DEPARTMENT OF RADIOGRAPHY

Patient perception of radiography students’ participation during radiographic examinations plays a vital role in shaping the quality of clinical training and overall radiography education. This study assessed patients’ perception of radiography students’ involvement during radiographic procedures in selected health facilities in Benin City, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 174 patients, of which 170 were valid for analysis, yielding a 97.7% response rate. Stratified random sampling ensured representativeness, and data were x analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, means) and chi-square tests were used to examine associations between socio-demographic factors and patient perceptions. Findings revealed that 54% of patients expressed a negative perception of radiography students’ participation, while 46% had positive views. The overall mean score of 2.4 (below the 2.5 cut-off) indicated a generally unfavorable perception. However, consistent with some previous studies, patients acknowledged the importance of student involvement for professional training and accepted their presence when adequate supervision was provided. Concerns were noted regarding students’ competence, communication, and maintenance of privacy, aligning with earlier research highlighting the need for reassurance and professionalism in student-patient
interactions. The study concludes that although patients demonstrated a cautious and moderately negative perception of radiography students’ participation, effective supervision and improved communication could enhance patient comfort and acceptance. It is recommended that radiography departments strengthen supervision, ensure informed patient consent, and emphasize empathy, respect, and professionalism in clinical training to promote positive patient experiences and support student learning.

The study tested the level of knowledge and awareness of psychological impact of radiation exposure in the patients undergoing the diagnostic imaging at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The convenient sampling was carried out using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design where 127 adult patients who had X-ray and CT scan procedures were sampled. The structured questionnaire was used to gather data, and it was analyzed with SPSS version 25.0. The findings revealed that respondents were ill-informed on the psychological impacts of radiation exposure with 58.3 percent being poor awareness and 62.2 percent being low awareness. Most patients (71.7) said that they became anxious or feared at the time they were told about radiation-based imaging, and 68.5% voiced their concern about long-term psychological impacts. The degree of knowledge of radiation exposure and the response of the patient to it were significantly related (kh2 = 18.42, p = 0.001). The most important results in the scope of the research were that 76.4 percent of patients were never informed of psychological impacts by medical professionals, and 83.5 percent would like to be informed prior to their surgeries. The level of education and past imaging experience also had significant impact on the level of knowledge (p < 0.05). The research finds out that there are gaps in knowledge and awareness which are some of the contributory factors of psychological suffering among the patients at UBTH. Radiographers are advised to involve the use of patient-centered communication techniques to enhance the overall patient experience during radiation-based diagnostic imaging, create educational resources in the area of psychological effects, and acquire training in empathetic counseling. Keywords: Radiation exposure, psychological effects, patient knowledge, patient awareness, diagnostic imaging, UBTH.

Ionizing radiation is widely used in medical imaging but requires strict adherence to safety standards. This study assessed the awareness of radiation dose limits and regulatory guidelines among 234 radiography clinical-year students at the University of Benin. Only 36.4% correctly identified the recommended public dose limit of 1 mSv, while 44% admitted not knowing it. Mean knowledge score was moderate (66.8%), though Confidence towards radiation protection was high (87.1%). Students who attended radiation protection courses scored significantly higher (76.1%) than non-attendees (48.1%). These findings highlight a gap between positive safety Confidences and technical knowledge, emphasizing the need for strengthened curriculum and structured trainings.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) plays an important role in the diagnostics and evaluation of infertility. Patients, however, face significant levels of anxiety and fear concerning the procedure which may be attributed to discomfort. This Study evaluated the levels of anxiety, understanding of HSG, clinician-patient communication, and the effect of music therapy as a distraction on
anxiety in women undergoing HSG in Benin City Nigeria. The study design was a prospective cross-sectional design within the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Raytouch Diagnostic Center. A total of 113 women undergoing HSG procedure were administered a structured questionnaire that included a demographics questionnaire, HSG knowledge test, and hysterosalpingography related anxiety levels, communication and interaction with health care providers, along with music experiences integration. The data were analysed using a descriptive statistics and chisquare test. The mean age was 34.6 years, with 72.6% married and 85.8% having tertiary education. While 85.0% received preprocedural information and 80.5% understood HSG's objectives, moderate to high anxiety levels were reported by 68.2% of participants regarding tension and 73.5% regarding pain concerns. Patient-provider communication was rated positively by 84.1%, and 70.8% felt it reduced their fears. All participants (100%) received music intervention, with 85.8% reporting increased relaxation and 77.9% experiencing reduced anxiety. Pain was the primary concern (38.1%), and 82.3% would recommend music to others. Although there was sufficient knowledge with women undergoing HSG, there is significant anxiety. Music intervention is an effective way to reduce anxiety and increase patient comfort supporting its integration into standard HSG protocols.

