Adolescents

Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is an abnormal opening between the balder and the vagina in which urine leaks into the vagina. Sometimes this type develops as a result of obstructed labour in childbirth. This abnormality is rampant among adolescents and as such many young adolescent students still do not have good knowledge about the causes and implication on health. On this note, this study was designed to investigate perception of vesico-vagina fistula among adolescent students in selected secondary school in Ovia North-east Local Government, Edo State. A sample size of 230 adolescents was selected through random sampling technique. A well- structured questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection based on the research objectives. Data collected was analysed using descriptive (Frequency, percentage and mean) and inferential statistics. The level of significance was set at � < 0.05. The data analysis was carried out using IBM Statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 for windows. The result shows that the Adolescents have good knowledge about vesico-vagina fistula and have high (positive) perception towards VVF and the prevention mechanism.

The study investigated the prevalence and patterns of sexually risky behaviour among undergraduate students in the University of Benin. It focused on how often students engage in unsafe sexual practices, such as unprotected sex, substance use before sexual activity, and failure to seek medical attention when exposed to risks. Using a descriptive survey design, data were gathered from a sample of 150 students selected through stratified sampling from the faculties of Education, Engineering, and Agriculture. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, which was then analyzed using mean and standard deviation to measure response patterns. The instrument was validated through expert review and proven reliable through a pre-test with students outside the sample. The findings show that unsafe sexual behaviour is common among students regardless of gender or age. Many students reported engaging in sex without protection, depending on their partners for safety, and continuing sexual activity even after a condom failure. Substance use, lack of discussion about sexual health, and involvement with multiple partners were also common behaviours. These patterns were consistent across both male and female students, and among younger and older age groups. The analysis revealed that risky sexual decisions were not influenced by gender, age, or the type of institution, but may instead be shaped by social and environmental factors such as peer influence and access to health resources. This study helps to give a clearer understanding of the sexual behaviour of adolescents in the university setting and stresses the need for targeted interventions. The researcher recommends improved access to sexual health education, open communication strategies, and support services such as free contraceptives and confidential counselling. These measures are aimed at helping students make safer choices and reduce health risks. The study supports findings from similar research in other parts of Nigeria and calls for continued efforts in addressing the knowledge and support gaps that lead to these risky behaviours.

This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of dysmenorrhea among female students inselected secondary school in Edo State. The study aims to ascertain the knowledge of dysmenorrhea, prevalence of dysmenorrhea and the risk factors of dysmenorrhea among female students in selected secondary schools in Edo State. The study adopted a non-experimental descriptive survey design. The study population consisted of 545 adolescents in public secondary from Ezomo College, OraBenin-city and Ekosodin Secondary School, Ekosodin, Benin-city. A sample size of 331 respondents was selected for study using convenience sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a well-structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated by the research supervisor. To ensure the reliability of the instrument, a pilot study of the instrument was carried. The data collected were analysed using both descriptive statistics(frequency, percentages and mean score) and inferential statistics (Chi square statistics) to test the research hypotheses at p < 0.05 level of significance. The result showed that most of the adolescents have adequate knowledge of dysmenorrhea. It was also revealed that the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among adolescents is high. It was further revealed that weight loss, exercise, family history of dysmenorrhea, stress and childbirth are all risk factors of dysmenorrhea. It was also indicated that there is a relationship between the respondents’ knowledge of primary
dysmenorrhea and their age.Based on the findings,it was concludedandrecommended among othersthat State Ministry of health, National primary health care development Agency should invest in training and retraining of youths in dysmenorrhea, in order to promote their knowledge as it will help in the management of dysmenorrhea. Relevant agencies should create policy support for the training of adolescents on dysmenorrhea

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disorder predominantly affecting children and adolescents. Despite its rising global prevalence and the lifelong self- management it requires, awareness and understanding of the disease remain low among adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perception of T1DM among adolescents in selected departments within the Faculty of Arts at the University of Benin. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered to 291 students aged 13 to 19 years. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied. Findings revealed that while awareness of diabetes was relatively high, only 15.4% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of T1DM, with 45.4% showing poor understanding. Most respondents (59.5%) could differentiate between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but only 26.1% correctly identified the autoimmune nature of T1DM. Additionally, misconceptions were noted regarding its prevention and management. In terms of perception, 57.7% of the participants held negative views toward the condition, though a significant number acknowledged its seriousness and supported increased awareness. A strong statistical relationship (p < 0.001) was found between knowledge level and perception, indicating that improved knowledge correlates with more positive attitudes. However, no significant difference in knowledge or perception was observed across gender. The study concludes that substantial knowledge gaps and misconceptions about T1DM exist among adolescents in the arts faculty, negatively influencing their perception. It recommends targeted health education programs to improve adolescents’ understanding and attitudes toward T1DM, thereby promoting early recognition, supportive peer environments, and better disease management

