Assessment of Radiation Safety Awareness Among Medical Professionals and Students: A Medical College-Based Study

Abstract

Background Ionizing radiation is an essential component of modern medical diagnosis and treatment. However, unnecessary or un optimized exposure may result in adverse biological effects. Adequate knowledge of radiation hazards and radiation-protection principles among healthcare professionals and students is therefore essential for maintaining occupational and patient safety. Aim To assess the knowledge and awareness of radiation safety principles among medical professionals, paramedical staff, and medical students in a medical college and to identify factors associated with better radiation-safety awareness. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 210 participants from different professional groups and clinical departments of a medical college. A structured questionnaire containing 13 multiple-choice questions was used. Questions 1–7 assessed knowledge of radiation and its biological effects, while Questions 8–13 assessed awareness of radiation-protection principles and protective measures. Each correct response was awarded one point, giving a maximum score of 13. Data were analyzed using descriptive and appropriate inferential statistical methods. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Among the 210 participants, 78 (37.1%) demonstrated inadequate radiation-safety knowledge, 102 (48.6%) demonstrated adequate knowledge, and 30 (14.3%) demonstrated excellent knowledge. Medical physicists had the highest mean total score (11.9 ± 0.8), followed by radiological technologists (11.1 ± 1.0) and consultants/faculty doctors (10.7 ± 1.2). B.Sc. medical students had the lowest mean total score (7.0 ± 1.9). Participants who had received prior radiation-safety training had a significantly higher mean total score than those without prior training (11.0 ± 1.1 vs. 8.2 ± 1.6; p<0.01). Personal dosimeter use was also significantly associated with radiation-safety knowledge (p<0.05). Conclusion Radiation-safety awareness among the study participants was moderate but not optimal. Participants with formal radiation-safety training and those using personal dosimeters demonstrated better awareness. Regular institutional training, appropriate occupational monitoring, and incorporation of radiation-protection education into undergraduate curricula are recommended to improve radiation safety among healthcare personnel and students. Keywords: Radiation safety; radiation protection; medical professionals; medical students; occupational exposure; dosimeter; ALARA; medical imaging.