FACULTY OF NURSING SCIENCES

This study assessed the perceived impact of clinical nursing practice on the academic performance of undergraduate nursing students in the University of Benin. Across-sectional survey design was employed, gathering data from 282 students through structured questionnaires. Findings revealed that 44.9% believed their workload during clinical practice adversely affected their learning, while 76.4% found instructor feedback helpful in enhancing clinical skills. Limited access to resources was reported by 40.6% of participants, and56.4%experienced stress that influenced their perception of clinical practice. Although clinical practice significantly enhanced professional development—49.1% strongly agreeing—it also presented challenges: 83.6% struggled to balance academic and clinical demands, and61.8%cited inadequate resources. Additionally, 50.9% reported insufficient supervision and mentorship, while 54.5% experienced high stress levels. Recommendations to address these issues include enhancing resource availability, strengthening mentorship, managing workloads, and providing stress management training. These interventions could optimize the learning environment and better prepare students for professional practice, emphasizing the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of clinical training programs to align with healthcare demands and student needs

This study investigated the effects of shift work and marital status on occupational stress among nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. The objectives were to assess the level of occupational stress among nurses, examine how various shift work patterns influence stress, determine the role of marital status in stress levels, and identify mediating factors that affect the relationship between shift work, marital status, and occupational stress. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 250 nurses across different departments. Data were collected using a self structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, ANOVA, and multiple regression. The findings revealed that nurses experienced a moderate level of occupational stress overall (Mean = 1.86, SD = 0.65), with the highest stress reported among those on night shifts (Mean = 2.39, SD = 0.73) and rotating shifts (Mean = 2.14, SD = 0.68). Marital status was significantly associated with occupational stress (F = 10.82, p < 0.001), with divorced/separated nurses experiencing the highest stress (Mean = 2.11, SD = 0.70), followed by married nurses (Mean = 1.93, SD = 0.65), while single nurses reported the lowest levels (Mean = 1.67, SD = 0.59). The interaction between shift work and marital status was statistically significant (F = 1.728, p = 0.048), indicating that the combination of these variables intensifies stress levels. Additional factors such as sleep disruption (r = 0.711, p < 0.001), work-family conflict (r = 0.672, p < 0.001), number of children (β = 0.156, p < 0.001), and lack of supervisor support (r = -0.631, p < 0.001) were found to exacerbate stress, while adequate rest (r = -0.677, p < 0.001), emotional support, and coping strategies served as buffers. The study concludes that shift work and marital status, both independently and interactively, significantly affect occupational stress among nurses. It recommends flexible shift scheduling, increased institutional support, stress management training, and further research to address occupational stress in healthcare settings.

Effective glycemic control is essential for preventing diabetes-related complications, yet knowledge gaps and practice barriers persist among patients in resource-limited settings. This study examined knowledge, practices, and factors affecting glycemic control among diabetic patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. A cross- sectional descriptive study was conducted among 174 adult diabetic patients attending the Consultant Outpatient Department. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. While 62% demonstrated overall good knowledge, critical deficits emerged in technical understanding: only 16.7% correctly defined glycemic control, 2.9% recognized HbA1c testing, and 26.4% understood appropriate monitoring frequency. Conversely, over 90% correctly identified symptoms, lifestyle modifications, and complications. Self-management practices were generally good (mean 3.37), with high medication adherence (85.6%) and clinic attendance (91.4%), but poor blood glucose monitoring (mean 3.20) and foot care (mean 2.47). Financial barriers emerged as primary impediments: 82.7% found glucometer kits too expensive, 58.6% struggled to afford medications, and 85.7% found monitoring painful. Additionally, 69% perceived cultural foods as incompatible with diabetes control, and 44.9% lacked glucometer use skills.Despite good symptom awareness and medication adherence, critical gaps in technical knowledge and substantial financial barriers limit effective glycemic self-management. Interventions must address both educational deficits in monitoring competence and structural barriers through subsidized supplies, skills training, and culturally adapted dietary counseling.

