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

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the principal causative agent of cervical cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in Nigeria. Despite the availability of effective HPV vaccines, uptake among eligible girls remains unacceptably low, partly due to poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and low acceptance among mothers who serve as primary decision-makers for childhood immunization. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of HPV vaccination among mothers in Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 mothers in Egor LGA, selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of HPV and its vaccine, attitude towards HPV vaccination, acceptance of the HPV vaccine, and factors influencing acceptance. Knowledge and attitude scores were categorised as good (≥70%) or poor (<70%). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics, chi- square tests, and logistic regression were used as appropriate.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 37.41 ± 10.10 years, and the majority (43.2%) were in the 30–39 years age group. Most respondents (51.9%) had tertiary education, and 84.4% belonged to the middle socioeconomic class. Overall, 70.8% of respondents had previously heard of HPV, with hospitals and health centres being the most common source of information (52.0%). Only 53.0% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of HPV and its vaccine, while 81.0% had a positive attitude and 81.0% accepted or were willing to vaccinate their daughters. On multivariable logistic regression, independent predictors of good knowledge were older age (OR = 1.030, 95% CI: 1.010–1.051, p = 0.004) and higher educational attainment (p < 0.001). xvi Independent predictors of positive attitude were good knowledge (OR = 5.053, 95% CI: 2.807– 9.098, p < 0.001) and being ever-married (OR = 4.349, 95% CI: 1.368–13.824, p = 0.013). Positive attitude was the sole independent predictor of acceptance of HPV vaccination (OR = 5.003, 95% CI: 2.746–9.114, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Despite poor knowledge among the majority of respondents, attitudes towards and acceptance of HPV vaccination were high. Targeted health education programmes addressing the knowledge gap are essential to sustaining and translating positive attitudes into improved HPV vaccine uptake among eligible girls in Egor LGA and similar urban communities in Nigeria.

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) present a major threat to patient safety, treatment outcomes, and healthcare sustainability globally, with a disproportionately higher burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite the critical role of tertiary health centres in specialized care, comprehensive data establishing both the precise prevalence of HAIs and the institutional capacity of reporting mechanisms remain scarce in many regional facilities. This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological burden of HAIs and evaluate the existing surveillance reporting structures at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria.
Methods: A sequential mixed-methods cross-sectional design was deployed across diverse clinical wards at UBTH. For the quantitative phase, a sample size of 429 in-patients was selected utilizing a multi-stage sampling approach incorporating proportional allocation and simple random sampling. Data were gathered via researcher-administered structured questionnaires, clinical records, and laboratory reviews. Quantitative analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression to isolate independent predictors. For the qualitative phase, purposive sampling was used to conduct seven (7) Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with clinical consultants, nursing leadership, and infection control officers. Qualitative data were processed using thematic analysis via NVivo software.
Results: The quantitative survey achieved a 100% response rate across the 429 participants. The confirmed point prevalence of HAIs was 5.8% (n = 25), with an additional 0.2% (n = 1) categorized as suspected cases, while 93.9% (n = 403) showed no evidence of infection. Among the 25 confirmed cases, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) were the most frequent clinical presentation at 48.0% (n = 12), followed by surgical site infections (SSIs) at 16.0% (n = 4), hospital-acquired pneumonia at 12.0% (n = 3), non-catheter- associated UTIs at 12.0% (n = 3), puerperal sepsis at 8.0% (n = 2), and burn area infections at 4.0% (n = 1). Multivariable binary logistic regression revealed that the lengths of hospital stay (OR = 1.067, 95% CI: 1.033–1.102, p < 0.001) and active urethral catheterization (OR = 6.233, 95% CI: 2.316–16.772, p < 0.001) were the only statistically significant independent predictors of acquiring an infection. Socio-demographic factors (such as age and sex) and chronic client comorbidities showed no significant independent associations (p > 0.05). Qualitatively, key informants highlighted a critical operational deficit: a formalized, hospital- wide infection reporting protocol for frontline clinicians is practically absent. Surveillance remains an entirely manual, paper-based tracking process conducted independently by an under-resourced Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) unit due to a complete lack of digital infrastructure, technical training, and routine departmental feedback loops. Despite these barriers, there was universal consensus on the institutional value of a centralized reporting framework for establishing data-driven benchmarks and enhancing active antimicrobial stewardship.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that while the recorded point prevalence of HAIs at UBTH is relatively modest, it is significantly and independently driven by modifiable hospital-level exposures—specifically device utilization and prolonged admission windows—rather than immutable patient comorbidities. Crucially, the integrity of this epidemiological data is actively limited by a fragmented, manual reporting apparatus. To mitigate this burden and ensure patient safety, UBTH must transition away from paper-reliant tracking toward an integrated, hospital-wide electronic surveillance architecture alongside mandatory clinical care bundles and structured departmental data feedback loops

