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Background <p>Radiology is a cornerstone of modern healthcare delivery, yet it remains underrepresented among medical students’ specialty choices in Nigeria. Understanding the factors that influence specialty preference is essential to addressing workforce shortages and improving healthcare services. We aimed to assess the level of interest in Radiology and identify factors influencing specialty choice among clinical-year medical students across Nigeria.</p> Methodology <p>A multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted among clinical-year medical students from six Nigerian universities representing all geopolitical zones. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire and analysed with SPSS Version 20. Associations between the duration of radiology rotation and the choice of radiology specialty, as well as influencing factors, were assessed using chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05.</p> Results <p>The response rate was 97.4% (411/422). Of the 411 respondents, 111 (27.0%) expressed an interest in Radiology. Positive influencing factors included work-life balance (346; 84.2%),job flexibility (189; 46.0%), use of emerging technology (187; 45.5%), intellectual stimulation (245; 59.6%), and community relevance (213; 51.8%). Barriers included concerns about radiation exposure (248; 60.3%), overwhelming breadth of clinical knowledge (285; 69.3%), limited patient interaction (167; 40.6%), and fears about artificial intelligence (139; 33.8%). Longer duration of Radiology rotations was significantly associated with greater interest in the specialty (<i>p</i> = 0.044).</p> Conclusion <p>Multiple factors, including but not limited to clinical exposure, influence students’ interest in Radiology. Enhancing Radiology training experiences, strengthening mentorship, addressing misconceptions, and improving systemic working conditions are crucial strategies to encourage more medical students to pursue Radiology and support Nigeria’s healthcare needs.</p>

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Factors influencing the choice of radiology as a specialty among clinical-year medical students in Nigeria: a multi-center cross-sectional study

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月21日

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  • Ntishor Gabriel Udam,
  • Prince Adakole Obaje,
  • Adaobi Chiazor Emegoakor,
  • Edache Las Edache,
  • Elvis Oche Obaje,
  • Abdulrasaq Olalekan Oladosu,
  • Aliyu AbdulKadir,
  • Daniel Toochukwu Nneji,
  • Olamide Daniel Odusola,
  • Athanasius Christopher Ofem,
  • Abubakar Farate,
  • Favour Satkyes Bachi,
  • Munachi Onyebuchi Nwabunike,
  • Alice Edward,
  • Kingsley Chidiebere Nwaogu

摘要

Background

Radiology is a cornerstone of modern healthcare delivery, yet it remains underrepresented among medical students’ specialty choices in Nigeria. Understanding the factors that influence specialty preference is essential to addressing workforce shortages and improving healthcare services. We aimed to assess the level of interest in Radiology and identify factors influencing specialty choice among clinical-year medical students across Nigeria.

Methodology

A multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted among clinical-year medical students from six Nigerian universities representing all geopolitical zones. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire and analysed with SPSS Version 20. Associations between the duration of radiology rotation and the choice of radiology specialty, as well as influencing factors, were assessed using chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

The response rate was 97.4% (411/422). Of the 411 respondents, 111 (27.0%) expressed an interest in Radiology. Positive influencing factors included work-life balance (346; 84.2%),job flexibility (189; 46.0%), use of emerging technology (187; 45.5%), intellectual stimulation (245; 59.6%), and community relevance (213; 51.8%). Barriers included concerns about radiation exposure (248; 60.3%), overwhelming breadth of clinical knowledge (285; 69.3%), limited patient interaction (167; 40.6%), and fears about artificial intelligence (139; 33.8%). Longer duration of Radiology rotations was significantly associated with greater interest in the specialty (p = 0.044).

Conclusion

Multiple factors, including but not limited to clinical exposure, influence students’ interest in Radiology. Enhancing Radiology training experiences, strengthening mentorship, addressing misconceptions, and improving systemic working conditions are crucial strategies to encourage more medical students to pursue Radiology and support Nigeria’s healthcare needs.