attitude

BACKGROUND
Sexual coercion among undergraduate students is a significant public health issue affecting physical health, mental wellbeing, and academic performance. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, prevalence, and factors influencing sexual coercion among undergraduate students in selected universities in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 509 undergraduate students from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Benin City. A structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Sexual Experiences Survey (SES), the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale (IRMA), and the WHO sexual violence framework was used for data collection. Multi-stage sampling was employed. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27.0 at a 95% confidence interval, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
The mean age of respondents was 21.5 ± 3.2 years; 269/509 (52.8%) were female and 240/509 (47.2%) were male. Regarding knowledge of sexual coercion (n=398), 310/398 (78.0%) had good knowledge while 88/398 (22.0%) had poor knowledge. The majority of respondents, 416/509 (81.7%), held a negative (unfavourable) attitude towards sexual coercion, while 93/509 (18.3%) held a positive (accepting) attitude. The lifetime prevalence of sexual coercion was 244/509 (47.9%). The most common forms were unwanted touching (158/509, 31.0%), transactional coercion (promises of money, gifts, or grades for sex; 90/509, 17.7%), threat of breakup for sex (72/509, 14.0%), and fear to refuse sexual advances (63/509, 12.4%). Female students had significantly higher prevalence than males (146/269, 54.3% vs. 98/240, 40.8%; χ² = 9.182, p = 0.002). Prevalence increased significantly with level of study, from 38/149 (25.5%) at 100 level to 64/97 (66.0%) at 300 level (χ² = 50.731, p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified alcohol or drug use by students as a significant independent predictor of sexual coercion (OR = 2.097; 95% CI = 1.145–3.838; p = 0.016). Male sex (OR = 2.054; 95% CI = 1.328–3.179; p = 0.001), increasing age (OR = 1.147 per year; 95% CI = 1.053–1.250; p = 0.002), and studying Medicine (compared to Law) (OR = 0.401; 95% CI = 0.203–0.791; p = 0.008) were also significant predictors.
CONCLUSION
Sexual coercion is highly prevalent among undergraduate students in Benin City, affecting nearly one in two students, with unwanted touching, transactional coercion, and psychological pressure being the commonest forms. Female students, older students, and those in higher levels of study are at greater risk. Alcohol/drug use significantly increases vulnerability. These findings
underscore the urgent need for mandatory, sustained consent education programmes beginning at 100 level, strengthened campus security and policy enforcement, accessible confidential reporting mechanisms, and targeted interventions addressing substance use and peer norms. University administrations must fully implement the Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention
and Prohibition) Act of 2025, establish Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committees, and provide comprehensive survivor support services.
KEYWORDS
Sexual coercion, Undergraduates, Knowledge, Attitude, Prevalence, Benin City, Nigeria

Background: Ophthalmic self-medication, the practice of using drugs without the advice or prescription of a qualified eye care professional. Assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of students regarding ophthalmic self-medication is important in understanding their health-seeking behavior and identifying areas that may require educational or public health attention. Purpose: This study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices of ophthalmic self-medication among students of the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study will be conducted among undergraduate students of the University of Benin using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire will consist of four sections: socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of ophthalmic self-medication, attitudes towards the practice, and reported self-medication behaviors. Data Analysis: Data collected will be coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25.0 by IBM. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize the data, while inferential statistics such as Chi-square tests will be employed to determine associations between variables such as gender, faculty, and level of study with knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication. Contribution to Optometry: The findings from this research will provide valuable insights into the extent and determinants of ophthalmic self-medication among university students. It will help guide public health interventions, enhance eye health education, and support evidence-based advocacy to reduce harmful self-medication practices. Furthermore, the study will contribute to improving the role of optometrists in preventive eye care and health promotion among young adults. Keywords: Ophthalmic self-medication, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, University of Benin, Public Health, Eye Care

