SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Stimulants are a major constituent of psychoactive substances. They cause several untoward effects; including academic difficulty which can lead to untoward consequences for students. The understanding of the knowledge and pattern of use of stimulant will help in its prevention and control. Thus, this study intended to investigate the knowledge and practice and current prevalence rates of stimulant use, using the undergraduate students in the university of Benin as case study, age and gender of students as well monthly income and how they got to know about stimulants, specific type of stimulant used and reason for using stimulants. The instrument consisted of sociodemographic variables and the stimulant knowledge section, benefits, health effects and effects section of Questionnaire for Student Drug Use Survey. It was administered on 100 undergraduate students of University of Benin selected by random technique. The current prevalence rates of stimulant use were 61%, 54% and 50% respectively for the use caffeine, alcohol and cannabis. The majority (77%) of our respondents were in the age range of 21-25. Only 2% of our respondents were married. Therefore, efforts at curtailing the use of stimulants must start early; incorporating such strategy into primary school curriculum will be worthwhile. There is need to focus more on common stimulants like coffee, Kola nut, caffeinated energy drinks. Students need to study without using stimulants.

This study investigated the effects of controlled consumption of Predator energy drink on kidney function among healthy young adults in the University of Benin. Energy drinks contain caffeine, taurine, sugars and several additives that may influence renal physiology. The study assessed both plasma and urinary biomarkers to determine whether short term intake could produce early changes in renal function. A total of young adult participants were assigned into three groups which included a control group, a group that consumed one bottle of Predator energy drink daily and another group that consumed two bottles daily for one week. Blood and urine samples were collected after the intervention and analysed using standard biochemical methods. The results showed that cystatin C levels increased significantly in both energy drink groups, indicating early glomerular stress. Plasma creatinine and plasma electrolytes did not show significant changes, suggesting that the kidneys were still able to maintain filtration and electrolyte balance during this short exposure period. Urinary findings showed significant changes in urine pH, urinary bicarbonate, urinary potassium and urinary creatinine, which indicated early tubular alterations and increased renal workload. Urinary albumin remained unchanged across all groups, showing that structural glomerular integrity was preserved. The study concludes that short term consumption of Predator energy drink can cause mild renal stress that is detectable through sensitive biomarkers even when traditional renal markers remain within normal limits. These findings highlight the importance of moderate intake among young adults to prevent possible long term renal complications. It is recommended that regular consumers undergo periodic health checks and that more extended studies be carried out to determine the long term effects of frequent energy drink consumption.

The Rhesus (Rh) blood group system is one of the most clinically significant after the ABO
system, with the E and e antigens playing important roles in transfusion medicine and
maternal-fetal health. This study assessed the distribution of Rhesus E and e antigens among
pregnant women attending antenatal care at Central Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. A crosssectional
study design was employed, and a total of 100 pregnant women were recruited. Data
on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected through structured proformas,
and blood samples were analyzed for the presence of Rh E and e antigens using standard
serological techniques. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, with
descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests applied; significance was set at p < 0.05.
The majority of participants were aged 26–35 years (62.0%), of Bini ethnicity (40.0%), and
engaged in business (63.0%). Clinically, 32.0% were nulliparous, 53.0% were in their second
trimester, and 31.0% were in their first pregnancy. The prevalence of Rhesus E antigen was
15.0%, while Rhesus e antigen was observed in 91.0% of participants. Analysis revealed no
statistically significant associations between sociodemographic variables and the prevalence of
either antigen (p > 0.05). However, a significant association was found between parity and
Rhesus e antigen distribution (X² = 11.35, df = 5, p = 0.045), with higher positivity observed
among women with parity zero and one.
The findings indicate that while Rhesus e antigen is highly prevalent among pregnant women in
Benin City, Rhesus E antigen remains relatively low. The significant link between parity and
Rhesus e antigen suggests that parity may influence antigen distribution in this population.
These results underscore the need for continued monitoring of Rh antigen patterns in pregnant
women to inform transfusion services and obstetric care.

Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are a cornerstone of safe healthcare delivery,aimed at minimizing the risks of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among patients,radiographers and the broader community. The study aimed to assess the knowledge and comprehension of infection prevention and control methods among radiographers at UBTH. The study utilized a cross sectional descriptive design with a sample size of 31 radiographers. The results showed that knowledge levels were high, with 96.8% correctly defining IPC, 100%identifying its aim as infection prevention, and 100% recognizing PPE components. While 71.0% always used PPE and 61.3% always followed hand hygiene, only 51.6% sometimes cleaned equipment after use, sometimes received updates, and sometimes reported breaches. This indicated moderate-to-high compliance with notable gaps. The greatest challenge was inadequate training and resources, cited by 61.3% ofrespondents. Additionally, 51.6% always felt at risk of infection during procedures, while limited access to PPE and weak management support were also identified. The chi-square test showed χ² = 0.1 1, df = 2, p = 0.95. Since p > 0.05, the null hypothesis was accepted, indicating no significant relationship between knowledge and compliance of IPC among radiographers at UBTH. In conclusion the study revealed that radiographers at UBTH possess high knowledge of IPC principles, particularly regarding hand hygiene, PPE use, and sharps disposal. However, compliance was inconsistent, especially in areas requiring institutional reinforcement, such as equipment cleaning, reporting breaches, and receiving regular protocol updates. The major barriers identified were lack of training opportunities. Keywords: Knowledge, compliance, challenges, infection prevention control, healthcare-associated infections.

Background: Ergonomics, the science of aligning work environments with human capabilities, remains underemphasized in Nigeria’s informal auto-mechanic sector, where over 96% of workers train through apprenticeships that prioritize speed over safety. This study therefore assessed the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of ergonomic principles among auto-mechanic workmen in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used involving 384 auto-mechanic workmen with at least one year of experience, selected purposively from informal workshops in Benin City. Data on ergonomic KAP were obtained using an adapted questionnaire from a previous study. Participants sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric parameters were collected. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics of means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages, while Chi-square test was employed to determine associations between KAP variables and selected socio-demographic factors at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Respondents were overweight (26.13 ± 4.01 kg/m²), while more than a third (44%) of respondents were aged 35–44 years). Most (88.5%) of the respondents lack knowledge of ergonomics, 80.5% lacked formal training, though 83.6–88.3% identified risks from awkward and repetitive tasks. Attitudes were positive with 74.1% of respondents agreeing that ergonomics should be part of practice. Most (93.8%) respondents valued stretching, while practices were moderate (81.0%) changed positions regularly; 90.1% ensured good lighting). Significant associations were observed between each of KAP variables (p < 0.05), with select demographics (Age, Years of work experience and Job type). Conclusion: Although ergonomic knowledge remains limited, most auto-mechanic workmen display positive attitudes and fair ergonomic practices. The associations among KAP domains underscores the potential of targeted ergonomic education, low-cost tool adaptations, and integrated apprenticeship training to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders and enhance occupational health in Nigeria’s auto-mechanic sector in Benin City.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis typically more common in low economic communities has shown a resurgence in non-endemic populations in recent years, a phenomenon that has been attributed to factors such as increased migration and the HIV epidemic. Pulmonary tuberculosis is a disseminated disease (likely to progress and spread from the lungs to involve other organs and systems, e.g the cardiac and the CNS), hence timely diagnosis of the disease is paramount. So it is important that radiologists and clinicians understand the typical distribution, patterns, and clinical manifestations of Pulmonary Tuberculosis. A retrospective study of clinical and chest radiographic features of all 331 Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) patients diagnosed within june, 2024 and june, 2025 was carried out. at the end of the study analysis indicated a male predominance (63%) with a mean age of 48 years. Clinical symptoms like cough were most common (52%) but had low specificity for TB diagnosis. Radiographic findings revealed advanced disease, with fibro-cavitary changes in 31.4% and upper lobe involvement in 90.6% of cases. Clinical suspicion had a sensitivity of 78.6% but a specificity of only 36.1%, limiting its diagnostic accuracy. The study shows both the benefits and limitations associated with reliance on clinical manifestations of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) alone before further diagnosis and encourages combining clinical assessment with routine chest X-rays and improved diagnostic protocols for early and more accurate Tuberculosis detection

