TITLE:
Current Status of Gynecologic Surgical Training among Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents in Cameroon: A National Cross-Sectional Survey
AUTHORS:
Isaac Mboh Eyong, Robert Tchounzou, Nzometia Chrysantus, Dohbit Sama Julius, Nana Njamen Theophile, Mboudou Emile Telesphore
KEYWORDS:
Gynecologic Surgery, Resident Training, Cameroon, Simulation, OSATS, Competency-Based Medical Education, EPAs, STROBE
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.16 No.9,
September
23,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Gynecologic surgery remains a core competency for obstetrician-gynecologists, yet its training is poorly evaluated in low-resource settings such as Cameroon. Objective: To assess perceptions of gynecologic surgical training among obstetrics and gynecology residents and attending physicians in Cameroon, and identify gaps to inform competency-based curriculum reform. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study reported per STROBE. Conducted October 2011-January 2012 within SOGOC (Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Cameroon). Populations: G1 residents at FMSB Yaoundé I (58 invited), G2 faculty attending physicians (12 invited), G3 non-faculty civil-servant attendings (denominator unknown), G4 private consultants (denominator unknown). Structured anonymous questionnaire adapted from Rathat et al. 2008 and Nizard 2002. Domains: 1) organization of training, 2) satisfaction, 3) factors influencing quality, 4) educational resources, 5) assessment. Pretested on 5 residents + 2 consultants not in final sample; Cronbach α 0.78 for satisfaction domain, mean completion 6.2 min. Distribution by email (dedicated address), then in-person. Analysis: Excel 2003, SAS 9.2, descriptive n/N (%, 95% CI Wilson), Fisher exact test comparing residents (G1) vs all attendings (G2 + G3 + G4) due to small expected counts Results: 47 respondents: G1 32/58 (55.2%), G2 5/12 (41.7%), G3 9, G4 1; overall known denominator response 37/70 (52.9%). 91.0% (29/32; 95%CI 75.3 - 98.1) residents intended weekly surgical activity. Satisfaction: residents currently 31.3% (10/32; 95% CI 16.1 - 50.0) vs attendings recalling own residency 80.0% (12/15; 95% CI 51.9 - 95.7), p = 0.003, Fisher exact. Factors perceived to most often influence quality: attending experience 57.4% (27/47), mentorship culture 53.2% (25/47), operative workload 48.9% (23/47). Based on respondents’ reported perceptions: never received formal theoretical surgical courses 62.2% (28/45); residents 65.6% (21/32) vs attendings 40.0% (4/10), p = 0.042; no access to computer-based resources 73.0% (27/37); residents 75.0% (24/32) vs attendings 60.0% (3/5), p = 0.037; library never accessed 57.4% (27/47), p = 0.014 overall distribution. Practical training (n = 37 respondents to this section): no pelvic trainer sessions 89.2% (33/37), no dissection laboratory 97.3% (36/37), no animal model training 86.5% (32/37). No theoretical assessment 64.4% (29/45), no weighted practical assessment 85.1% (40/47). 97.9% (46/47) desired objective assessment. Conclusions: This historical baseline survey indicates residents in Cameroon report substantially lower satisfaction than attending physicians and limited perceived access to structured theory, simulation, and objective assessment. Although data are from 2011-2012, persistent resource constraints suggest continued relevance, as confirmed by an informal curriculum review 2023-2024 showing limited simulation infrastructure. Low-cost pelvic trainers, mandatory logbooks, and OSATS-based competency assessment aligned with CBME/EPAs and FIGO/ ACOG/ESGO 2021-2024 recommendations are needed. Findings should be interpreted cautiously given the small sample and limited generalizability beyond Yaoundé.