Knowledge Of Radiation Protection Research Articles

Radiation protection knowledge and practices among Moroccan dentists: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo analyze the current status of knowledge and practices among the Moroccan dentists in the region of Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, towards radiation protection. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire related to knowledge and practice regarding radiation protection of patients and dental staff from April to June 2022. The study sample included 325 dentists practicing in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region. The target population consisted of all dentists working in public, semi-public and private workplaces. Results96.6% of dentists were aware of radiation protection. However, nearly 35% were aware of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle and 73.9% thought that dental X-rays are harmful. 63.6%of subjects used digital image receptor. Only 16.7% of them used a film holder and more than 60% didn't follow the position and distance rule. The median knowledge score was 7 [5, 9], and there was a statistically significant difference according to dentist qualification (P ​= ​0.007), dental radiation protection continuous training (P ​< ​0.0001), age (P ​= ​0.007) and years of experience (P ​= ​0.039). The median practice score was 5 [4, 6] and there was a statically significance association according to workplace setting (P ​= ​0.001). There was a significant positive relationship between knowledge score and practice score (r ​= ​0.24, P<0.0001). Dentist qualification (OR 0.51, 95%CI: 0.27–0.94, P ​= ​0.03) and continuous training (OR 2.40, 95%CI: 1.47–3.93, P<0.0001) were significant predictors of knowledge, while workplace setting (OR 0.54, 95%CI: 0.32–0.93, P ​= ​0.027) and knowledge score (OR 1.24, 95%CI: 1.12–1.38, P<0.0001) were predictors of practices. ConclusionImproving dentists' knowledge of radiation protection measures and tools as well as dose reduction techniques could increase their safe practices in dental radiology.

Evaluation of radiation dose and establishment of local DRLs for adult during abdominopelvic CT scan imaging for university hospital centers, Morocco

Objective: In this study, we have planned to establish the local Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) for the five University Hospital Centers in Morocco and to propose a national DRL for abdominopelvic CT examinations for adult patients. Materials and methods: Data were collected using a specially designed form, which included patient demographics, exposure parameters and dosimetric indicators such as dose-length product (DLP) and CT volume dose index (CTDIvol). The establishment of local and national DRL in terms of CTDIvol and DLP was carried out in accordance with the methodology described in Report 135 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The effective dose was assessed using the DLP and the dose conversion factor appropriate for this location. Results: A total of 300 patients undergoing abdominopelvic examinations at the five Moroccan university hospitals were collected for this study. Patients' mean age, weight and BMI were (50.97 ± 15.05) years (67.94 ± 11.41) Kg and (25.71 ± 3.03) Kg/m2 respectively. The local DRL, in terms of DLP were 551.56, 2293.33, 709.02, 843.52 and 1059.62 mGy-cm and in terms of CTDIvol were 11,05, 46,40, 13,14, 12,01, 9,88 mGy respectively for UHC-1, UHC-2, UHC-3, UHC-4 and UHC-5 hospitals. The proposed National DRL, defined as a single value for the 75th percentile on the aggregation of data from the five centers, for abdominopelvic scan CT was 773.20 mGy.cm and 12.05 mGy for DLP and CTDIvol, respectively. Conclusion: The Moroccan DRL was comparable to those of other countries, ranking 10th among 21 countries. However, we are still seeking to reduce and optimize radiation dose while maintaining good image quality for reliable diagnosis, and this can be achieved by enhancing radiographers' and radiologists' knowledge of radiation protection, protocol justification, and optimization through rigorous hospital radiation audits at national level.