Anxiety, manifesting through emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms, is primarily triggered by factors like fear of the results, procedural demands (such as having to lie still), and environmental stressors (loud noises). The framework proposed that these triggers can be counteracted by a comprehensive patient centered radiology (PCR) approach, which includes Effective Communication (like the AIDET framework), Patient Education, ensuring Physical Comfort, and Redesigning Radiology Processes to manage waiting times. Using an analytical cross-sectional design involving 113 MRI patients, the findings confirmed that anxiety is highly prevalent, with 68.1% of patients reporting distress upon learning they needed the scan. The most potent anxiety triggers identified were worry about scan results (82.3%), fear of lying still (74.4%), and anxiety over loud noises (66.4%). Crucially, the study uncovered significant deficits in the delivery of patient-centered care: nearly 40% of patients felt the procedure was not clearly explained, and over 43% reported insufficient emotional support. This lack of structured PCR directly impacted the patient experience, leading to only moderate overall satisfaction. The study concluded that while technical quality may be high, the absence of systematic, human-centric protocols intensifies anxiety. It strongly recommends that MRI facilities implement and enforce structured communication tools and integrate emotional support and efficient wait-time management to reduce patient anxiety, enhance compliance, and ultimately improve the quality of diagnostic imaging

Background: Stroke often results in significant motor impairments, affecting the quality of life and independence of survivors. Conventional physiotherapy is effective but sometimes limited by patient engagement and intensity. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising intervention that provides immersive, interactive environments to enhance motor recovery. Aim: This study evaluated the effectiveness of virtual reality therapy on motor recovery among stroke survivors in University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Methods: Forty stroke survivors undergoing rehabilitation were randomly and equally assigned to either the experimental and control groups. Interventions were conducted three times a week for eight weeks, with each session lasting 20 minutes. Motor recovery was assessed through muscular strength, muscular endurance, joint range of motion, balance, and coordination using validated and reliable instruments. Descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to summarize the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants while inferential statistics of one-way ANOVA was used to test the hypotheses. Results: Participants in the VR group showed statistically significant improvements in all motor recovery parameters (muscle strength, muscle endurance, range of motion, balance and coordination) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Notably, upper and lower limb strength, endurance, range of motion, and balance improved more in the VR group. Conclusion: Virtual reality therapy is an effective treatment modality in stroke rehabilitation to enhance motor recovery after stroke. Thus, VR should be regarded as a cornerstone in the management of stroke survivors. Keywords: Stroke, Virtual Reality, Motor Recovery, Hemiparesis

