Radiation safety awareness among clinical students and imaging technologists at Mulago Hospital X-ray Unit.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The continuous use of ionizing radiation in imaging requires also radiation protection measures. The knowledge of ionizing radiation exposure risks among Clinical students and imaging technologists is important. Evaluating the knowledge of radiation protection and dose levels among Clinical students and imaging technologists and suggesting the possible solutions to ionizing radiation effects will help to reduce the risk and probability of occurrence of these harmful effects. The knowledge of ionizing exposure risks among Clinical students and imaging technologists is important in planning diagnostic procedures and therapy. Aim: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the awareness of radiation protection measures and knowledge of dose levels of imaging procedures among Clinical students and imaging technologists. Methods used: The study will involve Clinical students and imaging technologists at Mulago hospital. In the study a questioner will be prepared for Clinical students and imaging technologists including questions on their experience in ionizing radiation, the knowledge of ionizing radiation effects and the suggestion to possible solutions to the effects of ionizing radiation. General training about radiation protection should be provided and followed by some specific update courses as required by guidelines on radiation protection. Research question: To what level are the Clinical students and imaging technologists aware of radiation protection measures and dose levels of different diagnostic procedures? Problem statement: Ionizing radiations are being used worldwide in diagnosing and treatment of certain medical conditions with common use of these ionizing radiations also requiring radiation protection. Similar research was done in some hospitals in Italy, Saudi Arabia and UK, but it has not been conducted in Mulago hospital Uganda, East Africa. General objective: To evaluate knowledge of radiation safety during diagnostic procedures among Clinical students and imaging technologists. Specific objectives: 1. To assess the knowledge of effects of radiation exposure to Clinical students and imaging technologists. 2. To suggest the possible solutions to the harmful effects of ionizing radiation exposure to Clinical students and imaging technologists.