C. A. ENUKU

This study explored the knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices among 258 nurses in a tertiary health facility in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, through a comprehensive survey. The research examined socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of various occupational hazards (physical, biological, chemical, ergonomic, and psychosocial), exposure levels, and adherence to safety protocols. Results indicated that 60.9% of nurses possessed good knowledge of occupational hazards, 33.3% had moderate knowledge, and 5.8% exhibited poor knowledge. High awareness was noted for workplace hazards (95.3%) and their potential adverse health effects (96.5%), though knowledge of relevant laws and regulations was lower (68.2%). Exposure to occupational hazards was significant, with 41.1% of nurses reporting high exposure and 50.0% experiencing moderate exposure. Frequently encountered hazards included prolonged standing (72.5%), low back pain (68.6%), workplace stress (76.7%), and exposure to disinfectants (55.0%). Overcrowded workplaces (56.6%) and infectious diseases (37.6%) were also prevalent concerns. Safety practices were robust, with 71.3% of nurses demonstrating good adherence, particularly in regular hand hygiene (77.1% strongly agree) and proper disposal of sharps (74.0% strongly agree). However, disagreement regarding needle recapping (24.8%) suggested areas for improved training. A chi-square analysis (χ² = 104.216, p < 0.001) confirmed a significant relationship between higher knowledge levels and better safety practices, underscoring the importance of education in fostering safer behaviors. The findings highlight gaps in organizational safety systems, such as limited systematic hazard identification (59.7%), and the need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include enhanced training on hazard- specific risks, regular risk assessments, ergonomic improvements, and stricter policy enforcement to mitigate exposure and promote a safer working environment for nurses in tertiary healthcare settings.

This study examined the knowledge, perception, and uptake of voluntary HIV/AIDS screening among accounting students at a Nigerian university. Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, 266 participants were selected through a stratified sampling technique to ensure a representative sample across different years of study. Data collection employed a structured questionnaire, and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used for data analysis. The study aimed to assess students' level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, their attitudes toward screening, and the factors influencing their screening decisions. Results showed a high level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among participants, with 90.6% demonstrating good understanding, particularly concerning screening purposes, testing timing, and transmission routes. However, despite this high knowledge level, screening uptake was nearly evenly split, with 49.2% reporting good uptake and 50.8% indicating poor uptake. Only 28.2% engaged in regular screening, and just 35.3% had been tested within the last year, highlighting a gap in continuous monitoring. Stigma, lack of awareness, cost considerations, and accessibility emerged as the primary barriers, with 71.4% identifying stigma as a deterrent. Peer influence, awareness initiatives, and access to free testing services were significant facilitators for screening uptake. The study concludes that while knowledge about HIV/AIDS is high among accounting students, this does not consistently translate to regular screening behavior. Addressing both structural and psychosocial barriers is critical to improving HIV screening uptake. Recommendations
include implementing institutional awareness programs, offering cost-free and easily accessible screening services, and developing peer support networks to reduce stigma. These interventions could contribute to a more consistent and proactive approach to HIV/AIDS screening among university students, ultimately supporting early detection and preventive health behaviors.

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

This study examined the knowledge, perception, and uptake of voluntary HIV/AIDS screening among accounting students at a Nigerian university. Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, 266 participants were selected through a stratified sampling technique to ensure a representative sample across different years of study. Data collection employed a structured questionnaire, and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used for data analysis. The study aimed to assess students' level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, their attitudes toward screening, and the factors influencing their screening decisions. Results showed a high level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among participants, with
90.6% demonstrating good understanding, particularly concerning screening purposes, testing timing, and transmission routes. However, despite this high knowledge level, screening uptake was nearly evenly split, with 49.2% reporting good uptake and 50.8% indicating poor uptake. Only 28.2% engaged in regular screening, and just 35.3% had been tested within the last year, highlighting a gap in continuous monitoring. Stigma, lack of awareness, cost considerations, and accessibility emerged as the primary barriers, with 71.4% identifying stigma as a deterrent. Peer influence, awareness initiatives, and access to free testing services were significant facilitators for screening uptake. The study concludes that while knowledge about HIV/AIDS is high among accounting students, this does not consistently translate to regular screening behavior. Addressing both structural and psychosocial barriers is critical to improving HIV screening uptake. Recommendations include implementing institutional awareness programs, offering cost-free and easily accessible screening services, and developing peer support networks to reduce stigma. These interventions could contribute to a more consistent and proactive approach to HIV/AIDS screening among university students, ultimately supporting early detection and preventive health behaviors.