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Published:
Jul 29, 2024DOI:
10.4314/jnoa.v26i1.6Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Factors Associated with Readership of Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association - A Cross-sectional Study of Nigerian Optometrists
Abstract
Background: Academic journals are often the primary repositories of evidence-based practice (EBP) which is an essential component of good quality, patient-centred health care. Although medical journals shape clinical practice and decision-making, there is a backdrop of perceived reader apathy. Here, we describe the readership of the Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association (JNOA), investigate the attitudes and perceived barriers towards the JNOA.
Methods: Of the 155 optometrists surveyed, aged 39.0 ± 9.8 years, 13 (8.4%) were researchers/ academics, and majority were women (n=83, 53.5%). Participants’ reading pattern, perception of the articles, suggestions on what could motivate them to read the journal articles were assessed. Chi-square test determined the association between journal readership and individual variables.
Results: Although majority of the participants (90.2%) said their clinical practice was guided by evidence, 53% read a scientific article at least once a month, and only 41% (mostly younger optometrists aged 20-40years) with fewer years of practice experience read the JNOA. Those concerned about the length of the articles (67%, p=0.015) or who felt the articles lacked clinical relevance (75%, p=0.002) were less likely to read JNOA. Presentation format (electronic or hard copies) had no significant effect on readership. Participants felt that providing updates on current clinical practice, and having a continuing professional development (CPD) article in JNOA could encourage readership.
Conclusion: Overall, readership of JNOA was low among members with length of articles and lack of clinical relevance perceived as barriers. Including CPD articles and sections like clinical relevance may improve readership of JNOA.
