Impact of Non-Compliance with Chest Radiography Quality Criteria on Adult Patient Diagnosis: A Descriptive and Analytical Study at the Medical Imaging Department of Jamot Hospital,Yaoundé

Abstract

Introduction: The technical quality of a chest radiograph determines the reliability of its diagnostic interpretation. Failure to meet radiological quality criteria can lead to interpretation errors. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of non-compliance with chest radiograph quality criteria on the diagnosis of adult patients.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted on 150 chest radiographs of adult patients and 5 members of staff from the Medical Imaging Department of Jamot Hospital in Yaoundé. Sociodemographic, technical, and diagnostic variables were collected using a standardized data form and analyzed using frequency calculations, chi-square test, Spearman correlation, and binary logistic regression (significance threshold p<0.05).
Results: The mean age of patients was 36.8 ± 11.3 years (range: 18–55 years), with a male-to-female ratio of 1.27. At least one technical defect was identified on 149 out of 150 images (99.3%). The diagnosis was considered to be affected in 84.7% of cases, and 40.7% of the radiographs required repeat imaging. In binary logistic regression analysis, the number of technical defects was significantly associated with diagnostic impairment (adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.18; 95% CI [1.28–3.71]; p=0.004) and with repeat imaging (OR=2.75; 95% CI [1.85–4.10]; p<0.001), as was the professional experience of the radiographer for repeat imaging (OR=1.09; 95% CI [1.02–1.17]; p=0.009).
Conclusion: Non-compliance with chest radiograph quality criteria is prevalent and significantly affects the quality of diagnostic interpretation.
Strengthening continuing professional education and implementing systematic quality control of radiographs are recommended.