DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE

among households was 383 (76.6%). Food insecurity was higher among respondents aged ≥65 years (86.4%; p = 0.010), married respondents (85.7%; p = 0.004), those with primary education (95.3%; p < 0.001), retired respondents (94.3%; p = 0.017), and those with skill level 2 (85.8%;p < 0.001). It was also higher in households with monthly income ≤ ₦180,000 (84.1%; p < 0.001)and monthly food expenditure ≤ ₦100,000 (82.5%; p < 0.001), and among respondents with good perception of food insecurity (81.5%; p = 0.008). Married respondents had higher odds of food insecurity (OR = 2.135; p = 0.008). Higher education (OR = 0.272; p = 0.017), employment (OR = 0.210; p = 0.012), higher skill level (OR = 0.458; p = 0.001), and home ownership (OR =0.592; p = 0.040) were associated with lower odds, while increasing number of children increased the odds of food insecurity (OR = 1.236; p = 0.047). Overall, 57.2% of respondents had good knowledge of food insecurity, and 52.0% had a good perception of food security.Knowledge of food insecurity was associated with marital status, where a higher proportion of respondents who were not married had good knowledge (66.4%; p = 0.020). Higher proportions of respondents with monthly household income ≤ ₦180,000 (63.3%; p = 0.003) and those who spent ≤ ₦100,000 on food (61.7%; p = 0.010) had good knowledge of food insecurity. Marital status was associated with lower odds of good knowledge (OR = 0.505; p = 0.007). Higher education increased the odds of good knowledge (OR = 2.351; p = 0.005), while higher skill level reduced the odds of having good knowledge (OR = 0.657; p = 0.036). Perception of food insecurity was associated with level of education, where a higher proportion ofrespondents with tertiary education had good perception (55.7%; p < 0.001). A higher proportion of respondents with access to a nearby food market also had good perception (55.0%; p < 0.001). Higher education increased the odds of good perception (OR = 3.380; p < 0.001), while access to a nearby food market increased the odds of good perception (OR = 2.777; p < 0.001). Food

BACKGROUND: Workplace violence against nurses has had significant impact on the health sector worldwide, including Nigeria. Although measures have been put in place, in a bid to curb its occurrence, it still remains a major public health concern. OBJECTIVES: This study identified the prevalence, pattern and determinants of workplace violence against nurses in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), with a view to provide data for appropriate policy formulation to promote a better workplace atmosphere. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was carried out among 346 Nurses in the UBTH, Benin city, Nigeria. Respondents were selected using Stratified sampling method. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. RESULT: The mean age of the respondents was 37.7±10.9 years. There were 290 (83.8%) females, and more than half, 210 (60.7%), were married. Majority, 270 (77.6%) had experienced workplace violence at least once in their careers, and overall, 222 (64.2%) of the respondents had a high prevalence of workplace violence. The one-year prevalence rate of workplace violence was 71.9% (194). The highest determinant and measure indicated were unrealistic expectations of patient relatives (93.6%) and controlling the number of visitors (93.9%), respectively. Age (p = 0.001), marital status (p = 0.002), and years of experience (p = <0.001) were found to have significant associations with the overall prevalence. CONCLUSION: Majority of the respondents had experienced workplace violence, verbal abuse was most common form and patient relatives, the highest perpetrators. The highest determinant and measures to curb workplace violence were the unrealistic expectations of patient relatives and controlling the number of visitors respectively

