SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

This paper has examined the subject of ethical knowledge and professional behaviour among student radiographers in University of Benin, Nigeria. The data were collected via standardized self-administered questionnaires and a descriptive cross-sectional survey was performed among the clinical year students (300 to 500 level) of the organizations. Purposive sampling and descriptive statistics were the choice of the study to ensure the analysis of the data by means of SPSS version 29. Findings showed that most students (78.6) displayed positive understanding of the main ethical concepts, where the informed consent (96.0% correct), patient response to refusal (98.8% correct), and autonomy (91.3% correct) were significantly high. The level of professional conduct knowledge was exceptionally good (94.0 percent good knowledge) and 99.6 percent of them have a correct understanding of the procedures in managing complaints and 99.2 percent of them understand the boundaries of their profession. There were however loopholes in the understanding of patient confidentiality nuances, where 17.1% believed that patient information would never be disclosed and in any way. Some of the common ethical questions that were posed were poor supervision (means of 1.94/4.00), poor description of procedures (means of 1.81/4.00) and not obtaining proper consent (means 1.58/4.00). It was found in the study that core ethical knowledge is present among student radiographers but specific treatments that deal with practical application of ethical concepts in clinical settings are required. Suggestions given are more ethics integration in clinical training, better supervision process, establishment of mentorship programs to address ethical choices, and establishment of an ethical culture of accountability and reporting errors.

Patient-centered care is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of quality in diagnostic imaging. Communication between radiographers and patients during computed tomography (CT) procedures plays a central role in shaping psychological responses, particularly in relation to comfort and anxiety. Despite its importance, limited evidence exists in the Nigerian context on how radiographer communication influences patient experience. This study therefore assessed the relationship between radiographer communication and patients’ psychological responses during CT examinations. This descriptive cross-sectional survey employed a structured questionnaire to collect data from 97 patients undergoing CT procedures. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0, employing descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests of association. Findings were presented in frequency tables, percentages, and statistical outputs at a significance level of p < 0.05. The findings revealed that 63.9% of respondents were first-time CT patients, with the majority reporting heightened anxiety before, during, and after the procedure. While 79.3% acknowledged that radiographers provided clear procedural explanations, only 63.9% felt their anxiety was reduced by the communication received. Chi-square analysis showed no statistically significant association between radiographer communication and psychological responses of comfort and anxiety (χ² = 9.394, df = 1, p = 0.659). Although radiographer communication was effective in providing technical explanations, it was less effective in addressing patients’ emotional needs. This underscores a training gap in therapeutic communication and psychological support within radiography practice. The study recommends integrating patient psychology, therapeutic communication, and anxiety management modules into radiography curricula, alongside continuing professional development programs. Healthcare facilities should prioritize staff-patient interaction

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.