Knowledge Of Radiation Protection Research Articles

Assessment of radiation protection knowledge and practices among radiographers in the central region of Ghana

ObjectiveTo assess the radiation protection practices and knowledge among radiographers in the central region of Ghana. MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among practicing radiographers in three selected hospitals. The study was carried out from January to October 2021. A self-administered questionnaire comprising three sections was given out to 20 participants to answer. Data were analyzed statistically using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 and logistic regression analysis. ResultsThe study revealed that over ninety percent of the radiographers had dosimeters but only 25% wear them always. Adherence to radiation protection measures and practices was found to be generally fairly satisfactory, but was high in the age group 35–45. However, Knowledge of radiation protection practices amongst the radiographers was generally high. Working experience of fewer than 5 years (P ​= ​0.035) gave a high odds ratio (OR) and was of a significant value in determining the radiation training and courses undertaken by these radiographers. ConclusionsThe adherence to radiation protection practices was fairly satisfactory, and the knowledge of radiation protection practices was generally high, but that is not enough. There is more room for improvement to ensure knowledge is put into practice to enhance proper safety measures, ensure effective work, and overall reduce the negative effects of ionizing radiation.

Radiation Exposure and Protection in Computed Tomography Fluoroscopy.

Computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided procedures, such as those used for percutaneous biopsy, drainage, and radiofrequency ablation, are highly safe and quite often very successful due to the precision offered by the real-time, high-resolution tomographic images. Even so, international guidelines raised concerns regarding operator exposure to high doses of radiation during these procedures. In light of these concerns, operators conducting CT fluoroscopy-guided procedures not only need to be cognizant of the exposure risk but also exhibit sufficient knowledge of radiation protection. This paper reviews the current literature on experimental and clinical studies of radiation exposure doses to operators during CT fluoroscopy-guided procedures. In addition to the literature review, this paper also introduces different approaches that can be implemented to ensure appropriate radiation protection.

Assessment of diagnostic reference levels awareness and knowledge amongst CT radiographers in Saudi Arabia

AimIn light of Saudi Arabia's newly introduced national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) and their importance as an optimisation tool in computed tomography (CT) procedures, the present study aims to evaluate radiographers' knowledge about radiation protection and DRLs. MethodThis questionnaire-based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among CT radiographers in Saudi Arabia between July and December 2021. The study was approved by the institutional review board at Umm-Al-Qura. The questionnaire was divided into three sections: demographic information, general radiation protection knowledge and DRL knowledge. Frequencies, means, contingency tables and correlations among the different types of collected information were investigated using SPSS software version 16.0. ResultsIn terms of radiation protection knowledge with respect to CT, more than 80% of participants exhibited awareness of the dose display on the CT machine's console, selected the correct dosimetric unit's expressed CT dose. Unexpectedly, 60.6% of participants failed to define the concept of dose optimisation. A significant relationship (p < 0.05) was observed between radiographers' years of clinical experience of radiography and failure to define the dose optimisation concept. Regarding knowledge of the DRLs, 60.6% of participants exhibited awareness of their knowledge, while between 65.7% and 70.7% of participants were unable to correctly identify DRLs' concept and function. More than half of the participants lacked training in the national DRLs in hospital settings. ConclusionThe study revealed limitations in the radiographers’ DRL awareness, indicating the necessity of initiating training programmes focusing on DRL for radiographers.

Awareness of Medical Doctors in Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia on Diagnostic Radiological Examination Related Radiation Exposure in the Pediatric Population.

