SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCE

This study investigated the barriers and facilitators of physical activity among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus(T2DM) attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 participants recruited via purposive sampling.Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ), and Facilitators of Physical Activity Questionnaire (FPAQ), alongside clinical data such as Body Mass Index (BMI). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 60.2±11.43 years and was predominantly female (62.0%). Most participants were classified as engaging in a moderate level of physical activity (73.3%). The most significant barriers to physical activity were lack of willpower (56.7%), lack of energy (54.7%), lack of resources (54.0%), and lack of time (53.3%). Key facilitators, rated as "very important," included improved blood sugar control (49.3%), advice from healthcare providers (43.3%), and having a safe neighborhood for walking (44.7%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between age group and the perception of "flexible work schedule" as a facilitator (χ²=31.336, p=0.008), indicating age-related differences. Conversely, no significant gender differences were found in perceived barriers (χ²=0.860, p=0.835) or facilitators (χ²=3.869, p=0.276). The presence of co-morbidities was significantly associated with reporting "lack of time" as a barrier (χ²=9.709, p=0.021). Conclusion and Implications: The engagement in physical activity among T2DM patients is shaped by a complex interplay of psychological,social, environmental, and health-related factors. The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive, tailored interventions that target motivational enhancement, improve resource accessibility, and foster supportive environments to improve physical activity adherence. The research also emphasizes the critical role healthcare providers play in promoting active life style

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by reproductive dysfunction, including anovulation and adverse ovarian remodeling, as well as systemic complications such as a prothrombotic state involving platelet dysfunction. This study was designed to investigate a dual-pronged therapeutic strategy targeting both the systemic metabolic and local ovarian aspects of the syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the individual and combined effects of metformin and simvastatin on ovarian histology and surrogate markers of platelet function in a letrozole-induced Sprague Dawley rat model of PCOS. PCOS was induced in female Sprague Dawley rats via oral administration of letrozole (1 mg/kg) for 21 days. The rats were subsequently randomized into five groups: a healthy control group, an untreated PCOS group, and three treatment groups receiving simvastatin (20 mg/kg), metformin (300 mg/kg), or a combination of simvastatin and metformin for 28 days. At the end of the treatment period, ovarian tissues were collected for histopathological examination using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, and whole blood was analyzed for platelet indices, including Platelet Count, Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW). Histopathological analysis revealed that the untreated PCOS group developed multiple cystic follicles and an absence of corpora lutea, confirming an anovulatory state. Metformin monotherapy significantly improved ovarian architecture and restored ovulation, evidenced by the presence of multiple corpora lutea. Simvastatin monotherapy showed partial amelioration, with a reduction in cystic follicles but scarce corpora lutea. The combination therapy demonstrated a potent synergistic effect, resulting in a near-complete normalization of ovarian histology that closely resembled the healthy control group, with numerous developing follicles and corpora lutea. Hematological analysis showed no significant differences in plateLet count or MPV across the treated groups compared to the untreated PCOS group. However, metformin monotherapy led to a paradoxical and statistically significant increase in PDW and Platelet-Large Cell Ratio (P-LCR) (P < 0.05). In concluson, Metformin and simvastatin exert distinct effects on both hematological and ovarian parameters in PCOS-induced rats. Metformin monotherapy showed a significant impact on platelet morphology, increasing PDW and P-LCR. Furthermore, it was highly effective in restoring ovarian cytoarchitecture, evidenced by the absence of cysts. Simvastatin monotherapy also improved ovarian morphology, reducing cystic structures, but showed no significant effect on platelet indices. Critically, the combination therapy presented a complex interaction, showing limited efficacy in resolving ovarian cysts and no significant improvement in platelet parameters compared to monotherapies. These findings suggest that while both drugs are beneficial, their mechanisms may not be synergistic when combined in this mode

