Attitudes and Barriers to Post Graduate Education among Radiographers in South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: This study is aimed assessing the attitudes of radiographers and perceived barriers to postgraduate radiography education in south-eastern Nigeria. Methods: The study utilized a self administered pre-tested questionnaire with structured and semi-structured questions. Respondents were practicing radiographers working in private, general and teaching hospitals in south-eastern Nigeria. A total of forty-one (41) radiographers participated in the study. This study was carried out in South-Eastern Nigeria made up of five states namely; Anambra, Enugu, Imo Abia and Ebonyi states. All radiographers in South-Eastern Nigeria who agreed to participate in the study were included. The following categories of registered radiographers where included in the study, Intern radiographers (fresh graduates), Youth corper radiographers (those undergoing one-year mandatory post-qualification national service) and radiographers currently in practice with or without post graduate certificate. Results: Physical, attitudinal and structural barriers were identified as obstacles to postgraduate radiography education. No significant correlation existed between attitude and all the categories of barriers in this study. A set of numerical scores ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 were assigned to the attitudes, otherwise called ‘attitude scores’. A score of 1.0 represents a less positive attitude, while a score of 5.0 represents a very positive attitude. Attitude scores to organizational barrier ranging from 2.70 to 3.67 were recorded among administrative cadre radiographers (chief and assistant chief). Environmental barrier score was found to be the least among M.Sc radiographers (2.46) and highest among radiographers in private establishments (3.58). Organizational barrier was noted to be significantly higher than other barriers. This study has shown a very positive attitude of radiographers towards postgraduate education. Organizational (university) barrier is perceived as the most dominant bottleneck. The study recommends the establishment of more post-graduate radiography programs in Nigerian Universities, recruitment of more lecturers as well as reduction in the duration and cost of undertaking such programs.  Conclusion: The authors recognize that achieving a higher level of competence and professional expertise through post-graduate education requires commitment and cooperation between the individual radiographer, the employing organization and the tertiary institution. Furthermore, recognizing the dynamics and complexity of health-care systems, it would not be sufficient to make broad suggestions indicating that identified barriers to continuing formal education can be solved by implementing short-term plans.