Background: When exposed to equal radiation doses, the risks for children and adolescents are more significant than for adults. Children grow quickly, and their cells are more sensitive to radiation. After radiation exposure, children have a higher risk of developing malignancies such as leukemia, thyroid abnormalities, and various types of cancers. The healthcare professionals’ (in this context referring to medical doctors at all levels) awareness of imaging modalities associated with ionizing radiation is essential to ensure optimal patient management of cooperation in dealing with radiation exposure. Therefore, the present study is aimed to evaluate the awareness of healthcare professionals on medical imaging-related radiation exposure in the pediatric population in our center, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare professionals using self-administered validated questionnaires in a university hospital for a duration of seven months. Healthcare professionals of all levels participated in this survey. Results: A total of 145 healthcare professionals participated in this study. More than half of the respondents are house officers, 57.2% (n = 83). Results indicated that only 6 out of 145 healthcare professionals who participated in this survey had attended a radiation protection course. This survey showed that 37.2% of the respondents were unaware that chest radiographs would expose patients to ionizing radiation. Finally, results also indicated that senior doctors (21 out of 24 participants) showed better awareness of radiation protection knowledge. Conclusions: In general, healthcare professionals in our institution are inadequate in awareness of medical radiation exposure, particularly among house officers. However, the awareness of radiation safety and exposure improves with the number of years of clinical practice. We propose that some younger healthcare professionals do not take radiation safety seriously. Moreover, we would like to suggest all healthcare professionals must attend a radiation safety course, as we expect this will improve patient outcomes.

Evaluation of Moroccan physician’s knowledge about radiation doses and risks from pediatric computed tomography

The large use of Computed Tomography Scan (CT scan) is a principal cause of increasing medical ionizing radiation exposure. Children are considered a population at risk for the occurrence of radiation-induced pathologies, and the implementation of radiation protection measures relies on the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals. This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge of Moroccan physicians prescribing pediatric CT scan examinations on the radiation protection of patients, radiation doses, and potential health risks of radiation exposure from CT scan. A questionnaire was distributed to all clinicians on the medical staff who prescribe pediatric CT examinations in five Moroccan pediatric hospitals. The questions have a focusing on prescribers’ practices and their knowledge of patient radiation protection, radiation doses, the potential health risks of radiation exposure from CT scan, and training on radiation protection. One hundred and ninety-two questionnaires were submitted to prescribers and among them, 88% responded. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package of Microsoft Office Excel. Knowledge gaps regarding CT scan radiation doses and associated health risks among Moroccan physicians are evident from this study results, initial and continuing training of health care staff and the implementation of referral guidelines for medical imaging could lead to improve practitioners’ knowledge of patient radiation protection.

South African radiographers’ radiation protection practices, a qualitative study

IntroductionRadiation protection is multifarious, and consequently, a radiographers' application of radiation protection is multifaceted. Studies have shown varying radiation protection practices among radiographers. The first quantitative phase of this explanatory, sequential mixed-method study used the theory of planned behaviour to explore South African radiographers' radiation protection behaviour. Overall, South African radiographers' attitudes to radiation protection, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and radiation protection intention was high. This second phase of the study aimed to explore the reasons for South African radiographers' radiation protection practices. MethodsThis study used an exploratory and descriptive qualitative approach. Data was collected through 13 in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews. Thematic analysis was used in order to uncover original phenomena. Data saturation was achieved and the study adhered to trustworthiness and ethical measures. ResultsThematic analysis identified two themes. The participants had the appropriate radiation protection knowledge, but radiation protection compliance remained a personal choice. Impediments such as feeling rushed during imaging of trauma and challenging patients, patients knowledge of radiation protection, resources, imaging referrals, inadequate training when transitioning from analogue to digital radiography and managerial support contributed to radiation protection compliance. Strategies such as further education, research and a change in mindset were suggested to further foster radiation protection compliance. ConclusionEven though participants' knowledge of radiation protection aligned with the legislated guidelines, limited internalising of the knowledge resulted in compliance being a personal choice. Participants reflected on their insouciant attitude and observed a similar attitude in their radiographer colleagues. Patient and work-related impediments were identified to contribute to radiation protection compliance. Strategies to further foster compliance were suggested. Implications for practiceUnderstanding the reasons for radiographers’ choice in radiation protection will allow the development of strategies that foster optimum application of radiation protection practises. Developing a radiation protection culture that enhances personal compliance supported by education and evidence should be considered.

