DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE

Background: Occupational health aims to promote and maintain the highest level of physical, mental, and social well-being among workers, including healthcare workers (HCWs), who face significant workplace risks. Despite being the backbone of any health system, HCWs are frequently exposed to hazards such as needle stick injuries, infections, back injuries, and stress, often prioritizing patient care over their own well-being. Protecting the health of HCWs not only safeguards their welfare but also enhances the quality of patient care and strengthens healthcare systems. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), pose a significant risk to HCWs due to the physical demands of their work, including heavy lifting and awkward postures. Preventing WRMSDs requires the application of ergonomic principles, such as proper workspace design, the use of assistive devices, and maintaining correct posture during tasks. Ergonomic interventions can reduce the risk of MSDs, improve safety, and enhance job performance, benefiting both healthcare workers and the patients they serve. Objectives: The study was carried out to investigate the types and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomic risk factors and coping strategies adopted by healthcare workers in University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 329 healthcare workers using a stratified random sampling technique for selection. Structured self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection and data was analyzed with IBM SPSS Version 27.0.1 software utilizing univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis.

Environmental sanitation remains a major public health concern in market environments, particularly in developing countries where overcrowding, poor waste disposal, and inadequate sanitation facilities are common. This study assessed the knowledge, practices, and barriers to environmental sanitation among market women in Uselu Market.

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the environmental sanitation practices among market women in Uselu market and identify the factors influencing these practices with the aim of providing evidence-based recommendations for improving sanitation standards, reducing environmental health risks, and preventing sanitation-related diseases within market settings.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted among 330 market women selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to summarize data, while Chi-square test was used to determine associations between variables at a 5% level of significance.
Results: Findings revealed that the majority of respondents had good knowledge of environmental sanitation, with 64.5% correctly defining environmental sanitation and over 90% demonstrating awareness of disease prevention, waste management, and environmental cleanliness. Environmental sanitation practices were generally good, as 98.8% cleaned their stalls daily, 93.6% used designated waste bins, and 96.7% participated in sanitation exercises. However, poor practices were observed in waste segregation, where 73.3% never separated waste before disposal, and reporting of sanitation problems, where 34.8% never reported sanitation issues. Major barriers identified included financial constraints (16.7%), lack of waste bins (16.1%), and irregular waste collection (9.1%). Ethnicity was significantly associated with knowledge of environmental sanitation practices (p = 0.005), while religion was significantly associated with sanitation practices (p = 0.021).

Conclusion: The study concluded that although market women demonstrated good knowledge and relatively good sanitation practices, important gaps remain due to infrastructural and financial barriers. The study recommends provision of adequate waste bins, regular waste collection, promotion of waste segregation, continuous health education, and stricter enforcement of sanitation regulations to improve environmental sanitation in market settings

