PREVALENCE

Background: Edentulism is a significant public health issue that impairs nutrition and quality of life. While global prevalence is high among the elderly, specific occupational groups like commercial riders in low-resource settings face unique risks due to road traffic accidents (RTA) and poor access to dental care. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence, aetiology, and preventive strategies for edentulism among motorcycle and tricycle riders in Ugbowo, Benin City. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 motorcycle and tricycle riders in Ugbowo, Edo State. Data were collected using structured, interviewer- administered questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 29.0. Results: The prevalence of edentulism (history of tooth loss) among the respondents was 12.3% (n=32). Road traffic accidents were a significant factor, with 33.8% of riders having experienced a crash and 19.3% of those sustaining oral injuries. Common injuries included teeth being knocked out (58.8%), chipped (11.8%), or loosened (11.8%). Non-accidental causes of tooth loss included physical assaults (36.4%) and dental caries (27.3%). Statistical analysis showed a significant association between edentulism and experiencing an RTA (p = 0.047), as well as sustaining direct mouth injuries (p < 0.001). Despite these risks, 80.8% of riders never used a helmet, largely because they perceived them as “not needed” (77.6%).Additionally, 80.4% had never visited a dentist. Conclusion: Edentulism represents a notable burden among riders in Ugbowo, driven by a combination of occupational trauma and poor oral health behaviours. The high rate of dental injuries and low use of protective gear underscore the need for targeted safety interventions. Recommendations: The study recommends mandatory use of full-face helmets, the incorporation of seat belts in tricycles, and community-based oral health programs to encourage routine dental visits and preventive care.

Pulmonary tuberculosis remains a significant health issue in Nigeria, particularly in areas with scarce resources. In these settings, delayed diagnosis often leads to wider disease spread and patients presenting with more severe symptoms. In this study, we reviewed the records of 350 adult PTB patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital to identify patterns in their demographics, presenting symptoms, and chest Xray findings. We also aimed to compare doctors’ clinical suspicions with radiographic evidence. The average age of patients was 47 years, with men accounting for roughly two-thirds of the sample. Cough was the most frequent symptom, affecting just over half of the patients. Doctors suspected TB in about one-third of cases, while fever was present in around a quarter. On chest X-rays, fibro-cavitary changes were most common (31.1%), followed by cavitations (17.4%) and fibro-nodular opacities (16.9%), typically located in the upper lung lobes. Clinical suspicion by doctors detected most cases (sensitivity 79.1%), but was less effective at excluding non-TB cases (specificity 34.8%). Nevertheless, there was a significant association between clinical suspicion and X-ray findings (p = 0.005). These results highlight the need for improved early detection strategies. Integrating clinical assessment with radiographic and microbiological testing will enhance TB control efforts and lead to better patient outcomes.

