FACULTY OF NURSING SCIENCES

Diabetes mellitus (DM), particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is a major global health challenge, with prevalence rising steadily, especially in low- and middle-income countries. T2DM is closely associated with excess body weight, physical inactivity, and lifestyle changes, and its complications significantly impact morbidity and mortality. Current estimates indicate that approximately 463 million adults live with diabetes worldwide, with projections suggesting this number will reach 700 million by 2045. In Africa, the burden is particularly severe, with high rates of undiagnosed cases and diabetes-related deaths among adults under 60. Effective management of T2DM requires a holistic approach combining medication, physical activity, and dietary interventions, including low sucrose intake and high consumption of fiber-rich foods. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to short-term complications such as hypoglycemia and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome, as well as long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications, including retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease. This study underscores the urgent need for awareness, early diagnosis, and comprehensive management strategies to mitigate the growing global and regional burden of T2DM.

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.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) poses a significant health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in Edo State, where limited data exist on patient knowledge and treatment adherence. This study assessed the knowledge of CKD, adherence to prescribed treatment regimens, and associated barriers among CKD patients in a tertiary institution in Edo State. A cross- sectional descriptive study was conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, involving 158 CKD patients selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 26.0, employing descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests (p<0.05). Findings revealed that 53.2% of respondents had fair knowledge of CKD, primarily sourced from nurses (52.9%), while 28.5% had poor knowledge. Adherence to treatment regimens was generally poor, with only dietary compliance showing a mean score above 2.50. Key barriers to adherence included medication costs, side effects, inaccessible healthcare facilities, dietary restrictions, cultural beliefs, and lack of family support. No significant relationship was found between CKD knowledge and adherence (p=0.306), indicating that knowledge alone does not ensure adherence. The study recommends enhanced health educations by nurses and mass media campaigns to improve CKD awareness and address barriers like cost and accessibility. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance CKD management in Edo State

Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, with nearly 90% of new cases and related deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer prevention among female students in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Benin, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was utilized, and 315 participants were selected through a proportionate stratified random sampling approach.Findings showed that the respondents possessed a moderate level of knowledge about cervical cancer, particularly regarding its definition, modes of prevention, and transmission. Although attitudes toward screening and preventive measures were largely positive, many students reported not engaging in any form of preventive practice. The study also established a statistically significant association between students’ knowledge levels and their preventive practices (χ² = 31.17, p < 0.0001).Overall, the results underscore the need for focused educational strategies aimed at improving young women's awareness, attitudes, and engagement in cervical cancer prevention activities.

Depression is a significant public health concern among university students, particularly those in health-related fields such as nursing, due to academic workload, psychosocial stressors, and limited coping mechanisms. This study assessed the incidence, perception, and risk factors associated with depression among nursing undergraduates in the Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Science, University Of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive non-experimental survey design was adopted. Convenient sampling was used to select 272 nursing undergraduates from 200 to 500 level. A structured questionnaire was administered, of which 266 were properly completed and valid for analysis, yielding a response rate of 97.8%. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were employed to examine relationships between incidence and perception of depression. Findings revealed that 24% of the respondents experienced a high incidence rate of depression, while the overall mean score indicated generally low depression levels. Perception of depression was predominantly positive, with 83% of students demonstrating favourable attitudes toward mental health. Furthermore, 85% of respondents identified multiple risk factors for depression, including academic workload, financial stress, poor social support, sleep deprivation, and lack of recreational activities. The chi-square analysis showed no statistically significant relationship between incidence and perception of depression (χ² = 6.785, df = 1, p = 0.078). The study concluded that although the overall incidence of depression among nursing undergraduates was relatively low compared to previous studies, significant risk factors remain present. The positive perception of depression suggests growing awareness and reduced stigma within the population. The study recommends periodic mental health screening for nursing students, integration of stress management programs into the nursing curriculum, establishment of peer-support systems, and improved access to counselling services within the university to strengthen early detection and intervention.