Background: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years, especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Effective household management by caregivers plays a crucial role in early recognition, prompt treatment, and prevention of complications. However, inadequate knowledge, poor health-seeking behaviour, and inappropriate treatment practices remain significant challenges. Aim: To assess the household management of ARI symptoms among caregivers of under-five children in Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, and identify factors influencing management practices and treatment outcomes. Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 506 caregivers selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires adapted from standard survey tools. Information obtained included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of ARIs, prevalence of symptoms, care-seeking behaviour, factors influencing management, and treatment outcomes. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to determine associations, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of caregivers was 35.98 ± 11.04 years, with the majority being mothers (73.9%) and females (76.7%). Most respondents (80.2%) had heard of ARI. Knowledge of danger signs (94.3%) and prevention (74.6%) was generally good, while knowledge of symptoms (29.3%) and causes (30.3%) was poor. The prevalence of ARI in the last two weeks was 14.8%. A majority of caregivers (70.7%) sought treatment, mainly from primary health centres and government hospitals (26.4% each). However, only 35.8% sought care on the same day. Major barriers to care-seeking included cost (31.8%) and perceived non-severity of illness (27.3%). Most children (77.3%) had complete recovery, with few complications (2.7%) and low hospitalization rates (5.3%). Caregiver age (p = 0.009) and sex of the child (p = 0.037) were significantly associated with treatment outcomes. Conclusion: Although caregivers demonstrated good knowledge of ARI prevention and danger signs, significant gaps exist in knowledge of symptoms and causes. While care- seeking behaviour was relatively high, delays and inappropriate practices persist. Strengthening caregiver education, improving access to affordable healthcare, and addressing socio-economic barriers are essential to improve ARI management and reduce childhood morbidity and mortality. Keywords: Acute Respiratory Infections, caregivers, household management, under-five children, prevalence, health-seeking behaviour, treatment outcomes

Background: The rapid proliferation of social media platforms has transformed how patients access health information, with significant implications for medication adherence among those managing chronic diseases. In Nigeria, where medication non-adherence rates range from 40% to 65% across chronic conditions, understanding how social media health information-seeking influences medication adherence and health decision-making is a critical public health priority.This study examined the patterns and determinants of social media health information-seeking and their relationship with medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 patients attending the Medical Out-Patient (MOP) clinic at UBTH, selected using a systematic sampling technique. Respondents were patients currently managing chronic health conditions on at least one regular medication and with prior social media exposure. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic and health characteristics, patterns and frequency of social media health information-seeking, and medication adherence assessed using the validated Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0, with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression applied as appropriate. Results: The mean age of respondents was 45.63 ± 16.95 years and 53.1% were male. The majority had tertiary education (60.2%), were married (58.6%), and financed their healthcare out-of-pocket (82.6%). Cardiovascular system diseases were the most prevalent chronic condition (26.2%). All respondents (100%) used social media to seek health information, with Facebook (86.2%) and WhatsApp (58.3%) being the most commonly used platforms for health information-seeking. Nearly all, 408 (97.1%), had sought health information related to their current illness, most commonly for treatment options (87.6%), disease symptoms (56.0%), and medication side effects (46.0%). High use of social media for health information-seeking was found in 253 (60.2%) of respondents. Regarding medication adherence, 327 (77.9%) had low adherence, 63 (15.0%) had medium adherence, and only 30 (7.1%) had high adherence, with a mean MMAS-8 score of 4.36 ± 1.92. High social media health information-seeking was significantly associated with lower medication adherence (p=0.017). On multivariate logistic regression, independent predictors of high medication adherence included younger age (OR=0.942, p=0.005), being non-employed (OR=0.311, p=0.024), religion, and low use of social media for health information-seeking (OR=0.379, p=0.035). The most commonly reported challenges with social media health information-seeking were difficult medical terminology(44.6%), conflicting information (22.9%), and misinformation (19.4%). Conclusion: Social media health information-seeking is highly prevalent among patients with chronic diseases at UBTH. However, medication adherence levels were generally poor, and high social media health information-seeking was independently and significantly associated with lower medication adherence. While social media offers convenient access to health information and peer support, misinformation, conflicting content, and difficult medical terminology remain substantial concerns. Strengthened patient-provider communication, digital health literacy programmes, greater involvement of healthcare professionals in online health spaces, and regulatory frameworks governing health content on social media are urgently recommended to improve medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases in Nigeria. Keywords: Social media; health information-seeking; medication adherence; chronic diseases; MMAS-8; UBTH; Benin City; Nigeria

