Knowledge, attitude, and practice assessment of pediatric radiation protection guidelines amongst radiographers and radiologists at governmental hospitals in the Gaza Strip.

Abstract

Introduction: Even small doses of radiation over time can cause cancer and short-term exposure may cause burns or radiation sickness. This study assessed medical radiographers' and radiologists' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding paediatric radiation protection at Gaza Strip government hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study involving quantitative and qualitative data tools was used and conducted at the three main pediatric governmental hospitals, in addition to six general hospitals receiving children in emergency cases. A questionnaire was issued to 176 medical radiographers and radiologists. In-depth interviews were also conducted with nine experts in the radiology field. Results: The knowledge, attitude, and practice scores among radiologists and medical radiographers regarding the radiation protection measures were 63% (moderate), 70% (neutral), and 54% (poor), respectively. Training courses had a significant effect on the level of knowledge regarding radiation protection measures (p = 0.015). Participants working at the pediatric hospitals had better knowledge than those working in the general hospitals (p = 0.013). Participants with previous training had better attitudes than those who had not undertaken training; however, the difference was not statistically significant (t = 1.80, p = 0.077). Conclusion: There is a need for continuous training programmes in radiation protection measures. Physicians, medical radiographers, and radiologists should be provided with written criteria, protocols, and guidelines which should be adopted for all pediatric referrals to imaging. Implications for practice: Consideration should be given to applying pediatric radiation protection measures routinely.