Radiation safety compliance awareness among healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation

Abstract

BackgroundIn recent years, there has been a marked growth in the use of ionizing radiation in medical imaging for both diagnosis and therapy, which in turn has led to increased radiation exposure among healthcare workers.AimThe purpose of this study was to assess the level of safety compliance awareness among healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation.Research designA descriptive cross-sectional design was used for this investigation.SettingThis study was conducted online, using social media sites such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.SubjectsA purposive sample of 384 Egyptian healthcare workers was enrolled in the current study.ToolA safety compliance awareness questionnaire was used in this study to collect pertinent data.ResultsThe result of this study showed that 65.4% and 64.1% of the studied sample chose the correct answers that mammography and CT scans involve the use of x-rays. However, 64.3% and 67.2% of the studied sample chose the wrong answers, saying that MRI and Ultrasound involve the use of X-rays. Moreover, 47.14%, 43.5%, and 57% of the studied sample never used a dosimeter, did not follow dosimeter controls, and did not wear a lead collar.ConclusionMost of the healthcare workers studied had poor knowledge about radiation exposure safety. Moreover, most of the healthcare workers in the current study demonstrated inadequate practice compliance concerning radiation protection procedures.RecommendationShould encourage hospital training programs to include radiation safety topics in their training plans for healthcare workers.