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major cardiovascular disorder characterized by dyslipidemia and myocardial injury, and its risk may be increased in females using oral contraceptives (OCs) due to alterations in lipid metabolism and endothelial function. Garlic (Allium sativum) has been reported to possess cardioprotective properties, including lipid modulation and antioxidant effects. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of garlic (Allium sativum) extract in ameliorating biochemical markers of ischemic heart disease in female Wistar rats exposed to varying doses of combined oral contraceptives (COCs). A total of fifty-six adult female rats were randomly assigned into seven groups comprising a control group, COC-only group, COC plus graded doses of garlic extract groups, and a garlic-only group, and treatments were administered orally for four weeks. Serum lipid profile parameters; total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were determined using enzymatic colorimetric methods, while cardiac troponin I levels were quantified using sandwich ELISA. Data were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM) and analyzed by one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Total cholesterol levels were not significantly different across groups (Control: 3.75 ± 0.12 mmol/L; Group B: 3.68 ± 0.10 mmol/L; Group C: 3.72 ± 0.11 mmol/L; Group F: 3.80 ± 0.13 mmol/L). Triglyceride levels varied significantly (Control: 1.45 ± 0.05 mmol/L; Group B: 1.20 ± 0.04 mmol/L; Group C: 1.38 ± 0.06 mmol/L; Group F: 1.78 ± 0.07 mmol/L). HDL levels were significantly increased in lower-dose groups (Control: 0.98 ± 0.03 mmol/L; Group B: 1.25 ± 0.05 mmol/L; Group C: 1.22 ± 0.04 mmol/L), while LDL levels were significantly reduced in these groups (Control: 1.90 ± 0.06 mmol/L; Group B: 1.50 ± 0.05 mmol/L; Group C: 1.55 ± 0.07 mmol/L). Cardiac troponin I levels showed no statistically significant differences among groups(Control: 0.330 ± 0.012 ng/mL; Group B: 0.315 ± 0.010 ng/mL; Group C: 0.305 ± 0.009 ng/mL; Group F: 0.345 ± 0.013 ng/mL). Body weight remained stable across all groups, indicating good tolerability of treatments. Histological examination of the heart, liver, and kidney revealed normal tissue architecture in all examined groups, with no observable pathological lesions. In conclusion, garlic extract demonstrated a modest protective effect on lipid metabolism, particularly at lower COC doses, without evidence of organ toxicity, may have a potential supportive role in mitigating cardiovascular risk associated with oral contraceptive use.

Reproductive health disorders are increasingly prevalent globally, necessitating investigation into natural therapeutic alternatives with fewer adverse effects. This research aimed to examine the histomorphological effects of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract on the reproductive organs of albino rats. Twenty-four healthy albino rats weighing 180-200g were used for the experimental study. The animals were procured from the Animal House of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, and maintained under standard laboratory conditions with unrestricted access to pelleted feed and water ad libitum. The rats were divided into four groups: Group A served as the control (n=2), receiving only pelleted feed and distilled water for 30 consecutive days. Group B (n=4) was administered 250mg/kg body weight of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract orally via gavage along with standard feed and water for 30 days. Group C (n=4) received 500mg/kg body weight of the extract under similar conditions. Group D (n=4) was administered 1000mg/kg body weight of the extract following the same protocol. On the final day, blood samples were collected for hormonal analysis, and reproductive organs (testes, ovaries) were harvested, weighed, and fixed in 10% formal saline. Hematoxylin and eosin staining techniques were employed for histopathological examination under light microscopy. Hormonal levels (testosterone and progesterone) were determined using ELISA techniques. Results revealed significant changes in hematological parameters including decreased lymphocyte percentages (78.4±2.3% to 63.5±3.1%), increased neutrophil counts, and altered red blood cell indices across treatment groups. Body weight increased significantly in all treated groups compared to controls. Testicular weight showed significant increase in the highest dose group (Group D) compared to controls and Group B, while ovarian weights remained unchanged. Remarkably, testosterone and progesterone levels showed no significant alterations across all groups. Histopathological examination revealed preserved normal cellular architecture in both testicular and ovarian tissues across all treatment groups. Seminiferous tubules maintained normal morphology with healthy Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells at various maturation stages, while ovarian follicles demonstrated normal development. The findings provide compelling evidence that Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract preserves reproductive tissue integrity and hormonal homeostasis while producing systemic hematological changes. The maintenance of normal histoarchitecture in reproductive organs, coupled with stable hormonal profiles, suggests potential safety for reproductive health applications, supporting traditional medicinal claims. However, the observed hematological alterations warrant careful consideration for dosage optimization and monitoring protocols in clinical applications. Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract may offer a promising natural approach to reproductive health management with preserved organ function and minimal hormonal disruption.