FACULTY OF NURSING SCIENCE

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disorder predominantly affecting children and adolescents. Despite its rising global prevalence and the lifelong self- management it requires, awareness and understanding of the disease remain low among adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perception of T1DM among adolescents in selected departments within the Faculty of Arts at the University of Benin. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered to 291 students aged 13 to 19 years. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied. Findings revealed that while awareness of diabetes was relatively high, only 15.4% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of T1DM, with 45.4% showing poor understanding. Most respondents (59.5%) could differentiate between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but only 26.1% correctly identified the autoimmune nature of T1DM. Additionally, misconceptions were noted regarding its prevention and management. In terms of perception, 57.7% of the participants held negative views toward the condition, though a significant number acknowledged its seriousness and supported increased awareness. A strong statistical relationship (p < 0.001) was found between knowledge level and perception, indicating that improved knowledge correlates with more positive attitudes. However, no significant difference in knowledge or perception was observed across gender. The study concludes that substantial knowledge gaps and misconceptions about T1DM exist among adolescents in the arts faculty, negatively influencing their perception. It recommends targeted health education programs to improve adolescents’ understanding and attitudes toward T1DM, thereby promoting early recognition, supportive peer environments, and better disease management

Learning platforms play a vital role in shaping students’ academic achievement and critical thinking skills, particularly in highly demanding fields like nursing. Understanding how traditional and online learning platforms impact these competencies is essential for improving nursing education. This study assessed the perceived impact of traditional and online learning platforms on nursing students’ knowledge acquisition and critical thinking skills at the University of Benin. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, utilizing a convenience sampling technique to select 245 nursing students across different academic levels. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0, focusing on sociodemographic characteristics, perceived impacts, and platform-specific strengths and limitations. The study revealed a predominantly young and female student population, with 47.9% of respondents aged 21–25 years and females accounting for 88% of the participants. Traditional learning platforms were perceived by 75% of respondents as having a igh positive impact, enhancing understanding of concepts (mean = 3.5), promoting active participation (mean = 3.2), and supporting critical thinking through real-time feedback. Similarly, 78% of students reported a high positive impact from online learning platforms, citing flexibility, ease of access to diverse resources (mean = 3.1), and the ability to revisit recorded lectures (mean = 3.3) as major benefits. However, challenges such as poor internet connectivity (50% strongly agreed) and the need for higher self-discipline were noted. Both traditional and online platforms contribute significantly to students’ cognitive development, highlighting the importance of a blended learning approach. Educational institutions should enhance internet infrastructure, promote structured online learning strategies, and integrate critical thinking exercises across both platforms. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term academic and professional outcomes associated with blended learning environments.

Burnout among nurses is a growing concern in healthcare systems worldwide due to its adverse implications on both professional well-being and quality of patient care. This study aimed to assess the level of burnout among nurses and its perceived impact on patient care at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was employed, and a total of 222 registered nurses working across various clinical units were selected using a stratified random sampling technique to ensure equitable representation. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Out of 222 distributed questionnaires, 216 were valid and analyzed, yielding a high response rate of 97.3%. Results revealed that the majority of the respondents were female (81.9%) and within the age group of 30–39 years (33.3%). Most had a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (61.1%) and 6–10 years of post-qualification experience (37.0%). The findings indicated a high level of burnout among nurses, with a grand mean score of 3.2 across various burnout indicators. Additionally, the perceived impact of burnout on patient care was notably high, with a grand mean score of 3.3. Notable areas affected by burnout included emotional exhaustion, reduced empathy, communication difficulties, and decreased adherence to patient safety protocols. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that burnout is prevalent among nurses at UBTH and significantly affects the quality of patient care delivered. It underscores the need for organizational and psychological interventions to mitigate burnout and enhance the well-being of nurses. The study management training, and the establishment of mental health support systems to help reduce burnout and improve patient care outcomes.

This study examined the influence of stress on the academic performance of undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 282 students via structured questionnaires. Results showed that academic workload and clinical responsibilities were major stressors, with 44.9% and 76.4% of students respectively reporting significant stress related to these areas. While 76.4% found peer and instructor support beneficial for managing stress, 40.6% indicated limited access to coping resources. Stress was found to negatively impact concentration, motivation, examination performance, and information retention among many students. Despite these challenges, students commonly employed coping strategies such as listening to music, social interaction, and spiritual practices. The majority endorsed interventions including time management workshops, peer support groups, and counselling services to mitigate stress. Recommendations focus on implementing structured support systems and stress management programs to enhance academic outcomes and overall well-being, highlighting the importance of continuous evaluation to improve nursing education.

