PREVALENCE

Background: Undiagnosed hypertension remains a major public health problem globally, particularly among occupational groups exposed to prolonged work stress, sedentary lifestyle, and poor access to routine healthcare. Transport and logistics
workers are especially vulnerable because of the nature of their work, yet many cases remain undetected until complications develop.
Objective: This study assessed the prevalence, distribution, and factors associatedwith undiagnosed hypertension among transport and logistics workers in Benin City, Edo State.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 315 transport and logistics workers selected using a multistage sampling technique. Oredo Local Government Area was selected at the first stage, while Central Motor Park was
selected at the second stage using cluster sampling. Data were collected using a semi- structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEP wise approach. Blood pressure was measured using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, while weight and height were measured using standard procedures. Respondents with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg who had no previous diagnosis of hypertension
and were not on antihypertensive medication were classified as having undiagnosed hypertension. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive statisticswere summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression using the backward stepwise (conditional) method were used to determine factors associated with undiagnosed hypertension at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 50.53 ± 11.87 years. Slightly more than half (52.5%) had good knowledge of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was 47.8%, while the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 24.0%. Nearly half of the respondents were prehypertensive, 26.7% had stage 1 hypertension, and
xv 18.3% had stage 2 hypertension. Undiagnosed hypertension was more common among respondents aged 31–40 years, those with primary education, motorcyclists and taxi drivers, those with shorter work experience, and respondents who worked
more than 10 hours daily. Smoking and physical inactivity were significantly associated with undiagnosed hypertension at bivariate level (p < 0.05). At multivariate level, primary education (AOR = 3.44; 95% CI: 1.16–10.21) and lack of regular
physical activity (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.12–4.64) remained significant predictors of undiagnosed hypertension. Conclusion: Undiagnosed hypertension is a significant health problem among transport and logistics workers in Benin City. The burden of hypertension was high, knowledge of hypertension was only moderate, and many respondents were exposed to important behavioural and occupational risk factors. Regular blood pressure screening, targeted health education, and workplace-based interventions are recommended to improve early detection and reduce the burden of hypertension and its complications among transport workers

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

This study examined the Prevalence of Social Anxiety among Secondary School Students: Implications for Counselling, four research questions were raise guide this study. The population for this study comprised of all 4,027 students enrolled in the 20 public junior secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. A total of 100 students constituted the sample size for this study. Using the simple random sampling technique, through balloting with replacement, five (5) students were randomly selected from each of the 20 public junior secondary schools within the local government area. This sampling method ensured that every student had an equal chance of being selected, thereby promoting fairness and reducing sampling bias. The major findings of the study are summarized as follows: Social anxiety is prevalent among secondary school students in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. Students who experience social anxiety often display low academic performance, as fear of judgment and embarrassment hinders active classroom participation and learning. Peer relationships are negatively affected, as socially anxious students tend to withdraw, avoid group interactions, and feel socially isolated. Based on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations were made that counsellors should develop and implement systematic intervention programs, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness training, and social skills development, to help students manage anxiety symptoms effectively.Teachers should be trained to recognize the signs of social anxiety and adopt inclusive teaching practices that encourage participation without intimidation or ridicule.This study examined the Prevalence of Social Anxiety among Secondary School Students: Implications for Counselling, four research questions were raise guide this study. The population for this study comprised of all 4,027 students enrolled in the 20 public junior secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. A total of 100 students constituted the sample size for this study. Using the simple random sampling technique, through balloting with replacement, five (5) students were randomly selected from each of the 20 public junior secondary schools within the local government area. This sampling method ensured that every student had an equal chance of being selected, thereby promoting fairness and reducing sampling bias. The major findings of the study are summarized as follows: Social anxiety is prevalent among secondary school students in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. Students who experience social anxiety often display low academic performance, as fear of judgment and embarrassment hinders active classroom participation and learning. Peer relationships are negatively affected, as socially anxious students tend to withdraw, avoid group interactions, and feel socially isolated. Based on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations were made that counsellors should develop and implement systematic intervention programs, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness training, and social skills development, to help students manage anxiety symptoms effectively.Teachers should be trained to recognize the signs of social anxiety and adopt inclusive teaching practices that encourage participation without intimidation or ridicule.

