SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY

Background: Edentulism is a significant public health issue that impairs nutrition and quality of life. While global prevalence is high among the elderly, specific occupational groups like commercial riders in low-resource settings face unique risks due to road traffic accidents (RTA) and poor access to dental care. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence, aetiology, and preventive strategies for edentulism among motorcycle and tricycle riders in Ugbowo, Benin City. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 motorcycle and tricycle riders in Ugbowo, Edo State. Data were collected using structured, interviewer- administered questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 29.0. Results: The prevalence of edentulism (history of tooth loss) among the respondents was 12.3% (n=32). Road traffic accidents were a significant factor, with 33.8% of riders having experienced a crash and 19.3% of those sustaining oral injuries. Common injuries included teeth being knocked out (58.8%), chipped (11.8%), or loosened (11.8%). Non-accidental causes of tooth loss included physical assaults (36.4%) and dental caries (27.3%). Statistical analysis showed a significant association between edentulism and experiencing an RTA (p = 0.047), as well as sustaining direct mouth injuries (p < 0.001). Despite these risks, 80.8% of riders never used a helmet, largely because they perceived them as “not needed” (77.6%).Additionally, 80.4% had never visited a dentist. Conclusion: Edentulism represents a notable burden among riders in Ugbowo, driven by a combination of occupational trauma and poor oral health behaviours. The high rate of dental injuries and low use of protective gear underscore the need for targeted safety interventions. Recommendations: The study recommends mandatory use of full-face helmets, the incorporation of seat belts in tricycles, and community-based oral health programs to encourage routine dental visits and preventive care.

Background: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to ensure that all individuals have access to needed health services of adequate quality without financial hardship. As future healthcare providers and health-system leaders, medical and dental students play an important role in advancing UHC through clinical practice, advocacy, and policy engagement. Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Universal Health Coverage among medical and dental students of the University of Benin, Nigeria, and examined associated socio-demographic factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical and dental students using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages, while associations were tested using the Chi-square test at a 5% level of significance. Results: Most respondents demonstrated good knowledge of UHC (60.1%) and positive attitudes toward its principles (89.0%). However, perceptions revealed notable concerns regarding the financial sustainability of UHC and its potential impact on quality of care. Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions were significantly more favorable among older students, those in higher academic levels, and those with formal exposure to health policy or UHC training (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Medical and dental students at the University of Benin generally possess good knowledge and positive attitudes toward Universal Health Coverage, but their perceptions reflect realistic concerns about implementation challenges within Nigeria’s health system. Strengthening early, structured, and policy-oriented UHC education during undergraduate training is essential to prepare future healthcare professionals to effectively contribute to achieving UHC in Nigeria.

Background: Hand hygiene is a critical preventive measure in healthcare ,reducing the transmission of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs).Despite its importance ,compliance among healthcare workers remains inconsistent ,particularly in resource -constrained settings. Objective: To assess the knowledge,practice,attitude,andcompliancetowardshandhygieneamonghealthcare workers in Oluku community, Benin City. Methodology: Across- sectional study was conducted among 116 healthcare workers from public and private Facilities in Oluku community. Data was collected using structured questionnaires addressing knowledge, practice, compliance, and factors influencing hand hygiene. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed, with significance set atp<0.05.
Results: The study included 116 health care workers, with females comprising 65.5% and the majority aged between 31-40years(40.5%). Knowledge of hand hygiene was high, with 81.0% demonstrating good knowledge, predominantly obtained through workshops(85.3%). Good hand hygiene practices were reported by 85.3%, with 54.3% consistently adhering to the WHO’s five moments of hand hygiene. Compliance was highest a fter exposure to body fluids(93.1%) and lowest before patient interaction(50.9%). Alcohol- based hand sanitizers were regularly used by 87.9%, and 94.0% washed hands with soap and water. Factor s affecting compliance included the unavailability of soap(59.5%), lack of reminders(57.8%),and busy s chedules(51.7%). Public facility workers exhibited higher adherence compared to private facility workers(p<0.05).
Conclusion: The study revealed good knowledge and practice of hand hygiene among healthcare worker s in Oluku community ,but compliance with key protocols was sub optimal. Addressing barriers could enhance adherence and reduce HCAIs.