VIVIAN O. OMUEMU

BACKGROUND: Food security is essential for human survival, encompassing consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. It is defined by four key dimensions: availability, access, utilization, and stability, all of which must be met simultaneously. Food insecurity arises when these dimensions are compromised, leading to inadequate food access. Globally and in Nigeria, its prevalence remains high, driven by factors such as poverty, population growth, and environmental challenges. Food insecurity is associated with adverse health outcomes, including malnutrition and chronic diseases, and negatively impacts education, productivity, and economic growth. AIM: The study aimed to assess the prevalence, determinants, knowledge and perception of food insecurity among households in Benin City, Nigeria and the coping strategies adopted. METHODS: This study employed a community-based descriptive cross-sectional design conducted in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, among 500 heads of households. A multistage sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from validated tools, including the Food Insecurity Experience Scale and the Coping Strategies Index. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages, while associations were tested using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of food insecurity, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results were presented in prose, tables and bar charts. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 51.9 ± 11.9 years, with majority within the 45–54 years age group. The majority 403 (80.6%) were males. The prevalence of food insecurity among households was 383 (76.6%). Food insecurity was higher among respondents aged ≥65 years (86.4%; p = 0.010), married respondents (85.7%; p = 0.004), those with primary education (95.3%; p < 0.001), retired respondents (94.3%; p = 0.017), and those with skill level 2 (85.8%; p < 0.001). It was also higher in households with monthly income ≤ ₦180,000 (84.1%; p < 0.001) and monthly food expenditure ≤ ₦100,000 (82.5%; p < 0.001), and among respondents with good perception of food insecurity (81.5%; p = 0.008). Married respondents had higher odds of food insecurity (OR = 2.135; p = 0.008). Higher education (OR = 0.272; p = 0.017), employment (OR = 0.210; p = 0.012), higher skill level (OR = 0.458; p = 0.001), and home ownership (OR = 0.592; p = 0.040) were associated with lower odds, while increasing number of children increased the odds of food insecurity (OR = 1.236; p = 0.047). Overall, 57.2% of respondents had good knowledge of food insecurity, and 52.0% had a good perception of food security. Knowledge of food insecurity was associated with marital status, where a higher proportion of respondents who were not married had good knowledge (66.4%; p = 0.020). Higher proportions of respondents with monthly household income ≤ ₦180,000 (63.3%; p = 0.003) and those who spent ≤ ₦100,000 on food (61.7%; p = 0.010) had good knowledge of food insecurity. Marital status was associated with lower odds of good knowledge (OR = 0.505; p = 0.007). Higher education increased the odds of good knowledge (OR = 2.351; p = 0.005), while higher skill level reduced the odds of having good knowledge (OR = 0.657; p = 0.036). Perception of food insecurity was associated with level of education, where a higher proportion of respondents with tertiary education had good perception (55.7%; p < 0.001). A higher proportion of respondents with access to a nearby food market also had good perception (55.0%; p < 0.001). Higher education increased the odds of good perception (OR = 3.380; p < 0.001), while access to a nearby food market increased the odds of good perception (OR = 2.777; p < 0.001). Food insecurity status (OR = 1.880; p = 0.004) and good knowledge of food insecurity (OR = 0.515; p = 0.013) were also associated with good perception of food insecurity. The most common coping strategies included consumption of less preferred foods (64.4%), reduction in portion sizes (57.2%), and reduction in the number of meals per day (54.2%). CONCLUSION: The study found that about three-quarters of households were food insecure. Marital status, education, employment, skill level, income, food expenditure, number of children, and housing tenure were important determinants. More than half of respondents had good knowledge and about half had good perception, but many households still used coping strategies such as reducing meal frequency and consuming less preferred foods. The findings reflect widespread food insecurity among households in the study area.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health disorder that adversely affects mothers, infants, and family well-being through poor mother–child bonding, reduced infant care, and increased psychosocial stress. Despite its public health importance, PPD remains under-recognized in many low- and middle-income countries due to poor awareness, stigma, and limited access to mental health services. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, prevalence, factors, role of social support, and barriers to help-seeking related to PPD among postnatal mothers attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 510 postnatal mothers attending postnatal and immunization clinics at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. Respondents were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaires, which included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for screening postpartum depression. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. Associations were tested using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, while binary logistic regression was used to
determine independent predictors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results were presented in prose, tables, and bar charts. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 30.9 ± 5.6 years. Majority of the respondents
366 (71.8%) were aged 20–34 years, while most were married 494 (96.8%). Knowledge assessment revealed that 151 (55.5%) had poor knowledge of PPD, while 212 (77.9%) demonstrated a positive attitude towards PPD. Mode of delivery was a significant predictor of attitude, with mothers who had a caesarean section showing lower odds of positive attitude (OR
= 0.33, p = 0.005). The prevalence of PPD was 36 (7.1%). Significant associations with PPD were observed for age (p = 0.009), parity (p = 0.026), and household income (p = 0.037), with younger mothers, mothers with lower parity, and those with lower household income being more likely to experience PPD. Respondents with positive attitudes towards PPD were also less likely
to screen positive for the condition (OR = 0.27, p = 0.007). Most respondents reported having someone to talk to about their feelings 482 (94.5%), while spouses or partners were the major source of support 489 (95.9%). Most respondents 472 (92.5%) reported that they would seek help if they experienced symptoms of PPD. Among those who would not seek help, the
commonest reason was cultural beliefs 5 (38.5%) and the commonest facilitator of seeking help was healthcare worker recommendation 483 (94.7%)