Assessment of knowledge, awareness and attitudes on dental radiation hazards and radiation protection among dentists in Pune

Background: Radiological examination is an essential component of clinical dental practice, with significant advantages for both clinicians and patients. Because dentists are the ones who order the tests, they should be well-versed in radiation. They must determine if the benefits of radiographic information outweighs the risks of the patient's health. Dentists should be prepared to inform their patients about the dangers of X-rays. The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, importance of radiation protection and radiation hazards among Interns and Dental professionals in Pune city. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted among the dental health professionals including the dental undergraduate interns of Pune city, Maharashtra, to assess the knowledge, attitude and awareness of dental radiation hazards and radiation protection. A structured, self-administered, close-ended questionnaire was designed to collect the data which consisted of two parts and comprised of 31 questions related to knowledge, attitudes and practices in dental radiation hazards and radiation protection. The first part consisted of demographic data and the second part consisted of questions based on knowledge, attitude and practice in dental radiation hazards and radiation protection. The reliability statistics were calculated and Cronbach alpha value was 0.618. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Results: In this study, there were a total of 159 participants of age 21 and above. 84.8% agreed that dental X-rays are harmful, while 15.2% participants answered No. 94.9% of dentists agreed that dental X-rays have stochastic and deterministic effects over a period of time and only 5.1% of the participants disagreed. Conclusion: The study concluded that the knowledge and awareness regarding radiation hazards and radiation protection among dental health professionals was fair and adequate. Although a continual teaching and education at regular intervals is required to ensure that dentists are taking proper precautions for maximum safety.

User-Guided Design of a Digital Tool for Health Promotion and Radiation Protection: Results from an Internet Needs Survey.

Background: Digital tools can be powerful and effective in connecting people with life-saving and health-promoting support when facing a health crisis. To develop a digital application for radiation protection and health promotion for evacuees returning home after the Fukushima nuclear accident, we conducted a needs assessment survey and explored the association of people’s eHealth literacy (eHL) level with their digital tool knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP). Methods: From 339 responses to an online survey, data from 264 lay persons were analyzed. The KAP items were those used in a prior EU project, and eHL levels were assessed with a Japanese version of the eHealth Literacy Scale. Results: Multivariable analyses showed significant associations between eHL and the digital tool KAP for radiation protection (knowledge: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.10; attitude: 1.06; practice: 1.10) and for health promotion (knowledge: aOR = 1.13; attitude: 1.06; practice: 1.16). Conclusions: People with a higher eHL had a more positive KAP. For those with a lower eHL, we are formulating easy-to-understand explanations to promote the utilization of the digital tool and enthusiasm for future community-oriented digital tools.

An assessment of Sri Lankan radiographer's knowledge and awareness of radiation protection and imaging parameters related to patient dose and image quality in computed tomography (CT)

IntroductionAs computed tomography (CT) examinations have considerably risen, safe operation is essential to reduce the patients’ dose. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness regarding the CT exposure parameters and radiation protection in CT imaging among Sri Lankan radiographers. MethodsAn online survey-based study was devised and distributed among the Sri Lankan CT radiographers working in 63 CT units. Questions were divided into three subsections that collected data on the participants’ demographic features, knowledge of the radiation protection, and imaging parameters. ResultsEighty-eight radiographers from 32 CT units (out of 63 CT units) distributed across 11 districts (out of 27 districts) participated in this survey.The percentages of correct responses for the questions related to radiation protection, imaging parameters, noise, Diagnostic Reference Level (DRL), and CT dosimetric parameters were 71%, 79%, 87%, 50%, and 66%, respectively. Although the years of experience did not influence any of above aspects, the level of education significantly impacted the knowledge about radiation protection, exposure parameters, and noise. ConclusionThe radiographer's knowledge of radiation protection and most imaging parameters associated with patient safety and image quality is satisfactory. However, findings also show that participants should fill the knowledge gap in radiation-related risks, CT exposure parameters, dosimetric parameters, and DRL. Implications for practiceThe study suggests the necessity of initiating continuous education programs for radiographers in line with national radiation protection legislation requirements that can be linked with code of practice.

