DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE

BACKGROUND: Food security is essential for human survival, encompassing consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. It is defined by four key dimensions: availability, access, utilization, and stability, all of which must be met simultaneously. Food insecurity arises when these dimensions are compromised, leading to inadequate food access. Globally and in Nigeria, its prevalence remains high, driven by factors such as poverty, population growth, and environmental challenges. Food insecurity is associated with adverse health outcomes, including malnutrition and chronic diseases, and negatively impacts education, productivity, and economic growth. AIM: The study aimed to assess the prevalence, determinants, knowledge and perception of food insecurity among households in Benin City, Nigeria and the coping strategies adopted. METHODS: This study employed a community-based descriptive cross-sectional design conducted in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, among 500 heads of households. A multistage sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from validated tools, including the Food Insecurity Experience Scale and the Coping Strategies Index. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages, while associations were tested using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of food insecurity, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results were presented in prose, tables and bar charts. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 51.9 ± 11.9 years, with majority within the 45–54 years age group. The majority 403 (80.6%) were males. The prevalence of food insecurity 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 of respondents 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 insecurity status (OR = 1.880; p = 0.004) and good knowledge of food insecurity (OR = 0.515; p = 0.013) were also associated with good perception of food insecurity. The most common coping strategies included consumption of less preferred foods (64.4%), reduction in portion sizes (57.2%), and reduction in the number of meals per day (54.2%). CONCLUSION: The study found that about three-quarters of households were food insecure. Marital status, education, employment, skill level, income, food expenditure, number of children, and housing tenure were important determinants. More than half of respondents had good knowledge and about half had good perception, but many households still used coping strategies such as reducing meal frequency and consuming less preferred foods. The findings reflect widespread food insecurity among households in the study area.

This study examines the influence of exposure to online sexual content on the sexual behaviour of youths in Ugbowo, Benin City. With the increasing accessibility of the internet and digital media, young people are frequently exposed to sexually explicit materials, which may shape their attitudes, perceptions, and practices regarding sexuality. The study adopts a descriptive survey design to assess the level of exposure among youths and its relationship with their sexual behaviour. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to selected respondents in the study area. Findings are expected to reveal the extent to which online sexual content contributes to early sexual initiation, risky sexual practices, and changes in sexual attitudes among youths. The study further explores moderating factors such as peer influence, parental guidance, and media literacy. The results aim to provide insights for parents, educators, and policymakers on the need for effective sexual education and digital media regulation to promote healthy sexual development among youths.

