title: Knowledge and perception of plastic surgery among tertiary education students in Enugu, South-East Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Knowledge, perception, and acceptance of plastic surgery among any population are influenced by channel of presentation. A good understanding of the public awareness will define the way plastic surgery services will be provided.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the knowledge, awareness of availability, and acceptance of plastic surgery practice in Enugu, South East Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire-based prospective study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The electronic media is the most common medium of awareness. Less than half the sample knew about the existence of plastic surgeons in Enugu even though a large proportion was aware of the existence of plastic surgery as a specialty. The concentration of plastic surgeons in a center is directly related to awareness of plastic surgery services in that facility. The most common esthetic procedure done by a plastic surgeon in Enugu is tattoo removal and scar refashioning. Orthopedic surgeons are thought to be key players in the management of burn patients as much as the plastic surgeons due to the "SIGNPOST EFFECT."
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The level of awareness is high in the sampled population with associated increase in acceptance of its practice and willing utilization. All public hospitals should be encouraged to employ the services of plastic surgeons. Appropriate branding of specialized hospitals where plastic surgery service is available will advance the practice significantly.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Plastic Surgery Unit, Enugu State University of Technology Teaching Hospital Parklane, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Isiguzo
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Nwachukwu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D010465:Perception; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D013518:Surgery, Plastic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires