Browsing by Author "Halima Konto Abba-Sulum"

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    Awareness and Perception of Novel Omicron Variant (B. 1. 1.529) Among Radiographers in Northern Nigeria
    (FULafia Journal of Health Sciences, 2025) Auwal Abubakar; Muhammad Kabir Abdulkadir; Alhaji Modu Ali; Ivor Chogozie Nwobi; Mohammed Sani Umar; Prince Ameh Ogenyi; Halima Konto Abba-Sulum; Dlama Zira Joseph; Abba Ali Tijjani; Mohammed Abba; Flavious Nkubli Bobuin
    Background: The advent of the novel Omicron COVID-19 variant is expected to alter radiographers’ standard of practice due to its rapid transmission capability. This study aimed to assess the radiographers’ awareness and perception of the Omicron among radiographers in Northern Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among radiographers in Northern Nigeria using convenience sampling techniques. The survey tool was designed using Google consisting of questions on the demographics, general awareness, and perception about the Omicron. The questionnaire was face-validated, and the reliability was tested using Cronbach alpha. A coefficient of 0.7 was obtained which is considered adequate. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test at 0.05 level of significance were used to analyse the data using Microsoft Excel 2016 (Microsoft Inc, Redmond, WA). Results: A total of 186 radiographers participated in the survey. The respondents demonstrated a ‘’Good’’ awareness level with an average score of 4.3/6 (70%). The perception was generally good as about half (n=91; 48.9%) of the respondents agreed with six out of eight perception-based determinants. Only a minority (n=77; 41%) of the respondents were not certain whether the Omicron spreads faster compared to other COVID-19 variants. A similar number (n=76; 40%) of the respondents were doubtful whether COVID-19 vaccine booster dose could help in curtailing the Omicron. Conclusion: The level of awareness and perception of the Omicron among the radiographers was generally “Good”. Notwithstanding, the radiographers were doubtful about the speed of the transmission of the Omicron and whether booster vaccination could help reduce the transmission. Implication for practice: To mitigate occupational exposure to the novel Omicron COVID-19 variant amongst radiographers, urgent institutional strategies should be put in place to promote their knowledge and awareness of novel infectious diseases to keep up with the standard practice.