FACULTY OF NURSING SCIENCES

Delayed presentation to emergency services represents a significant challenge in paediatric healthcare, often resulting in adverse outcomes and increased mortality. Understanding parental knowledge and perceptions regarding delayed presentation is crucial for developing effective interventions to improve timely care-seeking behaviour. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of the consequences of delayed presentation among parents attending the children's emergency unit at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State, Nigeria. This descriptive cross-sectional survey utilized purposive sampling technique to recruit 145 parents attending the children's emergency unit at UBTH. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of consequences of delayed presentation, perception of delayed presentation, and factors responsible for delayed presentation. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. The study achieved a 96.5% response rate with 140 valid questionnaires. Most respondents were female (62.9%), married (68.6%), and had tertiary education (37.9%). The findings revealed that 74% of parents demonstrated good knowledge of the consequences of delayed presentation, while 69% exhibited positive perceptions regarding the importance of timely emergency care. Financial constraints (mean=3.2), hope for home recovery (mean=3.2), and transportation difficulties (mean=3.1) were identified as the most influential factors responsible for delayed presentation. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between knowledge and perception of delayed presentation among parents (χ²=1.12, p=0.29). Despite good knowledge and positive perceptions among most parents regarding the consequences of delayed presentation, socioeconomic factors continue to significantly influence timely healthcare-seeking behaviours
for paediatric emergencies. Health education programs should be intensified to reach the 26% of parents with poor knowledge. Healthcare policies addressing financial barriers to emergency care access should be implemented.

Diphtheria remains a serious public health concern, particularly in developing countries, wherehealthcare systems may face resource and training limitations. Nurses play a critical role intheearly recognition, management, and prevention of diphtheria outbreaks. This study wasadescriptive cross-sectional survey conducted to assess the knowledge and management practicesregarding diphtheria among nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), BeninCity, Nigeria. A total of 236 questionnaires were distributed using a stratified samplingtechnique to ensure fair representation across departments. Out of these, 231 were properlyfilled and valid for data analysis, giving a response rate of 97.8%. Data were analyzed usingtheStatistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. The findings revealed that 82%demonstrated good knowledge, while 83% showed good knowledge of diphtheria management. Asignificant proportion (82.0%) of the respondents had a positive attitude toward diphtheriamanagement, whereas 18% exhibited negative or indif erent attitudes. However, several challenges were identified. Notably, 70.6% of the nurses reported inadequate availabilityof personal protective equipment (PPE), 80.1% cited limited access to diphtheria antitoxin, 80.1%indicated insuf icient training opportunities, and 69.7% highlighted the absence of clearmanagement protocols as a major obstacle to ef ective care. In conclusion, while the majorityof nurses held a positive outlook toward diphtheria management, gaps in knowledge and numeroussystemic challenges were evident. These issues may hinder the ef ective response to diphtheriaoutbreaks and impact patient outcomes. It is therefore recommended that regular in-servicetraining be provided to update and reinforce nurses’ knowledge and skills. Additionally, improving access to essential supplies such as PPE and antitoxins, along with the development and implementation of clear institutional protocols, is essential for enhancing nurses’ capacityto manage diphtheria ef ectively

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.

This study investigates the influence of menopause on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in menopausal women attending the Consultant Outpatient Department at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Nigeria. Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disorder, disproportionately affects women, with hormonal changes during menopause potentially exacerbating disease activity. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of RA among menopausal women, examine the perceived impact of menopause on RA symptoms, evaluate changes in disease progression post-menopause, and identify coping strategies for symptom management. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, with data collected from 144 menopausal women diagnosed with RA using a structured questionnaire. Convenience sampling was utilized, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0, incorporating descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square tests). Results revealed that 70.8% of respondents were menopausal at the time of RA diagnosis, with 83.3%
reporting a formal RA diagnosis. Menopause was significantly associated with worsened joint pain (mean score = 4.64), increased stiffness, and heightened fatigue. A strong correlation (p = 0.000) was observed between menopausal status and RA diagnosis. Common coping strategies included dietary adjustments (mean = 4.34) and seeking emotional support
(mean = 4.33). The study concludes that menopause significantly exacerbates RA severity and symptom progression, highlighting the need for integrated healthcare strategies that address both hormonal changes and RA management. Recommendations include improving patient-provider communication, developing tailored treatment plans, and further research into the biological mechanisms linking menopause and RA