Background: Knee injuries are among the most prevalent musculoskeletal problems affecting student- athletes, often resulting in pain, impaired performance, and limited participation. Despite the growing engagement of university students in organized sports, limited research has addressed the prevalence and contributing factors of knee injuries within Nigerian university settings. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, types, risk factors, and socio-demographic correlates of knee-related injuries among student-athletes at the University of Benin. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed. A total of 207 student-athletes from various faculties of the University of Benin participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, types of knee injuries, associated risk factors, and management strategies. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, while inferential analysis using Chi-square tests assessed associations between variables at a 0.05 significance level. Results: Findings revealed a high prevalence of knee injuries, with 185 respondents (89.4%) reporting a history of knee injury. The most common types were fractures (45.4%), ligament tears (24.9%), and meniscus injuries (15.7%). Injuries were mostly sports-related (29.7%) or caused by sudden movement (25.9%), and the left knee was the most frequently affected (36.8%). More than half of the injured athletes (51.9%) sought treatment—mainly through medication and physiotherapy—while 39.5% reported persistent pain during activity. iv Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between intrinsic risk factors (flexibility, previous lower limb injury, and muscle imbalance) or extrinsic risk factors (training intensity, surface type, warm-up routine, and use of protective gear) and knee injury occurrence (p > 0.05). However, sport type was significantly associated with knee injury prevalence (χ² = 17.12, p = 0.029), with football and volleyball athletes being more affected. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and level of study were not significantly related to knee injury prevalence. Conclusion: Knee injuries are highly prevalent among student-athletes at the University of Benin, primarily associated with the type of sport rather than intrinsic, extrinsic, or demographic variables. There is a critical need for improved injury prevention programs, enhanced warm- up and training protocols, better facility maintenance, and accessible physiotherapy services to reduce the burden and recurrence of knee injuries in university sports settings

This study was designed to ascertain the Prevalence of Emotional and Behavioural Disorders amongst Undergraduates’ Students in public universities using the University of Benin as the case study. Five (5) research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study deals with undergraduate full time students in the faculty of Education in the University of Benin, which is made up of 8 departments sparsely divided across Ugbowo and Ekehuan Campus of the institution while the respondents were two hundred (200) students randomly selected from four (4) departments in the faculty of education. The research instrument for the study was a Questionnaire titled: The Prevalence of Emotional and Behavioural Disorders Amongst Undergraduates Students Questionnaire (TPEBDAUSQ). The instrument which was distributed to the respondents and collected immediately after completion from respondents. Findings revealed that emotional and behavioral disorders are prevalent among undergraduate education students at the University of Benin, with isolation stemming from past sexual assault and anxiety due to strike actions being notable emotional issues. On the behavioral front, common disorders include examination malpractice, poor class attendance, disrespect towards lecturers, procrastination, and difficulty concentrating in class. Contributing factors to these disorders include a short academic calendar, challenging lecturers, family distress, and a heavy academic workload. Despite the presence of a Guidance and Counseling Unit at the University of Benin, it has not fully achieved its objectives in addressing these issues effectively. To combat this, the university should enhance awareness of the unit's importance in tackling emotional and behavioral disorders among students, thereby fostering a supportive environment for their well-being and academic success. It was recommended that to enhance to address emotional and behavioral disorders among undergraduate education students at the University of Benin, it's crucial to enhance support services such as counseling and guidance, ensuring they are readily accessible and well-promoted within the university community. Additionally, implementing measures to improve lecturer-student relationships, reduce academic stressors, and foster a culture of respect and inclusivity can contribute to a healthier and more conducive learning environment.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of stroke and it's associated risk factors among patients admitted at the neurological ward of University of a tertiary health facility. The objectives this research work aims to determine the prevalence of Cerebrovascular accident, identify the associated risk factors, determine the percentage of stroke survivors and distribution of mortality rate. The study employed a retrospective descriptive survey design method. The area of study was the neurology ward in the University of Benin Teaching hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Of a total population of two thousand three hundred and thirty-nine patients admitted, one thousand three hundred and ninety-seven patients were diagnosed of CVA and their data was collated. Purposive sampling technique was used. A well-structured checklist was used to elicit items relevant to the research objectives. The study showed that the prevalence of CVA was 58.9% of the total population, and the most prevalent risk factors were hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The percentage of survivors was 69.4% and the distribution of mortality was highest amongst the males, age group 50-69, married patients, tertiary level of education, Christians, and Bini. The study therefore recommends that community education on lifestyle modifications, beneficial nutritional practices, maintaining appropriate body weight should be ensured. Also health workers should make anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and blood glucose level a routine procedure to ensure prompt treatment and eradication of these risk factors.

