Assessment of Gonadal Shielding Practices During Pelvis and Lumbar Spine Radiography at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital

Gonadal shielding is a radiation protection measure intended to reduce the dose to the reproductive organs during pelvic and lumbar spine radiography, and its consistent application in paediatric and reproductive-age patients is a fundamental clinical responsibility for radiographers. At the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in Borno State, North East Nigeria, the current practice of gonadal shielding during these commonly performed examinations warrants empirical evaluation. This study assesses the frequency and appropriateness of gonadal shielding during pelvic and lumbar spine radiography at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. A prospective observational design is employed over an eight-week data collection period, with trained observers documenting gonadal shielding application for 180 consecutive pelvic and lumbar spine radiographic examinations in patients under 50 years. The assessment records shielding type, patient positioning, shield placement accuracy, and reasons cited for non-application. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests are computed in SPSS. Literature from North East Nigerian radiology departments identifies fewer than 40 percent of eligible patients receiving appropriate gonadal shielding, with absence of shields from the radiology department stock being the most frequently cited reason. The ICRP and WHO guidance on gonadal shielding and the Nigerian Radiographers Registration Board practice standards provide the normative reference. Findings are expected to confirm suboptimal shielding rates attributable to both resource and knowledge gaps. Recommendations address mandatory departmental shielding supply protocols, patient-specific shielding documentation, and regular radiation protection in-service training at UMTH. Keywords: gonadal shielding, radiation protection, pelvic radiography, Maiduguri, North East Nigeria.