G.E OKUNGBOWA

Background: Industrial radiography is a crucial non-destructive testing method that ensures the safety and integrity of industrial infrastructure. Despite its importance, awareness and adoption of industrial radiography as a career path among radiography students remain underexplored, particularly in Nigeria. Aim: This study investigates the awareness of industrial radiography among radiography students at the University of Benin, Nigeria. It examines their awareness levels, sources of information, attractors, detractors, and perceptions of industrial radiography as a career option. Method: A cross-sectional survey design was used, a self constructed questionnaire was used in collecting data from 266 radiography students. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied to analyze the data, assessing relationships between awareness and various demographic and academic factors. Results: 69.5% of students were aware of industrial radiography, with media (38.4%) and lectures (32.4%) being the primary sources of information. - 79.7% believed industrial radiography was not adequately covered in their curriculum. The key attractors to the field were the opportunity to work in an industry (29.3%) and improved remuneration (29.3%), while the main detractors were a preference for medical radiography (30.1%) and fear of radiation hazards (25.6%). Despite 82.3% perceiving industrial radiography as a prestigious career, 89.1% felt it was not a popular career choice in Nigeria. - Chi-square tests showed a significant relationship between age group and awareness (p = 0.004) and between awareness of industrial radiography as a career and general awareness (p < 0.001). xi No significant relationships were found between gender, level of study, curriculum coverage, or perception of prestige and awareness levels. Conclusion: While awareness of industrial radiography is relatively high, significant gaps exist in curriculum coverage and practical training. The study recommends integrating industrial radiography into the curriculum, fostering university-industry collaborations, and conducting awareness campaigns to promote industrial radiography as a viable career option. These steps are essential for developing a skilled rkforce to enhance the safety and integrity of Nigeria's industrial infrastructure.

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