SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Ionizing radiation is widely used in medical imaging but requires strict adherence to safety standards. This study assessed the awareness of radiation dose limits and regulatory guidelines among 234 radiography clinical-year students at the University of Benin. Only 36.4% correctly identified the recommended public dose limit of 1 mSv, while 44% admitted not knowing it. Mean knowledge score was moderate (66.8%), though Confidence towards radiation protection was high (87.1%). Students who attended radiation protection courses scored significantly higher (76.1%) than non-attendees (48.1%). These findings highlight a gap between positive safety Confidences and technical knowledge, emphasizing the need for strengthened curriculum and structured trainings.

Background/Aim: Motivational interviewing (MI) is increasingly recognised as a valuable communication approach in healthcare because it addresses key challenges such as patient engagement and sustained behaviour change. Although evidence supports MI as an effective strategy for promoting health behaviour change across conditions such as substance use and medication adherence, its implementation faces several barriers and facilitators that influence uptake and long-term success. This study therefore aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to MI utilisation among healthcare providers.
Methods: To identify eligible studies, the following electronic databases were used for literature search: EMBASE, MEDLINE via OVID, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), SCOPUS, and Web of Science Core Collections. Furthermore, AJOL, ProQuest thesis and dissertation, Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) website and Google Scholar were also searched for grey literature. The reference lists of included studies were further screened for eligible studies. The inclusion criteria comprised of studies published in English Language, involving all healthcare (physicians, pharmacists, psychologists, nurses, physiotherapists and social workers), articles addressing the barriers and facilitators to the utilisation of MI and in context of healthcare settings. Screening and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers, with disagreements resolved with a consensus. Results were summarized using narrative synthesis following PRISMA-Scr framework.
Result: A total of 19 studies including 456 participants were included in this review. Majority of the participants were nurses as 11 out of the 19 studies included nurses as participants. Out of the included studies, 14 were qualitative studies, 1 randomised controlled trial (RCT), 1 mixed methods design, 1 quantitative design, 1 practice change project and 1 descriptive study. The narrative synthesis identified several barriers and facilitators to the use of motivational interviewing (MI). The most common barrier was the lack of time required to deliver MI effectively. Other identified barriers included insufficient provider training, high workload, patient-related challenges, and practitioner-related factors. Key facilitators reported were the availability of training, practice, support, and supervision, effective communication, readiness or tension for change, alignment of MI with existing practices (goodness of fit), and a supportive work environment.
Conclusion: This scoping review highlights key barriers and facilitators to healthcare providers’ use of MI. Barriers include time constraints, inadequate training, and heavy workloads, while facilitators include adequate training, organizational support, supervision, and positive work environments. Addressing these challenges can enhance MI’s effectiveness in improving patient outcomes.
Registration: The review protocol was developed, registered and made publicly available through the Open Science Framework database with the protocol registration link- https://osf.io/5pqh8
Keywords: Motivational interviewing, barriers, facilitators, healthcare providers, scoping review.

