Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Radiation Safety among Radiologists, Technologists and X-ray Technicians in Hospitals of Kashmir

Tabish S. A; Bhat Sajad; Amir S K

Volume : VII, Issue : V, May - 2018

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Radiation Safety among Radiologists, Technologists and X-ray Technicians in Hospitals of Kashmir

Tabish S. A, Bhat Sajad, Amir S K

Abstract :

Background: All ionizing radiations are harmful. This is the premise that mandates a radiation safety policy. A few months after the discovery of xrays

by Roentgen in December 1895, many somatic dangers of radiations become evident. All individuals are exposed to radiations in low doses.

Of concern is the risk involved in this low dose radiation, especially the induction of cancer or genetic defects.

Methods: A prospective study about Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Radiation Safety among health professionals was conducted for a period

of two months in Kashmir Valley. All the ten districts of the Valley viz Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Baramullah, Shopian, Bandipora, Kupwara,

Ganderbal, Badgam, and Kulgam were included in the study. Study was conducted at primary and secondary health care levels of the valley viz

district hospital, sub district hospital, and primary health center. Study population included radiologists, technologists, and technicians working in

radiology departments of district, sub district hospitals and primary health centers. The study population was selected randomly and questionnaire

was subjected to them. It was a self–structured questionnaire designed and pretested via a pilot study. The questionnaire was collected on spot from

the participants and data was later analyzed and inferences were drawn.

Results: The present study revealed that the staff working in radiology had good knowledge about radiation safety. Majority of the workers knew

about radiation safety regulatory authority. When attitude towards implementation of basic principles of protecting from radiation exposure was

assessed it was high among doctors and technologists while very low among x–ray technicians where it was only 53.1% and 57.1% among male and

female x–ray technicians respectively. When practice of using a dosimeter was assessed it was seen that no one among the doctors or technologists

were using a dosimeter. While among x–ray only 15.6% were using dosimeter to measure the exposure. The proportion of staff that had undergone a

training course in radiation safety was very less.

Conclusion: Majority of the staff did not practice a radiation safety programme. Most of the staff had knowledge about safe radiation dose per year

and use of lead apron. There is strong need to enforce radiation safety rules by the staff. Standard operating procedures and radiation safety manual

should be made available to all health facilties. Moreover, staff directly involved in radiation should receive proper traning in radiation safety and

then made accountable.