PENAERE T. OSAHON

Opioids are a class of drugs naturally found in the opium poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. It refers to compounds that are extracted from the poppy seed (e.g morphine) as well as semi synthetic and synthetic compounds with similar properties (e.g fentanyl) (WHO, 2021). The term opioid is used to refer to all compounds that bind to opiate (opioid) receptors. Opioids are alkaloids that are directly derived from the opium poppy plant and the name “Opiate” can be used to describe them. Among these alkaloids are codeine and morphine. Opioids include synthetic opioids like methadone, fentanyl and propoxyphene as well as semi-synthetic opiates, which are medications made from naturally occurring opiates (such as heroin from morphine and oxycodone from thebaine). Narcotic is a legal term used to describe opioids and a few other drugs that are grouped with the opioids by law enforcement hence, it should not be used in the clinical setting (Naidu et al, 2015). Opioids have a number of impacts on the brain including numbing of pain. They work by attaching to opioid receptors on the cells of the brain. These cells send out signals that cause massive amounts of dopamine to be released throughout the body, thereby reducing the experience of pan and increases feelings of pleasure

Background: Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) continue to pose a significant public health burden in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting underserved populations. Pharmacy students, as future healthcare professionals, are positioned to play key roles in community education, early
case detection, and prevention efforts. However, gaps in awareness and knowledge may limit their contributions. Objective: To assess the level of awareness and knowledge of NTDs among pharmacy students
at the University of Benin and to evaluate their attitudes toward participating in the prevention and control of these diseases. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 pharmacy students intheir 500- and 600-levels. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics-including frequencies, percentages, and means-were used to summarize
socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, knowledge, and attitudes. Results were presented in tables. Ethical approval was obtained prior to data collection. Results: A total of 311 respondents participated (response rate: 88.9%). Awareness of NTDs was moderate, with 56.9% reporting they had heard of NTDs and 46.9% aware that Nigeria is
endemic for several NTDs. Knowledge levels were also moderate; 54.3% correctly identified examples of NTDs, while misconceptions persisted, including misclassification of malaria and tuberculosis. Most respondents (88.1%) recognized rural dwellers as the most at-risk population, and 55.6% correctly identified major transmission routes. Attitudes were positive overall: 67.2% agreed that pharmacists have an important role in NTD control, and 69.4% supported including NTD-related content in the pharmacy curriculum. Willingness to volunteer for awareness
programs was also high (59.8%). Conclusion: Pharmacy students demonstrated moderate levels of awareness and knowledge
regarding NTDs but expressed strong positive attitudes toward participating in their prevention and control. Strengthening pharmacy curricula, providing targeted training, and increasing opportunities for practical involvement can enhance students’ preparedness to contribute
effectively to national NTD control efforts.

Medication adherence remains a critical determinant of therapeutic success, particularly in the management of chronic or recurrent conditions such as peptic ulcer disease (PUD). This study assessed the level of adherence to prescribed ulcer medications among pharmacy students at the University of Benin, identified key factors influencing adherence, and examined facilitators that promote consistent medication use. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving 300 purposively selected respondents. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were utilized to summarize participants’ characteristics, while Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between adherence levels and influencing variables at a 5% significance level. Findings revealed that 24.7% of respondents demonstrated high medication adherence, 40.2% showed moderate adherence, and 35.1% exhibited low adherence. The major barriers identified included inadequate knowledge (53.1%), forgetfulness (42.8%), financial constraints (48.0%), and academic stress (48.0%). Significant determinants of adherence were gender (p = 0.038), forgetfulness (p = 0.005), medication cost (p = 0.030), inadequate knowledge (p < 0.001), limited healthcare access (p = 0.002), and academic stress (p < 0.001). Conversely, access to free or subsidized medications (p = 0.028) and counselling (p = 0.030) positively influenced adherence levels. In summary, the findings emphasize the need for multifaceted interventions, incorporating education, financial support, and counselling to improve medication adherence and optimize therapeutic outcomes among students managing peptic ulcers.