Assessment of Attitude, Behaviours and Knowledge of Health and Medical Staff on Radiation Safety Awareness and Protection Compliance

Abstract

This research project's sole goal is to evaluate the attitudes, behaviours, and knowledge of health and medical staff—who are frequently exposed to ionizing radiations during diagnostic and treatment procedures—about radiation safety awareness and compliance. There are a number of potential issues with safety culture and radiation protection in radiology departments that need to be addressed. From January to April of 2024, the research project was conducted in two sizable hospitals in Maiduguri, Nigeria's Borno state. This is a descriptive research study that uses the questionnaire technique as one of its research tools. Participants were chosen at random to complete the 16 multiple-choice questions on the self-administered questionnaire, which asks about their knowledge, awareness, and compliance with radiation safety. Using a data analysis computer application, the collected data was statically analysed (SPSS) The research's findings indicate that the average score on an assessment of radiation knowledge and awareness was 92%, and that the rate of use of personal radiation protection equipment (shielding devices) such as lead collars, lead goggles, thyroid collars, and shields was in compliance with radiation safety procedures, 81% of respondents demonstrated good adherence, 15% demonstrated moderate adherence, and 4% demonstrated poor adherence. Additionally, the majority of the X-ray machines in the study centres were not brand-new, although quality assurance (QA) is regularly conducted at both study centres, during the study period, the medical and health professionals at the two hospitals in the study area demonstrated a strong understanding of radiation and adherence to radiation protection measures. Nevertheless, neither facility had enough contemporary radiation protective equipment. The administration of the affected hospitals must provide personnel with more radiation protection equipment so they can shield patients, the public, and themselves from the damaging effects of ionizing radiation.