Radiation Safety Knowledge, Perceptions, and Self-Reported Practices Among Healthcare Workers in Radiology and...

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiological Sciences
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Healthcare workers (HCWs) in radiology and nuclear medicine departments face occupational radiation exposure.
• Evaluating HCWs' radiation safety knowledge, perceptions, and practices is crucial for minimizing risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess radiation safety knowledge, perceptions, and self-reported practices among HCWs in radiology and nuclear medicine.
• To identify gaps in understanding occupational dose limits, radiation protection principles, dosimetry, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to 138 HCWs (doctors, technicians, nurses, radiophysicists).
• Data collected included sociodemographics, perceived risk, knowledge of radiation safety, dosimeter use, and PPE use.
• Multivariable linear regression analyzed total knowledge scores, controlling for relevant factors.

Main Results:

• Significant knowledge and practice gaps were identified, with 61.6% not using PPE and 21.0% not using dosimeters.
• Only 13.8% correctly identified the 5-year average permissible occupational dose.
• Knowledge scores varied by educational level, professional role, department, and experience; postgraduate education correlated with higher scores.

Conclusions:

• Substantial disparities exist in radiation safety knowledge and practices among HCWs.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions and policy reviews in radiation safety.
• Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of quality improvement efforts in radiation safety practices.