RADIOGRAPHERS

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.

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.