Burnout is a prolonged psychological response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors in the workplace, characterized by three core dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy. In healthcare settings, burnout has emerged as a significant global concern with far-reaching consequences at individual, interpersonal, and institutional levels. Among healthcare workers, including non-clinical staff, burnout is associated with decreased job Formatted: Font: Not BoldFormatted: Font: Not Bold satisfaction, increased absenteeism, medical errors, and reduced quality of care, ultimately impacting patient outcomes and increasing mortality risks. Interpersonally, burnout contributes to emotional dissonance, while institutionally it leads to high staff turnover, reduced efficiency, and increased economic burden. Despite its recognition since the 1970s, burnout remains a complex and evolving construct, formally classified as an occupational phenomenon in the International Classification of Diseases
(ICD-11). Its conceptual overlap with related conditions such as depression and fatigue continues to generate debate in the literature. Evidence links burnout to numerous adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, musculoskeletal issues, and mental health disturbances. Furthermore, job demands such as workload are strongly associated with burnout, whereas job resources like social support promote work engagement. Recent global challenges, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, have intensified workplace stressors, placing healthcare workers at an increased risk of burnout. This study highlights the multifaceted nature of burnout and underscores its significant implications for both employee well-being and organizational performance, emphasizing the need for effective intervention strategies and supportive work environments.
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Background: Balancing medical training, work, and personal life can be highly demanding and can be associated with burn out and increased stress and therefore requiring various balance and coping mechanisms to be employed by these students and these could include shorter sleep, modified learning methods, social isolation, and anxiety. Thus, this study examines the knowledge, perception, practice and implications of work-study-life balance among medical students at the University of Benin, with the aim of identifying gaps, understanding the challenges and informing strategies that can improve students’ ability to effectively balance academic, work and personal life commitments Objectives: To assess the knowledge, perception, practice and the implications of work- study-life balance among medical students in the University of Benin, Edo state, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 509 undergraduate medical students at the University of Benin from January 2025 to February 2026 to assess the knowledge, perception, practice of work-study-life balance among medical students and its possible impact on psychosocial and academic performance. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select participants. The minimum sample size was determined using the Cochran formula with a 10% non-response rate. Data was collected through a structured, pre-tested self-administered questionnaire that included two standard instruments: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Work-study-life balance Scale (WSLBS), Coping strategies inventory, perceived stress scale (PSS). The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Results: A total of 509 respondents participated in the study and the response rate was 100%. There were 382 (75.0%) male respondents and 127 (25.0%) female respondents. The study showed that 377(74.1%) had good knowledge of work-study-life balance. The study revealed a significant association between age group and knowledge, χ² = 45.44, p < .001. There was a statistically significant association between employment status and overall perception, χ²= 6.49, p = .038. Majority (51.7%) assigned their current work-study-life balance a neutral rating of 3 on a 5-point scale. 73.9% proportion of the respondents reported that they do prioritize self-care. The biggest challenges respondents face in maintaining a work-study-life balance was a lack of free time, 365(71.7%). Demanding curriculum 338 (66.4%), followed by Clinical rotation hours, 240 (47.2%). Two hundred and twenty eight (44.8%) respondents had an Adaptive (Engagement Dominant) category, 194 (38.1%) had a Maladaptive (Disengagement Dominant) coping mechanism. 87 (17.1%) had a Mixed or Equal Use of coping styles. Majority (60.7%) were classified as experiencing Low Stress, while the remaining 39.3% were categorized as experiencing High Stress. 38.9% rated their sleep quality as Fair. followed by 32.2% who rated their sleep as Good and 17.8% as Very Good. A smaller minority rated their overall sleep quality as Poor (8.7%) or Very Poor (2.4%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that while a majority of undergraduate medical students at the University of Benin possess good knowledge of work–study–life balance, their perception of balance remains largely neutral and although a significant proportion of students employ adaptive coping mechanisms, a considerable number continue to rely on maladaptive strategies, which may predispose them to psychological distress. While most students reported low stress levels and relatively acceptable sleep quality, a clinically meaningful proportion experienced high stress and suboptimal sleep. Overall, the findings indicate that knowledge alone is insufficient to ensure healthy work– study–life balance. Practical institutional support systems, structured resilience training, mental health monitoring, and cultural shifts within medical education are essential to translate awareness into sustainable well-being practices.

Background: The growing influence of information technology on various aspects of life including education necessitates the developing countries to use E-learning for better distribution of teaching materials and interaction between students and teachers. In Nigeria, there was a surge in use of E-learning to continue education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. E-learning represents a vital paradigm on higher education unconstrained by time and place, offering new opportunities for the development of the educational processes. Its adoption is vital to bridge the learning gap between developed and developing countries. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of undergraduate students in University of Benin towards E-learning. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted for this study. Four hundred and twenty-five students were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data was obtained using a standardized semi-structured self-administered questionnaire comprising both open ended and close ended questions. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 software with statistical significance set at p<0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: The mean age was calculated as 23.16 (±3.24) years. Of all the respondents, (62.8%) had good knowledge, while (37.2%) of respondents had poor knowledge. (97.2%) had a positive attitude, while 2.8% had a negative attitude. Challenges such as constant power failure, inadequate internet access, inadequate computer literacy skills and cost of data subscriptions were identified. 98.1% of respondents showed good readiness, while 1.9% showed poor readiness. The most commonly used E-learning tools were search engines, PowerPoint, virtual classrooms and mobile applications. Conclusion: The majority of respondents had good knowledge, positive attitude and good readiness towards E-learning. The major challenges were constant power failure, inadequate internet access, inadequate computer literacy skills and cost of data subscriptions. Keywords: Online, learning, technology

