DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE

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.

Background: Social media addiction is a behavioural problem characterised by excessive, poorly controlled use of social media platforms that interferes with daily functioning and is associated with depression, anxiety, stress and reduced productivity among university students. It is common in young adults and is linked to long daily usage, night-time use and other behavioural patterns that worsen mental-health outcomes. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, prevalence, patterns of social media addiction and its association with the mental health status of undergraduates in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Subjects and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 548 undergraduates of the University of Benin selected using a multi-stage (proportionate stratified + systematic) sampling technique. Data were collected with a pre-tested, self- administered questionnaire (sociodemographics, knowledge and attitude sections) and standardised scales, the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) for addiction risk and the DASS-21 for depression, anxiety and stress. Data were presented in frequency tables and analysed using bivariate (χ²) tests and multivariable logistic regression; statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 21.5 ± 2.9 years and 306 (55.8%) were females. Awareness of social media addiction was high (519, 94.7%). Majority had good knowledge of social media addiction (395, 76.1%) and a positive attitude towards it (396, 72.1%). By BSMAS grading, 127 (23.2%) were low-risk, 349 (63.7%) moderate-risk and 72 (13.1%) high-risk for social media addiction (social media addiction present = 72/548, 13.1%). On DASS-21 grading, 136 (24.8%) had d pression, 163 (29.7%) had anxiety, and 44 (8.0%) had stress; overall 200 (36.5%) were classified as having poor mental health while 348 (63.5%) xii had good mental health. Respondents with a positive attitude were more likely to have poor mental health (OR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.382–3.734, p = 0.001) and respondents with social media addiction were substantially more likely to have poor mental health than those without (OR = 10.30, 95% CI = 5.337–19.914, p < 0.001). Social media addiction was also a strong predictor of specific outcomes anxiety (OR = 4.121, 95% CI = 2.324–7.305, p < 0.001) and stress (OR = 12.669, 95% CI = 5.386–29.804, p < 0.001). Other factors (monthly allowance, knowledge level, average daily hours and time of day of use) were associated with addiction risk and mental-health outcomes in bivariate and multivariable analyses. Conclusion: Awareness and knowledge of social media addiction were high among UNIBEN undergraduates, but about one in eight students met high-risk criteria for social media addiction and over one-third had poor overall mental health. Social media addiction together with attitude, knowledge and usage patterns was a strong predictor of poorer mental- health outcomes (depression, anxiety and stress). Interventions to improve digital-wellness (education on healthy use, time-management, sleep hygiene and targeted counselling) are recommended.

Background: Humam Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most prevalent viral infection of the reproductive system. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, and most people acquire it soon after becoming sexually active. HPV infection is the primary cause of almost all cervical cancers and certain HPV types also contribute to the development of cancers in the anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and oropharynx. Cervical cancer can be prevented through interventions such as health education, safe sex practices, and HPV vaccination.
Aim: The study evaluated the awareness about HPV vaccines, attitude towards HPV vaccination, the prevalence of HPV vaccination and associated factors among female secondary school students in Benin City, Edo State.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 secondary school students who were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. A pretested, structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness and knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccination, attitudes towards HPV vaccination; and uptake of the vaccine. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Univariate analysis was used to assess the mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages of variables. Bivariate analysis using chi-square test and Fischer’s Exact test were used to determine the association between respondent’s sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and uptake of HPV vaccination. Independent predictors of knowledge, attitude, and uptake of HPV vaccination were assessed using binary logistic regression. The level of statistical significance was set to p<0.05. Results were presented in prose, tables and charts.

