KNOWLEDGE

This study examined the knowledge, self-care practices, and glycemic control among diabetic patients in a tertiary institution in Benin City. Using semi-structured questionnaires, data was gathered from 230 respondents. Findings revealed that the majority (81.7%) of the respondents had type 2 diabetes, with 73% living with diabetes for 0-5 years. Knowledge of diabetes varied, with 53% exhibiting fair knowledge and only 18.3% demonstrating good knowledge levels. Self-care practices were generally poor, with only 16.5% adhering to a healthy meal plan and regular physical activity. Factors such as family and environmental support significantly impacted self-care. Furthermore, 87% of participants exhibited poor glycemic control, with significant associations found between self-care practices and glycemic control (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that married individuals and those aged 41-50 had higher odds of good knowledge and glycemic control. In conclusion, this study highlights the critical need for improved diabetes education and support structures within the population, as inadequate knowledge and self-care practices were prevalent among respondents. Interventions targeting family and community support, along with increased accessibility to healthcare resources, are essential to enhance self-care practices and glycemic outcomes in diabetes management.

This study examined the knowledge and skills of agrochemical usage among cassava farmers in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of Cassava farmers, examine the level of perceived Knowledge the Cassava farmers have in agrochemical usage, determine the level of skill Cassava farmers have in applying agrochemicals effectively and safely and determine the constraints faced by farmers in acquiring the knowledge and skills in agrochemical usage. A total of 90 cassava farmers were selected using a two‑stage sampling technique, and data were collected through structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Findings revealed that most farmers were within the productive age group (x̄ = 42 years), 64.4% were male, and 72.2% had secondary education. All respondents (100%) used agrochemicals, and 57.8% had received some form of training on agrochemical usage. The findings revealed that farmers had high knowledge level for information on agrochemical labels or cans (x̄= 2.98), the different types of agrochemicals for different pests or plant problems (x̄ = 2.57), correct personal protective equipment to use by sprayer(x̄= 2.55), weather can affect spraying chemicals (x̄= 2.96), how to calculate treatment area and calibrate spraying equipment properly (x̄= 2.60), how to safely mix different chemicals for use (x̄= 2.58) and low knowledge levels were recorded for others. Skill levels also varied, select the correct agrochemical for the target pest or crop issue (x̄ =2.08), Measure and mixes agrochemicals accurately with the right tools (x̄= 2.44), Wear appropriate protective equipment (like gloves, masks) during handling and spraying (x̄= 2.08), Apply chemicals without polluting water, harming life or damaging land (x̄= 1.78), Act quickly and safely if you come in contact with dangerous chemicals ((x̄= 1.93), Maintain accurate data of chemical use (x̄= 1.69). Significant constraints included low literacy levels (x̄= 2.63), labels not written in local languages (x̄= 2.51), inaccurate information from fellow farmers (x̄= 2.53), and lack of motivation to attend training (mean = 2.64). The Logistic Regression analysis showed that household size (p = 0.012), annual income (p = 0.001), and training (p = 0.001) significantly influenced knowledge. For skill level, sex (p = 0.014), household size (p = 0.057), farming experience (p = 0.004), income (p = 0.002), and training (p = 0.004) were significant. The study recommends more practical training, better extension support, clearer agrochemical labels in local languages, and improved access to protective equipment to ensure safer and more effective agrochemical use

The study dealt on the knowledge and preventive practices of malaria among students in University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. To achieve the purpose of the study, five research questions were raised and answered. The descriptive survey research method was adopted for the study. The population for this study was made of forty thousand two hundred and eighty-nine (40,289) undergraduates in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State in the 2024/2025 academic session. The sample size for this study was 297 respondents. This was drawn using the multi stage sampling technique was adopted for the study. Firstly the systematic sampling technique was used to select five (5) faculties from the fifteen (15) faculties. Secondly proportionate sampling was used to select 3% from each selected faculty. Thirdly simple random sampling of balloting with replacement was used to select respondents for the study. The department names were written on a piece of paper, put in a hat, shuffled and then 5 departments were drawn from the hat. The selection process was random. The research instrument is a self-structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated by the researcher’s supervisor and two other experts in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education. The Cronbanch Alpha method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. The questionnaire was administered to a group of 20 respondents which were not part of the study. A Cronbach coefficient of .701 was obtained. This shows that the instrument is reliable. For data analysis, frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to calculate the research findings. Findings from the study revealed that there is high level of knowledge among university of Benin students regarding malaria. The study concluded that the preventive practices adopted by University of Benin students to combat malaria include sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves and trousers to reduce mosquito exposure, clearing bushes and stagnant water around their residences or hostels to prevent mosquito breeding, and participating in health campaigns or sensitization programmes on malaria prevention. The study recommended among others that the University of Benin management should intensify health education campaigns on malaria prevention through seminars, posters, and social media platforms to sustain and further improve students’ knowledge and awareness.