DEPARTMENT OF RADIOGRAPHY

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.

Radiography among the pediatrics plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of childhood illnesses, but children are more sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation, and this aspect makes it necessary that dose should be optimized to reduce the long-term risks. This work determined the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of radiographers towards the methods of reducing the dose of radiation in pediatric radiography in Benin Metropolis. Sixty radiographers participated in a descriptive cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire and data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Responses were summarized by descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to determine the relationships with each other at a significance level of 0.05. Awareness about ALARA principle was 100 per cent with only 38.3 per cent being aware about Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs). Although the majority of respondents (81.7) cited that they reduced the exposure factors and 80% utilized Automatic Exposure Control (AEC), very few (21.7) used the pediatric-specific exposure charts. There were positive attitudes towards radiation safety but this was not implemented due to lack of immobilizing devices (86.7%), poor calibration of collimators (68.3%), and lack of functional AEC systems (60%). The years of experience were also significantly related to using collimation properly (p = 0.001). The study finds that radiographers in Benin Metropolis do not only demonstrate a high level of awareness and positive attitude towards the idea of pediatric dose reduction but also a moderate level of compliance that is attained by infrastructural and procedural barriers. I would recommend strengthening equipment maintenance, applying pediatric imaging guidelines, and improving unremitting professional training as a prevention of safer and more efficient pediatric radiographic practices.

This study evaluated the knowledge, perceptions, and challenges regarding the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in X-ray reporting among 60 radiographers professionals in Edo State, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation. The results indicated a moderate level of foundational knowledge (Mean = 6.12 out of 10), with strengths in macro- concepts but weaknesses in understanding specific AI tools ( 40.00% ) and limitations/bias ( 45.00% ). Overall perceptions were positive and optimistic (Mean = 3.65 ), with strong agreement that AI should serve as a supportive tool (Mean 4.35) to enhance workflow efficiency (Mean 4.30). Inferential analysis revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.52, p < 0.001) between knowledge and favorable perception, confirming that education drives professional acceptance. However, the adoption of AI faces severe structural barriers: Lack of infrastructure (e.g., high-speed internet) was ranked as the most frequent challenge (Mean 4.10), followed by high implementation costs and insufficient training. The study concludes that while the human capital in Edo State is willing and ready to adopt AI, systemic infrastructural and educational deficits represent the primary obstacles. Targeted investment in Industrial Training infrastructure and mandatory specialized training are essential to transition AI from theory to reliable clinical practice.

Radiographic contrast agents are essential in diagnostic imaging but may cause adverse reactions if not properly managed. This study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and preparedness of radiographers in Benin City regarding contrast media and related adverse reactions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 60 licensed radiographers across public and private health facilities using a validated questionnaire. Results showed that while most radiographers demonstrated good knowledge of contrast media (mean score = 79.8%), awareness of risks (66.5%) and preparedness for managing reactions (69.1%) were below the acceptable 70% benchmark. Training significantly improved preparedness levels (p < 0.05), though awareness did not differ significantly by training status (p > 0.05). The findings reveal that radiographers possess strong theoretical knowledge but moderate readiness for emergency management, underscoring the need for continuous education, refresher courses, and standardized emergency protocols to enhance patient safety.

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.

Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are a cornerstone of safe healthcare delivery,aimed at minimizing the risks of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among patients,radiographers and the broader community. The study aimed to assess the knowledge and comprehension of infection prevention and control methods among radiographers at UBTH. The study utilized a cross sectional descriptive design with a sample size of 31 radiographers. The results showed that knowledge levels were high, with 96.8% correctly defining IPC, 100%identifying its aim as infection prevention, and 100% recognizing PPE components. While 71.0% always used PPE and 61.3% always followed hand hygiene, only 51.6% sometimes cleaned equipment after use, sometimes received updates, and sometimes reported breaches. This indicated moderate-to-high compliance with notable gaps. The greatest challenge was inadequate training and resources, cited by 61.3% ofrespondents. Additionally, 51.6% always felt at risk of infection during procedures, while limited access to PPE and weak management support were also identified. The chi-square test showed χ² = 0.1 1, df = 2, p = 0.95. Since p > 0.05, the null hypothesis was accepted, indicating no significant relationship between knowledge and compliance of IPC among radiographers at UBTH. In conclusion the study revealed that radiographers at UBTH possess high knowledge of IPC principles, particularly regarding hand hygiene, PPE use, and sharps disposal. However, compliance was inconsistent, especially in areas requiring institutional reinforcement, such as equipment cleaning, reporting breaches, and receiving regular protocol updates. The major barriers identified were lack of training opportunities. Keywords: Knowledge, compliance, challenges, infection prevention control, healthcare-associated infections.

