SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease, particularly affecting the elderly, and significantly impacts both quality of life (QoL) and physical activity (PA) levels. The disease, marked by pain, joint stiffness, and mobility limitations, can exacerbate physical and psychological distress in older adults. Despite its widespread impact, there is limited research on how knee OA affects these dimensions among elderly populations in Nigeria. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of knee osteoarthritis on QoL and physical activity levels among elderly outpatients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 50 elderly patients (aged 60 and above) diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. QoL was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF, physical activity levels were assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and pain intensity was evaluated with the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests and MannWhitney U tests. Results: The majority of respondents (64%) reported low QoL, with high levels of physical activity observed in 88% of participants. Pain intensity varied, with 40% of participants experiencing severe pain. No significant differences were found between male and female respondents in terms of QoL, physical activity, or pain intensity ( p=0.565; p=0.230; p=0.012 respectively). Furthermore, no no significant association were found between age and each of QoL ,physical activity levels and pain intensity(p=0.409;p=0.620;p=0.059 respectively) Conclusion: This study revealed that elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis experience low quality of life and generally high physical activity levels, with mild-to-severe variations in pain intensity. Furthermore, no statistically significant associations were found between age and each of QoL, physical activity and pain intensity Keywords: Knee osteoarthritis, elderly, quality of life, physical activity, pain.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of disability, particularly among individuals in physically demanding occupations like market trading. Market women in Oredo Local Government Area (LGA), Benin City, are exposed to risk factors such as prolonged standing and heavy lifting, yet many do not access orthopaedic physiotherapy services. This study aimed to investigate the barriers and facilitators influencing their access to these essential services. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 374 market women selected via convenience sampling from markets in Oredo LGA. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Analysis involved descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation), with the significance level set at p<0.05. Results: The study found a high prevalence of MSDs among respondents, with low back pain (80.5%), general body pain (80.7%), and joint pain (79.7%) being the most common. Key barriers to accessing physiotherapy included long waiting times (70.1%), distance to clinics (56.2%), and lack of awareness (53.4%). Major facilitators were affordability (81.3%), proximity of services (79.1%), and positive social testimonials (77.6%). Socio-demographic factors such as education and awareness significantly influenced service utilization, while income and marital status had less impact. Conclusion: Market women in Oredo LGA experience a high burden of MSDs, but their access to physiotherapy is hampered primarily by systemic and informational barriers. To improve utilization, community-based awareness campaigns, mobile clinics, and strategies enhancing affordability and proximity are recommended.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Increasing evidence suggests that changes in trace elements, particularly copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in preeclampsia pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Se in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia attending a tertiary health clinic in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A case –control design was employed involving 80 participants consisting of clinically diagnosed preeclamptic patients and age- and gestational –age –matched normotensive pregnant women. Venous blood samples were collected, and serum Cu, Zn and Se levels were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools such as the student t test, with significance set at p<0.05. Preliminary findings indicate that preeclamptic women exhibit significantly higher Cu levels and reduced Zn and Se concentrations compared to controls, suggesting an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant trace elements. These alterations may exacerbate oxidative stress, contributing to disease severity. The results underscore the importance of Cu, Zn, and Se as potential biochemical markers in the assessment and management of preeclampsia. Further large –scale studies are recommended to explore their predictive and therapeutic implications in pregnancy –related hypertensive disorders

