Open AccessImpact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical practice, training, and research in Nigeria
Author(s) -
Musliu Adetola Tolani,
Lovely Fidelis,
Nasir Oyelowo,
Aisha Mustapha,
Wasiu O Adebayo,
Chike John Okeke,
Ikechukwuka Ifeanyichukwu Alioke,
Khalifa Abdulsalam,
Afeez Ajibade Aruna,
Nkemdilim Oyetola Okonji,
Uche Albert Okeke
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the pan african medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.287
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 1937-8688
DOI - 10.11604/pamj.2021.39.59.23678
Subject(s) - medicine , pandemic , presentation (obstetrics) , family medicine , covid-19 , demographics , cross sectional study , health care , disease , surgery , demography , infectious disease (medical specialty) , pathology , sociology , economics , economic growth
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.