NURSING SCIENCES

This study assessed the knowledge and perception of tuberculosis (TB) among 100-level social science students in University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains a major public health issue, especially in low and middle income countries like Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted using a structured questionnaire administered to 150 students selected through simple random sampling across the departments of Political Science, Public Administration, and Sociology/Anthropology. Findings revealed that 64% of the respondents demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge regarding the causes of tuberculosis, while only 21% exhibited a high level of understanding. Furthermore, 58% of respondents correctly identified Mycobacterium tuberculosis as the causative agent, yet perceptions persisted, with 35% attributing TB to sharing utensils and 29% to spiritual causes. In terms of perception, 72% acknowledged TB as a serious health issue, and
68% recognized the importance of early diagnosis and treatment adherence. However, 41% of respondents expressed uncertainty about the curability of TB, and 33% believed traditional remedies could replace medical treatment. The study also found statistically significant differences in knowledge and perception based on the students’ departments (p < 0.05). These results underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to address perceptions and improve TB awareness among non-health students. Strengthening health literacy within the university community can enhance preventive practices and support national efforts in TB control.

This study examined the economic burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and the payment coping mechanisms of patients receiving care at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting sickle cell patients who attended the outpatient clinic and wards of UBTH. A sample size of 100 respondents was selected using simple random sampling from an estimated population of 118 patients. Data were collected
using a structured, pretested questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, direct and indirect medical costs, socioeconomic cost distribution, and payment coping strategies. Validity of the instrument was ensured through expert review, and reliability was established via a test-retest method yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.85. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, means, and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. Direct costs were calculated using
the bottom-up approach, while indirect costs were assessed through the human capital approach. Inferential analysis was done using ANOVA and Chi-square tests to determine significant associations, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Ethical
approval was obtained, and patient confidentiality and voluntary participation were assured. The findings highlight the substantial economic burden SCD imposes on patients and the diverse strategies employed to cope with payment demands, providing a basis for policy recommendations aimed at improving access to care and financial protection for individuals living with SCD.

The study examined the perception and utilization of the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin, Edo State. The primary objectives were to: assess students’ perceptions of TISHIP, examine the extent to which TISHIP services are utilized, and identify key factors influencing their utilization. To achieve these goals, three research questions were formulated to guide the study. This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design, targeting all undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, and reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s Alpha (α) value of ≥ 0.7. The analysis employed both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Frequencies, percentages and mean were for data analyis A Chi-Square Test was conducted to test for hypothesis, All statistical tests were carried out at a 95% confidence level (p < 0.05), and results were presented using tables, charts, and graphs as appropriate. The study found that awareness and usage of TISHIP among nursing students at the University of Benin are very low, with 75.5% never having accessed the service. Key barriers include poor service quality, long waiting times, unresponsive staff, lack of drugs, and limited information on accessing services. It is concluded that majority of students reported dissatisfaction with TISHIP, with over 85% expressing negative experiences, revealing deep systemic flaws. There is a critical need for improvements in communication, staff responsiveness, drug supply, and overall service delivery to enhance the programme’s effectiveness.

This study aimed to assess the perceived influence of clinical placement experiences on the career choices of nursing students in a College of Nursing Science in Benin City. Given the critical role of clinical placements in shaping students' professional decisions, understanding the impact of these experiences is essential for improving nursing education and guiding students’ career paths. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed for this study. A total of 162 nursing students in their 200 and 300 levels were selected using both stratified proportionate and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires, which were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. The survey assessed students' perceptions regarding the influence of clinical placements on their career decisions, including the factors that shaped their choices and the challenges encountered. The study revealed that clinical placements had a positive influence on the career decisions of nursing students, with the majority of respondents (85%) reporting that these experiences helped clarify their career paths. Key factors influencing career choices included exposure to diverse healthcare settings, mentorship, and interactions with various healthcare professionals. Additionally, challenges such as demanding workloads and emotional stress were found to influence career decisions, with 82% of participants acknowledging that such challenges shaped their views on nursing specialties. Clinical placements play a crucial role in shaping the career choices of nursing students. While positive experiences during placements fostered clarity and confidence in career decisions, challenges such as high workloads and emotional strain also influenced students' career preferences. It is recommended that nursing schools enhance mentorship programmes and provide a supportive clinical learning environment to address the challenges faced by students. Additionally, efforts should be made to offer a broader range of clinical experiences to help students make well-informed career decisions.