FACULTY OF NURSING SCIENCE

Obesity is defined as the abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat to levels that pose significant health risks. This study assessed the knowledge and attitude regarding diet promotion strategies in the prevention of obesity among nursing students at the University of Benin, Edo State. The research was guided by three objectives and corresponding research questions.The target population comprised nursing students from 200 to 500 levels, and a sample of 282 participants was selected using a simple random sampling technique.Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages.Findings revealed that most respondents possessed adequate knowledge and a positive attitude toward diet promotion strategies for obesity prevention. Specifically, 99.4% of participants were aware that obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases, while 96.8% demonstrated a favorable attitude toward maintaining healthy eating habits. However, the practical application of this knowledge was found to be inconsistent. The study concludes that continuous health education is essential to strengthen nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding obesity prevention. It recommends that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria incorporate comprehensive concepts on diet promotion strategies, obesity prevention, and nutrition-related interventions into the nursing curriculum to enhance
students’ competencies as future health educators and advocates

Nursing documentation is a critical component of professional practice, ensuring continuity of care, enhancing patient safety, and serving as a legal record of nursing activities. However, workload pressures often compromise the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of documentation. This study investigated the perceived impact of workload on ef ective nursing documentation among nurses in a tertiary healthcare institution in Benin City. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Using a stratified random sampling technique, 246 questionnaires were distributed to nurses working in various departments ofthe University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Out of these, 239 were properly completed and valid for analysis, representing a response rate of 97.1%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents (89%) demonstrated good knowledge of nursing documentation. However, workload was perceived to have a high impact on documentation practices, with a grand mean of 3.1. Key factors identified included high patientto-nurse ratios, time pressure during shifts, emergency situations, multitasking, and lack of support staf . Challenges faced by nurses included inadequate staf ing, lack of training, absence of electronic health records, unavailability of documentation tools, and frequent interruptions. Hypothesis testing showed a significant relationship between knowledge of nursing documentation and perceived impact of workload (χ² = 6.785, p= 0.041). The study concludes that while nurses possess good knowledge of documentation, workload and systemic challenges
remain major barriers to ef ective practice. This highlights the need for organizational interventions to bridge the knowledge–practice gap. It is recommended that hospital management strengthen staf ing, provide adequate documentation tools, adopt electronic health records, and implement regular in-service training programs. Supportive supervision and clear institutional policies should also be established to enhance ef ective nursing documentation and improve patient care outcomes

Stress and burnout are increasingly recognized as critical challenges in the nursing profession, particularly among newly qualified nurses who face the pressures of adapting to demanding clinical environments. These challenges can significantly affect nurses’ well-being, job performance, and quality of patient care, underscoring the need for evidence-based interventions. This study aims to explore the experiences of newly qualified nurses regarding stress and burnout at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. This quantitative descriptive study examined the level of stress and burnout among newly qualified nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Using a purposive sampling technique, a total of 149 newly qualified nurses were recruited. Data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. The findings were presented using descriptive statistics.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of global mortality, with a rising burden in sub-Saharan Africa driven by rapid urbanization and unhealthy lifestyle changes. In Nigeria, modifiable risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption are increasingly prevalent, yet limited data exist on how these behaviors correlate
with physiological risk factors within urban communities. This study aimed to assess behavioral lifestyle practices as correlates of modifiable physiological risk factors for cardiovascular disease among adult residents in the Ekosodin community, Benin City, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a systematic sampling technique. The sample used a
Kth interval of 2in selecting households and then adult residents within the community. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and physical measurements, including body mass index (BMI) checking the height and weight, blood pressure (BP), and waist circumference (WC). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze patterns of behavior and risk factors, while chi- square and multivariate logistic regression were employed to test associations and hypotheses. Among adult residents in Ekosodin community (Benin City, Nigeria), cardiovascular disease risk significantly correlated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors as 38.6% had hypertension, 57.5% were overweight/obese, 34% were high-risk residents, with risk factors more prevalent among
males (39.7%), those aged over 60 (66.7%), individuals with no formal education (54.2%), those earning less than ₦20,000 monthly (39.4%), and those with a family history of CVD (43.9%).The study highlights the strong correlation between lifestyle behaviors and cardiovascular risk factors among adults in the Ekosodin community. It underscores the urgent need for community- based health promotion interventions that target behavior modification. Public health policies should prioritize education and prevention strategies to address the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in urban Nigerian settings.

This study investigated the determinants of quality of life in oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed with a convenience sample of 244 patients receiving chemotherapy treatment. Data was collected using a researcher’s questionnaire assessing quality of life dimensions and available support systems. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 28.0, employing both descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means) and inferential statistics (chi-square) with significance set at p < 0.05.Findings revealed concerning quality of life levels among participants, with 45% reporting poor quality of life, 37% reporting fair quality of life, and only 18% reporting good quality of life. The study identified several determinants influencing quality of life outcomes, including sociodemographic factors, disease characteristics, treatment-related side effects, psychological well-being, and available support systems. Assessment of support systems highlighted gaps in comprehensive care delivery. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve quality of life among chemotherapy patients at UBTH through enhanced symptom management protocols, expanded psychosocial support services, and integrated care models. This study
contributes valuable insights to inform clinical practice, healthcare policy, and system-level improvements aimed at enhancing the overall well-being of oncology patients in this setting. Further research employing longitudinal designs and mixed-methods approaches is recommended to more comprehensively understand quality of life trajectories and develop contextually appropriate interventions.

