NURSING SCIENCES

This study investigated the influence of parental interaction on the behavioral outcomes of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The research was motivated by the critical role of caregiver involvement in the developmental progress of children with ASD. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A total of 112 parents and caregivers of children diagnosed with ASD participated in the study through structured questionnaires and open-ended questions. The findings revealed that while most parents possessed a reasonable understanding of ASD and demonstrated emotional warmth and responsiveness, many struggled with behavior management skills such as consistent limit-setting and structured guidance. Statistical analyses, including Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression, confirmed significant relationships between the quality of parental interaction and behavioral outcomes in children. Limit-setting and responsiveness emerged as the strongest predictors of reduced challenging behaviors and improved social communication and self-regulation. Qualitative analysis further emphasized the effectiveness of structured routines, visual supports, and positive reinforcement while highlighting barriers such as caregiver inconsistency, limited resources, and lack of training. The study concluded that emotional responsiveness, though vital, must be complemented by consistent behavioral strategies for optimal outcomes in children with ASD. It recommends nurse-led training programs, improved access to support resources, and interdisciplinary collaboration in care delivery. The research highlights the need for ongoing support and family-wide education to enhance parental competence and child development. Future research should explore longitudinal effects and include broader cultural contexts for greater generalizability

This study examined the prevalence and pattern of psychoactive substance use among secondary school students in Benin Metropolitan Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. The target population consisted of senior secondary school students from selected public secondary schools, with a sample size of 331 respondents selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Findings revealed that the prevalence of psychoactive substance use among the respondents was 15.4%, while the majority (84.6%) reported no history of substance use. The most commonly used substances identified were tramadol (6.3%), alcohol (6.0%), and codeine (3.0%). In terms of usage pattern, a higher proportion of students reported occasional use (6.3%), while others used substances daily or weekly (4.5% each). The study also showed that substances were mainly obtained from friends, schoolmates, and street vendors. The study concluded that psychoactive substance use exists among secondary school students in Benin Metropolis, with identifiable patterns and influencing factors. It is therefore recommended that schools, families, and government agencies strengthen preventive strategies through health education, counseling services, and stricter control of substance accessibility among adolescents.

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) refers to the practice of feeding infants only breast milk for the first six months of life, without introducing any other liquids or solids, except for oral rehydration solutions, drops, syrups (vitamins, minerals, or medicines) as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This
practice is recognized globally as one of the most effective strategies for reducing infant morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries (Wu et al., 2022). EBF not only provides essential nutrients for infant growth and development but also protects against common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, thereby promoting
overall child survival and development (Gebeyehu et al., 2023; WHO, 2020, as cited in Wu et al., 2022). Despite strong global advocacy, the rates of EBF rmain suboptimal in many regions, including sub-Saharan Africa. According to Ejie et al. (2021), barriers to EBF in African countries include socio-cultural beliefs, inadequate maternal knowledge, limited support from health professionals, and economic pressures. In Nigeria, EBF is a significant public health concern. The 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reported that only 29% of infants under six months were exclusively breastfed, which is far below the WHO's global target of at least 50% by 2025 (Okoroiwu et al., 2021). This statistic highlights a significant gap between policy recommendations and actual maternal practices

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.