BACKGROUND
Sexual coercion among undergraduate students is a significant public health issue affecting physical health, mental wellbeing, and academic performance. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, prevalence, and factors influencing sexual coercion among undergraduate students in selected universities in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 509 undergraduate students from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Benin City. A structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Sexual Experiences Survey (SES), the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale (IRMA), and the WHO sexual violence framework was used for data collection. Multi-stage sampling was employed. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27.0 at a 95% confidence interval, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
The mean age of respondents was 21.5 ± 3.2 years; 269/509 (52.8%) were female and 240/509 (47.2%) were male. Regarding knowledge of sexual coercion (n=398), 310/398 (78.0%) had good knowledge while 88/398 (22.0%) had poor knowledge. The majority of respondents, 416/509 (81.7%), held a negative (unfavourable) attitude towards sexual coercion, while 93/509 (18.3%) held a positive (accepting) attitude. The lifetime prevalence of sexual coercion was 244/509 (47.9%). The most common forms were unwanted touching (158/509, 31.0%), transactional coercion (promises of money, gifts, or grades for sex; 90/509, 17.7%), threat of breakup for sex (72/509, 14.0%), and fear to refuse sexual advances (63/509, 12.4%). Female students had significantly higher prevalence than males (146/269, 54.3% vs. 98/240, 40.8%; χ² = 9.182, p = 0.002). Prevalence increased significantly with level of study, from 38/149 (25.5%) at 100 level to 64/97 (66.0%) at 300 level (χ² = 50.731, p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified alcohol or drug use by students as a significant independent predictor of sexual coercion (OR = 2.097; 95% CI = 1.145–3.838; p = 0.016). Male sex (OR = 2.054; 95% CI = 1.328–3.179; p = 0.001), increasing age (OR = 1.147 per year; 95% CI = 1.053–1.250; p = 0.002), and studying Medicine (compared to Law) (OR = 0.401; 95% CI = 0.203–0.791; p = 0.008) were also significant predictors.
CONCLUSION
Sexual coercion is highly prevalent among undergraduate students in Benin City, affecting nearly one in two students, with unwanted touching, transactional coercion, and psychological pressure being the commonest forms. Female students, older students, and those in higher levels of study are at greater risk. Alcohol/drug use significantly increases vulnerability. These findings
underscore the urgent need for mandatory, sustained consent education programmes beginning at 100 level, strengthened campus security and policy enforcement, accessible confidential reporting mechanisms, and targeted interventions addressing substance use and peer norms. University administrations must fully implement the Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention
and Prohibition) Act of 2025, establish Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committees, and provide comprehensive survivor support services.
KEYWORDS
Sexual coercion, Undergraduates, Knowledge, Attitude, Prevalence, Benin City, Nigeria

In the intricate world of modern healthcare, where technology and human expertise intersect, diagnostic radiology stands as one of the most remarkable achievements. Yet, behind every powerful image produced through X-rays, CT scans, or fluoroscopy lies an invisible, potent force ionizing radiation. The study aimed to assess the level of practice of personnel radiation monitoring among radiology staff in Benin city. A descriptive cross-sectional study was used, census sampling was used to select a total of 60 respondents participated. The findings revealed that awareness levels were very high. Nearly all respondents recognized the risks of occupational radiation exposure, had received training on radiation safety, and were familiar with monitoring principles such as ALARA. In contrast, actual practice of radiation monitoring was less consistent. While radiographers adhered strongly to safety practices and many indicated they practiced monitoring even without supervision, compliance with the routine use and submission of dosimeters was far from universal. Challenges to monitoring were largely institutional. Respondents highlighted irregular supply of dosimeters, lack of timely feedback, and inadequate training as the most pressing obstacles. Hypothesis testing confirmed that awareness and practice are significantly related. In conclusion radiographers with higher awareness were more likely to engage in consistent monitoring practices, suggesting that knowledge plays an important role in shaping behavior, though institutional support is also necessary.

Radiographic imaging has become a crucial element in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal injury to direct treatment. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used on 105 football players in Benin Metropolis. The structured questionnaire included the data collected concerning the history of injury, imaging use, and radiological service satisfaction. The purposive sampling was employed, and SPSS version 29 was applied to examine the data. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and Chi-square tests were used to establish associations at a level of significance of 0.05. About 97 of 105 players (92.4) said that they had suffered sports related injuries. Ankle 46 (43.8%) and knee 37 (35.2) were most affected with muscles strain 54 (51.4) and sprain 28 (26.7) being key types of injury. The most frequently used imaging modalities were Xray 41 (39.0) and CT 36 (34.3), whereas the MRI and ultrasound were underutilized. The association was significant between age and frequency of injury (p = 0.011) and between training frequency and body part affected (p = 0.000), not type of injury and the use of imaging (p = 0.052). Radiological services also satisfied about 83 (79.0) players, 77 (73.3) played that imaging promoted their recovery process. Radiographic imaging is helpful in accurate diagnosis, treatment choice, and management outcome in sports related injuries. It is highly suggested that radiographers should be integrated into sports medical teams and greater availability of advanced imaging modalities should also be provided.
Keywords: Sports trauma, radiological examination, football, computer tomography, and radiologist.