Abdomino-pelvic computed tomography (CT) is one of the most important diagnostic tools in modern radiology, providing detailed cross-sectional images that aid in the evaluation of a wide range of abdominal and pelvic diseases. However, in Nigeria, there remains limited documentation of the common computed tomography findings in adults, which affects evidence-based diagnosis and healthcare planning. This study assessed the common findings observed in abdomino-pelvic computed tomography examinations among adult patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. A retrospective study design was adopted, reviewing 105 abdomino-pelvic computed tomography reports of adult patients aged 18 years and above who were examined between May 2024 and May 2025. Data were collected using a structured extraction sheet and analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic characteristics, clinical indications, and computed tomography findings, while inferential statistics assessed associations between variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. The findings revealed a slight male predominance (55.2%) and that most patients (47.6%) were aged 41–60 years. The leading clinical indications for computed tomography were abdominal pain or distension (17.1%), suspected malignancy (16.2%), and trauma (6.7%). Liver-related abnormalities were the most common radiological findings, with hepatomegaly (22.9%), liver cirrhosis (7.6%), and primary liver cell carcinoma (7.6%) being predominant. Fluid collections such as ascites and pleural effusion were also notable (10.5% each), while only 3.8% of the scans were normal. 1

X-ray imaging is crucial in diagnosis and treatment planning but the failure of equipment to deliver services efficiently is major challenge to service delivery in most of the developing healthcare systems. This paper evaluated the causes, incidence and outcome of X-ray equipment down times on patient satisfaction at a tertiary hospital in Benin City. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, in which 200 patients were surveyed by use of a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests at 0.05 level of significance were used to analyze the data. The results showed that poor maintenance was rated as the significant reason to the downtime, and 74 percent of the participants indicated that the equipment failure was common. Frequently, over half of the patients (56%) had waited because of machine failure, and downtime was found to have a significant negative impact on the flow of patients, the waiting time, and the delay of treatment. The patient effect was high as most patients highlighted discontentment, anxiety, and having to revisit another day because of cancelled appointments. The chi-square findings indicated that there was a statistically significant correlation between equipment downtime and delayed care (kh2 = 92.45, df = 16, p < 0.0001), which confirmed the fact that equipment downtime adversely impacts on service quality and patient satisfaction. The researcher makes the conclusion that the direct impact of X-ray equipments downtime on patient care and satisfaction in UBTH is negative. It suggests that preventive maintenance schedules, quick-response technical support and better communication with patients during a service interruption be implemented. Improving equipment management practices will improve continuity of service delivery, decrease patient dissatisfaction, and boost the general efficiency of diagnostic services in tertiary health institutions.

Modern technologies that emit radiation are being produced and used in medical, industrial and environmental sectors; this emphasizes the importance of public awareness and knowledge of radiation protection. Awareness is important, to minimize its risks to health and foster a culture of safety. Knowledge and Understanding is likewise important, to prevent unnecessary anxiety and
unsafe practices. Non-medical students in the University are future professionals and leaders, Therefore they represent a key demographic whose willingness to listen and learn can significantly influence public health outcomes. The objective of this research was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of radiation protection among non-medical students in the
University of Benin, Benin city, Nigeria. Data for this research were collected through an online questionnaire from a total of 395
respondents. The data of the research work was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi- Square tests. The results show that 88.9% of students are aware of devices that emit radiation but only 8.1% have sufficient knowledge of the main principles of radiation protection. It was found out that the knowledge and awareness of students are significantly affected by their faculty and level of study. Both Awareness and knowledge are not solely dependent on general education but influenced by one’s academic discipline and demographic factors.