A study on awareness, knowledge, and practice of radiation exposure protection protocols by dentists in a Nigerian teaching hospital

Objectives: The role of dental radiography cannot be over-emphasized but the harmful effect of its radiation cannot be overlooked, thereby making the knowledge and practice of exposure protection very important. While studies on awareness, knowledge, and practice exposure protection are available in other countries, it appears that there is a dearth of such studies in our environment. The aim of this survey was to assess the awareness, knowledge, and practice of radiation hazards and exposure protection techniques of dentists in a Nigerian teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study design was conducted between December 2022 and February 2023 at the dental complex of a Nigerian teaching hospital among dental practitioners. The data were collected with a 23-item, structured, close-ended, and self-administered questionnaire. The data collected were age, gender, department of respondents, medical status, years of experience, and additional degree. Other collected data were awareness, knowledge, and practice of radiation protection. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. The data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 26 (IBM, Armonk, NY, United States of America). A critical probability level (P &lt; 0.05) was used as the cutoff level for statistical significance. Results: A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed, and 82 were retrieved, giving a response rate of 82%. The mean age of the respondents was 45.3 ± 5.1 years. There were more males (58.5%) with a male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1. The prevalence of poor awareness and inadequate knowledge of radiation exposure protection was 48.2% and 22.4%, respectively. The prevalence of poor practice toward radiation exposure was 66.7%. Only years of experience and additional degree influenced the prevalence of inadequate knowledge of radiation exposure (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of poor awareness, inadequate knowledge, and poor practice of radiation exposure protection, with values of 48.2%, 22.4%, and 66.7%, respectively, were quite high. The prevalence of inadequate knowledge of radiation exposure protection was influenced by years of practice and additional degrees.

Assessment of Knowledge and Practice on Radiation Protection in Radiological Imaging Among Healthcare Professionals at HPUniSZA

Ionizing radiation aids in diagnosing and treating diseases. However, without proper knowledge and practice of radiation protection, it can be harmful, especially among healthcare professionals. This study aims to examine the knowledge and practice of radiation protection among healthcare workers at the HPUniSZA. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the HPUniSZA from March 2022 to June 2023 for healthcare professionals in HPUniSZA. The questionnaire was distributed online and through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze sociodemographic, knowledge, and practice of radiation protection while Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between knowledge and practice of radiation protection among the respondents. A total of 60 healthcare professionals in HPUniSZA participated in this study. The mean knowledge level was found to be 6.20 (SD, 2.905) indicating a range of medium-good level of knowledge of radiation protection while for practice was found to be 8.20 (SD, 2.394) indicating a good practice of radiation protection among healthcare professionals. A significant positive and fair correlation (r = 0.48, p &lt; 0.001) was demonstrated between knowledge and practice levels on radiation protection in radiological imaging. The knowledge level and the practice of radiation protection among healthcare professionals are in the range of medium-good level and good levels respectively. There is a correlation between knowledge and practice of radiation protection among healthcare professionals in HPUniSZA. Assessing the knowledge and practice of radiation protection among healthcare professionals is of utmost importance to ensure patient safety, minimize radiation risks, and facilitate effective and efficient healthcare delivery both now and in the future.

Evaluasi Pengetahuan Proteksi Radiasi dan Parameter Pencitraan CT Scan yang Berhubungan dengan Dosis Pasien pada Radiografer dan Fisikawan Medik

The knowledge of all personnel who take part in a CT scan examination is needed to ensure optimization. Therefore, every CT scan examination can enforce the ALARA principle optimally. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of medical physicists and radiographers regarding the procedures for using CT scans (radiation protection aspects and image parameters). This study used Google Forms to conduct a questionnaire survey aimed at medical physicists and radiographers. Questionnaires consist of 2 types, namely in the form of yes or no questions (0 for no and 1 for yes) and Likert questions (scale 1-4). The survey results were then statistically tested using SPSS version 25.0 software: validity, reliability, and independence Pearson chi-square test. 33 (66%) radiographers and 17 (34%) medical physicists were the respondents of this study. The questionnaire instrument was declared valid (with a significance P &lt;0.05) and consistent with Cronbach's Alpha values (.651, .802 and .811). Radiographers and medical physicists understand the basics of radiation protection very well, with percentages of 69.7% and 88.2%, respectively. The knowledge level of image parameters with perfect criteria for radiographers and medical physicists is 57.6% and 88.2%. The Pearson chi-square test of independence found no significant relationship between knowledge of radiation protection and image parameters on recent education with P(.461 and .594) and the relationship between knowledge of protection and length of work experience with P(.285). Limited participants and questionnaire instruments caused it. However, a significant relationship exists between knowledge of image parameters and length of work experience with P(.018). Along with the limited number of respondents and questions on the questionnaire, there is a significant relationship between knowledge of image parameters and length of work experience in this study. Keywords: personnel knowledge, radiation protection, image parameters, radiographers, and medical physicists

