Assessment of Knowledge and Level of Radiation Safety Awareness among Radiographers Working in Nuclear Medicine

Radiopharmaceuticals are used for the diagnosis, treatment, staging, and follow- up of various diseases. However, there is concern that the ionizing radiation (gamma rays, α and ß particles) may result in the exposure of radiographers with limited knowledge of the principles of radiation protection and safety, raising the risk of cancer induction.

The aim of the study is to investigate the knowledge and level of radiation safety awareness among radiographers at a tertiary hospital.

It is an analytical cross-sectional study. A validated two-part questionnaire was administered to consenting radiographers at a Nuclear Medicine Department. Part 1 gathered demographic information (age, gender, work experience, attendance to/or passing ionizing radiation protection courses), and part 2 covered questions related to knowledge and level of awareness of radiation protection principles.

Five radiographers voluntary participated (2/5 males and 3/5 females). Three age groups were distinguishable, 21-30, 41-50 and 51-60 years. In the age group of 21-30 years, there was one male with just over 4 years of experience while in the age group 41-50, there were three females with less than three years of experience, and in the age group 51-60, there was one male radiographer with over 20 years of experience. All the radiographers showed a high level of awareness and knowledge of radiation safety principles.

Education coupled with training in radiation protection is an essential tool for instilling radiation awareness among the radiographers. However, education alone is not enough; further skills in the preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals will reduce the exposure.