SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

The study tested the level of knowledge and awareness of psychological impact of radiation exposure in the patients undergoing the diagnostic imaging at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The convenient sampling was carried out using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design where 127 adult patients who had X-ray and CT scan procedures were sampled. The structured questionnaire was used to gather data, and it was analyzed with SPSS version 25.0. The findings revealed that respondents were ill-informed on the psychological impacts of radiation exposure with 58.3 percent being poor awareness and 62.2 percent being low awareness. Most patients (71.7) said that they became anxious or feared at the time they were told about radiation-based imaging, and 68.5% voiced their concern about long-term psychological impacts. The degree of knowledge of radiation exposure and the response of the patient to it were significantly related (kh2 = 18.42, p = 0.001). The most important results in the scope of the research were that 76.4 percent of patients were never informed of psychological impacts by medical professionals, and 83.5 percent would like to be informed prior to their surgeries. The level of education and past imaging experience also had significant impact on the level of knowledge (p < 0.05). The research finds out that there are gaps in knowledge and awareness which are some of the contributory factors of psychological suffering among the patients at UBTH. Radiographers are advised to involve the use of patient-centered communication techniques to enhance the overall patient experience during radiation-based diagnostic imaging, create educational resources in the area of psychological effects, and acquire training in empathetic counseling. Keywords: Radiation exposure, psychological effects, patient knowledge, patient awareness, diagnostic imaging, UBTH.

Background: Undiagnosed hypertension remains a major public health problem globally, particularly among occupational groups exposed to prolonged work stress, sedentary lifestyle, and poor access to routine healthcare. Transport and logistics
workers are especially vulnerable because of the nature of their work, yet many cases remain undetected until complications develop.
Objective: This study assessed the prevalence, distribution, and factors associatedwith undiagnosed hypertension among transport and logistics workers in Benin City, Edo State.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 315 transport and logistics workers selected using a multistage sampling technique. Oredo Local Government Area was selected at the first stage, while Central Motor Park was
selected at the second stage using cluster sampling. Data were collected using a semi- structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEP wise approach. Blood pressure was measured using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, while weight and height were measured using standard procedures. Respondents with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg who had no previous diagnosis of hypertension
and were not on antihypertensive medication were classified as having undiagnosed hypertension. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive statisticswere summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression using the backward stepwise (conditional) method were used to determine factors associated with undiagnosed hypertension at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 50.53 ± 11.87 years. Slightly more than half (52.5%) had good knowledge of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was 47.8%, while the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 24.0%. Nearly half of the respondents were prehypertensive, 26.7% had stage 1 hypertension, and
xv 18.3% had stage 2 hypertension. Undiagnosed hypertension was more common among respondents aged 31–40 years, those with primary education, motorcyclists and taxi drivers, those with shorter work experience, and respondents who worked
more than 10 hours daily. Smoking and physical inactivity were significantly associated with undiagnosed hypertension at bivariate level (p < 0.05). At multivariate level, primary education (AOR = 3.44; 95% CI: 1.16–10.21) and lack of regular
physical activity (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.12–4.64) remained significant predictors of undiagnosed hypertension. Conclusion: Undiagnosed hypertension is a significant health problem among transport and logistics workers in Benin City. The burden of hypertension was high, knowledge of hypertension was only moderate, and many respondents were exposed to important behavioural and occupational risk factors. Regular blood pressure screening, targeted health education, and workplace-based interventions are recommended to improve early detection and reduce the burden of hypertension and its complications among transport workers

