SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Background: Community-acquired infections (CAIs) are infections contracted outside healthcare facilities and constitute a significant source of morbidity among university students globally, particularly in environments characterized by overcrowding, shared sanitation facilities, poor ventilation, and inadequate hygiene infrastructure. In Nigeria, university halls of residence are defined by high population density and constrained living conditions, creating environments highly conducive to respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, and vector-borne infection transmission. Despite this burden, comprehensive data on the knowledge, attitudes, hygiene practices, prevalence, treatment-seeking behaviour, and environmental determinants of community-acquired infections among hostel-resident undergraduate students in South￾South Nigeria remain scarce. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and preventive measures of students regarding community-acquired infections, ascertain their attitudes towards infections and preventive measures, determine the prevalence and types of infections experienced, and identify risk factors influencing recurrence among undergraduate students residing in the halls of residence at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students residing in the official halls of residence and affiliated hostels at the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed. The minimum sample size of 436 was calculated using the Cochran formula with a design effect of 2.0, based on an estimated infection prevalence of 85% and a precision of 0.05. A xvi total of 487 respondents were enrolled, yielding a 100% response rate. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO KAP Framework (Cronbach’s α = 0.908 and 0.767 for knowledge and attitude respectively), the WHO/UNICEF JMP WASH indicators (α = 0.743 for hygiene practices), and a validated symptom-based infection history checklist for the six-month recall period. Data were entered and analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were summarised as frequencies and percentages, while inferential analysis was conducted using chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact test, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of infection. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 487 undergraduate students participated, with a mean age of 21.16 ± 2.68 years; 295 (60.6%) were female and 462 (94.9%) were Christian. Almost four in five respondents (378; 77.6%) were aware of community-acquired infections. Among aware respondents, more than four-fifths (326; 86.2%) had good knowledge, with a mean composite score of 33.18 out of 40. Islamic religion (OR = 0.101; 95% CI: 0.025–0.407; p = 0.001), 100 Level (OR = 0.203; p = 0.014), 200 Level (OR = 0.244; p = 0.007), and non-medical faculty membership (OR = 0.405; p = 0.023) were significant independent negative predictors of good knowledge. Nearly nineteen in twenty respondents (461; 94.7%) held positive attitudes; Islamic religion was the only significant independent predictor (OR = 0.098; 95% CI: 0.034– 0.286; p < 0.001). About two-thirds (329; 67.6%) had good hygiene practices; Islamic religion (OR = 0.101; p < 0.001), 600 Level seniority (OR = 16.43; p = 0.009), and higher monthly allowance (OR = 1.554; p = 0.035) were significant independent predictors. The overall six-month infection prevalence was very high, with 418 (85.8%) reporting at least one infection. Respiratory tract infections were the most prevalent (87.1% of infected xvii respondents), followed by malaria (56.2%), gastrointestinal infections (48.6%), skin and soft tissue infections (32.5%), urinary tract infections (12.7%), and eye infections (6.9%). Male sex was the strongest independent predictor of lower infection odds (OR = 0.376; 95% CI: 0.207–0.681; p = 0.001), while frequent common area cleaning was the strongest independent environmental predictor (OR = 0.195; 95% CI: 0.057–0.666; p = 0.009). Among infected respondents, 368 (88.0%) sought treatment; purchasing drugs from a pharmacy was the most common action (53.3%). Good hygiene practices was the strongest independent predictor of early treatment-seeking (OR = 3.052; p = 0.009). Critical environmental deficits were documented: 80.1% reported no soap in hostel toilets, 90.1% had no access to hand sanitizer, and 72.5% described room ventilation as poor or very poor. Conclusion: The burden of community-acquired infections among undergraduate students in the University of Benin halls of residence is very high, with respiratory tract infections, malaria, and gastrointestinal infections predominating. Although awareness and positive attitudes toward prevention were near-universal, knowledge deficits among junior and non-medical students and structural deficiencies including absent soap, poor ventilation, and infrequent common area cleaning remained the dominant determinants of infection risk. Consistent with the Health Belief Model, high perceived barriers in the form of structurally deficient hostel infrastructure negated the protective potential of adequate knowledge and positive attitudes. Frequent common area cleaning was the strongest modifiable predictor of freedom from infection. University management, the Estates Department, Student Affairs Directorate, and Health Centre should implement coordinated interventions encompassing urgent hostel infrastructure upgrades, mandatory infection prevention curricula for non-medical faculties, xviii religion-sensitive health communication, and proactive student health outreach to substantially reduce the infection burden in the residential setting. Keywords: Community-Acquired Infections, Undergraduate Students, Halls of Residence, University of Benin, Benin City, Knowledge, Attitude, Hygiene Practices, Prevalence, Health Belief Model.

