Musliu Adetola Tolani1, Lovely Fidelis1, Nasir Oyelowo1, Aisha Mustapha2, Wasiu Olusola Adebayo1, Chike John Okeke3, Ikechukwuka Ifeanyichukwu Alioke1, Khalifa Ibrahim Abdulsalam4, Afeez Ajibade Aruna1, Nkemdilim Oyetola Okonji5, Uche Albert Okeke6. 1. Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. 3. Department of Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria. 4. Department of Surgery, Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria. 5. Department of Surgery, Central Hospital Benin, Edo State Hospital Management Board, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. 6. Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: the rising rate of SARS-CoV-2 infections has caused perceptible strain on the global health system. Indeed, this disease is also a litmus test for the resilience of the structures in the African health system including surgery. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical practice, training and research in Nigeria. METHODS: it was a cross-sectional study conducted over three weeks in Nigeria among doctors in 12 surgery-related specialties. Consenting participants filled a pre-tested online form consisting of 35 questions in 5 sections which assessed demographics, infection control measures, clinical practice, academic training, research program, and future trends. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 20. RESULTS: a total of 384 respondents completed the form. Their mean age was 38.3 years. Lockdown measures were imposed in the state of practice of 89.0% of respondents. Most participants reported a decrease in patient volume in outpatient clinics (95.5%) and elective operations (95.8%) compared to reports for emergency operations (50.2%). They also noted a decrease in academic training [Bedside teaching (92.1%), seminar presentation (91.1%) and journal presentation (91.8%)] and research (80.5%). Except in bedside teaching, those who had other virtual academic programmes were thrice the number of those who used in-person mode for the events. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant change in pattern and a decrease in the volume of patients seen by surgeons in their practice as well as a decrease in the frequency of academic programs and research activities in Nigeria. Copyright: Musliu Adetola Tolani et al.
INTRODUCTION: the rising rate of SARS-CoV-2 infections has caused perceptible strain on the global health system. Indeed, this disease is also a litmus test for the resilience of the structures in the African health system including surgery. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical practice, training and research in Nigeria. METHODS: it was a cross-sectional study conducted over three weeks in Nigeria among doctors in 12 surgery-related specialties. Consenting participants filled a pre-tested online form consisting of 35 questions in 5 sections which assessed demographics, infection control measures, clinical practice, academic training, research program, and future trends. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 20. RESULTS: a total of 384 respondents completed the form. Their mean age was 38.3 years. Lockdown measures were imposed in the state of practice of 89.0% of respondents. Most participants reported a decrease in patient volume in outpatient clinics (95.5%) and elective operations (95.8%) compared to reports for emergency operations (50.2%). They also noted a decrease in academic training [Bedside teaching (92.1%), seminar presentation (91.1%) and journal presentation (91.8%)] and research (80.5%). Except in bedside teaching, those who had other virtual academic programmes were thrice the number of those who used in-person mode for the events. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant change in pattern and a decrease in the volume of patients seen by surgeons in their practice as well as a decrease in the frequency of academic programs and research activities in Nigeria. Copyright: Musliu Adetola Tolani et al.
Entities:
Keywords:
COVID-19; Nigeria; impact; research; surgery; training
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