Omokhoa Adeleye

BACKGROUND: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measure of nutritional status and health risk, categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Abnormal BMI values have significant health implications, including increased risk for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and bone-related disorders. Among university undergraduates, lifestyle changes, dietary patterns, and perceptions of weight￾for-height influence BMI status, making it important to assess knowledge, prevalence, perceptions, and determinants. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the knowledge of health implications of abnormal BMI, prevalence of BMI categories, perception of personal weight-for-height, and determinants of BMI status among undergraduates in the University of Benin. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 350 undergraduate students of the University of Benin between September 2024 and August 2025. Respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire adapted from related studies. Knowledge was scored and categorized into good or poor, while perception of BMI was assessed by comparing self￾reported weight-for-height classification with actual BMI. Anthropometric data were self￾reported and BMI was calculated. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 with descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Ethics and Research Committee. RESULTS: The mean age ± SD of respondents was 21.0 ± 2.85 years. The majority of respondents 272 (77.7%) demonstrated good knowledge of abnormal BMI, while 78 (22.3%) had xiii poor knowledge. A significant proportion 263 (75.1%) had normal BMI, while 87 (24.9%) had abnormal BMI, comprising 36 (10.3%) underweight, 35 (10.0%) overweight, and 16 (4.6%), (27.1%) misperceived their weight status. Age (p < 0.001), degree programme (p < 0.001), academic level (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.028), residence (p = 0.001), source of income (p < 0.001), and monthly income (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge of abnormal BMI. Gender (p < 0.001), age group (p < 0.001), programme of study (p = 0.003), academic level (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.012), residence (p = 0.007), source of income (p = 0.003), and monthly income (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with perception of BMI. Logistic regression revealed that age, sex, academic level, and income significantly influenced BMI status and perception. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that most undergraduates had good knowledge of abnormal BMI and a majority had normal BMI, though a considerable proportion were underweight, overweight, or obese. While perception of weight-for-height was correct among most respondents, misperception remained notable. Socio-demographic factors including age, sex, programme of study, academic level, and income were significant determinants of knowledge, BMI, and perception. Strengthening targeted health education, encouraging healthy dietary practices, and promoting physical activity among undergraduates are critical in preventing abnormal BMI and its long-term health consequences.

Abortion remains a significant public health concern, especially among young women of reproductive age in developing countries where access to reproductive health
services is limited and social stigma is pervasive. Female undergraduates are particularly vulnerable due to early sexual debut, inadequate contraceptive use, and socio-cultural pressures. This study assessed the prevalence and patterns of abortion among female undergraduates at the University of Benin, Edo State. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Data were obtained from 550 randomly selected female undergraduates across eight faculties and eight departments using
structured questionnaires. Information collected included socio-demographic characteristics, sexual and reproductive history, contraceptive use, and abortion experiences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests with SPSS version 23.0, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 550 respondents participated, yielding a 100% response rate. The mean
age was 22.3 ± 3.5 years, with the majority aged 20–24 years. About 30% reported previous pregnancy, and all such cases ended in abortion. Most abortions were performed in hospitals (37.6%) and chemist shops (31.5%), predominantly during the first trimester (93.9%). Doctors (57.6%) and chemists (29.1%) were the main providers. Male condoms (25.6%) were the most frequently used contraceptive, mainly sourced from pharmacies. A significant association was found between contraceptive use and prevalence of abortion (p < 0.05). Cultural and religious beliefs, as well as partner involvement in decision-making, also influenced abortion and contraceptive practices. Conclusion: Abortion is prevalent among female undergraduates of the University of Benin, with most procedures occurring under medical supervision but a substantial proportion still being unsafe. Improving access to reproductive health education, contraception, and safe abortion services is essential to reduce associated risks and complications.