Background: Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems are increasingly recognized as essential components of modern healthcare delivery, with the potential to improve patient outcomes, enhance data management, reduce medical errors, and strengthen health system efficiency. Despite these benefits, the adoption and effective utilization of EHR systems in many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, remain low and with influence ranging from multiple individual, institutional, and infrastructural factors. Objective: This study aimed to determine healthcare workers’ knowledge of EHR systems in patient care, assess their attitudes toward EHR utilization, determine uptake and the level of EHR utilization, and identify factors influencing their use across selected hospitals in Benin City, Edo State. Methods: A analytical cross-sectional study design was conducted among 478 healthcare workers selected from public and private hospitals using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire comprising sections on socio- demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, utilization, and factors influencing EHR use. Knowledge and utilization scores were categorized based on a 70% cut-off, while attitude was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale which was grouped into appropriate and inappropriate responses and scored using a cut-off of 70%. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were summarized as frequencies and percentages, while inferential analysis was conducted using chi-square tests and fisher’s exact and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of HER in line with study objectives. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.050, and 95% confidence interval. Results: The majority of respondents were aged 20–39 years (86.8%), with a mean age of 31.22 ± 8.32 years, and females constituted 63.4% of the study population. Nurses formed the largest professional group, and most respondents had less than five years of professional experience. Awareness of EHR systems was high (93.3%), and an equal proportion demonstrated good knowledge (93.3%). Respondents showed strong knowledge in areas such as data privacy, reduction of medical errors, and improvement of healthcare delivery. A majority of respondents (78.2%) had a positive attitude toward EHR utilization, with most agreeing that EHR systems improve patient management (98.1%) and enhance the speed of care delivery (93.3%). However, a considerable proportion expressed neutrality regarding preference for EHR over paper-based records, indicating a transitional phase in adoption. EHR systems were available in most facilities (84.7%), and utilization was high across multiple domains, including clinical documentation (94.1%), patient registration (93.3%), prescribing (92.1%), and laboratory result access (90.6%). Utilization patterns varied significantly by profession and facility type at the bivariate level. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified knowledge level, sex, and facility type as independent predictors of EHR utilization. Respondents with poor knowledge were significantly less likely to utilize EHR systems compared to those with good knowledge (OR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.06–0.86; p = 0.029). Male respondents had lower odds of utilization compared to females (OR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.11–0.89; p = 0.029), while those working in private facilities were less likely to utilize EHR systems compared to those in public facilities (OR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.03–0.74; p = 0.019). Factors such as training (OR = 5.83; 95% CI: 2.46–13.81; p = <0.001), stability of electricity supply (OR = 7.25; 95% CI: 1.88–27.94; p = 0.004), and availability of hospital policy (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.15–3.47; p = 0.014) were significant predictors of utilization at the multivariate level. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that healthcare workers in Benin City possess relatively high levels of knowledge, positive attitudes, and increasing level of utilization of EHR systems, indicating a strong foundation for digital health integration. However, persistent gaps in training, infrastructure, and organizational support limit optimal utilization. Addressing these challenges through targeted capacity building, improved infrastructural investment, and strengthened institutional policies will be critical for maximizing the benefits of EHR systems and improving healthcare delivery outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health disorder that adversely affects mothers, infants, and family well-being through poor mother–child bonding, reduced infant care, and increased psychosocial stress. Despite its public health importance, PPD remains under-recognized in many low- and middle-income countries due to poor awareness, stigma, and limited access to mental health services. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, prevalence, factors, role of social support, and barriers to help-seeking related to PPD among postnatal mothers attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 510 postnatal mothers attending postnatal and immunization clinics at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. Respondents were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaires, which included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for screening postpartum depression. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. Associations were tested using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, while binary logistic regression was used to
determine independent predictors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results were presented in prose, tables, and bar charts. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 30.9 ± 5.6 years. Majority of the respondents
366 (71.8%) were aged 20–34 years, while most were married 494 (96.8%). Knowledge assessment revealed that 151 (55.5%) had poor knowledge of PPD, while 212 (77.9%) demonstrated a positive attitude towards PPD. Mode of delivery was a significant predictor of attitude, with mothers who had a caesarean section showing lower odds of positive attitude (OR
= 0.33, p = 0.005). The prevalence of PPD was 36 (7.1%). Significant associations with PPD were observed for age (p = 0.009), parity (p = 0.026), and household income (p = 0.037), with younger mothers, mothers with lower parity, and those with lower household income being more likely to experience PPD. Respondents with positive attitudes towards PPD were also less likely
to screen positive for the condition (OR = 0.27, p = 0.007). Most respondents reported having someone to talk to about their feelings 482 (94.5%), while spouses or partners were the major source of support 489 (95.9%). Most respondents 472 (92.5%) reported that they would seek help if they experienced symptoms of PPD. Among those who would not seek help, the
commonest reason was cultural beliefs 5 (38.5%) and the commonest facilitator of seeking help was healthcare worker recommendation 483 (94.7%)

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) offers potential to enhance community health surveillance through early outbreak detection and improved reporting. However, adoption in low-resource primary healthcare settings remains poorly understood. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, uptake, utilisation, and factors influencing AI use in disease surveillance among health workers in selected Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 health workers selected by stratified multistage sampling from 23 PHCs in Oredo and Egor Local Government Areas. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Technology Acceptance Model and standard KAP frameworks. Knowledge,attitude, uptake, utilisation, and influencing factors were assessed using descriptive and inferential statistics (chi- square, Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression). Results: All respondents had heard of AI (100%); the internet was the primary source (99.1%). Good knowledge of AI in disease surveillance was found in 77.8% of respondents,while 65.2% had a positive attitude towards AI use. However, actual uptake was very low(7.4%). Among the few users (n=17), the most used tools were HealthMap (76.5%) and ChatGPT (52.9%), mainly for report writing (100%) and trend analysis (52.9%). Most users reported rare use (64.7%) and had discontinued use (76.5%) due to accuracy concerns, lack of institutional support, and technical issues. Factors significantly associated with uptake included age, marital status, occupation, and knowledge level (p<0.05). Major barriers to AI use were lack of funding (100%), absence of institutional training (100%), inadequate infrastructure (99.6%), unclear ethical guidelines (69.6%), and data privacy concerns (67.0%).Unclear ethical guidelines were the only independent predictor of AI uptake (OR=0.069,p<0.001).Conclusion: While knowledge and attitudes towards AI are reasonably favourable among PHC health workers in Benin City, actual uptake and sustained use remain very low. Systemic barriers especially lack of ethical guidelines, infrastructure, training, and funding must be addressed to translate awareness into practice. Recommendations: Federal and state health authorities should develop clear ethical and operational guidelines for AI in disease surveillance, integrate AI literacy into training curricula, invest in digital infrastructure, and implement phased, supervised AI tools starting with low-risk functions such as report generation and trend analysis

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming global healthcare by enhancing diagnostics and clinical workflows. However, in resource-constrained settings like Nigeria, the integration of AI remains uneven, often hindered by infrastructure deficits and limited training. While awareness of AI is growing, there is a significant gap between knowledge and actual clinical implementation among healthcare professionals. Aim: The study aimed to assess the uptake and level of utilisation of artificial intelligence in clinical support among healthcare professionals at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Specifically, it determined the level of knowledge, attitudes, and factors influencing AI adoption within the institution. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 409 healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, and physiotherapists. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaires comprising sections on socio-demographic characteristics, level of knowledge, attitude, uptake and level of utilisation,and factors influencing AI use. Knowledge, uptake and level of utilisation scores were categorized based on a 70% cut-off, while attitud was assessed using a 5-point likely scale which was grouped into appropriate and inappropriate responses and scored using a cut-off of 70%. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to identify predictors of AI uptake and utilisation. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.050, and 95% confidence interval. Results: Among the 409 healthcare professionals surveyed, the majority were aged 20–29 years(50.4%), female (63.3%), Christians (97.3%), and single (61.9%). Nurses constituted the largest professional group (47.4%), followed by doctors (39.9%), while most respondents were junior staff (55.7%) with less than 10 years of work experience (85.3%). All respondents (100%) were aware of AI, with 61.1% demonstrating good knowledge. While more than half (51.3%) had ever used an AI tool, predominantly ChatGPT, routine clinical utilisation remained low. Slightly more than half (51.1%) of the respondents expressed a negative attitude toward AI in clinical assessment. Positive attitudes (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.034–2.447; p = 0.035) and higher educational qualifications (OR = 3.169; 95% CI: 1.040 9.651; p = 0.042) were significant predictors of AI uptake and utilisation. Major barriers identified included unclear ethical guidelines, patient’s attitude towards AI use, infrastructurallimitations (such as unstablepower and internet), and concerns regarding patient data privacy. However, patients’ attitude was the only significant predictor (p = 0.049) Conclusion: While healthcare professionals at UBTH have relatively high awareness and initial uptake of AI, sustained and routine utilisation remains constrained by negative attitudes and perceived patient’s attitude. These perceptions appear to shape hesitancy in fully integrating AI into clinical workflows. To address this, there is an urgent need for structured institutional training, clear ethical frameworks, and improved digital infrastructure to shift attitudes and support safe, routine and effective integration of AI into clinical practice. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Clinical Assessment, Healthcare Professionals, Uptake,Utilisation, UBTH, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B remains a major global public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, where it contributes significantly to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, poor knowledge of the infection and its vaccine, as well as low vaccine uptake, continue to sustain transmission. AIM: This study assessed knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine, vaccination uptake, associated factors, and barriers to uptake of the vaccine among young adults in Benin City, Edo State. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 543 respondents selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a pretested structured interviewer and self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of Hepatitis B virus infection, knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine, vaccination status, and factors associated with these outcomes. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.0. Univariate analysis summarized means, frequencies, and percentages. Bivariate analysis using chi-square tests determined associations between socio-demographic factors and respondents’ knowledge of Hepatitis B infection, knowledge of the vaccine, and vaccination uptake. Binary logistic regression identified predictors of good vaccine knowledge and full vaccination status. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, and results were presented in prose and tables. RESULTS: A total of 543 individuals took part in the study. The mean age of participants was 21.0 ± 2.8 years and 302 (55.6%) were females. Overall, 99 (24.6%) respondents had good knowledge of Hepatitis B virus infection, while 303 (75.4%) had poor knowledge. Regarding knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine, 50 (16.9%) had good knowledge, while 246 xv (83.1%) had poor knowledge. At the bivariate level, respondents age (χ²=17.131, p= <0.001), sex (χ²=5.122, p= 0.024), monthly income (χ²=14.319, p= 0.001), and individuals with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection (χ²=91.056, p= <0.001) were significantly associated with
knowledge of the vaccine. Older respondents, females, individuals with higher monthly income, and those with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection were more likely to have good knowledge compared to their counterparts. Ethnic group, marital status, religion, employment status and occupation were not statistically significant. Multivariate analysis showed that respondents earning ≥₦70,000 were 2.467 times more likely to have good knowledge of the vaccine (95% CI: 0.909–6.698), while respondents with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection were 45.414 times more likely to have good knowledge of the vaccine (95% CI: 12.092–170.561), this was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Regarding vaccine uptake, 33 (6.1%) respondents were fully vaccinated, 66 (12.2%) were partially vaccinated, and 444 (81.8%) were not vaccinated. Bivariate analysis showed that age (χ² = 36.067, p < 0.001), sex (χ² = 10.591, p = 0.005), knowledge of Hepatitis B infection (χ² = 105.384, p < 0.001), and knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine (χ² = 93.812, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with vaccination status. Respondents aged ≥25 years had the
highest proportion of full vaccination 12 (16.7%), while those aged <20 years had the highest proportion of non-vaccination 190 (92.2%). Females had a higher proportion of partial vaccination 49 (16.2%), while males had a higher proportion of non-vaccination 206 (86.7%). Among respondents with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection, 27 (27.3%) were fully vaccinated compared to 5 (1.7%) among those with poor knowledge. Similarly, 21 (42.0%) respondents with good vaccine knowledge were fully vaccinated compared to 9 (3.7%) among those with poor knowledge. Multivariate analysis showed that respondents with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection were 9.011 times more likely to be fully vaccinated (95% xvi CI: 1.962–41.393, p = 0.005), while those with good knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine were 5.618 times more likely to be fully vaccinated (95% CI: 1.813–17.410, p = 0.003).
CONCLUSION: Knowledge of Hepatitis B infection and its vaccine was generally poor among respondents, and vaccination uptake was suboptimal. However, better knowledge of the infection and vaccine significantly improved the likelihood of full vaccination. Strengthening health education and awareness campaigns through healthcare workers, schools, and media platforms is essential to improve knowledge and increase vaccine uptake among the population.

