Emery Christian Ven, Adepoju Adesola, Mumuni Abdul Nashirudeen, Amedzoame Bernard, Zurakat-Aderibigbe Sekinat, Balogun Elizabeth, Thairu Jackline, Akpabli Eric, Asllani Iris, Dzefi-Tettey Klenam, Ogbole Godwin
Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK.
Department of Radiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
BMC Health Serv Res. 2025 Jul 8;25(1):941. doi: 10.1186/s12913-025-13081-1.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) holds transformative potential for advancing clinical practice and professional growth in radiography. However, African radiographers face limited opportunities to engage in evidence-based practice through research. This study evaluates the level of MRI research engagement among, the factors motivating their participation, and the barriers impeding their progress.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 312 radiographers recruited through convenience sampling. Participants completed a self-administered online questionnaire via Google Forms. Due to the open online distribution through professional networks, a response rate could not be precisely calculated. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses assessed associations between categorical variables, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.
Of the 312 participants, 21.2% reported prior involvement in MRI research. Engagement was higher among radiographers with postgraduate qualifications (39.6%). Also, radiographers in academic roles were 47.4%, those working in both public and private facilities were 32.3%, and those with access to MRI scanners were 25.0%. Motivating factors included peer support (10.3%), membership in research groups (8.7%), research training (8.7%), and mentorship (8.3%). A significant association was observed between MRI scanner availability and interest in research (p = 0.0001). Barriers included insufficient funding (68.3%), time constraints (51.9%), and inadequate research skills (37.2%).
Despite a strong interest in MRI research, the surveyed cohort of radiographers from the 18 Sub-Saharan African countries encounter significant barriers, resulting in low engagement levels. Addressing these challenges through targeted training, mentorship, and the creation of dedicated research roles is essential to fostering evidence-based practice and innovation in radiography.
The findings emphasize establishing protected research time, fostering regional and international collaborations, and implementing structured skill development programs. Such measures can enhance research activity, promote innovation, and improve patient care and diagnostic outcomes in African radiography practice.
磁共振成像（MRI）在推动放射学临床实践和专业发展方面具有变革潜力。然而，非洲的放射技师通过研究参与循证实践的机会有限。本研究评估了MRI研究参与程度、促使他们参与的因素以及阻碍他们进展的障碍。
通过便利抽样招募了312名放射技师进行横断面研究。参与者通过谷歌表单完成一份自填式在线问卷。由于通过专业网络进行公开在线分发，无法精确计算回复率。描述性和推断性统计分析评估分类变量之间的关联，显著性阈值为p < 0.05。
在312名参与者中，21.2%报告曾参与MRI研究。具有研究生学历的放射技师参与度更高（39.6%）。此外，担任学术职务的放射技师参与度为47.4%，在公立和私立机构工作的为32.3%，能够使用MRI扫描仪的为25.0%。促使参与的因素包括同伴支持（10.3%）、研究小组成员身份（8.7%）、研究培训（8.7%）和指导（8.3%）。观察到MRI扫描仪的可用性与研究兴趣之间存在显著关联（p = 0.0001）。障碍包括资金不足（68.3%）、时间限制（51.9%）和研究技能不足（37.2%）。
尽管对MRI研究兴趣浓厚，但来自撒哈拉以南非洲18个国家的受访放射技师群体面临重大障碍，导致参与度较低。通过有针对性的培训、指导以及设立专门的研究岗位来应对这些挑战，对于促进放射学的循证实践和创新至关重要。
研究结果强调要设立受保护的研究时间、促进区域和国际合作以及实施结构化的技能发展项目。这些措施可以加强研究活动、促进创新，并改善非洲放射学实践中的患者护理和诊断结果。