Implementation of Deviation Index to Optimization Procedures on Radiography Examination Using Digital Radiography

In the development of radiographic imaging technology at digital radiography (DR) is not accompanied by an increase in radiographers' awareness and knowledge of optimization procedures. The aim of this research will focus on the implementation of the deviation index to optimize procedures using digital radiography. The research method is descriptive and analytical by giving questionnaires to radiographers regarding awareness and knowledge of optimization procedures in radiographic examinations using deviation index (DI) on digital radiography (DR), This research was conducted on radiographer respondents with the research time being conducted between August - October 2023. Statistical analysis using SPSS 27 with prior data coding. After that, the measurement of the percentage of awareness and knowledge about optimization procedures using DI on DR will be categorized as &lt;60%: bad, 60-75%: moderate, and&gt;75: good. Then for the value determination p-value using test chi-squere to determine the correlation between knowledge of region, age, gender, education, and experience in optimization procedures using DI in DR. The study's findings regarding the use of optimization procedure demonstrate that radiographers' awareness and knowledge in applying DI on DR optimization methods is still lacking, with a percentage value of less than 60%. The results of the test chi-square demonstrate that there is no correlation between respondent data characteristics and knowledge p-value &gt; 0.05. Therefore, attending radiation protection training and course is a crucial step toward raising radiographers awareness and knowledge of radiation protection on patient. because the radiology department's quality assurance and service quality measures are linked to initiatives to optimize procedures.

Assessment of radiographers' knowledge about radiation doses and DRLs in computed tomography departments in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess radiographers' understanding of radiation safety considering the newly approved national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) as an optimization tool for radiation dose. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia among radiographers working at local hospitals in Jeddah city from February to March 2022. The survey comprised of 22 questions involving demographic information; and general information related to radiation dose; CTDIvol and DRLs. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Chi-square test was used to compare demographic groups regarding their distribution of responses with 0.05 as the level of significance. ResultsA total of 169 radiographers participated in the study (39 % females, 60 % males). Most of the participants (91 %) were aware of the description of the ALARA principle. It was noted that (47 %) of the participants indicated that the routine scanning protocols are designed by the radiologists. The majority of them (78 %) were confident to manipulate the CT scanning parameters properly. In addition, half of the participants (53 %) were aware of the CTDIvol and DLP. Unexpectedly, none of the demographic variables were significantly associated with the radiographers’ knowledge about radiation dose, p-values are > 0.05. ConclusionAlthough radiographers demonstrated good knowledge of radiation protection, limited awareness of DRLs was noted among radiographers and lack of implementing and optimizing the local dose of the DRLs in this study. Therefore, education and training for healthcare professionals including radiographers are necessary to enhance clinical practical performance in radiology departments.