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a widely utilized medicinal herb recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective phytochemicals; however, its renal safety profile under normal physiological conditions remains inadequately characterized. This study evaluated the effect of ethanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum leaves on kidney function parameters in healthy female Wistar rats. Thirty rats were randomly distributed into five groups (n=6 per group): a control group receiving distilled water and four test groups administered 300, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg body weight of Basil extract orally for 21 days. At the end of the treatment period, serum samples were analyzed for electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate) and markers of renal function (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) using standard biochemical protocols. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) among the groups for all evaluated parameters, though mild dose-dependent fluctuations were observed, all remaining within normal physiological ranges. Sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate concentrations exhibited no notable disturbances, indicating maintained electrolyte and acid-base balance, while urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels remained stable, suggesting preserved glomerular filtration and tubular function. These findings suggest that sub- chronic administration of ethanolic Sweet Basil leaf extract at doses up to 1500 mg/kg does not adversely affect renal biochemical indices in normal female Wistar rats, demonstrating its relative safety under non-pathological conditions. It is concluded that Ocimum basilicum is safe within the tested dosage and duration; however, further research incorporating histopathological assessment, molecular markers of renal function, longer durations of administration, and diseased models is recommended to fully validate its renal safety and therapeutic potential.

Background: Developmental milestones mark a child’s progress in physical,cognitive , language and social abilities, typically achieved within specific age ranges. Delayed developmental milestones (DDM), affecting 8 -12% of children aged 0-5 in Nigeria can stem from birth complications, genetic disorders, neurological conditions, poor nutrition and environmental factors. Physiotherapy is crucial for early intervention, improving motor functions and quality of life in children with DDM, such as cerebral palsy. Caregiver’s knowledge and attitude significantly influence the success of physiotherapy, yet in Nigeria, cultural beliefs, limited information and financial constraints often hinder it’s utilization. Aim: This study was done to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes of caregivers towards physiotherapy for children with delayed developmental milestones in University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted, recruiting 94 caregivers of children with DDM at University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through a self administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic questionnaire and a self developed questionnaire based on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice (KAP) model assessing knowledge and attitudes towards physiotherapy. Analysis involved descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: Sixty one (64.9%) of caregivers had good knowledge of physiotherapy, though gaps existed in understanding the causes and goals. A total of ninety one (97.9%) displayed positive attitudes towards physiotherapy. Educational level was significantly associated with knowledge (p < 0.001). Major barriers to participation included financial limitations, transportation difficulties , lack of understanding and work schedule conflict. Conclusion: Caregivers possess good knowledge and positive attitudes towards physiotherapy, with educational level influencing knowledge. However, financial and transportation difficulties hinder its utilization, suggesting the need for targeted education and support programs to enhance treatment outcomes

