Knowledge of imaging modalities among undergraduate medical students at Makerere University College of Health Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Imaging is a critical and growing component of modern medical diagnosis and practice. The role of radiological imaging in health care and medicine is rapidly expanding worldwide, yet knowledge about radiological imaging modalities among medical students is poor. This was the first study to assess the knowledge of imaging modalities among undergraduate medical students at College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda.

Aim: The main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of undergraduate medical students at Makerere University College of Health Sciences about the imaging modalities used in the medical field.

Methodology: It was a cross-sectional quantitative study, utilizing a consecutive non-probability sampling technique. The sample size was 178 and the participation rate was 100%. Data collection was by use of questionnaires sectioned under; socio-demographic characteristics, background and experience, basic knowledge about radiology, levels of radiation exposure, awareness about the application of imaging modalities and radiology as a screening test. Data was analyzed using Kobo Toolbox software.

Results: out of the 178 participants, fourth-year students were n=97 (54.49%) and fifth-year students were n=80 (44.94%), The majority 33.71% (n=60) rated their knowledge as good. The main knowledge source was lectures (38.8%, n=69). 74.16% knew that children are the most sensitive to radiation, 70.22 % (n=125) identified ‘the testis and ovaries’ as the most radio-sensitive organs, 79. 21% (n=141) identified ultrasound and 55.62% (n=99) identified MRI as radiation-free imaging modalities. 60.67 % (n=108) of our participants chose radiocontrast agent allergy as a contraindication for CT. 109 (61.24%) participants chose pacemakers as MRI contraindication. 60. 11 % of the participants had rotated in radiology. 94.38% of the participants said that ultrasonography was best for soft tissue, 75.84% said plain radiography was best for bone, 93.82% said mammography was best for soft tissue, 82.58% said dental radiography was best for bone, 69.1% said fluoroscopy was best for soft tissue, 47.75% said PET, and 51.12% said SPECT was best for imaging both bone and soft tissue.

Conclusion: The study revealed adequate knowledge of fundamentals and utility of imaging modalities. However, a knowledge gap exists about radiation-using modalities and imaging tests contraindications. Results revealed ineffectual learning influence of radiology rotations.