Background: The rapid proliferation of social media platforms has transformed how patients access health information, with significant implications for medication adherence among those managing chronic diseases. In Nigeria, where medication non-adherence rates range from 40% to 65% across chronic conditions, understanding how social media health information-seeking influences medication adherence and health decision-making is a critical public health priority. This study examined the patterns and determinants of social media health information-seeking and their relationship with medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 patients attending the Medical Out-Patient (MOP) clinic at UBTH, selected using a systematic sampling technique. Respondents were patients currently managing chronic health conditions on at least one regular medication and with prior social media exposure. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic and health characteristics, patterns and frequency of social media health information-seeking, and medication adherence assessed using the validated Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0, with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression applied as appropriate.Results: The mean age of respondents was 45.63 ± 16.95 years and 53.1% were male. The majority had tertiary education (60.2%), were married (58.6%), and financed their healthcare 16 out-of-pocket (82.6%). Cardiovascular system diseases were the most prevalent chronic condition (26.2%). All respondents (100%) used social media to seek health information, with Facebook (86.2%) and WhatsApp (58.3%) being the most commonly used platforms for health information-seeking. Nearly all, 408 (97.1%), had sought health information related to their current illness, most commonly for treatment options (87.6%), disease symptoms (56.0%), and medication side effects (46.0%). High use of social media for health information-seeking was found in 253 (60.2%) of respondents. Regarding medication adherence, 327 (77.9%) had low adherence, 63 (15.0%) had medium adherence, and only 30 (7.1%) had high adherence, with a mean MMAS-8 score of 4.36 ± 1.92. High social media health information-seeking was significantly associated with lower medication adherence (p=0.017). On multivariate logistic regression, independent predictors of high medication adherence included younger age (OR=0.942, p=0.005), being non-employed (OR=0.311, p=0.024), religion, and low use of social media for health information-seeking (OR=0.379, p=0.035). The most commonly reported challenges with social media health information-seeking were difficult medical terminology (44.6%), conflicting information (22.9%), and misinformation (19.4%). Conclusion: Social media health information-seeking is highly prevalent among patients with chronic diseases at UBTH. However, medication adherence levels were generally poor, and high social media health information-seeking was independently and significantly associated with lower medication adherence. While social media offers convenient access to health information and peer support, misinformation, conflicting content, and difficult medical terminology remain substantial concerns. Strengthened patient-provider communication, digital health literacy programmes, greater involvement of healthcare professionals in online health spaces, and regulatory frameworks governing health content on social media are urgently recommended to improve medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases in Nigeria. Keywords: Social media; health information-seeking; medication adherence; chronic diseases;MMAS-8; UBTH; Benin City;Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection with specific high-risk strains associated with cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria. Despite the availability of vaccines like Gardasil and Cervarix, HPV vaccination has yet to be fully integrated into the National Immunization Schedule.Expanding access and coverage is crucial to reducing HPV-related disease burden. This research work gives insight into the importance of HPV vaccination, improving HPV vaccination uptake and its potential impact on public health. OBJECTIVES: This research work assessed the knowledge, uptake, barriers and measures that promote HPV vaccination among undergraduates in the University of Benin. METHODOLOGY:Adescriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 569 respondents from the School of Medicine, University of Benin using stratified sampling technique. Relevant data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. The collected data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 26, with level of significance set at p < 0.05.RESULTS: The mean age in this study was 21.29 ± 2.6, with more females 288(50.6%) than males 281(49.4%). Majority (76.8%) had heard of HPV, 69.8% had heard of the HPV vaccine,but only 5% had received it. Significant factors associated with knowledge of the HPV vaccine were gender and academic level, with females (p=0.001), and 200-level students (p<0.001) demonstrating greater awareness. Regarding uptake, age was a significant factor, with respondents aged 16-19 showing better uptake than those aged 20-26 (p=0.005). Key barriers to vaccine uptake were lack of awareness (31.3%), sexual inactivity (20.4%), and logistical issues like inaccessibility of the vaccine (27.4%) and cost (12.5%). Promoting vaccination could be achieved through increased access to vaccines via university health centers (90.7%), incentives (90.0%), and student-led campaigns (84.5%). CONCLUSION: While knowledge of HPV is relatively high, actual vaccine uptake remains very low among undergraduates due to misconception, cost and logistical challenges. Improving vaccination rates require education, logistical support and incentives. Enhanced health campaigns and university-based programs can greatly increase vaccine uptake. Keywords: Human Papillomavirus, HPV vaccine, knowledge, barriers, undergraduates, vaccine uptake

