Subspecialty Preferences among Ophthalmology Resident Doctors in Nigeria
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Date
2017
Authors
Musa, K.O
Aribaba, O.T
Rotimi-Samuel, A
Oluleye, T.S
Idowu, O.O
Onakoya, A.O
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nigerian Journal of Ophthalmology
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: To determine the subspecialty preferences of ophthalmology resident doctors in Nigeria as well as the factors influencing the choice with a view to provide useful insight into the future of ophthalmic practice in Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among consenting ophthalmology residents in all the 23 accredited training institutions in Nigeria between July, 2015 and June, 2016. A semi-structured questionnaire with consent form was used to obtain information concerning socio-demographics, residency training information, awareness of ophthalmology subspecialties, subspecialty preference, and the reason for the choice as well as future practice plan.
Results: A total of 198 (66.2%) out of the expected 299 ophthalmology resident doctors participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 27 to 51 years with a mean age of 34.4 ± 4.5 years. One hundred and ten (55.6%) participants were females and 157 (79.3%) were married. Anterior segment (including cornea and refractive surgery) and vitreoretinal surgery were the two most preferred subspecialties. The two most important reasons that influenced the choice of subspecialty were personal interest and desire to acquire special skills documented in 81 (48.2%) and 51 (30.4%) respondents, respectively. Younger (P = 0.03) and single (P = 0.04) respondents were more likely to prefer vitreoretinal surgery, while married respondents were more likely to choose anterior segment relative to other subspecialties (Fischer exact P = 0.02). Only 62 (31.3%) respondents had undergone stereopsis test.
Conclusion: Anterior segment (including cornea and refractive surgery) and vitreoretinal surgery were the two most preferred subspecialties by Nigerian ophthalmology resident doctors.
Key words: Doctors, Nigeria, ophthalmology, resident, subspecialty
Description
Original article
Keywords
Doctors, Nigeria, ophthalmology, resident, subspecialty
Citation
Musa KO, Aribaba OT, Rotimi-Samuel A, Oluleye TS, Idowu OO, Onakoya AO. Subspecialty Preferences among Ophthalmology Resident Doctors in Nigeria. Niger J Ophthalmol 2017; 25: 123-128