BACKGROUND: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education globally, yet data on AI knowledge, perception, and usage among Nigerian university students remain limited. Understanding these factors is essential for effective curriculum integration and preparing students for an AI-driven workforce.
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the knowledge, perception, and use of Artificial Intelligence among students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 603 undergraduate students selected using multistage random sampling from six faculties. Data were collected using a structured pretested, self-administered questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 27. Associations between sociodemographic factors and knowledge/perception/use were tested using chi-square and logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 (95% CI). RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 19.9 ± 2.87 years and majority were females 355 (58.9%). Overall, 340 (56.4%) demonstrated good knowledge of AI, while 427 (70.8%) held positive perceptions. High AI usage was reported by 329 (54.6%) respondents, with ChatGPT being the most commonly used platform 450 (32.8%). Significant predictors of good knowledge included female sex (OR = 1.980, p = 0.001), being in the Faculty of Medicine (OR = 14.069, p = 0.001), and higher academic level (OR = 1.717, p = 0.020). Positive perception was significantly associated with high AI usage (OR = 8.020, p < 0.001) and excellent internet access (p = 0.041). AI usage was significantly influenced by positive perception (OR = 2.087, p = 0.025), peer interest (OR = 0.423, p = 0.004), and access to online learning platforms (OR = 0.528, p = 0.037). The most common concerns about AI were that it