Hypertension is a major global public health concern and the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite its preventable nature, awareness, perception, and control of hypertension remain suboptimal, especially among young adults in developing countries like Nigeria. This study assessed the knowledge and perception of hypertension and its complications among young adults in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A total of 316 respondents aged 18–35 years were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected with a structured and validated Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with results presented in frequency tables and percentages. Findings revealed that 26.3% of respondents had poor knowledge of hypertension, 48.1% demonstrated fair knowledge, while 25.6% had good knowledge. Although most respondents recognized key risk factors such as obesity, stress, and salt intake, misconceptions persisted regarding the curability of hypertension and its risk among young people. Perception of hypertension was generally moderate, influenced by factors such as education level, lifestyle habits, and family history.

This study examined the knowledge, attitude, and practice of nutrition and healthy eating habits among students of a tertiary institution in Benin City, Edo State. Poor nutrition and unhealthy eating behaviours among young adults have been recognized as major public health concerns, contributing to the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design and utilized a stratified sampling technique with convenience sampling to select 200 participants from different academic levels and faculties. A total of 200 structured questionnaires were distributed and duly completed, yielding a 100% response rate. Data were analysed us ing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, and results were presented in tables, charts, and figures using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that the majority of the students possessed good knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating habits, as indicated by a grand mean score of 1.8. Most respondents also exhibited positive attitudes toward proper nutrition, recognizing the importance of balanced diets, regular meals, and adequate hydration. However, despite their awareness, many students demonstrated poor eating practices, often skipping meals, consuming fast foods, and taking sugary beverages due to time constraints, limited finances, and the easy availability of junk foods. Hypothesis testing showed a significant relationship between students’ nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and their actual eating behaviours (p< 0.05). The study concludes that while students have good knowledge and favourable attitudes toward nutrition, these do not always translate into healthy dietary practices due to various socioeconomic and environmental barriers

HAND HYGIENE IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL, PARTICULARLY AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS. THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) INTRODUCED THE “5 MOMENTS FOR HAND HYGIENE” (MOHH) TO REDUCE HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS (HAIS) AND PROMOTE PATIENT SAFETY. THIS STUDY ASSESSED THE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF THE WHO 5 MOHH AMONG NURSE-MIDWIVES IN SELECTED WARDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL (UBTH), BENIN CITY, NIGERIA. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL DESIGN WAS EMPLOYED, USING A STRUCTURED SELF-ADMINISTERED QUESTIONNAIRE. DATA WERE COLLECTED FROM 161 NURSE-MIDWIVES AND ANALYZED USING SPSS VERSION 23. FINDINGS SHOWED THAT 52.2% OF RESPONDENTS HAD GOOD KNOWLEDGE, 31.7% HAD FAIR KNOWLEDGE, AND 16.1% HAD POOR KNOWLEDGE OF THE MOHH. REGARDING PRACTICE, THE HIGHEST COMPLIANCE WAS SEEN IN MOMENT 3 (AFTER BODY FLUID EXPOSURE/RISK) AND MOMENT 4 (AFTER TOUCHING A PATIENT), WHILE MOMENTS 1 (BEFORE TOUCHING A PATIENT) AND 2 (BEFORE ASEPTIC PROCEDURES) HAD THE LOWEST ADHERENCE RATES. ADDITIONALLY, 60.2% OF RESPONDENTS BELIEVED HAND HYGIENE IS NOT NECESSARY IF GLOVES ARE WORN, AND 85.7% INCORRECTLY THOUGHT THAT HYGIENE COULD BE SKIPPED AT MOMENT 1 IF IT WAS RECENTLY PERFORMED AT MOMENT 5. THESTUDY CONCLUDES THAT WHILE GENERAL AWARENESS OF HAND HYGIENE IS
HIGH AMONG NURSE-MIDWIVES, THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCIES IN BOTH SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND CONSISTENT PRACTICE OF THE WHO 5 MOHH. STRENGTHENING TRAINING PROGRAMS, IMPROVING SUPPLY OF HYGIENE MATERIALS, AND PROMOTING SUPPORTIVE SUPERVISION ARE RECOMMENDED TO BRIDGE THESE GAPS AND IMPROVE INFECTION CONTROL PRACTICES.

