DEPARTMENT OF NURSING SCIENCE

Any change that puts either a physical, mental, or psychological strain on a person is said to be stressful. The main purpose of the study was to assess the perceived utilization of stress coping strategies by undergraduate students in selected departments in School of Basic
Medical Science, University of Benin. Participants included 320 students randomly selected from 100-500 levels from Department of Medical Biochemistry and Department of Nursing Science. A descriptive cross sectional study was employed in this study. The Instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyse the data collected using tables, means, simple percentage and frequency. Findings revealed that there is moderate level of perceived stress amongst undergraduate students in School of Basic Medical Science. This is due to the fact that the mean scores of the items under the level of perceived stress of undergraduate students were above the cut off mean of 2.00 thus resulting in a grand mean of 2.63, a source of stress identified was
examination 256(87.7%) and common strategies they used in combating stress was logging in on any social media platform, sleep, pray and listening to music. The results of this study thus call on need for emphasis on positive and effective stress coping strategies in the school curriculum and encouraging the need for students to visit a Psychologist at the school's
Department of Guidance and Counselling. Also, academic related stress will prevent quality outcome and output of graduates to the society, therefore, there is the need to incorporate the teaching of stress management to undergraduate students. This will go a long way in equipping them with the skills necessary to cope with different forms of stress they encounter during the course of their studies

Economic burden and quality of life of mental illness has helped defined the magnitude of their negative effects on the household, community and National economy. This study is aimed at assessing the economic burden and quality of life of mental illness among patients in low density ward, uselu Federal Neuro-psychiatric hospital, Benin-city. The Health Belief Model served as the theoretical study framework. The study used a descriptive cross sectional nonexperimental survey research design, the study was carried out among patients in low density ward in uselu Federal Neuro- psychiatric hospital, Benin-city. A sample size of 147 participants was determined using the Taro Yamane formula(N/1+N(e) ² which comprises of mentally ill patients receiving treatment in low density ward in uselu Federal Neuro-psychiatric hospital, Benin-city. Convenient sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents into the study. The instrument for data collection was well structured questionnaire developed by the researcher and validated by supervisor, a psychiatric nurse and other local experts. It consisted of 33 well structured questions, divided into four(4)sections; A contains socio-demographic information of the respondents contained direct medical cost of mental illness incurred by patients and household contained the indirect medical cost of mental illness and D contained the impact of mental illness on patients' quality of life. A 100% return rate was obtained. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24.0 and descriptive statistics was used. A p value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ethical approval was obtained from the institution and participants were given informed consent to apprehend their signature. No statistically significant association existed between health insurance scheme and quality of life
(p>0.478). This study assessed the economic burden and quality of life of mental illness among patients in low density ward in uselu Federal Neuro-psychiatric hospital, Benin-city. The result shows that majority of the respondents have a fair level of quality of life. Government and multinational agencies should take concerted efforts to ensure reduced cost of treatment of mentally ill patients.

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge of Urinary Tract Infection and its associated risk factors among among pregnant women in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State. The study employed a Non-experimental survey research design. The target population for this study consisted of 250 women with a minimum sample size of 169 pregnant women (calculated using Taro Yamane formular) which comprises of outpatients who are currently attending Ante-Natal clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State. The researcher used convenient sampling technique in selecting the respondents into the study. A self-designed simple questionnaire was used to elicit data. The questionnaire was made up of four sections (A, B, C and D). Section A was made up of patients Bio-data while the other sections comprised of Simple structured questions used to elicit information on the knowledge and behavioural practices regarding Urinary Tract Infections among pregnant women in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State. The data was presented using tables and were analyzed using simple percentages, while research hypotheses was tested using Chi-square test of association. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. The procedure was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 for windows. The result shows that majority of the respondents had sound knowledge of UTI and its associated risk factors. Thus, this study recommends achieving the optimum goal of improving health in UTI, by creating effective strategies and active involvement of patients in the management of their health. This was a study that added to the body of knowledge on UTI among pregnant women in this part of Nigeria.

Vesico-vaginal fistulal(VVF) is an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina, in which urine leaks into the vagina. Sometimes this type develops as a result of obstructed labour in childbirth. This abnormality is rampant among adolescents and as such many young adolescent students still do not have good knowledge about the causes and implication on health. On this note this study was designed to investigate perception of vesico-vagina fistula among adolescent students in selected secondary school in Ovia northest Local Government, Edo state. A sample size of 230 adolescents was selected through random sampling techniques. A well structured questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection based on the research objectives. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive (Frequency, percentage and mean) and inferential statistics. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. The data analysis was carried out using IBM Statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24.0 for windows. The result shows that the Adolescents have good knowledge about vesico-vagina fistula and have high (positive) perception towards VVF and the prevention mechanism.

Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a disease of global public health importance associated with high morbidity and mortality (Nnachi et al., 2023). According to International Diabetes Federation report of 2015, about 415million people have DM globally with the figure projected to have
increased to 642million by 2040 or maybe even doubled by the year 2040 (Nwatu et al., 2019). The greatest increase will be in developing countries (69%) compared with developed countries (20%), withn non-communicable disease (NCDs) accounting for up to 80% of deaths among developing countries. In Botswana, the prevalence of DM among adults (20–79years) is approximately 52 per 1000 people out of which 31.6 per 1000 remain undiagnosed. Healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL) refers to the physical, psychological and social aspects of health
that are influenced by person’s experience on beliefs, expectations and perceptions (Nwatu et al., 2019).

