C. V. MBIAKU

The rising global prevalence of maternal obesity (MO) poses a significant challenge to antenatal ultrasound imaging, as increased maternal adipose tissue attenuates sound waves, potentially compromising the quality and accuracy of fetal biometric measurements. Despite the acknowledged impact on measurement accuracy, there is a limited understanding of the specific lived experiences and professional practices of the frontline practitioners in Nigeria. This exploratory study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the perceptions, technical challenges, and adaptive practices of radiographers and sonographers when performing obstetric ultrasound examinations on pregnant women with MO in Edo State, Nigeria. A quantitative exploratory study was conducted using structured questionnaires administered to 60 radiographers and sonographers actively performing obstetric scans in various diagnostic centers and hospitals across Edo State. The findings revealed that a majority of participants "sometimes" (46.67%) or "frequently" (38.33%) encounter patients with maternal obesity in their daily practice, confirming this as a routine clinical issue. The study documented their subjective perceptions of poor image quality, specific technical difficulties (such as probe penetration and artifact management), their confidence levels in measurement accuracy, and the diverse strategies and techniques employed to optimize image acquisition. The conclusions underscore the persistent technical and practical challenges faced by sonographers in this region and advocate for the development of tailored scanning protocols and targeted educational programs to better equip practitioners. This will ultimately improve the consistency and quality of antenatal care provided to this vulnerable patient population.

Computed Tomography (CT) has become indispensable in modern diagnostics, yet it exposes patients to relatively high doses of ionizing radiation that may pose long-term health risks. This study assessed the level of knowledge and awareness of radiation hazards among patients undergoing CT examinations in selected diagnostic facilities within Benin City, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 200 respondents using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The instrument contained sections on demographic characteristics, knowledge of CT radiation, and awareness of radiation-related health risks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings revealed generally poor knowledge of CT-related radiation among patients. Only 28.5% correctly identified that CT employs ionizing radiation, while 32% recognized that CT delivers higher doses than conventional X-rays. Awareness of the ALARA principle was particularly low (14%). Although 42% of respondents acknowledged that radiation could have internal health effects, many were uncertain about cumulative exposure risks and the vulnerability of pregnant women and children. Chi-square analysis showed significant associations between knowledge and demographic factors such as age (p = 0.014), educational level (p = 0.001), and occupation (p = 0.034), while gender showed no significant relationship (p = 0.072). The study concludes that most CT patients in Benin City possess inadequate knowledge and limited awareness of radiation hazards, which could hinder informed decision-making and safe imaging practices. It recommends that radiographers and radiologists provide structured pre-examination counseling, strengthen patient-education programs, and adopt policy-based communication standards to improve radiation literacy