F.U. OKAFOR

Nursing is a globally recognized female-dominated profession, with traditional gender stereotypes often shaping perceptions and career pathways. In cultural contexts like Edo State, Nigeria, these norms can significantly influence students' decisions to enter the field. This study aimed to examine the perception of gender roles and its influence on the choice of a nursing career among undergraduate nursing students in a tertiary institution in Edo State. A descriptive correlational design was adopted, surveying 270 undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin. Data were collected using a four-part questionnaire covering demographics, perceptions of gender roles, factors influencing career choice, and open-ended questions. Data
were analyzed with SPSS using descriptive statistics (mean, SD), inferential statistics (Independent Samples T-tests), and thematic analysis. Results revealed that the primary motivators for choosing nursing were altruistic factors (a desire to help people) and pragmatic considerations (career stability), which ranked significantly higher than the influence of gender based perceptions. While students held egalitarian views on professional competence, they acknowledged that nursing is publicly perceived as a female-dominated profession. A significant gender difference was found (p < .05), with male students reporting that they face more challenges and stereotypes than their female peers. Qualitative analysis confirmed these challenges, highlighting themes of patient bias and social isolation. In conclusion, while gender stereotypes persist and negatively impact the student experience, particularly for males, they are not the primary drivers of career choice for this cohort. Students are motivated by passion and pragmatism, choosing the profession despite existing societal biases. The study recommends the
integration of gender-sensitivity modules into nursing curricula and the establishment of mentorship programs to better support all students navigating these professional challenges.

This study assessed the awareness, perception, and utilization of genetic counsellingforbreast cancer among relatives of patients with cancer in the University of Benin TeachingHospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State. Genetic counselling plays a vital role in identifyingindividuals at risk of hereditary breast cancer and in promoting preventive and early detectionstrategies. However, limited awareness and accessibility hinder its utilization in manylowresource settings, including Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 169 participants who were relativesofcancer patients attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Astructuredquestionnaire was used for data collection, and 163 properly completed questionnaires wereanalyzed, representing a 96.5% response rate. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 and presented in frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and chi-square tests. Findings revealed that the majorityofrespondents (64%) had a poor level of awareness of genetic counselling for breast cancer, while 61% exhibited negative perceptions toward it. The level of utilization was alsolow, with 77% of participants reporting that they had never accessed or engaged ingeneticcounselling services. Major barriers identified included high cost (82.8%), lack of awareness(81.6%), limited availability of trained professionals, cultural and religious beliefs, andpoorinstitutional support. Hypothesis testing showed a significant relationship between awarenessand perception (p = 0.012) and between perception and utilization (p = 0.01). The studyconcluded that awareness, perception, and utilization of genetic counselling for breast canceramong relatives of cancer patients remain low due to informational, financial, and systemicbarriers. It was recommended that government and health institutions intensifypubliceducation, subsidize counselling costs, train healthcare providers especially nurses ingeneticcounselling, and integrate genetic services into routine cancer care to improve accessibilityand uptake.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, with nearly 90% of new cases and related deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer prevention among female students in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Benin, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was utilized, and 315 participants were selected through a proportionate stratified random sampling approach.Findings showed that the respondents possessed a moderate level of knowledge about cervical cancer, particularly regarding its definition, modes of prevention, and transmission. Although attitudes toward screening and preventive measures were largely positive, many students reported not engaging in any form of preventive practice. The study also established a statistically significant association between students’ knowledge levels and their preventive practices (χ² = 31.17, p < 0.0001).Overall, the results underscore the need for focused educational strategies aimed at improving young women's awareness, attitudes, and engagement in cervical cancer prevention activities.