Background Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune neuropathy, with limited data on its prevalence and characteristics in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, demographic profile, and demographic-prevalence relationships of GBS at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State, Nigeria, from 2019 to 2024. Methods A retrospective review of 20 Neurology ward patient records was conducted. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, antecedent events, comorbidities, neuropathy subtypes, and outcomes were analyzed using SPSS v26. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression assessed associations. Results GBS was diagnosed in 5 patients (25%, 95% CI not calculated due to small sample), with neuropathy subtypes including diabetic (45%), idiopathic (20%), multiple/mononeuropathy multiplex (15%), demyelinating polyneuropathy (10%), and peripheral neuropathy (10%). Mean age was 52.05 ± 15.4 years; 60% were male, 65% rural, and 60% Benin ethnicity. Diabetes (55%) and alcohol exposure (35%) were common, but no significant associations with GBS were found (e.g., diabetes: χ²=3.3, p=0.069; age: B=0.034, p=0.326). Ascending weakness (25%) and chronic symptoms (60%) predominated. Outcomes included 75% independent walking and 5% mortality. Diagnostic limitations included no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing and 80% missing nerve conduction studies (NCS). Conclusion The 25% GBS prevalence likely reflects sampling bias, with diabetic neuropathy dominant due to Nigeria’s diabetes burden. Diagnostic gaps highlight the need for improved EMG/CSF access. Larger, multi-center studies are recommended to clarify GBS epidemiology and enhance neuropathy management in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Workplace violence against nurses has had significant impact on the health sector worldwide, including Nigeria. Although measures have been put in place, in a bid to curb its occurrence, it still remains a major public health concern. OBJECTIVES: This study identified the prevalence, pattern and determinants of workplace violence against nurses in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), with a view to provide data for appropriate policy formulation to promote a better workplace atmosphere. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was carried out among 346 Nurses in the UBTH, Benin city, Nigeria. Respondents were selected using Stratified sampling method. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. RESULT: The mean age of the respondents was 37.7±10.9 years. There were 290 (83.8%) females, and more than half, 210 (60.7%), were married. Majority, 270 (77.6%) had experienced workplace violence at least once in their careers, and overall, 222 (64.2%) of the respondents had a high prevalence of workplace violence. The one-year prevalence rate of workplace violence was 71.9% (194). The highest determinant and measure indicated were unrealistic expectations of patient relatives (93.6%) and controlling the number of visitors (93.9%), respectively. Age (p = 0.001), marital status (p = 0.002), and years of experience (p = <0.001) were found to have significant associations with the overall prevalence. CONCLUSION: Majority of the respondents had experienced workplace violence, verbal abuse was most common form and patient relatives, the highest perpetrators. The highest determinant and measures to curb workplace violence were the unrealistic expectations of patient relatives and controlling the number of visitors respectively

Introduction: The consumption of psychoactive substance remains a significant global health challenge, particularly among young adults in tertiary institutions. Medical students occupy a uniquely precarious position due to the rigorous cognitive and emotional demands of their training. In Nigeria, national drug use prevalence has surged beyond the global average, with synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances becoming increasingly accessible in southern urban centers like Benin City. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence, pattern and perceived factors associated with substance use among medical students at the University of Benin. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students (200-level – 600-level) at the University of Benin. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the sample size. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO Student Drug Use Questionnaire (SDUQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 27. Results: A total of 298 respondents participated (100% response rate). Alcohol was the most prevalent substance, with a lifetime usage of 63.4% and a past 30-day prevalence of 5.8%. Tobacco/nicotine had a lifetime prevalence of 14.1%, while current opioid use was reported by 2.7% of respondents. Significant associations were found between alcohol use and academic level (highest in 300-level), monthly allowance, and marital status. Furthermore, alcohol and stimulants were significantly associated with psychological distress (p= 0.024 and p= 0.036, respectively), with 82.0% of current stimulant users exhibiting distress. Conclusion: Substance use is highly prevalent among medical students at the University of Benin, primarily serving as a functional coping mechanism to manage intense academic workloads and systemic rigors rather than recreational purposes. The findings highlight a critical need for institutions to transition from punitive measures towards a wellness-oriented framework, incorporating confidential counselling and curriculum restructuring to mitigate student stress and promote healthier learning environments.

