R. LAWAL

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a major global health concern, with misconceptions about its causes and prevention influencing health-seeking behavior. Nursing students, as future healthcare providers, require accurate knowledge and sound preventive practices. This study assessed knowledge, preventive practices, misconceptions, and influencing factors regarding PUD among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A total of 255 questionnaires were distributed, with 249 valid responses obtained (97.6% response rate). Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Knowledge scores were categorized as good (≥0.70), fair (0.50–0.69), or poor (<0.50). Results showed that 78% of respondents demonstrated good overall knowledge of PUD, with strengths in symptom recognition (96.4%) and causative role of Helicobacter pylori (74.7%). However, knowledge gaps persisted in H. pylori transmission (51.8%) and NSAID-related ulcer formation (63.9%). Preventive practices recorded a grand mean of 0.66, reflecting moderate adherence, with good performance in avoiding unprescribed painkillers (mean = 0.82) and maintaining hydration (mean = 0.79), but poor adherence regarding alcohol (0.42) and tobacco use (0.37). Major influencing factors included level of study (mean = 3.30), academic workload (3.07), and healthcare accessibility (3.09). Misconceptions persisted, particularly stress as a sole cause (mean = 0.42) and treatment discontinuation after symptom relief (0.55). Despite good baseline knowledge, the persistence of misconceptions and moderate preventive practices indicate a knowledge–practice gap requiring targeted educational interventions.

This study assessed the perceived impact of clinical nursing practice on the academic performance of undergraduate nursing students in the University of Benin. Across-sectional survey design was employed, gathering data from 282 students through structured questionnaires. Findings revealed that 44.9% believed their workload during clinical practice adversely affected their learning, while 76.4% found instructor feedback helpful in enhancing clinical skills. Limited access to resources was reported by 40.6% of participants, and56.4%experienced stress that influenced their perception of clinical practice. Although clinical practice significantly enhanced professional development—49.1% strongly agreeing—it also presented challenges: 83.6% struggled to balance academic and clinical demands, and61.8%cited inadequate resources. Additionally, 50.9% reported insufficient supervision and mentorship, while 54.5% experienced high stress levels. Recommendations to address these issues include enhancing resource availability, strengthening mentorship, managing workloads, and providing stress management training. These interventions could optimize the learning environment and better prepare students for professional practice, emphasizing the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of clinical training programs to align with healthcare demands and student needs

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a vital public health strategy recommended for the first six months of life, providing optimal nutrition and immunity for infants. Despite its benefits, many nursing mothers face challenges that hinder its effective practice. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers attending the Infant Welfare Clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, involving 127 nursing mothers selected through a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to summarize and interpret the data. The findings revealed that a majority of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, with 75.6% correctly identifying the recommended six-month duration. However, while 59.1% practiced exclusive breastfeeding, a notable proportion discontinued before six months due to factors such as return to work, lack of family support, and perceived insufficient breast milk. Significant associations were found between knowledge and practice levels, as well as between exclusive breastfeeding practice and socio-demographic variables such as age and parity. The study concluded that although knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers was generally high, this did not always translate into optimal practice. Gaps remain due to socio-cultural and economic challenges. Based on the findings, it is recommended that more targeted health education and breastfeeding support programs be implemented, especially those addressing workplace support and family involvement. Policymakers should also consider extending maternity leave and promoting breastfeeding-friendly environments in public and private sectors to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates. This study provides useful insights for healthcare providers and stakeholders involved in maternal and child health promotion.

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) refers to the practice of feeding infants only breast milk for the first six months of life, without introducing any other liquids or solids, except for oral rehydration solutions, drops, syrups (vitamins, minerals, or medicines) as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This
practice is recognized globally as one of the most effective strategies for reducing infant morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries (Wu et al., 2022). EBF not only provides essential nutrients for infant growth and development but also protects against common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, thereby promoting
overall child survival and development (Gebeyehu et al., 2023; WHO, 2020, as cited in Wu et al., 2022). Despite strong global advocacy, the rates of EBF rmain suboptimal in many regions, including sub-Saharan Africa. According to Ejie et al. (2021), barriers to EBF in African countries include socio-cultural beliefs, inadequate maternal knowledge, limited support from health professionals, and economic pressures. In Nigeria, EBF is a significant public health concern. The 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reported that only 29% of infants under six months were exclusively breastfed, which is far below the WHO's global target of at least 50% by 2025 (Okoroiwu et al., 2021). This statistic highlights a significant gap between policy recommendations and actual maternal practices

This study assessed the prevalence, awareness, influencing factors, and drug usage patterns of self-medication among undergraduate students at the University of Benin. A cross-sectionalsurvey was conducted with 355 students selected from the Faculty of Art using a multistage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to assess their demographic characteristics, level of awareness regarding risks and consequences of self-medications, prevalence rate of self-medication, and factors influencing self-medication practices. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that 79.7% of respondents engaged in self-medication at least sometimes, with47.9% always practicing it. Pain relievers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, were the mostcommonly used drugs (77.2%), followed by antimalarials (61.7%). Despite high awareness ofthe risks—such as drug resistance (xത = 3.52) and adverse health effects from overdosing (xത=3.55), self-medication remains widespread. Factors significantly influencing this practice included easy access to drugs without prescriptions (χ² = 36.731, p = 0.001), long hospital waiting times (χ² = 4.834, p = 0.028), high treatment costs (χ² = 5.159, p = 0.023), and advicefrom non-medical sources (χ² = 9.383, p = 0.002). Hence, the study concluded that self medication is highly prevalent among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, despite a generally high level of awareness about its associated risks and consequences. However, recommendations included the need for regulatory, educational, and healthcare system interventions to promote safe medication practices among undergraduates.

Delayed presentation to emergency services represents a significant challenge in paediatric healthcare, often resulting in adverse outcomes and increased mortality. Understanding parental knowledge and perceptions regarding delayed presentation is crucial for developing effective interventions to improve timely care-seeking behaviour. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of the consequences of delayed presentation among parents attending the children's emergency unit at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State, Nigeria. This descriptive cross-sectional survey utilized purposive sampling technique to recruit 145 parents attending the children's emergency unit at UBTH. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of consequences of delayed presentation, perception of delayed presentation, and factors responsible for delayed presentation. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. The study achieved a 96.5% response rate with 140 valid questionnaires. Most respondents were female (62.9%), married (68.6%), and had tertiary education (37.9%). The findings revealed that 74% of parents demonstrated good knowledge of the consequences of delayed presentation, while 69% exhibited positive perceptions regarding the importance of timely emergency care. Financial constraints (mean=3.2), hope for home recovery (mean=3.2), and transportation difficulties (mean=3.1) were identified as the most influential factors responsible for delayed presentation. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between knowledge and perception of delayed presentation among parents (χ²=1.12, p=0.29). Despite good knowledge and positive perceptions among most parents regarding the consequences of delayed presentation, socioeconomic factors continue to significantly influence timely healthcare-seeking behaviours
for paediatric emergencies. Health education programs should be intensified to reach the 26% of parents with poor knowledge. Healthcare policies addressing financial barriers to emergency care access should be implemented.