AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF RADIATION PROTECTION AMONG MEDICAL PERSONNEL WORKING IN RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Abstract

Background history: Ionizing radiation is any kind of radiations capable of removing an orbital electron from an atom with which it interacts. This type of interaction between radiation and matter is called ionization. Radiology is a specialty of medical which uses imaging of body for diagnosis and treatment of a disease. This comprises of imaging modalities which include X-ray, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography, Ultrasonography and Interventional Radiology, Angiography and Mammography.

Objective: To evaluate the availability, practice, knowledge and awareness of radiation protection among medical personnel working in radiology department

Material and Method: A total of 127 medical personnel that includes radiologist, technologist, students and staff nurses who were working in various hospital branches during September 2024 to July 2025 were recruited for this observational study using a self-designed 11 items questionnaire.

Results: Majority of medical personnel working in a radiology department who participated in this study were aware of importance of radiation safety but significant lapses were found in practice and knowledge in this regard. The practice about personnel protection devices was proper for lead apron and position of dosimeter around lead apron but their practice of film badge usage was not proper. Majority of them did not use film badge in order to detect their occupational absorbed dose. But only a few hospitals were conducting radiation safety meetings for the knowledge and awareness of radiation protection for all medical staff working in radiology department.

Conclusion: In conclusion, majority of medical personnel working in radiology department were aware of knowledge and importance of radiation safety and practice other radiologic protection principle in practical field, and radiation safety meetings were continuously conducted and performed practically. Dose limit should not exceed to permissible limit so that it may reduce the risk and ensures safety for medical personnel working in radiology department. Knowledge, experience and education have strong direct effect in radiation protection against health hazards associated with radiation exposure.