Assessment of dentists' knowledge and practice regarding the principles of protection against ionizing radiation

Background: Today, the use of dental radiography equipment in dental centers has increased due to its high application in the diagnosis of dental diseases. As a result, concerns are increasing regarding repeated exposure to this low dose level of radiation. Therefore, the knowledge and practice of dentists about radiation protection are essential for themselves and the patients. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of dentists about radiation protection. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed based on a questionnaire in several cities of Iran. The first part of the questionnaire included such information as gender, years of work experience, and participation in radiation protection workshops. The second, third, and fourth sections consisted of questions on radiobiology, radiation protection, and performance, respectively. Results: In this study, 94 dentists participated, and the mean scores of dentists (out of 5 points) for radiobiology knowledge, radiation protection knowledge, and performance were obtained at 2.66±1.1, 2.80±1.01, and 2.87±1.37, respectively. The results of Pearson analysis showed that general knowledge had a significant relationship with performance (P=0.014). There was also a significant relationship between the history of participation in radiation protection workshops and performance (P=0.01). Conclusion: It was found that more knowledge about the effects of ionizing radiation on the body and more awareness of the principles of radiation protection would help dentists to better observe the practical principles of radiation protection. Also, participating in radiation protection workshops could increase dentists' knowledge, and therefore, improve their performance.

Medical applications of ionising radiation for the diagnosis of coronavirus-associated lung disease : Statement by the German Commission on Radiological Protection

ProblemSeit dem Auftreten der COVID-19-Pandemie wurde in einigen Veröffentlichungen vorgeschlagen, ionisierende Strahlung zur Diagnose einer COVID-19-Infektion einzusetzen. So soll die Computertomographie (CT) dafür eingesetzt werden, dass eine SARS-CoV-2-Infektion schon vor der symptomatischen Phase entdeckt wird.Ziel der BeratungDie Strahlenschutzkommission beschloss daher in ihrer 307. Sitzung am 2./3. Juli 2020 die Einsetzung einer SSK-Arbeitsgruppe, die sich mit den Strahlenschutzfragen im Zusammenhang mit einer COVID-19-Infektion befassen soll. Hierbei sollten insbesondere für den Strahlenschutz relevante Aspekte beim Einsatz einer Computertomographie zur Diagnostik einer COVID-19-Erkrankung erörtert werden. Der Beratung dieser Arbeitsgruppe, die ihre Arbeit am 5. Oktober 2020 aufnahm, liegt kein Beratungsauftrag des Bundesministeriums für Umwelt, Naturschutz und nukleare Sicherheit (BMU) zu Grunde, aber Vertreter des BMU und des Bundesamtes für Strahlenschutz begleiteten die Beratung unterstützend.StellungnahmeDie SSK nimmt wie folgt Stellung: 1. Die Anwendung einer CT bei asymptomatischen Personen zur Diagnose einer COVID-19-Erkrankung ist außerhalb von genehmigten Studien medizinisch nicht gerechtfertigt. 2. Gemäß § 83 Abs. 3 Strahlenschutzgesetz erfordert auch eine CT zur Diagnostik und Verlaufskontrolle einer COVID-19-Pneumonie die vorherige Stellung der rechtfertigenden Indikation durch einen Arzt oder eine Ärztin mit der erforderlichen Fachkunde im Strahlenschutz. Diesbezüglich bieten die Empfehlungen der Fachgesellschaften aktuelle Hilfestellung.

