DEPARTMENT OF RADIOGRAPHY

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent occupational health concern among workers performing repetitive hand movements. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of CTS among male barbers in Benin Metropolis and assessed the utilization of radiological examinations in diagnosis. A total of 142 male barbers aged 18-50 years were recruited using convenience sampling from barbershops across Oredo, Egor, and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering sociodemographic information, occupational factors, CTS symptoms, and radiological examination history. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 28, with chi- square tests examining associations between variables at p<0.05 significance level. Results showed a clinically diagnosed CTS prevalence of 23.9% and symptom-based prevalence of 62.7%, substantially higher than general population estimates. Significant associations were found between CTS symptoms and years of experience (p=0.019), daily working hours (p=0.010), and grip style (p=0.001). Among symptomatic barbers, only 46.1% sought
medical care, and merely 22.0% received radiological examinations. Plain radiography predominated (17.1%) despite limited diagnostic value, while nerve conduction studies (9.8%)
and ultrasound (4.9%) were rarely utilized. The study confirms male barbers as a high-risk occupational group for CTS and reveals significant gaps in healthcare-seeking behavior and
diagnostic imaging utilization. Comprehensive occupational health interventions including ergonomic education, workplace modifications, and improved access to appropriate diagnostic services are urgently needed

This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated the impact of night call duty on the sleep patterns and associated symptoms among licensed radiographers and interns in Benin City, Nigeria. Given the very important 24-hour nature of diagnostic imaging services, this research addresses a critical gap in the body of knowledge regarding the occupational health impact of night call schedules within this specific group of professionals. A sample of 31 practicing
radiographers filled structured questionnaires detailing their night call schedules, sleep duration and as well as the occurrence of related symptoms. Descriptive and inferential analysis (using SPSS v29.0), confirmed all respondents engage in night call duty, involving shifts exceeding 12
hours sometimes. A significant association between night call duty and poor sleep quality (p <0.05), with a large proportion of radiographers reporting insufficient sleep (averaging less than 7 hours) and sleep disturbances, including multiple awakenings was discovered. These disturbances translate into a high prevalence of concerning symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, mood changes, and microsleep. The study concludes that the current night call duty model poses a substantial risk to the well-being of radiographers, potentially affecting their professional
performance and, increasing the risk of procedural errors that may compromise the safety of patients and coworkers. Policy recommendations include implementing stricter maximum shift duration limits, establishing mandatory post-call recovery periods, and providing dedicated on- site rest facilities to mitigate these occupational hazards.

Background: Radiographers play a vital role in healthcare, utilizing imaging technologies to support accurate diagnosis and treatment. However, non-medical students, such as those in law, may lack comprehensive knowledge of radiographers’ responsibilities, potentially hindering interdisciplinary collaboration and effective healthcare advocacy.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of University of Benin Faculty of Law students regarding the role of radiographers in healthcare and to identify factors influencing their awareness.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 310 undergraduate law students at the University of Benin, using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated health literacy tools. The questionnaire assessed demographic data, knowledge of radiographers’ roles, and sources of health information. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means) and chi-square tests to examine associations between demographic factors and knowledge levels at a 0.05 significance level. Results: The findings revealed a high level of knowledge among respondents, with a mean knowledge score of 85.02% (SD = 22.70), and 77.1% classified in the “good” knowledge category. A significant association was found between year of study and knowledge levels (χ² = 21.838, p = 0.0052), with senior students demonstrating greater awareness. Gender showed a marginal association (χ² = 5.847, p = 0.0538). Informal sources, such as media and peers, were the primary information channels, highlighting limited formal educational exposure. Conclusion: University of Benin law students exhibit substantial knowledge of radiographers’ roles, though reliance on informal sources suggests potential inaccuracies. Integrating health literacy modules into non-medical curricula and promoting inter-professional education could enhance understanding and foster collaboration. Targeted interventions for lower-level students and public awareness campaigns are recommended to ensure accurate knowledge and support future healthcare advocacy. Keywords: Radiographers, Health Literacy, Law Students, Knowledge assessment, inter-professional collaboration, University of Benin.

Abdominal pain is one of the most frequent presenting complaints in emergency departments (EDs), with a wide differential diagnosis ranging from benign to life-threatening conditions. These conditions include gastrointestinal pathologies such as appendicitis, peptic ulcers, and bowel obstructions, as well as non-gastrointestinal disorders like myocardial infarction or aortic aneurysm rupture. The aim of this study was to evaluate evaluate the common findings of emergency abdominal x-rays at university of Benin teaching hospital. A retrospective design was adopted and a convenience sampling was used to select 200 sample size. The results revealed that abdominal pain (30.0%), and bowel obstruction (26.0%), were the most common clinical signs. Normal study (40.0%) was the most common radiography appearance, and the most common abnormal results were dilated bowel loops and pneumoperitoneum. Demographically, young adults (20-39 years old) constituted the largest percentage (52.0) with majority of them being females (58.0) as compared to the males. The chi-square showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between age or gender and radiography findings. The conclusion of the findings was that the most common requests of an emergency abdominal X-ray at UBTH are related to patients presenting with abdominal pain with suspected bowel obstruction. Despite a large percentage of tests with normal outcomes, the modality is still applicable in the diagnosis of bowel obstruction, pneumoperitoneum, and foreign bodies.