Background: Risky sexual behaviour (RSB) among undergraduate students constitutes a significant public health challenge, associated with increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unintended pregnancies. The transition to university life, characterised by newfound autonomy and peer influence, creates vulnerability to risky sexual practices. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, prevalence, and factors influencing risky sexual behaviour among undergraduate students in tertiary institutions in Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 635 undergraduate students selected from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, using a pretested, structured self-administered questionnaire. Respondents were selected by a multistage sampling technique. Data collected were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Knowledge was assessed using 34 variables across 10 questions, attitudes using a 5- point Likert scale, and prevalence using lifetime and 12-month recall periods. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results: The mean age of respondents was 20.39 ± 2.71 years. Slightly over half (53.9%) were male, and the majority (98.1%) were Christian. Nearly two-thirds (63.3%) were enrolled in health-related faculties. Overall, 76.1% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of risky sexual behaviour. The majority (79.2%) exhibited negative (protective) attitudes toward RSB. Lifetime sexual activity prevalence was 26.6%, with a mean age of sexual debut of 18.21 ± 2.86 years. Among xv sexually active respondents, lifetime RSB prevalence was 88.2%, and recent (12- month) RSB prevalence was 90.2%. Unprotected sex was the most common risky practice (75.1% lifetime, 72.4% recent), followed by sex with casual partners (57.4% lifetime, 51.2% recent). Off-campus residence (AOR = 17.50, 95% CI: 3.07–99.72, p = 0.001), poor knowledge (AOR = 54.61, 95% CI: 4.74–628.98, p = 0.001), early sexual debut (AOR = 8.82, 95% CI: 1.11–69.83, p = 0.039), and positive attitude (AOR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01–0.30, p = 0.002) were significant independent predictors of lifetime RSB. For recent RSB, male sex (AOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.58, p = 0.009), off-campus residence (AOR = 4.34, 95% CI: 1.04–18.17, p = 0.045), and positive attitude (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.79, p = 0.023) were significant predictors. Conclusion: Despite good knowledge and predominantly protective attitudes, the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour among sexually active undergraduate students in Edo State remains alarmingly high. Off-campus residence, poor knowledge, early sexual debut, male sex, and negative attitudes emerged as key drivers of RSB. There is an urgent need for targeted, skills-based sexual health interventions addressing environmental vulnerabilities, condom negotiation self-efficacy, and male-focused reproductive health education within tertiary institutions in Edo State. Keywords: Risky sexual behaviour; Undergraduate students; Knowledge; Attitudes; Prevalence; Edo State; Nigeria.

Introduction: Occupational hazards remain a major public health concern, particularly in manufacturing industries where workers are exposed to physical, chemical, ergonomic, and psychosocial risks. Despite existing global and national regulations aimed at ensuring workplace safety, such as those guiding occupational health practices, these hazards persist, especially in developing countries due to poor compliance and underreporting, thus this study assessed occupational health hazards and safety practices among workers of Seven-Up Bottling Company, Benin City, Edo State. Objective: This study was conducted to assess occupational hazards and safety practices among workers in Seven-Up Bottling Company, Benin City, identify the common occupational health hazards present and factors predisposing workers to these hazards, with the goal of guiding targeted prevention and occupational health promotion to reduce workplace risks. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 workers selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer- administered questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to summarize data, while Chi- square test and binary logistic regression were used to determine associations and predictors at a 5% level of significance. Results: The mean age of respondents was 32.7 ± 8.1 years. Most respondents were males, 71 (67.6%), and were between 20–29 years, 45 (42.9%). Common occupational hazards identified included psychological stress, awkward posture, repetitive movements, noise exposure, slippery floors, moving machinery without adequate guards, and glass bottle explosions. More than half of the respondents, 58 (55.2%), demonstrated poor safety practices, while 47 (44.8%) had good safety practices. Department/unit was significantly associated with the level of safety practice (p < 0.001). Additionally, 42 (40.0%) of respondents sustained work-related injuries in the last 12 months. Among those injured, cuts and lacerations from broken glass or metal were the most common

Background: Traditional health practices (THP) remain prevalent among women of reproductive age in Nigeria, often intersecting with modern healthcare utilization. In Nigeria, the use of traditional medicine is deeply embedded in cultural and social life, and women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to its associated risks. Egor Local Government Area of Edo State reflects these broader national challenges, with cultural beliefs, economic constraints, and limited access to modern healthcare identified as key drivers of THP utilization. Few studies have specifically assessed THP utilization using a comprehensive multi-dimensional approach in this urban Nigerian setting. Objectives: This study assessed the types of traditional health practices, providers, perceived benefits and risks including the factors associated with its use among women of reproductive age in Egor LGA, Benin City. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Six hundred and thirty- six women of reproductive age (15–49 years) residing in selected communities across Egor LGA were recruited using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 636 women participated with a response rate of 100%. The mean age of respondents fell within the 15 – 25 years age group, and most were married 296 (46.5%), predominantly Christian 559 (87.9%), with tertiary education accounting for 352 (55.4%) and the majority engaged in trading or self-employment (43.4%). Overall, 236 (37.1%) reported utilizing THP within the preceding 12 months. Herbal preparation was the most widely used practice 209 (88.6%), followed by traditional birth attendant 69 (29.2%). Among the respondents 313 (49.2%) perceived THP as beneficial, while 316 (49.7%) regarded THP methods as safe. However, 44 (18.6%) reported adverse effects, most commonly stillbirth 17 (38.6%), and 34 (77.3%) sought medical care following complications. Marital status (χ² = 115.783, p < 0.001), educational level (χ² = 58.495, p < 0.001), religion (χ² = 21.043, p < 0.001), and monthly income (χ² = 48.243, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with THP utilization. Cost of modern healthcare was the predominant factor associated with traditional health practices

