Ethical Adherence During Radiographic Practice Among Radiographers in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Background: Radiography integrates scientific knowledge and technical skill with effective patient interaction and sound ethical judgment to provide quality patient care. Sustained ethical conduct is central to safe, trustworthy radiographic service delivery. However, the extent to which radiographers uphold these standards in Nigerian settings, including Kano metropolis remain in deficit. Objective: This study evaluated adherence to ethics of patient care, professional responsibilities, and continuous professional development among practicing radiographers in Kano metropolis. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among practicing radiographers in Kano metropolis between April and October 2019 using a validated, structured, self-administered questionnaire. It was distributed to 35 consented radiographers selected by non-probability sampling. Only 27 responded, with a response rate of 77.1%. Data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Most respondents always adhered to core patient care ethics: accurate patient identification (100%), respect for patient rights and dignity (92.6%), justification of medical exposure (88.9%), and confidentiality (85.2%). Only 29.6% always implemented equipment quality assurance programmes, with 40.7% doing so only sometimes and 7.4% never. Adherence to professional responsibilities and continuous professional development was similarly high (77.8%). Conclusion: Radiographers in Kano metropolis showed strong ethical commitment to patient care and professional responsibility. However, equipment quality assurance implementation was inadequate. Strengthening institutional quality assurance and regulatory oversight is recommended.