RESUMEN
To study the views of ophthalmologists on their attitude to and the resources for ophthalmic health research in Nigeria and draw appropriate policy implications. Structured questionnaires were distributed to 120 ophthalmologists and ophthalmic residents who were attending an annual congress in Nigeria. Data were collected on background information, importance attributed to research, motivation for conducting research, funding, ethical oversight, literature search, and statistical support. The coded responses were statistically analyzed. P<0.05 was statistically significant. Eighty-nine of the 120 questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 74.2%. Research function was rated a distant last by 49.5% of the respondents after clinical service [93.2%], teaching [63.1%], and community service [62.8%]. Advancement of knowledge was the strongest motivating factor for conducting research [78.2%]. Securing funding [91.8%] and finding time [78.8%] were the major constraints. The ethical review committees were considered suboptimal by the respondents. Literature searches for research were conducted on the internet [79.3%] and was independent of age [P=0.465]. Research data were stored and analyzed on commonly available statistical software. Although study respondents regarded research highly, they were severely constrained in conducting research due to lack of access to funds and finding time away from the clinical workload. We recommend periodic [re]training on conducting good research including preparation of successful applications for research grants and allotting protected research time for ophthalmologists in Nigeria
RESUMEN
To study the views of ophthalmologists on research priorities and outcomes in Nigeria. Materials and Methods' A structured questionnaire was distributed to 120 ophthalmologists and ophthalmic residents who were attending an annual congress in Nigeria. The participants' background information, relative research priorities, frequency of publications, research types, publication media, challenges faced in publishing and impact on health practice or policy were collected. Eighty-nine [74.2%] of the 120 questionnaires were returned. Childhood blindness was given the highest priority for ophthalmic research by 42.9% of the respondents, and genetic studies had the least priority [19.8%]. About two
hirds of the respondents had either never been involved or only involved occasionally in any type of ophthalmic research. Clinical trials [13.1%] and basic science studies [12%] were the least-performed types of research. About 51% of the respondents indicated that they had never published in journals nor did so [occasionally]; only 9% quarterly and 43% published less than once a year. They also indicated that their research very rarely resulted in change of clinical practice or health policy [20%]. Research works conducted by respondents were largely simple low-budget ones that rarely had significant impacts and outcomes, including publication. There is a need to retrain and emphasize the importance of research during undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. Adequate resources and research infrastructure should be provided for ophthalmic research in Nigeria
RESUMEN
This study aimed to assess job satisfaction amongst Nigerian ophthalmologists. The study was conducted during the annual congress of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria in September 2008. One hundred and ten ophthalmologists were selected by simple random sampling and asked to complete a structured questionnaire. The response rate was 73%. The resulting sample comprised of 48 consultants [60%], four diplomates [5%], and 28 residents [35%]. Most respondents 62 [78.5%] were satisfied with their job as ophthalmologists and 17 [21.5%] were not satisfied. Only 12 [15.4%] were satisfied with their remuneration and 42 [53.2%] were satisfied with their skill. Most respondents [75.6%] expressed readiness to pursue a career in ophthalmology if they were to make a choice again. Most respondents were satisfied with their job, but only minorities were satisfied with their remuneration. Therefore, there is a need to address the issue of enhancement of remuneration for ophthalmologists in Nigeria