Hypertension is an increasingly important public health problem among young adults, yet many university students underestimate their susceptibility despite exposure to lifestyle-related cardiovascular risks. This study assessed knowledge of hypertension risk factors and determined the prevalence of hypertension among university students in Benin City, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 560 undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Ugbowo campus. Respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected with an adapted structured self administered questionnaire, while blood pressure, weight, and height were measured using standard procedures. Knowledge of hypertension risk factors was scored over eight items; scores of 4 and above were classified as good knowledge. Blood pressure was classified using the Joint National Committee criteria.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 20.3 ± 2.6 years, and 64.8% were females. All respondents had heard of hypertension, with school being the commonest source of information (62.3%). Overall, 73.8% had good knowledge of hypertension risk factors, and 80.7% had good general knowledge of hypertension. Stress (88.8%), obesity (79.8%), excessive alcohol
consumption (74.8%), family history (70.5%), smoking (70.0%), and high salt intake (69.5%) were the most commonly identified risk factors, while fewer respondents recognised processed foods (57.0%) and physical inactivity (55.2%). Measured blood pressure showed that 48.3% were normotensive, 43.8% were prehypertensive, 6.8% had stage 1 hypertension, and 1.1% had stage 2 hypertension, giving an overall hypertension prevalence of 7.9%. Hypertension was significantly more common among males than females (13.2% vs 5.0%, p < 0.001) and increased across BMI categories from underweight to obesity (p < 0.05).

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a critical life-saving intervention for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, or airway obstruction. Medical students, as future frontline healthcare providers, are expected to possess adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and competent practical skills in BLS. However, studies have reported deficiencies in these areas among medical students globally. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Basic Life Support among clinical medical students at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 452 clinical medical students (400L to 600L) at the University of Benin. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from previous studies and based on the American Heart Association (AHA) 2020 BLS guidelines. The questionnaire assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge (13 items), attitude (7 items on a Likert scale), and practice (10 items) of BLS. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages. Associations between categorical variables were tested using the Chi-square test, and logistic regression was used to identify predictors of good KAP. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 452 questionnaires were distributed and retrieved, yielding a 100% response rate. The mean age of respondents was 22.92 ± 2.74 years, and 59.5% were male. Overall, only 30.8% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of BLS, while 69.2% had poor knowledge. Knowledge improved significantly with academic level (p < 0.001), with 600-level students showing the highest proportion of good knowledge (43.6%). Female students had significantly better knowledge than males (p = 0.029). Regarding attitude, 78.5% of respondents demonstrated a good attitude towards BLS, while 21.5% exhibited a poor attitude. The majority (96.0%) agreed that BLS is necessary for medical students, and 91.4% supported its inclusion in the medical school curriculum. However, practice levels were markedly low, with 86.5% demonstrating poor practice. Only 13.5% had good practice scores. Mannequin training was significantly associated with better practice (p = 0.026). Major barriers to BLS acquisition and performance included limited availability of BLS training (68.8%), lack of practice opportunities (67.9%), fear of causing harm (56.9%), and fear of legal consequences (50.9%). Furthermore, 57.7% of respondents did not believe their medical school provided adequate BLS training, and 70.8% were uncomfortable using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Conclusion: This study revealed significant gaps in the knowledge and practice of BLS among clinical medical students at the University of Benin, despite a generally positive attitude towards its importance. The lack of formal training, inadequate hands-on practice with mannequins, and psychological barriers such as fear were identified as major hindrances.

