HEALTH RISKS

This study assesses the knowledge of the dangers of self-medications in the halls of residents among students in the University of Benin. Four research questions were asked and answered during the study using frequencies and percentages. The survey research design was adopted for this study; this is because the data is collected from a sample population with specific characteristics. The target population will be 12,240. This study comprised full-time undergraduate students residing in the University hostels during the 2024/2025 academic session. Out of this population one hundred and fifty (150) sample was selected from the total population using randomly sampling technique and purposive sampling. The instrument used to collect data for the study was fifteen items self-structured questionnaire. The instrument for the data collection was personally administered by the researcher to the respondents. The researcher explained to the respondents how to indicate their views on each item. On the basis of the findings made in the study, it can be concluded that while students exhibit a moderate level of knowledge about the dangers of self-medication, this knowledge is not sufficiently deep or widespread to effectively curb the practice. The researcher recommends that university authorities should intensify health education programmes, including seminars and orientation talks, to deepen students’ understanding of the risks associated with self-medication. Also, the researcher recommends that efforts should be made to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services within the halls of residence, thereby reducing the economic motivation to self-medicate. Finally, university management should enforce existing policies or develop new ones that discourage self-medication, accompanied by visible sanctions and continuous awareness campaigns.

This study analyzed the concentrations of hydroquinone in various skin-lightening creams obtained from Ring Road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Ten cream samples were purchased locally, and hydroquinone levels were determined using UV spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 302 nm. A seven-point calibration curve was prepared to quantify the hydroquinone content in each sample. The results showed that hydroquinone concentrations ranged from 0.0030% to 0.0466%, with Caroline cream containing the highest concentration (0.0466%), while Cussons Baby cream had the lowest (0.0030%). When compared with regulatory standards set by NAFDAC, FDA, and EMA, all detected hydroquinone concentrations were found to be below the permissible limit of 2%. However, the presence of hydroquinone in these products, even at low levels, raises concerns about potential long-term exposure risks, especially for individuals who frequently use multiple skin-lightening products. To mitigate these risks, this study recommends stricter regulatory enforcement, clearer product labeling, standardized formulations, and increased public awareness regarding the effects of hydroquinone. Further research should focus on evaluating cumulative exposure risks and identifying safer alternatives for skin-lightening formulations.