Background: Balancing medical training, work, and personal life can be highly demanding and can be associated with burn out and increased stress and therefore requiring various balance and coping mechanisms to be employed by these students and these could include shorter sleep, modified learning methods, social isolation, and anxiety. Thus, this study examines the knowledge, perception, practice and implications of work-study-life balance among medical students at the University of Benin, with the aim of identifying gaps, understanding the challenges and informing strategies that can improve students’ ability to effectively balance academic, work and personal life commitments Objectives: To assess the knowledge, perception, practice and the implications of work- study-life balance among medical students in the University of Benin, Edo state, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 509 undergraduate medical students at the University of Benin from January 2025 to February 2026 to assess the knowledge, perception, practice of work-study-life balance among medical students and its possible impact on psychosocial and academic performance. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select participants. The minimum sample size was determined using the Cochran formula with a 10% non-response rate. Data was collected through a structured, pre-tested self-administered questionnaire that included two standard instruments: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Work-study-life balance Scale (WSLBS), Coping strategies inventory, perceived stress scale (PSS). The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Results: A total of 509 respondents participated in the study and the response rate was 100%. There were 382 (75.0%) male respondents and 127 (25.0%) female respondents. The study showed that 377(74.1%) had good knowledge of work-study-life balance. The study revealed a significant association between age group and knowledge, χ² = 45.44, p < .001. There was a statistically significant association between employment status and overall perception, χ²= 6.49, p = .038. Majority (51.7%) assigned their current work-study-life balance a neutral rating of 3 on a 5-point scale. 73.9% proportion of the respondents reported that they do prioritize self-care. The biggest challenges respondents face in maintaining a work-study-life balance was a lack of free time, 365(71.7%). Demanding curriculum 338 (66.4%), followed by Clinical rotation hours, 240 (47.2%). Two hundred and twenty eight (44.8%) respondents had an Adaptive (Engagement Dominant) category, 194 (38.1%) had a Maladaptive (Disengagement Dominant) coping mechanism. 87 (17.1%) had a Mixed or Equal Use of coping styles. Majority (60.7%) were classified as experiencing Low Stress, while the remaining 39.3% were categorized as experiencing High Stress. 38.9% rated their sleep quality as Fair. followed by 32.2% who rated their sleep as Good and 17.8% as Very Good. A smaller minority rated their overall sleep quality as Poor (8.7%) or Very Poor (2.4%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that while a majority of undergraduate medical students at the University of Benin possess good knowledge of work–study–life balance, their perception of balance remains largely neutral and although a significant proportion of students employ adaptive coping mechanisms, a considerable number continue to rely on maladaptive strategies, which may predispose them to psychological distress. While most students reported low stress levels and relatively acceptable sleep quality, a clinically meaningful proportion experienced high stress and suboptimal sleep. Overall, the findings indicate that knowledge alone is insufficient to ensure healthy work– study–life balance. Practical institutional support systems, structured resilience training, mental health monitoring, and cultural shifts within medical education are essential to translate awareness into sustainable well-being practices.

Background: The growing influence of information technology on various aspects of life including education necessitates the developing countries to use E-learning for better distribution of teaching materials and interaction between students and teachers. In Nigeria, there was a surge in use of E-learning to continue education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. E-learning represents a vital paradigm on higher education unconstrained by time and place, offering new opportunities for the development of the educational processes. Its adoption is vital to bridge the learning gap between developed and developing countries. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of undergraduate students in University of Benin towards E-learning. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted for this study. Four hundred and twenty-five students were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data was obtained using a standardized semi-structured self-administered questionnaire comprising both open ended and close ended questions. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 software with statistical significance set at p<0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: The mean age was calculated as 23.16 (±3.24) years. Of all the respondents, (62.8%) had good knowledge, while (37.2%) of respondents had poor knowledge. (97.2%) had a positive attitude, while 2.8% had a negative attitude. Challenges such as constant power failure, inadequate internet access, inadequate computer literacy skills and cost of data subscriptions were identified. 98.1% of respondents showed good readiness, while 1.9% showed poor readiness. The most commonly used E-learning tools were search engines, PowerPoint, virtual classrooms and mobile applications. Conclusion: The majority of respondents had good knowledge, positive attitude and good readiness towards E-learning. The major challenges were constant power failure, inadequate internet access, inadequate computer literacy skills and cost of data subscriptions. Keywords: Online, learning, technology Word count: 287