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B remains a major global public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, where it contributes significantly to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, poor knowledge of the infection and its vaccine, as well as low vaccine uptake, continue to sustain transmission. AIM: This study assessed knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine, vaccination uptake, associated factors, and barriers to uptake of the vaccine among young adults in Benin City, Edo State. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 543 respondents selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a pretested structured interviewer and self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of Hepatitis B virus infection, knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine, vaccination status, and factors associated with these outcomes. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.0. Univariate analysis summarized means, frequencies, and percentages. Bivariate analysis using chi-square tests determined associations between socio-demographic factors and respondents’ knowledge of Hepatitis B infection, knowledge of the vaccine, and vaccination uptake. Binary logistic regression identified predictors of good vaccine knowledge and full vaccination status. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, and results were presented in prose and tables. RESULTS: A total of 543 individuals took part in the study. The mean age of participants was 21.0 ± 2.8 years and 302 (55.6%) were females. Overall, 99 (24.6%) respondents had good knowledge of Hepatitis B virus infection, while 303 (75.4%) had poor knowledge. Regarding knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine, 50 (16.9%) had good knowledge, while 246 xv (83.1%) had poor knowledge. At the bivariate level, respondents age (χ²=17.131, p= <0.001), sex (χ²=5.122, p= 0.024), monthly income (χ²=14.319, p= 0.001), and individuals with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection (χ²=91.056, p= <0.001) were significantly associated with
knowledge of the vaccine. Older respondents, females, individuals with higher monthly income, and those with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection were more likely to have good knowledge compared to their counterparts. Ethnic group, marital status, religion, employment status and occupation were not statistically significant. Multivariate analysis showed that respondents earning ≥₦70,000 were 2.467 times more likely to have good knowledge of the vaccine (95% CI: 0.909–6.698), while respondents with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection were 45.414 times more likely to have good knowledge of the vaccine (95% CI: 12.092–170.561), this was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Regarding vaccine uptake, 33 (6.1%) respondents were fully vaccinated, 66 (12.2%) were partially vaccinated, and 444 (81.8%) were not vaccinated. Bivariate analysis showed that age (χ² = 36.067, p < 0.001), sex (χ² = 10.591, p = 0.005), knowledge of Hepatitis B infection (χ² = 105.384, p < 0.001), and knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine (χ² = 93.812, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with vaccination status. Respondents aged ≥25 years had the
highest proportion of full vaccination 12 (16.7%), while those aged <20 years had the highest proportion of non-vaccination 190 (92.2%). Females had a higher proportion of partial vaccination 49 (16.2%), while males had a higher proportion of non-vaccination 206 (86.7%). Among respondents with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection, 27 (27.3%) were fully vaccinated compared to 5 (1.7%) among those with poor knowledge. Similarly, 21 (42.0%) respondents with good vaccine knowledge were fully vaccinated compared to 9 (3.7%) among those with poor knowledge. Multivariate analysis showed that respondents with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection were 9.011 times more likely to be fully vaccinated (95% xvi CI: 1.962–41.393, p = 0.005), while those with good knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine were 5.618 times more likely to be fully vaccinated (95% CI: 1.813–17.410, p = 0.003).
CONCLUSION: Knowledge of Hepatitis B infection and its vaccine was generally poor among respondents, and vaccination uptake was suboptimal. However, better knowledge of the infection and vaccine significantly improved the likelihood of full vaccination. Strengthening health education and awareness campaigns through healthcare workers, schools, and media platforms is essential to improve knowledge and increase vaccine uptake among the population.