There is a significant difference in the attitude towards UTI prevention and control between different year levels of nursing students. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in women, including female nursing students, who may be at increased risk due to lifestyle and academic stressors. Adequate knowledge and a positive attitude toward prevention and control are essential in reducing their incidence and complications. This study assessed the knowledge and attitude of female nursing students at the University of Benin, Benin City, regarding UTI prevention and control. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and 260 female nursing students from 200 to 500 level were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Of the distributed questionnaires, 256 were correctly completed, yielding a 96.5% response rate. Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0, with results presented in frequencies, percentages, means, and charts. Findings revealed that 80% of respondents had good knowledge of UTI causes, prevention, and complications, with a grand mean knowledge score of 3.2. Most participants were aged 20–24 (55.9%), single (84.4%), and Christian (82.4%). The general attitude toward UTI prevention was positive, also with a grand mean score of 3.2. Many students agreed on the importance of UTI prevention and expressed a willingness to educate others. Despite the overall positive findings, minor knowledge gaps were observed, particularly regarding the preventive role of cranberry juice. The study recommends enhanced health education within nursing curricula to address these gaps. Additionally, regular hygiene campaigns and sensitization seminars could further promote preventive behavior among students

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic condition requiring strict adherence to diet therapy for effective management and prevention of complications. This study aimed to assess the level of compliance to diet therapy among patients with T1DM attending a tertiary health institution. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Using a convenience sampling technique, 195 patients attending the Chest Out-Patient Department (COPD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) between February and March 2025 were selected. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, and 187 properly completed questionnaires were retrieved, yielding a response rate of 95.9%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, and findings were presented in frequencies, percentages, and means. The majority of respondents (55.1%) were aged between 32 and 37 years, with a slight female predominance (54.5%). Most participants were of Edo ethnicity (52.4%), had attained tertiary education (42.2%), and were predominantly traders (38.5%). The assessment of knowledge regarding diet therapy revealed a generally good level of awareness, with a grand mean score of 3.1 (cut-off = 2.5). Respondents demonstrated strong knowledge in areas such as the importance of meal timing, portion control, reducing sugar intake, and awareness of healthy food choices for blood sugar management. The findings indicate that patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in this tertiary health institution possess a good level of knowledge regarding diet therapy. However, gaps remain in areas such as practical application and consistent adherence to dietary recommendations. It is recommended that continuous diabetes education programs emphasizing practical dietary management strategies be strengthened. Healthcare providers should offer personalized dietary counseling and regular follow-up to enhance patient compliance and ultimately improve health outcomes among individuals living with type 1 diabetes mellitus

One of the most prevalent gynaecological issues affecting teenage females, especially those enrolled in secondary schools, is dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation. In this study, female students in a subset of secondary schools in Edo State, Nigeria's Ovia North-East Local Government Area were asked about their knowledge of and approaches to managing dysmenorrhea. A total of 254 female students from SS1 to SS3 were chosen using a stratified random sampling procedure as part of a cross-sectional descriptive research design. A systematic self-administered questionnaire was used to gather the data, and the Chi-square test and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the results at a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that just 27.9% of respondents had ever heard of dysmenorrhea, showing a lack of knowledge about the disorder, while 78.7% of respondents reported experiencing menstrual pain.Many students reported absence and decreased academic concentration during their periods, and moderate to severe discomfort was highly prevalent. The majority of pain management was self-directed, with 32.3% relaxing or sleeping to relieve pain, 29.1% using heat therapy, and 34.6% regularly using over-the-counter medications. Only 2%, nevertheless, went to school clinics for medical assistance. The management strategies used and awareness of dysmenorrhea were found to be significantly correlated by the Chi-square analysis (p = 0.03). Although dysmenorrhea is very common among girls in secondary school, the study found that there is still a lack of awareness and proper treatment. It suggests enhancing access to adolescent-friendly health facilities, addressing sociocultural barriers to obtaining professional treatment, and integrating menstrual health education into school curricula.