Assessment of Knowledge, Awareness, and Practice of Procedures for Protecting Operating Room Personnel From Ionizing Radiation: A Cross-sectional Investigation Using a Questionnaire

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to look into operating room staff members’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to radiation safety. We identified the relationship between their demographic variables and knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Methods: A questionnaire was filled out by 210 employees who worked in the operating rooms of the public hospitals in Birjand between August 2022 and March 2023. Scores on knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and demographic data were gathered, and the data were analyzed using SPSS, version 22.0. Statistical analyses were completed utilizing descriptive statistics tests, including the independent t-test, the one-way ANOVA with a significant level (P<0.05), and a Chi-square test. Results: The results demonstrated no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in the knowledge level of operating room personnel towards radiation protection for both genders, age, and type of employment, but work experience and academic degree represented significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results revealed the operating room staff’s ignorance of the dangers of radiation exposure. Most of them failed to take the appropriate safety measures to reduce their radiation exposure. The findings enable healthcare educators to design and create relevant educational programs that could support businesses in creating a safe work environment and teach healthcare personnel the value of taking personal responsibility for adhering to radiation protection regulations.