Objective/BackgroundConsequent to the introduction of occupational therapy (OT) training programmes in Nigeria in the past decade, this study sought to assess the awareness and knowledge of Nigerian medical and other health career undergraduates about OT.MethodsThree hundred and eighty-one undergraduates and students of other health disciplines from the College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria responded to a validated three section questionnaire assessing their awareness and knowledge about OT. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics of mean and percentages and inferential statistics of chi-square test of association.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 20.96 ±2.88 years. Over 80% of the respondents were aware of the OT profession, with higher rates among male respondents (83.7%), students in the 2nd year of study (94.7%), and those in the medical rehabilitation programme (99.1%). Amongst the respondents, < 40% had good knowledge of OT while a majority had knowledge ranging from poor to moderate (62.7%). Respondents’ course of study and level of study were significantly associated with awareness and knowledge about OT.ConclusionNigerian medical and health sciences undergraduates had high awareness, but poor to moderate knowledge about the OT profession, roles, and work settings. Level of awareness and knowledge about OT were significantly influenced by the rehabilitation-related course of study and lower level of study. Replication of similar studies in countries with different cultural backgrounds is suggested.

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There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate laptop users in OAU and shoulder pain was the most commonly reported.

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This main aim of this study was to determine the incidence of pressure ulcers among inpatients in selected hospitals in South West Nigeria. It also aimed to determine the body parts most susceptible to pressure ulcers. The study used a questionnaire completed by health workers in five hospitals, and 318 patients took part. Statistical methods used included descriptive statistics and non-parametric inferential statistics. Within the 12–week follow-up period, 44 patients developed nosocomial pressure ulcer(s). Inpatients with spinal cord injury (50%), orthopaedic (38.6%) and head injury (11.4%) related diagnoses were the most prone to developing pressure ulcers. The commonest areas where pressure ulcers developed were the sacrum, heel, greater trochanter and lateral and medial malleoli. The median time for the skin to develop an ulcer was 25 days after admission. There was a significant association between diagnosis and the number of days taken to develop pressure ulcers (χ2=3.76, p=0.05). This study concluded that: the incidence rate was 13.84%; spinal cord injury was the clinical condition most likely to be associated with pressure ulcer development; and pressure ulcers occurred most frequently on the sacrum.