This work implements a descriptive survey design to investigate the students’ assessment of Biology teachers’ attitude and environmental factors on their academic performance as it concerns secondary school students in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. Teachers’ attitude characterized by teachers’ mastery of subject matter, ability to communicate and classroom management skill, as well as environmental factors such as equipped laboratory, class size and location were considered as independent variables affecting students’ academic performance in Biology. To achieve the purpose of the study, eight research questions and seven hypothesis were posed and formulated to guide the study. Literature was also reviewed based on the variables considered. Questionnaires were administered to one hundred and fifty (150) Biology students from five selected secondary schools in Udu local government. In analyzing the responses of the respondents, percentage ranking and rating, mean, standard deviation and the application of t-test was used to determine the significance of each hypothesis at a significance level of 0.05. The findings of the study showed that Teachers’ attitude characterized by teachers’ mastery of subject matter, ability to communicate and classroom management skill, as well as environmental factors such as equipped laboratory, class size and location significantly affect the academic performance of Biology students in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that teachers should exhibit attitudes that promote students’ learning interest in terms of good communication system, effective classroom management, proper mastery of subject matter and provision of a conducive learning environment. Suggestions for further studies were also made.

This study was carried out to scrutinize sex and Attitude of secondary school students in learning chemistry in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. In achieving this aim, four research questions were raised to serve as a guide for this study. The research design used in this study is descriptive survey design utilizing questionnaire as
method of data collection. A total of 100 respondents were selected to represent the entire population of the study. The data collated were presented on a frequency distribution table and analyzed using simple percentage. This study will be of great importance to the society, Examination Bodies, especially Chemistry teachers because of its scientific nature, economic and technological application and values it has especially on the students on how they reason and how their creative skills can be improved through an effective and efficient method of learning. Finally, the experience gained from this study will provide future researchers with empirical evidence of the mode that enables students to learn better and hence form the basis for further research.

The study was aimed at investigating the attitude of secondary school students towards the study of Mathematics in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The study comprises of five research question and four hypotheses which were drawn from the research questions. The study is delimited to secondary schools student. Ninety - four students were randomly selected from five public senior secondary schools; a random sampling method was used by questionnaire as the research instrument. The validity of the research instrument was done by the supervisor and two other experts in the Faculty of Education, University of Benin. The split half correlation of 0.669 was step up to full length using Spearman Brown formula which yields a reliability coefficient of 0.82 that indicates a high level of internal consistency in the instrument. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution and percentages, as well as estimate for mean value. The hypotheses were thoroughly examined using Pearson r formula. The findings revealed that students show positive attitude towards the study of Mathematics. Also, Mathematics teachers teaching methods in public senior secondary schools can encourage or discourage students to develop positive or negative attitudes to the learning of the subject. The findings also revealed that parents background do not affect how students respond to Mathematics as a subject. lt is recommended that Mathematics teachers should engage in interactions within the classroom, encourage and monitor group study. And parent should encourage the students' with their choice of career to enable them, focus on their studies.

Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder affecting millions globally, remains heavily stigmatized in
many societies, including Nigeria. Cultural misconceptions often associate epilepsy with supernatural
causes, significantly affecting the social integration and quality of life of those affected. Nurses, as
frontline healthcare providers, play a pivotal role in shaping public attitudes and delivering informed
care. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students at the University of
Benin toward epileptic patients and examine the implications for patients' social well-being. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. A total of 281 nursing students across 200 to 500 levels were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data was collected using a structured, self administered questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of social impact. Results revealed that while a majority of students demonstrated good understanding of epilepsy as a brain disorder and expressed willingness to assist during seizures, gaps persisted in symptom recognition, treatment beliefs, and misconceptions about heredity and contagion. Attitudinal responses were mixed: most students supported inclusion and respect for epileptic patients, but hesitations were observed in sensitive areas like marriage and personal interaction. Notably, participants agreed that epilepsy impedes social experiences such as employment, education, and relationships. The study concludes that although nursing students exhibit moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes, pockets of misinformation and stigma remain. It is recommended that nursing curricula integrate targeted modules on epilepsy, combining theory with practical exposure, to reinforce accurate knowledge and empathetic patient care. Enhancing education and advocacy through formal training will better equip future nurses to support social inclusion and reduce stigma against people living with epilepsy

