KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEIVED BARRIERS IN THE APPLICATION OF EVIDENCE BASED MEDICALRADIOGRAPHY IN NORTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Zira Joseph1 Dlama; Samuel Shem Laushugno; Mohammed Umar Sani; Abubakar Mathew; Goni Musa; Itopa Richard

Zira Joseph1 Dlama Radiology Department, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria
Samuel Shem Laushugno; Mohammed Umar Sani Radiology Department, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria
Abubakar Mathew; Goni Musa; Itopa Richard Department of Radiography, University Of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Keywords: knowledge, Barriers, Evidence- based Practice, Medical, Radiography

Abstract

Evidence Based Medical Radiography (EBMR) is the conscientious and explicit use of information based on the combination of clinical expertise and the best available research evidence and resources available. This study is a survey design aimed at evaluating the knowledge and perceived barriers of Radiographers in the application of Evidence Based Medical Radiography. Forty (40) questionnaires were administered among Radiographers practicing in various states in North Eastern Nigeria out of which 32 (80%) were retrieved. The participants were required to fill a 20 item, self-administered and pretested questionnaires comprising of two sections with questions on demographic data, knowledge, and barriers to the application of EBMR among radiographers. The respondents were between 20 and 56 years, majority were between 26-30 years 56.3%, while 6.3% had the least response.87.5% were males while 12.5% were females. The location of respondents were Yobe15.6%, Gombe 21.9%, Bauchi 9.4%, Adamawa 6.3% and Borno 46.9%.Respondents qualifications were 3.12% Diploma, 90.62%Bachelors degree while 6.25% had Masters degree. 87.5% had good knowledge of EBMR and apply it in practice while 46.9% considered lack of ready access to EBMR resources as important barriers to the use of EBMR in clinical practice. The study showed that radiographers practicing in North Eastern Nigeria had good knowledge of evidence based medical radiography.