BACKGROUND: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education globally, yet data on AI knowledge, perception, and usage among Nigerian university students remain limited. Understanding these factors is essential for effective curriculum integration and preparing students for an AI-driven workforce.
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the knowledge, perception, and use of Artificial Intelligence among students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 603 undergraduate students selected using multistage random sampling from six faculties. Data were collected using a structured pretested, self-administered questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 27. Associations between sociodemographic factors and knowledge/perception/use were tested using chi-square and logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 (95% CI). RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 19.9 ± 2.87 years and majority were females 355 (58.9%). Overall, 340 (56.4%) demonstrated good knowledge of AI, while 427 (70.8%) held positive perceptions. High AI usage was reported by 329 (54.6%) respondents, with ChatGPT being the most commonly used platform 450 (32.8%). Significant predictors of good knowledge included female sex (OR = 1.980, p = 0.001), being in the Faculty of Medicine (OR = 14.069, p = 0.001), and higher academic level (OR = 1.717, p = 0.020). Positive perception was significantly associated with high AI usage (OR = 8.020, p < 0.001) and excellent internet access (p = 0.041). AI usage was significantly influenced by positive perception (OR = 2.087, p = 0.025), peer interest (OR = 0.423, p = 0.004), and access to online learning platforms (OR = 0.528, p = 0.037). The most common concerns about AI were that it

Background: The Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) was designed to provide qualitative healthcare and financial risk protection for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Despite its potential to ensure Universal Health overage (UHC), limited awareness and low utilisation remain significant challenges that hinder its effectiveness in addressing the health needs of the undergraduate population. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and utilisation of the Tertiary nstitutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 646 undergraduate students selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, utilisation, and barriers to the use of TISHIP. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0.
Univariate analysis summarised means, frequencies, and percentages. Bivariate analysis using chisquare tests determined associations between socio-demographic factors and respondents’ knowledge and utilisation. Binary logistic regression identified independent determinants of good utilisation. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 646 respondents participated, with a mean age of 20.3 ± 2.5 years. Three hundred and seventy-five (58.0%) were male, while 271 (42.0%) were female. Overall, knowledge was low, as only 26 (4.0%) had good knowledge of the scheme, while 620 (96.0%) had poor knowledge. espondents aged ˃ 20 years (6.1%) demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of good knowledge compared to those ≤ 20 years (2.6%) (p = 0.025). Regarding attitude, 133 (60.5%) demonstrated a positive attitude towards TISHIP, while 87 (39.5%) demonstrated a negative attitude. Two hundred and seventy-three (42.3%) of the respondents were enrolled in the scheme. Utilisation was poor, as only 102 (37.4%) of enrolled students had ever utilised the services. Respondents in higher academic levels (400L–600L) had a significantly higher proportion of utilisation (57.1%) compared to those in lower levels (24.0%) (p < 0.001).
Multivariate analysis showed that academic level was a significant determinant, with students in lower levels being less likely to utilise the scheme compared to their seniors (OR = 0.360, 95% CI = 0.161–0.806, p = 0.013). Conclusion: Undergraduates at the University of Benin demonstrated a generally negative attitude toward TISHIP, coupled with abysmally low knowledge and poor utilisation practices. Significant gaps in institutional communication and administrative barriers remain. Targeted health education
during orientation and the digitalisation of registration processes are essential to improve awareness and ensure effective utilisation of the health insurance scheme.