BACKGROUND: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning and development. In Nigeria, ADHD remains largely underdiagnosed and poorly understood, particularly among primary school teachers who serve as frontline identifiers of the condition. Children with ADHD in Nigerian classrooms are often mislabelled as stubborn, lazy, or poorly disciplined due to low teacher awareness and inadequate training on neurodevelopmental disorders. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and classroom management practices regarding ADHD among primary school teachers in the Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City, to identify gaps in understanding and the factors influencing teachers' attitudes and practices. It further explores the impact of these factors on classroom identification and support for children with ADHD. The findings from this research will help develop targeted training approaches to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve educational outcomes for children with ADHD in primary schools. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 435 primary school teachers in Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City, who were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected via structured self-administered questionnaires adapted from the Knowledge of Attention Deficit Disorders Scale (KADDS), the ADHD Specific Attitudes Scale (SASA), and the Behaviour and Instructional Management Scale (BIMS). IBM SPSS version 27.0 was used for data analysis. Descriptive data were expressed as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. Associations between socio demographic factors and knowledge, attitudes, and classroom management practices were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. The level of significance was set at p <0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results were presented in prose, tables, and bar charts. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 38.72 ± 8.43 years. The majority 296 (68.0%) were female, and most identified as Benin 203 (46.7%). A significant portion 384 (88.3%) were Christians, and 217 (49.9%) held Nigeria Certificate in Education as their highest qualification. Most teachers, 241 (55.4%), worked in public schools, and 165 (37.9%) had 11 to 20 years of teaching experience. Knowledge assessment revealed that only 62 (14.3%) of teachers displayed adequate knowledge of ADHD, while 296 (68.0%) had low knowledge, particularly in the domains of symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and outcomes. Regarding attitudes, 255 (58.6%) held positive attitudes toward ADHD, though only 52 (11.9%) felt capable of effectively teaching students with ADHD behaviours. Classroom management practices showed that 359 (82.5%) demonstrated high adoption of general management strategies, yet all 435 (100%) teachers reported having no access to school counsellors or special education professionals. Nearly all teachers 431 (99.1%) expressed a strong desire for more training on ADHD. Significant associations were observed between knowledge and school type (p = 0.039), attitude and age group (p = 0.025), as well as attitude and school type (p < 0.001). Teachers with education-based qualifications were 4.2 times more likely to adopt evidence-based management strategies (OR = 4.189, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that more than two-thirds of primary school teachers had poor knowledge of ADHD, with factors such as school type, age, and qualification type playing significant roles. The study also revealed that while a slight majority held positive attitudes toward ADHD, only a small minority felt confident in teaching students with the condition. This study highlights significant gaps in teachers' knowledge and self-efficacy regarding ADHD, with important implications for classroom identification and support. Addressing these challenges through mandatory ADHD training in teacher education, in-service workshops, and deployment of school counsellors is essential to improve early identification and educational outcomes for children with ADHD in Benin City.

BACKGROUND: Economic abuse is a form of intimate partner violence characterized by control, restriction, or exploitation of a partner’s access to financial resources, thereby limiting autonomy and reinforcing dependency. It is increasingly recognized as a significant public health and human rights issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where sociocultural norms often reinforce gender inequality. In Nigeria, economic abuse remains underreported despite its impact on women’s wellbeing and economic independence. Given its far-reaching consequences, this study assessed the prevalence and determinants of economic abuse among married women in Benin City.

METHODS: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 530 married women in Benin City, Edo State. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected using pretested structured self or interviewer-administered questionnaires adapted from the Scale of Economic Abuse (SEA-12), alongside focus group discussions for qualitative insights. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics summarized variables, while Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests assessed associations. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of economic abuse, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research Committee of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Confidentiality and voluntary participation were strictly maintained throughout the study.

RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 43.0 ± 11.5 years. Majority were aged 25–44 years 289 (54.5%), married in monogamous unions 503 (94.9%), and of middle socioeconomic status 343 (64.7%). The prevalence of economic abuse was high, with 440 (83.0%) of respondents reporting at least one form. The most common manifestation was economic control, particularly being made to ask or beg for money 248 (56.4%), followed by decision-making without consultation 186 (42.3%) and financial monitoring 185 (42.0%). Employment sabotage and economic exploitation were less commonly reported. Overall, 207 (54.9%) of respondents had poor knowledge of economic abuse despite 377 (71.1%) having heard of it. Bivariate analysis showed that respondent age (χ²=10.835, p=0.013), knowledge of economic abuse (χ²=3.867, p=0.049), and husband’s age (χ²=6.971, p=0.031) were significantly associated with experience of economic abuse. Sociocultural norms, particularly expectations of women’s financial submission, were also significantly associated (χ²=4.302, p=0.038). Higher prevalence was observed among women aged 25-59 years, particularly 45-59 years, compared to younger and older age groups. Similarly, women whose husbands were aged 45-59 years had a higher prevalence compared to those with younger or older spouses. Other factors such as education, income, socioeconomic status, and employment status were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Multivariate analysis identified duration of marriage and knowledge of economic abuse as significant predictors. Increasing duration of marriage was associated with reduced odds of economic abuse (OR=0.947; 95% CI: 0.911–0.986; p=0.007), while respondents with poor knowledge were nearly twice as likely to experience economic abuse (OR=1.937; 95% CI: 1.153–3.253; p=0.012). Sociocultural findings revealed that 311 (58.7%) of respondents perceived husbands as primary financial decision-makers, 283 (53.4%) reported expectations of financial submission, and 373 (70.4%) indicated that women are encouraged to tolerate financial abuse. Financial dependency 230 (43.4%) and patriarchal norms 108 (20.4%) were key perceived drivers. Qualitative findings reinforced these, highlighting male dominance, religious justifications, and normalization of abuse. Coping strategies were largely adaptive, including engaging in informal income activities, borrowing, silent endurance, and reliance on personal financial contributions to sustain the household.