Burnout and job satisfaction are crucial determinants of nurses’ performance and the overall quality of healthcare delivery. This study investigated the relationship between burnout and job satisfaction among registered nurses working in a tertiary health institution in Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed using a structured questionnaire based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a standardized Job Satisfaction Scale. Data were collected from fifty-four (54) nurses selected through purposive sampling across major clinical departments. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for data analysis using SPSS version 25. Results indicated that while nurses experienced moderate levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, they maintained a strong sense of personal accomplishment and professional commitment. Job satisfaction levels were moderate, with higher satisfaction observed in collegial relationships and supervisory support, and lower satisfaction associated with remuneration, workload, and promotion opportunities. Statistical analysis revealed a significant inverse relationship between burnout dimensions and job satisfaction, suggesting that increased emotional exhaustion and workload correspond to decreased job satisfaction. The study concludes that supportive leadership, equitable workload distribution, and improved welfare policies are essential for reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction among nurses. It recommends that hospital management implement regular stress-management programs and create opportunities for career advancement to promote workforce retention and high-quality patient care

Nursing is a globally recognized female-dominated profession, with traditional gender stereotypes often shaping perceptions and career pathways. In cultural contexts like Edo State, Nigeria, these norms can significantly influence students' decisions to enter the field. This study aimed to examine the perception of gender roles and its influence on the choice of a nursing career among undergraduate nursing students in a tertiary institution in Edo State. A descriptive correlational design was adopted, surveying 270 undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin. Data were collected using a four-part questionnaire covering demographics, perceptions of gender roles, factors influencing career choice, and open-ended questions. Data
were analyzed with SPSS using descriptive statistics (mean, SD), inferential statistics (Independent Samples T-tests), and thematic analysis. Results revealed that the primary motivators for choosing nursing were altruistic factors (a desire to help people) and pragmatic considerations (career stability), which ranked significantly higher than the influence of gender based perceptions. While students held egalitarian views on professional competence, they acknowledged that nursing is publicly perceived as a female-dominated profession. A significant gender difference was found (p < .05), with male students reporting that they face more challenges and stereotypes than their female peers. Qualitative analysis confirmed these challenges, highlighting themes of patient bias and social isolation. In conclusion, while gender stereotypes persist and negatively impact the student experience, particularly for males, they are not the primary drivers of career choice for this cohort. Students are motivated by passion and pragmatism, choosing the profession despite existing societal biases. The study recommends the
integration of gender-sensitivity modules into nursing curricula and the establishment of mentorship programs to better support all students navigating these professional challenges.

This study explored the knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices among 258 nurses in a tertiary health facility in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, through a comprehensive survey. The research examined socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of various occupational hazards (physical, biological, chemical, ergonomic, and psychosocial), exposure levels, and adherence to safety protocols. Results indicated that 60.9% of nurses possessed good knowledge of occupational hazards, 33.3% had moderate knowledge, and 5.8% exhibited poor knowledge. High awareness was noted for workplace hazards (95.3%) and their potential adverse health effects (96.5%), though knowledge of relevant laws and regulations was lower (68.2%). Exposure to occupational hazards was significant, with 41.1% of nurses reporting high exposure and 50.0% experiencing moderate exposure. Frequently encountered hazards included prolonged standing (72.5%), low back pain (68.6%), workplace stress (76.7%), and exposure to disinfectants (55.0%). Overcrowded workplaces (56.6%) and infectious diseases (37.6%) were also prevalent concerns. Safety practices were robust, with 71.3% of nurses demonstrating good adherence, particularly in regular hand hygiene (77.1% strongly agree) and proper disposal of sharps (74.0% strongly agree). However, disagreement regarding needle recapping (24.8%) suggested areas for improved training. A chi-square analysis (χ² = 104.216, p < 0.001) confirmed a significant relationship between higher knowledge levels and better safety practices, underscoring the importance of education in fostering safer behaviors. The findings highlight gaps in organizational safety systems, such as limited systematic hazard identification (59.7%), and the need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include enhanced training on hazard- specific risks, regular risk assessments, ergonomic improvements, and stricter policy enforcement to mitigate exposure and promote a safer working environment for nurses in tertiary healthcare settings.

