Michael Ndisika

This study examined the prevalence and causes of maternal mortality among women in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Maternal mortality, defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy, remains one of the most critical public health challenges in developing nations, especially Nigeria. Despite national and global efforts to reduce maternal deaths through initiatives such as the Safe Motherhood Initiative, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigeria continues to rank among the countries with the highest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) globally. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, and data were collected from one hundred (100) women of reproductive age (15–45 years) selected through random sampling from various wards within Oredo Local Government Area. A structured questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation to interpret the responses according to the research questions. Findings revealed that maternal mortality in Oredo Local Government Area is influenced by both medical and non-medical factors. The major causes identified include lack of access to skilled birth attendants, poor nutrition, delay in seeking medical attention, cultural beliefs, and poor road infrastructure, with a grand mean of 3.30. The educational status of women also plays a significant role (grand mean = 3.24), as illiteracy and low awareness contribute to poor maternal health decisions. Income level emerged as a crucial determinant (grand mean = 3.58), as low-income women often cannot afford quality healthcare, leading to home deliveries and increased mortality. Similarly, deficiencies within the healthcare system such as shortage of qualified personnel, inadequate facilities, and poor emergency services were found to significantly enhance maternal mortality (grand mean = 3.17). The study concluded that maternal mortality in Oredo LGA results from an interplay of socio-economic, educational, cultural, and infrastructural factors. It therefore recommended improved investment in healthcare infrastructure, promotion of women’s education, economic empowerment initiatives, and stronger maternal health awareness campaigns. The study contributes to existing sociological and public health knowledge by emphasizing that maternal mortality is not only a medical issue but also a manifestation of broader social and structural inequalities that demand multidimensional interventions

Drug misuse is a worldwide epidemic, particularly among young people. A growing number of Nigerian youth are becoming addicted to drugs at the same time as their country is moving from being a drug-using to a drug-producing nation. This study used a Descriptive quantitative design from Nigeria - National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2016-2017. Data were analysed using univariate analysis in form of frequency distribution and multivariate analysis using ordered logistic regression model. The result shows highest substance misuse among youths was Cannabis whereby 91.4% commonly use it, followed by those abusing painkiller (83.26%) and alcohol (78.4%). The results of the ordered logistics regression analysis shows that there is significant relationship between type of occupancy rent, where youth seek medical attention, access to health care facility in the past 12 months, drug counselling centre and substance abuse among youth in Nigeria at p-value less-than0.05significant level. Drug usage has a variety of negative effects on society, including crime, injury, marital instability, and societal violence; nevertheless, this study found that female participants were more likely to use cannabis, alcohol, and painkillers. Drug abuse risk factors identified in this analysis include youths' access to health care facilities within the previous 12 months and drug counselling centres like private hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and other government hospitals; youths' type of occupancy rent; and youths' locations of drug treatment providers, such as pharmacies and patent medicine vendors. The study ascertained the needs for government to set up rehabilitation counselling centres and hospitals where they do not already exist, and to strengthen their capabilities in such locations. make concerted efforts to train professional health care practitioners or counsellors who would manage drug abuse situations, and it should also encourage the construction of private specialist centres. Further findings should investigate the role that government hospitals like federal, state, and municipal levels play in the waron drug.

The study sought access the implications of cybercrime amongst students in the University of Benin. It is an empirical survey of the students of the University of Benin. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The population of the study comprised of students from the tertiary institution. Nassiuma formula was used to cumulate the sample size from the entire population and this gave a total of 100 respondents that constituted the sample size for the study. The Main Instrument used in this study was a questionnaire titled “Implications of cybercrime amongst students in University of Benin". The researcher subjected the data generated for this study to appropriate statistical techniques such as percentage analysis for answering the research question. The study revealed that there is significant influence of the implications of students involvement in cybercrime. Hence, the study concluded that certain precautionary measures should be taken by students while using the internet which will assist in challenging this major threat Cybercrime. One of the recommendations was that federal and state government, as well as educational communities should intensify campaigns on cybercrime awareness among Nigerian undergraduate students in order to make them understand that cybercrime is a criminal offence punishable under the criminal act with attendant adverse consequence of jeopardizing their educational accomplishment when conviction.

This study investigated “Fertility Behaviour in Egor Local Government Area of Benin city, Edo State”. The main purpose of this study is to describe and create an understanding of the fertility behaviour which is predetermines the fertility patterns, and is in turn determined by fertility expectations of “fertility actors” in Egor Local Government Area. Fertility behaviour is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon influenced by a range of individual, social, and cultural factors. In developed countries, fertility rates have been declining for decades and are now below replacement levels in many cases. This review examines the determinants of fertility behaviour in developed countries, including economic, demographic, and attitudinal factors. The role of women's education and employment, family policies, and individual attitudes towards childbearing are particularly highlighted. Overall, this review highlights the need for a multidimensional approach to understanding fertility behaviour developing countries such as Nigeria and the importance of considering both structural and individual-level factors in fertility decision-making.