FACULTY OF NURSING SCIENCE

The objectives of this study were to determine the level of knowledge of standard precautions among nurses, assess their level of adherence to standard precautionary practices, and examine the relationship between knowledge and adherence among nurses in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire distributed to 272 nurses, out of which 241 were properly completed and analyzed, representing a response rate of 88.6%. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and the chi-square test.The findings revealed that a majority of the respondents (88%) demonstrated good knowledge of standard precautions, while 90% reported high adherence to standard precautionary practices. The chi-square test result (χ² = 0.2935, df = 1, p = 0.20) indicated no statistically significant relationship between nurses’ knowledge and adherence to standard precautions. The study also identified positive influencing factors such as the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), functional hand hygiene facilities, institutional policies, regular infection prevention and control (IPC) training, and supervision. Conversely, high workload and emergency situations were reported as major barriers to consistent adherence. It was concluded that although nurses at UBTH possess adequate knowledge and good adherence to standard precautions, continuous training, adequate staffing, and sustained provision of resources are necessary to maintain effective infection prevention practices

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a major global health concern, with misconceptions about its causes and prevention influencing health-seeking behavior. Nursing students, as future healthcare providers, require accurate knowledge and sound preventive practices. This study assessed knowledge, preventive practices, misconceptions, and influencing factors regarding PUD among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A total of 255 questionnaires were distributed, with 249 valid responses obtained (97.6% response rate). Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Knowledge scores were categorized as good (≥0.70), fair (0.50–0.69), or poor (<0.50). Results showed that 78% of respondents demonstrated good overall knowledge of PUD, with strengths in symptom recognition (96.4%) and causative role of Helicobacter pylori (74.7%). However, knowledge gaps persisted in H. pylori transmission (51.8%) and NSAID-related ulcer formation (63.9%). Preventive practices recorded a grand mean of 0.66, reflecting moderate adherence, with good performance in avoiding unprescribed painkillers (mean = 0.82) and maintaining hydration (mean = 0.79), but poor adherence regarding alcohol (0.42) and tobacco use (0.37). Major influencing factors included level of study (mean = 3.30), academic workload (3.07), and healthcare accessibility (3.09). Misconceptions persisted, particularly stress as a sole cause (mean = 0.42) and treatment discontinuation after symptom relief (0.55). Despite good baseline knowledge, the persistence of misconceptions and moderate preventive practices indicate a knowledge–practice gap requiring targeted educational interventions.

This study assessed the practice of infection control measures, influencing factors, barriers, and the relationship between academic level and adherence among undergraduate nursing students in a tertiary institution in Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, and data were collected from 244 students using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Analysis was done using SPSS version 27, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied. Findings revealed generally good adherence, particularly in hand hygiene (65.6%), proper disposal of sharps (70.5%), and use of personal protective equipment (60.7%). Compliance was lower for equipment disinfection (56.6%) and isolation precautions (53.3%), with a grand mean of 3.47. Factors positively influencing practice included belief in patient safety (72.1%), continuous education (64.8%), and supervision (62.3%). Major barriers reported were overcrowding (61.5%), time constraints (58.2%), workload (57.4%), inadequate PPE (53.3%), and insufficient supervision (52.5%). A Chi-square test revealed a significant association between academic level and adherence (χ² = 6.481, df = 4, p = 0.039), with 300-level students showing higher compliance (68.2%) than 400-level (59.3%) and 500-level (53.3%) students. The study concludes that while nursing students demonstrate commendable infection control practices, gaps remain, highlighting the need for stronger institutional support, continuous education, and resource provision to sustain compliance.

Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is an abnormal opening between the balder and the vagina in which urine leaks into the vagina. Sometimes this type develops as a result of obstructed labour in childbirth. This abnormality is rampant among adolescents and as such many young adolescent students still do not have good knowledge about the causes and implication on health. On this note, this study was designed to investigate perception of vesico-vagina fistula among adolescent students in selected secondary school in Ovia North-east Local Government, Edo State. A sample size of 230 adolescents was selected through random sampling technique. A well- structured questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection based on the research objectives. Data collected was analysed using descriptive (Frequency, percentage and mean) and inferential statistics. The level of significance was set at � < 0.05. The data analysis was carried out using IBM Statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 for windows. The result shows that the Adolescents have good knowledge about vesico-vagina fistula and have high (positive) perception towards VVF and the prevention mechanism.

Preventive health practices are vital in reducing the burden of communicable and non- communicable diseases. Health beliefs significantly influence individuals’ decisions to adopt these practices. In Nigeria, a gap often exists between awareness and actual adoption due to cultural, spiritual, and socioeconomic factors. This study examined the influence of health beliefs on the adoption of preventive health practices among adults in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and 384 adults were selected through a multistage sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were administered, with 373 valid responses obtained, yielding a 97.1% response rate. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics summarized socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, adoption levels, and health beliefs. The chi- square test examined the relationship between awareness and adoption. Findings revealed that 93% of respondents had good awareness of preventive health practices, but only 44% demonstrated high adoption, showing a knowledge-practice gap. Among those with poor awareness (7%), adoption was similarly low. The chi-square test (χ² = 6.785, df = 1, p = 0.08) showed no significant relationship between awareness and adoption. However, 63% held favorable health beliefs, and 70% acknowledged that these beliefs influenced their practice adoption, highlighting their mediating role in translating knowledge into behavior. Despite high awareness and positive beliefs, adoption remains suboptimal due to cultural, spiritual, and socioeconomic barriers. Culturally sensitive, community-based interventions, health education, and behavior-focused nursing strategies are essential to bridge the gap. Policies should enhance accessibility and affordability of preventive services. Future research should explore qualitative and longitudinal approaches to understand barriers more deeply.

This study investigated the level of awareness and prevention practices regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among female undergraduates in the Faculty of Education, University of Benin. A descriptive survey design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to measure awareness levels, knowledge of specific infections, and the uptake of preventive behaviors. The findings revealed that the overall STI awareness was moderate, with 45% of students demonstrating good awareness, 35% fair awareness, and 20% poor awareness. While knowledge of prominent infections like HIV/AIDS and gonorrhea was high, significant gaps existed concerning chlamydia, syphilis, and the nature of asymptomatic infection. Furthermore, the translation of awareness into consistent preventive practice was suboptimal: only 30% of sexually active respondents reported consistent condom use, and a mere 30% of all respondents had ever undergone STI testing. Inferential analysis confirmed that awareness significantly predicts preventive practices, indicating that students with higher awareness are more likely to engage in protective behaviors. Barriers such as stigma, limited access to youth-friendly health services, and reliance on unreliable information sources (peers and social media) were identified as major factors inhibiting the consistent
application of safe practices. The study concludes that although awareness exists, it is insufficient to guarantee optimal prevention. It is recommended that the university health services strengthen targeted campaigns to cover lesser-known STIs, integrate reproductive health education into the curriculum, and establish confidential, youth-friendly health services to improve testing and vaccination uptake.

Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder affecting millions globally, remains heavily stigmatized in
many societies, including Nigeria. Cultural misconceptions often associate epilepsy with supernatural
causes, significantly affecting the social integration and quality of life of those affected. Nurses, as
frontline healthcare providers, play a pivotal role in shaping public attitudes and delivering informed
care. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students at the University of
Benin toward epileptic patients and examine the implications for patients' social well-being. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. A total of 281 nursing students across 200 to 500 levels were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data was collected using a structured, self administered questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of social impact. Results revealed that while a majority of students demonstrated good understanding of epilepsy as a brain disorder and expressed willingness to assist during seizures, gaps persisted in symptom recognition, treatment beliefs, and misconceptions about heredity and contagion. Attitudinal responses were mixed: most students supported inclusion and respect for epileptic patients, but hesitations were observed in sensitive areas like marriage and personal interaction. Notably, participants agreed that epilepsy impedes social experiences such as employment, education, and relationships. The study concludes that although nursing students exhibit moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes, pockets of misinformation and stigma remain. It is recommended that nursing curricula integrate targeted modules on epilepsy, combining theory with practical exposure, to reinforce accurate knowledge and empathetic patient care. Enhancing education and advocacy through formal training will better equip future nurses to support social inclusion and reduce stigma against people living with epilepsy