BACKGROUND: Economic abuse is a form of intimate partner violence characterized by control, restriction, or exploitation of a partner’s access to financial resources, thereby limiting autonomy and reinforcing dependency. It is increasingly recognized as a significant public health and human rights issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where sociocultural norms often reinforce gender inequality. In Nigeria, economic abuse remains underreported despite its impact on women’s wellbeing and economic independence. Given its far-reaching consequences, this study assessed the prevalence and determinants of economic abuse among married women in Benin City.

METHODS: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 530 married women in Benin City, Edo State. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected using pretested structured self or interviewer-administered questionnaires adapted from the Scale of Economic Abuse (SEA-12), alongside focus group discussions for qualitative insights. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics summarized variables, while Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests assessed associations. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of economic abuse, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research Committee of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Confidentiality and voluntary participation were strictly maintained throughout the study.

RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 43.0 ± 11.5 years. Majority were aged 25–44 years 289 (54.5%), married in monogamous unions 503 (94.9%), and of middle socioeconomic status 343 (64.7%). The prevalence of economic abuse was high, with 440 (83.0%) of respondents reporting at least one form. The most common manifestation was economic control, particularly being made to ask or beg for money 248 (56.4%), followed by decision-making without consultation 186 (42.3%) and financial monitoring 185 (42.0%). Employment sabotage and economic exploitation were less commonly reported. Overall, 207 (54.9%) of respondents had poor knowledge of economic abuse despite 377 (71.1%) having heard of it. Bivariate analysis showed that respondent age (χ²=10.835, p=0.013), knowledge of economic abuse (χ²=3.867, p=0.049), and husband’s age (χ²=6.971, p=0.031) were significantly associated with experience of economic abuse. Sociocultural norms, particularly expectations of women’s financial submission, were also significantly associated (χ²=4.302, p=0.038). Higher prevalence was observed among women aged 25-59 years, particularly 45-59 years, compared to younger and older age groups. Similarly, women whose husbands were aged 45-59 years had a higher prevalence compared to those with younger or older spouses. Other factors such as education, income, socioeconomic status, and employment status were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Multivariate analysis identified duration of marriage and knowledge of economic abuse as significant predictors. Increasing duration of marriage was associated with reduced odds of economic abuse (OR=0.947; 95% CI: 0.911–0.986; p=0.007), while respondents with poor knowledge were nearly twice as likely to experience economic abuse (OR=1.937; 95% CI: 1.153–3.253; p=0.012). Sociocultural findings revealed that 311 (58.7%) of respondents perceived husbands as primary financial decision-makers, 283 (53.4%) reported expectations of financial submission, and 373 (70.4%) indicated that women are encouraged to tolerate financial abuse. Financial dependency 230 (43.4%) and patriarchal norms 108 (20.4%) were key perceived drivers. Qualitative findings reinforced these, highlighting male dominance, religious justifications, and normalization of abuse. Coping strategies were largely adaptive, including engaging in informal income activities, borrowing, silent endurance, and reliance on personal financial contributions to sustain the household.

