SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCE COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

Background: Academic-related stress has become a growing concern among university students, particularly those in medical and allied health disciplines. Previous studies have established that medical and health science students experience higher stress levels than their counterparts in other fields, yet limited data exist for students of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Benin. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of academic-related stress among students of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Benin, as well as to identify their coping strategies. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed using stratified random, sampling. Data were collected from 300 undergraduate students across departments such as Nursing, Physiology, and Anatomy through a structured questionnaire incorporating the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and academic stress indicators. Descriptive and inferential statistics including Chi- square, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation were used to analyze relationships between demographic variables, departmental differences, and stress levels at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that 86% of respondents experienced moderate stress, while 13.3% reported high stress levels. No significant gender differences were observed (p = 0.412), but significant variations existed across departments (p < 0.001), with Nursing students showing the highest stress levels. A positive correlation (r = 0.411, p < 0.001) was found between academic related stress and overall perceived stress. The most common coping strategies included talking with friends (24.7%), engaging in physical activities (24.7%), and religious practices (23%), while only 17% sought professional counseling. Conclusion: The study concludes that academic-related stress is highly prevalent among Basic Medical Science students at the University of Benin. Academic workload, frequent assessments, and clinical exposure were major stressors. Institutional interventions such as counseling services, stress management workshops, and curriculum review are recommended to enhance students’ psychological well-being and academic performance.

BACKGROUND
Childhood diarrhoea remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children, especially in low-resource settings where poor sanitation, limited access to safe water, and inappropriate home care practices persist.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed household management of childhood diarrhoea in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Benin City, in order to provide evidence for interventions that will improve home-based care and reduce complications among under-five children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 436 caregivers of under-five children residing in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State. Data were collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires adapted from United Nations Children's Fund and World Health Organization tools on childhood diarrhoea management. Data collected were entered and analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.050 and 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS
Mean age of respondents studied was 39.2 ± 10.6 years, and the majority were females 371 (85.1%). More than half of caregivers 232 (53.2%) correctly defined diarrhoea as passage of three or more loose or watery stools in 24 hours, while 228 (52.3%) identified danger signs of dehydration. Almost half of the under-five children 212 (48.6%) had experienced diarrhoea in the two weeks preceding the survey, and 101 (47.6%) of these passed stool three times or more in 24 hours. Blood in stool was reported in 56 (26.4%) of diarrhoeal episodes. In the six months preceding the study, 143 (32.8%) had experienced two episodes of diarrhoea, while 104 (23.9%) had experienced three or more episodes. Utilization of recommended management options was poor, with only about one-quarter of caregivers giving oral rehydration solution during diarrhoeal episodes and an even smaller proportion giving zinc. Feeding practices were also suboptimal, as slightly more than half of caregivers had poor feeding practices during diarrhoea. Furthermore, family type (χ² = 14.685; p < 0.001), monthly income (χ² = 7.430; p = 0.024), household size (χ² = 6.867; p = 0.009), and spouse occupation skill level (χ² = 4.844; p = 0.028) were identified as significant factors associated with household management of childhood diarrhoea.
CONCLUSION
Childhood diarrhoea was common among under-five children in Ovia North East LGA, with many children experiencing recent and recurrent episodes. Care-seeking practices among caregivers were suboptimal, as delays in seeking appropriate healthcare and reliance on non recommended treatment sources were observed. Utilization of recommended home
management options, particularly Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc supplementation, was poor, while feeding and fluid practices during diarrhoeal episodes were inadequate among many caregivers. Household management of childhood diarrhoea was significantly influenced by socioeconomic and family-related factors such as family type, monthly income, household size, and spouse occupation skill level. These findings highlight the need for targeted health education, improved access to ORS and zinc, promotion of appropriate feeding practices, and strengthened water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions to reduce the burden of childhood diarrhoea among under-five children.

Hematological indices are essential for evaluation of blood composition and overall health.
They are a set of measurements and values obtained from a complete blood count (CBC) test. They include: Red blood cell count, total and differential white blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets count etc. This study aims to measure and compare the values of RBCs, Total and Differential WBCs, MCV, MCH,
MCHC and Platelets between young male and female human adults. A Questionnaire was given to collect demographic and a little clinical data from the participants to ensure they met the criteria for participation.
The participants constituted two (2) groups – males and females, with each group having 20 individuals between ages 18-30. Blood samples were collected. The data obtained from the groups were presented as Mean ± S.E.M (Standard Error of Mean), (n=20) in each group and analyzed for statistical significant at (p ≤ 0.05). The statistical software used includes R and WPS sheets. The results for RBC count, MCV, MCH and MCHC were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in males than in females, while the values of total WBC count, each of the differential WBC count and the platelet count, were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in females compared to males. In conclusion, the results of this study highlights and buttress that there are significant differences between the selected hematological parameters of males and females. These variations are most likely due to physiological factors like the testosterone on erythropoiesis and the potential differences in body composition and metabolism.

