SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCE

Green tea (camellia sinensis) is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin and flavonoids. Thes constituents contribute to its well-documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties. Arsenic contamination represents a serious environmental and health hazard, particularly in developing nations where regulatory oversight of water and food quality is often lacking. Among the various organs affected, the gastrointestinal tract, especially the duodenum, is a primary site of arsenic-induced toxicity due to its direct contact with ingested substances. One of the primary mechanisms by which arsenic exerts its toxic effects is through the generation of oxidative stress, which leads to cellular injury, inflammation, and apoptosis. This study investigated the protective effects of aqueous leaf extract of camellia sinensis on arsenic-induced duodenal damage in adult Wistar rats. The study used adult Wistar rats that were randomly divided into six groups (A-F). The first group A(control) were given feed and water, while the rats in group B were administered arsenic trioxide 10mg/kg body weight for 14days and sacrificed by cervical dislocation afterwards. The rats in group C were administered arsenic trioxide 10mg/kg body weight for 14 days and standard drugs(omeprazole) for 28 days. The rats in group D were administered arsenic trioxide 10mg/kg body weight for 14 days and aqueous leaf extract of camellia sinensis 250mg/kg body weight for 28 days while group E were administered arsenic trioxide 10mg/kg body weight for 14 days and aqueous leaf extract of camellia sinensis 500mg/kg body weight for 28days. The rats in group F were administered arsenic trioxide 10mg/kg for 14days and allowed to recover for 28days. The results showed that the rats in group A (control) show normal tissue architecture with well-defined mucosal lining, crypts, lamina propria, muscularis, mucosa and submucosa. However, the rats treated with arsenic only (group B) show severe atrophy, mural infiltrates of inflammatory cells and cell congestion, similar findings were observed in group C, rats treated with omeprazole (mild degree) and the group F treated with only arsenic and allowed to recover showed comparable degrees. Also, treatment with aqueous leaf extract of camellia sinensis at a dose of 250mg/kg (group D), completely resolved chronic duodenitis, while high dose of 500mg/kg body weight (group E), mildly resolved chronic duodenitis. Findings also showed that there were increased oxidative stress markers in rats treated with arsenic trioxide only and similar findings was also seen in the group treated with omeprazole and the group treated with arsenic and allowed to recover. The first group(control) has great level of anti- oxidant enzymes, similar findings were observed in the groups treated with aqueous leaf extract of camellia sinensis. The findings in the study suggest that aqueous leaf extract of camellia sinensis has a protective effects against arsenic-induced duodenal injury in adult Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Complementary feeding is a component of infant and young child nutrition, particularly between 6 and 23 months of age when nutritional needs increase beyond what breast milk alone can provide. Despite global and national recommendations, poor complementary feeding practices remain prevalent in many low- and middle-income settings, including Nigeria. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the knowledge and practices of complementary feeding among mothers of children aged 6–23 months in Benin city, Edo State, and factors associated with these outcomes.
METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 442 mothers of children aged 6–23 months selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Minimum meal frequency (MMF), minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) were determined using WHO criteria. Dietary diversity was assessed using a 24-hour recall method. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. Associations were tested using Chi-square and Fischer’s exact test, and logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of good knowledge, practice and dietary diversity at p < 0.05 (95% CI).
RESULTS: The mean age of the mothers and index children were 32.3±5.6 years and 14.6 ± 5.9 months respectively. Mothers’ knowledge assessment revealed that 32 (29.9%) of the mothers demonstrated good knowledge of complementary feeding. Knowledge was significantly higher among married women (p < 0.001), mothers with higher level of education (p < 0.001), higher xvi skill level (p < 0.001), higher household income (p < 0.001), more educated spouses (p < 0.001), spouses with higher skill level (p < 0.001), older index child (p = 0.012), and those with more children (p = 0.034). Being married and having higher education were significant predictors of good knowledge (OR = 20.767, p = 0.004; OR = 4.438, p < 0.001). Mothers who demonstrated good practice were 41 (10.1%), MMF was 48.2%, and MAD was 19.0%. Good practice was significantly higher among married mothers (p = 0.009), mothers with higher education (p < 0.001), higher skill levels (p < 0.001), higher household income (p = 0.008), more educated spouses (p < 0.001), spouses with higher skill level (p < 0.001), older index child (p < 0.001), and higher complementary feeding knowledge level (p < 0.001). Having an older index child and higher education were significant predictors of good practice (OR = 0.335, p = 0.021; OR = 3.767, p = 0.001). A total of 167 (41.3%) of respondents’ children consumed five or more of the recommended food group in the last 24 hours, and MDD was 37.8%. Dietary diversity was significantly higher in older mothers (p = 0.033), those married (p = 0.034), with more educated spouses (p = 0.002), higher household income (p = 0.003), better socioeconomic status (p = 0.033) and older index child (p < 0.001). Mothers with lower socioeconomic status were less likely to have good practice (OR = 0.402, p = 0.018) and those with an older index child were more likely (OR = 4.075, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Majority of the mothers had poor knowledge and practice of complementary feeding and a majority of children had poor dietary diversity. Targeted nutrition education focusing on simplifying complementary feeding guidelines and interventions to support local food production in order to improve dietary diversity are recommended.

Background and Objective: 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