Awareness

Patient safety is central to quality healthcare delivery. Globally, unsafe care contributes significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. In low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, challenges such as weak reporting systems, staff shortages, and limited training heighten risks. Doctors, as frontline caregivers, are pivotal to improving safety standards, but evidence on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices within Nigerian contexts remains limited

Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses a significant public health challenge in Nigeria due to its genetic nature, high prevalence, and associated morbidity. Despite increasing awareness campaigns, many individuals still fail to comply with preventive measures such as premarital screening. This study investigated the relationship between awareness and compliance towards premarital sickle cell screening among unmarried students in the Faculty of Arts, University of Benin, Edo State. A correlational design was adopted, and 350 participants were selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires
and analyzed using SPSS version 24.0, with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests applied. The findings revealed a high level of awareness regarding SCD and premarital screening among respondents; however, compliance was moderate. Although many students knew their genotype and acknowledged the importance of screening, cultural, emotional, and social factors still hindered full compliance. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between awareness and compliance (p = 0.067). The study concludes that awareness alone does not guarantee compliance, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions that address behavioral, cultural, and emotional barriers to effective screening practices.

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age globally, yet a significant proportion remains undiagnosed due to insufficient baseline knowledge regarding its causes and symptoms. This lack of awareness contributes to delayed medical attention and progression of the disease, leading to serious long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, and endometrial cancer. Studies in Nigeria indicate particularly low awareness levels, underscoring a critical public health challenge.
Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the knowledge and awareness of the causes, symptoms, and long-term complications and determinants of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome among female undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria with a view to generate evidence that will guide the design of tailored strategies aimed at increasing awareness and strengthen healthcare delivery. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, targeting female undergraduate students at the University of Benin. Data collection occurred between April 2024 and June 2025. A sample size of 415 respondents was determined using Cochran's formula and a 10% non-response adjustment. A multi-stage sampling technique involved the simple random selection of the Ugbowo campus, followed by the random selection of eight faculties. Information was collected using a 29-item structured questionnaire, and data analysis was performed using SPSS V 25.0 to generate percentages and frequencies.
Results: Over half of the respondents (54%) reported having heard of PCOS, with approximately twothirds (60.7%) demonstrating good baseline knowledge of its causes and symptoms, while one-third (39.3%) exhibited poor knowledge. Abnormal menstruation (40.7%) was identified as the most common symptom, overproduction of hormones (36.9%) and genetics (35.4%) were frequently cited causes. Drugs (46.7%) was perceived as the most effective treatments. Regarding awareness of complications, 46.4% showed good awareness, while 53.6% lacked sufficient awareness particularly concerning infertility. Social media (especially TikTok and WhatsApp at 42.9% and 21.0% respectively) was the primary source of PCOS, followed by medical professionals. The key predictors of good knowledge included being in a medical related field like Medicine (OR = 0.033, p = 0.001) and a higher monthly allowance above N20,000. N20,000 – N50,000 (OR = 0.379, p = 0.002) and N51,000 – N100,000 (OR = 0.059, p <0.001).
Conclusion: The study revealed moderate knowledge but a significant gap in awareness regarding PCOS complications among female university students, compounded by reliance on non-medical information sources and prevalent misconceptions. Academic background and socioeconomic status were influential factors in knowledge levels. These findings necessitate targeted public health interventions, including integrating comprehensive PCOS education into university curricula, launching official social media campaigns led by healthcare professionals, organizing workshops, encouraging routine health screenings, and promoting mental health support services for affected individuals

Eye safety is an important aspect of occupational and academic health, particularly in practical fields such as agriculture where students are frequently exposed to dust, chemicals, sharp tools, and other potential hazards that may cause eye injuries. This study examines the level of awareness of eye safety practices among students in the Faculty of Agriculture. The study aims to determine students’ knowledge of eye safety measures, their attitudes toward eye protection, and the extent to which they adopt preventive practices during agricultural activities and practical sessions.

A descriptive survey research design was employed for the study. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires administered to students in the Faculty of Agriculture. The questionnaire assessed respondents’ awareness of eye hazards, knowledge of protective measures, and their compliance with recommended eye safety practices. The data obtained were analyzed using appropriate descriptive statistical methods.

The findings of the study are expected to reveal the level of awareness of eye safety practices among agriculture students and identify possible gaps in knowledge and practice. The study emphasizes the importance of promoting eye safety education and encouraging the use of protective equipment to reduce the risk of eye injuries among students. It is recommended that institutions incorporate eye safety awareness programs and enforce the use of protective gear during practical agricultural activities.