Nigerian radiographers and non-accidental injury in children

Abstract

Background: It is not uncommon to hit children in Nigeria, hence there is an increased possibility of encountering children with non-accidental injury (NAI). Radiographers are one of the first-line caregivers in a hospital setting, hence it is important that they are able to identify and act appropriately in cases of suspected NAI in children Objective: The objective of this study was to establish Nigerian radiographers’ awareness and role both before and after identifying NAI in children. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey that assessed radiographers’ awareness and role in identifying NAI in children. A Google Form link was distributed through various Nigerian radiographers’ WhatsApp groups, inviting interested radiographers to participate in the survey. Data were analyzed by using IBM Corp. Released 2011. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Results were presented by using tables and charts. Results: Ninety-eight radiographers working across the federation participated in the online survey. A total of 53.1% of the respondents clearly understood what NAI meant, whereas 59.2% never participated in the imaging of a child for NAI investigation. Only 12.3% were confident that they were very competent in identifying radiological signs of NAI in children. Conclusion: Although most radiographers understand what NAI means, very few agree that they have been formally trained in pediatric imaging, hence they lack the expertise in acting appropriately in cases of suspected NAI in children. The radiographers strongly believe that they would benefit from proper training to handle cases of NAI in children.

Keywords

• non-accidental injury
• pediatric radiography
• radiography in nigeria