Factors associated with adherence to radiation protection among radiography students at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

Abstract

Background: Radiation protection refers to reduction of unnecessary ionizing radiation exposure with the intent of minimizing its harmful effects on medical staff and patients. Radiography students are at high risk of adverse health effects due to exposure to ionizing radiation during their course of training and practice. Therefore, applying protection techniques is critical in order to ensure safety. This involves shielding, use of personal dosimeters, following departmental protocols and SOPs for radiation safety and close supervision of staff and students. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess factors associated with adherence to radiation protection measures among radiography students of Makerere University department of radiology in Mulago National Referral Hospital. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst radiography students at radiology department of Mulago National Referral Hospital from the 2nd year to the 4th year of study. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires which focused on the individual and institutional factors associated with adherence to radiation protection measures among radiography students. The data collected was entered using Microsoft excel version 2016 to determine percentages, generate tables, graphs and pie-charts. Results: Majority of the participants were males (62%) with a mean age of 23 years and most of them in their fourth year of study (57%). The factors associated with adherence to radiation protection were both individual and institutional. The knowledge was averagely good, participants generally lacked radiation monitoring devices (92%), conversely 45% of the participants reported good supervision, and 86% reported the presence of warning signs. Conclusion: In this study, a high level of knowledge on radiation protection was associated with increased adherence to radiation protection measures which was assessed from the radiation protection lectures, CPDs, and effects of ionizing radiation. Whereas, majority of them did not have radiation monitoring devices, the roles played by RSOs were not known, which is associated with low adherence to radiation protection measures. Recommendations: The university should provide personal radiation monitoring devices to the students