Background: Psychiatric nursing is inherently demanding, exposing practitioners to
significant occupational stress. However, the specific influence of workload on the
psychological health of nurses in Nigerian psychiatric hospitals remains under-researched.
This study investigated the influence of workload on the psychological health of psychiatric
nurses at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Edo State.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed among 101 psychiatric nurses
selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered
questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Findings revealed a strong positive association between workload and stress, with
71.3% of nurses agreeing that workload increased their stress levels. Workload significantly
contributed to emotional and physical exhaustion, though it did not strongly predict
professional detachment. Excessive workload was linked to diminished job satisfaction and
poor work-life balance, while manageable workloads enhanced fulfillment. Nurses
predominantly employed informal coping strategies such as relaxation techniques (49.5%) and
peer support (48.6%), with marked reluctance toward professional counseling services (31.7%
disagreed/strongly disagreed).
Conclusion: Workload significantly influences the psychological health of psychiatric nurses,
contributing to stress, exhaustion, and reduced job satisfaction. However, nurses maintain
professional commitment despite these challenges. The study recommends implementation of
equitable workload management systems, establishment of structured mental health support
programs, and promotion of adaptive coping strategies to safeguard nurse wellbeing and
optimize patient care quality.

Emotional intelligence and critical thinking disposition are essential competencies required for effective nursing education and professional practice. This study examined the correlation between emotional intelligence and critical thinking disposition among nursing students at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. A cross-sectional correlational design was adopted, and a total of 255 students from 200 to 500 levels were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using validated structured questionnaires measuring emotional intelligence and critical thinking disposition. Analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and means were used, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation served as the inferential statistical tool. Findings showed that the majority of participants were female (77.6%), with a mean age of 21.6 ± 3.26 years, and most respondents (94.1%) had a GPA of 3.0 and above. Emotional intelligence levels were generally high, with 52.16% of respondents scoring in the high category, 36.08% in the moderate category, and 11.76% in the low category. The overall mean emotional intelligence score was 55.9 ± 12.7. Critical thinking disposition also ranked high among respondents, with 52.55% classified as high, 33.73% moderate, and 13.73% low. The overall mean score for critical thinking disposition was 117.3 ± 33.2. Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant positive relationships between all dimensions of emotional intelligence and critical thinking disposition, with correlation coefficients ranging from r = +0.185 to r = +0.212 (p < 0.01). Overall emotional intelligence also showed a weak but significant positive correlation with critical thinking disposition (r = +0.210; p = 0.003), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The study concludes that higher emotional intelligence is associated with a stronger disposition toward critical thinking among nursing students, underscoring the need for educational strategies that promote both emotional and cognitive development within nursing training.

Background: Effective nursing leadership is pivotal in healthcare, significantly influencing team dynamics, job satisfaction, and the quality of patient care. The leadership styles adopted by nurse managers can either enhance or impede team performance, yet the specific dynamics within the context of Nigerian tertiary hospitals remain underexplored. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate leadership styles in nursing and their impact on team performance among nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. Methods: A correlational survey design was employed, with a sample of 272 nurses selected from a population of 850 using stratified and convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated, self-structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test) via SPSS version 25. Results: The findings revealed that transactional (50.8%) and laissez-faire (46.0%) leadership styles were predominant among nurse managers, with minimal evidence of transformational leadership. These styles were perceived negatively and were significantly associated with low team performance, including confusion (54.4%) and poor coordination (51.1%). Key factors influencing leadership style adoption included personal traits (69.5%), availability of resources (65.1%), and the nature of the clinical unit (62.9%). A significant relationship was found between leadership styles and team performance (p=0.026). Conclusion: The study concludes that the prevalent leadership styles at UBTH are largely ineffective, adversely affecting team cohesion and performance. There is a critical need for leadership development programs focused on transformational and participatory approaches to foster a more supportive and efficient work environment for nurses

This study assessed the patient perception and satisfaction with nursing care in a Primary Health Care Centre in Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed and a sample of 150 patients was selected using a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analysed using SPSS version 24.0 employing descriptive statistics and chi-square to analyse the collected data. The findings revealed there is a significant relationship between patients’ perceptions and their satisfaction with nursing care in a primary health care centre in Benin City. The study concluded that understanding patient perceptions and satisfaction within this context is critical for
identifying gaps in nursing care delivery and developing strategies to improve service quality. The study further suggested that in-depth qualitative studies, such as interviews or focus groups, can provide deeper insights into the personal experiences, expectations, and cultural factors influencing patient satisfaction