Background: The rates of burnout globally among university lecturers are reported to range from 5% and 45%. The demand of high standard quality services has increased with the on-going globalization worldwide. The estimate of burnout among university lecturers often yield high values and varies between countries, across time, specialties or work sector, i.e. public/private or rural/urban. Education, and especially higher education (University), is one of the areas with the highest prevalence of burnout, which some authors estimate to be 40%. Objectives: To assess burnout among university lecturers working in University of
Benin, Benin City, Edo State, to identify and address potential issues that could affect their well-being and job performance. Materials And Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized for this study. Five hundred and forty nine respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising both opened ended and closed questions addressing the knowledge, prevalence, determinant and coping strategy of burnout. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 and a p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The response rate in this study was 100%. Most of the respondents from this study were in the age group 40-49 with mean age group of 41.88(+ 6.23) years. Out of the total respondents, 517 (94.2%) had good knowledge while 32 (5.2%) had poor knowledge of burnout. Prevalence of burnout among university lecturers were high in about five hundred and eighteen (97.5) of the respondents. Length of career, faculty and age were the factors found to have affected the knowledge and prevalence. XIII Majority of the respondents 98.0% had positive coping strategy, with most of the respondents 376(68.5%) got help and advice from other people as a coping strategy. Conclusion: Majority of university lecturers in University of Benin, Benin City had good knowledge of burnout syndrome, had burnout, with high grades of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and lack of personal accomplishments. Over nine-tenths of the university lecturers in University of Benin, Benin City reported work overload, being underpaid, insufficient sleep, lack of incentives and promotions, and time pressures to meet deadlines as major factors that could lead to burnout among them. Also, most of the respondents got positive coping strategy

Background: Undergraduate students are the upcoming workforce of any country and their health is essentially linked to the social and economic development of the country. Health- seeking behaviour and health outcomes are shaped by socio-cultural beliefs, accessibility, cost and perceived quality of available health services and these affect health outcomes and indices. This study aimed at assessing the perception of, satisfaction with, major barriers to utilization, major health conditions prompting utilization of on-campus health services and factors influencing use of alternative sources of healthcare. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among undergraduate students of University of Benin, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. A sample size of 430 was obtained, and a multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data for the study after pretesting. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and the level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 23.0 ± 3.2 years. A higher proportion, 52.8% were male, Christians (58.1%) and single (67.7%). Out of 430 respondents, 61.4% resided off-campus, 52.6% received a monthly allowance of between 50,001 to 100,000 naira and 73.5% received support from their parents. From the responses, 41.4% had received care at the health center in the past year and were most commonly by joint pain (21.9%), fever (15.7%) and headaches (11.8%). Ninety-five percent and 99.0% had a good perception of health center and were satisfied with the services provided there respectively. Common barriers to seeking health care at the center were long waiting time (37.4%), out-of-pocket payments (17.9%). viii ix Conclusion: The study showed that there was a good perception of the health center and respondents were satisfied with services at the health center. Recommendations: The government should strengthen implementation of the Tertiary Institutions’ Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) of the National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS) at the health center, increase public-private partnership to reduce health cost and encourage local production of pharmaceuticals. The health center should improve awareness of service at the center, increase number of staff and strengthen existing programmes

Background: Adolescents constitutes a significant portion of any population and frequentlyexperience underservice of their sexual and reproductive health needs in various societies dueto lack of sexual health information and services which place them at risk. This study was conducted with a view to raising awareness of RHS available and ensuring better access andutilization in the community. Aim: To assess the knowledge, access and utilization of reproductive health services (RHS)by female adolescents residing in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria Methods: The research employed a quantitative design. A total of 592 female adolescentsparticipated in the study, and an assessment was conducted on six health facilities, evenlydistributed between private and government sectors. Data collection utilized interviewer-administered structured questionnaires in English, adapted from existing literature, andhealthpersonnel were interviewed through recorded phone conversations. Significant associationsbetween utilization and categorical variables were assessed using the Chi-squaretest. Knowledge scores were determined using a composite scoring system, and a multivariablelogistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associatedwithutilization. A statistical significance level of p-value below 5% was set for declaring statistical significance. Results: The study involved adolescents aged 11-18 years, predominantly of Beninorigin(50.7%), Christians (94.1%) who mostly lived with both parents (74.3%) and the majorityofparents fell into the middle-income class (83.3%). The average age at menarche was 12.4years, with 18.9% not having experienced first menstruation. About 11%reported their first sexual experience, and 3% were currently sexually active, with 38.9%using contraceptives, primarily oral contraceptive pills.