Background: The coronavirus disease was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Due to the rapid spread of the virus, various governments implemented major restrictions to control its transmission. These restrictions included an economic lockdown and restrictions on movement. The aftermath of this had effects such as a reduction in income, panic, and hunger. The COVID- 19 pandemic has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including children, women, and the elderly, who are more susceptible to the virus due to their pre-existing health conditions and other factors. More than 7.5 million children die globally each year, partly due to the poor health-seeking behaviour and health beliefs of mothers. Methodology: This study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 624 mothers of children under the age of 5 in the Oluku community were selected using a multistage sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for this study. The data was
analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results: A higher proportion of respondents (73.2%) were between the ages of 25 and 39, with a mean age of 30.7 ± 6.3 years. Out of the 624 respondents, 79.4% identified as Christians, 27.9% identified as being of Benin ethnicity, 50% had completed secondary education, 77.9% had a particular skill, 81.1% had an average income between ₦30,000 and ₦150,000, and 63.3% belonged to the middle socioeconomic status. Just over a quarter, 26.1% of individuals had xiii harmful health beliefs, while more than 55% exhibited good health-seeking behaviour. Age, religion, level of education, average monthly income, skill level, and socioeconomic status were found to have a statistically significant relationship with the impact of COVID-19 on health beliefs. Meanwhile, marital status, level of education, and socioeconomic status were found to have a statistically significant relationship with the impact of COVID-19 on health-seeking behaviour.

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age globally, yet a significant proportion remains undiagnosed due to insufficient baseline knowledge regarding its causes and symptoms. This lack of awareness contributes to delayed medical attention and progression of the disease, leading to serious long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, and endometrial cancer. Studies in Nigeria indicate particularly low awareness levels, underscoring a critical public health challenge.
Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the knowledge and awareness of the causes, symptoms, and long-term complications and determinants of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome among female undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria with a view to generate evidence that will guide the design of tailored strategies aimed at increasing awareness and strengthen healthcare delivery. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, targeting female undergraduate students at the University of Benin. Data collection occurred between April 2024 and June 2025. A sample size of 415 respondents was determined using Cochran's formula and a 10% non-response adjustment. A multi-stage sampling technique involved the simple random selection of the Ugbowo campus, followed by the random selection of eight faculties. Information was collected using a 29-item structured questionnaire, and data analysis was performed using SPSS V 25.0 to generate percentages and frequencies.
Results: Over half of the respondents (54%) reported having heard of PCOS, with approximately twothirds (60.7%) demonstrating good baseline knowledge of its causes and symptoms, while one-third (39.3%) exhibited poor knowledge. Abnormal menstruation (40.7%) was identified as the most common symptom, overproduction of hormones (36.9%) and genetics (35.4%) were frequently cited causes. Drugs (46.7%) was perceived as the most effective treatments. Regarding awareness of complications, 46.4% showed good awareness, while 53.6% lacked sufficient awareness particularly concerning infertility. Social media (especially TikTok and WhatsApp at 42.9% and 21.0% respectively) was the primary source of PCOS, followed by medical professionals. The key predictors of good knowledge included being in a medical related field like Medicine (OR = 0.033, p = 0.001) and a higher monthly allowance above N20,000. N20,000 – N50,000 (OR = 0.379, p = 0.002) and N51,000 – N100,000 (OR = 0.059, p <0.001).
Conclusion: The study revealed moderate knowledge but a significant gap in awareness regarding PCOS complications among female university students, compounded by reliance on non-medical information sources and prevalent misconceptions. Academic background and socioeconomic status were influential factors in knowledge levels. These findings necessitate targeted public health interventions, including integrating comprehensive PCOS education into university curricula, launching official social media campaigns led by healthcare professionals, organizing workshops, encouraging routine health screenings, and promoting mental health support services for affected individuals