Abstract Details

Title Assessing Neurophobia Among Medical Trainees in African Countries

Topic Global Health and Neuroepidemiology

Presentation(s) Global Health Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 002

Background

Numerous studies have assessed perceptions of neurology and characterized “neurophobia” among medical trainees around the world, but African countries are underrepresented in these studies despite having a disproportionately high burden of neurological disease and fewer neurologists per capita than all other WHO regions.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of “neurophobia,” or fear of the neural sciences and neurology, and perceptions of neurology education among medical trainees in Africa.

Design/Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among medical students and internal medicine and pediatrics post-graduate trainees currently enrolled in training programs across Africa. A 23-item online survey containing multiple-choice, Likert-scale and free-response questions was adapted from prior literature, translated into English and French, and distributed through listservs and social media.

Results

296 surveys were completed by 199 medical students and 97 post-graduate trainees from 15 countries, with the greatest representation from Zambia (n = 111), Nigeria (n = 55) and Kenya (n = 35). 36% of respondents reported discomfort with the subject of neurology, and approximately one-quarter agreed or strongly agreed they were afraid of neurology and/or neuroscience. Participants rated neurology as having the highest difficulty compared to six other medical subspecialties (p <0.001) and rated their confidence examining and managing patients with neurological complaints lower than all other medical subspecialties except rheumatology (p <0.01). Participants cited neuroanatomy (54% of respondents) and inadequate diagnostic tests (50%) as the greatest contributors to the specialty’s difficulty.

Conclusions

Medical trainees in multiple African countries endorse a high degree of fear and discomfort with the subject of neurology. Our results may be an underestimate of "neurophobia," as surveys were distributed through networks of neurologists and 21% of respondents endorsed interest in a future career in neurology. Strategies to mitigate "neurophobia" are needed to increase the number of medical trainees pursuing careers in neurology in Africa.

Authors/Disclosures
Annie McDonough, MD (UCSF) PRESENTER	Miss McDonough has nothing to disclose.
Lorraine Chishimba, MBChB, MMED (University Teaching Hospital)	Dr. Chishimba has nothing to disclose.
Mashina Chomba, MBChB (University of Zambia)	Dr. Chomba has nothing to disclose.
Naluca Mwendaweli, MBChB (University Teaching Hospital)	NALUCA MWENDAWELI has nothing to disclose.
Stanley Zimba, MBBS (University Teaching Hospital)	Dr. Zimba has nothing to disclose.
Deanna Saylor, MD, MHS (Johns Hopkins Hospital)	The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from National Institutes of Health. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from American Academy of Neurology. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from United States Department of State. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of multiple committees and task forces focused on improving access to MS medications to people across the world with Multiple Sclerosis International Federation that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of the Neurology and COVID19 committee with World Health Organization that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of the International Outreach Committee, Junior and Early Career Membership Committee, and Educational Innovation Commitees with American Neurological Association that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.