Background: The global coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 which has been a cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) on a global scale. Despite the burden of the disease, there has not been any known treatment against SARS-COV-2. Vaccination is considered a crucial measure for controlling the spread of the virus and this subsequently led to the development of several vaccines. Despite the efforts made to achieve successful COVID-19 vaccine use, a major hindrance was related to vaccine hesitancy of the approved vaccine. Objectives: To determine the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine and its associated factors among residents in Benin City in order to make recommendations to key stakeholders to ensure improved uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was carried out among residents in Egor, Ovia North-East, and Oredo Local Government Areas of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. It was conducted from March 2021 to May 2023. Six hundred and ten residents were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected from the respondents using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 25. The level of significance of all statistical associations was set at p < 0.05. Results: From the 610 respondents interviewed, males 328 (53.8%) and females 282 (46.2%) with an average age of 33.8± 13.4years. The majority of them were Christians 533 (87.43%) and 367 (60.2%) were single. Three hundred and ninety-nine (65.4%) respondents had a
tertiary level of education. The mean household income was ₦52,244 ± 87091 and about two-third of them earned < ₦100,000. From the responses, 358 (58.7%) and 233 (38.2%) had good knowledge of the COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines respectively while 252 (41.3%) xv and 377 (61.8%) of the respondents had poor knowledge of the COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccine respectively. Four hundred and twenty-three respondents (69.3%) had a poor perception of risk while 187 (30.7%) had a good perception of the risk of COVID-19 (63.4%) had a good perception of COVID-19 vaccine and 223 (36.6%) had a poor perception of
COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 415 (68%) respondents were willing to take up the COVID-19 vaccine if offered. Two hundred and forty-nine respondents (40.8%) have received the COVID-19 vaccine. The factors found to affect the uptake of the vaccine were age, skill level, level of education, knowledge of COVID-19, and willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion: The study showed that the majority of the respondents had good knowledge and poor knowledge of COVID-19 and COVID-19 respectively. Over three- quarter of respondents had a poor perception risk of COVID-19. About two-third were willing to take
up the vaccine if offered. The government should provide accurate, up-to-date information about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. They should work with appropriate stakeholders to create awareness campaigns that address vaccine hesitancy.

Background: Health-seeking behaviours among caregivers, particularly mothers, are essential to addressing childhood illnesses and reducing under-five mortality rates. In low-income settings like Nigeria, factors such as socioeconomic status, cultural beliefs, and healthcare access significantly impact these behaviours. Understanding the determinants of these behaviours can
aid in developing effective interventions to improve healthcare utilization for common childhood illnesses. Aim: To examine the patterns and determinants of health-seeking behaviours among mothers of
under-five children in Benin City, Nigeria, aiming to identify factors influencing healthcare decisions and improve child health outcomes. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 mothers of children under five selected by multi-staged sampling technique. Data collection involved the use of pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaires assessing socio-demographic factors, healthcare-seeking patterns, and determinants impacting these decisions. Data entry and
statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 and the analysis included both univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis to identify significant predictors of health-seeking behaviour. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Findings indicated that 474 (86.2%) mothers received antenatal care during pregnancy, predominantly from public hospitals, 311 (65.6%) with most having at least four visits, 459 (96.8%). Despite high antenatal attendance, 284 (65.7% ) mothers sought treatment for childhood illnesses from pharmacies rather than hospitals, 108 (25.0%) influenced by factors such as cost, 230 (53.2%), proximity, 135 (31.3%), quality of health services rendered, 92 (21.3%) and attitude of healthcare personnel, 61 (14.1%). Key determinants of formal healthcare
xv utilization included maternal education level, income, and household size, with higher hospital deliveries among mothers with increasing level of education (p < <0.001), and with employment (p = 0.007), higher visitation of antenatal clinics with increasing income (p = 0.007) and higher proportion of hospital treatment of sick children with decreasing household size (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Economic, educational, and cultural factors substantially influenced health-seeking behaviours among mothers for under-five children. Targeted interventions to improve maternal health literacy, enhance healthcare access, and reduce treatment costs could promote timely and appropriate healthcare-seeking behaviour, ultimately contributing to reduced childhood
morbidity and mortality. Keywords: Health-seeking behaviour; Childhood illnesses; Mothers; Determinants; Healthcare access, Under-five mortality; Nigeria.