The aim of this study is to understand the significance of montelukast, hydrocortisone and salbutamol on the lung histology and antioxidant levels in asthma induced Sprague Dawley rats. Chronic asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation of the airways. Montelukast, hydrocotisone and salbutamol are drugs that are often used to treat asthma. Their impact on endogenous antioxidant levels in asthmatic conditions are yet to be clearly defined. Medication for asthma might include corticosteroids (like hydrocotisone), leukotrine receptor antagonists (like Montelukast) and Beta 2-adrenergic receptors (like salbutamol). Free radicals may be neutralized by antioxidants, which also lessen oxidative stress in the body. As a selective antagonist of the leukotriene D4 (LTD4) receptor, montelukast acts by preventing the body's production of leukotrienes, which are substances that promote inflammation and constriction of the airways when they come into contact with allergen. Other classes of drugs also prove useful in bronchodilation. Five (5) primary groups of Sprague Dawley rats were grouped (control, negative control and test groups). Group 1 control was not induced with asthma, Group 2, negative control was induced with asthma but not treated. These two groups make up the control group. Group 3 was induced with asthma and
treated with salbutamol, Group 4 was induced with asthma and treated with montelukast, while Group 5 was induced with asthma and treated with Hydrocortisone. These three groups make up the test group, five rats in each group. The rats were sensitized to 1mg ovalbumin and 20mg Aluminium hydroxide dissolved in 0.9 saline, and then they were challenged with ovalbumin 1 % w/v adsorbed in 0.9 saline, twice weekly for four weeks (28 days), using a Medal family nebulizer. This caused the rats to develop asthma. After the Conclusion of treatment, the rats were sacrificed and their lungs were extracted for histological assay, while 1ml of blood is extracted for measurement of antioxidants using the spectrophotometric method, following reagent manufacturers guidelines. Measurements were made of the amounts of endogenous antioxidants, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). The findings demonstrated that there was statistically significant increase in superoxide dimutase and malondialdehyde levels in the negative control in comparison to the control group, while there was a statistically significant decrease in catalase and glutathione levels in the negative control group in comparison to the control group. Super-Oxide Dismutase was considerably increased after treatment with all classes of drugs. There was no statistically significant variance in catalase level noticed among the test group. Glutathione peroxidase was only significantly in the group treated with salbutamol, it showed no significant variance in other drug administration. There was significant increase in malondialdehyde in all groups except salbutamol. All test groups had considerably lower glutathione levels than the control group. As a result, the research concludes that some antioxidant levels (except glutathione) can be significantly
increased with the given drugs, reducing oxidative stress in lung tissues.

The aim of this study is to understand the significance of montelukast, hydrocortisone and salbutamol on the lung histology and antioxidant levels in asthma induced Sprague Dawley rats. Chronic asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation of the airways. Montelukast, hydrocotisone and salbutamol are drugs that are often used to treat asthma. Their impact on endogenous antioxidant levels in asthmatic conditions are yet to be clearly defined. Medication for asthma might include corticosteroids (like hydrocotisone), leukotrine receptor antagonists (like Montelukast) and Beta 2-adrenergic receptors (like salbutamol). Free radicals may be neutralized by antioxidants, which also lessen oxidative stress in the body. As a selective antagonist of the leukotriene D4 (LTD4) receptor, montelukast acts by preventing the body's production of leukotrienes, which are substances that promote inflammation and constriction of the airways when they come into contact with allergen. Other classes of drugs also prove useful in bronchodilation. Five (5) primary groups of Sprague Dawley rats were grouped (control, negative control and test groups). Group 1 control was not induced with asthma, Group 2, negative control was induced with asthma but not treated. These two groups make up the control group. Group 3 was induced with asthma and
treated with salbutamol, Group 4 was induced with asthma and treated with montelukast, while Group 5 was induced with asthma and treated with Hydrocortisone. These three groups make up the test group, five rats in each group. The rats were sensitized to 1mg ovalbumin and 20mg Aluminium hydroxide dissolved in 0.9 saline, and then they were challenged with ovalbumin 1 % w/v adsorbed in 0.9 saline, twice weekly for four weeks (28 days), using a Medal family nebulizer. This caused the rats to develop asthma. After the Conclusion of treatment, the rats were sacrificed and their lungs were extracted for histological assay, while 1ml of blood is extracted for measurement of antioxidants using the spectrophotometric method, following reagent manufacturers guidelines. Measurements were made of the amounts of endogenous antioxidants, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). The findings demonstrated that there was statistically significant increase in superoxide dimutase and malondialdehyde levels in the negative control in comparison to the control group, while there was a statistically significant decrease in catalase and glutathione levels in the negative control group in comparison to the control group. Super-Oxide Dismutase was considerably increased after treatment with all classes of drugs. There was no statistically significant variance in catalase level noticed among the test group. Glutathione peroxidase was only significantly in the group treated with salbutamol, it showed no significant variance in other drug administration. There was significant increase in malondialdehyde in all groups except salbutamol. All test groups had considerably lower glutathione levels than the control group. As a result, the research concludes that some antioxidant levels (except glutathione) can be significantly
increased with the given drugs, reducing oxidative stress in lung tissues.

