Understanding the motivations, needs, and challenges faced by aspiring neurosurgeons in Africa: an E-survey

Abstract

Introduction

Three million African patients need a neurosurgical consultation every year, but there are not enough neurosurgeons to meet this need. Efforts have been made to increase the neurosurgical capacity through the creation of training programs in Africa. Although these programs have been successful, there is still a long way to go. Aspiring African neurosurgeons (AANs) will become neurosurgeons in the future if they are given the resources and opportunities. The authors set out to understand the perceptions, needs, and difficulties faced by AANs.

Methods

An e-survey containing 45 questions was created using Google Forms and distributed via social media. The survey was anonymous, and it was distributed from June 2, 2020, to June 16, 2020. Summary descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square test were calculated. The p-value was considered to be significant below .05.

Results

A total of 221 AANs aged 23.5 ± 3.3 years and from 22 African countries responded to the survey. Most were male (66.1%) and medical students (84.6%). Few had assisted a neurosurgical intervention in-person (24.9%), had a mentor (29.0%) or attended a journal club (10.3%). A small proportion was unwilling to train in their home country (19.5%) or a neighboring country (16.3%). The top three reasons for choosing neurosurgery were prestige, advice from a family member, and projected income. Also, respondents felt neurosurgery was expensive.

Conclusion

AANs are passionate about neurosurgery but lack the information, guidance, or opportunities to fulfil their wish.

Keywords:

• Africa; medical students; neurosurgery; perceptions; residency

Acknowledgements

The authors want to thank Abdalelah Mohammed, Abdulbasit Ibrahim, Ade George, Adeck Mbaku, Akubude Jesse, Alaandem Jevis, Alfa A.M, Amada Grâce, Amazon Abera, Amen Ahmed, Amundala Christine, Angela Kei, Anzal Ahmed, Aozie Benjamin, Asasira Ignatius, Asonze Onyekuru, Bakesiga Allan, Banncy Nasiro, Beda Pascal, Belinga Emilie, Bill Lagatt, Brian Abondo, Bright Okey, Candy Kazi, Chikwe Mwansa, Chimuka Muleya, Chrispin Cito, Claire Musiku, Clarah Gacheri, Collins, Muku, Credo Houndodjade, Dahir Ahmed, Daniel Nteranya, David Masheka, David Mwanza, Dennis Kobina, Derrick Musole, Dikabo Oliver, Eben-Ezer Genda, Edna Nagaddya, Ekongo Harmonie, Eleonore Fom, Elrashid Adam, Emmanuel Mutwale, Emmanuel Mwale, Ernest Mwewa, Fawuzia Nambouri, Francis Ngosa, Frank Abaiweh, Fred Chisanga, Fredrick Katende, Geoffrey Ssebyal, George Ngima, Getasew Denekew, Getiso Tarekegn, Getu Belaynew, Gift Sakala, God'swill Oko, Grâce Guedjo, Guiadem Carelle, Guidkaye Raphael, Guy Horaho, Hussein Abdilahi, Idris Yahaya, Idriss Abdullahi, Ifeoma Ejike, Inonge Bello, Jalilarah Nassozi, Jessica Mildred, Joanitor Najjuma, Joe Ngoma, Joël Ngalandeu, Joël Nanfa, Jonathan Masalo, Jonathan Benjamin, Joseph Ashipala, Joshua Nasilele, Joyce David, Justin Nzanzu, Juvénal Lushungu, Kamfang Edgard, Kelvin Nkonkalufu, Kennedy Muthomi, Keubou Nzogouong Kevin Ganol, Kigotho Karuku, Kingstone Zuze, Kipkosgei Brian, Kisenga Eric, Lawson Dzidoula, Lenny Atulinda, Maimuna Mustapha, Manaye Kefelegn, Mariatou Ceesay, Martha Mbonye, Mbah Cynthia, Melvin Odhiambo, Mercy Kang'ethe, Mulenga Michael, Moses Mwambu, Mpange Kennedy, Mubarak Sulaiman, Mutambo Poster, Mwepu Kabila, Namingira Peter, Namunji Matale, Nantambi Rose, Naomi Nyanchama, Ndombi Alexandra, Neontle Sakaiwa, Netochukwu Asuzu, Nirav Valand, Nkenganyi Elvira, Nkwencho Valentine, Nlend Joseph, Nnoko Akwo, Ntabaza Jospin, Nwenweh Kingsley, Nzebelia Kelly, Ohia Solomon, Oloche Badirou, Onambany Benjamin, Onega Paul, Paix Ngo, Pavanraj Chana, Retselisitsoe Motsamai, Rodgers Phiri, Rodrigue Sokoudjou, Rosemary Banda, Russelle Tenekam, Sa’adatullah Samaila, Sally Macharia, Sammy Junior, Samuel Chilawa, Samuel Dhol, Sarah Rono, Scott Garth, Shabani Lucien, Sifa Vanessa, Ssembatya William, Sufyan Baradia, Tangka Brian, Taonga Phiri, Tarig Fadalla, Temesgen, Trésor Kubaburhanzi, Umar Musa, Ushindi Divine, Uz, Vesuh Faith, Victor Karomo, Wah Senyuy, Whinsky Ujima, Wilfried Dossou, Yasin Hussein, and Yassine Yachou.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in the Open Science Framework at http://doi.org/ doi 10.17605/osf.io/x23tw.