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) refers to the practice of feeding infants only breast milk for the first six months of life, without introducing any other liquids or solids, except for oral rehydration solutions, drops, syrups (vitamins, minerals, or medicines) as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This
practice is recognized globally as one of the most effective strategies for reducing infant morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries (Wu et al., 2022). EBF not only provides essential nutrients for infant growth and development but also protects against common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, thereby promoting
overall child survival and development (Gebeyehu et al., 2023; WHO, 2020, as cited in Wu et al., 2022). Despite strong global advocacy, the rates of EBF rmain suboptimal in many regions, including sub-Saharan Africa. According to Ejie et al. (2021), barriers to EBF in African countries include socio-cultural beliefs, inadequate maternal knowledge, limited support from health professionals, and economic pressures. In Nigeria, EBF is a significant public health concern. The 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reported that only 29% of infants under six months were exclusively breastfed, which is far below the WHO's global target of at least 50% by 2025 (Okoroiwu et al., 2021). This statistic highlights a significant gap between policy recommendations and actual maternal practices

The study was to investigate the attitude of VTE students towards Student Industrial work Experience Scheme, using University of Benin as a case study. Four (4) research questions were raised and literature of other researchers were reviewed. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design, data was collected through the aid of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was structured according to the research questions and distributed to sample population of 100 respondents. The findings of the study revealed that the attitude of students towards SIWES in the higher institutions is quite high and that three are several Factors responsible for students’ attitude towards SIWES which has made many of the students reluctant when it comes to carry out their SIWES program. It was concluded that the attitude of students towards SIWES in the higher institutions is quite high because these students are excited when it comes to SIWES because of practical knowledge they would gain. Factors responsible for students’ attitude towards SIWES which has made many of the students reluctant when it comes to carry out their SIWES program should be properly looked nto and adequately addressed if the program is to be more effective. It was however recommended that more trainings should be given to students by s school management on the importance of the SIWES program in a bid to enhancing their perception; government should ensure that more attention should be given to the SIWES program so that it will become more attractive and interesting to students; and that industries should endeavour to pay intern students so that they will have increased interest and confidence in the program

Obesity is defined as the abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat to levels that pose significant health risks. This study assessed the knowledge and attitude regarding diet promotion strategies in the prevention of obesity among nursing students at the University of Benin, Edo State. The research was guided by three objectives and corresponding research questions.The target population comprised nursing students from 200 to 500 levels, and a sample of 282 participants was selected using a simple random sampling technique.Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages.Findings revealed that most respondents possessed adequate knowledge and a positive attitude toward diet promotion strategies for obesity prevention. Specifically, 99.4% of participants were aware that obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases, while 96.8% demonstrated a favorable attitude toward maintaining healthy eating habits. However, the practical application of this knowledge was found to be inconsistent. The study concludes that continuous health education is essential to strengthen nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding obesity prevention. It recommends that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria incorporate comprehensive concepts on diet promotion strategies, obesity prevention, and nutrition-related interventions into the nursing curriculum to enhance
students’ competencies as future health educators and advocates

This aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and practices of safe handling and administration of chemotherapeutic drugs amongst tertiary health facility, Benin City. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design and simple random sampling method was used to select Two hundred and seventy-eight nurses in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. A well-structured questionnaire was used as instruments of data collection. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Simple frequency and percentage were used to describe the data, while chi-square was used to test
the hypotheses. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. The analysis was performed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0 for windows. The result shows that majority of the respondents have fair level of knowledge of chemotherapeutic drugs and low level of practice of safe handling of chemotherapeutic drugs and that none of the sociodemographic characteristics was associated with level of knowledge of chemotherapeutic drugs. The study therefore recommends that there is the need for Institutions to implement and enforce standardized procedures for administering chemotherapy, ensuring the use of appropriate PPE and adherence to safety protocols.