Malaysian Nurses' Knowledge of Radiation Protection: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Radiology is a vital diagnostic tool for multiple disorders that plays an essential role in the healthcare sector. Nurses are majorly involved in a healthcare setting by accompanying patients during the examination. Thus, nurses tend to be exposed during inward X-ray examination, requiring them to keep up with radiation use safety. However, nurses' competence in radiation is still a concept that has not been well studied in Malaysia. The study aimed to define the level of usage understanding and radiation protection among Malaysian nurses. In this research, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 395 nurses working in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare sectors in Malaysia. The survey is based on the developed Healthcare Professional Knowledge of Radiation Protection (HPKRP) scale, distributed via the online Google Forms. SPSS version 25.0 (IBM Corporation) was used to analyze the data in this study. Malaysian nurses reported the highest knowledge level in radiation protection with a mean of 6.03 ± 2.59. The second highest is safe ionizing radiation guidelines with 5.83 ± 2.77, but low knowledge levels in radiation physics and radiation usage principle (4.69 ± 2.49). Therefore, healthcare facilities should strengthen the training standards for all nurses working with or exposed to radiation.

Knowledge on radiation emergency preparedness among nuclear medicine technologists

This study aimed to assess the knowledge of nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs) in radiation emergency preparedness and response operations and their willingness to participate in such operations. A survey was developed for this purpose and distributed to NMTs in Saudi Arabia. Sixty participants responded with a response rate of 63.31%. Based on the overall radiation protection knowledge related to emergency response, NMTs can perform radiation detection, population monitoring, patient decontamination, and assist with radiological dose assessments during radiation emergencies. There were no significant differences in the knowledge on the use of scintillation gamma camera (P = 0.314), well counter (P = 0.744), Geiger counter (P = 0.935), thyroid probes (P = 0.980), portable monitor (P = 0.830), or portable multichannel analyzer (P = 0.413) and years of experience. Approximately 44% of the respondents reported receiving emergency preparedness training in the last 5 years. Respondents who reported receiving training were significantly more familiar with the emergency preparedness resources (P = 0.031) and more willing to assist with radiation detection or monitoring in the event of nuclear reactor accident (P = 0.016), nuclear weapon detonation (P = 0.002), and dirty bomb detonation (P = 0.003). These findings indicate the importance of training and continuing education in radiological emergency preparedness and response, which increase the willingness to respond to radiological accidents and fill the gaps in NMTs’ knowledge and familiarity with response resources.

Examination of effects of radiation awareness on protection from radiation via structural equation modeling

This study aims to determine the radiation awareness levels and radiation protection information of university students and to model the effects of radiation awareness levels on radiation protection information. For this purpose, a questionnaire both including the demographic features and the scale is applied to 580 university students to obtain the data set. The data set is analyzed by Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). As the results of EFA, while four dimensions for Radiation awareness are determined and they are named; Physics Knowledge, Technical Device Knowledge, Professional Knowledge and Radiation Security Knowledge respectively, Radiation protection knowledge determined in a single dimension. As well as the Physics Knowledge has the greatest effect, Radiation Security Knowledge and Technical Device Knowledge have statistically significant effects on radiation protection information of the students. Improving Physics Knowledge, Radiation Security Knowledge and Technical Device Knowledge via some extra seminars, giving theoretical and applied educations should improve radiation protection information of these students. Even if the results indicate that Professional Knowledge does not have statistically significant effect on radiation protection information, it has an indirect effect. Some improvements about this sub-factor may also improve the radiation protection information. As "entering to radiation areas needs attention" has a direct and significant effect on radiation protection information, the importance of this situation must keep its priority and theoretical and applied educations must be in progress.

Factors Affecting Radiation Protection Behaviors among Emergency Room Nurses.

