O.E OBARISIAGBON

Background: Cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and early detection through screening significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival. First-degree relatives (FDRs) of cancer patients are at increased risk of developing cancer due to shared genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Despite this increased risk, screening uptake among FDRs remains low. This study assessed the knowledge of early cancer detection and screening uptake among first-degree relatives of cancer patients in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of early detection and screening uptake among the first-degree relatives of cancer patients.


Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 first-degree relatives of cancer patients attending the Radiotherapy/Clinical Oncology Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests were used for analysis, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.75 ± 13.34 years, and the majority were females 265 (64.6%). Overall, 268 (65.4%) respondents were aware of early cancer detection and screening. Among those aware, television/radio was the major source of information 104 (38.8%). Mammography was the most recognized screening method 144 (53.7%). Most respondents 209 (78.0%) demonstrated good knowledge of cancer screening and early detection. However, only 96 (23.4%) respondents had previously undergone cancer screening. Ethnicity (p = 0.035) and monthly income (p = 0.014) showed statistically significant associations with knowledge of cancer screening and early detection. Major barriers to screening included poor awareness, fear of diagnosis, inadequate physician recommendation, and limited access to screening services.

Conclusion: Although the majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of early cancer detection and screening, screening uptake among first-degree relatives of cancer patients was poor. Improved public health education, increased healthcare provider involvement, and enhanced accessibility and affordability of screening services are recommended to improve cancer screening uptake among high-risk populations.

Background: Cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and early detection through screening significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival. First-degree relatives (FDRs) of cancer patients are at increased risk of developing cancer due to shared genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Despite this increased risk, screening uptake among FDRs remains low. This study assessed the knowledge of early cancer detection and screening uptake among first-degree relatives of cancer patients in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of early detection and screening uptake among the first-degree relatives of cancer patients.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 first-degree relatives of cancer patients attending the Radiotherapy/Clinical Oncology Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests were used for analysis, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.75 ± 13.34 years, and the majority were females 265 (64.6%). Overall, 268 (65.4%) respondents were aware of early cancer detection and screening. Among those aware, television/radio was the major source of information 104 (38.8%). Mammography was the most recognized screening method 144 (53.7%). Most respondents 209 (78.0%) demonstrated good knowledge of cancer screening and early detection. However, only 96 (23.4%) respondents had previously undergone cancer screening. Ethnicity (p = 0.035) and monthly income (p = 0.014) showed statistically significant associations with knowledge of cancer screening and early detection. Major barriers to screening included poor awareness, fear of diagnosis, inadequate physician recommendation, and limited access to screening services.

Conclusion: Although the majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of early cancer detection and screening, screening uptake among first-degree relatives of cancer patients was poor. Improved public health education, increased healthcare provider involvement, and enhanced accessibility and affordability of screening services are recommended to improve cancer screening uptake among high-risk populations. Keywords: Cancer screening, early detection, first-degree relatives, knowledge, screening uptake, Benin City,

Background: Globally, it is estimated that nearly 500,000 women die annually from causes related to pregnancy and child birth and 99% of these deaths occur in developing countries. Historically, the involvement of men in labor and delivery was limited, with the process primarily being seen as a female domain. However, societal attitudes and expectations have evolved, leading to increased recognition of the role that men can play during childbirth. By actively participating in the childbirth process, men contribute to a supportive and empowering environment, facilitating a positive birth experience for all involved. Objectives: To assess the delivery experiences and the involvement of adult males whose spouses are in labour and other associated factors in Evbuomore Community, Benin City, to improve labour experience and maternal and child health outcomes. Materials And Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized for this study. Five hundred and ninety-seven males were selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising both opened ended and closed questions. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 and a p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age group of the respondents was 40.70( + 7.89) years. Out of the total respondents, 504 (90.5%) had good knowledge while 57 (9.5%) had poor knowledge of the role they should play when their spouse is in labour. Five hundred and eighty-two (97.5) of them had a positive attitude while 15 (2.5%) had a negative attitude toward the role they should play when their spouse is in labour. Five hundred and twenty-two (87.4%) of the total respondent had apositive delivery experience while 75 (12.6%) had a negative delivery experience. Conclusion: The majority of the respondents had good knowledge, attitude, and delivery experiences toward spousal labour. The major contributors were monthly income, religion, occupation, and marriage type

Hypertension, a major global health issue, affects a large portion of the adult population and is a key contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Although commonly associated with older adults, its prevalence is increasing among younger people, including university students. Modifiable risk factors like poor diet, insufficient physical activity, and stress significantly contribute to hypertension development. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of University of Benin students regarding hypertension prevention.
METHODOLOGY
The study was conducted at the University of Benin, Nigeria, using a descriptive cross-sectional design with a sample of 424 undergraduate students. The study was conducted from July 2023 to September 2024. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling from various faculties. Data were collected via a pre-tested, adapted questionnaire distributed through Google
Forms. The analysis was performed using IBM SPSS, incorporating both descriptive and inferential statistics with level of significance set at p = < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained, and confidentiality was ensured by omitting personal identifiers. RESULTS
The study found that nearly half of the participants (49.3%) were between 16 and 20 years old, with an average age of 21.42 years. Most participants (86.6%) demonstrated good knowledge of hypertension and its preventive strategies, with a significant correlation between knowledge and both their academic faculty and year of study. A strong positive attitude towards hypertension prevention was observed in 421 (99.3%) of respondents, and a significant link was found xiii between attitude and marital status (p = 0.029). Additionally, 409 (95.5%) of respondents practiced effective hypertension prevention, and all those with poor practices expressed willingness to change their behavior.
CONCLUSION
Most University of Benin students demonstrated good knowledge of hypertension and its prevention, correlated with their year of study and faculty. The majority had a positive attitude towards prevention, linked to marital status. Most practiced effective prevention strategies, and those with poor practices were eager to improve.

Hypertension, a major global health issue, affects a large portion of the adult population and is a key contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Although commonly associated with older adults, its prevalence is increasing among younger people, including university students. Modifiable risk factors like poor diet, insufficient physical activity, and stress significantly contribute to hypertension development. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of University of Benin students regarding hypertension prevention.