This study explored the utilization and perceived clinical effectiveness of honey in burn wound management among nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. Burn injuries pose significant challenges in clinical care, particularly in resource-limited settings where affordable and accessible treatment options are essential. Honey, with its antibacterial and wound-healing properties, has been increasingly recognized as a viable alternative. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and a convenience sampling technique was used to select 258 nurses. Of these, 249 completed the questionnaire correctly, yielding a response rate of 96.5%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Findings revealed that 67.5% of nurses had personally used honey in burn wound care, and 72.3% reported observing its use in clinical practice. A total of 61.0% indicated that they initiated the use of honey even without prior doctor approval, while 65.8% used it when conventional materials were unavailable. Only 34.1% of respondents reported receiving formal training on the use of honey in wound care, and just 29.7% stated that their departments had standard protocols for its use. Overall, the utilization of honey was rated high, with a grand mean score of 2.6 (cutoff = 2.5). On perceived clinical effectiveness, 74.3% of nurses believed honey facilitatesfaster wound healing, 70.2% agreed it reduces the risk of infection, and 66.7% reported it helps alleviate pain. A grand mean of 2.7 indicated a high perception of honey’s clinical effectiveness. In conclusion, the study demonstrated a substantial level of honey utilization and positive perception of its effectiveness among nurses at UBTH. The study recommends integrating honey-based protocols into standard practice, expanding training programs, and conducting further clinical trials to reinforce its evidence-based application in wound care

Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. In Nigeria, poor self-carepractices remain a challenge, often influenced by sociocultural beliefs and determinants. As such, this study assessed the sociocultural determinants of self-care practices among patients with hypertension attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, EdoState. A Descriptive cross-sectional study was used in this study, of which data were collectedfrom 230 hypertensive patients through structured questionnaires. The result showed thatmajority of participants were female (53%) with a mean age of 49 years. With a high prevalence of senior secondary education (24%), majority were either retired or employed in the private sector, with an average monthly income of ₦83,258.24. In addition, adherence to medication (x.18) was high, whereas practices such as home blood pressure monitoring ( x= 2.46) and dietary management ( x2.45) showed moderate adherence. Furthermore, common socio- cultural factors sinfluencing self-care practices included high medication costs (x= 3.45), family support (x= 3.43), religious beliefs (x3.25), spiritual beliefs (x= 3.11), and pressure to adhere to cultural food customs which could affect dietary adherene (x= 3.10). Multivariate logistic regression further indicated that longer duration of hypertension significantly increased adherence odds (OR=8.606, 95% CI: 1.914–38.693, p=0.005) with rural residents (OR=2.164, 95% CI: 1.068–4.385, p=0.032) being more adherent. More so, perceived stigma increased the likelihood of adherence (OR=2.595, 95% CI: 1.065–148.987, p=0.044). Hence, the study recommended developing culturally sensitive programs to destigmatize hypertension and dispel misconceptions about traditional/spiritual practices in relation to treatment

This study aimed to evaluate nurses' adherence to evidence-based infection prevention and control protocols for catheter associated urinary tract infections prevention at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), identify influencing factors, and propose strategies to enhance compliance.A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed,using a structured questionnaire administered to 211 nurses across various clinical departments.Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics,with significance set at p < 0.05. The findings revealed that while 80.6% of nurses demonstrated good knowledge of CAUTI prevention protocols, only 67.3% reported strict adherence to them. Factors afecting adherence included high patient loads,time constraints, inadequate supply of personal protective equipment, and lack of institutional support.A significant relationship (p < 0.05) was found between nurses’ knowledge and their level of adherence, afirming the relevance of the Theory of Planned Behavior in predicting IPC compliance. The study concludes that although knowledge levels are relatively high, adherence is hindered by modifiable barriers. To improve compliance, the study recommends regular in-service training, implementation ofnurse-led catheter protocols, improved resource allocation, and enhanced leadership engagement.These interventions are expected to reduce CAUTI rates, enhance patient outcomes, and strengthen infection control practices.The study contributes to the growing body of evidence emphasizing the need for context-specific interventions in Nigerian healthcare settings to support nurses in delivering safe, evidence-based care