This study aimed to examine factors affecting radiation protection behaviors among emergency room nurses by assessing knowledge about radiation protection and attitude towards radiation protection, employing a cross-sectional design. Subjects were a convenience sample of 129 nurses working in the emergency rooms of three advanced general hospitals. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires and analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression. There were significant relations between knowledge about radiation protection and attitude towards radiation protection (r = 0.34, p < 0.001), knowledge about radiation protection and radiation protection behaviors (r = 0.37, p < 0.001), and attitude towards radiation protection and radiation protection behaviors (r = 0.33, p < 0.001). The factors affecting radiation protection behaviors were radiation protection knowledge (β = 0.12, p = 0.045), attitude towards radiation protection (β = 0.17, p = 0.009), the experience of radiation protection education (β = 0.27, p < 0.001), and wearing of protective equipment (β = 0.29, p < 0.001). The governments, hospital administrators, and radiation protection agencies should strengthen their radiation defense environment to protect emergency room nurses from radiation. Research and development of radiation defense equipment and the medical examination of emergency room nurses should be carried out, radiation defense behavior protocols should be developed, radiation defense education opportunities should be provided, and the use of defense equipment should be encouraged.

Radiation Safety Knowledge and Practice Amongst Doctors in a Teaching Hospital in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

It is important that doctors of the various specialties in a health facility requesting for radiological examinations are knowledgeable about the effect of ionizing radiation. When referring doctors know the amount of radiation their patients receive there will be justification for such investigations in line with the guiding principle of radiation protection – As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) - to minimize risk to the patient. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice of radiation protection and safety amongst doctors in a Teaching Hospital in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study using a self-administered structured questionnaire among 131 doctors in Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara. Data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS v.21. Eighty-eight (67.2%) respondents had a good knowledge of radiation safety while 49 (37.4%) of respondents had a good practice of radiation protection and safety. There was an association between the department of respondents (p=0.009), awareness of body parts sensitive to radiation (p=0.005) and their knowledge of radiation safety. Also, there was an association between the department of respondents (p=0.016), their years of experience (p=0.016) and the practice of radiation safety. Knowledge of radiation safety was high while the practice of radiation protection and safety was low amongst respondents. Gender, department of doctor and awareness of body parts that are sensitive to radiation were associated with good knowledge; while department and years of experience was associated with good practice. It is recommended that doctors receive regular updates on radiation hazards, risks and protection in order to reduce the risk of exposure of patients and health workers to unnecessary ionizing radiation.

Knowledge levels on applications of radiation in medicine among medical practitioners in Ghana

The evaluation of medical practitioners’ knowledge levels of radiation and safety is essential for planning diagnostic procedures and treatment in radiation medicine. This study sought to identify levels of knowledge and the predictor variables influencing knowledge of medical practitioners on applications of radiation in medicine in Ghana. Online survey was conducted with Google Form consisting of 37-point questionnaire highlighting on physicians’ background information, professional experience, knowledge on radiation usage in medicine, radiation protection and safety. Evaluation of the data was performed by descriptive analysis using frequency distributions and percentages. Among 152 respondents who participated in the study, specialists and consultants made up a higher representation of 46.7%. Two-thirds (64.0%) of the respondents who had received refresher training in the application of radiation in medicine exhibited full knowledge in the field. Medical practitioners who had practiced between 21–25 years were also found to demonstrate full knowledge of the application of radiation in medicine, while 36.6% of those who had practiced for &lt; 6 years demonstrated extensive knowledge. Majority of the medical practitioners, constituting 39.5%, exhibited full knowledge in medical radiation protection and safety. This level of knowledge was found higher than what was demonstrated for general and occupational radiation protection. With medical imaging forming a key component in the diagnosis of several medical conditions, education in the field of radiation usage and radiological protection and safety should be a subject of periodic training for medical practitioners regardless of their level of training or duration of practice

Assessment of the practices and knowledge among cardiologists regarding radiation protection in Tunisia

