Examining Patient Anxiety Before and During MRI Examination at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, North Central Nigeria

MRI examination-related anxiety is a common clinical challenge affecting image quality through patient motion, reducing examination completion rates, and creating negative patient experiences. At University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, where MRI services serve patients from across North Central Nigeria, the prevalence, predictors, and radiographic practice correlates of MRI anxiety have not been empirically examined. This study examines MRI examination anxiety prevalence, predictors, and the impact of radiographer communication interventions at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. A prospective observational design recruits 220 consecutive adult MRI patients over a twelve-week period. Pre-examination anxiety is measured using the validated MRI Anxiety Questionnaire at patient registration, with repeat measurement during the examination by radiographer rating. Radiographer communication quality during patient preparation is independently assessed using a structured observation checklist. Logistic regression in SPSS identifies predictors of high MRI anxiety, and the correlation between communication quality scores and anxiety reduction is computed. Available MRI anxiety literature from North Central Nigerian imaging centres identifies claustrophobia, prior negative imaging experience, and male sex as the predominant anxiety predictors in Nigerian MRI populations. The Cognitive Anxiety Theory and patient-centred care framework provide the theoretical reference. Findings are expected to confirm communication quality as a significant independent predictor of anxiety reduction, identifying a modifiable radiographer practice variable. Recommendations address structured MRI patient preparation communication training, pre-examination information leaflets, and MRI relaxation audio provision at UITH. Keywords: MRI anxiety, patient communication, radiographer, University of Ilorin, North Central Nigeria.