Title:Assessment of Knowledge and Level of Radiation Safety Awareness among
Radiographers Working in Nuclear Medicine
Volume: 15
Issue: 4
Author(s): Mpumelelo Nyathi*
Affiliation:
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa,
Pretoria, South Africa
Keywords:
Nuclear medicine, ionizing radiation, radiation protection, radiopharmaceuticals, gamma emitters, radiographers.
Abstract:
Background: Radiopharmaceuticals are used for the diagnosis, treatment, staging, and follow-
up of various diseases. However, there is concern that the ionizing radiation (gamma rays, α and
ß particles) may result in the exposure of radiographers with limited knowledge of the principles of
radiation protection and safety, raising the risk of cancer induction.
Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the knowledge and level of radiation safety awareness
among radiographers at a tertiary hospital.
Methods: It is an analytical cross-sectional study. A validated two-part questionnaire was administered to
consenting radiographers at a Nuclear Medicine Department. Part 1 gathered demographic information
(age, gender, work experience, attendance to/or passing ionizing radiation protection courses), and part 2
covered questions related to knowledge and level of awareness of radiation protection principles.
Results: Five radiographers voluntary participated (2/5 males and 3/5 females). Three age groups
were distinguishable, 21-30, 41-50 and 51-60 years. In the age group of 21-30 years, there was one
male with just over 4 years of experience while in the age group 41-50, there were three females with
less than three years of experience, and in the age group 51-60, there was one male radiographer with
over 20 years of experience. All the radiographers showed a high level of awareness and knowledge
of radiation safety principles.
Conclusion: Education coupled with training in radiation protection is an essential tool for instilling
radiation awareness among the radiographers. However, education alone is not enough; further skills
in the preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals will reduce the exposure.