Background: In Nigeria, stroke is a major cause of death and disability, and recovery are greatly impacted by health-seeking behaviour (HSB). According to the biopsychosocial (BPS) model, these behaviours are shaped by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors; however, little is known about how these factors interact among stroke survivors in Edo State, Nigeria. Purpose: This study aimed to use a mixed-methods design to examine the Biopsychosocial determinants of Health Seeking Behaviour among stroke survivors in Edo State. Methods: For the quantitative arm, a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach was used to recruit 55 stroke survivors through multistage sampling. Structured questionnaires (NIHSS, MAS, Berg Balance Scale, HADS, MSPSS) were used to evaluate Biopsychosocial factors and Health Seeking Behaviour. From this group, ten individuals were specifically chosen to participate in in- depth qualitative interviews. While qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis, quantitative data was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square tests) using SPSS version 27.0. Results: No statistically significant correlations (p > 0.05) were found between Health Seeking Behaviour and any of the Biopsychosocial variables (such as social support, anxiety, comorbidities, and stroke severity). However, a qualitative analysis revealed five major themes that impact HSB: coping strategies, emotional reactions, family, community, and spiritual influences, clinical features and perceived cause, and health-system barriers. Notably, family support, financial limitations, and cultural beliefs played a significant role in the pathways and decisions surrounding care-seeking. Conclusion: Although there was no statistically significant correlation between HSB and standard BPS measures in this sample, qualitative findings highlight the significant impact of systemic, social, and cultural factors. The results emphasize the need for stroke rehabilitation services in Edo State that are accessible, family-inclusive, and culturally sensitive.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a relatively simple, safe, and minimally invasive radiological examination used to visualize the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes through the introduction of a contrast medium. Beyond its diagnostic value, HSG also offers therapeutic benefits in the assessment and management planning of infertility. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine how pre-procedure education and counseling influence pain perception and anxiety levels among women undergoing HSG. A total of sixty-nine (69) women were selected using a purposive sampling method to ensure appropriate representation of individuals scheduled for the procedure. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for assessing pain intensity, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for evaluating anxiety before, during, and after the examination. All collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Socio-demographic analysis showed that 25 participants (36.2%) were between 20–29 years, 24 (34.8%) were aged 30–39 years, and 20 (29.0%) fell within 40–49 years. Regarding educational attainment, 44 respondents (63.8%) had university or postgraduate qualifications, whereas 25 (36.2%) had only primary or secondary school education. The majority, 53 women (76.8%), were married. Of the
participants, 35 (50.7%) were assigned to the intervention group and received comprehensive information about the HSG procedure, while 34 (49.3%) formed the control group and did not receive such guidance. Within the intervention group, 32 women (91.4%) reported that the education and counseling were extremely beneficial, while the remaining 3 (8.6%) found them moderately helpful. Pain assessment revealed that in the control group, 58.8% experienced moderate pain and 41.2% reported severe pain. Conversely, among the intervention group, 82.9% reported only mild pain and 17.1% experienced moderate pain. Anxiety levels followed a similar pattern: 67.7% of the control group exhibited high anxiety, whereas 88.6% of the intervention group reported minimal anxiety. Hypothesis testing indicated that all comparisons between the control and intervention groups yielded p-values less than 0.05, signifying statistically significant differences. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected, and the alternative hypothesis was accepted.