Background: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years, especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Effective household management by caregivers plays a crucial role in early recognition, prompt treatment, and prevention of complications. However, inadequate knowledge, poor health-seeking behaviour, and inappropriate treatment practices remain significant challenges. Aim: To assess the household management of ARI symptoms among caregivers of under-five children in Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, and identify factors influencing management practices and treatment outcomes. Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 506 caregivers selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires adapted from standard survey tools. Information obtained included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of ARIs, prevalence of symptoms, care-seeking behaviour, factors influencing management, and treatment outcomes. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to determine associations, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of caregivers was 35.98 ± 11.04 years, with the majority being mothers (73.9%) and females (76.7%). Most respondents (80.2%) had heard of ARI. Knowledge of danger signs (94.3%) and prevention (74.6%) was generally good, while knowledge of symptoms (29.3%) and causes (30.3%) was poor. The prevalence of ARI in the last two weeks was 14.8%. A majority of caregivers (70.7%) sought treatment, mainly from primary health centres and government hospitals (26.4% each). However, only 35.8% sought care on the same day. Major barriers to care-seeking included cost (31.8%) and perceived non-severity of illness (27.3%). Most children (77.3%) had complete recovery, with few complications (2.7%) and low hospitalization rates (5.3%). Caregiver age (p = 0.009) and sex of the child (p = 0.037) were significantly associated with treatment outcomes. Conclusion: Although caregivers demonstrated good knowledge of ARI prevention and danger signs, significant gaps exist in knowledge of symptoms and causes. While care- seeking behaviour was relatively high, delays and inappropriate practices persist. Strengthening caregiver education, improving access to affordable healthcare, and addressing socio-economic barriers are essential to improve ARI management and reduce childhood morbidity and mortality. Keywords: Acute Respiratory Infections, caregivers, household management, under-five children, prevalence, health-seeking behaviour, treatment outcomes

Introduction: Workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers is a major occupational and public health concern globally, with significant consequences on the safety, psychological well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity of healthcare personnel. Objective: This study assessed the prevalence, causes, and effects of workplace violence against healthcare workers in the University of Benin Health Services department, Benin City, Edo State. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted among healthcare workers in the University of Benin Health Services Department. A total population survey method was used, and data are collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Council of Nurses (ICN), World Health Organization (WHO), and Public Services International (PSI) workplace violence research instrument, administered through both self-administered and interviewer-administered approaches. One hundred and sixty-five completed questionnaires are analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0, with descriptive and inferential statistics performed at a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The lifetime prevalence of workplace violence among respondents was 35.2%, while 21.2% and 33.3% report experiencing physical violence and verbal abuse respectively within the six months preceding the study. Patients or clients constitute the major perpetrators of both physical violence (72.7%) and verbal abuse (72.7%). Professional category shows a statistically significant association with workplace violence (p = 0.003), with clinical staff experiencing a higher prevalence than non-clinical staff. The major perceived causes of workplace violence are the non-availability of doctors or nurses on call duty (72.7%) and the aggressive personality of perpetrators (70.9%). Post-traumatic stress disorder (63.1%) and loss of job satisfaction (53.3%) are the most commonly reported effects of workplace violence among respondents. Conclusion: Workplace violence occurs among healthcare workers in the University of Benin Health Services Department, with verbal abuse being more commonly reported than physical violence. Non-availability of healthcare workers on call duty and aggressive behaviour of perpetrators emerge as the major perceived causes, while post-traumatic stress disorder and loss of job satisfaction constitute the major effects. Strengthened institutional policies, improved staffing, and supportive interventions are needed to reduce workplace violence and improve healthcare worker safety.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major global public health problem, especially among youths, causing reproductive health, social, and economic challenges. They are caused by various bacteria, viruses, and parasites, with some curable infections and others requiring lifelong management. Untreated STIs can result in infertility, chronic pain, pregnancy complications, increased HIV risk, and certain cancers. Prevention includes abstinence, consistent condom use, vaccination, limiting sexual partners, and regular testing, though many youths do not practice these consistently. In Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, poor sexual health knowledge, misinformation, peer pressure, and risky behaviours continue to increase STI prevalence among young people. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices towards sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, with the goal of identifying gaps and recommending effective interventions for STI awareness and prevention. