The pitfalls in management of testicular torsion: A Nigerian urban cross-sectional study on knowledge and practice from the general medical practitioners' perspective

Abstract

Objectives: In Nigeria, the management of testicular torsion is often followed by an avoidably high rate of testicular loss, and patients usually present first to general medical practitioners; hence, this study aims to assess general medical practitioners’ knowledge and practice relating to the management of testicular torsion.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study of general medical practitioners in Benin City from November 2024 to April 2025. A pretested self-administered structured questionnaire on knowledge and practice of testicular torsion was used for this study. A score of 70% was considered good for knowledge and practice. Data was analysed using SPSS version 27.0, categorical data presented in proportion, while continuous data in mean with standard deviation.

Results: Eighty-three respondents participated, with an age range between 21-50 years; the majority, 57.8% were in the 31-40 range. The majority, 40.7% had 0-5years of practice experience.  Overall, the good knowledge score was 39.8% while the good practice score was 46%.  No association was found between sociodemographic factors, years of practice and knowledge, as there were also no independent predictors of good knowledge. However, younger age and years of practice of less than 10 years were associated with quality practice. No predictors of quality practice, although the odds were greater with younger age and fewer years of practice.

Conclusion: The knowledge and quality of practice of general practitioners in the management of testicular torsion were below average, with younger age and years of practice less than 10 years determining good knowledge and quality practice.