A.O EZEUKWU

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