This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted to assess the level of awareness and compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures among healthcare professionals at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique was used to ensure representation across various professional categories, and a total of 300 participants were selected. Of these, 298 correctly filled and returned the questionnaires, yielding a high response rate of 99.3%. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize the results. Findings revealed that 76.5% of respondents demonstrated a
good level of awareness of IPC practices. The overall mean score for awareness was 1.8, above the threshold cut-off of 1.5, indicating adequate knowledge among healthcare professionals about critical IPC measures such as hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling of sharps. Regarding compliance, 82.1% of participants reported adhering consistently to IPC protocols. The grand mean score for compliance was 3.6, exceeding the cut-off point of 2.5, signifying a high level of practical application of IPC guidelines. The highest levels of compliance were reported in the use of PPE (87.2%) and proper waste disposal (84.6%). The study concluded that healthcare professionals at UBTH exhibit a high level of awareness and compliance with IPC measures. Nonetheless, the findings also indicate areas where consistency in practice could be improved, particularly in low-resource settings within the facility. It is recommended that regular in-service training, continuous monitoring, and institutional support be provided to maintain and enhance IPC standards. This approach will help foster a culture of safety and reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are digital medical records that can be accessed by various healthcare providers to facilitate patient data accessibility, transmission, and storage, foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, and utilize patient data quickly and efficiently. The creation of the EMR system allowed institutions to manage patient records in an intelligent,
secure, and knowledgeable way. This research focused on the perception and attitudes of nurses towards electronic medical record and documentation systems. A total of 278 questionnaires were distributed, with 265 properly completed and returned, representing a response rate of 95.3%. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and
inferential statistics (Chi-square) to test the hypotheses providing valuable insights on the perception and attitudes of nurses towards electronic medical record and documentation system in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo state. The study adopted descriptive design. A convenient sampling technique. The results from this study showed that the majority
of the nurses (81.9%) had a positive perception towards the electronic medical record and documentation system, while only 18.1% had a negative perception. It also showed that the vast majority of the nurses (87.2%) had a positive attitude towards the utilization of electronic medical record and documentation systems, while only 12.8% had a negative attitude. Furthermore, the findings also revealed that the most significant factors identified, were technical issues, prior experience with computers or technology, and lack of training. Other factors such as staffing shortage, lack of clear policies on EMR use, complexity of the software, and internet connectivity issues were also considered as a challenge in the effective utilization remains of EMR in the hospital.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of cholera and its prevention among adult patients attending the General Practice Clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. A total of 275 patients participated in the study, which utilized a descriptive cross- sectional non-experimental design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and
statistical analysis was performed using chi-square at a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that while a majority of participants (70%) were aware of cholera’s symptoms and transmission routes, only 45% consistently practiced recommended preventive measures such as proper sanitation and safe water handling. Misconceptions about cholera treatment were
identified in 30% of respondents. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between knowledge of cholera and factors such as education level (p=0.04), occupation (p=0.03), and access to healthcare information (p=0.02). Despite these gaps, participants with higher levels of education and greater access to health information demonstrated better adherence to preventive practices. The study recommends enhancing public health education, particularly in communities with limited sanitation resources, and improving access to safe water. Additionally, strengthening community outreach programs and addressing misconceptions regarding cholera treatment are essential for better disease prevention. This study provides important insights for healthcare providers and policymakers in developing more effective cholera prevention strategies to reduce the risk of outbreaks and improve public health outcomes.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses a significant public health challenge in Nigeria due to its genetic nature, high prevalence, and associated morbidity. Despite increasing awareness campaigns, many individuals still fail to comply with preventive measures such as premarital screening. This study investigated the relationship between awareness and compliance towards premarital sickle cell screening among unmarried students in the Faculty of Arts, University of Benin, Edo State. A correlational design was adopted, and 350 participants were selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires
and analyzed using SPSS version 24.0, with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests applied. The findings revealed a high level of awareness regarding SCD and premarital screening among respondents; however, compliance was moderate. Although many students knew their genotype and acknowledged the importance of screening, cultural, emotional, and social factors still hindered full compliance. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between awareness and compliance (p = 0.067). The study concludes that awareness alone does not guarantee compliance, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions that address behavioral, cultural, and emotional barriers to effective screening practices.

Hypertension is diagnosed if the blood pressure is elevated on at least three different blood pressure measurements taken on two or more office visits. Blood pressure is an indication of
the amount of work that the heart has to do to pump blood around the body. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events and mortality. This research focused on the assessment of anti-hypertensive prescription pattern on blood pressure control among outpatients in a tertiary healthcare facility (University of Benin Teaching Hospital) in Edo state. A total of 254 questionnaires were administered, and 251 were returned, representing a response rate of 98.8%. The study adopted descriptive design. A convenient sampling technique. The results showed that the overall level of knowledge regarding anti-hypertensive prescription patterns among the respondents showed that the majority of the respondents (42.6%) had a fair level of knowledge, followed by those with poor knowledge (29.1%) and those with good knowledge (28.3%). Also, the overall compliance level of respondents to antihypertensive prescriptions showed that the majority of the respondents (46.6%) had a fair level of compliance, followed by those with poor compliance (28.7%) and those with good compliance (24.7%). Furthermore, the findings revealed that the factors influencing compliance to anti-hypertensive prescriptions were found to have a high influence on compliance. The most influential factor was financial constraints, followed by busy schedules, too many medications, lack of information about the disease, and side effects from medication.