PREGNANT WOMEN

The Kell blood group system is one of the most clinically significant after ABO and Rhesus. Antibodies to Kell antigens are highly immunogenic and can cause haemolytic transfusion reactions and haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). Despite its clinical importance, data on the distribution of Kell antigen among Nigerian pregnant women remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of the Kell blood group among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Central Hospital, Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 pregnant women aged 18–43 years attending antenatal clinic at Central Hospital, Benin City. Blood samples were collected and tested for Kell antigen using the conventional tube method with commercially prepared anti-Kell reagents. Socio-demographic and obstetric data were obtained through structured questionnaires.The gestational age of the women in their first trimester were fourty-two(42), second trimester, fifty (50) and third trimester, eight(8) Of the 100 women studied, 2 (2.0%) were positive for the Kell antigen who were in their first and second trimester respectively. While 98 (98.0%) were negative.The Kell-positive phenotype was observed across both primigravidae and multigravidae with no statistically significant difference. The overall prevalence of Kell antigen in this cohort was consistent with reports from other populations in Nigeria and across Africa but considerably lower than values reported among Caucasians. In conclusion, the study demonstrated a low prevalence (2.0%) of Kell antigen among pregnant women in Central Hospital. Given the clinical significance of Kell antibodies in HDFN and transfusion reactions, routine screening of pregnant women for Kell antigen and the provision of Kell-negative blood for women of childbearing potential is strongly recommended to enhance safe obstetric and transfusion practices.

Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a glucose intolerance disorder first recognized during pregnancy and is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes such as preeclampsia, macrosomia, and neonatal hypoglycemia. The global burden of GDM is rising, including in Nigeria, yet screening remains inadequate in many primary healthcare (PHC) settings. Objective: This study assessed the risk status and associated factors of GDM among pregnant women attending PHC centers in Egor and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas of Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at selected PHC facilities were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires on demographic, obstetric, and lifestyle factors, alongside a nine-item GDM risk assessment tool. Descriptive statistics and internal consistency testing (Cronbach’s alpha) were used for analysis. Results: Most respondents were aged 26–35 years. Based on the risk assessment tool, 74.7% were low risk, 22.4% moderate risk, and 2.9% high risk for GDM. Significant predictors included maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, family history of diabetes or hypertension, and previous obstetric complications. Sociodemographic factors such as marital status, education, and occupation were not significantly associated. Regular exercise and healthy diets were linked to lower GDM risk. The risk assessment tool showed good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.702). Conclusion: Early identification of at-risk women through effective screening and timely antenatal care can improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Integrating GDM risk assessment, counseling, and lifestyle education into PHC services is strongly recommended

The MNS blood group system is often overshadowed by the ABO and Rh systems; it remains clinically relevant due to its potential role in hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) and complications related to transfusion therapy. Serological testing was carried out using standard hemagglutination techniques following established protocols. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of M and N antigens, examine their distribution across different trimesters, and assess any associations with parity, gravidity, and ethnic backgrounds. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed. A total of 110 venous blood samples were collected aseptically into plain tubes during routine antenatal visits. The age range of participants was 20 to 40 years, and the gestational age at the time of sampling ranged from 2 to 8 months, covering the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Central Hospital, Benin City, Edo State. This study provided important regional data that reinforces the clinical significance of incorporating MNS blood group antigen screening into routine antenatal care. Early identification of potential alloimmunization can help prevent serious complications such as fetal anemia and HDFN, ultimately improving both maternal and neonatal outcomes. Out of the 110 samples tested, 62 (56.4%) were positive for M antigens and 73 (66.4%) were positive for N antigens. This study revealed a higher prevalence of the N antigen compared to the M antigen among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Central Hospital, Benin City. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive blood group antigen screening, including the MNS system, during pregnancy. Early detection of maternal alloantibodies against MNS antigens can help guide appropriate prenatal care, prevent hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), and improve transfusion safety and perinatal outcomes.