This study investigated cardiovascular disease (CVD) presentations, risk factors, and treatment outcomes among 102 older adults receiving care at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional design with structured questionnaires was used. The mean age of respondents was 66.5 years; 52.9% were female and 47.1% male. Hypertension (26.5%) and cardiac structure/function disorders (26.5%) were the most prevalent diagnoses. The most reported CVD presentations were chest pain (73.5%), rapid fatigue (83.3%), irregular heartbeat (100%), weakness/lightheadedness (83.4%), and shortness of breath during activities (79.4%). Awareness of risk factors was high, with over 90% acknowledging hypertension, obesity, diabetes, poor diet, physical inactivity, and stress as contributors to CVD. However, only 73.3% recognized gender differences in disease patterns. Perceptions of gender disparities in treatment were generally low, though 56.6% agreed that differences in care may affect survival, and 90.1% emphasized the need for gender equity in treatment. Chi-square analysis revealed no significant association between gender and CVD presentations (p=0.077) or treatment outcomes (p=0.194), but a significant relationship existed between gender and risk factor awareness (p=0.024). The findings highlight the importance of sustained health education and gender-sensitive strategies to improve CVD management in older adults.

The relationship between academic performance and clinical practice is a crucial area of focus in nursing education. Academic performance serves as a foundation for the theoretical knowledge required in clinical practice, while clinical experiences provide opportunities to apply this knowledge in real-world healthcare setting. However, bridging the gap between academic and clinical environments remains a significant challenge for nursing students globally. Several factors influence nursing students' academic performance, including stress, satisfaction with learning environments, and access to educational resources. This study assessed evaluated the influence of academic performance on clinical practice of nursing student in a tertiary institution in Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 253 nursing students from 300-500 level in the University of Benin, using structured questionnaires, and data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that 70.8% of respondents agreed that academic performance significantly impacted clinical practice outcomes. The factors influencing academic performance and clinical practice included access to learning resources (85.9%), faculty support (65.2%), peer collaboration (90.9%), and personal factors like time management and self-discipline (70.0%). Challenges faced by students included inadequate clinical supervision (58.2%), the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-life clinical scenarios (34.5%), and limited exposure to diverse clinical cases (39.2%). The study confirmed a positive relationship between academic performance and clinical competence. The hypothesis that there is no significant relationship between the level of impact of academic performance on clinical practice outcomes and the challenges faced by nursing students was not supported, hence indicating a significant relationship (p=0.03). Based on these findings, it is recommended that nursing institutions improve clinical supervision, provide more practical opportunities, and enhance resources to support students in applying theoretical knowledge efectively in clinical setting

Teenage pregnancy remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, contributing to school dropout, maternal and infant morbidity, and socio-economic challenges. This study aimed to assess the awareness and contributing factors of teenage pregnancy among secondary school students in a local government area of Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. Simple random sampling was used to select 271 participants from two secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area. A structured questionnaire was distributed, and 266 were properly filled and valid for analysis, yielding a response rate of 98.1%. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics summarized socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence, awareness, and contributing factors of teenage pregnancy. Chi-square tests were conducted to assess the relationship between the level of awareness of sex education and the prevalence of teenage pregnancy. The study revealed a self-reported teenage pregnancy prevalence of 6.8%, with higher rates among older adolescents (17–19 years). Approximately 70% of students demonstrated good awareness of sex education and reproductive health, though gaps and misconceptions persisted regarding contraception and reproductive health components. Multiple factors were identified as contributing to teenage pregnancy, including poverty, peer influence, lack of parental care, broken homes, low self-confidence, early marriage, social media exposure, and cultural or religious restrictions. A significant association was found between awareness of sex education and teenage pregnancy awareness (χ² = 6.765, p = 0.01). Teenage pregnancy among secondary school students in the study area is influenced by a combination of socio-demographic, familial, economic, psychological, and cultural factors, while adequate awareness of sex education serves as a protective factor. Comprehensive sex education programs, parental and community engagement, targeted interventions for vulnerable adolescents, and accessible youth-friendly reproductive health services are recommended to reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy and promote adolescent well-being.