Background: Bedridden patients confined to bed for prolonged durations due to severe systemic illnesses or post-surgical recovery are at high risk of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which leads to impaired regulation of cardiovascular parameters such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Physiotherapeutic interventions such as bridging exercises, though beneficial for muscle activation and postural control, have not been adequately studied in relation to their effects on autonomic responses among bedridden patients. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the autonomic responses of bedridden patients to a bridging exercise protocol. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 50 participants (25 bedridden and 25 non-bedridden) recruited from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Baseline cardiovascular parameters (SBP, DBP, HR, and MAP) were measured at rest using an automated sphygmomanometer. Participants in the experimental group performed a structured bridging exercise protocol (three sets of 10 repetitions, holding each bridge for 5 seconds). Post-exercise measurements were recorded immediately. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (ANCOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, and independent t-tests) with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The results showed significant increases in SBP, DBP, HR, and MAP among bedridden patients after the bridging exercise session (p < 0.001), indicating improved autonomic activity and cardiovascular stimulation. However, no significant differences were observed between the bedridden and non-bedridden groups after exercise (p > 0.05). This suggests that bridging exercises can transiently normalize cardiovascular responses in bedridden patients to levels comparable to non-bedridden individuals. Conclusion: The study concludes that bridging exercises significantly influence autonomic responses among bedridden patients, demonstrating positive cardiovascular and autonomic adjustments. Bridging exercises are beneficial, safe, and effective for inclusion in rehabilitation programs to enhance autonomic function and prevent cardiovascular deconditioning in bedridden individuals.

Background: Hypertension is a leading non-communicable disease and a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality globally. Despite proven evidence that regular exercise reduces blood pressure, the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of exercise among hypertensive patients remains suboptimal, particularly in Nigeria. Understanding these dimensions is essential for promoting effective non-pharmacological management of hypertension.
Aim: The study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of exercise for blood pressure control among adults with hypertension attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed involving 150 adults with high blood pressure recruited from the cardiology clinic of UBTH. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire divided into sections on socio-demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice of exercise for blood pressure control. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics were expressed as frequencies and percentages, while associations between variables were tested using the Chi-square test at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: Findings revealed that 74% of participants had adequate knowledge of exercise for blood pressure control, 76% demonstrated a good attitude, and 60% had good exercise practice. There was a significant association between socio-economic status and knowledge of exercise (p = 0.021), while age, level of education, and socio-economic status showed no significant association with attitude and practice (p > 0.05). Most respondents (85.4%) reported improvement in blood pressure since initiating exercise.

Conclusion: The study concluded that hypertensive adults at UBTH generally possess good knowledge and attitude toward exercise for blood pressure control; however, practical engagement in exercise remains moderate. Continuous patient education, physiotherapy involvement, and community-based exercise programs are recommended to enhance adherence and improve hypertension outcomes.

Background: Radiological crises happen quite suddenly, which means that radiographers are likely to be the first medical workers present in the area, and therefore the resuscitation must be made as a priority. The research evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and practices of radiographers on patient resuscitation in case of radiological emergencies in Benin Metropolis. Method: The type used was a descriptive cross-sectional design that involved the use of a structured questionnaire that was administered to 61 registered radiographers in selected health facilities. The tool examined the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the respondents in regard to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other emergency procedures. Descriptive statistics and the correlation of knowledge and practice were used to analyze the data by using Spearman’s Correlation test. Results: It was found that there was moderate awareness of resuscitation measures, and many of the respondents had no knowledge of AED usage and age-specific
methods of CPR. The willingness to train and take part in emergency drills has been shown as the attitudes towards resuscitation were very positive. But there were few practices that were being reported especially in CPR and simulation activities. Knowledge and practice were found to have a significant positive relationship (spearman’s rho = 0.569, p = 0.000). Conclusion: In Benin Metropolis, radiographers demonstrate a high level of motivation and low readiness to resuscitation in the case of radiological emergencies. To improve competence and emergency preparedness it is suggested to provide continuous CPR training, improve role definition, and conduct simulation exercises
frequently

This study developed functional anti-diabetic snack bars using composite flours from
Bambara groundnut, Cardaba banana, beetroot, guava leaf, and cinnamon, and assessed
their mineral and antinutrient compositions in relation to blood glucose regulation. Three formulations (Samples A, B, and C) were analyzed for key minerals magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, and Phosphorus and antinutrients such as phytates, oxalates, and
cyanogenic compounds. Results revealed significant variations among samples. Sample B contained the most favourable mineral profile, with the highest levels of magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus, alongside low phytate content, indicating strong potential to support insulin activity and glucose metabolism. Sample A had high calcium but elevated
antinutrients, while Sample C showed low antinutrient levels but reduced mineral density. Overall, Sample B demonstrated the best balance between nutrient richness and minimal antinutrient interference, highlighting the potential of indigenous crops in formulating functional foods for glycaemic management.