Evaluation of awareness and knowledge of CT technologist regarding diagnostic reference levels in Iran

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge and awareness regarding radiation protection and Dose Reference Levels (DRLs) among 102 Computed Tomography (CT) technologists working in various Iranian hospitals. A questionnaire including 20 multiple-choice and open-format questions was divided into demographic information, general radiation protection knowledge, and DRL knowledge. Regarding radiation protection knowledge concerning CT, about 56.9% of participants exhibited awareness of the dose display on the CT machine’s console, and about 78.4% selected the correct dosimetric units expressed CT dose. Unexpectedly, 90.2% of participants failed to define the concept of dose optimization. A significant association (p &lt; 0.05) was established between technologists’ radiation protection and DRL knowledge and a degree of education, type of hospital, and job experience. In addition, the findings reveal a correlation between radiographers’ DRL knowledge and their propensity to enroll in training courses. 26.5% of participants exhibited awareness of DRLs in CT practice, while 49% and 76.5% of participants were unable to correctly identify DRLs concept and function. To reduce patient dose in accordance with the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) radiation protection principle, CT technologists must improve their knowledge of radiation dose and local DRLs should be defined at least at the local level.

Hubungan Pengetahuan dan Kepatuhan Penerapan Proteksi Radiasi: Studi pada Mahasiswa Praktik Klinik Jurusan Teknik Radiodiagnostik dan Radioterapi, Poltekkes Kemenkes Semarang

Background: Radiation protection is very important for patient and personnel safety in radiology services. It has been given in the college through classical lectures, including in Radiodiagnostic and Radiotherapy Department Poltekkes Kemenkes Semarang. The student’s knowledge is routinely evaluated but their compliance in the clinical activities has never been specifically observed. This study aims to find out the relationship between knowledge toward compliance of the application of radiation protection on clinical practice students.Methods: This is quantitative research with a cross-sectional design. Research was conducted on 90 second-year clinical internship students of the Radiodiagnostic and Radiotherapy Department. The level of knowledge was measured by written test, while the level of compliance was observed by clinical observation. The affecting factors are investigated through indepth interview. Data were analyzed by Spearman Rank Correlation.Results: The knowledge levels among the students were "excellent” (18%), "good" (68%), and "fair" (14%). The radiation protection compliance levels were "good" (73%) and "very good" (27%). There was a significant relationship between radiation protection knowledge level toward radiation protection compliance (p value 0.05). The strength of the relationship was low (coefficient interval = 0.257). Conclusions: There was a relationship between knowledge and the level of compliance, but it was not the only influencing factor. The environment tends to have an effect on the level of compliance. Radiographers and clinical instructors should be good role model in applying radiation protection.

Medical Imaging Student's Assessment on Radiation Protection in Clinical Training

This study evaluates pre- and post-clinical training radiation protection awareness and knowledge among medical imaging students. A cross-sectional study of 120 medical imaging students from Malaysian public universities was undertaken. The survey is based on the developed Healthcare Professional Knowledge of Radiation Protection (HPKRP) scale. There was a significant difference between the pre and post-clinical training students in their awareness of radiation protection but no difference in other radiological knowledge. Therefore, clinical training remained a fundamental component of medical imaging education for students to gain the skills and understanding of appropriate radiation protection procedures.

EFOMP Malaga Declaration 2023: An updated vision on Medical Physics in Europe

In 2006, the European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics (EFOMP) adopted the “Malaga Declaration”. The declaration asserted the fundamental role of Medical Physics professionals in the radiation protection of patients, workers, general public, carers and comforters and research participants in hospitals. However, since that time the Medical Physics profession has evolved in Europe and new regulations and documentation have been issued, such as directive 2013/59/Euratom and the “European Guidelines on Medical Physics Expert” (RP174). EFOMP has published updated core-curricula and strived towards the recognition of the profession at the European level. In view of this, an update of the original Malaga Declaration was deemed necessary, to define the future vision that will guide the actions of the Federation in the years to come. This Declaration, which has been approved by the national member organizations of EFOMP in April 2023, is much broader than the original Malaga version. This is expected considering the rapid evolution of medical device technology over the last 17 years. The Radiation Protection Expert in hospital settings should be an MPE, since the latter has the highest level of radiation protection knowledge and training. Given the passion and energy that animated the debate, which led to the updating of the Malaga Declaration, we are confident that it represents a solid basis for the development of our profession in Europe which is in consonance with the aspirations of us all.