Team-based care is an approach to healthcare delivery that aims to improve patient safety, streamline clinical workflows, and reduce clinical errors. While collaborative models are known to improve patient outcomes, their implementation in everyday practice can be limited by varied levels of awareness, traditional hospital hierarchies, and communication xvi gaps among healthcare professionals. This study assessed the knowledge and perception of team- based care among clinical staff in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted among 418 clinical staff at UBTH, selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of team-based care principles, overall perception of interprofessional collaboration, and factors influencing its practical implementation. Knowledge and perception scores were categorized as good (≥50%) or poor (<50%). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used as appropriate. Results: The mean age of respondents was 36.84 ± 8.65 years, with the largest proportion (45.1%) in the 30–39 years age group. Most respondents (58.2%) were nurses, while 31.4% comprised doctors, pharmacists, and other clinical professionals. Overall, 88.5% of respondents had previously heard of team-based care, with clinical meetings and departmental seminars being the most common sources of information (54.0%). A total of 72.0% had good knowledge of team-based care frameworks, and 84.0% held a positive perception toward its practice. Professional cadre was significantly associated with knowledge (\chi^2 = 26.14, p < 0.001), and years of clinical work experience was also significantly associated with knowledge (\chi^2 = 8.45, p = 0.012). Conclusion: Although overall baseline knowledge of team-based care was moderate, with 72.0% of respondents demonstrating good knowledge, the majority of clinical staff held a positive perception toward interprofessional collaboration (84%). These findings suggest that xvii while readiness to adopt collaborative care is high among staff, practical execution faces systemic institutional challenges. Routine interprofessional training workshops, formalized hospital guidelines, and the early introduction of team-based modules in undergraduate medical and health curricula are recommended to improve collaborative healthcare delivery at UBTH. Keywords: Team-based care; knowledge; perception; clinical staff; interprofessional collaboration; UBTH; Nigeria.

Background: Skilled birth care is important for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, yet its utilisation remains suboptimal in many low- and middle-income settings. In sub–Saharan Africa, where maternal deaths are highest, men play a key role in household decision-making, including access to maternal healthcare. Although male involvement has been linked to improved use of skilled services, gaps persist between knowledge, attitudes, and actual engagement due to sociocultural and financial constraints. Understanding these dynamics is essential for improving maternal health outcomes. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, level of involvement, and factors influencing decision-making regarding the utilisation of skilled birth care among male partners in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2025 and April 2026 among 512 adult male partners residing in Egor Local Government Area, whose wives or partners were currently pregnant or had previously delivered. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 27.0 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 44.8 ± 9.8 years. Most were married, 483 (94.3%), in monogamous unions, 495 (96.7%), lived in nuclear families, 444 (86.7%), and were in the high socioeconomic class, 364 (71.1%). Household size was ≥5 in 334 (65.2%). Most had good knowledge of skilled birth care, 480 (93.8%), with no significant predictors (p > 0.05). Positive attitude was reported by 207 (40.4%), with significant associations for age (p < 0.001), family setting (p = 0.001), household size (p < 0.001), and socioeconomic status (p = 0.008). Involvement was high in 502 (98.0%), with no significant predictors (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Knowledge and involvement in skilled birth care were high, but positive attitudes remained limited and were influenced by household and socioeconomic factors. Decision making was largely shaped by financial, accessibility, and sociocultural constraints. To improve utilisation and maternal health outcomes, interventions must expand health insurance and subsidised maternity services, strengthen transport and referral systems, institutionalise respectful high- quality facility care, and engage household decision- makers through community- based education

