CLINICAL COMPETENCE

Evaluation of radiography students’ clinical competence in positioning techniques at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) was conducted using a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 206 clinical-year students (300, 400, and 500 levels). Self-assessment data were analyzed via T-tests and ANOVA to identify competence levels and influential factors within the clinical learning environment. The overall self-perceived competence mean was 2.80 (SD=0.91) on a 4-point scale, significantly above the moderate threshold (𝑝 < 0.001). Proficiency was uneven, showing strong performance in routine projections (Chest, 𝑀 = 3.19) but substantial weakness in specialized techniques (Contrast Studies, 𝑀 = 2.02).
Analysis revealed that despite high student ratings for supervision quality, primary structural barriers were the large number of students (57.3%) and uncooperative patients (48.1%), leading to limited hands-on opportunities (𝑀 = 2.53). A significant finding was that 71.4% of students reported anxiety regarding radiation exposure. The study concludes that structural constraints and psychosocial factors impede skill acquisition for complex procedures. Recommendations include institutional action to reduce the student-to-case ratio and the integration of mandatory simulation training to ensure graduates achieve consistent, independent positioning competence.