Assessment of Nursing Students' Awareness toward Ionizing Radiation: Cross-Sectional Study.

Among healthcare workers, nurses are considered the core of healthcare auth-info services in healthcare facilities because of their responsibilities and duties toward patients. All healthcare professionals, especially nurses, must be completely knowledgeable about the hazards of ionizing radiation, and the most effective radiation protection techniques. This study assessed the attitude and awareness toward radiation protection among final-year nursing students in the Fatima College of Health Sciences (FCHS) campuses. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and April 2022. A total of 200 out of 224 female participants ranging from 18 to 30 years old agreed to participate in the study. The highest percentage of final-year nursing students did not attend any radiation protection course (52%). The results of the last section of the survey indicate a lack of awareness of basic radiation protection knowledge among final-year nursing students in FCHS campuses (less than 80%). The results showed a lack of knowledge and poor attitude toward radiation hazards and radiation protection from final-year nursing students in the FCHS. Formal education about basic radiation and radiation is recommended in the nursing program for safe clinical practice.

The Preventative Knowledge and Experience of Anesthesiology Students with C-arm Fluoroscopy

Objective: Long-term C-arm fluoroscopy exposes medical personnel to substantial radiation doses. Preventing this exposure requires protective equipment and radiation safety. This study examined anesthesia students' using fluoroscopy and preventive knowledge. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study included 139 Vocational High School Anesthesia students. The "Healthcare Professional Knowledge of Radiation Protection" scale and a 13-question survey collected data. The scale was designed with a Likert scale and three sub-factors. If the total and sub-dimension item average score of the scale is below 5, it indicates that the level of knowledge of radiation protection among medical personnel is low, and if it is above 5, it indicates that the level of knowledge is high. Results: More than half of the students (59.8%) heard the radiation from the fluoroscopy device, the vast majority (82.7%) did not receive radiation protection training, 58.3% stayed away from the device while it was operating, and 70.5% stated that it is crucial to stay away from the device while it was operating. It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the "Radiation Physics, Biology, and Radiation Usage Principles" sub-dimension of students who were male, in their second year of education, received radiation protection training, and offered reliable answers to a number of questions measuring their level of radiation knowledge. In addition, the research revealed a positive and highly significant correlation between the scale and its subdimensions. Conclusion: Although the scale scores of the students who received radiation protection training and had a high level of radiation knowledge were substantially higher than those of the other students, the average score of the students was less than 5. This indicates that students have an inadequate understanding of radiation protection. To prevent the negative biological effects of radiation on the human body, it is necessary to conduct epidemiological research, educate health care professionals and anesthesiology students about the effects and processes of this radiation on human cells, and provide frequent training. Radiation, radiation's biological effects, and radiation protection should be included in health students' curricula.

Investigation of the Radiographer's adherence and compliance with radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 mobile radiography

Radiological staff, especially radiographers, work as front liners against the COVID-19 outbreak. This study aims to assess compliance with radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 mobile radiography procedures. This cross-sectional study included 234 radiographers (females, 56%, n = 131; males, 44%, n = 103) who were asked to complete an online questionnaire consisting of demographic data, radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 portable cases, and knowledge and awareness. After informed consent was completed, SPSS statistical software was used for the data analysis. The most common age group of participants ranged from 18 to 25 years old (30.3%, n = 71). Bachelor's degree holders were 74.4% (n = 174). Most radiographers (39.7%, n = 93) had a working experience of 1–5 years, followed by 27.8% (n = 65) with more than 16 years of experience. Most respondents (62.4%, n = 146) handled approximately 1–5 cases daily, the majority of them (56%, n = 131) stated affirmatively they had obtained special training to handle COVID-19, and when inquired if they had received any special allowances for handling COVID-19 suspected/confirmed cases most of them stated negative (73.9%, n = 173). Most participants stated that they always wear a TLD during portable cases (67.1%, n = 157) and a lead apron (51.7%, n = 121). Around 73% (n = 171) knew the latest information on COVID-19 and attended the COVID-19 awareness course. A significant association was found between the work experience of the radiographers and their responses to following the best practices (p = 0.018, α = 0.05). Radiographers who had COVID-19 training (μ = 48.78) tend to adhere more to best practices than those who have not (p = 0.04, α = 0.05). Further, respondents who handled more than 16/more COVID-19 suspected/confirmed cases followed the best practices more (μ = 50.38) than those who handled less (p = 0.04, α = 0.05). This study revealed detailed information on radiation protection and infection control practices during COVID-19 mobile radiography. It has been observed that the participants/radiographers have good knowledge and awareness of radiation protection and infection-control practices. The present results may be used to plan future requirements regarding resources and training to ensure patient safety.