Introductionles procédures de cardiologie interventionnelle sont devenues complexes et chronophages avec un sur-risque d´exposition aux rayonnements ionisants. L’objectif de notre étude était d’évaluer le niveau des connaissances et des pratiques en radioprotection des cardiologues Tunisiens exposés au rayon X.Méthodesnotre étude est descriptive analytique réalisée en octobre 2019, organisée sous forme de questionnaire anonyme des connaissances et pratiques en radioprotection et envoyé à tous les Cardiologues Tunisiens exposés aux rayons X.Résultatsparmi 126 cardiologues exposés aux rayons X et ayant reçu le questionnaire, 58 médecins ont répondu au questionnaire (48%), avec une prédominance masculine (72%, n=42). Trente-huit médecins (65%) exerçaient dans le secteur public. L´expérience professionnelle était en moyenne de 12,02 ans (ET 6,88 ans). La moitié des médecins avaient un score de connaissances inférieur à 50%. La moyenne du score des pratiques était de 43,83 (ET 13,95%). Le port du tablier en plomb, de la cache thyroïde, du dosimètre, des lunettes en plomb, du calot en plomb était respectivement de 100% (n=58), 86,2% (n=50), 30,7% (n=18), 12,1% (n=7) et 1,7% (n=1). Il n´y avait pas de corrélation entre les scores et l´âge du médecin ainsi que la durée de l´expérience professionnelle. Les scores de connaissances ne différaient pas statistiquement entre les 2 sexes (p=0,06) ni entre le secteur public et le secteur privé (p=0,9). Le score de pratique était significativement plus élevé chez les hommes (0.007) et les cardiologues interventionnels comparés aux rythmologues et cardiopédiatres (p<0.001).Conclusionle niveau des connaissances et des pratiques des cardiologues Tunisiens en radioprotection est globalement insuffisant. Ce qui interpelle les autorités sanitaires à organiser un plan de formation régulier pour cette population.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about radiation safety among the undergraduates in Eastern province dental college.

Background:Despite the fact that X-rays have a direct or indirect effect on tissues, imaging techniques have become an important part of modern dentistry, and dentists rely on them for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. This necessitates that dentists have adequate expertise and attitude in order to defend themselves and their patients.Aim:The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of clinical side dental students and General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) regarding dental radiation protection safety protocol.Study Design:It is a prospective cross-section study among dental undergraduates and GDPs.Materials and Methods:One hundred and sixteen participants took part in this study and comprised 116 clinical side dental students and GDPs. Participants' data were gathered through a questionnaire that asked about their knowledge and practice of radiation biology, danger, and protection. Collected data subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS 21. Pearson Chi-square test was done to evaluate the statistical significance. The P value fixed at ≤ 0.05 for significant.Results:From 116 participants, around 89.7%% of the participants believed that dental X-rays are harmful and 81% are having knowledge about annual radiation dose limit for a dentist, and overall, 56% of the participants were aware about the harmful effects of radiation exposure.Conclusion:There is a need to expand the curriculum to provide better exposure to radiation protection and its practice so that these students on graduation will be well-grounded with the principle governing dental radiography.

Knowledge of radiation safety among medical interns in Saudi Arabia

Background: Exposure to high-dose radiation is linked to an increased risk of cancer. The use of good radiation protection protocols improves the quality of education and research. The present study was aimed at assessing the knowledge of radiation safety among medical interns in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical interns in Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2020. A cluster-multistage random sampling technique was applied in this study. The collected data were entered into and analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 21.0. Results: Among 346 participants, 64.2% were male, and 35.8% were female. In total, 38.7% of the participants had a sufficient level of knowledge about ionizing radiation-related risks. In comparison, the vast majority (76%) had never attended events and/or refresher courses on radiation protection. The knowledge score for radiation protection was classified into two levels (good and poor): poor (0 to 2), which 69.7% of the participants achieved. Chi-square tests indicated a significant association between the knowledge score and age (p &amp;lt; 0.01) in favor of 25 years old. There was a significant association between the knowledge score and attendance at training events and/or refresher courses on radiation protection (p &amp;lt; 0.01) in favor of the participants who frequently attended the training. Conclusion: The vast majority of interns had insufficient knowledge of radiation protection, which was related to a lack of attendance at training events.