it helps alleviate pain. A grand mean of 2.7 indicated a high perception of honey’s clinical effectiveness. In conclusion, the study demonstrated a substantial level of honey utilization and positive perception of its effectiveness among nurses at UBTH. The study recommends integrating honey-based protocols into standard practice, expanding training programs, and conducting further clinical trials to reinforce its evidence-based application in wound care

This aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and practices of safe handling and administration of chemotherapeutic drugs amongst tertiary health facility, Benin City. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design and simple random sampling method was used to select Two hundred and seventy-eight nurses in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. A well-structured questionnaire was used as instruments of data collection. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Simple frequency and percentage were used to describe the data, while chi-square was used to test
the hypotheses. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. The analysis was performed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0 for windows. The result shows that majority of the respondents have fair level of knowledge of chemotherapeutic drugs and low level of practice of safe handling of chemotherapeutic drugs and that none of the sociodemographic characteristics was associated with level of knowledge of chemotherapeutic drugs. The study therefore recommends that there is the need for Institutions to implement and enforce standardized procedures for administering chemotherapy, ensuring the use of appropriate PPE and adherence to safety protocols.