Addressing Neurophobia in Ghana: Effects of an AAN SIGN Chapter on Medical Student Perceptions.
CARL HASFORD1, Nana Boakye Agyeman Badu2, Galina Gheihman3, Peter Biney4, Pius Ocran4, John Serwonu4, Denzel Nketia-Achiampong4, Kweku Marfo4, Ogia Sam4, Nana Kwabena Asiedu Boakye4, Nii Duodu Olojo Djan4, Jose Posas5, Fiifi Duodu6, Tamara Kaplan7
1KORLE BU TEACHING HOSPITAL, 2Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, 3Brigham & Women's Hospital, 4University of Ghana Medical School, 5UVA Department of Neurology, 6Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Medical department, 7Brigham and Women'S Hospital
Objective:
To assess medical students’ baseline perceptions of neurology in Ghana and the impact of launching the inaugural AAN Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) Chapter on specialty interest and neurophobia.
Background:
Neurophobia, the perception of neurology as complex and intimidating, remains underexplored among Ghanaian medical students. Early exposure to neurology opportunities and mentors may help transform perceptions and inspire career interest.Through a pre-post survey design we assessed baseline perceptions of neurology among medical students in Ghana and the impact of launching an AAN SIGN Chapter on specialty interest and neurophobia.
Design/Methods:
The AAN SIGN Ghana Chapter, first in Ghana and in Africa, was launched in August 2025. Students from eight Ghanaian medical schools participated in person or virtually. The inaugural conference featured presentations by neurologists, AAN resources, research opportunities, and diverse career pathways. A pre-and post-conference survey was administered online.
Results:
A total of 87 students attended; 71 completed the pre-conference and 62 completed the post-conference survey. Participants were predominantly male (51.9%), aged 17–22 years (83.5%), and from the University of Ghana Medical School (92.5%). Most had limited exposure to clinical neuroscience (80.3%), and over half felt their neurology training was “too little” (56.3%). Although 87% agreed neurology is important, 40% viewed it as more difficult than other specialties. After the conference, interest in neurology as a first-choice specialty rose from 29.6% to 66.7%. Most (90%) reported improved perceptions, citing greater career interest (57%), motivation for research (50%), and recognition of neurology’s importance (48%). Nearly all (98%) wanted more neurology programming, and all (100%) would recommend the conference.
Conclusions:
This study highlights baseline neurophobia among Ghanaian medical students A single AAN SIGN Chapter launch improved perceptions and increased interest in neurology careers. Expanding early exposure, engagement, and mentorship opportunities may strengthen the neurology pipeline across Africa.
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