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a significant public health concern among adolescents, particularly in developing countries where knowledge gaps, risky sexual practices, and inadequate preventive strategies persist. This study examined the knowledge, attitude, and practices of risky sexual behavior associated with STDs among adolescents in public secondary schools in Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from a stratified sample of students using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The findings revealed varying levels of awareness of STDs, with a notable proportion of respondents demonstrating misconceptions regarding modes of transmission and prevention. While some adolescents exhibited positive attitudes toward safe sexual practices, a considerable number engaged in behaviors that increase their susceptibility to STDs, including unprotected sexual intercourse and multiple sexual partnerships. The study further identified sociocultural influences, peer pressure, and inadequate sexual health education as contributing factors to risky sexual behavior. Based on these findings, it is recommended that comprehensive sexuality education be integrated into the school curriculum, alongside peer-led interventions and community sensitization programs, to promote safer sexual practices and reduce the prevalence of STDs among adolescents in Benin City

Background: HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge, particularly among adolescentswhofaceheightenedvulnerabilityduetosocial,economic,andbehavioralfactors.
Peer education has emerged as an effective strategy to bridge knowledge gaps and promote
preventive behaviors among teenagers. This study explores the role of peer educators in HIV/AIDS prevention among teenagers in Uselu, Egor Local Government Area, Edo State,
Nigeria.
Objective: The study assessed the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among teenagers, assess teenagers’ attitudes toward HIV/AIDS prevention strategies, assess the acceptability of peer
educators as a method for HIV/AIDS prevention and identify factors influencing the
effectiveness of peer-led educational interventions.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 426 teenagers in Uselu. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire
that assessed knowledge, attitudes, and peer education acceptability. Univariate, bivariate,
and logistic regression analyses with statistical significance set at p<0.05 were performed
usingIBMSPSSversion25.0.
Results: Findings revealed that majority (96.5%) of respondents demonstrated good HIV/AIDS knowledge, although gaps persisted, particularly regarding mother-to-child
transmission. While 91.8% had a positive attitude toward HIV/AIDS prevention strategies,
concerns over limited access to condoms and routine HIV screening were noted. Peer
educators were highly accepted (76.5%), with teenagers acknowledging their effectiveness,
relatability, and ability to influence behavior. However, barriers such as shyness and time
constraints affected engagement in peer-led sessions.
Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of peer education as a viable strategy for HIV/AIDS prevention among teenagers. Expanding youth-friendly health services,
strengthening school-based sex education, and leveraging digital platforms for HIV
awareness are essential for improving intervention effectiveness. Addressing engagement
barriers will optimize peer-led programs, fostering healthier attitudes and behaviors toward
HIV/AIDS prevention in Nigerian adolescents.

Background: The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causes more than 95% of cervical cancer worldwide. HPV infection is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract. In Nigeria, prevalence is high across all female age groups, but is highest among persons aged 15-23 years. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide and the most common cancer of the female reproductive tract. HPV-related diseases including cervical cancer can successfully be prevented by prophylactic vaccination. Objective: To determine the knowledge, sociocultural barriers, and hesitancy to HPV vaccine among caregivers of adolescents in Benin city, in order to decrease the burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 397 caregivers of adolescents in Evboumore community, selected using multi-staged sampling technique. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires with open and close ended questions. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the International Business Machines Corporation Social Science (IBM SPSS) version 25.0 software with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: The response rate was 100%. Most of the respondents in this study were between the age group of 30 – 39 years with mean age (±SD) of 39.89 ± 8.97. Majority of the respondents had poor knowledge about HPV (72.8%) and HPV vaccine (80.9%). This study identified distance, misinformation and unavailability of the vaccines as the major sociocultural barriers to HPV vaccination. And 41.4% expressed hesitance towards future HPV vaccination of their adolescents.
Conclusion: Most of the respondents were not aware of HPV and HPV vaccine. Majority of the respondents had poor knowledge concerning HPV and HPV vaccine. Distance, misinformation and unavailability of the vaccines were identified as the major sociocultural barriers to HPV vaccination. About half of the respondents were vaccine hesitant

This study seeks to examine the Influence of peer groups on Students' behaviourial pattern and academic performance in the University of Benin. Five research questions were raised and examined. Data was collected from one hundred and eighty (180) respondents from the Faculty of Education in the University of Benin. The questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection and was designed to elicit appropriate information from the respondents. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and the analysis of data was done using frequency count and percentages. The findings of the study shows that peer groups serves as a contributory influence to students behaviour by Inculcating certain traits and characteristics which they pick from one another of the same peer groups. These skills, traits or characteristics helps to build the student positively or negatively in any area of their life, be it social or academic. Some of the recommendation made include; students should attain a certain level of maturity and sense of independence before making any intention to join peer groups or associate self with peer groups. Also parents should ensure that their children are well trained and tutored