Nursing Students

Background: Patient safety is a fundamental component of quality healthcare and an essential aspect of healthcare training. Medical errors and preventable adverse events remain major causes of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Adequate knowledge and positive perceptions of patient safety are important for promoting safe clinical practice and reducing preventable harm. However, gaps in patient safety education and training continue to exist among medical and nursing students. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, perception and determinants of patient safety among medical and nursing students in the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 consenting medical and nursing students in the University of Benin selected through a stratified sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO Patient Safety Curriculum Guide and the Attitudes to Patient Safety Questionnaire III (APSQ-III). The questionnaire assessed respondents’socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of patient safety, perception toward patient safety, and determinants influencing patient safety knowledge and perception. Data collected was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were used to summarize the data. Chi-square test and multivariable analysis were used to determine associations and predictors of patient safety knowledge and perception. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results were presented in tables, charts and prose. Results: A total of 420 respondents participated in the study, with a mean age of 22.2 ± 2.6 years. Most respondents, 383 (91.2%) had heard of patient safety with lectures 298 (71.0%) and clinical postings 273 (65.0%) being the major sources of information. Three hundred and eighty-nine (92.6%) of respondents had good knowledge of patient safety. Respondents residing off-campus were significantly less likely to have good knowledge of patient safety compared to those living in school hostels (OR = 0.376, 95% CI: 0.145-0.974, p = 0.044), while respondents who had not heard of patient safety were about 92% less likely to have good knowledge compared to those who were aware (OR = 0.081, 95% CI: 0.029-0.227, p < 0.001). Overall, 273 (65%) had positive perception of patient safety. Majority agreed that patient safety is a global issue (92.4%), most clinical errors are preventable (92.6%), patient involvement improves safety (93.3%) and teamwork reduces errors (88.8%). Respondents sponsored by parents were about three times more likely to have positive perception compared to those who sponsored themselves (OR = 3.296, 95% CI: 1.325-8.194, p = 0.010). Determinants influencing patient safety included supervisory emphasis on patient safety (96.7%), integration of safety concepts into lectures and training (87.1%), adequate clinical training (71.7%), practical teaching methods (97.9%), and personal motivation (86.7%). Conclusion: Medical and nursing students in the University of Benin demonstrated generally good knowledge and positive perceptions of patient safety. Despite this, gaps still exist in system-based understanding of patient safety. Strengthening patient safety education through improved curriculum integration and simulation-based learning is recommended to further promote patient safety culture among future healthcare professionals.

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a potential occupational biological hazard to medical and nursing students who are frequently exposed to blood and bodily fluids during clinical rotations, and the Hepatitis B vaccine is one of the most effective and safest prevention measures. Objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge, attitude, and uptake of the Hepatitis B vaccination, including its determinants, among medical and nursing students at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to March 2026, among 646 respondents, comprising 324 medical students and 322 nursing students. A multistage sampling technique was used to select students across preclinical and clinical levels. Data was collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate (Chi-square) and multivariate (Binary Logistic Regression) analyses were utilised, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 22.47 ± 2.72 years. Overall, 83.0% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of Hepatitis B and its vaccination, while 17.0% had poor knowledge. Most respondents (91.0%) exhibited a positive attitude, which was strongly predicted by good knowledge (OR = 4.078; p < 0.001). However, actual vaccination uptake was critically low, with 73.8% of students remaining completely unvaccinated and only 10.7% having completed the three-dose series. Logistic regression showed that clinical exposure significantly predicted good knowledge (p < 0.001), while course of study predicted vaccination uptake, with medical students significantly more likely to be vaccinated than nursing students 15 (OR = 2.035; p = 0.022). Lack of awareness of vaccination centres (42.1%), vaccine cost (28.9%), and lack of time (26.4%) were reported as the major barriers to vaccination. Conclusion: Despite possessing high theoretical knowledge and a positive attitude towards the HBV vaccine, the actual vaccination practice among medical and nursing students is critically inadequate. Systemic barriers, specifically cost and logistical challenges, are the primary barriers preventing positive attitudes from translating into practice. Strengthening targeted awareness campaigns, subsidising vaccine costs, and integrating proactive vaccination policies into the curriculum will enhance uptake and optimise occupational safety during clinical training.

This study assessed the practice of infection control measures, influencing factors, barriers, and the relationship between academic level and adherence among undergraduate nursing students in a tertiary institution in Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, and data were collected from 244 students using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Analysis was done using SPSS version 27, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied. Findings revealed generally good adherence, particularly in hand hygiene (65.6%), proper disposal of sharps (70.5%), and use of personal protective equipment (60.7%). Compliance was lower for equipment disinfection (56.6%) and isolation precautions (53.3%), with a grand mean of 3.47. Factors positively influencing practice included belief in patient safety (72.1%), continuous education (64.8%), and supervision (62.3%). Major barriers reported were overcrowding (61.5%), time constraints (58.2%), workload (57.4%), inadequate PPE (53.3%), and insufficient supervision (52.5%). A Chi-square test revealed a significant association between academic level and adherence (χ² = 6.481, df = 4, p = 0.039), with 300-level students showing higher compliance (68.2%) than 400-level (59.3%) and 500-level (53.3%) students. The study concludes that while nursing students demonstrate commendable infection control practices, gaps remain, highlighting the need for stronger institutional support, continuous education, and resource provision to sustain compliance.

Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder affecting millions globally, remains heavily stigmatized in
many societies, including Nigeria. Cultural misconceptions often associate epilepsy with supernatural
causes, significantly affecting the social integration and quality of life of those affected. Nurses, as
frontline healthcare providers, play a pivotal role in shaping public attitudes and delivering informed
care. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students at the University of
Benin toward epileptic patients and examine the implications for patients' social well-being. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. A total of 281 nursing students across 200 to 500 levels were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data was collected using a structured, self administered questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of social impact. Results revealed that while a majority of students demonstrated good understanding of epilepsy as a brain disorder and expressed willingness to assist during seizures, gaps persisted in symptom recognition, treatment beliefs, and misconceptions about heredity and contagion. Attitudinal responses were mixed: most students supported inclusion and respect for epileptic patients, but hesitations were observed in sensitive areas like marriage and personal interaction. Notably, participants agreed that epilepsy impedes social experiences such as employment, education, and relationships. The study concludes that although nursing students exhibit moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes, pockets of misinformation and stigma remain. It is recommended that nursing curricula integrate targeted modules on epilepsy, combining theory with practical exposure, to reinforce accurate knowledge and empathetic patient care. Enhancing education and advocacy through formal training will better equip future nurses to support social inclusion and reduce stigma against people living with epilepsy

Nursing training is a combination of theoretical and practical learning experience that enables nursing students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for providing nursing care. Clinical nursing training is the most critical step in transforming nursing education, because that is really at the heart of getting the nurse ready for clinical setting, and for providing safe and excellent patient care. The aim of the study is to ascertain nursing students’ perception to clinical nursing training in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. Nigeria. . The study was carried out using a descriptive cross sectional study a non- experimental design. A total of 320 bonafied nursing students in 200 – 500 level took part in the study. . Data was gotten from a well-structured questionnaire and a proform was used to assess nursing student’s perception to clinical nursing training in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. The result on Students’ Perceptions of Placement to Clinical setting showed that 152(87%) have positive perception, while 23(13%) have negative perception. Findings on perception of Clinical Teaching (instruction)/learning, showed One hundred and fifty three (87%) have positive perception, while 22(13%) have negative perception. Also Perception of clinical supervision showed that 153(87.4%) have positive perception, while 22(12.6%) have negative perception. Furthermore, Perception of clinical evaluation showed that 154(88%) have positive perception of it, while 21(12%) havenegative perception. Keywords: Clinical, Nursing, Training, Perception.

Mindfulness meditation, recognized globally as an evidence-based intervention, promotes self-awareness, stress reduction, and emotional regulation. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of mindfulness meditation among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. It specifically examined students’ level of awareness, extent of practice, commonly used mindfulness techniques, and factors influencing mindfulness engagement. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, involving 312 nursing students selected from a total population of 983 across all academic levels using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a validated structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized respondents’ knowledge and practice levels, while Spearman’s rho correlation tested the relationship between the two variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings revealed that most respondents possessed moderate knowledge of mindfulness meditation but demonstrated low levels of regular practice. The most common methods used were mindful breathing and body scanning. Barriers identified
included lack of time, inadequate institutional support, and limited access to trained facilitators, while facilitators included positive attitudes and peer encouragement. Statistical analysis indicated a weak but positive correlation between knowledge and practice of mindfulness meditation among students. The study concludes that although nursing students are aware of mindfulness and its benefits, its practical application remains limited. Integrating mindfulness-based programs into the nursing curriculum is recommended to enhance students’ emotional resilience, stress management, and overall mental well-being. Strengthened institutional support and increased awareness can promote a more consistent mindfulness culture

Healthcare waste management is a critical issue in healthcare settings, with implications for infection control, environmental safety, andpublic health. This study investigated the knowledge,attitudes, andpractices ofhealthcare waste management among undergraduate nursing students in a tertiary educational institution in Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. random sampling technique was used to select 255 undergraduate nursing students across 200-500 levels. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with four sections examining socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to healthcare waste management. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics were generated, and hypothesis testing was performed using chi-square analysis at a significance level of0.05. The study achieved a 97% response rate (247 valid questionnaires). Findings revealed that 68% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge ofhealthcare waste management, while 32% exhibitedpoor knowledge. Regarding attitudes, 71% displayedpositive dispositions toward healthcare waste management practices. In terms of practice, 77%demonstrated high levels ofproper healthcare waste handling and disposal. The study identified several influential factors, including adequate training programs, availability of disposal facilities, supervision, andpersonal commitment. Notably, no statistically significant relationship wasfound between knowledge andpractice x2 = 2.101, p = 0.07). While the majority of undergraduate nursing students demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitudes,and high compliance with proper waste management practices, significant gaps remain,particularly in specific knowledge areas and the translation ofknowledge intopractice.

This study examined the influence of stress on the academic performance of undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 282 students via structured questionnaires. Results showed that academic workload and clinical responsibilities were major stressors, with 44.9% and 76.4% of students respectively reporting significant stress related to these areas. While 76.4% found peer and instructor support beneficial for managing stress, 40.6% indicated limited access to coping resources. Stress was found to negatively impact concentration, motivation, examination performance, and information retention among many students. Despite these challenges, students commonly employed coping strategies such as listening to music, social interaction, and spiritual practices. The majority endorsed interventions including time management workshops, peer support groups, and counselling services to mitigate stress. Recommendations focus on implementing structured support systems and stress management programs to enhance academic outcomes and overall well-being, highlighting the importance of continuous evaluation to improve nursing education.