Typhoid fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serotype typhi and is prevalent in numerous low- and middle-income countries around the world, including Nigeria. This study was carried out to determine typhoid prevalence among individuals in Orobosa Medical Centre and Graceville Medical Centre in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of 232 individuals took part in the study, with 116 for each medical centre. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire designed by the researcher and blood tests were used to determine whether participants were positive or negative for typhoid. Analysis of data was done using SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel 2016. From the results, participants were predominantly female and aged between 21 and 30 years. Most participants obtained drinking water from table water sources (90.52 % and 75.86 %, respectively). Headaches and fatigue were identified by participants as the most common symptoms of typhoid fever. The most common risk factors according to participants were proximity to insects feeding on faecal matter and consumption of raw fruits and vegetables. Typhoid prevalence in the study was 19.83% and 17.24% for Orobosa Medical Centre and Graceville Medical Centre, respectively. To drastically reduce the prevalence of typhoid fever, the following can be applied; public health education, community-based interventions and strengthening of surveillance systems.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant opportunistic pathogen and a public health concern due to its multidrug-resistant nature and potential for zoonotic transmission. This study investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of MRSA in apparently healthy dogs in Ekosodin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 160 dogs were sampled, and nasal swabs were processed using standard microbiological techniques. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were identified based on colonial morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests (catalase and coagulase). Methicillin resistance was determined phenotypically using cefoxitin (30 µg), while antibacterial susceptibility testing was performed using the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Out of the 160 dogs sampled, 146 (91.3%) were positive for S. aureus, and 142 (97.3%) were confirmed as MRSA, corresponding to an overall MRSA prevalence of 88.8%. MRSA carriage was highest in dogs aged 0–1 year (100%), and gender had no significant effect on prevalence. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high resistance among MRSA isolates to amoxicillin, erythromycin, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, gentamicin, streptomycin, azithromycin, and fluoroquinolones, with partial sensitivity retained for rifampicin (58.1%), ciprofloxacin
(46.5%), and levofloxacin (51.2%). MSSA isolates were generally more susceptible, showing statistically significant higher sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, erythromycin, and cefuroxime (with p-value of 0.047, 0.004 and 0.005 respectively). These findings highlight the widespread carriage of multidrug-resistant MRSA among dogs in the study area, underscoring the need for prudent antibiotic use, improved hygiene, and public awareness to mitigate potential zoonotic transmission.

Depression is a prevalent mental health condition that significantly affects academic performance, social functioning, and overall wellbeing among university students. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with depression among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, and data were collected from a sample of 382 students drawn from the Faculty of Arts through a stratified random sampling technique. A structured self- administered questionnaire incorporating the standardized Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression levels, while additional sections captured socio- demographic, academic, and lifestyle variables. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied at a significance level of p < 0.05. The results revealed that depression was prevalent among undergraduate students, with varying degrees of severity influenced by socio-demographic, academic, and lifestyle factors. Female students, those with lower socioeconomic status, students living off-campus, and those with high academic workloads were more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms. Furthermore, poor sleep quality, substance use, and lack of social support were significantly
associated with higher depression rates. Academic performance and self-efficacy were inversely related to depressive symptomatology, indicating that academic stress and low motivation contribute substantially to the development of depression. The findings underscore the urgent need for institutional interventions aimed at promoting mental health awareness, early screening, and the integration of counseling and peer support services within the university system. It is recommended that the University of Benin enhance mental health literacy programs, provide academic accommodations for affected students, and strengthen psychosocial support mechanisms to mitigate depression and its consequences among undergraduates.

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is an illness caused by a virus. This virus is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world. It is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person to person. This study was carried out to access the incidence andprevalence of COVID-19 among the students in the University of Benin, Nigeria. A cross- sectional survey of eligible study participants was carried out with a view to collecting both outcome variables and covariates at one point in time in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Science. However, only participants who test negative to SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG and IgM) by rapid diagnostic test will be eligible for the prospective cohort study, which will involve data collection at baseline (day of registration into the study) and at follow-up (between 14 and 21 days after recruitment into the study). A total of 77 students from the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Science participated in the study and 54(70.1%) were positive to anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. The incidence and prevalence of COVID-19 among the students in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Science, University of Benin shows that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a cause for concern among students