DefinePK

Abstract

Background: The increasing use of ionizing radiation in medical diagnosis and treatment has significantly improved patient care. However, this also raises concerns regarding occupational exposure for healthcare workers. Ensuring appropriate awareness and adherence to radiation protection principles is critical to minimize health risks.
Objectives: To assess the level of awareness and knowledge regarding radiation protection among healthcare professionals. To evaluate the actual practices followed by healthcare professionals in terms of radiation protection and to identify factors associated with poor awareness and suboptimal practices.
Material and Methods: This Simple convenient multicenter cross- sectional descriptive study was conducted online using a survey method (using Google form) to collect data from health professionals including radiologists, radiographers, surgeons and physicians via a structured questionnaire consisting of demographic data, awareness-related questions, practice-related questions and questions related to barriers and facilitators for radiation protection.
Results: Out of 104 responses received from participants ranging from 25 to 55years, 55 were female while 49 were male. 55.8% of participants were radiologist. Forty-three (41.3%) participants demonstrated good knowledge of radiation protection. Among healthcare professional, 67% of the radiologists and 100% of radiographers were good in practicing radiation protection methods, while only 42.9% and 17.6% of physicians and surgeons, respectively.
 Conclusion: Healthcare professionals in developing countries often lack adequate awareness and practice of radiation protection, especially among nurses and junior staff. Regular, targeted training and institutional support are essential to bridge these gaps and ensure both staff and patient safety.
Keywords:  Awareness, radiation, radiation protection practice, Healthcare professional, radiologist