DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

Patient bullying behavior and mistreatment have emerged as significant concerns in healthcare settings, with serious implications for nurses’ mental health and job performance. This study examined the impact of such negative patient behaviors on nurses working in selected wards at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, and data were collected from83nurses using structured questionnaires. Findings indicated a high prevalence of patient-initiated mistreatment, including verbal abuse (98.3%), threats (80.1%), sexual harassment
(69%), and physical assault (54.5%). Contributing factors identified included prolonged patient waiting times, understaffing, ineffective communication, unmet expectations, and inadequate hospital security. The study revealed that bullying and mistreatment from patients significantly affected nurses’ mental health, motivation, job performance, and their ability to deliver high-quality care. Despite the frequent occurrences, many nurses did not report these incidents. Participants emphasized the need for ef ective interventions such as conflict resolution training, increased staffing, enhanced security measures, access to psychological support, and improved communication with patients. The study concludes that patient
Bullying and mistreatment pose a serious threat to nurses’ well-being and job ef ectiveness, and calls for immediate attention from hospital administrators and policymakers toimplement comprehensive strategies for a safer and more supportive work environment

Teenage pregnancy remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, contributing to school dropout, maternal and infant morbidity, and socio-economic challenges. This study aimed to assess the awareness and contributing factors of teenage pregnancy among secondary school students in a local government area of Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. Simple random sampling was used to select 271 participants from two secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area. A structured questionnaire was distributed, and 266 were properly filled and valid for analysis, yielding a response rate of 98.1%. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics summarized socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence, awareness, and contributing factors of teenage pregnancy. Chi-square tests were conducted to assess the relationship between the level of awareness of sex education and the prevalence of teenage pregnancy. The study revealed a self-reported teenage pregnancy prevalence of 6.8%, with higher rates among older adolescents (17–19 years). Approximately 70% of students demonstrated good awareness of sex education and reproductive health, though gaps and misconceptions persisted regarding contraception and reproductive health components. Multiple factors were identified as contributing to teenage pregnancy, including poverty, peer influence, lack of parental care, broken homes, low self-confidence, early marriage, social media exposure, and cultural or religious restrictions. A significant association was found between awareness of sex education and teenage pregnancy awareness (χ² = 6.765, p = 0.01). Teenage pregnancy among secondary school students in the study area is influenced by a combination of socio-demographic, familial, economic, psychological, and cultural factors, while adequate awareness of sex education serves as a protective factor. Comprehensive sex education programs, parental and community engagement, targeted interventions for vulnerable adolescents, and accessible youth-friendly reproductive health services are recommended to reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy and promote adolescent well-being.

Depression is a significant public health concern among university students, particularly those in health-related fields such as nursing, due to academic workload, psychosocial stressors, and limited coping mechanisms. This study assessed the incidence, perception, and risk factors associated with depression among nursing undergraduates in the Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Science, University Of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive non-experimental survey design was adopted. Convenient sampling was used to select 272 nursing undergraduates from 200 to 500 level. A structured questionnaire was administered, of which 266 were properly completed and valid for analysis, yielding a response rate of 97.8%. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were employed to examine relationships between incidence and perception of depression. Findings revealed that 24% of the respondents experienced a high incidence rate of depression, while the overall mean score indicated generally low depression levels. Perception of depression was predominantly positive, with 83% of students demonstrating favourable attitudes toward mental health. Furthermore, 85% of respondents identified multiple risk factors for depression, including academic workload, financial stress, poor social support, sleep deprivation, and lack of recreational activities. The chi-square analysis showed no statistically significant relationship between incidence and perception of depression (χ² = 6.785, df = 1, p = 0.078). The study concluded that although the overall incidence of depression among nursing undergraduates was relatively low compared to previous studies, significant risk factors remain present. The positive perception of depression suggests growing awareness and reduced stigma within the population. The study recommends periodic mental health screening for nursing students, integration of stress management programs into the nursing curriculum, establishment of peer-support systems, and improved access to counselling services within the university to strengthen early detection and intervention.