A.O EZEUKWU

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a global health challenge with a lifetime prevalence of 60-85%, being the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide and significantly affecting African populations, including Nigeria. Physiotherapy is a crucial non-invasive treatment option for LBP management, offering various evidence-based interventions including exercise therapy, manual therapy, and electrotherapy. Nigeria's healthcare system faces significant challenges, with over 70% of healthcare expenses paid through out-of-pocket (OOP) payments due to limited insurance coverage and underfunding. This study aims to examine the out-of-pocket expenditures on physiotherapy for LBP in Benin City, Edo State, and its implications for healthcare access and policy. Method: A cross-sectional study design was used recruiting 99 participants. A non- probability purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants. The sample size was determined using an online calculator with an 80% confidence level. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, with ethical approval obtained from UBTH’s Medical Advisory Committee. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0, employing descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, standard deviation) and chi-square test of independence, with significance level set at p<0.05. Result: The study involved 99 participants, predominantly female (58.6%), married (83.8%), and businesspersons (35.3%), with a mean age of 63.65 ± 17.59 years and 27.56 ± 9.72 years of work experience. The average total out-of-pocket expenditure was ₦127,527.58 ± 18,712.44, comprising direct medical costs (₦72,363.64 ± 15,048.53), direct non-medical costs (₦20,315.45 ± 6,006.12), and indirect costs (₦34,848.48 ± 8,638.26). Disability levels were moderate, with mean scores of 31.08 ± 2.61 (Oswestry Disability Index) and 31.06 ± 2.07 (Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire). Gender comparisons showed females had slightly higher expenditures (₦130,051.72 ± 18,924.06) than males (₦123,956.83 ± 18,034.77), but differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial economic burden of managing low back pain in tertiary healthcare facilities in Benin City, Edo State, with significant out-of-pocket expenditures for both direct and indirect costs. Despite these challenges, no significant gender differences in costs were observed.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a common health problem among students and young adults. Although physiotherapy is effective for managing MSK pain, cultural beliefs and personal perceptions often influence its utilization. Understanding these beliefs is essential for improving access to physiotherapy care and awareness. This study aimed to determine the influence of cultural beliefs on the utilization of physiotherapy services for managing musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate students in the School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data were obtained from undergraduate students through a self-administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic details and items assessing cultural beliefs and physiotherapy utilization. Responses were rated on a five-point Likert scale from “Strongly Agree” to “Strongly Disagree.” Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square and correlation analyses, were used to summarize data and test relationships between variables, with significance set at p < 0.05. The study showed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. A statistically significant but weak relationship was observed between cultural beliefs and physiotherapy utilization (r = 0.208, p < 0.001). Gender was significantly associated with the 7-day prevalence of pain, with females reporting more pain than males, while other demographic variables showed no significant associations. Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent among students. Although cultural beliefs significantly influence physiotherapy utilization, the effect is weak, suggesting other factors such as accessibility, affordability, and awareness also play key roles.

Background: Menopause marks a significant transition in women’s lives, often accompanied by physiological, psychological, and social challenges that impact quality of life. Postmenopausal women often struggle to meet recommended physical activity levels due to barriers such as lack of motivation, time constraints, and inadequate facilities. Conversely, facilitators such as social support and health awareness can encourage participation. This study explores the perceived barriers and facilitators of physical activity among postmenopausal women within an academic environment. Aim: This study aims to investigate the perceived barriers and facilitators influencing physical activity participation among postmenopausal women at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Method: This cross-sectional study investigated the perceived barriers and facilitators of physical activity among postmenopausal women at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Fifty participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), Physical Activity Barriers Questionnaire (PABQ), and Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES). Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted using SPSS, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Among the respondents, 44% demonstrated high physical activity levels, 38% moderate, and 18% low. The mean self-efficacy, barriers, quality of life, and metabolic equivalent scores were 44.02±9.20, 88.28±18.09, 90.34±7.44, and 2961.93±3730.76, respectively. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed no significant relationships between barriers and physical activity levels (p=0.539) or self-efficacy and activity levels (p=0.105). Additionally, a positive but non- significant relationship was observed between physical activity levels and quality of life (p=0.080). Conclusion: The study concluded that perceived barriers and facilitators had non-significant relationships with physical activity levels and quality of life among postmenopausal women in the University of Benin. While demographic factors such as education and marital status likely mediate these associations, the findings emphasize the complexity of physical activity behaviors in this population. There is a need to address individual and contextual factors to better
understand and promote physical activity

Background: Nigeria requires more physiotherapists and specialized training to improve care quality. A mandatory one-year internship bridges the gap between education and practice, enhancing skills and confidence.The quality of internship training, including supervision, learning opportunities, and a supportive environment, plays a crucial role in influencing interns’ satisfaction and their specialization choices. Aim: The aim and purpose of this research is to explore physiotherapy interns’ knowledge perceptions, and attitude towards specializing in neurophysiotherapy in south-south, Nigeria Methods: The study employs a cross-sectional design using a proportionate sampling technique, with a calculated sample size of 126 physiotherapy interns distributed across seven hospitals in South-South Nigeria.Data collection will be conducted through a self-adapted questionnaire divided into four sections: socio-demographic information, knowledge, perception, and attitude towards specializing in neurophysiotherapy.Data analysis will involve descriptive statistics and inferential tools, such as chi-square tests, using SPSS version 22 at a 0.05 significance level. Result: The study revealed that most participants were male (68.2%), over 30 years old (59.1%), single (93.2%), and Christian (81.8%). A majority of interns (81.1%) rated their knowledge of neurophysiotherapy and its components as "good" or "very good," with all identifying key neurological conditions suitable for rehabilitation. Exposure to neurology units (75.8%) and treatment modalities (72.7%) significantly influenced their decision to specialize, though many (76.5%) found neurophysiotherapy challenging. Overall, interns expressed curiosity (79.6%) and a willingness to enhance their knowledge through clinical experiences. Conclusion: The findings showed that most interns had strong foundational knowledge of neurophysiotherapy, with high confidence in their ability to specialize. However, challenges and uncertainties about managing neurological conditions persisted. Despite this, participants maintained a positive attitude and perception toward specializing in neurophysiotherapy