Radiation Protection Knowledge and Awareness of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials among Underground Goldmine Workers in Ghana

The level of knowledge and awareness of naturally occurring radioactive materials and indoor radon among underground goldmine workers were measured using a well-structured closed ended five-point likert scale questionnaire using a one sample T test for the analysis. There was a significant relationship between the awareness and knowledge of NORM and radon gas among the underground workers apart from the awareness and knowledge of the increased risk of cancer due to exposure of radon for workers who smoke. The level of awareness and knowledge is positively correlated with the level of education of respondents and negatively correlated to the years of service and age of respondents, but the ANOVA table indicates a statistical significance between the demographic data and the awareness and knowledge of radon gas and NORM in their working environment with an adjusted R 2 of 46.1%. Keywords : NORM, Indoor radon, correlation, awareness, knowledge. DOI: 10.7176/IKM/13-3-04 Publication date: April 30 th 2023

Development and Validation of a Questionnaire on Radiation Protection in Dentistry

The use of ionizing radiation is legally regulated by health authorities due to the risk of harmful effects on patients and occupationally exposed personnel. In dentistry, the possible risk is carcinogenesis, being essential to know and apply radiological protection, in order to reduce this risk. There are few investigations on the level of knowledge of dental students in radiation protection, and none carried out in Central America. Questionnaires are a tool to determine this information; however, during their development, validation is essential, allowing the instrument to be used at different times or populations. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the knowledge in radiation protection of undergraduate and postgraduate students in dentistry. A questionnaire on radiological protection was built based on literature and national legislation. For its validation, the pre-test was carried out in two stages: content review through the judgment of 6 experts, and application to a small sample of students. Once modified according to the pre-test, the questionnaire was applied to 62 students - who did not participate in the pre-test -. Content validity was assessed using Aiken's V coefficient in the first stage of the pre-test. Reproducibility was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and reliability using Cronbach's alpha. An Aiken V coefficient of 0.95 was obtained, an ICC between 0.697 and 0.729 and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.727. The questionnaire developed is a valid instrument to evaluate the knowledge in radiological protection of undergraduate and postgraduate students in dentistry. This instrument will strengthen and improve the training of dental undergraduate and postgraduate students in radiological protection.

Fact-finding survey on the competencies and literacy of radiological technologists regarding radiation disasters.

Radiological technologists serve as risk communicators who aim to lessen patients' anxiety about radiation exposure, in addition to performing radiological examinations. We conducted a fact-finding survey on knowledge and awareness of radiation disasters among the radiological technologists to reveal their literacy and competencies regarding radiation disasters. A paper questionnaire was distributed to 1,835 radiological technologists at 166 National Hospital Organization facilities in Japan. The 28-item questionnaire covered knowledge and awareness of radiation protection and radiation disasters. Radiological technologists were divided into 2 groups by regionality: areas where a nuclear power station was present/nearby (NPS areas) and non-NPS areas. Completed questionnaires were returned from 148 facilities with a facility response rate of 89.2% and from 1,391 radiological technologists with a response rate of 75.8%. There were 1,290 valid responses with a valid response rate of 70.3%. The correct answer rate for knowledge of radiation protection and radiation disasters was high in the 24 NPS areas. There were no differences in awareness of radiation disasters between NPS and non-NPS areas. Establishing a nationwide, region-independent training system can be expected to improve literacy regarding radiation disasters among radiological technologists. Willingness to assist during disasters was high among radiological technologists irrespective of area, indicating that the competencies of radiological technologists represent a competency model for radiation disaster assistance.

