DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE

Background: The need and demand for health care services is a constant part of our lives in the modern day world and both patients’ perception of and satisfaction with the quality of care they receive influence several aspects of how they interact with the health care system. With the backdrop of notable challenges facing the health care sector in our environment including being
overburdened by common communicable and non-communicable diseases, poor infrastructure, poor availability of personnel, under investment in the sector and a very high prevalence of out- of-pocket payments which may all contribute to poor satisfaction and perception of health care facilities Objectives: To assess the perception of and satisfaction with health services among out-patients in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City in order to improve out-patients’ experience with health care services. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized for this study. Three hundred and forty participants were selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising both
opened ended and closed questions. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 and a p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age group of the respondents was 37.14 ± 12.38 years. Out of the total
respondents, 336 (98.8%) had good perception with UBTH out-patient services while 4 (1.2%) had poor perception with UBTH out-patient services. Three hundred and twenty three (95.0%) of them had good satisfaction while 17 (5.0%) had poor satisfaction with UBTH out-patient vii services. It was identified that religion and level of education were the significant factors affecting perception as their p value were < 0.05. Also, from the study religion, level of education, skill level and number of clinic visit were positively associated with satisfaction
regarding UBTH out-patient services.
Conclusion: Majority of the respondents had good perception and satisfaction about out- patient
services in UBTH. This is due to the attitude and behavior of the healthcare professionals which plays a significant role in out- patient satisfaction. The study demonstrated that individuals' religious affiliations, gender, level of education, and the frequency of clinic visits collectively contribute to shaping their experiences within the healthcare system.

Background: The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causes more than 95% of cervical cancer worldwide. HPV infection is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract. In Nigeria, prevalence is high across all female age groups, but is highest among persons aged 15-23 years. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide and the most common cancer of the female reproductive tract. HPV-related diseases including cervical cancer can successfully be prevented by prophylactic vaccination. Objective: To determine the knowledge, sociocultural barriers, and hesitancy to HPV vaccine among caregivers of adolescents in Benin city, in order to decrease the burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 397 caregivers of adolescents in Evboumore community, selected using multi-staged sampling technique. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires with open and close ended questions. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the International Business Machines Corporation Social Science (IBM SPSS) version 25.0 software with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: The response rate was 100%. Most of the respondents in this study were between the age group of 30 – 39 years with mean age (±SD) of 39.89 ± 8.97. Majority of the respondents had poor knowledge about HPV (72.8%) and HPV vaccine (80.9%). This study identified distance, misinformation and unavailability of the vaccines as the major sociocultural barriers to HPV vaccination. And 41.4% expressed hesitance towards future HPV vaccination of their adolescents.
Conclusion: Most of the respondents were not aware of HPV and HPV vaccine. Majority of the respondents had poor knowledge concerning HPV and HPV vaccine. Distance, misinformation and unavailability of the vaccines were identified as the major sociocultural barriers to HPV vaccination. About half of the respondents were vaccine hesitant