Alcohol (ethanol) is a widely consumed psychoactive substance known to induce oxidative stress and gastrointestinal mucosal damage, particularly in the stomach. Chronic alcohol exposure generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disrupts mucosal integrity. M melatonin on alcohol-induced gastric toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Forty adult male Wistar rats (150–180 g) were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): control, melatonin only (5 mg/kg), alcohol only and melatonin plus alcohol. All treatments were administered orally via gavage for 28 days. After the exposure period, a weight test was done, and gastric tissues were harvested for histopathological analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with significance set at p<0.05. Alcohol induced ulceration in the mucosa of the stomach, and the ulcer induced was irregularly -shaped. The control group showed a normal gastric architecture, while the group given alcohol only exhibited disruption of the muscularis mucosa with the formation of a irregular-shaped ulcer. The group given alcohol and melatonin showed that melatonin attenuated the ulcerative lesion in the stomach, indicating that melatonin effectively resolved alcohol-induced gastric injury.

Thyroid shields are protective devices used in radiography to reduce exposure of the thyroid gland to ionizing radiation. The thyroid is a radiosensitive organ, and shielding it is an important radiation protection practice. However, despite its importance, the consistent use of thyroid shields by radiography students is not always emphasized in training institutions in Nigeria. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge among final-year radiography students regarding the use of thyroid shields at the University of Benin. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted, involving 94 final-year radiography students. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, knowledge of thyroid anatomy and radiation sensitivity, knowledge of thyroid shield usage, and awareness of institutional practices regarding radiation protection. The collected data were coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation to determine the relationship between different knowledge domains. The results showed that students had high theoretical knowledge of thyroid anatomy and radiation sensitivity, with 91.5% correct responses. However, only 25.5% reported applying thyroid shields during practical radiographic proceduresKnowledge of proper shield usage showed a moderate positive correlation with knowledge of thyroid anatomy and radiation sensitivity (r = 0.465, p = 0.000). Additionally, institutional support was very limited, with fewer than 2% of students reporting the availability of thyroid shields or formal training on their use. Although students demonstrated strong theoretical understanding, their practical application of thyroid shields remains inadequate. Improving hands-on training, increasing access to protective equipment, and implementing formal radiation safety policies are recommended to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. Keywords: Thyroid shields, protective devices, radiosensitive organ, Spearman’s rank correlation.

Potassium bromate, a chemical once commonly used as a flour improver, has been banned in many countries due to its harmful health effects, including its potential to cause cancer and organ toxicity. Despite these regulations, concerns persist about its continued use in bread production, particularly in small-scale bakeries. This study investigates the presence and concentration of potassium bromate in unsliced bread samples obtained from various bakeries in Egor Local Government Area, using both qualitative and quantitative analytical methods. Bread samples were collected and categorized based on their loaf sizes, with qualitative analysis conducted to detect the presence of potassium bromate. The results revealed that while some samples showed no reaction, others exhibited a blue-black coloration, confirming the presence of potassium bromate. Quantitative analysis further indicated varying concentrations across the tested samples, with some exceeding the acceptable safety threshold. The highest concentration recorded was 0.04 mg/kg, raising significant health concerns. These findings suggest that despite regulatory efforts, potassium bromate is still being used in some bread production processes, potentially putting consumers at risk. The study highlights the need for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations, increased public awareness, and the promotion of safer alternatives in bread-making. Strengthening routine monitoring and implementing more stringent penalties for non-compliance could help eliminate potassium bromate from the food supply chain, ultimately safeguarding public health.