Radiographers' knowledge, attitude and adherence to standard COVID-19 precautions and the policy implications: a national cross-sectional study in Nigeria.
Charles Ikechukwu EzemaOkechukwu Felix EronduOgochukwu Kelechi OnyesoChiedozie James AlumonaAndrew Wueseter IjeverCharity Ndidiamaka AmarachukwuAmaeze Augustine AmaezePublished in: Annals of medicine (2023)
Participants' adherence to standard COVID-19 precautions was low. The level of professional qualification influenced participants' knowledge and safe practices during the pandemic. Upgrading the aseptic techniques and amenities in practice settings and broadening the infectious diseases modules in the entry-level and continuous professional education may improve radiographers' response to COVID-19 and future pandemics.Key messagesRadiographers whose qualifications were lower than a bachelor's degree had significantly less knowledge of COVID-19 prevention.Generally, radiographers had a positive attitude towards safe practices during the pandemic, but inadequate education, standard operational guidelines and resources affected their level of adherence.Apart from the shortage of personal protective equipment, poor infrastructural design and inadequate hygienic facilities such as handwashing stations, running water and non-contact hand sanitizer dispensers hampered adherence to COVID-19 precautions in low-resource settings.