Background: Undiagnosed hypertension remains a major public health problem globally, particularly among occupational groups exposed to prolonged work stress, sedentary lifestyle, and poor access to routine healthcare. Transport and logistics
workers are especially vulnerable because of the nature of their work, yet many cases remain undetected until complications develop.
Objective: This study assessed the prevalence, distribution, and factors associatedwith undiagnosed hypertension among transport and logistics workers in Benin City, Edo State.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 315 transport and logistics workers selected using a multistage sampling technique. Oredo Local Government Area was selected at the first stage, while Central Motor Park was
selected at the second stage using cluster sampling. Data were collected using a semi- structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEP wise approach. Blood pressure was measured using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, while weight and height were measured using standard procedures. Respondents with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg who had no previous diagnosis of hypertension
and were not on antihypertensive medication were classified as having undiagnosed hypertension. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive statisticswere summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression using the backward stepwise (conditional) method were used to determine factors associated with undiagnosed hypertension at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 50.53 ± 11.87 years. Slightly more than half (52.5%) had good knowledge of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was 47.8%, while the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 24.0%. Nearly half of the respondents were prehypertensive, 26.7% had stage 1 hypertension, and
xv 18.3% had stage 2 hypertension. Undiagnosed hypertension was more common among respondents aged 31–40 years, those with primary education, motorcyclists and taxi drivers, those with shorter work experience, and respondents who worked
more than 10 hours daily. Smoking and physical inactivity were significantly associated with undiagnosed hypertension at bivariate level (p < 0.05). At multivariate level, primary education (AOR = 3.44; 95% CI: 1.16–10.21) and lack of regular
physical activity (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.12–4.64) remained significant predictors of undiagnosed hypertension. Conclusion: Undiagnosed hypertension is a significant health problem among transport and logistics workers in Benin City. The burden of hypertension was high, knowledge of hypertension was only moderate, and many respondents were exposed to important behavioural and occupational risk factors. Regular blood pressure screening, targeted health education, and workplace-based interventions are recommended to improve early detection and reduce the burden of hypertension and its complications among transport workers

Background: Risky sexual behaviour (RSB) among undergraduate students constitutes a significant public health challenge, associated with increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unintended pregnancies. The transition to university life, characterised by newfound autonomy and peer influence, creates vulnerability to risky sexual practices. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, prevalence, and factors influencing risky sexual behaviour among undergraduate students in tertiary institutions in Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 635 undergraduate students selected from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, using a pretested, structured self-administered questionnaire. Respondents were selected by a multistage sampling technique. Data collected were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Knowledge was assessed using 34 variables across 10 questions, attitudes using a 5- point Likert scale, and prevalence using lifetime and 12-month recall periods. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results: The mean age of respondents was 20.39 ± 2.71 years. Slightly over half (53.9%) were male, and the majority (98.1%) were Christian. Nearly two-thirds (63.3%) were enrolled in health-related faculties. Overall, 76.1% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of risky sexual behaviour. The majority (79.2%) exhibited negative (protective) attitudes toward RSB. Lifetime sexual activity prevalence was 26.6%, with a mean age of sexual debut of 18.21 ± 2.86 years. Among xv sexually active respondents, lifetime RSB prevalence was 88.2%, and recent (12- month) RSB prevalence was 90.2%. Unprotected sex was the most common risky practice (75.1% lifetime, 72.4% recent), followed by sex with casual partners (57.4% lifetime, 51.2% recent). Off-campus residence (AOR = 17.50, 95% CI: 3.07–99.72, p = 0.001), poor knowledge (AOR = 54.61, 95% CI: 4.74–628.98, p = 0.001), early sexual debut (AOR = 8.82, 95% CI: 1.11–69.83, p = 0.039), and positive attitude (AOR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01–0.30, p = 0.002) were significant independent predictors of lifetime RSB. For recent RSB, male sex (AOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.58, p = 0.009), off-campus residence (AOR = 4.34, 95% CI: 1.04–18.17, p = 0.045), and positive attitude (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.79, p = 0.023) were significant predictors. Conclusion: Despite good knowledge and predominantly protective attitudes, the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour among sexually active undergraduate students in Edo State remains alarmingly high. Off-campus residence, poor knowledge, early sexual debut, male sex, and negative attitudes emerged as key drivers of RSB. There is an urgent need for targeted, skills-based sexual health interventions addressing environmental vulnerabilities, condom negotiation self-efficacy, and male-focused reproductive health education within tertiary institutions in Edo State. Keywords: Risky sexual behaviour; Undergraduate students; Knowledge; Attitudes; Prevalence; Edo State; Nigeria.