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 633 youths in Ovia North East LGA of Edo State Nigeria, selected by multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated tools administered via an online google form with required answers, and analyzed with IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, chi- square and logistic regression identified predictors at 95% CI with significance at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 633 respondents participated in the study with a 100% response rate. The mean age of respondents was predominantly within 20–24 years 490 (77.4%), while 364 (57.5%) were females and 621 (98.1%) were single. Majority of respondents had heard of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 604 (95.4%), with schools (86.4%), social media (78.1%), and health workers (75.7%) as major sources of information. Overall, 593 (93.7%) respondents had good knowledge of STIs, while 481 (76.0%) demonstrated positive attitudes towards STI prevention and management. Preventive practices were generally high, with 604 (95.4%) having good preventive practices; however, only 199 (31.4%) had ever tested for STIs, and 183 (28.9%) had received STI vaccination. Among respondents, 72 (11.4%) reported experiencing STI symptoms, with itching (6.6%), discharge (4.9%), and painful urination (4.3%) being the most xiii common symptoms. Hospitals were the most preferred place for treatment 477 (75.4%), followed by private clinics 107 (16.9%). Despite this, overall utilization of appropriate treatment options was poor, as 586 (92.6%) had poor treatment utilization while only 47 (7.4%) had good treatment utilization. Significant predictors of good preventive practice included positive attitude towards STIs (OR = 2.617, p = 0.041), while predictors of good treatment utilization included increasing age (OR = 1.213, p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Young people in the study area demonstrated high knowledge, positive attitudes, and good preventive practices regarding sexually transmitted infections. However, uptake of important preventive services such as STI screening and vaccination remained low, while utilization of appropriate treatment options was poor. This gap between knowledge and actual health-seeking behaviour suggests persistent barriers such as stigma, delayed treatment seeking, and limited access to youth-friendly sexual health services. Strengthening sexuality education, expanding confidential screening and vaccination services, and promoting early treatment-seeking behaviour are recommended to improve STI prevention and management among young people.

Background: Simulation-based learning is essential for preparing and training undergraduate students for their professional roles and enhancing their experiences and skills. Simulation-based learning (SBL), however, has not been widespread, despite its integration in the university curriculum. There is a gap in understanding how undergraduate students perceive and engage with simulation base learning. Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of simulation based learning among undergraduate students in university of Benin. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized for this study using a self-administered questionnaire administered to 620 undergraduate students of university of Benin. Data collected was analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 27.0. with statistical significance set at p<0.05 and 95% Confidence Interval. Categorical data was presented using frequency tables. Chi-square and Fischer’s Exact tests examined relationship between demographic characteristics and respondent’s knowledge, attitude, practice and challenges towards simulation-based learning. Results: The mean age and parity of respondents studied was 21.1 ± 3.1 years. In terms of sex, 54.8% of the respondents were male, and 45.2% were female. The tribal distribution of the respondents showed Benin (34.5%) with the highest proportion. Five hundred and twenty-five (84.7%) respondents were aware of simulation-based learning with 193 (36.7%) having good knowledge of SBL. Department and academic level were significant predictors of good SBL knowledge with respondents form Medicine and 600 level students showing a p-value of 0.042 and 1 respectively. In relation to attitude, 447 (85.1%) respondents had positive attitude towards simulation based learning while only 78 (14.9%) had negative attitude. Good knowledge and Academic level were significant predictors of attitude toward simulation-based learning with respondents from fourth-year having a coefficient of 0.836 with a p-value of 0.053, suggesting a near-significant positive influence on supportive attitudes, while respondents from sixth-year and respondents with good knowledge of SBL as reference category. In relation to practice, 53.9% (334) had participated in simulation-based learning activities, while 46.1% (286) had not. The academic level of study of respondents in their sixth year, good knowledge and attitude had a strong predictive value and significantly influenced participation of simulation-based learning. Conclusion: The study revealed that while awareness of simulation-based learning is high, over two-thirds of students showed limited understanding of its concepts, especially younger and less advanced students. Over four-fifths had a positive outlook on simulation-based learning, recognizing its value in enhancing knowledge and skills. Although more than half had participated in SBL activities, current engagement was lower, with only four-tenths actively involved. High-fidelity mannequins and virtual patients were commonly used, indicating a preference for realistic simulations. Notably, over one-fifth of respondents reported challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, technical issues, and time constraints, which hinder effective simulation-based learning implementation.

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