Manganese is a trace element and an environmental pollutant widely used in industries, but excessive exposure is associated with multi-organ toxicity. While its neurotoxic effects are well documented, its impact on metabolic and renal functions is less explored. Manganese toxicity is known to promote oxidative stress, which can disrupt lipid metabolism and damage renal tissues. Cinnamic acid (CA) is a natural phenolic compound that has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may offer a promising therapeutic benefit in ameliorating manganese chloride toxicity. This study evaluated the effect of cinnamic acid (CA) on the lipid profile and kidney function of female rats exposed to Manganese Chloride. Thirty (30) adult female rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups (n=5); group 1 (normal control), group 2 (10mg/kg MnCl2), group 3 (CA low dose, 50 mg/kg), group 4 (CA high dose, 100mg/kg), group 5 (MnCl2 + 50mg/kg CA) and group 6 (MnCl2 + 100mg/kg CA). Treatment was orally administered daily for 90 days. Thereafter, the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia, and blood samples were collected for lipid profile and kidney function analysis. The results revealed that the group exposed to MnCl2 without treatment had significantly (p < 0.05) impaired renal function, indicated by elevated serum urea and creatinine levels, electrolyte imbalance when compared to the normal control group. It also induced a dyslipidemic state with increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Co-treatment with CA demonstrated a dose-dependent ameliorative effect, as it was observed that group 6 (MnCl2 + CA high dose) showed better protection nearly normalizing the kidney function and lipid profile markers. No significant alterations were observed in groups 3 and 4 compared to the normal control. Findings from this study suggest that CA possesses renal protective and hypolipidemic potential against MnCl2-induced toxicity in a dose dependent manner. The mechanism is likely attributed to the antioxidant activity of CA which counteracts MnCl2 induced oxidative damage.

Functional exercise, typified by the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), provokes a significant physiological stress response to meet the demands of submaximal exertion. The haematological system is highly sensitive to such stress, withchanges in erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet parameters serving as key indicators of fluid shift, immune mobilization, and hemostatic activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of functional exercise (Six Minute Walk Test) on key haematological indices in healthy young adult males. A pre-post intervention study was conducted involving healthy young adult male volunteers. Baseline venous blood samples were collected into EDTA tubes for a full blood count analysis. Participants subsequently performed the 6MWT as per the American Thoracic Society guidelines. A second venous blood sample was collected immediately post-test for repeat haematological analysis. Statistical significance was determined using a paired T-test. The study revealed a specific pattern of haematological response. No significant changes were observed in total white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, granulocyte count, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, or haematocrit value post-exercise. However, a significant reduction was recorded in key erythrocyte indices, including haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean cell volume (MCV) immediately following the 6MWT. This study demonstrates that functional exercise induces a defined hematological profile in healthy young males, characterized by significant reductions in hemoglobin, MCH, and MCV without changes in total cell counts. These findings provide a crucial normative baseline for clinical interpretation of exercise tests and highlight the sensitivity of erythrocyte indices to submaximal exertion

Background: Spinal pain (SP), encompassing low back, neck, and upper back discomfort, is a prevalent musculoskeletal problem among healthcare professionals and students. Clinical postings expose Basic Medical Sciences students to physically demanding tasks such as prolonged standing, awkward postures, and repetitive patient handling, predisposing them to SP. Despite its burden, limited research has examined its prevalence and associated factors among students across different health disciplines in Nigeria. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, pattern, contributing factors, coping strategies, and functional limitations related to spinal pain among Basic Medical Sciences students during clinical postings at the University of Benin. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 351 students from Physiotherapy, Nursing, Radiography, and Medical Laboratory Science departments. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics, spinal pain prevalence (12-month and 7-day recall), and the Spinal Functional Index (SFI). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The 12-month prevalence of lower back pain, upper back pain, and neck pain was 51.9%, 12.5%, and 21.4%, respectively. Within the past 7 days, prevalence rates were 42.2%, 14.8%, and 17.1%. Physiotherapy and Nursing students reported the highest occurrence of spinal pain. Although 20.5% of respondents sought medical care or missed activities due to pain, most reported mild functional limitations (mean SFI = 4.57 ± 2.78). There was no significant relationship between age and functional limitation (r = –0.028, p = 0.597), or between posting hours and functional limitation (r = 0.104, p = 0.052). Gender showed no significant association with spinal pain prevalence. Conclusion: Spinal pain is highly prevalent among Basic Medical Sciences students during clinical postings, particularly among those in physiotherapy and nursing. The findings underscore the need for ergonomic education, workload management, and institutional policies that prioritize student musculoskeletal health. Keywords: Spinal pain, Basic Medical Sciences students, clinical postings, ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders. Low back pain, University of Benin.

