KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARDS RADIATION PROTECTION AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS, HOUSE OFFICERS AND POSTGRADUATE RESIDENTS OF ISLAMABAD DENTAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards radiation protection among dental students, house officers and postgraduate of Islamabad dental Hospital.Materials and methods: This questionnaire based Cross-sectional study was conducted in Islamabad dental hospital on 3rd year, final year BDS students, House officers, and Post Graduates residents. A pretested questionnaire was selected after making necessary corrections. Approval from Institution review Board (IRB) was taken for this study. Study questionnaires were distributed among the participants. The questionnaire included 13 questions. The questionnaire was divided into two sections A & B. The section A included demographic details, all questions in section B were closed ended. It included knowledge base (question 1 to 5) and attitude and practice based questions (6 to 13). Participants were assured about the confidentiality of their names. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 22. Results: About 173 questionnaires were distributed among the participant and all questionnaires were returned and analyzed. Among 173 participants, 129 (74.5%) were females and 44 (25.5%) were males. 53 out of173 were third year students (30.6%), 50 were final year students (28.9%), 43 were house officers (24.8%) and 27 were post graduates (15.6%)Conclusion: Majority of dental students, house officers and postgraduate residents have good knowledge and attitude towards radiation protection but need to increase its awareness by arranging lectures, seminars and workshops.