DEPARTMENT OF RADIOGRAPHY

This study investigated subspecialty preferences among radiography students at the University of Benin, Nigeria, and identified factors influencing these preferences. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, 272 students across all academic levels (100-500) were surveyed using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.0, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results revealed that diagnostic imaging (32.7%) and ultrasound (24.3%) were the most preferred subspecialties, while nuclear medicine (5.9%) and radiation therapy (8.1%) were least preferred. Personal interest (78.3%), career prospects (71.7%), and clinical exposure (64.3%) were identified as primary influencing factors. Awareness levels varied significantly across academic levels (p<0.001), with senior students demonstrating greater familiarity with subspecialties. Gender significantly influenced preference distribution (p=0.023), with females favoring ultrasound and males preferring interventional radiology. Financial considerations (mean=4.21±0.87) and job market demand (mean=4.15±0.91) were rated as highly influential factors. The study concluded that enhanced clinical exposure, mentorship programs, and curriculum diversification are essential for informed career decision-making. Recommendations include establishing subspecialty rotation programs, strengthening industry partnerships, and developing career guidance frameworks to align student preferences with healthcare workforce needs

Background: Radiological crises happen quite suddenly, which means that radiographers are likely to be the first medical workers present in the area, and therefore the resuscitation must be made as a priority. The research evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and practices of radiographers on patient resuscitation in case of radiological emergencies in Benin Metropolis. Method: The type used was a descriptive cross-sectional design that involved the use of a structured questionnaire that was administered to 61 registered radiographers in selected health facilities. The tool examined the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the respondents in regard to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other emergency procedures. Descriptive statistics and the correlation of knowledge and practice were used to analyze the data by using Spearman’s Correlation test. Results: It was found that there was moderate awareness of resuscitation measures, and many of the respondents had no knowledge of AED usage and age-specific
methods of CPR. The willingness to train and take part in emergency drills has been shown as the attitudes towards resuscitation were very positive. But there were few practices that were being reported especially in CPR and simulation activities. Knowledge and practice were found to have a significant positive relationship (spearman’s rho = 0.569, p = 0.000). Conclusion: In Benin Metropolis, radiographers demonstrate a high level of motivation and low readiness to resuscitation in the case of radiological emergencies. To improve competence and emergency preparedness it is suggested to provide continuous CPR training, improve role definition, and conduct simulation exercises
frequently

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.