ABSTRACT Background: Parental perception and anxiety significantly influence pediatric radiographic procedures, affecting diagnostic quality and patient cooperation. However, limited research exists on this topic in Nigerian tertiary healthcare settings. Aim: This study assessed parental perceptions and anxiety levels related to pediatric radiographic procedures at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 422 parents/guardians of pediatric patients (aged 0-17 years) undergoing radiographic procedures at UBTH. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic characteristics, a 10-item parental perception scale, and the 6-item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (S- STAI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and chi-square tests at p<0.05 significance level. Results: The response rate was 94.8% (n=400). Mean parental age was 36.4±7.2 years, with 62.5% being mothers. Most parents (68.3%) had tertiary education. The mean perception score was 38.2±5.6 (range: 10-50), indicating moderately positive perceptions. Mean anxiety score was 16.8±4.3 (range: 6-24), reflecting moderate anxiety levels. A significant negative correlation existed between parental perception and anxiety (r=- 0.512, p<0.001). Educational level significantly influenced anxiety levels (χ²=28.45, p<0.001), with less educated parents experiencing higher anxiety. Conclusion: Parents at UBTH demonstrated moderate anxiety levels during pediatric radiographic procedures, significantly associated with their perceptions. Targeted educational interventions are recommended to improve parental understanding and reduce anxiety. Keywords: Parental perception, anxiety, pediatric radiography, tertiary healthcare, Nigeria

Background: Chest X-rays (CXRs) remain the most frequently requested baseline imaging modality in clinical medicine due to their cost-effectiveness, widespread availability, and low radiation dose. Despite the advent of advanced cross-sectional imaging like Computed Tomography (CT), the diagnostic yield and initial investigative value of CXRs in routine clinical practice warrant continuous evaluation.

This study assessed the best practices in pediatric radiography among 40 registered radiographersin Benin City, Edo State, to evaluate techniques, alignment with global standards, and strategies for patient cooperation. Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional design and analyzed through frequencies, percentages, and descriptive statistics, the findings revealed strong adherence to core practices but highlighted areas for improvement. Radiographic techniques showed high familiarity with ALARA (100%) and frequent adjustment of exposure settings (82.5% always), though pediatric-specific training was split (47.5% yes/no). Challenges in acquiring quality images were common (85% sometimes/often/always). Alignment with standards confirmed positive beliefs in global guidelines (100% yes for improved outcomes), with 62.5% always applying international standards, but only 52.5% felt Nigeria aligns adequately. Low-dose techniques were deemed most effective (55%). Patient cooperation indicated widespread use of child-friendly methods (95% yes) and parental involvement (55% always), though child-friendly environments were lacking (50% no). The sample was predominantly young (60% 20-29 years) and early-career (70% 1-2 years), suggesting opportunities for enhanced training. The alternative hypothesis (implementing best practices reduces effective radiation dose) was supported by responses emphasizing dose minimization. The study concludes that while radiographers demonstrate commitment to safe practices, systemic enhancements in training, equipment, and protocols are essential to fully align with global standards and optimize pediatric care.

Nomophobia (no-mobile-phone-phobia) represents an emerging mental health concern among university students, yet limited research exists on its prevalence and impact among radiography students who require focused attention and manual dexterity for professional practice. This study examined the prevalence, severity, correlates, and predictors of nomophobia among radiography students in a Nigerian tertiary institution. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among radiography students using the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q). Data on demographics, mobile phone usage patterns, and associated symptoms were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression Nomophobia prevalence was 100%, with 66.3% experiencing moderate severity and 25.4% severe cases. Battery anxiety emerged as the strongest predictor (OR=6.8), while excessive daily usage, frequent checking behaviors, and sleeping with phones showed significant associations with severity. Senior students (300L and above), the 21-25 age group, and off-campus residents demonstrated higher vulnerability. Physical symptoms affected 68.7% of students, and 79.8% experienced battery-related anxiety. The "Not being able to communicate" dimension scored highest, indicating fear of social disconnection drives nomophobia more than convenience concerns. Nomophobia is universal and severe among radiography students, with significant physical and psychological health implications. The condition poses risks to academic performance and professional development, potentially compromising essential clinical skills. Urgent targeted interventions addressing usage patterns, battery anxiety, and vulnerable populations are essential to mitigate this pervasive mental health challenge in future healthcare professionals