Background: Plastic pollution is considered a global issue, with all environments currently being contaminated by plastics. Therefore understanding the dynamics of plastic pollution is essential for fostering sustainable behaviors. The study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of undergraduate students at the University of Benin regarding plastic pollution. Findings aim to inform targeted educational interventions and policy recommendations to enhance environmental stewardship among the youth, ultimately contributing to broader sustainability efforts.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of plastic pollution amongst undergraduate students of the University of Benin with a view to bring about a reduction in plastic pollution.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was carried out among university students in Benin City from May 2023 to September 2024. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 520 participants for the study. Data was collected from respondents using a structured, self-administered questionnaire with close-ended and open-ended questions. The questionnaire was adapted from the University of Sharjah online survey questionnaire on plastic pollution. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research Committee, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).Results: A total of 520 out of 520 questionnaires administered were retrieved and analyzed, giving a response rate of 100.0%. There were 278 (53.5%) male respondents and 242 (46.5%) female respondents with an average age of 21.28 ± 3.91 years. The study revealed that most 474 (91.2%) of the respondents had good knowledge of plastic pollution. Those who were not studying medicine and those who reside in private residences (on and off campus) were the statistically significant determinants of knowledge of plastic pollution. Respondents who were not studying medicine were 0.270 times less likely to have good knowledge of plastic pollution than those who were studying medicine (OR = 0.270, 95% CI = 0.125 – 0.582, p = < 0.001). Respondents who reside in private residences (on and off campus) were 0.431 times less likely to have good knowledge as against those who reside in hostels (on and off campus) (OR = 0.431, 95% CI = 0.225 – 0.823, p = 0.011). The majority of the respondents, 501 (96.3%), had an overall positive attitude toward plastic pollution. Those aged 35 - 44 and those in 300 level had the highest proportion of respondents with a positive attitude toward plastic pollution. The majority of them, 428 (82.3%), had appropriate practice toward plastic pollution. Sex, department, and knowledge of plastic pollution were the statistically significant determinants of practice relating to plastic pollution. Male respondents were 0.518 times less likely to have appropriate practices than female respondents (OR = 0.518, 95% CI = 0.316 – 0.849, p = 0.009). Respondents who were not studying medicine were 2.390 times more likely to have appropriate practices than those who were studying medicine (OR = 2.390, 95% CI = 1.188 –4.809, p = 0.015). Respondents who had good knowledge of plastic pollution were 2.280 timesmore likely to have appropriate practices than those who had poor knowledge (OR = 2.280,
95% CI = 1.098 – 4.734, p = 0.027).
Conclusion: The study showed that the majority of the respondents had good knowledge of plastic pollution and a positive attitude toward plastic pollution. There was a large majority that had appropriate practice toward plastic pollution.

Background: Burnout is a significant occupational health challenge, especially among educators, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Teachers in Nigeria a Low and Middle Income Country, facing economic hardship, are increasingly exposed to these stressors due to large class sizes, inadequate resources, and poor work-life balance. Burnout affects both teacher well-being and student performance, necessitating urgent intervention
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and prevalence of burnout among school teachers in Benin City, Nigeria, and to identify key factors influencing burnout.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 562 teachers from public and private schools in Egor and Oredo Local Government Areas, Benin City. Participants were selected through multistage sampling, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with categorical variables presented as frequencies and percentages. Univariate and bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out for all outcome variables.
Results: About two-thirds of the respondents (68.7%) were aware of burnout, and of these a little over four-fifths (84%) had good knowledge overall, however, knowledge of the components of burnout was poor as only 33.9% and 48.3% correctly identified Depersonalization and lack of personal accomplishment respectively as dimensions of burnout. An estimated three quarters (76%) had a positive attitude towards burnout. The prevalence of burnout was 64.1%. Age (OR: 0.023, CI: 0.827-0.903), years of experience (OR: 0.017, 95% CI: 0.898-0.959), number of subjects taught (OR: 0.259, 95% CI: 1.213-3.341), average work hours(OR: 0.013, 95% CI: 1.005-1.058), and Attitude towards burnout (OR: 0.595, 95% CI: 0.045-0.468) were identified as significant predictors of burnout. Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of burnout among teachers in Benin City, driven by both personal and organizational factors. Teachers' limited knowledge of burnout suggests a need for increased awareness and training programs to address burnout proactively. Schools should implement targeted interventions, including stress management training, mental health support, and workload reduction.

Hypertension, a major global health issue, affects a large portion of the adult population and is a key contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Although commonly associated with older adults, its prevalence is increasing among younger people, including university students. Modifiable risk factors like poor diet, insufficient physical activity, and stress significantly contribute to hypertension development. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of University of Benin students regarding hypertension prevention.
METHODOLOGY
The study was conducted at the University of Benin, Nigeria, using a descriptive cross-sectional design with a sample of 424 undergraduate students. The study was conducted from July 2023 to September 2024. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling from various faculties. Data were collected via a pre-tested, adapted questionnaire distributed through Google
Forms. The analysis was performed using IBM SPSS, incorporating both descriptive and inferential statistics with level of significance set at p = < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained, and confidentiality was ensured by omitting personal identifiers. RESULTS
The study found that nearly half of the participants (49.3%) were between 16 and 20 years old, with an average age of 21.42 years. Most participants (86.6%) demonstrated good knowledge of hypertension and its preventive strategies, with a significant correlation between knowledge and both their academic faculty and year of study. A strong positive attitude towards hypertension prevention was observed in 421 (99.3%) of respondents, and a significant link was found xiii between attitude and marital status (p = 0.029). Additionally, 409 (95.5%) of respondents practiced effective hypertension prevention, and all those with poor practices expressed willingness to change their behavior.
CONCLUSION
Most University of Benin students demonstrated good knowledge of hypertension and its prevention, correlated with their year of study and faculty. The majority had a positive attitude towards prevention, linked to marital status. Most practiced effective prevention strategies, and those with poor practices were eager to improve.