The consumption of dietary supplements for cellular health and detoxification is increasing globally, yet many proprietary formulations lack rigorous safety evaluation measures . CellifeIQ is a polyherbal supplement marketed to enhance intracellular glutathione levels; however, its subacute toxicity profile remains unknown . To address this gap, this study evaluated the subacute (28-day) oral toxicity of CellifeIQ on kidney function, hematological parameters, and glucose homeostasis in male Wistar rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=5) consisting of a Control group receiving distilled water and three treatment groups receiving CellifeIQ at 20, 80, and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The protocol was conducted in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 407, with body weight, feed, and water consumption monitored weekly.After 28 days, blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analysis. No mortality or overt clinical signs of toxicity were observed. However, the high dose (600 mg/kg) caused significant reductions in feed consumption and body weight gain, alongside a significant increase in water intake. .Renal function assessment revealed a significant decrease in serum potassium (K+) across all treated groups and reduced creatinine levels at 80 and 600 mg/kg, indicative of metabolic alteration rather than renal filtration failure. Hematological parameters and fasting blood glucose levels remained largely stable. In conclusion, CellifeIQ was welltolerated at lower doses but induced signs of hepatotoxicity and metabolic disruption at the highest dose tested, establishing the No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) at 80 mg/kg. These findings suggest that high-dose supplementation may pose health risks, validating the need for strict dose regulation of antioxidant-boosting formulations.