Artificial intelligence-based fuzzy logic systems for predicting radiation protection awareness levels among university population

The present study aims to assess the knowledge level of radiation protection among individuals of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) using artificial intelligence baesd fuzzy logic system. This cross-sectional study included 428 PNU participants. They were asked to fill in the online questionnaire, consisting of demographic data, education level, and radiation protection awareness. After informed consent was completed, a statistical package for the social sciences as well as fuzzy logic system was used for data analysis. The participant group consisted of 98.4% females, 96.3% individuals aged 18–28 years (the most common age group), 63.1% bachelor's degree holders, and 65.7% medical participants. Specialty and radiation protection awareness exhibited significant association (P < 0.05). However, age, education level, and gender did not show a significant association (P > 0.05). PNU individuals in the medical field differed significantly (P > 0.05) with the non-medical individual in their knowledge of radiation protection. This study suggests that PNU individuals in the medical field have a reasonable awareness of radiation protection. However, the general knowledge of non-medical individuals must be improved to raise awareness. Based on the obtained results by using fuzzy model, this study suggests that the tool can be used in the process of radiation protection awareness in other institutions and areas.

Exposición a radiación ionizante en médicos residentes de ortopedia en un hospital de referencia.

To describe and analyze the exposure to ionizing radiation of orthopedic residents. A prospective study was carried out to evaluate the degree of exposure to ionizing radiation with a bandage dosimeter placed under the lead apron for medical residents for 10 months. An online survey measured the degree of knowledge about radiation safety. 54 resident physicians participated. 55.6% report having knowledge of the existence of radiological protection equipment and 40.7% report that they had previous training in its use. 77.8% use the leaded apron and 31.5% use thyroid protection. 81.5% were positioned less than 1 meter from the source of the X-ray production of the arc in C. The total mean radiation exposure was 2.9 ± 2.17 mSv (95% confidence interval: 1.25-14.28; p = 0.424). Orthopedic residents present radiation doses below the International Commission on Radiological Protection recommended limit. However, there is a lack of knowledge of radiation protection and as well as a lack of interest and ignorance of the adverse effects of radiation.

Radiation Protection among South African Diagnostic Radiographers-A Mixed Method Study.

Worldwide, radiographers' radiation protection practices vary. In South Africa, evidence of diagnostic radiographers' suboptimal radiation protection practices has been reported, but the reasons for these practices and suggestions to improve practices were lacking. Therefore, this study explored radiation protection among South African diagnostic radiographers. This study used an explanatory, sequential, mixed-method approach. Data were collected in three phases. Phase I, the quantitative phase, used an online questionnaire and respondents from Phase I interested in participating in Phase II, the qualitative phase, were interviewed, yielding 13 in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews. In Phase III, eight radiography managers co-constructed change strategies to optimize radiation protection in South Africa in two focus group interviews. Radiation protection was suboptimal despite diagnostic radiographers having a good attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control toward radiation protection and optimal radiation protection knowledge. Varying attitudes to radiation protection, lack of resources, and support from radiography management and healthcare teams contributed to suboptimal radiation protection practices. Radiography managers suggested increasing radiation protection awareness, ameliorating the diminished stature of the radiographer in the healthcare team, and increasing the availability of optimal quality resources. South African diagnostic radiographers' radiation protection knowledge was optimal, but the implementation of radiation protection varied and was influenced by multiple factors. A radiation protection culture supported by management is advocated to optimize radiation protection. However, ultimately radiation protection practices are incumbent on the individual radiographers' choice to practice radiation protection.