SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Background: WMSDs are disorders/injuries sustained from job environment and work performance; they worsen or lasts longer as a result of the work environment.
Aim: The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence and identify the preventive and coping strategies of WMSDs among physiotherapists in the south-south region of Nigeria.
Methods: Simple random sampling technique was used to select hospitals and physiotherapists in these hospitals were the respondents in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence of WMSDs on different regions of the body, risk factors of developing WMSDs, preventive measures and coping strategies of WMSDs among respondents; data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 26; descriptive and interferential statistics of Chi square was used to determine the association between the prevalence of WMSDs and the socio demographic characteristics of the respondents.
Results: This study showed 86.5% of WMSDs among respondents, working in the same position for a long period as a major risk factors contributing to WMSDs, ergonomic modification as a preventive measure of WMSDs and adjustment of plinths/bed as the major coping strategies adopted by respondents towards WMSDs.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent bacterial infections affecting millions globally, particularly females due to their unique anatomical features. Prevention and early intervention are crucial for managing UTIs and reducing healthcare burdens. The aim of this study is to investigate the awareness and preventive practices of UTIs among female undergraduates of the Faculty of Law at the University of Benin. A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing convenience sampling technique to select 237 respondents.
Data collection was conducted using a self-structured questionnaire to address the research questions. The findings revealed varying levels of awareness among respondents, with 18.8% having good awareness, 47% moderate, and 34.1% poor awareness. Most respondents (96.1%) have heard of UTIs, with information primarily obtained from family/friends (9.13%), the internet (42.4%), and healthcare professionals (33%). The study reveals a high level of preventive practices among respondents, with 60% exhibiting a high level of preventive practices. Notably, practices such as keeping the genital area clean and dry, changing underwear daily, and staying hydrated scored highest, while practices related to menstrual hygiene scored lower. Factors influencing preventive practices include awareness of UTIs (88.6%), education/training (85.6%), living environment (67%), barriers/challenges (52.4%), misconceptions/myths (57.8%), stress/lifestyle factors (54.1%), and lack of support from resources/healthcare services (62.9%). Overall, there is no significant relationship between UTI awareness and preventive practices among these students (p=0.556, thus, failing to reject the null hypothesis. In conclusion, the findings indicate that while there is a moderate level of awareness of UTIs, there is a need for improvement in the understanding of risk factors and prevention strategies. It is therefore recommended that healthcare providers need to collaborate with educational institution in developing comprehensive UTI prevention programs, ensuring accurate information to the undergraduates.
Keywords: Awareness, Urinary tract infections, Preventive practices, Female undergraduates

Herbal extracts which can serve as medicinal plants have been used since ancient times and
even considered the source of modern medicine. Bryphullum pinnatum extracts have been
shown to possess neuroprotective properties potentially useful in treating neurodegenerative
diseases. Bryophyllum pinnatum is a plant used to treat inflammations, infections, and also
have anti cancer properties. This study was carried out to explore the effects of Bryophyllum
pinnatum extract on the cerebrum of Adult Wistar rats.A total of thirty (30) rats weighing
between 140g-200g were randomly assigned into six (6) groups (A,B,C,D,E and F),with five
rats per group. Group A was control group while Group B,C,D,E and F were administered
with Bryophyllum pinnatum extract in doses of 200,400,600,800 and 1000mg/kg
respectively.The rats were acclimatized for a period of two weeks and administered for a
period of four weeks using oral route by the use of orogastric tube. The rats were
anesthesized with chloroform and then sacrificed. The cerebrum was harvested and
immediately fixed for antioxidant stress test and for tissue processing. H&E stains were used
for histological test. The result of the study shows that there was no statistically significant
difference (P<0.05) in the final body weight of rats in entire group compared to it's initial
body weigh except group B where there is a significant change in weight .There was no
statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in cerebrum weight and organo-somatic index. In
the chart showing the antioxidant results, it shows that it is not statistically significant. Histological slides in control group show: molecular, external granular, external pyramidal, internal granular, internal pyramidal and multi-form layers. Group B show: vasodilatation
normal pyramidal neurons with conspicuous nucleoles oligodendrocytes and neuropil. Group
C show: normal neurons with conspicuous nucleoles, oligodendrocytes, neuropril cerebral
vasodilatation. Group D show: normal granular cell neurons with conspicuous nucleoli, normal oligodendrocytes and marked vasodilatation and active congestion. Group E and F
marked show vasodilatation and active congestion, normal granular cells with conspicuous
nucleolus and oligodendrocytes. In conclusion, graded concentration of Bryophyllum
pinnatum induced vasogenic effects and increased protein synthesis in a dose dependent
fashion and it had no adverse effect on it.

BACKGROUND: The foot's functionality is crucial for maintaining balance, stability, and efficient movement. The arch index acts as an initial indicator of potential structural and functional anomalies, and can be used to assess the occurrence of pes planus and potentially predicting pathological foot conditions. AIM: The study aimed to determine the prevalence, types of pes planus among undergraduate students in the University of Benin. METHOD: This ex-post-facto study recruited 400 volunteers (200 males and 200 females) healthy undergraduate, aged between 17-30 years old. Footprints were collected using ink method, traced and selected foot dimensions were taken on the foot. Plantar arch index for each foot was calculated using Staheli’s plantar index method where the plantar index (PI) equals the ratio of central region (A) to heel region (B) (PI=A/B). Data collected were summarized using
descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation, percentage and analysed using inferential statistics of independent T-test. Alpha level was set at 0.05. RESULT: The result showed the point prevalence of pes planus as 17% among this population. The study also identified significant differences in the prevalence of pes planus subtypes, with flexible pes planus (83.8%) being more prevalent than the rigid type (16.2%), and gender differences were observed in the plantar arch index (p<0.05), with males showing higher PI values compared to females. CONCLUSION: This study result found a low pes planus prevalence, in line with normal range with flexible more common than rigid type. Gender difference exist in arch index observed. RECOMMENDATION: Further research should be conducted on pes planus prevalence and
subtypes in diverse populations, considering factors such as ethnicity, age, weight, BMI, and geographical location. KEYWORDS: Pes planus, Flat foot, Plantar arch index

This study addresses the impact of burnout syndrome on academic performance among undergraduate nursing students, a population highly susceptible due to the demanding nature of their education. Conducted at the University of Benin and Benson Idahosa University in Edo State. The study employed the descriptive survey design and multi-stage sampling technique was used to select three hundred and nineteen (319) students in Nursing department of both Universities. A well-structured questionnaire was used as instruments of data collection. The questionnaire was made up of four sections (A, B, C, and D). Section A was made up of respondents’ Bio-data while the other sections comprised of Simple structured questions used to elicit information on the level of burnout syndrome on academic performance .The data was presented using tables and were analyzed using simple percentages, while the research hypothesis were tested using Chi-square test of association. The analysis was conducted using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 for windows. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Findings highlighted the prevalence of emotional exhaustion, academic competition, and high workload among students. Burnout significantly impacts academic performance, although it shows no correlation with gender, residence, or entry mode. The study emphasizes the need for supportive environments and interventions to mitigate burnout. Further research is recommended to explore tailored interventions, faculty roles, and long-term consequences of student burnout. Limitations include the study's cross-sectional nature and reliance on self-reported data. KEYWORDS: Burnout syndrome, Academic performance, Undergraduate nursing students.