Perception of Postgraduate Medical Trainers and Trainees on Residency Training Program in a Developing Country and its Influence on Brain Drain

Background: Nigeria has been faced with the challenge of massive efflux of senior trainees and young consultants. It is commonly believed that the emigration is for economic reasons. Aim: We studied the trainer’s and trainee’s perception of residency in Nigeria and its influence on brain drain. Materials and Methods: This cross‑sectional study was carried out using an online survey platform. Invitation to complete the survey was sent out through closed social media groups (Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram) and e‑mail. These groups were specifically for doctors who had their basic medical education in Nigeria and presently working in Nigeria or outside the borders of Nigeria. Results: Most respondents were in training and were between 25 and 44 years old. The top reason for emigration for trainees already abroad was to improve the quality of their training while the top reason for trainees planning to emigrate was to get better training. There was a discordance between the mentorship methods employed by trainers and preferences of trainees. While majority of the trainees already abroad were unlikely to return, most of the trainees considering emigration were willing to stay if training improved. Conclusion: Nigerian trainers and trainees have similar perceptions about residency training, and the brain drain being experienced presently may be reversible with improvement in training in the country

PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS ANTIBODY AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN OGBOMOSO, SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

Background: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV), among a healthy university undergraduate population in south-western Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Relevant medical information of students who underwent the post-admission screening exercise for the year 2012, at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Health Center, Ogbomoso were extracted from the laboratory log book. All tests were done using rapid anti-HCV test kit by Health - Chem diagnostics, USA. A total of 1,572 students were included in the study. The mean age was 19.61 (± 2.75) years while the age range was 15- 50 years. A total of 821 (52.20%), of the subjects were males while 751 (47.80%) were females. More than ninety nine percent (99.90%) of the subjects were aged 15-30 years, whereas those aged ≥31 years were comparatively few (0.60%). Results: Of the 1572 students, 6 tested positive, giving an overall prevalence of 0.40%. Three (0.37%) of the 821 male subjects tested positive while 3(0.40%) also of the 751 female subjects tested positive. Age-group 21-30 years had the highest prevalence of anti - HCV (0.50%), followed by age-groups ≤ 20 years with 0.30% prevalence. None of the subjects in age-groups 31-40 and ≥ 41 years tested positive. Conclusion: These observed differences were not statistically significant. The prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus is low among the young healthy undergraduate population in the south - western region of Nigeria

Exploring Issues and Challenges of Leadership among Early Career Doctors in Nigeria Using a Mixed-Method Approach: CHARTING Study

(1) Background: leadership behaviour is a poorly explored phenomenon among early-career doctors (ECDs). Good leadership is vital in maximising the effective management of patients in a clinical setting. While a good number of studies, though with small sample surveys, have researched the role of leadership in clinical setting quantitatively, qualitative investigations are yet to be done in Nigeria. This study aims to explore the attitudes, skills, and experience of ECDs in Nigeria on issues pertaining to leadership in a medical setting, using a mixed-method approach. (2) Methods: we conducted two sessions of key informant focus group discussion (FGD) that involved 14 ECD leaders in Nigeria, exploring their leadership experience in a clinical setting. Furthermore, we used a self-administered questionnaire to quantitatively survey 474 ECDs from seven Nigerian teaching hospitals to explore their attitudes, skills, and experience on issues pertaining to medical leadership. (3) Results: taking on leadership roles is a common phenomenon (52.7%) among the surveyed ECDs; however, the medical leadership position can be very challenging for ECDs in Nigeria. Despite the fact that many (91.1%) of the surveyed ECDs perceived leadership skills as essential skills needed by a doctr, many (44.1%) of them were yet to be formally trained on medical leadership. About three out of every 10 (23.6%) of surveyed ECDs that have ever held leadership positions in a medical setting experienced major leadership challenges while in such office due to their lack of training on leadership skills. Leadership skill acquisition programmes are highly recommended to become an integral part of medical training programmes in Nigeria. (4) Conclusion: there is a need for a structured leadership skill acquisition programme for ECDs in Nigeria. This programme will help in the robust delivery of highly effective healthcare services in Nigeria, as effective leadership is crucial to patient care services

Exploring issues and challenges of leadership among early career doctors in nigeria using a mixed-method approach: CHARTING study

Background: leadership behaviour is a poorly explored phenomenon among early-career doctors (ECDs). Good leadership is vital in maximising the effective management of patients in a clinical setting. While a good number of studies, though with small sample surveys, have researched the role of leadership in clinical setting quantitatively, qualitative investigations are yet to be done in Nigeria. This study aims to explore the attitudes, skills, and experience of ECDs in Nigeria on issues pertaining to leadership in a medical setting, using a mixed-method approach. (2) Methods: we conducted two sessions of key informant focus group discussion (FGD) that involved 14 ECD leaders in Nigeria, exploring their leadership experience in a clinical setting. Furthermore, we used a self-administered questionnaire to quantitatively survey 474 ECDs from seven Nigerian teaching hospitals to explore their attitudes, skills, and experience on issues pertaining to medical leadership. (3) Results: taking on leadership roles is a common phenomenon (52.7%) among the surveyed ECDs; however, the medical leadership position can be very challenging for ECDs in Nigeria. Despite the fact that many (91.1%) of the surveyed ECDs perceived leadership skills as essential skills needed by a doctr, many (44.1%) of them were yet to be formally trained on medical leadership. About three out of every 10 (23.6%) of surveyed ECDs that have ever held leadership positions in a medical setting experienced major leadership challenges while in such office due to their lack of training on leadership skills. Leadership skill acquisition programmes are highly recommended to become an integral part of medical training programmes in Nigeria. (4) Conclusion: there is a need for a structured leadership skill acquisition programme for ECDs in Nigeria. This programme will help in the robust delivery of highly effective healthcare services in Nigeria, as effective leadership is crucial to patient care services