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Abstract Details

Addressing Neurophobia in Ghana: Effects of an AAN SIGN Chapter on Medical Student Perceptions.
好色先生, Research, and Methodology
P3 - Poster Session 3 (5:00 PM-6:00 PM)
15-012
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
Authors/Disclosures
CARL A. HASFORD, MD
PRESENTER 		Dr. HASFORD has nothing to disclose.
Nana Boakye Agyeman Badu, MD Dr. Agyeman Badu has nothing to disclose.
Galina Gheihman, MD (Brigham & Women's Hospital) Dr. Gheihman has nothing to disclose.
Peter B. Biney, Bsc Mr. Biney has nothing to disclose.
Pius O. Ocran Mr. Ocran has nothing to disclose.
John N. Sewornu Mr. Sewornu has nothing to disclose.
Denzel Nketia-Achiampong Mr. Nketia-Achiampong has nothing to disclose.
Kweku Marfo Mr. Marfo has nothing to disclose.
Ogia A. Sam, Medical student Miss Sam has nothing to disclose.
Boateng N. Asiedu Boakye Mr. Asiedu Boakye has nothing to disclose.
Nii Duodu Ologo Djan, MBBS Mr. Ologo Djan has nothing to disclose.
José H. Posas, MD, FAAN (UVA Department of Neurology) Dr. Posas has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Pfizer. Dr. Posas has or had stock in Dane Health.Dr. Posas has or had stock in Brainscope.Dr. Posas has a non-compensated relationship as a Advisor with Dane Health that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Posas has a non-compensated relationship as a Lecturer with Concussion Corner Academy that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Posas has a non-compensated relationship as a Advisor with Brainscope that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.
Fiifi Duodu, MD (Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Medical department) Dr. Duodu has nothing to disclose.
Tamara B. Kaplan, MD, FAAN (Brigham and Women'S Hospital) Dr. Kaplan has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for EMD Serono . Dr. Kaplan has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Genentech.