Patient safety is central to quality healthcare delivery. Globally, unsafe care contributes significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. In low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, challenges such as weak reporting systems, staff shortages, and limited training heighten risks. Doctors, as frontline caregivers, are pivotal to improving safety standards, but evidence on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices within Nigerian contexts remains limited

BACKGROUND: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measure of nutritional status and health risk, categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Abnormal BMI values have significant health implications, including increased risk for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and bone-related disorders. Among university undergraduates, lifestyle changes, dietary patterns, and perceptions of weight￾for-height influence BMI status, making it important to assess knowledge, prevalence, perceptions, and determinants. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the knowledge of health implications of abnormal BMI, prevalence of BMI categories, perception of personal weight-for-height, and determinants of BMI status among undergraduates in the University of Benin. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 350 undergraduate students of the University of Benin between September 2024 and August 2025. Respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire adapted from related studies. Knowledge was scored and categorized into good or poor, while perception of BMI was assessed by comparing self￾reported weight-for-height classification with actual BMI. Anthropometric data were self￾reported and BMI was calculated. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 with descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Ethics and Research Committee. RESULTS: The mean age ± SD of respondents was 21.0 ± 2.85 years. The majority of respondents 272 (77.7%) demonstrated good knowledge of abnormal BMI, while 78 (22.3%) had xiii poor knowledge. A significant proportion 263 (75.1%) had normal BMI, while 87 (24.9%) had abnormal BMI, comprising 36 (10.3%) underweight, 35 (10.0%) overweight, and 16 (4.6%), (27.1%) misperceived their weight status. Age (p < 0.001), degree programme (p < 0.001), academic level (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.028), residence (p = 0.001), source of income (p < 0.001), and monthly income (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge of abnormal BMI. Gender (p < 0.001), age group (p < 0.001), programme of study (p = 0.003), academic level (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.012), residence (p = 0.007), source of income (p = 0.003), and monthly income (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with perception of BMI. Logistic regression revealed that age, sex, academic level, and income significantly influenced BMI status and perception. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that most undergraduates had good knowledge of abnormal BMI and a majority had normal BMI, though a considerable proportion were underweight, overweight, or obese. While perception of weight-for-height was correct among most respondents, misperception remained notable. Socio-demographic factors including age, sex, programme of study, academic level, and income were significant determinants of knowledge, BMI, and perception. Strengthening targeted health education, encouraging healthy dietary practices, and promoting physical activity among undergraduates are critical in preventing abnormal BMI and its long-term health consequences.

Background: Physical inactivity is a major global public health concern, contributing to the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and premature mortality. Despite the widely acknowledged importance of sporting activities for physical, mental, and social well-being, there is a dearth of comprehensive data on the participation of undergraduate students in Nigeria. Understanding the role of sports among this population is crucial for developing effective health promotion strategies. Objectives: To assess the role of sporting activities among undergraduate students in selected tertiary institutions in Benin City in order to inform policy and program development regarding sports. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 undergraduate students in selected tertiary institutions in Benin City, Edo State. Data was collected using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. The study utilized the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS), and the Academic Achievement Questionnaire (AAQ) as tools. Data was entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 21.95 ± 2.834 years, with a slight predominance of females 207 (51.7%). Knowledge of sporting activities was poor with only a little over one-third 147 (36.8%) of the undergraduates demonstrating good knowledge of sporting activities. Majority 292 (73.0%) of undergraduates expressed a positive attitude towards sporting activities. Only 135 (33.8%) of the undergraduates participated in sporting activities. The most common sports were running (49.8%), football (45.8%), and high jump (41.1%). Key determinants of 1 non-participation included lack of time and heavy academic workload. Students who engaged in sporting activities had better academic performance compared to those who did not, though it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Although undergraduate students largely possess a positive attitude towards sporting activities, their knowledge is low and participation is low. The study highlights the need for structured interventions to improve knowledge and remove the structural barriers to participation, which, in turn, contribute positively to the academic performance of students.

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age globally, yet a significant proportion remains undiagnosed due to insufficient baseline knowledge regarding its causes and symptoms. This lack of awareness contributes to delayed medical attention and progression of the disease, leading to serious long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, and endometrial cancer. Studies in Nigeria indicate particularly low awareness levels, underscoring a critical public health challenge.
Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the knowledge and awareness of the causes, symptoms, and long-term complications and determinants of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome among female undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria with a view to generate evidence that will guide the design of tailored strategies aimed at increasing awareness and strengthen healthcare delivery. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, targeting female undergraduate students at the University of Benin. Data collection occurred between April 2024 and June 2025. A sample size of 415 respondents was determined using Cochran's formula and a 10% non-response adjustment. A multi-stage sampling technique involved the simple random selection of the Ugbowo campus, followed by the random selection of eight faculties. Information was collected using a 29-item structured questionnaire, and data analysis was performed using SPSS V 25.0 to generate percentages and frequencies.
Results: Over half of the respondents (54%) reported having heard of PCOS, with approximately twothirds (60.7%) demonstrating good baseline knowledge of its causes and symptoms, while one-third (39.3%) exhibited poor knowledge. Abnormal menstruation (40.7%) was identified as the most common symptom, overproduction of hormones (36.9%) and genetics (35.4%) were frequently cited causes. Drugs (46.7%) was perceived as the most effective treatments. Regarding awareness of complications, 46.4% showed good awareness, while 53.6% lacked sufficient awareness particularly concerning infertility. Social media (especially TikTok and WhatsApp at 42.9% and 21.0% respectively) was the primary source of PCOS, followed by medical professionals. The key predictors of good knowledge included being in a medical related field like Medicine (OR = 0.033, p = 0.001) and a higher monthly allowance above N20,000. N20,000 – N50,000 (OR = 0.379, p = 0.002) and N51,000 – N100,000 (OR = 0.059, p <0.001).
Conclusion: The study revealed moderate knowledge but a significant gap in awareness regarding PCOS complications among female university students, compounded by reliance on non-medical information sources and prevalent misconceptions. Academic background and socioeconomic status were influential factors in knowledge levels. These findings necessitate targeted public health interventions, including integrating comprehensive PCOS education into university curricula, launching official social media campaigns led by healthcare professionals, organizing workshops, encouraging routine health screenings, and promoting mental health support services for affected individuals

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among men worldwide. Early detection through screening plays a crucial role in reducing complications and improving survival outcomes. However, awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward prostate cancer screening remain limited in many populations, particularly among occupational groups with demanding work schedules such as transport drivers. This study assesses the knowledge and attitudes toward prostate cancer and the utilization of screening services among intercity and interstate public transport drivers in Benin City, Edo State.

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted for this research. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to intercity and interstate public transport drivers operating within major motor parks in Benin City. The questionnaire assessed respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of prostate cancer, attitudes toward the disease and its screening, and their utilization of available screening services. Data obtained were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to determine levels of awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and screening practices.

The findings of the study are expected to reveal the level of knowledge and misconceptions about prostate cancer among transport drivers, their attitudes toward preventive health practices, and the extent to which they utilize screening services. The results will also help identify barriers that may prevent drivers from accessing screening services.

The study concludes that improving awareness and promoting positive attitudes toward prostate cancer screening among transport drivers is essential for early detection and prevention. It is recommended that targeted health education campaigns, workplace health programs, and improved access to screening services be implemented to encourage regular prostate cancer screening among this population group.

Abortion remains a significant public health concern, especially among young women of reproductive age in developing countries where access to reproductive health
services is limited and social stigma is pervasive. Female undergraduates are particularly vulnerable due to early sexual debut, inadequate contraceptive use, and socio-cultural pressures. This study assessed the prevalence and patterns of abortion among female undergraduates at the University of Benin, Edo State. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Data were obtained from 550 randomly selected female undergraduates across eight faculties and eight departments using
structured questionnaires. Information collected included socio-demographic characteristics, sexual and reproductive history, contraceptive use, and abortion experiences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests with SPSS version 23.0, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 550 respondents participated, yielding a 100% response rate. The mean
age was 22.3 ± 3.5 years, with the majority aged 20–24 years. About 30% reported previous pregnancy, and all such cases ended in abortion. Most abortions were performed in hospitals (37.6%) and chemist shops (31.5%), predominantly during the first trimester (93.9%). Doctors (57.6%) and chemists (29.1%) were the main providers. Male condoms (25.6%) were the most frequently used contraceptive, mainly sourced from pharmacies. A significant association was found between contraceptive use and prevalence of abortion (p < 0.05). Cultural and religious beliefs, as well as partner involvement in decision-making, also influenced abortion and contraceptive practices. Conclusion: Abortion is prevalent among female undergraduates of the University of Benin, with most procedures occurring under medical supervision but a substantial proportion still being unsafe. Improving access to reproductive health education, contraception, and safe abortion services is essential to reduce associated risks and complications.