Effect of Pre-Imaging Radiation Education on Anxiety Levels and Procedural Compliance among Orthopaedic X-ray Patients at National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu

Abstract

The role of pre-imaging radiation education in reducing anxiety and improving procedural compliance among orthopaedic X-ray patients was evaluated in this study conducted at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test/post-test control group design and included 168 adult patients, assigned to either an intervention group (receiving structured radiation education) or a control group (receiving standard care). Anxiety levels were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and procedural compliance was assessed using a checklist. Results indicated that the intervention group exhibited significantly lower post-test anxiety scores and better procedural compliance compared to the control group. The findings suggest that pre-imaging education, which provided information about the procedure, radiation risks, and the importance of patient cooperation, effectively reduced anxiety and enhanced compliance, leading to better patient outcomes in diagnostic imaging. This study underscores the importance of structured education in improving patient experience and clinical efficiency during orthopaedic X-ray procedures.