Background: Task-shifting in primary healthcare was an initiative long adopted by the Federal Ministry of Health to assist in ensuring human resource maximization for universal health coverage especially across domains of reproductive, maternal, child health, family planning, and high prevalence communicable illness like tuberculosis and malaria. Despite its potential, only some states have adopted and begun implementation of the strategy, and among states that have adopted it like Edo State, the necessary assessment to understand the implementation level, acceptance, integration status and concerns of health workers about it locally, is limited. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge, perception and barriers to task-shifting among primary healthcare workers in Benin-City. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 healthcare workers selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, self and interviewer administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, perception, barriers and enablers to task-shifting. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0. Univariate analysis summarised means, frequencies, and percentages. Bivariate analysis using chi square tests determined associations between socio-demographic factors and respondents’ knowledge and perception. Binary logistic regression identified independent determinants of good knowledge and perception. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 120 respondents participated, with a mean age of 35.9 ± 8.6 years, with females being 112 (93.3%), males 8 (6.7%). Those who demonstrated good knowledge were 37 (30.8%), and those with poor knowledge 83 (69.2%). Receiving training on task-shifting was found to be statistically significant and associated with knowledge, as those with prior training had good knowledge (59.9%) record than those without (17%) (χ²: 21.455; p < 0.001). Perception of task-shifting was mixed, as good and poor perception were almost equally distributed at 59 (49.2%) and 61 (50.8%) respectively. Age was significantly associated with perception, and was also a significant predictor of knowledge, with increasing age associated with reduced likelihood of positive perception (OR = 0.927; p = 0.024). Workers with 5 – 9 years of experience were also less likely to have positive perception of task-shifting (OR = 0.165, 95% CI: 0.031–0.872, p = 0.034). The barriers to task-shifting encountered most by respondents were inadequate training and knowledge gaps (mean score: 3.99 ± 1.19), lack of clear job description or role boundary (3.74 ± 1.28), inadequate supervision or monitoring (3.64 ± 1.28), lack of incentives or recognition (3.54 ± 1.33), resistance from higher cadres, shortage of staff and related issues were also mentioned as challenges/barriers. The enablers reported were adequate training, and supportive supervision (3.90 ± 1.42), availability of clear policy guideline (3.93 ± 1.42), teamwork and collaboration among cadres (3.77 ± 1.41), support from management and policy makers (3.79 ± 1.41). Conclusion: Primary healthcare workers in Benin-City had predominantly poor knowledge of task-shifting and the national task-shifting policy, coupled with mixed perception of task-shifting. Inadequate knowledge or training among staff, lack of clear job descriptions or roles, inadequate supervision or mentoring, lack of incentives or recognition were the identified barriers, while adequate training and supportive supervision, provision of policy guidelines, teamwork and inter-cadre collaboration, and support from management and policy makers were named among enablers. There should be concerted efforts to improve knowledge and perception of task- shifting through training and adequate supervision provision; this will also remove barriers to task-shifting.

Background of the study: Physiotherapy plays a critical role in the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries among athletes. Despite its proven benefits, the
level of awareness, knowledge, and utilization of physiotherapy services among football players in tertiary institutions remains suboptimal. This study assessed the awareness, knowledge, attitude, and utilization of physiotherapy in the management of sports injuries among football players in a tertiary institution. Aim of the Study: This study aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge, and utilization of physiotherapy among University of Benin football players and examine factors influencing their attitude toward physiotherapy. Methodology: Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of percentages and frequency
table while inferential statistics of Chi Square was used for test of association between variables. Alpha level was set at 0.05
Results: Findings revealed that 87.6% of respondents had heard about physiotherapy, while 73.2% were aware of its role in managing sports injuries. However, only 69.4% demonstrated adequate overall awareness. Despite 84.5% acknowledging physiotherapy’s role in injury treatment and 81.4% in improving fitness, actual utilization was low, with only 27.8% visiting a physiotherapist when injured. The study also found that 84.1% of respondents showed negative attitudes in some domains such as stigma and gender bias, while 40.8% displayed positive overall attitudes. Major barriers included cost of services (72.2%) and lack of nearby facilities (27.8%). Conclusion: Although general awareness of physiotherapy among football players was high, knowledge, attitude, and utilization were suboptimal. Interventions such as subsidized physiotherapy services, establishment of on-campus physiotherapy clinics, awareness campaigns, and collaboration between institutional authorities and physiotherapists are recommended to enhance utilization and improve sports injury management in tertiary institutions.

