S.O. BOLARINDE

Background/Aim: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal problem during pregnancy, often contributing to functional limitations and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low back pain, identify associated risk factors and assess its impact on functional activities among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at UBTH. Data were collected using a structured selfadministered questionnaire comprising sociodemographic information, obstetric history, potential risk factors, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) to assess functional limitation. Descriptive VWDWLVWLFV VXPPDUL]HG SDUWLFLSDQWV¶ VRFLRGHPRJUDSKLF GDWD ZKLOH LQIHUHQWLDO statistics (Chi-square tests) examined associations between LBP and potential risk factors. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of low back pain among the study population was 58% in the last 7 days, indicating a moderate occurrence during pregnancy. The risk factors associated with LBP were prolonged standing, physically demanding work, poor ergonomic postures, stress frequency and the feeling of anxiety (p < 0.05). The majority of participants experienced mild to moderate disability as measured by the ODI. Conclusion: Low back pain is prevalent among pregnant women at UBTH and is influenced by multiple physical and occupational factors. The condition moderately affects functional activities and daily living. Awareness, early physiotherapy intervention and ergonomic education during antenatal care are recommended to minimize its impact.

Background: Physiotherapists are part of the multidisciplinary health care team (MDT) and are essential in providing mental health education to patients and, when necessary, making referrals for additional customized therapy. However, there is a little or no studies on the knowledge, attitudes and perception of clinical students on the roles of physiotherapy in mental health. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perception of final clinical students of the university of Benin on the roles of physiotherapy in mental health. Methods: This was a cross sectional design study where 256 participants were recruited via convenience sampling technique from final year clinical class at University of Benin. Data was summarized using frequency, percentages, mean, median and interquartile range as appropriate. Inferential statistics such as Chi-square was used to test for the association between the variables and Mann Whitney u-test was used to test for the level of differences. The level of significance will be set at p < 0.05. Results: Majority of the participants 221 (86.3%) had adequate knowledge of the role of physiotherapy, 131 (51.2%) had positive attitude and 218 (85.2%) had good perception towards the role of physiotherapy in mental health. There was no significant difference in knowledge, attitude and practice between male and female (p = >0.05). However, there was a significant difference in attitude between various departments. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between knowledge and attitude (X2= 4.627, p=0.031). Conclusion: The study revealed there was an adequate knowledge on the role of physiotherapy, attitude towards mental health and a good perception of the role of physiotherapy in mental health among the respondents.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pain is increasingly prevalent among undergraduate students, largely due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and sedentary lifestyles. These factors, often overlooked, can significantly affect students’ health, academic performance, and overall quality of life. Understanding the pattern of musculoskeletal discomfort and related postural habits is
essential for effective prevention and early intervention.

AIM: This study comprehensively investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP),
the associated demographic factors, and the common posture profiles among university
undergraduates.

METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 undergraduates
using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Random sampling was used to select three
departments from seven faculties and three departments each from the selected faculty. A selfadministered
questionnaire adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and
Postural Behavioural Questionnaire was used to collect data including Socio- Demographic Data.
Descriptive and inferential statistics of Pearson’s correlation and Chi-square were used to
summarize the data. Alpha level was 0.05.
RESULTS: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among respondents was highest in the lower
back (45.5%), followed by the neck (37.9%) and shoulders (27.3%). Most participants reported
moderate pain (49.4%) lasting 1–3 days. While 78.2% demonstrated good postural practices, no
significant associations was found between posture and gender (p= 0.805), similarly, there was
no significant association between prevalence of low back pain in 7 days and postural profile
(p=0.083), similarly, no significant association was found between training on proper posture
habits and postural profile (p=0.722).

CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal pain is prevalent among undergraduates, particularly in the
lower back. Despite a high level of posture knowledge and good postural practices among
respondents, awareness alone may not be sufficient to reduce pain without behavioral changes.
Interventions focusing on active prevention strategies and sustained ergonomic education are
essential.