Purpose or learning objective
From the time of discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, the harmful effects of X-radiation were also identified [1]. Just like “Every rose has its thorn”, X-radiation also possesses both benefits and risks in medicine [2]. Though the X-radiation has proved to be an ethereal boon for evidence-based medical practice, it also comes amid harmful effects to human health, such as carcinogenic risks and other pernicious consequences [3].
Radiation protection is the heart of radiography for safe radiation-based imaging in medical practice. Thus, everyone...
Methods or background
Questionnaire Survey
A questionnaire survey tool was developed by consulting with two lecturers having more than 5 years of radiography experience. The questions consisted of demographic characteristics, viz. gender, age, academic qualification, and work experience, and 17 questions related to radiation. All the radiography professionals from the Department of Radiology & Imaging, National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), Kathmandu, Nepal were included in this study. Participants were provided with a hardcopy of questionnaire survey tool by the investigator himself. Each correct answer was given “1”...
Results or findings
Total 37 participants, 28 males and 9 females, mean age 36.97±11.38, range 21 to 60 were included in this study. The demographic characteristics are demonstrated in Fig 1. The age was categorized into four groups based on quartiles, i.e. minimum – Q1, Q1 – Q2, Q2 – Q3, Q3 and above.
The mean knowledge of radiation was 8.11±3.65 (47.70%). Fig 2 shows the frequency of correct response for each question.
Mann Whitney U-test showed there was no statistical significance of knowledge according to gender, U...
Conclusion
The knowledge of radiation in a national government hospital in Nepal was inadequate. Prompt action should be implemented by the government of Nepal and the responsible authorities. Adequate continuing professional education (CPE) programs, training and workshops should be provided by the hospital. Radiation law in Nepal is a must at the present situation.
References
Reed AB (2011) The history of radiation use in medicine. J Vasc Surg 53:3S-5S. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvs.2010.07.024
IAEA (2015) Radiation Protection in Medicine: Setting the Scene for the Next Decade. In: Proceedings of an International Conference
Al-Lamki L (2011) Radiation exposure from medical imaging: A wake-up call for Oman! Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 11(1):1–4
Maharjan S, Parajuli K, Sah S, Poudel U (2020) Knowledge of radiation protection among radiology professionals and students: A medical college-based study. Eur J Radiol Open 7:100287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejro.2020.100287
Adhikari K, Jha L,...
Personal information and conflict of interest
S. Sah:
Nothing to disclose
S. Mandal:
Nothing to disclose
K. P. P. Adhikari:
Nothing to disclose