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) present a major threat to patient safety, treatment outcomes, and healthcare sustainability globally, with a disproportionately higher burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite the critical role of tertiary health centres in specialized care, comprehensive data establishing both the precise prevalence of HAIs and the institutional capacity of reporting mechanisms remain scarce in many regional facilities. This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological burden of HAIs and evaluate the existing surveillance reporting structures at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria.
Methods: A sequential mixed-methods cross-sectional design was deployed across diverse clinical wards at UBTH. For the quantitative phase, a sample size of 429 in-patients was selected utilizing a multi-stage sampling approach incorporating proportional allocation and simple random sampling. Data were gathered via researcher-administered structured questionnaires, clinical records, and laboratory reviews. Quantitative analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression to isolate independent predictors. For the qualitative phase, purposive sampling was used to conduct seven (7) Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with clinical consultants, nursing leadership, and infection control officers. Qualitative data were processed using thematic analysis via NVivo software.
Results: The quantitative survey achieved a 100% response rate across the 429 participants. The confirmed point prevalence of HAIs was 5.8% (n = 25), with an additional 0.2% (n = 1) categorized as suspected cases, while 93.9% (n = 403) showed no evidence of infection. Among the 25 confirmed cases, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) were the most frequent clinical presentation at 48.0% (n = 12), followed by surgical site infections (SSIs) at 16.0% (n = 4), hospital-acquired pneumonia at 12.0% (n = 3), non-catheter- associated UTIs at 12.0% (n = 3), puerperal sepsis at 8.0% (n = 2), and burn area infections at 4.0% (n = 1). Multivariable binary logistic regression revealed that the lengths of hospital stay (OR = 1.067, 95% CI: 1.033–1.102, p < 0.001) and active urethral catheterization (OR = 6.233, 95% CI: 2.316–16.772, p < 0.001) were the only statistically significant independent predictors of acquiring an infection. Socio-demographic factors (such as age and sex) and chronic client comorbidities showed no significant independent associations (p > 0.05). Qualitatively, key informants highlighted a critical operational deficit: a formalized, hospital- wide infection reporting protocol for frontline clinicians is practically absent. Surveillance remains an entirely manual, paper-based tracking process conducted independently by an under-resourced Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) unit due to a complete lack of digital infrastructure, technical training, and routine departmental feedback loops. Despite these barriers, there was universal consensus on the institutional value of a centralized reporting framework for establishing data-driven benchmarks and enhancing active antimicrobial stewardship.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that while the recorded point prevalence of HAIs at UBTH is relatively modest, it is significantly and independently driven by modifiable hospital-level exposures—specifically device utilization and prolonged admission windows—rather than immutable patient comorbidities. Crucially, the integrity of this epidemiological data is actively limited by a fragmented, manual reporting apparatus. To mitigate this burden and ensure patient safety, UBTH must transition away from paper-reliant tracking toward an integrated, hospital-wide electronic surveillance architecture alongside mandatory clinical care bundles and structured departmental data feedback loops

Introduction: Workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers is a major occupational and public health concern globally, with significant consequences on the safety, psychological well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity of healthcare personnel. Objective: This study assessed the prevalence, causes, and effects of workplace violence against healthcare workers in the University of Benin Health Services department, Benin City, Edo State. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted among healthcare workers in the University of Benin Health Services Department. A total population survey method was used, and data are collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Council of Nurses (ICN), World Health Organization (WHO), and Public Services International (PSI) workplace violence research instrument, administered through both self-administered and interviewer-administered approaches. One hundred and sixty-five completed questionnaires are analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0, with descriptive and inferential statistics performed at a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The lifetime prevalence of workplace violence among respondents was 35.2%, while 21.2% and 33.3% report experiencing physical violence and verbal abuse respectively within the six months preceding the study. Patients or clients constitute the major perpetrators of both physical violence (72.7%) and verbal abuse (72.7%). Professional category shows a statistically significant association with workplace violence (p = 0.003), with clinical staff experiencing a higher prevalence than non-clinical staff. The major perceived causes of workplace violence are the non-availability of doctors or nurses on call duty (72.7%) and the aggressive personality of perpetrators (70.9%). Post-traumatic stress disorder (63.1%) and loss of job satisfaction (53.3%) are the most commonly reported effects of workplace violence among respondents. Conclusion: Workplace violence occurs among healthcare workers in the University of Benin Health Services Department, with verbal abuse being more commonly reported than physical violence. Non-availability of healthcare workers on call duty and aggressive behaviour of perpetrators emerge as the major perceived causes, while post-traumatic stress disorder and loss of job satisfaction constitute the major effects. Strengthened institutional policies, improved staffing, and supportive interventions are needed to reduce workplace violence and improve healthcare worker safety.

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