HEALTH STATUS

This study assessed the sanitation, hygiene, and health status of residents in Amufi Community, a peri-urban settlement in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research aimed to evaluate existing sanitation facilities, examine hygiene practices, and identify common health risks linked to poor sanitation and hygiene conditions. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire administered to 220 randomly selected residents. Data collected included information on socio-demographic characteristics, sanitation facilities, hygiene behaviors, and self-reported health outcomes, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that 87.7% of households used flush toilets, while 9.5% relied on pit latrines, with 39.5% sharing toilets with other hous holds. Waste disposal practices were poor, as 17.3% of respondents dumped refuse in open spaces and 32.3% resorted to burning. Although 90% had access to soap, only 44.5% had designated handwashing areas, and just 30% consistently used soap and water for handwashing. About half of the respondents (50.3%) reported experiencing waterborne diseases within the past year, with typhoid fever (70.3%) and diarrhea (37.8%) being the most prevalent. Community involvement in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs was low, with only 21.8% of respondents participating in any sanitation or hygiene improvement activities. These results indicate that although access to sanitation infrastructure in Amufi is mode ately high, inadequate hygiene practices, poor waste management, and limited community engagement continue to sustain preventable health risks. The study concludes that strengthening WASH infrastructure, enhancing hygiene education, and promoting active community participation are essential strategies for improving public health outcomes and reducing disease burden within the Amufi Community

This study investigates the determinants of nutritional and health status among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, focusing on residents of the Aminu Kano, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Madam Tinubu, and Akanu Ibiam hostels. Utilizing a descriptive and expository research design, data were collected from 110 respondents through semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, employing a multi-stage sampling technique combining quota and convenience sampling. The findings reveal that while 90% of students are aware of balanced diets, only 60% consistently apply this knowledge; hindered by financial constraints, time limitations, and limited access to healthy foods. Lifestyle factors, including low physical activity (40% rarely exercise), high stress (80% report moderate to high levels), and inadequate sleep (30% sleep less than 6 hours), significantly impact health. Dietary habits show reliance on starchy staples (60%) and low fruit/vegetable intake (10%), with 70% influenced by cultural factors. Socioeconomic status, particularly low income (30%), exacerbates nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia. Although 60% report healthy food availability, affordability and accessibility remain barriers for 50% and 45% of students, respectively. Students expressed strong interest in interventions, with 80% favoring nutrition workshops, fitness programs, and mental health support. Thematic analysis highlighted financial constraints, time limitations, and lack of nutritional knowledge as key barriers. The study recommends subsidized healthy food programs, nutritional education, improved recreational facilities, stress management support, and targeted assistance for low-income students to promote healthier lifestyles and enhance overall well-being.

This study was carried out to determine the Hematology performance of Clarias gariepinus fed diets supplemented with oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) at different inclusion levels. 300 post juveniles were stocked randomly into five tanks at a density of 60 fish per tank; (T1 0%, T2 1.0%, T3 1.5%, T4 2.0%, T5 2.5%) and were fed twice daily to satiation with the prepared diet. Each treatment was replicated 3 times. The experiment lasted for a period of 9 weeks after which blood samples were randomly collected three per treatment for haematological studies and data was subjected to analysis of variance. The result of this study showed that WBC had the highest value of 25.17×10^3uL at T4 and the lowest value at T5 (16.37×10^3uL), RBC performed better at T3 (2.23×10^6uL) and lowest at T5 (1.70×10^6uL) and HCT values were found to be in the normal range for catfish, T3 (1.5%) being the highest and T5 recorded the lowest 2.5% inclusion level of mushroom

The study examined effects of drug abuse on the health status of undergraduates in university of Benin. Four research questions were raised; What is the prevalence of drug abuse among undergraduates at the University of Benin? What are the most commonly abused types of drugs among undergraduates at the University of Benin? How does drug abuse impact the physical and mental health status of undergraduates at the University of Benin? What factors contribute to drug abuse among undergraduates, and what interventions can be implemented to address the issue? The target population for this study includes 400 level undergraduate students in the department of Health safety and Environmental Education in faculty of Education University of Benin. The study made use of descriptive survey research design. The researcher constructed a questionnaire that was used to obtain responses from the respondents. The findings in the study revealed; A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found that 62% of undergraduate students who used drugs in the University of Benin reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Research conducted by the University of Benin's Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology found that students who used drugs regularly showed significant impairment in cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. The study recommends that; There should be increased awareness campaigns and educational programs to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse, its effects on mental and physical health, and the importance of seeking help if they are struggling with addiction. There should be stricter penalties and punishments for students who are caught using or possessing drugs, in order to deter others from engaging in this behavior.