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

Abstract

Background: 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.

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

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: 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.

Keywords: Nuclear medicine; gamma emitters; ionizing radiation; radiation protection; radiographers; radiopharmaceuticals.