Background: Stroke remains one of the leading causes of adult disability worldwide, requiring standardized assessment tools to ensure accurate evaluation and effective rehabilitation. Despite their clinical importance, the knowledge and utilization of stroke assessment scales among neurological physiotherapists in Nigeria remains inconsistent. This study sought to address this gap by assessing the knowledge and clinical application of stroke assessment scales among neurological physiotherapist in Benin City, Edo State. Aim: This study evaluated the knowledge and utilization of stroke assessment scales among neurological physiotherapists in Benin City, Edo State. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 43 licenced neurological physiotherapists was conducted using a validated questionnaire. Data were analysed with SPSS (v27) using descriptive and Chi-square statistics at a 0.05 significance level. Results: Most respondents showed fair knowledge (55.8%) and moderate utilization (46.5%) of stroke assessment scales. A significant association existed between knowledge and utilization (p = 0.010). Gender was found to influence knowledge level although educational qualification and professional cadre showed no significant relationship. Conclusion: Neurological physiotherapists in Benin City possess moderate knowledge and usage of stroke assessment scales, yet a critical gap persists between awareness and practice. Strengthening continuous professional development and institutional support is essential to bridge this gap and foster evidence based standardized stroke rehabilitation

Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from a hotter system to a cooler system through conduction, convection and radiation. Biomass smoke, produced from the combustion of wood, charcoal, crop residues, and animal dung, is a complex mixture of harmful pollutants including fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), is a traditional and popular vegetable in many parts of the world regularly consumed as part of the normal diet, either fresh or after processing for its nutritional benefits. This study aims to investigate the histopathological and hematological protective effects of beetroot extract in heat and biomass smoke-induced pulmonary damage in Wistar Rats. Forty-nine (49) adult female rats were divided into seven groups (n=7), including control, heat-only, smoke-only, smoke + heat, heat + beetroot, smoke + beetroot and heat + treasmoke + treatment. The hematological results indicate that exposure to smoke alone caused a significant reduction in total white blood cell count, while other groups showed no such decline. Red blood cell and hemoglobin levels dropped notably in rats exposed to smoke and combined heat and smoke, but these values improved with beetroot pretreatment. Most red cell and platelet indices remained unchanged, though MPV and PLCR increased in the heat-only group and were normalized by beetroot extract. Overall, beetroot treatment effectively mitigated hematological disruptions induced by heat and smoke exposure. Histologically, Vascular and bronchiolar ulceration and interstitial inflammation were seen in the lung tissue of the smoke only, heat only and smoke + treatment respectively. Animals in the beetroot treated groups had normal alveoli, bronchiolar dilation and bronchiolar ulceration (heat + beetroot, smoke + beetroot and heat + smoke + beetroot respectively. Beetroot treatment markedly restored WBC, RBC, HGB, and HCT levels and normalized platelet indices, demonstrating its hematoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. These protective actions are attributed to beetroot’s rich composition of betalains, polyphenols, flavonoids, and dietary nitrates, which enhance nitric oxide bioavailability, scavenge reactive oxygen species, and suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines. Beetroot extract therefore shows promise as a natural, affordable antioxidant remedy against heat and biomass smoke-induced hematological toxicity.

Background of the Study: University students frequently contend with
demanding academic schedules that can limit their opportunities for physical
activity and affect their overall physical fitness. A heavy academic load may
contribute to prolonged sedentary behaviour, increased mental fatigue, and the
development of long term health issues. Consequently, understanding the ways
in which academic pressures shape students’ physical activity patterns and
fitness levels is essential for fostering both well being and academic effectiveness within higher education settings.
Aim: This research examined the association between academic workload, physical activity, and physical fitness among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to ascertain the extent of academic workload, determine the prevalence of physical activity, assess physical fitness status, and explore the interconnections among these factors in relation to gender and faculty differences.
Method: A descriptive cross sectional design was adopted for the study. Data were gathered from a representative sample of undergraduate students using validated self administered questionnaires to assess academic workload across four subscales (mental, physical, temporal, and performance) and to measure levels of physical activity. These were supplemented by standardised physical
fitness assessments. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarise
demographic and activity related data, while inferential techniques, including
Pearson’s correlation and independent t tests, were used to examine
relationships and differences between variables. The threshold for statistical
significance was established at p < 0.05.