This study investigated factors influencing undergraduate nursing students perception of their clinical learning environment (CLE). The study assessed the knowledge and attitude of nursing students towards CLE and factors influencing students’ attitude of CLE. The population of the study comprised of three hundred and sixteen (316) students in the department of Nursing Science. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. A representative sample of 195 respondents were selected through simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument was established to be 0.79. Analysis of data was carried out using frequency count, simple percentage, mean and standard deviation. Results showed that students had positive attitude (mean score of 3.20) and high knowledge (67.2%) of their CLE. Effective supervision and assessment, active participation during ward rounds, integration of theory into practice, lack of self-confidence, communication between nursing staff and students and intellectual abilities of students were identified as factors that influence students’ utilization of CLE. However, receptiveness of nursing staffs in the ward and difficulties in orientation for clinical teaching were observed not to significantly influence students’ attitude of CLE. Furthermore, it was indicated that there exists a significant relationship between attitude of nursing students towards their CLE and students’ level of study at 0.05 level of significance. The study therefore concluded that the CLE is an important avenue for students to develop their professional skills and at such must show commitment. It was recommended that clinical instructors must sustain effective supervision and assessment of nursing students on clinical placement, nursing students should ensure they develop a strong commitment towards learning in the clinical environment by asking questions about procedures not clearly understood and curriculum planners in nursing science should ensure that instructions in clinical learning are constantly improved upon

Globally, many unplanned pregnancy end up being aborted some in unsafe conditions leading to death and serious complications thus emergency contraception could be crucial in preventing unplanned pregnancy in cities where abortion is illegal. This study aims to assess the knowledge and perception of emergency contraceptives among undergraduate female students in the
Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin. Descriptive research design was used for the study. A sample size of 100 was selected from a target population of 135 using simple random sampling technique and a self- structured questionnaire as an instrument of data collection. Analysis was done with statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Chi-square statistics was used in testing
the hypothesis. The study revealed that 5.0% of the respondents have good knowledge, 22.0% have fair knowledge, while the remaining 73.0% have poor knowledge. This shows that the respondents have poor knowledge of emergency contraceptives. The study also shows that 50% of the students have good perception about emergency contraceptives while 50% have bad perception. There was no significant difference between knowledge and perception of emergency contraceptive among the students. It is therefore recommended that there should be adequate creation of public awareness on the importance and proper use of emergency contraceptives.

This study examined the economic burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and the payment coping mechanisms of patients receiving care at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting sickle cell patients who attended the outpatient clinic and wards of UBTH. A sample size of 100 respondents was selected using simple random sampling from an estimated population of 118 patients. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, direct and indirect medical costs, socioeconomic cost distribution, and payment coping strategies. Validity of the instrument was ensured through expert review, and reliability was established via a test-retest method yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.85. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, means, and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. Direct costs were calculated using the bottom-up approach, while indirect costs were assessed through the human capital approach. Inferential analysis was done using ANOVA and Chi-square tests to determine significant associations, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained, and patient confidentiality and voluntary participation were assured. The findings highlight the substantial economic burden SCD imposes on patients and the diverse strategies employed to cope with payment demands, providing a basis for policy recommendations aimed at improving access to care and financial protection for individuals living with SCD.

The study examined the perception and utilization of the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin, Edo State. The primary objectives were to: assess students’ perceptions of TISHIP, examine the extent to which TISHIP services are utilized, and identify key factors influencing their utilization. To achieve these goals, three research questions were formulated to guide the study. This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design, targeting all undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, and reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s Alpha (α) value of ≥ 0.7. The analysis employed both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Frequencies, percentages and mean were for data analyis A Chi-Square Test was conducted to test for hypothesis, All statistical tests were carried out at a 95% confidence level (p < 0.05), and results were presented using tables, charts, and graphs as appropriate. The study found that awareness and usage of TISHIP among nursing students at the University of Benin are very low, with 75.5% never having accessed the service. Key barriers include poor service quality, long waiting times, unresponsive staff, lack of drugs, and limited information on accessing services. It is concluded that majority of students reported dissatisfaction with TISHIP, with over 85% expressing negative experiences, revealing deep systemic flaws. There is a critical need for improvements in communication, staff responsiveness, drug supply, and overall service delivery to enhance the programme’s effectiveness.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent bacterial infections affecting millions globally, particularly females due to their unique anatomical features. Prevention and early intervention are crucial for managing UTIs and reducing healthcare burdens. The aim of this study is to investigate the awareness and preventive practices of UTIs among female undergraduates of the Faculty of Law at the University of Benin. A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing convenience sampling technique to select 237 respondents.
Data collection was conducted using a self-structured questionnaire to address the research questions. The findings revealed varying levels of awareness among respondents, with 18.8% having good awareness, 47% moderate, and 34.1% poor awareness. Most respondents (96.1%) have heard of UTIs, with information primarily obtained from family/friends (9.13%), the internet (42.4%), and healthcare professionals (33%). The study reveals a high level of preventive practices among respondents, with 60% exhibiting a high level of preventive practices. Notably, practices such as keeping the genital area clean and dry, changing underwear daily, and staying hydrated scored highest, while practices related to menstrual hygiene scored lower. Factors influencing preventive practices include awareness of UTIs (88.6%), education/training (85.6%), living environment (67%), barriers/challenges (52.4%), misconceptions/myths (57.8%), stress/lifestyle factors (54.1%), and lack of support from resources/healthcare services (62.9%). Overall, there is no significant relationship between UTI awareness and preventive practices among these students (p=0.556, thus, failing to reject the null hypothesis. In conclusion, the findings indicate that while there is a moderate level of awareness of UTIs, there is a need for improvement in the understanding of risk factors and prevention strategies. It is therefore recommended that healthcare providers need to collaborate with educational institution in developing comprehensive UTI prevention programs, ensuring accurate information to the undergraduates.
Keywords: Awareness, Urinary tract infections, Preventive practices, Female undergraduates