Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes of Radiographers towards Postgraduate Education in Radiotherapy in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States of Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Postgraduate programs in radiography commenced in Nigeria almost two decades ago. However, there is a paucity of radiographers with postgraduate qualifications in radiation therapy. There is a need to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of radiographers towards postgraduate education in radiotherapy, with a view to establishing their major constraints and identifying ways to enhance enrolment. Aim: This study aims at assessing the level of knowledge of and attitudes towards postgraduate education in radiotherapy among radiographers in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States of Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. A structured, validated self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 140 diagnostic radiographers in the three states between November 2022 and February 2023. One hundred and eight completed questionnaires were returned (response rate: 77.1%). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and are presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: One hundred and six respondents (98.1%) were aware of the RRBN PGD Radiotherapy program; 77.8% indicated willingness to enroll. 84.3% would enroll if the program were held in Northwestern Nigeria, while only 26 (24.1%) were willing to travel to Southern Nigeria without sponsorship. All respondents identified lack of government sponsorship and distance as the major obstacles to enrolment. Conclusion: Radiographers in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States have basic knowledge of radiotherapy and a positive attitude towards postgraduate education in radiotherapy. However, they are constrained by lack of sponsorship and distance from the program venue. Keywords: Radiotherapy; postgraduate education; radiographers; knowledge; attitude; Nigeria