RADIOGRAPHY

Radiography is expected to be a profession where practitioners perform diagnostic imaging procedures while adhering to standard safety protocols, ergonomic principles, and best practices designed to safeguard their physical and psychological well-being. This study set out to evaluate the perceived impact of radiography practices on radiographers working in Edo State hospitals. A total of 95 questionnaires were distributed, with 82 valid responses analysed, representing an 86.3% response rate. The findings revealed that conventional procedures such as chest X-rays, extremities, and abdominal radiography dominate daily workflow, while advanced modalities like MRI and mammography are less frequently performed. Most radiographers reported conducting more than 15 procedures per day, reflecting a heavy workload. The analysis of physical health challenges showed that musculoskeletal complaints, particularly lower back pain, fatigue, and joint or limb pain, were the most significant, while skin and eye irritation was less frequently perceived. On the psychological front, stress, burnout, and overwork due to limited staffing were highly rated, though many radiographers still indicated some degree of job satisfaction. Pearson correlation confirmed a significant positive relationship between radiographic practices and both physical and psychological health outcomes, establishing that workload and procedural demands directly influence the well-being of radiographers in Edo State. The study concludes that radiographic practice in Edo State is marked by a reliance on high- volume conventional imaging, which, while essential for service delivery, has notable consequences on radiographers’ health. The physical burden of repetitive procedures and patient handling, combined with the psychological pressures of heavy workload and limited institutional support, significantly affect professional well-being. Keywords: Practice, Radiography, physical health, musculoskelectal.

Ethical conduct is central to radiographic practice, ensuring professionalism, patient
safety, and trust in healthcare. Radiographers, however, frequently encounter ethical
dilemmas that influence their clinical decisions and adherence to professional
standards. This study investigated the nature and frequency of ethical challenges faced
by radiographers in selected hospitals and diagnostic centers within Benin Metropolis, as well as their effects on professional judgment and patient care. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. Data were obtained through
structured, self-administered questionnaires distributed to 72 respondents, including
licensed radiographers and final-year radiography trainees in both public and private
health facilities. Participants were selected using stratified and simple random
sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social
Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages
were used to summarize findings, while Chi-square analysis tested the hypothesis at a
0.05 level of significance. Results indicated that radiographers often encountered ethical challenges relating to
patient confidentiality, informed consent, and professional pressure. The chi-square
test revealed a significant association between ethical dilemmas and professional
decision-making (p < 0.05), suggesting that ethical issues significantly affect
radiographic practice and patient outcomes. The study concluded that ethical dilemmas are prevalent among radiographers in
Benin Metropolis and can influence their professional integrity and service delivery. Strengthening ethical awareness through continuous education, professional
workshops, and institutional policy enforcement is essential for improving ethical
standards and promoting patient-centered care.

Despite the importance of clinical postings in providing practical experience for radiography students of the University of Benin, various challenges hinder the students' ability to maximize the benefits of this experience. This study assessed the challenges faced by radiography students of the University of Benin during clinical postings. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire distributed to 194 radiography students across three academic years. Reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha (0.71). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28, employing descriptive statistics and ANOVA for hypothesis testing. The findings revealed that time constraints (88.7%), difficulty understanding complex procedures without guidance (85%), and limited access to equipment (74.2%) were the most significant challenges. These challenges negatively impacted students' hands-on experience, understanding of procedures, and overall progress in radiography education. Students primarily coped through self-directed learning (89.2%), seeking guidance from other healthcare professionals (82%), and peer support (73.2%). However, only 24.8% felt adequately prepared for professional practice. Demographic factors were analyzed using ANOVA to identify significant relationships with perceived challenges. Recommendations include restructuring clinical posting schedules, establishing formal mentorship programs, implementing simulation-based education, and reducing student-to-supervisor ratios. The study provides valuable insights for improving clinical education in radiography at the University of Benin