The perception and use of chaperones by Nigerian gynecologists

• Published in: International journal of gynecology and obstetrics 2013-01, Vol.120 (1), p.46-48
• Main Authors: Nkwo, Peter O., Chigbu, Chibuike O., Ajah, Leonard O., Okoro, Onyemaechi S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attitude of Health Personnel; Biological and medical sciences; Chaperone; Cross-Sectional Studies; Examination; Female; Gynecologist; Gynecology - methods; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Health Care Surveys; Humans; Male; Medical Chaperones - supply & distribution; Medical Chaperones - utilization; Medical sciences; Nigeria; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Patient Rights; Perception; Physical Examination - methods; Practice; Practice Patterns, Physicians' - statistics & numerical data; Sex Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0020-7292; 1879-3479
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2012.07.014

Abstract Objective To determine how Nigerian gynecologists perceive and use chaperones during intimate gynecologic examinations. Methods A cross-sectional survey of Nigerian gynecologists was conducted with the aid of self-administered, semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results In all, 97.6% of respondents considered the use of a chaperone necessary during intimate gynecologic examinations and recommended that the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) should endorse the routine offer of chaperones for such examinations. However, just 35.9% of male physicians always or often used chaperones, while 76.9% of female physicians used chaperones only under special circumstances. No female physician always or often used a chaperone during pelvic examination. The main obstacles to the use of chaperones were scarcity of personnel to serve in this capacity (87.6%) and patients’ refusal to be examined in the presence of a third party (12.4%). Conclusion Most Nigerian gynecologists use chaperones at least some of the time and also support a policy of routinely offering chaperones during intimate gynecologic examination while respecting patients’ right to decline this offer. Scarcity of personnel to serve as chaperones is the greatest challenge to the implementation of this policy.