Hypertension, a major global health issue, affects a large portion of the adult population and is a key contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Although commonly associated with older adults, its prevalence is increasing among younger people, including university students. Modifiable risk factors like poor diet, insufficient physical activity, and stress significantly contribute to hypertension development. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of University of Benin students regarding hypertension prevention.

Sporting activities are an essential component of undergraduate student life, providing not only opportunities for physical fitness but also benefits for mental health, social cohesion, and academic performance. Among medical students, who face demanding curricula and high levels of academic stress, regular participation in sports can reduce burnout, improve concentration, and promote resilience. Determinants of sporting activity among medical students are multifactorial. Structural determinants include the availability, accessibility, and safety of sports facilities, along with institutional support such as organized competitions, club funding, and timetabled recreation periods. Individual determinants include gender, prior exposure to sports in secondary school, physical health, perceived self-efficacy, and competing responsibilities such as part-time work or fa ily commitments. There are many studies on sporting activities worldwide, but few has been carried out specifically to determine its prevalence among medical students in tertiary health institutions particularly in Benin city. Objectives: To assess the knowledge of benefits, attitude, level of participation and determinants of participation in sporting activities as well as to compare the observed benefits among participants.in the University of Benin college of medicine. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used for this study. Three hundred and eighty-seven medical students in the University of Benin were selected for this study using a stratified sampling technique. Data was collected using self-administered pre-structured questionnaire adapted from the American Adult Knowledge of Exercise Recommendations Survey (AAKERS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (SEES) and analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 27.0 software. Data was categorized and analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequencies and percentage based on the total number of respondents. Univariate, bivariate, multivariate analysis were done. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The results were presented with tables, charts and prose Results: A total of 387 medical students participated in the study. The mean age (SD) of respondents was 22.16 ± 3.33 years. A higher proportion of the respondents 53.5% (n = 207) were males and 21.4% (n = 83) of the respondents were in final year class. A larger proportion 238 (61.5%), lived in school hostels while 253 (65.4%) received more than ₦30,000 as monthly xiv allowance, Majority (92.2%) had heard about the benefits of sporting activities with internet being the most common source of information (61..6%). Over nine-tenth 365 (94.3%) of the medical students had adequate Knowledge of benefits of sporting activities and 81.1% positive attitude toward sporting activities. Sex and place of residence were found to be significantly associated with attitude toward sporting activities. Slightly above two-thirds (64.3%) of medical students reported having ever participated in sporting activities during medical school, while only about one-tenth (14.9%) engaged in sports on a daily basis. sex, level of study, place of residence, monthly allowance, lack of time, financial constraints, physical limitations or injuries and competing academic commitments were significant determinant of level of participation. The male students were 1.80 times more likely to participate in sports than females (95% CI: 1.035–3.139, p=0.037). Preclinical students were less likely to participate than clinical students (OR=0.413, 95% CI: 0.201–0.852, p=0.017). Students residing in school hostels were over three times more likely to participate compared to those living at home (OR=3.352, 95% CI: 1.116– 10.069, p=0.031). Those with physical limitations or injuries were more likely to participate (OR=2.172, 95% CI: 1.229–3.837, p=0.008), while students with a negative attitude toward sports (OR=0.064, 95% CI: 0.030–0.138, p<0.001) and those perceiving sports facilities as too far (OR=0.498, 95% CI: 0.283–0.875, p=0.015) were less likely to participate. A majority (76.3%) of regular participants reported fewer absences from school due to illness, and (73.0%) hospitalization or bed rest for preventable conditions within the past year was less common compared to their counterparts who did not engage in sports
Conclusion: Over nine-tenths of the medical students in the University of Benin have adequate knowledge of the benefits of sporting activities. Over four-fifths of the medical xv students in the University of Benin have positive attitude toward sporting activities. Only twothirds of medical students at the University of Benin have participated in sporting activities