F. U. OKAFOR

Academic stress is a significant challenge in nursing education, affecting students' mental health, academic performance, and professional development. Understanding stress levels, contributing factors, and coping mechanisms is essential for developing effective support interventions. This study assessed the level of academic stress, identified contributing factors, and examined coping mechanisms among nursing students in a tertiary institution in Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 252 undergraduate nursing students(200-500 level) at the University of Benin using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Students experienced moderate overall academic stress (grand mean = 2.77), with high stress levels related to overwhelming workload, meeting deadlines, and financial demands. Major contributing factors included limited time for tasks (91.2%), large workload (84.5%), frequent examinations (79.7%), and poor time management (80.9%). Effective coping mechanisms included spiritual engagement (mean = 3.88), time management (mean = 3.84), and social support (mean = 3.12), while professional counseling services were significantly underutilized(mean = 1.70). Maladaptive coping strategies, such as substance abuse, were rarely employed. Nursing students experience considerable academic stress, requiring a comprehensive institutional
interventions including workload management, mental health awareness, accessible counseling services, and integration of stress management training into nursing curricula.

Title: Obesity and Overweight among Students and Faculty in the University of Benin, BeninCity, Edo State, Nigeria. In response to the escalating global prevalence of obesity and overweight, this cross-sectionalstudy investigates the extent and determinants of these health concerns among the University ofBenin community. Our study encompassed 600 participants, including students and facultymembers. By employing structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, weevaluated the distribution of Body Mass Index (BMI) and examined various aspects of lifestyle, including dietary habits, physical activity, health perceptions, and knowledge sources. Thefindings indicate a substantial prevalence of obesity and overweight, totaling 63%. Lifestylefactors, such as physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary practices, play a significant role in theobserved prevalence. Additionally, our study reveals a concerning lack of awareness amongparticipants regarding the health implications associated with obesity. As a response to thesefindings, we propose a series of evidence-based recommendations. These encompass theimplementation of health promotion programs, an enhancement in access to healthy food options, the establishment of physical activity initiatives, the provision of mental health and stressmanagement support, and academic assistance. This multifaceted approach seeks to create ahealthier campus environment and, in turn, enhance the overall well-being of students andfaculty within the University of Benin. Keywords: Obesity, overweight, prevalence, students, faculty, cross-sectional study.