Knowledge and practices of radiation protection among radiographers in mulago national referral hospital

Abstract

Introduction. Medical radiation workers are potentially at a risk of unwanted ionizing radiation exposures. The use of radiation protection equipments, distance, and barriers to reduce the risk of exposure to ionizing radiation in a health care facility, research center, or industrial site where radiation-emitting devices are operated is very important. Radiation exposure poses hazards for health-care providers as well as patients in health-care facilities (HCFs). Objective This study assesses the knowledge and practices of radiation protection among radiographers in Mulago National Referral Hospital. Methodology: This was a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study that involved radiographers working in Mulago National Referral Hospital. Semi-structured self-administered questionnaire written in English having both open and close ended questions were used. Findings: Generally, a larger proportion of the radiographers have sufficient knowledge on radiation protection and take in consideration radiation safety cautions when using to use ionizing radiations in medical practices, however, there is need for routine training of the radiographers in Mulago National Referral Hospital to enable them update their knowledge on radiation protection as per the current IAEA legislation. Conclusion: Basing on the results obtained from the study in which the knowledge and the practices of radiation protection of the radiographers were assessed, larger percentage of the radiographers are informed about how, why and when to use ionizing radiations in medical practices though to a lesser extent few members still need continuous professional development through training to update their knowledge on radiation protection.