The Knowledge and Practice of Imaging of Children with Suspected Cases of Non-accidental Injuries among Radiographers within Maiduguri Metropolis, Northeastern Nigeria Knowledge and Practice of Imaging of Children with Suspected Cases of Non-accidental Injuries among Radiographers in Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the knowledge and practice of Non-accidental injuries (NAI) among radiographers practising within Maiduguri Metropolis.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire to elicit information on knowledge and practice of imaging children with Non-accidental injuries. The information elicited from the questionnaire related to the following themes: Demographic characteristics, knowledge and practice of imaging children with NAI. Informed consent was sought from participants. Descriptive statistics (mean, frequencies) was used to analyse the data.

Results: A total of 45 questionnaires were distributed to radiographers, and 36(80%) were completed and returned. A total of 63.9% (23) were males and 36.1% (13) were females. The majority 94.4% (34) of the respondents had knowledge of NAI. A total of 36.1% (13) of the respondents agreed that pediatric imaging is a recognized sub-speciality in radiography. A total of 63.9% (23) of the respondents agreed that the skeletal survey is the examination commonly requested in children with NAI, and the majority of the participants 86.1% (31) had no speciality training in paediatric imaging. A good majority of the participants 63.9% (23) understood that using a single film to image the whole body (baby-gram) was an obsolete examination. Conventional radiography with 63.9% (23) was the equipment mostly used for imaging children with NAI.

Conclusion: This study found Radiographers have good knowledge and practice of imaging NAI in children, with some of them having sub-speciality training in pediatric imaging. Non-accidental injuries among children occur in our local environment and a majority of these go unnoticed as it is either not reported, under-reported or swept under the carpet the consequences of a child growing up in an abusive and or volatile environment, the medical and psychological impact on the life of the child cannot be overemphasized. Thus, radiographers play a vital role in the diagnosis and workup of children with NAI.

Practice Implication: A good knowledge of non-accidental injury among healthcare providers will aid in the early identification of cases for appropriate recommendations and follow-up cases. Educational intervention has been recommended to aid in early identification and response to NAI in other to improve outcomes.