The in vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extract of Azadirachta indica (Dogoyaro) was evaluated to determine its potential role in oxidative stress management. Oxidative stress arises from excess reactive oxygen species, contributing to various chronic diseases and increasing the need for safe, plant-derived antioxidants. The extract was analysed using four standard assays: DPPH radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), nitric oxide scavenging, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Results revealed notable antioxidant properties, with the highest DPPH activity observed at 0.20 mg/mL. Nitric oxide inhibition and reducing power also showed moderate effectiveness, particularly at lower concentrations. Although antioxidant activity remained lower than that of ascorbic acid across all assays, the extract demonstrated
meaningful free-radical-neutralizing ability and electron-donating capacity. The TAC value further indicated the presence of bioactive phytochemicals contributing to overall antioxidant strength. Overall, the findings support the potential of Azadirachta indica leaves as a natural antioxidant source capable of contributing to the management of oxidative stress–related conditions.

Introduction: Newly certified radiographers often face various challenges when transitioning from academic training to professional practice. These challenges can affect their confidence, performance and overall professional development. This study focused on identifying the major difficulties encountered by newly certified radiographers in Benin City, as well as assessing their readiness for clinical practice. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the challenges encountered by newly certified radiographers and to assess their level of professional preparedness for independent clinical practice. Methodology: A prospective survey design was used. Data were collected from 51 newly certified radiographers working in public and private healthcare facilities in Benin City using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test was used to determine the significance of the challenges identified. Results: Findings showed that most respondents experienced significant challenges during this early professional practice. The most reported issues included heavy workload (78.4%), stress and burnout (76.5%), and difficulty communicating with senior colleagues (66.7%). Although a majority (76.5%) demonstrated adequate knowledge of radiation protection, many felt less confident handling complex or emergency cases independently. The Chi-square test result (X2=201.73, p < 0.05), confirmed that these challenges were statistically significant. Conclusion: The study concluded that newly certified radiographers possess good theoretical and safety knowledge but face major challenges adapting to clinical realities. It recommends the implementation of structured mentorship, improved hands on clinical exposure, and continuous professional development programs to ease their transition into independent practice. Keywords: Newly certified radiographers, professional preparedness, workload, mentorship, clinical challenges.

Academic-related musculoskeletal disorders (ARMSDs) are increasingly common among university students due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and
extended study hours. This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of ARMSDs among undergraduates, with a focus on ergonomic behavior, academic workload, and demographic characteristics. A descriptive cross- sectional research design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to undergraduates. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the prevalence and patterns of ARMSDs, while Chi- square tests and Binary Logistic Regression were employed to identify significant associations and predictors of ARMSDs. Results: Findings revealed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, especially in the neck, lower back, and shoulders. The Chi-square analysis showed that academic workload and academic level were significantly associated with ARMSDs (p < 0.001), while gender and ergonomic behavior were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The Binary Logistic Regression model further identified academic level as the only significant predictor of ARMSDs (B = 0.006, p = 0.001, Exp(B) = 1.006), The model explained approximately 6.9% of the variance in ARMSDs (Nagelkerke R² = 0.069). Conclusion: The study concludes that academic workload and progression are major contributors to the development of ARMSDs among undergraduates. These findings underscore the cumulative effects of academic stress, prolonged study duration, and suboptimal posture on students’ musculoskeletal health. iii
Keywords: Academic-related musculoskeletal disorders, undergraduates, ergonomic behavior, academic workload, Chi-square analysis.