Behaviour

This study examined the influence of anonymous messages on the behavior patterns of students at Ekehuan Campus, University of Benin. The main objective of this study is to access students perception of anonymous messages in shaping their daily activities and relationships, examine the types of anonymous messages commonly received by students on Ekehuan Campus, Identify the emotional and psychological effects of anonymous messaging and determine the impact of anonymous messages on students' behavioral patterns. This study was hinged on the Cognitive Dissonance, Uses and gratification, and spiral of silence theories. A total sample size of 326 questionnaires were distributed to Ekehuan Campus students. The findings indicate that anonymous messages have a notable influence on behavioral patterns of students of Ekehuan Campus. Although many students dismiss such messages as irrelevant, a considerable proportion experience emotional distress, reduced trust, avoidance behaviour, and changes in their daily routines. Gossip and abuse dominate the content of anonymous messages, overshadowing the smaller proportion of motivational or religious content. The study confirms that anonymity, when misused, undermines trust and social cohesion among students. The study concludes that anonymous messages exert a notable influence on students’ behavioural patterns at Ekehuan Campus, University of Benin. While some students dismiss them as irrelevant, many experience emotional distress, reduced trust, avoidance behaviours, and altered routines. Gossip and abuse dominate the content of such messages, overshadowing the smaller proportion of motivational or religious content. Anonymity, therefore, emerges as a double edged tool capable of fostering honest expression and support when used positively, but harmful when misused. Based on these findings, the study recommends awareness campaigns on responsible use of anonymous platforms, stronger counseling and support systems, promotion of positive online engagement, adoption of policies against misuse, integration of digital literacy into student orientation, and further research across other campuses to assess long-term behavioural impacts.

Background: In Nigeria, stroke is a major cause of death and disability, and recovery are greatly impacted by health-seeking behaviour (HSB). According to the biopsychosocial (BPS) model, these behaviours are shaped by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors; however, little is known about how these factors interact among stroke survivors in Edo State, Nigeria. Purpose: This study aimed to use a mixed-methods design to examine the Biopsychosocial determinants of Health Seeking Behaviour among stroke survivors in Edo State. Methods: For the quantitative arm, a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach was used to recruit 55 stroke survivors through multistage sampling. Structured questionnaires (NIHSS, MAS, Berg Balance Scale, HADS, MSPSS) were used to evaluate Biopsychosocial factors and Health Seeking Behaviour. From this group, ten individuals were specifically chosen to participate in in- depth qualitative interviews. While qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis, quantitative data was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square tests) using SPSS version 27.0. Results: No statistically significant correlations (p > 0.05) were found between Health Seeking Behaviour and any of the Biopsychosocial variables (such as social support, anxiety, comorbidities, and stroke severity). However, a qualitative analysis revealed five major themes that impact HSB: coping strategies, emotional reactions, family, community, and spiritual influences, clinical features and perceived cause, and health-system barriers. Notably, family support, financial limitations, and cultural beliefs played a significant role in the pathways and decisions surrounding care-seeking. Conclusion: Although there was no statistically significant correlation between HSB and standard BPS measures in this sample, qualitative findings highlight the significant impact of systemic, social, and cultural factors. The results emphasize the need for stroke rehabilitation services in Edo State that are accessible, family-inclusive, and culturally sensitive.