M.A. INIOMOR

This study investigated the influence of parental interaction on the behavioral outcomes of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The research was motivated by the critical role of caregiver involvement in the developmental progress of children with ASD. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A total of 112 parents and caregivers of children diagnosed with ASD participated in the study through structured questionnaires and open-ended questions. The findings revealed that while most parents possessed a reasonable understanding of ASD and demonstrated emotional warmth and responsiveness, many struggled with behavior management skills such as consistent limit-setting and structured guidance. Statistical analyses, including Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression, confirmed significant relationships between the quality of parental interaction and behavioral outcomes in children. Limit-setting and responsiveness emerged as the strongest predictors of reduced challenging behaviors and improved social communication and self-regulation. Qualitative analysis further emphasized the effectiveness of structured routines, visual supports, and positive reinforcement while highlighting barriers such as caregiver inconsistency, limited resources, and lack of training. The study concluded that emotional responsiveness, though vital, must be complemented by consistent behavioral strategies for optimal outcomes in children with ASD. It recommends nurse-led training programs, improved access to support resources, and interdisciplinary collaboration in care delivery. The research highlights the need for ongoing support and family-wide education to enhance parental competence and child development. Future research should explore longitudinal effects and include broader cultural contexts for greater generalizability

Workplace abuse of nurses by patients and their relatives is a growing concern, affecting job performance, mental health, and overall well-being. This study assessed the factors influencing the abuse of nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Ugbowo, Benin City. The study aimed to determine the prevalence, types, and contributing factors of abuse
experienced by nurses. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 258 nurses selected through a stratified sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and 251 responses were deemed valid, giving a response rate of 97.2%. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, with results presented in tables and figures. The study found that verbal abuse was the most common form of abuse, experienced by 71% of respondents. Other reported forms of abuse included emotional distress (59%), workplace bullying (53%), and rude or dismissive behavior (66%). Physical assault (37%), unwanted sexual harassment (42%), and stalking (31%) were less frequently reported. Factors contributing to abuse included patient frustration due to delayed medical attention (mean = 3.1), lack of understanding of hospital policies (mean = 3.0), and emotional distress of patient relatives (mean = 3.2). Patients with psychiatric conditions, those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and those with severe pain were more likely to abuse nurses. Abuse of nurses in UBTH is prevalent, with verbal and emotional abuse being the most reported. Factors such as patient frustration, unrealistic expectations, and poor communication contribute to these incidents. There is a need for hospital management to implement stricter policies against abuse, provide conflict resolution training for nurses, and improve communication between healthcare workers and patients’ relatives. Additionally, security measures should be strengthened to ensure a safer work environment for nurses.

The dietary habits of students can have a profound impact on their academic performance, particularly in demanding fields such as nursing. With the growing awareness of nutrition's rolein cognitive function and academic success, this study examined the perceived influenceofdietary habits on the academic performance among nursing students at the University of Benin. The purpose of the study was to assess the dietary patterns of nursing students and determinehow these habits relate to their academic performance. A descriptive cross-sectional designwasadopted. The population comprised nursing students from 200 to 500 level, excluding 100level students. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire, and analyzedusing descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that the majority of respondents, 242 (85.5%), had good dietary habits, while 40 (14.2%) reported poor dietary habits. In termsofacademic performance, 269 (95.4%) had good performance and only 13 (4.6%) hadpoorperformance. A statistically significant association was observed between dietary habits andacademic performance (p < 0.001), indicating that students with better dietary habits weremorelikely to perform well academically.In conclusion, the study highlights a positive relationshipbetween healthy dietary habits and academic success among nursing students. It is recommendedthat nutrition education and awareness be incorporated into student support programs to promotebetter eating habits and, by extension, improve academic outcomes

This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted to assess the level of awareness and compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures among healthcare professionals at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique was used to ensure representation across various professional categories, and a total of 300 participants were selected. Of these, 298 correctly filled and returned the questionnaires, yielding a high response rate of 99.3%. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize the results. Findings revealed that 76.5% of respondents demonstrated a
good level of awareness of IPC practices. The overall mean score for awareness was 1.8, above the threshold cut-off of 1.5, indicating adequate knowledge among healthcare professionals about critical IPC measures such as hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling of sharps. Regarding compliance, 82.1% of participants reported adhering consistently to IPC protocols. The grand mean score for compliance was 3.6, exceeding the cut-off point of 2.5, signifying a high level of practical application of IPC guidelines. The highest levels of compliance were reported in the use of PPE (87.2%) and proper waste disposal (84.6%). The study concluded that healthcare professionals at UBTH exhibit a high level of awareness and compliance with IPC measures. Nonetheless, the findings also indicate areas where consistency in practice could be improved, particularly in low-resource settings within the facility. It is recommended that regular in-service training, continuous monitoring, and institutional support be provided to maintain and enhance IPC standards. This approach will help foster a culture of safety and reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

This study assessed the influence of self-esteem on the academic performance of
undergraduate nursing students in a tertiary academic institution. A descriptive
correlational research design was adopted, and a sample of 282 students was selected
using a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured
questionnaire comprising the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and an academic performance
scale. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, employing descriptive
statistics, Pearson correlation, t-test, and chi-square. The findings revealed a significant
positive correlation between self-esteem and academic performance, indicating that
students with higher self-esteem achieved better academic results. No significant
association was found between self-esteem and demographic variables such as ethnicity
and religion. However, students in higher academic levels displayed slightly higher self- esteem and academic competence. The study concluded that self-esteem plays a crucial
role in the academic success of nursing students. It was recommended that tertiary
institutions should implement programs and support services aimed at enhancing
students’ self-esteem to improve academic outcomes. The study further suggested the need
for future research using longitudinal designs and exploring other psychological and
environmental factors influencing student performance. Keywords: Influence, Self-esteem, Academic performance, undergraduate, Nursing student.