Psychoactive substance use among university students has become a significant public health concern globally, with increasing prevalence particularly among young adults in higher institution. The general objective of this study was to examine the factors influencing psychoactive substance use among engineering students of the University of Benin. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed to investigate the prevalence, types, and determinants of substance use, as well as its perceived effects on students’ academic performance and well-being. The target population consisted of all undergraduate engineering students, from which a sample size of 440 respondents was selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (frequencies, means, and Chi-square tests). Findings revealed that 43% of respondents had used one or more psychoactive substances. Alcohol, tramadol, cannabis, and cigarettes were the most commonly used. Major influencing factors included peer pressure, academic stress, curiosity, and easy accessibility. The study also found a significant association between peer influence and substance use, and between substance use and academic performance (p < 0.05). It was concluded that psychoactive substance use among engineering students is largely driven by social and academic pressures, with adverse consequences on learning and health. The study recommends enhanced drug education, stress management training, and stricter enforcement of campus anti-drug policies.

Workplace abuse of nurses by patients and their relatives is a growing concern, affecting job performance, mental health, and overall well-being. This study assessed the factors influencing the abuse of nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Ugbowo, Benin City. The study aimed to determine the prevalence, types, and contributing factors of abuse
experienced by nurses. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 258 nurses selected through a stratified sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and 251 responses were deemed valid, giving a response rate of 97.2%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, with results presented in tables and figures. The study found that verbal abuse was the most common form of abuse, experienced by 71% of respondents. Other reported forms of abuse included emotional distress (59%), workplace bullying (53%), and rude or dismissive behavior (66%). Physical assault (37%), unwanted sexual harassment (42%), and stalking (31%) were less frequently reported. Factors contributing to abuse included patient frustration due to delayed medical attention (mean = 3.1), lack of understanding of hospital policies (mean = 3.0), and emotional distress of patient relatives (mean = 3.2). Patients with psychiatric conditions, those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and those with severe pain were more likely to abuse nurses. Abuse of nurses in UBTH is prevalent, with verbal and emotional abuse being the most reported. Factors such as patient frustration, unrealistic expectations, and poor communication contribute to these incidents. There is a need for hospital management to implement stricter policies against abuse, provide conflict resolution training for nurses, and improve communication between healthcare workers and patients’ relatives. Additionally, security measures should be strengthened to ensure a safer work environment for nurses.

Mindfulness meditation, recognized globally as an evidence-based intervention, promotes self-awareness, stress reduction, and emotional regulation. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of mindfulness meditation among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. It specifically examined students’ level of awareness, extent of practice, commonly used mindfulness techniques, and factors influencing mindfulness engagement. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, involving 312 nursing students selected from a total population of 983 across all academic levels using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a validated structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized respondents’ knowledge and practice levels, while Spearman’s rho correlation tested the relationship between the two variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings revealed that most respondents possessed moderate knowledge of mindfulness meditation but demonstrated low levels of regular practice. The most common methods used were mindful breathing and body scanning. Barriers identified
included lack of time, inadequate institutional support, and limited access to trained facilitators, while facilitators included positive attitudes and peer encouragement. Statistical analysis indicated a weak but positive correlation between knowledge and practice of mindfulness meditation among students. The study concludes that although nursing students are aware of mindfulness and its benefits, its practical application remains limited. Integrating mindfulness-based programs into the nursing curriculum is recommended to enhance students’ emotional resilience, stress management, and overall mental well-being. Strengthened institutional support and increased awareness can promote a more consistent mindfulness culture