Herbal mixtures are widely consumed in Nigeria for their perceived therapeutic benefits, yet concerns about microbial safety, particularly fungal contamination, persist. This study investigated the fungal load and diversity of herbal mixtures sold at selected markets in Benin City, Edo State. A total of 20 samples (powder, liquid, and paste formulations) were collected from Uselu, New Benin, and Ring Road markets. Fungal isolation was performed using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, and identification was based on cultural and microscopic characteristics. Antifungal sensitivity was assessed by incorporating herbal mixtures into culture media. Results showed that 65% of samples were contaminated, with fungal loads ranging from 3.08 ×10³ to 1.72 × 10⁶ CFU/ml. The predominant isolates were Mucor (20%), Fusarium (20%), Aspergillus niger (15%), and Penicillium (10%). Powdered samples showed the highest contamination levels, while Ring Road samples recorded the least growth. Antifungal assays revealed only partial inhibitory effects at high concentrations (3000 mg), indicating limited intrinsic antifungal activity of the herbal mixtures tested. These findings highlight significant fungal contamination in locally sold herbal mixtures, with potential public health risks including opportunistic infections and mycotoxin exposure. Stronger regulation, quality control, and public health awareness are recommended to improve the safety of herbal medicines in Benin City.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the volume of non-protein plasma filtered by the glomeruli per unit of time (average of 125 ml/min/1.73 m2 of body surface area in adults). Age-related physiological changes influence GFR and results in age determined annual rate of Decline (ADARD) of about 1ml/minute/year. The GFR decline varies among populations due to genetic and environmental factors but the extent and pattern of this decline among ethnic black Nigerians had not been characterized. This study evaluated age-determined changes in GFR among adult black Nigerians and compared values in normotensive and hypertensive individuals by using measured creatinine clearance (mCrCl) and GFR estimating equations as Cockroft-Gault equation (CG), modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) and National Kidney Foundation chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration(NKF CKD-EP!). Two hundred and seventy (270) apparently healthy volunteers (18-70 years), were recruited and arranged 30 per grouped (15 males and 15 females) for 9 age groups (18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-60, 61-65, 66-70 years). Their age, gender, Pulse rates (PR), blood pressure and mean arterial pressure(MAP)were documented. Ten (10) milliliters (ml) of spot urine was obtained for assays of sodium ion and potassium ion by Ion selective electrode. Spectrophotometric methods were used for creatinine (Cr) and albumin (for calculation of mean urine albumin creatinine ratio, mUACR). Ante-cubital venipuncture was done for 10 ml of venous blood (2 ml anti-coagulated and 8ml coagulated for serum extraction). About 4 ml of serum was used for assays of serum Cr and CystatinC (ELISA). Subjects provided 12 hours timed urine for mCrCl in ml/min. The Mean ± Sem of the data were calculated on excel worksheet and further statistics as analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student’s t-Test, regression analysis and graphs were done with SPSS-29. The mean GFR in ml/min/1.73 m2 were; mCrCl (124.86 ± 5.09), CG (85.22 ± 1.69), NKF CKD-EP! Cr (82.95 ± 1.27), NKF CKD-EP! Cystatin C (72.90 ± 3.88), NKFCKD-EP! Cr-cystc (79.62 ± 2.64) and MDRD(93.44 ± 1.01). The ADARD in GFR (inml/min/yr) were significant (P<0.01) for; mCrCl 3.64, CG equation (0.7501), NKF CKD-EP!cr 2021 (0.4398) and MDRD (0.503). Twenty-one percent (21.1%) of the subjects were hypertensive (MAP>100) and 90.5% had mean Urine Albumin Creatinine ratio (mUACR) of 81.12 ± 3.58 (>30 mg/g). The annual rate of increase in UACR was 1.4457 mg/g (P<0.001). The GFR was significantly lower in hypertensive (P<0.05) while UACR was significantly higher in hypertensive (P<0.01). The ADARD in GFR was significant and associated with significant increase in UACR indicating a strong relationship between these CKD. Hypertension and increased mUACR reduced GFR significantly and increased ADARD in GFR. Early on-set of CKD manifested in this population as increase in mUACR before decrease in GFR occurred. Assessment of GFR must include UACR.

Cryptosporidium is a zoonotic protozoan parasite of significant public health concern. Cattle serve as major reservoirs, and abattoir contamination represents a potential route of human infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ryptosporidium infection in cattle at Ikpoba Hill abattoir Benin city. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, and 180 fecal samples were collected post-slaughter. Samples were processed using the formol-ether concentration method and examined for Cryptosporidium oocysts with the modified Ziehl- Neelsen staining technique. The overall prevalence was 6.7% 12/180), with younger cattle showing higher infection rates than adults. The detection of Cryptosporidium in slaughtered cattle highlights a potential zoonotic risk, underscoring the need for improved sanitary practices within the abattoir and targeted health education for workers to reduce public health hazards.

This study was aimed to determine the perceived effects of night shift on nurses' physical, psycho-social health and work performance in selected health institutions Edo State. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design and convenience sampling method was used to select one hundred and sixty-nine nurses in Central Hospital and Faith Mediplex Hospital, Benin City, Edo State. A well- structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Simple frequency and percentage were used to describe the data, while chi-square was used to test the hypotheses. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. The analysis was performed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0 for windows. The result showed that majority of the respondents perceived night shift to have effect on their physical, psycho-social health and work performance in Central Hospital and Faith Mediplex Hospital, Benin City, Edo State. According to the results, It shows that 135(79.0%%)nurses agreed that night shift had negative on their physical health while 34(20.1%)nurses agreed that night shift had positive effect on their physical health. It shows that 124(73.4%%) nurses agreed that night shift had negative on their psychological health, while 45(26.6%)nurses agreed that night shift had positive effect on their psychological health. It shows that 117(69.2%%)nurses agreed that night shift had negative on their social health, while 52(30.8%)nurses agreed that night shift had positive effect on their social health and lastly, It shows that 135(79.9%%)nurses agreed that night shift had negative on their work performance., while 34(20.1%)nurses agreed that night shift had positive effect on their work performance. Also, sociodemographic characteristics namely sex, marital Status, educational qualification, years of experience, and religion were significantly associated with nurses’ physical health and psychological health; years of experience, cadre, ethnic group and religion was significantly associated with nurses social health. All sociodemographic variables except religion were significantly associated with nurses work performance. This study therefore, recommended that there is need for Institutions to make concerted efforts to ensure that the effect of night shift on nurses' physical, psycho-social health and work performance is assessed and taken care of as their health is important in delivery of quality care to patients.