The research evaluated the intending career fulfilment in the radiographers of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). In healthcare professions, career fulfilment is a key area in the determination of productivity, job satisfaction, and employee retention. The study assumed a descriptive cross-sectional research design and a sample population of 30 radiographers in UBTH. The methods used to gather data were structured self-administered questionnaires that aimed at studying career goals, levels of fulfilment and issues facing radiographers. To analyse the relationship between years of practice and career fulfilment, descriptive statistics and the use of Spearman Rank Correlation were used to answer the analysis. Results showed that despite the fact that most of the radiographers had clear career goals, a considerable amount of radiographers had no idea of their present career fulfilment. Those who felt themselves on track towards their career goals amounted to 33.3%, and those who were unsure about it added to 46.7%. This research revealed that the years of practice and career satisfaction were moderately correlated, albeit negatively, with the years of practice but the correlation was not significant (r = -0.334, p = 0.071). Some of the key obstacles that were noticed were lack of training, proper funding, excessive workload and lack of mentorship. The limitations were discovered to seriously discourage professional development and achievement. The research finds that radiographers are professional and show strong ambitions but institutional and structural constraints do not allow them to have optimal career fulfilment. It suggests systemic mentorship schemes, frequent professional development trainings, and working conditions as a way of improving career fulfilment and retention among radiographers at UBTH.

Icacina trichantha is a medicinal plant traditionally used in West Africa for its hematinic and immunomodulatory properties. The study is aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Icacina trichantha on the expression of the High-Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB-1) gene in Wistar rats with aluminum chloride–induced anaemia. Sixty (60) adult male Wistar rats were divided into six (6) groups: Group A (Control), Group B (AlCl₃ only), Group C (AlCl₃ + 40 mg/kg ferrous sulphate), and Groups D, E, and F (AlCl₃ + 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg I. trichantha extract, respectively). Blood samples were analyzed for white blood cell parameters using an ERMA haematology autoanalyzer, and HMGB1 mRNA expression was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with GAPDH as the internal control. Total WBC count was highest in Group B (7.5 ± 0.91) and lowest in Group C (4.92 ± 0.51), with extract-treated groups showing intermediate values (6.28 ± 0.46, 5.88 ± 1.17, and 5.98 ± 0.57 for Groups D, E, and F, respectively), though differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Lymphocyte, MID, and granulocyte percentages showed mild variations across groups but without statistical significance. Significant weight gain was observed in Groups D, E, and F at day 28 compared to day 0 (p < 0.05). HMGB1 mRNA expression was significantly elevated in Groups C, D, and E compared to Groups A and B (p < 0.05), indicating activation of immune-related molecular pathways. In conclusion, while I. trichantha did not significantly alter WBC indices in AlCl₃-induced anaemia, its administration was associated with notable upregulation of HMGB1 expression and improved body weight, suggesting potential modulatory and restorative effects that warrant further mechanistic studies.

Background/Purpose of Study:
Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in upper extremity dysfunction that limits independence. Rehabilitation strategies such as Mental Imagery (MI) and the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) have been developed to enhance motor recovery. This study evaluated the comparative and combined effectiveness of MI and GRASP on upper extremity function in stroke survivors. Methods:
A total of forty-eight (48) stroke survivors were randomly assigned into four groups of twelve participants each: Mental Imagery (MI), GRASP, combined MI + GRASP, and a control group. The intervention lasted for eight weeks and was conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) was used to assess upper extremity function pre- and post-intervention. Data were analysed using one-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), and post-hoc comparisons were performed with Bonferroni correction at a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: The results revealed that the MI group showed no significant improvement in upper extremity function compared to the control. However, participants in the GRASP and MI + GRASP groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in grasp, grip, pinch, and gross movement components of the ARAT. The GRASP group showed the most notable gains, followed by the combined intervention group.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that GRASP, alone or in combination with Mental Imagery, enhances upper extremity function in stroke survivors, while Mental Imagery alone may not produce measurable benefits within an eight-week period. These results support the inclusion of structured GRASP protocols, with or without imagery practice, in stroke rehabilitation to improve upper limb recovery