This project examined the level of awareness of gestational diabetes among pregnant women in military hospital in Oredo L.G.A Four research questions were raised. Related literature was reviewed to gather information on eminent scholars view on the study. The descriptive survey research design was adopted in this study. The population of this study was made up of 300 pregnant women from January to November 2022. A total of 100 pregnant women made up the sample size for the study. A descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages was used in the data analysis. The major findings of the study are as follows: A large number of respondents are not aware of gestational diabetes. Half of the respondents are not aware of the factors that cause gestational diabetes. Large percentage of the pregnant women in military hospital is not aware of the symptoms of gestational diabetes. And Majority of the respondents do not know how to prevent gestational diabetes. Based on the submission above, the following recommendations were made amongst others: awareness campaign should be done; this can be done on television and radio station to create more awareness on gestational diabetes.

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge of Urinary Tract Infection and its associated risk factors among among pregnant women in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State. The study employed a Non-experimental survey research design. The target population for this study consisted of 250 women with a minimum sample size of 169 pregnant women (calculated using Taro Yamane formular) which comprises of outpatients who are currently attending Ante-Natal clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State. The researcher used convenient sampling technique in selecting the respondents into the study. A self-designed simple questionnaire was used to elicit data. The questionnaire was made up of four sections (A, B, C and D). Section A was made up of patients Bio-data while the other sections comprised of Simple structured questions used to elicit information on the knowledge and behavioural practices regarding Urinary Tract Infections among pregnant women in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State. The data was presented using tables and were analyzed using simple percentages, while research hypotheses was tested using Chi-square test of association. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. The procedure was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 for windows. The result shows that majority of the respondents had sound knowledge of UTI and its associated risk factors. Thus, this study recommends achieving the optimum goal of improving health in UTI, by creating effective strategies and active involvement of patients in the management of their health. This was a study that added to the body of knowledge on UTI among pregnant women in this part of Nigeria.

The study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women towards routine Antenatal care on Egor primary health center, Benin City, Edo State. Three research questions were raised to guide the researcher. Various literatures were reviewed to the study. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study of the total number of pregnant women registered under Egor primary health center, Benin City, Edo State in 2022 is 104. The sample size for the study is 104. They were selected by simple random sampling technique. The study utilized a validated questionnaire that was designed by the researcher. From the data collected in the study, it was revealed that majority of the respondents agreed that they have high level of knowledge about routine antenatal care services as they firmly agreed that routine antenatal care helps in promoting healthy pregnancy, first antenatal checkup be on the first 3 months, antenatal care helps in pregnancy preparedness, antenatal class is good to prepare pregnant women mentally, antenatal care helps in complications prevention, antenatal care services deals with each woman's specific needs, that high blood pressure affect the foetus growth, pregnant woman need vitamin supplement and iron folic acid tablet during pregnancy.

This study examined factors associated with mass failure in History in University of Benin. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population of this study consist of the entire students in the Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus with a total of nine hundred and eight (908) students. The sample size of the study was made up of 100 students which was selected through simple random sampling technique. The research instrument used to elicit opinions and facts from students was structured questionnaire. It was however subjected to face validity by the researcher’s supervisor.. The data collected was analyzed using mean(×), standard deviation(SD) The findings generally showed that learning environment, unavailability of qualified History teachers/lecturers, method of teaching adopted by lecturers and unavailability of instructional materials. Based on the findings, it was therefore recommended amongst others that the learning environment across the schools in Nigeria should be improved by renovating and repainting old and dilapidated classroom buildings to make them more attractive and conducive. Also, government should employ qualified History teachers in universities to teach the course and all the history teachers should be trained regularly.

Human immunodeficiency virus is the greatest challenge to human kind in the 21 ST century. Mother-to-child transmission of this virus infection is the transmission of the HIV virus from an HIV infected mother to her child during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. This study was to investigate the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women toward the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS among women attending antenatal care at Oluku primary health care center, Oluku Ovia-Northeast local government area, Benin-city, Edo state. 10 The population of the study constituted 115 pregnant women who attend antenatal care at Oluku primary health care center, Oluku. A sample of 58 pregnant women was selected using random sampling technique of balloting by replacement. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The reliability of the instrument was ascertained and the resulted reliability coefficient is 0.711. The data collected was analysed with frequency, percentage and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (r). Findings shows that most the respondents have moderate knowledge about mother-to-child transmission of HIV and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. It also shows that there no significant relationship between the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women towards the prevention of mother-to- child transmission of HIV amongst pregnant women attending antenatal care at Oluku primary health care center.