Occupational Stress among Radiographers: Impact of Sonography Responsability

Role extension in any occupation can affect both psychosocial and biomechanical stress levels and thus; have some consequences on efficiency in service delivery. The study was aimed to determine the impact of role extension of medical radiographers into sonography. 50 self-administered questionnaires were distributed to radiographers and to sonographers (radiographers with sonography responsibility). The questionnaires included questions seeking information on the demographic profile of the radiographer and sonographer; anatomical regions of biomechanical symptoms/stress and visual analogue scale (VAS); which rated job satisfaction and anxiety levels. 96of the questionnaires were returned and analyzed statistically using SPSS 11.0 software with P 0.05 indicating level of significance. Sonographers had more prevalence of biomechanical stress symptoms than the radiographers. Job satisfaction for sonographers (58.75) was lower than that for radiographers (64.29). Anxiety level was higher among sonographers even though this was not statistically significant. Sonography responsibility on radiographers did not have any significant effect on psychosocial stress. A balance in the extended role could aid efficiency in service delivery while improving the social strength of the individual

Uterine Roundness Index: Model Formulation and Nomogram for a Nigerian Population

This study was aimed to establish a nomogram for uterine roundness index (UTRI) for a Nigerian population. Seven hundred Nigerian girls and women in the premenarche; nulliparous; multiparous and postmenopausal groups with normal uteri were evaluated by pelvic ultrasound. The length; anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the uterus were measured and the UTRI calculated as the ratio of anteroposterior diameter to the length. The age; height; and parity of the subject were recorded. The mean UTRI +SD were 0.44457+0.0629 for premenarche; 0.5880+0.1118 for nulliparous; 0.6005+0.1046 for multiparous and 0.5269+0.1037 for postmenopausal. Pearson's correlation analysis showed significant correlation between UTRI and age; height and weight in premenarche group and weight in the nulliparous; multiparous and postmenopausal groups (p 0.05). Significant negative correlation between UTRI and age occurred only in the postmenopausal group (p 0.05). The study has established a nomogram for UTRI in a Nigeria population which will be of gynaecological importance to sonographers and referring clinicians in assessing the normality of uterine shapes and contour

Sonographic Evaluation of Cervical Length Changes during Normal Pregnancy

This study was aimed to establish reference values of cervical length in normal pregnancy. We studied a cross-sectional sample of 144 pregnant women by transabdominal sonography. The inclusion criteria were sonographic confirmation of gestational age; the absence of any risk factors for preterm birth; and uncomplicated pregnancy. Cervical length was measured in a straight line. Height; age and weight of patients were also obtained. There was a relationship between gestational age and cervical length; which could be described with a linear regression (R = 0.44; P0.05). Our study shows an increase in cervical length with gestational age. Reference ranges constructed for the whole gestational period could be more clinically applicable and useful than a single cut off value for more efficient prevention and management of preterm birth

Maternal Perspectives of Prenatal Sonogram in a North-Eastern Population in Nigeria

Limited information exists on maternal perspectives of prenatal sonogram in north-eastern Nigeria. This study was aimed at documenting the views and expectations of pregnant women concerning prenatal sonogram as well as their level of awareness of its purpose; limitations and safety in a predominantly Moslem society. A survey was carried out on a convenience sample of 150 patients referred from ante-natal clinics for prenatal sonogram; by administering semi-structured questionnaires. The results show that 61.3of the women had prenatal sonogram; with little or no information about the purpose; capabilities and limitations of the procedure. 24.7had neither formal western nor Islamic educational background that may have influenced their perceptions. Most of the women (81.3) were sponsored by either government or their husbands; 72.7perceived sonogram to be affordable and 63.4viewed sonographic results as reliable. The perceived main reasons for having a prenatal sonogram were to determine the expected date of delivery and foetal well-being; and to obtain reassurance of maternal health. Sex determination and number of foetuses were the least considered reasons. The study indicates that providing pregnant women with adequate information and sensitising them to the purpose and limitations of sonograms is necessary to guarantee its rational utilisation. Improving patient care; enhancing the skill of sonographers and providing more facilities would improve the services and patients' perspectives of prenatal sonography

The Effect of Moderate Alcohol Intake on Gallblader Motility: a Milk Ultrasonographic Study

Objectives: To assess the effect of periodic and moderate alcohol intake on gallbladder motility. Methods: The ultrasonographic ellipsoid method was used in 21 healthy male subjects: 12 non-alcohol and 9 alcohol drinkers. The stimulus for gallbladder contraction was 165 ml of half cream milk. Gallbladder dynamics were studied for 20 minutes following the ingestion of the milk. The mean percentage change in gallbladder volume after 10 and 20 minutes gave indications of gallbladder motility. Results: Moderate and periodic alcohol intake did not stimulate rapid postprandial gallbladder emptying. Conclusion: The protective effect of alcohol against biliary cholesterol cholelithiasis could not be due to stimulation of gallbladder emptying

Perceptions of Medical Students Undergoing Cadaveric Training: a Sociocognitive Perspective

The emotional and sociocognitive aspects of human dissection are important aspects of professionalism in medical training and so should be critically evaluated in the present day changing society. Medical students of Ebonyi State University; Nigeria completed 390 questionnaires. The questionnaires included questions seeking demographic information; open-ended questions on their first experience of dissection and suggestions on improvements in training. The Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess anxiety and satisfaction levels. The questionnaires were analyzed statistically with P0.05 indicating level of significance. Majority (35.7) of the students was excited/fulfilled after their first experience and 41.5were of the opinion that life in humans is more appreciated by dissection. Their mean anxiety level was 3.42 while satisfaction rating was 7.13 on a scale of 1-10. A greater number of students suggested that conducive learning environment and improved preservation techniques would improve satisfaction (30.3and 33.1respectively). A Conducive environment and better preservation of cadavers are the major factors that improve satisfaction. Psychosocial factors should be assessed constantly to ascertain attitudinal changes of students; which will be helpful in quality of professional formation