Knowledge, attitudes and practices of clinical imaging guidelines for chest x-ray examinations among final year medical students at Makerere University

Abstract

Background: Chest X-ray (CXR) is the most frequently performed radiological investigation around the globe. In Uganda, chest X-ray examinations contribute more than 20% of all radiological investigations done annually in Mulago National Referral Hospital, the training facility for Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS). Clinical imaging guidelines (CIGs) are systematically developed criteria to inform relevance and justification for radiological procedures including chest X-ray and are taught in medical schools around Uganda including MakCHS. There is however scarce information regarding knowledge, attitude and practice of these guidelines by clinicians. Aim: This study aimed at exploring knowledge, attitudes and practices of CIGs for CXR examinations among final year medical students at MakCHS. Results: Overall 112 respondents took part in the study, 59 (52.7%) were male. Over half 62% (69) had heard about CIGs, majority (75) 66.7% from lectures at MakCHS. Only (13) 11.3% of participants graded their knowledge of CIGs as good,18.6% as poor, 27.8% as fair, 42.3% as poor and none as excellent. The median score as far as knowledge assessment was concerned was 33% (range 95% - 8.3%), with only 22 participants scoring 50% and above. Generally, students demonstrated a positive attitude towards CIGs however, 81.3% of participants reported that they did not have access to CIGs. Conclusion: Overall, the study demonstrated that final year medical students had a positive attitude towards CIGs for chest x-ray examinations however, their level of knowledge and practice were poor. Recommendations: We recommend organization of regular continuous education sessions, seminars, and webinars on CIGs for final year medical students. We further recommend studies on knowledge, attitudes and practices of CIGs among practicing clinicians considering larger sample sizes.