DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE, SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Hand hygiene is a key component of infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies, proven to significantly reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and improve patient safety. Despite this, compliance with hand hygiene protocols among healthcare workers
(HCWs) in many healthcare facilities remains suboptimal. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, compliance, and determinants influencing hand hygiene practice among healthcare workers in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed in this study. The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula for descriptive studies. A stratified random sampling technique was utilized for the study. Data were collected using a structured self- administered questionnaire adapted from WHO hand hygiene tools, the Hand Hygiene Belief Scale (HHBS), and WHO ward infrastructure checklist. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies, means, and percentages, while inferential statistics including Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to determine associations, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 460 respondents participated in the study, with a mean age of 31.9 ± 7.7 years; 247 (53.7%) were females and 213 (46.3%) males. Almost all participants (457 [99.3%]) were aware of hand hygiene, and 359 (78.0%) had received formal training within the previous three years. However, only 170 (37.0%) demonstrated good knowledge, while 290 (63.0%) had poor knowledge. A positive attitude toward hand hygiene was observed in 349 (75.9%) respondents, yet only 210 (45.7%) demonstrated satisfactory compliance with the WHO’s Five Moments for Hand Hygiene. Nurses (185 [40.2%]) recorded the highest compliance rates compared with other cadres. Marital status (p = 0.033), profession (p = 0.027), and monthly income (p = 0.024) were significantly associated with knowledge. Logistic regression showed that being unmarried (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.36-3.94; p = 0.002), female (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.05-2.51; p = 0.031), and of the nursing profession (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.17-5.53; p = 0.019) independently predicted good knowledge. Facility assessment revealed inadequate availability of alcohol-based hand rubs (62 [13.5%]), inconsistent running-water supply, and incomplete handwashing infrastructure in several
wards. CONCLUSION: About a third of the health workers demonstrated good knowledge of hand hygiene, with marital status and profession identified as significant predictors. Half exhibited a positive attitude, which was associated with female gender, single marital status, paramedical profession, and longer years of practice. Approximately two-thirds were compliant with hand
hygiene practices, with nurses showing the highest compliance rates. Awareness of guidelines, understanding the importance of hand hygiene, and belief in its role in preventing infections were key facilitators, while only a third of the wards had adequate infrastructure to support and sustain proper hand hygiene practices.

Background: Health-seeking behaviours among caregivers, particularly mothers, are essential to addressing childhood illnesses and reducing under-five mortality rates. In low-income settings like Nigeria, factors such as socioeconomic status, cultural beliefs, and healthcare access significantly impact these behaviours. Understanding the determinants of these behaviours can
aid in developing effective interventions to improve healthcare utilization for common childhood illnesses. Aim: To examine the patterns and determinants of health-seeking behaviours among mothers of
under-five children in Benin City, Nigeria, aiming to identify factors influencing healthcare decisions and improve child health outcomes. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 mothers of children under five selected by multi-staged sampling technique. Data collection involved the use of pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaires assessing socio-demographic factors, healthcare-seeking patterns, and determinants impacting these decisions. Data entry and
statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 and the analysis included both univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis to identify significant predictors of health-seeking behaviour. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Findings indicated that 474 (86.2%) mothers received antenatal care during pregnancy, predominantly from public hospitals, 311 (65.6%) with most having at least four visits, 459 (96.8%). Despite high antenatal attendance, 284 (65.7% ) mothers sought treatment for childhood illnesses from pharmacies rather than hospitals, 108 (25.0%) influenced by factors such as cost, 230 (53.2%), proximity, 135 (31.3%), quality of health services rendered, 92 (21.3%) and attitude of healthcare personnel, 61 (14.1%). Key determinants of formal healthcare
xv utilization included maternal education level, income, and household size, with higher hospital deliveries among mothers with increasing level of education (p < <0.001), and with employment (p = 0.007), higher visitation of antenatal clinics with increasing income (p = 0.007) and higher proportion of hospital treatment of sick children with decreasing household size (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Economic, educational, and cultural factors substantially influenced health-seeking behaviours among mothers for under-five children. Targeted interventions to improve maternal health literacy, enhance healthcare access, and reduce treatment costs could promote timely and appropriate healthcare-seeking behaviour, ultimately contributing to reduced childhood
morbidity and mortality. Keywords: Health-seeking behaviour; Childhood illnesses; Mothers; Determinants; Healthcare access, Under-five mortality; Nigeria.

Background: HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge, particularly among adolescentswhofaceheightenedvulnerabilityduetosocial,economic,andbehavioralfactors.
Peer education has emerged as an effective strategy to bridge knowledge gaps and promote
preventive behaviors among teenagers. This study explores the role of peer educators in HIV/AIDS prevention among teenagers in Uselu, Egor Local Government Area, Edo State,
Nigeria.
Objective: The study assessed the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among teenagers, assess teenagers’ attitudes toward HIV/AIDS prevention strategies, assess the acceptability of peer
educators as a method for HIV/AIDS prevention and identify factors influencing the
effectiveness of peer-led educational interventions.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 426 teenagers in Uselu. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire
that assessed knowledge, attitudes, and peer education acceptability. Univariate, bivariate,
and logistic regression analyses with statistical significance set at p<0.05 were performed
usingIBMSPSSversion25.0.
Results: Findings revealed that majority (96.5%) of respondents demonstrated good HIV/AIDS knowledge, although gaps persisted, particularly regarding mother-to-child
transmission. While 91.8% had a positive attitude toward HIV/AIDS prevention strategies,
concerns over limited access to condoms and routine HIV screening were noted. Peer
educators were highly accepted (76.5%), with teenagers acknowledging their effectiveness,
relatability, and ability to influence behavior. However, barriers such as shyness and time
constraints affected engagement in peer-led sessions.
Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of peer education as a viable strategy for HIV/AIDS prevention among teenagers. Expanding youth-friendly health services,
strengthening school-based sex education, and leveraging digital platforms for HIV
awareness are essential for improving intervention effectiveness. Addressing engagement
barriers will optimize peer-led programs, fostering healthier attitudes and behaviors toward
HIV/AIDS prevention in Nigerian adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare is a vital component of any thriving society.Generally, young people (tertiary students inclusive) tend to demonstrate sub optimal helath seeking behaviour and this may be detrimental to their well being, resulting in increased health expenditure, loss of productive hours and generally poorer health
outcomes within this demographic.
OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice
of undergraduates in the university of Benin towards optimal and prompt seeking of health services.
METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted. Study was carried
out among tertiary institution undergraduate students within the University of Benin
from duration was from August 2023- September 2023. Sample size was calculated
using the Cochran’s formula for descriptive studies and a self-administered structured
questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. Data was analysedusing IBM SPSS
version 27.0 and the level of significance was set at p< 0.05. Data was presented using frequency tables, graphs as well as prose. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research committee, University of Benin Teaching Hospital
RESULT: A total of 430 respondents participated in this study. The mean age was 21.45+2.89. Majority of respondents had good knowledge of healthcare services including where the heathcenter is located and the meanining of TISHIP. Attitude was positive for most respondents. Despite good knowledge and attitude, practice was poor showing significant association with monthly allowance/income. Lack of time to visit health center was a significant factor that influenced healthcare seeking practices.
CONCLUSION: Knowledge and attitude levels were high while practice was poor among respondents. Time to utilize health center and monthly allowance were significant factors influencing practice.