Thyroid shields are protective devices used in radiography to reduce exposure of the thyroid gland to ionizing radiation. The thyroid is a radiosensitive organ, and shielding it is an important radiation protection practice. However, despite its importance, the consistent use of thyroid shields by radiography students is not always emphasized in training institutions in Nigeria. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge among final-year radiography students regarding the use of thyroid shields at the University of Benin. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted, involving 94 final-year radiography students. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, knowledge of thyroid anatomy and radiation sensitivity, knowledge of thyroid shield usage, and awareness of institutional practices regarding radiation protection. The collected data were coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation to determine the relationship between different knowledge domains. The results showed that students had high theoretical knowledge of thyroid anatomy and radiation sensitivity, with 91.5% correct responses. However, only 25.5% reported applying thyroid shields during practical radiographic proceduresKnowledge of proper shield usage showed a moderate positive correlation with knowledge of thyroid anatomy and radiation sensitivity (r = 0.465, p = 0.000). Additionally, institutional support was very limited, with fewer than 2% of students reporting the availability of thyroid shields or formal training on their use. Although students demonstrated strong theoretical understanding, their practical application of thyroid shields remains inadequate. Improving hands-on training, increasing access to protective equipment, and implementing formal radiation safety policies are recommended to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. Keywords: Thyroid shields, protective devices, radiosensitive organ, Spearman’s rank correlation.

Teleradiology represents a vital solution to Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, particularly the shortage of radiologists and uneven distribution of healthcare services. Despite its potential benefits, adoption remains limited in Benin City. This study assessed the knowledge, perception, and acceptance of teleradiology among radiographers in Benin City. A descriptive cross- sectional survey was conducted among 46 radiographers from University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and Ray Touch Diagnostics Center. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 29. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and means, were computed. The majority of respondents were aged 20-29 years (84.8%), male (63.0%), and had 1-5 years of experience (69.6%). Knowledge of teleradiology was high, with 93.5% correctly defining teleradiology and 97.8% identifying image types that can be transmitted. Perception towards teleradiology was generally positive, with mean scores ranging from 3.30 to 3.43 for benefits, though concerns existed about internet connectivity (mean = 3.11). Acceptance was high across all dimensions, with mean scores between 2.98 and 3.39, indicating readiness to adopt teleradiology systems. Radiographers in Benin City demonstrated good knowledge, positive perception, and high acceptance of teleradiology. However, infrastructure concerns, particularly internet connectivity, remain barriers to implementation. Stakeholders should invest in reliable internet infrastructure, provide comprehensive training programs, and develop clear implementation policies to facilitate successful teleradiology adoption in Benin City. Keywords: Teleradiology, Knowledge, Perception, Acceptance, Radiographers, Benin City, Nigeria.

Radiography is expected to be a profession where practitioners perform diagnostic imaging procedures while adhering to standard safety protocols, ergonomic principles, and best practices designed to safeguard their physical and psychological well-being. This study set out to evaluate the perceived impact of radiography practices on radiographers working in Edo State hospitals. A total of 95 questionnaires were distributed, with 82 valid responses analysed, representing an 86.3% response rate. The findings revealed that conventional procedures such as chest X-rays, extremities, and abdominal radiography dominate daily workflow, while advanced modalities like MRI and mammography are less frequently performed. Most radiographers reported conducting more than 15 procedures per day, reflecting a heavy workload. The analysis of physical health challenges showed that musculoskeletal complaints, particularly lower back pain, fatigue, and joint or limb pain, were the most significant, while skin and eye irritation was less frequently perceived. On the psychological front, stress, burnout, and overwork due to limited staffing were highly rated, though many radiographers still indicated some degree of job satisfaction. Pearson correlation confirmed a significant positive relationship between radiographic practices and both physical and psychological health outcomes, establishing that workload and procedural demands directly influence the well-being of radiographers in Edo State. The study concludes that radiographic practice in Edo State is marked by a reliance on high- volume conventional imaging, which, while essential for service delivery, has notable consequences on radiographers’ health. The physical burden of repetitive procedures and patient handling, combined with the psychological pressures of heavy workload and limited institutional support, significantly affect professional well-being. Keywords: Practice, Radiography, physical health, musculoskelectal.