IDENTIFYING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ATTITUDE OF RADIOGRAPHERS TO THEIR PROFESSIONAL BODY

A professional association is usually a nonprofit organization seeking to further a particular profession, the interests of individuals engaged in that profession and the public. The roles of these professional associations have been variously defined. Activities and events organized by these organizations facilitate better interaction amongst members while at the same time providing opportunities for promoting and identifying common professional or industry interests. Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN), the Professional Organisation representing Radiographers and Radiation Therapist in Nigeria, strives to uphold the professional, public and workplace interests of her members by encouraging the seeking and sharing of knowledge. The Radiographers in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTTH) Parklane, Enugu, National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu (NOHE) and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku/Ozalla stand tall in the practice of Radiography in Nigeria were understudied as to identify the factors that influence the attitude of radiographers to their professional body. 

The findings of this research reveals that all the respondents are Nigerians (100%), Most of the respondents, 97%, have acquired at least B Sc degree in Radiography. Majority of the respondents, 76.1%, has voting right in the association meeting. The respondents 93.9% (31/33) registered with the professional body. Handful of the respondents 27.3% attended update courses, workshop or special trainings organized by the association often. The reason for attending was given as to gain more knowledge and skill (71%) and some were mandated to attend (22.6%). Most of the respondents did not know the law establishing the professional body since only 33.3% actually knows and can quote the decree. Majority of the respondents, 66%, were of the opinion that the professional body has not done much for the profession. Thus, more is needed to be done.