Background: Residency training is a supervised postgraduate medical program in Nigeria designed to prepare doctors for specialization. Resident doctors play a critical role in patient management and interdisciplinary collaboration, including aiding referral to rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy. However, evidence suggests that the utilization of physiotherapy services largely depends on physicians’ awareness and perception of its role. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of physiotherapy among resident doctors in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 169 resident doctors in UBTH, selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated instruments. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of physiotherapy, perception of the profession, and factors influencing both. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v26). Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were used to summarize responses. Results: Of the 169 participants, 62.1% were male and 49.1% were aged 31–45 years. Most respondents (89.9%) identified a degree as the qualification required to practice physiotherapy, and 59.8% reported five years of training. However, 74.0% believed that a doctor’s referral was mandatory before patients could access physiotherapy. While 96.4% recognized physiotherapy as essential in rehabilitation and 60.9% considered it first-line management for musculoskeletal disorders, only 41.4% had personally consulted physiotherapists. Overall, 62.1% demonstrated satisfactory perception of physiotherapy, while 32.0% exhibited good perception. Key factors influencing knowledge and perception included clinical case outcomes (55.0%), interprofessional communication (55.0%), and research findings (46.2%).
Conclusion: Resident doctors in UBTH demonstrated good knowledge and largely positive perception of physiotherapy, although misconceptions about physiotherapy autonomy and limited awareness of practice settings persist. Strengthening undergraduate exposure, interprofessional education, and clinical collaboration may improve referral practices and enhance integration of physiotherapy in patient care.

While chest diseases are a leading cause of global mortality, their specific local presentation in many regions remains uncharted. This study aims to address this critical knowledge gap of common chest pathologies in adult patients who did chest CT in Benin city, Nigeria. A retrospective, cross-sectional review was performed on 350 adult chest CT results from University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Raytouch. Patient data was analysed for pathology prevalence, while Chi-square tests explored associations with gender and age. The findings reveal a significant dual burden of disease. Non-communicable diseases were led by lung cancer, the single most common finding (18.29%). This was immediately followed by major infectious diseases: pulmonary tuberculosis (13.43%) and pneumonia (11.43%). Gender-based differences were confirmed (p=0.008), with males exhibiting a higher prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and bronchiectasis. Notably, 9.43% of all scans contained incidental findings, and 1.71% revealed unexpected tumors or masses. The study’s descriptive findings show that certain conditions like lung cancer, followed age trends. The descriptive data did highlight age related patterns for specific illnesses, such as lung cancer but did not find any statistically significant relationship looking at the entire range of pathologies across adult age groups (p=0.530). This study is the first to provide a CT-scan based reference for thoracic disease in Benin City. By precisely measuring the challenging overlap of highly prevalent cancers and infectious diseases, this research offers localised, essential evidence that can directly inform regional public health strategies and improve clinical diagnostic procedures.

This study investigates the electromagnetic radiation from cell phones on the blood parameters on Wister rats. With cell phones present in every aspect of daily life, both humans and by extension laboratory rats are exposed to RF radiation which may affect their hematological parameters and biological systems. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the hematological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation from cell phones on female Wistar rats under controlled exposure conditions. The specific objectives are to; (1) measure and compare red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and white blood cell count between Wistar rat exposed to cell phone RF-EMR and unexposed control rat, (2) measure and compare the weight differences between Wistar rats exposed to cell phone RF-EMR and unexposed control rats and (3) assess the relationship between exposure duration and the magnitude of changes in these hematological parameters. A randomized controlled experimental design was used, and involving 8 healthy adults female Wistar rats, aged 6–9 weeks and weighing 45– 65 g. A minimum of 4 rats were equally divided into 2 groups, i.e. 4 rats in the control group and 4 rats in the EMR exposed group. Rats were acclimatized for 9 days, with ad libitum food and water. Then each rat in the exposure group was placed individually in the chamber for 2 min/day during which the cell phone emitting the radiation was placed around the rat. Exposure is from the auto-answer mode cell phone which occurred for 2 minutes per day over 4 weeks. Post-exposure blood samples were compared within and between the two groups. The findings of this study showed that the exposed and control group were comparable in baseline characteristics and the analysis of White Blood Cell (WBC) parameters revealed no statistically significant impact of EMR exposure on7 the rats, but a significant rise in red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration was observed in the exposed rats when compared to the WBC findings. Also, the findings of the Platelet count and most platelet indices did not change significantly. The research concluded that specific and measurable significant alterations in the Red Blood Cell (RBC) profiles, while other parameters, notably White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Platelets, showed numerical trends but no statistically significant differences. It recommends that future studies should Increase the exposure duration per rat from 2 minutes up to 30 minutes and the experimental period should be extended from 4 weeks to 8 or 12 weeks to obtain more robust and reliable data.