DETERMINANTS OF PARTICIPATION IN CONTINUTING MEDICAL EDUCATION AMONG HEALTH WORKERS IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Continuing medical education (CME) is essential for maintaining professional competence, particularly in resource-constrained settings. In Nigeria, CME has become mandatory for license renewal; however, participation varies across professional groups and facility types. This study assessed the determinants of CME participation among health workers in South-South Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 187 health workers in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State. Data were collected using a validated, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed with IBM SPSS version 27. Associations between sociodemographic variables and CME participation were tested using chi-square (χ²) statistics and odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI), adopting a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: Overall CME participation was high (92.0 %). Educational qualification (χ² = 6.621; p = 0.085), job title (χ² = 25.459; p = 0.001), and type of facility (χ² = 30.178; p = 0.001) were associated with participation, whereas gender (χ² = 1.049; p = 0.306) and years of experience (χ² = 5.314; p = 0.257) were not. Workers in government facilities (100 %) and teaching hospitals (93.9 %) reported higher CME use than those in private practice (69.2 %). The frequency of CME attendance varied significantly with occupation (χ² = 54.546; p < 0.001) and experience (χ² = 66.717; p < 0.001), with mid-career workers attending more regularly. Hands-on participation was significantly influenced by education (χ² = 16.502; p < 0.001) and facility type (χ² = 10.172; p = 0.038). Major motivators were availability of time (64.7 %) and professional development requirements (64.2 %), while key barriers included time constraints (77.5 %) and lack of funding (72.7 %).

Conclusion: CME participation among health workers in Ovia North-East was generally high but varied by education, job category, and facility type. Addressing barriers through protected training time, institutional funding, and flexible e-learning options will enhance equitable participation and sustain workforce competence in Edo State and beyond.